Case member and AC adapter

Abstract

To provide a case member which enables connection of a first member and a second member in the case member.SOLUTION: A case member includes a cover part and a position adjustment part. The cover part may house a first member which is connected to a second member and may transmit at least one of electric power and a communication signal between the first member and the second member. The position adjustment part is integrally provided with the cover part and adjusts a position of the first member. The first member housed in the cover part may connect with the second member at a connection port provided at the cover part. The position adjustment part adjusts a position of the first member relative to the cover part to a position, where the first member and the second member can connect with each other, and fixes the first member at the position when the first member is housed in the cover part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a case member and an AC adapter.

Background Art

[0002] For example, there are a first member and a second member that are connected to each other and transmit at least one of power and communication signals, such as an electric device and a cable. The first member may be housed in a case member (for example, a housing).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] If the position of the first member in the case member is displaced, it may be difficult to appropriately connect the first member and the second member in the case member.

[0005] An object of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a case member and an AC adapter capable of connecting a first member and a second member in the case member.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The case member according to the embodiment includes a cover portion and a position adjustment portion. The cover portion is a first member connected to a second member, and can accommodate the first member capable of transmitting at least one of power and communication signals between the first member and the second member. The position adjustment portion is provided integrally with the cover portion and adjusts the position of the first member. The first member accommodated in the cover portion can be connected to the second member at a connection port provided in the cover portion. The position adjustment portion adjusts and fixes the position of the first member with respect to the cover portion to a position where the first member and the second member can be connected when the first member is accommodated in the cover portion.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a case member and an AC adapter capable of connecting a first member and a second member inside the case member.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings are schematic or conceptual, and the relationships between the thickness and width of each part, the ratio of the sizes between parts, etc. are not necessarily the same as the actual ones. Even when representing the same part, there are cases where their dimensions and ratios are represented differently in the drawings. In the present specification and each figure, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements as those described above with respect to the previously shown figures, and detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a case member according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the case member 100 according to the embodiment can accommodate the first member 10. That is, the case member 100 has a cover portion 30 that can accommodate the first member 10. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the first member 10 accommodated in the case member 100 is connected to the second member 20.

[0011] The cover portion 30 is box-shaped and covers the outer periphery of the first member 10. The cover portion 30 follows, for example, the outer surface of a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped first member. The cover portion 30 (case member 100) is, for example, a housing or a case of the first member 10.

[0012] When the first member 10 and the second member 20 are connected to each other, at least one of electric power and communication signals can be transmitted between the first member 10 and the second member 20. That is, at least one of electric power and communication signals is transmitted from one of the first member 10 and the second member 20 to the other of the first member 10 and the second member 20.

[0013] Specifically, each of the first member 10 and the second member 20 is, for example, either an electrical device or a cable. In this example, the first member 10 is an electrical device and the second member 20 is a cable. More specifically, the first member 10 is an AC adapter that converts and outputs AC power to DC power, and the second member 20 is a power cable that transmits power from a power source to the AC adapter.

[0014] FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are schematic plan views illustrating a case member according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the second member 20 is connected to the first member 10 housed in the case member 100. FIG. 3 shows a state before the second member 20 is connected to the first member 10 housed in the case member 100.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 3, the case member 100 has a cylindrical portion 32 and a connection port 31. The cylindrical portion 32 is a tubular shape protruding from the side surface of the cover portion 30 along the first direction D1. The connection port 31 is an opening located at an end portion of the cylindrical portion 32 in the first direction D1. The connection port 31 is provided so as to communicate with the inside of the cover portion 30. The first member 10 housed in the cover portion 30 can be connected to the second member 20 at the connection port 31. That is, in a state where at least one of the first member 10 and the second member 20 is inserted into the connection port 31, the first member 10 and the second member 20 are connected to each other.

[0016] For example, by moving the second member 20 relative to the first member 10 in the first direction D1, the first member 10 and the second member 20 are connected. In this example, one of the first member 10 and the second member 20 is inserted into the other of the first member 10 and the second member 20 in the first direction D1. Thereby, the first member 10 and the second member 20 are connected. That is, the first direction D1 is an insertion direction.

[0017] In the description of the embodiments, the first direction D1 may be referred to as "front", and the opposite direction may be referred to as "rear". Also, one direction perpendicular to the first direction D1 is defined as the second direction D2. The second direction D2 may be referred to as "up", and the opposite direction may be referred to as "down". A direction perpendicular to the first direction D1 and perpendicular to the second direction D2 is defined as the third direction D3. The third direction D3 may be referred to as "right", and the opposite direction may be referred to as "left".

