JP3874114B2

JP3874114B2 - Cable connection device for water heater

Info

Publication number: JP3874114B2
Application number: JP2003121315A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 篤弥山本
Original assignee: Noritz Corp
Current assignee: Noritz Corp
Priority date: 2003-04-25
Filing date: 2003-04-25
Publication date: 2007-01-31
Anticipated expiration: 2023-04-25
Also published as: JP2004324996A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、給湯機の外板に取り付けられるケーブル接続ユニットの接続端子台に、給湯機側のケーブルと外部端末側のケーブルとを接続するケーブル接続装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、給湯機の制御ユニットにリモコンケーブルを介して外部操作装置を接続し、その外部操作装置により、出湯温度の設定等、給湯機を遠隔操作できるようにしたものが多い。この種の給湯機の設置工事の際には、リモコンケーブルである給湯機側ケーブルと外部端末側ケーブルとを接続することになるが、これらケーブルを接続するために、給湯機の外板に接続端子台を取り付けた種々のケーブル接続装置が実用に供されている。
【０００３】
図１４に示すように、本願出願人が実用化しているケーブル接続装置100 は、接続装置本体101 、接続端子台102 、端子カバー103 を有し、接続端子台102 が接続装置本体101 に固定的に設けられ、端子カバー103 が接続装置本体101 に取り外し可能に装着されている。端子カバー103 が接続装置本体101 に装着されると、端子カバー103 により接続端子台102 がカバーされ、端子カバー103 が接続装置本体101 から取り外されると、接続端子台102 が外部へ露出する。
【０００４】
接続装置本体101 は給湯機の底板104 に例えば２本のビス105 により固定され、端子カバー103 は接続装置本体101 に例えば１本のビスにより固定されている。接続端子台102 へのケーブルの接続は、基本的に、底板104 に接続端子本体101 を装着し、その接続端子本体101 に端子カバー103 を装着した状態から行われ、端子カバー103 を取り外してから、接続端子台102 にケーブルを接続し、その後再び、端子カバー103 を装着することになる。
【０００５】
特許文献１のケーブル接続装置では、接続端子台が底板にビス止めされ、この接続端子台をカバーする保護カバーが底板に取り外し可能に装着されている。保護カバーは係合爪とフランジとを有し、係合爪が底板の係合穴部に係合した状態で、フランジが底板にビス止めされている。
【０００６】
特許文献２のケーブル接続装置では、接続端子台が支持板に固定され、その支持板は係合溝部を有し、その係合溝部が底板側の軸部に係合し、その係合溝部から離隔した部位が底板にビス止めされ、接続端子台は底板の内側に収容された状態となる。支持板のビス止めを解除した状態で、前記軸部の回りに支持板と共に接続端子台を回動させて、接続端子台を外部へ露出させることができる。
【０００７】
特許文献３のケーブル接続装置では、接続端子台が底板にビス止めされ、この接続端子台を収容可能な電線管接続接手が底板に着脱可能に装着されている。電線管接続接手は、弾性変形可能な係止爪とストッパーを有し、これら係止爪とストッパーとの間に底板が挟持されて、電線管接続接手が装着される。
【０００８】
【特許文献１】
特開平９−１９９８７４号公報
【特許文献２】
特開平９−２８０６５０号公報
【特許文献３】
特開２０００−２９２００５号公報
【０００９】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
図１４のケーブル接続装置では、接続装置本体に固定的に設けた接続端子台をカバーするために、接続装置本体と別体の端子カバーが設けられ、更に、底板に接続装置本体を取り付けるためにビスが必要であり、その接続装置本体に端子カバーを取り付けるためにもビスが必要であるため、部品点数が多く製作コストが高価になり、また、接続端子本体を外板に、端子カバーを接続端子本体に夫々ビス止めして取り付ける作業も面倒である。
【００１０】
接続端子台へのケーブルの接続は、基本的に、底板に接続装置本体を装着し、その接続装置本体に端子カバーを装着した状態から行われるが、この場合、ビス止めを解除して端子カバーを取り外し、ケーブル接続後は再び端子カバーをビス止めして取り付けなければならないし、端子カバーを取り外して接続端子台を露出させても、接続装置本体は底板に最終的な取付姿勢で取り付けられたままであり、接続端子台は底板に接近した位置で露出するため、この接続端子台にケーブルを接続する作業性が非常に悪いという問題があった。
【００１１】
特許文献１、３のケーブル接続装置でも、接続端子台をカバーするカバー部材（保護カバー、電線管接続接手）が別体で設けられており、接続端子台やカバー部材を夫々底板に取り付ける為にビスが必要となるため、部品点数が多く製作コストが高価になり、また、接続端子台やカバー部材を取り付ける作業が面倒であり、カバー部材を取り外す作業も面倒であるため、接続端子台にケーブルを接続する作業性を改善することは難しい。
【００１２】
しかも、特許文献１のケーブル接続装置では、接続端子台が底板の下側へ突出した状態で取り付けられ、この状態のまま保護カバーでカバーするため、保護カバーが底板の下側へ大きく張り出して、給湯機の取り付けに制約を受け、また、特許文献３のケーブル接続装置では、接続端子台が底板の内側へある程度挿入された状態で取り付けられ、電線管接続接手を取り外しても接続端子台が大きく露出しないため、その接続端子台にケーブルを接続する作業性が悪い。
【００１３】
特許文献２のケーブル接続装置では、接続端子台が支持板に固定され、その支持板は係合溝部を底板側の軸部に係合させ回動可能であり、この回動動作を介して接続端子台を外部へ露出させることができるが、接続端子台を露出させた状態で固定保持できる構成ではなく、それ故、この接続端子台にケーブルを容易に接続するは難しく、ケーブル接続作業をスムースに行えないという虞がある。
【００１４】
本発明の目的は、構造を簡単化して製作コストを低く抑え、しかも、給湯機の外板への取り付け、及び、ケーブルの接続作業を簡単且つ確実に能率よく行うことができる、給湯機のケーブル接続装置を提供することである。
【００１５】
【課題を解決するための手段】
請求項１の給湯機のケーブル接続装置は、給湯器の外板に取り付けられる接続端子台を有するケーブル接続ユニットを備え、この接続端子台に給湯器側のケーブルと外部端子側のケーブルとを接続するケーブル接続装置において、
前記ケーブル接続ユニットに軸状部を設ける共に、前記軸状部が係合・係合解除可能な軸係合部を前記外板に設け、前記軸状部を軸係合部に回動自在に係合させた状態で、ケーブル接続ユニットを、最終取付姿勢と、この最終取付姿勢から外側へ９０度回動させた接続用姿勢とに亙って切り換え可能に構成し、前記ケーブル接続ユニットを最終取付姿勢で外板に取り付けた状態で接続端子台をカバー可能なカバー部をケーブル接続ユニットに一体的に形成し、前記ケーブル接続ユニットを最終取付姿勢で外板に固定する為の１対の係止爪をケーブル接続ユニットに設けると共に、その１対の係止爪が係合する１対の係止爪係合部を外板に設け、前記ケーブル接続ユニットを接続用姿勢で外板に回動規制状に保持する為の弾性のある１対の係止部材をケーブル接続ユニットに一体的に設け、その１対の係止部材の１対の係合爪が係脱可能に係合する１対の係合部を外板に設けたことを特徴とするものである。
【００１６】
ケーブル接続ユニットが最終取付姿勢で給湯機の外板に取り付けられると、このケーブル接続ユニットの接続端子台が、ケーブル接続ユニットに一体的に設けられたカバー部でカバーされた状態になる。最終取付姿勢と接続用姿勢の両姿勢において、ケーブル接続ユニットの軸状部が外板の軸係合部に係合されており、この係合状態において、ケーブル接続ユニットは、最終取付姿勢と、この最終取付姿勢から外側へ９０度回動させた接続用姿勢に亙って切り換え可能である。最終取付姿勢では、１対の係止爪が外板の１対の係止爪係合部に係合している。
ケーブル接続ユニットを接続用姿勢にした状態で、ケーブル接続ユニットに設けられた１対の係止部材の１対の係合爪が外板の１対の係合部に係合してケーブル接続ユニットが回動規制状に外板に保持されて、接続端子台が外部へ露出した状態になるので、その接続端子台へのケーブル接続作業を実行できる。このケーブル接続作業後、ケーブル接続ユニットを外板の方へ９０度回動させて、１対の係合爪を１対の係合部から係合解除して、ケーブル接続ユニットを最終取付姿勢に切り換えて１対の係止爪と１対の係止爪係合部を介して外板に固定することができる。
【００１７】
【００１８】
【００１９】
【００２０】
請求項２の給湯機のケーブル接続装置は、請求項１の発明において、前記１対の係合爪を外板に形成した１対の初期係合部に係合させてから、ケーブル接続ユニットを外板の面平行方向にスライドさせることにより、前記ケーブル接続ユニットを接続用姿勢にした状態で前記１対の係合爪を１対の係合部に係合させ且つ前記軸状部を軸係合部に係合させ且つケーブル接続ユニットの側壁部の一部を外板に当接させるように構成したことを特徴としている。先ず、係合爪を初期係合部に係合させてから、ケーブル接続ユニットを外板の面平行方向にスライドさせることにより、ケーブル接続ユニットを接続用姿勢にした状態で、係合爪を係合部に簡単・確実に係合させると共に、軸状部を軸係合部に簡単・確実に係合させることができる。
