Cover structure of connector and connection structure of link material

Abstract

To inhibit foreign objects from entering an area around a rotary shaft of a connector.SOLUTION: A cover structure 30 of a connector 20 includes a cover body 40, a first member 50, and a second member 60. The cover body 40 has a main wall 41, and a pair of side walls 42 erected from a pair of facing outer edges arranged parallel to each other of the main wall 41. The first member 50 and the second member 60 can be housed in a housing space 40A. Each of the side walls 42 has a first recessed part 42A and a second recessed part 42B. The first member 50 has a pair of first protruding parts 52 rotatably supported by the first recessed parts 42A in the pair of side walls 42. The second member 60 has a pair of second protruding parts 62 rotatably supported by the second recessed parts 42B of the pair of side walls 42. A dimension of the first recessed part 42A in a direction along a reference axis RA is longer than a maximum dimension of the first protruding part 52 in a direction parallel to an inner surface 42C at the housing space 40A side of the side wall 42.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cover structure for a connector and a connecting structure for a link member. [Background technology]

[0002] The folding table described in Patent Document 1 includes a top plate and a plurality of link members that support the top plate. Two of the plurality of link members are connected via a connector. Specifically, the connector is interposed between one end of one link member and one end of the other link member. The connector is also bendable. This allows one link member to rotate relative to the other link member around the connector. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-350 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the link member connection structure described in Patent Document 1, if the two link members do not extend in a straight line, there is a risk that foreign matter may get into the vicinity of the pivot shaft of the connector, which may interfere with the bending motion of the connector. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a cover structure for a connector, comprising: a cover body having a main wall and a pair of side walls rising from a pair of opposing parallel side edges of the outer edge of the main wall; and a first member and a second member that can be accommodated in a storage space partitioned by the main wall and the pair of side walls, wherein when an axis parallel to the direction in which the side edges extend is taken as a reference axis, each of the side walls has a first recess recessed in the inner surface facing the storage space, and a second recess located on either side of the first recess along the reference axis and recessed in the inner surface facing the storage space, the first member has a pair of first convex portions rotatably supported in the first recesses in the pair of side walls, and the second member has a pair of second convex portions rotatably supported in the second recesses in the pair of side walls, and the dimension of the first recess in the direction along the reference axis is longer than the maximum dimension of the first convex portions in a direction parallel to the inner surface of the side walls facing the storage space.

[0006] Furthermore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a cover body comprising a rod-shaped first link member, a rod-shaped second link member, a connector connecting an end of the first link member and an end of the second link member so as to be rotatable relative to one another, a main wall, and a pair of side walls rising from a pair of opposing parallel side edges of the outer edge of the main wall, a first member attached to the first link member and capable of being housed in a storage space defined by the main wall and the pair of side walls, and a second member attached to the second link member and capable of being housed in the storage space, wherein, when an axis parallel to the direction in which the side edges extend is taken as a reference axis, Each of the side walls has a first recess recessed into the inner surface facing the storage space, and a second recess located on either side of the first recess along the reference axis and recessed into the inner surface facing the storage space, the first member has a first convex portion rotatably supported in the first recesses in the pair of side walls, and the second member has a second convex portion rotatably supported in the second recesses in the pair of side walls, and a dimension of the first recess in the direction along the reference axis is longer than the maximum dimension of the first convex portion in a direction parallel to the inner surface of the side wall facing the storage space. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the periphery of the rotation shaft of the connector. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a link material connection structure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a transparent side view of the connection structure of the link material. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a first state of the link member connection structure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a second state of the link member connection structure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a third state of the link member connection structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a linking structure including a cover structure for a connector will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings may show components enlarged for ease of understanding. The dimensional ratios of the components may differ from those in the actual product or from those in other drawings.

[0010] <Overall structure> As shown in FIG. 1, the link connecting mechanism 10 includes a first link 11, a second link 12, and a connector 20.

[0011] The outer shape of the first link member 11 is a rod-like shape that is long on one side. The inside of the first link member 11 is hollow. That is, in this embodiment, the first link member 11 is cylindrical. Therefore, both ends of the first link member 11 are open.

[0012] The shape of the second link member 12 is similar to the shape of the first link member 11. That is, the outer shape of the second link member 12 is rod-shaped. The inside of the second link member 12 is hollow. The ends of the second link member 12 are open.

[0013] The connector 20 includes a first fixing portion 21, a second fixing portion 22, a hinge 23, and two bolts 24. The outer shape of the first fixed portion 21 is cylindrical. The first fixed portion 21 is attached to an end face of the first link member 11. The first fixed portion 21 is fixed to the first link member 11 by a bolt 24 or the like.

