Intervention structure and connection block

Abstract

An engagement structure (18) for causing a housing element (34) having an opening (38) to engage with a housed element (36), which is housed in the housing element (34) by being inserted into the opening (38) in a reverse direction, comprises projecting areas (30) and interlocking locking holes (32), and further comprises dovetail pins (26) and interlocking dovetail holes (28), wherein the dovetail pins (26) engage in the dovetail holes (28) before the projecting areas (30) come into contact with an opening edge (38a) of the opening (38) when the housed element (36) is inserted into the housing element (34).

Description

field of technology

[0001] The present invention relates to an engagement structure and to a terminal block equipped with the engagement structure. State of the art

[0002] JP 2014-135280 A discloses a frame and a mounting portion. The frame has a dovetail block (dovetail tenon). The mounting portion has a dovetail groove (dovetail hole). The dovetail block and the dovetail groove engage with each other, thereby engaging the frame and the mounting portion. Summary of the invention

[0003] A housed element is housed in a housing element through an opening of the housing element. A dovetail hole is formed in the housing element from an opening end of the opening in the insertion direction of the housed element. Furthermore, the dovetail tenon is formed on the housed element in the insertion direction.

[0004] The dovetail tenon and the dovetail hole engage when the housed element is housed in the housing element. This allows the housing element and the housed element to engage while the housed element is housed in the housing element.

[0005] This poses a problem in that the engagement between the dovetail hole and the dovetail tenon is easily disengaged when the housed member moves relative to the housing member in the direction opposite to the insertion direction. For example, in the state where the housed member is housed in the housing member, the opening of the housing member is directed downward. In this case, the housed member is moved relative to the housing member in the direction opposite to the insertion direction under the action of gravity. As a result, there is a concern that the engagement between the dovetail hole and the dovetail tenon is disengaged and the housed member is dropped from the housing member.

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the problem described above.

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention is an engagement structure for engaging a housing member having an opening with a housed member, wherein the housed member is housed in the housing member by being inserted into the opening in an insertion direction, the engagement structure comprising a latch structure and a dovetail structure, the latch structure comprising a locking hole formed in the housing member at a position spaced from an opening end of the opening in the insertion direction, and a projecting portion provided on the housed member in correspondence with a location of the locking hole in the housing member and configured to engage the locking hole,that it limits a relative movement of the housed element with respect to the housing element in an opposite direction to the insertion direction, wherein the dovetail structure comprises a dovetail tenon provided at one end of the housed element and a dovetail hole formed in the housing element from the opening end in the insertion direction and configured to engage with the dovetail tenon while allowing the dovetail tenon to move to a predetermined position in the insertion direction, and wherein, in a case where the housed element is inserted into the housing element, the dovetail tenon engages the dovetail hole before the projecting portion and the opening end come into contact with each other.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention is a terminal block provided with a housing having an opening and a module that is housed in the housing by being inserted into the opening in an insertion direction, wherein the terminal block comprises a locking hole formed in the housing at a position spaced from an opening end of the opening in the insertion direction, a protruding portion provided on the module in correspondence with a location of the locking hole in the housing and configured to engage the locking hole so as to limit relative movement of the module with respect to the housing in an opposite direction to the insertion direction, a dovetail pin provided at one end of the module, and a dovetail hole.which is formed in the housing from the opening end in the insertion direction and is adapted to engage with the dovetail pin while allowing the dovetail pin to move in the insertion direction to a predetermined position, wherein, in a case where the module is inserted into the housing, the dovetail pin engages the dovetail hole before the projecting portion and the opening end come into contact with each other.

[0009] According to the present invention, any concern that the housed element may fall out of the housing element is reduced. Brief Description of the Drawings [ Fig. 1] Fig. 1A is a perspective view of an I / O unit according to one embodiment, and Fig. 1B is an exploded view of the I / O unit; [ Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is an exploded view of a terminal block; [ Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a left side view of the terminal block; [ Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a schematic view illustrating a state in which a tip of a dovetail tenon has reached an opening end of the case in a process of accommodating a module in a case; [ Fig. 5] Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the housing and a module compared to the state of Fig. 4 has been moved further in a backward direction; [ Fig. 6] Fig. Figure 6A is a schematic diagram illustrating the housing and module compared to the state of Fig. 5 has been moved further in the reverse direction, and Fig. 6B is a view of the Fig. 6A shown terminal block viewed from a further direction; [ Fig. 7] Fig. 7A is a schematic diagram of a terminal block according to a comparative example, and Fig. 7B is a view of the Fig. 7A shown terminal block viewed from a further direction; [ Fig. 8] Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating a module according to an exemplary modification 1; [ Fig. 9] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating a module and a housing according to an exemplary modification 2; and [ Fig. 10] Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating a module and a housing according to an exemplary modification 3. Detailed description of the inventionEmbodiment

[0010] Fig. 1A is a perspective view of an I / O unit 10 according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 1B is an exploded view of the I / O unit 10.

