Electrical connection box

Abstract

Disclosed is an electrical connection box capable of stably suppressing exposure of an electrical component mounting part and an electrical component mounted thereon.　An electrical connection box 10 is provided with: a case 14; an electrical component mounting part 18 which is provided in the case 14 and on which an electrical component 12 is mounted through an opening part 16; and a cover member 20 which covers the opening part 16. A rotary shaft 98 of the cover member 20 is held by a bearing part 68 of the case 14, thereby allowing the cover member 20 to be rotatably held relative to the case 14. The cover member 20 is rotatable from a closed position C, where the cover member 20 overlaps the opening part 16 to cover the opening part 16, to a maximum open position O. A rotation region R from the closed position C of the cover member 20 to the maximum open position O is restricted to a range in which rotation of the cover member 20 to the closed position C due to its own weight occurs.

Description

Electrical junction box

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electrical junction box.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electrical junction box to be mounted on a vehicle, the electrical junction box having an electrical component mounting portion in which electrical components such as fuses are housed and a cover member that covers an opening of the electrical component mounting portion. During vehicle maintenance, the cover member can be removed from the opening to inspect or replace the electrical components mounted in the electrical component mounting portion. After maintenance, the opening of the electrical component mounting portion can be covered with the cover member, preventing live parts from being exposed.

[0003] However, in the structure of Patent Document 1, the electrical component mounting portion and the cover member are formed separately, so there is a possibility that the cover member may be lost after being removed from the opening, or may be forgotten to be attached after work. Therefore, as described in Patent Document 2, it is conceivable to connect the cover member to a case side member or the like via a hinge so that it can be opened and closed.

[0004] JP 2019-54661 A JP 2015-90841 A

[0005] However, when the cover member is connected to the case side member or the like via a hinge, because the hinge is made of thin resin, it is possible that the hinge will become brittle and break in a low-temperature environment, making it impossible for the cover member to cover the electrical component mounting portion. Furthermore, because the elastic restoring force of the hinge urges the cover member in the opening direction, if the cover member is left unclosed, a gap may form between the cover member and the opening, exposing live parts.

[0006] Therefore, an electrical connection box is disclosed that can stably prevent exposure of the electrical component mounting portion and the electrical components mounted thereon.

[0007] The electrical connection box of the present disclosure comprises a case, an electrical component mounting portion provided on the case and into which an electrical component is mounted through an opening, and a cover member that covers the opening, wherein a rotation axis provided on one of the case and the cover member is held by a bearing portion provided on the other of the case and the cover member, thereby rotatably holding the cover member relative to the case, and the cover member is rotatable from a closed position in which it is placed over the opening and covers the opening, to a maximum open position, and the rotation range of the cover member from the closed position to the maximum open position is limited to the range in which the cover member rotates to the closed position due to its own weight.

[0008] According to the electrical junction box of the present disclosure, it is possible to stably prevent the electrical component mounting portion and the electrical components mounted thereon from being exposed.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an electrical junction box according to a first embodiment with a protective cover in a closed position. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the electrical junction box shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an enlarged view of a main portion taken along the line III-III in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an enlarged view of a main portion taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an enlarged view of a main portion of a case constituting the electrical junction box shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an electrical junction box according to a second embodiment with a protective cover in a closed position. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an electrical junction box according to a second embodiment with a protective cover in an open position. FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an enlarged view of a main portion taken along the line X-X in FIG. 9.

[0010] <Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure> First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. The electrical junction box of the present disclosure includes: (1) a case, an electrical component mounting portion provided in the case and having an opening through which an electrical component is mounted, and a cover member covering the opening, wherein a rotation shaft provided on one of the case and the cover member is held by a bearing portion provided on the other of the case and the cover member, thereby rotatably holding the cover member relative to the case, the cover member being rotatable from a closed position where the cover member overlaps the opening and covers the opening, to a maximum open position, and the rotation range of the cover member from the closed position to the maximum open position is limited to a range in which the cover member rotates to the closed position due to its own weight.

[0011] According to the electrical junction box of this aspect, a pivot shaft is provided on one of the cover member and the case, and a bearing portion is provided on the other of the cover member and the case. The pivot shaft is held in the bearing portion, thereby rotatably supporting the cover member covering the opening of the electrical component mounting portion relative to the case. Therefore, compared to conventional structures in which the cover member is pivotally connected via a hinge, this prevents the hinge from weakening and breaking in low-temperature environments, preventing the cover member from covering the electrical component mounting portion. Furthermore, the rotation range of the cover member from the closed position (where the cover member overlaps the opening and covers the opening) to the maximum open position is limited to the range in which the cover member rotates to the closed position under its own weight. Therefore, even if an operator forgets to close the cover member, the cover member moves to the closed position under its own weight, preventing or minimizing exposure of the electrical component mounting portion. Thus, the electrical junction box of this aspect more reliably prevents exposure of the electrical component mounting portion and the electrical components mounted thereon, compared to conventional structures.

[0012] (2) In the above (1), it is preferable that a gap be provided between the pivot shaft and the bearing portion. Since the pivot shaft is held in the bearing portion across the gap, friction between the pivot shaft and the bearing portion during rotation of the cover member is suppressed. As a result, when the operator releases the cover member after work, it automatically and quickly moves to the closed position, more reliably preventing the electrical component mounting portion and the electrical components mounted thereon from being exposed.

[0013] (3) In the above (1) or (2), it is preferable that the cover member abuts against the upper surface of the peripheral wall of the opening when the cover member is in the closed position. In the closed position, the cover member abuts against the upper surface of the peripheral wall of the opening, which exposes the electrical component mounting portion and the electrical components mounted therein. This more effectively prevents exposure of the electrical components, which may become live during maintenance work. This more effectively prevents or reduces the risk of electric shock to workers, thereby improving work safety.

[0014] (4) In any one of (1) to (3) above, it is preferable that the cover member has an abutting portion, the case has an abutted portion against which the abutting portion abuts, and the abutting portion abuts the abutted portion to prevent the cover member from rotating beyond the maximum open position. Since the maximum open position of the cover member is determined by the abutting portion of the cover member abutting the abutted portion of the case, the cover member can be reliably prevented from rotating beyond the maximum open position, and the cover member can be stably rotated to the closed position under its own weight, which more effectively prevents the cover member from being left closed.

