JPH0883986A - Lock mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] [Purpose] To provide a locking mechanism in which a locking projection can be reliably inserted into a lock hole to bring it into a locked state, and the locked state is not inadvertently released. According to the present invention, a flexible structure is provided in which a locking projection 31 provided on one of the main body 27 and the cover 29 and a locking hole 33 provided on the other side and into which the locking projection 31 is fitted are formed. A lock mechanism 25 including a lock arm 35, and when the locking protrusion 31 is fitted into the lock hole 33,
A guide holding means 37 is provided for guiding the lock arm 35 in the fitting direction in which the locking projection 31 is fitted in the lock hole 33 and for holding the fitted state of the locking projection 31 in the lock hole 33. I am trying.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a lock mechanism for locking a cover on a body of a relay box or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 7 shows a lock mechanism 1 similar to that described in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 2-83619. In the figure, the lock mechanism 1 is used in the relay box 3 to lock the main body 5 and the cover 7 capable of opening and closing the upper opening of the main body 5. The lock mechanism 1 is a flexible lock arm having a lock hole 11 as well as a locking projection 9 provided on the cover 7 and fitted with the locking projection 9 protruding from the opening edge of the main body 5. It consists of 13. Locking protrusion 9
As shown in FIGS. 8 (a) and 8 (b), a slanting surface 15 is formed which slopes downward toward the tip and a locking surface 17 is formed on the lower side. Further, the lock arm 13 is integrally formed with a locking frame portion 19 in which the lock hole 11 is formed and an operating portion 21 for releasing the locked state of the locking projection 9 in the lock hole 11. There is.

When the cover 7 is rotated toward the main body 5 and the upper portion of the main body 5 is closed by the cover 7, the locking frame portion 19 slides on the slope 15 of the locking projection 9 and bends, and the locking projection When 9 is inserted into the lock hole 11, it returns to its original shape by its own elastic force. In this state, as shown in FIG. 8A, the locking projection 9 is inserted and fitted into the lock hole 11 to be in the locked state. As a result, the upper portion of the main body 5 is securely closed by the cover 7.

Next, in order to release the locked state, the operating portion 21 is pressed to push the locking projection 11 from the lock hole 11.
Is forcibly pulled out, and the cover 7 is rotated in a direction away from the main body 5. As described above, in the lock mechanism 1, when the cover 7 is rotated toward the main body 5, the lock arm 13 is bent and the locking projection 9 is inserted into the lock hole 11, so that the lock state is easily achieved. You can

[0005]

However, in the above lock mechanism, the lock mechanism may not be completely locked due to the finished dimensions of the main body 5 and the cover 7. That is,
As shown in FIG. 8A, the lock hole 11 to the locking protrusion 9
Depending on the assembly of the main body 5 and the cover 7, the clearance L may decrease, and the locking projection 9 may not be reliably inserted into the lock hole 11. In this case, the main body 5 has a cover 7
Even if it is pressed, it cannot be locked securely.

Further, when an external force is applied to the operation section 21, the operation shown in FIG.
As shown in (b), the lock arm 13 may be inadvertently bent, the locking projection 9 may come out of the lock hole 11, and the locked state may be inadvertently released.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a lock mechanism which can surely insert a locking projection into a lock hole to bring it into a locked state and which does not inadvertently release the locked state.

[0008]

To achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is such that a locking projection provided on either one of the main body and the cover and a locking projection provided on the other are fitted. A locking mechanism including a flexible lock arm having a lock hole formed therein, wherein when the locking projection is fitted in the lock hole, the locking projection is fitted in the fitting direction in which the locking projection is fitted in the lock hole. It is characterized in that guide holding means for guiding the lock arm and holding the fitting state of the locking projection into the lock hole is provided.

The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the guide holding means is provided on either one of the main body and the cover, and the tip end portion of the lock arm is slidably contacted with the lock arm. It is characterized by having an inclined surface guided in the fitting direction and a holding groove for holding the fitting state of the locking projection in the lock hole.

A third aspect of the present invention is the first aspect of the invention, in which the guide holding means is slidably contacted with the lock guide provided on the lock arm, and the tip end of the lock guide is fitted into the lock arm. It is characterized by having an inclined surface guided in the mating direction and a holding groove for holding the fitting state of the locking projection in the lock hole.

