System structure

Abstract

To provide an engagement structure capable of suppressing detachment of an engagement part when force in a withdrawal direction acts.SOLUTION: An engagement structure 1 comprises: a holding body 2 having a wall part 21, an engagement part 3 protruding from a wall surface 21a of the wall part 21, and a regulation part 4 protruding from the wall surface; and a housing which has a storage part 7 and a pair of flexible arms 8, and engages the arm with the engagement part while sliding in a first direction X along the wall surface. The pair of arms is arranged in a second direction Y, and the arm comprises: a main body 81 which protrudes from the storage part in the first direction; and a protrusion piece 82 which protrudes in the second direction from a tip of the main body so that an angle formed by the protrusion piece is a sharp angle. The engagement part comprises an engagement surface 33 for engaging the protrusion piece. The engagement surface comprises: a first engagement surface 33a which is provided on an opposite side of the side of the main body with respect to the protrusion piece, and extends along the first direction; and a second engagement surface 33b which extends in the second direction and faces a tip 82a of the protrusion piece. The regulation part regulates flexible deformation of the main body toward an opposite side of the engagement part side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an engagement structure.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a structure for engaging two members. Patent Document 1 discloses an attachment structure of a liquid level detection device. The liquid level detection device includes a device main body attached to an attachment surface of an attachment portion. The attachment surface has a pair of locking portions that lock both side portions of the device main body by inserting the device main body, and a pair of protrusions formed on the front side in the insertion direction of the device main body with respect to the locking portions. The device main body has a pair of hooks arranged in the width direction and extending forward in the insertion direction. The hook has a claw portion that locks the protrusion from the inner side in the width direction of the device main body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In an engagement structure, it is desired to suppress the disengagement of the engagement portion when a force in the disengagement direction acts.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an engagement structure capable of suppressing the disengagement of the engagement portion when a force in the disengagement direction acts.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The engagement structure of the present invention comprises a housing having a wall portion, a locking portion protruding from the wall surface of the wall portion, a restricting portion protruding from the wall surface, a housing portion, and a pair of flexible arms, wherein the arms engage with the locking portion while sliding along the wall surface in a first direction and are held by the housing portion, the pair of arms are arranged side by side in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the arms have a body protruding from the housing portion in the first direction and a corner between the tip of the body and the body The locking portion has a protruding piece that protrudes toward the second direction such that the angle is acute, and the locking portion has a locking surface that locks the protruding piece, the locking surface is located on the side of the main body away from the protruding piece and has a first locking surface that extends toward the first direction and a second locking surface that extends toward the second direction and faces the tip of the protruding piece, and the restricting portion is located on the side of the main body away from the locking portion and restricts the bending deformation of the main body toward the side of the locking portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The engagement structure according to the present invention has a restricting portion positioned on the side of the arm body opposite to the locking portion, and the restricting portion restricts the bending deformation of the arm body toward the side opposite to the locking portion. The engagement structure according to the present invention has the effect of suppressing the disengagement of the engagement portion when a force in the disengagement direction is applied. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a plan view of the engagement structure according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the holder according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a plan view of the holder according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the housing according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a rear view of the housing according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a plan view of the engagement structure according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a plan view of the engagement structure according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of the engagement structure according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an enlarged view of the engagement structure according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The engagement structure according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, this embodiment does not limit the present invention. Furthermore, the components in the following embodiments include those that are easily conceivable by those skilled in the art or that are substantially identical.

[0010] [Embodiment] An embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. This embodiment relates to an engagement structure. Figure 1 is a plan view of the engagement structure according to the embodiment, Figure 2 is a perspective view of the holder according to the embodiment, Figure 3 is a plan view of the holder according to the embodiment, Figure 4 is a perspective view of the housing according to the embodiment, Figure 5 is a rear view of the housing according to the embodiment, Figures 6 and 7 are plan views of the engagement structure according to the embodiment, and Figures 8 and 9 are enlarged views of the engagement structure according to the embodiment.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the engagement structure 1 of this embodiment includes a holder 2 and a housing 6 that engages with the holder 2. The holder 2 and housing 6 of this embodiment are components of the liquid level sensor 100. The holder 2 is a plate-shaped member fixed to the fuel tank of a vehicle. The housing 6 is a member that houses a sensor unit for detecting the liquid level.

