WO2001084897A1

WO2001084897A1 - Cabinet connecting structure

Info

Publication number: WO2001084897A1
Application number: PCT/JP2001/003668
Authority: WO
Inventors: Katsuya Shibata; Kenichi Yasukawa; Yoshitaka Tsuji; Shigeto Ogino
Original assignee: Idec Izumi Corporation
Priority date: 2000-04-27
Filing date: 2001-04-26
Publication date: 2001-11-08
Also published as: JP4467135B2; JP2001313477A

Abstract

A cabinet connecting structure, wherein spring bodies (61a, 61b) allowed to abut on the slanted surfaces of guide bodies (8a, 8b) formed on the inside wall of the connecting surface (1a) of a cabinet (1) so as to be deformed elastically are formed integrally with a hook member (6) moving reciprocably from an engaged position to a disengaged position through a turnout position, and recessed parts (62a, 62b) allowing the guide bodies (8a, 8b) to be fitted therein are provided in the spring bodies (61a, 61b), whereby the hook member is energized to the engaged position by the deformation of the spring bodies (61a, 61b) against the guide bodies (8a, 8b) when the hook member (6) is moved from the engaged position to the turnout position and, because the guide bodies (8a, 8b) are fitted into the recessed parts (62a, 62b), the movement of the hook member (6) positioned at the disengaged position is restricted.

Description

Specification

Housing connection structure

Technical field

The present invention relates to a housing connection structure used when connecting a plurality of housings with their connection surfaces facing each other. Background art

Electrical devices such as programmable controllers and sequencers are often used by appropriately combining the same or different components. For this reason, a housing connection structure is used in which the shapes of the housings for accommodating each electric device are shared, and a plurality of housings can be connected and connected in an arbitrary combination. In this case connecting structure, the two cases are connected by engaging a claw provided on the connecting surface of the first case with an opening formed on the connecting surface of the second case. The connection can be performed in a state where the connection surfaces are in contact with each other. Further, an opening is formed in another connection surface parallel to the connection surface provided with the claw body in the first housing, and a third opening is formed in the opening formed in the connection surface of the first housing. By engaging the claws provided on the connecting surfaces of the housings, the three housings can be connected in one direction while the connecting surfaces of the three housings are in contact with each other. By repeating, any number of cases can be connected in one direction.

As described above, as a housing connection structure for connecting a plurality of housings by engaging a claw body provided on a connection surface of one housing with an opening formed on a connection surface of the other housing, More specifically, in one of the housings, the claw body is movable between the engagement position and the release position, and is biased toward the engagement position by the elastic force of the elastic member. In some cases, an inclined surface is formed to convert the contact force between the opening and the edge to the moving force of the claw body toward the release position. With this configuration, the connection surface of one housing is brought into contact with the connection surface of the other housing with the claw body and the opening facing each other, so that the claw body located at the engagement position is once After moving to the release position and penetrating the opening, the elastic force of the elastic member returns to the engaging position, engages with the opening, and facilitates the operation of connecting one housing to the other housing. It can be carried out.

For example, as shown in FIG. 8, on the inner wall of the coupling surface 101 a of the housing 101, the hook member 106 having the claw body 107 is engaged with the claw body 107 and released. Between the engaging position and the releasing position corresponding to the position, the supporting member is movably supported in the direction parallel to the connecting surface 101a, and the wire 110, which is an elastic member, has a longitudinal direction corresponding to that of the hook member 106. Some are arranged so as to match the direction orthogonal to the moving direction and hold both ends. The hook member 106 has a projection 106a which is in contact with the center of the wire rod 110. When the hook member 106 is moved from the engagement position to the release position, the projection 10 The wire 110 whose central part is pressed by 6a is elastically deformed, and the restoring force of the wire 110 at this time urges the hook member 106 toward the engagement position.

One end of the hook member 106 in the moving direction is exposed to the outside of the housing 101, and by pressing this exposed portion, the hook member 106 is manually moved from the engaged position to the released position. Can be moved. Therefore, when the two housings once connected are separated by engaging the claw body of one housing 101 with the opening of the other housing 101, the outside of the housing is required. Pressing one end of the exposed hook member 106 moves the claw body 107 together with the hook member 106 to the release position, and releases the engagement state of the claw body 107 with the opening. .

