JP4037205B2 - Waterproof box - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a waterproof box suitable for use as an electrical connection box that is mounted in an engine room of an automobile and accommodates electrical components such as a fuse, a relay, and a connection connector for a wire harness.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As an electrical junction box that mounts electrical components such as fuses, relays, and wire harness connection connectors in the engine room of an automobile, the electrical components are usually not contaminated or damaged by raindrops. A waterproof box is used.
[0003]
FIG. 8 shows a sealing structure of a conventional waterproof box used for such a purpose. In this waterproof box, a substantially box-shaped box body 3 and a waterproof cover 5 that covers the opening of the box body 3 so as to be openable and closable form an accommodation space for accommodating electrical components and the like.
The front ends of the peripheral wall portions 3a and 5a of the box body 3 and the waterproof cover 5 are equipped with mating portions 3b and 5b that abut against the front end of the other peripheral wall portion, and the mating portions 3b and 5b are in contact with each other. By making the contact portion a seal structure, water is prevented from entering the housing space.
[0004]
The seal structure in this example is a general structure, and a packing 9 as a seal member is fitted and installed in the concave groove 7 formed in the mating portion 5b of the waterproof cover 5, while the mating portion 3b of the box body 3 is As the projection row 11 that is in pressure contact with the packing 9, predetermined waterproofing is achieved by pressure contact between the projection row 11 and the packing 9.
In this way, the waterproof box in which the separate packing 9 is fitted in the concave groove 7 can relatively simplify the structure of the mating portions 3b and 5b of the box body 3 and the waterproof cover 5, and is excellent in low cost. There is an advantage that waterproof performance can be obtained.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional waterproof box described above, when the box main body 3 and the waterproof cover 5 are warped or deformed due to variations in molding accuracy, the groove 7 in the groove width direction is positioned at the relative position between the groove 7 and the protrusion row 11. Deviation occurs, and the projection row 11 does not coincide with the center of the groove 7 in the groove width direction. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the projection row 11 deviates from the center of the packing 9. In some cases, the contact is made at the offset position, and the original sealing performance of the packing 9 may not be obtained.
[0006]
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems, and has a seal structure that can exhibit good sealing performance even when the box body or the waterproof cover is warped or deformed. It is to provide a waterproof box.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The above object of the present invention is to provide a sealing member fitted in a recessed groove formed in one of the mating portions of the box main body and the waterproof cover, and a protrusion row formed on the other of the mating portions on the sealing member. A waterproof box that press-contacts and seals the mating portion of the box body and the waterproof cover, wherein the thickness of the other mating portion is larger than the width of the concave groove, and abuts against the opening edge of the concave groove and the protrusion Tapered taper portions for restricting the relative positions of the rows and the concave grooves in the groove width direction are formed at the bases on both sides in the thickness direction of the projection rows, abutting the opening edges of the concave rows, This is achieved by a waterproof box characterized in that a stopper portion for restricting entry into the concave groove is formed at the wide end portion of each tapered portion .
[0008]
According to the above configuration, the thickness of the other mating portion is larger than the width of the concave groove, and the taper formed at the base on both sides in the thickness direction of the projection row as the projection row enters the concave groove. The part abuts against the opening edge of the groove and the relative position between the projection row and the groove is regulated in the groove width direction while correcting warpage and deformation. Even when warping or deformation occurs, the tip of the projection row can be displaced to the optimum position of the seal member and press-contacted.
Therefore, the original good sealing performance can be exhibited regardless of warping or deformation occurring in the box body or the waterproof cover.
In addition, since the stopper portion that is in contact with the opening edge of the groove and restricts the protrusion row from entering the groove is formed at the wide end portion of the taper portion, the taper portion of the protrusion row Abuts against the opening edge of the groove to restrict the relative position between the protrusion row and the groove in the groove width direction, and after the tip of the protrusion row is brought into pressure contact with the optimum position of the seal member, the stopper portion is By abutting against the opening edge of the projection line, the protrusion row is prevented from entering the groove.
Therefore, the protrusion row can be pressed against the seal member at an optimum position with an optimum pressure, and a reliable and good sealing performance can be exhibited.
[0009]
Preferably, at the same time as or immediately before the tip of the projection row and the seal member abut, either one of the inclined surfaces of the tapered portion and the corresponding opening edge of the concave groove abut.
In this case, at the same time or immediately before the projection row contacts the seal member, the taper portion contacts the opening edge of the groove, and the protrusion row and the groove start relative displacement in the groove width direction.
