Connection fitting and method for manufacturing same, and mould device

Abstract

Provided are a connector fitting, a manufacturing method thereof, and a mold device. Shortening of mold life, which directly affects manufacturing cost of the connector fitting, is avoided or suppressed. A connector fitting (1) includes: a two-dimensional array (20) of engagement elements (2) configured with a plurality of engagement elements 2 corresponding to a plurality of lattice points of a planar lattice; a plurality of first ribs (31); a plurality of second ribs (32); and a plurality of openings (4) formed in a connection region (15) in which the two-dimensional array (20) is provided. The first ribs (31) link engagement elements (2) adjacent to each other in a first direction. The second ribs (32) link engagement elements (2) adjacent to each other in a second direction different from the first direction. The plurality of first ribs (31) and / or the plurality of second ribs (32) are provided in a manner that two or more openings (4) having an opening area corresponding to two or more unit lattices of the planar lattice are included in the plurality of openings (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a connector fitting, its manufacturing method, and a mold device. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a connector fitting with a plurality of engaging elements provided on a base having a plurality of windows (see Patent Document 1). Figure 1 ).

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a face connector integrally formed of a thermoplastic elastomer. Multiple first strands and multiple second strands intersect to form numerous holes. The face connector is as described in Patent Document 2. Figure 4 As shown, it is manufactured using stretching.

[0004] Other surface connector structures are also known (for example, see Patent Documents 3 and 4).

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: U.S. Patent No. 7,246,416

[0008] Patent Document 2: International Publication No. 2019 / 107444

[0009] Patent Document 3: Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 2586918

[0010] Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 3-205001 Summary of the Invention

[0011] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0012] When protrusions are incorporated into the mold to create openings in the connector fittings, the risk of mold protrusion breakage increases proportionally to the number of protrusions. Mold life directly impacts the manufacturing cost of the connector fittings, and it is desirable to avoid or mitigate the shortening of this mold life.

[0013] Solution for solving the problem

[0014] The inventors of this application have discovered that by modifying the structure of the connector components, there is room to extend the lifespan of the molds used for their manufacture.

[0015] The connector fitting of Embodiment 1 of the present invention includes: a two-dimensional array of engaging elements, wherein multiple engaging elements are arranged corresponding to multiple grid points of a planar grid; multiple first ribs, which are configured to connect adjacent engaging elements in the two-dimensional array along a first direction; multiple second ribs, which are configured to connect adjacent engaging elements in the two-dimensional array along a second direction different from the first direction; and multiple openings formed in the connection area where the two-dimensional array is provided. The multiple first ribs and / or multiple second ribs are arranged such that two or more openings with opening areas corresponding to two or more unit grids of the planar grid are included among the multiple openings.

[0016] In several embodiments, (i) the plurality of openings in the connecting region are formed in a mesh shape at least according to the plurality of first ribs and the plurality of second ribs, and / or, (ii) two or more openings are wide in one of the first and second directions and narrow in the other of the first and second directions, and / or, (iii) two or more openings each have an opening area corresponding to two or three unit cells of a planar grid.

[0017] In one or any combination of the above forms, the unit grid of the planar grid and / or the opening shape of the opening may be a square, rectangle, parallelogram, or rhombus.

[0018] In one or any combination of the above configurations, the connector fitting may further include: a frame-shaped base that surrounds the connection area; and a plurality of third ribs, which are configured to connect the outermost engaging element in the two-dimensional array to the frame-shaped base. It is also conceivable that the first and / or second ribs are thicker than the frame-shaped base, and the third ribs are thinner than the first and / or second ribs.

[0019] In one or any combination of the above configurations, each of the multiple engaging elements may include at least an engaging head and a lever portion, the lever portion having a T-shaped cross-section in a plane parallel to the planar grid. It is also conceivable that the lever portion includes: a first lever wall, which is connected to the engaging head in one of the first and second directions with a first width from one end of the engaging head to the other; and a second lever wall, which is connected to the engaging head in the other of the first and second directions with a second width from one end of the engaging head to the first lever wall.

[0020] In one or any combination of the above forms, the number of first ribs may be less than 2 / 3 or less than 1 / 2 of the total number of first ribs that can be allocated in the connecting area (or planar grid) for the connection of engaging elements. It is also conceivable that the number of second ribs is equal to the total number of second ribs that can be allocated in the connecting area (or planar grid) for the connection of engaging elements.

