JP2004207402A

JP2004207402A - Resin case

Info

Publication number: JP2004207402A
Application number: JP2002373184A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Katsuo Miyata; 克生宮田
Original assignee: Matsushita Electric Works Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co Ltd
Priority date: 2002-12-24
Filing date: 2002-12-24
Publication date: 2004-07-22
Anticipated expiration: 2022-12-24
Also published as: JP4200278B2

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To inexpensively provide a resin case that is rigid and is not separated readily into a bottom and a cover even when no screw is used in the case. <P>SOLUTION: This resin case is composed of a bottom 1 and a cover 2, both of which are fitted to each other by means of a first rugged fitting section 4 and second rugged fitting sections 5 and 6, and contains a printed board. The first fitting section 4 has a double wall constituted by forming an internal wall 1a and an external wall 1a' with a prescribed interval in between in the bottom 1, a notch 1c formed by notching the internal wall 1a from the top face 1b of the double wall, and a recessed section formed on the inside of the double wall. In addition, the section 4 is also provided with an outwardly protruded claw 2a on one side face of the cover 2. When the bottom 1 and the cover 2 are fitted to each other, the claw 2a gets into the notch 1c, and the engaged surface 2x of the claw 2a is engaged with the internal side face of the top surface 1b of the double wall of the bottom 1. Consequently, the bottom 1 and the cover 2 are linked. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、蛍光灯や高輝度放電灯を点灯させるためのプリント基板を収納する樹脂ケースに関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
近年、商業施設や事務所などの照明に使われる、蛍光灯や高輝度放電灯（以下、ＨＩＤランプという）などの放電灯点灯装置の電子化が進んでいる。また、いかに照明器具を小型化、低価格化を達成するかが企業間の競争の争点となっている。
【０００３】
そのような背景の中で、電子化された放電灯点灯回路を収納するケースに、従来よく使用された金属製のものに代わって、樹脂製のカバーと底とからなるケースが採用されたものが商品化されている。
【０００４】
ところが、感電、漏電、その他内蔵する電子回路からの安全性を確保するために、ケースは強固に嵌合される必要があり、容易に嵌合が外れない構造である必要がある。
【０００５】
一般的には、ネジで固定することが考えられるが、この構造の場合、製品組立時の作業性が悪い。
【０００６】
そこで、特許文献１においては、ネジなしにて作業性を改善した車両前照灯用の放電灯点灯装置が提供されている。ただし、この従来例では樹脂製のケースと支持部とによって、電子回路基板が内包された構造はとられていない。
【０００７】
また公知例として、ヨーロッパのＴＲＩＤＯＮＩＣ−ＡＴＣＯ社のＨＩＤ２０Ｗランプ用電子バラスト：ＰＣＩ００２０Ａ１０１などがある。この公知例では、２つに分割された樹脂製のフタと底によって、電子部品の実装されたプリント基板が収納される構造をとっている。この構造によって、ネジなしで強固な嵌合性を確保している。
【０００８】
また２つに分割されたケースの例としては、特許文献２などもある。
【０００９】
【特許文献１】
特開２０００−１２３６２８号公報
【特許文献２】
特開２００１−１５５８７６号公報
【００１０】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、金属製のケースと同等のフタと底との嵌合性を確保するために、公知例では、図１３に示すように、フタ２００の金型または中子の移動方向に対して平行に抜けない箇所（アンダーカット）にフタ２００の内側を向いたツメ２００ａを設け、他方の底１００にそのツメ２００ａの引っかかる構造を設け、両者の組み合わせにて嵌合部を実現している。
【００１１】
これにより、金属製と同等の強固な嵌合性を確保するという当初目的は確保されるものの、金型構造を複雑にするため金型費が高価になると共に、成形時間が長くなるため製品加工（成形）コストも高くなる。
【００１２】
この結果、企業間競争の争点の一つ、「低価格化」への寄与が抑制され、安くてよい品質の放電灯点灯装置を供給することが容易でなくなるという問題があった。
【００１３】
本発明は上記問題点に鑑みて為されたものであって、その目的とするところは、ネジなしでも強固で容易に外れない樹脂ケースを低コストで提供することにある。
【００１４】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記目的を達成するために、請求項１記載の樹脂ケースは、内部にプリント基板が収納されるケース本体を、互いに凹凸嵌合手段によって嵌合される少なくとも２つの部材から形成し、前記少なくとも２つの部材のうち一方の部材に内壁および外壁を所定の間隔を持って二重に形成した二重壁部を設け、前記凹凸嵌合手段を、前記一方の部材の前記二重壁部の内側に形成した凹部と、前記少なくとも２つの部材のうち他方の部材に外側方向に突出するように形成した凸部とから構成したものとした。
【００１５】
請求項２記載の樹脂ケースは、請求項１記載の発明において、前記ケース本体は、前記プリント基板からの口出し線を外部に引き出すための引出し孔を有し、前記引出し孔は前記少なくとも２つの部材によって分割して構成されるものとした。
【００１６】
請求項３記載の樹脂ケースは、請求項２記載の発明において、前記引出し孔は、前記口出し線を外部に引き出す溝部と、前記溝部の開口側を閉塞するフタ部とに分割され、前記溝部を前記二重壁部に形成したものとした。
【００１７】
請求項４記載の樹脂ケースは、請求項２又は３記載の発明において、前記引出し孔は、前記口出し線を外部に引き出す溝部と、前記溝部の開口側を閉塞するフタ部とに分割され、前記フタ部に、前記溝部に配置された前記口出し線を押さえる突部を設けたものとした。
【００１８】
請求項５記載の樹脂ケースは、請求項２乃至４の何れか記載の発明において、前記引出し孔を複数有し、前記凹凸嵌合手段を前記複数の引出し孔の間に形成したものとした。
【００１９】
請求項６記載の樹脂ケースは、請求項２乃至５の何れか記載の発明において、前記引出し孔の軸線が折れ線となるよう形成したものとした。
【００２０】
請求項７記載の樹脂ケースは、請求項２乃至５の何れか記載の発明において、前記引出し孔を、前記口出し線の前記プリント基板上の接続点から前記プリント基板に対して垂直に引き出した軸線と、前記引出し孔の軸線とが、同一平面内で交差しない位置に設けたものとした。
【００２１】
請求項８記載の樹脂ケースは、請求項１乃至７の何れか記載の発明において、前記ケース本体を互いに前記凹凸嵌合手段によって嵌合される底部とカバー部とから形成し、前記ケース本体を外部に固定する固定部を前記底部および前記カバー部両方に設けたものとした。
【００２２】
請求項９記載の樹脂ケースは、内部にプリント基板が収納されるケース本体を、互いに凹凸嵌合手段によって嵌合される少なくとも２つの部材から形成し、前記凹凸嵌合手段を、前記少なくとも２つの部材のうち一方の部材に外側方向に突出するように形成した凸部と、前記少なくとも２つの部材のうち他方の部材に形成され前記凸部が挿通される孔を有し前記孔の周縁と前記凸部とが係合する凹部とから構成したものとした。
【００２３】
請求項１０記載の樹脂ケースは、請求項９記載の発明において、前記凹部は、前記孔の周縁と係合した前記凸部の両側となる位置に壁部を有し、前記壁部の幅を人の指の幅より狭くしたものとした。
【００２４】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明を実施形態１および実施形態２によって説明する。
【００２５】
（実施形態１）
本実施形態の樹脂ケースは、内部に照明器具の点灯回路を構成する電子部品を実装したプリント基板を収納し、照明器具に固定されて用いられるもので、図１（ａ）、（ｂ）に示すように、略箱形の底部１とカバー部２とからなる２つの部材が後述する第１の凹凸嵌合部４および第２の凹凸嵌合部５，６によって嵌合されて構成される。
【００２６】
なお、図２および図３は底部１を違う角度から見たときの斜視図であり、図４はカバー部２を違う角度から見たときの斜視図であり、図５は底部１にプリント基板３を収納した状態を示す平面図である。
【００２７】
まず、第１の凹凸嵌合部４について説明する。
【００２８】
第１の凹凸嵌合部４は、カバー部２に設けられた凸部としてのツメ２ａが、底部１の後述する二重壁部の内側に設けられた凹部に嵌合することにより、カバー部２と底部１とを結合する。
【００２９】
ツメ２ａは、カバー部２の側壁の一面に外側に突出するように設けられ、カバー部２が底部１と嵌合された時に底部１の底面１ｘと並行する係合面２ｘと、係合面２ｘの先端から底部１の方向へかけてカバー部２の前記側壁の一面に近づくように傾斜した傾斜面２ｙとを有する形状に形成される。
【００３０】
前記凹部は、まず、図６に示すように底部１の底面１ｘの一面をカバー部２が装着される方向へ向けて垂直に折り曲げ内壁１ａを形成し、さらに側壁１ａの先端を底面１ｘから遠ざかる方向に略直角に折り曲げて上面１ｂを形成し、さらに上面１ｂの先端を底面１ｘの方向へ向けて略直角に折り曲げ外壁１ａ’を形成して、側壁１ａ，１ａ’が所定の間隔を持って二重に形成された二重壁部を形成する。
【００３１】
そして、図２に示すように内壁１ａのうち、カバー部２のツメ２ａと対向する位置となる箇所を上面１ｂから切り欠いて切り欠き１ｃを形成する。これにより、前記二重壁部の内側にツメ２ａが嵌合される凹部が形成される。
【００３２】
このように形成されたツメ２ａと凹部（切り欠き１ｃ）とは、底部１とカバー部２とを各々の開口側をあわせるようにして嵌め合わせると、ツメ２ａが切り欠き１ｃに食い込み、ツメ２ａの係合面２ｘと、底部１の前記二重壁部の上面１ｂの内側面とが係合し、底部１とカバー部２とを結合する。
