U.S. patent application number 13/358888 was filed with the patent office on 2013-04-04 for attachment structure for attachment of component to article and electric junction box having thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to Yazaki Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Hitoshi HIRASAWA, Takahiko Mitsui, Makoto Nakayama, Hiroaki Takahashi. Invention is credited to Hitoshi HIRASAWA, Takahiko Mitsui, Makoto Nakayama, Hiroaki Takahashi.
Application Number | 20130082048 13/358888 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46391775 |
Filed Date | 2013-04-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130082048 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HIRASAWA; Hitoshi ; et
al. |
April 4, 2013 |
ATTACHMENT STRUCTURE FOR ATTACHMENT OF COMPONENT TO ARTICLE AND
ELECTRIC JUNCTION BOX HAVING THEREOF
Abstract
The attachment structure for attachment of a component to an
article in two postures includes a case as the article and the
component. The case includes a pair of guide portions, first
locking arms and a second locking arm. The component includes a
slide portion between the guide portions, a stopper arranged in an
end of the slide portion and formed in a size which is not able to
insert stopper between the guide portions. The first locking arm is
engaged where the slide portion is inserted in a space between the
guide portions from one end and slides toward an other end. The
second locking arm is engaged where the slide portion is inserted
in the space between the guide portions from the other end in a
posture opposite to that in which the slide portion is inserted
between the pair of the guide portions from the one end.
Inventors: |
HIRASAWA; Hitoshi;
(Makinohara-shi, JP) ; Takahashi; Hiroaki;
(Makinohara-shi, JP) ; Nakayama; Makoto;
(Kakegawa-shi, JP) ; Mitsui; Takahiko;
(Kakegawa-shi, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HIRASAWA; Hitoshi
Takahashi; Hiroaki
Nakayama; Makoto
Mitsui; Takahiko |
Makinohara-shi
Makinohara-shi
Kakegawa-shi
Kakegawa-shi |
|
JP
JP
JP
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
Yazaki Corporation
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
46391775 |
Appl. No.: |
13/358888 |
Filed: |
January 26, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/3.9 ;
248/309.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01R 13/73 20130101;
H01R 13/506 20130101; B60R 16/0238 20130101; H01R 9/2408
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/3.9 ;
248/309.1 |
International
Class: |
H02G 3/08 20060101
H02G003/08; F16M 13/00 20060101 F16M013/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 4, 2011 |
JP |
2011-219868 |
Claims
1. An attachment structure for attachment of a component to an
article, comprising: (a) a pair of guide portions provided on the
article, the guide portions extending parallel from one end of the
article toward an other end thereof; (b) a slide portion provided
in the component and adapted to be slidably positioned between the
guide portions; (c) a first locking arm provided in the article and
configured to be brought into locking engagement with the component
in a state where the slide portion is inserted in a space between
the pair of the guide portions from the one end of the article and
slides toward the other end of the article, and thereby prevent the
component from moving toward the one end of the article; (d) a
second locking arm provided in the article and configured to be
brought into locking engagement with the component in a state where
the slide portion is inserted in the space between the pair of the
guide portions from the other end of the article in a posture
opposite to that in which the slide portion is inserted between the
pair of the guide portions from the one end of the article, and
thereby prevent the component from moving toward the other end of
the article; and (e) a stopper provided at an end of the slide
portion and sized and dimensioned to not enter the space between
the pair of the guide portions, the stopper being configured to
abut on an end surface of the pair of the guide portions at the one
end of the article in a state where the first locking arm is in
locking engagement with the component, and thereby prevent the
component from moving toward the other end of the article, the
stopper also being configured to abut on an end surface of the pair
of the guide portions at the other end of the article, in a state
where the second locking arm is in locking engagement with the
component, and thereby prevent the component from moving toward the
one end of the article.