【００２１】
請求項３の給湯機のケーブル接続装置は、請求項２の発明において，前記１対の係止部材はその弾性変形方向に並べてケーブル接続ユニットに一体形成され、前記１対の係合部及び１対の初期係合部が外板の開口部の縁部分に形成されたことを特徴としている。
１対の係止部材をその弾性変形方向に並べて設けることにより、これら１対の係合爪を外板の開口部の縁部分に形成された１対の係合部に係合させて、ケーブル接続ユニットを外板に確実に保持することができ、係合爪を初期係合部に係合させた状態から、ケーブル接続ユニットを外板の面平行方向にスライドさせることにより、係合爪を初期係合部から係合解除させると共に係合部に確実且つ円滑に係合させることができる。
【００２２】
尚、これら係合部と初期係合部の間において、外板の開口部の縁部分を、開口部の内側へ張り出す張出部に形成し、その張出部に係止部材を係合させることにより、係合爪が係合部に係合している状態、或いは、係合爪が初期係合部に係合している状態を保持できるように構成してもよい。
【００２３】
請求項４の給湯機のケーブル接続装置は、請求項３の発明において、前記１対の係止部材は前記軸状部を中心とする円弧状に形成され、前記軸状部を軸係合部に係合させて、ケーブル接続ユニットを接続用姿勢から最終取付姿勢に切り換えた状態で、前記１対の係止部材が前記外板の開口部から外板の内側に突出するように構成したことを特徴としている。
【００２４】
１対の係止部材は軸状部を中心とする円弧状に形成されているため、ケーブル接続ユニットが接続用姿勢と最終取付姿勢とに亙って切り換えられる際に、１対の係止部材が円弧軌跡を描いて開口部の１対の係合部の内側を通るように回動移動するため、この係止部材と外板との相互干渉を防止でき、ケーブル接続ユニットを接続用姿勢から最終取付姿勢に切り換えた状態で、１対の係止部材が外板の開口部から外板の内側に突出するので、邪魔にならないように給湯機内に収容できる。
【００２５】
請求項５の給湯機のケーブル接続装置は、請求項１〜４の何れかの発明において、前記１対の係止爪は、ケーブル接続ユニットのうちの軸状部から離隔した部分に設けられたことを特徴としている。ケーブル接続ユニットが最終取付姿勢に切り換えられると、軸状部と軸係合部との係合が維持されたまま、ケーブル接続ユニットのうちの軸状部から離隔した部分に設けられた１対の係止爪が外板に設けられた１対の係止爪係合部に係合するため、ケーブル接続ユニットが最終取付姿勢で外板に強固に固定される。
【００２６】
【００２７】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の実施の形態について図面を参照しながら説明する。本実施形態のケーブル接続装置は、給湯機の外板に取り付けられる接続端子台を有するケーブル接続ユニットを備え、この接続端子台に給湯機側のケーブルと外部端末側のケーブルとを接続する為の装置である。
【００２８】
図１、図２に示すように、給湯機１は上下左右前後の外板を有し、その底板２にケーブル接続装置１０が設けられ、ケーブル接続装置１０により、給湯機１側のコントロールユニット３に接続されるケーブル３ａ，３ｂと、外部操作装置４に接続されるケーブル４ａ，４ｂとが接続され、外部操作装置４により出湯温度の設定等、給湯機１を遠隔操作できる。尚、ケーブル接続装置１０を挿通するように電力線５等も配線されている。
【００２９】
ケーブル接続装置１０は、図１〜図７に示すように、給湯機１の底板２に取り付けられる接続端子台１３ａ，１３ｂを有するケーブル接続ユニット１１を備えている。このケーブル接続ユニット１１を図１３に示す最終取付姿勢で底板２に取り付けるが、図１２に示す接続用姿勢で底板２に固定することができ、この接続用姿勢で外部端子側のケーブル４ａ，４ｂの接続作業が行われる。また、ケーブル接続装置１０は、図８、図９に示すように、底板２のうちのケーブル接続ユニット１１が取り付けられる部分に設けられた、開口部２０、左右１対の初期係合部２１、左右１対の係合部２２、左右１対の張出部２３、軸係合部２４、左右１対の係止爪係合部２５、移動規制部２６を備えている。
【００３０】
１対の初期係合部２１は、底板２の開口部２０の前部左右の縁部分に形成され、１対の係合部２２は、底板２の開口部２０の前後方向中央部左右の縁部分に形成されている。１対の初期係合部２１間の距離と１対の係合部２２間の距離は同じで、これら初期係合部２１と係合部２２の間における底板２の開口部２０の左右縁部分が、開口部２０の内側へ張り出す１対の張出部２３に形成され、この張出部２３の初期係合部２１側にテーパ部２３ａが形成され、係合部２２側に段部２３ｂが形成されている。軸係合部２４は、底板２の開口部２０の後端縁部分を下方へ円弧状に切り起こして形成されている。１対の係止爪係合部２５は、開口部２０の前側の底板２にやや前後に長細い１対の矩形孔に形成され、移動規制部２６は、１対の係止爪係合部２５の間の底板２に丸穴に形成されている。
【００３１】
図１〜図７に示すように、ケーブル接続ユニット１１は、合成樹脂製の接続ユニット本体１２と、この接続ユニット本体１２に固定された導電性の部材からなる接続端子台１３ａ，１３ｂを有し、接続端子台１３ａにケーブル３ａ，４ａが接続され、接続端子台１３ｂにケーブル３ｂ，４ｂが接続される。接続ユニット本体１２には上側が開口する収容凹部１４が形成され、ケーブル接続ユニット１１が図１３に示す最終取付姿勢で、この収容凹部１４を形成する側壁の上面が底板２に当接した状態になる。
【００３２】
収容凹部１４の底面前端部分には台座１５が形成され、その台座１５に接続端子台１３ａと接続端子台１３ｂが接触しないように左右に配設され、夫々２本のビス１６により固定され、このビス１６により外部端末側の２本のケーブル４ａ，４ｂが接続端子台１３ａ，１３ｂに押えられ接続される。接続端子台１３ａ，１３ｂに接続された給湯機１側の２本のケーブル３ａ，３ｂは、開口部２０を通って給湯機１の内部に延び、その端部に接続された端子部材３ｃがコントロールユニット３に接続される。尚、接続ユニット本体１２には、２本のケーブル３ａ，３ｂを束ねて掛けるコード掛け部１７が形成されている。
【００３３】
接続ユニット本体１２の主に収容凹部１４を形成する部分が、ケーブル接続ユニット１１に一体的に設けられたカバー部１８に相当し、このカバー部１８により、底板２にケーブル接続ユニット１１を最終取付姿勢で取り付けた状態（図１３参照）で接続端子台１３ａ，１３ｂをカバー可能になる。接続ユニット本体１２の後下部には筒部１９が形成され、この筒部１９の孔と収容凹部１４が連通し、図２に示すように、接続端子台１３ａ，１３ｂに接続されたケーブル４ａ，４ｂは筒部１９の孔を通って外部操作装置４まで延びている。尚、電力線５は、筒部１９の孔と開口部２０を挿通して給湯機１の内部まで延びている。
【００３４】
ケーブル接続装置１０は、ケーブル接続ユニット１１に設けられた、１対の初期係合部２１及び１対の係合部２２に係合・係合解除可能な１対の係合爪３０を有する弾性部材からなる１対の係止部材３１と、軸係合部２４に係合・係合解除可能な軸状部３２と、１対の係止爪係合部２５に係合・係合解除可能な１対の係止爪３３と、移動規制部２６に係合・係合解除可能な突出部３４を備えている。１対の係止部材３１、軸状部３２、１対の係止爪３３、突出部３４は、ケーブル接続ユニット１１の接続ユニット本体１２に一体形成されている。
【００３５】
１対の係止部材３１は、接続ユニット本体１２の後部において、上側へ突出するように、その弾性変形方向である左右方向に並べて形成されている。ここで、軸状部３２は接続ユニット本体１２に左右方向向きに形成され、１対の係止部材３１は軸状部３２を中心とする約９０度円弧状に形成され、１対の係合爪３０は軸状部３２の略上側に位置する。
【００３６】
各係合爪３０は、外側部分（もう一方の係合爪３０の反対側部分）に形成された係合凹部３０ａとこの係合凹部３０ａの前後両側に形成されたテーパ部３０ｂを有するものであり、１対の係止部材３１が弾性変形していない状態で、１対の係合爪３０の係合凹部３０ａ間の間隔は、１対の係合部２２間（１対の初期係合部２１間）の間隔と同じかやや長く、１対の係合爪３０（係合凹部３０ａ）が１対の初期係合部２１と１対の係合部２２に確実に係合し離脱しにくい。
【００３７】
接続ユニット本体１２の筒部１９よりも前側部分に、筒部１９の上端と同高さレベルの水平部１２ａが形成され、その水平部１２ａの下面側後端に軸状部３２が形成されている。この軸状部３２と１対の係合爪３０間の距離は、底板２に設けられた軸係合部２４と１対の係合部２２間の距離と略同じであり、これにより、１対の係合爪３０が１対の係合部２２に係合した状態で、軸状部３２が軸係合部２４に係合可能である。
【００３８】
ここで、接続ユニット本体１２の水平部１２ａの左右両側部分に、上下幅がある程度長くその後端面がフラットな面に形成された１対の側壁部１２ｂが形成され、ケーブル接続ユニット１１が図１２に示す接続用姿勢になった状態で、これら１対の側壁部１２ｂの端面が底壁２に当接する。軸係合部２４は、これら側壁部１２ｂと干渉することなく軸状部３２に係合・係合解除可能であり、この係合状態が保持されて、ケーブル接続ユニット１１が図１２に示す接続用姿勢と図１３に示す最終取付姿勢とに亙って切り換え可能である。
【００３９】
接続ユニット本体１２の収容凹部１４の前側部分に、収容凹部１４の底部と同高さレベルの水平部１２ｃが形成され、その水平部１２ｃに弾性変形可能な左右１対の係止爪アーム３３ａが上方へ突出するように、その弾性変形方向である左右方向に並べて形成され、これら係止爪アーム３３ａの先端部に１対の係止爪３３が形成されている。このように、ケーブル接続ユニット１１のうちの軸状部３２から離隔した部分に１対の係止爪３３が設けられている。
