Busbar fixing device

Abstract

To provide a bus bar fixing device which can reliably fix a bus bar to a fixing surface.SOLUTION: A bus bar fixing device 10 includes a fixed base 20 and a cover 50, the fixed base 20 has fixing surfaces 30, 31, the cover 50 has a receiving portion 51 and is rotatably attached to the fixed base 20 via a first hinge portion so as to draw an arc when viewed vertically, and a lid 70 is attached to the receiving portion 51 via a second hinge portion 74 so as to rotate upward from a horizontal position, and when the cover is closed and the lid is open, the lid 70 extends horizontally or above horizontal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a bus bar fixing device for fixing a bus bar.

Background Art

[0002] For example, bus bars are used in electrical components in electric vehicles and the like. Another bus bar or terminals of other components may be connected to this bus bar. Therefore, a bus bar fixing device is used to maintain the bus bar in a fixed state at a predetermined location.

[0003] In the above bus bar fixing device, the bus bar is fixed to a fixing base via screws, nuts, and the like. In addition, portions where bus bars are connected to each other or portions where a bus bar is connected to terminals of other components are often covered with a cover for protecting those portions and coping with high voltages.

[0004] As a bus bar fixing structure having the above cover, for example, Patent Document 1 below describes a bus bar module including a plurality of flat plate-shaped first bus bars, an L-shaped second bus bar, a case that holds the first bus bar and the second bus bar at predetermined positions, and a terminal cover that covers the second bus bar protruding from the case.

[0005] Further, in the L-shaped second bus bar, a bolt hole is formed at the upper end of the vertical plate portion, and a male screw projects from the protruding portion of the horizontal plate portion. The bolt hole is used, for example, when tightening a bolt to an electrode terminal of a battery.

[0006] Furthermore, the terminal cover includes a first cover connected to an edge portion of the case via a first hinge. By bending the first cover with the first hinge, the back side of the horizontal plate portion of the second bus bar is covered with the first cover. In addition, a third cover is connected to the side of the first cover via a third hinge so as to be openable and closable. <​​​​​​

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6221178 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] In the case of the busbar module described in Patent Document 1, when the first cover is bent at the first hinge, the first cover covers the back side of the horizontal plate portion of the second busbar and is positioned below the bolt holes of the second busbar (see Figure 5 in Patent Document 1). Therefore, when fixing the battery electrode terminals using the bolt holes of the second busbar, the first cover can catch any bolts that fall out.

[0009] However, the first cover protrudes only slightly forward from the tip of the horizontal plate portion of the second busbar, and is therefore insufficient to catch a fallen bolt. Furthermore, the third cover on the side of the first cover does not contribute to catching a fallen bolt. As a result, bolts that fall out of the bolt holes may fall outside the case, and the fixing of the electrode terminals using the bolt holes may not be reliably performed.

[0010] Furthermore, the above problem can also occur when using bolt holes to secure another busbar to the second busbar.

[0011] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a busbar fixing device that can reliably perform the work of fixing a busbar to a fixed surface. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a busbar fixing device comprising a fixing base to which a busbar having a connection portion for connecting to another connecting member at one end is fixed, and a cover that covers the portion of the busbar that is fixed to the fixing base, wherein the fixing base has a fixing surface for fixing the busbar, and the busbar is fixed to the fixing surface via a fixing member, the cover has a receiving portion and is rotatably attached to the fixing base via a first hinge portion so as to form an arc when viewed from the vertical direction, a lid is attached to the receiving portion via a second hinge portion so as to rotate upward from a horizontal position, and the lid is configured to extend horizontally or upward from the horizontal when the cover is in close proximity to the fixing surface and when the lid is in open position away from the fixing surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, the cover has a receiving portion and is rotatable in an arc when viewed from the vertical direction, and the lid is attached to the receiving portion so as to rotate upward from a horizontal position. Furthermore, the lid is configured to extend horizontally or above horizontal in both the cover closed state, where the cover is close to the fixed surface, and the lid open state, where the lid is away from the fixed surface. Therefore, even if the fixing member falls off the fixed surface during the busbar fixing work with the fixing member, it can be caught by the receiving portion or lid of the cover. As a result, it is possible to prevent the fixing member from falling outside the fixed base or cover, so that the busbar fixing work to the fixed surface can be performed reliably. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is an exploded perspective view showing one embodiment of the busbar fixing device according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the busbar fixing device. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the busbar fixing device, taken from a different direction than shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] In the same bus bar fixing device, it is a perspective view of the state where the cover is opened to the maximum with respect to the fixing surface. [Figure 5] It is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] It shows the process of fixing the bus bar to the fixing surface using the same bus bar fixing device, and it is a perspective view of the first step. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view of the second step. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view of the third step. [Figure 9] It is a perspective view of the fourth step. [Figure 10] It is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 9. [Figure 11] In the bus bar fixing device according to the present invention, it is a perspective view of the state where the front opening of the cover is closed with a lid. [Figure 12] It is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 11.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] (An Embodiment of the Bus Bar Fixing Device) Hereinafter, an embodiment of the bus bar fixing device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the bus bar fixing device 10 (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "fixing device 10") in this embodiment has a fixing base 20 to which the bus bars 4, 5, 6, 7 (see FIGS. 8 to 12) are fixed, and a cover 50 that covers the fixing portions of the bus bars 4, 5, 6, 7 with respect to the fixing base twenty.

