JP2001041211A - Box structure - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a box structure in which box bodies are rigidly integrated with each other with a simple structure, while causing no play. SOLUTION: A box structure has a pair of box bodies to be combined, that is, upper and lower cases 10, 20. A lock arm 30 which is elastically deformed for attracting one of the upper and lower cases 10, 20 to the other and integrally combined them is provided on, for instance, the lower case 20. An locked recession 11 to be engaged with the lock arm 30 is formed on, for instance, on the upper case 10.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to a housing structure combined into one.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, various techniques for combining a plurality of housings have been widely put into practical use. Among them, many of them are provided with some kind of locking means so that the plurality of housings are firmly integrated. For example, in a structure in which two housings can be combined with each other, a locking arm is provided in one housing, and a concave portion is provided in a predetermined position in the other housing so that a convex portion of the locking arm can be locked. Have been.

[0003]

In the case of a housing structure having a locking means as described above and being combined with, for example, a box with a lid, the lid is surely combined by the locking arm. Since the lid does not easily come off, integration by combination is possible. However,
In such a conventional structure, the length of the arm up to the convex portion of the locking arm is usually formed longer than the distance from the other housing end surface to the concave portion. Since a slight gap is generated at the locking portion, play occurs at the time of fitting.

Further, in the prior art, not only the certainty of the combination in the structure having the locking arm, but also the concrete quality in consideration of not only the quality of the product that does not generate an unnecessary sound due to the backlash but the like is considered. The structure is not shown. And nowadays, there is a tendency that demand for a housing structure in which not only daily necessities but also electronic components and the like are maintained without any looseness while maintaining the airtightness is being demanded in an increasingly wider field.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a housing structure in which housings are firmly integrated with a simple structure and can be combined without play.

[0006]

Means for Solving the Problems In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, the present invention takes the following measures. That is, according to the present invention, a pair of housings to be combined, and a locking arm that elastically deforms to combine one of the housings by attracting one of the housings to the other housing,
A housing structure is proposed that has a concave portion that engages with the locking arm.

Also, a pair of housings to be combined, a locking arm that is elastically deformed to attract one of the housings of the pair of housings to the other housing and combine the housings, and this locking arm. And a pushing means for forcibly pushing the locking arm into the recess. The locking arm has a structure characterized by being formed so as to be elastically deformable in its longitudinal direction.

[0008]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The gist of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to a plurality of embodiments. (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 shows one of the housing structures as a first embodiment of the present invention. The structure illustrated here is a combination structure of a box lid with a lid (upper case 10) that matches, for example, a rectangular lower box (lower case 20), and as shown, the lower box (lower case 20) Are provided with a pair of locking means on both sides.

More specifically, the feature of the housing structure according to the present invention is that a pair of housings (upper case 10 and lower case 20) to be combined and one of the housings (upper case 10) of the pair of housings are combined. Since the upper and lower casings (upper and lower casings 10, 20) are integrally combined so as to be attracted to the other casing (lower case 20), a locking arm 30 which can be appropriately elastically deformed is used as a locking means. In this case, the locked concave portion 1 which protrudes from the housing (the lower case 20) and is engaged with the locking arm 30.
1 is provided at a corresponding position inside the other housing (upper case 10). Further, the locking arm 30 is formed so as to be elastically deformable in its longitudinal direction.

The locking arm 30 is a plate-like member extending upward from the side wall of the lower case 20 to the inner surface side, and has a single narrow slit 30a extending substantially in the longitudinal direction thereof. Both ends of the slit 30a are provided with elastically deformable arms 32 formed so as to protrude in a semicircular shape so as to be easily elastically deformed. At the center adjacent to the slit 30a, a projection 35 for unlocking is provided so as to be released by pressing the engaged state.

On the bottom surface of the lower case 20, a lock release hole 25 for releasing the lock state by inserting and pressing a predetermined jig from outside the bottom surface of the lock release projection 35 is provided. It is open.

As the material exhibiting the desired elasticity in the embodiment, polypropylene, polyacetal, nylon or the like is used, and usually, a thermoplastic resin can be adopted.

In this structure, the arm length L of the locking arm 30 provided on the lower case 20 up to the locking projection (claw) 31 is usually determined by the length of the arm of the other upper case 10 from the mating end face of the upper case 10. It is formed shorter than the distance l (ell) to the stop recess 11. That is, since the dimensional condition is L <l (ell), in the locked state, no gap is formed in the locked portion, and the upper and lower casings, the upper case 10 and the lower case 20 are attracted to each other. Combined together.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional shape of a portion connecting the centers of both engaging portions when the upper and lower casings (upper and lower cases 10 and 20) are integrally combined as described above. I have. Further, since the end face 10a of the upper case 10 and the end face 20a of the lower case 20 are brought into contact with each other, a hole-shaped fitting portion formed by the entire peripheral wall of the end face 10b and a convex fitting formed by the entire peripheral wall of the end face 20b. The mating part fits.

