housing

Abstract

To provide a housing that can restrain an unusual noise from occurring when the housing comprising a housing body and a lid is vibrated.SOLUTION: A housing 1 comprises a housing body 2 and a lid 3. The housing body 2 and the lid 3 comprise a shaft part Ax1 and a bearing part Ax2. A side wall W2 comprises a second opening / closing direction opposed surface F4 opposed to a first opening / closing direction opposed surface F3 provided in the lid 3, in a base end region R2. The first opening / closing direction opposed surface F3 and / or the second opening / closing direction opposed surface F4 comprises a protruding part PR1. The side wall W2 comprises a second axial direction opposed surface F2 opposed to a first axial direction opposed surface F1 provided in the lid 3, in the direction of an axis X. The first axial direction opposed surface F1 and the second axial direction opposed surface F2 are constituted so as to be pressed against each other in the direction of the axis X at least in a state where the lid 3 closes an opening part AP.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a housing. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, as shown in Patent Document 1, a cable connection mechanism for connecting multiple cables is used. The cable connection mechanism is attached to a predetermined position on an attachment object, such as a vehicle, and connects multiple cables at the predetermined positions. The cable connection mechanism as disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a housing including a housing main body with an opening on one side and a lid that closes the opening provided in the housing main body. The cable connection mechanism further includes a slider that is slidably accommodated within the housing and to which the cables are connected. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-183994 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The housing lid is configured to rotate around a predetermined rotation axis relative to the housing main body at a hinge portion of the housing. The hinge portion of the housing can have a structure including a shaft portion and a bearing portion that supports the shaft portion so that it rotates around the rotation axis. A gap may be formed in a predetermined direction between the shaft portion and the bearing portion for various reasons, such as dimensional errors in part molding or the need to provide a predetermined clearance to facilitate assembly of the shaft portion and the bearing portion. In this case, for example, when an attachment object such as a vehicle vibrates or when an operating object such as a cable is operated, vibrations are transmitted to the housing main body or the lid, causing relative movement between the shaft portion and the bearing portion. In this case, the shaft portion and the bearing portion come into contact with each other, generating abnormal noise. Furthermore, the relative movement between the shaft portion and the bearing portion due to vibration repeatedly causes the housing main body and the lid to move relative to each other, resulting in contact between the housing main body and the lid and generating abnormal noise.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a housing that can suppress the generation of abnormal noise when the housing, which includes a housing body and a lid, vibrates. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The housing of the present invention comprises a housing main body having a bottom wall and side walls erected from the bottom wall and having an opening that opens to face the bottom wall, and a lid connected to the side walls so as to rotate around a predetermined rotation axis and closing the opening, wherein one of the housing main body and the lid has a shaft portion, and the other of the housing main body and the lid has a bearing portion that supports the shaft portion so that the lid rotates around the rotation axis, and the side walls have, in a base end region on the rotation axis side, a second opening / closing direction opposing surface that faces a first opening / closing direction opposing surface provided on the lid in the opening / closing direction of the lid when the lid closes the opening, and the first opening / closing direction opposing surface and / or the second opening / closing direction opposing surface protrudes in the opening / closing direction from the first opening / closing direction opposing surface and / or the second opening / closing direction opposing surface. a protrusion in the opening / closing direction, the protrusion protruding amount in the opening / closing direction being greater than the size of an opening / closing direction gap occurring between the shaft portion and the bearing portion in the opening / closing direction, and when the lid closes the opening and is held by the housing main body, the protrusion is pressed against the first opening / closing direction opposing surface and / or the second opening / closing direction opposing surface in the opening / closing direction, thereby pressing the shaft portion against the bearing portion in the opening / closing direction, and the side wall has a second axially opposing surface that faces the first axially opposing surface provided on the lid in the axial direction of the rotating shaft when the lid closes the opening of the housing main body, and the first axially opposing surface and the second axially opposing surface are configured to be pressed against each other in the axial direction, at least when the lid closes the opening. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the housing of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the generation of abnormal noise when the housing, which includes the housing body and the lid, vibrates. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a housing according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view showing a closed state in which the lid of the housing of FIG. 1 is closed. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a perspective view of the housing of FIG. 1 as seen from another direction. [Figure 4] 2 is a perspective view of the housing of FIG. 1 as seen from yet another direction. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle provided with a housing according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 2 is a top view showing a state in which a slider and a cable are connected to the housing of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a schematic view of the periphery of the shaft portion and bearing portion of the housing as viewed in the axial direction when the lid is in an open state. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is a schematic view of the periphery of the shaft portion and bearing portion of the housing as viewed in the axial direction when the lid is in a closed state. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a reference diagram showing the periphery of the shaft and bearing of the housing and the periphery of the engaging portion when the lid is in the closed state in a housing of a reference example that does not have a second protrusion. [Figure 12] 10 is a schematic view of the housing as viewed in the axial direction, showing the periphery of the shaft portion and bearing portion of the housing and the periphery of the engagement portion when the lid is in a closed state. FIG. [Figure 13] 10 is a schematic view of a housing in which a drainage channel is formed between a lid and a side wall by a protrusion, as viewed in the width direction. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a view showing a housing of a second embodiment in which a protrusion is provided on the housing body. [Figure 15A] 10 is a schematic view for explaining the positional relationship between a first axially opposed surface and a second axially opposed surface of a housing according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 15B] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing modified examples of the positional relationship between the first axially opposed surface and the second axially opposed surface of the housing of the second embodiment. [Figure 15C]10 is a schematic view showing another modified example of the positional relationship between the first axially opposed surface and the second axially opposed surface of the housing of the second embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, a housing according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment described below is merely an example, and the housing of the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below.

[0010] In this specification, the expressions "perpendicular to A" and similar expressions do not refer only to a direction that is completely perpendicular to A, but also refer to a direction that is approximately perpendicular to A. In this specification, the expressions "parallel to B" and similar expressions do not refer only to a direction that is completely parallel to B, but also refer to a direction that is approximately parallel to B. In this specification, the expressions "C-shape" and similar expressions do not refer only to a perfect C-shape, but also refer to a shape that visually resembles a C-shape (approximately a C-shape).

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the housing 1 of this embodiment includes a bottom wall W1 (see FIG. 1) and a side wall W2 extending from the bottom wall W1. The housing 1 has a housing main body 2 with an opening AP that opens to face the bottom wall W1, and a lid 3 connected to the side wall W2 so as to rotate about a predetermined rotation axis X and close the opening AP. Hereinafter, the rotation axis X will be simply referred to as the axis X, and the direction in which the rotation axis X extends will be referred to as the axis X direction. In this embodiment, the axis X direction is the same as the sliding direction of a slider S (see FIG. 6), which will be described later. In this embodiment, the axis X direction is also the same as the direction in which a cable C (see FIG. 6), which will be described later, extends within the housing 1. In this embodiment, the direction in which the lid 3 opens and closes will be referred to as the opening / closing direction D1. In the closed state in which the lid 3 is closed (see FIG. 2), the opening / closing direction D1 is substantially the same as the direction toward or away from the bottom wall W1, and in this embodiment, it is a direction that is approximately perpendicular to the bottom wall W1. In this embodiment, the opening / closing direction D1 can also be referred to as the direction in which the back surface 31 of the lid 3 and the upper end UE of the side wall W2 face each other when the lid 3 is in the closed state. In this specification, the direction perpendicular to the axis X in a plane parallel to the lid 3 or the bottom wall W1 in the closed state is referred to as the width direction D2 of the housing 1. The width direction D2 of the housing is also the direction connecting the base end side (base end region R2, described below) on the axis X side of the lid 3 with the tip end side (tip end region R1, described below) of the lid 3 when the lid 3 is in the closed state. In this specification, the direction perpendicular to both the axis X direction and the width direction D2 is referred to as the height direction D3 of the housing 3. The height direction D3 of the housing 1 is also the direction perpendicular to the back surface 31 or the inner surface of the bottom wall W1 of the lid 3 when the lid 3 is in the closed state, and in this embodiment, is substantially the same direction as the opening / closing direction D1 when the lid 3 is in the closed state.