【００３３】
結合を解除するには、図３の矢印αで示すように、底部１の裏側からツメ２ａの傾斜面２ｙを工具を用いて内側へ押すことで解除できる。
【００３４】
ここで、前記二重壁部は樹脂厚を厚くするのではなく、内壁１ａおよび上面１ｂおよび外壁１ａ’が夫々均一の板を張り合わせた形状となるようにする。
【００３５】
また、図３に示したように内壁１ａと外壁１ａ’との間にリブ１ｄ，１ｅを設け、前記二重壁部の強度を確保している。
【００３６】
次に、第２の凹凸嵌合部５，６について説明する。
【００３７】
第２の凹凸嵌合部５，６は、カバー部２の上述したツメ２ａが設けられた側壁と対向する側壁に、図４に示すように設けられた凸部としての２つのツメ２ｂ，２ｃと、図２に示すように底部１の前記二重壁部と対向する側壁に設けられ、ツメ２ｂ，２ｃが挿通される角孔１ｇ，１ｆを有し、角孔１ｇ，１ｆの周縁と前記ツメ２ｂ，２ｃとが係合する凹部とから構成される。
【００３８】
ツメ２ｂ，２ｃは、カバー部２の側壁の一面からカバー部２の開口側へ向けて突出する延設片２ｄ，２ｅの先端に外部に突出するように設けられ、カバー部２が底部１と嵌合された時に底部１の底面１ｘと並行する係合面２ｘ’，２ｘ’と、係合面２ｘ’，２ｘ’の先端から底部１の方向へかけて延設片２ｄ，２ｅの方向に近づくように傾斜した傾斜面２ｙ’，２ｙ’とを有する形状に形成される。
【００３９】
前記凹部は、角孔１ｆ，１ｇの周縁と係合したツメ２ｃ，２ｂの両側となる位置に、図２に示すように壁部１ｆ’，１ｇ’を有しており、壁部１ｆ’，１ｇ’の幅１ｈ，１ｉを人の指の幅より狭く形成している。
【００４０】
このように形成されたツメ２ｂ，２ｃと凹部（角孔１ｇ，１ｆ）とは、底部１とカバー部２とを各々の開口側をあわせるようにして嵌め合わせると、ツメ２ｂ，２ｃが一時的に角孔１ｇ，１ｆを拡張させて角孔１ｇ，１ｆを通過し、その後、ツメ２ｂ，２ｃの係合面２ｘ’，２ｘ’と角孔１ｇ，１ｆのカバー部２と反対側の周縁とが係合して、底部１とカバー部２とを結合する。
【００４１】
結合を解除するには、ツメ２ｂ，２ｃの傾斜面２ｙ’，２ｙ’を内側へ押すことで解除できるが、この時壁部１ｆ’，１ｇ’の幅１ｈ，１ｉが人の指の太さよりも狭い幅になっているため、人の指で解除することは極めて難しくなる。
【００４２】
以上のように結合された底部１とカバー部２とは、底部１の対角線上に設けられた固定部１ｒ，１ｓによって照明器具（図示せず）に固定される。
【００４３】
次に、内部に収納したプリント基板３からの口出し線を外部に引き出すために樹脂ケースＡに設けられた引出し孔について説明する。
【００４４】
引出し孔は、図１に示すように底部１の前記二重壁部の上面１ｂに設けられた５つの溝１ｊ〜１ｎに、カバー部２がその開口側を塞ぐように被着されて構成される。
【００４５】
溝１ｊ〜１ｎは、図５に示すようにプリント基板３を底部１に配置した時に、溝１ｊ〜１ｎの各々の軸線１ｊ’〜１ｎ’と、口出し線のプリント基板３上の接続点３ａ〜３ｅからプリント基板３に対して垂直に引き出した軸線（図示せず）とが、同一平面内で交差しないようにその位置が決められる。すなわち、プリント基板３を上方向（カバー部２が被着される方向）から見たときに、溝１ｊ〜１ｎの軸線１ｊ’〜１ｎ’上に接続点３ａ〜３ｅがのらないように位置決めされる。
【００４６】
なお、前述した第１の凹凸嵌合部４を形成する切り欠き１ｃは、複数の溝１ｊ〜１ｎの間（図５において溝１ｌと１ｍとの間）に形成されている。
【００４７】
また、底部１とカバー部２とを結合した時に、溝１ｊ〜１ｎの位置に一致するカバー部２の部位には、図１（ｂ）に示すように突部２ｆ〜２ｊが形成されている。
【００４８】
突部２ｆ〜２ｊは、プリント基板３からの口出し線を底部１の溝１ｊ〜１ｎの中を這わして外部に引き出した後、カバー部２を底部１に結合すると、突部２ｆ〜２ｊが溝１ｊ〜１ｎの内側へ突出して口出し線を押さえることとなり、樹脂ケースＡと口出し線との摩擦力を高めている。
【００４９】
以上のように、本実施形態の樹脂ケースＡは、第１の凹凸嵌合部４と第２の凹凸嵌合部５，６とによって、ネジも必要とせずに強固に結合され、容易に外れることもない。
【００５０】
また、第１の凹凸嵌合部４を二重壁部に設けて、第１の凹凸嵌合部４となる樹脂の厚みを厚くする（偏肉する）ことなく成形することで、樹脂の成形時の歪みを少なくすることが可能であり、成形品の歩留まりを高めることができる。従って、毛成形時のロスが少なく、製造コストを低く抑えることができ、低コストの商品を市場に提供できる。
【００５１】
また、底部１およびカバー部２を成形するための成形金型はアンダーカットがなく構造が単純になるため金型費を抑制でき、成形時間も短縮でき、さらにコストを低く押さえることができる。
【００５２】
また、口出し線を容易に外部に引き出せると共に、口出し線が引っ張られた時の引張強度を高めることができる。
【００５３】
（実施形態２）
本実施形態における基本構成は実施形態１と共通するために共通する部分については同一の符号を付して説明を省略し、本実施形態の特徴となる部分についてのみ詳細に説明する。
【００５４】
則ち本実施形態は、実施形態１に対して、第１の凹凸嵌合部４の構造が異なる点に特徴がある。
【００５５】
なお、図７〜図９は底部１を夫々違う角度から見たときの斜視図であり、図１０および図１１はカバー部２を夫々違う角度から見たときの斜視図であり、図１３は底部１にプリント基板３を収納した状態を示す平面図である。
【００５６】
本実施形態の第１の凹凸嵌合部４は、図１０に示すようにカバー部２に設けられた凸部としてのツメ２ｋが、図９に示すように底部１の二重壁部の内側に設けられた段部１ｐ（凹部）に嵌合することにより、カバー部２と底部１とを結合する。
【００５７】
ツメ２ｋは、図１０に示すようにカバー部２の側壁の一面からカバー部２の開口側へ向けて突出する延設片２ｌの先端に外部に突出するように設けられ、カバー部２が底部１と嵌合された時に底部１の底面１ｘと並行する係合面２ｍと、係合面２ｍの先端から底部１の方向へかけて延設片２ｌの方向に近づくように傾斜した傾斜面２ｎとを有する形状に形成される。
【００５８】
一方、段部１ｐ（凹部）は、二重壁部を構成する側壁１ａ、１ａ’のうち外壁１ａ’を、その一部を外側に張り出すようにして成形し、図９に示すように二重壁部の内側に段部１ｐを形成している。
【００５９】
また、二重壁部の上面１ｂのうち、底部１とカバー部２とを結合する時にカバー部２のツメ２ｋと対向する位置に、二重壁部の内側へツメ２ｋを挿入するための挿入孔１ｑを設けている。
【００６０】
このように形成されたツメ２ｋと段部１ｐ（凹部）とは、底部１とカバー部２とを各々の開口側をあわせるようにして嵌め合わせると、ツメ２ｋが挿入孔１ｑを一時的に拡張させて通過し、その後、ツメ２ｋの係合面２ｍと段部１ｐとが嵌合して、底部１とカバー部２とを結合する。
【００６１】
結合を解除するには、図９の矢印βで示すように、底部１の裏側からツメ２ｋの傾斜面２ｎを工具を用いて内側へ押すことで解除できる。
【００６２】
また、本実施形態では、図１２に示すように溝１ｊおよび溝１ｎの軸線１ｊ’，１ｎ’の軸線が折れ線となるように溝１ｊ，１ｎを形成している。これにより、口出し線を引っ張られた時の、口出し線のプリント基板３上の接合点３ａ，３ｅへのストレスを緩和し、長期信頼性を高めている。
【００６３】
また、本実施形態では、底部１に設けられた固定部１ｒ，１ｓに加えて、図１０及び図１１に示すように、カバー部２にも照明器具へ固定するための固定部２ｐ，２ｑを設けている。
【００６４】
これにより口出し線を引っ張られりした場合にも、ケースの変形、破損、および結合の外れを防止することができる。
【００６５】
【発明の効果】
請求項１記載の樹脂ケースは、内部にプリント基板が収納されるケース本体を、互いに凹凸嵌合手段によって嵌合される少なくとも２つの部材から形成し、前記少なくとも２つの部材のうち一方の部材に内壁および外壁を所定の間隔を持って二重に形成した二重壁部を設け、前記凹凸嵌合手段を、前記一方の部材の前記二重壁部の内側に形成した凹部と、前記少なくとも２つの部材のうち他方の部材に外側方向に突出するように形成した凸部とから構成したので、前記凹凸嵌合手段によりネジなしでも強固に結合されると共に、前記二重壁部の内側で嵌合しているので容易に外れることもなく、また前記凹凸嵌合手段の凸部を外側方向に突出するように設けることでアンダーカットがなくなり金型構造を単純にでき、コストを抑えることができるという効果がある。
【００６６】
請求項２記載の樹脂ケースは、請求項１記載の発明において、記ケース本体は、前記プリント基板からの口出し線を外部に引き出すための引出し孔を有し、前記引出し孔は前記少なくとも２つの部材によって分割して構成されるので、請求項１の効果に加えて、容易に口出し線を外部に引き出すことができるという効果がある。
【００６７】
請求項３記載の樹脂ケースは、請求項２記載の発明において、前記引出し孔は、前記口出し線を外部に引き出す溝部と、前記溝部の開口側を閉塞するフタ部とに分割され、前記溝部を前記二重壁部に形成したので、口出し線を引っ張られた時の引っ張り強度を高めることができるという効果がある。
【００６８】
請求項４記載の樹脂ケースは、請求項２又は３記載の発明において、前記引出し孔は、前記口出し線を外部に引き出す溝部と、前記溝部の開口側を閉塞するフタ部とに分割され、前記フタ部に、前記溝部に配置された前記口出し線を押さえる突部を設けたので、口出し線を引っ張られた時の引っ張り強度を高めることができるという効果がある。
【００６９】
請求項５記載の樹脂ケースは、請求項２乃至４の何れか記載の発明において、前記引出し孔を複数有し、前記凹凸嵌合手段を前記複数の引出し孔の間に形成したので、前記樹脂ケースを強固に結合しながら複数の口出し線を外部に引き出せるという効果がある。
【００７０】
請求項６記載の樹脂ケースは、請求項２乃至５の何れか記載の発明において、前記引出し孔の軸線が折れ線となるよう形成したので、口出し線を引っ張られた時の、口出し線のプリント基板上の接合部へのストレスを緩和し、長期信頼性を高めることができるという効果がある。
【００７１】
請求項７記載の樹脂ケースは、請求項２乃至５の何れか記載の発明において、前記引出し孔を、前記口出し線の前記プリント基板上の接続点から前記プリント基板に対して垂直に引き出した軸線と、前記引出し孔の軸線とが、同一平面内で交差しない位置に設けたので、口出し線を引っ張られた時の引っ張り強度を高めることができるという効果がある。
【００７２】
請求項８記載の樹脂ケースは、請求項１乃至７の何れか記載の発明において、前記ケース本体を互いに前記凹凸嵌合手段によって嵌合される底部とカバー部とから形成し、前記ケース本体を外部に固定する固定部を前記底部および前記カバー部両方に設けたので、樹脂ケースを外部に固定して使用した際に口出し線を引っ張られるなどしても樹脂ケースの変形、破損、および嵌合部の外れを防止できるという効果がある。
【００７３】
請求項９記載の樹脂ケースは、内部にプリント基板が収納されるケース本体を、互いに凹凸嵌合手段によって嵌合される少なくとも２つの部材から形成し、前記凹凸嵌合手段を、前記少なくとも２つの部材のうち一方の部材に外側方向に突出するように形成した凸部と、前記少なくとも２つの部材のうち他方の部材に形成され前記凸部が挿通される孔を有し前記孔の周縁と前記凸部とが係合する凹部とから構成したので、前記嵌合部によりネジなしでも強固に結合され容易に外れることもなく、また前記嵌合部の凸部を外側に設けることでアンダーカットがなくなり金型構造を単純にでき、コストを抑えることができるという効果がある。
【００７４】
請求項１０記載の樹脂ケースは、請求項９記載の発明において、前記凹部は、前記孔の周縁と係合した前記凸部の両側となる位置に壁部を有し、前記壁部の幅を人の指の幅より狭くしたので、人の指で容易に結合が解除できなという効果がある。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】（ａ）実施形態１の樹脂ケースの底部を示す斜視図である。