[0017] Further, the fixing base 20 has fixing surfaces 30 and 31 for fixing the bus bars 4, 5, 6, 7. The bus bars 4 and 5 are fixed to one fixing surface 30, and the bus bars 6 and 7 are fixed to the other fixing surface 31 via fixing members 8 such as bolts and nuts. Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 12, the fixing base 20 is placed and fixed on the fixing surface 2 of the fixed member 1 (for example, a vehicle frame or panel).

[0018] Busbars 4, 5, 6, and 7 are extensions of, for example, batteries and electrical components of electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, and have a connection part at one end for connecting to other connecting members. Busbars 4, 5, and 7 have extensions 4a, 5a, and 7a that extend for a predetermined length, and terminal portions 4b, 5b, and 7b that are bent to form a substantially L shape. On the other hand, busbar 6 has an extension 6a that extends for a predetermined length, and terminal portion 6b that is bent at a predetermined angle.

[0019] In this embodiment, the terminal portions 4b, 5b, and 7b of busbars 4, 5, and 7, and the terminal portion 6b of busbar 6, constitute the "connection portion to other connecting members" in this invention. Furthermore, "connecting member" refers to other busbars, conductors, or other electrically conductive members.

[0020] Next, we will describe the fixed base 20 in detail.

[0021] This fixing base 20 has a wall portion 21 that is erected from the surface to be fixed 2 and extends with a predetermined width. It can also be said that the wall portion 21 extends in a direction perpendicular to the surface direction of the surface 2 of the fixed member 1 (vertical direction).

[0022] The width direction of the wall portion 21 refers to the direction in which the wall portion 21 expands when the entire fixed base 20 is viewed from the front, and this is referred to as the "width direction X1". The direction perpendicular to the width direction X1 is referred to as the "depth direction Y1". These terms have the same meaning for the wall portion 21 itself, as well as for each other part of the fixed base 20 that makes up the wall portion 21.

[0023] Furthermore, fixing pieces 23, 23 protrude from both sides in the width direction X1 at the base end of the wall portion 21 in the vertical direction. Each fixing piece 23 has a collar press-fit hole 24 formed therein. A collar 25 is press-fitted into each collar press-fit hole 24, and a fastener 3 such as a bolt is then inserted into the collar 25, so that the fixing base 20 is fixed to the member to be fixed 1 via the fastener 3.

[0024] Furthermore, horizontal stepped portions 26 and 27 are formed on the front side (one end in the depth direction Y1) of the wall portion 21, starting partway up the vertical direction, and vertical surfaces 28 and 29 are formed via these stepped portions 26 and 27.

[0025] Furthermore, fixed surfaces 30 and 31 are provided at a predetermined angle from the tips of the vertical surfaces 28 and 29, so as to gradually become thinner toward the rear side of the wall portion 21 (the other end in the depth direction Y1) (so as to gradually shorten the dimension in the depth direction Y1). In addition, the fixed surfaces 30 and 31 are inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal direction. Furthermore, the height of the fixed surface 31 (the amount of protrusion from the rear side of the wall portion 21) is lower than that of the fixed surface 30.

[0026] Furthermore, the stepped portion 26, vertical surface 28, and fixed surface 30 are located towards one side of the wall portion 21 in the width direction X1, while the stepped portion 27, vertical surface 29, and fixed surface 31 are located towards the other side of the wall portion 21 in the width direction X1.

[0027] Furthermore, partition ribs 32 are extended from the front side of the wall portion 21 to the tip (upper end) of the stepped portions 26, 27, the vertical surfaces 28, 29, and the fixed surfaces 30, 31. These partition ribs 32 divide the area on the fixed surface 30 side from the area on the fixed surface 31 side, preventing the busbars 4, 5 located on the fixed surface 30 side and the busbars 6, 7 located on the fixed surface 31 side from coming into contact and short-circuiting.

[0028] Furthermore, press-fit holes 33 are formed at predetermined positions on the fixing surfaces 30 and 31. A fixed part 34, which is roughly cylindrical with a flange protruding from one end in the axial direction, is press-fitted into each press-fit hole 33. A female thread is threaded on the inner circumference of each fixed part 34. Then, a fixing member 8 is inserted into each fixed part 34 and tightened to secure it.

[0029] Furthermore, the fixing base 20 has receiving grooves 36 and 38 that can accept a portion of the busbars 5 and 7, and is provided with temporary holding parts 35 and 37 that can temporarily hold the busbars 5 and 7.

[0030] Specifically, a temporary holding portion 35 is provided on the front side of the base end of the wall portion 21 in the vertical direction, with both sides in the width direction X1 open and the side opposite to the surface to be fixed 2 open (open at the top). This temporary holding portion 35 is provided over the entire width direction X1 of the wall portion 21 (see Figure 1). Inside the temporary holding portion 35, a receiving groove 36 is formed to receive the extension portion 5a of the busbar 5 (see Figures 8-12).

[0031] Furthermore, at the base end of the wall portion 21 in the vertical direction, on the front side of the stepped portion 27, there is a temporary holding portion 37, which has an opening on the other side in the width direction X1 and an opening on the side opposite to the surface to be fixed 2 (the top is open). This temporary holding portion 37 is provided within the formation range of the fixed surface 31 of the wall portion 21 (see Figure 1). Inside the temporary holding portion 37, there is a receiving groove 38 that receives the extension portion 7a of the busbar 7 (see Figures 8-12).

