Buckle and clamping groove connecting device

Abstract

The utility model relates to a buckle and clamping groove connecting device, the buckle and clamping groove connecting device comprises a clamping groove assembly (3) and a buckle assembly (2) used for being connected with the clamping groove assembly, the buckle assembly (2) at least comprises a tongue piece (22) and an edge part (21), the clamping groove assembly at least comprises a notch (32), the tongue piece (22) is used for being inserted and clamped in the notch (32), and the edge part (21) is used for being connected with the notch (32). The edge part (21) is used for being attached to the clamping groove assembly. The buckle and clamping groove connecting device further comprises at least one shielding part, and the at least one shielding part is arranged on the adjacent section of the buckle assembly and the clamping groove assembly. According to the buckle and clamping groove connecting device, a penetrating gap (G) generated after the buckle assembly and the clamping groove assembly are connected can be blocked.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connecting device, in particular a snap-in groove connecting device, especially for fixing a fitting to a vehicle body. BACKGROUND

[0002] Some fittings such as bumpers, lights, grilles, radars, etc. are usually assembled on a vehicle body, which form part of the vehicle body appearance. The connection between these fittings and the vehicle body is often achieved by using a snap-in groove connecting device in addition to the common screw and bolt connection.

[0003] Current snap-in groove connecting devices are mainly designed to achieve the connection between components. After connection, the snap-in and the groove are not usually completely fitted to each other, and there will be a gap. These gaps are caused by the need for a certain deformation space to allow the snap-in to enter the groove during assembly, and by the constraints of the manufacturing technology of the components, such as the molding technology of the components. However, such gaps will cause appearance defects from the perspective of vehicle body appearance design, such as uneven gaps along the outer periphery of the fitting in the vehicle body. These gaps are usually penetrating, and even the interior of the vehicle can be seen through the gaps. The gaps also cause the vehicle body to have a visual effect of light leakage, which makes users have a negative judgment on the quality of the vehicle, such as considering that the fitting size is not matched, the fitting is not firmly installed, the vehicle body appearance design is rough, etc. SUMMARY

[0004] The purpose of the present disclosure is to solve one or more of the above problems and other problems, and to achieve additional advantages.

[0005] The present disclosure proposes a snap-in groove connecting device, which comprises a groove assembly and a snap-in assembly for connecting with the groove assembly, the snap-in assembly at least comprising a tongue and an edge portion, the groove assembly at least comprising a slot, the tongue being used for inserting and clamping in the slot, and the edge portion being used for fitting the groove assembly, characterized in that the snap-in groove connecting device further comprises at least one blocking portion, the at least one blocking portion being arranged on the section where the snap-in assembly and the groove assembly are adjacent to each other, so as to block the penetrating gap generated after the connection of the snap-in assembly and the groove assembly.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one blocking portion is in the form of an L-shaped slot formed by a parallel extending portion and a vertical extending portion, the parallel extending portion extends inwardly from an inner edge of the card slot assembly in a parallel direction to the edge portion of the clasp assembly in an insertion direction of the clasp assembly until it at least exceeds the end of the edge portion, the vertical extending portion extends downwardly from an inner end of the parallel extending portion in a perpendicular direction to the parallel extending portion, such that the parallel extending portion and the vertical extending portion together form an L-shape and semi-enclose the edge portion.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the notch is provided at a position corresponding to the tongue of the L-shaped slot, such that the tongue can be inserted into the notch and clasped within the notch.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one blocking portion further comprises another extending portion provided at an end of the vertical extending portion of the L-shaped slot and extending in a direction opposite to the insertion direction, such that the L-shaped slot and the another extending portion together form a U-shape and enclose the edge portion or the tongue.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the edge portion abuts against the parallel extending portion of the L-shaped slot.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one blocking portion is in the form of a thickened cantilevered elastic member, such that when the tongue is clapsed in the notch, the thickened cantilevered elastic member forms a blocking portion from inside against the notch.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one blocking portion is a thickened tongue plate provided in the tongue, such that when the thickened tongue plate is clapsed in the notch, it can block the notch with its thickness.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one blocking portion is a widened portion added at a root of the tongue, the widened portion is provided opposite to the boss portion of the cantilevered elastic member, the widened portion is configured such that when the tongue is clapsed in the notch, the widened portion can block the notch from outside.