As shown, when the locking projections (claws) 31 of the pair of locking arms 30 of the lower case 10 respectively engage with the locked concave portions 11 of the upper case 10, these upper and lower cases 1 are engaged.
0 and 20 are integrated without a gap. A state in which a predetermined tension is always applied while the locking arm 30 is hooked on the locked concave portion 11 even when the locking convex portion 31 and the concave portion 11 are fitted with each other at the engagement portion without any gap. To maintain.

(Effect 1) The housing structure shown in the first embodiment is constructed so as to satisfy such a condition, so that the lid (upper case 10) is certainly formed. The locking arms 30 firmly and integrally combine and the lid does not easily come off, so that the housing can be integrated by this combination. In addition, locking arm 3
Since the locking convex portion 31 and the locked concave portion 11 are locked with each other while 0 is pulled, and no play occurs, even if an external force is applied,
Also, even if the housing is deformed, the sound of the housing colliding with each other is reduced. With this configuration, the upper and lower housings are firmly combined with each other with a relatively simple structure, and a housing structure without play can be obtained.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 3 shows one of the housing structures as a second embodiment of the present invention. This housing structure is composed of a pair of housings (upper case 1
0, lower case 20) and upper and lower housings (upper and lower cases 10, 2) such that one housing (upper case 10) of the pair of housings is attracted to the other housing (lower case 20).
0), the locking arm 30 that is elastically deformed appropriately is used as locking means, and in this case, the locking arm 30 is protruded from the housing (the lower case 20). The locked concave portion 11 is provided at a corresponding position inside the other housing (upper case 10). Further, this housing structure is characterized in that it further has a locking forcing section 12 as a pushing means for forcibly pushing the locking arm 30 into the locked concave portion 11. The locking arm 30 has a housing structure that is formed so as to be elastically deformable in the longitudinal direction.

The structure exemplified here is also a combination structure of the upper case 10 that matches the rectangular lower case 20. However, on both sides of the lower case 20, a pair of locking means (locking arms 30) are provided as shown in the drawing, while inside the upper case 10, a locked concave portion 11 for locking the locking arms 30 is provided. On both sides, a locking forcing part 12 provided so that a locking arm 30 is locked in the locked concave part 11 is provided with a substantially triangular reinforcing rib 13.
Are arranged to protrude inward.

An outer wall surface corresponding to each locking forcing part 12 is engaged with the locking forcing part 12 so that, for example, a predetermined jig in the form of a bar can be inserted and the vicinity of the center thereof can be pushed from the outside. An unlocking hole 15 for releasing the state is provided. The elastic material used in this example is also preferably a thermoplastic resin such as polypropylene, polyacetal or nylon.

More specifically, FIGS. 4A to 4C show the engagement process of the housing structure of the second embodiment having the above-described structure.
This will be described with reference to the enlarged sectional view of FIG. FIG.
As shown in (a), the locking forcing surface 1 forming a slope is provided at the tip of the locking forcing portion 12 reinforced and supported from behind by a reinforcing rib 13.
Four guide portions 14a are formed. When the upper case 10 is pressed against the lower case 20 at the engagement portion at the initial stage of the engagement, the protrusion 31 on the top of the locking protrusion 31 against the guide portion 14a of the locking forcing surface 14 of the pushing means. The opposite corner moves while sliding while contacting. At this time, the elastically deforming portion 32 is deformed while being brought into contact with the locking forcing surface 14, and the locking convex portion 31 is guided along the inner surface of the upper case 10 to near the lower end of the locked concave portion 11.

Next, at the engagement portion in the middle stage of engagement shown in FIG. 4B, the end of the locking projection 31 of the locking arm 30 is pointed at the lower end of the locked concave portion 11 of the upper case 10 by an arrow. It fits like Since the locking forcing part 12 is reinforced by the reinforcing ribs 13, there is no substantial deformation, and the position is usually maintained, and the locking arm 30 is guided while being deformed.

4 (c), the protruding portion (claw) of the end of the locking projection 31 is firmly fitted to the locked concave portion 11. Fit. At this time, the elastic deformation base 33 of the locking arm 30 is deformed as shown in the drawing while being pulled upward. This state is a state in which a pulling force is always applied, and a force against this force acts as an amount of force for firmly combining the upper and lower cases 10 and 20.