[0015] (5) In the above (4), it is preferable that the cover member has the pivot shaft and the case has the bearing portion, the cover member has a cover wall portion that covers the opening and a pivot shaft holding piece that protrudes from one side edge of the cover wall portion and holds the pivot shaft, the case has a storage recess that is provided near the bearing portion and that houses the pivot shaft holding piece that rotates and displaces as the cover member rotates, and a protruding wall portion that protrudes into the storage recess and extends from the opening side toward the bearing portion side, the abutted portion is formed by the extending end surface of the protruding wall portion, and the abutting portion is formed by the inner surface of the pivot shaft holding piece that comes into face contact with the extending end surface as a result of the rotational displacement of the pivot shaft holding piece. By making good use of the pivot shaft holding piece necessary to hold the cover member rotatably relative to the case and the storage recess on the case side that needs to be provided to allow the pivot shaft holding piece to rotate, the abutting portion and abutted portion that determine the maximum open position of the cover member can be provided space-efficiently with a small number of parts.

[0016] (6) In any one of (1) to (5) above, it is preferable that the central angle X of the cover member in the pivot region at the maximum open position, centered around the pivot axis, is set in the range of 75°≦X<90° around the pivot axis of the cover member, assuming that the closed position of the cover member is 0°. This is because if the maximum central angle X around the pivot axis in the pivot region is less than 75°, workability during maintenance deteriorates, and if it is 90° or more, it is difficult to reliably guide the cover member to rotate to the closed position under its own weight. For example, when this aspect is combined with the above aspect (5), this aspect can be advantageously realized by setting the inclination angle x of the extended end surface of the protruding wall portion relative to the bottom surface of the accommodation recess to 75°≦x<90°.

[0017] (7) In any one of (1) to (6) above, it is preferable that a locking mechanism be provided to detachably hold the cover member in the closed position. The locking mechanism can reliably hold the cover member in the closed position, thereby preventing unintentional exposure of the electrical component mounting portion and the electrical components mounted thereon. In addition, the locking mechanism can be released during maintenance.

[0018] <Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure> Specific examples of the electrical junction box of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0019] First Embodiment An electrical junction box 10 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7 . The electrical junction box 10 is mounted inside a battery pack in, for example, an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, and is equipped with electrical components that can be replaced during maintenance. In the first embodiment, the electrical junction box 10 is equipped with a fuse 12 as an example of an electrical component. Note that the electrical junction box 10 can be positioned in any orientation within the vehicle; however, in the following description, the upper side will be referred to as the upper side in FIG. 3 , the lower side as the lower side in FIG. 3 , the left side as the left side in FIG. 2 , the right side as the right side in FIG. 2 , the front side as the lower side in FIG. 2 , and the rear side as the upper side in FIG. 2 . Note that, in some cases, when multiple identical components are used, only some of the components will be designated by reference numerals, and the reference numerals will be omitted for the other components.

[0020] <Electrical junction box 10> The electrical junction box 10 includes a case 14, an electrical component mounting portion 18 provided in the case 14, into which an electrical component (fuse 12) is mounted through a mounting opening 16, and a cover member 20 that covers the mounting opening 16. Since a known fuse 12 is used as the electrical component, detailed description thereof will be omitted. However, the fuse 12 includes a fuse body 22 and a pair of terminal portions 24, 24 that protrude from the fuse body 22 on both sides in the length direction. In the first embodiment, the fuse 12 is mounted in the case 14 so as to extend in the left-right direction, and each terminal portion 24 protrudes from the fuse body 22 on both left-right sides. Each terminal portion 24 of the fuse 12 has a bolt insertion hole 26 that penetrates through it in the thickness direction (vertical direction).

[0021] <Case 14> The case 14 constituting the electrical junction box 10 can be formed by, for example, assembling a lower case 28 and an upper case (not shown) in the vertical direction, but in the first embodiment, the characteristic parts are provided in the lower case 28, and the shape of the upper case is not limited, so a description of the upper case will be omitted. Furthermore, the shape of the lower case 28 shown in the drawings is merely an example and is not limited, and is intended to illustrate the characteristic parts of the present disclosure.

[0022] In the first embodiment, the lower case 28 shown in the drawings has a generally box-like shape that opens downward and is made of an insulating synthetic resin. The lower case 28 includes an upper wall 30 that is generally rectangular in plan view and a peripheral wall 32 that protrudes downward from the outer periphery of the upper wall 30. In the lower case 28, an accommodating space 34 is formed on an upper surface 33 of the upper wall 30, opening upward, to accommodate an electrical component (fuse 12) and the cover member 20 in the closed position C, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 when the cover member 20 is in the closed position C. The upper opening of the accommodating space 34 is a case opening 35.

[0023] The housing space 34 includes a cover housing portion 36 that houses the cover member 20 and the above-mentioned electrical component mounting portion 18 that houses an electrical component (fuse 12). The cover member 20 is provided to cover the fuse 12 (electrical component mounting portion 18), and the cover housing portion 36 is provided above the electrical component mounting portion 18. In other words, the opening of the cover housing portion 36 is the case opening 35, which is located above the mounting opening 16 that is the opening of the electrical component mounting portion 18. Therefore, the electrical component mounting portion 18 opens upward via the cover housing portion 36, and the electrical component (fuse 12) is mounted through the mounting opening 16 provided in the bottom of the cover housing portion 36.

[0024] The upper surface 33 of the upper bottom wall portion 30, on which the case opening 35 is provided, is the surface that becomes the bottom surface of the lower case 28 when the electrical junction box 10 is placed with the upper case facing upward. That is, the lower case 28 shown in the figure is shown upside down, and the upper case is assembled to the lower case 28 shown in the figure from below. Therefore, the internal space of the case 14 can be formed to include the internal space of the lower case 28, which is generally box-shaped and opens downward, and therefore the lower side of the lower case 28 shown in the figure is the interior side of the case 14. The storage space 34 may be provided at the bottom of the internal space of the case 14, or the storage space 34 may be open upward in the lower case to which the upper case is assembled from above.