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first member 10 has a first connection portion 11. The second member 20 has a second connection portion 21. The first member 10 and the second member 20 are connected by connecting the first connection portion 11 and the second connection portion 21.

[0019] Each of the first connection portion 11 and the second connection portion 21 is, for example, a connector having terminals. The connector may be, for example, a plug, a receptacle, or an adapter. The shapes of the first connection portion 11 and the second connection portion 21 may be socket-shaped or pin-shaped.

[0020] In this example, the first connection portion 11 has a recess 11g and a terminal 11t. The recess 11g is provided on the side surface of a rectangular parallelepiped housing 10c. The terminal 11t is provided within the recess 11g. Also, the end of the second connection portion 21 is a protrusion 21p. A hole 21g is provided in the protrusion 21p.

[0021] The protrusion 21p is inserted into the connection port 31, the cylindrical portion 32, and the recess 11g in the first direction D1. When the protrusion 21p is inserted into the recess 11g, the terminal 11t is inserted into the hole 21g. Thereby, the terminal 11t contacts the terminal within the hole 21g, and the first member 10 and the second member 20 are connected.

[0022] In this way, by inserting at least one of the first connection portion 11 and the second connection portion 21 into the connection port 31 and inserting one of the first connection portion 11 and the second connection portion 21 into the other, the first member 10 and the second member 20 are connected.

[0023] Note that the connection port 31 does not necessarily have to be provided in the cylindrical portion 32. The connection port 31 may be a portion that exposes the first connection portion 11 of the first member 10 housed in the cover portion 30 without covering it so that the second member 20 can be connected. For example, the shape of the connection port 31 is not limited to a circle and may be a notch shape.

[0024] A bent groove 32g may be provided on the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 32. As will be described later, the groove 32g functions as a retaining means for suppressing the disconnection of the connection between the first member 10 and the second member 20.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a case member according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 shows a state in which the first member 10 is not housed in the case member 100. In this example, the cover portion 30 of the case member 100 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The cover portion 30 has two surfaces (front plate portion 30f and rear plate portion 30b) arranged in the first direction D1. The aforementioned cylindrical portion 32 is provided on the front plate portion 30f. An opening is provided in the rear plate portion 30b.

[0026] The cover portion 30 has four surfaces (upper plate portion 30u, lower plate portion 30d, right plate portion 30m, and left plate portion 30h) that connect the front plate portion 30f and the rear plate portion 30b. An opening 30w is provided in each of these four surfaces. The opening 30w in each surface is provided so as to penetrate a portion other than the side of the rectangular parallelepiped. By providing the opening 30w, the heat dissipation performance can be improved.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 4, the case member 100 has a position adjusting portion 40. The position adjusting portion 40 is provided integrally with the cover portion 30. Note that, for example, a resin such as plastic can be used for the cover portion 30 and the position adjusting portion 40. For example, the position adjusting portion 40 contains the same material as the cover portion 30 and is integrally molded seamlessly with the cover portion 30. The position adjusting portion 40 does not have to be detachable from the cover portion 30. In other words, the position adjusting portion 40 may be a part of the cover portion 30. For the resin, for example, a thermoplastic resin such as polypropylene can be used.

[0028] When the first member 10 is housed in the cover portion 30, the position adjusting portion 40 adjusts and fixes the position of the first member 10 with respect to the cover portion 30 to a position where the first member 10 and the second member 20 can be connected in a first relative positional relationship. For example, the position adjusting portion 40 adjusts the position of the first connecting portion 11 of the first member 10 with respect to the connection port 31 of the cover portion 30.

[0029] The first relative positional relationship is, for example, a predetermined positional relationship in which the first member 10 and the second member 20 can be properly connected. The first relative positional relationship is, for example, a positional relationship in which no problem occurs in the transmission of electric power or communication signals between the first member 10 and the second member 20. When the connection between the first member 10 and the second member 20 is inappropriate, problems such as inability to transmit electric power or communication signals, excessive power loss, or excessive communication signal noise may be considered.

[0030] Specifically, the first relative positional relationship is a positional relationship in which the insertion allowance Lin (see FIG. 2) is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance. Also, for example, the first relative positional relationship is a positional relationship in which no large play (gap, clearance) occurs between the first member 10 and the cover portion 30. The insertion allowance Lin is a distance at which one of the first connecting portion 11 and the second connecting portion 21 can insert the other of the first connecting portion 11 and the second connecting portion 21. As shown in FIG. 2, the insertion allowance Lin is the distance along the first direction D1 within the range where the first connecting portion 11 and the second connecting portion 21 can overlap in the second direction D2.