[0032] Furthermore, on one side surface 21a of the wall portion 21 in the width direction X1, a plurality of (in this case, three) protruding pieces 40 are provided at predetermined intervals from a position close to the fixed surface 30, along the inclination angle of the fixed surface 30. In addition, adjacent protruding pieces 40, 40 are connected to each other by a cylindrical shaft portion 41.

[0033] In this embodiment, the two shaft portions 41, 41 are arranged coaxially along the inclination angle of the fixed surface 30. That is, the pair of shaft portions 41, 41 are arranged in an inclined direction with respect to the fixed surface 2 of the fixed member 1. The pair of shaft portions 41, 41 constitute a part of the "first hinge portion" in the present invention.

[0034] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 3, an engaging portion 43 is provided protruding from the other side surface 21b of the wall portion 21 in the width direction X1, at a position along the fixed surface 31. This engaging portion 43 has a tapered surface 44 in which the amount of protrusion gradually increases from a position close to the fixed surface 31 toward the direction away from the fixed surface 31. This engaging portion 43 engages with the engaging hole 62 of the cover 50.

[0035] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, on the other side 21b of the wall portion 21, on both sides of the engaging portion 43, there are substantially L-shaped retaining protrusions 46, 46. These pair of retaining protrusions 46, 46 are located on both sides of the engaging piece 61 when the engaging portion 43 is engaged with the engaging hole 62, and they hold the engaging piece 61, suppressing rattling and other issues.

[0036] In this embodiment, the extension portion 5a of the busbar 5 is temporarily held by the temporary holding portion 35, the terminal portion 5b of the busbar 5 is placed on the fixing surface 30, and the terminal portion 4b of the busbar 4 is placed on the terminal portion 5b of the busbar 5, so that the terminal portions 4b and 5b are stacked on top of each other and fixed to the fixing surface 30 by the fixing member 8 (see Figure 9).

[0037] Furthermore, the extension portion 7a of the busbar 7 is temporarily held by the temporary holding portion 37, the terminal portion 7b of the busbar 7 is placed on the fixing surface 31, and the terminal portion 6b of the busbar 6 is placed on the terminal portion 7b of the busbar 7, so that the terminal portions 6b and 7b are stacked on top of each other and fixed to the fixing surface 31 by the fixing member 8 (see Figures 9 and 10).

[0038] Next, we will describe cover 50 in detail.

[0039] The cover 50 has a receiving portion 51 capable of receiving the detached fixing member 8, and is rotatably attached to the fixing base 20 via a first hinge portion so as to form an arc when viewed from the vertical direction. The lid 70 is attached to the receiving portion 51 via a second hinge portion 74 so as to rotate upward from a horizontal position.

[0040] Furthermore, the cover 50 has a receiving portion 51 and is rotatably attached to the fixed base 20 via a first hinge portion so as to open horizontally, moving closer to and away from the fixed surfaces 30, 31. It can also be said that the cover 50 has a lid 70 that is rotatably attached to the receiving portion 51 via a second hinge portion so as to open vertically, moving closer to and away from the fixed surfaces 30, 31.

[0041] Furthermore, it can be said that the cover 50 is rotatably attached to the fixed base 20 via a first hinge portion, and that the receiving portion 51 is positioned below the fixed surfaces 30, 31, so as to be able to move closer to or away from the fixed surfaces 30, 31. It can also be said that the lid 70 is rotatably attached to the portion of the receiving portion 51 that is spaced apart from the fixed surfaces 30, 31, via a second hinge portion 74.

[0042] In the following explanation, the state in which the cover 50 is close to the fixed surfaces 30 and 31 is also referred to as the "cover closed state" (see Figures 2, 3, 6, 9-12). Conversely, the state in which the cover 50 is separated from the fixed surfaces 30 and 31 is also referred to as the "cover open state" (see Figures 4, 5, 7, and 8).

[0043] Furthermore, the state in which the lid 70 is close to the fixed surfaces 30 and 31 is also called the "lid closed state" (see Figures 11 and 12). This is also the state in which the lid 70 closes the front opening 56 of the cover 50 (see Figure 1), which will be described later. Also, the state in which the lid 70 is separated from the fixed surfaces 30 and 31 is also called the "lid open state" (see Figures 2 to 10). This is also the state in which the lid 70 is open from the front opening 56 of the cover 50.

[0044] The cover 50 has a bottom wall 53 that widens to a predetermined width, and a pair of side walls 54 and 55 that are erected parallel to each other from both side edges of the bottom wall 53 in the width direction.

[0045] The width direction of the bottom wall 53 refers to the direction in which the bottom wall 53 expands when the entire cover 50 is viewed from the front, and this is referred to as the "width direction X2". The direction perpendicular to the width direction X2 is referred to as the "depth direction Y2". These terms have the same meaning for the bottom wall 53 itself, as well as for each other part of the cover 50 that makes up the cover 50 (including the lid 70).

[0046] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1-3, engaging ribs 54a and 55a protrude from one end edge (the front edge) of the pair of side walls 54 and 55 in the depth direction Y2, moving toward each other. In addition, a front opening 56 is formed between the engaging ribs 54a and 55a, and this front opening 56 is opened and closed by the lid 70.

[0047] Furthermore, a pair of bearing portions 59, 59 are provided protruding from the other end edge in the depth direction Y2 (the other end edge on the back side) of the side wall 54, which is located on one side in the width direction X2 of the bottom wall 53. These bearing portions 59, 59 are externally mounted on the shaft portions 41, 41 on the fixed base 20 side, so that the shaft portion 41 is supported by the bearing portions 59 in a way that prevents it from coming loose and allows it to rotate. In other words, the bearing portions 59 and the shaft portion 41 constitute the "first hinge portion" in this invention.

