Structure

Abstract

Provided is a structure formed by stacking a plurality of metal sheets (10, 20) having a conductive base metal covered with an insulating film in a sheet thickness direction, the structure comprising: a protruding section (11) provided to one metal sheet (10) of the metal sheets (10, 20) adjacent to each other and fastened by a screw (51) and protruding toward the other sheet metal (20); an elastically deformable section (12) which is provided in the metal sheet (10) so as to surround the protruding section (11) and is elastically deformed at the time of the fastening by the screw (51); a protruding section (21) protruding toward the metal sheet (10) and disposed in the metal sheet (20) so as to intersect the protruding section (11); and an elastically deformable section (22) which is provided so as to surround the protruding section (21) in the metal sheet (20) and is elastically deformed at the time of the fastening by the screw (51). A distal end of the protruding section (11) and a distal end of the protruding section (21) contact each other at the time of the fastening by the screw (51).

Description

structure

[0001] The present disclosure relates to structures.

[0002] In some cases, metal sheets are used for the housings of electronic devices. In such cases, measures against noise currents or leakage currents are taken by improving the electrical conductivity between the metal sheets. Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for improving the electrical conductivity between the metal sheets that form the structure.

[0003] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 47-18727

[0004] The structure disclosed in Patent Document 1 has peaks and valleys alternately arranged on the opposing surfaces of the metal sheets. The peaks and valleys of one metal sheet intersect with the peaks and valleys of the other metal sheet. When the metal sheets are fastened together with a screw in this state, the tips of the opposing peaks come into contact with each other and crush. This causes the insulating coating to peel off from the crushed portions. As a result, the base materials (conductors) of the metal sheets come into contact with each other, establishing electrical continuity.

[0005] However, the structure disclosed in Patent Document 1 uses screws to fasten the metal plates together, and if the screws become loose for some reason, there is a risk that electrical continuity between the base materials will be lost.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a structure that can ensure conductivity between the base metal sheets even if the fastening members become loose.

[0007] The structure according to the present disclosure is a structure in which a plurality of metal sheets, each having a conductive base material covered with an insulating coating, are stacked in the thickness direction, and is provided with: one protrusion provided on one of the adjacent metal sheets fastened together by a fastening member, protruding toward the other metal sheet; one elastic deformation portion provided on one of the metal sheets so as to surround the periphery of the one protrusion, and elastically deforming when fastened with the fastening member; another protrusion on the other metal sheet, protruding toward the one metal sheet and arranged so as to intersect with the one protrusion; and another elastic deformation portion provided on the other metal sheet so as to surround the periphery of the other protrusion, and elastically deforming when fastened with the fastening member; and when fastened with the fastening member, the tip of the one protrusion and the tip of the other protrusion come into contact with each other.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, electrical continuity between the base metals of the sheet metals can be ensured even if the fastening member loosens, eliminating the need for special screws, washers, and the like for providing electrical continuity between the base metals of the sheet metals.

[0009] 1A is a schematic configuration diagram of a structure according to embodiment 1. FIG. 1A is a front view of the structure according to embodiment 1. FIG. 1B is a view of one metal plate as seen from the front surface side. FIG. 1C is a view of the other metal plate as seen from the back surface side. FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the structure according to embodiment 1. FIG. 2B is a perspective view of one of the metal plates. FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view before one metal plate and the other metal plate are fastened. FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view after one metal plate and the other metal plate are fastened. FIG. 4A is a front view of the structure according to embodiment 2. FIG. 4B is a view of one metal plate as seen from the front surface side. FIG. 4C is a view of the other metal plate as seen from the back surface side. FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view before one metal plate and the other metal plate are fastened. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view after one metal plate is fastened to the other metal plate. Fig. 6A is a schematic configuration diagram of a structure according to embodiment 3. Fig. 6A is a front view of the structure according to embodiment 3. Fig. 6B is a view of one metal plate seen from the front side. Fig. 6C is a view of the other metal plate seen from the back side. Fig. 6B is a view of the other metal plate in the structure according to embodiment 3 seen from the back side. Fig. 6C is a schematic configuration diagram of a structure according to embodiment 4.