[0025] Two bus bars 38, 40 are fixed in a substantially buried state within the lower case 28. The bus bars 38, 40 are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction, and the fuse 12 is disposed so as to connect the inner left-right ends of the bus bars 38, 40. That is, the inner left-right ends of the bus bars 38, 40 are exposed in the electrical component mounting portion 18, and the terminals 24 of the fuse 12 are arranged to overlap the inner left-right ends of the bus bars 38, 40. The inner left-right ends of the bus bars 38, 40 are formed with bolt insertion holes 42 through which bolts 52, described below, are inserted. The opposite ends of the bus bars 38, 40 are exposed to, for example, the internal space of the lower case 28 (i.e., the internal space of the case 14) and are electrically connected to, for example, electrical components such as relays (not shown) and bus bars constituting electrical circuits provided within the case 14.

[0026] <Electrical component mounting portion 18> As described above, the fuse 12 is mounted in the lower case 28 so as to extend in the left-right direction, and therefore the electrical component mounting portion 18 is formed to extend in the left-right direction in the lower case 28. That is, the electrical component mounting portion 18 has a recessed shape that opens upward at the mounting opening 16 and extends in the left-right direction as a whole, and the lower case 28 has a peripheral wall 43 that extends in the circumferential direction and constitutes the electrical component mounting portion 18. The peripheral wall 43 of the electrical component mounting portion 18 is configured to include a body accommodating portion 44 that accommodates the fuse body 22 of the fuse 12, and terminal accommodating portions 46, 46 located on both left-right sides of the body accommodating portion 44 and that accommodate the terminals 24 of the fuse 12.

[0027] A terminal support portion 48 is provided at the bottom of each terminal accommodating portion 46, on which each terminal 24 of the fuse 12 is placed and supported, and each terminal support portion 48 is formed with a bolt fastening hole 50 into which a bolt 52, described below, is fastened. Each bolt fastening hole 50 may be configured such that a nut into which the bolt 52 is fastened is housed and disposed in each terminal support portion 48, or the inner peripheral surface of each bolt fastening hole 50 may be formed with an internal thread into which the bolt 52 is threaded. When the bus bars 38, 40 are fixed to the lower case 28, the inner ends of each bus bar 38, 40 in the left-right direction are overlapped on the respective terminal support portion 48, and the bolt insertion holes 42 and the bolt fastening holes 50 in each bus bar 38, 40 are vertically connected to each other.

[0028] When the fuse 12 is mounted in the electrical component mounting section 18, the fuse body 22 of the fuse 12 is accommodated in the body accommodating section 44, and the terminal portions 24 are overlapped with the terminal support portions 48 via the inner left-right ends of the bus bars 38, 40. This aligns the bolt insertion holes 26, 42 with the bolt fastening holes 50, and the bolts 52 are inserted into the bolt insertion holes 26, 42 and fastened to the bolt fastening holes 50, thereby mounting the fuse 12 in the electrical component mounting section 18.

[0029] <Cover accommodating portion 36> As described above, the cover accommodating portion 36 is provided in the lower case 28 above the electrical component mounting portion 18. The cover accommodating portion 36 is formed to be large enough to accommodate the cover member 20 in a plan view, and is formed in a generally rounded rectangular shape with a left-right dimension greater than a front-to-rear dimension. The cover accommodating portion 36 has larger front-to-rear and left-right dimensions than the electrical component mounting portion 18. As a result, the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 43 of the electrical component mounting portion 18 is connected to the inner peripheral surface of the cover accommodating portion 36 via a peripheral wall upper surface 54 that extends generally annularly in the horizontal direction (a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction).

[0030] <Accommodating Recess 56> The rear wall portion of the accommodation space 34 is formed with an accommodation recess 56 for accommodating a pivot shaft holding piece 86 (described later) that pivots and displaces with rotation of the cover member 20. In the first embodiment, a pair of accommodation recesses 56, 56 are provided in the left-right center portion of the accommodation space 34, spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction. Each accommodation recess 56 is generally rectangular in plan view, has predetermined left-right and front-rear dimensions, and opens upward and forward. That is, each accommodation recess 56 opens to the top surface 33 of the lower case 28, and the upper opening of each accommodation recess 56 is connected to the case opening 35 of the accommodation space 34. Each accommodation recess 56 is connected to the accommodation space 34 at its front opening. In other words, each accommodation recess 56 opens to the rear inner peripheral surface of the accommodation space 34. In embodiment 1, the bottom surface 58 of each accommodating recess 56 is located below the upper surface 54 of the peripheral wall of the electrical component mounting portion 18, and each accommodating recess 56 is formed across the upper portion of the electrical component mounting portion 18 and the cover accommodating portion 36.

[0031] Each accommodating recess 56 has a bottom surface 58 provided with a generally plate-shaped protruding wall portion 60 that protrudes upward. The protruding wall portion 60 extends in the front-rear direction within each accommodating recess 56, i.e., from the mounting opening 16 of the forward-located electrical component mounting portion 18 toward a bearing portion 68 (described later) provided in the accommodating recess 56. In the first embodiment, each accommodating recess 56 has a pair of protruding walls 60, 60 spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction, and the pair of protruding walls 60, 60 are connected to each other at their front ends by a connecting portion 62. The upward protrusion of each protruding wall portion 60 does not reach the upper opening of the accommodating recess 56 (i.e., the upper surface 33 of the upper bottom wall portion 30), and each protruding wall portion 60 is formed to a size that does not protrude upward from the accommodating recess 56.

[0032] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the front end surface of each protruding wall portion 60 (the front end surface of the connecting portion 62) is a vertical surface 64 that extends in the vertical direction, and the extending end surface (rear end surface) of each protruding wall portion 60 is an inclined surface 66 that gradually increases in upward protrusion dimension toward the front. The inclination angle x (see FIG. 3 ) of each inclined surface 66 with respect to the bottom surface 58 is not limited, but is preferably 75°≦x<90°. This inclined surface 66 is configured to abut against a contact portion of the cover member 20 (an inner surface 95 of an upper wall portion 94, described below) when the cover member 20 is in the maximum open position O, as described below. The inclined surface 66 constitutes an abutted portion that abuts against the abutment portion (an inner surface 95 of the upper wall portion 94). By setting the inclination angle x of the inclined surface 66 within the above range, it is possible to set the maximum central angle X of the rotation of the cover member 20 about the rotation axis 98 to 75°≦X<90°, as described below.