[0011]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the lock arm is brought close to the locking projection, the lock arm is guided by the guide holding means in the fitting direction in which the locking projection fits in the lock hole.
When the locking projection is inserted and fitted into the lock hole, the guide holding means holds this fitted state.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the lock arm is brought close to the locking projection, the tip end of the lock arm slides on the slope and is guided in the fitting direction of the locking projection into the lock hole. Then, when the locking projection is fitted in the lock hole, the tip end portion of the lock arm is inserted into the holding groove, and the fitting state of the locking projection in the lock hole is held.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the lock arm is brought close to the locking projection, the tip of the lock guide is slidably contacted with the inclined surface and guided in the fitting direction of the locking projection into the lock hole. When the locking projection is inserted and fitted into the lock hole, the tip of the lock guide is inserted into the holding groove, and the fitting state of the locking projection in the lock hole is maintained.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT An embodiment of a lock mechanism according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a lock mechanism 25 of a first embodiment used in a relay box 23, and FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b) are first views.
It is sectional drawing which shows operation | movement of the lock mechanism 25 of an Example.

As shown in FIG. 1, the relay box 23
Is composed of a main body 27 having an open upper part and a cover 29 closing the upper part of the main body 27, and a lock mechanism 25 is provided at the upper opening edge of the main body 27 and the edge of the cover 29. The lock mechanism 25 locks the cover 29, which is formed by closing the upper opening of the main body 27, on the main body 27.
In FIGS. 1 and 2, reference numeral 30 is a waterproof rib for preventing water from entering from the joint between the main body 27 and the cover 29.

The lock mechanism 25 includes a locking projection 31 provided on the outer peripheral edge of the upper opening of the main body 27, and the locking projection 3.
1 is provided with a lock arm 35 having a lock hole 33 formed therein. Furthermore, this locking mechanism 25
Guides the lock arm 35 in the fitting direction in which the locking projection 31 fits into the lock hole 33 when the locking projection 31 fits into the lock hole 33, and locks the locking projection 31 into the lock hole 33. A guide holding means 37 for holding the fitted state is provided.

The locking projection 31 is projected outward from a convex wall portion 59 (see FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b)) projecting from the outer peripheral edge of the upper opening of the main body 27. This locking projection 3
On the upper side of 1, there is formed a slope 39 which is inclined downward toward the tip. A locking surface 41 that locks with the inner wall of the lock hole 33 is formed on the lower side. A pair of guides 43 is formed on both sides of the locking protrusion 31.

The guide 43 is integrally formed on the outer wall 27a of the main body 27, and as shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b),
A vertical wall 45 provided to face the outer wall 27a, and the outer wall 27
It is formed of a bottom wall 47 connecting the a and the vertical wall 45. Between the outer wall 27a and the vertical wall 45, a holding groove 49 for holding both side portions of the lock arm 35 described later is formed. Further, on the inner surface of the vertical wall 45, a slope 51 that is inclined upward from the holding groove 49 is formed. The tip end of the lock arm 35 is brought into sliding contact with the inclined surface 51, and guides in the fitting direction, that is, in the direction in which the locking projection 31 is inserted into the lock hole 33.

On the other hand, the lock arm 35 has a lock hole 33.
The locking frame portion 53 in which is formed and the operation portion 55 are integrally formed in a plate shape, and the cover 29 is provided via the flexible support portion 57.
Are integrally formed at the edge of the.

The guide holding means 37 is composed of a guide 43 having a slope 51 and a holding groove 49 formed between itself and the outer wall 27a.

Next, the operation of the lock mechanism 25 will be described below. When the cover 29 is rotated to close the upper portion of the main body 27, the tip end portion 53a of the locking frame portion 53 of the lock arm 35 comes into contact with the slope 39 of the locking projection 31 and is guided outward. When the locking frame portion 53 of the lock arm 35 is guided outward, the support portion 57 bends. further,
When the locking frame portion 53 of the lock arm 35 is guided outward, both sides of the locking frame portion 53 are slidably contacted with the slope 51 and guided into the holding groove 49. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, in the lock arm 35, the middle portion in the width direction is guided to the outside by the slope 39 of the locking projection 31, and both sides are guided to the inside by the slope 51. Therefore, the locking frame portion 53 bends from the middle portion in the width direction.

When the locking projection 31 is inserted into the lock hole 33, both side portions of the locking frame portion 53 are inserted into the holding groove 49 and are in a locked state. In this state, since the locking frame portion 53 of the lock arm 35 is inserted into the holding groove 49, the inner wall of the lock hole 33 can be reliably locked to the locking surface 41 of the locking projection 31, which is sufficient. It is possible to secure a long margin. Therefore, the cover 29 that closes the upper portion of the main body 27 can be securely locked.