[0010]
Therefore, compared to the case where relative displacement is started in the groove width direction after the projection row is pressed against the seal member and deformed, the tip of the projection row is sealed without causing unnecessary force (repulsive force). The member can be displaced to the optimum position.
Further, since the tip of the projection row is not a relative displacement in the groove width direction after the seal member is deformed, a large shearing force is not applied to the contact portion of the seal member, and the seal member is not damaged. .
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a waterproof box according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an essential part for explaining a seal structure of a waterproof box according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an external perspective view in which a part of the waterproof box shown in FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a main part for explaining the operation of the sealing structure of the waterproof box shown in FIG.
[0013]
As shown in FIG. 2, the waterproof box 21 according to the first embodiment is, for example, an electrical connection box that is installed in an engine room of an automobile and houses electrical components such as fuses, relays, and wire harness connection connectors. Designed on the premise of use, a housing space 26 for housing electrical components and the like is formed by a substantially box-shaped box body 23 and a waterproof cover 25 that covers the opening of the box body 23 so as to be openable and closable.
[0014]
At the tips of the peripheral wall portions 23a and 25a of the box body 23 and the waterproof cover 25, there are provided matching portions 23b and 25b that abut against the tips of the other peripheral wall portions. By making the contact structure a seal structure, water is prevented from entering the housing space 26.
Reference numeral 20 denotes a bolt insertion hole through which a bolt 30 for fixing the waterproof cover 25 to the box body 23 is inserted, reference numeral 22 denotes a base, and reference numeral 24 denotes a bolt insertion hole for fixing the base 22 in the engine room. .
[0015]
As shown in FIG. 1, the sealing structure of the waterproof box 21 is provided with a packing 29 as a sealing member fitted in a concave groove 27 formed in the mating portion 25b of the waterproof cover 25, while the box body 23 is aligned. The portion 23 b is a projection row 31 that is in pressure contact with the packing 29, and is intended to provide predetermined waterproofing by pressing the projection row 31 and the packing 29.
[0016]
The concave groove 27 is formed over the entire circumference of the mating portion 25 b of the waterproof cover 25, and the packing 29 has a ring shape corresponding to the concave groove 27.
The packing 29 is a ring-shaped soft elastic body having a rectangular cross-sectional shape, and the cross-sectional width is set slightly larger than the width of the concave groove 27. It is press-fitted and fixed in the groove 27.
[0017]
The protrusion row 31 is formed with a predetermined width from the tip end 31a of the protrusion toward the base end side with a constant width, while the base portions on both sides in the thickness direction are tapered portions 35. The tapered portion 35 includes a pair of inclined surfaces 35 a and 35 b formed on the inner wall side and the outer wall side of the box body 23.
[0018]
When the projection row 31 enters the concave groove 27, the tapered portion 35 abuts on the opening edge 27a of the concave groove 27, thereby restricting the relative position between the projection row 31 and the concave groove 27 in the groove width direction. The projection row 31 is guided so that the tip 31a contacts the optimum position (width direction center) of the packing 29.
[0019]
Further, a stopper portion 37 is formed at the wide end portion of the taper portion 35 (each skirt portion of the taper portion 35 widened in a C shape). When the projection row 31 enters a predetermined amount into the groove 27, the stopper portion 37 abuts against each opening edge 27a of the groove 27 to prevent the projection row 31 from entering the groove 27 further. .
[0020]
Next, the operation of the sealing structure of the waterproof box 21 according to the first embodiment will be described. First, when the waterproof cover 25 is attached to the box body 23, the box body 23 and the waterproof cover 25 are warped due to variations in molding accuracy. When the deformation has occurred, as shown in FIG. 3A, one of the inclined surfaces 35 b of the tapered portion 35 abuts against the opening edge 27 a facing the concave groove 27.
[0021]
When the waterproof cover 25 is tightened to the box body 23 by the bolt 30, the opening edge 27a slides along the inclined surface 35b, and the relative position between the projection row 31 and the groove 27 is corrected while the warpage and deformation are corrected. Is regulated in the groove width direction, and as shown in FIG. 3B, the projection row 31 is arranged at the center of the groove 27 in the groove width direction.
[0022]
Thereafter, the opening edge 27 a abuts against the stopper portion 37, so that the protrusion row 31 is prevented from entering the concave groove 27, and the protrusion row 31 contacts the optimum position (center in the width direction) of the packing 29. The attachment of the waterproof cover 25 to the box body 23 is completed.