[0011] The arrows shown in the drawings indicate the directions (forward, backward, left, right, up, and down) used in the following description. The up-down direction (first direction), the left-right direction (second direction), and the forward-backward direction are orthogonal to each other. For example, the left-right direction and the forward-backward direction are parallel to a horizontal plane.

[0012] The I / O unit 10 is provided in a data transmission system, for example, including a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). The I / O unit 10 is an electronic device (input / output device) that includes a terminal block 12 and a signal processing unit 14.

[0013] The signal processing unit 14 comprises a plurality of contactors 14a and a signal processing module 14b.

[0014] The plurality of contactors 14a are connection groups arranged in the left-right direction on both sides of the signal processing unit 14. The plurality of contactors 14a arranged on the left side of the signal processing unit 14 are provided to establish an electrical connection with another I / O unit 10 arranged on the left side of the signal processing unit 14. The plurality of contactors 14a arranged on the right side of the signal processing unit 14 are provided to establish an electrical connection with another I / O unit 10 arranged on the right side of the signal processing unit 14.

[0015] In the present embodiment, the I / O unit 10 is substantially symmetrical in the left-right direction. Therefore, the right-side portion of the I / O unit 10 is not shown.

[0016] The signal processing module 14b is a module that performs processing required by the I / O unit 10 in the data transmission system described above. The signal processing module 14b includes an electrical circuit such as a control IC (integrated circuit). The signal processing module 14b is electrically connected to the plurality of contactors 14a in the signal processing unit 14.

[0017] The terminal block 12 is arranged in front of the signal processing unit 14. The terminal block 12 is attached to the signal processing unit 14 in the rearward direction from the front side of the signal processing unit 14. The terminal block 12 includes a plurality of connection openings 16 and an engagement structure 18.

[0018] Each of the plurality of connection holes 16 is a region to which an external terminal 20 is connected. The external terminal 20 is a terminal provided, for example, in various actuators used for a machine tool, a robot, etc., and various detectors and the like. A terminal (401) for electrically connecting to the external terminal 20 is arranged in each of the connection holes 16 (see Fig. 2). The external connector 20 is connected to the signal processing module 14b via the connector.

[0019] The engagement structure 18 comprises dovetail structures 22 and latch structures 24. Each of the dovetail structures 22 has a dovetail tenon 26 and a dovetail hole 28 (see Fig. 2). Each of the locking structures 24 includes a projecting portion 30 and a locking hole 32 (see Fig. 2).

[0020] The number of dovetail structures 22 and transom structures 24 is not subject to any particular limitation. Fig. 1A ( Fig. 1B) illustrated engagement structures 18 include, for illustrative purposes, the plurality of dovetail structures 22 and the plurality of latch structures 24.

[0021] Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the terminal block 12.

[0022] The terminal block 12 can be divided into a housing 34 and a module 36.

[0023] The housing 34 is a housing member for housing the module 36. The housing 34 is formed with an opening 38, a plurality of dovetail holes 28, and a plurality of locking holes 32. The module 36 is inserted into the housing 34 through the opening 38. The opening direction of the opening 38 is a forward direction. Accordingly, an opening end 38a of the opening 38 is located at a front end of the housing 34.

[0024] The module 36 is inserted into the housing 34 from the front side of the housing 34 in the reverse direction. In this case, the insertion direction of the module 36 is the reverse direction.

[0025] Each of the plurality of dovetail holes 28 is a recess formed in the housing 34 from the opening end 38a of the opening 38 in the rearward direction. The plurality of dovetail holes 28 are formed in the left-right direction and the up-down direction in the side portions of the housing 34. In the present embodiment, a case will be described where the plurality of dovetail holes 28 are formed in the left-right direction in both sides of the housing 34.

[0026] The plurality of locking holes 32 are formed in the side portions of the housing 34 where the plurality of dovetail holes 28 are formed. That is, in the case where the plurality of dovetail holes 28 are provided in a left-side portion 34L and a right-side portion 34R of the housing 34, the plurality of locking holes 32 are also provided in the left-side portion 34L and the right-side portion 34R of the housing 34. In the case where the plurality of dovetail holes 28 are arranged in a top-side portion 34U of the housing 34, the plurality of locking holes 32 are also arranged in the top-side portion 34U of the housing 34. In the case where the plurality of dovetail holes 28 are arranged in a bottom portion 34B of the housing 34, the plurality of locking holes 32 are also arranged in the bottom portion 34B of the housing 34.