[0014] The second fixed portion 22 has the same shape as the first fixed portion 21. That is, the outer shape of the second fixed portion 22 is cylindrical. The second fixed portion 22 is attached to an end face of the second link material 12. The second fixed portion 22 is fixed to the second link material 12 by a bolt 24 or the like.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 2, the hinge 23 has a rotation shaft 23A, a first cylindrical portion 23B, and a second cylindrical portion 23C. In Fig. 2, the first cylindrical portion 23B and the second cylindrical portion 23C overlap each other, so the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Both the first cylindrical portion 23B and the second cylindrical portion 23C are cylindrical.

[0016] The first cylindrical portion 23B is fixed to the first fixed portion 21. Specifically, an outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion 23B is fixed to the first fixed portion 21. In this embodiment, the first cylindrical portion 23B is integrally molded with the first fixed portion 21.

[0017] The second cylindrical portion 23C is fixed to the second fixed portion 22. Specifically, an outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical portion 23C is fixed to the second fixed portion 22. In this embodiment, the second cylindrical portion 23C is integrally molded with the second fixed portion 22. The first cylindrical portion 23B and the second cylindrical portion 23C are adjacent to each other such that their central axes coincide with each other.

[0018] The rotating shaft 23A is cylindrical. The outer diameter of the rotating shaft 23A is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the first cylindrical portion 23B and the inner diameter of the second cylindrical portion 23C. The rotating shaft 23A is inserted into the first cylindrical portion 23B and the second cylindrical portion 23C. Although not shown in detail, the rotating shaft 23A is prevented from coming off the first cylindrical portion 23B and the second cylindrical portion 23C by a nut or the like attached to the rotating shaft 23A. Due to the presence of the rotating shaft 23A, the first cylindrical portion 23B and the second cylindrical portion 23C can rotate relatively to each other around the rotating shaft 23A.

[0019] As described above, the first cylindrical portion 23B is fixed to the first link 11 via the first fixing portion 21. Similarly, the second cylindrical portion 23C is fixed to the second link 12 via the second fixing portion 22. Therefore, the connector 20 connects the end of the first link 11 and the end of the second link 12. The first cylindrical portion 23B and the second cylindrical portion 23C of the hinge 23 rotate relative to each other, so that the entire connector 20 bends. In other words, the first link 11 and the second link 12 can rotate relative to each other when the hinge 23 rotates. In this embodiment, the first link 11 and the second link 12 can rotate from a state in which they extend substantially in the same straight line to a state in which they are bent 180 degrees.

[0020] <Connector cover structure> 1, the link member connection mechanism 10 includes a cover structure 30 for a connector 20. The cover structure 30 includes a cover body 40.

[0021] The cover body 40 has a main wall 41 , a pair of side walls 42 , and a pair of end walls 43 . The main wall 41 is plate-shaped. When the main wall 41 is viewed in plan, the main wall 41 is substantially rectangular in shape with a longitudinal length on one side. In the following description, when the main wall 41 is viewed in plan, the long side of the main wall 41 is defined as the side edge of the main wall 41, and the short side of the main wall 41 is defined as the end edge. Therefore, the end edge of the main wall 41 extends in a direction different from the side edge. Also, an axis parallel to the direction in which the side edge of the main wall 41 extends is defined as the reference axis RA.

[0022] Each side wall 42 is flat plate-shaped. The pair of side walls 42 rises from a pair of parallel side edges facing each other among the outer edges of the main wall 41. Also, each side wall 42 is substantially rectangular in shape when viewed in plan. Also, each side wall 42 rises in the same direction. Therefore, the side walls 42 are parallel to each other. The boundary portion between the outer surface of the side wall 42 and the outer surface of the main wall 41 is a curved surface.

[0023] Each end wall 43 is flat plate-shaped. The pair of end walls 43 rises from a pair of parallel end edges facing each other among the outer edges of the main wall 41, on the same side as the side wall 42. The tip on the protruding side of each end wall 43 does not reach the end on the protruding side of each side wall 42. When the end wall 43 is viewed in plan, the edge on the protruding side of each end wall 43 is in an arc shape convex toward the main wall 41 side.

[0024] The cover body 40 has a storage space 40A partitioned by the main wall 41 and the pair of side walls 42. In this embodiment, the main wall 41, the pair of side walls 42, and the pair of end walls 43 are integrally molded. Also, the material of the cover body 40 is a thermosetting synthetic resin. Therefore, the cover body 40 can be elastically deformed to a certain extent.

[0025] Each of the side walls 42 has a first recess 42A, a second recess 42B, a first groove 42P, and a second groove 42Q. That is, each side wall 42 has one first recess 42A, one second recess 42B, one first groove 42P, and one second groove 42Q.

[0026] Each of the first recesses 42A is recessed in the inner surface 42C of each of the side walls 42 on the side of the storage space 40A. In this embodiment, each of the first recesses 42A penetrates each of the side walls 42 in the thickness direction of the side walls 42. Therefore, the recess here includes not only a recess having a bottom surface but also a through hole. Each of the first recesses 42A extends in a direction along the reference axis RA. When the first recesses 42A are viewed in a plan view, both end edges of each of the first recesses 42A on the side along the reference axis RA are arc-shaped and convex toward the outside.

