Linking device

Abstract

Provide a magnetic coupling mechanism with excellent operability during engagement and separation operations. 【Solution means】 A coupling device (10) including a first magnetic body (21) and a first coupling component (11) having an arc-shaped first engaging portion (14), and a second magnetic body (41) and a second coupling component (31) having an arc-shaped second engaging portion (34), wherein the first engaging portion (14) and the second engaging portion (34) are rotatable with respect to each other in a state where they are engaged. The engaging portion of the first coupling component (11) has a first engaging slope (23) that is inclined with respect to the magnetic force attracting direction. Further, the second engaging portion (34) of the second coupling component (31) has a second engaging slope (43) that extends in an inclined direction with respect to the magnetic force attracting direction, and an arc-shaped protrusion (51) is provided on the side opposite to the second engaging portion (34).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connecting device for holding two components in a mechanically engaged state in a specific direction. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a connecting device that combines a magnetic force acting in the engaging direction in addition to a mechanical engaging mechanism, and also relates to a connecting device in which two components can relatively rotate within a predetermined range in the connected state.

Background Art

[0002] In the fields of clothing, bags, and industrial materials, mechanisms for connecting two articles have conventionally been used in a variety of ways. Among them, a connecting device that utilizes the magnetic force acting between magnets or between a magnet and a ferromagnetic material is a connecting device that is excellent in convenience in that two articles can be automatically connected by the magnetic attraction action without performing a mechanical engaging operation.

[0003] As such a connecting device that utilizes magnetic force, there is a prior art document of Patent Document 1, and the technology described in Patent Document 1 is a technology that has already been widely used as a magnet-type connecting mechanism used for opening and closing parts of bags and clothes. The magnet-type connecting mechanism described in this Patent Document 1 has a configuration in which a first engaging member provided with a disk-shaped ferromagnetic body and a second engaging member provided with an annular magnet are connected. A protrusion is provided at the center of the circle of the first engaging member, and the protrusion is inserted into a hole at the center of the circle of the second engaging member. The magnet-type connecting mechanism as described in Patent Document 1 can be opened and closed only by an operation in the vertical direction (magnetic force attracting direction), and thus is excellent in that it can be used with an operation feeling similar to that of a snap button. On the other hand, the engagement in the left-right direction (magnetic force plane direction) orthogonal to the vertical direction is only due to the engagement between the protrusion and the hole, so there is a disadvantage that the engagement force in the left-right direction is not strong and there is no mechanical engagement force in the vertical direction (only magnetic force).

[0004] As another magnetic connection mechanism, there is a connection mechanism as described in Patent Document 2. The magnetic connection mechanism described in this Patent Document 2 is configured to connect one engaging tool with an arcuate outer edge and another engaging tool having an arcuate groove on its inner surface by a magnet. The connection mechanism described in this Patent Document 2 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 26(A)(B) and FIGS. 27(C)(D). The connection mechanism described in this Patent Document 2 includes a first engaging tool 511 having an engaging convex portion 513 with a flat plate portion having an arcuate outer edge, and a second engaging tool 512 having an engaging concave portion 514 with an arcuate groove on its inner surface, which are connected by the magnetic force of magnets 521 and 522. Since the arcuate flat plate portion of the engaging convex portion 513 enters and engages with the arcuate groove of the engaging concave portion 514, this connection mechanism is excellent in that it has a strong mechanical engaging force in both the vertical and horizontal directions and the first engaging tool 511 and the second engaging tool 512 can be relatively rotated.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] While the coupling mechanism described in Patent Document 2 has the above-mentioned excellent points, it has the demerit that it is difficult to use with the operating feeling like that of a snap button as described in Patent Document 1 above. That is, in the magnet type coupling mechanism described in this Patent Document 2, after setting the first engaging tool 511 to the position as shown in Fig. 26(A), the first engaging tool 511 is slid in the left-right direction by magnetic force or operating force, so as to be in the engaged state shown in Fig. 26(B). Therefore, when trying to engage only by the up-down movement like a snap button, as shown in Fig. 27(C), the lower surface 515 of the first engaging tool 511 may hit the upper surface of the flange 516 forming the arc-shaped groove of the second engaging tool. Therefore, even if trying to push it in the up-down direction as it is, the first engaging tool 511 cannot overcome the flange 516, and once the first engaging tool 511 is moved back to one side in the left-right direction to the position shown in Fig. 27(D), a "return slide operation" of sliding it in the reverse direction is required. And in the process of this "return slide operation", since the corner 518 of the arc-shaped flat plate portion of the first engaging tool 511 and the corner 518 of the flange are both in a cross-sectional shape where they are substantially right angles (although there is chamfering of the corners in mechanical design, it means that basically it is a corner where a plane intersects with a plane), until the corner 517 of the first engaging tool completely overcomes the corner 518 of the flange, the first engaging tool 511 cannot move downward. This "return slide operation" is usually performed blindly because the first engaging tool 511 is covered by the front fabric 523 of the opening / closing part of the bag, and the positional relationship between the engaging convex part 513 and the engaging concave part 514 is not visible to the operator. Therefore, in this regard, the operability is not very good.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a magnet type coupling mechanism excellent in operability during engagement operation and separation operation. Another object of the present disclosure is also to provide a coupling mechanism having a shape that can be injection molded using only upper and lower molds and excellent in mass productivity.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] That is, the coupling device in the present disclosure is a coupling device (10) including a first coupling component (11) having a first magnetic body (21) and a first engaging portion (14), and a second coupling component (31) having a second magnetic body (41) and a second engaging portion (34), wherein either one or both of the first magnetic body (21) and the second magnetic body (41) are permanent magnets, and when the first engaging portion (14) is engaged with the second engaging portion (34), a magnetic force in the attracting direction acts on the first magnetic body (21) and the second magnetic body (41), the first magnetic force attracting surface (16) of the first coupling component (11) and the second magnetic force attracting surface (36) of the second coupling component (31) are in surface contact due to the action of the magnetic force, at least a part of the first engaging portion (14) of the first coupling component (11) is arc-shaped, at least a part of the second engaging portion (34) of the second coupling component (31) is arc-shaped, and when the first engaging portion (14) is engaged with the second engaging portion (34), the first coupling component (11) can rotate with respect to the second coupling component (31), and the second engaging portion (34) of the second coupling component (31) has a second engaging slope (43) extending in an oblique direction with respect to the magnetic force attracting direction. Further, in the coupling device in the present disclosure, a protrusion (51) is provided on the second coupling component (31) on the side opposite to the second engaging portion (34), and at least a part of the protrusion (51) is arc-shaped. Further, in the coupling device in the present disclosure, when separating the first coupling component (11) from the second coupling component (31), when the first magnetic force attracting surface (16) of the first coupling component (11) rides on and contacts the protrusion (51) of the second coupling component (31), the first base portion (12) of the first coupling component (11) does not contact the second engaging portion (34) of the second coupling component (31). Further, in the coupling device in the present disclosure, a linear guide portion (55) is provided between the second engaging portion (34) and the protrusion (51) of the second coupling component (31). Further, the connecting device in the present disclosure is characterized in that the arc-shaped engaging portion of the first connecting component (11) has a first engaging inclined surface (23) which is a surface inclined obliquely with respect to the magnetic force adsorption direction. Further, in the connecting device in the present disclosure, the second connecting component (31) is provided with a second engaging upper surface (45) on the upper surface of the second engaging portion (34), and the first connecting component (11) is provided with a first base portion (12) extending in a flat plate shape below the first engaging portion (14). In a state where the first connecting component (11) is engaged with the second connecting component (31), there is a first gap (d1) between the first base portion (12) of the first connecting component (11) and the second engaging portion (34), which is larger than 5% of the total thickness (D) in the vertical direction in the engaged state of the connecting device (10). Further, the connecting device in the present disclosure is characterized in that the lower side of the second engaging portion (34) of the second connecting component (31) is an open hole (61) extending in the magnetic force adsorption direction. Further, in the connecting device in the present disclosure, the second connecting component (31) is provided with a second engaging upper surface (45) on the upper surface of the second engaging portion (34), and protruding end surfaces (57A) inclined downward from the second engaging upper surface (45) are provided at both ends of the second engaging portion (34). A protruding portion transition curved surface (57B) is provided between the protruding end surface (57A) and the second engaging inclined surface (43).