2. The attachment structure attaching the component to the article
according to claim 1, wherein the first locking arm and the second
locking arm are arranged in a wall positioned between the pair of
the guide portions located in a direction opposite to each other,
wherein a projection projecting toward the wall is arranged in the
slide portion, wherein the first locking arm includes a first arm
portion extending from the wall toward the other end of the article
and formed in a cantilever-plate shape, and a first locking portion
projecting from a free end of the first arm portion and overlapped
on the projection, wherein the second locking arm includes a second
arm portion extending from the wall toward the one end of the
article and formed in a cantilever-plate shape, and a second
locking portion projecting from a free end of the second arm
portion and overlapped on the projection.
3. The attachment structure attaching the component to the article
according to claim 1, wherein the second locking arm includes a
second arm portion extending from a wall positioned between the
pair of the guide portions toward the one end of the article and
formed in a cantilever-plate shape, a second locking portion
projecting from a free end of the second arm portion, and a
protrusion projecting from a free end of the second locking arm
beyond the second locking portion in the same direction as the
second locking portion, wherein a width of a free end of the second
arm portion beyond the second locking portion is thinner than a
width of a fixed end of the second arm portion, wherein a
projection projecting toward the wall and having a taper which is
formed in an end of the projection is arranged in the slide
portion, wherein when the slide portion is inserted between the
pair of the guide portions from the other end of the article, the
second locking portion is overlapped on the projection, and the
component is engaged with the second locking arm, wherein when the
slide portion is inserted between the pair of the guide portions
from the one end of the article, the taper of the projection comes
in contact with the protrusion, and the second locking arm is
displaced toward the wall.
4. An electric junction box including the attachment structure for
attachment of the component to the article described in claim
1.
5. An electric junction box including the attachment structure for
attachment of the component to the article described in claim
2.
6. An electric junction box including the attachment structure for
attachment of the component to the article described in claim 3.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority benefit of Japan Patent
Application No. 2011-219868 and the full content of that
application is incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to attachment structure for
attachment of a component to an article and an electric junction
box having the attachment structure.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Various electric devices are mounted on a vehicle. In the
vehicle, an electric junction box is arranged in a suitable place
between an electric wire and the electronic device so as to supply
electric power with the various electronic devices. Various
electric junction boxes are used depending on the type of vehicle.
For example, as an electric junction box disclosed in the Patent
Document 1, a plurality of an attachment portions which is able to
attach various components are provided.
[0006] The electric junction box disclosed in Patent Document 1 can
improve arrangement of components, and can correspond to various
electric components varying with the type of vehicle or grade.
[0007] The electric junction box disclosed in Patent Document 1 is
able to attach various components to the attachment portion
positioned at a desired place of a case as required. However, the
electric junction box can only attach those components in a
predetermined direction, namely, one position. That is, those
components can not be attached to another position. Also, in a
vehicle attaching the electric junction box, space can be
efficiently used by attaching the components to the attachment
portion of the case at an opposite position. Additionally,
development of the attachment structure which can attach the
components to the case at the opposite position is requested.
Further, this problem occurs similarly in the attachment structure
of the article other than the case and the components.
[0008] [Patent Document 1] JP, A, H11-234851
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Objects to be Solved
[0009] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to
provide attachment structure which can attach an article to a
component in both one direction and a direction opposite to the one
direction, and an electric junction box having the attachment
structure.
[0010] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objects, an
attachment structure for attachment of a component to an article of
the present invention includes (a) a pair of guide portions
provided on the article, the guide portions extending parallel from
one end of the article toward an other end thereof; (b) a slide
portion provided in the component and adapted to be slidably
positioned between the guide portions; (c) a first locking arm
provided in the article and configured to be brought into locking
engagement with the component in a state where the slide portion is
inserted in a space between the pair of the guide portions from the
one end of the article and slides toward the other end of the
article, and thereby prevent the component from moving toward the
one end of the article; (d) a second locking arm provided in the
article and configured to be brought into locking engagement with
the component in a state where the slide portion is inserted in the
space between the pair of the guide portions from the other end of
the article in a posture opposite to that in which the slide
portion is inserted between the pair of the guide portions from the
one end of the article, and thereby prevent the component from
moving toward the other end of the article; and (e) a stopper
provided at an end of the slide portion and sized and dimensioned
to not enter the space between the pair of the guide portions, the
stopper being configured to abut on an end surface of the pair of
the guide portions at the one end of the article in a state where
the first locking arm is in locking engagement with the component,
and thereby prevent the component from moving toward the other end
of the article, the stopper also being configured to abut on an end
surface of the pair of the guide portions at the other end of the
article, in a state where the second locking arm is in locking
engagement with the component, and thereby prevent the component
from moving toward the one end of the article.