[0010] In order to explain the present disclosure in more detail, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] First Embodiment A structure according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0012] First, the configuration of the structure according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the structure according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the fastening operation of the structure according to the first embodiment.

[0013] As shown in Figures 1A and 2A, the structure of embodiment 1 is applied, for example, between two metal plates 10 and 20 that are stacked on top of each other in the thickness direction among multiple metal plates that make up the housing of an electronic device (not shown).

[0014] The metal sheets 10 and 20 are composed of a conductive base material and insulating coatings (surface layers of the metal sheets 10 and 20) formed on the front and back surfaces of the base material. The base material is, for example, a conductor such as metal. The insulating coating is, for example, a paint coating or a protective coating for corrosion prevention.

[0015] One metal plate 10 and the other metal plate 20 are overlapped with their respective portions facing each other, and this overlapping portion is fastened by a screw 51. This screw 51 constitutes a fastening member. The fastening member may be a rivet, a snap fit, or the like.

[0016] 1 and 2 , the metal plate 10 includes a protruding portion 11 and an elastically deforming portion 12. The protruding portion 11 and the elastically deforming portion 12 are provided in an area of ​​the metal plate 10 facing the metal plate 20.

[0017] As shown in Fig. 3, the metal sheet 10 has a front surface 10a, a back surface 10b, and a screw hole 10c. The front surface 10a is the surface facing the metal sheet 20. The back surface 10b is the surface located opposite the front surface 10a. The screw hole 10c penetrates the metal sheet 10 in the thickness direction. That is, the screw hole 10c opens on both the front surface 10a and the back surface 10b. A screw 51 can be fastened into the screw hole 10c.

[0018] The protrusion 11 protrudes outward from the front surface 10a of the metal sheet 10. In other words, the protrusion 11 protrudes from the front surface 10a of the metal sheet 10 toward the metal sheet 20. The protrusion 11 is formed by deforming the entire thickness of the metal sheet 10. That is, the protrusion 11 is formed by the front surface 10a and the back surface 10b of the metal sheet 10 being integral with each other.

[0019] The cross section of the protrusion 11 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is substantially triangular, with one vertex of this triangle forming the tip of the protrusion 11. This tip extends linearly.

[0020] The elastic deformation portion 12 is provided in an annular shape so as to surround the periphery of the protrusion 11. The protrusion 11 and the elastic deformation portion 12 are formed continuously. Specifically, the outer peripheral edge of the protrusion 11 and the inner peripheral edge of the elastic deformation portion 12 are connected smoothly and seamlessly.

[0021] The elastic deformation portion 12 protrudes outward from the rear surface 10b of the metal sheet 10. In other words, the elastic deformation portion 12 protrudes from the rear surface 10b of the metal sheet 10 in a direction away from the metal sheet 20. The protruding direction of the protruding portion 11 from the metal sheet 10 and the protruding direction of the elastic deformation portion 12 from the metal sheet 10 are opposite to each other. The elastic deformation portion 12 is formed by deforming the entire thickness of the metal sheet 10. Furthermore, the cross section of the elastic deformation portion 12 perpendicular to the circumferential direction is approximately triangular. By being formed as described above, the elastic deformation portion 12 is capable of elastic deformation in the thickness direction of the metal sheet 10.

[0022] 1 and 2, the metal plate 20 includes a protruding portion 21 and an elastically deforming portion 22. The protruding portion 21 and the elastically deforming portion 22 are provided in a region of the metal plate 20 facing the metal plate 10.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 3, the metal sheet 20 has a front surface 20a, a back surface 20b, and a screw through hole 20c. The front surface 20a is the surface facing the front surface 10a of the metal sheet 10. The back surface 20b is the surface located opposite the front surface 20a. The screw through hole 20c is a so-called clearance hole that penetrates the metal sheet 20 in the thickness direction. That is, the screw through hole 20c is open on both the front surface 20a and the back surface 20b. The screw through hole 20c corresponds to the screw hole 10c, and a screw 51 can be passed through the screw through hole 20c.

[0024] The protrusion 21 protrudes outward from the front surface 20a of the metal sheet 20. In other words, the protrusion 21 protrudes from the front surface 20a of the metal sheet 20 toward the metal sheet 10. The protrusion 21 is formed by deforming the entire thickness of the metal sheet 20. That is, the protrusion 21 is formed by the front surface 20a and the back surface 20b of the metal sheet 20 being integral with each other.