【００４０】
１対の係止爪３３は収容凹部１４の側壁部上面から底板２の板厚分上側に形成され、１対の係止爪３３と軸状部３２間の距離は、底板２に設けられた１対の係止爪係合部２５と軸係合部２４間の距離と同じである。突出部３４は、１対の係止爪アーム３３ａの間において、収容凹部１４の側壁部上面よりも上側へ突出するように軸状に形成されている。
【００４１】
以上説明したケーブル接続装置１０の構造により、図１２に示すように、ケーブル接続ユニット１１を、接続端子台１３ａ，１３ｂを外部へ露出させた接続用姿勢にした状態で１対の係合爪３０を１対の係合部２２に係合させて固定し、接続端子台１３ａ，１３ｂへのケーブル４ａ，４ｂの接続作業を実行可能に構成し、また、軸状部３２を軸係合部２４に係合させて、ケーブル接続ユニット１１を回動可能に支持した状態で、図１３の最終取付姿勢と図１２の接続用姿勢とに亙って約９０度切り換え可能に構成し、また、図１２に示すように、ケーブル接続ユニット１１を接続用姿勢にした状態で、１対の係合爪３０が１対の係合部２２に係合すると共に軸状部３２が軸係合部２４に係合し、この状態で１対の係合爪３０を１対の係合部２２から係合解除可能に構成してある。
【００４２】
また、図１０、図１１に示すように、１対の係合爪３０を１対の初期係合部２１に係合させてから後方へスライドさせることにより、図１２に示すように、ケーブル接続ユニット１１を接続用姿勢にした状態で１対の係合爪３０を１対の係合部２２に係合すると共に軸状部３２が軸係合部２４に係合するように構成し、また、軸状部３２を軸係合部２４に係合させて、ケーブル接続ユニット１１を図１２の接続用姿勢から図１３の最終取付姿勢に切り換えた状態で、１対の係止部材３１が底板２の開口部２０から底板２の内側へ突出するように構成してある。
【００４３】
次に、このケーブル接続装置１０の作用・効果について説明する。尚、適宜、図１〜図６におけるケーブル接続ユニット１１の下面（側）を表面（側）、上面（側）を裏面（側）として説明する。本実施形態では、給湯機１の組み立て時に、その給湯機１へのケーブル接続装置１０の組み付けを想定しているが、給湯機の設置工事の際に、つまり、ケーブル接続作業の際に、給湯機１にケーブル接続装置１０を組み付けてもよい。
【００４４】
ケーブル接続装置１０の組み付けは、ケーブル接続ユニット１１の接続ユニット本体１２に接続端子台１３ａ，１３ｂが固定され、その接続端子台１３ａ，１３ｂに、給湯機１側のケーブル３ａ，３ｂが接続された状態で行われる。
先ず、図１０に示すように、ケーブル接続ユニット１１の裏面を前方へ向けて、１対の係止部材３１を開口部２０の１対の初期係合部２１に沿って挿入していく。すると、１対の係合爪３０の先端側のテーパ部３０ｂが１対の初期係合部２１で押されて、１対の係止部材３１が弾性変形し、図１１に示すように、接続ユニット本体１２の上面が底板２に当接すると、１対の係止部材３１が復帰して、１対の係合爪３０が１対の初期係合部２１に係合する。
【００４５】
尚、１対の初期係合部２１は底板２の開口部２０の前端部分に形成され、１対の初期係合部２１の後側には１対の張出部２３があるため、１対の係合爪３０が１対の初期係合部２１に係合すると、初期係合部２１から不要に係合解除されることはない。次に、図１１に示すように、１対の係合爪３０を１対の初期係合部２１に係合させてから、ケーブル接続ユニット１１を図１１の矢印で示す底板２の面平行方向の後方へスライド移動させる。
【００４６】
すると、１対の係合爪３０が１対の張出部２３のテーパ部２３ａに係合しながら移動し、これら１対の張出部２３で１対の係止部材３１が押されて弾性変形し、１対の係合爪３０が段部２３ａを超えると１対の係止部材３１が復帰して、図１２に示すように、接続ユニット本体１２の上面が底板２に当接した状態で、１対の係合爪３０が１対の係合部２２に係合すると共に、軸状部３２が軸係合部２４に係合する。１対の係合爪３０は１対の張出部２３の段部２３ｂにも係合しているため、ケーブル接続ユニット１１は前方へも後方へも移動しなくなり、この接続用姿勢で底板２に回動規制状に固定保持される。
【００４７】
次に、１対の係止部材３１を指の力等で弾性変形させて、１対の係合爪３０を１対の係合部２２から係合解除して、ケーブル接続ユニット１１を、軸状部３２を中心として図１２の矢印で示す方向へ回動させる。その際、円弧状に形成された１対の係止部材３１が、１対の張出部２３の段部２３ｂに係合した状態を維持して回動されるため、ケーブル接続ユニット１１が前方へ移動して軸状部３２が軸係合部２４から係合解除することはなく、ケーブル接続ユニット１１が確実にスムースに回動して、接続用姿勢から図１３の最終取付姿勢に切り換えられる。
【００４８】
ケーブル接続ユニット１１が最終取付姿勢に切り換えられると、１対の係止爪３３が１対の係止爪アーム３３ａの弾性変形を介して１対の係止爪係合部２５に係合すると共に、突出部３４が移動規制部２６に係合し、また、軸状部３２も軸係合部２４に係合された状態となっているため、ケーブル接続ユニット１１がこの最終取付姿勢で底板２に強固に固定されて取り付けられる。こうしてケーブル接続ユニット１１が組み付けられた給湯機１が設置される。
【００４９】
さて、給湯機１を設置する際のケーブル接続作業については、ケーブル接続ユニット１１が最終取付姿勢で底板２に取り付けられた状態となっているが、先ず、指の力等で１対の係止爪アーム３３ａを弾性変形させて、１対の係止爪３３を係止爪係合部２５から係合解除し、ケーブル接続ユニット１１を、軸状部３２を中心として図１３の矢印で示す方向へ回動させて、最終取付姿勢から図１２に示す接続用姿勢に切り換える。
【００５０】
ケーブル接続ユニット１１が接続用姿勢に切り換えられる際、１対の係合爪３０の基端側のテーパ部３０ｂが１対の係合部２２で押されて、１対の係止部材３１が弾性変形し、図１２に示すように、接続ユニット本体１２の上面が底板２に当接すると、１対の係止部材３１が復帰して、１対の係合爪３０が１対の係合部２２に係合して、ケーブル接続ユニット１１が接続用姿勢に切り換えられる。
【００５１】
そして、ケーブル接続ユニット１１が接続用姿勢に切り換えられた状態で、外部端末側のケーブル４ａ，４ｂを、筒部１９の孔に表面側から挿入し、これら
ケーブル４ａ，４ｂの端部を接続端子台１３ａ，１３ｂに夫々取り付ける。その後、ケーブル接続ユニット１１を接続用姿勢から最終取付姿勢に切り換えて終了するが、このことについては前述したので省略する。
【００５２】
以上説明したケーブル接続装置１０によれば、底板２にケーブル接続ユニット１１を最終取付姿勢で取り付けた状態で、ケーブル接続ユニット１１に一体的に設けたカバー部１８で接続端子台１３ａ，１３ｂをカバーして保護することができ、このケーブル接続ユニット１１を接続用姿勢にした状態で、ケーブル接続ユニット１１に設けた係止部材３１の係合爪３０を、係止部材３１の弾性変形を介して底板２に設けた係合部２２に係合・係合解除することができ、係合爪３０を係合部２２に係合させてケーブル接続ユニット１１を接続用姿勢で底板２に固定し、安定した状態にして、接続端子台１３ａ，１３ｂを外部へ露出させ、その接続端子台１３ａ，１３ｂをへのケーブル接続作業を実行することができる。
【００５３】
つまり、接続端子台１３ａ，１３ｂをカバーする部材を別途設けなくても、ケーブル接続ユニット１１を最終取付姿勢にして接続端子台１３ａ，１３ｂをカバーでき、ケーブル接続ユニット１１を接続用位置にして接続端子台１３ａ，１３ｂを露出させケーブル接続作業を実行でき、これらの機能を達成して、構造を簡単化し製作コストを低く抑えることができる。しかも、ケーブル接続ユニット１１を接続用姿勢にして底板２に容易に着脱でき、接続用姿勢で底板２に取り付けたケーブル接続ユニット１１を安定させ、その接続端子台１３ａ，１３ｂをケーブルの接続が行い易い位置（底板２から下側へある程度離隔した位置）及び姿勢（接続端子台１３ａ，１３ｂのコード取り付け面を前方へ向けた姿勢）で露出させることができ、その結果、ケーブルの接続作業を簡単且つ確実に能率よく行うことが可能になる。
【００５４】
ケーブル接続ユニット１１に軸状部３２を設けると共に、この軸状部３２が係合・係合解除可能な軸係合部２４を底板２に設け、軸状部３２を軸係合部２４に係合させて、ケーブル接続ユニット１１を回動自在に支持した状態で最終取付姿勢と接続用姿勢とに亙って約９０度切り換え可能に構成したので、接続端子台１３ａ，１３ｂへのケーブル接続作業を実行するために、ケーブル接続ユニット１１の最終取付姿勢から接続用姿勢への切り換えと、ケーブル接続作業後の接続用姿勢から最終取付姿勢への切り換えを容易に行うことができ、ケーブル接続ユニット１１を最終取付姿勢で底板２に簡単・確実に取り付けることが可能になる。
【００５５】
ケーブル接続ユニット１１を接続用姿勢にした状態で、係合爪３０が係合部２２に係合すると共に軸状部３２が軸係合部２４に係合し、この状態で係合爪３０を係合部２２から係合解除可能に構成したので、ケーブル接続ユニット１１を接続用姿勢で底板２に確実に固定することができ、係合爪３０を係合部２２から係合解除することにより、ケーブル接続ユニット１１を接続用姿勢から最終取付姿勢に、また、最終取付姿勢から接続用姿勢へも切り換えることができる。
【００５６】
底板２に係合爪３０が係合・係合解除可能な初期係合部２１を設け、係合爪３０を初期係合部２１に係合させてから、ケーブル接続ユニット１１を底板２の面平行方向にスライドさせることにより、ケーブル接続ユニット１１を接続用姿勢にした状態で係合爪３０が係合部２２に係合すると共に軸状部３２が軸係合部２４に係合するように構成したので、係合爪３０の係合部２２への係合と、軸状部３２の軸係合部２４への係合とを簡単・確実に行うことが可能になる。
【００５７】