Further, even if an external force is applied to the operation portion 55, the locking frame portion 53 is inserted into the holding groove 49 and the fitting state is held, so that the locking projection 31 cannot be released from the lock hole 33. It does not come out easily, and the locked state does not release accidentally.

Further, according to the lock mechanism 25 of this embodiment, when the locking projection 31 is inserted into the lock hole 33, the locking frame portion 53 of the lock arm 35 is inserted into the locking hole 33 of the locking projection 31. Since the inclined surface 51 that guides in the fitting direction is provided, the locking projection 31 can be easily inserted into the lock hole 33 and can be locked easily.

Second Embodiment Next, a lock mechanism 61 of a second embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 will be described. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the lock mechanism 61 of the second embodiment on the relay box 23, and FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing details of the lock mechanism 61 of the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 4, the locking mechanism 61 of this embodiment has a locking projection 63 protruding from the outer peripheral edge of the upper opening of the main body 27, and the locking projection 63 is inserted and locked. And a lock arm 67 having a lock hole 65 formed therein.
When the 3 is fitted, it guides the lock arm 67 in the fitting direction in which the locking projection 63 fits in the lock hole 65, and holds the fitting state of the locking projection 63 in the lock hole 65. Means 69 are provided.

The engaging projection 63 is provided so as to project outward from the convex wall portion 71 that is provided at the outer peripheral edge of the upper opening of the main body 27. On the upper side of the locking protrusion 63, a slope 73 is formed which is inclined downward toward the tip. A locking surface 75 that locks with the inner wall of the lock hole 65 is formed on the lower side. A holding groove 77 is formed in the locking protrusion 63. A slope 79 having an upward slope is formed on the inner wall located outside the holding groove 77. A guide arm 81 of a lock guide 83, which will be described later, provided on the lock arm 67 is guided and inserted into the holding groove 77.

The lock arm 67 has a rectangular lock hole 6
The locking frame portion 85 formed with 5 and the operation portion 87 are integrally formed in a plate shape, and the cover 2 is provided via a flexible support portion 89.
It is integrally formed at the edge of 9. A lock guide 83 is formed integrally with the lock arm 67 inside the locking frame portion 85.

The lock guide 83 has a support wall portion 93 protruding from the inner surface of the locking frame portion 85, and a guide arm 81 bent downward from the support wall portion 93 at a substantially right angle.
And the waterproof ribs 97 provided on both sides of the guide arm 81 in the width direction. The length of the support wall portion 93 is set so as to secure a space between the guide arm 81 and the locking frame portion 85 in which the above-described locking protrusion 63 can be inserted. Further, a slope 99 is formed on the locking frame portion 85 side of the guide arm 81. The tip portion of the guide arm 81 is slidably contacted with the inclined surface 79 of the holding groove 77 provided on the locking protrusion 63 and is inserted into the holding groove 77.

The guide holding means 69 is composed of the above-mentioned lock guide 83 and the convex wall portion 71 in which the holding groove 77 and the inclined surface 79 are formed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the waterproof ribs 97 are formed at right angles toward the main body 27 side after both sides of the guide arm 81 are extended in the width direction. The tip of the waterproof rib 97 engages with the waterproof rib 101 formed on the edge of the cover 29 to prevent water from entering between the main body 27 and the cover 29.

Next, the operation of the lock mechanism 61 will be described below. When the cover 29 is rotated to close the upper portion of the main body 27, the tip end portion of the guide arm 81 comes into contact with the slope 79 of the holding groove 77, as shown in FIG. Further, when the cover 29 is rotated toward the main body 27 side, the tip end portion of the guide arm 81 slides on the slope 79 of the holding groove 77, and the tip end portion of the locking frame portion 85 of the lock arm 67 slides on the sloped surface of the locking projection 63. 73 is slid on. Then, the locking protrusion 63
When is inserted into the lock hole 65, the guide arm 81 is inserted into the holding groove 77 as shown in FIG.

In this state, since the guide arm 81 is inserted into the holding groove 77, the locking projection 63 can be surely inserted into the lock hole 65, and the locking surface 75 is sufficiently engaged. You can secure your bill. Therefore, the main body 2
It is possible to securely lock the cover 29 that closes the upper part of 7.

Further, even if an external force is applied to the operating portion 87, the locking frame portion 85 is inserted into the holding groove 77 and the fitting state is maintained, so that the locking projection 63 is not removed from the lock hole 65. It does not come out easily, and the locked state does not release accidentally.

