Engagement structure, and terminal block

Abstract

An engagement structure (18) for causing an accommodating member (34) having an opening (38) to engage with an accommodated member (36) which is accommodated in the accommodating member (34) by being inserted into the opening (38) in a rearward direction includes projecting portions (30) and locking holes (32) that engage with one another, and additionally includes dovetail tenons (26) and a dovetail tenon holes (28) that engage with one another, wherein the dovetail tenons (26) engage with the dovetail tenon holes (28) before the projecting portions (30) come into contact with an opening edge (38a) of the opening (38) when the accommodated member (36) is being inserted into the accommodating member (34).

Description

Engagement structure and terminal block

[0001] The present invention relates to an engagement structure and a terminal block having the engagement structure.

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2014-135280 discloses a frame and a mounting part. The frame has a dovetail block (dovetail tenon). The mounting part has a dovetail groove (dovetail hole). The dovetail block and the dovetail groove engage with each other, thereby engaging the frame and the mounting part.

[0003] A contained member is contained in a containing member having an opening through the opening. Here, a dovetail hole is formed in the containing member from the opening edge along the insertion direction of the contained member. Also, a dovetail joint is formed in the contained member along the insertion direction.

[0004] The dovetail groove and the dovetail hole engage with each other as the held member is held in the holding member, thereby allowing the holding member and the held member to engage with each other while the held member is held in the holding member.

[0005] However, there is a problem in that if the held member moves relative to the holding member in the direction opposite to the insertion direction, the engagement between the dovetail hole and the dovetail tenon can easily be released. For example, when the held member is held in the holding member and the opening of the holding member faces downward, gravity causes the held member to move relative to the holding member in the direction opposite to the insertion direction. As a result, the engagement between the dovetail hole and the dovetail tenon can be released, and the held member may fall out of the holding member.

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0007] In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an engagement structure for engaging a accommodating member having an opening with a held member that is accommodated in the accommodating member by being inserted into the opening along an insertion direction, the engagement structure comprising a latch structure and a dovetail structure, wherein the latch structure comprises a locking hole formed in the accommodating member at a position away from the opening end of the opening along the insertion direction, and a protrusion provided on the held member according to the arrangement of the locking hole in the accommodating member, the protrusion engaging with the locking hole restricting movement of the held member relative to the accommodating member in the direction opposite to the insertion direction, the dovetail structure comprising a dovetail provided at an end of the held member, and a dovetail hole formed in the accommodating member from the opening end along the insertion direction and engaging with the dovetail tenon while allowing the dovetail tenon to move along the insertion direction to a predetermined position, and the dovetail tenon engages with the dovetail hole before the protrusion and the opening end abut when the held member is inserted into the accommodating member.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention is a terminal block comprising a housing having an opening and a module that is accommodated in the housing by being inserted into the opening along an insertion direction, the terminal block comprising: a locking hole formed in the housing at a position away from the opening end of the opening along the insertion direction; a protrusion provided on the module in accordance with the arrangement of the locking hole in the housing, the protrusion engaging with the locking hole to restrict movement of the module relative to the housing in the direction opposite to the insertion direction; a dovetail provided at an end of the module; and a dovetail hole formed in the housing from the opening end along the insertion direction, the dovetail hole engaging with the dovetail while allowing the dovetail to move along the insertion direction to a predetermined position, wherein the dovetail engages with the dovetail hole before the protrusion and the opening end come into contact when the module is inserted into the housing.

[0009] According to the present invention, the risk of the held member falling off the holding member is reduced.

[0010] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an I / O unit according to an embodiment. FIG. 1B is an exploded view of the I / O unit. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a terminal block. FIG. 3 is a left side view of the terminal block. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the tip of a dovetail has reached the open end of a housing during the process of accommodating a module into the housing. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a housing and a module further moved rearward from the state of FIG. 4. FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram showing a housing and a module further moved rearward from the state of FIG. 5. FIG. 6B is a view of the terminal block of FIG. 6A from a different direction. FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram of a terminal block according to a comparative example. FIG. 7B is a view of the terminal block of FIG. 7A from a different direction. FIG. 8 is a view of a module according to Modification 1. FIG. 9 is a view of a module and a housing according to Modification 2. FIG. 10 is a view of a module and a housing according to Modification 3.