[0027] Each of the plurality of locking holes 32 is arranged at a location of the housing 34 remote from the opening end 38a in the insertion direction. That is, in the present embodiment, each of the locking holes 32 is arranged behind the opening end 38a.

[0028] The material of the housing 34 preferably comprises a flexible material. The flexible material comprises, for example, a resin material. This allows the housing 34 to deform to a certain extent in accordance with the force exerted on the housing 34.

[0029] The module 36 is a packaged element that is housed in the housing 34. The module 36 includes a plurality of components 40.

[0030] The plurality of components 40 includes, for example, terminals 401 arranged in the connection openings 16. However, the plurality of components 40 may further include a release actuating element 402 and a light-guiding element 403.

[0031] The release actuator 402 is an actuator that is operated by an operator to release the connection between the connection opening 16 and the external terminal 20 connected to the connection opening 16. The release actuator 402 is, for example, a push device. The terminal block 12 may include a plurality of release actuators 402. Accordingly, the plurality of components 40 may include the plurality of release actuators 402.

[0032] The light-guiding element 403 is, for example, an element that guides light from a predetermined light source to a lamp provided in the terminal block 12 to turn on the lamp. The light-guiding element 403 is, for example, a hollow light guide. The terminal block 12 can include a plurality of light-guiding elements 403. Accordingly, the plurality of components 40 can include a plurality of light-guiding elements 403.

[0033] The module 36 is formed with a plurality of dovetail tenons 26 and the plurality of projecting portions 30.

[0034] The plurality of dovetail tenons 26 are provided on the sides of the module 36 in correspondence with the locations of the plurality of dovetail holes 28 in the housing 34. That is, in the case where the plurality of dovetail holes 28 are arranged in the left-side region 34L and the right-side region 34R of the housing 34, the plurality of dovetail tenons 26 are arranged in a left-side region 36L and a right-side region 36R of the module 36. In the case where the plurality of dovetail holes 28 are arranged in the top-side region 34U of the housing 34, the plurality of dovetail tenons 26 are also arranged in a top-side region 36U of the module 36. In the case where the plurality of dovetail holes 28 are arranged in the bottom area 34B of the housing 34, the plurality of dovetail pins 26 are also arranged in the bottom area 36B of the module 36.

[0035] Each of the plurality of dovetail pins 26 extends in the insertion direction from an end of the module 36 opposite the insertion direction. That is, in the present embodiment, each of the dovetail pins 26 extends in the rearward direction from an end 36a of the module 36 facing the forward direction.

[0036] The plurality of protruding portions 30 are provided on the sides of the module 36 in correspondence with the locations of the plurality of locking holes 32 in the housing 34. That is, in the case where the plurality of locking holes 32 are provided in the left-side region 34L and the right-side region 34R of the housing 34, the plurality of protruding portions 30 are provided in the left-side region 36L and the right-side region 36R of the module 36. In the case where the plurality of locking holes 32 are arranged in the top-side region 34U of the housing 34, the plurality of protruding portions 30 are also arranged in the top-side region 36U of the module 36. In the case where the plurality of locking holes 32 are arranged in the bottom portion 34B of the housing 34, the plurality of projecting portions 30 are also arranged in the bottom portion 36B of the module 36.

[0037] Fig. 3 is a left side view of the terminal block 12.

[0038] The plurality of dovetail pins 26 are provided corresponding to the dovetail holes 28, which are different from one another. Each of the dovetail pins 26 engages the corresponding dovetail hole 28 when the module 36 is housed in the housing 34.

[0039] Since the respective dovetail holes 28 are long in the insertion direction, each of the dovetail holes 28 allows the dovetail pin 26 to move to a certain extent in the insertion direction while engaging with the corresponding dovetail pin 26. Each of the dovetail holes 28 allows the corresponding dovetail pin 26 to move in the insertion direction to a predetermined position. The predetermined positions are, for example, positions where both side portions (36L, 36R) of the module 36 are completely accommodated in the housing 34 in the left-right direction.

[0040] The engagement of the dovetail pins 26 and the dovetail holes 28 limits the relative movement of the module 36 with respect to the housing 34 in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction. In the present embodiment, for example, the engagement between the dovetail pins 26 and the dovetail holes 28 limits the relative movement of the module 36 with respect to the housing 34 in the up-down and left-right directions.

[0041] Furthermore, the engagement between the dovetail pins 26 and the dovetail holes 28 limits bending of the lateral portion of the housing 34 where the dovetail hole 28 is formed. For example, in the present embodiment, the engagement between the dovetail pins 26 of the left-side portion 36L of the module 36 and the dovetail holes 28 of the left-side portion 34L of the housing 34 limits bending of the left-side portion 34L of the housing 34. For example, in the present embodiment, the engagement between the dovetail pins 26 of the right-side portion 36R of the module 36 and the dovetail holes 28 of the right-side portion 34R of the housing 34 limits bending of the right-side portion 34R of the housing 34.