１対の係止部材３１は軸状部３２を中心とする円弧状に形成され、軸状部３２を軸係合部２４に係合させて、ケーブル接続ユニット１１を接続用姿勢から最終取付姿勢に切り換えた状態で、１対の係止部材３１が底板２の開口部２０から底板２の内側に突出するように構成したので、ケーブル接続ユニット１１が接続用姿勢と最終取付姿勢とに亙って切り換えられる際に、１対の係止部材３１が円弧軌跡を描いて開口部２０の１対の係合部２２の内側を通るように回動移動するため、この係止部材３１と底板２との相互干渉を防止でき、ケーブル接続ユニット１１を接続用姿勢から最終取付姿勢に切り換えた状態で、１対の係止部材３１が底板２の開口部２０から外板の内側に突出するので、邪魔にならないように給湯機１の内部に収容できる。
【００５８】
開口部２０は接続端子台１３ａ，１３ｂへ至る給湯機側のケーブル３ａ、３ｂ等が通るところでもあり、この開口部２０を有効利用し、別途部品を設けることなく、１対の係合部２２と１対の初期係合部２１を設けることができ、また、ケーブル接続ユニット１１に１対の係止部材３１を一体形成することから部品点数を低減でき、ケーブル接続装置１０の製作コスト的に非常に有利になる。
【００５９】
ケーブル接続ユニット１１のうちの軸状部３２から離隔した部分に係止爪３３を設けると共に、ケーブル接続ユニット１１を最終取付姿勢に切り換えた状態で係止爪３３が係合・係合解除可能な係止爪係合部２５を底板２に設けたので、ケーブル接続ユニット１１を最終取付姿勢に切り換えると、軸状部３２と軸係合部２４との係合を維持したまま、ケーブル接続ユニット１１の係止爪３３が底板２の係止爪係合部２５に係合して、ケーブル接続ユニット１１を最終取付姿勢で外板に強固に固定することができる。
【００６０】
尚、このケーブル接続装置１０においては、開口部２０をバーリング加工を施し、開口部２０の縁に沿って切り起こし部を形成し、その切り起こし部により水の侵入を防止するようにしてもよい。また、ケーブル接続装置１０を底板以外の側板等に装備してもよいし、このケーブル接続装置１０をリモコンケーブル以外のケーブルを接続する為に用いてもよい。尚、本発明の趣旨を逸脱しない範囲において種々の変更を付加して実施可能である。
【００６１】
【発明の効果】
請求項１の給湯機のケーブル接続装置によれば、外板にケーブル接続ユニットを最終取付姿勢で取り付けた状態で、ケーブル接続ユニットに一体的に設けたカバー部で接続端子台をカバーして保護することができ、このケーブル接続ユニットを接続用姿勢にした状態で、ケーブル接続ユニットの軸状部が外板の軸係合部に係合しており、そして、ケーブル接続ユニットに設けた１対の係止部材の１対の係合爪を、係止部材の弾性変形を介して外板に設けた１対の係合部に係合・係合解除することができ、１対の係合爪を１対の係合部に係合させてケーブル接続ユニットを接続用姿勢で外板に固定的に保持し、安定した状態にして、接続端子台を外部へ露出させ、その接続端子台へのケーブル接続作業を実行することができる。
【００６２】
つまり、接続端子台をカバーする部材を別途設けなくても、ケーブル接続ユニットを最終取付姿勢にして接続端子台をカバーでき、ケーブル接続ユニットを接続用位置にして接続端子台を露出させケーブル接続作業を実行でき、これらの機能を達成して、構造を簡単化し製作コストを低く抑えることができる。
しかも、ケーブル接続ユニットを接続用姿勢にして外板に容易に着脱でき、接続用姿勢で外板に取り付けたケーブル接続ユニットを安定させ、その接続端子台をケーブルの接続が行い易い位置及び姿勢で露出させることができ、その結果、ケーブルの接続作業を簡単且つ確実に能率よく行うことが可能になる。
【００６３】
そして、前記最終取付姿勢と接続用姿勢とに亙って約９０度切り換え可能に構成したので、接続端子台へのケーブル接続作業を実行するために、ケーブル接続ユニットの最終取付姿勢から接続用姿勢への切り換えと、ケーブル接続作業後の接続用姿勢から最終取付姿勢への切り換えを容易に行うことができ、ケーブル接続ユニットを最終取付姿勢で外板に簡単・確実に取り付けることが可能になる。
【００６４】
【００６５】
請求項２の給湯機のケーブル接続装置によれば、１対の係合爪を外板に形成した１対の初期係合部に係合させてから、ケーブル接続ユニットを外板の面平行方向にスライドさせることにより、ケーブル接続ユニットを接続用姿勢にした状態で１対の係合爪を１対の係合部に係合させ且つ軸状部を軸係合部に係合させ且つケーブル接続ユニットの側壁部の一部を外板に当接させるように構成したので、係合爪の係合部への係合と、軸状部の軸係合部への係合とを簡単・確実に行うことが可能になる。
【００６６】
請求項３の給湯機のケーブル接続装置によれば、１対の係止部材はその弾性変形方向に並べてケーブル接続ユニットに一体形成され、前記１対の係合部及び１対の初期係合部が外板の開口部の縁部分に形成されたので、１対の係合爪を１対の係合部に係合させて、ケーブル接続ユニットを外板に確実に固定することができ、係合爪を初期係合部に係合させた状態から、ケーブル接続ユニットを外板の面平行方向にスライドさせることにより、係合爪を初期係合部から係合解除させると共に係合部に確実且つ円滑に係合させることができる。また、開口部は接続端子台へ至る給湯機側ケーブルが通るところでもあり、この開口部を有効利用し、別途部品を設けることなく、１対の係合部と１対の初期係合部を設けることができ、また、ケーブル接続ユニットに１対の係止部材を一体形成することから部品点数を低減でき、ケーブル接続装置の製作コスト的に非常に有利になる。
【００６７】
請求項４の給湯機のケーブル接続装置によれば、１対の係止部材は軸状部を中心とする円弧状に形成され、軸状部を軸係合部に係合させて、ケーブル接続ユニットを接続用姿勢から最終取付姿勢に切り換えた状態で、１対の係止部材が前記外板の開口部から外板の内側に突出するように構成したので、ケーブル接続ユニットが接続用姿勢と最終取付姿勢とに亙って切り換えられる際に、１対の係止部材が円弧軌跡を描いて開口部の１対の係合部の内側を通るように回動移動するため、この係止部材と外板との相互干渉を防止でき、ケーブル接続ユニットを接続用姿勢から最終取付姿勢に切り換えた状態で、１対の係止部材が外板の開口部から外板の内側に突出するので、邪魔にならないように給湯機内に収容できる。
【００６８】
請求項５の給湯機のケーブル接続装置によれば、前記１対の係止爪は、ケーブル接続ユニットのうちの軸状部から離隔した部分に設けられたので、ケーブル接続ユニットを最終取付姿勢に切り換えると、軸状部と軸係合部との係合を維持したまま、ケーブル接続ユニットのうちの軸状部から離隔した部分に設けられた１対の係止爪が外板に設けられた１対の係止爪係合部に係合して、ケーブル接続ユニットを最終取付姿勢で外板に強固に固定することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の実施形態に係る給湯機とケーブル接続装置等の正面図である。
【図２】ケーブル接続ユニット（結線時）の平面図である。
【図３】ケーブル接続ユニットの平面図である。
【図４】図３のIV矢視図である。
【図５】図３のＶ−Ｖ線断面図である。
【図６】図３のVI矢視図である。
【図７】ケーブル接続ユニットの背面図である。
【図８】給湯機の底板の背面図である。
【図９】給湯機の底板の側面図である。
【図１０】ケーブル接続ユニットを底板に取付ける際の図である。
【図１１】ケーブル接続ユニットを底板に取付けた図である。
【図１２】ケーブル接続ユニットを接続用姿勢で底板に取付けた図である。
【図１３】ケーブル接続ユニットを最終取付姿勢で底板に取付けた図である。
【図１４】従来技術に係るケーブル接続ユニットの正面図である。
【符号の説明】
１給湯機
２底板
３ａ，３ｂケーブル
４ａ，４ｂケーブル
１０ケーブル接続装置
１１ケーブル接続ユニット
１３ａ，１３ｂ接続端子台
１８カバー部
２０開口部
２１初期係合部
２２係合部
２４軸係合部
２５係止爪係合部
３０係合爪
３１係止部材
３２軸状部
３３係止爪[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to a cable connection device for connecting a water heater-side cable and an external terminal-side cable to a connection terminal block of a cable connection unit attached to an outer plate of a water heater.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  Conventionally, an external operation device is connected to a control unit of a hot water supply device via a remote control cable, and the external operation device can be used to remotely control the hot water supply device such as setting a hot water temperature. When installing this type of water heater, the remote controller cable is connected to the water heater side cable and the external terminal side cable. To connect these cables, connect to the outer plate of the water heater. Various cable connection devices with terminal blocks are put into practical use.