[0012] There are no particular limitations on the use of the housing 1. In this embodiment, as will be described later, the housing 1 can suppress abnormal noise caused by vibration of the housing 1, and is suitable for use in an environment where vibration occurs, such as a vehicle, i.e., as a housing attached to an attachment object having a vibration source.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing 1 has an internal space defined by a bottom wall W1, a side wall W2, and a lid 3, and is opened and closed by the lid 3. Some or all of certain components are housed in the internal space of the housing 1. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the housing 1 is configured to be connected to a cable C that is routed in a vehicle V. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the housing 1 houses a slider S that connects multiple cables C that are routed in the vehicle V to each other, and a portion of the cable C that is connected to the slider S.

[0014] In this embodiment, the housing 1 is provided as a part of a cable connection mechanism M, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, the cable connection mechanism M includes the housing 1, a cable (operation cable) C1, a cable (first operated cable) C21 that is operated by the operating force of the cable C1, a cable (second operated cable) C22 that is operated by the operating force of the cable C1, and a slider S that is housed in the housing 1 and to which the ends of the cables C1, C21, and C22 are connected. Note that in this specification, the cables C1, C21, and C22 may be collectively referred to simply as cables C.

[0015] In this embodiment, the cable C1 is directly or indirectly connected to the operating unit OP1 as shown in Fig. 5 and is operated by operating the operating unit OP1. The cable C1 may be an inner cable of a known control cable. The cable C1 may be housed in an outer casing OC (see Fig. 6) of the control cable between the housing 1 and the operating unit OP1.

[0016] Furthermore, the cables C21 and C22 are connected to the cable C1 via a slider S, and are operated via the slider S, which slides within the housing 1 by operating the cable C1. The cables C21 and C22 are directly or indirectly connected to the operated parts OP21 and OP22. The operated parts OP21 and OP22 are operated by operating the cables C21 and C22. The cables C21 and C22 may be inner cables of a known control cable. The cables C21 and C22 may be housed in an outer casing OC (see FIG. 6) of the control cable between the housing 1 and the operated parts OP21 and OP22.

[0017] 5, in this embodiment, the cable connecting mechanism M is an unlocking mechanism for unlocking the hood H of the vehicle V to which it is attached, and is configured so that two locking members (operated parts OP21 and OP22) are unlocked by operating a hood opener (operating part OP1) provided in the driver's seat of the vehicle V. In this embodiment, the housing 1 is provided in or near the engine compartment of the vehicle V.

[0018] The housing may be provided in other unlocking mechanisms, such as a seat reclining mechanism having two locking members, or other cable connection mechanisms. In this embodiment, the cable connection mechanism is attached to a vehicle V, but may also be attached to a structure other than a vehicle.

[0019] Furthermore, in this embodiment, multiple (three) cables C1, C21, and C22 are connected to the housing 1, but the number of cables connected to the housing 1 may be one or multiple. When multiple cables are connected to the housing 1, the multiple cables may be connected one-to-one, one-to-many, or many-to-many. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cable C is connected to the housing 1 via the slider S, but it may be connected to a member other than the slider S (for example, an operated member operated by the cable) or may be connected directly to the housing 1 (housing main body 2).

[0020] The slider S is a moving member configured to slide within the housing 1. In this embodiment, cables C1, C21, and C22 are connected to the slider S, as shown in FIG. 6. When the cable C1 is operated, the slider S moves to one side (downward) in the sliding direction of the slider S (direction of the axis X; up and down direction in FIG. 6). When the slider S moves to one side in the sliding direction, the cables C21 and C22 are pulled to one side in the sliding direction.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the housing body 2 has a bottom wall W1 and a side wall W2, and has an opening AP that opens to face the bottom wall W1. The internal space of the housing body 2 accommodates some or all of the specified components to be accommodated. In this embodiment, the housing body 2 accommodates a slider S and some of the cables C1, C21, and C22. With the components accommodated in the housing body 2, the opening AP of the housing body 2 is closed by a lid 3 (see FIG. 2). For ease of explanation, the slider S and the cables C1, C21, and C22 are not shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, and FIG. 6 illustrates the housing with the lid 3 removed.

[0022] There are no particular limitations on the material that constitutes the housing body 2, as long as it has a predetermined rigidity. The housing body 2 preferably has a predetermined rigidity and is configured to bend slightly when an external force is applied to the housing body 2. For example, the housing body 2 may be made of a synthetic resin, metal, or the like.

[0023] The overall shape of the housing main body 2 is not particularly limited as long as it can accommodate a predetermined component to be accommodated. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the housing main body 2 is formed into a generally rectangular box shape having an opening AP on one side. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the housing main body 2 is formed into a generally rectangular box shape by a bottom wall W1 formed into a generally rectangular shape and side walls W2 extending upright from the bottom wall W1 in a rectangular frame shape. More specifically, the side walls W2 include a first side wall W21 extending along the rotation axis X, a second side wall W22 opposing the first side wall W21, a third side wall W23 extending from one end of the first side wall W1 in the axial X direction toward the second side wall W22, and a fourth side wall W24 extending from the other end of the first side wall W21 in the axial X direction toward the second side wall W22.

[0024] The bottom wall W1 is a wall-like portion that, together with the side wall W2, defines the internal space of the housing main body 2. The bottom wall W1 is configured to be able to at least partially support an object housed in the housing main body 2. In this embodiment, the bottom wall W1 is formed in a plate shape, and the inner surface of the bottom wall W1 serves as a sliding surface for the slider S that slides within the housing 1. The shape and structure of the bottom wall W1 are not particularly limited as long as it is configured to be able to partially support an object housed therein, and the bottom wall W1 may have a through-hole that penetrates in the thickness direction of the bottom wall W1.

[0025] The side wall W2 is a wall-like portion that, together with the bottom wall W1, defines the internal space of the housing main body 2. The side wall W2 stands in a direction away from the inner surface of the bottom wall W1. An upper end UE (see FIG. 1 ) of the side wall W2 on the opening AP side (the end farther from the bottom wall W1) faces the rear surface 31 of the lid 3 in a closed state in which the lid 3 closes the opening AP. In this embodiment, the side wall W2 extends in a direction perpendicular to the inner surface of the bottom wall W1 (height direction D3). However, the side wall W2 may extend at an angle relative to the direction perpendicular to the inner surface of the bottom wall W1. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6 , the side wall W2 is formed such that the first side wall W21, the second side wall W22, the third side wall W23, and the fourth side wall W24 are arranged in a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the inner surface of the bottom wall W1. Specifically, the first side wall W21 and the second side wall W22 extend parallel to each other and perpendicular to the inner surface of the bottom wall W1. Furthermore, the third side wall W23 and the fourth side wall W24 extend parallel to each other and perpendicular to the inner surface of the bottom wall W1 and perpendicular to the inner surfaces of the first side wall W21 and the second side wall W22, as shown in Fig. 6. However, the side walls may have other shapes, such as a circle, an ellipse, or a polygon other than a rectangle, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the inner surface of the bottom wall W1.

[0026] In order to rotate the lid 3 relative to the housing main body 2, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, when the lid 3 is provided with a bearing Ax2, the side wall W2 is provided with an axle Ax1. Alternatively, when the lid 3 is provided with an axle, which is a modification of the illustrated embodiment, the side wall W2 is provided with a bearing. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and 6, the axle Ax1 is provided on the first side wall W21, and the bearing Ax2 provided on the lid 3 is attached to the axle Ax1 of the first side wall W21, so that the lid 3 rotates around the axle Ax1. The axle Ax1 (or bearing) may be provided on a side wall other than the first side wall W21 (for example, the third side wall W23 and the fourth side wall W24). The axle Ax1 and the bearing Ax2 will be described later.

[0027] 1 and 6, in this embodiment, the side wall W2 has outer casing attachment portions AT on one end side and the other end side in the direction of the axis X, to which the outer casing OC of the control cable is attached. Specifically, the outer casing attachment portions AT are recessed portions cut out from the upper ends UE of the side walls W2 (the third side wall W23 and the fourth side wall W24) toward the bottom wall W1.