Also in this structure, the length (L) of the arm up to the locking projection (claw) 31 of the locking arm 30 provided on the lower case 20
Is formed to be shorter than the distance l (ell) from the housing mating end surface of the upper case 10 to the locked concave portion 11 (that is, L <
l (L)). Therefore, in the locked state, no gap is formed in the locked portion, and the upper and lower housings, that is, the upper case 10 and the lower case 20 are attracted to each other and are integrally combined.

(Function and Effect 2) The feature of the housing structure of the second embodiment is that the locking forcing portion 1 reinforced by the reinforcing ribs 13
When the pair of upper case 10 and lower case 20 are combined with each other, the elastic arm 30 is guided while deforming, and then supported. With this configuration, the locking projection 31 of the locking arm 30 is accurately guided to the locked concave portion 11, and the locked state is firmly supported by the locking forcing surface 14.

As a result, also in this embodiment, the upper and lower housings can be firmly combined with each other by a relatively simple structure, and a structure without play can be obtained. When it is desired to release these locks, a pin-shaped jig is inserted from the lock release hole 15 described above, the locking forcing surface 14 is pressed to forcibly deform, and the locking may be released.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 5 shows another housing structure as a third embodiment of the present invention. The structure illustrated here also basically corresponds to the second
Similar to the embodiment but with different shapes and locations.
The different parts will be described. On the inner surface of the upper case 10, a contact wall 17 similar to the above-described locking forcing part and a locked part (pin) 18 are arranged close to each other as shown in the figure.

More specifically, the pin 18 serving as the locked means is
The case 10 protrudes in a columnar shape in the longitudinal direction in the vicinity of the center of the inner surface of the case 10, and the contact wall 17 extends obliquely in a direction gradually away from a place near the pin 18 to the mating end surface of the case 10.

On the other hand, the locking arm 30 provided as a locking means provided on the lower case 20 is characterized by having a "J" shape, and has a curved locking projection (claw) 31 at the tip thereof. ,
This is followed by an elastically deformable arm 32 and an elastically deformable arm 3
2 has an elastic deformation base (hinge) 33 projecting from the inner surface of the lower case 20. The elastic deformation base portion 33 is formed so as to be swingable with respect to the lower case 20 and to have a small thickness so as to be easily deformed at the time of engagement.

FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b) show the dimensional relationship between the engaging portions of the third embodiment.
6A is an enlarged view of a portion including the locked portion of the upper case 10, and FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of a portion including the locking arm 30. The distance from the housing end surface to the upper end of the pin 18 is H
Then, the distance from the locking projection of the locking arm 30 protrudingly provided on the lower case 20, that is, the lower end of the curved portion near the tip of the claw 31, to the housing end face is designed to be represented by H-ΔH. (ΔH is a very small amount, for example, 0.01 to 0.1
mm). In other words, since the substantial length of the locking arm 30 is slightly shorter than the distance H, the locking arm 30 is extended even when it is locked by the pin 18 and is extended in the vertical direction. Is working.

With reference to FIGS. 7 (a) to 7 (c), the change in the engagement process will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 7 (a) to 7 (c). When the upper case 10 is pressed against the lower case 20 at the engagement portion in the initial stage of engagement, the upper case 10 engages with the inner surface of the contact wall 17 projecting obliquely in the initial stage of engagement as shown in FIG. The top portion of the stop arm 30 slides along the direction in which the contact wall 17 is provided while contacting the top portion, and the elastically deformable arm portion 32 gradually moves around the elastically deformable base portion 33 like a hinge. And rocks in the vertical direction.

Next, as shown in FIG. 7B, in the middle stage of the engagement, the locking arm 30 that has slid to the vicinity of the end of the contact wall 17 is engaged with the tip of the elastically deformable arm 32 here. The stop projection (claw) 31 contacts the vicinity of the upper end of the pin 18 (shown by a dotted line in the figure). When further proceeding here, the end of the elastically deformable arm 32 slightly deforms outward, and the claw 31 at the tip slides on the peripheral surface of the pin 18.

As shown in FIG. 7C, in the latter stage of the engagement, the original shape shown by the dotted line in the figure is deformed, and the claw 31 at the tip of the elastically deformable arm 32 surrounds the pin 18 halfway. And the engagement relationship is formed. At this time, a force opposing the arrow f acts on the locking arm 30 as tension, and this force strengthens the combination of the upper and lower cases 10, 20.