However, in the conventional housing connection structure shown in FIG. 8, it is necessary to provide the housing with two members, a hook member and an elastic member. There is a problem that the operation becomes complicated. In addition, since the wire is used as the elastic member, a sufficient length is required for the wire to elastically deform the elastic member by an amount corresponding to the movement of the claw body and the hook member. There is no problem. Furthermore, when the two housings once connected are separated from each other, it is necessary to keep pressing the end of the hook member until the separation operation is completed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to generate, in a hook member itself, a biasing force for urging the hook member toward an engagement position, and to restrict the movement of the hook member in a release member. Eliminates the need to provide a separate elastic member, reduces the number of members, simplifies cost down and assembly work, and improves workability when separating the connected housings Another object of the present invention is to provide a housing connection structure that can be used. Disclosure of the invention

According to the present invention, the claw body protruding from the connection surface of one of the housings can reciprocate in a direction parallel to the connection surface between the engagement position and the release position, and at the engagement position side by elastic force. When the claw body is moved to the release position side and penetrated through an opening formed in the connection surface of the other housing, and then returned to the engagement position, In the housing connection structure,

A hook member having the claw body is movably supported via a retreat position between a release position and an engagement position corresponding to a release position and an engagement position of the claw body, and a housing is provided when the hook member moves. The hook member located between the engaging position and the retracted position is elastically deformed by contact with the guide body formed on the inner wall of the connecting surface of the connecting member to bias the hook member toward the engaging position. At the same time, the hook member engages with the guide body while the hook member is A panel body for restricting the movement of the hook member is formed integrally with the hook member.

In this configuration, the hook member is formed integrally with the hook member and elastically deforms due to contact with the guide member formed on the inner wall of the connection surface of the housing, so that the hook member is moved to the engagement position side. It is urged to. Therefore, there is no need to provide an elastic member separate from the hook member in order to bias the hook member toward the engagement position, and the number of members reduces the cost and simplifies the assembly of the housing. Be transformed into In addition, the movement of the hook member located at the release position is restricted by the engagement of the panel body of the hook member with the guide body on the connection surface of the housing. This eliminates the need for an operation force to stop the hook member that moves from the engagement position to the release position at the release position, and improves the workability when separating the two connected housings. .

Further, the spring body of the present invention is characterized in that the spring body is elastically deformed in a plane parallel to the moving surface of the hook member by contact with the guide body.

In this configuration, the panel body integrally formed with the hook member is elastically deformed only in a plane parallel to the moving surface of the hook member due to contact with the guide body. Therefore, the panel body does not deform in the direction perpendicular to the moving surface of the hook member, and the shapes of the panel body and the inner wall of the connecting surface of the housing facing the panel body are simplified, and the housing and the hook portion are formed. Material design and manufacturing operations are simplified.

Further, the panel body of the present invention elastically deforms in a plane parallel to the moving surface of the hook member by contacting the guide member while the hook member moves from the engagement position to the release position, and During the movement of the member from the release position to the engagement position, the member abuts on the guide member and is elastically deformed in a plane parallel to the plane of movement of the hook member and in a direction orthogonal to the plane. Features.

In this configuration, the panel body integrally formed with the hook member is elastically deformed in a direction parallel to and orthogonal to the moving surface of the hook member by contact with the guide body. Therefore, since the panel body elastically deforms in two directions perpendicular to each other with respect to the hook member as the hook member moves, the number of movements of the hook member until the panel body breaks in the hook member increases. The life of the hook member is extended.

Further, the guide body of the present invention is a first guide which defines a displacement position of the panel body in a plane parallel to a moving surface of the hook member while the hook member moves from the engagement position to the release position. A groove, a step at which the spring body of the hook member located at the release position at one end of the first guide groove abuts in the moving direction of the hook member to the engagement position, and a step at the first guide groove. Is connected to one end where the

And a second guide groove for defining a displacement position of the panel body in a plane parallel to a movement surface of the hook member while the first hook member moves from the release position to the engagement position. It is characterized by.

