Abstract:
An assemble structure includes: a connection device including a support element on one side of an attachment surface, a first connector on the attachment surface, and a key groove on a support surface of the support element; and the electric device including a casing to be attached to the attachment surface, a second connector on one surface of the casing electrically coupled with the first connector, and a key protruding from the one side of the casing. The electric device is rotatable via a hinge provided by the support element and the casing when one side of the casing faces a support surface of the support element. The key groove on the support surface corresponds to the key on the one side of the casing.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-70522 filed on Mar. 23, 2009, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to an assemble structure of a connection device and an electric device, a connection device and an electric device used for an assemble structure. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    JP-A-2008-172889 teaches an assemble structure of a junction box (electric junction box, JB) and an electric controller as an electric control unit (ECU). In the assemble structure, the ECU having a square shape is fixed to an attachment surface of a body of the JB. The JB has the attachment surface, which corresponds to the ECU. Specifically, the ECU includes an axial portion with hooks, which are disposed on both ends of one side of the ECU. The JB includes a bearing portion on the attachment surface of the JB. The axial portion of the ECU is slid on the attachment surface so that the axial portion is inserted into the bearing portion. Then, the ECU is rotated around the axial portion so that the bottom of the ECU contacts the attachment surface and contacts electrically through the connectors. Thus, the ECU is assembled on the body of the JB. 
         [0004]    The JB is mounted on a vehicle such that the body of the JB is in parallel to a driving direction of the vehicle. Alternatively, the body of the JB is perpendicular to the driving direction. Thus, there are various structures of the JB corresponding to a mounting structure on the vehicle. Further, there are various ECUs according to a type of the vehicle and a grade of the vehicle. Specifically, the number of elements mounted on the ECU and control functions of the ECU are various. 
         [0005]    However, it is difficult to distinguish a certain type of the ECU only from appearance of the ECU since an element such as a case of the ECU is commonly manufactured among various ECUs. Thus, it is difficult to select a combination of the ECU and the JB at first view. Accordingly, the ECU may be assembled on a different type of the JB, so that a wrong combination is selected. In this case, the ECU does not function correctly. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In view of the above-described problem, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide an assemble structure of a connection device and an electric device without assembling a wrong combination. It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a connection device used for an assemble structure, and it is further another object of the present disclosure to provide an electric device used for the assemble structure. 
         [0007]    According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an assemble structure of a connection device and an electric device includes: the connection device having an attachment surface and including a support element and a first connector, wherein the support element is disposed on one side of the attachment surface, and the support element protrudes from the attachment surface in a vertical direction of the attachment surface, and wherein the first connector is disposed on the attachment surface; and the electric device including a casing to be attached to the attachment surface and a second connector disposed on one surface of the casing, wherein the one surface of the casing faces the attachment surface, and the first connector is electrically coupled with the second connector. The electric device is rotatable via a hinge, which is provided by the support element and the casing, when one side of the casing faces a support surface of the support element. The electric device further includes a key, which protrudes from the one side of the casing in a vertical direction of the one side. The connection device further includes a key groove, which is disposed on the support surface of the support element in such a manner that a part of the support surface is concaved in the vertical direction of the support surface. The key groove on the support surface corresponds to the key on the one side of the casing. 
         [0008]    In the above structure, when the combination of the connection device and the electric device is proper, the key corresponds to the key groove so that the electric device is assembled in the connection device. Thus, a wrong combination of the connection device and the electric device is not selected, so that the electric device does not function incorrectly. 
         [0009]    Alternatively, the key may be spaced apart from the one surface of the casing. Alternatively, the casing may include an upper casing and a lower casing. The lower casing faces the attachment surface, and the upper casing is opposite to the attachment surface, and the key is disposed on the upper casing. Alternatively, the electric device may further include an axial portion, which is disposed on the one side of the casing. The support element further includes a bearing portion, which is disposed on the support surface, and the axial portion and the bearing portion provide the hinge when the axial portion is engaged with the bearing portion. Further, the connection device may further include a first lock element, which is disposed on the other side of the casing. The other side of the casing is opposite to the one side of the casing. The electric device may further include a second lock element, which is disposed on the other side of the attachment surface. The other side of the attachment surface is opposite to the one side of the attachment surface. The first lock element is engaged with the second lock element so that the electric device is fixed to the connection device. Furthermore, the casing may have a square shape with four sides, and the four sides of the casing include the one side of the casing and the other side of the casing. The attachment surface may have a square shape with four sides, and the four sides of the attachment surface include the one side of the attachment surface and the other side of the attachment surface. The support surface faces an inside of the attachment surface. Further, the connection device may further include an outer wall, which is disposed on three sides of the attachment surface other than the one side of the attachment surface. The outer wall and the support element surround the attachment surface, and the electric device is fixed to the connection device at a predetermined position, which is defined by the attachment surface, the outer wall and the support element. 