[0027] The positions of the first recesses 42A are closer to the same side with respect to the center in the direction along the reference axis RA of the respective side walls 42. The first recesses 42A in each side wall 42 are located on the same side in the direction along the reference axis RA.

[0028] The structure of the second recess 42B is the same as that of the first recess 42A. That is, the second recess 42B is recessed in the inner surface 42C of each side wall 42 on the storage space 40A side. In this embodiment, each second recess 42B penetrates each side wall 42 in the thickness direction of the side wall 42. Each second recess 42B extends in a direction along the reference axis RA. When the second recess 42B is viewed in a plan view, both end edges of each second recess 42B on the side along the reference axis RA are arc-shaped.

[0029] Each of the second recesses 42B is located on one side of each of the first recesses 42A in the direction along the reference axis RA. Specifically, when the side wall 42 is viewed in a plan view, each of the second recesses 42B is located on the opposite side of the first recess 42A across the center of the side wall 42 in the direction along the reference axis RA. The second recesses 42B in each of the side walls 42 are located on the same side in the direction along the reference axis RA.

[0030] Each of the first grooves 42P is recessed in the inner surface 42C of each of the side walls 42 on the side of the storage space 40A. Each of the first grooves 42P does not penetrate each of the side walls 42 and has a bottom surface. Each of the first grooves 42P extends from each of the first recesses 42A to the edge of the side wall 42 on the opposite side to the main wall 41. In other words, each of the first grooves 42P extends to the edge of the protruding side of each of the side walls 42. In this embodiment, the first grooves 42P extend linearly in a direction perpendicular to the reference axis RA from the end of the first recess 42A on the side closer to the second recess 42B in the direction along the reference axis RA.

[0031] Each second groove 42Q is recessed in the inner surface 42C of each side wall 42 on the storage space 40A side. Each second groove 42Q does not penetrate each side wall 42 and has a bottom surface. Each second groove 42Q extends from each second recess 42B to the edge of the side wall 42 on the opposite side to the main wall 41. In other words, each second groove 42Q extends to the edge of the protruding side of each side wall 42. In this embodiment, the second groove 42Q extends linearly in a direction perpendicular to the reference axis RA from the end of the second recess 42B on the side closer to the first recess 42A in the direction along the reference axis RA.

[0032] The cover structure 30 includes a first member 50 and a second member 60. The first member 50 includes a first attachment portion 51 and a pair of first protrusions 52. The first mounting portion 51 has a cylindrical shape with a part of the outer circumferential surface being open. That is, when the first mounting portion 51 is viewed in a plan view in the axial direction of the cylindrical shape, the first mounting portion 51 has an arc shape. The material of the first mounting portion 51 is a thermosetting synthetic resin. Therefore, the first mounting portion 51 is elastically deformable. Specifically, when the first mounting portion 51 is viewed in a direction along the reference axis RA, the first mounting portion 51 is elastically deformable such that the distance between the tips of the arc widens or shrinks.

[0033] Each of the first protrusions 52 protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the first mounting portion 51. Each of the first protrusions 52 is cylindrical. The pair of first protrusions 52 are located at positions 180 degrees symmetrical with respect to the central axis of the first mounting portion 51. As shown in FIG. 2, each of the first protrusions 52 fits into the first recess 42A of the cover body 40. The first member 50 is attached to the cover body 40 by the fitting relationship between the first protrusions 52 and the first recess 42A.

[0034] The first member 50 is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the first link material 11. In other words, the end of the first link material 11 on the side where the connector 20 is attached is inserted into the inside of the first attachment portion 51. On the other hand, the first attachment portion 51 is not fixed to the first link material 11, and is movable by sliding on the outer circumferential surface of the first link material 11. The first member 50 is movable relative to the first link material 11 in a direction along the central axis of the first link material 11.

[0035] The first member 50 can be accommodated in the accommodation space 40A of the cover body 40. In the present embodiment, a part of the first member 50 is located in the accommodation space 40A, and the remaining part of the first attachment portion 51 of the first member 50 protrudes from the accommodation space 40A.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 1, the second member 60 has a second mounting portion 61 and a pair of second protrusions 62. The structure of the second member 60 is the same as that of the first member 50. Therefore, the second mounting portion 61 has a cylindrical shape with a part of the outer circumferential surface being open. That is, when the second mounting portion 61 is viewed in a plan view facing the axial direction of the cylindrical shape, the second mounting portion 61 has an arc shape. The material of the second mounting portion 61 is a thermosetting synthetic resin. Therefore, the second mounting portion 61 is elastically deformable.