[0012] The housing 6 engages with the holder 2 while sliding along a first direction X. The first direction X is the longitudinal direction of the holder 2. The first direction X is, for example, the vertical direction of the vehicle when the liquid level sensor 100 is mounted on the vehicle. The housing 6 has a pair of arms 8. The holder 2 has locking parts 3 for locking the arms 8 and restricting parts 4 for restricting the bending deformation of the arms 8. As will be described below, the engagement structure 1 of this embodiment can prevent the arms 8 from disengaging from the locking parts 3 when an external force is applied to the housing 6.

[0013] As shown in Figure 2, the holder 2 has a wall portion 21, a pair of guide portions 22, a pair of locking portions 3, and a pair of restricting portions 4. The holder 2 is molded from, for example, an insulating synthetic resin. The wall portion 21 is the main part of the holder 2 and has a flat plate shape. The illustrated wall portion 21 is rectangular. In the following description, the longitudinal direction of the wall portion 21 is referred to as the "first direction X," and the short direction of the wall portion 21 is referred to as the "second direction Y." The second direction Y is perpendicular to the first direction X. The thickness direction of the wall portion 21 is referred to as the "third direction Z." The third direction Z is perpendicular to both the first direction X and the second direction Y.

[0014] The wall portion 21 has a wall surface 21a facing the housing 6. The guide portion 22, locking portion 3, and regulating portion 4 project from the wall surface 21a in a third direction Z. The guide portion 22 guides and holds the housing 6. The guide portion 22 is located at the end of the wall surface 21a in a second direction Y and extends in a first direction X. The guide portion 22 has a base portion 22a and an opposing portion 22b. The base portion 22a projects from the wall surface 21a in a third direction Z. The two base portions 22a face each other in the second direction Y. The base portions 22a position the housing 6 in the second direction Y.

[0015] The opposing portion 22b protrudes in the second direction Y from the tip of the base portion 22a. The opposing portion 22b protrudes toward the center line CL of the wall portion 21. The opposing portion 22b faces the wall surface 21a in the third direction Z. The opposing portion 22b positions the housing 6 in the third direction Z. The opposing portion 22b has a contact surface 22c as a stopper against the housing 6.

[0016] The locking portion 3 locks the arm 8 of the housing 6. The locking portions 3 are arranged on both sides of the center line CL in the second direction Y. The position of the locking portion 3 in the second direction Y is closer to the center line CL than the guide portion 22. The two illustrated locking portions 3 are line-symmetrical with respect to the center line CL. The position of the locking portion 3 in the first direction X is at a position deeper X1 than the guide portion 22. The deeper side X1 is the front side in the traveling direction of the housing 6 when the housing 6 engages with the holder 2 while sliding. In the following description, the side opposite to the deeper side X1 in the first direction X is referred to as the "front side X2".

[0017] As shown in FIG. 3, the locking portion 3 is bent in an L shape in a plan view. The locking portion 3 has a first wall portion 31 extending in the first direction X and a second wall portion 32 extending in the second direction Y. The second wall portion 32 protrudes in the second direction Y from the end of the first wall portion 31 toward the center line CL. Also, the first wall portion 31 protrudes in the deeper side X1 from the end of the second wall portion 32.

[0018] The locking portion 3 has a locking surface 33 formed by the first wall portion 31 and the second wall portion 32. The locking surface 33 has a first locking surface 33a which is the surface of the first wall portion 31 and a second locking surface 33b which is the surface of the second wall portion 32. The first locking surface 33a is the wall surface on the side of the center line CL in the first wall portion 31. The second locking surface 33b is the wall surface facing the deeper side X1 in the second wall portion 32. The first locking surface 33a and the second locking surface 33b illustrated in FIG. 3 are orthogonal.