In this configuration, the guide body formed on the inner wall of the connection surface of the housing so as to contact the spring body is provided through the first guide groove having a step at one end, and the inclined surface. It is composed of a second guide groove that is continuous with the first guide groove. Therefore, the displacement position of the spring body in a plane parallel to the movement direction of the hook member due to the movement of the hook member is determined by the first guide groove and the second guide in the plane direction of the connection surface of the housing. It is definitely defined by the shape of the groove. Further, the movement of the hook member located at the release position to the engagement position is reliably restricted by the contact of the panel body with the step portion. Further, the first guide groove and the second guide groove connected by the inclined surface have different depths in the thickness direction of the connection surface of the housing, and the panel contacting the step portion. If the body goes through a ramp When a sufficient operating force is applied to the hook member to shift to the guide groove of the hook member, the panel body is securely displaced in the direction orthogonal to the moving surface of the hook member, and the hook member is moved from the release position to the engagement position. Go to

Further, the panel body of the present invention is characterized in that it is formed on each of two side surfaces of the hook member parallel to the moving direction.

In this configuration, the elastic force of the panel body acts on the hook member on each of the two side surfaces parallel to the moving direction. Therefore, the hook member is urged in the moving direction by the elastic force of the panel body in a stable state.

Further, the spring body according to the present invention is characterized in that it is formed at two locations symmetrical with respect to the center position in the moving direction of the hook member.

In this configuration, the elastic force of the spring acts on the hook member at a position symmetrical with respect to the center position in the movement direction. Therefore, the hook member is urged in the movement direction by the elastic force of the panel body in a more stable state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is an external view of a housing to which a housing connection structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied, as viewed from two parallel side surfaces (connection surfaces). FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of an inner wall portion of a connection surface in a housing to which the above-described housing connection structure is applied.

FIG. 3 is a plan cross-sectional view of a main part illustrating a state of engagement of a claw body with an opening in the housing connection mechanism.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operation state of the hook member when connecting the housings to which the above-described housing connection structure is applied.

FIG. 5 is a view showing an operation state of a main part of the hook member.

FIG. 6 shows a case connection structure according to the second embodiment of the present invention applied. 3 shows the configuration and operation of the main part of the housing.

FIG. 7 is a view showing the configuration and operation of a guide body and a panel body in the housing connection structure according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a housing to which a conventional housing connecting structure is applied. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 (A) and 1 (B) are external views of a housing to which the housing connection structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied, as viewed from two parallel side surfaces (connection surfaces). The housing connection structure according to this embodiment is configured such that two housings 1 and 11 having the same shape are connected to one connection surface 1 a of one housing 1 and the other of the other housing 11. Connect with surface 11b in contact. The housing 1 and the housing 11 house the same type of electrical equipment that is used by being electrically connected to each other. However, the housing 1 and the housing 11 may house different types of electric devices, and may have different shapes except for the connection surface.

On the connection surface 1a of one housing 1, columnar projections 2a to 2d and a frame-shaped projection 3 are formed so as to protrude, and exposed holes 4a and 4b are formed. Holes 5a and 5b are formed at positions near the connection surface 1a on two parallel side surfaces 1c and 1d orthogonal to the connection surface 1a of the housing 1. Inside the housing 1, a hook member 6 is supported on the inner wall of the connection surface 1a. On the other hand, the connecting surface 11b of the other housing 11 has columnar concave portions 12a to 12d and a frame-shaped concave portion 13 and an opening portion 14a, 1b. 4b is formed.

The columnar projections 2 a to 2 d and the columnar projections 1 2 a to l 2 d are opposed to each other on the connecting surface 1 a of the housing 1 and the connecting surface 1 1 b of the housing 11. The connecting surface 1 a of the housing 1 and the connecting surface 1 1 b of the housing 1 1 are brought into close contact with each other so that the columnar projections 2 a to 2 d fit into the columnar recesses 1 2 a to 12 d. As a result, the housing 1 and the housing 11 are connected in a properly positioned state.

The frame-shaped protrusion 3 and the frame-shaped recess 13 are formed at positions facing each other on the connection surface 1 a of the housing 1 and the connection surface 1 1 b of the housing 11, and inside the respective frames. Connectors 10 and 20 are exposed. When the housing 1 is connected to the housing 11 with the columnar projections 2 a to 2 d fitted into the columnar recesses 1 2 a to 12 d, the frame-shaped projection 3 is fitted into the frame-shaped recess 13, The connector 10 and the connector 20 are connected, and the electrical equipment housed in the housing 1 and the electrical equipment housed in the housing 11 are electrically connected to each other. From the exposed holes 4a and 4b, claw bodies 7a and 7b formed on a part of the hook member 6 are exposed to the outside of the housing 1. When the connecting surface 1 a of the housing 1 and the connecting surface 1 1 b of the housing 11 face each other with the columnar protrusions 2 a to 2 d fitted into the columnar recesses 1 2 a to 12 d, the housing The claws 7a, 7b exposed from the connecting surface 1a of the body 1 face the openings 14a, 14b formed in the connecting surface 11b of the housing 11.