[0011] 1A is a perspective view of an I / O unit 10 according to an embodiment, and FIG. 1B is an exploded view of the I / O unit 10.

[0012] Note that multiple arrows shown in each drawing indicate the directions (front, rear, left, right, up, down) used in the following description. The up-down direction (first direction), the left-right direction (second direction), and the front-rear direction are perpendicular to each other. The left-right direction and the front-rear direction are parallel to, for example, a horizontal plane.

[0013] The I / O unit 10 is provided in a communication system including, for example, a programmable logic controller (PLC). The I / O unit 10 is an electronic device (input / output device) that includes a terminal block 12 and a signal processing unit 14.

[0014] The signal processing unit 14 includes a plurality of contactors 14a and a signal processing module 14b.

[0015] The multiple contactors 14a are terminal groups arranged on both left and right sides of the signal processing unit 14. The multiple contactors 14a arranged on the left side of the signal processing unit 14 are provided for electrical continuity with another I / O unit 10 installed to the left of the signal processing unit 14. The multiple contactors 14a arranged on the right side of the signal processing unit 14 are provided for electrical continuity with another I / O unit 10 installed to the right of the signal processing unit 14.

[0016] In this embodiment, the I / O unit 10 is substantially symmetrical from left to right, and therefore the right side of the I / O unit 10 is not shown in the drawings.

[0017] The signal processing module 14b is a module that performs processing required of the I / O unit 10 in the above-described communication system. The signal processing module 14b includes an electric circuit such as a control IC (Integrated Circuit). The signal processing module 14b is electrically connected to the plurality of contactors 14a in the signal processing unit 14.

[0018] The terminal block 12 is disposed in front of the signal processing unit 14. The terminal block 12 is attached to the signal processing unit 14 from in front of the signal processing unit 14 in a rearward direction. The terminal block 12 includes a plurality of connection ports 16 and an engagement structure 18.

[0019] Each of the plurality of connection ports 16 is a portion to which an external terminal 20 is connected. The external terminal 20 is a terminal provided on, for example, various actuators of machine tools, robots, etc., various detectors, etc. Each connection port 16 is provided with a terminal (401) for electrical connection with the external terminal 20 (see FIG. 2). The external terminal 20 is connected to the signal processing module 14b via the terminal.

[0020] The engagement structure 18 includes dovetail structures 22 and latch structures 24. Each dovetail structure 22 has a dovetail groove 26 and a dovetail hole 28 (see FIG. 2). Each latch structure 24 has a protrusion 30 and a locking hole 32 (see FIG. 2).

[0021] The number of each of the dovetail structures 22 and the latch structures 24 is not particularly limited. For illustrative purposes, the engagement structure 18 shown in Figure 1A (Figure 1B) includes a plurality of dovetail structures 22 and a plurality of latch structures 24.

[0022] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the terminal block 12. As shown in FIG.

[0023] The terminal block 12 can be divided into a housing 34 and a module 36 .

[0024] The housing 34 is a housing member that houses the module 36. The housing 34 has an opening 38, a plurality of dovetail holes 28, and a plurality of locking holes 32 formed therein. The module 36 is inserted into the housing 34 through the opening 38. The opening direction of the opening 38 is the forward direction. Therefore, an opening end 38a of the opening 38 is located at the front end of the housing 34.

[0025] The module 36 is inserted into the housing 34 from the front along the rear direction. In this case, the insertion direction of the module 36 is the rear direction.

[0026] Each of the multiple dovetail holes 28 is a cutout formed in the housing 34 along the rearward direction from the opening end 38a of the opening 38. The multiple dovetail holes 28 are formed on the left-right and top-bottom side portions of the housing 34. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the multiple dovetail holes 28 are formed on both left-right side portions of the housing 34.

[0027] The multiple locking holes 32 are formed in the side portions of the housing 34 where the multiple dovetail holes 28 are formed. That is, when the multiple dovetail holes 28 are arranged on the left side 34L and the right side 34R of the housing 34, the multiple locking holes 32 are also arranged on the left side 34L and the right side 34R of the housing 34. When the multiple dovetail holes 28 are arranged on the upper side 34U of the housing 34, the multiple locking holes 32 are also arranged on the upper side 34U of the housing 34. When the multiple dovetail holes 28 are arranged on the lower side 34B of the housing 34, the multiple locking holes 32 are also arranged on the lower side 34B of the housing 34.