[0019] The restricting portion 4 restricts the bending deformation of the arm 8. The restricting portions 4 are located on both sides in the second direction Y with respect to the center line CL. In the second direction Y, the position of the restricting portion 4 is closer to the center line CL than the position of the locking portion 3. The two exemplified restricting portions 4 are symmetrical with respect to the center line CL. In the first direction X, the position of the restricting portion 4 is at a position X1 further back than the second wall portion 32. The front end X2 of the restricting portion 4 faces the first locking surface 33a in the second direction Y. In plan view, the shape of the restricting portion 4 is a rectangle extending in the first direction X.

[0020] The restricting portion 4 has a support surface 41 facing away from the side of the center line CL. In other words, the support surface 41 is the surface facing the locking portion 3 in the second direction Y. The illustrated support surface 41 is a plane extending in the first direction X. The support surface 41 contacts and supports the arm 8, which is subject to bending deformation. A gap G1 is provided between the support surface 41 and the locking portion 3, through which the arm 8 of the housing 6 can pass.

[0021] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the housing 6 has a housing section 7 and a pair of flexible arms 8. The housing 6 is molded from, for example, an insulating synthetic resin. The housing section 7 houses sensors and control circuits. When viewed from the front, the shape of the housing section 7 is approximately rectangular. In the description of the housing 6, the side facing the holder 2 is referred to as the rear side in the third direction Z, and the side opposite the rear side is referred to as the front side in the third direction Z.

[0022] The front of the housing section 7 is provided with a cylindrical shaft portion 71 that protrudes in a third direction Z. The shaft portion 71 rotatably supports a ring-shaped magnet. A float is connected to the magnet via a float arm. As the float moves up and down in response to changes in the fuel level, the magnet rotates. A sensor located inside the housing section 7 detects the change in magnetic flux density due to the rotation of the magnet. The housing section 7 holds a plurality of terminals 72. Signals indicating the sensor's detection results are output to the outside via the terminals 72. The side of the housing section 7 is provided with a projection 73 guided by a guide portion 22 of the holder 2. The projection 73 protrudes in a second direction Y.

[0023] As shown in Figure 5, a pair of arms 8 protrude from the housing 7 in a first direction X. The two arms 8 are aligned in a second direction Y. As shown in Figure 4, the arms 8 are formed in a plate shape. The width direction of the arms 8 is a third direction Z. The arms 8 have a main body 81 and a protruding piece 82. The base end of the main body 81 is connected to the outer wall of the housing 7. The main body 81 extends along the first direction X.

[0024] As shown in Figure 5, the protruding piece 82 projects from the tip 81a of the main body 81 toward the second direction Y. The protruding piece 82 is positioned such that the angle θ between it and the main body 81 is acute. In other words, the arm 8 is bent so that the main body 81 and the protruding piece 82 form a V-shape. The protruding piece 82 projects outward toward the second direction Y. To put it another way, the protruding piece 82 of one arm 8 projects toward the opposite side from the other arm 8. The length of the protruding piece 82 is shorter than the length of the main body 81. The protruding piece 82 has a tapered shape, with the plate thickness decreasing as it approaches the tip of the protruding piece 82.

[0025] As shown in Figure 6, the housing 6 engages with the holder 2 while sliding toward the rear X1. At this time, the arm 8 passes through the gap G1 between the locking portion 3 and the restricting portion 4. The second wall portion 32 of the locking portion 3 is positioned to face the protruding piece 82 in the first direction X. As the arm 8 passes through the gap G1, the protruding piece 82 overcomes the second wall portion 32 while causing the main body 81 to bend and deform. At this time, the protruding piece 82 may undergo elastic deformation.