One end 6 a and the other end 6 b of the hook member 6 supported inside the housing 1 are exposed to the outside of the housing 1 from the holes 5 a and 5 b formed in the housing 1. are doing.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of an inner wall portion of a connection surface in a housing to which the above-described housing connection structure is applied. On the inner wall of the connecting surface 1a of the housing 1, two guides 8a and 8b and four holders 9a to 9d are formed. The holding members 9a to 9d allow the hook member 6 to be engaged with the engagement positions of the claw members 7a and 7b in one direction in a plane parallel to the connection surface 1a of the housing 1. Between the engagement position and the release position corresponding to the release position and the release position. As for the engagement position and the release position, spring bodies 61a and 61b are formed on two sides of the hook member 6 which will be described later, respectively, in parallel with the moving direction. The spring bodies 61a and 61b are in contact with the inclined surfaces of the guide bodies 8a and 8b at the open ends. In addition, concave portions 62 a 62 b into which the guide members 8 a and 8 b fit are formed on the side surfaces of the non-metal members 6 la and 6 lb. As described above, the hook member 6 is merely disposed inside the housing 1 so as to be able to reciprocate at a predetermined position, and the assembling work of the housing 1 can be performed extremely easily.

FIG. 3 is a plan cross-sectional view of a main part illustrating a state of engagement of a claw body with an opening in the housing connection mechanism. The hook members 6 a and 7 b formed on the hook member 6 supported in the housing 1 are formed with inclined surfaces 71. When the connecting surface 1a of the housing 1 and the connecting surface 1 1b of the housing 11 are opposed to each other with the columnar projections 2a to 2d fitted in the columnar recesses 1 2a to 12d, FIG. As shown in A), the inclined surfaces 71 of the claws 7a, 7b face one edge 141, of the openings 14a, 14b.

In this state, when the connecting surface 1a of the housing 1 and the connecting surface 11b of the housing 11 are moved closer to each other, as shown in Fig. 3 (B), the claws 7a and 7b The inclined surface 71 abuts the edge 14 1 of the openings 14 a and 14 b. As a result, the inclined surfaces 71 of the claw bodies 7a and 7b receive a contact force from the edge portion 141, and this contact force is converted by the inclined surface 71 into a pressing force in a direction orthogonal to the contact direction. The claw members 4a and 4b are pressed together with the hook 6 in a direction (arrow X direction) perpendicular to the contact direction.

Further, when the connecting surface 1a of the housing 1 and the connecting surface 11b of the housing 11 are moved closer to each other, the claw bodies 7a and 7b have the open ends opened to the openings 14a and 1b. 4 Intrudes into the housing 11 while making contact with one inner peripheral surface of b. The hook member 6 formed with the claw members 4a and 4b is reciprocally movable in one direction (arrow X and Y directions) included in a plane parallel to the connection surface 1a on the inner wall of the connection surface la of the housing 1. And is urged in the Y direction by the elastic force generated in the guide bodies 8a and 8b.

For this reason, the nail members 7a and 7b move in the direction of arrow Y inside the housing 11 after passing through the openings 14a and 14b, as shown in FIG. 3 (C). The claw members 7a and 7b engage with the openings 14a and 14b in a state where the connecting surface 1a of the housing 1 is completely in contact with the connecting surface 11b of the housing 11. By the engagement of the claws 7a, 7b with the openings 14a, 14b, the connection between the housing 1 and the housing 11 is maintained.

When the housing 1 and the housing 11 connected in this manner are separated from each other, the claw members 7a and 7b, together with the hook member 6, are opened at the open ends as shown in FIG. 3 (D). Move in the direction of arrow X until it does not touch the inner peripheral surface of 14a, 14b. As a result, the engagement of the claws 7a, 7b with the openings 14a, 14b is released, and the housing 1 is moved in the direction in which the connecting surface 1a and the connecting surface 11b are separated from each other. Alternatively, the housing 11 can be moved.