[0033] <Bearing Portion 68> A bearing portion 68 for holding a pivot shaft 98 (described later) provided on the cover member 20 is provided on the inner surface of each accommodating recess 56 on the outer side in the left-right direction. In other words, each accommodating recess 56 is provided near each bearing portion 68 for holding each pivot shaft 98. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5 and other figures, a groove 70 opening inward in the left-right direction is formed in a rear portion of the inner surface of each accommodating recess 56 on the outer side in the left-right direction, and each groove 70 is provided over the entire length of each accommodating recess 56 in the up-down direction. An insertion hole 72 through which the pivot shaft 98 is inserted is provided at the lower end of each groove 70. The central axis of each insertion hole 72 extends in the left-right direction, and the insertion hole 72 is provided in the wall portion of each accommodating recess 56 on the outer side in the left-right direction, constituting the bottom of each groove 70. In other words, each insertion hole 72 opens on the inner surface of each accommodating recess 56 on the outer side in the left-right direction. In the first embodiment, each insertion hole 72 is formed penetrating the bottom of each groove 70 (the outer left and right wall portions of each accommodation recess 56). This allows each insertion hole 72 to be formed by injection molding, facilitating the formation of the lower case 28. Also, in the first embodiment, guide surfaces 74 are formed at the upper end of each groove 70, and these guide surfaces 74 make it easier to insert each pivot shaft 98 of the cover member 20 into each groove 70 and each insertion hole 72.

[0034] <Locking Mechanism Accommodating Portion 76> Furthermore, a locking mechanism accommodating portion 76 for accommodating a locking mechanism support portion 104 (described later) is formed in the front wall portion of the accommodation space 34. The locking mechanism accommodating portion 76 is generally rectangular in plan view, has predetermined left-right and front-rear dimensions, and is open upward and rearward. That is, the locking mechanism accommodating portion 76 opens to the top surface 33 of the lower case 28, and the upper opening of the locking mechanism accommodating portion 76 is connected to the case opening 35 of the accommodation space 34. The rear opening of the locking mechanism accommodating portion 76 is connected to the accommodation space 34. In other words, the locking mechanism accommodating portion 76 opens to the front inner circumferential surface of the accommodation space 34. In the first embodiment, a bottom surface 78 of the locking mechanism accommodating portion 76 is located at a height (vertical position) substantially equal to the upper surfaces of the terminal support portions 48, and the locking mechanism accommodating portion 76 is formed over substantially the entire vertical length of the accommodation space 34 (the electrical component mounting portion 18 and the cover accommodating portion 36).

[0035] 2, 4, 5, and the like, case-side protrusions 80 that protrude inward in the left-right direction and constitute a locking mechanism 114 (described later) are formed on the inner surfaces of both left and right sides of the locking mechanism housing portion 76. In the first embodiment, each case-side protrusion 80 includes a first case-side protrusion 80a and a second case-side protrusion 80b that are spaced apart from each other in the up-down and front-rear directions. That is, the first case-side protrusions 80a are positioned forward and above the second case-side protrusions 80b. Each of the first case-side protrusions 80a and the second case-side protrusions 80b protrudes inward in the left-right direction by a predetermined protrusion distance, and in the first embodiment, the first case-side protrusions 80a and the second case-side protrusions 80b have approximately the same protrusion distance.

[0036] 1 to 4, the locking mechanism accommodating portion 76 extends further forward than a locking mechanism support portion 104 (described later) provided on the cover member 20. In other words, when the cover member 20 is in the closed position C and the locking mechanism support portion 104 is accommodated in the locking mechanism accommodating portion 76, a working space 82 is formed in front of the locking mechanism support portion 104, allowing an operator to insert their fingers to unlock a locking mechanism 114 (described later).

[0037] <Cover Member 20> The cover member 20 is formed from an insulating synthetic resin and has a cover wall portion 84 that covers the mounting opening 16, and a pivot shaft holding piece 86 that protrudes from one side edge of the cover wall portion 84 and holds a pivot shaft 98 (described later). In embodiment 1, the cover wall portion 84 has a generally rounded rectangular shape that corresponds to the case opening 35 (cover accommodating portion 36) in a plan view, and the pivot shaft holding piece 86 protrudes rearward from the rear edge of the cover wall portion 84. In particular, in embodiment 1, a pair of pivot shaft holding pieces 86, 86 are provided spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction in the center portion of the cover wall portion 84 in the left-right direction. 3, when the cover member 20 is in the closed position C, that is, when the cover wall portion 84 is housed in the cover housing portion 36, the upper surface 87 of the cover wall portion 84 is at the same height (vertical position) as the upper surface 33 of the upper bottom wall portion 30 of the lower case 28, i.e., the upper surfaces 33, 87 are located on the same plane. As a result, when the cover member 20 is in the closed position C, the cover member 20 does not protrude above the upper surface 33 of the lower case 28.

[0038] The outer peripheral edge of the cover wall 84 is provided with a cover peripheral wall 88 that protrudes downward toward the mounting opening 16 when the cover member 20 is in the closed position C. The cover peripheral wall 88 is generally annular in shape over substantially the entire circumferential direction, and a generally annular flange 90 that protrudes outward is provided at the vertically middle portion of the cover peripheral wall 88. The lower surface of the flange 90 is a flat surface that extends generally annularly in the horizontal direction. As shown in FIG. 3 , the flange 90 abuts substantially the entire surface against the generally annular upper peripheral wall surface 54 of the electrical component mounting portion 18 when the cover member 20 is in the closed position.

[0039] <Pivot Shaft Holding Piece 86> Each pivot shaft holding piece 86 has a pair of approximately rectangular holding plate portions 92, 92, which extend in the front-to-rear direction and are spaced apart from each other in the left-to-right direction. The holding plate portions 92 are connected to each other at their upper ends by an upper wall portion 94. The holding plate portions 92 are also connected to each other at their front ends by a front wall portion 96. The upper wall portion 94 and the front wall portion 96 are integrally formed and connected to the rear portion of the cover peripheral wall portion 88.