[0021] Another aspect of the mold apparatus of the present invention is a mold apparatus for manufacturing connector fittings according to any of the above, comprising: a first mold; and a second mold, wherein the first mold includes at least a plurality of recesses forming engagement heads of engagement elements included in a two-dimensional array, and the second mold has a plurality of blocks corresponding to a plurality of openings, the plurality of blocks including two or more blocks having an area corresponding to two or more unit grids of a planar grid. In several embodiments, the plurality of blocks, when viewed from the front of the main surface of the second mold, include a variety of blocks that differ in width and length orthogonal to the width. The present invention also relates to a manufacturing method for manufacturing connector fittings using the above-described mold apparatus.

[0022] The effects of the invention

[0023] According to one aspect of the present invention, a connecting component that can promote the longevity of a mold can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic top perspective view of a connector accessory of one aspect of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 It is a rough, bottom-view perspective of the connector fittings.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a rough top view of the connector fittings.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a rough bottom view of the connector fittings.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a magnified three-dimensional view of a two-dimensional array of engaging elements. It also schematically illustrates the engagement configuration of the engaging head and the lever in the engaging elements.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the connector fittings, shown in... Figure 3 The cross-sections at imaginary lines R1, R3, and R5 extending in the direction of the row.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the connector fittings, shown in... Figure 3 The cross-sections at imaginary lines R2 and R4 extending in the direction of the row.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the connector fittings, shown in... Figure 3 The cross-sections at imaginary straight lines C1, C2, C3, and C4 extending in the column direction.

[0032] Figure 9 It is a schematic three-dimensional view of a connecting device consisting of connecting parts of the same structure and material.

[0033] Figure 10 This is a front view of a connector assembly showing the interlocking state of the connector components.

[0034] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of a connector assembly showing the interlocking state of the connector components.

[0035] Figure 12 This is the front view of the first mold used for manufacturing connector parts.

[0036] Figure 13 This is the front view of the second mold used for manufacturing connector parts.

[0037] Figure 14 This is a schematic top perspective view of another embodiment of the connector fitting of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A rough bottom-view perspective of the connectors and accessories.

[0039] Figure 16 yes Figure 14 A top view of the connector fittings.

[0040] Figure 17 yes Figure 14 A rough bottom view of the connector fittings.

[0041] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a manufacturing example using mold wheels.

[0042] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0043] 1. Connecting component; 1'. Connecting component; 2. Engaging element; 4. Opening; 5. Frame-shaped base; 6. Engaging head; 7. Rod; 15. Connecting area; 20. Two-dimensional array; 31. First rib; 32. Second rib; 33. Third rib; 71. First rod wall; 72. Second rod wall; 100. First mold; 101. Main surface; 106. Recess; 200. Second mold; 204. Block. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, non-limiting embodiments and features of the present invention will be described. Those skilled in the art will be able to combine the various embodiments and / or features without excessive explanation, and will also understand the complementary effects resulting from their combination. Repetitive descriptions between embodiments are omitted in principle. The description of the invention is primarily for the purpose of illustrating the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, and simplifications are made for ease of drawing. The features are not only effective for the connectors and fittings disclosed in this specification, but can also be understood to be general features applicable to various other connectors and fittings not disclosed in this specification.

[0045] Reference Figures 1 to 8 The following describes the connector accessory 1. Figure 1 This is a schematic top perspective view of a connector accessory 1 according to one aspect of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic bottom-view perspective view of connector accessory 1. Figure 3 This is a schematic top view of connector accessory 1. Figure 4 This is a rough bottom view of connector accessory 1. Figure 5 This is an enlarged stereoscopic view of the two-dimensional array 20 of the locking element 2. Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of connector fitting 1, showing... Figure 3 The cross-sections at imaginary lines R1, R3, and R5 extending in the direction of the row. Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of connector fitting 1, showing... Figure 3 The cross-sections at imaginary lines R2 and R4 extending in the direction of the row. Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of connector fitting 1, showing... Figure 3 The cross-sections at imaginary straight lines C1, C2, C3, and C4 extending in the column direction.

[0046] The connector 1 is designed to engage and disengage with other connectors of the same construction; that is, it can be a hook-to-hook type connector. Connector 1 is formed of a soft and elastic material (e.g., thermoplastic elastomer (TPE)) and possesses both shape retention (shape stability) and flexibility. Specifically, connector 1 bends and flexes under applied force but can return to its initial shape when the applied force is removed. Therefore, the engagement and disengagement of connector 1 can be repeated over a long period. Typically, the size of the engaging element of connector 1 is larger than the size of the male component of a typical face connector, and the density of the engaging element is, for example, 2 elements / cm². 2 ~28 pieces / cm 2Within the scope, but not necessarily limited to. Of course, the various features of the present invention are not predicated on (necessary for) such a type of connector fitting. Specific examples of thermoplastic elastomers that can be used for connector fitting 1 include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and thermoplastic styrene (TPS), but are not limited to these.

