JPH09301481A - Connecting device for part holder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily connect holder units together and obtain a connection state having high reliability, in a part holder provided by connecting holder units for storing and holding parts. SOLUTION: Connection holes 12 are provided in one end of a holder unit 2 in the connection direction thereof and connection protrusions 14 adapted to be fitted into the holes 12 are provided in the other end of the unit 2 in the connection direction thereof, and the protrusions 14 are arranged, spaced from each other, in a direction normal to the connection direction and the protrusions 14 each are comprised of a pair of engaging pieces 15, 15 which can be elastically deformed in a direction in which both the pieces come close to each other, and engaging protrusion 16 is provided on the outer side surface of the piece 15 so as to be engaged with the periphery of the hole 12 so that the protrusion 14 is prevented from slipping out of the hole 12.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a component holding body formed by connecting holding units for accommodating and holding various components such as electronic parts and mechanical parts, and connecting the component holding bodies for connecting the holding units. It relates to the device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a component holder for holding a large number of components and mounting it on a component supply device as a component assembly, a holding tape having a plurality of storage recesses formed at predetermined intervals is used. After housing the parts in the recesses, the upper surface of the holding tape was covered with a cover tape to prevent the parts from popping out.

However, in such a component holder, it is necessary to cover the component tape with a cover tape when storing the component, and peel off the cover tape to wind the component tape when the component is supplied. Therefore, a component supply device having a complicated structure is required or the component is removed. Also, the cover tape has become a problem that it becomes disposable and the cost becomes high.

Therefore, as a component holder that solves such a problem, the applicant of the present invention has a plurality of holding unit bodies 22 (only two are shown in the drawing) connected to each other as shown in FIG. A component holder 21 is proposed. The holding unit 22 has a holding portion 23 for the component formed in the center thereof, and feed holes 24 are formed at a predetermined pitch on both sides along the connecting direction. Engaging pieces 25 are arranged on both sides of the holding portion 23,
Both sides thereof are integrally connected to both side walls facing each other in the connecting direction of the holding unit body 22 by a pair of link pieces 26, respectively, and have a position protruding from the upper surface opening of the holding portion 23 and a position retracted from the upper surface opening. It is configured to be movable between. When the engaging piece 25 is in the projecting position, it engages with the upper surface of the component housed in the holding portion 23 to prevent the component from jumping out, and in the retracted position, the component is inserted and held in the holding portion 23, Or, it is designed so that it can be taken out.

A pair of connecting bands 31 each having a downwardly projecting engaging projection 32 at its tip end are provided at appropriate intervals at one end edge of the holding unit 22 in the connecting direction so as to extend in the connecting direction. A pair of protrusions 33, each of which has a connection hole 34 into which the engagement protrusion 32 is fitted, are formed at the other end edge so as to protrude at a position corresponding to the connection band 31. As shown in detail in FIG. 5, the engagement protrusion 32 has a pointed protrusion 32a at its lower end and a locking claw 35 protruding from one side surface thereof. A recessed portion 36 wider than the width of the locking claw 35 is formed, and both ends of the locking claw 35 and a side end wall of the recessed portion 36 are connected by a thin connecting wall 36a. It is configured such that 15 is retracted into the recessed portion 16 by an appropriate external force and is reliably restored. An engaged surface 37 with which the engaging claw 35 engages when the engaging projection 32 is completely fitted into the connecting hole 34 is formed on a side surface of the connecting hole 34 corresponding to the engaging claw 35. Has been done.

Thus, when the holding units 22, 22 are connected to each other, as shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C, the engaging projection 32 is fitted into the connecting hole 34 so that the locking claw 35 is formed. After retreating into the recessed portion 36, restore the connection hole 34
Engages with the engaged surface 37 formed on one side of the engaging projection 32.
The holding units 22 and 22 are connected to each other by preventing the holding units 22 and 22 from coming out.

[0007]

However, in the structure of the connecting device for the component holders, when the engaging projection 32 is fitted in the connecting hole 34, the locking claw 35 is easily retracted into the recess 36. There is a problem that it is not easy to obtain a completely connected state because it does not enter, and when the connecting portions of the holding unit bodies 22 that are connected to each other in the connected state are bent as shown by an arrow e in FIG. 6 (c). The engaged surface 3 of the locking claw 35
There is a problem that the engagement with 7 is easily disengaged, the holding units 22, 22 may be disconnected from each other, and a highly reliable connected state cannot be obtained.