[0025] The cross section of the protrusion 21 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is substantially triangular, with one vertex of this triangle forming the tip of the protrusion 21. This tip extends linearly.

[0026] The elastic deformation portion 22 is provided in an annular shape so as to surround the periphery of the protrusion 21. The protrusion 21 and the elastic deformation portion 22 are formed continuously. Specifically, the outer peripheral edge of the protrusion 21 and the inner peripheral edge of the elastic deformation portion 22 are connected smoothly and seamlessly.

[0027] The elastic deformation portions 22 protrude outward from the rear surface 20b of the metal sheet 20. In other words, the elastic deformation portions 22 protrude from the rear surface 20b of the metal sheet 20 in a direction away from the metal sheet 10. The protruding direction of the protruding portions 21 from the metal sheet 20 and the protruding direction of the elastic deformation portions 22 from the metal sheet 20 are opposite to each other. The elastic deformation portions 22 are formed by deforming the entire thickness of the metal sheet 20. Furthermore, the cross section of the elastic deformation portions 22 perpendicular to the circumferential direction is substantially triangular. By being formed as described above, the elastic deformation portions 22 are capable of elastic deformation in the thickness direction of the metal sheet 20.

[0028] The metal sheets 10 and 20 are arranged such that the tip of the protruding portion 11 and the tip of the protruding portion 21 intersect with each other.

[0029] Next, the fastening operation of the structure according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0030] 3A, the surface 10a of the metal sheet 10 and the surface 20a of the metal sheet 20 are arranged to face each other. That is, the metal sheets 10 and 20 are arranged so that the tip of the protruding portion 11 and the tip of the protruding portion 21 intersect with each other.

[0031] 3B , the screw 51 is then tightened into the screw hole 10c of the metal sheet 10 through the screw through hole 20c of the metal sheet 20. As a result, the metal sheets 10 and 20 are fastened together by the screw 51. At this time, the tip of the protrusion 11 and the tip of the protrusion 21 come into contact with each other, and pressure is concentrated in a small area. As a result, the insulating coating at the two tips is destroyed, and the base materials at the two tips come into contact with each other. As a result, the base material at the protrusion 11 and the base material at the protrusion 21 become conductive. Therefore, a path for noise current or leakage current is secured between the metal sheets 10 and 20.

[0032] Furthermore, as described above, when the metal sheets 10 and 20 are fastened together, the elastic deformation portion 12 is elastically deformed as the protrusion 11 is pressed against the rear surface 10b. Furthermore, the elastic deformation portion 22 is elastically deformed as the protrusion 21 is pressed against the rear surface 20b.

[0033] If the screw 51 were to loosen for some reason and the fastening force were to decrease, a gap would form between the protrusions 11 and 21, resulting in a loss of electrical continuity. However, the structure according to embodiment 1 includes the elastically deforming portions 12 and 22, and therefore the elastic deformation of the elastically deforming portions 12 and 22 can be utilized to maintain contact between the protrusions 11 and 21, in other words, the force of the elastically deforming portions 12 and 22 returning to their original shape (position) can be utilized. Therefore, even if the screw 51 loosens, electrical continuity between the metal plates 10 and 20 can be maintained, and the effects of noise current or leakage current can be prevented.

[0034] As described above, the structure according to the first embodiment is a structure in which a plurality of metal sheets 10, 20, each having a conductive base material covered with an insulating coating, are stacked in the thickness direction, and includes: one protrusion 11 provided on one of the adjacent metal sheets 10 and protruding toward the other metal sheet 20, which are fastened together with screws 51; one elastically deforming portion 12 provided on the one metal sheet 10 so as to surround the periphery of the one protrusion 11 and elastically deforms when fastened with the screws 51; another protrusion 21 on the other metal sheet 20 so as to protrude toward the one metal sheet 10 and intersect with the one protrusion 11; and another elastically deforming portion 22 provided on the other metal sheet 20 so as to surround the periphery of the other protrusion 21 and elastically deforms when fastened with the screws 51. When fastened with the screws 51, the tip of the one protrusion 11 and the tip of the other protrusion 21 come into contact with each other. Therefore, even if the screw 51 loosens, the structure according to the first embodiment can ensure electrical continuity between the base materials of the metal sheets 10 and 20. Furthermore, the structure according to the first embodiment does not require special screws, washers, or the like for ensuring electrical continuity between the base materials of the metal sheets 10 and 20.