         [0010]    According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, an assemble structure of a connection device and an electric device includes: the connection device having an attachment surface and including a support element and a first connector, wherein the support element is disposed on one side of the attachment surface, and the support element protrudes from the attachment surface in a vertical direction of the attachment surface, and wherein the first connector is disposed on the attachment surface; and the electric device including a casing to be attached to the attachment surface and a second connector disposed on one surface of the casing, wherein the one surface of the casing faces the attachment surface, and the first connector is electrically coupled with the second connector. The electric device is rotatable via a hinge, which is provided by the support element and the casing, when one side of the casing faces a support surface of the support element. The electric device further includes key groove, which is disposed on the one side of the casing in such a manner that a part of the one side of the casing is concaved in the vertical direction of the one side of the casing. The connection device further includes a key, which protrudes from the support surface of the support element in the vertical direction of the support surface. The key groove on the one side of the casing corresponds to the key on the support surface. 
         [0011]    In the above structure, when the combination of the connection device and the electric device is proper, the key corresponds to the key groove so that the electric device is assembled in the connection device. Thus, a wrong combination of the connection device and the electric device is not selected, so that the electric device does not function incorrectly. 
         [0012]    According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, an electric device to be attached to a connection device having an attachment surface and including a support element and a first connector, wherein the support element is disposed on one side of the attachment surface, and the support element protrudes from the attachment surface in a vertical direction of the attachment surface, and wherein the first connector is disposed on the attachment surface, the electric device includes: a casing to be attached to the attachment surface; a second connector disposed on one surface of the casing, wherein the one surface of the casing fasces the attachment surface, and the first connector is electrically coupled with the second connector; an axial portion disposed on one side of the casing; and a key disposed on the one side of the casing. The axial portion and the support element provide a hinge so that the electric device is rotatable around the hinge with respect to the connection device, and the key protrudes from the one side of the casing in the vertical direction of the one side. 
         [0013]    In the above electric device, when the combination of the connection device and the electric device is proper, the key corresponds to the key groove so that the electric device is assembled in the connection device. Thus, a wrong combination of the connection device and the electric device is not selected, so that the electric device does not function incorrectly. 
         [0014]    According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a connection device to be attached to an electric device having a casing and a second connector, which is disposed on one surface of the casing, the connection device includes: an attachment surface, on which the electric device is to be arranged; a support element disposed on one side of the attachment surface, wherein the support element protrudes from the attachment surface in a vertical direction of the attachment surface; a first connector disposed on the attachment surface; and a key groove disposed on a support surface of the support element in such a manner that a part of the support surface is concaved in the vertical direction of the support surface. The first connector is to be electrically coupled with the second connector. 
         [0015]    In the above connection device, when the combination of the connection device and the electric device is proper, the key corresponds to the key groove so that the electric device is assembled in the connection device. Thus, a wrong combination of the connection device and the electric device is not selected, so that the electric device does not function incorrectly. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description made with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is a diagram showing an assemble structure of a junction box and an electric controller according to a first embodiment; 
           [0018]      FIGS. 2 and 3  are diagrams showing the assemble structure in an assembling step of the junction box and the electric controller; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a diagram showing a cross sectional view of the assemble structure in the assembling step of the junction box and the electric controller; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a diagram showing a cross sectional view of the assemble structure of the junction box and the electric controller after the assembling step; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a diagram showing a cross sectional view of a key in the assembling step. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     First Embodiment 
       [0022]    An assemble structure of a junction box  1  as JB, i.e., connection device and an electric controller  2  as ECU, i.e., electric device for a vehicle. The assemble structure is suitably used for an in-vehicle device.  FIG. 1  shows the assemble structure of the junction box  1  and the electric controller  2 .  FIGS. 2 and 3  show the assemble structure in an assembling step of the junction box  1  and the electric controller  2 . The assemble structure of the junction box  1  and the electric controller  2  will be explained. 