[0047] The connector fitting 1 has a two-dimensional array 20 of hook-shaped engaging elements 2, a plurality of first ribs 31, a plurality of second ribs 32, a plurality of third ribs 33, an opening group 4A, and a frame-shaped base 5. In the two-dimensional array 20 of engaging elements 2, a plurality of engaging elements 2 are arranged corresponding to a plurality of grid points existing in a planar grid on plane PL1. Typically, the planar grid can be any of a square grid, a rectangular grid, a parallelogram grid, or a rhombus grid. Furthermore, the unit grid (smallest unit grid) of a square grid is a square. The unit grid (smallest unit grid) of a rectangular grid is a rectangle. The unit grid (smallest unit grid) of a parallelogram grid is a parallelogram. The unit grid (smallest unit grid) of a rhombus grid is a rhombus. In any type of unit grid, each grid point is arranged along a first direction and along a second direction different from the first direction, resulting in the two-dimensional array 20. The first direction and the second direction intersect at any angle. In square and rectangular grids, the first direction and the second direction are orthogonal. In parallel grids and rhomboid grids, the first direction and the second direction are not orthogonal, but intersect at a predetermined angle. Alternatively, the engaging element 2 may not be provided at all grid points of the planar grid, but may be omitted for a few grid points.

[0048] For a clearer or more detailed explanation, please refer to... Figure 3 and Figure 4 . Figure 3 and Figure 4 The square grid shown is defined by imaginary lines R1 to R5 parallel to the first direction (row direction in this case) and imaginary lines C1 to C4 parallel to the second direction (column direction in this case). The number of imaginary lines parallel to the first direction can range from 3 to 15. The number of imaginary lines parallel to the second direction is the same. Imaginary lines R1 to R5 are arranged at equal intervals. The same applies to imaginary lines C1 to C4. In the case of a square grid, the pitch P1 of imaginary lines C1 to C4 is equal to the pitch P2 of imaginary lines R1 to R4, but if another planar grid is used, the two may be different. Pitch P1 is equal to the grid point spacing in the first direction. Pitch P2 is equal to the grid point spacing in the second direction. Typically, the grid point spacing in the first and second directions is in the range of 1.9 mm to 6.5 mm.

[0049] The explanation focuses on imaginary lines R1 to R5. The intersection of imaginary line R1 with imaginary lines C1 to C4 is a grid point. Engaging elements 2 are arranged at certain intervals on imaginary line R1 to form a one-dimensional array of engaging elements 2 along the first direction. The same explanation applies to other imaginary lines R2 to R5. In this way, the aforementioned two-dimensional array 20 is formed by the collection of one-dimensional arrays of engaging elements 2 on imaginary lines R1 to R5. The explanation focuses on imaginary lines C1 to C4. The intersection of imaginary line C1 with imaginary lines R1 to R5 is a grid point. Engaging elements 2 are arranged at certain intervals on imaginary line C1 to form a one-dimensional array of engaging elements 2 along the second direction. The same explanation applies to other imaginary lines C2 to C4. In this way, the aforementioned two-dimensional array 20 is formed by the collection of one-dimensional arrays of engaging elements 2 on imaginary lines C1 to C4. Furthermore, each grid point exists in plane PL1.

[0050] Each engaging element 2 is not ring-shaped but hook-shaped, typically including at least an engaging head 6 and a lever 7. The engaging head 6 has a curved top surface 61 and a flat locking surface 62 opposite to the top surface 61. The top surface 61 faces upward (opposite to the side where the first rib 31, second rib 32, and frame base 5 are located), and the locking surface 62 faces downward (on the side where the first rib 31, second rib 32, and frame base 5 are located). The engaging head 6 can have a spherical or hemispherical shape obtained by cutting a sphere with a plane for its simple forming or other purposes. The engaging head 6 is as follows... Figure 3 The outline shown has a circular shape in the main view, but it can also have other shapes such as elliptical, cross-shaped, and star-shaped. The maximum width (or maximum diameter) of the engaging head 6 in the first and second directions is within 70% to 95% of the grid point spacing in the first and second directions, for example, within the range of 1 mm to 5 mm. The engaging surface 62 can be a plane parallel to the plane PL1 where the planar grid exists or where the frame-shaped base 5 is arranged.

[0051] The rod 7 can be connected to multiple ribs. Additionally, the rod 7 can have a T-shaped cross-section in a plane parallel to the planar grid (or the plane PL1 in which the planar grid exists) (see reference). Figure 5 This is likely the result of a total of three ribs (where ribs 1 through 3, 31, 32, and 33, are not distinguished and are simply referred to as "ribs" as their superordinate concepts) being connected to one engaging element 2. In other words, each engaging element 2 can be connected to other surrounding engaging elements and / or the frame base 5 by means of the total of three ribs. Thus, the flexibility and mechanical strength of the connecting fitting 1 can be cleverly balanced. In the example shown, this feature applies to all engaging elements 2, but two or four ribs can also be assigned to several engaging elements 2.