[0013] It is to be noted that aspects of the present disclosure described for one embodiment can be incorporated into other different embodiments, although not specifically described for the other different embodiments. In other words, all embodiments can be combined in any manner and / or combination, and / or features of any embodiment can be combined, as long as they are not mutually contradictory.

[0014] The snap-fit ​​and slot connection device according to this disclosure is easy to manufacture, convenient to assemble, and applicable to a wide range of component types. By simply modifying the shape of one or more parts of the component, gaps penetrating the snap-fit ​​and slot connection device can be avoided, and it is not limited by the component's installation space or size. In addition to fixing accessories to vehicle bodies, the snap-fit ​​and slot connection device according to this disclosure is also suitable for connecting other components where the appearance of visible gaps after connection is required. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of this disclosure, some specific embodiments given as examples will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0016] Figure 1 It is a partial 3D view of a vehicle bumper, showing a decorative accessory installed in the bumper;

[0017] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The perspective view of the bumper from another angle shows a slot assembly mounted on it, without any decorative accessories installed.

[0018] Figure 3 This is an enlarged view of a prior art slot assembly installed on a bumper;

[0019] Figure 4 This is an enlarged view of a decorative accessory, which features a snap-fit ​​component.

[0020] Figure 5 It is a partial cross-sectional view of the decorative accessories and the bumper being connected together by a snap-fit ​​and slot connection device as seen in the present technology;

[0021] Figure 6 A card slot assembly conforming to one embodiment of this disclosure is shown;

[0022] Figure 7 A partial cross-sectional view showing the connection between a slot assembly and a snap-fit ​​assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 8 Another partial cross-sectional view showing the connection between the slot assembly and the snap-fit ​​assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 9 It is a partial 3D view of the vehicle bumper, showing another decorative accessory installed in the bumper;

[0025] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 The perspective view of the bumper from another angle shows a slot assembly mounted on it, without any decorative accessories installed.

[0026] Figure 11 This is an enlarged view of a decorative accessory, which features another type of snap-fit ​​component.

[0027] Figure 12 This is a magnified view of the slot portion of a card slot assembly;

[0028] Figure 13 It is among the existing technologies. Figure 12 An enlarged view of the tongue piece that connects and mates with the groove;

[0029] Figure 14 Show Figure 12 The groove and Figure 13 A partial cross-sectional view showing the assembly relationship of the tongue pieces;

[0030] Figure 15 A tongue conforming to one embodiment of this disclosure is shown;

[0031] Figure 16 A tongue conforming to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown with Figure 12 A partial cross-sectional view of the assembly relationship of the slots;

[0032] Figure 17 A partial cross-sectional view of a tongue conforming to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0033] Figure 18 Show Figure 17 Tongue and Figure 12 A partial cross-sectional view of the assembly relationship of the slots;

[0034] Figure 19 Show Figure 18 A partial three-dimensional sectional view of the connected area shown;

[0035] Figure 20 Another partial cross-sectional view showing the snap-fit ​​assembly and slot assembly connection according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0036] It should be understood that the same reference numerals denote the same elements in all the accompanying drawings. For clarity, the dimensions of some features may be altered and they may not be drawn to scale. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate several embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure can be presented in many different ways and is not limited to the embodiments described below; in fact, the embodiments described below are intended to make the disclosure more complete and to fully illustrate the scope of protection of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. It should also be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein can be combined in various ways to provide further additional embodiments.

[0038] It is to be understood that the terminology used in the specification is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. All technical and scientific terms used in the specification are intended to have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art unless otherwise specifically defined. In the description of the disclosure, well-known functions or constructions can not be described in detail in order to concisely describe the disclosure.