[0003]
  As shown in FIG. 14, the cable connecting device 100 put into practical use by the applicant of the present application includes a connecting device main body 101, a connecting terminal block 102, and a terminal cover 103, and the connecting terminal block 102 is fixed to the connecting device main body 101. The terminal cover 103 is detachably attached to the connection device main body 101. When the terminal cover 103 is attached to the connection device main body 101, the connection terminal block 102 is covered by the terminal cover 103, and when the terminal cover 103 is removed from the connection device main body 101, the connection terminal block 102 is exposed to the outside.
[0004]
  The connection device main body 101 is fixed to the bottom plate 104 of the water heater by, for example, two screws 105, and the terminal cover 103 is fixed to the connection device main body 101 by, for example, one screw. The connection of the cable to the connection terminal block 102 is basically performed with the connection terminal main body 101 attached to the bottom plate 104 and the terminal cover 103 attached to the connection terminal main body 101, and after the terminal cover 103 is removed. Then, the cable is connected to the connection terminal block 102, and then the terminal cover 103 is attached again.
[0005]
  In the cable connection device of Patent Document 1, the connection terminal block is screwed to the bottom plate, and a protective cover that covers the connection terminal block is detachably attached to the bottom plate. The protective cover has an engaging claw and a flange, and the flange is screwed to the bottom plate in a state where the engaging claw is engaged with the engaging hole portion of the bottom plate.
[0006]
  In the cable connection device of Patent Document 2, the connection terminal block is fixed to the support plate, the support plate has an engagement groove portion, the engagement groove portion engages with the shaft portion on the bottom plate side, and the engagement groove portion The separated part is screwed to the bottom plate, and the connection terminal block is housed inside the bottom plate. In a state where the screwing of the support plate is released, the connection terminal block can be rotated around the shaft portion together with the support plate to expose the connection terminal block to the outside.
[0007]
  In the cable connection device of Patent Document 3, the connection terminal block is screwed to the bottom plate, and a conduit connection joint that can accommodate the connection terminal block is detachably attached to the bottom plate. The conduit joint has an elastically deformable locking claw and a stopper, and a bottom plate is sandwiched between the locking claw and the stopper, and the conduit connection joint is attached.
[0008]
[Patent Document 1]
  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-199874
[Patent Document 2]
  JP-A-9-280650
[Patent Document 3]
  JP 2000-292005 A
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  In the cable connection device of FIG. 14, a terminal cover separate from the connection device main body is provided to cover the connection terminal block fixedly provided on the connection device main body, and for attaching the connection device main body to the bottom plate. Screws are required, and screws are also required to attach the terminal cover to the connection device body, which increases the number of parts and the manufacturing cost, and connects the terminal cover with the connection terminal body as the outer plate. The work of fixing the screws to the terminal body is also troublesome.
[0010]
  The connection of the cable to the connection terminal block is basically performed from the state in which the connection device body is mounted on the bottom plate and the terminal cover is mounted on the connection device body. After the cable is connected and the cable is connected, the terminal cover must be screwed again and attached, and even if the terminal cover is removed and the connection terminal block is exposed, the connection device body remains attached to the bottom plate in the final mounting position. Since the connection terminal block is exposed at a position close to the bottom plate, there is a problem that workability of connecting a cable to the connection terminal block is very poor.
[0011]
  Even in the cable connection devices of Patent Documents 1 and 3, the cover member (protective cover, conduit connection joint) that covers the connection terminal block is provided separately, so that the connection terminal block and the cover member are attached to the bottom plate, respectively. Since screws are required, the number of parts is large and the manufacturing cost is expensive, and the work of attaching the connection terminal block and the cover member is troublesome, and the work of removing the cover member is also troublesome. It is difficult to improve the workability of connecting.
[0012]
  Moreover, in the cable connection device of Patent Document 1, the connection terminal block is attached in a state of protruding to the lower side of the bottom plate, and is covered with the protective cover in this state, so that the protective cover largely protrudes to the lower side of the bottom plate, Due to restrictions on the installation of the water heater, the cable connection device of Patent Document 3 is installed with the connection terminal block inserted to some extent inside the bottom plate, and the connection terminal block is large even if the conduit connection joint is removed. Since it is not exposed, workability of connecting a cable to the connection terminal block is poor.
[0013]
  In the cable connection device of Patent Document 2, the connection terminal block is fixed to the support plate, and the support plate can be rotated by engaging the engaging groove portion with the shaft portion on the bottom plate side. Although the terminal block can be exposed to the outside, it is not configured to be fixed and held with the connection terminal block exposed, so it is difficult to connect the cable to this connection terminal block easily, and the cable connection work is smooth There is a possibility that it cannot be done.
[0014]
  An object of the present invention is to provide a cable for a water heater that simplifies the structure, keeps the manufacturing cost low, and that can be easily and reliably and efficiently attached to the outer plate of the water heater and connected to the cable. It is to provide a connection device.
[0015]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  A cable connection device for a water heater according to claim 1 includes a cable connection unit having a connection terminal block attached to an outer plate of a water heater, and connects a water heater side cable and an external terminal side cable to the connection terminal block. In the cable connection device to
The cable connection unit is provided with a shaft-like portion, and a shaft engaging portion that can be engaged and disengaged with the shaft-like portion is provided on the outer plate so that the shaft-like portion can be rotated to the shaft engaging portion. In the engaged state, the cable connection unit is configured to be switchable between a final attachment posture and a connection posture rotated 90 degrees outward from the final attachment posture. A pair of members for integrally forming a cover portion that can cover the connection terminal block in a state of being attached to the outer plate in the attachment posture, and fixing the cable connection unit to the outer plate in the final attachment posture. A pawl is provided on the cable connection unit, and a pair of latching claw engaging portions that engage with the pair of latching claws are provided on the outer plate, and the cable connection unit is rotated to the outer plate in a connection posture. A pair of elastic locks to keep them regulated Provided integrally with the timber to the cable connecting unit, the engagement claws of the pair of the pair of the locking member is provided with engagement portions of the pair which is disengageably engaged in the outer plateIt is characterized by this.
[0016]
  When the cable connection unit is attached to the outer plate of the water heater in the final mounting orientation, the connection terminal block of this cable connection unit is covered with a cover portion that is integrally provided with the cable connection unit.Get into a state.In both the final mounting posture and the connecting posture, the shaft-like portion of the cable connection unit is engaged with the shaft engaging portion of the outer plate, and in this engaged state, the cable connection unit has the final mounting posture, It is possible to switch over the connection posture rotated 90 degrees outward from this final mounting posture. In the final mounting posture, the pair of locking claws are engaged with the pair of locking claw engaging portions of the outer plate.
  Installed in the cable connection unit with the cable connection unit in the connection orientationOne pair of engaging claws of one pair of locking members is one pair of outer plates.The cable connection unit engages with the engaging part.Rotation restriction on the outer plateSo that the connection terminal block is exposed to the outside.BecauseThe cable connection work to the connection terminal block can be executed. After this cable connection work,Rotate the cable connection unit 90 degrees toward the outer plate,Engaging clawA pair ofRelease the engagement from the engaging part and switch the cable connection unit to the final mounting position.Via a pair of locking claws and a pair of locking claws do itOn the outer plateFixCan.
[0017]
[0018]
[0019]
[0020]
  Claim2In the invention of claim 1,A pair of engaging claws formed on the outer plateAfter engaging the initial engagement portion, the cable connection unit is slid in the plane parallel direction of the outer plate, so that the cable connection unit is in the connection posture.A pair ofEngaging clawA pair ofEngage with the engaging partAndThe shaft-shaped partTheEngage with shaft engaging partAnd a part of the side wall of the cable connection unit is brought into contact with the outer plateWith the feature that was configured asis doing. First, after engaging the engaging claw with the initial engaging portion, the cable connecting unit is slid in the direction parallel to the surface of the outer plate to engage the engaging claw with the cable connecting unit in the connecting posture. The shaft-like portion can be easily and reliably engaged with the shaft engaging portion while being easily and reliably engaged with the joint portion.
[0021]
  Claim3The water heater cable connection device is claimed in claim2In the invention ofA pair ofLocking memberIs thatArranged in the direction of elastic deformationTekeIntegrated into cable connection unitAnd saidA pair of engaging portions and a pair of initial engaging portionsButFormed at the edge of the opening of the outer plateWasWith featuresis doing.
  By providing a pair of locking members side by side in the elastic deformation direction, the pair of engaging claws are formed at the edge portion of the opening of the outer plate.PartEngage and securely connect the cable connection unit to the outer plateRetentionThe engagement claw is disengaged from the initial engagement portion by sliding the cable connection unit in a direction parallel to the surface of the outer plate from the state where the engagement claw is engaged with the initial engagement portion. At the same time, the engagement portion can be reliably and smoothly engaged.
[0022]
  In addition, the edge part of the opening part of an outer plate is formed in the overhang | projection part projected inside the opening part between these engagement parts and the initial engagement part, and a locking member is engaged with the overhang part. By doing so, the engaging claw may be engaged with the engaging portion, or the engaging claw engaged with the initial engaging portion may be maintained.
[0023]
  Claim4The water heater cable connection device is claimed in claim3In the invention, the pair of locking members are formed in an arc shape centered on the shaft-shaped portion, and the shaft-shaped portion is engaged with the shaft-engaging portion, so that the cable connection unit is finally connected from the connection posture. The pair of locking members is configured to protrude from the opening of the outer plate to the inside of the outer plate in a state where the mounting posture is switched.
[0024]
  Since the pair of locking members are formed in an arc shape centered on the shaft-shaped portion, when the cable connection unit is switched over between the connection posture and the final mounting posture, the pair of locking members Since it moves so as to pass inside the pair of engaging portions of the opening portion while drawing an arc trajectory, mutual interference between the locking member and the outer plate can be prevented, and the cable connecting unit can be removed from the connecting posture. Since the pair of locking members protrudes from the opening of the outer plate to the inside of the outer plate in the state of switching to the final mounting posture, it can be accommodated in the water heater so as not to get in the way.