[0037] Each of the second protrusions 62 protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the second mounting portion 61. Each of the second protrusions 62 is cylindrical. The pair of second protrusions 62 are located at positions 180 degrees symmetrical with respect to the central axis of the second mounting portion 61. As shown in FIG. 2, each of the second protrusions 62 fits into the second recess 42B of the cover body 40. The second member 60 is attached to the cover body 40 by the fitting relationship between the second protrusions 62 and the second recess 42B.

[0038] The second member 60 is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the second link material 12. In other words, the end of the second link material 12 on the side where the connector 20 is attached is inserted into the inside of the second attachment portion 61. On the other hand, the second attachment portion 61 is not fixed to the second link material 12, and is movable by sliding on the outer circumferential surface of the second link material 12. The second member 60 is movable relative to the second link material 12 in a direction along the central axis of the second link material 12.

[0039] The second member 60 can be accommodated in the accommodation space 40A of the cover body 40. In the present embodiment, a portion of the second member 60 is located in the accommodation space 40A, and the remaining portion of the second mounting portion 61 of the second member 60 protrudes from the accommodation space 40A.

[0040] <Dimensions and positional relationship of each concave, convex, and groove part> As shown in FIG. 2, the diameter of each first protrusion 52 is substantially the same as the maximum dimension of the first recess 42A in a direction perpendicular to the reference axis RA and parallel to the inner surface 42C of the side wall 42. The diameter of each first protrusion 52 is smaller than the maximum dimension of the first recess 42A in a direction along the reference axis RA. In other words, the dimension of the first recess 42A in a direction along the reference axis RA is longer than the maximum dimension of the first protrusion 52 in a direction parallel to the inner surface 42C of the side wall 42. With this configuration, the first protrusion 52 is movable in the first recess 42A in the longitudinal direction of the first recess 42A. The first protrusion 52 is rotatably supported by the first recess 42A.

[0041] The diameter of each second protrusion 62 is substantially the same as the maximum dimension of the second recess 42B in a direction perpendicular to the reference axis RA and parallel to the inner surface 42C of the side wall 42. The diameter of each second protrusion 62 is smaller than the maximum dimension of the second recess 42B in a direction along the reference axis RA. In other words, the dimension of the second recess 42B in a direction along the reference axis RA is longer than the maximum dimension of the second protrusion 62 in a direction parallel to the inner surface 42C of the side wall 42. With this configuration, the second protrusion 62 is movable in the second recess 42B in the longitudinal direction of the second recess 42B. The second protrusion 62 is rotatably supported by the second recess 42B.

[0042] The dimension of first groove portion 42P in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction, i.e., the width dimension of first groove portion 42P, is approximately the same as the diameter of first protrusion 52. Due to this dimensional relationship, first protrusion 52 can also move inside first groove portion 42P, departing from inside first recess 42A.

[0043] The dimension of the second groove portion 42Q in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction, i.e., the width dimension of the second groove portion 42Q, is approximately the same as the diameter of the second protrusion 62. Due to this dimensional relationship, the second protrusion 62 can also move inside the second groove portion 42Q, departing from the inside of the second recess 42B.

[0044] The distance between the first groove portion 42P and the second groove portion 42Q in the direction along the reference axis RA is the same as the shortest distance between the first convex portion 52 and the second convex portion 62 in the direction along the reference axis RA. As described above, the first convex portion 52 is movable in the first recessed portion 42A. Therefore, the first convex portion 52 is movable relative to the second convex portion 62. Therefore, the "shortest distance" here refers to the distance between the first convex portion 52 and the second convex portion 62 in a state where the first convex portion 52 and the second convex portion 62 are closest to each other. Specifically, the state where the first convex portion 52 is located at the end of the first recessed portion 42A closest to the second recessed portion 42B and the second convex portion 62 is located at the end of the second recessed portion 42B closest to the first recessed portion 42A is the closest state described above. This state is a state where the first link member 11 and the second link member 12 are bent by 180 degrees.

[0045] <Action of this embodiment> In the connecting mechanism 10, bending of the connector 20 causes the first link material 11 to rotate relative to the second link material 12. Specifically, the first link material 11 can rotate within a range of 180 degrees relative to the second link material 12 due to the relative rotation of the first cylindrical portion 23B and the second cylindrical portion 23C via the hinge 23. Note that hereinafter, the relative rotation of the first cylindrical portion 23B and the second cylindrical portion 23C of the hinge 23 will be abbreviated to simply be referred to as the hinge 23 rotating.

[0046] For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the first state is a state in which the axis of the first link member 11 and the axis of the second link member 12 are substantially parallel. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the hinge 23 rotates from the first state to a second state in which the first convex portion 52 of the first member 50, the rotation shaft 23A of the hinge 23, and the second convex portion 62 of the second member 60 are aligned on the same straight line. As shown in FIG. 5, the hinge 23 further rotates from the second state to a third state in which the axis of the first link member 11 and the axis of the second link member 12 substantially coincide with each other, and both link members are aligned on the same straight line. In the third state, the end faces of the respective fixing parts face each other. In the third state, the gap between the end faces of the respective fixing parts is minimized. In FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the hinge 23 is covered by the cover body 40, so that the reference numerals of the hinge 23 and the rotation shaft 23A are omitted.