[0009] Further, when the second connecting component (31) is viewed in the magnetic force adsorption direction, the radius of curvature at the center position in the left-right direction of the second engaging portion (34) of the second connecting component (31) is defined as a first radius (R1), and when the length from the center point (C) of the first radius (R1) to an arbitrary edge of the protruding portion transition curved surface (57B) is defined as a second length (L2), the second length (L2) is larger than the first radius (R1). In addition, in the connecting device according to the present disclosure, a protrusion curvature change surface (71) is provided between the protrusion transition curved surface (57B) of the second connecting component (31) and the second engaging inclined surface (43). When the second connecting component (31) is viewed in the magnetic attraction direction, when the length from the center point (C) of the first radius (R1) to an arbitrary edge of the protrusion curvature change surface (71) is defined as a third length (L3), the third length (L3) is larger than the first radius (R1). In addition, in the connecting device according to the present disclosure, a cutout portion (75) that is hollowed out in the magnetic attraction direction of the protrusion (51) is provided between the second engaging portion (34) and the protrusion (51) in the second connecting component (31). In addition, in the connecting device according to the present disclosure, the second connecting component (31) includes a second engaging upper surface (45) on the upper surface of the second engaging portion (34), and the second engaging upper surface (45) is inclined downward in the releasing direction of the connecting device (10).

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to the present disclosure, a magnetic connecting device is provided that can relatively rotate connecting components in an engaged state and has excellent operability during engagement and separation operations. As another effect, according to the present disclosure, since the connecting mechanism can be injection-molded using only upper and lower molds, there is also an effect of providing a connecting mechanism with excellent mass productivity.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

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Figure 27

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] [Configuration of the Present Embodiment] Hereinafter, the embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. In the following description, for the sake of convenience, regarding the directions of the connecting device 10, the first connecting component (plug) 11, and the second connecting component (socket) 31, the connection and release direction (X-axis direction), the left and right direction (Y-axis direction), and the up and down direction (Z-axis direction) are defined as follows.

[0013] In the plan view of the connecting device 10 shown in FIG. 3, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 3, the direction in which the first connecting component 11 and the second connecting component 31 are combined or separated is defined as the "connection and release direction (X-axis direction)". And the direction in which the first connecting component 11 and the second connecting component 31 are combined is the "connection direction (positive direction of the X-axis direction)", and the direction in which the first connecting component 11 and the second connecting component 31 are separated is the "release direction (negative direction of the X-axis direction)". Also, in the plan view of the connecting device 10 shown in FIG. 3, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 3, the direction orthogonal to the “connection and disconnection direction (X-axis direction)” is defined as the “left-right direction (Y-axis direction)”. For the sake of convenience, the upward direction on the paper surface in FIG. 3 is defined as the “left direction (positive direction of the Y-axis direction)”, and the downward direction is defined as the “right direction (negative direction of the Y-axis direction)”. Here, the XY plane can also be referred to as the plane in which the first magnetic adsorption surface 16 and the second magnetic adsorption surface 36 are in surface contact in the connected state, which will be described later. Also, in the side view of the connecting device 10 shown in FIG. 5, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 5, the direction orthogonal to the “connection and disconnection direction (X-axis direction)” is defined as the “up-down direction (Z-axis direction)”. For the sake of convenience, the upward direction on the paper surface in FIG. 5 is defined as the “upward direction (positive direction of the Z-axis direction)”, and the downward direction is defined as the “downward direction (negative direction of the Z-axis direction)”. Here, the “up-down direction (Z-axis direction)” can also be referred to as the direction orthogonal to the plane (XY plane) in which the first magnetic adsorption surface 16 and the second magnetic adsorption surface 36 are in surface contact in the connected state. Also, in this specification, the “up-down direction (Z-axis direction)” may be referred to as the “direction of magnetic adsorption and separation”. In this case, the downward direction in the Z-axis direction is the “magnetic adsorption direction of the plug”, and the upward direction in the Z-axis direction is the “magnetic separation direction of the plug”.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the connecting device 10 according to the present embodiment in the separated state. FIGS. 2 to 7 are views of the connecting device 10 according to the present embodiment in the connected state. FIG. 2 is a perspective view in the connected state, FIG. 3 is a plan view, FIG. 4 is a bottom view, FIG. 5 is a left side view (note that the right side view is symmetric to the left side view), FIG. 6 is a front view. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA-AA in FIG. 5. The connecting device 10 includes a first connecting component 11 and a second connecting component 31. Here, the first connecting component 11 is also sometimes called a "plug", and the second connecting component 31 is sometimes called a "socket". In this specification too, in some cases, for the sake of easier understanding, the notations "plug" and "socket" will also be used together in the description. Generally speaking, as a structural part that exhibits the basic function for connection, the first connecting component 11 has a first engaging portion 14 which is a part for generating a mechanical engaging force. On the other hand, the second connecting component 31 has a second engaging portion 34 that mechanically engages with the first engaging portion 14. Furthermore, as a part for generating a magnetic attractive force in addition to the mechanical engaging force, the first connecting component 11 includes a first magnetic body 21, and the second connecting component 31 includes a second magnetic body 41. At least one of the first magnetic body 21 and the second magnetic body 41 is a permanent magnet, and the other may be a ferromagnetic body that is not a permanent magnet, but in this embodiment, both will be described as being permanent magnets. To explain the general connection operation, when the first connecting component 11 and the second connecting component 31 are brought close to each other in a state where they can be connected, an attractive force due to magnetic force acts on the first magnetic body 21 and the second magnetic body 41, and while being induced by the attractive force, the first engaging portion 14 and the second engaging portion 34 mechanically engage. Due to this mechanical engagement, the first connecting component 11 and the second connecting component 31 cannot simply slide in any direction of the connection direction (the positive direction of the X-axis direction), the left-right direction (the Y-axis direction), or the up-down direction (the Z-axis direction).

[0015] Both the first connecting component 11 and the second connecting component 31 are made of resin and are manufactured by resin injection molding. As the resin material to be used, thermoplastic resins such as polyamide, polyacetal, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, ABS, and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) can be used, but it is not limited to these.

[0016] The detailed structures of the first connecting component 11 and the second connecting component 31 will be described in more detail.