[0011] In a second aspect of the attachment structure of the
present invention, the first locking arm and the second locking arm
are arranged in a wall positioned between the pair of the guide
portions located in a direction opposite to each other. A
projection projecting toward the wall is arranged in the slide
portion. The first locking arm includes a first arm portion
extending from the wall toward the other end of the article and
formed in a cantilever-plate shape, and a first locking portion
projecting from a free end of the first arm portion and overlapped
on the projection, and the second locking arm includes a second arm
portion extending from the wall toward the one end of the article
and formed in a cantilever-plate shape, and a second locking
portion projecting from a free end of the second arm portion and
overlapped on the projection.
[0012] In a third aspect of the attachment structure of the present
invention, the second locking arm includes a second arm portion
extending from a wall positioned between the pair of the guide
portions toward the one end of the article and formed in a
cantilever-plate shape, a second locking portion projecting from a
free end of the second arm portion, and a protrusion projecting
from a free end of the second locking arm beyond the second locking
portion in the same direction as the second locking portion. A
width of a free end of the second arm portion beyond the second
locking portion is thinner than a width of a fixed end of the
second arm portion. The protrusion projects from a free end of the
second locking arm beyond the second locking portion in the same
direction as the second locking portion. when the slide portion is
inserted between the pair of the guide portions from the other end
of the article, the second locking portion is overlapped on the
projection, and the component is engaged with the second locking
arm. Also, when the slide portion is inserted between the pair of
the guide portions from the one end of the article, the taper of
the projection comes in contact with the protrusion, and the second
locking arm is displaced toward the wall.
[0013] In a fourth aspect of the attachment structure of the
present invention, an electric junction box includes the attachment
structure for attachment of the component to the article described
above.
Effect of the Invention
[0014] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the
component can be attached to the article in both one direction and
a direction opposite to the one direction. More specifically, the
component can be attached to the article in the state where the
slide portion is inserted in a space between the pair of the guide
portions from the one end of the article and slides toward the
other end of the article. Also, the component can be attached to
the article in the state where the slide portion is inserted in the
space between the pair of the guide portions from the other end of
the article in a posture opposite to that in which the slide
portion is inserted between the pair of the guide portions from the
one end of the article.
[0015] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the
attachment structure having simple and versatile construction can
be provided.
[0016] According to the third aspect of the present invention, when
the slide portion is inserted between the pair of the guide
portions from the one end of the article, the projection can be
prevented from being caught on the second locking portion.
Furthermore, the slide portion can be smoothly inserted into the
guide portions.