[0035] Second Embodiment A structure according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Note that components having the same functions as those described in the first embodiment above will be given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0036] First, the configuration of the structure according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure according to the second embodiment.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 4 , the structure according to the second embodiment includes an elastically deforming portion 13 instead of the elastically deforming portion 12 of the metal plate 10 .

[0038] 4B , the elastic deformation portion 13 is provided in a ring shape so as to surround the periphery of the protrusion 11. The protrusion 11 and the elastic deformation portion 12 are formed continuously. Specifically, the outer peripheral edge of the protrusion 11 and the inner peripheral edge of the elastic deformation portion 12 are connected smoothly and seamlessly.

[0039] The elastic deformation portions 13 protrude outward from the rear surface 10b of the metal sheet 10. In other words, the elastic deformation portions 13 protrude from the rear surface 10b of the metal sheet 10 in a direction away from the metal sheet 20. The elastic deformation portions 13 are formed by deforming the entire thickness of the metal sheet 10. By being formed as described above, the elastic deformation portions 12 are capable of elastic deformation in the thickness direction of the metal sheet 10.

[0040] Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the elastically deforming portion 13, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tip of the protruding portion 11, is asymmetric on both sides of the tip. For example, one side of the elastically deforming portion 13, centered on the tip of the protruding portion 11, has one bulging portion toward the back surface 10b. In contrast, the other side of the elastically deforming portion 13, centered on the tip of the protruding portion 11, has one bulging portion toward the back surface 10b and one bulging portion toward the front surface 10a. In this case, the bulging portion toward the front surface 10a is located further outward from the metal plate 10 than the bulging portion toward the back surface 10b.

[0041] In this way, the cross-sectional shape of the elastically deforming portion 13, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tip of the protrusion 11, is asymmetric on both sides of the tip, so that a difference in the amount of elastic deformation can be achieved between the amount of elastic deformation on one side and the amount of elastic deformation on the other side, centered on the tip of the protrusion 11. Specifically, the other side of the elastically deforming portion 13, centered on the tip of the protrusion 11, has a more complex shape than the one side of the elastically deforming portion 13, centered on the tip of the protrusion 11. Therefore, the amount of elastic deformation on the other side is greater than the amount of elastic deformation on the one side.

[0042] Next, the fastening operation of the structure according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the fastening operation of the structure according to the second embodiment. Note that the metal plate 20 is omitted in Fig. 5B.

[0043] 5A, the surface 10a of the metal sheet 10 and the surface 20a of the metal sheet 20 are arranged to face each other. That is, the metal sheets 10 and 20 are arranged so that the tip of the protruding portion 11 and the tip of the protruding portion 21 intersect with each other.

[0044] Next, as shown in FIG. 5B , the screw 51 is fastened to the screw hole 10c of the metal sheet 10 through the screw through hole 20c of the metal sheet 20. As a result, the metal sheets 10 and 20 are fastened together by the screw 51. At this time, the tip of the protrusion 11 and the tip of the protrusion 21 come into contact with each other, and pressure is concentrated in a small area. Furthermore, the amount of elastic deformation on the other side of the elastic deformation portion 13 is greater than the amount of elastic deformation on one side. As a result, the position of the tip of the protrusion 11 shifts toward the other side. That is, the tip of the protrusion 11 moves along the length of the tip while contacting the tip of the protrusion 21. As a result, the insulating coatings at the two tips are sufficiently destroyed, and the base materials at the two tips come into contact with each other. As a result, the base materials at the protrusion 11 and the protrusion 21 are electrically connected. Therefore, a path for noise current or leakage current is secured between the metal sheets 10 and 20.

[0045] Furthermore, as described above, when the metal sheets 10 and 20 are fastened together, the protruding portion 11 is pressed against the rear surface 10b, causing the elastic deformation portion 13 to elastically deform. Furthermore, the protruding portion 21 is pressed against the rear surface 20b, causing the elastic deformation portion 22 to elastically deform.