[0017] <Configuration of the First Connecting Component (Plug) 11> FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the first connecting component (plug) 11 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a side view of the first connecting component (plug) 11. With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 in addition to FIGS. 1 to 7, the detailed structure of the first connecting component 11 will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, the first connecting component 11 includes a first base portion 12, a first engaging receiving portion 13, and a first engaging portion 14. In the present embodiment, the first base portion 12 is a plate with a circular outer periphery, and the outer peripheral side of the disk is a flat plate portion 28. The flat plate portion 28 is the thinnest portion in the vertical direction as a part of the first connecting component 11. A stepped portion 27 is provided inside the flat plate portion 28. The outer periphery of the stepped portion 27 is circular and has an appropriate thickness in the vertical direction. The back side of the flat plate portion 28 (the upper side in the direction defined above) is a first mounting surface 18 for attaching the first connecting component 11 to a bag, clothing fabric, or the like. In the present embodiment, since the flat plate portion 28 is sufficiently thin and flexible, the first mounting surface 18 can be brought into contact with a bag, clothing fabric, or the like, and the flat plate portion 28 and the bag, clothing fabric, or the like can be sewn together by sewing. Alternatively, an adhesive or an adhesive agent may be attached to the first mounting surface 18 and attached to a bag, clothing fabric, or the like. In the present embodiment, the stepped portion 27 is provided. Providing both the stepped portion 27 and the flat plate portion 28 is advantageous in terms of attachment to the fabric and operability, but the stepped portion 27 does not necessarily have to be provided, and the first base portion 12 may be only the flat plate portion 28. Further, the first base portion 12 is not limited to the shape of a disk, and may be any shape such as a substantially rectangular shape.

[0018] Further inside the stepped portion 27 of the first base portion 12, a first engaging receiving portion 13 is provided. The first engaging receiving portion 13 has a thin cylindrical shape with an axis extending generally in the vertical direction. A first engaging portion 14 is provided on the lower side of the first engaging receiving portion 13 (the lower side in the Z-axis direction. In FIGS. 8 and 9, the upper and lower in the Z-axis direction are shown reversed). The first engaging portion 14 has at least a part in an arc shape. By having at least a part in an arc shape in this way, when the first engaging portion 14 is engaged with the second engaging portion 34, the first connecting component 11 can rotate with respect to the second connecting component 31. The first engaging portion 14 includes a first engaging inclined surface 23 and a first engaging surface 24. Further, a first magnetic adsorption surface 16 is provided below the first engaging portion 14 (below in the Z-axis direction). The first magnetic adsorption surface 16 is a plane that is substantially orthogonal to the vertical direction (Z-axis direction, the direction of magnetic adsorption and separation). Note that the "substantially orthogonal" surface does not necessarily mean only a plane that is exactly orthogonal at 90 degrees. It also includes cases where a slight inclination is provided (in the case of the first magnetic adsorption surface 16, it means a case where a slight inclination is provided in the connection and disconnection direction (X direction)), and cases where there are mechanical design errors. The same applies when the expression "substantially orthogonal" is used below.

[0019] The first engaging surface 24 extends from the end of the outer peripheral edge of the first engaging receiving portion 13 (the lower end in the Z-axis direction) further toward the outer peripheral side in parallel with the XY plane. The first engaging surface 24, the first engaging receiving portion 13, and the first base portion 12 form a space (a circumferentially extending recess) into which the second engaging portion 34 of a second connecting component (socket) 31, which will be described later, can enter. The first engaging inclined surface 23 is a surface that extends from the outer peripheral side to the inner peripheral side of the first engaging surface 24. The first engaging inclined surface 23 has a shape that is a part of the side surface of a cone with the central axis of the first connecting component 11 as the axis. As shown in FIG. 9, when the first connecting component 11 is viewed from the side, the first engaging inclined surface 23 is a surface inclined at a predetermined angle (40 degrees to 80 degrees, preferably 45 degrees) with respect to the vertical direction (Z-axis direction, the direction of magnetic adsorption and separation). In another expression, the first engaging inclined surface 23 is a sloped surface that expands radially from the center of the arc as it goes upward (in the positive direction of the Z-axis). The first engaging inclined surface 23 may be a plane or a curved surface. Note that the first engaging inclined surface 23 is not a chamfered portion of a corner, which is a conventional means in mechanical design as described in the prior patent document 2, but is another surface existing between the chamfered portions of the corners. The inner peripheral side of the edge of the first engaging inclined surface 23 is further on the inner peripheral side, which is the first magnetic adsorption surface 16. The first magnetic adsorption surface 16 is a flat surface that is in surface contact with the second magnetic adsorption surface 36 of the second connecting component (socket) 31, which will be described later, in the connected state of the connecting device 10. As shown in FIG. 8, the first magnetic adsorption surface 16 is a circular flat surface, and a first gate recess 29 is provided at the center thereof. The first gate recess 29 is the portion where the gate for injecting the molten resin into the mold is located when the first connecting component 11 is manufactured by resin injection molding, and this portion is the separating portion from the runner of the gate. Therefore, by providing the first gate recess 29 as in the present embodiment, even if there is a remaining runner, it will not affect the surface contact between the first magnetic adsorption surface 16 and the second magnetic adsorption surface 36. Note that, between the first engaging inclined surface 23 and the first engaging surface 24, and at the boundary between the first engaging inclined surface 23 and the first magnetic adsorption surface 16, chamfering, which is a well-known technique in mechanical design in the present embodiment, is performed (no reference numeral).

[0020] On the back side of the first connecting component 11 (the upper side in the direction defined above), as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a first hole 19 is provided, and a first magnetic body (first magnet) 21 is fixed inside the first hole 19. The first hole 19 is arranged further on the inner peripheral side of the first base portion 12 and is a hole having a circular bottom surface. The back side (the lower side in the Z-axis direction) of the bottom surface of the hole is the first magnetic adsorption surface 16. In the present embodiment, since the first base portion 12 has a stepped portion 27, a recessed portion for the stepped portion 27 is arranged around the first hole 19. The first magnetic body (first magnet) 21 is attached inside the first hole 19 by appropriate means such as press-fitting or adhesion. Also, in the present embodiment, for the sake of convenience, the first magnetic body (first magnet) 21 is described as being visible from the first hole 19, but a lid member may be provided in the first hole 19, or resin may be poured in, so that the first magnetic body (first magnet) 21 is not visible (difficult to come off) from the first hole 19.

[0021] <Configuration of the second connecting component (socket) 31> Figs. 10 to 15 are diagrams for explaining the configuration of the second connecting component (socket) 31. Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the second connecting component (socket) 31 according to the present embodiment as viewed from above, Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the second connecting component 31 as viewed from below, Fig. 12 is a plan view of the second connecting component 31, Fig. 13 is a left side view of the second connecting component 31, Fig. 14 is a rear view of the second connecting component 31, and Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along BA-BA in Fig. 14 (it can also be said that Fig. 15 is a cross-section on the symmetrical center plane in the left-right direction of the second connecting component 31). While referring to Figs. 1 to 7 in addition to Figs. 10 to 15, the detailed structure of the second connecting component 31 will be described. As shown in Fig. 10, the second connecting component 31 includes a second base portion 32 which is a substantially flat plate-like member, and functional components such as a second engaging portion 34 and a protrusion 51 are arranged upward from the second base portion 32.