[0047] 3, in the first state, the first convex portion 52 is located at the end of the first recess 42A that is closer to the second recess 42B in the direction along the reference axis RA. Also, in the first state, the second convex portion 62 is located at the end of the second recess 42B that is closer to the first recess 42A in the direction along the reference axis RA. That is, the first state is the state in which the first convex portion 52 and the second convex portion 62 are closest to each other.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 4, in the process of transition from the first state to the second state, the first convex portion 52 moves toward the end of the first recess 42A that is farther from the second recess 42B in the direction along the reference axis RA. Also, in the process of transition from the first state to the second state, the second convex portion 62 moves toward the end of the second recess 42B that is farther from the first recess 42A in the direction along the reference axis RA. That is, in the second state, the first convex portion 52 and the second convex portion 62 move relative to the cover body 40 compared to the first state. And, in the second state, the first convex portion 52 is located at the end of the first recess 42A that is farther from the second recess 42B in the direction along the reference axis RA. Also, the second convex portion 62 is located at the end of the second recess 42B that is farther from the first recess 42A in the direction along the reference axis RA.

[0049] In addition, in the process of transitioning from the first state to the second state, the connector 20 extends as the hinge 23 rotates, so the first member 50 rotates together with the first link member 11 relative to the cover body 40, with the first protrusion 52 as a fulcrum. Similarly, in the process of transitioning from the first state to the second state, the connector 20 extends as the hinge 23 rotates, so the second member 60 rotates together with the second link member 12 relative to the cover body 40, with the second protrusion 62 as a fulcrum.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 5, in the process of transition from the second state to the third state, the first convex portion 52 moves to the side of the first recess 42A that is closer to the second recess 42B than the second state. Similarly, in the process of transition from the second state to the third state, the second convex portion 62 moves to the side of the second recess 42B that is closer to the first recess 42A than the second state. Also, in the same manner as in the case from the first state to the second state, in the process of transition from the second state to the third state, the first member 50 and the second member 60 further rotate relative to the cover main body 40 from the second state. Then, in the third state, the first convex portion 52 is located midway in the longitudinal direction of the first recess 42A in the direction along the reference axis RA. Also, the second convex portion 62 is located midway in the longitudinal direction of the second recess 42B in the direction along the reference axis RA.

[0051] In this manner, from the first state through the second state to the third state, the first member 50 and the second member 60 move and rotate relative to the cover body 40. This allows the first member 50 and the second member 60 to maintain a state in which they are connected to the cover body 40 without interfering with the bending and extending motions of the connector 20. Also, as shown in Figs. 3 to 5, during the period from the first state to the third state, the cover body 40 covers the gaps between the fixing portions of the connector 20 with the main wall 41 and the two side walls 42.

[0052] When changing from the first state to the third state, for example, friction may make it difficult for the first convex portion 52 to move within the first concave portion 42A. In this case, the first attachment portion 51 moves in a direction along the central axis of the first link member 11, thereby allowing the connector 20 to bend and extend smoothly.

[0053] <Effects of this embodiment> (1) In the above configuration, the dimension of the first recess 42A in the direction along the reference axis RA is longer than the maximum dimension of the first protrusion 52 in the direction parallel to the inner surface 42C of the side wall 42. That is, the first protrusion 52 is rotatable relative to the first recess 42A and can move relative to the first recess 42A in the direction along the reference axis RA. By moving the first protrusion 52 in the first recess 42A in this manner, the first protrusion 52 can move relative to the cover body 40 in the direction along the reference axis RA. Therefore, even if the connector 20 bends and extends in a state in which the first member 50 is attached to the first link member 11, the connection structure between the first member 50 and the cover body 40 is unlikely to hinder the bending and extending motion. And, regardless of the bending state of the connector 20, the periphery of the connector 20 is covered by the cover body 40. Specifically, before the connector 20 changes from the first state to the third state, the gap between the end face of the first fixing portion 21 and the end face of the second fixing portion 22 of the connector 20 is surrounded by the main wall 41 and each side wall 42 of the cover body 40. Therefore, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the periphery of the rotation shaft 23A of the connector 20.

[0054] (2) In the above embodiment, the dimension of the second recess 42B in the direction along the reference axis RA is longer than the maximum dimension of the second protrusion 62 in the direction parallel to the inner surface 42C of the side wall 42. That is, the second member 60 is movable relative to the cover body 40 in the direction along the reference axis RA. By allowing the second member 60 to move relatively in addition to the first member 50 in this way, the longitudinal dimension of each recess can be shortened. Therefore, a situation in which the strength of the surrounding area of ​​a recess is locally reduced due to the presence of a recess with a long dimension is unlikely to occur.