Here, FIGS. 3 (A) and (C) show the state where the pawl bodies 7a and 7b are located at the engagement positions, and FIG. 3 (D) shows that the pawl bodies 7a and 7b are This shows a state in which it is located at the release position. That is, the claws 7a and 7b are located at the engagement positions before the connection work of the housing 1 and the housing 11 is started, and the connection work of the housing 1 and the housing 11 starts. It moves to the intermediate position on the release position side from completion to completion, and returns to the engaged position again when the connection work of Case 1 and Case 11 is completed. It is moved to the release position during the separation work of 1.

Fig. 4 shows the foot when connecting the housing to which the above-mentioned housing connection structure is applied. It is a figure showing the operation state of a lock member. FIG. 5 is a view showing an operation state of a main part of the hook member. FIGS. 4 (A) and 5 (A) show a state in which the hook member 6 is located at the engagement position corresponding to the pawl bodies 7 a and 7 b located at the engagement position shown in FIG. 3 (A). Is shown. FIGS. 4 (B) and 5 (B) show a state where the hook member 6 is located at the retracted position corresponding to the claws 7a and 7b located in the state shown in FIG. 3 (B). ing. FIGS. 4 (C) and 5 (C) show that the hook member 6 is located at the engagement position corresponding to the claw bodies 7a, 7b located at the engagement position shown in FIG. 3 (C). The state is shown. FIGS. 4D and 5D show a state where the hook member 6 is located at the release position corresponding to the pawl bodies 7a and 7b located at the release position shown in FIG. 4D. ing.

That is, the hook member 6 is reciprocally movable between the engagement position and the retreat position to the release position, and one end before the connection operation of the housing 1 and the housing 11 is started. 6a is located at the engagement position where it is exposed to the outside of the housing 1, and moves to the retreat position between the time when the connection work of the housing 1 and the housing 11 is started and immediately before completion, and When the connecting operation of the housing 1 and the housing 11 is completed, the housing returns to the engagement position again, and further moves to the release position when the housing 1 and the housing 11 are separated.

The connection work of the housing 1 and the housing 11 is started, and the claws 7 a and 7 b abut on the edges of the openings 14 a and 14 b by the operation shown in FIG. When the hook members 6 are moved from the engagement position to the release position with the movement of the claw bodies 7a and 7b, the open ends of the panel bodies 6 1a and 6 1b become guide bodies. Due to the contact with the inclined surfaces 8a and 8b, the hook member 6 is elastically displaced inward. Due to the displacement of the panel members 61a and 61b, an elastic force is applied to the hook member 6 moved to the release position from the panel members 61a and 61b in the direction of the engagement position.

Therefore, the state shown in Fig. 3 (B) changes from the state shown in Fig. 3 (C). , That is, between the start of the connection of the housing 1 and the connection of the housing 11 to the completion thereof, as the displacement of the panel bodies 6 la and 6 lb increases, acts on the hook member 6. The elastic force in the direction of the engagement position gradually increases. As a result, the connection work between the housing 1 and the housing 11 is performed by stakes with gradually increasing elastic force.

When the housing 1 and the housing 11 in the connected state are separated from each other, the other end 6 b of the hook member 6 is pressed into the housing 1 from the state shown in FIGS. 4 (C) and 5 (C). Alternatively, one end 6a of the hook member 6 is pulled out of the housing 1, and the hook member 6 is moved to the release position as shown in FIGS. 4 (D) and 5 (D). Due to the movement of the hook member 6, as shown in FIG. 5 (C), the panel body 6 1a ₃ whose end is in contact with the inclined surfaces of the guide bodies 8a and 8b at the engagement position. 6 1b moves in the longitudinal direction of the hook member 6 to a position where the tip does not come into contact with the guide bodies 8a and 8b while elastically deforming inward, and as shown in Figs. 4 (D) and 5 (D). As shown, the guides 8a and 8b fit into the recesses 62a and 62b of the non-body 61a and 61b.