[0042] The plurality of protruding portions 30 are provided corresponding to the locking holes 32, which are different from each other. Each of the protruding portions 30 engages the corresponding locking hole 32 when the module 36 is housed in the housing 34.

[0043] The engagement of the protruding portions 30 with the locking holes 32 limits the relative movement of the module 36 with respect to the housing 34 in the insertion direction and the direction opposite to the insertion direction. In the present embodiment, for example, the engagement between the protruding portions 30 and the locking holes 32 limits the relative movement of the module 36 with respect to the housing 34 in the forward-backward direction.

[0044] The engagement of the protruding portions 30 with the locking holes 32 limits the relative movement of the module 36 with respect to the housing 34 in the extending direction of the lateral portion of the housing 34 where the locking holes 32 are formed. In the present embodiment, for example, the left and right side portions (34L, 34R) of the housing 34 extend in the up-down and front-back directions. Accordingly, the engagement between the protruding portions 30 and the locking holes 32 limits the relative movement of the module 36 with respect to the housing 34 in the up-down and front-back directions.

[0045] In the above-mentioned terminal block 12, the engagement between the protruding portions 30 and the locking holes 32 limits the relative movement of the module 36 with respect to the housing 34 in the front-back direction. That is, the locking structure 24 (the protruding portion 30 and the locking hole 32) can limit the relative movement of the module 36 with respect to the housing 34 in the insertion direction, in which the movement of the dovetail structure 22 (the dovetail pin 26 and the dovetail hole 28) cannot be limited. This prevents, for example, the module 36 from accidentally falling out of the housing 34 through the opening 38.

[0046] The engagement of the dovetail pins 26 and the dovetail holes 28 limits the relative movement of the module 36 with respect to the housing 34 in the up-down direction. Furthermore, the engagement between the protruding portions 30 and the locking holes 32 further limits the relative movement of the module 36 with respect to the housing 34 in the up-down direction.

[0047] Furthermore, the engagement between the dovetail pins 26 and the dovetail holes 28 limits the relative movement of the module 36 with respect to the housing 34 in the left-right direction. That is, the dovetail structure 22 (the dovetail pin 26 and the dovetail hole 28) can limit the relative movement of the module 36 with respect to the housing 34 in the direction in which the locking structure 24 (the protruding portion 30 and the locking hole 32) cannot limit the movement. By limiting the relative movement of the module 36 with respect to the housing 34 in the left-right direction, for example, the engagement between the protruding portion 30 and the locking hole 32 is prevented from being inadvertently released due to the relative movement.

[0048] Furthermore, the engagement between the dovetail pins 26 and the dovetail holes 28 limits bending of the housing 34 in the left-right direction. This prevents the engagement between the protruding portions 30 and the locking holes 32 from being accidentally released due to bending.

[0049] The terminal block 12 can limit the relative movement of the module 36 with respect to the housing 34 in all directions of the forward-backward, left-right, and up-down directions. Furthermore, the state in which the module 36 is housed in the housing 34 can be maintained more reliably.

[0050] Each of the dovetail pins 26 has a tip 26a in the insertion direction. Each of the protruding portions 30 has a tip 30a in the insertion direction. In this case, the tips 26a of the dovetail pins 26 are located further in the insertion direction relative to the tips 30a of the protruding portions 30 with respect to the dovetail pins 26 and the protruding portions 30 that are arranged on the same side of the module 36. That is, in the present embodiment, each of the tips 26a of the dovetail pins 26 is preferably located behind each of the tips 30a of the plurality of protruding portions 30 in both the left-side region 36L and the right-side region 36R of the module 36 (see also Fig. 3).

[0051] The following describes the process of accommodating the module 36 in the housing 34, including the reason for the above positional relationship. In the following description, the tips 26a of the dovetail pins 26 are located behind the tips 30a of the protruding portions 30.

[0052] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which the tips 26a of the dovetail pins 26 have reached the opening end 38a of the housing 34 in the process of accommodating the module 36 in the housing 34.

[0053] As previously described, the module 36 is housed in the housing 34 through the opening 38 of the housing 34. By moving the module 36 from the front to the rear of the housing 34, the tip 26a of each of the plurality of dovetail pins 26 reaches the opening end 38a of the housing 34. In this state, the tip 30a of each of the plurality of protruding portions 30 does not reach the opening end 38a.

[0054] Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the housing 34 and the module 36 compared to the state of Fig. 4 has been moved further in the reverse direction.