[0028] In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the side wall W2 (first side wall W21 and second side wall W22) has a separation prevention portion P that protrudes a predetermined amount in the width direction D2 of the housing 1 from the inner edge of the upper end UE of the side wall W2. The separation prevention portion P extends a predetermined length in the axial X direction. As shown in FIG. 6, the separation prevention portion P faces both ends of the slider S in the width direction D2 in a direction perpendicular to the inner surface of the bottom wall W1 (height direction D3), thereby preventing the slider S accommodated in the housing 1 from separating from the housing 1. The non-forming regions of the side walls W21 and W22 where the separation prevention portion P is not provided are configured to be longer than the length of the slider S in the axial X direction. In this case, the slider S can be easily accommodated in and removed from the housing 1 from the non-forming regions where the separation prevention portion P is not provided.

[0029] 6, in this embodiment, the second side wall W22 is provided with fixing portions FX for attaching the housing 1 to an attachment target. In this case, the side wall W2 of the housing 1 is fixed to the attachment target via the fixing portions FX, and the housing 1 is fixed in a predetermined position on the attachment target. Note that the fixing portions FX may also be provided in other parts of the housing 1, such as the other side walls W21, W23, and W24, the bottom wall W1, or the lid 3.

[0030] The lid 3 is attached to the housing main body 2 by a shaft Ax1 and a bearing Ax2 so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis X. The lid 3 covers and closes the opening AP of the housing main body 2 by moving in the closing direction in the opening / closing direction D1, and allows access to the internal space of the housing main body 2 through the opening AP of the housing main body 2 by moving in the opening / closing direction D1 (for example, to remove the slider S or the cable C from the internal space). The lid 3 has a front surface 32 that becomes the outer surface of the housing 1 when the lid 3 is closed (see FIG. 2 ), and a back surface 31 that faces the upper end UE of the side wall W2 when the lid 3 is closed. In this embodiment, the lid 3 has bearings Ax2 that protrude approximately perpendicular to the back surface 31 of the lid 3 on both ends of the base end of the lid 3 in the direction of the axis X.

[0031] The material for lid 3 is not particularly limited as long as it has a predetermined rigidity. It is preferable that lid 3 has a predetermined rigidity and is configured to bend slightly when an external force is applied to lid 3. For example, lid 3 can be configured from a synthetic resin, metal, or the like.

[0032] The overall shape of the lid 3 is not particularly limited as long as it is configured to be able to close the opening AP of the housing main body 2. Note that "closing" here means that it is sufficient to be able to close the opening AP so that the object housed in the housing main body 2 does not fall out of the housing main body 2. Therefore, for example, as long as the opening AP of the housing main body 2 is partially covered so that the object to be housed does not fall out of the opening AP, the lid 3 does not need to cover the entire opening AP, and the lid 3 may have a through-hole penetrating between the front surface 32 and the back surface 31. In this embodiment, the lid 3 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape that is slightly larger than the opening AP so that it can cover the entire substantially rectangular opening AP.

[0033] In this embodiment, the housing body 2 and / or the lid 3 have an engaging portion E1 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) in a distal region R1, which is the side farther from the rotation axis X, for holding the housing body 2 and the lid 3 together when the lid 3 closes the opening AP. The engaging portion E1 engages with an engaged portion E2 provided on the housing body 2 and / or the lid 3, thereby holding the lid 3 in the closed state. The "distal region R1" refers to the region of the housing body 2 or the lid 3 that is located from the distal position (distal end) farthest from the axis X to less than half the distance between the distal position and the axis X, more preferably, less than one-quarter to one-third of the distance between the distal position and the axis X. The "proximal region R2" refers to the region of the housing body 2 or the lid 3 that is located from the axis X (proximal end) to less than one-half the distance between the distal position and the axis X, more preferably, less than one-quarter to one-third of the distance between the distal position and the rotation axis X.

[0034] In this embodiment, the engaging portion E1 is an engaging claw provided in the tip region R1 of the lid 3. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 2, the engaging portion E1 is an engaging claw that extends from the tip of the lid 3, which extends along the upper end of the second side wall W22 when the lid 3 is in the closed state, in a direction approaching the bottom wall W1 in the height direction D3 on the outer surface side of the second side wall W22. On the other hand, the engaged portion E2 is provided on the outer surface of the second side wall W22 at a position corresponding to the position of the engaging portion E1 (engaging claw) of the lid 3 in the closed state, and is an engaging step portion that can engage with the engaging portion E1 in the opening / closing direction D1.

[0035] The shape and structure of the engaging portion E1 are not particularly limited as long as it can maintain the closed state of the lid 3, and may be a known engaging structure other than an engaging claw. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the engaging portion E1 is provided on the lid 3 and the engaged portion E2 is provided on the housing main body 2, but an engaging portion (engaging claw) may be provided on the housing main body 2 and an engaged portion (engaging step portion) may be provided on the lid 3, or an engaging portion may be provided on both the lid 3 and the housing main body 2, and an engaged portion may be provided on both the lid 3 and the housing main body 2. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the engaging portion E1 and the engaged portion E2 are configured to engage with each other on the second side wall W22, but the engaging portion and the engaged portion may be configured to engage with each other on the third side wall W23 and / or the fourth side wall W24.

[0036] As described above, one of the housing body 2 and the lid 3 has the shaft Ax1, and the other of the housing body 2 and the lid 3 has the bearing Ax2 that supports the shaft Ax1 so that the lid 3 rotates around the rotation axis X. The shaft Ax1 and the bearing Ax2 form a bearing structure that rotates the lid 3 relative to the housing body 2. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 , the housing body 2 has the shaft Ax1 and the lid 3 has the bearing Ax2, but it is also possible for the housing body 2 to have the bearing and the lid 3 to have the shaft.

[0037] The positions at which the shaft portion Ax1 and the bearing portion Ax2 are provided are not particularly limited as long as they allow the lid 3 to be rotated relative to the housing body 2. In this embodiment, the bearing structure formed by the shaft portion Ax1 and the bearing portion Ax2 is provided at a position along the first side wall W21, but may also be provided at a position along the third side wall W23 and the fourth side wall W24, for example.

[0038] The shaft Ax1 is journaled on the bearing Ax2 so that the lid 3 can rotate about the axis X relative to the housing main body 2. The shapes and structures of the shaft Ax1 and the bearing Ax2 are not particularly limited as long as they are configured so that the lid 3 can rotate about the axis X relative to the housing main body 2. In this embodiment, the shaft Ax1 has a cylindrical portion extending in the direction of the axis X, and the bearing Ax2 has an insertion portion (a circular through-hole or an insertion passage having a partially arc-shaped inner surface) into which the cylindrical portion of the shaft Ax1 can be inserted.

[0039] In this embodiment, the shaft Ax1 itself is configured not to rotate as part of the housing main body 2, but when the shaft Ax1 is provided on the lid 3, the shaft Ax1 rotates relative to the bearing Ax2. At least a portion of the outer periphery of the shaft Ax1 is covered by the bearing Ax2, which prevents the lid 3 from coming off the housing main body 2 during relative rotation between the shaft Ax1 and the bearing Ax2. The entire circumference of the shaft Ax1 may be covered by the bearing Ax2, as in the shaft Ax1 on the left side of FIG. 3, or only a portion of the outer periphery of the shaft Ax1 may be covered, with the remaining portion of the outer periphery of the shaft Ax1 remaining uncovered, as in the shaft Ax1 on the right side of FIG. 4. In this embodiment, the shaft portion Ax1 provided on one side of the lid 3 in the axial X direction is inserted into the bearing portion Ax2 having a through hole penetrating in the axial X direction, and then the shaft portion Ax1 provided on the other side of the lid 3 in the axial X direction can be fitted into the bearing portion Ax2 which is formed in a U-shape, thereby facilitating attachment of the lid 3 to the housing main body 2.