[0048] The cover 50 is rotatably attached to the base 20 via a first hinge on one side in the width direction X2, so that the receiving portion 51 is positioned below the fixed surfaces 30, 31, either close to the fixed surfaces 30, 31 (see Figures 2, 6, 9, 11) or away from the fixed surfaces 30, 31 (see Figures 4, 7, 8).

[0049] In other words, the cover 50 is configured such that the other side of the cover in the width direction X2 rotates with respect to or away from the fixed surfaces 30 and 31 (proximity and retraction), using the first hinge located on one side in the width direction X2 as the pivot point, so that the entire cover 50 moves toward or away from the fixed surfaces 30 and 31 (see Figures 2 and 4, etc.). The cover is rotatably mounted on the fixed base 20 via the first hinge so that it opens laterally relative to the fixed surfaces 30 and 31.

[0050] The direction in which the cover 50 approaches or moves away from the fixed surfaces 30 and 31 is defined as the cover approach / return direction K1 (see Figure 11).

[0051] Furthermore, the cover 50 is rotatably attached to the fixed base 20 via the first hinge so as to form an arc when viewed from the vertical direction (the direction in which gravity acts) (the cover is rotatably attached to the fixed base so as to form a circular arc when rotated). In other words, the cover has a structure in which one side in the width direction is rotatably attached to the fixed base via the first hinge, and the other side in the width direction of the cover, opposite to the first hinge, moves toward and away from the fixed surface, thus opening sideways (it has a sideways opening structure).

[0052] Furthermore, the first hinge portion described above is provided such that, when the fixed base 20 is viewed from one side in the width direction X (see Figure 5), the upper end in the axial direction is inclined diagonally with respect to the lower end in the axial direction, so that the cover 50 is kept open with respect to the fixed surfaces 30, 31.

[0053] In other words, the upper end of the upper shaft portion 41 of the pair of shaft portions 41, 41, and the projection 40 connected to the upper end, and the upper end of the upper bearing portion 59 of the pair of bearing portions 59, 59 are provided at an oblique angle with respect to the lower end of the lower shaft portion 41 of the pair of shaft portions 41, 41, and the projection 40 connected to the lower end, and the lower end of the lower bearing portion 59 of the pair of bearing portions 59, 59. Furthermore, the first hinge portion as a whole is provided at an angle inclined along the inclination angle of the fixed surfaces 30, 31.

[0054] Furthermore, an engaging piece 61 protrudes from the other end edge in the depth direction Y2 (the other end edge on the back side) of the side wall 55, which is located on the other side in the width direction X2 of the bottom wall 53. This engaging piece 61 has an engaging hole 62 that is shaped like a square hole. The engaging piece 61 is formed with a width that allows it to fit between a pair of retaining protrusions 46, 46 provided on the fixed base 20.

[0055] Then, when the cover 50 is rotated in a direction that brings it closer to the fixed surfaces 30, 31, the engaging piece 61 fits between the pair of retaining protrusions 46, 46, and the engaging portion 43 engages with the engaging hole 62, so that the cover 50 comes closer to the fixed surfaces 30, 31 and is held in a closed state (see Figures 3, 6, 9, 11).

[0056] Incidentally, Figures 4 and 5 show the cover 50 in its maximum open state relative to the fixed surfaces 30 and 31. That is, the cover 50 opens away from the fixed surfaces 30 and 31 until one of its side walls abuts against one side of the fixed base 20, and this state represents the cover 50 in its maximum open state.

[0057] In this embodiment, the state in which one side wall 54 of the cover 50 abuts against one side surface 21a of the wall portion 21 constituting the fixed base 20 is the state in which the cover 50 is opened to its maximum extent relative to the fixed surfaces 30, 31. In the above-mentioned maximum open state of the cover 50, the surface direction of the front surface of the cover 50 (the outer surface of the retaining wall 57, etc.) is approximately parallel to the surface direction of the fixed surfaces 30, 31.

[0058] Furthermore, Figures 7 and 8 show the cover 50 in a partially open state. That is, the front surface of the cover 50 is at an angle perpendicular to the plane direction of the fixed surfaces 30 and 31, in other words, the cover 50 is open at approximately 90°.

[0059] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 10 and 12, a retaining wall 57 is erected from one end 53a (the front end) in the depth direction Y2 of the bottom wall 53. In addition, the lid 70 is connected to the tip of the retaining wall 57 in the direction of its erection via a second hinge portion 74, and the aforementioned tip portion forms the lid connecting portion 57a.

[0060] Furthermore, the retaining wall 57 and the bottom wall 53 form a receiving portion 51 that catches the fixing member 8 that falls off during the busbar fixing work.

[0061] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, the bottom wall 53 constituting the receiving portion 51 has one end 53a (one end in the depth direction Y2) that moves away from the fixed surfaces 30, 31 when the cover 50 is in close proximity to the fixed surfaces 30, 31 in the cover closed state, and the other end 53b (the other end in the depth direction Y2) that is in close proximity to the fixed surfaces 30, 31 in the cover closed state.

[0062] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, the bottom wall 53 is inclined to extend diagonally upward when the cover 50 is in close proximity to the fixed surfaces 30 and 31 in the closed state.