[0055] In Fig. 5, the tip 30a of each of the plurality of protruding portions 30 reaches the opening end 38a. In this state, the end portion of each of the plurality of dovetail pins 26 engages the dovetail hole 28.

[0056] Fig. Figure 6A is a schematic diagram illustrating the housing 34 and the module 36 compared to the state of Fig. 5 has been moved further in the reverse direction. Fig. 6B is a view of the Fig. 6A shown terminal block 12 viewed from a further direction.

[0057] Fig. 6B is a view of the Fig. 6A as viewed from the front. However, to avoid the complicated illustration, the plurality of connection holes 16, the components 40, and the like are not omitted.

[0058] After the tip 30a of each of the plurality of protruding portions 30 reaches the opening end 38a, the tip 30a of each protruding portion 30 penetrates into the housing 34 by further moving the module 36 in the reverse direction.

[0059] Each of the plurality of protruding portions 30 that have penetrated into the housing 34 presses the housing 34 in the protruding direction in which the protruding portions 30 each protrude from the interior of the housing 34. For example, in the present embodiment, the plurality of protruding portions 30 arranged at the left-side portion 36L of the module 36 protrude in the left direction. Moreover, in the present embodiment, the plurality of protruding portions 30 arranged at the right-side portion 36R of the module 36 protrude in the right direction.

[0060] Therefore, the housing 34 receives forces in directions in which the housing 34 is pressed and spread by the plurality of protruding portions 30 in the left-right direction. The housing 34 deforms in accordance with the forces received by the plurality of protruding portions 30. However, as described above, the engagement of the dovetail pins 26 and the dovetail holes 28 limits bending of both lateral portions (34L, 34R) of the housing 34 in the left-right direction. Therefore, the housing 34 does not bend greatly in the left-right direction.

[0061] Before and after the housing 34 is / has been deformed in accordance with the shape of the projecting portions 30, each of the dovetail pins 26 is further moved in the reverse direction along the corresponding dovetail hole 28.

[0062] If the module 36 is compared to the Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B, each of the plurality of projecting portions 30 reaches the corresponding locking hole 32. As a result, the plurality of projecting portions 30 and the plurality of locking holes 32 engage with each other. That is, the terminal block 12 is moved in the state shown in Fig. 3 shown state.

[0063] Fig. 7A is a schematic diagram of a terminal block 100 according to a comparative example.

[0064] The terminal block 100 comprises a housing 102 and a module 104.

[0065] The housing 102 includes an opening 105, a plurality of dovetail holes 106, and a plurality of locking holes 108. The opening direction of the opening 105 is a forward direction. An opening end 105a of the opening 105 is located at a front end of the housing 102. The housing 102 has flexibility.

[0066] The module 104 includes a plurality of dovetail tenons 110 and a plurality of protruding portions 112. The module 104 is housed in the housing 102 from the front side of the housing 102 in the rearward direction.

[0067] The plurality of dovetail pins 110 are provided corresponding to the dovetail holes 106, which are different from each other. The plurality of protruding portions 112 are arranged corresponding to the locking holes 108, which are different from each other.

[0068] In this case, tips 110a of the respective dovetail pins 110 are located in the rearward direction in front of tips 112a of the protruding portions 112 in the rearward direction. Accordingly, in the case where the module 104 is housed in the housing 102, the protruding portions 112 penetrate into the housing 102 before the dovetail pins 110 and the dovetail holes 106 engage with each other.

[0069] Fig. 7B is a view of the Fig. 7A shown terminal block 100 viewed from a further direction.

[0070] When the protruding portions 112 penetrate the housing 102, the housing 102 deforms. At this time, the housing 102 is deformed before the dovetail holes 106 and the locking holes 108 are engaged. Therefore, the position of the edge portion of each of the dovetail holes 106 can be significantly changed in accordance with the deformation of the housing 102.

[0071] In the example of Fig. 7B, the edge portions of the plurality of dovetail holes 106 arranged in a left-side region 102L of the housing 102 are significantly shifted to the left relative to the dovetail pins 110. Furthermore, the edge portions of the plurality of dovetail holes 106 arranged in a right-side region 102R of the housing 102 are significantly shifted to the right relative to the dovetail pins 110. As a result, in the comparative example, it is difficult to engage the plurality of dovetail holes 106 with the plurality of dovetail pins 110.

