Fixing structure of a housing and an insertion member

Abstract

The housing (20) has a cylindrical inner periphery. An insertion member (30) is inserted into the housing (20). When the insertion member (30) is provided as a first member (30), an elastic member (41) capable of relatively deforming with respect to the first member (30) is provided. At this time, the housing (20) as a second member (20) is provided with a holding portion (22) that holds the elastic member (41), and a locking groove portion (35) that can lock the elastic member (41). A first end portion (41b) of the elastic member (41) is held by the holding portion (22), and in a state in which the first member (30) can rotate, a second end portion (41c) can be elastically deformed so as to pass over a plurality of locking groove portions (35). When the second end portion (41c) is held in a state in which it is interposed between one of the plurality of locking groove portions (35) and the second member (20), the second end portion (41c) cannot be elastically deformed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a housing and a fixing structure for an insertion member inserted into the housing. Background Technology

[0002] As a prior art, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 is to insert a terminal, which is an insertion component, into a cover, which is a housing.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-25584 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] To achieve component standardization, it is considered to insert the insertion component (terminal) disclosed in Patent Document 1 into the housing of different vehicle models. In such a case, depending on the orientation of the insertion component, it may be impossible to insert the connector for supplying power to the terminal, or the space for insertion may be insufficient, resulting in adverse conditions.

[0008] Regardless of whether the buffer is mounted on different vehicle models, it is preferred as long as the inserted component can be fixed in any direction relative to the housing to improve convenience.

[0009] The objective of this invention is to provide a technique for fixing an inserted component in any direction relative to the housing.

[0010] Technical means to solve the problem

[0011] The inventors conducted in-depth research and discovered that, during the adjustment of the insertion component's position, by temporarily holding the first end of the elastic component in the retaining part, it is possible to rotate only the insertion component. Furthermore, it was found that during final fixing, the second end of the elastic component is clamped by the locking groove and the second component, preventing the insertion component from rotating and allowing it to be fixed in any direction relative to the housing. This invention is based on this insight.

[0012] The following is an explanation of this disclosure.

[0013] According to the present invention, a fixing structure for a housing and an insertion member is provided, comprising:

[0014] A housing, wherein the inner circumference of the housing is cylindrical;

[0015] An insertion component is inserted into the housing;

[0016] An elastic member is disposed in either the housing or the insertion member, i.e., the first member, and is capable of deforming relative to the first member;

[0017] A retaining portion, wherein the retaining portion is disposed in either the housing or the insertion member, i.e., a second member, and retains the elastic member; and

[0018] The first component has multiple locking grooves that can lock the elastic component in place.

[0019] The elastic member includes: a first end portion, which can be held by the retaining portion; and a second end portion, which can engage with one of the plurality of retaining groove portions.

[0020] With the first end held by the retaining portion and the plurality of locking grooves and the second end disengaged from the second component, the second end can elastically deform by passing over the plurality of locking grooves.

[0021] When the first end is held by the retaining portion and the plurality of locking grooves and the second end are opposite to the second component, and when the second end is held between one of the locking grooves and the second component, the second end cannot elastically deform.

[0022] Invention Effects

[0023] According to the present invention, a technique is provided that allows for the fixing of an insertion component relative to the housing in any direction. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustrating the fixing structure of the housing and the insertion component in an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 2 middle, Figure 2 A is an exploded perspective view of the housing and the insert component. Figure 2 B is a sectional perspective view illustrating the state in which the inserted component is temporarily held in the first position.

[0026] Figure 3 It is Figure 1 An enlarged perspective view of the main parts of the housing and insert components shown.

[0027] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A top view of the housing and insert components shown.

[0028] Figure 5 Yes Figure 2The diagram shown in B illustrates the adjustment of the position of the inserted component.

[0029] Figure 6 middle, Figure 6 A is a top view of the housing and insert components in their original state before adjustment. Figure 6 B is Figure 6 Sectional view along line 6B-6B of A, Figure 6 Figure C illustrates the state of elastic deformation at the second end of the elastic component during the adjustment of the direction of the inserted component. Figure 6 D is Figure 6 Sectional view of line C (6D-6D line). Figure 6 E is a top view of the housing and insert components in the adjusted state. Figure 6 F is Figure 6 Sectional view along line 6F-6F of E, Figure 6 Figure G illustrates the insert component that is set to be non-rotatable and fixed in the second position. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments shown in the drawings are one example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0031] <Example>

[0032] Reference Figure 1 .exist Figure 1 The image shows the head of a shock absorber 10 installed on a motorcycle. The shock absorber 10, for example, is a rear shock absorber, which is a device that attenuates energy such as vibrations received from the road surface.

