JP2003291628A - Case clamping structure - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent formation of a gap causing no communication of inside section with the outside section in a case fitting section even if an opening force Fz is applied to cases 1 and 2 fitted to each other. <P>SOLUTION: A type C joint member 21 and a locking protrusion part 10 are brought into contact with each other due to case fitting, as a result, the joint member 21 turns R in the vertical direction with a hinge part 20a as a fulcrum and whose locking claws 21a and 21b are hooked to locking holes 11a and 11b respectively for locking both cases 1 and 2. After that, when external force Fz is applied in the direction to open joint end faces 1a and 2a, the joint member 21 starts to turn R in the direction opposite to the fitting direction due to the external force Fz taking the hinge section 20a as a fulcrum. Force Fy is generated to pull the locking projection section 10 in the direction outside of the cases from the upper side locking claw 21a through the upper side locking hole 11a, as a result, the projected groove sides face 12a and the recessed groove inside face 13a of a fitting recessed and projected grooves 12 and 13 are pressed against each other by the force Fy to pull the one side case outward, resulting in keeping the inside of the cases airtight. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a case fastening structure formed by fitting a plurality of divided box bodies, and particularly, even if a force to open the fitted case is applied, the case is fitted. The present invention relates to a fastening structure in which a gap that allows the interior and the exterior to communicate with each other does not occur, and is suitable for application to, for example, a case of a vehicle air conditioner.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, cases such as a cooler unit, a heater unit, and a blower unit in a vehicle air conditioner are usually divided into upper and lower boxes 1 as shown in FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b). 2 are fastened together. By the way, FIG. 5A is a perspective view showing the entire structure of a conventional case, and FIG. 5B is a sectional view of the case. Various fastening structures for the divided boxes 1 and 2 have been devised and put into practical use. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a conventional fastening portion structure different from each of (a), (b) and (c).

FIG. 6 (a) shows two resin split box bodies 1, 2.
On the coupling end faces 1a, 2a of the
C-shaped clip 3 made of metal having 0 and 20 integrally formed and having elasticity at a plurality of protrusions 10 and 20
(It is also shown in FIG. 5). FIG. 6 (b) shows another conventional example in which a tapping screw 4 is used instead of the clip 3 as a fastening means to integrally connect the projecting portions 10 and 20 of the split box bodies 1 and 2.

FIG. 6 (c) shows another conventional example (actually developed sho 60).
-30806), the protruding portion 1 of the split box bodies 1 and 2 is provided without using the separate fastening components (3, 4) as described above.
With the fastening means integrally molded at multiple locations of 0 and 20,
A locking piece 5 having a hooked shape is integrally formed on one box body 1, and a locking receiving hole portion 6 for receiving and locking the locking piece 5 is integrally formed on the other box body 2. The box bodies 1 and 2 are integrally fastened by fitting and locking 5 and 6. By the way, 12 and 13 are fitting concave and convex grooves provided in the case fitting portion.

[0005]

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a fitting portion for explaining the problems common to the conventional fastening portions shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, in the fitting concave-convex grooves 12 and 13 provided in the case fitting portion, the fitting convex groove 12 has a minus tolerance W1 with respect to the target dimension in order to ensure easy fitting of the cases. The fitting groove 13 is made with a plus tolerance W2 with respect to the target dimension.

Therefore, due to the relationship of the convex groove width W1 <the concave groove width W2, there is a minute gap between the fitting concave and convex grooves 12 and 13, and the airtightness inside and outside the case is actually the case end connecting surface of both cases. It is held by the contact of 1a and 2a. However, the connecting end faces 1a and 2a that are in contact with each other
When an external force F is applied in the direction to open the space and a gap S is generated between the coupling end faces 1a and 2a, as shown in the figure, it also communicates with the fine gap between the fitting concave-convex grooves 12 and 13 and from the inside of the case. There is a problem that wind and water leak outside.