[0039] As used in the description of the disclosure, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used in the description of the disclosure, the language "includes" and "comprises" is not intended to be

[0040] In the description of the disclosure, when it is said that an element is "on", "attached" to, "connected" to, "coupled" to, or "contacted" another element, it can be directly on, attached to, connected to, coupled to or contacted with the other element, or one or more intervening elements can exist.

[0041] In the description of the disclosure, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are used only for convenience and are not intended to limit. Any technical features represented by "first", "second", "third", etc. are interchangeable.

[0042] In the description of the disclosure, spatial relationship terms such as "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "top", "bottom", etc. can describe the relationship of one feature to another feature in the drawings. It should be understood that the spatial relationship terms include the orientation shown in the drawings in addition to different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, when the device is inverted in the drawings, a feature originally described as "below" another feature can be described as "above" the other feature. The device can also be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the relative spatial relationship will be interpreted accordingly.

[0043] In particular, the spatial relationship terms "front", "back", "left", "right", "inner", "outer" and the like referred to in the disclosure refer to the direction of the vehicle, and "inner" refers to the direction towards the inside of the vehicle and "outer" refers to the direction towards the outside of the vehicle.

[0044] In particular, the spatial relationship terms "vertical", "parallel" referred to in the disclosure should be understood to include "approximately vertical", "approximately parallel".

[0045] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to a snap-in groove connection device between a bumper of a vehicle and a decorative fitting thereof. It is to be understood that the connection device according to the present disclosure can be applied to the connection between other fittings, in particular the connection between other fittings for which the appearance effect of the visible gap after connection is required.

[0046] Reference is made to Figures 1 to 5 A snap-in groove connection device according to the prior art is described, for example, a snap-in groove connection device for mounting a decorative fitting to a bumper 1 of a vehicle. The snap-in groove connection device comprises a snap-in assembly 2 and a groove assembly 3. The snap-in assembly 2 can be provided on the decorative fitting, and the groove assembly 3 can be provided in the bumper 1. Through the connection of the snap-in assembly 2 and the groove assembly 3, the decorative fitting can be mounted into the bumper. The groove assembly 3 can comprise a slot 32 and a support portion 31. The snap-in assembly 2 can comprise a tongue 22 and an edge portion 21. The tongue 22 can be inserted and snapped into the slot 32. The edge portion 21 can be fitted to the groove assembly through the support portion 31. The groove assembly can comprise an auxiliary positioning portion 35 to assist in positioning the snap-in assembly 2 when required.

[0047] Figure 5 The connection of the tongue of the snap-in assembly 2 and the slot of the groove assembly 3 in the prior art is shown in a schematic cross-sectional view. The decorative fitting is mounted to the bumper from the outside of the bumper in the insertion direction F, i.e. the snap-in assembly 2 is mounted into the groove assembly 3 in the insertion direction F. After the connection of the snap-in assembly and the groove assembly, the snap-in groove connection device has a penetrating gap G which can be seen from the outside of the bumper in the insertion direction F. The vehicle interior can be seen through the penetrating gap G. The penetrating gap G can also cause a poor visual effect of light leakage of the vehicle body.

[0048] To solve these problems, the snap-in groove connection device according to the present disclosure comprises at least one shielding portion. The shielding portion is arranged in the area where the penetrating gap G can be generated, i.e. on the section where the snap-in assembly and the groove assembly are adjacent to each other. The shielding portion is intended to visually block the penetrating gap G of the snap-in groove connection device, thereby overcoming the defects caused by the penetrating gap.

[0049] The shielding portion can be arranged in different ways. For example, in one embodiment according to the present disclosure, the shielding portion can be arranged on the snap-in assembly. In another embodiment according to the present disclosure, the shielding portion can be arranged on the groove assembly. In other embodiments according to the present disclosure, the shielding portion can be arranged on both the snap-in assembly and the groove assembly. This will be described in detail below.