[0063] It can also be said that the bottom wall 53 is configured to be inclined so that it becomes higher as it moves away from the fixed surfaces 30 and 31 when the cover is closed. That is, as shown in Figure 10, when the cover is closed, the other end 53b of the bottom wall 53 is lower than the one end 53a, and it is inclined so that it gradually becomes higher from the other end 53b toward the one end 53a (it can also be said that it is inclined so that its height relative to the fixed surface 2 becomes higher).

[0064] Furthermore, in the closed cover state described above, the bottom wall 53 is positioned perpendicular to the fixed surfaces 30 and 31 and angled upward.

[0065] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the bottom wall 53 is inclined such that one end 53a is lower than the other end 53b when the cover 50 is open and separated from the fixed surfaces 30 and 31.

[0066] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the receiving portion 51 is provided with insertion notches 64 and 65 on the fixed surface 30 and 31 side, which allow a portion of the busbars 5 and 7 to be inserted through them.

[0067] Specifically, on the other end 53b side in the depth direction Y2 of the bottom wall 53 constituting the receiving portion 51 (the portion close to the fixed surfaces 30, 31 when the cover 50 is closed to the fixed surfaces 30, 31), an insertion notch 64 is formed on one side of the bottom wall 53 in the width direction X2, allowing the end portion 5b of the bus bar 5 to be inserted, and an insertion notch 65 is formed on the other side of the bottom wall 53 in the width direction X2, allowing the end portion 7b of the bus bar 7 to be inserted.

[0068] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, multiple reinforcing ribs 66 are provided between the bottom wall 53 and the pair of side walls 54 and 55, thereby reinforcing the entire cover 50.

[0069] Next, we will describe in detail the lid 70, which is attached to the receiving portion 51 via the second hinge portion 74 so as to rotate upward from a horizontal position.

[0070] The lid 70 has a main body 71 that expands to a predetermined width. A projection 72 is provided on one side of the main body 71 in the width direction X2, projecting outward from the lid.

[0071] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the base end 71a of the main body 71 (the other end in the depth direction Y2 when the lid 70 is separated from the fixed surfaces 30, 31) has a bent shape, and the lid connecting portion 57a ​​of the retaining wall 57 that constitutes the receiving portion 51 is connected to this base end 71a via the second hinge portion 74.

[0072] Furthermore, the second hinge portion 74 is made of a thin-walled hinge (see Figure 10), and the lid 70 is integrally molded with the receiving portion 51 via the second hinge portion 74 in an open lid state separated from the fixed surfaces 30, 31 (see Figures 1 and 10). Also, as shown in Figure 10, the lid 70 is integrally molded with the receiving portion 51 and is provided perpendicular to the surface direction of the front surface of the cover 50 (such as the outer surface of the retaining wall 57 of the receiving portion 51).

[0073] As shown in Figure 12, the thin-walled second hinge portion 74 consists of a pair of hinges provided on both sides of the lid 70 in the width direction X2.

[0074] Furthermore, the lid 70 is positioned to move closer to or away from the fixed surfaces 30 and 31 in a direction intersecting the direction in which the cover 50 moves closer to or away from it (cover approach / away direction K1).

[0075] Specifically, the lid 70 is configured such that the tip opposite to the base end (one end in the depth direction Y2 when the lid 70 is separated from the fixed surfaces 30, 31) rotates with the second hinge portion 74 located at the base end as the pivot point, so that the tip is moved closer to or further away from the fixed surfaces 30, 31, causing the entire lid 70 to move closer to or further away from the fixed surfaces 30, 31 (see Figures 9-12).

[0076] In other words, the lid 70 is rotatably attached to the receiving portion 51 of the cover 50 via the second hinge portion 74 so that it opens vertically relative to the fixed surfaces 30 and 31. It can also be said that the lid 70 opens and closes the front opening 56 of the cover 50.

[0077] Furthermore, the lid 70 is attached to the receiving portion 51 via the second hinge portion 74 so as to rotate upward from a horizontal position. However, it can also be said that the lid has a vertical opening structure in which its lower end is attached to the receiving portion via the second hinge portion and its upper end moves toward and away from the fixed surface.

[0078] As shown in Figure 11, when the direction in which the lid 70 approaches or moves away from the fixed surfaces 30 and 31 is defined as the lid approach / return direction K2, the lid approach / return direction K2 and the cover approach / return direction K1 are orthogonal to each other.

[0079] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, in the cover-closed state where the cover 50 is close to the fixed surfaces 30 and 31, and in the lid-open state where the lid 70 is separated from the fixed surfaces 30 and 31, the lid 70 is configured to extend horizontally or upward. In this embodiment, the lid 70 is configured to extend diagonally upward in the lid-open state (see Figure 10).

[0080] The lid 70 may, for example, be configured to extend horizontally when the lid is open, as shown by the dashed line 70' in Figure 10. However, configurations that extend diagonally downward when the lid is open, as shown by the dashed line 70'' in Figure 10, are excluded.

[0081] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, in this embodiment, when the cover is closed and the lid is open, the lid 70 is configured to extend upward from the horizontal (in this case, diagonally upward).

[0082] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, the lid 70 in this embodiment is configured to open parallel to the bottom wall 53 of the receiving portion 51. However, even if the lid does not open to the point of being parallel to the bottom wall 53, as in the case of the lid 70'''' shown by the dashed line in Figure 10, and a large opening amount cannot be secured, there is no problem in fixing the fixing member 8.