In view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a component holder connecting device capable of easily connecting holding units to each other and obtaining a highly reliable connected state.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A connecting device for a component holder of the present invention is a connecting device for connecting holding units in a component holder formed by connecting holding units for storing and holding components. , A connecting hole is provided at one end of the holding unit in the connecting direction and is inserted into the connecting hole at the other end of the connecting direction, and a connecting projection is provided to project and engage in a direction orthogonal to the connecting direction. Consist of a pair of engaging pieces that are elastically deformable in a direction approaching each other and spaced in parallel in a direction orthogonal to The locking projections are provided so as to be engaged with each other to prevent them from coming off. By elastically deforming the pair of engagement pieces so as to approach each other, the connection projections can be easily fitted into the connection holes. , In the fitted state, the locking protrusion has the length of the connecting hole. Since the holding units are engaged with the peripheral edges at both ends in the direction orthogonal to the connecting direction of the holding units, a force may be exerted to release the engagement even if the holding units bend each other. Instead, the connection state is highly reliable.

Preferably, the locking projection is formed in a substantially triangular shape whose outer surface is inclined so as to spread outward from the tip of the engaging piece toward the base, and side surfaces at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the connecting hole. In addition, by forming a guide surface that expands outward toward the side opposite to the fitting direction of the connecting protrusion, the connecting protrusion can be pushed toward the connecting hole so that the engaging pieces move toward each other by the pushing force. It is elastically deformed and can be easily connected.

[0011]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of a component holder connecting device of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

Reference numeral 1 denotes a holding unit, and a component holding body is constructed by connecting a plurality of holding units 1.
A tape-shaped component assembly is formed by accommodating and retaining components in the retaining portion 2 of each retaining unit 1.
The holding unit 1 is made of an injection-molded product of polypropylene or polyethylene, is formed in a substantially rectangular shape having a planar shape that is long in a direction orthogonal to the connecting direction, and a holding portion 2 is formed by forming a flat concave portion in the center thereof. Has been done. Further, feed holes 3 are formed at a predetermined pitch on both sides of the holding unit 1 along the connecting direction.

On both sides of the holding portion 2, there are provided engaging pieces 4 which are movable between a position protruding into the upper surface opening of the holding portion 2 and a position retracted from the upper surface opening. When the engaging piece 4 is in the projecting position, it engages with the upper surface of the component housed in the holding portion 2 to prevent the component from popping out, and in the retracted position, the component is inserted and held in the holding portion 2, Or it can be taken out.

Both sides of the engagement piece 4 are integrally connected to both support walls 5 facing each other in the connection direction of the holding unit 1 by a pair of link pieces 6. The length of each link piece 6 is formed to be slightly longer than a half of the length obtained by subtracting the width of the engaging piece 4 from the distance between the support walls 5 and 5, and the link piece 6 and the support walls 5 and the engaging wall 5 are engaged with each other. The connecting portion with the joint piece 4 is rotatably connected by a self-hinge formed in a thin portion, and as a result, the engaging piece 4 has a protruding position and a retracted position as described above.
It is stable in position and can be moved between two positions with a certain biasing force.

On the lower surface of one end edge of the holding unit body 1 in the connecting direction, a pair of projecting portions 11 having elongated connecting holes 12 formed in a direction orthogonal to the connecting direction of the holding unit body 1 are projected at appropriate intervals. It is set up. On the other end edge of the holding unit 1 in the connecting direction, a pair of connecting bands 13 having downwardly projecting connecting projecting portions 14 fitted into the connecting holes 12 at the tip portions are provided at positions corresponding to the projecting portions 11. ing.

As shown in detail in FIG. 2, the connecting protrusion 14 is provided with a pair of engaging pieces 15 which are arranged in parallel in a direction orthogonal to the connecting direction at intervals and which are elastically deformable in a direction approaching each other. Locking protrusions 16 are provided on the outer surfaces of the tip end portions of the pair of engaging pieces 15 to prevent engagement and disengagement with engaged surfaces 17 on the lower surfaces of the peripheral edges of both ends in the longitudinal direction of the connecting hole 12. . The locking protrusion 16 has an outer surface 16 a on the engagement piece 1.
5 is formed in a substantially triangular shape that inclines so as to spread outward from the tip to the base. Also, the connecting hole 12
As shown in detail in FIGS. 1 (b), 1 (c) and 3, the side surfaces 12a at both ends in the longitudinal direction are provided with guide surfaces 18 that spread outward toward the side opposite to the fitting direction of the connecting projections 14. There is. The guide surface 18 may be formed as an inclined flat surface as shown in the drawing or may be formed as a convex curved surface. Also, the engagement piece 1
Chamfering 19 is applied to both end edges of the tip end of 5 in the connection direction.

In the above structure, when connecting the holding units 1 and 1 to each other, as shown in FIG. 1 (b), the other holding unit is provided immediately above the connecting hole 12 at one end of one holding unit 1. When the connecting protrusion 14 at the other end edge of the body 1 is positioned and the connecting protrusion 14 is lowered together with the other holding unit body 1 as indicated by arrow a, the inclination of the locking protrusion 16 at the tips of the pair of engaging pieces 15 is increased. The outer side surfaces 16a are guide surfaces 1 on both side surfaces of the connecting hole 12.
By abutting with 8, the pair of engaging pieces 15 are elastically deformed inward as shown by the arrow b, and the connecting projection 14 is fitted into the connecting hole 12 as it is.