[0055] (3) In the above embodiment, the first member 50 has a first mounting portion 51 and a pair of first protrusions 52 protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the first mounting portion 51. With this configuration, for example, the first member 50 can be attached to the first link material 11 while elastically deforming so as to widen the first mounting portion 51. Therefore, even if the first member 50 is attached to an existing first link material 11 that does not have the first protrusions 52, it can be easily adapted to the cover body 40 by attaching the first member 50.

[0056] (4) In the above embodiment, each of the pair of side walls 42 has the first groove portion 42P. According to this configuration, the first member 50 can be easily attached to and detached from the cover body 40 by moving the first protrusion 52 in the first groove portion 42P.

[0057] (5) In the above embodiment, the distance between the first groove portion 42P and the second groove portion 42Q in the direction along the reference axis RA is the same as the shortest distance between the first convex portion 52 and the second convex portion 62 in the direction along the reference axis RA. According to this configuration, in a state where the first convex portion 52 and the second convex portion 62 are closest to each other, that is, in the first state described above, the first convex portion 52 can pass through the first groove portion 42P, and the second convex portion 62 can pass through the second groove portion 42Q. Therefore, in states other than the first state, it is possible to prevent the cover body 40 from coming off the first member 50 and the second member 60.

[0058] (6) In the above embodiment, the cover body 40 has the end wall 43. According to this configuration, the end wall 43 partially closes the accommodation space 40A from the direction along the reference axis RA. In particular, in the above-mentioned third state, most of the opening surrounded by the end edge of the main wall 41 of the cover body 40 and the side edges of the pair of side walls 42 is blocked by the link material and the end wall 43. Therefore, in the third state, it is possible to effectively prevent foreign matter and the like from entering the accommodation space 40A.

[0059] (7) In the above embodiment, the first member 50 is movable relative to the first link material 11 in a direction along the central axis of the first link material 11. With this configuration, for example, when the connector 20 bends, the first member 50 is less likely to interfere with the bending and extending motion of the connector 20. Therefore, the positional relationship between the first link material 11 and the second link material 12 changes smoothly from the first state to the third state described above in response to the bending and extending motion of the connector 20. In this regard, the second member 60 is movable relative to the second link material 12 in a direction along the central axis of the second link material 12, and thus a similar effect is achieved.

[0060] <Example of change> The above embodiment and the following modified examples can be implemented in combination with each other to the extent that no technical contradiction occurs.

[0061] In the above embodiment, the shape of the first link material 11 is not limited to the example in the above embodiment. The first link material 11 does not need to be hollow inside as long as it has a rod-like outer shape. Also, the first link material 11 may be bent or curved along the way as long as it is rod-like overall. The same applies to the second link material 12 in this respect.

[0062] In the above embodiment, the structure of the connector 20 is not limited as long as it rotatably connects the first link member 11 and the second link member 12. Furthermore, the rotation range realized by the connector 20 is not limited to 180 degrees.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the main wall 41 may be curved or bent. The shape of the main wall 41 may be appropriately changed according to the shape of the connector 20, etc. Also, for example, the shape of the main wall 41 when viewed from above is not limited to a substantially rectangular shape that is longer on one side. For example, the shape of the main wall 41 when viewed from the same perspective may be a rectangular shape with a part of the edge curved, or may be a square shape.

[0064] In the above embodiment, each side wall 42 may not have the second groove portion 42Q. That is, as long as each side wall 42 has at least one groove, the groove can be used to guide one of the convex portions to the concave portion. Also, each side wall 42 may not have both the first groove portion 42P and the second groove portion 42Q. In this case, as long as the cover body 40 is elastically deformable so as to widen the gap between the pair of side walls 42, each convex portion can be guided to each concave portion.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the first groove portion 42P is not limited to extending linearly from the end of the first recess 42A to the edge of the side wall 42 opposite the main wall 41. For example, the first groove portion 42P may extend in a curved manner from the end of the first recess 42A to the edge of the side wall 42 opposite the main wall 41. The same applies to the second groove portion 42Q. It is preferable that the shape of the first groove portion 42P and the shape of the second groove portion 42Q are the same.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the first groove portions 42P are not limited to bottomed grooves recessed within the accommodation space 40A of the side walls 42. For example, each of the first groove portions 42P may be a through hole penetrating the corresponding side wall 42 in the thickness direction of the side wall 42. The same applies to the second groove portions 42Q.