[0022] In the present embodiment, the outer periphery of the second base portion 32 is substantially square. As shown in Fig. 11, the back side of the second base portion 32 (the lower side in the vertical direction in the previously defined direction) is a second mounting surface 38 for attaching the second connecting component 31 to a bag, clothing fabric, etc. In the present embodiment, since the second base portion 32 is thin and flexible, the second mounting surface 38 can be brought into contact with a bag, clothing fabric, etc., and the second base portion 32 and the bag, clothing fabric, etc. can be sewn together by sewing. In particular, in the present embodiment, a part of the second base portion 32 is a thin portion 47 that is thinner in the vertical direction than other parts, and it is configured to be easy to sew a sewing thread to the thin portion 47. Note that an adhesive, sticky agent, etc. may be attached to the second mounting surface 38 and attached to a bag, clothing fabric, etc. Also, the thin portion 47 does not necessarily have to be provided. Further, the outer peripheral shape of the second base portion 32 is not limited to a substantially square shape, and may be an arbitrary shape such as a substantially circular shape.

[0023] On one side of the second connecting component 31 (the connecting direction side in the X direction), an engaging outer peripheral surface 35 is arranged so as to rise upward from the second base portion 32. On the other side of the second connecting component 31 (the releasing direction side in the X direction), a protrusion (movement resistance portion) 51 is arranged so as to rise upward from the second base portion 32. In the present embodiment, a substantially circular rising portion is formed by the engaging outer peripheral surface 35 and the outer peripheral surface 58 of the protrusion 51. Note that in the present embodiment, the engaging outer peripheral surface 35 and the protrusion 51 are not directly connected, and a linear guide portion 55 is provided between them. In this way, it is preferable to form a substantially circular rising portion in which the entire 360-degree circumference is connected by the engaging outer peripheral surface 35, the protrusion 51, and the linear guide portion 55. However, it is not necessarily required that these are connected over the entire circumference, and each of the engaging outer peripheral surface 35 and the protrusion 51 may be an arc-shaped portion with an inner peripheral angle of less than 90 degrees. The linear guide portion 55 is not necessarily provided either.

[0024] Subsequently, the configuration of the side of the second connecting component 31 where the engaging outer peripheral surface 35 is provided (the connecting direction side in the X direction) will be described in more detail. As clearly shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 15, on the inner peripheral side of the engaging outer peripheral surface 35, a second engaging receiving portion 33 and a second engaging portion 34 are provided. At least a part of the second engaging portion 34 has an arc shape. At least a part of the second engaging receiving portion 33 also has an arc shape. By having at least a part with an arc shape in this way, in a state where the first engaging portion 14 is engaged with the second engaging portion 34, the first connecting component 11 can rotate with respect to the second connecting component 31. The second engaging portion 34 further has three surfaces: a second engaging inclined surface 43, a second engaging lower surface 44, and a second engaging upper surface 45. The second engaging upper surface 45 is a surface that extends from the upper end portion of the engaging outer peripheral surface 35 toward the inner peripheral side, and is a surface that is substantially orthogonal to the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). From the inner peripheral edge of the second engaging upper surface 45, the second engaging inclined surface 43 extends so as to be connected. The second engaging inclined surface 43 has a shape that is a part of the side surface of a cone with the central axis of the second connecting component 31 as the axis. When viewed in a cross-section as shown in FIG. 15 (a cross-section in the left-right symmetric center plane of the second connecting component 31), the second engaging inclined surface 43 is a surface inclined at a predetermined angle (40 degrees to 80 degrees, preferably 45 degrees) with respect to the vertical direction (Z-axis direction, the direction of magnetic attraction and separation). In another expression of the second engaging inclined surface 43, the second engaging inclined surface 43 is an inclined surface that expands radially from the center of the arc as it goes upward (in the positive direction of the Z-axis). The second engaging inclined surface 43 may be a flat surface or a curved surface. Note that the second engaging inclined surface 43 is not a chamfered portion of a corner, which is a conventional means in mechanical design as described in the prior patent document 2, but is another surface existing between the chamfered portions of the corners. From the inner peripheral edge (lower end edge) of the second engaging inclined surface 43, the second engaging lower surface 44 extends so as to form an acute angle (an acute angle that protrudes toward the inner peripheral side) with the second engaging inclined surface 43. The second engaging lower surface 44 is a surface that extends from the inner peripheral edge (lower end edge) of the second engaging inclined surface 43 toward the outer peripheral side, and is a surface substantially orthogonal to the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). Below the second engaging portion 34, a second engaging receiving portion 33 is provided. As shown in FIG. 15, from the outer peripheral edge of the second engaging lower surface 44 downward, the inner peripheral surface of the second engaging receiving portion 33 extends. The second engaging lower surface 44 and the inner peripheral surface of the second engaging receiving portion 33 form a space (a circumferentially extending recess) into which the first engaging portion 14 of the first connecting component (plug) 11 can enter.

[0025] In this embodiment, when the second connecting component 31 is viewed from above as shown in FIG. 12, the second engaging portion 34 has a semi-circular arc shape (an arc with an inner peripheral angle of 170 degrees or more and 190 degrees or less, preferably an arc with an inner peripheral angle of 180 degrees). At both ends of the second engaging portion 34, there are provided protrusion end faces 57A for guiding the movement of the first connecting component 11 so that the first connecting component 11 can easily enter during the connecting operation. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the protrusion end face 57A is inclined downward from the second engaging upper surface 45. And between this protrusion end face 57A and the second engaging slope 43, there is provided a protrusion transition curved surface 57B. This protrusion transition curved surface 57B is a curved surface for making the space between the protrusion end face 57A and the second engaging slope 43 be continuously and smoothly connected. When connecting the connecting device 10, the first engaging portion 14 of the first connecting component 11 is guided along the protrusion end face 57A and the protrusion transition curved surface 57B to be aligned with the second engaging portion 34. Therefore, the connecting operation of the connecting device 10 becomes easier. For the sake of convenience of explanation, the protrusion end face 57A and the protrusion transition curved surface 57B are shown as parts distinguished from the second engaging slope 43. However, the protrusion end face 57A and the protrusion transition curved surface 57B also have parts that can engage with the first engaging portion. In that sense, it can be said that the protrusion end face 57A and the protrusion transition curved surface 57B are part of the second engaging slope 43. However, in the description of this specification, they will be described as parts distinguished from the second engaging slope 43.

[0026] Subsequently, the configuration of the second connecting component 31 on the side (the release direction side in the X direction) where the protrusion (movement resistance portion) 51 is provided will be described in more detail. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, on the second connecting component 31, a protrusion 51 is provided on the opposite side of the center of the arc of the arc-shaped engaging portion of the second engaging portion 34 described above. At least a part of this protrusion 51 has an arc shape. And as clearly shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 15, the protrusion 51 includes a protrusion inclined surface 52, a protrusion upper surface 53, and a protrusion outer peripheral surface 58. The protrusion outer peripheral surface 58 is a surface arranged to rise upward from the second base portion 32. And from the edge portion on the upper end side of the protrusion outer peripheral surface 58, the protrusion upper surface 53 extends toward the inner peripheral side. The protrusion upper surface 53 is a surface substantially orthogonal to the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). From the inner peripheral edge of the protrusion upper surface 53, the protrusion inclined surface 52 extends so as to be connected. The protrusion inclined surface 52 has a shape such that it is a part of the side surface of a cone with the central axis of the second connecting component 31 as the axis. When viewed in a cross-section as shown in FIG. 15 (a cross-section on the symmetric center plane in the left-right direction of the second connecting component 31), the protrusion inclined surface 52 is a surface inclined at a predetermined angle (any angle of 90 degrees or less, preferably 45 degrees) with respect to the vertical direction (Z-axis direction, the direction of magnetic force adsorption and separation). This protrusion 51 has a function of generating a resistance force by colliding with the first connecting component 11 when removing the first connecting component 11 from the second connecting component 31. By adjusting the height of this protrusion 51, the operating feeling when removing the first connecting component 11 from the second connecting component 31 can be adjusted.