[0028] Each of the multiple locking holes 32 is disposed at a position in the housing 34 that is spaced apart from the open end 38a in the insertion direction. That is, in this embodiment, each locking hole 32 is disposed rearward of the open end 38a.

[0029] It is preferable that the housing 34 be made of a flexible material, such as a resin material, so that the housing 34 can deform to some extent in response to a force applied thereto.

[0030] The module 36 is a member to be housed in the housing 34. The module 36 includes a plurality of components 40.

[0031] The plurality of components 40 includes, for example, a terminal 401 disposed in the connection port 16 described above. However, the plurality of components 40 may further include a release operator 402 and a light guide member 403.

[0032] The release operator 402 is an operator that an operator operates to release the connection between the connection port 16 and the external terminal 20 connected to the connection port 16. The release operator 402 is, for example, a pusher. The terminal block 12 may be provided with a plurality of release operators 402. Therefore, a plurality of components 40 may include a plurality of release operators 402.

[0033] The light-guiding member 403 is a member that guides light from a predetermined light source to a lamp provided in the terminal block 12, for example, to light up the lamp. The light-guiding member 403 is, for example, a light pipe. The terminal block 12 may include a plurality of light-guiding members 403. Therefore, the plurality of components 40 may include a plurality of light-guiding members 403.

[0034] The module 36 also has a plurality of dovetails 26 and a plurality of protrusions 30 formed thereon.

[0035] The dovetails 26 are provided on the sides of the module 36 according to the arrangement of the dovetail holes 28 in the housing 34. That is, if the dovetail holes 28 are arranged on the left side 34L and the right side 34R of the housing 34, the dovetails 26 are arranged on the left side 36L and the right side 36R of the module 36. If the dovetail holes 28 are arranged on the upper side 34U of the housing 34, the dovetails 26 are arranged on the upper side 36U of the module 36. If the dovetail holes 28 are arranged on the lower side 34B of the housing 34, the dovetails 26 are arranged on the lower side 36B of the module 36.

[0036] Each of the multiple dovetail tenons 26 extends in the insertion direction from an end of the module 36 that is opposite the insertion direction. That is, in this embodiment, each dovetail tenon 26 extends in the rear direction from an end 36 a of the module 36 that is in the front direction.

[0037] The multiple protrusions 30 are provided on the sides of the module 36 in accordance with the arrangement of the multiple locking holes 32 in the housing 34. That is, when the multiple locking holes 32 are arranged on the left side 34L and the right side 34R of the housing 34, the multiple protrusions 30 are arranged on the left side 36L and the right side 36R of the module 36. When the multiple locking holes 32 are arranged on the upper side 34U of the housing 34, the multiple protrusions 30 are arranged on the upper side 36U of the module 36. When the multiple locking holes 32 are arranged on the lower side 34B of the housing 34, the multiple protrusions 30 are arranged on the lower side 36B of the module 36.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a left side view of the terminal block 12. FIG.

[0039] The plurality of dovetails 26 are provided corresponding to the different dovetail holes 28. Each dovetail 26 engages with the corresponding dovetail hole 28 when the module 36 is housed in the housing 34.

[0040] Each dovetail hole 28 is long in the insertion direction, allowing the corresponding dovetail tenon 26 to move to some extent in the insertion direction while engaging with the corresponding dovetail tenon 26. Each dovetail hole 28 allows the corresponding dovetail tenon 26 to move along the insertion direction to a predetermined position. Here, the predetermined position is, for example, a position where both left and right sides (36L, 36R) of the module 36 are completely housed in the housing 34.

[0041] The engagement of the dovetail tenon 26 and the dovetail hole 28 restricts the module 36 from moving relative to the housing 34 in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction. For example, in the case of this embodiment, the engagement of the dovetail tenon 26 and the dovetail hole 28 restricts the module 36 from moving relative to the housing 34 in the up-down direction and the left-right direction.