         [0023]    The JB  1  has an upper view of a square shape, as shown in  FIG. 1 . The JB  1  includes a wiring structure therein, which is electrically coupled with the ECU  2 . When the JB  1  is assembled into the ECU  2 , the wiring structure of the JB  1  is electrically coupled with the ECU  2 . Accordingly, the ECU  2  is coupled with an electric wire for various devices on the vehicle via a connector (not shown) of the JB  1 . The connector of the JB  1  is used for coupling with an external device. 
         [0024]    JB  1  includes an attachment surface  11 , a support element  12 , a connector  13  and a lock element  14 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
         [0025]    The attachment surface  11  is disposed on one side of the JB  1 , and has a shape corresponding to the ECU  2 . Specifically, the attachment surface of the JB  1  is a flat square surface. The support element  12  and an outer wall  15  surround the attachment surface  11  so that four sides of the attachment surface  11  are surrounded with the support element  12  and an outer wall  15 . When the ECU  2  is assembled into the JB  1  so as to contact the ECU  2  on the attachment surface  11 , the ECU  2  is surrounded with the support element  12  and an outer wall  15  so that the ECU  2  is positioned at a certain place. 
         [0026]    The support element  12  is disposed on one side of the attachment surface  11 . The support element  12  includes a support surface  12   a,  which faces one side of the ECU  2  when the ECU  2  is assembled into the JB  1 . The support element  12  further includes a key groove  12   b  as a concavity so that the support surface  12   a  is concaved. The position of the key groove  12   b  is a predetermined place spaced apart from each end of the support element  12 . A distance between one end of the support element  12  and the key groove  12   b  may be equal to or different from a distance between the other end of the support element  12  and the key groove  12   b.  Thus, the position of the key groove  12   b  is determined based on a type of the ECU  2 , which is to be assembled into the JB  1 . The position of the key groove  12   b  corresponds to a key  22  of the ECU  2 . 
         [0027]    A bearing portion  12   c  is disposed on each end of the support element  12 . The bearing portion  12   c  has a slit shape with a notch so that the support surface  12   a  is notched in a vertical direction of the JB 1 . Specifically, the bearing portion  12   c  includes an insertion slot  12   d,  an accommodation portion  12   e,  an upper wall  12   f  and a protrusion wall  12   g.  The insertion slot  12   d  is an entry place, in which a top of an axial portion  21  of the ECU  2  is inserted. The insertion slot  12   d  is formed on the support surface  12   a  of the support element  12 . The accommodation portion  12   e  accommodates the top of the axial portion  21 , which is inserted into the insertion slot  12   d.  The upper wall  12   f  protrudes into the accommodation portion  12   e  in parallel to the attachment surface  11 . The upper wall  12   f  prevents the top of the axial portion  21  accommodated in the accommodation portion  12   e  from dropping off from the bearing portion  12   c.  The protrusion wall  12   g  protrudes from the upper wall  12   f  in the vertical direction of the attachment surface  11 . The protrusion wall  12   g  prevents the top of the axial portion  21  accommodated in the accommodation portion  12   e  from dropping off from the portion  12   e  toward one side of the outer wall  15 , which faces the support surface  12   a.    
         [0028]    The connector  13  electrically connects to a certain portion of the ECU  2  so that a wiring of the JB  1  is electrically coupled with the ECU  2 . The connector  13  protrudes from the attachment surface  11  in the vertical direction of the surface  11 . The connector  13  includes multiple pins  13   a,  each of which protrudes from the attachment surface  11  in the vertical direction of the surface  11 . Multiple pins  13   a  of the JB  1  are connected to a connector  25  of the ECU  2  when the ECU  2  is assembled into the JB  1 . 
         [0029]    The lock element  14  is disposed on the one side of the outer wall  15 , which faces the support surface  12   a.  Specifically, the lock element  14  is disposed on an outer side of the outer wall  15 . The lock element  14  has a hook  14   a  for hooking a lock element  23  of the ECU  2  so that the lock element  14  prevents the ECU  2  from dropping off from the JB  1 . 
         [0030]    The ECU  2  has an upper view of a square shape. An electric device such as a micro computer is mounted on the ECU  2 . The micro computer stores a program for executing a control function in accordance with a type of the vehicle and a grade of the vehicle. A connector  25  is disposed on a lower surface of the ECU  2 , which faces the attachment surface  11 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . When the ECU  2  is assembled on the attachment surface  11  of the JB  1 , the connector  25  disposed on the lower surface of the ECU  2  is engaged with the connector  13  of the JB  1  so that the ECU  2  is electrically coupled with the JB  1 . The ECU  2  further includes the axial portion  21 , a key  22  and the lock portion  23 . 