[0050] Reference is first made to Figures 6 to 8 The specific structure of the shielding portion in the first embodiment of the snap-in groove connection device according to the present disclosure is described.

[0051] The obstruction portion can here take the form of an L-shaped groove in the card slot assembly 3. The L-shaped groove can be provided on a portion or all of the segment of the card slot assembly 3 adjacent to the latching assembly. For example, in Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, the L-shaped groove can be set on the inner periphery of the slot assembly 3, so that the slot opening, the support part and the L-shaped groove can be made into one piece.

[0052] Figure 7 and Figure 8 The assembly relationship between the slot assembly with the L-shaped groove and the snap-fit ​​assembly 2 is shown in a schematic partial cross-sectional view.

[0053] Figure 7 In this design, the L-shaped groove can be formed by a parallel extension portion 31 (serving as a support portion 31) and a vertical extension portion 34. The parallel extension portion 31 extends inward from the inner edge of the slot assembly 3 along the insertion direction F of the latch assembly 2, approximately parallel to the edge portion 21 of the latch assembly 2, until it at least exceeds the end of the edge portion 21. The vertical extension portion 34 extends downward from the inner end of the parallel extension portion 31, approximately perpendicular to the parallel extension portion, such that the parallel extension portion 31 and the vertical extension portion 34 together form an L-shape and can approximately partially surround the edge portion 21. The edge portion 21 can be inserted into and hidden within the L-shaped groove. The configuration of the L-shaped groove allows its parallel extension portion and vertical extension portion to block the penetration of the gap G through their position and shape.

[0054] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the length of the parallel extension 31 of the L-shaped groove serving as a support 31 can be approximately 2 mm to 5 mm, preferably 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the distance D between the L-shaped groove and the end of the edge portion 21 is maintained at approximately 1 mm to 2 mm, preferably 1 mm to 1.5 mm. This buffer gap between the end of the edge portion 21 and the L-shaped groove prevents the L-shaped groove from being squeezed and deformed by the end of the edge portion under normal conditions.

[0055] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the edge portion 21 can be fitted into the L-shaped groove by abutting upward against the parallel extension portion (serving as a support portion 31) of the L-shaped groove. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the edge portion 21 may be provided with one or more protrusions 23 (such as... Figure 4 As shown, the edge portion 21 is used to reinforce the contact between itself and the L-shaped groove. The upward contact of the edge portion 21 can form a shield, thereby blocking the formation of the penetrating gap G.

[0056] The L-shaped groove can have a slot 32 at a position corresponding to the tongue 22 to receive the insertion of the tongue 22. Figure 8In the illustrated embodiment, the notch 32 can be disposed in the vertically extending portion of the L-shaped groove. The front end of the tongue 22 can pass through the notch 32 along the insertion direction F. The root of the tongue can abut upward against the parallel extending portion of the L-shaped groove, just like the aforementioned edge portion 21, thereby blocking the formation of the penetrating gap G.

[0057] In one embodiment according to this disclosure, the sealing effect of the tongue on the slot after installation can be improved by increasing the thickness of the tongue 22, thereby preventing the formation of a penetrating gap G at the slot. Embodiments of increasing the tongue thickness will be described in detail later.

[0058] In one embodiment according to this disclosure, another extension 33 may be provided at the end of the vertical extension 34 of the L-shaped groove. The extension 33 may be configured to extend in a direction opposite to the insertion direction F, such that the L-shaped groove and the extension 33 together form a U-shaped groove. This configuration allows the latch assembly to more securely hold the edge 21 or tongue 22 it is joined to. The length of the extension 33 may be set according to the dimensions of the edge 21 or tongue 22 of the latch assembly. For the tongue with increased thickness according to this disclosure, such a U-shaped groove can provide greater stability in the connection between the tongue and the groove opening.