[0040] As described above, each pivot shaft holding piece 86 is accommodated in a corresponding accommodation recess 56 provided in the lower case 28. That is, each holding plate 92 is positioned outward in the left-right direction from the corresponding protruding wall 60 provided in each accommodation recess 56. In other words, the opposing distance between each holding plate 92 (the distance between the left-right inner surfaces of each holding plate 92) is greater than the distance between the left-right outer surfaces of each protruding wall 60. Furthermore, when the cover member 20 is in the closed position C, each upper wall 94 is spaced upward from the corresponding protruding wall 60 by a predetermined distance, and the upper wall 94 and the protruding wall 60 face each other in the up-down direction. More specifically, when the cover member 20 is in the closed position C, each upper wall 94 is positioned within the corresponding accommodation recess 56 and does not protrude upward from the corresponding accommodation recess 56.

[0041] Meanwhile, as a result of rotational displacement of the cover member 20 including each rotation shaft holding piece 86 as described below, when the cover member 20 is in the maximum open position O, the rear end portion of the inner surface 95 of the upper wall portion 94 abuts against the rear end surface (inclined surface 66) of each protruding wall portion 60, restricting the rotation of the cover member 20. Therefore, the rear end portion of the inner surface 95 of the upper wall portion 94, in particular, forms an abutting portion that prevents the cover member 20 from rotating beyond the maximum open position O by coming into surface contact with the abutted portion (inclined surface 66).

[0042] <Pivot Shaft 98> A pivot shaft 98 protruding outward in the left-right direction is provided on the outermost holding plate 92 of the pair of holding plate portions 92, 92 of each pivot shaft holding piece 86. Each pivot shaft 98 has a circular cross section and protrudes outward in the left-right direction by a predetermined protrusion distance. The cover member 20 is assembled to the lower case 28 in the orientation shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 . In the state shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 , the lower portion of the outer peripheral surface of each pivot shaft 98 is provided with an inclined surface 100 that is inclined in the same direction as the aforementioned guide surfaces 74. The inclined surfaces 100 abut against the guide surfaces 74 of each bearing portion 68, making it easier for each holding plate 92 on which each pivot shaft 98 is provided to elastically deform inward in the left-right direction.

[0043] The rotation shafts 98 of the cover member 20 are inserted into and held in the insertion holes 72 formed in the bearing portions 68 of the lower case 28, thereby rotatably holding the cover member 20 relative to the lower case 28. The cover member 20 is rotatable from a closed position C (see FIGS. 1 to 4 ) where it overlaps with and covers the mounting opening 16 to a maximum open position O (see FIGS. 6 and 7 ).

[0044] The outer diameter of each pivot shaft 98 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the insertion hole 72 provided in each bearing portion 68. When the pivot shaft 98 is inserted into the insertion hole 72, a slight gap 102 is formed between the pivot shaft 98 and the insertion hole 72. This prevents the pivot shaft 98 from getting caught on the inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole 72 during rotation of the cover member 20, achieving smooth rotation. In particular, the formation of such gap 102 makes the rotational force of the cover member 20 to the closed position C due to its own weight greater than the resistance to the rotational force. As a result, after an operator releases the cover member 20 from its hold after opening the cover member 20 (described later), the resistance that prevents the cover member 20 from free-falling to the closed position C due to its own weight can be significantly reduced. Therefore, the released cover member 20 can be quickly rotated toward the closed position C.

[0045] <Locking Mechanism Support Portion 104> When the cover member 20 is in the closed position C, a locking mechanism support portion 104, on which a locking mechanism 114 (described later) is mounted, protrudes from the front edge of the cover wall portion 84. In this state, the locking mechanism support portion 104 is generally rectangular in plan view and has left-right and front-rear dimensions that allow it to be accommodated in the locking mechanism accommodating portion 76. In the first embodiment, the locking mechanism support portion 104 has a pair of generally rectangular support plate portions 106, 106 that extend in the front-rear direction, and the upper ends of the support plate portions 106 are connected to each other by an upper wall portion 108. The rear ends of the support plate portions 106 are connected to each other by a rear wall portion 110. The upper wall portion 108 and the rear wall portion 110 are integrally formed and connected to the front portion of the cover peripheral wall portion 88.

[0046] 2, 4, 6, etc., cover-side protrusions 112 that protrude outward in the left-right direction and constitute a locking mechanism 114 (described later) are formed on the outer left-right surface of each support plate 106. In the first embodiment, each cover-side protrusion 112 includes a first cover-side protrusion 112a and a second cover-side protrusion 112b that are spaced apart from each other in the up-down and front-rear directions. That is, the first cover-side protrusions 112a are positioned forward and above the second cover-side protrusions 112b. Each of the first cover-side protrusions 112a and the second cover-side protrusions 112b protrudes outward in the left-right direction by a predetermined protrusion distance, and in the first embodiment, the first cover-side protrusions 112a and the second cover-side protrusions 112b have approximately the same protrusion distance.

[0047] <Locking mechanism 114> When the cover member 20 is in the closed position C, each first cover protrusion 112a is located at the same position in the front-to-rear direction as each first case protrusion 80a provided in the locking mechanism housing portion 76, and is located lower than each first case protrusion 80a. Similarly, each second cover protrusion 112b is located at the same position in the front-to-rear direction as each second case protrusion 80b, and is located lower than each second case protrusion 80b. As a result, when the cover member 20 is pivotally displaced to the closed position C, each first cover protrusion 112a moves over each first case protrusion 80a, and each second cover protrusion 112b moves over each second case protrusion 80b. As a result, the cover protrusions 112 are engaged with the case protrusions 80, and the cover member 20 is held in the closed position C. Furthermore, by rotating the cover member 20 in the opening direction (toward the maximum open position O), the second cover-side projections 112b move over the second case-side projections 80b, and the first cover-side projections 112a move over the first case-side projections 80a. As a result, the cover-side projections 112 are released from the engagement with the case-side projections 80. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the locking mechanism 114 that detachably holds the cover member 20 in the closed position C is configured to include the case-side projections 80 and the cover-side projections 112.