（ｂ）同上のカバー部を示す斜視図である。
【図２】同上の底部を別の角度から見たときの斜視図である。
【図３】同上の底部を別の角度から見たときの斜視図である。
【図４】同上のカバー部を別の角度から見たときの斜視図である。
【図５】同上の底部にプリント基板を配置した時の平面図である。
【図６】同上の底部の要部を拡大した拡大図である。
【図７】実施形態２の樹脂ケースの底部を示す斜視図である。
【図８】同上の底部を別の角度から見たときの斜視図である。
【図９】同上の底部を別の角度から見たときの斜視図である。
【図１０】同上のカバー部を示す斜視図である。
【図１１】同上のカバー部を別の角度から見たときの斜視図である。
【図１２】同上の底部にプリント基板を配置した時の平面図である。
【図１３】従来の樹脂ケースの嵌合部を示す断面図である。
【符号の説明】
１底部
１ａ内壁
１ａ’ 外壁
１ｂ上面
１ｃ切り欠き
１ｆ，１ｇ角孔
２カバー部
２ａ，２ｂ，２ｃツメ
２ｘ係合面
２ｙ傾斜面
３プリント基板
４第１の凹凸嵌合部
５、６第２の凹凸嵌合部[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a resin case for housing a printed circuit board for lighting a fluorescent lamp or a high-intensity discharge lamp.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, computerization of discharge lamp lighting devices such as fluorescent lamps and high-intensity discharge lamps (hereinafter, referred to as HID lamps) used for lighting of commercial facilities and offices has been advanced. In addition, how to achieve downsizing and price reduction of lighting fixtures is an issue of competition between companies.
[0003]
In such a background, a case consisting of a resin cover and a bottom is adopted in place of a metal case commonly used in the conventional case to house an electronic discharge lamp lighting circuit. Has been commercialized.
[0004]
However, in order to ensure safety from electric shock, electric leakage, and other built-in electronic circuits, the case needs to be firmly fitted, and the case needs to have a structure that cannot be easily removed.
[0005]
Generally, it is conceivable to fix with screws, but in this structure, workability at the time of product assembly is poor.
[0006]
In view of this, Patent Document 1 discloses a discharge lamp lighting device for a vehicle headlamp which has improved workability without screws. However, in this conventional example, a structure in which the electronic circuit board is included by the resin case and the support portion is not taken.
[0007]
Further, as a known example, there is an electronic ballast for a HID 20 W lamp: PCI 0020 A101 manufactured by Tridonic-ATCO of Europe. In this known example, a printed circuit board on which electronic components are mounted is housed by a resin lid and a bottom which are divided into two parts. This structure ensures a firm fit without screws.
[0008]
Also, as an example of the case divided into two, there is Patent Document 2 and the like.
[0009]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2000-123628 A [Patent Document 2]
JP 2001-155876 A
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in order to ensure the same fit between the lid and the bottom as the metal case, in the known example, as shown in FIG. 13, the lid 200 is parallel to the moving direction of the mold or the core. A claw 200a facing the inside of the lid 200 is provided at a place where the cover 200 does not come off (undercut), and a structure for hooking the claw 200a is provided on the other bottom 100, and a fitting portion is realized by a combination of the two.
[0011]
As a result, although the initial purpose of ensuring the same strong mating property as that of metal is secured, the cost of the mold is increased due to the complicated mold structure, and the molding time is increased. (Molding) costs also increase.
[0012]
As a result, there has been a problem that contribution to "lower price", one of the issues in the competition between companies, is suppressed, and it is not easy to supply a cheap and good quality discharge lamp lighting device.
[0013]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a low-cost resin case that is strong and does not easily come off without screws.
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, in the resin case according to claim 1, a case main body in which a printed circuit board is housed is formed of at least two members fitted to each other by a concave / convex fitting means. One of the two members is provided with a double wall portion in which the inner wall and the outer wall are formed double with a predetermined interval, and the uneven fitting means is provided inside the double wall portion of the one member. It was constituted by a formed concave portion and a convex portion formed so as to protrude outward from the other member of the at least two members.
[0015]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the resin case according to the first aspect, the case main body has a drawing hole for drawing out a lead wire from the printed board to the outside, and the drawing hole is formed of the at least two members. To be divided.
[0016]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the resin case according to the second aspect, the lead-out hole is divided into a groove for drawing the lead-out line to the outside and a lid for closing an opening side of the groove. It was formed on the double wall.
[0017]
In the resin case according to claim 4, in the invention according to claim 2 or 3, the lead hole is divided into a groove part that leads the lead wire to the outside, and a lid part that closes an opening side of the groove part, The lid is provided with a protrusion for holding the lead wire arranged in the groove.