As a result, the claw members 7a and 7b do not come into contact with the inner peripheral surfaces of the openings 14a and 14b of the housing 11, and the connection between the housing 1 and the housing 11 is maintained. And the housing 1 and the housing 11 can be separated from each other. At this time, the movement of the hook member 6 is restricted by the fitting of the guide members 8a and 8b into the concave portions 62a and 62b. Therefore, once the hook member 6 has been moved to the release position, it is necessary for the worker to keep pressing the end of the hook member 6 until the separation work of the housing 1 and the housing 11 is completed. There is no.

When connecting the housing 1 and the housing 11 again, the other end 6 b of the hook member 6 located at the release position is pressed into the housing 1 or one end of the hook member is connected. 6 Pull out a out of case 1 and hook member in advance 6 is located at the engagement position, as described with reference to FIGS. 4 (A) to (C) and FIGS. 5 (A) to (C), the worker It is not necessary to directly operate the hook member 6 only by bringing the connecting surface 1a and the connecting surface 1 1b of the housing 11 into close contact with each other in an appropriate positional relationship.

As described above, according to the housing connection structure of this embodiment, only the hook member 6 is disposed within the housing 1 so as to be reciprocally movable within a predetermined range. Can be reliably connected, and the wire used in the conventional housing connection structure is not required, thereby reducing the number of parts and reducing the cost and simplifying the assembling work. In addition, since the wires arranged in the direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the hook member in the conventional housing connection structure are not required, the apparatus can be downsized. Furthermore, since the movement of the hook member 6 at the release position can be restricted, it is necessary to keep operating the hook member 6 until the separation operation is completed when separating the connected housing 1 and the housing 11. Therefore, workability can be improved.

In addition, since the panel members 61a and 61b for urging the hook member 6 in the moving direction are formed on two side surfaces parallel to the moving direction of the hook member 6, the hook member 6 moves in a stable state. Can be done. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration and operation of a main part of a housing to which the housing connecting structure according to the second embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 7 is a view showing the configuration and operation of a guide body and a panel body in the housing connection structure according to the second embodiment. The housing connection structure according to this embodiment differs from the housing connection structure shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 in the structures and functions of the guide body and the panel body. In the housing connection structure according to this embodiment, the operation of the claw body and the hook member provided with the claw body is basically the same as that of the housing connection structure shown in FIGS. '

The housing connecting structure according to this embodiment includes a first guide groove 81 and a second guide groove. A guide body 80 constituted by the guide groove 82, the step portion 83, and the inclined surface 84 is included in the center axis in the moving direction of the hook member 6 on the inner wall of the connecting surface 1a of the housing 1. The first guide groove 81, the second guide groove 82, the stepped portion 83, and the inclined surface 84 of the guide body 80 are provided in two positions that are rotationally symmetric about one point. A panel body 63 that elastically deforms in the direction is integrally formed with the hook member 6.

More specifically, in FIG. 7 (A), in the guide body 80, the first guide groove 81 penetrates the connecting surface 1a, and the step portion 8 is provided at one end of the first guide groove 81. 3 are formed. One end of a second guide groove 82 that is a bottomed groove is continuous with the stepped portion 83 via an inclined surface 84. The other end of the second guide groove 82 is continuous with the other end of the first guide groove 81. Therefore, the depth of the first guide groove 81 is greater than the depth of the second guide groove 82 when viewed from the inner wall side of the connection surface 1 a where the hook member 6 is located.

FIGS. 6 (A) and 7 (A) show a state in which the hook member 6 is located at the engagement position before the housing is connected. The claws formed on the hook member 6 are not shown. It is located in the same state as 3 (A). That is, when the hook member 6 is located at the engagement position, the panel body 63 formed on the hook member 6 is engaged with the other end of the first guide groove 81 of the guide body 80. The panel body 63 is not elastically deformed, and the elastic force of the panel body 63 does not act on the hook member 6 having the other end 6b exposed to the outside.

Figs. 6 (B) and 7 (B) show the hook member 6 moving in the direction of arrow X as the claw body comes into contact with the edge of the opening of the other housing when the housings are connected. The panel body 63 is elastically deformed along the first guide groove 81 of the guide body 80 in a plane parallel to the moving surface of the hook member 6 just before the connection of the bodies is completed. And hook member 6 in the direction of arrow Y Energize in the direction. Thereafter, when the claw body reaches the inside of the other housing beyond the opening of the other housing and the claw body stops contacting the edge of the opening, the hook member is provided.