[0072] In this regard, according to the present embodiment, the tips 26a of the dovetail pins 26 are located farther in the insertion direction relative to the tips 30a of the protruding portions 30, with respect to the dovetail pins 26 and the protruding portions 30 located on the same side of the module 36. As a result, the dovetail pins 26 and the dovetail holes 28 engage with each other before the protruding portions 30 deform the housing 34. That is, the engagement between the dovetail pins 26 and the dovetail holes 28 is not hindered by the latch structure 24. Therefore, the operator can easily assemble the terminal block 12, which can more reliably maintain the state in which the module 36 is housed in the housing 34. Example modifications

[0073] The following describes exemplary modifications of the above-described embodiment. However, explanations that overlap with those of the above-described embodiment will be omitted from the following description as much as possible. Unless otherwise stated, the same reference numerals as in the above-described embodiment will be used to refer to the elements already described in the embodiment. Example modification 1

[0074] Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating a module 361 (36) according to an exemplary modification 1. In order to simplify the description, the illustration of portions not mentioned in the following description will be omitted as much as possible.

[0075] The shape of the protruding portions 30 provided in the module 36 can be modified. That is, the module 361 includes a plurality of protruding portions 301 (30). Each of the protruding portions 301 is inclined so that its thickness in the protruding direction decreases in the insertion direction. For example, the module 361 is housed in the housing 34 in the reverse direction. In this case, each of the protruding portions 301 is inclined so that its thickness in the protruding direction decreases in the reverse direction.

[0076] By inclining the respective protruding portions 301 as described above, the protruding portions 301 can be smoothly inserted into the housing 34 in the case where the module 361 is housed in the housing 34.

[0077] Furthermore, in a range where a portion of each of the projecting portions 301 abutting the opening end 38a is located in front of the tip 26a of each of the dovetail pins 26, the tip 30a of each of the projecting portions 301 may be located behind the tip 26a of each of the dovetail pins 26. Furthermore, within the same range, the tip 30a of each of the projecting portions 301 and the tip 26a of each of the dovetail pins 26 may be arranged at substantially the same position in the front-back direction. Example modification 2

[0078] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating a module 362 (36) and a housing 342 (34) according to an exemplary modification 2. Fig. 9 illustrates a portion of a left side portion 36L of the module 362 and a portion of a left side portion 34L of the housing 342.

[0079] The module 362 includes the components of the module 36 (see the embodiment). However, a dovetail tenon 26 and projecting portions 30 of the module 362 are connected to each other. A plurality of projecting portions 30 may be connected to a single dovetail tenon 26. In the Fig. For example, in the example shown in Figure 9, a plurality of projecting portions 30 are arranged to sandwich a single dovetail tenon 26 in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction.

[0080] The housing 342 includes the components of the housing 34 (see the embodiment). The dovetail hole 28 and the locking holes 32 of the housing 342 are arranged in correspondence with the locations of the dovetail pin 26 and the protruding portions 30 of the module 362. For example, the dovetail pin 28 and the locking holes 32 of the housing 342 are connected to each other.

[0081] In the case where the module 362 is equipped with the plurality of protruding portions 30, the plurality of protruding portions 30 may include both the protruding portions 30 that are connected to the dovetail tenon 26 and the protruding portions 30 that are not connected to the dovetail tenon 26. Example modification 3

[0082] Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating a module 363 (36) and a housing 343 (34) according to an exemplary modification 3. Fig. 10 illustrates a portion of a left side portion 36L of the module 363 and a portion of a left side portion 34L of the housing 343.

[0083] Module 363 includes the components of module 36 (see the embodiment). Module 363 further includes a protruding portion 42. Module 363 may include a plurality of protruding portions 42.

[0084] The protrusion direction of the protruding portion 42 coincides with the protrusion direction of the protruding portion 30. Accordingly, the protruding portion 42 in the example of Fig. 10 in the left direction.

[0085] The projecting portion 42 is arranged on the same side of the module 363 as the dovetail pin 26. In the illustration of Fig. 10, for example, the dovetail pin 26 is arranged at least on a left-side portion 36L of the module 363. In this way, the protruding portion 42 is arranged at least on the left-side portion 36L of the module 363.

[0086] The projecting portion 42 is connected to the lateral portion of the dovetail pin 26 in the direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, which is the extension direction of the lateral portion of the module 363 on which the dovetail pin 26 is arranged. In the example of Fig. 10, the left-side portion 36L of the module 363 extends, for example, in the forward-backward direction and the up-down direction. The insertion direction is the backward direction. Of the forward-backward direction and the up-down direction, the up-down direction is perpendicular to the backward direction. In this case, the protruding portion 42 is connected to a lower portion 26b or an upper portion 26c of the dovetail tenon 26. The protruding portion 42 of Fig. 10 is connected to the underside area 26b.

[0087] The protruding portion 42 has an inclined surface 42a. The inclined surface 42a is a surface of the protruding portion 42 in the direction opposite to the insertion direction. Accordingly, in the example of Fig. 10, the inclined surface 42a is a front surface of the protruding portion 42. The inclined surface 42a is inclined from the dovetail tenon 26 in the rearward direction (insertion direction).