[0026] Figure 7 shows the housing 6 after engagement with the holder 2 is complete. The first locking surface 33a of the locking portion 3 faces the tip 82a of the protruding piece 82 in the second direction Y. The second locking surface 33b faces the tip 82a of the protruding piece 82 in the first direction X. In other words, the locking surface 33 faces the tip 82a of the protruding piece 82 in two directions. The support surface 41 of the restricting portion 4 faces the body 81 of the arm 8 in the second direction Y. The support surface 41 is positioned such that a small gap is formed between the support surface 41 and the body 81. This prevents the arm 8, which deforms when engaged, from interfering with the restricting portion 4.

[0027] When an external force acting in the direction of withdrawal toward the front side X2 is applied to the housing 6 from the state shown in Figure 7, the locking part 3 locks the protruding piece 82. Figure 8 shows the protruding piece 82 locked by the locking part 3. A force F1 acting toward the front side X2 is acting on the arm 8. When the arm 8 moves toward the front side X2, the tip 82a of the protruding piece 82 is locked by the second locking surface 33b, and then further locked by the first locking surface 33a. In other words, the locking part 3 restrains the tip 82a of the protruding piece 82 with the first locking surface 33a and the second locking surface 33b.

[0028] In this embodiment, the protruding piece 82 deforms by bending in the direction indicated by arrow AR3 when a force F1 is applied to the arm 8. That is, the protruding piece 82 deforms by bending toward the first locking surface 33a. This direction of deformation is controlled by at least one of the following: the shape of the protruding piece 82, the angle θ between the main body 81 and the protruding piece 82, the extension direction of the main body 81, the position of the locking surface 33, the position of the support surface 41, etc.

[0029] When the protruding piece 82 is locked by the locking surface 33, the main body 81 of the arm 8 deforms by bending toward the restricting portion 4 as indicated by arrow AR2. The support surface 41 of the restricting portion 4 supports the main body 81 and restricts further bending deformation of the main body 81. The illustrated restricting portion 4 supports the tip portion of the main body 81, including the tip 81a of the main body 81.

[0030] The main body 81 is supported by the restricting portion 4, which restricts further bending deformation of the main body 81. Therefore, the engagement structure 1 of this embodiment can suppress the disengagement of the engagement portion when a force F1 in the disengagement direction is applied. The restricting portion 4 suppresses the reduction in the engagement allowance of the protruding piece 82 with respect to the locking portion 3, and can maintain the engaged state between the protruding piece 82 and the locking portion 3.

[0031] Since the tip 82a of the protruding piece 82 is locked by the locking part 3 and the main body 81 is supported by the restricting part 4, the stress generated in the protruding piece 82 is mainly compressive stress in the direction of arrow AR1. In other words, large bending stresses and tensile stresses are unlikely to occur in the protruding piece 82. Since the stress acting on the protruding piece 82 is mainly axial compressive stress, it is possible to secure the necessary strength of the arm 8 without increasing the size of the arm 8. The restricting part 4 can improve the effective rigidity of the arm 8 against the force F1 in the pull-out direction by supporting the main body 81.

[0032] The first locking surface 33a may be an inclined surface as shown in Figure 9. The first locking surface 33a shown in Figure 9 is inclined with respect to the first direction X. More specifically, the first locking surface 33a is inclined such that the angle between the first locking surface 33a and the second locking surface 33b is acute. The first locking surface 33a is inclined so that it approaches the regulating portion 4 as it moves toward the rear side X1 along the first direction X.

[0033] The inclined first locking surface 33a can restrict the deflection deformation of the protruding piece 82. More specifically, the inclination of the first locking surface 33a narrows the gap G2 between the first locking surface 33a and the protruding piece 82. As a result, the first locking surface 33a can restrict the deflection of the protruding piece 82 in the direction indicated by arrow AR3. Therefore, the locking portion 3 can generate compressive stress in the protruding piece 82 in the direction of arrow AR1 as intended.