The present invention has been made in view of the above conventional problems, and an object thereof is to allow the fitting portion to communicate with the inside and the outside even when a force to open the fitting case is applied. An object is to provide a case fastening structure in which such a gap does not occur.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention employs the following technical means. Claim 1
In the described invention, the coupling end face (1a) and the fitting concave and convex groove (1
A first divided box body (1) having one of
The fitting concavo-convex groove (1) corresponding to one of the coupling end surface (2a) and the fitting concavo-convex groove (12, 13) corresponding to the coupling end surface (1a).
Second divided box body (2) having the other of (2, 13) and made of a resin material, and a coupling end surface (1) of the first divided box body (1).
In a), the engaging projections (10) formed so as to extend toward the outside of the first split box body (1) and the fitting direction of the fitting concave and convex grooves (12, 13) are moved up and down. In this case, the locking holes (11a, 11b) provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the locking protrusion (10)
A box-shaped protrusion (20) integrally formed on the coupling end surface (2a) of the second divided box body (2) corresponding to the locking protrusion (10), and inside the box-shaped protrusion (20) Hinge part (20
a) having a hinge portion (20a) as a fulcrum, and a C-shaped coupling member (21) integrally formed so as to be rotatable (R) in the vertical direction, and C corresponding to the locking holes (11a, 11b).
Locking claws (21) provided at the upper and lower ends of the opening of the mold coupling member (21)
a, 21b), and a fitting end face (1) while fitting the fitting concave and convex grooves (12, 13).
a, 2a), the C-type coupling member (2
1) and the locking protrusion (10) are in contact with each other so that the C-type coupling member (2
1) vertically rotates (R) around the hinge portion (20a) as a fulcrum, and engages the engaging claws (21) in the engaging holes (11a, 11b).
a, 21b) is applied to lock the first divided box body (1) and the second divided box body (2).

This is because when an external force (Fz) is applied in a direction to open the joint end faces (1a, 2a) after the cases (both divided box bodies) 1 and 2 are locked, C is caused by the external force (Fz).
Since the mold coupling member (21) tries to rotate (-R) in the direction opposite to that at the time of fitting around the hinge part (20a) as a fulcrum, the upper locking claw (21a) is moved to the upper locking hole (11a). Force (F) pulling the locking protrusion (10) outward through the split box body (1)
y) is generated, and by the force (Fy) pulling the one-side split box body (1) outward, the convex groove side surface (12a) of the fitting concave and convex groove (12, 13) and the concave groove inner side surface (13a) are caused. As a result of pressure contact, airtightness inside and outside Cases 1 and 2 is maintained.

As a result, even if a force (Fz) for opening the fitted cases 1 and 2 is applied, a case fastening structure can be provided in which there is no gap at the fitting portion for communicating the inside and the outside. it can.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the positional relationship of the first aspect, the locking hole (11a) of the locking protrusion (10) is provided.
Is provided only on the upper surface, and the corresponding locking claw (21a) of the C-type coupling member (21) is also provided only on the upper opening end. With this, the same effect as that of the first aspect can be exhibited, and the shape of the case 1 and 2 and the shape of the mold for molding the case 1 and 2 can be simplified.

The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that the case fastening structure according to claim 1 or 2 is used for a case fastening portion of a vehicle air conditioner. This makes case 1
・ The two are fitted together to be assembled as a vehicle air conditioner, and even if a force (Fz) in the opening direction is applied to the fitted cases 1 and 2 after the vehicle is attached, the inside and the outside of the fitting part communicate with each other. Since the case fastening structure does not create a gap, it is possible to eliminate the problem that conditioned air and condensed water leak from the vehicle air conditioner into the vehicle interior.

Incidentally, the reference numerals in the parentheses of the above-mentioned means are examples showing the correspondence with the concrete means described in the embodiments described later.

[0014]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION (First Embodiment) An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall structure of the case. 2 is a perspective view showing the structure of the case fastening portion, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the fastening portion center of FIG. 2 taken vertically. Both (a) shows before fitting and (b) shows after fitting.

First, the outline of the structure of the case (divided box) will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1, reference numerals 1 and 2 are divided boxes that form a case of a cooling unit of a vehicle air conditioner. The cases 1 and 2 can be divided into upper and lower parts by a dividing surface that runs horizontally in the figure, and are made of a resin having elasticity such as polypropylene, and are formed into a substantially U shape by vertical die cutting.