[0046] Here, if the screw 51 were to loosen for some reason and the fastening force were to decrease, a gap would form between the protrusions 11 and 21, resulting in a loss of electrical continuity. However, the structure according to embodiment 2 includes the elastically deforming portions 13 and 22, and therefore the elastic deformation of the elastically deforming portions 13 and 22 can be utilized to maintain contact between the protrusions 11 and 21, in other words, the force of the elastically deforming portions 13 and 22 returning to their original shape (position) can be utilized. Therefore, even if the screw 51 loosens, electrical continuity between the metal plates 10 and 20 can be maintained, and the effects of noise current or leakage current can be prevented.

[0047] In the structure according to the second embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the elastically deforming portion 13 in the metal plate 10 is asymmetric, but the cross-sectional shape of the elastically deforming portion 22 in the metal plate 20 may also be asymmetric.

[0048] As described above, in the structure according to the second embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the elastically deforming portion 13, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tip of the protrusion 11, is asymmetric on both sides of the tip. Therefore, the structure according to the second embodiment can effectively peel off the insulating coating between the tip of the elastically deforming portion 13 and the tip of the elastically deforming portion 22.

[0049] In the structure according to the second embodiment, the tip of the protrusion 11 moves from the tip toward the side where the deformation of the elastic deformation portion 13 is greater. Therefore, the structure according to the second embodiment can increase the peeling range of the insulating coating, thereby improving electrical conductivity.

[0050] Furthermore, in the structure according to the second embodiment, the tip of the protrusion 11 moves along the length of the tip of the protrusion 21. Therefore, the structure according to the second embodiment can maintain contact between the tip of the protrusion 11 and the tip of the protrusion 21 for a long time and over a long distance. As a result, the structure according to the second embodiment can expand the peeling range of the insulating coating.

[0051] Third Embodiment A structure according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Note that components having the same functions as those described in the first embodiment above will be given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0052] First, the configuration of the structure according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure according to the third embodiment.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 6, the structure according to the third embodiment includes a plurality of pairs of protrusions 11 and elastic deformation portions 12, and one pair of protrusions 23 and elastic deformation portions 24. Fig. 6 shows an example in which the structure according to the third embodiment includes four pairs of protrusions 11 and elastic deformation portions 12, and one pair of protrusions 23 and elastic deformation portions 24.

[0054] 6, the pairs of protrusions 11 and elastic deformation portions 12 are arranged at equal angular intervals around the screw hole 10c and the screw 51. In contrast, the protrusions 23 and elastic deformation portions 24 are formed in a circular shape around the screw-through hole 20c and the screw 51. Four pairs of protrusions 11 and elastic deformation portions 12 and one pair of protrusions 23 and elastic deformation portions 24 face each other in the plate thickness direction.

[0055] Specifically, the protrusion 23 protrudes outward from the front surface 10a of the metal sheet 20. In other words, the protrusion 23 protrudes from the front surface 20a of the metal sheet 20 toward the metal sheet 10. This protrusion 11 is formed by deforming the entire thickness of the metal sheet 10. That is, the protrusion 11 is formed by the front surface 10a and the back surface 10b of the metal sheet 10 being integral with each other.

[0056] The cross section of the protrusion 23 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is substantially triangular, with one vertex of this triangle forming the tip of the protrusion 23. This tip is formed in a circular shape with the screw-through hole 20c and the screw 51 at its center.

[0057] The elastic deformation portions 24 are provided so as to surround the protrusion 23. The elastic deformation portions 24 are arranged radially inside and outside the protrusion 23. That is, the elastic deformation portions 24 are arranged so as to sandwich the protrusion 23 from both radial sides.

[0058] The elastic deformation portion 24 protrudes outward from the rear surface 20b of the metal sheet 20. In other words, the elastic deformation portion 24 protrudes from the rear surface 10b of the metal sheet 20 in a direction away from the metal sheet 20. The protruding direction of the protruding portion 23 from the metal sheet 20 and the protruding direction of the elastic deformation portion 24 from the metal sheet 10 are opposite to each other. The elastic deformation portion 24 is formed by deforming the entire thickness of the metal sheet 20. Furthermore, the cross section of the elastic deformation portion 24 perpendicular to the circumferential direction is approximately triangular. By being formed as described above, the elastic deformation portion 24 is capable of elastic deformation in the thickness direction of the metal sheet 20.