[0033] The buffer 10 is provided with a housing 20 for the lower part of the insertion member 30 to be inserted. The insertion member 30 is used to control the buffer 10. That is, the buffer 10 is an electronically controlled suspension. The insertion member 30 is connected to a connector, namely an external power supply connector 15a, which is an external power source. The external power supply 15 also has a wiring harness 15b that connects to the external power supply connector 15a from a power source such as a battery. The insertion member 30 receives power from the external power supply 15.

[0034] Additionally, the outer periphery of the insertion member 30 is provided with: an elastic member 41, which is elastically deformable for positioning the insertion member 30 relative to the housing 20; and an O-ring 42, which inhibits dust from entering the interior of the housing 20.

[0035] Hereinafter, the insertion part 30 will sometimes be referred to as the first part 30, and the housing 20 will sometimes be referred to as the second part 20.

[0036] Furthermore, the structure of the first component can also be applied to the housing 20, and the structure of the second component can be applied to the insertion component 30. Details are explained below.

[0037] Reference Figure 2 A and Figure 2 B. In Figure 2 Figure B shows the insertion member 30 temporarily held in the housing 20. The housing 20 has: a locking portion 21 that extends circumferentially towards the center throughout the top of the opening; a holding portion 22 that is slit-shaped from the top in a direction parallel to the axis, capable of holding the end of the elastic member 41 (see reference numeral 41b); and a temporary holding portion 23 that is tapered and continuously narrows from the top end to the end end, temporarily holding the insertion member 30. In addition, an actuator 25 for adjusting the damping force generated by the buffer 10 is provided inside the housing 20.

[0038] The locking portion 21 is the part for locking the inserted member 30. The locking portion 21 is not formed at the location where the retaining portion 22 is formed. Therefore, the locking portion 21 can be formed discontinuously throughout the entire circumference of the inner circumference of the housing 20.

[0039] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 .exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 The insertion member 30 is shown in a state where it is formally fixed to the housing 20. The retaining part 22 is formed at four positions, for example, at 90° intervals.

[0040] In addition, the number of retaining parts 22 can be one, two, three or more than five.

[0041] Reference Figure 2 B. The top end of the temporary holding part 23 (the end on the upper side of the drawing) is located at approximately the same height as the bottom of the holding part 22, based on the circumferential direction. The temporary holding part 23 is formed continuously over the entire circumference of the inner circumferential surface of the housing 20.

[0042] Furthermore, when the temporary holding portion 23 is formed to a height that overlaps with the holding portion 22 based on the circumferential direction, the temporary holding portion 23 may also be discontinuous at the location where the holding portion 22 is formed. Alternatively, the temporary holding portion 23 may be formed intermittently regardless of the height of the holding portion 22.

[0043] Reference Figure 1 The insertion component 30 is a component that houses a base plate 32, which serves as the engine control unit base plate (ECU base plate), within a frame 31 that acts as a housing. For example, based on information from a sensor (not shown), the base plate 32 energizes the actuator 25, causing the actuator 25 to operate. The operation of the actuator 25 adjusts the flow area of ​​the oil flow path inside the damper 10, thereby adjusting the damping force generated by the damper 10.

[0044] Reference Figure 2 B. The insertion member 30 further includes: an insertion member claw portion 34, which is formed in a claw shape to engage with the locked portion 21; a plurality of locking groove portions 35, which are formed to engage the ends of the elastic member 41; and a displacement limiting portion 36, which is continuously formed from the locking groove portions 35 formed at the ends in a circumferential direction to limit the circumferential displacement of the elastic member 41.

[0045] The frame 31 has: an elastic member retaining groove 31a into which the elastic member 41 is inserted, and which is formed in a groove shape throughout its entire outer periphery; and an O-ring retaining groove 31b into which an O-ring 42 is inserted, and which is formed in a groove shape throughout its entire outer periphery. With the insert member 30 fixed to the housing 20 as a reference, the elastic member retaining groove 31a is formed at a position closer to the top end of the housing 20 than the O-ring retaining groove 31b.

[0046] exist Figure 2 In the state shown in B, the elastic member retaining groove 31a holds the elastic member 41 in a manner that allows for relative rotation. In other words, in Figure 2 In the state shown in B, when a force in the rotational direction is applied to the insertion member 30, only the insertion member 30 rotates, while the elastic member 41 does not rotate.