Both end portions of the U shape are formed as mutually connecting end faces 1a and 2a (see FIG. 3).
A locking protrusion 10 and a box-shaped protrusion 20 that are protruded outside the case are integrally formed on the coupling end surfaces 1a and 2a, respectively. The cases 1 and 2 are integrally connected by a fastening structure described later, and an air conditioner such as a refrigerant evaporator of a refrigerating cycle which is a cooler and an expansion valve which is a refrigerant pressure reducing means is housed in an internal space thereof for air conditioning. Form a ventilation path.

Openings (only the opening 30 on the right side is shown in FIG. 1) for connecting the ventilation passages are provided at the left and right ends of the cases 1 and 2 composed of the divided boxes. A seal packing 31 is attached. The right side opening 30 of FIG. 1 is connected to the heater unit of the vehicle air conditioner, and the left side opening (not shown) of FIG. 1 is connected to the blower unit of the vehicle air conditioner.

Fitting concave-convex grooves 12 and 13 are formed on the joint end surfaces 1a and 2a over the entire circumference thereof, and fitting convex grooves 12 are formed on the joint end surface 1a side to form the joint end surface 2a.
A fitting groove 13 is integrally formed on the side. Further, the case 1 is formed with a locking projection 10 projecting from the coupling end surface 1a to the outside of the case, and in the case 2 corresponding to the locking projection 10, the case 2 is a box projecting from the coupling end surface 2a to the outside of the case. The protruding portion 20 is formed.

The locking projection 10 integrally formed on the case 1 and the box-shaped projection 20 integrally formed on the case 2
The cases 1 and 2 are locked by engaging with the C-type coupling member 21 therein. The structure and features of the locking protrusion 10, the box-shaped protrusion 20, and the C-shaped coupling member 21 will be described in detail below. The locking protrusion 10, the box-shaped protrusion 20, and the C-shaped connecting member 21 are provided at a plurality of positions along the connecting end faces 1a and 2a of the cases 1 and 2 at appropriate intervals.

Next, the locking protrusion 10 and the box-shaped protrusion 20
The structure and features of this embodiment, such as the C-type coupling member 21, will be described in detail with reference to FIG. Locking holes (may be grooves as shown in the drawing) 11a and 11b are provided in the upper and lower surfaces of the locking protrusion 10 when the fitting concave and convex grooves 12 and 13 are fitted vertically.

On the other hand, on the side of the box-shaped protruding portion 20, there is integrally formed a C-shaped connecting member 21 which has a hinge portion 20a in the box-shaped protruding portion 20 and which can be vertically rotated R about the hinge portion 20a as a fulcrum. Is provided. And the locking hole 1
Corresponding to 1a and 11b, locking claws 21a and 21b are provided at the upper and lower ends of the opening of the C-type coupling member 21, respectively.

The locking method is to bring the C-shaped coupling member 21 and the locking protrusion 10 into contact with each other by bringing the coupling end faces 1a and 2a into contact with each other while fitting the fitting concave and convex grooves 12 and 13 into each other. The member 21 rotates in the vertical direction R about the hinge portion 20a as a fulcrum, and engages with the locking claws 21a and 21 in the locking holes 11a and 11b.
By applying b, the case 1 and the case 2 are locked.

This is because when an external force Fz is applied in a direction to open the connection end faces 1a and 2a after the cases 1 and 2 are locked, the C-type connection member 21 causes the hinge portion 2 to be acted on by the external force Fz.
Since 0-a is used as a fulcrum to rotate-R in the opposite direction to that at the time of fitting, a force Fy that pulls the locking protrusion 10 outward from the case is generated from the upper locking claw 21a through the upper locking hole 11a. To do. The force Fy pulling the one-side case 1 outward presses the convex groove side surfaces 12a of the fitting concave and convex grooves 12 and 13 and the concave groove inner side surface 13a, so that the inside and outside of the cases 1 and 2 are kept airtight. Becomes

As a result, even if the force Fz for opening the fitted cases 1 and 2 is applied, there can be provided a case fastening structure in which there is no gap at the fitting portion so that the inside and the outside communicate with each other.