[0018]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the resin case according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, the resin case has a plurality of the extraction holes, and the uneven fitting means is formed between the plurality of the extraction holes.
[0019]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the resin case according to any one of the second to fifth aspects, the axis of the drawer hole is formed as a broken line.
[0020]
The resin case according to claim 7, wherein in the invention according to any one of claims 2 to 5, an axis line in which the lead-out hole is drawn out perpendicularly to the printed board from a connection point of the lead-out line on the printed board. And the axis of the drawing hole are provided at positions where they do not intersect in the same plane.
[0021]
In the resin case according to the eighth aspect, in the invention according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the case main body is formed of a bottom part and a cover part which are fitted to each other by the concave and convex fitting means, and the case main body is formed. A fixing portion for fixing to the outside is provided on both the bottom portion and the cover portion.
[0022]
The resin case according to claim 9, wherein the case body in which the printed circuit board is housed is formed of at least two members fitted to each other by the concave / convex fitting means. A projection formed on one of the members so as to protrude outwardly, and a hole formed on the other of the at least two members and through which the projection is inserted; And a concave portion with which the convex portion engages.
[0023]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the resin case according to the ninth aspect, the recess has a wall at positions on both sides of the protrusion engaged with a periphery of the hole, and the width of the wall is reduced. It was made narrower than the width of a human finger.
[0024]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to a first embodiment and a second embodiment.
[0025]
(Embodiment 1)
The resin case of the present embodiment accommodates a printed circuit board on which electronic components constituting a lighting circuit of a lighting fixture are housed, and is used by being fixed to the lighting fixture, as shown in FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b). As shown, two members including a substantially box-shaped bottom 1 and a cover 2 are fitted by a first concave / convex fitting portion 4 and second concave / convex fitting portions 5 and 6 described later. .
[0026]
2 and 3 are perspective views when the bottom 1 is viewed from different angles, FIG. 4 is a perspective view when the cover 2 is viewed from a different angle, and FIG. It is a top view showing the state where 3 was stored.
[0027]
First, the first uneven fitting portion 4 will be described.
[0028]
The first concave / convex fitting portion 4 is formed by fitting a claw 2 a as a convex portion provided on the cover portion 2 into a concave portion provided inside a double wall portion of the bottom portion 1 described later. 2 and bottom 1 are joined.
[0029]
The claw 2a is provided on one surface of the side wall of the cover 2 so as to protrude outward, and when the cover 2 is fitted to the bottom 1, an engagement surface 2x parallel to the bottom 1x of the bottom 1; The cover 2 is formed in a shape having an inclined surface 2y inclined so as to approach one surface of the side wall of the cover portion 2 from the front end of the cover portion 2 toward the bottom portion 1.
[0030]
First, as shown in FIG. 6, the concave portion is formed by bending one surface of the bottom surface 1x of the bottom portion 1 vertically toward the direction in which the cover portion 2 is mounted to form the inner wall 1a, and further moving the tip of the side wall 1a away from the bottom surface 1x. The upper surface 1b is formed by bending the upper surface 1b at a right angle in the direction, and the outer wall 1a 'is formed by bending the front end of the upper surface 1b at a substantially right angle toward the direction of the bottom surface 1x. Form a double wall that is doubled.
[0031]
Then, as shown in FIG. 2, a notch 1c is formed by notching a portion of the inner wall 1a facing the claw 2a of the cover portion 2 from the upper surface 1b. Thereby, a concave portion in which the claw 2a is fitted is formed inside the double wall portion.
[0032]
The claw 2a and the concave portion (notch 1c) formed as described above are fitted together with the bottom 1 and the cover portion 2 so that their opening sides are aligned with each other, so that the claw 2a bites into the notch 1c and the claw 2a And the inner surface of the upper surface 1b of the double wall portion of the bottom portion 1 engages to join the bottom portion 1 and the cover portion 2.
[0033]
In order to release the connection, as shown by an arrow α in FIG. 3, the tab 2a can be released by pushing the inclined surface 2y of the claw 2a inward from behind the bottom 1 using a tool.
[0034]
In this case, the inner wall 1a, the upper surface 1b, and the outer wall 1a 'have a shape in which a uniform plate is bonded to each of the double walls, instead of increasing the resin thickness.