[0059] Thus, the structure according to the third embodiment includes four pairs of protrusions 11 and elastically deformable portions 12 for one pair of protrusions 23 and elastically deformable portions 24, thereby increasing the probability of the insulating coating being broken down and allowing electrical conduction by 16 times compared to when one pair of protrusions 21 and elastically deformable portions 22 includes one pair of protrusions 11 and elastically deformable portions 12. Furthermore, the structure according to the third embodiment can reduce the resistance between the metal sheets 10 and 20 during electrical conduction to one-fourth of that value. Furthermore, the structure according to the third embodiment can stabilize the metal sheets 10 and 20 during fastening. Therefore, the structure can improve the assembly accuracy between the metal sheets 10 and 20.

[0060] The structure according to the third embodiment may also employ the configuration shown in Fig. 7 , which is a view of another metal plate 20 in the structure according to the third embodiment as viewed from the back. As shown in Fig. 7 , in the structure according to the third embodiment, the number of pairs of protruding portions 11 and elastically deforming portions 12 and the number of pairs of protruding portions 21 and elastically deforming portions 22 may be the same, and each pair in the metal plate 10 may face each pair in the metal plate 20. Even when such a configuration is employed, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

[0061] In the structure of embodiment 3, the protrusion 23 and the elastic deformation portion 24 of the metal plate 20 are formed in a circular shape, but the protrusion 11 and the elastic deformation portion 12 of the metal plate 10 may also be formed in a circular shape.

[0062] As described above, the structure according to the third embodiment includes multiple pairs of protrusions 11 and elastically deforming portions 12, and one pair of protrusions 23 and elastically deforming portions 24, with each pair of protrusions 11 and elastically deforming portions 12 facing the pair of protrusions 23 and elastically deforming portions 24. Therefore, the structure according to the third embodiment can effectively remove the insulating coating between the tip of elastically deforming portion 12 and the tip of elastically deforming portion 24.

[0063] Furthermore, in the structure according to the third embodiment, the protrusion 23 and the elastic deformation portion 24 are formed in a circular shape with the screw 51 at the center. Therefore, the structure according to the third embodiment can stabilize the metal sheets 10 and 20 when fastened. As a result, the structure according to the third embodiment can improve the assembly accuracy between the metal sheets 10 and 20.

[0064] Furthermore, in the structure according to the third embodiment, the number of pairs of protrusions 11 and elastically deforming portions 12 and the number of pairs of protrusions 21 and elastically deforming portions 22 are the same, and each pair of protrusions 11 and elastically deforming portions 12 faces each other, and each pair of protrusions 21 and elastically deforming portions 22 faces each other. Therefore, in the structure according to the third embodiment, the insulating coating between the tip of elastically deforming portion 12 and the tip of elastically deforming portion 22 can be effectively peeled off.

[0065] Furthermore, in the structure according to the third embodiment, each pair of protrusions 11 and elastic deformation portions 12 is disposed at equal angular intervals around the fastening member. Therefore, the structure according to the third embodiment can stabilize the metal sheets 10 and 20 during fastening. As a result, the structure according to the third embodiment can improve the assembly accuracy between the metal sheets 10 and 20.

[0066] Embodiment 4 A structure according to embodiment 4 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure according to embodiment 4. Note that components having the same functions as those described in embodiment 1 above are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0067] As shown in Fig. 8, the structure according to the fourth embodiment includes a metal plate 30 in addition to the metal plates 10 and 20. In the structure according to the fourth embodiment, the metal plates 10, 20, and 30 are stacked in this order in the thickness direction. The surface 10a of the metal plate 10 and the surface 20a of the metal plate 20 face each other, and the back surface 20b of the metal plate 20 and the surface 30a of the metal plate 30 face each other. Therefore, the back surface 20b and the surface 30a form opposing surfaces.