[0031] For example, the position adjusting portion 40 adjusts the position of the first member 10 so that the insertion allowance Lin becomes a certain distance. The certain distance may be the same as the distance at which one of the first connecting portion 11 and the second connecting portion 21 can insert the other of the first connecting portion 11 and the second connecting portion 21 when the first member 10 is not housed in the cover portion 30. For example, the first relative positional relationship is a positional relationship in which the other of the first connecting portion 11 and the second connecting portion 21 can be inserted to the deepest part of one of the first connecting portion 11 and the second connecting portion 21.

[0032] In this example, the position adjustment unit 40 includes a first adjustment unit 41 and a second adjustment unit 42. The first adjustment unit 41 is provided inside the rear plate portion 30b and presses the first member 10 toward the connection port 31. That is, the first adjustment unit 41 biases the first member 10 in a direction parallel to the first direction D1. Thereby, the first adjustment unit 41 of the position adjustment unit 40 adjusts the position of the first member 10 in the first direction D1. In the example of FIG. 4, the first adjustment unit 41 has an elastic claw 41a. The elastic claw 41a biases the first member 10 in a direction opposite to the first direction D1.

[0033] The second adjustment unit 42 supports the first member 10 housed in the cover portion 30. The second adjustment unit 42 presses the first member 10 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1. Thereby, the second adjustment unit 42 of the position adjustment unit 40 adjusts the position of the first member 10 in the vertical or horizontal direction. The second adjustment unit 42, for example, presses the first member 10 toward the inside of the cover portion 30.

[0034] The second adjustment unit 42 has, for example, a plurality of support portions 42s. In this example, four support portions 42s are provided. Each of the four support portions 42s is provided on each of the four sides extending from the front plate portion 30f to the rear plate portion 30b of the rectangular parallelepiped-shaped cover portion 30.

[0035] The support portion 42s has a beam structure extending along the first direction D1. The support portion 42s can be bent in a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1 by elasticity. Thereby, the support portion 42s comes into contact with the first member 10 and presses the first member 10 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1 so as to follow the first member 10.

[0036] The support portion 42s has, for example, a beam portion 42sa and a rib 42sb. The beam portion 42sa extends along the first direction D1. The beam portion 42sa has, for example, an L-shaped cross section. The width of the beam portion 42sa (the length in the second direction D2 or the third direction D3) can be, for example, 3 mm or more and 20 mm or less, but is not particularly limited. The rib 42sb is provided in an L shape so as to protrude from the beam portion 42sa toward the inside of the cover portion 30.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a case member according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 represents a cross-section taken along line A-A shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 5, corresponding to the four corners of the first member 10, four support portions 42s (support portions 42s1 to 42s4) are arranged. The support portion 42s is in contact with the corner of the first member 10 at the rib 42sb. Each of the ribs 42sb of the four support portions 42s supports each of the four corners of the first member 10.

[0038] Each of the plurality of support portions 42s pushes the first member 10 toward the inside of the cover portion 30 in each of a plurality of directions perpendicular to the first direction D1. In the example of FIG. 5, the support portions 42s1, 42s2, 42s3, and 42s4 apply forces to the first member 10 in the directions of arrows A1, A2, A3, and A4, respectively. The support portion 42s biases the first member 10, for example, toward the center of the cover portion 30 (the center in a plane perpendicular to the first direction D1). For example, the four support portions 42s press the first member 10 against each other.

[0039] The support portion 42s supports the outer shape of the first member 10 with the rib 42sb around the first member 10 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1. In the first direction D1, the support portion 42s follows the outer shape of the first member 10 due to the deflection of the beam portion 42sa. Thereby, the second adjustment portion 42 (the plurality of support portions 42s) achieves positioning in the alignment of the cover portion 30 and the first member 10. The first member 10 is fixed without moving relative to the cover portion 30. Note that the fact that the second adjustment portion 42 pushes the first member 10 toward the inside of the cover portion 30 may include the support portion 42s pushing the first member 10 toward another support portion 42s.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a case member according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the case member 100. The case member 100 includes an upper member 33 and a lower member 34. The upper member 33 and the lower member 34 are arranged vertically (in the second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1). The case member 100 is constituted by the combination of the upper member 33 and the lower member 34. That is, the case member 100 is formed by assembling the upper member 33 and the lower member 34 and fixing them with the fixture 35. The aforementioned cover portion 30, the first adjustment portion 41, and the second adjustment portion 42 are respectively constituted by the upper member 33 and the lower member 34. The fixture 35 is, for example, a screw for fastening the upper member 33 and the lower member 34.