[0035]
In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, ribs 1d and 1e are provided between the inner wall 1a and the outer wall 1a 'to secure the strength of the double wall portion.
[0036]
Next, the second uneven fitting portions 5 and 6 will be described.
[0037]
The second concave / convex fitting portions 5 and 6 are provided on the side wall of the cover portion 2 opposite to the side wall on which the above-described claw 2a is provided, as two protrusions 2b and 2c as protrusions provided as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the bottom 1 has square holes 1g and 1f provided on the side wall opposite to the double wall portion and through which the claws 2b and 2c are inserted. And a concave portion with which the claws 2b and 2c engage.
[0038]
The claws 2b and 2c are provided so as to protrude to the outside at the tips of extending pieces 2d and 2e protruding from one surface of the side wall of the cover portion 2 toward the opening side of the cover portion 2. Engagement surfaces 2x ', 2x' which are parallel to the bottom surface 1x of the bottom portion 1 when fitted, and extending in the direction of the extending pieces 2d, 2e from the tips of the engagement surfaces 2x ', 2x' toward the bottom portion 1. It is formed in a shape having inclined surfaces 2y ', 2y' inclined so as to approach.
[0039]
The recess has walls 1f ′ and 1g ′ at positions on both sides of the claws 2c and 2b engaged with the peripheral edges of the square holes 1f and 1g, as shown in FIG. The widths 1h and 1i of 1g 'are formed narrower than the width of a human finger.
[0040]
The claws 2b, 2c and the recesses (square holes 1g, 1f) thus formed are fitted with the bottom portion 1 and the cover portion 2 so that the opening sides thereof are aligned with each other. The square holes 1g, 1f are expanded to pass through the square holes 1g, 1f, and then the engaging surfaces 2x ', 2x' of the claws 2b, 2c and the peripheral edge of the square holes 1g, 1f on the side opposite to the cover portion 2. Are engaged to connect the bottom 1 and the cover 2.
[0041]
The connection can be released by pushing the inclined surfaces 2y ', 2y' of the claws 2b, 2c inward. At this time, the widths 1h, 1i of the walls 1f ', 1g' are larger than the thickness of the human finger. Is too narrow to be released with a human finger.
[0042]
The bottom portion 1 and the cover portion 2 joined as described above are fixed to a lighting fixture (not shown) by fixing portions 1r and 1s provided on a diagonal line of the bottom portion 1.
[0043]
Next, a drawing hole provided in the resin case A for drawing out a lead wire from the printed circuit board 3 housed inside will be described.
[0044]
As shown in FIG. 1, the drawer hole is formed by covering the cover portion 2 in five grooves 1j to 1n provided on the upper surface 1b of the double wall portion of the bottom portion 1 so as to close the opening side. You.
[0045]
When the printed circuit board 3 is disposed on the bottom 1 as shown in FIG. 5, the grooves 1j to 1n are connected to the axes 1j 'to 1n' of the grooves 1j to 1n and the connection points 3a to 3b to the lead lines on the printed circuit board 3. The position is determined so that an axis (not shown) drawn perpendicular to the printed circuit board 3 from 3e does not intersect in the same plane. That is, when the printed circuit board 3 is viewed from above (the direction in which the cover 2 is attached), the positioning is performed so that the connection points 3a to 3e do not lie on the axes 1j 'to 1n' of the grooves 1j to 1n. Is done.
[0046]
The notch 1c that forms the first concave-convex fitting portion 4 is formed between the grooves 1j to 1n (between the grooves 11 and 1m in FIG. 5).
[0047]
When the bottom portion 1 and the cover portion 2 are combined, protrusions 2f to 2j are formed at portions of the cover portion 2 corresponding to the positions of the grooves 1j to 1n as shown in FIG. .
[0048]
The protruding portions 2f to 2j are drawn out of the printed circuit board 3 through the grooves 1j to 1n of the bottom 1 and drawn out. It protrudes inward of the grooves 1j to 1n and presses the lead wire, thereby increasing the frictional force between the resin case A and the lead wire.
[0049]
As described above, the resin case A of the present embodiment is firmly connected by the first concave-convex fitting portion 4 and the second concave-convex fitting portions 5 and 6 without requiring a screw, and is easily detached. Not even.
[0050]
In addition, the first uneven fitting portion 4 is provided on the double wall portion, and the resin forming the first uneven fitting portion 4 is molded without increasing the thickness (uneven thickness), thereby forming the resin. The distortion at the time can be reduced, and the yield of molded products can be increased. Therefore, the loss at the time of bristle molding is small, the production cost can be kept low, and low-cost products can be provided to the market.
[0051]
In addition, since a molding die for molding the bottom portion 1 and the cover portion 2 has no undercut and has a simple structure, the cost of the molding die can be reduced, the molding time can be shortened, and the cost can be kept low.
[0052]