[0027] A second magnetic adsorption surface 36 is provided between the protrusion 51 and the second engaging portion 34. The second magnetic adsorption surface 36 is a flat surface that is in surface contact with the first magnetic adsorption surface 16 of the first connecting component (plug) 11 in the connected state of the connecting device 10. The second magnetic adsorption surface 36 is a substantially circular flat surface as shown in FIG. 12, and a second gate recess 49 is provided at the center thereof. Similar to the first gate recess 29 described above, the second gate recess 49 is a portion that becomes the separation portion from the runner when manufactured by resin injection molding. Therefore, even if there is a remaining runner, it is provided to prevent adverse effects on the surface contact between the first magnetic adsorption surface 16 and the second magnetic adsorption surface 36.

[0028] On the back side of the second connecting component 31 (the lower side in the Z-axis direction in the previously defined direction), as shown in FIGS. 4 and 11, a second hole portion 39 is provided, and a second magnetic body (second magnet) 41 is fixed inside the second hole portion 39. The second hole portion 39 is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the second base portion 32 and is a hole having a circular bottom surface. The back side (the upper side in the Z-axis direction) of the bottom surface of the second hole portion 39 is a second magnetic force adsorption surface 36. The second magnetic body (second magnet) 41 is attached inside the second hole portion 39 by appropriate means such as press-fitting or adhesion. Also, in the present embodiment, for the sake of convenience, the second magnetic body (second magnet) 41 is described as being visible from the second hole portion 39, but a lid member may be provided for the second hole portion 39, or resin may be poured in, so that the second magnetic body (second magnet) 41 cannot be seen from the second hole portion 39 (so that it is difficult to come off).

[0029] Also, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 11, an open hole 61 and a back surface recessed portion 62 are provided on the back side of the second connecting component 31. The open hole 61 is a hole that extends further downward (in the magnetic force adsorption direction) from the second engaging lower surface 44, which is the lower surface of the arc-shaped engaging portion in the second engaging portion 34, and is a hole that is open to the lower surface of the second base portion 32. Due to the presence of this open hole 61, when the second connecting component 31 is injection-molded with resin, the second connecting component 31 can be manufactured by a combination of a pair of molds in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). Further, the back surface recessed portion 62 is provided for the purpose of weight reduction by reducing the volume of the resin and for the purpose of suppressing deformation (sink marks) due to volume shrinkage accompanying the cooling of the resin after resin injection molding.

[0030] <Configuration of the connection state between the first connecting component (plug) 11 and the second connecting component (socket) 31> With reference to FIGS. 2, 5, 6, 7, and 16, the configuration of the connection state between the first connecting component (plug) 11 and the second connecting component (socket) 31 will be described. Note that FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CA - CA in FIG. 6. As clearly shown in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 7 and 16, in the connected state, the first engaging portion 14 is in an engaged state with the second engaging portion 34 in the vertical direction. More specifically, the first engaging surface 24 of the first engaging portion 14 is in surface contact with the second engaging lower surface 44 of the second engaging portion 34 to be in an engaged state. At this time, the first engaging portion 14 is in a state of being housed in the recessed space formed by the second engaging receiving portion 33, and the second engaging portion 34 is in a state of being housed in the recessed space formed by the first engaging receiving portion 13. Simultaneously with the mechanical engagement, due to the action of the magnetic attraction force between the first magnetic body (first magnet) 21 and the second magnetic body (second magnet) 41, the first magnetic force adsorption surface 16 and the second magnetic force adsorption surface 36 are in a state of surface contact. In this connected state, the first connecting component 11 is engaged with the second connecting component 31 in the vertical direction and cannot move in the vertical direction. At the same time, it is also engaged in the connecting direction (the positive direction of the X direction) and cannot move in the connecting direction. At the same time, it is also in a state where it cannot slide and move in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). However, since the mechanical engaging portion is formed in an arc shape, the first connecting component 11 and the second connecting component 31 can relatively rotate along the arc shape of the mechanical engaging portion with respect to each other. In this embodiment, the first connecting component 11 and the second connecting component 31 can relatively rotate 360 degrees with respect to each other.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 6, in the connected state, a first gap d1 larger than 5% of the total thickness D in the vertical direction in the engaged state of the connecting device 10 is formed between the lowermost surface of the first base portion 12 of the first connecting component 11 and the uppermost surface of the second engaging portion 34 of the second connecting component 31. More specifically, the first gap d1 is formed between the lowermost surface of the stepped portion 27 of the first base portion 12 and the uppermost surface of the second engaging upper surface 45 of the second engaging portion 34.

[0032] Also, in the connected state, a second gap d2 larger than 10% of the total vertical thickness D in the engaged state of the connecting device 10 is formed between the lowermost surface of the flat plate portion 28 of the first base portion 12 of the first connecting component 11 and the uppermost surface of the second engaging portion 34 of the second connecting component 31. More specifically, the second gap d2 is formed between the lowermost surface of the flat plate portion 28 of the first base portion 12 and the uppermost surface of the second engaging upper surface 45 of the second engaging portion 34. These first gap d1 and second gap d2 are provided so that when the connection between the first connecting component 11 and the second connecting component 31 is released, the two members can be easily separated during the operation. Details of its function will be described later.

[0033] <Separation operation of the first connecting component (plug) 11 and the second connecting component (socket) 31> The characteristics of the operation when releasing the connection between the first connecting component 11 and the second connecting component 31 will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 to 18. To release the connection from the connected state shown in FIG. 16, the first connecting component 11 is slid in the release direction (negative direction of the X direction) with respect to the second connecting component 31. Since this sliding operation is performed in a state where the magnetic force between the first magnetic body (first magnet) 21 and the second magnetic body (first magnet) 41 strongly acts in the attracting direction, usually, the sliding operation is performed while maintaining the state where the first magnetic force attracting surface 16 and the second magnetic force attracting surface 36 are in surface contact. FIG. 17 is a view showing a state in which the first connecting component 11 is operated in the release direction from the state of FIG. 16. To release the connection, the first connecting component 11 only needs to be slid relative to the second connecting component 31 by a minute amount until there is no vertical overlap between the first engaging portion 14 and the second engaging portion 34. However, in actual operation, since the engagement between the first engaging portion 14 and the second engaging portion 34 is blocked by a bag or the fabric of clothes and cannot be visually observed, the release operation is performed by the sense of touch while groping. Even in such a case, in the connecting device 10 according to the present embodiment, since the second connecting component (socket) 31 is provided with the protrusion 51, it is easier to operate. That is, when the first connecting component 11 is slid to the state of FIG. 17, the first engaging portion 14 of the first connecting component 11 abuts against the protrusion 51 of the second connecting component 31. More specifically, the arc-shaped first engaging slope 23 of the first connecting component 11 abuts against the arc-shaped protrusion slope 52 of the second connecting component 31. By transmitting the feeling that the first engaging portion 14 abuts against the protrusion 51 to the operator, the operator can recognize that there is no vertical overlap between the first engaging portion 14 and the second engaging portion 34. Also, it is possible to prevent the first connecting component 11 from being overstroked relative to the second connecting component 31 more than necessary. Since this operating feeling can be adjusted by changing the height and shape of the protrusion, it is easy to adjust the operating feeling according to the application.