[0040] As will be described later, a predetermined gap (see FIGS. 7 and 8) is formed between the shaft portion Ax1 and the bearing portion Ax2 in a direction away from the axis (axis X) of the shaft portion Ax1 (radially outward from the shaft portion Ax1). This facilitates relative rotation between the shaft portion Ax1 and the bearing portion Ax2. Note that, due to the gap formed between the shaft portion Ax1 and the bearing portion Ax2, an opening / closing direction gap G2 occurs between the shaft portion Ax1 and the bearing portion Ax2 in the opening / closing direction D1 when the lid 3 is in the closed state, as will be described later.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10 , the side wall W2 has an opposing surface (second axially opposed surface) F2 that faces an opposing surface (first axially opposed surface) F1 provided on the lid 3 in the direction of the axis X of the rotation axis X when the lid 3 closes the opening AP of the housing main body 2. The opposing surfaces (first axially opposed surface) F1 and (second axially opposed surface) F2 are configured to be pressed against each other in the direction of the axis X, at least when the lid 3 closes the opening AP. In this embodiment, the opposing surfaces F1 and F2 are configured to be pressed against each other in the direction of the axis X via a protrusion PR2 (described later). However, as in a second embodiment (described later), the opposing surfaces F1 and F2 may be configured to be pressed against each other directly. Furthermore, the opposing surfaces F1 and F2 may be configured to be pressed against each other only when the lid 3 closes the opening AP or in the vicinity thereof (a near-closing region (described later)). Alternatively, the opposing surfaces F1 and F2 may be configured to be pressed against each other outside the near-closing region (for example, constantly).

[0042] In this embodiment, an axial gap G1 of a predetermined size in the axial X direction is defined between the opposing surfaces F1 and F2. In this embodiment, this axial gap G1 causes rattle in the axial X direction between the shaft portion Ax1 and the bearing portion Ax2. In this embodiment, the axial gap G1 corresponds to the size of the gap allowing relative movement in the axial X direction between the shaft portion Ax1 and the bearing portion Ax2. However, for example, as will be described later, if the first axially opposing surface and the second axially opposing surface are provided in a position different from the positions where the shaft portion Ax1 and the bearing portion Ax2 are provided, the axial gap G1 does not necessarily have to be the same size as the size of the gap allowing relative movement in the axial X direction between the shaft portion Ax1 and the bearing portion Ax2.

[0043] As will be described in detail later, the opposing surface F1 and / or the opposing surface F2 has a protrusion (second protrusion) PR2 (see FIGS. 1, 3, and 4) that protrudes from the opposing surface F1 and / or the opposing surface F2 in the direction of axis X. As will be described in detail later, the protrusion PR2 presses the opposing surfaces F1 and F2 against each other in the direction of axis X, at least when the lid 3 closes the opening AP, and inhibits the lid 3 from moving relative to the housing main body 2 in the direction of axis X when the lid 3 is in the closed state.

[0044] The shape, structure, and positions of the opposing surfaces F1 and F2 are not particularly limited as long as the opposing surfaces F1 and F2 face each other in the axial X direction and at least one of the opposing surfaces F1 and F2 has a protrusion PR2. In this embodiment, the opposing surfaces F1 and F2 are provided at the same positions on the housing 1 as the shaft portion Ax1 and the bearing portion Ax2, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 8. However, the first axially opposing surface and the second axially opposing surface may be provided separately at positions different from the positions where the shaft portion Ax1 and the bearing portion Ax2 are provided. For example, a pair of protruding pieces protruding from the outer surface of the first side wall W21 may be provided between a pair of bearing structures (the shaft portion Ax1 and the bearing portion Ax2) provided at both ends of the lid 3 and the first side wall W21 in the axial X direction (e.g., the position where the protrusion PR1 is provided in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1), and each of the pair of protruding pieces may be provided with a first axially opposing surface and a second axially opposing surface.

[0045] In this embodiment, the opposing surface F1 is a portion of the bearings Ax2 provided on both sides of the lid 3 in the axial X direction at the base end side of the lid 3 that faces the opposing surface F2 on which the shaft portion Ax1 is provided. Furthermore, the opposing surface F2 is a portion of the protruding piece W211 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) having the shaft portion Ax1 that protrudes outward (in the width direction D2) from the outer surface of the first side wall W21 of the housing main body 2 and faces the opposing surface F1. Furthermore, the opposing surfaces F1 and F2 face each other in the axial X direction in a region along the first side wall W21. However, for example, when the shaft portion Ax1 and the bearings Ax2 are provided on the third side wall W23 and the fourth side wall W24, the first axially opposing surface and the second axially opposing surface may face each other in the axial X direction in a region along the third side wall W23 or the fourth side wall W24.

[0046] 9, in the base end region R2 on the rotation axis X side, the side wall W2 has an opposing surface (opposing surface in the second opening / closing direction) F4 that faces an opposing surface (opposing surface in the first opening / closing direction) F3 provided on the lid 3 in the opening / closing direction D1 of the lid 3 when the lid 3 closes the opening AP. Furthermore, as will be described in detail later, the opposing surface F3 and / or the opposing surface F4 has a protrusion PR1 that protrudes from the opposing surface F3 and / or the opposing surface F4 in the opening / closing direction D1. As will be described in detail later, the protrusion PR1 prevents the lid 3 from moving relative to the housing main body 2 in the opening / closing direction D1 when the lid 3 is in the closed state.

[0047] The facing surface F3 is a surface that faces the fourth facing surface F4 of the side wall W2 in the opening / closing direction D1 (height direction D3) in the base end region R2 of the lid 3 when the lid 3 is in the closed state. The facing surface F4 is a surface that faces the facing surface F3 of the lid 3 in the opening / closing direction D1 (height direction D3) in the base end region R2 of the side wall W2 when the lid 3 is in the closed state. The positions, shapes, and structures of the facing surfaces F3 and F4 are not particularly limited as long as they are surfaces that face each other in the base end region R2. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the facing surface F4 is the upper end UE of the first side wall W21, and the facing surface F3 is the surface of the back surface 31 of the lid 3 that faces the upper end UE of the first side wall W21. However, the opposing surface F4 may be, for example, the upper ends of the third side wall W23 and the fourth side wall W24, and the opposing surface F3 may be a surface of the rear surface 31 of the lid 3 that faces the upper ends of the third side wall W23 and the fourth side wall W24. Also, for example, the position of the second opening / closing direction opposing surface in the height direction D3 may be further above or below the upper end UE of the side wall W2, depending on the position of the first opening / closing direction opposing surface in the height direction D3.

[0048] Next, the details of the protrusion (second protrusion) PR2 will be described. In this embodiment, the protrusion PR2 is provided in addition to the protrusion PR1, which will be described later, but the protrusion PR2 does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0049] The protrusion PR2 is a protrusion that protrudes from the opposing surface F1 and / or the opposing surface F2 in the direction of the axis X. The protrusion PR2 may be provided on the opposing surface F1 that faces the lid 3, or on the opposing surface F2 that faces the housing main body 2, or on both the opposing surfaces F1 and F2.

[0050] In this embodiment, the amount of protrusion of the protrusion PR2 in the axial direction is greater than the size of an axial gap G1 generated in the axial direction between the opposing surfaces F1 and F2. The protrusion PR2 is configured to fit into the axial gap G1 when the lid 3 closes the opening AP. Here, "fitting into the axial gap G1" refers to a state in which the protrusion PR2 is press-fit into the axial gap G1. The amount of protrusion of the protrusion PR2 is not particularly limited as long as the protrusion PR2 fits into the axial gap G1 and suppresses relative movement of the lid 3 with respect to the housing main body 2 in the axial direction, as described below. Furthermore, the shape of the protrusion PR2 is not particularly limited as long as the protrusion PR2 fits into the axial gap G1 and suppresses relative movement of the lid 3 with respect to the housing main body 2 in the axial direction. In this embodiment, bearings Ax2 provided at both ends of the base end of the lid 3 in the axial direction have opposing surfaces F1 extending substantially perpendicular to the axis X, and the protrusion PR2 protrudes in the axial direction from the opposing surfaces F1. 7, when viewed in the direction of axis X, protrusion PR2 extends in a direction approximately perpendicular to the back surface 31 of the lid 3. The tip portion of protrusion PR2 that first fits into the axial gap G1 is tapered by a curved surface such as a chamfer or an inclined surface, making it easier to fit into the axial gap G1.