[0083] In other words, in the above case, for example, after manually opening the lid to a certain extent, a tool T such as a flathead screwdriver is inserted into the cover 50 from the front opening 56 to tighten and secure the fixing member 8, or the tool T is inserted into the cover 50 from the front opening 56 without manually opening the lid. Then, as shown in Figure 10, the tool T presses against the lid 70'''', pushing the lid 70'''' down, which increases the amount the lid opens and allows the lid to be held open, making it possible to tighten and secure the fixing member 8 with the tool T.

[0084] Furthermore, in the above state, the lid 70 is configured to be inclined so that it gradually becomes higher as it moves away from the fixed surfaces 30 and 31, that is, from the base end to the tip of the lid 70 (it can also be said that it is inclined so that its height relative to the fixed surface 2 increases).

[0085] Furthermore, in this invention, "extending horizontally" means that the lid 70 extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which gravity acts. Moreover, in this invention, "extending diagonally upward" means that the lid 70 extends so as to be spaced diagonally outward from the fixed surfaces 30 and 31, such that the tip of the lid 70 in the extension direction is located above the lower end of the fixed surfaces 30 and 31.

[0086] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1-3, a pair of ribs 75, 75 are erected parallel to each other from one side edge of the main body 71 in the width direction X2 (one side edge of the protruding portion 72 in the width direction X2) and from the other side edge of the main body 71 in the width direction X2.

[0087] From the outer surfaces of the pair of ribs 75, 75, engaging projections 76, 76 are provided, respectively, which engage with the engaging ribs 54a, 55a located on both sides of the front opening 56 of the cover 50 in the width direction X2.

[0088] Furthermore, when the lid 70 is brought close to the fixed surfaces 30, 31 of each engaging projection 76 (when the lid 70 is closed), a first tapered surface 77 is formed on the outer surface facing the fixed surfaces 30, 31, which gradually protrudes from one end close to the fixed surfaces 30, 31 to the other end. In addition, a second tapered surface 78 is formed on the outer surface of each engaging projection 76 on the lid base end side, which gradually protrudes from the base end to the tip of the engaging projection 76.

[0089] Then, when the lid 70 is rotated in a direction that brings it closer to the fixed surfaces 30, 31, that is, when the lid 70 is rotated in a direction that closes it to the front opening 56 of the cover 50, the engaging protrusions 76, 76 pass through the front opening 56 via the first tapered surface 77 and the second tapered surface 78 and engage with the back side (rear side) of the pair of engaging ribs 54a, 55a. As a result, the front opening 56 of the cover 50 is held closed by the lid 70.

[0090] Furthermore, the first tapered surface 77 and the second tapered surface 78 facilitate the movement of the engaging protrusions 76, 76 to the rear side of the engaging ribs 54a, 55a when closing the lid 70 to the front opening 56 of the cover 50, as described above.

[0091] As described above, the cover 50, including the lid 70, is made of a synthetic resin material that is softer than the fixing base 20. Therefore, when the cover 50 is brought close to the fixing surfaces 30 and 31, the side wall 55 on the cover 50 side is easily bent and deformed by the engaging portion 43 on the fixing base 20 side.

[0092] (modified version) The shape, structure, and layout of the busbar fixing device in the present invention, including the fixing base, cover, lid, and other components, as well as the parts constituting each component (for example, the wall portion of the fixing base and the receiving portion of the cover), are not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0093] In this embodiment, busbars 4 and 5 are arranged vertically on the mounting base 20, with their ends 4b and 5b fixed to the mounting surface 30 by a mounting member 8, and busbars 6 and 7 are also arranged vertically on the mounting base 20, with their ends 6b and 7b fixed to the mounting surface 31 by a mounting member 8. The four busbars 4, 5, 6, and 7 are fixed to the mounting surfaces 30 and 31 in pairs, one above the other.

[0094] However, for example, two busbars or an even number of busbars (six or more) may be fixed to the fixed surface. Alternatively, instead of fixing the busbars to each other on the fixed surface, for example, one busbar may be fixed to the fixed surface, and the terminals of other connecting members may be connected to that busbar.

[0095] Furthermore, although the cover 50 and lid 70 in this embodiment both have a single-opening structure, the cover and lid may also have a double-opening structure.

[0096] Furthermore, although the cover 50 in this embodiment opens horizontally, the cover may also have a vertical opening structure (in which case the hinge portion would be at the bottom), and the cover only needs to have a structure in which the receiving portion is located close to the fixing surface so as to be below the fixing surface. Also, although the lid 70 in this embodiment opens vertically, the lid may also have a horizontal opening structure.

[0097] Furthermore, although the bottom wall 53 of the cover 50 in this embodiment is positioned diagonally upward when the cover 50 is closed, the bottom wall may, for example, extend horizontally when the cover is closed, as long as it is located below the fixed surface.

[0098] (Effects and Benefits) Next, the effects and benefits of the fixing device 10, which has the above configuration, will be explained.

[0099] When the fixing device 10 is being transported or delivered, the cover 50 is brought close to the fixing surfaces 30 and 31, and the engaging part 43 is engaged with the engaging hole 62, thereby closing the cover 50 as shown in Figures 2 and 3. Note that in the transported and delivered state of the fixing device 10, the lid 70 is open from the front opening 56 of the cover 50.

[0100] Then, when fixing the busbars 4, 5, 6, and 7 to the fixing surfaces 30 and 31 using the fixing device 10, first, as shown in Figure 6, the fixing base 20 is placed on the surface to be fixed 2 and then fixed to the member to be fixed 1 via the fixing device 3.