[0068] The metal plate 20 includes a protruding portion 25 and an elastically deforming portion 26. The protruding portion 25 and the elastically deforming portion 26 are provided in an area of ​​the metal plate 20 facing the metal plate 30.

[0069] The protrusion 25 protrudes outward from the back surface 20b of the metal sheet 20. In other words, the protrusion 25 protrudes from the back surface 20b of the metal sheet 20 toward the metal sheet 30. The protrusion 25 is formed by deforming the entire thickness of the metal sheet 20. That is, the protrusion 25 is formed by integrally forming the front surface 20a and the back surface 20b of the metal sheet 20.

[0070] The cross section of the protruding portion 25 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is substantially triangular, with one vertex of this triangle forming the tip of the protruding portion 25. This tip extends linearly.

[0071] The elastic deformation portion 26 is provided in an annular shape so as to surround the periphery of the protrusion 25. The protrusion 25 and the elastic deformation portion 26 are formed continuously. Specifically, the outer peripheral edge of the protrusion 25 and the inner peripheral edge of the elastic deformation portion 26 are connected smoothly and seamlessly.

[0072] The elastic deformation portions 26 protrude outward from the surface 20a of the metal sheet 20. In other words, the elastic deformation portions 26 protrude from the surface 20a of the metal sheet 20 in a direction away from the metal sheet 30. The protruding direction of the protruding portions 25 from the metal sheet 20 and the protruding direction of the elastic deformation portions 26 from the metal sheet 20 are opposite to each other. The elastic deformation portions 26 are formed by deforming the entire thickness of the metal sheet 20. Furthermore, the cross section of the elastic deformation portions 26 perpendicular to the circumferential direction is substantially triangular. By being formed as described above, the elastic deformation portions 26 are capable of elastic deformation in the thickness direction of the metal sheet 20.

[0073] In contrast to this, the metal plate 30 includes a protruding portion 31 and an elastically deforming portion 32. The protruding portion 31 and the elastically deforming portion 32 are provided in an area of ​​the metal plate 30 facing the metal plate 20.

[0074] The metal sheet 30 has a front surface 30a, a back surface 30b, and a screw through hole 30c. The front surface 30a is the surface facing the metal sheet 20. The back surface 30b is the surface located opposite the front surface 30a. The screw through hole 30c is a so-called clearance hole that penetrates the metal sheet 30 in the thickness direction. That is, the screw through hole 30c is open on the front surface 30a and the back surface 30b, respectively. The screw through hole 30c corresponds to the screw hole 10c and the screw through hole 20c, and the screw 51 can be passed through the screw through hole 30c.

[0075] The protrusion 31 protrudes outward from the front surface 10a of the metal sheet 30. In other words, the protrusion 31 protrudes from the front surface 10a of the metal sheet 30 toward the metal sheet 20. The protrusion 31 is formed by deforming the entire thickness of the metal sheet 30. That is, the protrusion 31 is formed by integrally forming the front surface 30a and the back surface 30b of the metal sheet 30.

[0076] The cross section of the protruding portion 31 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is substantially triangular, with one vertex of this triangle forming the tip of the protruding portion 31. This tip extends linearly.

[0077] The elastic deformation portion 32 is provided in an annular shape so as to surround the periphery of the protrusion 31. The protrusion 31 and the elastic deformation portion 32 are formed continuously. Specifically, the outer peripheral edge of the protrusion 31 and the inner peripheral edge of the elastic deformation portion 32 are connected smoothly and seamlessly.

[0078] The elastic deformation portion 32 protrudes outward from the rear surface 30b of the metal sheet 30. In other words, the elastic deformation portion 32 protrudes from the rear surface 30b of the metal sheet 30 in a direction away from the metal sheet 20. The protruding direction of the protruding portion 31 from the metal sheet 10 and the protruding direction of the elastic deformation portion 32 from the metal sheet 10 are opposite to each other. The elastic deformation portion 32 is formed by deforming the entire thickness of the metal sheet 30. Furthermore, the cross section of the elastic deformation portion 32 perpendicular to the circumferential direction is approximately triangular. By being formed as described above, the elastic deformation portion 32 is elastically deformable in the thickness direction of the metal sheet 30.