[0042] Furthermore, the engagement between the dovetail tenon 26 and the dovetail hole 28 prevents the side of the housing 34 where the dovetail hole 28 is formed from bending. For example, in the present embodiment, the engagement between the dovetail tenon 26 on the left side 36L of the module 36 and the dovetail hole 28 on the left side 34L of the housing 34 prevents the left side 34L of the housing 34 from bending. Similarly, in the present embodiment, the engagement between the dovetail tenon 26 on the right side 36R of the module 36 and the dovetail hole 28 on the right side 34R of the housing 34 prevents the right side 34R of the housing 34 from bending.

[0043] The plurality of protrusions 30 are provided corresponding to different locking holes 32. When the module 36 is housed in the housing 34, each protrusion 30 engages with the corresponding locking hole 32.

[0044] The engagement of the protrusion 30 with the locking hole 32 restricts the module 36 from moving relative to the housing 34 in the insertion direction and the direction opposite to the insertion direction. For example, in the case of this embodiment, the engagement of the protrusion 30 with the locking hole 32 restricts the module 36 from moving relative to the housing 34 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0045] The engagement between the protrusion 30 and the locking hole 32 restricts the module 36 from moving relative to the housing 34 in the direction of extension of the side of the housing 34 in which the locking hole 32 is formed. For example, in the present embodiment, both left and right side portions (34L, 34R) of the housing 34 extend in the up-down and front-rear directions. Therefore, the engagement between the protrusion 30 and the locking hole 32 restricts the module 36 from moving relative to the housing 34 in the up-down and front-rear directions.

[0046] According to the terminal block 12, the engagement between the protrusion 30 and the locking hole 32 restricts the module 36 from moving relative to the housing 34 in the front-to-rear direction. That is, the latch structure 24 (protrusion 30, locking hole 32) restricts the module 36 from moving relative to the housing 34 in the insertion direction, which cannot be restricted by the dovetail structure 22 (dovetail 26, dovetail hole 28). This prevents, for example, the module 36 from accidentally falling out of the housing 34 through the opening 38.

[0047] Furthermore, the engagement between the dovetail 26 and the dovetail hole 28 restricts the module 36 from moving relative to the housing 34 in the vertical direction. The engagement between the protrusion 30 and the locking hole 32 further restricts the module 36 from moving relative to the housing 34 in the vertical direction.

[0048] Furthermore, the engagement between the dovetail 26 and the dovetail hole 28 restricts the module 36 from moving relative to the housing 34 in the left-right direction. That is, the dovetail structure 22 (the dovetail 26 and the dovetail hole 28) restricts the module 36 from moving relative to the housing 34 in directions that cannot be restricted by the latch structure 24 (the protrusion 30 and the locking hole 32). Restricting the module 36 from moving relative to the housing 34 in the left-right direction prevents, for example, the relative movement from accidentally releasing the engagement between the protrusion 30 and the locking hole 32.

[0049] In addition, the engagement between the dovetail 26 and the dovetail hole 28 restricts the flexure of the housing 34 in the left-right direction, thereby preventing the engagement between the protrusion 30 and the locking hole 32 from being inadvertently released due to the flexure.

[0050] The terminal block 12 described above can restrict the module 36 from moving relative to the housing 34 in all directions, including front, back, left, right, up, and down. Also, the module 36 can be more reliably maintained housed in the housing 34.

[0051] The dovetail tenon 26 has a tip 26a in the insertion direction. The protrusion 30 has a tip 30a in the insertion direction. Here, with respect to the dovetail tenon 26 and the protrusion 30 arranged on the same side of the module 36, it is preferable that the tip 26a of the dovetail tenon 26 be located closer to the insertion direction than the tip 30a of the protrusion 30. That is, in this embodiment, it is preferable that the tip 26a of each dovetail tenon 26 be located rearward of the tips 30a of the multiple protrusions 30 on each of the left side 36L and right side 36R of the module 36 (see also FIG. 3 ).

[0052] The reason for this will be explained below as to how the module 36 is housed in the housing 34. In the following explanation, the tip 26a of the dovetail 26 is located rearward of the tip 30a of the protrusion 30.

[0053] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the tip 26 a of the dovetail 26 has reached the open end 38 a of the housing 34 during the operation of housing the module 36 in the housing 34 .

[0054] As described above, the module 36 is housed in the housing 34 through the opening 38 of the housing 34. By moving the module 36 from the front to the rear of the housing 34, the tip 26a of each of the multiple dovetails 26 reaches the opening end 38a of the housing 34. In this state, the tip 30a of each of the multiple protrusions 30 has not reached the opening end 38a.