[0041] The upper member 33 and the lower member 34 have symmetrical shapes. That is, the shape of the upper member 33 and the shape of the lower member 34 are the same as each other. For example, the upper member 33 and the lower member 34 can be formed using the same one mold.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 6, each of the upper member 33 and the lower member 34 has a positioning pin P1, a pin hole P2, and a screw hole P3. In each of the upper member 33 and the lower member 34, two positioning pins P1 are provided at diagonal corners. Also, in each of the upper member 33 and the lower member 34, two pin holes P2 are provided at diagonal corners. In each of the upper member 33 and the lower member 34, the screw holes P3 are provided at the four corners.

[0043] The first member 10 is disposed between the upper member 33 and the lower member 34. Then, the upper member 33 and the lower member 34 are combined by inserting one positioning pin P1 of the upper member 33 and the lower member 34 into the other pin hole P2 of the upper member 33 and the lower member 34. Thereby, the first member 10 is sandwiched between the upper member 33 and the lower member 34. And in that state, the fixture 35 is inserted into the screw hole P3 of the upper member 33 and the screw hole P3 of the lower member 34 to fix the upper member 33 and the lower member 34. The fixture 35 fixes the positional relationship between the upper member 33 and the lower member 34 in the front-back, left-right directions. Also, the fixture 35 can adjust the positional relationship between the upper member 33 and the lower member 34 in the vertical direction according to the tightening amount of the screw.

[0044] Figs. 7(a) and 7(b) are schematic perspective sectional views illustrating a case member according to an embodiment. Fig. 7(a) represents a cross section taken along line B-B shown in Fig. 1. Note that the illustration of the second member 20 is omitted. Fig. 7(b) is an enlarged view of a part of Fig. 7(a).

[0045] The first adjusting portion 41 has an elastic claw 41a and an inclined surface 41b. The elastic claw 41a and the inclined surface 41b are provided on each of the upper member 33 and the lower member 34. The elastic claw 41a is columnar and extends in the second direction D2. The end of the elastic claw 41a can be displaced in the first direction D1 by elasticity. The inclined surface 41b is a surface inclined with respect to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, and is provided, for example, at the tip of a rib.

[0046] When the upper member 33 and the lower member 34 are combined, as shown in Fig. 7(b), the inclined surface 41b of the other of the upper member 33 and the lower member 34 abuts against the end of the elastic claw 41a of one of the upper member 33 and the lower member 34. By tightening the fixture 35, the upper member 33 moves in the direction along the second direction D2 with respect to the lower member 34 as indicated by arrow AA. Then, due to the inclination of the inclined surface 41b as indicated by arrow AB, the end of the elastic claw 41a is displaced in a direction parallel to the first direction D1. In this way, the end of the elastic claw 41a presses the first member 10 toward the connection port 31. The position of the end of the elastic claw 41a is fixed by the fastening force of the screw.

[0047] As described above, the case member 100 in the embodiment has a position adjusting portion 40. The position adjusting portion 40 adjusts the position of the first member 10 with respect to the cover portion 30 to a position where the first member 10 and the second member 20 can be connected in a first relative positional relationship when the first member 10 is accommodated in the cover portion 30. Thereby, even when the first member 10 is accommodated in the cover portion 30, the position of the first member 10 with respect to the cover portion 30 can be adjusted to a predetermined position, and the first member 10 and the second member 20 can be connected.

[0048] For example, the dimensions of the first member 10 may vary due to manufacturing variations. In such a case, play may occur between the cover portion and the first member 10, and the position of the first member 10 relative to the cover portion may shift. As a result, there is a risk that the first member 10 and the second member 20 cannot be properly connected. For example, if the position of the first member 10 in the first direction D1 shifts, there is a risk that sufficient insertion allowance cannot be ensured. Also, for example, if the position of the first member 10 relative to the cover portion (connection port) of the first member 10 shifts in the second direction D2 or the third direction D3, there may be a case where the second member 20 cannot be connected to the first member 10.

[0049] In contrast, according to the embodiment, even if the dimensions of the first member 10 vary, the position adjusting portion 40 (for example, at least one of the first adjusting portion 41 and the second adjusting portion 42) presses the first member 10, so that the position of the first member 10 relative to the cover portion 30 can be determined so that the first member 10 and the second member 20 can be connected in a predetermined positional relationship.

[0050] As a method of fixing the case (cover portion) to the first member 10 without play, a method of sticking or sandwiching another adjusting member (for example, an elastic body such as a sponge) between the case and the first member may be considered. However, in this method, the number of parts increases due to the adjusting member, and the adjustment process for adjusting the position of the adjusting member increases, leading to a cost increase. In contrast, in the embodiment, the position adjusting portion 40 (the first adjusting portion 41 and the second adjusting portion 42) is provided integrally with the cover portion 30. Thereby, play adjustment can be performed without additional parts.