[0052] Advantageously, the rod portion 7 includes: a first rod wall 71, which is located in one of the first and second directions (in... Figure 5 In the second direction, the first width W1 of the engaging head 6 is connected to the engaging head 6 from one end to the other; and the second rod wall 72, which is in the other direction of the first and second directions (in the second direction) Figure 5 The first rod wall 71 is connected to the first engaging head 6 with a second width W2 from one end of the engaging head 6 to the first rod wall 71. By directly connecting the engaging head 6 and the rod 7 without gaps, the construction of the mold for manufacturing the connector fitting 1 can be simplified (e.g., a two-way mold can be used), and / or the life of the mold for manufacturing can be extended. In addition, the engaging element 2 is connected by linear ribs such as the first rib 31 and the second rib 32, thus ensuring the required flexibility of the connector fitting 1 as a whole.

[0053] When the connecting parts 1 are engaged with each other in the vertical direction, the top surfaces 61 of the engaging heads 6 of the upper and lower connecting parts 1 contact each other, and the connecting parts 1 are properly aligned by the curved top surfaces 61 of these engaging heads 6 (i.e., the top surfaces 61 function as guide surfaces for alignment of the connecting parts 1). When the upper and lower connecting parts 1 are engaged, the locking surfaces 62 of each engaging element 2 (e.g., locally) abut against each other. The engaging force per unit area of ​​the connecting parts 1 and the force required to engage them can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the contact area between the locking surfaces 62.

[0054] The first rib 31 connects adjacent engaging elements 2 (e.g., their rods 7) along a first direction in the two-dimensional array 20. The second rib 32 connects adjacent engaging elements 2 (e.g., their rods 7) along a second direction different from the first direction in the two-dimensional array 20. The third rib 33 connects the outermost (in other words, the outermost periphery) engaging element 2 (e.g., its rod 7) in the two-dimensional array 20 to the frame-shaped base 5. Furthermore, in a configuration where the frame-shaped base 5 is omitted, the third rib 33 may be omitted, or it may be provided for purposes other than connecting to the frame-shaped base 5.

[0055] Ribs 31, 32, and 33 are all linear ribs, disposed in the same plane (e.g., plane PL1), and no rib is stacked on top of the other ribs. Each rib 31 has a predetermined width in the second direction. This predetermined width can be defined as the distance (gap) spanning adjacent engaging elements 2 connected by the rib 31 in the first direction. Similarly, each rib 32 has a predetermined width in the first direction. This predetermined width can be defined as the distance (gap) spanning adjacent engaging elements 2 connected by the rib 32 in the second direction. The rib 33 extends along either the first or second direction and can have a predetermined width similar to that of the ribs 31 and 32. In this configuration, the portion of the mold used to form the engaging head 62 can be made block-shaped, facilitating the simplification of the mold structure.

[0056] The opening group 4A includes a connection region 15 (see reference) formed in which the two-dimensional array 20 is disposed. Figure 3 Multiple openings 4 are formed in the connection area 15, in which the engaging element 2 is connected by ribs (especially the first rib 31 and the second rib 32). Each opening 4 is a through hole that passes through the portion of the connector fitting 1 located on the same layer as or on the same plane as the ribs (especially the first rib 31 and the second rib 32), so that the upper space and the lower space of the plane in which the ribs (especially the first rib 31 and the second rib 32) exist are connected. Furthermore, when a frame-shaped base 5 is provided, each opening 4 passes through the portion of the connector fitting 1 located on the same layer as or on the same plane as the frame-shaped base 5. Typically, all the openings 4 are arranged on the plane PL1.

[0057] Typically, multiple openings 4 in the connecting region 15 are formed in a mesh-like pattern (in other words, regularly arranged in a two-dimensional shape) based on at least multiple first ribs 31 and multiple second ribs 32. For example, multiple openings 4 are formed corresponding to multiple unit cells of the planar grid at each grid point of the engaging element 2. The total number of openings 4 in the connecting region 15 can be more than 70%, more than 80%, or 90% of the total number of unit cells of the planar grid. This allows for a lighter connecting component 1 and also ensures a high degree of flexibility in the connecting component 1. Each opening 4 included in the opening group 4A can be formed in a manner that has an opening shape such as a square, rectangle, parallelogram, or rhombus, depending on the type of planar grid. Each opening 4 can be formed in a manner that has the same or different opening areas (mesh size). Furthermore, the opening area of ​​opening 4 means the opening area of ​​opening 4 that is in the same layer (same plane) as the ribs (especially the first rib 31 and the second rib 32) and / or the frame-like base 5, and is unrelated to whether it is partially covered by the engaging head 6 of the engaging element 2. It is sufficient to say that the minimum number of openings 4 formed into a mesh shape can be 50% or 60% or 70% of the total number of unit cells in the planar grid.