[0055] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the housing 34 and the module 36 further moved rearward from the state shown in FIG.

[0056] 5, the tip 30a of each of the plurality of protrusions 30 reaches the open end 38a. In this state, the front end portion of each of the plurality of dovetails 26 is engaged with the dovetail hole 28.

[0057] Fig. 6A is a schematic diagram showing the housing 34 and the module 36 further moved rearward from the state of Fig. 5. Fig. 6B is a view of the terminal block 12 of Fig. 6A seen from another direction.

[0058] 6B is a front view of the terminal block 12 of FIG. 6A. However, in order to avoid cluttering the illustration, the connection ports 16, components 40, etc. are omitted.

[0059] After the tip 30 a of each of the plurality of protrusions 30 reaches the open end 38 a , the module 36 is further moved rearward, so that the tip 30 a of each protrusion 30 enters the housing 34 .

[0060] Each of the multiple protrusions 30 that penetrate into the housing 34 presses against the housing 34 from inside the housing 34 in the direction of its respective protrusion. For example, in this embodiment, the multiple protrusions 30 arranged on the left side 36L of the module 36 protrude leftward. Also, in this embodiment, the multiple protrusions 30 arranged on the right side 36R of the module 36 protrude rightward.

[0061] Therefore, the housing 34 receives forces from the multiple protrusions 30 in directions that push the housing 34 apart in the left-right direction. The housing 34 deforms in response to the forces received from the multiple protrusions 30. However, as described above, the engagement between the dovetail 26 and the dovetail hole 28 prevents bending of both left-right side portions (34L, 34R) of the housing 34. Therefore, the housing 34 does not bend significantly in the left-right direction.

[0062] Before and after the housing 34 is deformed in accordance with the shapes of the plurality of protrusions 30 , each of the plurality of dovetails 26 continues to move rearward along the corresponding dovetail hole 28 .

[0063] 6A and 6B, when the module 36 is further moved rearward, each of the plurality of protrusions 30 reaches a corresponding locking hole 32. This causes the plurality of protrusions 30 to engage with the plurality of locking holes 32. In other words, the terminal block 12 is in the state shown in FIG.

[0064] FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram of a terminal block 100 according to a comparative example.

[0065] The terminal block 100 includes a housing 102 and a module 104 .

[0066] The housing 102 has an opening 105, a plurality of dovetail holes 106, and a plurality of locking holes 108. The opening direction of the opening 105 is the forward direction. An opening end 105a of the opening 105 is located at the front end of the housing 102. The housing 102 is flexible.

[0067] The module 104 includes a plurality of dovetails 110 and a plurality of protrusions 112. The module 104 is housed in the housing 102 from the front of the housing 102 along the rear direction.

[0068] The plurality of dovetails 110 are arranged corresponding to the different dovetail holes 106. The plurality of protrusions 112 are arranged corresponding to the different locking holes 108.

[0069] However, the rear end 110a of each dovetail 110 is located forward of the rear end 112a of the plurality of protrusions 112. Therefore, when the module 104 is housed in the housing 102, the protrusions 112 enter the housing 102 before the dovetails 110 and the dovetail holes 106 engage with each other.

[0070] FIG. 7B is a view of the terminal block 100 of FIG. 7A seen from another direction.

[0071] As the protrusions 112 enter the housing 102, the housing 102 is deformed. Here, the housing 102 is deformed before the dovetail holes 106 and the locking holes 108 engage with each other. Therefore, the position of the edge of each dovetail hole 106 may change significantly as the housing 102 is deformed.

[0072] 7B, the edges of the multiple dovetail holes 106 arranged on the left side 102L of the housing 102 are significantly offset to the left of the dovetail tenon 110. Also, the edges of the multiple dovetail holes 106 arranged on the right side 102R of the housing 102 are significantly offset to the right of the dovetail tenon 110. As a result, in the comparative example, it is difficult to engage the multiple dovetail holes 106 with the multiple dovetail tenon 110.