[0051] As described above, when the housing 1 is provided with the protrusion PR2 and the protrusion amount of the protrusion PR2 in the axial X direction is greater than the size of the axial gap G1, as shown in FIG. 10 , when the protrusion PR2 is fitted into the axial gap G1, the lid 3 is restricted from moving in the axial X direction relative to the housing main body 2. This point will be explained in more detail below. As shown in FIG. 8 , when the protrusion PR2 is not fitted into the axial gap G1, the axial gap G1 between the opposing surfaces F1 and F2 allows the lid 3 to move in the axial X direction relative to the housing main body 2. When the protrusion PR2 is not fitted into the axial gap G1 when the lid 3 is closed, the lid 3 is movable in the axial X direction relative to the housing main body 2. Therefore, rattle and abnormal noise are generated due to the relative movement of the lid 3 in the axial X direction relative to the housing main body 2. As shown in FIG. 10 , when the protrusion PR2 is fitted into the axial gap G1, the axial gap G1 is filled, and the lid 3 is restricted from moving in the axial X direction relative to the housing main body 2. In this embodiment, when the protrusion PR2 fits between the opposing surfaces F1 and F2 while the lid 3 is closed, the protrusion PR2 receives a reaction force from the opposing surface F2 in a direction perpendicular to the opposing surface F2 (to the left in FIG. 10 ). In this embodiment, the opposing surfaces F1, F2, and the protrusion PR2 are provided on both sides of the housing 1 in the axial X direction, respectively. The protrusion PR2 on one side in the axial X direction and the protrusion PR2 on the other side in the axial X direction receive reaction forces from the opposing surface F2 in opposite directions in the axial X direction. As a result, with the protrusion PR2 fitted into the axial gap G1, the relative movement of the lid 3 with respect to the housing main body 2 in the axial X direction is restricted. Therefore, when vibrations or the like are applied to the housing 1, the generation of abnormal noise caused by repeated contact and non-contact between the lid 3 and the housing main body 2 in the axial X direction is suppressed.

[0052] The relative positional relationship between the opposing surfaces F1 and F2 is not particularly limited as long as the protrusion PR2 can fit into the axial gap G1 so as to restrict the relative movement of the lid 3 with respect to the housing body 2 in the axial X direction. In this embodiment, the opposing surfaces F1 and F2 are arranged such that the opposing surface F2 is located inside the opposing surface F1 in the axial X direction (the side closer to the center of the side wall W2 in the axial X direction). However, the opposing surfaces F1 and F2 may be arranged in other positions. For example, the opposing surfaces F1 and F2 may be arranged such that the opposing surface F1 is located inside the opposing surface F2 in the axial X direction (the side closer to the center of the side wall W2 in the axial X direction). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the opposing surfaces F1, F2, and axial gap G1 are provided one at each end in the axial X direction. However, for example, only one fitting structure (press-fit structure) formed by the first axial opposing surface, the second axial opposing surface, and the axial gap may be provided along the axial X direction. 8, when the protrusion PR2 fits into the axial gap G1, a wall is provided on the left side of the bearing Ax2 of the lid 3 to restrict movement of the lid 3 away from the opposing surface F2, eliminating the need to provide a fitting structure in the other shaft and bearing portion (not shown). In this case, too, the protrusion PR2 fits (press-fits) into the axial gap G1, thereby restricting relative movement of the lid 3 with respect to the housing body 2 in the direction of axis X.

[0053] It is sufficient that the protrusion PR2 is fitted into the axial gap G1 when the lid 3 closes the opening AP. The protrusion PR2 may be fitted into the axial gap G1 at all times during the opening and closing of the lid 3, or may be fitted into the axial gap G1 only part of the time during which the lid 3 is opened and closed. In this embodiment, the protrusion PR2 is provided on the opposing surface F1 of the lid 3. The protrusion PR2 is not fitted into the axial gap G1 when the lid 3 is opened at a predetermined angle relative to the housing main body 2 from the closed state in which the opening AP is closed (see FIG. 7). However, the protrusion PR2 is configured to be fitted into the axial gap G1 in a near-closed region where the lid 3 is close to the closed state in which the opening AP is closed (see FIG. 9). In this case, resistance to the opening and closing operation of the lid 3 is low up to the near-closed region of the lid 3, allowing for smooth opening and closing of the lid 3. The above-mentioned "predetermined angle" of the lid 3 relative to the housing body 2 is not particularly limited, but for example, the angle θ (see FIG. 7) formed between the upper end UE of the side wall W2 and the back surface 31 of the lid 3 can be 60° or more, preferably 45° or more, and more preferably 30° or more. The "near-closed region" of the lid 3 is not particularly limited, but for example, it can be the position of the lid 3 when the angle θ formed between the upper end UE of the side wall W2 and the back surface 31 of the lid 3 is greater than 0 and less than 60°, preferably greater than 0 and less than 45°, and more preferably greater than 0 and less than 30°.

[0054] Next, the protrusion PR1 will be described in detail.

[0055] The protrusion (first protrusion) PR1 is a protrusion that protrudes in the opening and closing direction D1 from the opposing surface (opposing surface in the first opening and closing direction) F3 and / or the opposing surface (opposing surface in the second opening and closing direction) F4. The protrusion PR1 may be provided on the opposing surface F3 that faces the lid 3, or on the opposing surface F4 that faces the housing main body 2, or on both the opposing surfaces F3 and F4.

[0056] The amount of protrusion of protrusion PR1 in the opening / closing direction D1 is greater than the size of opening / closing direction gap G2 (see FIG. 7) that occurs between shaft Ax1 and bearing Ax2 in the opening / closing direction D1, and when lid 3 closes opening AP and is held by housing main body 2, protrusion PR1 is pressed against opposing surface F3 and / or opposing surface F4 in the opening / closing direction D1, thereby pressing shaft Ax1 against bearing Ax2 in the opening / closing direction D1. As will be described in detail later, this restricts relative movement of lid 3 with respect to housing main body 2 in the opening / closing direction D1.

[0057] The amount of protrusion of the protrusion PR1 is not particularly limited as long as, when the lid 3 closes the opening AP and is held by the housing main body 2, the protrusion PR1 is pressed against the opposing surface F3 and / or the opposing surface F4 in the opening / closing direction D1, thereby pressing the shaft portion Ax1 against the bearing portion Ax2 in the opening / closing direction D1.

[0058] The shape of the protrusion PR1 is not particularly limited as long as it is configured such that, when the lid 3 closes the opening AP and is held by the housing main body 2, the protrusion PR1 is pressed against the opposing surface F3 and / or the opposing surface F4 in the opening / closing direction D1, thereby pressing the shaft portion Ax1 against the bearing portion Ax2 in the opening / closing direction D1. In this embodiment, the protrusion PR1 is a substantially rectangular protrusion extending along the axis X. Here, "the lid 3 is held by the housing main body 2" means that the state in which the lid 3 closes the opening AP is maintained by the engaging portion E1 or the like. Note that the lid 3 may be held by the housing main body 2 by means other than the engaging portion E1.

[0059] The position at which the protrusion PR1 is provided is not particularly limited as long as the protrusion PR1 is provided in the base end region R2 of the lid 3 and / or the housing main body 2. In this embodiment, the protrusion PR1 is provided in the base end region R2 of the back surface 31 of the lid 3 facing the upper end UE of the first side wall W21. However, the protrusion PR1 may also be provided on the back surface 31 of the lid 3 facing the upper ends UE of the third side wall W23 and / or the fourth side wall W24, or in other locations on the lid 3. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14 , the protrusion PR1 may be provided on the upper end UE of the first side wall W21, or on the upper ends UE of the third side wall W23 and / or the fourth side wall W24, or in other locations on the housing main body 2.