         [0031]    The axial portion  21  is disposed on one side of the ECU  2 , which faces the support element  12 . The axial portion  21  is engaged with the bearing portion  12   c  so that the ECU  2  is supported on the JB  1 . Further, the ECU  2  is rotated around the axial portion  21 , which is supported by the bearing portion  12   c.  Thus, the ECU  2  is assembled into the JB  1 . The axial portion  21  and the bearing portion  12   c  provide a hinge. Specifically, the axial portion  21  includes a support body  21   a  and a hook portion  21   b.  The support body  21   a  protrudes from the one side of the ECU  2  in the vertical direction. The hook portion  21   b  protrudes from the support body  21   a  on one end of the one side of the ECU  2  toward another hook portion  21   b  on the other end of the one side of the ECU  2 . The hook portion  21   b  is accommodated in the accommodation portion  12   e  of the bearing portion  12   c,  so that the axial portion  21  is prevented from dropping off from the bearing portion  12   c.    
         [0032]    The key  22  is disposed on the one side of the ECU  2 , which faces the support element  12 . Specifically, the key  22  has a square shaped protrusion, which protrudes from the one side of the ECU  2  vertically. The position of the key  22  corresponds to the position of the key groove  12   b  of the JB  1 . The position of the key  22  is spaced apart from the one end of the one side of the ECU  2 , and spaced apart from the other end of the one side of the ECU  2 . The outer shape of the ECU  2  is covered with a casing  24 . The casing  24  includes a lower casing  24   a  and an upper casing  24   b.  The lower casing  24   a  faces the attachment surface  11  of the JB  1 . The upper casing  24   b  is opposite to the attachment surface.  11 . The key  22  is formed on the upper casing  24   b.    
         [0033]    The lock element  23  of the ECU  2  and the lock element  14  of the JB  1  provide a lock mechanism. The lock element  23  is hooked by the hook  14   a  of the lock element  14  so that the ECU  2  is restricted from separating from the JB  1  in the vertical direction of the attachment surface  11 . Specifically, the lock element  23  protrudes from the other side of the ECU  2 , which is opposite to the one side of the ECU  2  on which the key  22  is formed. The lock element  23  turns down vertically so that the lock element  23  is perpendicular to the surface of the ECU  2 . This bent portion of the lock element  23  turning down vertically has a U shape. A top of the U shape of the lock element  23  is engaged with the hook  14   a  so that the ECU  2  is restricted from sliding and moving from the JB  1 . 
         [0034]    Thus, the assemble structure of the ECU  2  and the JB  1  is described. Next, an assembling method will be explained.  FIG. 4  shows a cross section of the assemble structure during a step of assembling the ECU  2  and the JB  1 .  FIG. 5  shows a cross section of the assemble structure after the step of assembling the ECU  2  and the JB  1 .  FIGS. 4 and 5  are cross sectional views showing the assemble structure of the ECU  2  and the JB  1  taken along line IV-IV in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0035]    Firstly, the ECU  2  is arranged over the attachment surface  11  of the JB  1 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . Then, the ECU  2  is tilted such that the top of the axial portion  21  faces the attachment surface  11 . Then, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the top of the axial portion  21  is slid on the attachment surface  11 , so that the top of the axial portion  21  is engaged in the accommodation portion  12   e  through the insertion slot  12   d.  At this time, when the ECU  2  is engaged with the JB  1 , the key  22  corresponds with the key groove  12   b  since the ECU  2  corresponds to the JB  1 . Thus, the key  22  is engaged in the key groove  12   b.  Accordingly, the key  22  does not prevent the ECU from being engaged with the JB  1 . The axial portion  21  is completely inserted in the insertion slot  12   d.    
         [0036]    Then, when the surface of the ECU  2 , which is disposed on the one side of the ECU  2  on which the axial portion  21  is arranged, contacts the support surface  12   a  of the support element  12 , the ECU  2  is rotated along with an arrow direction in  FIG. 4  under a condition that the axial portion  21  is engaged with the bearing portion  12   c.  At this time, since the axial portion  21  includes the hook portion  21   b,  and the support element  12  includes at least of the upper wall  12   f  and the protrusion  12   g,  the hook portion  21   b,  the hook portion  21   b  is hooked to the upper wall  12   f  or the protrusion wall  12   g  so that the axial portion  21  of the ECU  2  is restricted from being dropped off from the bearing portion  12   c  of the JB  1 . 