[0048] As described above, the cover-side protrusions 112 are released from the case-side protrusions 80 (the cover member 20 is pivoted in the opening direction) by the operator inserting his or her fingers into the working space 82. Here, the locking mechanism support part 104 has a narrow portion 116 in the longitudinal (front-rear) middle portion that is narrower than the other portions. This makes the locking mechanism support part 104, particularly the portion forward of the narrow portion 116, more susceptible to elastic deformation to some extent. As a result, when pivoting the cover member 20 in the opening direction, the operator places his or her fingers on the front end of the locking mechanism support part 104 and pulls it upward, which first elastically deforms the portion forward of the narrow portion 116 of the locking mechanism support part 104, and each second cover-side protrusion 112b moves over each second case-side protrusion 80b. After that, the worker further pulls the cover member 20 upward, causing the cover member 20 to rotate around each pivot axis 98, and each first cover side protrusion 112a overcomes each first case side protrusion 80a, thereby realizing the rotational displacement of the cover member 20 in the opening direction.

[0049] <Assembly of Electrical Junction Box 10> The electrical junction box 10 having such a structure is constructed by assembling the cover member 20 to the lower case 28. That is, each of the pivot shafts 98 of the cover member 20 is inserted from above into each of the bearing portions 68 of the lower case 28. When the inclined surfaces 100 of each of the pivot shafts 98 abut against the guide surfaces 74 of each of the bearing portions 68, each of the retaining plates 92 on which each of the pivot shafts 98 is provided elastically deforms inward in the left-right direction, allowing each of the pivot shafts 98 to pass up and down through each of the grooves 70. When each of the pivot shafts 98 moves downward within each of the grooves 70 and reaches each of the insertion holes 72, each of the retaining plates 92 elastically restores its original shape, allowing each of the pivot shafts 98 to be inserted into each of the insertion holes 72. As a result, the cover member 20 is assembled to the lower case 28, and then a relay or the like (not shown) is fixed to the internal space of the lower case 28, and the upper case is assembled to the lower case 28 to form the case 14, thereby completing the electrical connection box 10 of embodiment 1.

[0050] In the electrical junction box 10, the cover member 20 is designed to automatically displace to the closed position C due to its own weight, and in the initial state, the cover member 20 is in the closed position C. In this state, the cover-side protrusions 112 are engaged with the case-side protrusions 80, thereby holding the cover member 20 in the closed position C.

[0051] <Method of Using the Electrical Junction Box 10> In the electrical junction box 10 manufactured as described above, the cover member 20 is held in the closed position C, so first, a finger is inserted into the working space 82 to pull the cover member 20 upward and release the engagement of the cover-side protrusion 112 with the case-side protrusion 80. In this case, as described above, the front side of the narrow width portion 116 of the locking mechanism support portion 104 elastically deforms preferentially, and the engagement of the second cover-side protrusion 112b with the second case-side protrusion 80b is released first, and the engagement of the first cover-side protrusion 112a with the first case-side protrusion 80a is released later.

[0052] After the cover-side projections 112 are released from the case-side projections 80, the cover member 20 is further pulled up and pivoted in the open direction about the pivot shafts 98. This pivotal movement in the open direction is limited by the abutment of the contact portions (the inner surfaces 95 of the upper wall portions 94) with the abutted portions (the inclined surfaces 66). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7 , the abutment of the contact portions (the inner surfaces 95 of the upper wall portions 94) with the abutted portions (the inclined surfaces 66) prevents the cover member 20 from pivoting beyond the maximum open position O. Here, the pivotal range R of the cover member 20 from the closed position C to the maximum open position O is limited to the range in which the cover member 20 pivots to the closed position C due to its own weight.

[0053] 6 and 7 show a state in which the cover member 20 has been rotated to the maximum open position O, and the central angle X (see FIG. 7 ) about each rotation axis 98 in the rotation range R of the cover member 20 is preferably set in the range of 75°≦X<90° around each rotation axis 98, where 0° is the closed position C of the cover member 20. As described above, the rotational displacement of the cover member 20 toward the maximum open position O is limited by the contact between the inner surface 95 of each upper wall portion 94 and each inclined surface 66. Therefore, the magnitude of the central angle X of the cover member 20 about each rotation axis 98 can be set by the inclination angle x of each inclined surface 66. For example, the inclination angle x of each inclined surface 66 can be set equal to the central angle X, i.e., 75°≦x<90°.

[0054] Next, the cover member 20 is held in an open state (e.g., in the maximum open position O shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 ) and the fuse 12 is accommodated in the electrical component mounting portion 18. That is, the terminal portions 24 of the fuse 12 are aligned with the bus bars 38, 40 exposed on the terminal support portions 48 and secured with the bolts 52. Thereafter, the cover member 20 is released from the open state, causing the cover member 20 to pivot to the closed position C due to its own weight. Thereafter, the cover-side projections 112 are engaged with the case-side projections 80, thereby achieving a state in which the fuse 12 is mounted (accommodated) in the electrical component mounting portion 18 and the cover member 20 is held in the closed position C, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 .

[0055] In this way, by setting the central angle X of the cover member 20 to less than 90° when the cover member 20 is in the maximum open position O, the cover member 20 can be automatically pivoted to the closed position C by its own weight. In particular, a small gap 102 is formed between each pivot shaft 98 and each insertion hole 72 through which the pivot shaft 98 is inserted. Although it is necessary to maintain the cover member 20 in the open state when installing or removing an electrical component (fuse 12), the cover member 20 can be automatically pivoted to the closed position C by releasing the open state. After the cover member 20 reaches the closed position C, the cover-side protrusions 112 are engaged with the case-side protrusions 80, thereby maintaining the cover member 20 in the closed position C.

[0056] Then, during maintenance or other servicing, the cover-side projections 112 are again released from the case-side projections 80, the cover member 20 is displaced toward the maximum open position O, the bolts 52 are released, and electrical components (fuses 12) can be replaced, etc. Rotational displacement of the cover member 20 in the opening direction is limited by the abutment between the abutting portions (inner surfaces 95 of the upper wall portions 94) and the abutted portions (inclined surfaces 66), as described above, and after maintenance or other work is completed, the force holding the cover member 20 in the opening direction is released, allowing the cover member 20 to automatically displace to the closed position C.

[0057] In the above description, the state in which the cover member 20 is assembled to the lower case 28 is considered to be the initial state of the electrical junction box 10, and the electrical component (fuse 12) is attached to the electrical junction box 10 in this state. However, for example, the cover member 20 may be assembled after the electrical component (fuse 12) is attached to the lower case 28, or the electrical junction box 10 in the state in which the electrical component (fuse 12) is attached (i.e., the electrical junction box 10 in the state shown in Figures 1 to 4) may be considered to be in the initial state.