[0058] The opening 4 can be defined by different parts depending on its position in the connecting area 15. For example, the engaging elements 2 on imaginary lines R2 and R4 are connected by the first rib 31, and the engaging elements 2 on imaginary lines C1 and C2 are connected by the second rib 32, thus defining an opening 4 enclosed by imaginary lines C1, C2, R2, and R4. In contrast, the engaging elements 2 on imaginary line R2 are connected by the first rib 31, and the engaging elements 2 on imaginary lines C1 and C2 are connected by the second rib 32. Furthermore, the engaging elements 2 on imaginary lines C1 and C2 are connected to the frame base 5 by the third rib 33, thus defining an opening 4 enclosed by imaginary lines C1, C2, R2, and the frame base 5. The engaging elements 2 are connected to the frame base 5 by the third rib 33 extending in the first direction and the third rib 33 extending in the second direction, thus defining an opening 4 located at the corner of the rectangular connecting area 15. Thus, there are also openings 4 where the first rib 31 and the second rib 32 are not involved due to the definition of opening 4, but these are few. The shape of the opening 4 can also be further changed by changing the shape of the frame base 5 and the length of the third rib 33.

[0059] The opening 4 is formed in a mesh shape, so it is not necessary to form the opening 4 in a way that corresponds to all the unit cells of the planar grid. For example, the thin-walled portion can also be used to seal the opening 4 of 1 or more. The thin-walled portion prevents the mold protrusions from colliding with each other during mold closing, thus promoting the longevity of the mold protrusions. The thin-walled portion can have the same thickness as the frame-shaped base 5.

[0060] In the connecting region 15, the mesh structure is constructed from a two-dimensional array 20, a first rib 31, and a second rib 32 (optionally, a third rib 33 is added). By providing a frame-shaped base 5 that surrounds the connecting region 15 (and the mesh structure), the connector fitting 1 can be made highly flexible while its mechanical strength is enhanced. With the frame-shaped base 5 provided, the connector fitting 1 can be easily installed on the article by sewing, gluing, or welding the frame-shaped base 5 to the article. The frame-shaped base 5 includes a pair of frame portions 51 extending in a first direction and a pair of frame portions 52 extending in a second direction. The frame portions 51 are arranged at a certain interval in the second direction. The frame portions 52 are arranged at a certain interval in the first direction. Furthermore, it is also envisioned that the frame portions extend in a direction different from the first and second directions. The frame-shaped base 5 exists in the plane PL1.

[0061] Reference Figures 6-8 To explain, the first rib 31 and / or the second rib 32 can be thicker than the frame base 5. This allows for a superior balance between the mechanical strength, flexibility, and ease of sewing of the connecting fitting 1. Furthermore, the third rib 33 is thinner than the first rib 31 and / or the second rib 32; for example, the third rib 33 is formed to have the same thickness as the frame base 5.

[0062] A groove 8 is formed between two adjacent engaging elements 2 along the first direction, extending from the open end between the engaging heads 6 of these engaging elements 2 to the bottom end defined by the first rib 31. Similarly, a groove 8 is formed between two adjacent engaging elements 2 along the second direction, extending from the open end between the engaging heads 6 of these engaging elements 2 to the bottom end defined by the second rib 32. Due to the thinning of the first rib 31 and the second rib 32 caused by such grooves 8, the engaging elements 2 are easily deformable, facilitating smooth engagement of the connecting fittings 1 with each other.

[0063] As can be seen from the accompanying drawings, in this embodiment, a plurality of first ribs 31 and / or a plurality of second ribs 32 are provided such that the opening group 4A (i.e., a plurality of openings) includes two or more openings 4 with opening areas corresponding to two or more unit grids of the planar grid. This improves the flexibility of the connector fitting 1 and reduces the total number of blocks in the mold used to manufacture the connector fitting 1. Material costs are also reduced due to the increased opening area of ​​the two or more openings. When using a locking element 2 that does not form a gap between the locking head 6 and the rod 7, the above-described structure facilitates the displacement and deformation of the locking element 2.