[0017] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the
electric junction box which is able to improve space efficiency and
to design an optimum layout in a vehicle can be provided
[0018] The above and other objects and features of this invention
will become more apparent from the following description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an attachment structure
of an article and a component according to a first embodiment of
the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the attachment
structure of the article and the component shown in FIG. 1 from an
upside down direction;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a case as the article shown
in FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a case as the article shown
in FIG. 2;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A'
in FIG. 2;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B'
in FIG. 2;
[0025] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state that another
component is attached to the component shown in FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the other component and
the component shown in FIG. 7 from an upside down direction;
[0027] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an attachment structure
of an article and a component according to a second embodiment of
the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the attachment
structure of the article shown in FIG. 9 and the component shown in
FIG. 9 from an upside down direction;
[0029] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the case as the article
shown in FIG. 9;
[0030] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the case as the article
shown in FIG. 10;
[0031] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C
in FIG. 9;
[0032] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line D-D
in FIG. 9;
[0033] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing an attachment
structure of an article and a component according to a third
embodiment of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of a second locking arm shown in
FIG. 15;
[0035] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a state that another
component is attached to the component shown in FIG. 15;
[0036] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line E-E
in the second arm shown in FIG. 16, and showing a projection coming
in contact with the second locking arm; and
[0037] FIG. 19 is a reference view illustrating function effect of
the second locking arm and the projection shown in FIG. 18.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
First Embodiment
[0038] "An attachment structure 1 of an article and a component"
according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be
explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. "The attachment structure
1 of the article and the component" constructs "an electric
junction box" mounted on a vehicle. The electric junction box
supplies electric power with electronic devices mounted on the
vehicle, and transfers a signal thereto. Incidentally, the electric
junction box is referred to as a junction block, a junction box, a
fuse block, a fuse box, a relay block, or a relay box. In this
description, these junction blocks, the junction box, the fuse
block, the fuse box, the relay block and the relay box are
collectively called the electric junction box hereafter.
[0039] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the above "attachment structure 1
of the article and the component" is an attachment structure
attaching a component 3 to a plastic case 2 as the article.
[0040] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the above component 3 is a
connector electrically connected with a relay 18. A drawing of an
electric wire connected with the connector is omitted. The
component 3 includes a joint 30 fitting in the relay 18, a
component side attaching portion 32 which is attached to case side
attaching portions 10 and 11 (discussed below) of the case 2, and a
connection 31 connecting the joint 30 with the component side
attaching portion 32.
[0041] The component side attaching portion 32 includes a slide
portion 4 formed in a plate shape, a stopper 8 arranged in an end
of the slide portion 4, and a projection 9 formed in a rectangular
shape. The projection 9 projects from a surface which is placed
away from the joint 30 of the slide portion 4.
[0042] The slide portion 4 is inserted between a pair of guide
portions 5 (described below), and slidably positioned between the
pair of guide portions 5. Furthermore, the arrow S in FIGS. 7 and 8
indicates a sliding direction when the slide portion 4 is inserted
between the guide portions 5.
[0043] The stopper 8 is arranged in a rear end of the sliding
direction of the slide portion 4, and is formed with a size in
which is not able to insert the stopper 8 between the guide
portions. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the stopper 8 abuts on end
surfaces 5a of the guide portions 5 at a one end 2a of the case 2
so that the component 3 is prevented from moving toward another end
2b of the case 2. Furthermore, the stopper 8 abuts on end surfaces
5b of the guide portions 5 at the other end 2b of the case 2 so
that the component 3 is prevented from moving toward the one end 2a
of the case 2.
[0044] The above case 2 is formed in a rectangular shape having an
upper wall 20, a lower wall 21, and side walls 22, 23, 24, and 25.
The arrow Y in FIGS. 1 to 6 indicates a height direction of the
case 2, the arrow X indicates a longitudinal direction of the case
2, and the arrow Z indicates a width direction of the case 2. In
the first embodiment of the present invention, "one end 2a of the
case 2 (corresponding to the article)" means an end of the upper
wall 20 of the arrow Y direction in the case 2, and "the other end
2b of the case 2 (corresponding to the article)" means an end of
the lower wall 21 of the arrow Y direction in the case 2.
[0045] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a fuse attaching portion 12 is
arranged in the upper wall 20, and a connector fitting portion 13
is arranged in the lower wall 21. In the side wall 22, a plurality
of case side attaching portions 10 are arranged along the arrow X
direction, and is able to selectively attach the component 3. In
the side wall 24, a plurality of case side attaching portions 11
are arranged along the arrow X direction, and is able to
selectively attach the component 3. In the side walls 23 and 25,
case side attaching portions 11 are arranged, respectively, and are
able to selectively attach the component 3.