[0079] The one metal plate 20 and the other metal plate 30 are arranged so that the tip of the protruding portion 25 and the tip of the protruding portion 31 intersect with each other.

[0080] As described above, the structure according to the fourth embodiment is a structure in which a plurality of metal sheets 10, 20, 30, each having a conductive base material covered with an insulating coating, are stacked in the thickness direction, and includes: one protrusion 25 provided on one of the adjacent metal sheets 20 and protruding toward the other metal sheet 30, one elastic deformation portion 26 provided on the one metal sheet 20 so as to surround the periphery of the one protrusion 25 and elastically deformed when fastened with the screw 51; another protrusion 31 on the other metal sheet 30 so as to protrude toward the one metal sheet 20 and intersect with the one protrusion 25; and another elastic deformation portion 32 provided on the other metal sheet 30 so as to surround the periphery of the other protrusion 31 and elastically deformed when fastened with the screw 51. When fastened with the screw 51, the tip of the one protrusion 25 and the tip of the other protrusion 31 come into contact with each other. Therefore, even if the screw 51 loosens, the structure according to the fourth embodiment can ensure electrical continuity between the base materials of the metal sheets 20, 30. Furthermore, the structure according to the fourth embodiment does not require special screws, washers, or the like for establishing electrical continuity between the base materials of the metal sheets 30, 30.

[0081] It should be noted that within the scope of the present disclosure, the embodiments may be freely combined, or any component in each embodiment may be modified, or any component in each embodiment may be omitted.

[0082] The structure according to the present disclosure is suitable for use in structures and the like, since it is possible to ensure electrical continuity between the base metals of the sheet metals by providing an elastically deforming portion that surrounds the periphery of the protrusion.

[0083] 10 Sheet metal, 10a Surface, 10b Back surface, 10c Screw hole, 11 Protrusion, 12, 13 Elastic deformation portion, 20 Sheet metal, 20a Surface, 20b Back surface, 20c Screw through hole, 21, 23, 25 Protrusion, 22, 24, 26 Elastic deformation portion, 30 Sheet metal, 30a Surface, 30b Back surface, 30c Screw through hole, 31 Protrusion, 32 Elastic deformation portion, 51 Screw.

Claims

1. A structure in which a number of metal sheets, each having a conductive base material covered with an insulating film, are stacked in the thickness direction, the structure comprising: one protrusion provided on one of the adjacent metal sheets fastened by a fastening member and protruding toward the other metal sheet; one elastically deforming portion provided on the one metal sheet so as to surround the periphery of the one protrusion and elastically deforms when fastened by the fastening member; another protrusion on the other metal sheet protruding toward the one metal sheet and positioned so as to intersect with the one protrusion; and another elastically deforming portion provided on the other metal sheet so as to surround the periphery of the other protrusion and elastically deforms when fastened by the fastening member; and when fastened by the fastening member, a tip of the one protrusion and a tip of the other protrusion come into contact with each other.

2. A structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the cross-sectional shape of said one of the elastically deforming portions, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tip of said one of the protruding portions, is asymmetric on both sides of said tip.

3. The structure according to claim 2, characterized in that the tip of said one protrusion moves toward the side of said one elastic deformation portion where the deformation amount is greater, with said tip of said one protrusion as a center.

4. The structure according to claim 3, characterized in that the tip of one of the protrusions moves along the longitudinal direction of the tip of the other of the protrusions.

5. A structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of pairs of said one protrusion and said one elastically deforming portion, and one pair of said other protrusion and said other elastically deforming portion, and each pair of said one protrusion and said one elastically deforming portion faces the pair of said other protrusion and said other elastically deforming portion.

6. The structure according to claim 5, characterized in that the other protrusion and the other elastically deforming portion are formed in a circular shape with the fastening member at the center.

7. A structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the number of pairs of said one protrusion and said one elastic deformation portion and the number of pairs of said other protrusion and said other elastic deformation portion are the same multiple number, and each pair of said one protrusion and said one elastic deformation portion and each pair of said other protrusion and said other elastic deformation portion are opposed to each other.

8. A structure according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that each pair of said one protrusion and said one elastically deforming portion is disposed at equal angular intervals with said fastening member as the center.

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