[0058] According to the electrical junction box 10 of the first embodiment having the above-described structure, the cover member 20 is displaced from the closed position C toward the maximum open position O when installing an electrical component (fuse 12) or performing maintenance or other servicing. However, the rotation range R of the cover member 20 toward the maximum open position O is limited to a range in which the cover member 20 rotates to the closed position C due to its own weight by the abutment of each abutting portion (the inner surface 95 of each upper wall portion 94) with each abutted portion (each inclined surface 66). As a result, even if work is performed with the cover member 20 open, the cover member 20 automatically displaces to the closed position C by releasing the external force maintaining the cover member 20 in the open state after the work, preventing the cover member 20 from being left closed. In particular, since the structure for preventing the cover member 20 from being left closed as described above does not use a hinge as in the conventional structure, there is no problem, such as hinge damage due to exposure to a low-temperature environment, and the live components can be quickly and more reliably covered by the cover member 20.

[0059] In the first embodiment, a gap 102 is provided between each rotation shaft 98 and the insertion hole 72 in each bearing portion 68. As a result, the rotational force with which the cover member 20 rotates to the closed position C due to its own weight is made greater than the resistance force against the rotational force, and the cover member 20, which has released the holding force in the open direction, can automatically and quickly rotate to the closed position C. Note that this configuration can be achieved, for example, by setting the outer diameter of each rotation shaft 98 slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the insertion hole 72 in each bearing portion 68.

[0060] When the cover member 20 is in the closed position C, the cover member 20 abuts against the peripheral wall upper surface 54 of the electrical component mounting portion 18. In particular, in the first embodiment, the peripheral wall upper surface 54 is located on the same plane over substantially the entirety, and substantially the entire flange-shaped portion 90 of the cover member 20 abuts against the peripheral wall upper surface 54. This more reliably prevents unintentional contact with live parts (connections between the fuse 12 and each bus bar 38, 40) through the case opening 35 and the mounting opening 16.

[0061] The restriction on the rotational displacement of the cover member 20 as described above is achieved by the contact between each abutting portion (the inner surface 95 of each upper wall portion 94) and each abutted portion (the inclined surface 66). That is, the restriction on the rotational displacement of the cover member 20 is achieved by the contact between each abutting portion (the inner surface 95 of each upper wall portion 94) and each abutted portion (the inclined surface 66), both of which are formed of a hard synthetic resin. Therefore, the rotational displacement of the cover member 20 beyond the maximum open position O is more reliably restricted. In particular, the contacting portions (the inner surface 95 of each upper wall portion 94) and each abutted portion (the inclined surface 66) are in surface contact with each other. Therefore, for example, even if an external force is applied in the opening direction when the cover member 20 is in the maximum open position O, the contacting state between each abutting portion (the inner surface 95 of each upper wall portion 94) and each abutted portion (the inclined surface 66) is maintained, and the rotational displacement of the cover member 20 beyond the maximum open position O can be more reliably prevented.

[0062] For example, when opening the cover member 20 to install or remove an electrical component (fuse 12), the rotation angle of the cover member 20 is set so that the maximum central angle X about the central axis of each rotation shaft 98 is in the range of 75°≦X<90°. Setting the cover member 20 to open at an angle of 75° or more allows for stable installation and removal of the electrical component (fuse 12). Furthermore, setting the cover member 20 to open at an angle less than 90° allows the cover member 20 to automatically move to the closed position C after the installation or removal by releasing the external force in the opening direction of the cover member 20.

[0063] The electrical junction box 10 has a locking mechanism 114 that detachably holds the cover member 20 in the closed position C. This prevents the cover member 20 from being unintentionally displaced toward the maximum open position O when in the closed position C. In particular, in the first embodiment, the locking mechanism 114 is a two-stage locking mechanism including the first case-side projections 80 a and the first cover-side projections 112 a, and the second case-side projections 80 b and the second cover-side projections 112 b. This makes it easier for an operator to confirm that the locking mechanism 114 is in the locked state by the feel of operation, and more reliably holds the cover member 20 in the closed position C by the locking mechanism 114.

[0064] Second Embodiment Next, an electrical junction box 120 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10 . The basic structure of the electrical junction box 120 according to the second embodiment is similar to that of the electrical junction box 10 according to the first embodiment. However, while the fuse 12 was used as an example of an electrical component mounted in the electrical component mounting portion 18 in the first embodiment, a current sensor 122 is used as the electrical component in the second embodiment. Since a known current sensor 122 is used as the electrical component, detailed description thereof will be omitted. However, the current sensor 122 includes a sensor main body 124 and a pair of terminals 126, 126 protruding from the sensor main body 124 on both the left and right sides. The sensor main body 124 includes a sensor element 128 disposed therein and a synthetic resin sensor housing 130 that covers the outer periphery of the sensor element 128. The sensor housing 130 may be composed of, for example, multiple components. In the following description, components and parts that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. 8 to 10 also show only the characteristic parts of the second embodiment, and do not show the entire electrical junction box 120.

[0065] In the first embodiment, the pivot shaft holding pieces 86 protrude rearward from the cover wall portion 84 of the cover member 20, which extends in the left-right direction. However, in the second embodiment, although the cover member 132 extends in the left-right direction, the pivot shaft holding pieces 136 protrude leftward from the cover wall portion 134. The structure of the pivot shaft holding pieces 136 is the same as in the first embodiment and includes a pair of holding plate portions 92, 92 and an upper wall portion 94 connecting the upper ends of the holding plate portions 92. Also, as in the first embodiment, the lower case 28 is provided with accommodation recesses 138 in which the pivot shaft holding pieces 136 are accommodated. The pivot shafts 98 provided in the pivot shaft holding pieces 136 are inserted into the insertion holes 72 of the bearing portions 68 provided in the accommodation recesses 138, thereby enabling the cover member 132 to be pivotally displaced about the pivot shafts 98. Each protruding wall portion 60 is provided in the storage recess 138, and the abutting portion (the inner surface 95 of the upper wall portion 94) abuts against the abutted portion (each inclined surface 66), thereby limiting the rotational displacement of the cover member 132 around each rotation axis 98.