[0034] Then, when the first connecting component 11 is further stroked relative to the second connecting component 31 from the abutting state of FIG. 17, as shown in FIG. 18, the first connecting component 11 rides on the protrusion 51. That is, the first engaging portion 14 of the first connecting component 11 is gradually pushed upward along the protrusion slope 52 of the second connecting component 31, and finally, the first magnetic attraction surface 16 of the first connecting component 11 rides on the protrusion upper surface 53 of the second connecting component 31. In this state, the surface contact state between the first magnetic attraction surface 16 and the second magnetic attraction surface 36 is also separated. When this state is reached, the magnetic attraction force also weakens, and the mechanical engagement is also released. Therefore, the operator can easily pull the first connecting component 11 away from the second connecting component 31 in an arbitrary direction.

[0035] Here, as a feature worthy of special note in the present embodiment, in the state where the first connecting component 11 rides on the protrusion 51 as shown in FIG. 18, the first base portion 12 of the first connecting component 11 is designed not to collide with the second engaging portion 34 of the second connecting component 31. This is an effect caused by deliberately providing a relatively large second gap d2 as described above with reference to FIG. 6. That is, if one wants to miniaturize and thin the connecting device 10, there is an idea that it is preferable to reduce the second gap d2 (for example, reduce the thickness of the stepped portion 27 of the first base portion or delete the stepped portion 27). However, when the second gap d2 becomes small, when the state shown in FIG. 18 is reached, the first connecting component 11 (the first base portion 12) collides with the second connecting component 31 (the second engaging portion 34), resulting in the disadvantage that the operation becomes difficult. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when separating the first connecting component from the second connecting component, when the first magnetic adsorption surface 16 of the first connecting component 11 rides on and contacts the protrusion 51 of the second connecting component 31, the first base portion 12 of the first connecting component 11 is provided with a second gap d2 having a length such that it does not contact the second engaging portion 34 of the second connecting component 31. As the length of the second gap d2 for such an action, a value greater than 10% of the total thickness D in the vertical direction in the engaged state of the connecting device 10 is a guideline. Preferably, a guideline is 10% to 20% of the total thickness D in the vertical direction in the engaged state of the connecting device 10.

[0036] And, as another feature worthy of special note in the present embodiment, in addition to the separation operation of the connecting device 10 by a normal sliding operation as described with reference to FIGS. 16 to 18 above, there is a feature that the connecting device 10 can be separated by another operation. This is an additional feature made possible by deliberately providing a relatively large first gap d1 as described earlier with reference to FIG. 6. In the present embodiment, since the first gap d1 is provided between the lowermost surface of the first base portion 12 of the first connecting component 11 and the uppermost surface of the second engaging portion 34 of the second connecting component 31, from the engaged state shown in FIG. 16, without sliding the first connecting component 11 in the X-axis direction, an operation of removing the first connecting component 11 by rotating it about the engagement portion tip P (the corner where the second engaging slope 43 and the second engaging lower surface 44 intersect) of the second engaging portion 34 as the rotation center can also be made possible. Strictly speaking, since the engagement portion tip P of the second engaging portion 34 is a line formed in an arc shape, the point P shown in FIG. 16 does not become the rotation center. However, it is also possible to remove the first connecting component 11 by rotating it about the line connecting both ends (both ends in the Y-axis direction) of the line formed in an arc shape of the engagement portion tip P as the rotation center axis. Alternatively, even when it is difficult to perform the separation operation of rotating the first connecting component 11 as described above immediately from the engaged state shown in FIG. 16 due to reasons related to the shape design of the engaging portion, while sliding the first connecting component 11 until there is still a slight overlap in the vertical direction between the first engaging portion 14 and the second engaging portion 34, it is also possible to design the connecting device 10 so that it can be separated by combining the separation operation of rotating the first connecting component 11 as described above. If one wants to miniaturize and thin down the connecting device 10, there is an idea that it would be better to reduce the first gap d1 or not provide the first gap d1 at all. However, in the present embodiment, by deliberately providing the first gap d1, several different release operations can be performed. As a guideline for the length of this first gap d1, 5% or more of the total thickness D in the vertical direction in the engaged state of the connecting device 10 is a reference. Preferably, 5% to 10% of the total thickness D in the vertical direction in the engaged state of the connecting device 10 is a reference.

[0037] <Connection operation of the first connecting component (plug) 11 and the second connecting component (socket) 31> When connecting the first connecting component 11 and the second connecting component 31, basically, an operation opposite to the separation operation shown in FIGS. 16 to 18 may be performed. That is, the first connecting component 11 in the separated state is brought closer to the second connecting component 31 in the positive X direction (connection direction side) and in the negative Z axis direction (downward direction side) as shown in FIG. 18. Then, while the magnetic attraction force between the first magnetic body (first magnet) 21 and the second magnetic body (second magnet) 41 also acts, the first magnetic force adsorption surface 16 and the second magnetic force adsorption surface 36 come into surface contact as shown in FIG. 17, and further, the first connecting component 11 moves in the positive X direction (connection direction side) with respect to the second connecting component 31. And finally, as shown in FIG. 16, the first engaging portion 14 engages with the second engaging portion 34, and a connected state is achieved.

[0038] However, the first connecting component 11 and the second connecting component 31 are actually operated in a state of being attached to a bag, clothing fabric, etc. Therefore, the operator may have to operate blindly without being able to see the positional relationship between the first connecting component 11 and the second connecting component 31. Therefore, it is not always possible to bring the first connecting component 11 closer to the second connecting component 31 in a state as shown in FIG. 18.

[0039] For example, as shown in FIG. 19, there may be a situation where the first connecting component 11 rides on the second engaging upper surface 45 of the second engaging portion 34 of the second connecting component 31. When in the state shown in FIG. 19, even if one tries to push it downward as it is, the first connecting component 11 will not cross over the second engaging upper surface 45 of the second connecting component 31, and the operator will have to move the first connecting component 11 relative to the second connecting component 31 in the X direction or the Y-axis direction by trial and error by groping. And once the first connecting component 11 is moved so as to return it to the negative side (release direction side) of the X-axis direction and then slid in the reverse direction, that is, by performing a "return sliding operation", as in the state of FIG. 18, the first connecting component 11 can be in a state of crossing over the second engaging upper surface 45 of the second connecting component 31. In this "return sliding operation", the return sliding amount should be as small as possible, and in this embodiment, a device is provided to make the return sliding amount small. Specifically, in the connecting device 10 in this embodiment, since the second engaging portion 34 of the second connecting component 31 has the second engaging slope 43, compared with the case where it does not have the second engaging slope 43 (such as in the prior patent document 2), the return sliding amount in the "return sliding operation" is smaller. Furthermore, in the connecting device 10 in this embodiment, compared with the case where it does not have the first engaging slope 23 (such as in the prior patent document 2), the return sliding amount in the "return sliding operation" is even smaller. Also, in the connecting device 10 in this embodiment, since the protrusion end surface 57A and the protrusion transition curved surface 57B are provided at both ends of the second engaging portion 34 of the second connecting component 31, compared with the case where they do not have them (such as in the prior patent document 2), the "return sliding operation" is configured to be performed more smoothly.