[0051] The first adjusting portion 41 presses and fixes the first member 10 toward the connection port 31. Thereby, even if the size of the first member 10 changes, the first member 10 can be brought closer to the connection port 31. Therefore, it is easy to connect the second member 20 to the first member 10 via the connection port 31. For example, play of the first member 10 in the insertion direction (first direction D1) can be suppressed, and the insertion allowance can be adjusted to be constant.

[0052] The second adjustment part 42 presses and fixes the first member 10 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1. Thereby, play in the direction perpendicular to the first direction D1 can be suppressed. Specifically, as described with reference to FIG. 5, each of the plurality of support parts 42s presses and fixes the first member 10 toward the inside of the cover part 30 in each of a plurality of directions perpendicular to the first direction D1. By supporting the first member 10 so as to be pressed from a plurality of directions (four directions in this example), play in the plane perpendicular to the first direction D1 can be suppressed. For example, in the plane perpendicular to the first direction D1, the center position of the first member 10 and the center position of the cover part 30 can be aligned. For example, in the plane perpendicular to the first direction D1, the center position of the first connection part 11 and the center position of the connection port 31 can be aligned (for example, made to coincide).

[0053] A method of positioning and fixing the first member 10 with respect to the cover part 30 in the plane perpendicular to the first direction D1 by the elasticity of the claw is also conceivable. However, in this case, since the fixing force depends on the elastic force of the claw, there is a possibility of loosening due to a large external force. Also, it is conceivable that the root of the claw structure may be damaged or that it may be difficult to set the elastic force. For example, it is not preferable for the position to shift due to the elasticity of the claw during adapter use or when the connector is inserted and removed. In contrast, in the embodiment, the first member 10 is supported from a plurality of directions by the support parts 42s having a beam structure. Thereby, positioning can be stably performed while suppressing play.

[0054] Also, a method of providing a crushing rib formed of resin in the cover part and fitting the cover part to the first member 10 by crushing the crushing rib is also conceivable. However, depending on the amount by which the rib can be crushed, there is a risk that it may not be possible to cope with a large variation in the dimensions (outer shape tolerance) of the first member 10. In contrast, in the embodiment, the position adjustment part 40 (the first adjustment part 41 and the second adjustment part 42) is configured to press the first member 10, so that a large outer shape tolerance can be accommodated.

[0055] As described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 7(b), the cover portion 30 and the position adjustment portion 40 are constituted by an upper member 33 and a lower member 34. In other words, the upper member 33 and the lower member 34 include the cover portion 30 and the position adjustment portion 40. By combining the upper member 33 and the lower member 34, the position of the first member 10 with respect to the cover portion 30 is adjusted and fixed to a position where the first member 10 and the second member 20 can be connected in a first relative positional relationship. That is, by assembling the upper member 33 and the lower member 34 with a fixture 35 (such as a screw), the first adjustment portion 41 presses the first member 10 toward the connection port. Also, by assembling the upper member 33 and the lower member 34 with a fixture 35 (such as a screw), the support portion 42s of the second adjustment portion 42 presses the first member 10 along the first member 10 due to the deflection of the beam structure.

[0056] As described above, according to the embodiment, the position of the first member 10 can be adjusted by combining the upper member 33 and the lower member 34 without using additional parts other than the fixture. For example, since the holding function is exhibited only by tightening and assembling the screws, parts and processes for adjustment are not required. For example, by simply tightening and assembling the screws, play with respect to the outer shape tolerance of the first member 10 can be suppressed, centering of the connection port 31 with respect to the connector (first connection portion 11) can be performed, and the insertion allowance can be made constant.

[0057] As described above, the upper member 33 and the lower member 34 can have the same shape. Thereby, the member management cost, the manufacturing cost, and the design cost when expanding to different sizes can be suppressed. For example, when the upper member 33 and the lower member 34 are formed with one mold, the mold production cost can be suppressed. Also, since they can be formed with the same mold, deviation between the dimensions of the upper member 33 and the dimensions of the lower member 34 due to manufacturing variations can be suppressed.

[0058] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a second member. As shown in FIG. 8, the second member 20 has a second connecting portion 21, a flange portion 22, and a cylindrical portion 23. The second connecting portion 21 is located at the tip of the second member 20. The flange portion 22 is provided at the rear end of the second connecting portion 21 and has a diameter larger than that of the second connecting portion 21. The cylindrical portion 23 is provided so as to cover the outer periphery of the flange portion 22. The cylindrical portion 23 is separate from the second connecting portion 21 and the flange portion 22 and can rotate around the flange portion 22, for example, as indicated by arrow AC. A convex portion 23p is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 23.