[0066] That is, in the second embodiment as well, the rotation range R' of the cover member 132 from the closed position C (see FIG. 8 ) to the maximum open position O (see FIGS. 9 and 10 ) is limited to a range in which the cover member 132 rotates to the closed position C due to its own weight. In the rotation range R' of the cover member 132, the central angle X at the maximum open position O about each rotation shaft 98 is preferably set in the range of 75°≦X<90° around each rotation shaft 98 of the cover member 132, assuming that the closed position C of the cover member 132 is 0°. The electrical junction box 120 in the second embodiment thus configured can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment, simply by changing the electrical component mounted in the electrical component mounting portion 18 from the fuse 12 to a current sensor 122.

[0067] <Modifications> Although the first and second embodiments have been described above as specific examples of the present disclosure, the present disclosure is not limited to these specific descriptions. Modifications, improvements, etc., within the scope of achieving the object of the present disclosure, are included in the present disclosure. For example, the following modifications of the embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0068] (1) In the above embodiment, the cover members 20, 132 are provided with the pivot shafts 98, and the lower case 28 is provided with the bearing portions 68 that hold the pivot shafts 98. However, the cover members may be provided with bearing portions, and the case (e.g., the lower case) may be provided with pivot shafts.

[0069] (2) In the first embodiment, one electrical component mounting portion 18 is provided in the lower case 28 and the fuse 12 is mounted therein, and in the second embodiment, the current sensor 122 is mounted in the one electrical component mounting portion 18. However, this is not limited to this. That is, a case (e.g., the lower case) may be provided with multiple electrical component mounting portions, and both a fuse and a current sensor may be mounted therein. Note that the electrical components mounted in the electrical component mounting portions are not limited to fuses and current sensors, and known electrical components may be used. However, it is preferable that the electrical components be replaceable during service, such as maintenance.

[0070] (3) In the electrical junction box according to the present disclosure, a locking mechanism that detachably holds the cover member in the closed position is not essential. Even if such a locking mechanism is provided, it does not need to be a two-stage locking mechanism as described in the above embodiment.

[0071] (4) In the above embodiment, the electrical component mounting portion 18 is provided on the lower case 28 that constitutes the case 14. However, the electrical component mounting portion may be provided on the upper case instead of or in addition to the lower case.

[0072] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Electrical junction box (first embodiment) 12 Fuse (electrical component) 14 Case 16 Mounting opening (opening) 18 Electrical component mounting portion 20 Cover member 22 Fuse main body 24 Terminal portion 26 Bolt insertion hole 28 Lower case 30 Upper bottom wall portion 32 Peripheral wall portion 33 Top surface (of upper bottom wall portion) 34 Storage space 35 Case opening 36 Cover storage portion 38, 40 Bus bar 42 Bolt insertion hole 43 Peripheral wall 44 Main body storage portion 46 Terminal storage portion 48 Terminal support portion 50 Bolt fastening hole 52 Bolt 54 Peripheral wall upper surface 56 Storage recess 58 Bottom surface (of storage recess) 60 Protruding wall portion 62 Connection portion 64 Vertical surface 66 Inclined surface (contact portion, extending end surface) 68 Bearing portion 70 Groove 72 Insertion hole 74 Guide surface 76 Lock mechanism accommodating portion 78 Bottom surface (of lock mechanism accommodating portion) 80 Case side protrusion 80a First case side protrusion 80b Second case side protrusion 82 Working space 84 Cover wall portion 86 Rotating shaft holding piece 87 Top surface (of cover wall portion) 88 Cover peripheral wall portion 90 Flange-shaped portion 92 Holding plate portion 94 Upper wall portion 95 Inner surface (contact portion) 96 Front wall portion 98 Rotating shaft 100 Inclined surface 102 Gap 104 Lock mechanism support portion 106 Support plate portion 108 Upper wall portion 110 Rear wall portion 112 Cover side protrusion 112a First cover side protrusion 112b Second cover side protrusion 114 Lock mechanism 116 Narrow width portion 120 Electrical junction box (second embodiment) 122 Current sensor (electrical component) 124 Sensor body 126 Terminal portion 128 Sensor element 130 Sensor housing 132 Cover member 134 Cover wall portion 136 Rotation shaft holding piece 138 Storage recess C Closed position O Maximum open position R, R' Rotation area X Central angle x Inclination angle (of extended end surface)

Claims

1. An electrical connection box comprising: a case; an electrical component mounting portion provided on the case and into which an electrical component is mounted through an opening; and a cover member covering the opening, wherein a rotation axis provided on one of the case and the cover member is held by a bearing portion provided on the other of the case and the cover member, such that the cover member is rotatably held relative to the case, the cover member is rotatable from a closed position in which it is placed over the opening and covers the opening, to a maximum open position, and the rotation range of the cover member from the closed position to the maximum open position is limited to a range in which the cover member rotates to the closed position under its own weight.

2. The electrical junction box according to claim 1, wherein a gap is provided between said rotating shaft and said bearing portion.

3. The electrical connection box according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cover member abuts against an upper surface of a peripheral wall of the opening when the cover member is placed in the closed position.

4. An electrical connection box as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the cover member has an abutment portion, the case has an abutted portion against which the abutment portion abuts, and the cover member is prevented from rotating beyond the maximum open position by the abutment of the abutment portion against the abutted portion.

5. An electrical connection box as described in claim 4, wherein the cover member has the pivot shaft and the case has the bearing portion, the cover member has a cover wall portion covering the opening and a pivot shaft holding piece protruding from one side edge of the cover wall portion and holding the pivot shaft, the case has a accommodating recess provided near the bearing portion and accommodating the pivot shaft holding piece which pivotally displaces as the cover member rotates, and a protruding wall portion protruding into the accommodating recess and extending from the opening side towards the bearing portion, the abutted portion being formed by the extending end face of the protruding wall portion, and the abutting portion being formed by an inner surface of the pivot shaft holding piece which comes into face-to-face contact with the extending end face as a result of the pivotal displacement of the pivot shaft holding piece.

6. An electrical junction box as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a central angle X at the maximum open position in the rotation region of the cover member, centered on the rotation axis, is set in a range of 75°≦X<90° around the rotation axis of the cover member, when the closed position of the cover member is defined as 0°.

7. The electrical junction box according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a locking mechanism for removably holding said cover member in said closed position.

Images