[0101] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 7, the cover 50 is moved away from the fixed surfaces 30 and 31, leaving the cover 50 in a partially open state.

[0102] Next, as shown in Figure 8, the extension 5a of the busbar 5 is inserted into the receiving groove 36, and the extension 5a is received by the receiving groove 36, thereby temporarily holding the busbar 5 in the temporary holding part 35. Also, the end portion 4b of the busbar 4 is placed on the end portion 5b of the busbar 5 which is placed on the fixed surface 30, so that the end portions 4b and 5b are stacked on top of each other.

[0103] Furthermore, the extension portion 7a of the busbar 7 is inserted into the receiving groove 38, and the extension portion 7a is received by the receiving groove 38, thereby temporarily holding the busbar 7 in the temporary holding portion 37. In addition, the end portion 6b of the busbar 6 is placed on the end portion 7b of the busbar 7 which is placed on the fixed surface 31, so that the end portions 6b and 7b are stacked on top of each other.

[0104] Subsequently, the cover 50 is brought close to the fixed surfaces 30 and 31, and the engaging portion 43 engages with the engaging hole 62, thereby closing the cover 50 again as shown in Figures 9 and 10. At this time, the terminal portions 5b and 7b of the busbars 5 and 7 are inserted into the insertion notches 64 and 65 in the bottom wall 53 of the cover 50, respectively, so there is no hindrance to closing the cover 50.

[0105] Then, in the above state, the fixing members 8, such as bolts and nuts, are inserted through the insertion holes (not shown) in the terminal portions 4b and 5b of the busbars 4 and 5, and inserted into the fixed portion 34 on the fixing surface 30 side. Similarly, the fixing members 8 are inserted through the insertion holes 6c and 7c in the terminal portions 6b and 7b of the busbars 6 and 7, and inserted into the fixed portion 34 on the fixing surface 31 side.

[0106] Subsequently, a tool such as a wrench or screwdriver is inserted into the internal space of the cover 50 through the front opening 56 of the cover 50, and the fixing member 8 inserted into the fixed portion 34 on the fixing surface 30 side and the fixing member 8 inserted into the fixed portion 34 on the fixing surface 31 side are tightened and secured, respectively.

[0107] As a result, the end portions 4b and 5b of the busbars 4 and 5 are fixed to the fixed surface 30 via the fixing member 8, and as shown in Figure 10, the end portions 6b and 7b of the busbars 6 and 7 are fixed to the fixed surface 31 via the fixing member 8.

[0108] Subsequently, the lid 70 is brought close to the fixed surfaces 30 and 31. That is, when the lid 70 is closed over the front opening 56 of the cover 50, the engaging protrusions 76, 76 engage with the back side (rear side) of the pair of engaging ribs 54a and 55a, and the front opening 56 of the cover 50 is held closed by the lid 70, as shown in Figures 11 and 12.

[0109] As a result, the terminals 4b and 5b of busbars 4 and 5, and the terminals 6b and 7b of busbars 6 and 7, are primarily protected by the cover 50 and the lid 70.

[0110] Furthermore, in this fixing device 10, even after opening the cover 50 from the fixing surfaces 30, 31 and arranging multiple bus bars 4, 5, 6, 7 on the fixing surfaces 30, 31 in overlapping positions as described above, or arranging the bus bars and connection terminals of other components, the cover 50 can still be closed to the fixing surfaces 30, 31 by opening the lid 70 from the front opening 56 of the cover 50 (in this embodiment, the lid 70 is already open), allowing access to the bus bars 4, 5, 6, 7 inside the cover 50.

[0111] Therefore, by inserting tools into the internal space of the cover 50 and performing the fixing work of fixing members 8 such as bolts and nuts, multiple busbars (busbars 4 and 5 together, and busbars 6 and 7 together) and connection terminals between busbars and other parts can be fixed to the fixing surfaces 30 and 31 via the fixing members 8.

[0112] In this configuration, the cover 50 has a receiving portion 51 and is rotatable in an arc when viewed from the vertical direction, and the lid 70 is attached to the receiving portion 51 so as to rotate upward from a horizontal position, and furthermore, in the cover closed state where the cover 50 is close to the fixed surfaces 30,31, and in the lid open state where the lid 70 is separated from the fixed surfaces 30,31, the lid 70 is configured to extend horizontally or upward from the horizontal.

[0113] Therefore, even if the fixing member 8 detaches from the fixing surfaces 30 and 31 during the busbar fixing process (tightening and fixing with bolts, nuts, etc.), it can be caught by the receiving portion 51 of the cover 50 or the lid 70.

[0114] As a result, the fixing member 8 can be prevented from falling outside the fixing base 20 or cover 50, so that the bus bars 4, 5, 6, and 7 can be reliably fixed to the fixing surfaces 30 and 31.

[0115] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the receiving portion 51 has a bottom wall 53 that inclins to extend diagonally upward when the cover 50 is in close proximity to the fixed surfaces 30, 31, and the lid 70 is configured to extend diagonally upward when the cover is closed and the lid is open (see Figure 10).

[0116] According to the above embodiment, since the receiving portion 51 and the lid 70 are configured as described above, even if the fixing member 8 falls off the fixing surfaces 30 and 31 during the busbar fixing work, it will roll towards the fixing surfaces 30 and 31 on the receiving portion 51, making it possible to more reliably prevent the fixing member 8 from falling outside the fixing base 20 or cover 50.