[0088] The housing 343 includes the components of the housing 34 (see the embodiment). The housing 343 is further formed with a recess 44 for engagement with the protruding portion 42.

[0089] The recess 44 has an edge region 44a in the direction opposite to the insertion direction. In the example of Fig.10, the edge region 44a is a front edge region of the recess 44. The edge region 44a is preferably parallel to the inclined surface 42a in the case where the module 363 is inserted into the housing 343.

[0090] According to the present modification, when the module 363 is housed in the housing 343, the inclined surface 42a of the protruding portion 42 slides along the edge portion 44a of the recess 44 in the insertion direction (reverse direction). Therefore, the module 363 according to the present modification can be smoothly housed in the housing 343.

[0091] In the case where the module 363 is equipped with a plurality of dovetail tenons 26, the module 363 may be equipped with a plurality of protruding portions 42, each corresponding to the plurality of dovetail tenons 26. However, the protruding portion 42 corresponding to at least one of the plurality of dovetail tenons 26 may be omitted. Example modification 4

[0092] The engagement structure 18 according to the present embodiment can be applied to members other than the terminal block 12. In short, the engagement structure 18 can be applied to something other than the terminal block 12 within a range in which the accommodation member (34) including the opening (38) and the housed member (36) housed in the accommodation member (34) are engaged by inserting the housed member (36) into the opening (38) in the insertion direction. Combination of several exemplary modifications

[0093] The respective exemplary modifications described above can be appropriately combined within a range where no inconsistencies occur.

[0094] For example, the protruding portion 30 may be connected in the up-down direction to one side of the dovetail tenon 26 (exemplary modification 2) and the protruding portion 42 may be connected in the up-down direction to another side of the dovetail tenon 26 (exemplary modification 3). Invention obtained from the embodiment

[0095] The invention resulting from the above-described embodiment and its modifications will be described below. First aspect of the invention

[0096] A first aspect of the invention is the engagement structure (18) for engaging the accommodation member (34) comprising the opening (38) with the housed member (36), wherein the housed member (36) is housed in the accommodation member by being inserted into the opening in the insertion direction, wherein the engagement structure comprises the locking structure (24) and the dovetail structure (22), wherein the locking structure comprises the locking hole (32) formed in the accommodation member at the position spaced from the opening end (38a) of the opening in the insertion direction, and the projecting portion (30) provided on the housed member in accordance with the location of the locking hole in the accommodation member and configured to engage the locking hole,that it limits the relative movement of the housed element with respect to the housing element in the opposite direction to the insertion direction, wherein the dovetail structure comprises the dovetail tenon (26) provided at the end of the housed element and the dovetail hole (28) formed in the housing element from the opening end in the insertion direction and configured to engage with the dovetail tenon while allowing the dovetail tenon to move in the insertion direction to the predetermined position, and wherein, in the case where the housed element is inserted into the housing element, the dovetail tenon engages the dovetail hole before the projecting portion and the opening end come into contact with each other.

[0097] According to such features, any concern that the housed element may fall out of the housing element is reduced.

[0098] The tip (26a) of the dovetail pin in the insertion direction can be located further in the insertion direction relative to the tip (30a) of the protruding portion. According to such features, the engagement on the dovetail structure side is initiated before the engagement on the latch structure side.

[0099] The protruding portion may be inclined such that the thickness of the protruding portion in the protruding direction is reduced in the insertion direction, and the tip (26a) of the dovetail pin in the insertion direction may be located at the same position with respect to the insertion direction as the tip (30a) of the protruding portion in the insertion direction, or may be located farther in the opposite direction relative to the tip of the protruding portion. According to such features, the engagement on the dovetail structure side is initiated before the engagement on the latch structure side, and the engagement on the latch structure side is smoothly established.

[0100] The protruding portion and the dovetail portion may be connected. Such features reduce any concerns that the housed element may fall out of the housing element.

[0101] Two of the protruding portions may be designed to sandwich the dovetail tenon. Such features reduce any concerns that the housed element may fall out of the housing element.