[0047] The insertion component claw 34 extends parallel to the axis of the housing 20 and is configured to be displaceable toward the axis.

[0048] Reference Figure 4 The locking groove 35 is formed at 10° intervals, for example, and there are 8 such grooves. The locking grooves 35 and 36 formed at both ends in the circumferential direction form an angle θ of 80° with each other.

[0049] Furthermore, the number of locking grooves 35 can be arbitrarily selected. If the number of locking grooves 35 is large, the position of the inserted member 30 can be adjusted more precisely. Additionally, it is preferable to set the number of retaining parts 22 and the number of locking grooves 35 so that they can be adjusted to point in a full circumference. Details are explained later.

[0050] The displacement limiting portion 36 protrudes toward the inner peripheral surface of the housing 20. The top end of the displacement limiting portion 36 may also abut against the inner peripheral surface of the housing 20. Furthermore, when a gap exists between the displacement limiting portion 36 and the inner peripheral surface of the housing 20, the size of this gap is narrower than the thickness of the wire constituting the elastic member 41. Therefore, displacement of the elastic member 41 beyond the area where the locking groove 35 is formed can be prevented.

[0051] Reference Figure 1The elastic member 41 is a C-shaped ring capable of elastic deformation in the radial direction, comprising: an elastic member body 41a, which is generally C-shaped and capable of elastic deformation in a manner that increases in size from the center; a first end portion 41b, which extends radially from one end of the elastic member body 41a and is held by a retaining portion 22; and a second end portion 41c, which extends parallel to the axis from the other end of the elastic member body 41a and is engaged by a locking groove portion 35. The second end portion 41c is capable of elastic deformation in a manner that tilts relative to the axis of the housing 20.

[0052] The method for fixing the insertion part 30 to the housing 20 as described above will be explained.

[0053] like Figure 2 A and Figure 2 As shown in Figure B, firstly, the position of the first end 41b is aligned with the position of any of the retaining parts 22, and the insertion member 30 is inserted into the housing 20 until the O-ring 42 abuts against the temporary retaining part 23 (temporary retaining process). The position of the insertion member 30 temporarily retained through this process is referred to as the first position.

[0054] If the insertion member 30 is inserted into the first position, the friction between the O-ring 42 and the temporary holding part 23 applies a resisting force (or the resisting force increases) relative to the force that inserts the insertion member 30. Thus, it can be identified as a temporary holding state.

[0055] In the temporarily held state, the insertion member 30 is difficult to displace in the axial direction due to the friction of the O-ring 42. On the other hand, the insertion member 30 can rotate. Since the first end 41b is held by the holding part 22, the elastic member 41 will not rotate even if the insertion member 30 is rotated.

[0056] Reference Figure 5 After temporarily holding the position, rotate the insertion part 30 to any desired position (position adjustment process). More details will follow.

[0057] Reference Figure 6 A and Figure 6 B. In the state before the insertion member 30 is rotated, the second end 41c is locked in the locking groove 35. When the insertion member 30 is rotated from this state, as Figure 6 C and Figure 6 As shown in Figure D, the locking groove 35 displaces circumferentially, and the second end 41c elastically deforms radially outward. In other words, the insertion member 30 rotates against the force exerted by the second end 41c.

[0058] Reference Figure 6 E and Figure 6F. For example, when the insertion part 30 is rotated approximately 10°, the second end 41c engages with the initially engaged locking groove 35 (see reference). Figure 6 A) The adjacent locking groove 35. The insertion member 30 is rotated for adjustment until the insertion member 30 reaches the predetermined position.

[0059] The insertion member 30 is capable of rotating in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. Therefore, in this embodiment, the orientation of the insertion member 30 can be adjusted within a range of approximately 160° for each retaining part 22. Thus, by selecting a retaining part 22, the insertion member 30 can be fixed regardless of its orientation within 360°.

[0060] Reference Figure 6 F and Figure 6 G. After adjusting to any position, overcome the friction between the O-ring 42 and the inner circumferential surface of the housing 20, and press the insertion part 30 into the housing 20 (fixing process). The position to be pressed in is called the second position (refer to...). Figure 6 G).

[0061] With the insertion member 30 in the second position, the second end 41c is held by the locking groove 35 and the inner circumferential surface of the housing 20, so even if a force in the rotational direction is applied to the insertion member 30, the second end 41c cannot be displaced radially. Furthermore, since the first end 41b is held by the holding part 22 (see reference...), Figure 6 Therefore, the elastic member 41 cannot rotate. Thus, when in the second position, the insertion member 30 also cannot rotate. That is, the insertion member 30 is fixed relative to the housing 20.