[0059] The following reference Figures 9 to 14 This invention describes a snap-fit ​​and slot connection device used in confined spaces. In confined spaces, the snap-fit ​​and slot connection device needs to achieve connection within a limited space; therefore, the structure of the tongue and slot is typically thin.

[0060] In the following text, the same reference numerals are used for parts that are the same as or similar to the aforementioned snap-fit ​​and slot connection device.

[0061] Figure 9 and Figure 10 respectively with Figure 1 and Figure 2 Similarly, decorative accessories have a buckle assembly 2, and the bumper 1 has a slot assembly 3. By connecting the buckle assembly 2 and the slot assembly 3, the decorative accessories can be installed into the bumper. Figure 11 A snap-fit ​​assembly 2 suitable for use in confined spaces is shown. Figure 12 A slot 32 is shown in a slot assembly 3 suitable for use in confined spaces. (See reference...) Figure 13 The tongue 4 of the snap-fit ​​assembly 2 may include a tongue plate 41, a reinforcing rib 42, a cantilever elastic member 43, and a boss portion 44 disposed at the free end of the cantilever elastic member. After the tongue 4 is inserted into the slot 32, the break in the middle of the slot 32 is located on the back side of the tongue 4 (not shown).

[0062] Figure 14A schematic cross-sectional view shows the connection structure between the tongue 4 and the slot 32. Along the insertion direction F, the insertion device of the snap-fit ​​connection device has a penetrating gap G. The interior of the vehicle can be seen through the penetrating gap G. The penetrating gap G can also cause an undesirable visual effect of light leakage from the vehicle body.

[0063] The following reference Figures 15 to 20 The specific structure of the shielding portion is described in the second embodiment of the snap-fit ​​and slot connection device according to this disclosure.

[0064] In one embodiment according to this disclosure, such as Figure 15 As shown, the shielding portion may be a tongue 2 with a thickened tongue plate 41. In one embodiment according to this disclosure, the thickened tongue plate 41 may be the same thickness as the reinforcing rib 42. In another embodiment, the thickened tongue plate 41 may be thicker than the reinforcing rib. The reinforcing rib 42 may be integral with the thickened tongue plate. When the tongue 2 is installed into the slot 32, the thickened tongue plate 41 can be inserted into the slot 32 by slightly deforming the slot 32 through compression. The thickened tongue plate 41 can shield the slot with its own thickness, thereby preventing the formation of a penetrating gap G at the slot.

[0065] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the width of the slot 32 may be approximately 1.5 mm to 2 mm. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the thickened tongue is approximately 0.25 mm to 0.35 mm thick.

[0066] In one embodiment according to this disclosure, as follows Figure 15 As shown, the shielding part can also be in the form of a thickened cantilever elastic member 43. The thickened cantilever elastic member 43 can be a thickened boss part 44 or a thickened cantilever elastic member 43 as a whole.

[0067] like Figure 16 As shown, when the tongue 4 is installed into the slot 32, the thickened cantilever elastic member 43 can at least abut against the slot 32 through the thickened boss portion 44. The thickness of the boss portion 44 plays a shielding role, thereby preventing the formation of a penetrating gap G at the slot.

[0068] In one embodiment according to this disclosure, such as Figure 15 and Figure 17 As shown, the obstructing part can be a widened portion 45 added at the base of the tongue. For example... Figure 15 As can be seen, the widened portion 45 is disposed opposite to the boss portion of the cantilever elastic member. Figure 18 and Figure 19As shown, after the tongue 4 is engaged into the slot 32, the widened portion 45 and the boss portion are located on the inner and outer sides of the slot 32, respectively, thus clamping the edge of the slot. The widened portion 45 is configured to block the slot from the outside, thereby preventing the formation of a penetrating gap G at the slot. The tongue 4 may simultaneously have the widened portion 45 and the thickened boss portion 44, as shown. Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown.

[0069] In one embodiment according to this disclosure, such as Figure 20 As shown, the L-shaped or U-shaped groove in the aforementioned embodiment can also be provided on the edge portion of the slot assembly 3 other than the slot 32, for cooperation with the edge portion of the buckle assembly 2 other than the tongue 4.