[0073] In this regard, according to the present embodiment, with respect to the dovetail tenon 26 and the protrusion 30 arranged on the same side of the module 36, the tip 26a of the dovetail tenon 26 is located further toward the insertion direction than the tip 30a of the protrusion 30. As a result, the dovetail tenon 26 and the dovetail hole 28 engage with each other before the protrusion 30 deforms the housing 34. In other words, the engagement between the dovetail tenon 26 and the dovetail hole 28 is not hindered by the latch structure 24. Therefore, the operator can easily assemble the terminal block 12 that can more reliably maintain the state in which the module 36 is housed in the housing 34.

[0074] [Modifications] Modifications of the above embodiment are described below. However, descriptions that overlap with the above embodiment will be omitted as much as possible in the following description. Elements already described in the above embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals as in the above embodiment unless otherwise specified.

[0075] (Modification 1) Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a module 361 (36) according to Modification 1. However, to simplify the explanation, parts not mentioned in the following explanation are omitted as much as possible from the illustration.

[0076] The shape of the protrusions 30 provided on the module 36 may be modified. That is, the module 361 includes a plurality of protrusions 301 (30). Each protrusion 301 is inclined so that the thickness in the protruding direction of each protrusion 301 decreases along the insertion direction. For example, the module 361 is housed in the housing 34 along the rear direction. In this case, each protrusion 301 is inclined so that the thickness in the protruding direction of each protrusion 301 decreases along the rear direction.

[0077] By inclining each protrusion 301 as described above, when the module 361 is housed in the housing 34, each protrusion 301 can be smoothly inserted into the housing 34.

[0078] In addition, in the range where the portion of protrusion 301 that abuts against opening end 38a is forward of tip 26a of dovetail tenon 26, tip 30a of protrusion 301 may be located rearward of tip 26a of dovetail tenon 26. Furthermore, within the same range, tip 30a of protrusion 301 and tip 26a of dovetail tenon 26 may be disposed at approximately the same position in the front-to-rear direction.

[0079] (Modification 2) Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a module 362 (36) and a housing 342 (34) according to Modification 2. Fig. 9 also shows a part of the left side 36L of the module 362 and a part of the left side 34L of the housing 342.

[0080] Module 362 includes the components of module 36 (see the embodiment). However, the dovetail tenon 26 of module 362 is connected to the protrusion 30. Note that multiple protrusions 30 may be connected to one dovetail tenon 26. For example, in the example of Fig. 9, multiple protrusions 30 are arranged to sandwich one dovetail tenon 26 in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction.

[0081] The housing 342 includes the components of the housing 34 (see the embodiment). Here, the dovetail holes 28 and the locking holes 32 of the housing 342 are arranged according to the arrangement of the dovetails 26 and the protrusions 30 of the module 362. For example, the dovetail holes 28 and the locking holes 32 of the housing 342 are connected to each other.

[0082] In addition, when the module 362 is provided with multiple protrusions 30, the multiple protrusions 30 may include both protrusions 30 that are connected to the dovetail 26 and protrusions 30 that are not connected to the dovetail 26.

[0083] 10 is a diagram illustrating a module 363 (36) and a housing 343 (34) according to Modification 3. Note that FIG. 10 illustrates a portion of a left side portion 36L of the module 363 and a portion of a left side portion 34L of the housing 343.

[0084] The module 363 includes the components of the module 36 (see the embodiment). The module 363 further includes a protrusion 42. The module 363 may include a plurality of protrusions 42.

[0085] The protruding direction of the protruding portion 42 coincides with the protruding direction of the protruding portion 30. Therefore, in the example of Fig. 10, the protruding portion 42 protrudes to the left.

[0086] The protrusion 42 is arranged on the same side of the module 363 as the dovetail 26. For example, in the example of Figure 10, the dovetail 26 is arranged on at least the left side 36L of the module 363. Therefore, the protrusion 42 is arranged on at least the left side 36L of the module 363.

[0087] Furthermore, the protrusion 42 connects to the side of the dovetail tenon 26 in the direction of extension of the side of the module 363 in which the dovetail tenon 26 is arranged, a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction. For example, in the example shown in Figure 10, the left side portion 36L of the module 363 extends in the front-to-back and up-to-down directions. The insertion direction is the rearward direction. Of the front-to-back and up-to-down directions, the up-to-down direction is perpendicular to the rearward direction. In this case, the protrusion 42 connects to the lower portion 26b or upper portion 26c of the dovetail tenon 26. The protrusion 42 in Figure 10 connects to the lower portion 26b.