In addition, the lead wire can be easily pulled out, and the tensile strength when the lead wire is pulled can be increased.
[0053]
(Embodiment 2)
Since the basic configuration in the present embodiment is common to that of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the common parts and the description thereof will be omitted, and only the characteristic parts of the present embodiment will be described in detail.
[0054]
That is, the present embodiment is characterized in that the structure of the first concave / convex fitting portion 4 is different from that of the first embodiment.
[0055]
7 to 9 are perspective views when the bottom 1 is viewed from different angles, FIGS. 10 and 11 are perspective views when the cover 2 is viewed from different angles, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a state where a printed circuit board 3 is stored in a bottom portion 1.
[0056]
As shown in FIG. 10, the first concave / convex fitting portion 4 of the present embodiment has a claw 2 k as a convex portion provided on the cover portion 2, as shown in FIG. 9, inside the double wall portion of the bottom portion 1. The cover part 2 and the bottom part 1 are connected by fitting into the step part 1p (recess) provided in the bottom part.
[0057]
As shown in FIG. 10, the claw 2 k is provided so as to protrude outward from a tip of an extension piece 21 protruding from one surface of the side wall of the cover 2 toward the opening side of the cover 2, and the cover 2 is provided at the bottom. 1 and an inclined surface 2n that is parallel to the bottom surface 1x of the bottom portion 1 and a slope 2n that is inclined from the tip of the engagement surface 2m toward the bottom 1 toward the extending piece 21. And a shape having the following.
[0058]
On the other hand, the step portion 1p (concave portion) is formed by molding the outer wall 1a 'of the side walls 1a, 1a' constituting the double wall portion so that a part thereof extends outward, as shown in FIG. A step 1p is formed inside the heavy wall.
[0059]
Further, of the upper surface 1b of the double wall, an insertion for inserting the nail 2k into the inside of the double wall at a position facing the nail 2k of the cover 2 when the bottom 1 and the cover 2 are connected. A hole 1q is provided.
[0060]
When the claw 2k and the step 1p (recess) formed as described above are fitted together so that the bottom 1 and the cover 2 are aligned with each other, the claw 2k temporarily expands the insertion hole 1q. After that, the engaging surface 2m of the claw 2k and the step portion 1p are fitted, and the bottom portion 1 and the cover portion 2 are joined.
[0061]
In order to release the connection, as shown by the arrow β in FIG. 9, the connection can be released by pushing the inclined surface 2n of the claw 2k inward from the back side of the bottom 1 using a tool.
[0062]
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the grooves 1j and 1n are formed such that the axes of the axes 1j 'and 1n' of the grooves 1j and 1n are broken lines. As a result, when the lead wire is pulled, stress on the joints 3a and 3e of the lead wire on the printed circuit board 3 is reduced, and long-term reliability is improved.
[0063]
In this embodiment, in addition to the fixing parts 1r and 1s provided on the bottom part 1, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the cover part 2 is also provided with fixing parts 2p and 2q for fixing to the lighting fixture. Provided.
[0064]
Thereby, even when the lead wire is pulled, the case can be prevented from being deformed, damaged, and disconnected.
[0065]
【The invention's effect】
The resin case according to claim 1, wherein the case body in which the printed circuit board is housed is formed of at least two members fitted to each other by the concave / convex fitting means, and one of the at least two members is attached to one of the at least two members. A double wall having an inner wall and an outer wall formed in a double manner with a predetermined space therebetween, wherein the concave-convex fitting means includes a recess formed inside the double wall of the one member; And a projection formed so as to protrude outward on the other member of the two members, so that the projections and depressions can be firmly connected without screws by the concave / convex fitting means, and can be fitted inside the double wall portion. Since it is fitted, it does not come off easily, and by providing the convex portion of the concave-convex fitting means so as to protrude outward, there is no undercut, the mold structure can be simplified, and the cost can be reduced. There is an effect that that.
[0066]
The resin case according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the case main body has a drawing hole for drawing out a lead wire from the printed circuit board to the outside, and the drawing hole is formed by the at least two members. Therefore, in addition to the effect of claim 1, there is an effect that the lead wire can be easily drawn out.
[0067]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the resin case according to the second aspect, the lead-out hole is divided into a groove for drawing the lead-out line to the outside and a lid for closing an opening side of the groove. Since it is formed on the double wall, there is an effect that the tensile strength when the lead wire is pulled can be increased.