[0102] The engagement structure may further include the protruding portion (42) provided on the housed member and connected to the lateral portion (26b) of the dovetail tenon in the direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, and the recess (44) provided in the housed member and configured to engage with the protruding portion, wherein the protruding portion may include the inclined surface (42a) on the side in the opposite direction, the inclined surface being inclined from the dovetail tenon in the insertion direction, and the recess may include the edge portion (44a) on the side in the opposite direction, the edge portion being inclined from the dovetail hole in the insertion direction. According to such features, the housing operation can be simplified. Second aspect of the invention

[0103] The terminal block (12) is equipped with the housing (34) comprising the opening (38), and the module (36) which is accommodated in the housing by being inserted into the opening in the insertion direction, wherein the terminal block comprises the locking hole (32) formed in the housing at the position spaced apart from the opening end (38a) of the opening in the insertion direction, the protruding portion (30) provided on the module in accordance with the location of the locking hole in the housing and adapted to engage in the locking hole so as to limit a relative movement of the module with respect to the housing in the opposite direction to the insertion direction, the dovetail pin (26) provided at the end of the module, and the dovetail hole (28) formed in the housing from the opening end in the insertion direction and adapted toto engage the dovetail pin and thereby allow the dovetail pin to move in the insertion direction to the predetermined position, wherein, in the case where the module is inserted into the housing, the dovetail pin engages the dovetail hole before the projecting portion and the opening end come into contact with each other.

[0104] According to such features, any concerns that the module may fall out of the housing are reduced. List of reference symbols 10 I / O unit 12 terminal block 18 Intervention structure 20 external connection 22 Dovetail structure 24 bar structure 26 dovetail tenons 26a Tip of the dovetail tenon (tip) 26b underside of the dovetail tenon (lateral area) 26c upper area of ​​the dovetail tenon (side area) 28 dovetail hole 30, 301 projecting area 30a Tip of the protruding area (tip) 32 locking hole 34, 342, 343 housing 36, 361 to 363 Module 38 Opening 42 protruding area 42a inclined surface of the projecting area (inclined surface) 44 recess 44a Edge area of ​​the recess (edge ​​area) 401 connection QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2014-135280 A

[0002]

Claims

[1] An engagement structure (18) for engaging a housing member (34) comprising an opening (38) with a housed member (36), wherein the housed member (36) is housed in the housing member by being inserted into the opening in an insertion direction, wherein the engagement structure comprises a locking structure (24) and a dovetail structure (22), where the bar structure comprises: a locking hole (32) formed in the accommodation member at a position spaced from an opening end (38a) of the opening in the insertion direction; and a projecting portion (30) provided on the housed member in correspondence with a location of the locking hole in the housing member and adapted to engage the locking hole so as to limit relative movement of the housed member with respect to the housing member in an opposite direction to the insertion direction, where the dovetail structure comprises: a dovetail tenon (26) provided at one end of the housed element; and a dovetail hole (28) formed in the accommodation member from the opening end in the insertion direction and adapted to engage with the dovetail pin while allowing the dovetail pin to move in the insertion direction to a predetermined position, and wherein, in a case where the housed member is inserted into the housing member, the dovetail tenon engages the dovetail hole before the projecting portion and the opening end come into contact with each other. [2] The engagement structure according to claim 1, wherein a tip (26a) of the dovetail pin in the insertion direction is located further in the insertion direction relative to a tip (30a) of the projecting portion in the insertion direction. [3] Engagement structure according to claim 1, wherein the projecting portion is inclined so that a thickness of the projecting portion in a projecting direction is reduced in the insertion direction, and a tip (26a) of the dovetail tenon in the insertion direction is located at a same position with respect to the insertion direction as a tip (30a) of the projecting portion in the insertion direction or is located further in the opposite direction relative to the tip of the projecting portion. [4] The engagement structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the projecting portion and the dovetail tenon are connected. [5] An engagement structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein two of the projecting portions are provided to sandwich the dovetail tenon therebetween. [6] An engagement structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: a projecting portion (42) provided on the housed member and connected to a lateral portion (26b) of the dovetail tenon in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction; and a recess (44) provided in the accommodation element and adapted to engage with the projecting portion, wherein the projecting portion comprises an inclined surface (42a) on one side in the opposite direction, the inclined surface being inclined from the dovetail tenon in the insertion direction, and the recess comprises an edge portion (44a) on one side in the opposite direction, the edge portion being inclined from the dovetail hole in the insertion direction. [7] A terminal block (12) provided with a housing (34) comprising an opening (38) and a module (36) accommodated in the housing by being inserted into the opening in an insertion direction, the terminal block comprising: a locking hole (32) formed in the housing at a position spaced from an opening end (38a) of the opening in the insertion direction; a projecting portion (30) provided on the module in correspondence with a location of the locking hole in the housing and adapted to engage the locking hole so as to limit relative movement of the module with respect to the housing in the opposite direction to the insertion direction; a dovetail pin (26) provided at one end of the module; and a dovetail hole (28) formed in the housing from the opening end in the insertion direction and adapted to engage with the dovetail pin and thereby allow the dovetail pin to move in the insertion direction to a predetermined position, wherein, in a case where the module is inserted into the housing, the dovetail tenon engages the dovetail hole before the projecting portion and the opening end come into contact with each other.

Images