[0070] In one embodiment according to this disclosure, the tongue 22 in the foregoing embodiments may also be configured to have any two or all of the following blocking portions: a thickened tongue plate, a thickened cantilevered elastic member, and a widened portion. This allows the tongue 22 to be provided with suitable blocking portions according to different slot configurations.

[0071] In one embodiment according to this disclosure, to further ensure the elimination of penetrating gaps in the snap-fit ​​and slot connection device, at least one blocking portion as described above can be provided in the snap-fit ​​assembly, and at least one blocking portion as described above can also be provided in the slot assembly. For example, the slot assembly may include an L-shaped or U-shaped blocking portion, and the tongue of the snap-fit ​​assembly may be provided with any of the above-described types of blocking portions.

[0072] Although this disclosure has been presented above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit this disclosure. Any person skilled in the art can make possible changes and modifications to the technical solutions of this disclosure by utilizing the methods and techniques disclosed above without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of this disclosure without departing from the content of the technical solutions of this disclosure shall fall within the protection scope of the technical solutions of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A snap-fit ​​and slot connection device, the snap-fit ​​and slot connection device comprising a slot assembly (3) and a snap-fit ​​assembly (2) for connecting with the slot assembly, the snap-fit ​​assembly (2) comprising at least a tongue (22) and an edge portion (21), the slot assembly comprising at least a groove (32), the tongue (22) for inserting into and snapping into the groove (32), and the edge portion (21) for conforming to the slot assembly, characterized in that, The snap-fit ​​and slot connection device further includes at least one shielding part, which is disposed on the section where the snap-fit ​​assembly and the slot assembly are adjacent to each other, so as to block the penetrating gap (G) generated after the snap-fit ​​assembly and the slot assembly are connected.

2. The snap-fit ​​and slot connecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one shielding portion is in the form of an L-shaped groove and is disposed on at least a portion of the slot assembly (3) for adjacent to the buckle assembly. The L-shaped groove is formed by a parallel extension portion (31) and a vertical extension portion (34). The parallel extension portion (31) extends inward from the inner edge of the slot assembly (3) along the insertion direction (F) of the buckle assembly (2) parallel to the edge portion (21) of the buckle assembly (2) until it at least exceeds the end of the edge portion (21). The vertical extension portion (34) extends downward perpendicularly from the inner end of the parallel extension portion (31), such that the parallel extension portion (31) and the vertical extension portion (34) are L-shaped as a whole and partially surround the edge portion (21).

3. The snap-fit ​​and slot connecting device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The slot (32) is located at the position of the L-shaped slot corresponding to the tongue (22), so that the tongue can pass through the slot and be engaged in the slot.

4. The snap-fit ​​and slot connecting device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The at least one shielding portion further includes another extension (33) disposed at the end of the vertical extension portion (34) of the L-shaped groove and extending in a direction opposite to the insertion direction (F), such that the L-shaped groove and the other extension portion (33) together form a U-shape surrounding the edge portion or the tongue.

5. The snap-fit ​​and slot connecting device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The edge portion (21) abuts against the parallel extension portion (31) of the L-shaped groove.

6. The snap-fit ​​and slot connection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The at least one shielding portion is in the form of a thickened cantilever elastic member (43), such that when the tongue is engaged in the slot, the thickened cantilever elastic member abuts against the slot from the inside to form a shielding portion.

7. The snap-fit ​​and slot connecting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The at least one shielding part is a thickened tongue plate (41) provided in the tongue piece, so that when the thickened tongue plate is engaged in the slot, it can seal the slot with its thickness.

8. The snap-fit ​​and slot connecting device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The at least one shielding part is a widened part (45) added at the root of the tongue piece. The widened part (45) is disposed opposite to the cantilever elastic member. The widened part (45) is configured such that when the tongue piece is engaged in the slot, the widened part can shield the slot from the outside.

Images