[0025]
  Claim5The water heater cable connection device is claimed in claim1-4In any of the inventions,The pair of locking claws are:Install in the part of the cable connection unit that is separated from the shaft.Was kickedIt is characterized by that. When the cable connection unit is switched to the final mounting posture, the engagement between the shaft-like portion and the shaft engagement portion is maintained, and the cable connection unit is provided in a portion separated from the shaft-like portion of the cable connection unit.A pair ofLocking claw is provided on the outer plateA pair ofIn order to engage with the engaging claw engaging portion, the cable connection unit is firmly fixed to the outer plate in the final mounting posture.
[0026]
[0027]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The cable connection device of the present embodiment includes a cable connection unit having a connection terminal block attached to the outer plate of the water heater, and connects the water heater side cable and the external terminal side cable to the connection terminal block. Device.
[0028]
  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the water heater 1 has an upper, lower, left and right outer plate, and a cable connecting device 10 is provided on the bottom plate 2, and the control unit 3 on the water heater 1 side is provided by the cable connecting device 10. The cables 3a and 3b connected to the external operation device 4 and the cables 4a and 4b connected to the external operation device 4 are connected, and the external operation device 4 can remotely control the water heater 1 such as setting the hot water temperature. A power line 5 and the like are also wired so as to pass through the cable connection device 10.
[0029]
  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, the cable connection device 10 includes a cable connection unit 11 having connection terminal blocks 13 a and 13 b attached to the bottom plate 2 of the water heater 1. This cable connection unit 11 is attached to the bottom plate 2 in the final attachment posture shown in FIG. 13, but can be fixed to the bottom plate 2 in the connection posture shown in FIG. 12, and the cables 4a and 4b on the external terminal side in this connection posture. Connection work is performed. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the cable connection device 10 includes an opening 20, a pair of left and right initial engagement portions 21 provided in a portion of the bottom plate 2 to which the cable connection unit 11 is attached, A pair of left and right engaging portions 22, a pair of left and right extending portions 23, a shaft engaging portion 24, a pair of left and right engaging claw engaging portions 25, and a movement restricting portion 26 are provided.
[0030]
  The pair of initial engaging portions 21 are formed at the left and right edge portions of the front portion of the opening portion 20 of the bottom plate 2, and the pair of engaging portions 22 are the left and right edges of the center portion in the front-rear direction of the opening portion 20 of the bottom plate 2. It is formed in the part. The distance between the pair of initial engaging portions 21 and the distance between the pair of engaging portions 22 are the same, and the left and right edge portions of the opening 20 of the bottom plate 2 between these initial engaging portions 21 and the engaging portions 22 Is formed in a pair of projecting portions 23 projecting inward of the opening 20, a tapered portion 23 a is formed on the initial engaging portion 21 side of the projecting portion 23, and a step portion 23 b is formed on the engaging portion 22 side. Is formed. The shaft engaging portion 24 is formed by cutting and raising the rear end edge portion of the opening 20 of the bottom plate 2 downward in an arc shape. The pair of latching claw engaging portions 25 is formed in a pair of rectangular holes that are slightly elongated in the front and rear directions on the bottom plate 2 on the front side of the opening 20, and the movement restricting portion 26 is a pair of locking claw engaging portions. The bottom plate 2 between 25 is formed in a round hole.
[0031]
  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, the cable connection unit 11 includes a connection unit body 12 made of synthetic resin, and connection terminal blocks 13 a and 13 b made of conductive members fixed to the connection unit body 12. The cables 3a and 4a are connected to the connection terminal block 13a, and the cables 3b and 4b are connected to the connection terminal block 13b. The connecting unit main body 12 is formed with a receiving recess 14 whose upper side is open, and the cable connection unit 11 is in the final mounting posture shown in FIG. 13 so that the upper surface of the side wall forming the receiving recess 14 is in contact with the bottom plate 2. Become.
[0032]
  A pedestal 15 is formed at the front end portion of the bottom surface of the housing recess 14. The pedestal 15 is arranged on the left and right so that the connection terminal block 13 a and the connection terminal block 13 b do not come into contact with each other, and each is fixed by two screws 16. The two cables 4a and 4b on the external terminal side are pressed and connected to the connection terminal blocks 13a and 13b by the screws 16. The two cables 3a, 3b on the side of the water heater 1 connected to the connection terminal blocks 13a, 13b extend into the water heater 1 through the opening 20, and the terminal member 3c connected to the end of the cable 3a, 3b is controlled. Connected to unit 3. The connecting unit main body 12 is formed with a cord hooking portion 17 for bundling two cables 3a and 3b.
[0033]
  A portion of the connection unit main body 12 that mainly forms the housing recess 14 corresponds to a cover portion 18 provided integrally with the cable connection unit 11, and the cable connection unit 11 is finally attached to the bottom plate 2 by the cover portion 18. The connection terminal blocks 13a and 13b can be covered in a state of being attached in the posture (see FIG. 13). A cylindrical portion 19 is formed in the rear lower portion of the connection unit main body 12, and a hole in the cylindrical portion 19 communicates with the accommodating recess 14 to connect the cables 4a, 4a connected to the connection terminal blocks 13a, 13b as shown in FIG. 4 b extends to the external operating device 4 through the hole of the cylindrical portion 19. The power line 5 extends through the hole of the cylindrical portion 19 and the opening 20 to the inside of the water heater 1.
[0034]
  The cable connection device 10 includes an elastic claw 30 provided on the cable connection unit 11 and having a pair of engagement claws 30 that can be engaged with and released from the pair of initial engagement portions 21 and the pair of engagement portions 22. A pair of locking members 31 made of members, a shaft-shaped portion 32 that can be engaged / disengaged with the shaft engaging portion 24, and a pair of locking claw engaging portions 25 can be engaged / disengaged. A pair of locking claws 33 and a protrusion 34 that can be engaged with and released from the movement restricting portion 26 are provided. The pair of locking members 31, the shaft-shaped portion 32, the pair of locking claws 33, and the protruding portion 34 are integrally formed on the connection unit main body 12 of the cable connection unit 11.
[0035]
  The pair of locking members 31 are formed side by side in the left-right direction, which is the elastic deformation direction, so as to protrude upward at the rear part of the connection unit main body 12. Here, the shaft-shaped portion 32 is formed in the connection unit main body 12 in the left-right direction, and the pair of locking members 31 is formed in an arc shape of about 90 degrees centering on the shaft-shaped portion 32. The claw 30 is positioned substantially above the shaft-like portion 32.
[0036]
  Each engagement claw 30 has an engagement recess 30a formed in an outer portion (a portion opposite to the other engagement claw 30) and tapered portions 30b formed on both front and rear sides of the engagement recess 30a. Yes, with the pair of locking members 31 not elastically deformed, the distance between the engagement recesses 30a of the pair of engagement claws 30 is between the pair of engagement portions 22 (one pair of initial engagements). The pair of engagement claws 30 (engagement recesses 30a) reliably engage and disengage from the pair of initial engagement portions 21 and the pair of engagement portions 22 as long as the distance between the portions 21). Hateful.
[0037]
  A horizontal portion 12a having the same level as the upper end of the cylindrical portion 19 is formed in a front side portion of the cylindrical portion 19 of the connection unit main body 12, and a shaft-shaped portion 32 is formed at the rear end on the lower surface side of the horizontal portion 12a. Yes. The distance between the shaft portion 32 and the pair of engaging claws 30 is substantially the same as the distance between the shaft engaging portion 24 provided on the bottom plate 2 and the pair of engaging portions 22. The shaft-shaped portion 32 can be engaged with the shaft engaging portion 24 in a state where the pair of engaging claws 30 are engaged with the pair of engaging portions 22.
[0038]
  Here, a pair of side wall portions 12b whose upper and lower widths are somewhat long and whose rear end surfaces are flat are formed on the left and right side portions of the horizontal portion 12a of the connection unit body 12, and the cable connection unit 11 is shown in FIG. The end surfaces of the pair of side wall portions 12b come into contact with the bottom wall 2 in the connection posture shown in FIG. The shaft engaging portion 24 can be engaged and disengaged with the shaft-like portion 32 without interfering with the side wall portions 12b, and this engagement state is maintained and the cable connection unit 11 is connected as shown in FIG. It is possible to switch between the use posture and the final mounting posture shown in FIG.
[0039]
  A horizontal portion 12c having the same height as the bottom of the housing recess 14 is formed in the front portion of the housing recess 14 of the connection unit main body 12, and a pair of left and right engaging claw arms 33a that can be elastically deformed is formed in the horizontal portion 12c. A pair of locking claws 33 are formed at the distal ends of the locking claw arms 33a. As described above, a pair of locking claws 33 is provided in a portion of the cable connection unit 11 that is separated from the shaft-like portion 32.
[0040]
  The pair of locking claws 33 is formed on the upper side of the bottom plate 2 from the upper surface of the side wall portion of the housing recess 14, and the distance between the pair of locking claws 33 and the shaft-shaped portion 32 is provided on the bottom plate 2. The distance between the pair of locking claw engaging portions 25 and the shaft engaging portion 24 is the same. The protruding portion 34 is formed in a shaft shape so as to protrude above the upper surface of the side wall portion of the housing recess 14 between the pair of locking claw arms 33a.
[0041]
  Due to the structure of the cable connection device 10 described above, as shown in FIG. 12, the pair of engagement claws 30 in the state where the cable connection unit 11 is in the connection posture with the connection terminal blocks 13a and 13b exposed to the outside. Are engaged with and fixed to the pair of engaging portions 22 so that the connection work of the cables 4a and 4b to the connection terminal blocks 13a and 13b can be performed. In the state where the cable connection unit 11 is rotatably supported, it can be switched about 90 degrees between the final mounting posture shown in FIG. 13 and the connecting posture shown in FIG. 12, in a state where the cable connection unit 11 is in the connection posture, the pair of engaging claws 30 engage with the pair of engaging portions 22 and the shaft-shaped portion 32 becomes the shaft engaging portion 24. In this state, the pair of engaging claws 30 are connected to the pair of engaging portions 2. It is releasably constructed engageable from.