[0023]
Therefore, according to the waterproof box 21 according to the first embodiment, even if the box main body 23 or the waterproof cover 25 is warped or deformed due to a molding error or the like, As the taper portion 35 comes into contact with the opening edge 27a of the groove 27, the relative position between the protrusion row 31 and the groove 27 is regulated in the groove width direction while correcting warpage and deformation. The tip 31a of 31 is displaced to the optimum position of the packing 29 and can be pressed.
Therefore, according to the sealing structure of the waterproof box 21, original good sealing performance can be exhibited regardless of warping or deformation occurring in the box body 23 or the waterproof cover 25.
[0024]
Furthermore, according to the sealing structure of the waterproof box 21 according to the first embodiment, the opening edge 27 a abuts against the stopper portion 37, thereby restricting the protrusion row 31 from entering the concave groove 27.
Therefore, the taper portion 35 of the projection row 31 abuts against the opening edge 27a of the concave groove 27 to restrict the relative position between the projection row 31 and the concave groove 27 in the groove width direction, and the tip 31a of the projection row 31 has the packing 29. Then, the stopper portion 37 abuts against the opening edge 27a of the groove 27 to prevent the protrusion row 31 from entering the groove 27 further.
[0025]
Therefore, even when the waterproof cover 25 is fastened to the box body 23 by the bolts 30, the projection row 31 can be pressed against the packing 29 with the optimum pressure at the optimum position, and exhibits a reliable and good sealing performance. be able to.
[0026]
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a main part for explaining the seal structure of the waterproof box according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a main part for explaining the action of the seal structure of the waterproof box shown in FIG. It is a cross-sectional perspective view. The same members as those in the waterproof box seal structure according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0027]
In the sealing structure of the waterproof box according to the second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, one of the tapered portions 35 is provided at the same time or immediately before the tip 31 a of the projection row 31 and the packing 29 come into contact with each other. One inclined surface 35a and the corresponding opening edge 27a of the concave groove 27 are configured to contact each other.
[0028]
That is, the contact surface 29a of the packing 29 is lowered toward the bottom of the groove, or the opening edge 27a of the concave groove 27 protrudes from the contact surface 29a of the packing 29 (hangs down in the example of FIG. 4). Accordingly, the relative positions of the tip 31a, the contact surface 29a, the opening edge 27a, and the inclined surface 35a are appropriately set.
[0029]
Therefore, according to the seal structure of the second embodiment as described above, as shown in FIG. 5A, the opening edge 27a of the groove 27 is formed at the same time or just before the projection row 31 contacts the packing 29. The one inclined surface 35a of the taper portion 35 comes into contact with the protrusion 35, and the protrusion row 31 and the groove 29 start relative displacement in the groove width direction.
[0030]
Therefore, as compared with the case where relative displacement is started in the groove width direction after the projection row 31 is pressed against the packing 29 and deformed, no unnecessary force (repulsive force) is generated, and FIG. ), The tip 31 a of the projection row 31 can be displaced to the optimum position of the packing 29.
[0031]
Further, since the tip 31a of the projection row 31 is not a relative displacement in the groove width direction after the packing 29 is deformed, a large shearing force is not applied to the contact surface 29a of the packing 29, and the packing 29 is damaged. There is no fear.
[0032]
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an essential part for explaining a seal structure of a waterproof box according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
In the waterproof box seal structure according to the third embodiment, a packing 41 having a circular cross section is used as a seal member.
[0033]
And also by the sealing structure of the waterproof box which concerns on this 3rd Embodiment, the taper part 35 is opening of the concave groove 27 with the approach to the concave groove 27 of the protrusion row | line | column 31 similarly to the sealing structure of each said embodiment. Since the relative position between the projection row 31 and the groove 27 is regulated in the groove width direction while abutting against the edge 27a and the warp and deformation are corrected, the tip 31a of the projection row 31 is formed as shown in FIG. It is displaced to the optimal position of the packing 41 and can be pressed.
[0034]
Therefore, the tip 31a of the protrusion 31 can be reliably brought into pressure contact with the top of the arc surface of the packing 41 fitted into the concave groove 27, even though the cross-sectional shape of the packing 41 is circular. That is, for example, in the case of the conventional seal structure, when the tip of the protrusion row cannot be pressed against the top of the arc surface of the packing 41 and the groove width direction is displaced, the sealing performance of the packing 41 is significantly reduced. End up.