[0088] The protrusion 42 has an inclined surface 42a. The inclined surface 42a is the surface of the protrusion 42 facing the opposite direction to the insertion direction. Therefore, in the example of Fig. 10, the inclined surface 42a is the front surface of the protrusion 42. The inclined surface 42a is inclined from the dovetail 26 in the rear direction (insertion direction).

[0089] The housing 343 includes the components of the housing 34 (see the embodiment). The housing 343 further includes a notch 44 for engaging with the protrusion 42.

[0090] The notch 44 has an edge 44a facing in the opposite direction to the insertion direction. In the example of Fig. 10, the edge 44a is the front edge of the notch 44. When the module 363 is inserted into the housing 343, the edge 44a is preferably parallel to the inclined surface 42a described above.

[0091] According to this modification, when the module 363 is accommodated in the housing 343, the inclined surface 42a of the protrusion 42 slides in the insertion direction (rearward) along the edge 44a of the cutout 44. Therefore, according to this modification, the module 363 can be smoothly accommodated in the housing 343.

[0092] When a module 363 is provided with a plurality of dovetail tenons 26, the module 363 may be provided with a plurality of protrusions 42 corresponding to the plurality of dovetail tenons 26. However, the protrusion 42 corresponding to at least one of the plurality of dovetail tenons 26 may be omitted.

[0093] (Modification 4) The engagement structure 18 of the embodiment may be applied to a member other than the terminal block 12. In short, the engagement structure 18 may be applied to a member other than the terminal block 12 as long as it engages a housing member (34) having an opening (38) with a housed member (36) housed in the housing member (34) by being inserted into the opening (38) along the insertion direction.

[0094] (Combination of Multiple Modifications) The above-described modifications may be combined as appropriate within a range that does not cause contradictions.

[0095] For example, the protrusion 30 may be connected to one vertical side of the dovetail 26 (variant 2), and the protrusion 42 may be connected to the other vertical side of the dovetail 26 (variant 3).

[0096] [Inventions Obtained from the Embodiments] Inventions that can be understood from the above-described embodiments and modifications will be described below.

[0097] <First Invention> The first invention is an engagement structure (18) that engages a accommodating member (34) having an opening (38) with a held member (36) that is inserted into the opening along an insertion direction and is accommodated in the accommodating member, the engagement structure comprising a latch structure (24) and a dovetail structure (22), the latch structure comprising a locking hole (32) formed in the accommodating member at a location away from an opening end (38a) of the opening along the insertion direction, and a dovetail structure (22) that is provided in the held member according to the arrangement of the locking hole in the accommodating member, and that engages with the locking hole to lock the held member in the opposite direction to the insertion direction. and a protrusion (30) that restricts the held member from moving relative to the holding member along the protrusion (30), and the dovetail structure has a dovetail (26) provided at the end of the held member, and a dovetail hole (28) that is formed in the holding member from the opening end along the insertion direction and engages with the dovetail while allowing the dovetail to move along the insertion direction to a predetermined position, and the dovetail is an engagement structure in which, when the held member is inserted into the holding member, the dovetail engages with the dovetail hole before the protrusion and the opening end abut.

[0098] This reduces the risk of the held member falling off the holding member.

[0099] The leading end (26a) of the dovetail groove in the insertion direction may be located closer to the insertion direction than the leading end (30a) of the protrusion in the insertion direction, so that engagement on the dovetail structure side begins before engagement on the latch structure side.

[0100] The protrusion is inclined so that the thickness of the protrusion in the protruding direction decreases along the insertion direction, and the tip (26a) of the dovetail in the insertion direction may be located at the same position as the tip (30a) of the protrusion in the insertion direction, or on the opposite side of the tip of the protrusion. This allows engagement on the dovetail structure side to begin before engagement on the latch structure side, while the latch structure side smoothly engages.

[0101] The protrusion and the dovetail may be connected to each other, thereby reducing the risk of the held member falling off the holding member.

[0102] Two of the protrusions may be provided on either side of the dovetail, thereby reducing the risk of the held member falling off the holding member.

[0103] The housing may further include a protrusion (42) provided on the housing member and connected to a side portion (26b) of the dovetail in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, and a notch (44) provided on the housing member and engaging with the protrusion, wherein the protrusion has an inclined surface (42a) inclined in the opposite direction from the dovetail in the insertion direction, and the notch has an edge (44a) inclined in the opposite direction from the dovetail hole in the insertion direction. This makes it easy to perform the housing operation.