[0059] When connecting the first member 10 and the second member 20, the second member 20 is inserted into the connection port 31 of the cover portion 30. At this time, the outer peripheral side surface 22s of the flange portion 22 (or a packing or the like provided on the outer peripheral side surface 22s) may contact the inner peripheral surface 32f (see FIG. 7(a)) of the cylindrical portion 32 of the cover portion 30.

[0060] The diameter D22 of the rear end of the flange portion 22 may be larger than the diameter D32f (see FIG. 7(a)) of the inner peripheral surface 32f of the cylindrical portion 32. In this case, when the second member 20 is inserted into the connection port 31, the rear end of the flange portion 22 comes into contact with the end of the cylindrical portion 32. Therefore, the distance that the second member 20 can be inserted into the connection port 31 is limited.

[0061] When the second member 20 is inserted into the connection port 31 of the cover portion 30, the cylindrical portion 23 covers the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 32 of the cover portion 30. At this time, the convex portion 23p of the cylindrical portion 23 is passed through the groove 32g of the cylindrical portion 32. Then, by rotating the cylindrical portion 23, the convex portion 23p and the groove 32g are engaged. As a result, the second member 20 is prevented from coming off the first member 10 in the first direction D1.

[0062] Thus, when the second member 20 is connected to the first member 10, it may be directly or indirectly attached to a part of the cover portion 30 (for example, the cylindrical portion 32). When connecting the first member 10 and the second member 20, the second member 20 may directly or indirectly contact a part of the cover portion 30 (for example, the cylindrical portion 32) where the connection port 31 is provided. In the example of FIG. 8, the flange portion 22 contacts the cylindrical portion 32.

[0063] In such a case, when connecting the first member 10 and the second member 20, the relative positional relationship between the second member 20 and the cover portion 30 is defined in a predetermined positional relationship depending on the position and shape of the connection port 31 of the cover portion 30. That is, the position and distance at which the second member 20 can be inserted with respect to the cover portion 30 are restricted by the position and shape of a part of the cover portion 30 (for example, the cylindrical portion 32) where the connection port 31 is provided. In this case, if the position of the first member 10 shifts within the cover portion 30, the positional relationship between the first member 10 and the second member 20 will also shift, and there is a risk that it will be difficult to connect the first member 10 and the second member 20.

[0064] On the other hand, as already described, in the embodiment, the position of the first member 10 with respect to the cover portion 30 can be adjusted by the position adjusting portion 40, and the first member 10 and the second member 20 can be connected. For example, by simply tightening the screw, centering of the connection port can be performed without play with respect to the outer shape tolerance of the first member 10, and the insertion allowance can be kept constant.

[0065] In an embodiment, the first member 10 and the second member 20 are not limited to the above example. The electrical device includes an electric circuit and may be a device having any function. For example, the electrical device includes a device for converting voltage, a power supply device, or a relay device for communication signals. The electrical device may be a controller (for example, a control circuit including a CPU or the like) for controlling other devices such as an actuator of an electric bed, or may be a remote control for operating other devices. The cable may be, for example, a power cable for power supply or power reception, or a communication cable for transmitting or receiving communication signals between other devices, a controller, or a remote control.

[0066] The communication signal may be a signal for transmitting any information to an electrical device that is at least one of the first member 10 and the second member 20, or another device directly or indirectly connected to the electrical device. For example, the communication signal is a signal for controlling the operation of the electrical device or the other device. For example, in the case of a control box having a circuit connected to an actuator built therein, a signal including the position information of the actuator is transmitted and received as a communication signal between the control box and the actuator. Also, in this case, power is supplied to the actuator from, for example, the control box. The connection may be any method by which the first member 10 and the second member 20 are close (for example, in contact) to enable transmission of signals and the like. For example, the communication cable may include an electric wire or may include an optical cable.

[0067] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a part of an electric bed. As shown in FIG. 9, the electric bed 200 includes a frame 201, a control box 202, an actuator 203, and a remote control 204.

[0068] The actuator 203 is connected to the frame 201. By the operation of the actuator 203, the position (for example, height or inclination) of a part of the frame 201 can be changed. Thereby, the back bottom or the leg bottom of the electric bed 200 can be moved.

[0069] The actuator 203 is communicably connected to the control box 202. The control box 202 includes a control circuit for controlling the operation of the actuator 203. The actuator 203 receives a signal from the control box 202 and operates according to the signal.

[0070] The remote controller 204 is communicably connected to the control box 202. The remote controller 204 is a hand-held switch for the user to operate and set the operation of the electric bed 200. When the user presses a button on the remote controller 204, a signal corresponding to the operation is transmitted to the control box 202. The control box 202 operates, for example, the actuator 203 based on the signal received from the remote controller 204.