Further, the case fastening structure described above is used for the case fastening portion of the vehicle air conditioner. As a result, the cases 1 and 2 are fitted to each other to be assembled as a vehicle air conditioner, and even if a force Fz in the opening direction is applied to the fitted cases 1 and 2 after the vehicle is attached, the inside and the outside of the fitting portion communicate with each other. Since the case fastening structure does not cause such a gap, it is possible to eliminate the problem that conditioned air and condensed water leak from the vehicle air conditioner into the vehicle interior.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing a case fastening portion structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
(A) is before fitting, (b) is after fitting. In the positional relationship of the first embodiment, the locking hole 11a of the locking protrusion 10 is provided only on the upper surface, and the corresponding locking claw 2 of the C-type coupling member 21 is provided.
1a is different only in that it is provided only at the upper opening end. With this, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be exhibited, and the molded shapes of the cases 1 and 2 and the case 1
The shape of the mold for molding 2 can be simplified.

(Other Embodiments) In the above-described embodiment, the fitting convex groove 12 and the locking projection 1 are provided in the case 1 on the upper side in the drawing.
0 and the case 2 on the lower side in the drawing is provided with the fitting concave groove 13 and the box-like protruding portion 20, but in the present invention, the fitting concave and convex grooves 12 and 13 are provided.
Is not related to the vertical direction of the locking protrusion 10 and the locking portion of the box-shaped protrusion 20.
The fitting concave groove 13 may be provided in the case 2, and the fitting convex groove 12 may be provided in the case 2, and the box-shaped protrusion 20 and the case 2 locking protrusion may be provided in the case 1.
10 may be provided.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overall structure of a case according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a case fastening portion structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is before fitting and (b) is after fitting.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken by vertically cutting the center of the fastening portion of FIG.
(A) is before fitting, (b) is after fitting.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a case fastening portion structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention, (a) before fitting and (b) after fitting.

5A is a perspective view showing the entire structure of a conventional case, and FIG. 5B is a sectional view of the case.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a conventional fastening portion structure which is different from each of (a), (b) and (c).

7 is a cross-sectional view of a fitting portion for explaining a problem common to the conventional fastening portions of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 2 cases (divided box) 1a, 2a Combined end face 10 Locking protrusion 11a, 11b Locking hole 12, 13 Fitting groove 20 Box-shaped protrusion 20a hinge part 21 C type coupling member 21a, 21b Locking claw R rotation direction

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A coupling end surface (1a) and a fitting concave-convex groove (12,
13) one of the first divided box body (1), a fitting end face (2a) corresponding to the joining end face (1a), and a fitting corresponding to one of the fitting concave and convex grooves (12, 13) A second one having a concave and convex groove (12, 13) and the other made of a resin material
To the coupling end surface (1a) of the first split box body (1),
The fitting direction of the locking projection (10) formed so as to extend outward of the first split box body (1) and the fitting concave and convex grooves (12, 13) are up and down. In this case, locking holes (11a, 11b) provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the locking protrusion (10), and the second split box body (2) corresponding to the locking protrusion (10). A box-shaped protrusion (20) integrally formed with the coupling end surface (2a) and a hinge (20a) are provided in the box-shaped protrusion (20), and the hinge (20a) is used as a fulcrum to rotate in the vertical direction. C-shaped connecting member (21) integrally formed so as to be movable (R)
And locking claws (21a, 21a) provided at the upper and lower ends of the opening of the C-type coupling member (21) corresponding to the locking holes (11a, 11b).
21b) is a case fastening portion configured to contact the coupling end faces (1a, 2a) while fitting the fitting concave-convex grooves (12, 13),
The mold coupling member (21) and the locking protrusion (10) are in contact with each other, and the C-shaped coupling member (21) is the hinge part (20a).
Is rotated (R) in the up-and-down direction with the fulcrum as a fulcrum, the locking claws (21a, 21b) are hooked in the locking holes (11a, 11b), and the first split box body (1) and the second split box body A case fastening structure, characterized in that the split box body (2) is locked. 2. The positional relationship according to claim 1, wherein the locking hole (11a) of the locking protrusion (10) is provided only on the upper surface, and the corresponding locking claw of the C-type coupling member (21) is provided. The case fastening structure according to claim 1, wherein (21a) is also provided only at the upper opening end. 3. A case fastening structure, wherein the case fastening structure according to claim 1 or 2 is used for a case fastening portion of a vehicle air conditioner.