6 moves in the direction of the arrow Y to the engagement position shown in FIG. 6 (A) by the elastic force of the panel body 63, and the connection of the housing is completed.

FIGS. 6 (C) and 7 (C) show the state immediately before the hook member 6 shifts from the engagement position to the release position. FIGS. 6 (D) and 7 (D) show the state where the hook member 6 is This shows a state where the release position has been reached. When the connected housing is separated, the other end 6 b of the hook member 6 is pressed into the housing 1, or the one end 6 a of the hook member 6 is pulled out of the housing 1. Then, the panel body 63 reaches the step portion 83 via the edge portion 81a in the first guide groove 81. At this time, when the spring body 63 passes through the edge 81a, the amount of deformation of the spring body 63 becomes maximum, and the urging force acting on the hook member 6 from the panel body 63 in the direction of arrow Y becomes maximum. Become. On the other hand, in a state where the panel body 63 reaches the stepped portion 83 and the hook member 6 is located at the release position, the panel body 63 does not elastically deform, and no urging force acts on the hook member 6. Therefore, the movement of the hook member 6 is restricted at the release position.

FIGS. 6 (E) and 7 (E) show a state immediately before the hook member 6 shifts from the release position to the engagement position. Before reconnecting the separated housings, the hook members 6 must be positioned at the engagement positions shown in FIGS. 6 (A) and 7 (A). Therefore, when one end 6 a of the hook member 6 located at the release position is pressed into the housing 1 or the other end is pulled out of the housing 1, the panel body 63 becomes the first guide groove 8. It moves into the second guide groove 82 from the step portion 83 on one end side of the 1 via the inclined surface 84. At this time, the spring body 63 elastically deforms toward the inside of the hook member 6 in a plane parallel to the moving surface of the hook member 6 and is connected in a plane perpendicular to the moving surface of the hook member 6. Separated from inner wall of surface 1a Elastically deform in the direction of Due to the elastic deformation of the panel body 63, the hook member 6 is urged in the direction of the arrow Y, and the panel body 63 itself moves in a direction approaching the inner wall of the connection surface 1a. Therefore, if the end of the hook member 6 is operated at least until the panel body 63 reaches the inside of the second guide groove 82, the spring body 63 is thereafter moved by the restoring force of the panel body 63. The hook member 6 moves to the other end of the groove 81 and the hook member 6 returns to the engagement position.

As described above, also in the housing connection structure according to the second embodiment, similarly to the housing connection action according to the first embodiment, only the hook member 6 reciprocates within the housing 1 within a predetermined range. The housing 1 and the housing 11 can be securely connected simply by arranging them freely, eliminating the need for wires used in the conventional housing connection structure and reducing costs by reducing the number of parts. And simplification of the assembly operation can be realized. In addition, since the wire arranged in the direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the hook member in the conventional housing connection structure is not required, the apparatus can be downsized. Furthermore, since the movement of the hook member 6 at the release position can be restricted, it is necessary to continue operating the hook member 6 until the separation operation is completed when the connected housing 1 and the housing 11 are separated. Therefore, workability can be improved.

The panel members 61a and 61b that urge the hook member 6 in the moving direction are formed on two side surfaces parallel to the moving direction of the hook member 6, so that the hook member 6 moves in a stable state. Can be done. Further, the spring body 63 is elastically deformed in two directions orthogonal to each other with the movement of the hook member 6, so that the panel body 63 in the hook member 6 is deformed only in the minus direction. The number of repetitions of deformation until 63 is broken increases, and the life of the hook member 6 can be prolonged. According to the present invention, the hook member is moved toward the engagement position side by elastic deformation caused by the panel body integrally formed with the hook member coming into contact with the guide body formed on the inner wall of the connection surface of the housing. By urging, there is no need to provide an elastic member separate from the hook member to urge the hook member to the engagement position side, so that the cost can be reduced by reducing the number of members and the housing can be assembled. Work can be simplified. In addition, by engaging the panel body of the hook member with the guide body on the connection surface of the housing, the movement of the hook member located at the release position is regulated, thereby enabling the engagement position. This eliminates the need for an operating force for stopping the hook member that moves to the release position from the release position at the release position, thereby improving workability when separating the two housings that have been connected once.