[0117] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first hinge portion is provided such that, when the fixed base 20 is viewed from one side in the width direction X (see Figure 5), the upper end in the axial direction is inclined diagonally with respect to the lower end in the axial direction, so that the cover 50 is kept open with respect to the fixed surfaces 30, 31.

[0118] Furthermore, the receiving portion 51 has a bottom wall 53, which has one end 53a that moves away from the fixed surfaces 30, 31 when the cover 50 is in close proximity to the fixed surfaces 30, 31 in the cover-closed state, and the other end 53b that moves close to the fixed surfaces 30, 31 in the cover-closed state. Moreover, when the cover 50 is in open state and the cover is away from the fixed surfaces 30, 31, the bottom wall 53 is inclined such that the one end 53a is lower than the other end 53b (see Figure 5).

[0119] According to the above embodiment, since the first hinge portion, the receiving portion 51, and the bottom wall 53 are configured as described above, once the cover 50 is opened from the fixed surfaces 30, 31, it becomes difficult to close the cover 50 relative to the fixed surfaces 30, 31. That is, the center of gravity of the cover 50 when it is open is located lower than the center of gravity of the cover 50 when it is closed, so it becomes difficult for the opened cover 50 to close naturally again.

[0120] As a result, the cover 50 can be kept open, making it easier to position the busbars on the fixed surfaces 30 and 31, and improving the workability of fixing the busbars 4, 5, 6, and 7 to the fixed surfaces 30 and 31.

[0121] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second hinge portion 74 is made of a thin-walled hinge, and the lid 70 is integrally molded with the receiving portion 51 via the second hinge portion 74 when the lid is open.

[0122] According to the above embodiment, the lid 70 is integrally molded with the receiving portion 51 via the second hinge portion 74 when the lid is open. Therefore, when the cover 50 is closed against the fixing surfaces 30, 31 during the busbar fixing work, the lid 70 is already open. As a result, it becomes easier to insert tools into the internal space of the cover 50, improving the workability of fixing the busbars 4, 5, 6, and 7 to the fixing surfaces 30, 31.

[0123] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fixing base 20 is provided with temporary holding portions 35 and 37 having receiving grooves 36 and 38 that can receive a portion of the bus bars 5 and 7 (in this case, the extended portions 5a and 7a), and the receiving portion 51 is provided with insertion notches 64 and 65 on the fixing surface 30 and 31 side that can allow a portion of the bus bars 5 and 7 (in this case, the terminal portions 5b and 7b) to be inserted.

[0124] According to the above embodiment, a portion of the busbars 5 and 7 (in this case, the extended portions 5a and 7a) is inserted into the receiving grooves 36 and 38, and a portion of the busbars 5 and 7 is received by the receiving grooves 36 and 38, thereby allowing the busbars 5 and 7 to be temporarily held by the temporary holding portions 35 and 37.

[0125] Furthermore, even when the cover 50 is closed against the fixed surfaces 30 and 31 while the bus bars 5 and 7 are in the temporary holding state described above, the bus bars 5 and 7 can still pass through the insertion notches 64 and 65 (or it can be said that the bus bars 5 and 7 are inserted into the insertion notches 64 and 65), thus maintaining the temporary holding state of the bus bars 5 and 7.

[0126] Therefore, since it is no longer necessary to hold the busbars 5 and 7 by hand while fixing them with the fixing member 8, the workability of fixing the busbars 4, 5, 6, and 7 to the fixing surfaces 30 and 31 can be improved.

[0127] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modified embodiments are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention, and such embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0128] 4, 5, 6, 7 Busbar 8 Fixing member 10 Busbar fixing device (fixing device) 20 Fixed base 30,31 Fixed surface 37 Temporary holding part 36,38 Receiving grooves 41,41 Shaft portion (one of the first hinge portion) 50 Covers 51 Receiving part 53 Bottom wall 59 Bearing section (one of the first hinge sections) 64, 65 Notches for insertion 70 Lid 74 Second hinge section

Claims

1. A busbar fixing device comprising a fixing base to which a busbar having a connection portion for connecting to another connecting member at one end is fixed, and a cover that covers the portion of the busbar that is fixed to the fixing base, The aforementioned mounting base has a fixing surface for fixing the busbar, and the busbar is fixed to the fixing surface via a fixing member. The cover has a receiving portion and is rotatably mounted on the fixed base via a first hinge portion so as to form an arc when viewed from the vertical direction. The lid is attached to the receiving portion via a second hinge portion so that it rotates upward from a horizontal position. A busbar fixing device characterized in that, in the cover-closed state where the cover is close to the fixing surface, and in the lid-open state where the lid is separated from the fixing surface, the lid is configured to extend horizontally or upward.

2. The receiving portion has a bottom wall that slopes upward diagonally when the cover is closed, The busbar fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the lid is configured to extend diagonally upward when the cover is closed and the lid is open.

3. The busbar fixing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first hinge portion is provided such that the cover is kept open with the cover separated from the fixing surface, and the axial upper end is inclined diagonally with respect to the axial lower end when the fixing base is viewed from one side in the width direction.

4. The second hinge portion consists of a thin-walled hinge. The busbar fixing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lid is integrally molded with the receiving portion via the second hinge portion when the lid is in the open position.

5. The aforementioned mounting base has a receiving groove that can receive a portion of the busbar, and is provided with a temporary holding portion that can temporarily hold the busbar. The busbar fixing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the receiving portion has an insertion notch on the fixing surface side that allows a part of the busbar to be inserted.

Images