[0071] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a partial connection of the electric bed. FIG. 10 schematically shows the connection between the remote controller 204 and the control box 202. The control box 202 is connected to the remote controller main body 204b of the remote controller 204 by a cable 204c of the remote controller 204. The control box 202 may be housed in, for example, the case member 101. The case member 101 has a position adjustment part 40 similar to the case member 100. Thus, the first member 10 may be the control box 202, and the second member 20 may be the cable 204c of the remote controller 204.

[0072] FIG. 10 schematically shows the connection between the actuator 203 and the control box 202. The control box 202 is connected to the actuator main body 203b of the actuator 203 by a cable 203c of the actuator 203. Thus, the first member 10 may be the control box 202, and the second member 20 may be the cable 203c of the actuator 203.

[0073] In the above example, the first member 10 includes a housing 10c that covers the circuit. The housing 10c is housed within the case members 100 and 101. However, the first member 10 may be a circuit board or the like that is not covered by a housing, and the case members 100 and 101 may be used as the housing for the circuit board.

[0074] For example, the remote control main body 204b and the cable 204c may be detachable. In this case, for example, the remote control main body 204b may be housed in a case member similar to the case member 100. That is, the first member 10 may be the remote control main body 204b, and the second member 20 may be the cable 204c.

[0075] In this specification, "vertical" and "parallel" include not only strict vertical and strict parallel, but also, for example, variations in the manufacturing process, etc., and may be substantially vertical and substantially parallel.

[0076] In this specification, "the same" means that they may be substantially the same. For example, even if they are slightly different due to variations in manufacturing conditions, etc., they are included as the same.

[0077] The cover portion 30 that can accommodate the first member 10 has a shape that covers at least a part of the outer surface of the first member 10. The cover portion 30 accommodating the first member 10 may be in the form of attaching the cover portion 30 to the outer surface of the first member 10. That is, the cover portion 30 may be attached to the first member 10 so as to cover at least a part of the first member 10.

[0078] The embodiment may include the following configuration. (Configuration 1) A first member connected to a second member, a cover portion capable of accommodating the first member through which at least one of electric power and a communication signal can be transmitted between the first member and the second member, A position adjustment portion provided integrally with the cover portion for adjusting the position of the first member, and comprising The first member accommodated in the cover portion is connectable to the second member at a connection port provided in the cover portion. The position adjustment portion is a case member that adjusts and fixes the position of the first member with respect to the cover portion to a position where the first member and the second member can be connected when the first member is accommodated in the cover portion. (Configuration 2) The position adjustment portion includes a first adjustment portion that presses and fixes the first member toward the connection port, and is the case member according to Configuration 1. (Configuration 3) The first member and the second member are connected by inserting one of the first member and the second member into the other in a first direction. The position adjustment portion includes a second adjustment portion that holds and fixes the first member in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, and is the case member according to Configuration 1 or 2. (Configuration 4) The second adjustment portion includes a plurality of support portions. Each of the plurality of support portions holds and fixes the first member toward the inside of the cover portion in each of a plurality of directions perpendicular to the first direction, and is the case member according to Configuration 3. (Configuration 5) The cover portion and the position adjustment portion are composed of an upper member and a lower member. By combining the upper member and the lower member, the position of the first member with respect to the cover portion is adjusted and fixed to a position where the first member and the second member can be connected. The case member according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4. (Configuration 6) The cover portion and the position adjustment portion are composed of an upper member and a lower member. The upper member and the lower member have the same shape as each other, and are the case member according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5. (Configuration 7) An AC adapter using the case member according to any one of Configurations 1 to 6.

[0079] The foregoing embodiments are examples embodying the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. For example, in the foregoing embodiments, those in which some components are added, deleted, or changed are also included in the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0080] 10 First member, 10c Housing, 11 First connection portion, 11g Recess, 11t Terminal, 20 Second member, 21 Second connection portion, 21g Hole, 21p Protrusion, 22 Flange portion, 22s Outer peripheral side surface, 23 Cylindrical portion, 23p Protrusion, 30 Cover portion, 30b Rear plate portion, 30d Lower plate portion, 30f Front plate portion, 30h Left plate portion, 30m Right plate portion, 30u Upper plate portion, 30w Opening, 31 Connection port, 32 Cylindrical portion, 32f Inner peripheral surface, 32g Groove, 33 Upper member, 34 Lower member, 35 Fixture, 40 Position adjustment portion, 41 First adjustment portion, 41a Elastic claw, 41b Inclined surface, 42 Second adjustment portion, 42s Support portion, 42sa Beam portion, 42sb Rib, 100, 101 Case member, 200 Electric bed, 201 Frame, 203 Actuator, 203b Actuator body, 203c Cable, 204 Remote control, 204b Remote control body, 204c Cable, D1 to D3 First to third directions, Lin Insertion allowance, P1 Positioning pin, P2 Pin hole, P3 Screw hole