(Effect 3) As described above, the lower case 20
The locking arm 30 provided in the shape of, for example, forms a "J" shape,
Since the pin 18 for locking the upper case 10 and the contact wall 17 for guiding the locking arm 30 to the pin 18 are arranged obliquely, the distal end of the elastically deformable arm 32 of the locking arm 30 is formed. While the claw 31 is correctly guided to the pin 18, the claw 31
The engagement state where the pin and the pin 18 are once locked is
Can be forcibly supported and maintained firmly.
As a result, the upper and lower housings are firmly combined with each other with a relatively simple structure, and a housing structure without rattling can be obtained.

(Modification) The first embodiment described above may be modified as follows. For example, although the example in which the locking arm 30 is provided on the lower case 20 is shown, it may be provided on the upper case 10. The example in which the locking arm 30 is formed integrally with the upper case 10 is shown.
Only zero may be formed of a material having a predetermined elasticity and may be integrally attached to the case.

In the case of the third embodiment, based on the elasticity of the material used for the locking arm 30, the distance from the end face of the housing to the upper end of the pin 18 and the lower end of the curved portion of the locking arm 30 is determined. The difference ΔH in the distance to the housing end surface is a design requirement that can be determined to an appropriate value within a range that can be restored after deformation. According to these modified embodiments, since the degree of freedom in designing the housing structure is increased, it is possible to expect an operation effect equivalent to or higher than the operation effect obtained from the first to third embodiments.

(Other Modifications) Various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Although the description has been given based on the plural embodiments and the modified examples, the present invention includes the following invention. For example, (1) two cases that are a pair of housings that can be combined, and locking means that can be elastically deformed in a predetermined manner so that one case of the pair of housings is pulled into the other case and combined together. (A locking part, a locking arm) and a locked part formed in the other case so as to be able to engage with the locking means (locking part, locking arm) of the one case. Can provide structure.

(2) When the locking portion of the locking arm is locked to the locked portion, the locking arm is integrated while maintaining the pulled state. ).

(3) In the above housing structure, the distance (L) from the mating end surface of one case to the engaging portion (convex portion) of the engaging arm is determined from the mating end surface of the other case. Stop
The housing structure according to any one of (1) and (2), wherein the housing structure is formed to be shorter than a distance l (ell) to the (recess) (that is, L <l (ell)).

(4) The distance (H) from the mating end face of one case to the upper end of the locked portion (pin) is from the lower end of the curved portion of the locking portion (claw) of the locking arm to the other case. (1), (2), which is slightly longer (ΔH) than the distance to the mating end face, and is designed so that a predetermined tension always acts on the locking arm in the locked state. ).

[0041]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a housing structure in which the housings can be firmly integrated with a simple structure, and can be combined without play.

[Brief description of the drawings]

1 (a) and 1 (b) show a housing structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 (a) is a perspective view of the housing structure with a part cut away. FIG. 1B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a notched portion.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-sectional shape in the longitudinal direction of the center of the housing of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a housing structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention, with a part cut away.

4 (a) to 4 (c) show a change in an engaging process of an engaging portion of the second embodiment, and FIG.
(A) is an initial enlarged cross-sectional view of this engagement along line 4A-4A in FIG. 3, and (b) is an intermediate enlarged cross-sectional view of this engagement at the same site, FIG. c) is an enlarged sectional view of the latter part of this engagement at the same site.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a housing structure according to a third embodiment of the present invention, with a part cut away.

FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b) show a dimensional relationship between engagement portions of the third embodiment, and FIG. 6 (a) is an enlarged view of a locked portion, and FIG. () Is an enlarged view of the locking arm.

7 (a) to 7 (c) show a change in the engagement process of the engagement portion according to the third embodiment, and FIG.
FIG. 7B is a partially enlarged view of the middle stage of the engagement, and FIG. 7C is a partially enlarged view of the latter half of the engagement.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Upper case (housing), 11 ... Locking recessed part (locking means), 12 ... Locking forced part (pressing means), 13 ... Reinforcement rib, 14 ... Locking forced surface (pressing means), 14a ... Forced surface guide portion, 15, 25 ... Lock release hole, 17 ... Contact wall (pressing means), 18 ... Locked portion (pin) (Locked means), 20 ... Lower case (housing) Reference numeral 30: locking arm (locking means), 30a: slit, 31: locking projection (claw), 32: elastic deformation arm, 33: elastic deformation base (hinge), 35: locking release projection Department.

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A pair of housings to be combined, a locking arm that is elastically deformed to attract one of the pair of housings to the other housing and combine the housings, and the locking arm. And a recess engaged with the housing. 2. A pair of housings to be combined, a locking arm elastically deformed to attract one housing of the pair of housings to the other housing and to combine the housings, and the locking arm. And a pushing means for forcibly pushing the locking arm into the recess. 3. The housing structure according to claim 1, wherein said locking arm is formed so as to be elastically deformable in a longitudinal direction thereof.