[0062] The following summarizes the fixing structure of the housing 20 and the insertion part 30 as described above.

[0063] Reference Figure 2 A and Figure 2B. First, the premise of the fixing structure between the housing 20 and the insertion member 30 is that it comprises: a housing 20 having a cylindrical inner circumference; an insertion member 30 inserted into the housing 20; an elastic member 41 disposed in either the housing 20 or the insertion member 30, i.e., the first member 30 (in the embodiment, the insertion member 30), and capable of relative deformation with respect to the first member 30; a retaining portion 22 disposed in either the housing 20 or the insertion member 30, i.e., the second member 20 (in the embodiment, the housing 20), and retaining the elastic member 41; and a locking groove portion 35 provided in multiple of the first member 30, capable of locking the elastic member 41. The elastic member 41 has a first end portion 41b that can be retained by the retaining portion 22 and a second end portion 41c that can lock with one of the multiple locking groove portions 35. With the first end 41b held by the holding part 22 and the plurality of locking grooves 35 and the second end 41c disengaged from the second component 20, the second end 41c can elastically deform in a manner that passes over the plurality of locking grooves 35.

[0064] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 6 G. When the first end 41b is held by the holding part 22 and the plurality of locking grooves 35 and the second end 41c are opposite to the second component 20, the second end 41c cannot be elastically deformed when it is held between one of the locking grooves 35 and the second component 20.

[0065] In particular, when one of the housing 20 and the insertion member 30 is made of a metal material such as iron and the other is made of resin material, anti-rotation members such as multiple locking grooves 35 can be easily implemented by resin molding and processing. However, processing anti-rotation members such as multiple locking grooves 35 is difficult and the cost increases when made of metal material. According to this embodiment, by forming multiple grooves in a resin material that is simple to mold and process, and using the first end 41b and the second end 41c of the elastic member 41, the metal material is substantially cylindrical. By forming only a simple retaining part 22 that locks the first end 41b, the circumferential positioning can be easily selected.

[0066] Reference Figure 4 When adjusting the position of the insertion member 30, with the elastic member 41 installed on the first member 30, the first end 41b of the elastic member 41 is temporarily held in the holding portion 22. This prevents the elastic member 41 from easily falling off and allows for position adjustment, thus ensuring high workability. Furthermore, the second end 41c of the elastic member 41 is permanently fixed by being clamped by the locking groove 35 and the second member 20. Position adjustment can be easily performed according to the desired purpose. In addition, no other components are required for position adjustment, ensuring high workability.

[0067] Second, in the fixing structure between the first housing 20 and the insertion member 30, a plurality of locking grooves 35 are formed within a predetermined angular range (the angle θ between the locking grooves 35, 35). Therefore, the plurality of locking grooves 35 are not formed throughout the entire circumference, thus allowing the area where the plurality of locking grooves 35 are not formed to be used for the insertion member claw portion 34, etc. Furthermore, since the plurality of locking grooves 35 are formed at regular intervals, adjusting the position of the plurality of locking grooves 35 and the second end portion 41c becomes easier.

[0068] Third, in the fixing structure of the housing 20 and the insertion member 30 in the first or second embodiment, the elastic member 41 is a C-ring, with the first end 41b extending radially and the second end 41c extending axially. By using the C-ring, the elastic member 41 can be easily installed and is not easily dislodged.

[0069] Fourth, in the fixing structure of the housing 20 and the insertion member 30 in any of the first to third embodiments, a plurality of retaining portions 22 are formed in the circumferential direction. Thus, by selecting the retaining portion 22 that retains the first end 41b, it can cooperate with a plurality of locking grooves 35 formed within a predetermined angle range, thereby enabling adjustment in more directions.

[0070] Refer to together Figure 2 B. Fifth, in the fixing structure of the housing 20 and the insertion member 30 in any one of the first to fourth embodiments, the housing 20 has a locking portion 21, which is formed in a groove shape covering the entire circumference of the inner peripheral surface of the housing 20 to lock the insertion member 30. The insertion member 30 has an insertion member claw portion 34 formed in a claw shape to lock into the locking portion 21. The second end 41c can be clamped by the upper part of the locking portion 21 and the insertion member 30. It is preferable that the insertion member 30 can be easily fixed to the housing 20, and on the other hand, that accidental detachment after installation can be prevented.