Claims

1. A first member connected to a second member, the first member including a cover portion capable of accommodating the first member through which at least one of electric power and communication signals can be transmitted between the first member and the second member; A position adjustment portion provided integrally with the cover portion for adjusting the position of the first member; and comprising; The first member accommodated in the cover portion is connectable to the second member at a connection port provided in the cover portion; When the first member is accommodated in the cover portion, the position adjustment portion adjusts and fixes the position of the first member with respect to the cover portion to a position where the first member and the second member can be connected; The cover portion and the position adjustment portion are constituted by an upper member and a lower member; By combining the upper member and the lower member, the position of the first member with respect to the cover portion is adjusted and fixed to a position where the first member and the second member can be connected; The position adjustment portion includes a first adjustment portion that presses and fixes the first member toward the connection port; The first adjustment portion is a case member that presses the first member in a direction intersecting the vertical direction by combining the upper member and the lower member.

2. A first member connected to a second member, the first member including a cover portion capable of accommodating the first member through which at least one of electric power and communication signals can be transmitted between the first member and the second member; A position adjustment portion provided integrally with the cover portion for adjusting the position of the first member; and comprising; The first member accommodated in the cover portion is connectable to the second member at a connection port provided in the cover portion; When the first member is accommodated in the cover portion, the position adjustment portion adjusts and fixes the position of the first member with respect to the cover portion to a position where the first member and the second member can be connected; The cover portion and the position adjustment portion are constituted by an upper member and a lower member; By combining the upper member and the lower member, the position of the first member with respect to the cover portion is adjusted and fixed to a position where the first member and the second member can be connected. The position adjusting portion includes a first adjusting portion that presses and fixes the first member toward the connection port. The first adjusting portion is a case member that presses the first member in a direction intersecting the vertical direction according to the vertical positional relationship between the upper member and the lower member, which is adjusted by the tightening amount of the screw.

3. The first member and the second member are connected by inserting one of the first member and the second member in a first direction with respect to the other of the first member and the second member. The position adjusting portion includes a second adjusting portion that holds and fixes the first member in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, for the case member according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The second adjusting portion includes a plurality of support portions. Each of the plurality of support portions holds and fixes the first member toward the inside of the cover portion in each of a plurality of directions perpendicular to the first direction, for the case member according to claim 3.

5. A first member connected to a second member, comprising a cover portion capable of accommodating the first member through which at least one of electric power and communication signals can be transmitted between the first member and the second member, A position adjusting portion provided integrally with the cover portion for adjusting the position of the first member, and comprising The first member accommodated in the cover portion is connectable to the second member at a connection port provided in the cover portion. The position adjusting portion adjusts and fixes the position of the first member with respect to the cover portion to a position where the first member and the second member can be connected when the first member is accommodated in the cover portion. The first member and the second member are connected by inserting one of the first member and the second member into the other of the first member and the second member in a first direction. The position adjusting part includes a second adjusting part that presses and fixes the first member in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The second adjusting part includes a plurality of support parts. The support part has a beam part that extends along the first direction on the side of the cover part and bends in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. Each of the plurality of support parts is a case member that presses and fixes the first member toward the inside of the cover part in each of a plurality of directions perpendicular to the first direction.

6. A first member connected to a second member, including a cover part capable of accommodating the first member through which at least one of power and communication signals can be transmitted between the first member and the second member. A position adjusting part provided integrally with the cover part for adjusting the position of the first member. Comprising. The first member accommodated in the cover part can be connected to the second member at a connection port provided in the cover part. When the first member is accommodated in the cover part, the position adjusting part adjusts and fixes the position of the first member with respect to the cover part to a position where the first member and the second member can be connected. The first member and the second member are connected by inserting one of the first member and the second member into the other of the first member and the second member in a first direction. The position adjusting part includes a second adjusting part that presses and fixes the first member in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The second adjusting part includes a plurality of support parts. Each of the plurality of support parts presses and fixes the first member toward the inside of the cover part in each of a plurality of directions perpendicular to the first direction. The plurality of support parts are case members that press the first members against each other.

7. The cover part and the position adjustment part are constituted by an upper member and a lower member, By combining the upper member and the lower member, the position of the first member with respect to the cover part is adjusted and fixed to a position where the first member and the second member can be connected. The case member according to claim 5 or 6.

8. An AC adapter using the case member according to any one of claims 1, 2, 5, and 6.

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