[0060] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the protrusion PR1 is provided in a central region of the first side wall W21 in the axial X direction so as to be pressed against the opposing surface F4. When the protrusion PR1 is provided in the central region in the axial X direction, the lid 3 is more likely to bend and the lid 3 can be closed more easily than when the protrusion PR1 is provided on an end portion of the first side wall W21 in the axial X direction. Note that when the protrusion is provided on the first side wall W21 (see FIG. 14), for example, the protrusion may be configured to be pressed against the opposing surface F3. When the protrusion is provided on both the first side wall W21 and the lid 3, the protrusion is pressed against the opposing surfaces F3 and F4. In this embodiment, only one protrusion PR1 is provided on the back surface 31 of the lid 3, but multiple protrusions may be provided.

[0061] As described above, when the amount of protrusion PR1 in the opening / closing direction D1 is greater than the size of the opening / closing direction gap G2, and the lid 3 closes the opening AP and is held by the housing main body 2, the protrusion PR1 is pressed against the opposing surface F3 and / or opposing surface F4 in the opening / closing direction D1, and the shaft Ax1 is pressed against the bearing Ax2 in the opening / closing direction D1. This prevents the lid 3 from moving relative to the housing main body 2 in the opening / closing direction D1. Here, "pressed in the opening / closing direction D1" and "pressed in the opening / closing direction D1" include not only the strict opening / closing direction D1 but also directions inclined relative to the opening / closing direction D1. Furthermore, "the shaft portion Ax1 is pressed against the bearing portion Ax2 in the opening / closing direction D1" means that a pressing force is applied between the shaft portion Ax1 and the bearing portion Ax2 in the opening / closing direction D1, and as in this embodiment, the bearing portion Ax2 may move relative to the shaft portion Ax1 so that a pressing force is applied between the shaft portion Ax1 and the bearing portion Ax2 in the opening / closing direction D1, or the shaft may move relative to the bearing portion so that a pressing force is applied between the shaft portion and the bearing portion in the opening / closing direction D1.

[0062] The following describes in more detail the effects associated with the protrusion PR1. As shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 11, a gap G2 in the opening / closing direction is formed between the shaft portion Ax1 and the bearing portion Ax2. The gap G2 is a gap created by a clearance between the outer periphery of the shaft portion Ax1 and the inner surface of the bearing portion Ax2. Note that, as shown in FIG. 7, a gap also exists between the outer periphery of the shaft portion Ax1 and the bearing portion Ax2 in directions other than the opening / closing direction D1. Here, the "size of the gap G2 in the opening / closing direction" refers to the size of the gap (the largest gap in the radial direction of the shaft portion Ax1) when the shaft portion Ax1 is moved relative to the bearing portion Ax2 so that the gap in the opening / closing direction D1 (height direction D3) is maximized. Note that the size of the gap G2 in the opening / closing direction is exaggerated in the drawings for ease of explanation (the same applies to the axial gap G1). The gap G2 in the opening / closing direction allows the lid 3, in the closed state, to move relative to the housing main body 2 in the opening / closing direction D1 (height direction D3). In this case, if vibration is applied to the housing 1, the relative movement of the lid 3 with respect to the housing body 2 will cause rattle and generate abnormal noise.

[0063] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9 , if the protrusion PR1, which has a protrusion amount greater than the size of the opening / closing direction gap G2, is provided on the opposing surface F3, the protrusion PR1 abuts against the opposing surface F4 and is pressed toward the opposing surface F4 when the lid 3 is closed. More specifically, the lid 3 is configured to be able to close the housing body 2 even without the protrusion PR1. The provision of the protrusion PR1 causes the lid 3 to close while applying a pressing force from the protrusion PR1 toward the opposing surface F4. This causes a reaction force, indicated by arrow AR1, to act on the protrusion PR1 from the opposing surface F4 in a direction perpendicular to the opposing surface F4 (upward in FIG. 9 ). This applies a force to the base end region R2 of the lid 3, where the protrusion PR1 is provided, lifting the lid 3 away from the opposing surface F4, and the bearing Ax2 of the lid 3 moves upward in FIG. 9 relative to the shaft Ax1. This causes the shaft Ax1 to be pressed against the bearing Ax2 in the opening / closing direction D1 (height direction D3). 12, when the lid 3 is held by the housing main body 2 with the opening AP closed by the engaging portion E1, the base end region R2 of the lid 3 is lifted in a direction away from the bottom wall W1 (upward in FIG. 12) with the protrusion PR1 as a fulcrum, and the shaft Ax1 is pressed against the bearing Ax2. Note that in this embodiment, the lid 3 is held by the housing main body 2 by the engaging portion E1, but as long as the housing 1 is configured so that the base end region R2 of the lid 3 is lifted in a direction away from the bottom wall W1 with the protrusion PR1 as a fulcrum with the lid 3 closed, the means for holding the lid 3 in a closed state is not limited to the engaging portion E1.

[0064] In this manner, when the shaft Ax1 is pressed against the bearing Ax2 in the opening / closing direction D1 (height direction D3), a pressing force indicated by arrow AR2 is applied from the lower end of the opening edge of the bearing Ax2 of the lid 3 toward the lower end of the shaft Ax1 in FIG. 9 . In this case, even if vibration is applied to the housing 1 and a force is applied to the lid 3 upward in FIG. 9 , the lid 3 cannot move upward because the shaft Ax1 and the bearing Ax2 are in contact and engaged in the opening / closing direction D1 when the lid 3 is closed. Furthermore, even if a force is applied downward in FIG. 9 , the lid 3 cannot move downward because the protrusion PR1 is in contact with the opposing surface F4. As described above, the protrusion PR1 is pressed against the opposing surface F4, thereby restricting the relative movement of the lid 3 with respect to the housing main body 2 in the opening / closing direction D1 (height direction D3). Therefore, when vibration is applied to the housing 1, abnormal noises caused by the shaft portion Ax1 and the bearing portion Ax2 repeatedly coming into contact and not contacting in the opening and closing direction D1, and abnormal noises caused by the lid 3 and the housing main body 2 repeatedly coming into contact and not contacting in the opening and closing direction D1 are suppressed.

[0065] In the above description, the case where the protrusion PR1 is provided on the opposing surface F3 has been taken as an example, but the same effect can be obtained when the protrusion PR1 is provided on the opposing surface F4 or when the protrusion PR1 is provided on both the opposing surfaces F3 and F4, as shown in Fig. 14. In addition, in the above description, the case where the bearing Ax2 is provided on the lid 3 and the shaft Ax1 is provided on the housing main body 2 has been taken as an example, but the same effect can be obtained when the shaft is provided on the lid 3 and the bearing is provided on the housing main body 2.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the lid 3 closes the opening AP and is held by the housing main body 2, as shown in FIG. 13 , the protrusion PR1 is provided only on a portion of the opposing surface F3 and / or the opposing surface F4 so that a drainage channel DR connecting the inside and outside of the housing 1 is formed between the upper end UE of the side wall W2 on the opening AP side and the back surface 31 of the lid 3 opposite the upper end UE of the side wall W2. In this case, as shown in FIG. 13 , water that has entered the housing 1 can be drained through the drainage channel DR formed between the lid 3 and the upper end UE of the side wall 2. Note that in this embodiment, the drainage channel DR is formed by providing one second protrusion PR2 in the central region of the first side wall W21 in the axial X direction. Similarly, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 , when the lid 3 is in the closed state, a drainage channel is formed between the pair of protrusions PR1. The position and number of protrusions are not particularly limited as long as a drainage channel can be formed.

[0067] Next, the effects of the housing 1 of this embodiment will be described using an example in which the housing 1 is applied to a cable connection mechanism M. Note that the following description is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the following description.

[0068] First, as shown in FIG. 1, with the housing 1 in an open state of the lid 3, the slider S is accommodated in the housing main body 2, and the cable C is connected to the slider S (see FIG. 6). Once the slider S and a portion of the cable C are accommodated in the housing main body 2, the lid 3 is closed as shown in FIG. 2. When the lid 3 is closed, the protrusion PR2 is press-fit into the axial gap G1 between the opposing surfaces F1 and F2 as shown in FIG. 10. Furthermore, when the lid 3 is closed, as shown in FIG. 12, the protrusion PR1 is pressed against the opposing surface F4 of the upper end UE of the first side wall W21, pushing the engaging portion E1 of the lid 3 toward the engaged portion E2 of the housing main body 2. As a result, the lid 3 is closed with the protrusion PR1 pressed against the opposing surface F4. At this time, the lid 3 is slightly bent because the engaging portion E1 and the engaged portion E2 are engaged while pushing the tip region R1 of the lid 3 with the protrusion PR1 as a fulcrum.