[0046] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the case side attaching portion 10
includes a pair of guide portions 5, a first locking arm 6 and a
second locking arm 7. The guide portions 5 extend from the one end
2a of the case 2 toward the other end 2b thereof parallel to each
other, and the slide portion 4 is slidably positioned between the
guide portions 5. The first locking arm 6 and the second locking
arm 7 are engaged with the projection 9 of the component 3
positioning the slide portion between the guide portions 5 so that
the component 3 is prevented from coming off the case 2 as the
article.
[0047] As show in FIGS. 1 to 4, the above case side attaching
portion 11 includes the pair of the guide portions 5, a pair of
first locking arms 106, and the second locking arm 7. The guide
portions 5 extend from the one end 2a of the case 2 toward the
other end 2b thereof parallel to each other, and the slide portion
4 is slidably positioned between the guide portions 5. Each the
first locking arm 106 is engaged with the stopper 8 of the
component 3 in which the slide portion 4 is positioned between the
guide portions 5 so that the component 3 is prevented from coming
off the case 2. The second locking arm 7 is engaged with the
projection 9 of the component 3 in which the slide portion 4 is
positioned between the guide portions 5 so that the component 3 is
prevented from coming off the case 2.
[0048] The pair of guide portions 5 are arranged in outer surfaces
of the side walls 22, 23, 24 and 25. An outer shape of the guide
portion 5 is formed in a rectangular shape, and the guide portion 5
has a gap opening and facing each other. The gap opens in both end
surfaces 5a and 5b of the arrow Y direction of the guide portion 5.
Furthermore, both end portions of the slide portion 4 mentioned
above are positioned in each gap of the guide portions 5. In "the
attachment structure 1 of the article and the component", it is
possible to insert the slide portion 4 between the guide portions 5
from both the one end 2a of the case 2 and the other end 2b
thereof.
[0049] The first locking arm 6 and the second locking arm 7 in the
case side attaching portion 10 are arranged in an outer surface of
the side wall 22, the outer surface being positioned between the
guide portions 5. Furthermore, the first locking arm 6 and the
second locking arm 7 are located next to each other in a direction
in which the pair of the guide portions 5 are opposed to each
other.
[0050] Also, the first locking arm 106 and the second locking arm 7
in the case side attaching portion 11 are arranged in an outer
surface of the side walls 23, 24 and 5, respectively, the outer
surface being positioned between the guide portions 5. Furthermore,
the pair of the first locking arms 106 are arranged in both sides
of the second locking arm 7.
[0051] The above first locking arm 6 includes a first arm portion
61 and a first locking portion 62. The first arm portion 61 extends
from the outer surface of the side wall 22 toward the other end 2b
of the case 2, and is formed in a cantilever-plate shape. The first
locking portion 62 projects from a free end of the first arm
portion 61 toward a direction away from the side wall 22. When the
slide portion 4 is inserted between the pair of the guide portions
5 from the one end 2a of the case 2, and slid toward the other end
2b of the case 2, the first locking arm 6 is pressed by the
projection 9 and elastically deformed in the side wall 22. And
then, the projection 9 passes beyond the first locking portion 62,
and the first locking arm 6 returns to an original shape. As a
result, the first locking arm 6 is overlapped on a surface of the
one end 2a of the projection 9. As previously explained, since the
first locking arm 6 is engaged with the projection 9, the component
3 is prevented from moving toward the one end 2a of the case 2.
[0052] The first locking arm 106 includes a third arm portion 161
and a third locking portion 162. The third arm portion 161 extends
from the outer surface of the side walls 23, 24 and 25 toward the
one end 2a, and is formed in a cantilever-plate shape. The third
locking portion 162 projects from a free end of the third arm
portion 161 toward a direction away from the side walls 23, 24 and
25. When the slide portion 4 is inserted between the pair of the
guide portions 5 from the one end 2a of the case 2, and slid toward
the other end 2b of the case, the first locking arm 106 is pressed
by the slide portion 4 and the stopper 8, and elastically deformed
in the side walls 23, 24 and 25. Thereafter, the stopper 8 passes
beyond the third locking portion 162, and the first locking arm 106
returns to an original shape. As a result, the first locking arm
106 is overlapped on a surface of the one end 2a of the stopper 8.