[0042]
  Also, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a pair ofEngagement claw 30Is engaged with the pair of initial engaging portions 21 and then is slid rearward, as shown in FIG. 12, the pair of engaging claws 30 is set to 1 with the cable connecting unit 11 in the connecting posture. It is configured so that the shaft-like portion 32 engages with the shaft-engaging portion 24 while engaging with the pair of engaging portions 22, and the shaft-like portion 32 is engaged with the shaft-engaging portion 24 to connect the cable. In a state where the unit 11 is switched from the connection posture of FIG. 12 to the final mounting posture of FIG. 13, the pair of locking members 31 are configured to protrude from the opening 20 of the bottom plate 2 to the inside of the bottom plate 2. .
[0043]
  Next, the operation and effect of the cable connection device 10 will be described. In addition, the lower surface (side) of the cable connection unit 11 in FIGS. 1 to 6 will be described as the front surface (side) and the upper surface (side) as the back surface (side) as appropriate. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the cable connection device 10 is assembled to the water heater 1 when the water heater 1 is assembled. However, during the installation of the water heater, that is, during the cable connection work, The cable connection device 10 may be assembled to the machine 1.
[0044]
  When assembling the cable connection device 10, the connection terminal blocks 13a and 13b are fixed to the connection unit body 12 of the cable connection unit 11, and the cables 3a and 3b on the water heater 1 side are connected to the connection terminal blocks 13a and 13b. Done in state.
  First, as shown in FIG. 10, the pair of locking members 31 are inserted along the pair of initial engagement portions 21 of the opening 20 with the back surface of the cable connection unit 11 facing forward. Then, the taper portions 30b on the distal end side of the pair of engaging claws 30 are pushed by the pair of initial engaging portions 21, and the pair of locking members 31 are elastically deformed, as shown in FIG. When the upper surface of the unit main body 12 comes into contact with the bottom plate 2, the pair of locking members 31 are restored, and the pair of engaging claws 30 are engaged with the pair of initial engaging portions 21.
[0045]
  The pair of initial engaging portions 21 is formed at the front end portion of the opening 20 of the bottom plate 2, and the pair of initial engaging portions 21 has a pair of projecting portions 23 on the rear side. When the engaging claws 30 are engaged with the pair of initial engaging portions 21, the initial engaging portions 21 are not unnecessarily disengaged. Next, as shown in FIG. 11, after the pair of engaging claws 30 are engaged with the pair of initial engaging portions 21, the cable connecting unit 11 is parallel to the plane of the bottom plate 2 indicated by the arrow in FIG. Slide it to the back.
[0046]
  Then, the pair of engaging claws 30 move while engaging with the taper portions 23a of the pair of overhang portions 23, and the pair of locking members 31 are pushed by the pair of overhang portions 23 to be elastic. When the pair of engaging claws 30 is deformed and exceeds the step portion 23a, the pair of locking members 31 are restored, and the upper surface of the connection unit main body 12 is in contact with the bottom plate 2 as shown in FIG. Thus, the pair of engaging claws 30 engage with the pair of engaging portions 22, and the shaft-shaped portion 32 engages with the shaft engaging portion 24.. 1Since the pair of engaging claws 30 are also engaged with the stepped portion 23b of the pair of overhanging portions 23, the cable connection unit 11 does not move forward or backward, and the bottom plate 2 is attached in this connection posture.Fixed and held in a restricted mannerIs done.
[0047]
  Next, the pair of locking members 31 are elastically deformed by the force of a finger or the like, the pair of engaging claws 30 are disengaged from the pair of engaging portions 22, and the cable connection unit 11 is pivoted. Rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. At this time, since the pair of locking members 31 formed in an arc shape is rotated while maintaining the state of being engaged with the stepped portion 23b of the pair of overhanging portions 23, the cable connection unit 11 is moved forward. The shaft-like portion 32 is not disengaged from the shaft-engaging portion 24 and the cable connection unit 11 is reliably rotated smoothly and switched from the connection posture to the final attachment posture of FIG. .
[0048]
  When the cable connection unit 11 is switched to the final mounting posture, the pair of locking claws 33 engages with the pair of locking claw engaging portions 25 through elastic deformation of the pair of locking claw arms 33a. Since the projecting portion 34 is engaged with the movement restricting portion 26 and the shaft-like portion 32 is also engaged with the shaft engaging portion 24, the cable connecting unit 11 is in the final mounting posture in the bottom plate 2. It is firmly fixed to and attached. In this way, the water heater 1 in which the cable connection unit 11 is assembled is installed.
[0049]
  Now, regarding the cable connection work when installing the water heater 1, the cable connection unit 11 is in a state of being attached to the bottom plate 2 in the final mounting posture. The claw arm 33a is elastically deformed to disengage the pair of locking claws 33 from the locking claw engaging portion 25, and the cable connecting unit 11 is directed in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. To the connection orientation shown in FIG.
[0050]
  When the cable connection unit 11 is switched to the connection posture, the taper portions 30b on the proximal end side of the pair of engagement claws 30 are pushed by the pair of engagement portions 22, and the pair of locking members 31 are elastic. As shown in FIG. 12, when the upper surface of the connection unit main body 12 comes into contact with the bottom plate 2, the pair of locking members 31 is restored, and the pair of engaging claws 30 is paired with a pair of engaging portions. 22, the cable connection unit 11 is switched to the connection posture.
[0051]
  Then, with the cable connection unit 11 switched to the connection posture, the cables 4a and 4b on the external terminal side are inserted into the holes of the cylindrical portion 19 from the front side,
The ends of the cables 4a and 4b are attached to the connection terminal blocks 13a and 13b, respectively. Thereafter, the cable connection unit 11 is switched from the connection posture to the final mounting posture, and the process ends.
[0052]
  According to the cable connection device 10 described above, the connection terminal blocks 13a and 13b are covered by the cover portion 18 provided integrally with the cable connection unit 11 in a state where the cable connection unit 11 is attached to the bottom plate 2 in the final mounting posture. In the state where the cable connection unit 11 is in the connection posture, the engagement claw 30 of the locking member 31 provided in the cable connection unit 11 is moved through elastic deformation of the locking member 31. The engagement portion 22 provided on the bottom plate 2 can be engaged / disengaged, the engagement claw 30 is engaged with the engagement portion 22, and the cable connection unit 11 is fixed to the bottom plate 2 in the connection posture. In a stable state, the connection terminal blocks 13a and 13b are exposed to the outside, and cable connection work to the connection terminal blocks 13a and 13b can be performed.
[0053]
  That is, even if a member for covering the connection terminal blocks 13a and 13b is not separately provided, the cable connection unit 11 can be covered with the final mounting posture to cover the connection terminal blocks 13a and 13b, and the cable connection unit 11 can be connected to the connection position. The cable connection work can be executed by exposing the terminal blocks 13a and 13b, achieving these functions, simplifying the structure, and reducing the manufacturing cost. Moreover, the cable connection unit 11 can be easily attached to and detached from the bottom plate 2 in the connection posture, the cable connection unit 11 attached to the bottom plate 2 in the connection posture is stabilized, and the connection terminal blocks 13a and 13b are connected to the cable. The cable can be exposed in an easy position (a position spaced apart from the bottom plate 2 to some extent) and a posture (a posture in which the cord attachment surfaces of the connection terminal blocks 13a and 13b are directed forward), and as a result, the cable connection work is simplified. And it becomes possible to carry out reliably and efficiently.
[0054]
  The cable connection unit 11 is provided with a shaft-like portion 32, and a shaft engaging portion 24 that can be engaged and disengaged with the shaft-like portion 32 is provided on the bottom plate 2, and the shaft-like portion 32 is engaged with the shaft engaging portion 24. In addition, since the cable connection unit 11 is pivotally supported and can be switched about 90 degrees between the final mounting posture and the connection posture, cable connection work to the connection terminal blocks 13a and 13b is possible. Therefore, the cable connection unit 11 can be easily switched from the final installation posture to the connection posture and from the connection posture after the cable connection work to the final installation posture. Can be easily and securely attached to the bottom plate 2 in the final mounting posture.
[0055]
  With the cable connecting unit 11 in the connection posture, the engaging claw 30 engages with the engaging portion 22 and the shaft-shaped portion 32 engages with the shaft engaging portion 24. In this state, the engaging claw 30 is Since the engagement portion 22 can be disengaged, the cable connection unit 11 can be securely fixed to the bottom plate 2 in the connection posture, and the engagement claw 30 is disengaged from the engagement portion 22. The cable connection unit 11 can be switched from the connection posture to the final attachment posture and from the final attachment posture to the connection posture.
[0056]
  The bottom plate 2 is provided with an initial engagement portion 21 to which the engagement claw 30 can be engaged and disengaged. After the engagement claw 30 is engaged with the initial engagement portion 21, the cable connection unit 11 is attached to the surface of the bottom plate 2. By sliding in the parallel direction, the engaging claw 30 engages with the engaging portion 22 and the shaft-like portion 32 engages with the shaft engaging portion 24 in a state where the cable connecting unit 11 is in the connecting posture. Since it comprised, the engagement to the engaging part 22 of the engaging claw 30 and the engagement to the shaft engaging part 24 of the shaft-shaped part 32 can be performed easily and reliably.
[0057]
  The pair of locking members 31 are formed in an arc shape centered on the shaft-shaped portion 32, and the shaft-shaped portion 32 is engaged with the shaft-engaging portion 24 so that the cable connection unit 11 is moved from the connection posture to the final mounting posture. In this state, the pair of locking members 31 are configured to protrude from the opening 20 of the bottom plate 2 to the inside of the bottom plate 2, so that the cable connection unit 11 is in the connection posture and the final mounting posture. The pair of locking members 31 rotate and move so as to pass through the inside of the pair of engaging portions 22 of the opening 20 while drawing a circular arc locus. Since the pair of locking members 31 protrudes from the opening 20 of the bottom plate 2 to the inside of the outer plate in a state where the cable connection unit 11 is switched from the connection posture to the final mounting posture, It can be stored inside the water heater 1 so as not to get in the way .