When the connecting projection 14 is completely fitted in the connecting hole 12, the locking projection 16 passes through the connecting hole 12 and the engaging piece 15 is inserted.
Elastically returns, and as shown in FIG.
Is the engaged surface 17 on the lower surface of the peripheral edge at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the connecting hole 12.
The connecting protrusions 14 are completely prevented from coming off by engaging with the holding unit bodies 1, and the holding unit bodies 1, 1 are reliably connected to each other. Further, since the locking projection 16 and the engaged surface 17 are engaged with each other in the direction orthogonal to the connecting direction of the holding units 1, 1, the holding units 1, 1, in the connected state. Even if they are bent at the connecting portion, there is no possibility that a force for releasing the engagement will act, and a highly reliable connected state can be obtained.

On the other hand, when it is necessary to disconnect the holding units 1 and 1 from each other, the tip ends of the engaging pieces 15 are moved closer to each other as shown by an arrow c in FIG. 1 (c). By pulling up and pushing up as shown by arrow d, the engagement piece 15 is elastically deformed and the engagement between the locking projection 16 and the engaged surface 17 is released, and the connection projection 14 is pulled out from the connection hole 12. The connection can be released relatively easily.

In the above description, for the sake of easy understanding, it is described that the connecting projections 14 are lowered and fitted into the connecting holes 12 at the time of connection, but in reality, the holding unit bodies 1 and 1 to be connected to each other are connected. The connection protrusion 14 is placed upside down and the connection hole 14 is fitted into the connection protrusion 14 from above.
Since it is supported on the mounting surface, it is easy to connect.

[0021]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the connecting device for a component holder of the present invention, a connecting hole is provided at one end of the holding unit in the connecting direction and the connecting direction is provided at the other end of the connecting direction. And a pair of engaging protrusions, which are elastically deformable in the direction orthogonal to each other and elastically deformable in the direction approaching each other, and which have an engaging protrusion on the outer surface of the distal end portion. Since the locking projections on the outer surface of the tip end of the piece engage with the peripheral edges of both ends of the connecting hole in the longitudinal direction to prevent the engaging hole from coming off, the pair of engaging pieces are elastically deformed so as to come close to each other. The protrusions can be easily fitted into the connection holes for easy connection, and in the connected state, the locking protrusions are orthogonal to the connecting direction of the holding units with respect to the longitudinal edge of the connection hole. Since the engaging units are engaged in the direction Be bent have no force is acting as the engagement is canceled, it is possible to obtain a highly reliable connected state.

Further, the locking projection is formed in a substantially triangular shape whose outer surface is inclined so as to spread outward from the tip of the engaging piece toward the base, and on the side surfaces at both longitudinal ends of the connecting hole, By forming the guide surface that spreads outward toward the side opposite to the fitting direction of the connecting protrusion, only by pushing the connecting protrusion toward the connecting hole, the pushing force elastically deforms the engaging pieces to approach each other, It can be connected more easily.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a component holder of the present invention,
(A) is a plan view of the holding unit, (b) is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a state immediately before the connection between the connecting hole and the connecting protrusion, and (c) is a vertical sectional view showing a connecting state between the connecting hole and the connecting protrusion. Is.

FIG. 2 shows a connecting projection of the holding unit in the same embodiment, (a) is a front view, (b) is a side view, and (c) is (b).
FIG.

FIG. 3 is a plan view and (b) is a front view showing a connection hole of the holding unit according to the same embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an external perspective view of a conventional component holder.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of an engagement protrusion of a conventional holding unit.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a process of fitting an engagement protrusion into a connecting hole when connecting holding units in a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Holding unit 12 Connection hole 14 Connection projection 15 Engagement piece 16 Locking projection 16a Outer side surface 18 Guide surface

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A connecting device for connecting holding units to each other in a component holder formed by connecting holding units for accommodating and holding components, wherein a connecting hole is provided at one end in the connecting direction of the holding units. Provided at the other end of the direction is a connecting protrusion that is fitted in the connecting hole and extends in the direction orthogonal to the connecting direction to engage with it.The connecting protrusions are arranged in parallel in the direction orthogonal to the connecting direction with a space therebetween and approach each other. A pair of elastically deformable engaging pieces, and protruding projections are provided on the outer surfaces of the distal end portions of the pair of engaging pieces to engage with the peripheral edges of both ends of the connecting hole in the longitudinal direction to prevent the engaging holes from coming off. A device for connecting component holders, characterized in that 2. The component holder according to claim 1, wherein the locking projection is formed in a substantially triangular shape in which an outer side surface thereof is inclined so as to spread outward from the tip of the engaging piece toward the base. Body connection device. 3. The component holder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein guide surfaces are formed on both side surfaces of both ends of the connecting hole in the longitudinal direction so as to spread outward toward the side opposite to the fitting direction of the connecting protrusion. Connecting device.