[0068]
In the resin case according to claim 4, in the invention according to claim 2 or 3, the lead hole is divided into a groove part that leads the lead wire to the outside, and a lid part that closes an opening side of the groove part, Since the lid portion is provided with the protrusion for holding the lead wire arranged in the groove, there is an effect that the tensile strength when the lead wire is pulled can be increased.
[0069]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the resin case according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, the resin case has a plurality of the extraction holes, and the uneven fitting means is formed between the plurality of the extraction holes. There is an effect that a plurality of lead wires can be drawn out while firmly connecting the cases.
[0070]
The resin case according to claim 6, in the invention according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the axis of the drawer hole is formed as a broken line, so that when the lead line is pulled, the printed circuit board of the lead line is drawn. This has the effect of reducing stress on the upper joint and improving long-term reliability.
[0071]
The resin case according to claim 7, wherein in the invention according to any one of claims 2 to 5, an axis line in which the lead-out hole is drawn perpendicularly to the printed board from a connection point of the lead-out line on the printed board. And the axis of the drawer hole is provided at a position that does not intersect in the same plane, so that there is an effect that the tensile strength when the lead wire is pulled can be increased.
[0072]
In the resin case according to the eighth aspect, in the invention according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the case main body is formed of a bottom part and a cover part which are fitted to each other by the concave and convex fitting means, and the case main body is formed. Since the fixing portion for fixing to the outside is provided on both the bottom portion and the cover portion, the resin case is deformed, damaged, and fitted even when the lead wire is pulled when the resin case is fixed to the outside and used. There is an effect that separation of the part can be prevented.
[0073]
The resin case according to claim 9, wherein the case body in which the printed circuit board is housed is formed of at least two members fitted to each other by the concave / convex fitting means. A projection formed on one of the members so as to protrude outwardly, and a hole formed on the other of the at least two members and through which the projection is inserted; Since the projection and the recess are configured to engage with each other, the engagement portion does not easily come off without being firmly connected without a screw, and the undercut is provided by providing the projection of the engagement portion on the outside. There is an effect that the mold structure can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.
[0074]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the resin case according to the ninth aspect, the recess has a wall at positions on both sides of the protrusion engaged with a periphery of the hole, and the width of the wall is reduced. Since the width is made smaller than the width of the human finger, there is an effect that the connection cannot be easily released by the human finger.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1A is a perspective view illustrating a bottom portion of a resin case according to a first embodiment.
(B) It is a perspective view which shows the cover part same as the above.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view when the bottom of the above is seen from another angle.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view when the bottom of the above is seen from another angle.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view when the cover unit is viewed from another angle.
FIG. 5 is a plan view when a printed circuit board is arranged on the bottom of the above.
FIG. 6 is an enlarged view in which a main part of a bottom part of the above is enlarged.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a bottom of a resin case according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view when the bottom part is viewed from another angle.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view when the bottom of the above is seen from another angle.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a cover unit of the above.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view when the cover unit is viewed from another angle.
FIG. 12 is a plan view when a printed circuit board is arranged on the bottom of the above.
FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing a fitting portion of a conventional resin case.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Bottom part 1a Inner wall 1a 'Outer wall 1b Upper surface 1c Notch 1f, 1g Square hole 2 Cover part 2a, 2b, 2c Claw 2x Engagement surface 2y Inclined surface 3 Printed circuit board 4 First uneven fitting portion 5, 6 Second Uneven part