[0040] While referring to Fig. 19, the situation of the "return slide operation" in the connecting device 10 in this embodiment will be described. First, starting from the state of Fig. 19, when the first connecting component 11 is moved back in the negative X-axis direction (release direction side), since the second engaging portion 34 of the second connecting component 31 has a second engaging slope 43 that slopes downward in the release direction (negative X-direction), compared with the case where the second engaging slope 43 is not present, the first connecting component 11 can start moving downward (negative Z-axis direction) by the amount of the downward slope earlier. Further, preferably, if the first engaging portion 14 of the first connecting component 11 is also provided with a first engaging slope 23 that slopes downward in the release direction (negative X-direction), compared with the case where it does not have the downward slope, the first connecting component 11 will move downward (negative Z-axis direction) by the amount of the downward slope earlier. Fig. 20 shows the state after the first engaging portion 14 of the first connecting component 11 has moved downward (negative Z-axis direction) and in the release direction (negative X-direction) along the second engaging slope 43 of the second connecting component 31 due to the "return slide operation". In the state of Fig. 20, the lowest part of the first connecting component 11 is in contact with the second connecting component 31. More specifically expressed, the vicinity of the edge of the first magnetic adsorption surface 16 of the first connecting component 11 is in contact with the surface formed by the second magnetic adsorption surface 36. Note that the contact state in Fig. 20 will change depending on the magnitude relationship between the radius of curvature of the arc portion and the width in the left-right direction of the first engaging portion 14 and the radius of curvature of the arc portion and the width in the left-right direction of the second engaging portion 34. However, in this embodiment, the description is made for an embodiment in which the radius of curvature of the arc portions of the first engaging portion 14 and the second engaging portion 34 and the width in the left-right direction are substantially the same size.

[0041] From the state as shown in Fig. 20, if the first connecting component 11 is further moved in the negative X-axis direction (release direction side), the state as shown in Fig. 18 will be reached. Thereafter, as shown in Fig. 17, by sliding the first connecting component 11 in the connecting direction, finally, the connecting state as shown in Fig. 16 will be achieved. Alternatively, if it is in the state shown in FIG. 20, since the first connecting component 11 is more likely to move downward along the second engaging slope 43, the operator can operate to push the first connecting component 11 in the negative Z-axis direction (downward direction) without necessarily moving the first connecting component 11 in the negative X-axis direction (release direction side) to achieve the state of FIG. 18. This operation is similar to the feeling of operating a snap button, and in this embodiment, there is also a feature that it can be connected by such an operation similar to a snap button. Further, since the protruding portion end face 57A and the protruding portion transition curved surface 57B are provided at both ends of the second engaging portion 34 of the second connecting component 31, in the above-described return slide operation, the first engaging portion 14 of the first connecting component 11 can also move along the protruding portion end face 57A and the protruding portion transition curved surface 57B. Therefore, even if the first engaging slope 23 and the second engaging slope 43 are not in good surface contact due to reasons such as a slight deviation in the left-right position of the first connecting component 11 and the second connecting component 31, the first engaging portion 14 is guided to easily move downward along the protruding portion end face 57A and the protruding portion transition curved surface 57B. Therefore, there is also a feature that the return slide operation can be performed in a state where the feeling of being caught by both ends of the second engaging portion 34 of the second connecting component 31 is suppressed. As described above, the connecting device 10 in this embodiment is excellent in operability during the engaging operation and the separating operation.

[0042] <Second Embodiment: Improvement in Insertability> FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining another embodiment (second embodiment) of the connecting device 10. In the connecting device 10 of this second embodiment, by slightly thinning the resin at the end of the second engaging portion 34 of the second connecting component (socket) 31, the engaging operation during the connecting operation becomes smoother. Specifically, a part of the protruding portion transition curved surface 57B at the left and right ends of the second engaging portion 34 is thinned.

[0043] More specifically, it will be described using the symbols R1, L2, and C shown in FIG. 21. When the second connecting component 31 is viewed from the vertical direction (the magnetic adsorption direction, the Z-axis direction), the radius of curvature at the center position in the left-right direction of the second engaging portion 34 of the second connecting component 31 is defined as the first radius R1. The length from the center point C of the first radius R1 to an arbitrary edge of the protrusion transition surface 57B is defined as the second length L2 (where the "arbitrary edge of the protrusion transition surface 57B" here means any part of the edge along the inner circumference on the inner circumferential side which is the engaging function side of the protrusion transition surface 57B). In this case, the second length L2 is configured to be larger than the first radius R1. That is, by shaving off the edge of the protrusion transition surface 57B (by making the injection resin less than the edge of the second engaging portion 34), the second length L2 is configured to be longer than the first radius R1. By configuring in this way, when connecting the connecting device 10, the first engaging portion 14 of the first connecting component 11 is less likely to hit the edge of the protrusion transition surface 57B, so the first engaging portion 14 of the first connecting component 11 will be guided more smoothly to the position where it aligns with the second engaging portion 34.

[0044] Furthermore, more preferably, in this second embodiment, a protrusion curvature change surface 71 is provided between the protrusion transition surface 57B and the second engaging slope 43 of the second connecting component 31. And when the second connecting component 31 is viewed from the vertical direction (the magnetic adsorption direction, the Z-axis direction), when the length from the center point C of the first radius R1 to an arbitrary edge of the protrusion curvature change surface 71 is defined as the third length L3, the third length L3 is configured to be larger than the first radius R1. In this way, by shaving off the edge over the protrusion curvature change surface 71 which has a wider range than the protrusion transition surface 57B (by making the injection resin less than the edge of the second engaging portion 34), the third length L3 is configured to be longer than the first radius R1 over a wider range. As a result, when connecting the connecting device 10, the first engaging portion 14 of the first connecting component 11 is less likely to hit the edges of the wide range of the protrusion transition surface 57B and the protrusion curvature change surface 71, so the first engaging portion 14 of the first connecting component 11 will be guided more smoothly to the position where it aligns with the second engaging portion 34. The connecting device 10 of the second embodiment described above exerts an effect during the "return slide operation" also described in the first embodiment. That is, since the injection resin at the edge of the end face 57A of the protrusion and the transition curved surface 57B of the protrusion is less than the injection resin at the edge of the second engaging portion 34, even when performing the "return slide operation", the first engaging portion 14 of the first connecting component 11 is likely to move downward (negative side in the Z-axis direction).

[0045] <Third Embodiment> Figures 22 to 24 are diagrams for explaining another embodiment (third embodiment) of the connecting device 10. Figure 22 is a plan view of the connecting device 10 of the third embodiment, Figure 23 is a left side view, and Figure 24 is a perspective view. In the connecting device 10 of this third embodiment, an interruption portion 75 with the resin removed in the vertical direction (magnetic attraction direction) is provided between the second engaging portion 34 of the second connecting component (socket) 31 and the protrusion 51. As is clear from the side view of Figure 23, the upper surface of this interruption portion 75 is at a position lower than the second engaging upper surface 45 of the second engaging portion 34 and also at a position lower than the protrusion upper surface 53 of the protrusion 51.