As mentioned above, since the pair of the first locking arms 106
are engaged with the stopper 8, the component 3 is prevented from
moving toward the one end 2a of the case 2 (see FIGS. 9 and
13).
[0053] The second locking arm 7 includes a second arm portion 71
and a second locking portion 72. The second arm portion 71 extends
from the outer surface of the side walls 22, 23, 24 and 25 to the
one end 2a of the case 2, and is formed in a cantilever-plate
shape. The second locking portion 72 projects from a free end of
the second arm portion 71 toward a direction away from the side
wall 22. When the slide portion 4 is inserted between the pair of
the guide portions 5 from the other end 2b of the case 2 in a
direction opposite to a direction when the slide portion 4 is
inserted between the guide portions from the one end 2a of the case
2, and slid toward the one end 2a of the case 2, the second locking
arm 7 is pressed by the projection 9 and elastically deformed in
the side wall 22. And then, the projection passes beyond the second
locking portion 72, and the second locking arm 7 returns to an
original shape. Thereafter, the second locking arm 7 is overlapped
on a surface of the other end 2b of the projection 9. As previously
mentioned, since the second locking arm 7 is engaged with the
projection 9, the component 3 is prevented from moving toward the
other end 2b of the case 2.
[0054] Furthermore, when the first locking arms 6 and 10 are
engaged with the component 3, the stopper 8 abuts on an end surface
5a of the guide portions 5 so that the component 3 is prevented
from moving toward the other end 2b of the case 2. When the second
locking arm 7 is engaged with the component 3, the stopper 8 abuts
on an end surface 5b of the guide portions so that the component 3
is prevented from moving toward the one end 2a of the case 2.
[0055] Thus, according to "the attachment structure 1 of the
article and the component" of the first embodiment of the present
invention, the component 3 can be attached to the case side
attaching portions 10 and 11 of the case 2 in both directions, that
is, both one direction and a direction opposite to the one
direction. Furthermore, the component 3 can be attached to the case
side attaching portions 10 and 11 at a desired position. In
addition, in the electric junction box having "the attachment
structure 1 of the article and the component", space can be
efficiently used in the vehicle, and optimum layout can be
designed.
Second Embodiment
[0056] Next, "an attachment structure 101 of an article and a
component" according to a second embodiment of the present
invention will be explained with reference to FIGS. 9 to 14. In
FIGS. 9 to 14, components already described with reference to the
first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and
thus detailed description thereof will be hereinafter omitted.
Furthermore, "the attachment structure 101 of the article and the
component" of the second embodiment of the present invention
constructs "an electric junction box" mounted on a vehicle in the
same manner as the first embodiment.
[0057] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the above "the attachment
structure 101 of the article and the component" is an attachment
structure attaching components 3 and 103 to a plastic case 102 as
the article.
[0058] The component 103 is a connector connected to a relay 19 as
shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. A figure of an electric wire connected to
the connector is omitted. The component 103 includes a joint 130
fitting in the relay 19, a component side attaching portion 32
installed in the case side attaching portion 11 of the case 102,
and a connection 131 connecting the joint 130 with the component
side attaching portion 32. The component side attaching portion 32
of the component 103 is constructed in the same manner as the
component side attaching portion 32 of the component 3.
[0059] The above case 102 is formed in a rectangular shape having
the upper wall 20, the lower wall 21, and the side walls 22, 23, 24
and 25. The arrow Y in FIGS. 9 to 14 indicates a height direction
of the case 102, the arrow X indicates a longitudinal direction of
the case 102, and the arrow Z indicates a width direction of the
case 102. In the second embodiment of the present invention, "one
end 102a of the case 102 (corresponding to the article)" means an
end of the upper wall 20 of the arrow Y direction in the case 102,
and "the other end 102b of the case 102" means an end of the lower
wall 21 of the arrow Y direction in the case 102.