Further, according to the lock mechanism 61 of this embodiment, when the locking projection 63 is inserted into the lock hole 65, the slope 79 is provided for guiding the tip end portion of the guide arm 81 into the holding groove 77. Therefore, the locking projection 63 can be easily inserted into the lock hole 65 and can be locked easily.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the lock guide 8
By providing the waterproof rib 97 on the cover 3, water can be prevented from entering from the lock mechanism 61 by engaging with the waterproof rib 97 provided on the cover 29.

In each of the above embodiments, the lock arm 3
5 and 67 are provided on the cover 29 and the locking protrusions 31 and 63 are provided on the main body 27, the lock arms 35 and 67 are provided on the main body 27.
The locking protrusions 31 and 63 may be provided on the cover 29.

[0039]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the invention, when the lock arm is brought close to the locking projection, the lock arm is guided by the guide holding means in the fitting direction in which the locking projection fits in the lock hole. To be done. When the locking projection is inserted and fitted into the lock hole, the guide holding means holds this fitted state. Therefore, the locking projection can be surely inserted into the lock hole to bring it into the locked state, and the locked state is not inadvertently released.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the lock arm is brought close to the locking projection, the tip end of the lock arm slides on the slope and is guided in the fitting direction of the locking projection into the lock hole.
Then, when the locking projection is fitted in the lock hole, the tip end portion of the lock arm is inserted into the holding groove, and the fitting state of the locking projection in the lock hole is held. Therefore, the locking protrusion can be easily inserted into the lock hole, and the locking operation becomes easy. Further, the locking projection is surely inserted into the lock hole, and the locked state is not released accidentally.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the lock arm is brought closer to the locking projection, the tip end of the lock guide is slidably contacted with the inclined surface and guided in the fitting direction of the locking projection into the lock hole.
When the locking projection is inserted and fitted into the lock hole, the tip of the lock guide is inserted into the holding groove, and the fitting state of the locking projection in the lock hole is maintained. Therefore, the locking protrusion can be easily inserted into the lock hole, and the locking operation becomes easy. Further, the locking projection is surely inserted into the lock hole, and the locked state is not released accidentally.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a lock mechanism according to a first embodiment of the present invention and a relay box to which the lock mechanism is applied.

FIG. 2 shows the lock mechanism of the first embodiment of the present invention,
(A) is sectional drawing which shows the state before inserting a locking protrusion in a lock hole, (b) is sectional drawing which shows the state which inserted a locking protrusion in a lock hole.

FIG. 3 shows the lock mechanism of the first embodiment of the present invention.
It is the top view seen from the P direction.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a lock mechanism according to a second embodiment of the present invention and a relay box to which the lock mechanism is applied.

FIG. 5 shows a lock mechanism according to a second embodiment of the present invention,
(A) is sectional drawing which shows the state before inserting a locking protrusion in a lock hole, (b) is sectional drawing which shows the state which inserted a locking protrusion in a lock hole.

6 shows a lock mechanism according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
It is the top view seen from the P direction.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a relay box to which a conventional lock mechanism is applied.

8A and 8B show a conventional locking mechanism, where FIG. 8A is a sectional view showing a state in which a locking projection is inserted into a lock hole, and FIG. 8B is a sectional view showing a state in which the locking projection is disengaged from the lock hole. Is.

[Explanation of symbols]

 25, 61 Lock mechanism 27 Main body 29 Cover 31, 63 Locking protrusion 33, 65 Lock hole 35, 67 Lock arm 37, 69 Guide holding means 49, 77 Holding groove 51, 79 Slope

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A locking projection provided on either one of a main body and a cover, and a flexible lock arm provided on the other and having a lock hole into which the locking projection fits. A lock mechanism that guides the lock arm in a fitting direction in which the locking projection fits into the lock hole when the locking projection fits into the lock hole, and engages with the lock hole. A lock mechanism comprising guide holding means for holding a fitting state of a stop projection. 2. The invention according to claim 1, wherein the guide holding means is provided on one of a main body and a cover, and a tip end portion of the lock arm is slidably contacted to guide the lock arm in a fitting direction. And a holding groove for holding the fitting state of the locking projection in the lock hole. 3. The invention according to claim 1, wherein the guide holding means is provided with a lock guide provided on a lock arm, and a tip end portion of the lock guide slides to guide the lock arm in a fitting direction. And a holding groove that holds a fitting state of the locking projection in the lock hole.