[0035]
Therefore, the sealing member according to the waterproof box of the present invention is not limited to the rectangular cross-sectional shape, and exhibits the original good sealing performance even when various forms of sealing members such as a circular cross-section are used. The selection range of the seal member can be expanded.
[0036]
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an essential part for explaining a sealing structure of a waterproof box according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
In the seal structure of the waterproof box according to the fourth embodiment, the tapered portion 45 formed at the base of the projection row 31 has a predetermined interval along the extending direction of the projection row 31 as shown in FIG. It is formed as a rib having and disposed.
[0037]
That is, the taper portion according to the waterproof box of the present invention does not need to be provided on the entire circumference along the protrusion row 31. The same effects as the embodiment can be achieved.
[0038]
The configurations of the box body, waterproof cover, seal member, taper portion, and the like according to the waterproof box of the present invention are not limited to the configurations of the above-described embodiments, and various forms can be made based on the spirit of the present invention. It goes without saying that it can be taken.
For example, in each of the above embodiments, the concave groove 27 into which the packing 29 (41) is fitted is formed in the waterproof cover 25. However, the concave groove 27 is formed on the box body 23 side, and at the mating portion 25b of the waterproof cover 25. Needless to say, the same effect can be obtained even when the projection row 31 is formed.
Further, the use of the waterproof box according to the present invention is not limited to the electrical junction box attached in the engine room of the automobile as described above.
[0039]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the waterproof box of the present invention, the thickness of the other mating portion is larger than the width of the groove, and the protrusion row is inserted into the protrusion row. of the tapered portion formed on both sides in the thickness direction of the base portion is in contact with the opening edge of the groove, the relative positions of the protruding rib and groove while warpage or deformation is corrected is position regulating the groove width direction, further, concave Because the stopper part that abuts the opening edge of the groove restricts entry of the projection row into the recessed groove, even if the box body or the waterproof cover is warped or deformed due to variations in molding accuracy, etc. The tip of the projection row can be displaced by being displaced to the optimum position of the seal member.
Therefore, the original good sealing performance can be exhibited regardless of warping or deformation occurring in the box body or the waterproof cover.
In addition, since the stopper portion that is in contact with the opening edge of the groove and restricts the protrusion row from entering the groove is formed at the wide end portion of the taper portion, the taper portion of the protrusion row Abuts against the opening edge of the groove to restrict the relative position between the protrusion row and the groove in the groove width direction, and after the tip of the protrusion row is brought into pressure contact with the optimum position of the seal member, the stopper portion is By abutting against the opening edge of the projection line, the protrusion row is prevented from entering the groove.
Therefore, the protrusion row can be pressed against the seal member at an optimum position with an optimum pressure, and a reliable and good sealing performance can be exhibited.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an essential part for explaining a seal structure of a waterproof box according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an external perspective view in which a part of the waterproof box shown in FIG. 1 is cut away.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a main part for explaining the operation of the waterproof box seal structure shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a main part for explaining a seal structure of a waterproof box according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an essential part for explaining the operation of the sealing structure of the waterproof box shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a main part for explaining a seal structure of a waterproof box according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an essential part for explaining a sealing structure of a waterproof box according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a main part for explaining a sealing structure of a conventional waterproof box.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a main part for explaining the operation of the waterproof box seal structure shown in FIG. 8;
[Explanation of symbols]
21 waterproof box 23 box body 23b, 25b mating portion 25 waterproof cover 27 groove 27a opening edge 29 packing (seal member)
31 Projection row 31a Tip 35 Taper 35a, 35b Inclined surface 37 Stopper

Claims (2)

A seal member is fitted and installed in a recessed groove formed in one of the mating portion of the box body and the waterproof cover, and a protrusion row formed in the other of the mating portion is pressed against the seal member to be in contact with the box body and the waterproof cover. A waterproof box that seals the mating part of the cover,
A taper taper in which the thickness of the other mating portion is larger than the width of the concave groove and abuts against the opening edge of the concave groove to restrict the relative position between the projection row and the concave groove in the groove width direction. Are formed on the bases on both sides in the thickness direction of the projection row, abutting against the opening edge of the concave groove, and a stopper portion for restricting the projection row from entering the concave groove is a wide width of each tapered portion. A waterproof box, characterized in that it is formed at each side end .   The opening edge of the concave groove corresponding to any one of the inclined surfaces of the tapered portion abuts at the same time or immediately before the tip of the projection row and the seal member abut. The waterproof box according to 1.

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