[0104] <Second Invention> A terminal block (12) comprising a housing (34) having an opening (38) and a module (36) accommodated in the housing by being inserted into the opening along an insertion direction, the terminal block comprising: a locking hole (32) formed in the housing at a location away from an opening end (38a) of the opening along the insertion direction; a protrusion (30) provided on the module in accordance with the arrangement of the locking hole in the housing, which engages with the locking hole to restrict movement of the module relative to the housing in the direction opposite to the insertion direction; a dovetail (26) provided on an end of the module; and a dovetail hole (28) formed in the housing from the opening end along the insertion direction and which engages with the dovetail tenon while allowing the dovetail tenon to move along the insertion direction to a predetermined position, the dovetail tenon engaging with the dovetail hole before the protrusion and the opening end come into contact when the module is inserted into the housing.

[0105] This reduces the risk of the module falling off the housing.

[0106] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... I / O unit 12... Terminal block 18... Engagement structure 20... External terminal 22... Dovetail structure 24... Latch structure 26... Dovetail tenon 26a... Tip of dovetail tenon (tip) 26b... Lower part (side) of dovetail tenon 26c... Upper part (side) of dovetail tenon 28... Dovetail hole 30, 301... Projection 30a... Tip of projection (tip) 32... Locking hole 34, 342, 343... Housing 36, 361 to 363... Module 38... Opening 42... Projection 42a... Inclined surface of projection (inclined surface) 44... Notch 44a... Edge of notch (edge) 401... Terminal

Claims

1. An engagement structure for engaging a housing member having an opening with a held member that is inserted into the opening along an insertion direction and is housed in the housing member, The latch structure and the dovetail structure are provided. The latch structure includes: a locking hole formed in the housing member at a position away from an opening end of the opening along the insertion direction; a protrusion provided on the held member in accordance with an arrangement of the locking holes in the accommodating member, the protrusion engaging with the locking hole to restrict the held member from moving relatively to the accommodating member in a direction opposite to the insertion direction; having The dovetail structure is A dovetail provided at an end of the held member; a dovetail hole formed in the housing member along the insertion direction from the opening end and engaging with the dovetail while allowing the dovetail to move along the insertion direction to a predetermined position; having An engagement structure in which, when the held member is inserted into the holding member, the dovetail engages with the dovetail hole before the protrusion and the opening end come into contact.

2. The engagement structure according to claim 1, An engagement structure in which a tip end of the dovetail groove in the insertion direction is located on the insertion direction side of a tip end of the protrusion in the insertion direction.

3. The engagement structure according to claim 1, The protrusion is inclined such that a thickness of the protrusion in a protruding direction becomes smaller along the insertion direction, An engagement structure in which a tip end of the dovetail groove in the insertion direction is located at the same position as the tip end of the protrusion in the insertion direction with respect to the insertion direction, or on the opposite side of the tip end of the protrusion.

4. The engagement structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The projection and the dovetail are connected to each other in an engagement structure.

5. The engagement structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The engagement structure includes two projections provided so as to sandwich the dovetail.

6. The engagement structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a protrusion provided on the held member and connected to a side portion of the dovetail in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction; a notch provided in the housing member and adapted to engage with the protruding portion; and The protrusion has an inclined surface in the opposite direction that is inclined from the dovetail along the insertion direction, The notch has opposing edges that slope from the dovetail along the insertion direction.

7. A terminal block including a housing having an opening and a module accommodated in the housing by being inserted into the opening along an insertion direction, a locking hole formed in the housing at a position away from an opening end of the opening along the insertion direction; a protrusion provided on the module in accordance with an arrangement of the locking holes in the housing, the protrusion engaging with the locking hole to restrict the module from moving relative to the housing in a direction opposite to the insertion direction; a dovetail provided at an end of the module; a dovetail hole formed in the housing along the insertion direction from the opening end and engaging with the dovetail while allowing the dovetail to move along the insertion direction to a predetermined position; Equipped with The terminal block, wherein the dovetail engages with the dovetail hole before the protrusion and the open end come into contact when the module is inserted into the housing.