[0069] When the protrusion PR1 is pressed against the opposing surface F4, a reaction force is applied that lifts the base end region R2 of the lid 3, as shown by arrow AR1 in Figures 9 and 12, causing the bearing portion Ax2 of the lid 3 to lift and be pressed against the shaft portion Ax1, as shown by arrow AR2. When the engaging portion E1 provided on the tip end region R1 of the lid 3 is engaged with the engaged portion E2, the lid 3 bends with the protrusion PR1 as a fulcrum, and therefore, an upward force in Figure 12 is applied to the tip end region R1 of the lid 3 due to the restoring force of the lid 3 (see arrow AR3). Therefore, as shown in Figure 12, the gap (see Figure 11) between the engaging portion E1 and the engaged portion E2 in the opening and closing direction D1 is eliminated, and the engaging force between the engaging portion E1 and the engaged portion E2 is increased.

[0070] As described above, in this embodiment, relative movement of the lid 3 in the direction of axis X with respect to the housing main body 2 is suppressed by fitting the protrusion PR2 into the axial gap G1. Furthermore, by pressing the protrusion PR1 against the opposing surface F4, relative movement of the lid 3 in the opening / closing direction D1 with respect to the housing main body 2 is suppressed in the base end region R2 of the lid 3, and further relative movement of the lid 3 in the opening / closing direction D1 with respect to the housing main body 2 is suppressed in the tip end region R1 of the lid 3. Therefore, when vibrations occur in an attachment object, such as a vehicle, to which the housing 1 is attached, it is possible to suppress the generation of abnormal noise caused by repeated contact and non-contact between the lid 3 and the housing main body 2.

[0071] Second Embodiment Next, a housing 1 of a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 14 and FIGS. 15A to 15C. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the first axially opposed surface F1 and the second axially opposed surface F2 do not have the second protrusion PR2 of the first embodiment, and the protrusion PR1 is provided on the side wall W2, not on the lid 3. In the following description, explanations of matters common to the above-mentioned embodiments will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described. The configuration of this embodiment and the contents described in the first embodiment can be used in combination.

[0072] In this embodiment, the opposing surfaces (first-axis-direction opposing surfaces) F1 and the opposing surfaces (second-axis-direction opposing surfaces) F2 are configured such that the surfaces are pressed against each other in the X-axis direction at least when the lid 3 closes the opening AP. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 15A, the lid 3 has a pair of first-axis-direction opposing surfaces F1, F1 spaced apart in the X-axis direction, and the side wall W2 has a pair of second-axis-direction opposing surfaces F2, F2 spaced apart in the X-axis direction. The axial distance L1 between the pair of first-axis-direction opposing surfaces F1, F1 and the axial distance L2 between the pair of second-axis-direction opposing surfaces F2, F2 are set such that the first-axis-direction opposing surface F1 and the second-axis-direction opposing surface F2 are pressed against each other in the X-axis direction when the lid 3 is attached to the housing body 2. For example, as shown in FIG. 15A, when the pair of first-axis-direction opposing surfaces F1, F1 are located outside (the end side of the housing 1) in the X-axis direction with respect to the pair of second-axis-direction opposing surfaces F2, F2, the axial distance L1 between the pair of first-axis-direction opposing surfaces F1, F1 is set to be smaller than the axial distance L2 in the X-axis direction between the pair of second-axis-direction opposing surfaces F2, F2 (L1 < L2). Also, as shown in FIG. 15B, when the pair of first-axis-direction opposing surfaces F1, F1 are located inside (the central side of the housing 1) in the X-axis direction with respect to the pair of second-axis-direction opposing surfaces F2, F2, the axial distance L1 between the pair of first-axis-direction opposing surfaces F1, F1 is set to be larger than the axial distance L2 in the X-axis direction between the pair of second-axis-direction opposing surfaces F2, F2 (L1 > L2). Further, as shown in FIG. 15C, when one of the pair of first-axis-direction opposing surfaces F1, F1 is located outside (the end side of the housing 1) in the X-axis direction with respect to one of the pair of second-axis-direction opposing surfaces F2, F2, and the other of the pair of first-axis-direction opposing surfaces F1, F1 is located inside (the central side of the housing 1) in the X-axis direction with respect to the other of the pair of second-axis-direction opposing surfaces F2, F, the axial distance L1 in the X-axis direction between the pair of first-axis-direction opposing surfaces F1, F1 is set to be larger than the axial distance L2 in the X-axis direction between the pair of second-axis-direction opposing surfaces F2, F2 (L1 > L2).The arrangement of the first axially opposing surface F1 and the second axially opposing surface F2 shown in Figures 15A to 15C is just an example, and other arrangements are possible as long as the first axially opposing surface F1 and the second axially opposing surface F2 are set so as to press against each other in the direction of axis X.

[0073] 15A to 15C, if the distance L1 in the axial direction between the pair of first axially opposing surfaces F1, F1 and the distance L2 in the axial direction between the pair of second axially opposing surfaces F2, F2 are set so that the first axially opposing surfaces F1 and the second axially opposing surfaces F2 are pressed against each other in the axial direction when the lid 3 is attached to the housing main body 2, no axial gap will be generated between the first axially opposing surfaces F1 and the second axially opposing surfaces F2 when the lid 3 is attached to the housing main body 2. Therefore, when the lid 3 is in the closed state, relative movement of the lid 3 in the axial direction with respect to the housing main body 2 is suppressed. This makes it possible to suppress the generation of abnormal noise when the housing 1 vibrates.

[0074] 14, in this embodiment, by providing the protrusion PR1, relative movement of the lid 3 with respect to the housing main body 2 in the opening and closing direction D1 (height direction D3) is suppressed for the same reasons as those described in the first embodiment. Therefore, when vibration is applied to the housing 1, abnormal noise caused by repeated contact and non-contact between the shaft portion Ax1 and the bearing portion Ax2 in the opening and closing direction D1, and abnormal noise caused by repeated contact and non-contact between the lid 3 and the housing main body 2 in the opening and closing direction D1, are suppressed.

[0075] 14, in this embodiment, the protrusion PR1 may be provided in a region near the pair of shafts Ax1 and bearings Ax2 (for example, a region within ¼ of the axial X direction length of the housing 1 from the positions where the shafts Ax1 and bearings Ax2 are provided). More specifically, in FIG. 14, the pair of shafts Ax1 and bearings Ax2 are provided near both ends of the first side wall W21 in the axial X direction, and the pair of protrusions PR1 are provided at the upper end UE of the first side wall W21 in a region near the shafts Ax1 and bearings Ax2 (a region on the inner side in the axial X direction). In this way, when the pair of protrusions PR1 are provided in a region near the pair of shafts Ax1 and bearings Ax2 where the opening / closing direction gap G2 is generated, the protrusion PR1 is closer to the shafts Ax1 and bearings Ax2 than when one protrusion is provided in the center of the housing 1 in the axial X direction. Therefore, when the lid 3 is held in the housing main body 2 with the opening AP closed, the base end region R2 of the lid 3 is lifted in a direction away from the bottom wall W1 (upward in FIG. 12) with the protrusion PR1 as a fulcrum, thereby further improving the effect of eliminating backlash. Furthermore, if the pair of protrusions PR1 are provided in a region near the pair of shafts Ax1 and bearings Ax2 where the opening / closing direction gap G2 occurs, when the engagement between the engaging portion E1 and the engaged portion E2 is released to open the lid 3, the reaction force applied to the lid 3 from the pair of protrusions PR1 makes it easier to open the lid 3. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1. Housing 2 Housing body 3 Lid 31 Back of the lid 32 Lid surface AP opening AT outer casing mounting part Ax1 shaft part Ax2 bearing part C, C1, C21, C22 cables D1 Opening and closing direction D2 Housing width direction D3 Housing height direction DR Drainage Channel E1 Engagement part E2 Engaged part F1 Opposing surface (first axial opposing surface) F2 Opposing surface (second axial opposing surface) F3 Opposite surface (opposite surface in the first opening / closing direction) F4 Opposite surface (opposite surface in the second opening / closing direction) FX fixed part G1 Axial clearance G2 Opening and closing direction gap H Hood L1: The axial distance between the pair of first axially opposing surfaces L2: The axial distance between the pair of second axially opposing surfaces M Cable connection mechanism OC outer casing OP1 Operation section OP21, OP22 Operated part P Separation prevention part PR1 protrusion PR2 2nd protrusion R1 tip area R2 proximal region S slider UE upper end of side wall V vehicle W1 bottom wall W2 sidewall W21 1st side wall W211 Projecting piece W22 2nd side wall W23 3rd side wall W24 4th side wall X rotation axis θ The angle between the top of the side wall and the back of the lid