[0067] In the above embodiment, the distance between the first groove portion 42P and the second groove portion 42Q in the direction along the reference axis RA does not have to match the shortest distance between the first convex portion 52 and the second convex portion 62 in the direction along the reference axis RA. For example, the distance between the first groove portion 42P and the second groove portion 42Q in the direction along the reference axis RA may match the longest distance between the first convex portion 52 and the second convex portion 62 in the direction along the reference axis RA. Furthermore, the distance between the first groove portion 42P and the second groove portion 42Q in the direction along the reference axis RA may be set independently of the distance between the first convex portion 52 and the second convex portion 62.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the shape of the end wall 43 is not important. For example, when the end wall 43 is viewed in a plan view, the edge of the end wall 43 does not have to be arc-shaped. However, it is necessary that the end wall 43 does not interfere with each link when the positional relationship between the first link member 11 and the second link member 12 is set to the third state described in the above embodiment.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the cover body 40 may have only one end wall 43. Even in this case, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the periphery of the rotation shaft 23A of the connector 20 from the end on the side where the end wall 43 exists. Furthermore, the cover body 40 does not have to have the end wall 43.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the first recess 42A does not have to penetrate the side wall 42. That is, the side wall 42 may be a bottomed groove recessed into the accommodation space 40A of the side wall 42. The same applies to the second recess 42B.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the shape of the first recess 42A is not limited to the example of the above embodiment. It can be changed as appropriate as long as the dimension of the first recess 42A in the direction along the reference axis RA is longer than the dimension of the first protrusion 52 in the direction parallel to the inner surface 42C of the side wall 42. In addition, if the dimensional relationship between the first recess 42A and the first protrusion 52 is as described above, the dimension of the second recess 42B in the direction along the reference axis RA may be approximately the same as the maximum dimension of the second protrusion 62 in the direction parallel to the inner surface 42C. In that case, it is only necessary that the second protrusion 62 is rotatable relative to the second recess 42B.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the first member 50 may be the first link material 11 itself. That is, the first link material 11 may have a first protrusion 52 protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the first link material 11. In this case, the first link material 11 also functions as the first member 50. Note that, when the first link material 11 functions as the first member 50 in this manner, the first member 50 does not have a first attachment portion 51. The same applies to the second member 60.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the shape of the first attachment portion 51 is not limited to the example of the above embodiment. For example, the first attachment portion 51 may be cylindrical. In that case, for example, it is preferable that a bearing or the like is disposed between the first attachment portion 51 and the first link member 11 so that the first member 50 is relatively movable with respect to the first link member 11 in a direction along the central axis of the first link member 11. The same applies to the second attachment portion 61 of the second member 60.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the first member 50 may not be movable relative to the first link member 11 in the direction along the central axis of the first link member 11. In other words, the first attachment portion 51 may be fixed to the first link member 11. The same applies to the second member 60 in this respect.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the first protrusion 52 is not limited to a cylindrical shape. For example, the first protrusion 52 may be spherical. If the first protrusion 52 is spherical, the first protrusion 52 can rotate smoothly relative to the first recess 42A even if the first recess 42A is a linear groove recessed in the inner surface 42C of the side wall 42. In this example, the maximum dimension of the first protrusion 52 in the direction parallel to the inner surface 42C is the maximum dimension at the point of contact with the first recess 42A. The same applies to the second protrusion 62.

[0076] <Additional Notes> The technical ideas that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described. [1] A cover structure for a connector comprising: a cover body having a main wall and a pair of side walls rising from a pair of opposing parallel side edges of an outer edge of the main wall; and a first member and a second member that can be accommodated in a storage space partitioned by the main wall and the pair of side walls, wherein when an axis parallel to the direction in which the side edges extend is taken as a reference axis, each of the side walls has a first recess recessed in the inner surface facing the storage space, and a second recess located on either side of the first recess along the reference axis and recessed in the inner surface facing the storage space, the first member has a pair of first protrusions rotatably supported in the first recesses in the pair of side walls, and the second member has a pair of second protrusions rotatably supported in the second recesses in the pair of side walls, and a dimension of the first recess in the direction along the reference axis is longer than a maximum dimension of the first protrusions in a direction parallel to the inner surface of the side walls facing the storage space.

[0077] [2] A cover structure for a connector described in [1], wherein the dimension of the second recess in the direction along the reference axis is longer than the maximum dimension of the second protrusion in a direction parallel to the inner surface of the side wall facing the storage space.

[0078] [3] The first member has an arc-shaped first mounting portion and a pair of first protrusions protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the first mounting portion. The connector cover structure described in [1] or [2]. [4] A connector cover structure described in any one of [1] to [3], wherein each of the pair of side walls has a first groove portion recessed on the inner surface facing the storage space and extending from the first recess to the edge of the side wall opposite the main wall.

[0079] [5] Each of the pair of side walls has a second groove portion recessed on the inner surface facing the storage space and extending from the second recess to the edge of the side wall opposite the main wall, and the distance between the first groove portion and the second groove portion in the direction along the reference axis is the same as the shortest distance between the first convex portion and the second convex portion in the direction along the reference axis. [4] A cover structure for a connector described in

[0080] [6] A cover structure for a connector described in any one of [1] to [5], wherein when an outer edge of the main wall that extends in a different direction from the side edge is defined as an end edge of the main wall, the cover body further has an end wall rising from the end edge in the same direction as the side wall.