[0064] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4In the example diagram, multiple first ribs 31 are provided such that two or more openings 4 as described above are included in the opening group 4A, but it should be noted that multiple second ribs 32 are not provided in this way. The key point is that, for planar grids, more than two first ribs are omitted from the total number of first ribs that can be allocated for the connection of adjacent engaging elements 2 in the first direction (or, the connection of grid points) (i.e., spaced out). Alternatively, for planar grids, more than two second ribs are omitted from the total number of second ribs that can be allocated for the connection of adjacent engaging elements 2 in the second direction (or, the connection of grid points) (i.e., spaced out). Furthermore, typically, a single rib used for the connection between grid points (the connection of engaging elements 2) is a single shaped portion.

[0065] The opening enclosed by imaginary lines C1, C2, R2, and R4 (referred to as the first opening) has an opening area corresponding to two unit cells of the planar grid. Not limited to this opening, the opening enclosed by imaginary lines C2, C3, R1, and R3 (referred to as the second opening), the opening enclosed by imaginary lines C2, C3, R3, and R5 (referred to as the third opening), and the opening enclosed by imaginary lines C3, C4, R2, and R4 (referred to as the fourth opening) are similarly formed. All four openings are wider in the second direction and narrower in the first direction. Of course, it is also possible to form the first to fourth openings in a manner that is wider in the first direction and narrower in the second direction. The first to fourth openings have practical advantages in terms of having an opening area corresponding to two or three unit cells of the planar grid. That is, when the first to fourth openings have an opening area corresponding to four or more unit cells, the mechanical strength of the connecting fitting 1 may decrease beyond the permissible range.

[0066] If reference Figure 4 The description states that the total number of first ribs 31 that can be allocated in the connecting area 15 is 15. However, the actual number of first ribs 31 arranged in the connecting area 15 is 7. That is, the number of first ribs 31 is less than 2 / 3 or less than 1 / 2 of the total number of first ribs 31 that can be allocated in the connecting area 15 (or the planar grid) for the connection of the engaging elements 2. By reducing (i.e., omitting) the number of first ribs 31 in this way, an opening 4 with an opening area corresponding to two or more unit grids can be easily formed. Furthermore, the number of first ribs 31 used for the connection of adjacent engaging elements 2 is one.

[0067] If reference Figure 4To further explain, the number of second ribs 32 that can be allocated in the connection area 15 is 16. In fact, the number of second ribs 32 actually allocated in the connection area 15 is 16. That is, the number of second ribs 32 is equal to the total number of second ribs 32 that can be allocated in the connection area 15 (or the planar grid) for the connection of the engaging elements 2. Therefore, even if the first ribs 31 are removed intermittently as described above, the desired mechanical strength of the connector fitting 1 can be ensured. Furthermore, the number of second ribs 32 used for the connection of adjacent engaging elements 2 is one.

[0068] Figure 9 This is a schematic perspective view of a connector assembly consisting of connector fittings 1 and 1' of the same construction and material. Figure 10 This is a front view of the connector assembly showing the interlocking state of connector fittings 1 and 1'. Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the connecting device showing the engaging configuration of connecting parts 1 and 1'. For Figures 9-11 The connecting parts 1 and 1' shown in the figure are referred to as the lower part and the connecting part 1' as the upper part.

[0069] Reference Figure 11 If the upper accessory 1' is gently pressed downwards to engage with the lower accessory 1, the engaging elements 2 of the upper and lower accessories 1 and 1' will contact each other at the top surface 61 of their engaging heads 6, thus aligning the two accessories properly. If the upper accessory 1' is pressed down on the lower accessory 1, the engaging element 2 of the lower accessory 1 will pass through the engaging head 6 of the engaging element 2 of the upper accessory 1' and enter the opening 4 of the upper accessory 1', and the engaging elements 2 of the upper and lower accessories 1 and 1' will contact each other at their locking surfaces 62. In this way, the upper accessory 1 and the lower accessories 1 and 1' are engaged. By holding the outer peripheral end of the upper accessory 1' and pulling the upper accessory 1' away from the lower accessory 1, the engagement of the upper and lower accessories 1 and 1' can be released. Furthermore, in Figure 10 In the shown state, the engaging head of the engaging element 2 of the lower accessory 1 can be visually identified through the opening 4 of the upper accessory 1'. When the engagement of the upper accessory 1' and the lower accessory 1 is complete, as shown... Figure 11 As shown, a gap is provided between the plane PL1' where the planar grid of the upper accessory 1' exists and the plane PL1 where the planar grid of the lower accessory 1 exists. This gap is approximately equal to the height of the engaging element 2, but is not necessarily limited to this. Furthermore, the upper accessory 1' and the lower accessory 1 are of the same size; therefore, if... Figure 11 The arrow indicates that there is an offset between the positions of the two peripheries, and the two do not overlap in a completely identical shape.