Claims

1. a housing body including a bottom wall and a side wall extending upright from the bottom wall, the housing body having an opening facing the bottom wall; a lid connected to the side wall so as to rotate about a predetermined rotation axis and closing the opening; A housing comprising: one of the housing body and the lid has a shaft portion, and the other of the housing body and the lid has a bearing portion that supports the shaft portion so that the lid rotates around the rotation axis, the side wall has, in a base end region on the rotation shaft side, a second opening / closing direction opposing surface that faces a first opening / closing direction opposing surface provided on the lid in an opening / closing direction of the lid when the lid closes the opening, the first opening / closing direction opposing surface and / or the second opening / closing direction opposing surface has a protruding portion protruding in the opening / closing direction from the first opening / closing direction opposing surface and / or the second opening / closing direction opposing surface, a protrusion amount of the protrusion in the opening / closing direction is greater than the size of an opening / closing direction gap that occurs between the shaft portion and the bearing portion in the opening / closing direction, and when the lid closes the opening and is held by the housing main body, the protrusion is pressed against the first opening / closing direction opposing surface and / or the second opening / closing direction opposing surface in the opening / closing direction, thereby pressing the shaft portion against the bearing portion in the opening / closing direction, the side wall has a second axially opposed surface that faces a first axially opposed surface provided on the lid in an axial direction of the rotation shaft when the lid closes the opening of the housing body, the first axially opposing surface and the second axially opposing surface are configured to be pressed against each other in the axial direction at least when the lid closes the opening, and the protrusion is provided on only a portion of the first opening / closing direction opposing surface and / or the second opening / closing direction opposing surface so that, when the lid closes the opening and is held by the housing body, a drainage channel connecting the inside and outside of the housing is formed between the upper end of the side wall on the opening side and the back surface of the lid opposite the upper end of the side wall.

2. the housing body and / or the lid have an engagement portion in a tip region on the side farther from the rotation shaft for holding the housing body and the lid together in a state in which the lid closes the opening, 2. The housing according to claim 1, wherein when the lid is held on the housing body by the engaging portion with the opening closed, the base end region of the lid is lifted in a direction away from the bottom wall, with the protrusion as a fulcrum, and the shaft portion is pressed against the bearing portion.

3. the first axially opposed surface and / or the second axially opposed surface has a second protruding portion protruding in the axial direction from the first axially opposed surface and / or the second axially opposed surface, 3. The housing according to claim 1, wherein the amount of protrusion in the axial direction of the second protrusion is greater than the size of an axial gap occurring in the axial direction between the first axial opposing surface and the second axial opposing surface, and the second protrusion is configured to fit into the axial gap when the lid closes the opening.

4. the lid has a pair of the first axially opposed surfaces spaced apart in the axial direction, the side wall has a pair of the second axially opposed surfaces spaced apart in the axial direction, 3. The housing according to claim 1, wherein the axial distance between the pair of first axially opposing surfaces and the axial distance between the pair of second axially opposing surfaces are set so that the first axially opposing surfaces and the second axially opposing surfaces are pressed against each other in the axial direction when the lid is attached to the housing body.

5. the second protrusion is provided on the first axially opposing surface provided on the lid, 4. The housing of claim 3, wherein the second protrusion does not fit into the axial gap when the lid is opened at a predetermined angle relative to the housing body from a closed state in which the lid closes the opening, but is configured to fit into the axial gap in a region near the closed state in which the lid closes the opening.

6. The housing according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the housing is configured to be connected to a cable routed in a vehicle.

7. a housing body including a bottom wall and a side wall extending upright from the bottom wall, the housing body having an opening facing the bottom wall; a lid connected to the side wall so as to rotate about a predetermined rotation axis and closing the opening; A housing comprising: one of the housing body and the lid has a shaft portion, and the other of the housing body and the lid has a bearing portion that supports the shaft portion so that the lid rotates around the rotation axis, the side wall has, in a base end region on the rotation shaft side, a second opening / closing direction opposing surface that faces a first opening / closing direction opposing surface provided on the lid in an opening / closing direction of the lid when the lid closes the opening, the first opening / closing direction opposing surface and / or the second opening / closing direction opposing surface has a protruding portion protruding in the opening / closing direction from the first opening / closing direction opposing surface and / or the second opening / closing direction opposing surface, a protrusion amount of the protrusion in the opening / closing direction is greater than the size of an opening / closing direction gap that occurs between the shaft portion and the bearing portion in the opening / closing direction, and when the lid closes the opening and is held by the housing main body, the protrusion is pressed against the first opening / closing direction opposing surface and / or the second opening / closing direction opposing surface in the opening / closing direction, thereby pressing the shaft portion against the bearing portion in the opening / closing direction, the side wall has a second axially opposed surface that faces a first axially opposed surface provided on the lid in an axial direction of the rotation shaft when the lid closes the opening of the housing body, the first axially opposed surface and the second axially opposed surface are configured to be pressed against each other in the axial direction at least in a state in which the lid closes the opening, the first axially opposed surface and / or the second axially opposed surface has a second protruding portion protruding in the axial direction from the first axially opposed surface and / or the second axially opposed surface, A housing in which the amount of protrusion in the axial direction of the second protrusion is greater than the size of an axial gap generated in the axial direction between the first axial opposing surface and the second axial opposing surface, and the second protrusion is configured to fit into the axial gap when the lid closes the opening.

8. a housing body including a bottom wall and a side wall extending upright from the bottom wall, the housing body having an opening facing the bottom wall; a lid connected to the side wall so as to rotate about a predetermined rotation axis and closing the opening; A housing comprising: one of the housing body and the lid has a shaft portion, and the other of the housing body and the lid has a bearing portion that supports the shaft portion so that the lid rotates around the rotation axis, the side wall has, in a base end region on the rotation shaft side, a second opening / closing direction opposing surface that faces a first opening / closing direction opposing surface provided on the lid in an opening / closing direction of the lid when the lid closes the opening, the first opening / closing direction opposing surface and / or the second opening / closing direction opposing surface has a protruding portion protruding in the opening / closing direction from the first opening / closing direction opposing surface and / or the second opening / closing direction opposing surface, a protrusion amount of the protrusion in the opening / closing direction is greater than the size of an opening / closing direction gap that occurs between the shaft portion and the bearing portion in the opening / closing direction, and when the lid closes the opening and is held by the housing main body, the protrusion is pressed against the first opening / closing direction opposing surface and / or the second opening / closing direction opposing surface in the opening / closing direction, thereby pressing the shaft portion against the bearing portion in the opening / closing direction, the side wall has a second axially opposed surface that faces a first axially opposed surface provided on the lid in an axial direction of the rotation shaft when the lid closes the opening of the housing body, A housing in which the protrusion is provided on only a portion of the first opening / closing direction opposing surface and / or the second opening / closing direction opposing surface so that, when the lid closes the opening and is held by the housing body, a drainage channel connecting the inside and outside of the housing is formed between the upper end of the side wall on the opening side and the back surface of the lid opposite the upper end of the side wall.

Images