[0046] By providing such an interruption portion 75, the mold during the manufacture of the second connecting component 31 can be simplified, the weight of the second connecting component 31 can also be reduced, and the design variations of the second connecting component 31 can be expanded.

[0047] <Fourth Embodiment> Figure 25 is a diagram for explaining another embodiment (fourth embodiment) of the connecting device 10. In the second connecting component 31 of the connecting device 10 of this fourth embodiment, the second engaging upper surface 45 on the upper surface of the second engaging portion 34 is a surface that slopes downward toward the release direction (negative direction of the X-axis) of the connecting device 10. The downward-sloping surface of this second engaging upper surface 45 may be a flat surface or a curved surface.

[0048] Thus, by making the second engaging upper surface 45 a downwardly inclined surface facing the release direction (negative direction of the X direction), when connecting the connecting device 10, the first engaging portion 14 and the first magnetic adsorption surface 16 of the first connecting component 11 are smoothly guided along the downward inclination of the second engaging upper surface 45 toward the protruding portion 51 side, so that the operability of the connecting characters is improved.

[0049] As described above, for the connecting device 10, it is a connecting device capable of relatively rotating the connecting components in the engaged state, and a magnetic type excellent in operability during the engaging operation and the separating operation can be realized. In addition, since the second connecting component 31 has a shape that can be injection-molded using only upper and lower molds, it has excellent mass productivity.

[0050] Note that the present invention is not limited only to the embodiments disclosed above, and those skilled in the art can appropriately use, use as an alternative technology, or additionally add technologies that are substantially the same as or have the same effects as the technical matters described in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0051] Also, throughout this specification, the parts described with reference numerals in the drawings are described as the minimum necessary constituent parts in each embodiment of the present invention, and it does not mean that the present invention is constituted only by the parts described with reference numerals in the drawings.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0052] 10 Connecting device 11 First connecting component (plug) 12 First base portion 13 First engaging receiving portion 14 First engaging portion 16 First magnetic adsorption surface 18 First mounting surface 19 First hole portion 21 First magnetic body (first magnet) 23 First engaging inclined surface 24 First engaging surface 27 Step portion of the first base portion 28 Flat plate portion of the first base portion 29 First gate recess 31 Second connecting component (socket) 32 Second base portion 33 Second engagement receiving portion 34 Second engaging portion 35 Engaging outer peripheral surface 36 Second magnetic adsorption surface 38 Second mounting surface 39 Second hole portion 41 Second magnetic body (second magnet) 43 Second engaging inclined surface 44 Second engaging lower surface 45 Second engaging upper surface 47 Thin wall portion of the second base portion 49 Second gate recess 51 Protrusion portion (friction portion) 52 Protrusion inclined surface 53 Protrusion upper surface 55 Linear guide portion 57A End face of the protrusion portion 57B Transition curved surface of the protrusion portion 58 Outer peripheral surface of the protrusion portion 61 Open hole 62 Concave portion on the back surface 71 Curvature change surface of the protrusion portion 75 Interrupted portion d1 First gap d2 Second gap D Total thickness in the vertical direction in the engaged state of the connecting device 10 R1 First radius L2 Second length L3 Third length C Center point of the first radius

Claims

1. A connecting device (10) comprising a first connecting component (11) having a first magnetic body (21) and a first engaging portion (14), and a second connecting component (31) having a second magnetic body (41) and a second engaging portion (34), wherein either one or both of the first magnetic body (21) and the second magnetic body (41) is a permanent magnet, in a state where the first engaging portion (14) is engaged with the second engaging portion (34), a magnetic force in an attracting direction acts on the first magnetic body (21) and the second magnetic body (41), the first magnetic force adsorption surface (16) of the first connecting component (11) and the second magnetic force adsorption surface (36) of the second connecting component (31) are in surface contact due to the action of the magnetic force, at least a part of the first engaging portion (14) of the first connecting component (11) has an arc shape, at least a part of the second engaging portion (34) of the second connecting component (31) has an arc shape, in a state where the first engaging portion (14) is engaged with the second engaging portion (34), the first connecting component (11) can rotate with respect to the second connecting component (31), the second engaging portion (34) of the second connecting component (31) has a second engaging inclined surface (43) extending in an oblique direction with respect to the magnetic force adsorption direction, characterized in that the connecting device (10).

2. The connecting device (10) according to claim 1, wherein a protrusion (51) is provided on the second connecting component (31) on the side opposite to the second engaging portion (34), and at least a part of the protrusion (51) has an arc shape.

3. When separating the first connecting component (11) from the second connecting component (31), when the first magnetic force adsorption surface (16) of the first connecting component (11) rides on and contacts the protrusion (51) of the second connecting component (31), the first base portion (12) of the first connecting component (11) does not contact the second engaging portion (34) of the second connecting component (31), characterized in that the connecting device (10) according to claim 2.

4. The connecting device (10) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a linear guide portion (55) is provided between the second engaging portion (34) and the protrusion (51) of the second connecting component (31).

5. The arc-shaped engaging portion of the first connecting component (11) has a first engaging inclined surface (23) which is a surface inclined obliquely with respect to the magnetic force adsorption direction. The connecting device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that.

6. The second connecting component (31) is provided with a second engaging upper surface (45) on the upper surface of the second engaging portion (34). The first connecting component (11) is provided with a first base portion (12) which extends in a flat plate shape below the first engaging portion (14). In a state where the first connecting component (11) is engaged with the second connecting component (31), a first gap (d1) larger than 5% of the total thickness (D) in the vertical direction in the engaged state of the connecting device (10) is provided between the first base portion (12) of the first connecting component (11) and the second engaging portion (34). The connecting device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that.

7. The lower side of the second engaging portion (34) of the second connecting component (31) is an open hole (61) extending in the magnetic force adsorption direction. The connecting device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that.

8. The second connecting component (31) is provided with a second engaging upper surface (45) on the upper surface of the second engaging portion (34). Protrusion end surfaces (57A) which are inclined downward from the second engaging upper surface (45) are provided at both ends of the second engaging portion (34). A protrusion transition curved surface (57B) is provided between the protrusion end surface (57A) and the second engaging inclined surface (43). The connecting device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that.

9. When the second connecting component (31) is viewed from the magnetic force adsorption direction. Taking the radius of curvature at the central position in the left-right direction of the second engaging portion (34) of the second connecting component (31) as a first radius (R1). When the length from the center point (C) of the first radius (R1) to an arbitrary edge of the protrusion transition curved surface (57B) is taken as a second length (L2). The second length (L2) is larger than the first radius (R1). The connecting device (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that.

10. A protrusion curvature change surface (71) is provided between the protrusion transition curved surface (57B) and the second engaging inclined surface (43) of the second connecting component (31). When the second connecting component (31) is viewed from the magnetic force adsorption direction. When the length from the center point (C) of the first radius (R1) to an arbitrary edge of the protruding portion curvature change surface (71) is defined as the third length (L3), the third length (L3) is greater than the first radius (R1), and the connecting device (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that.

11. A cutout portion (75) is provided between the second engaging portion (34) and the protruding portion (51) in the second connecting component (31) and is hollowed out in the magnetic attraction direction of the protruding portion (51), and the connecting device (10) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that.

12. The second connecting component (31) is provided with a second engaging upper surface (45) on the upper surface of the second engaging portion (34), and the second engaging upper surface (45) is inclined downward in the release direction of the connecting device (10), and the connecting device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that.

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