[0081] [7] A cover body comprising: a rod-shaped first link member; a rod-shaped second link member; a connector connecting an end of the first link member and an end of the second link member so as to be rotatable relative to one another; a main wall and a pair of side walls rising from a pair of opposing parallel side edges of the outer edge of the main wall; a first member attached to the first link member and capable of being accommodated in a storage space defined by the main wall and the pair of side walls; and a second member attached to the second link member and capable of being accommodated in the storage space, wherein when an axis parallel to the direction in which the side edges extend is taken as a reference axis, each of the side walls a first recess formed in an inner surface facing the storage space, and a second recess formed in an inner surface facing the storage space, the first member having a first convex portion rotatably supported in the first recesses on a pair of the side walls, the second member having a second convex portion rotatably supported in the second recesses on the pair of the side walls, and a dimension of the first recess in the direction along the reference axis is longer than a maximum dimension of the first convex portion in a direction parallel to the inner surface of the side wall facing the storage space.

[0082] [8] The link material connection structure described in [7], wherein the first member is capable of moving relative to the first link material in a direction along the central axis of the first link material. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] RA…Reference axis 10...Connection mechanism 11…First link material 12...Second link material 20…Connector 30…Cover structure 40…Cover body 40A…Storage space 41…Main wall 42…Side wall 42A…First recess 42B…Second recess 42C…Inner surface 42P…First groove 42Q…Second groove part 43…End wall 50…First member 51…First mounting part 52…First protrusion 60…Second member 61…Second mounting part 62…Second protrusion

Claims

1. a cover body having a main wall and a pair of side walls rising from a pair of parallel side edges facing each other among the outer edges of the main wall; a first member and a second member that can be accommodated in an accommodation space defined by the main wall and the pair of side walls; Equipped with When an axis parallel to the direction in which the side edge extends is taken as a reference axis, Each of the side walls has a first recess recessed into an inner surface on the storage space side, and a second recess located on either side of the first recess along the reference axis and recessed into the inner surface on the storage space side, the first member has a pair of first protrusions rotatably supported in the first recesses of the pair of side walls, the second member has a pair of second protrusions rotatably supported in the second recesses of the pair of side walls, A dimension of the first recess in a direction along the reference axis is longer than a maximum dimension of the first protrusion in a direction parallel to an inner surface of the side wall on the side of the storage space. Connector cover structure.

2. A dimension of the second recess in a direction along the reference axis is longer than a maximum dimension of the second protrusion in a direction parallel to an inner surface of the side wall on the side of the storage space. The connector cover structure according to claim 1 .

3. The first member has a first mounting portion having an arc shape and a pair of the first protrusions protruding from an outer circumferential surface of the first mounting portion. The connector cover structure according to claim 1 .

4. Each of the pair of side walls has a first groove portion recessed on an inner surface facing the storage space and extending from the first recess to an edge of the side wall opposite to the main wall. The connector cover structure according to claim 1 .

5. Each of the pair of side walls has a second groove portion recessed on an inner surface facing the accommodation space and extending from the second recess to an edge of the side wall opposite to the main wall, The distance between the first groove portion and the second groove portion in the direction along the reference axis is the same as the shortest distance between the first convex portion and the second convex portion in the direction along the reference axis.

5. The connector cover structure according to claim 4.

6. When an outer edge of the main wall that extends in a direction different from the side edge is defined as an end edge of the main wall, The cover body further has an end wall rising from the end edge in the same direction as the side wall. The connector cover structure according to claim 1 .

7. A rod-shaped first link member; A rod-shaped second link member; a connector that connects an end of the first link member and an end of the second link member so as to be rotatable relative to one another; a cover body having a main wall and a pair of side walls rising from a pair of parallel side edges facing each other among the outer edges of the main wall; a first member attached to the first link member and capable of being accommodated in an accommodation space defined by the main wall and the pair of side walls; a second member attached to the second link member and capable of being accommodated in the accommodation space; Equipped with When an axis parallel to the direction in which the side edge extends is taken as a reference axis, Each of the side walls has a first recess recessed into an inner surface on the storage space side, and a second recess located on either side of the first recess along the reference axis and recessed into the inner surface on the storage space side, the first member has a first protrusion rotatably supported in the first recess of the pair of side walls, the second member has second protrusions rotatably supported in the second recesses of the pair of side walls, A dimension of the first recess in a direction along the reference axis is longer than a maximum dimension of the first protrusion in a direction parallel to an inner surface of the side wall on the side of the storage space. Link material connection structure.

8. The first member is movable relative to the first link member in a direction along a central axis of the first link member. The link material connection structure according to claim 7.

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