Furthermore, the panel body formed integrally with the hook member is elastically deformed only in a plane parallel to the moving surface of the hook member by contact with the guide member, so that the panel member moves the hook member. This prevents deformation in the direction perpendicular to the plane, and simplifies the shape of the inner wall of the panel body and the connecting surface of the housing facing the panel body. Design and manufacturing operations can be simplified.

In addition, the panel body integrally formed with the hook member is elastically deformed in a direction parallel to and perpendicular to the moving surface of the hook member by contact with the guide member, thereby moving the hook member. As a result, the panel body is elastically deformed in two directions perpendicular to each other with respect to the hook member, thereby increasing the number of movements of the hook member until the panel body breaks in the hook member, thereby extending the life of the hook member. it can.

Further, the guide body formed on the inner wall of the connection surface of the housing so as to be in contact with the panel body is connected to the first guide groove having a step formed at one end and the first guide groove via the inclined surface. The guide groove shall consist of a second guide groove As a result, the displacement position of the panel body in a plane parallel to the moving direction of the hook member due to the movement of the hook member is determined by the first guide groove and the second guide in the plane direction of the connecting surface of the housing. It can be defined definitely by the shape of the groove. Further, by the contact of the panel body with the step portion, the movement of the hook member located at the release position to the engagement position can be reliably restricted. Furthermore, the first guide groove and the second guide groove connected by the inclined surface have different depths in the thickness direction of the connection surface of the housing, so that the first guide groove and the second guide groove contact the step portion. When a sufficient operating force is applied to the hook member to move the panel body through the inclined surface to the second guide groove, the panel body is securely moved in the direction perpendicular to the moving surface of the hook member. The hook member can be accurately moved from the release position to the engagement position.

In addition, on each of the two side surfaces parallel to the moving direction, the elastic force of the spring body acts on the hook member, so that the hook member is urged in the moving direction by the elastic force of the panel body in a stable state. Can be.

Further, by applying the elastic force of the panel body to the hook member at a position symmetrical with respect to the center position in the moving direction, the hook member is biased in the moving direction by the elastic force of the panel body in a more stable state. can do. Industrial applicability

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used to reduce costs by reducing the number of members, simplify assembling work, and improve workability in the work of connecting and separating housings.

Claims

The scope of the claims

(1) The claw body protruding from the connection surface of one of the housings can reciprocate in the direction parallel to the connection surface between the engagement position and the release position, and is attached to the engagement position side by elastic force. The plurality of housings are connected by forcefully moving the claw body to the release position side, penetrating the opening formed in the connection surface of the other housing, and then returning to the engagement position. In the case connection structure,

A hook member having the claw body is movably supported via a retreat position between a release position and an engagement position corresponding to a release position and an engagement position of the claw body, and a housing is provided when the hook member moves. The hook member positioned between the engaging position and the retracted position is elastically deformed by contact with the guide body formed on the inner wall of the connecting surface of the connecting surface to urge the hook member toward the engaging position, A housing coupling structure characterized in that a panel body for engaging with the guide member and restricting the movement of the hook member is integrally formed with the hook member while the hook member is located at the release position.

(2) The housing connecting structure according to claim 1, wherein the panel body is elastically deformed in a plane parallel to a moving surface of the hook member by contact with the guide body.

(3) The panel body is elastically deformed in a plane parallel to the moving surface of the hook member due to contact with the guide member while the hook member moves from the engagement position to the release position, The hook member is elastically deformed in a plane parallel to the moving surface of the hook member and in a direction perpendicular thereto by contact with the guide body while the hook member moves from the release position to the engagement position. The housing connection structure described in the above.

(4) The guide body is provided with a cover in a plane parallel to the moving surface of the hook member while the hook member moves from the engagement position to the release position. A first guide groove for defining a displacement position of the body, a hook connected to the first guide groove via an inclined surface, and a hook while the first hook member moves from the release position to the engagement position. 4. The housing coupling structure according to claim 3, further comprising: a second guide groove that defines a displacement position of the panel body in a plane parallel to a moving surface of the member.

(5) The housing connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the panel body is formed on each of two side surfaces of the hook member parallel to the moving direction. '

(6) The casing connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the panel body is formed at two locations symmetrical with respect to a center position in a moving direction of the hook member.