[0060] As shown in FIGS. 9 to 14, the case side attaching portions
11 which are able to selectively attach the components 3 and 103
are arranged in the side walls 23 and 25, respectively.
Furthermore, in the side walls 22 and 24, a plurality of the case
side attaching portions 11 which are able to selectively attach the
components 3 and 103 are arranged along the arrow X direction. In
"the attachment structure 101 of the article and the component", it
is possible to insert the slide portion 4 between the pair of the
guide portions 5 from both the one end 102a of the case 102 and the
other end 102b thereof.
[0061] Thus, according to "the attachment structure 101 of the
article and the component" of the second embodiment of the present
invention, the components 3 and 103 can be attached to the case
side attaching portion 11 of the case 102 at both one position and
a position opposite to the one position. Furthermore, the
components 3 and 103 can be attached to the case side attaching
portion 11 at a desired position. In an electric junction box
having "the attachment structure 101 of the article and the
component", space in the vehicle can be efficiently used, and
optimum layout can be provided. Furthermore, in the second
embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to attach
various types of the components 3 and 103 to the case side
attaching portion 11 by arranging the component side attaching
portion 32 formed in the same shape in the various types of the
components 3 and 103.
Third Embodiment
[0062] Next, "an attachment structure 201 of an article and a
component" according to a third embodiment of the present invention
will be explained with reference to FIGS. 15 to 19. In FIGS. 15 to
19, components already described with reference to the first
embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and thus
detailed description thereof will be hereinafter omitted.
Furthermore, "the attachment structure 201 of the article and the
component" of the third embodiment of the present invention
constructs "an electric junction box" mounted on a vehicle in the
same manner as the first and second embodiments.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 15, the above "attachment structure 201 of
the article and the component" is an attachment structure attaching
a component 203 to a plastic case 202 as the article.
[0064] The component 203 is a connector connected to the relay 18
as shown in FIG. 17. A figure of an electric wire connected to the
connector is omitted. The component 203 includes the joint 30
fitting in the relay 18, a component side attaching portion 232
installed in a case side attaching portion 211, and the connection
31 connecting the joint 30 with the component side attaching
portion 232.
[0065] The component side attaching portion 232 includes the slide
portion 4 formed in a plate shape, the stopper 8 arranged in the
rear end of the sliding direction of the slide portion 4, and a
projection 209 projecting from a surface away from the joint 30 of
the slide portion 4 and formed in a rectangular shape.
[0066] The projection 209 is arranged in a front end of the sliding
direction of the slide portion 4. Furthermore, a taper 209a is
formed in an end away from the stopper 8 of the projection 209.
[0067] In the above case 202, a pair of triangular ribs 273 are
arranged in a second arm 207 discussed below. Besides the above
construction, the case 202 is constructed in the same manner as the
case 102 explained in the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, a
plurality of case side attaching portions 211 are arranged in the
side wall 22 of the case 202, and is able to selectively attach the
component 203.
[0068] The case side attaching portion 211 includes a pair of guide
portions 5, a pair of first locking arms 106, and a second locking
arm 207. The guide portions 5 extend from the one end 202a of the
case 202 toward the other end 202b thereof parallel to each other,
and the slide portion 4 of the component 203 is slidably positioned
between the guide portions 5. The first locking aim 106 is engaged
with the stopper 8 of the component 203 so that the component 203
is prevented from coming off the case 202 when the slide portion 4
is inserted between the guide portions 5 from the one end 202a of
the case 202 and slid to the other end 202b of the case 202. The
second locking arm 207 is engaged with the projection 209 of the
component 203 so that the component 203 is prevented from coming
off the case 202 when the slide portion is inserted between the
guide portions 5 from the other end 202b of the case 202 and slid
to the one end 202a of the case 202 in a direction opposite to a
direction when the slide portion 4 is inserted between the guide
portions 5 from the one end 202a of the case 202. Furthermore, the
pair of the first locking arms 106 are positioned at both sides of
the second locking arm 207.