         [0037]    When the ECU  2  is rotated, the connector  25  of the ECU  2  is coupled with the connector  13  of the JB  1 . Further, the lock element  23  of the ECU  2  is elastically deformed along with a slanting surface of the hook  14   a.  Further, the ECU  2  is rotated, and therefore, the connector  25  of the ECU  2  is completely connected to the connector  13  of the JB  1 . In this case, the lock element  23 , which is elastically deformed, turns back. Thus, the U shape of the lock element  23  is engaged with the hook  14   a.  Thus, the ECU  2  is assembled into the JB  1  completely. 
         [0038]    In the assemble structure of the ECU  2  and the JB  1 , the key groove  12   b  is formed in the JB  1 , and the key  22  is formed in the ECU  2 . When the combination of the JB  1  and the ECU  2  is proper, the key  22  corresponds to the key groove  12   b,  and the ECU  2  is assembled into the JB  1 . When the combination of the JB  1  and the ECU  2  is not proper, the key  22  does not correspond to the key groove  12   b,  and the key  22  cannot be engaged in the key groove  12   b.  Accordingly, even if it is difficult to distinguish a certain type of the ECU only from appearance of the ECU, the ECU  2  cannot be assembled in the JB  1  when the combination of the JB  1  and the ECU  2  is not proper. Thus, the ECU  2  is not assembled in a wrong JB  1 , and a wrong combination of the ECU  2  and the JB  1  is not selected. 
         [0039]    The key  22  is formed in the upper casing  24   b,  not in the lower casing  24   a  so that the key  22  is spaced apart from one surface of the ECU  2  facing the attachment surface  11  of the JB  1 . Thus, the following advantages are obtained. These advantages will be explained with reference to  FIG. 6 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 6  shows a combination of the JB  1  and ECU  2  when the ECU  2  is assembled in the JB  1 . Specifically,  FIG. 6  shows a cross sectional view of the ECU  2  and the JB  1  taken along line passing through the key  22 . As described with a broken line, if the key  22  is formed in the lower casing  24   a  so that one side of the key  22  is on the same plane as the one surface of the ECU  2 , which faces the attachment surface  11  of the JB  1 , the key  22  contacts the attachment surface  11  so that the key  22  blocks from being inserted into the key groove  12   b.  Thus, when the key  22  is formed in the upper casing  24   b  so that the key  22  is spaced apart from the one side of the ECU  2 , which faces the attachment surface  11 , the key  22  does not block the key  22  from being inserted into the key groove  12   b.  In this case, the key  22  does not contact the attachment surface  11 . Even if the key  22  is formed in the lower casing  24   a,  as long as the key  22  is spaced apart from the one side of the ECU  2 , which faces the attachment surface  11 , the key  22  does not block the key  22  from being inserted into the key groove  12   b.    
       Other Embodiments 
       [0041]    In the above embodiment, the bearing portion  12   c  of the JB  1  is arranged to face the axial portion  21  of the ECU  2 so that the support surface  12 a faces the one side of the ECU  2 , and the ECU  2  is rotated around the axial portion  21  as a rotation axis with using the bearing portion  12   c  so that the ECU  2  is assembled inn the JB  1 . Further, the key  22  is disposed on the one side of the ECU  2  facing the support surface  12   a,  and the key groove  12   b  is formed on the support surface  12   a  of the JB  1 , so that a key mechanism is provided. 
         [0042]    In the above embodiment, the key groove  12   b  of the JB  1  is a square shaped concavity, and the key  22  of the ECU  2  is a square shaped protrusion. Alternatively, for example, an upper view of each of the key  22  and the key groove  12   b  may be a triangle shape, a half circle shape, or a trapezoid shape. 
         [0043]    In the above embodiment, the JB  1  includes the key groove  12   b,  and the ECU  2  includes the key  22 . Alternatively, the JB  1  may include a key, and the ECU  2  may include a key groove. In this case, a part of the casing  24  of the ECU  2  is concaved, so that an accommodation space in the ECU  2  is reduced. Thus, preferably, the JB  1  includes the key groove  12   b,  and the ECU  2  includes the key  22 . 
         [0044]    While the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments and constructions. The invention is intended to cover various modification and equivalent arrangements. In addition, while the various combinations and configurations, which are preferred, other combinations and configurations, including more, less or only a single element, are also within the spirit and scope of the invention.