[0070] Able to use by Figure 12 The first mold 100 shown and Figure 13The connecting component 1 is manufactured by injection molding using a mold assembly constructed with the second mold 200 shown. For example, the second mold 200 is a fixed mold, and the first mold 100 is a movable mold that moves in the vertical direction relative to the second mold 200. Figure 12 The first mold 100 shown has a main surface 101 corresponding to the connecting region 15, a protrusion 103 for thinning the third rib 33, a plurality of recesses 106 for forming the engaging heads 6 of each engaging element 2 of the two-dimensional array 20, and a protrusion 108 for forming the aforementioned grooves 8 in the first rib 31 and the second rib 32. The recesses 106 are recessed relative to the main surface 101. The protrusions 103 and 108 protrude from the main surface 101. Steps are formed on the outer periphery of the main surface 101 to ensure the thickness of the first rib 31 and the second rib 32.

[0071] Figure 13 The second mold 200 shown has a plurality of blocks 204 arranged corresponding to a plurality of openings 4. Grooves 201, 202, and 203 are formed between the blocks 204, thereby forming ribs (first rib 31, second rib 32, and third rib 33) and / or rod walls (first rod wall 71 and second rod wall 72). In the blocks 204, as... Figure 13 As shown, the main surface of the second mold 200, viewed from the front, includes two or more blocks (see 204B) with areas corresponding to two or more unit grids of the planar grid described for the connecting fitting 1. This increases the strength of the blocks and promotes a longer lifespan for the second mold 200.

[0072] When the first mold 100 and the second mold 200 are closed, the block portion 204 abuts against the main surface 101 of the first mold 100, thereby defining the forming cavity for forming the connector fitting 1. Advantageously, the multiple blocks 204, when viewed from the front of the main surface of the second mold 200, include various blocks 204 that differ in width and length orthogonal to the width. Thus, in addition to satisfying the flexibility and mechanical strength of the connector fitting 1, constraints related to the shape of the connector fitting 1 can also be satisfied. Furthermore, each block portion 204 can have a main block surface (e.g., rectangular in front view) that contacts the main surface 101 of the first mold 100 and multiple (e.g., four) side wall surfaces extending from the outer periphery of the main block surface in the depth direction of the groove. Among them, two or more blocks can have main block surfaces, each having an area corresponding to two or more unit grids of a planar grid, thereby increasing the strength of the blocks and promoting the longevity of the second mold 200. Typically, the main block surface is a flat surface. If the shape of the opening 4 changes, the shape of the block 204 will also change accordingly. In addition, the side wall surface of the block 204 can have a draft angle, for example, a non-vertical surface with a draft angle, but it is not limited to this, and can also be a vertical surface without a draft angle.

[0073] Reference Figures 14-17 To explain another form, the various features and their arbitrary combinations mentioned above are equally applicable. Figure 14 This is a schematic top perspective view of another embodiment of the connector fitting of the present invention. Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A rough bottom-view perspective of the connectors and accessories. Figure 16 yes Figure 14 A top view of the connector fittings. Figure 17 yes Figure 14 A rough bottom view of the connector fittings. (See attached image.) Figures 14-17 The square grid shown is set at an angle relative to the frame base 5, resulting in the first rib 31, the second rib 32, and the third rib 33 (and) Figure 3 and Figure 4 (In comparison) it extends in the oblique direction. In such a shape, the same effect as described above can also be achieved by intermittently removing the first rib 31 and / or the second rib 32.

[0074] Connector accessory 1 can also be as follows Figure 18 This schematically illustrates the use of methods other than injection molding for manufacturing. Figure 18 In this design, the first mold 100 is configured as the first mold wheel, and the second mold is configured as the second mold wheel. The circumferential surface of the first mold wheel is continuously formed with… Figure 12 The mold structure shown. On the circumferential surface of the second mold wheel, there are continuously formed... Figure 13 The mold structure shown. The first mold wheel and the second mold wheel are arranged adjacent to each other with a predetermined minimum gap and are continuously rotated. The connecting part 1 is continuously formed by supplying molten material from the ejector 300 between the first mold wheel and the second mold wheel.

[0075] Based on the above disclosure, those skilled in the art can make various modifications to the features and embodiments. Reference numerals added to the claims are for reference only and should not be referenced for the purpose of limiting the interpretation of the claims.