[0069] The second locking arm 207 includes a second arm portion
271, a second locking portion 272, and a pair of triangular ribs
273. The second arm portion 271 extends from the outer surface of
the side wall 22 to the one end 202a of the case 202, and is formed
in a cantilever-plate shape. The second locking portion 272
projects from a free end of the second arm portion 271 toward a
direction away from the side wall 22. As shown in FIG. 18, a taper
274 is formed in a portion opposite to the side wall 22 of the free
end of the second arm portion 271. Thereby, a width of a free end
of the second arm portion 271 is thinner than a width of a fixed
end of the second arm portion 271.
[0070] The pair of the triangular ribs 273 project from the free
end of the second arm portion 271 beyond the second locking arm
272, namely, from the taper 274 in the same direction as the second
locking portion 272, and are arranged in both ends of a width
direction of the second arm portion 271. Furthermore, a surface of
the second locking portion 272 in the triangular rib 273 is
positioned parallel to a surface of the side wall 22 in the free
end of the second arm portion 271. Also, the triangular rib 273
corresponds to "protrusion" in claims.
[0071] In such the case side attaching portion 211, when the slide
portion 4 is inserted between the pair of the guide portions 5 from
the other end 202b of the case 2, the second locking portion 272 is
overlapped on the projection 209, and the component 203 is engaged
with the second locking arm 207. In addition, when the slide
portion 4 is inserted between the pair of the guide portions 5 from
the one end 202a of the case 2, as shown in FIG. 18, the taper 209a
of the projection 209 comes in contact with the pair of the
triangular ribs 273, and the second locking arm 207 is displaced
toward the side wall 22, namely, the arrow T direction.
[0072] Thus, according to "the attachment structure 201 of the
article and the component" of third embodiment of the present
invention, the second locking arm 207 is displaced toward the side
wall 22 when the slide portion 4 is inserted between the pair of
the guide portions 5 from the one end 202a of the case 202.
Therefore, a flat surface of the projection 209 can be prevented
from coming in contact with a flat surface of the second locking
portion 272, and from catching on the flat surface of the second
locking portion 272. As a result, the slide portion 4 can be
smoothly inserted between the guide portions 5.
[0073] Also, as shown in FIG. 19 (reference figure), if the pair of
the triangular ribs 273 is not arranged in the second locking arm
7, the flat surface of the projection 209 comes in contact with the
flat surface of the second locking portion 72 and is caught thereon
when the slide portion 4 is inserted between the pair of the guide
portions 5. For this reason, great force is required. Furthermore,
in order to avoid hitting the projection 209 on the second locking
portion 72, if a portion away from the second arm portion 71 of the
second locking portion 72 is cut, a connection of the projection
209 and the second locking portion 72 is reduced when the slide
portion 4 is inserted between the guide portions in the opposite
direction. In addition, the connector 203 as the component is
standardized among vehicle manufactures. For this reason, it is
difficult to improve the connector so as to prevent the projection
209 from catching on the second locking portion 72.
[0074] Thus, according to "the attachment structure 201 of the
article and the component" of the third embodiment of the present
invention, the component 203 being standard component can be used,
and can be smoothly attached to the case side attaching portion 211
at two positions without cutting the second locking portion 272 and
without reducing holding force of the component 203.
[0075] In the first, second and third embodiments, examples in
which "the attachment structures 1, 101 and 201 of the article and
the component" are used in the electric junction box are
illustrated, but it is not limited thereto. "The attachment
structures 1, 101 and 201 of the article and the component" can be
used other than the electric junction box. That is, "the article"
of the present invention is not only the cases 2, 102 and 202
described above but also a vehicle, a device body, a protector and
the like are included.
[0076] It should be noted that the embodiment has only been
illustrated as a typical three of the present invention, and the
present invention is in no way limited to the illustrated
embodiments. Hence, the present invention can be effectuated with
various modifications made thereto within the scope of the present
invention.
* * * * *