Claims

A case body in which a printed circuit board is housed is formed of at least two members which are fitted to each other by a concave-convex fitting means, and one of the at least two members has an inner wall and an outer wall with a predetermined interval. A double-walled portion formed in a double-sided manner, and the concave-convex fitting means is provided on a concave portion formed inside the double-walled portion of the one member, and a concave portion formed on the other of the at least two members. And a projection formed so as to protrude in the direction.

2. The case body according to claim 1, wherein the case main body has a drawing hole for drawing out a lead wire from the printed circuit board to the outside, and the drawing hole is configured by being divided by the at least two members. 3. Resin case.

The said draw-out hole was divided | segmented into the groove part which draws out the said lead-out line to the exterior, and the lid part which closes the opening side of the said groove part, The said groove part was formed in the said double wall part, The characterized by the above-mentioned. Resin case.

The lead-out hole is divided into a groove part for drawing the lead-out line to the outside and a lid part closing the opening side of the groove part, and the lid part is provided with a protrusion for holding the lead-out line arranged in the groove part. 4. The resin case according to claim 2, wherein:

The resin case according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the resin case has a plurality of the extraction holes, and the uneven fitting means is formed between the extraction holes.

The resin case according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein an axis of the drawing hole is formed as a broken line.

The drawer hole is provided at a position where an axis line drawn perpendicularly to the printed circuit board from a connection point of the lead line on the printed circuit board and an axis line of the drawer hole do not intersect in the same plane. The resin case according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that:

The case body is formed of a bottom portion and a cover portion which are fitted to each other by the concave and convex fitting means, and fixing portions for fixing the case body to the outside are provided on both the bottom portion and the cover portion. The resin case according to claim 1.

A case body in which a printed circuit board is housed is formed of at least two members that are fitted to each other by an uneven fitting means, and the uneven fitting means is attached to one of the at least two members in an outward direction. A convex portion formed so as to protrude from the first member, and a concave portion formed in the other member of the at least two members and having a hole through which the convex portion is inserted, and a peripheral edge of the hole and the concave portion being engaged with the convex portion. A resin case comprising:

The said concave part has a wall part in the position which becomes the both sides of the said convex part engaged with the perimeter of the said hole, The width | variety of the said wall part was made narrower than the width | variety of a human finger. Of resin case.