[0034] As described above, the engagement structure 1 of this embodiment comprises a holder 2 and a housing 6. The holder 2 comprises a wall portion 21, a locking portion 3 protruding from the wall surface 21a of the wall portion 21, and a restricting portion 4 protruding from the wall surface 21a. The housing 6 comprises a housing portion 7 and a pair of flexible arms 8. The housing 6 is held by the holder 2 by engaging the arms 8 with the locking portion 3 while sliding along the wall surface 21a in a first direction X.

[0035] A pair of arms 8 are arranged side by side in a second direction Y that is perpendicular to the first direction X. Each arm 8 has a body 81 and a projection 82. The body 81 protrudes from the housing 7 in the first direction X. The projection 82 protrudes toward the second direction Y such that the angle θ between the tip 81a of the body 81 and the body 81 is acute.

[0036] The locking portion 3 has a locking surface 33 that locks onto the protruding piece 82. The locking surface 33 has a first locking surface 33a and a second locking surface 33b. The first locking surface 33a is located on the side of the main body 81 opposite to the protruding piece 82 and extends along the first direction X. The second locking surface 33b extends in the second direction Y and faces the tip 82a of the protruding piece 82. The restricting portion 4 is located on the side of the main body 81 of the arm 8 opposite to the locking portion 3. The restricting portion 4 restricts the bending deformation of the main body 81 toward the side opposite to the locking portion 3. In this embodiment, the engagement structure 1 can suppress the disengagement of the engagement portion when a force F1 in the disengagement direction is applied by restricting the bending deformation of the main body 81 with the restricting portion 4.

[0037] In this embodiment, the restricting portion 4 faces the first locking surface 33a in the second direction Y. By supporting the tip portion of the main body 81 in this manner, the restricting portion 4 can appropriately restrict the bending deformation of the main body 81.

[0038] In this embodiment, the first locking surface 33a is inclined with respect to the first direction X such that the angle between the first locking surface 33a and the second locking surface 33b is acute. The first locking surface 33a, inclined in this manner, can restrict the bending deformation of the protruding piece 82.

[0039] Furthermore, the application of the engagement structure 1 is not limited to the liquid level sensor 100. The engagement structure 1 of this embodiment can be applied to various engagement parts that engage two members.

[0040] The contents disclosed in the above embodiments can be combined and implemented as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0041] 1: Engagement structure 2: Holder, 3: Locking part, 4: Regulating part 6: Housing, 7: Storage section, 8: Arm 21: Wall section, 21a: Wall surface 22: Guide part, 22a: Base part, 22b: Opposing part, 22c: Contact surface 31: First wall, 32: Second wall 33: Locking surface, 33a: First locking surface, 33b: Second locking surface 41: Support surface 81: Main body, 81a: Tip, 82: Projecting piece, 82a: Tip CL: Center line G1, G2: Gap X: First direction, X1: Back side, X2: Front side Y: Second direction, Z: Third direction

Claims

1. A holder having a wall portion, a locking portion protruding from the wall surface of the wall portion, and a restricting portion protruding from the wall surface, A housing having a housing section and a pair of flexible arms, wherein the arms slide in a first direction along the wall surface and engage with the locking section, and are held by the retaining body, Equipped with, The pair of arms are arranged side by side in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, The arm has a main body that protrudes from the housing in the first direction, and a protruding piece that protrudes toward the second direction such that the angle between the tip of the main body and the main body is acute. The locking portion has a locking surface that locks the protruding piece, The locking surface has a first locking surface located on the side opposite to the main body with respect to the protruding piece and extending along the first direction, and a second locking surface extending in the second direction and facing the tip of the protruding piece. The restricting portion is positioned on the side of the main body opposite to the side of the locking portion, and restricts the bending deformation of the main body toward the side opposite to the side of the locking portion. An engagement structure characterized by the following features.

2. The restricting portion faces the first locking surface in the second direction. The engagement structure according to claim 1.

3. The first locking surface is inclined with respect to the first direction such that the angle between the first locking surface and the second locking surface is acute. The engagement structure according to claim 1 or 2.

Images