Claims

1. A connector fitting, comprising: A two-dimensional array (20) of engaging elements (2) is provided, with multiple engaging elements (2) arranged corresponding to multiple grid points of a planar grid. Multiple first ribs (31) respectively connect the engaging elements (2) adjacent to each other along the first direction in the two-dimensional array (20); A plurality of second ribs (32) respectively connect the engaging elements (2) adjacent to each other in the two-dimensional array (20) along a second direction different from the first direction; and Multiple openings (4) are formed in the connection area (15) where the two-dimensional array (20) is provided, in the connector fitting (1), The plurality of first ribs (31) and / or the plurality of second ribs (32) are arranged such that two or more openings (4) have opening areas corresponding to two or more unit cells of the planar grid. The plurality of openings (4) includes a group of first openings and a group of second openings, wherein the opening area of ​​the second opening is greater than the opening area of ​​the first opening. The plurality of first ribs (31) are configured such that the plurality of openings (4) include a group of the second openings. Each second opening has an opening area corresponding to two or more unit cells of the planar grid, thereby each second opening is surrounded by at least six engaging elements.

2. The connector fitting according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of openings (4) in the connecting region (15) are formed in a mesh shape at least according to the plurality of first ribs (31) and the plurality of second ribs (32).

3. The connector fitting according to claim 2, wherein, Each second opening is wide in one of the first and second directions and narrow in the other of the first and second directions.

4. The connector fitting according to claim 3, wherein, Each second opening has an opening area corresponding to three unit cells of the planar grid.

5. The connector fitting according to claim 1, wherein, The unit grid of the planar grid and / or the opening shape of the opening (4) are square.

6. The connector fitting according to claim 1, wherein, The unit grid of the planar grid and / or the opening shape of the opening (4) are rectangular.

7. The connector fitting according to claim 1, wherein, The unit grid of the planar grid and / or the opening shape of the opening (4) are parallelograms.

8. The connector fitting according to claim 1, wherein, The unit grid of the planar grid and / or the opening shape of the opening (4) are rhomboid.

9. The connector fitting according to claim 1, wherein, The connector accessory also includes: A frame-shaped base (5) surrounds the connecting area (15); and Multiple third ribs (33) are respectively connected to the outermost engaging element (2) in the two-dimensional array (20) and the frame base (5).

10. The connector fitting according to claim 9, wherein, The first rib (31) and the second rib (32) are thicker than the frame base (5), and the third rib (33) is thinner than the first rib (31) and / or the second rib (32).

11. The connector fitting according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, Each of the plurality of engaging elements (2) includes at least an engaging head (6) and a lever (7). The rod (7) has a T-shaped cross section in a plane parallel to the planar grid.

12. The connector fitting according to claim 11, wherein, The rod (7) includes: The first rod wall (71) is connected to the engaging head (6) in one of the first and second directions with a first width from one end of the engaging head (6) to the other; and The second rod wall (72) is connected to the engaging head (6) in the other direction of the first direction and the second direction with a second width from one end of the engaging head (6) to the first rod wall (71).

13. The connector fitting according to claim 11, wherein, The engaging head (6) has a curved top surface (61) and a flat locking surface (62) on the opposite side of the top surface (61).

14. The connector fitting according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The number of the first ribs (31) is less than 2 / 3 of the total number of the first ribs (31) that can be allocated in the connection area (15) for the connection of the engaging element (2).

15. The connector fitting according to claim 14, wherein, The number of the first ribs (31) is less than half of the total number of the first ribs (31) that can be allocated in the connection area (15) for the connection of the engaging element (2).

16. The connector fitting according to claim 14, wherein, The number of the second ribs (32) is equal to the total number of the second ribs (32) that can be allocated in the connection area (15) for the connection of the engaging element (2).

17. The connector fitting according to claim 15, wherein, The number of the second ribs (32) is equal to the total number of the second ribs (32) that can be allocated in the connection area (15) for the connection of the engaging element (2).

18. The connector fitting according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The density of the engaging elements (2) in the two-dimensional array (20) is 2 elements / cm². 2 ~28 pieces / cm 2 Within the range.

19. The connector fitting according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The total number of openings (4) in the connecting area (15) is more than 70% of the total number of unit cells of the planar grid.

20. A mold apparatus for manufacturing the connector fitting (1) as described in claim 1, wherein, The mold assembly includes: Mold 1 (100); and Mold 2 (200) The first mold (100) includes at least a plurality of recesses (106) forming the engagement heads (6) of each engagement element (2) included in the two-dimensional array (20). The second mold (200) has a plurality of blocks (204) arranged corresponding to the plurality of openings (4). The plurality of blocks (204) includes two or more blocks (204) having an area corresponding to two or more unit cells of the planar grid.

21. The mold apparatus according to claim 20, wherein, The plurality of blocks (204) include a variety of blocks (204) that differ in width and length orthogonal to the width when viewed from the front of the main surface of the second mold (200).

22. A manufacturing method for manufacturing a connector fitting using the mold apparatus of claim 20.

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