[0071] Reference Figure 6 B and Figure 6 G. Sixth, in the fixing structure of the housing 20 and the insertion member 30 in any of the first to fifth embodiments, an O-ring 42 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion member 30 to abut against the inner peripheral surface of the housing 20. The insertion member 30 is in a first position based on the axial direction (refer to...). Figure 6 At position B), it is held in a position that allows relative rotation by the friction between the O-ring 42 and the housing 20, in a second position (refer to the position pressed inward from the first position). Figure 6 At point G), rotation is not permitted, and the O-ring 42 seals the insertion part 30 between the insertion part 30 and the housing 20.

[0072] By using the O-ring 42, it can be temporarily held in the first position and used as a seal in the second position after installation, thus enabling reliable installation with fewer parts.

[0073] Reference Figure 1 Seventh, a fixing structure for the housing 20 and the insertion member 30, which is one of the first to sixth types, is used for the buffer 10. Typically, the space for installing the buffer 10 is mostly small, and the routing direction of the wiring harness, etc., varies for each product. Therefore, it is preferable to apply the fixing structure for the housing 20 and the insertion member 30 to the buffer 10.

[0074] Furthermore, while an example of the fixing structure of the housing 20 and the insertion member 30 of the present invention being applied to the rear bumper of a motorcycle has been described, it can also be applied to the bumper of a passenger car and the front fork of a motorcycle. Moreover, in addition to bumpers, the fixing structure of the housing 20 and the insertion member 30 of the present invention can generally be applied to structures where the direction of the insertion member needs to be adjusted relative to the housing according to the purpose.

[0075] Furthermore, when the elastic member 41 is installed on the housing 20 as the first member and the retaining part 22 is formed in the insertion member 30 as the second member, that is, when the first member and the second member are opposite to those in the embodiment, the effects specified in this invention are also achieved.

[0076] As long as the functions and effects of the present invention are achieved, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

[0077] The fixing structure of the housing and insertion component of the present invention is suitable for the rear bumper of a straddle-type vehicle.

[0078] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0079] 10: Buffer

[0080] 20: Housing (Second Component)

[0081] 21: Stuck part

[0082] 22: Maintaining Section

[0083] 30: Insert component (first component)

[0084] 34: Insertion component claw

[0085] 35: Locking groove

[0086] 41: Elastic component; 41b: First end; 41c: Second end

[0087] 42: O-ring

Claims

1. A fixing structure for a housing and an insertion component, characterized in that, include: A housing, wherein the inner circumference of the housing is cylindrical; An insertion component is inserted into the housing; An elastic member is disposed in either the housing or the insertion member, i.e., the first member, and is capable of deforming relative to the first member; A retaining portion, wherein the retaining portion is disposed in either the housing or the insertion member, i.e., a second member, and retains the elastic member; and The first component has multiple locking grooves that can lock the elastic component in place. The elastic member includes: a first end portion, which can be held by the retaining portion; and a second end portion, which can engage with one of the plurality of retaining groove portions. With the first end held by the retaining portion and the plurality of locking grooves and the second end disengaged from the second component, the second end can elastically deform by passing over the plurality of locking grooves. When the first end is held by the retaining portion and the plurality of locking grooves and the second end are opposite to the second component, and when the second end is held between one of the locking grooves and the second component, the second end cannot elastically deform.

2. The fixing structure for the housing and the insertion component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of said locking grooves are formed in the circumferential direction within a specified angular range.

3. The fixing structure for the housing and the insertion component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic component is a C-shaped ring, with the first end extending radially and the second end extending axially.

4. The fixing structure for the housing and the insertion component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The retaining part is formed in multiple ways.

5. The fixing structure for the housing and the insertion component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing has a groove-shaped locking portion formed around its entire inner circumference to engage with the insertion component. The insertion member has a claw-shaped insertion member claw portion formed to engage with the locking portion. The second end can be clamped by the upper part of the locked portion and the insertion member.

6. The fixing structure for the housing and the insertion component according to claim 1, characterized in that, An O-ring is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion component to abut against the inner peripheral surface of the housing. The insertion component is held in a first position relative to the axial direction by the friction between the O-ring and the housing. The insertion component cannot rotate in a second position, which is more pressed in than the first position, and the O-ring seals the insertion component with the housing.

7. The fixing structure for the housing and the insertion component according to claim 1, characterized in that, Used for buffers.

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