[0058]
  The opening 20 is also where the hot water supply side cables 3a, 3b, etc., leading to the connection terminal blocks 13a, 13b pass. The opening 20 is used effectively, and a pair of engagement portions 22 are provided without providing additional parts. A pair of initial engaging portions 21 can be provided, and since the pair of locking members 31 are integrally formed with the cable connection unit 11, the number of parts can be reduced, and the production cost of the cable connection device 10 can be reduced. It will be very advantageous.
[0059]
  A locking claw 33 is provided in a portion of the cable connection unit 11 that is separated from the shaft-shaped portion 32, and the locking claw 33 can be engaged and disengaged in a state where the cable connection unit 11 is switched to the final mounting posture. Since the locking claw engaging portion 25 is provided on the bottom plate 2, when the cable connecting unit 11 is switched to the final mounting posture, the cable connecting unit 11 is maintained while maintaining the engagement between the shaft-like portion 32 and the shaft engaging portion 24. Thus, the cable connection unit 11 can be firmly fixed to the outer plate in the final mounting posture.
[0060]
  In this cable connection device 10, the opening 20 may be subjected to burring, a cut-and-raised portion is formed along the edge of the opening 20, and the cut-and-raised portion may prevent water from entering. . Further, the cable connection device 10 may be provided on a side plate other than the bottom plate, or the cable connection device 10 may be used for connecting a cable other than the remote control cable. Various modifications can be added and implemented without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
[0061]
【The invention's effect】
  According to the cable connection device of the water heater of claim 1, the connection terminal block is covered and protected by the cover portion integrally provided in the cable connection unit in a state where the cable connection unit is attached to the outer plate in the final mounting posture. With this cable connection unit in the connection posture,The shaft-like portion of the cable connection unit is engaged with the shaft engaging portion of the outer plate, andProvided in the cable connection unitA pair ofLocking memberA pair ofThe engaging claw is provided on the outer plate through elastic deformation of the locking member.A pair ofCan be engaged and disengaged from the engaging part,A pair ofEngaging clawA pair ofThe cable connection unit is fixed to the outer plate in the connection posture by engaging with the engaging part.KeepThen, in a stable state, the connection terminal block is exposed to the outside, and the cable connection work to the connection terminal block can be executed.
[0062]
  In other words, even without providing a separate member to cover the connection terminal block, it is possible to cover the connection terminal block with the cable connection unit in the final mounting posture, and to expose the connection terminal block with the cable connection unit in the connection position to connect the cable. These functions can be achieved to simplify the structure and keep the manufacturing cost low.
  Moreover, the cable connection unit can be easily attached to and detached from the outer plate in the connection posture, the cable connection unit attached to the outer plate in the connection posture is stabilized, and the connection terminal block is in a position and posture where the cable can be easily connected. As a result, it is possible to easily and reliably perform the cable connection work efficiently.
[0063]
  And beforeSince it is configured to be able to switch about 90 degrees between the final mounting posture and the connection posture, in order to execute the cable connection work to the connection terminal block, the cable connection unit is changed from the final mounting posture to the connection posture. Switching and switching from the connection posture after cable connection work to the final mounting posture can be easily performed, and the cable connection unit can be easily and reliably attached to the outer plate in the final mounting posture.
[0064]
[0065]
  Claim2According to the water heater cable connection deviceOne pairThe clawsA pair of outer platesAfter engaging the initial engagement part, slide the cable connection unit in the direction parallel to the surface of the outer plate.A pair ofEngaging clawA pair ofEngage with engaging partLetShaftTheEngage with shaft engaging partAnd a part of the side wall of the cable connection unit is brought into contact with the outer plateSince it comprised in this way, it becomes possible to perform the engagement to the engaging part of an engaging claw, and the engagement to the shaft engaging part of a shaft-shaped part easily and reliably.
[0066]
  Claim3According to the water heater cable connection deviceA pair of locking membersArranged in the direction of elastic deformationTekeIntegrated into cable connection unitAnd saidA pair of engaging portions and a pair of initial engaging portionsButFormed at the edge of the opening of the outer plateWasSo, a pair of engaging claws is a pair of engagingPartThe cable connection unit can be securely fixed to the outer plate by being engaged, and the cable connection unit is slid in the plane parallel direction of the outer plate from the state in which the engagement claw is engaged with the initial engagement portion. Thus, the engagement claw can be released from the initial engagement portion and can be reliably and smoothly engaged with the engagement portion. Also, the opening is where the hot water heater side cable leading to the connection terminal block passes, and this opening can be used effectively to provide a pair of engaging portions and a pair of initial engaging portions without providing additional parts. In addition, since a pair of locking members are integrally formed on the cable connection unit, the number of parts can be reduced, which is very advantageous in terms of manufacturing cost of the cable connection device.
[0067]
  Claim4According to the cable connecting device of the hot water heater, the pair of locking members are formed in an arc shape centered on the shaft-shaped portion, and the cable-connecting unit is connected by engaging the shaft-shaped portion with the shaft engaging portion. Since the pair of locking members protrudes from the opening of the outer plate to the inner side of the outer plate in the state where the working posture is switched to the final mounting posture, the cable connection unit has the connection posture and the final mounting posture. When the switching member is switched over, the pair of locking members draws a circular arc trajectory and moves so as to pass inside the pair of engaging portions of the opening. In the state where the cable connection unit is switched from the connection posture to the final mounting posture, the pair of locking members protrudes from the opening of the outer plate to the inside of the outer plate, so that it does not get in the way. Can be accommodated in a water heater.
[0068]
  Claim5According to the water heater cable connection deviceThe pair of locking claws are:Install in the part of the cable connection unit that is separated from the shaft.BecauseWhen the cable connection unit is switched to the final mounting posture, the cable connection unit is provided at a portion separated from the shaft-shaped portion of the cable connection unit while maintaining the engagement between the shaft-shaped portion and the shaft engagement portion.A pair ofLocking claw is provided on the outer plateA pair ofBy engaging with the engaging claw engaging portion, the cable connection unit can be firmly fixed to the outer plate in the final mounting posture.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a water heater and a cable connection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of a cable connection unit (when connected).
FIG. 3 is a plan view of the cable connection unit.
4 is a view taken along arrow IV in FIG. 3. FIG.
5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG.
6 is a view taken along arrow VI in FIG. 3;
FIG. 7 is a rear view of the cable connection unit.
FIG. 8 is a rear view of the bottom plate of the water heater.
FIG. 9 is a side view of the bottom plate of the water heater.
FIG. 10 is a view when the cable connection unit is attached to the bottom plate.
FIG. 11 is a diagram of the cable connection unit attached to the bottom plate.
FIG. 12 is a diagram of the cable connection unit attached to the bottom plate in a connection posture.
FIG. 13 is a diagram of the cable connection unit attached to the bottom plate in a final attachment posture.
FIG. 14 is a front view of a cable connection unit according to the prior art.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Water heater
2 Bottom plate
3a, 3b cable
4a, 4b cable
10 Cable connection device
11 Cable connection unit
13a, 13b Connection terminal block
18 Cover part
20 opening
21 Initial engagement part
22 Engagement part
24 Shaft engaging part
25 Locking claw engaging part
30 engaging claw
31 Locking member
32 Shaft-shaped part
33 Claw

Claims

A cable connection unit having a connection terminal block attached to the outer plate of the water heater;
In the cable connection device for connecting the water heater side cable and the external terminal side cable to this connection terminal block,
The cable connection unit is provided with a shaft-like portion, and the shaft-like portion is provided with a shaft engaging portion that can be engaged and disengaged in the outer plate,
With the shaft-like portion pivotably engaged with the shaft engaging portion, the cable connection unit is placed in a final mounting posture and a connecting posture rotated 90 degrees outward from the final mounting posture. Is configured to be switchable,
A cover part capable of covering the connection terminal block in a state where the cable connection unit is attached to the outer plate in the final mounting posture is integrally formed with the cable connection unit,
A pair of locking claws for fixing the cable connection unit to the outer plate in the final mounting posture is provided on the cable connection unit, and a pair of locking claw engaging portions with which the pair of locking claws engage. On the outer plate,
A pair of elastic locking members for holding the cable connection unit in a connecting posture in a rotationally restricted manner on the outer plate is integrally provided on the cable connection unit, and a pair of the pair of locking members is provided. A pair of engaging portions that are detachably engaged with the engaging claws are provided on the outer plate,
A cable connection device for a water heater characterized by the above.

After engaging the engagement claws of the previous SL pair to an initial engagement portion of the pair formed in the outer plate, by sliding the cable connecting unit in the plane parallel to the direction of the outer plate, connecting the cable connecting unit outside the part of the side wall portions of the one pair of engaging claw is engaged with the engaging portion of the pair and the shaft-like portion shaft engaging portion and the cable connection unit is engaged in a while in use position The water heater cable connection device according to claim 1 , wherein the cable connection device is configured to abut against a plate .

The pair of the locking member is integrally formed on the cable connecting unit side by its elastic deformation direction, formed at the edge portion of the opening of the initial engaging portion outer plate of the engaging portion and a pair of said pair water heater of cable connecting apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that it is.

The pair of locking members are formed in an arc shape centered on the shaft-shaped portion,
With the shaft-like portion engaged with the shaft engaging portion and the cable connection unit being switched from the connection posture to the final mounting posture, the pair of locking members are moved from the opening of the outer plate to the outer plate. The water heater cable connection device according to claim 3 , wherein the cable connecting device is configured to protrude inward.

The locking claw of the pair, water heater cable connecting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that kicked set in spaced part from shaft-like portion of the cable connecting unit.