control box

Abstract

This application relates to a control box. A control box according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned objective includes: a housing; a circuit board located inside the housing; a board retainer including a first portion connected to the circuit board and a second portion connected to the housing; and a fastening member for securing the board retainer to the housing, wherein at least one of the planes of the first and second portions is parallel to a component mounting surface of the circuit board.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a control box with circuit boards and the like installed inside. Background Technology

[0002] One or more circuit boards are installed inside the control box, and one or more circuit boards are typically secured to the interior of the housing that constitutes the control box by multiple fastening members.

[0003] Furthermore, in structures where multiple control boxes are densely arranged horizontally, to separate and replace the circuit boards inside control boxes other than those located at the outermost edge, a module separation process is required first, separating the control boxes adjacent to the target control box. Then, after separating the side covers of the control boxes that contact the sides of adjacent control boxes, multiple fastening components securing the circuit boards need to be finally separated. As a result, there is an increase in labor and maintenance costs associated with replacing the circuit boards. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention is proposed to improve the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a control box for achieving the above-mentioned objective includes: a housing; a circuit board located inside the housing; a board retainer including a first portion connected to the circuit board and a second portion connected to the housing; and a fastening member for securing the board retainer to the housing, wherein at least one of the planes of the first portion and the second portion is parallel to a component mounting surface of the circuit board.

[0006] The front end of the circuit board has a retainer engagement groove to which the first part engages, and the first part has an engagement rod that engages with the retainer engagement groove.

[0007] A fastening boss is formed on the second part, and a retainer flange is formed on the inner side of the housing to accommodate the fastening boss, and the fastening boss is fixed to the retainer flange by the fastening member.

[0008] The fastening member is inserted sequentially into the fastening boss and the retainer flange in a direction from the front to the rear of the housing.

[0009] The plate retainer includes a cable retainer that protrudes for cable support.

[0010] The plate retainer includes a flexible latch portion formed on the plate retainer, and the circuit board includes a protruding insertion portion for insertion of the latch portion.

[0011] The latch portion includes: a latch body formed by cutting a portion of the circuit board; and a latch protrusion protruding from an end of the latch body, wherein the latch protrusion is inserted into a protrusion insertion portion.

[0012] The end of the latch protrusion is formed at an angle such that during the process of attaching the plate holder to the circuit board, the latch body gradually bends as the latch body slides along the surface of the circuit board, and when the latch protrusion is inserted into the protrusion insertion portion, the latch body returns to its original position by elasticity.

[0013] One or more insertion protrusions are formed on the rear end of the circuit board, and the housing includes a plate support frame that supports the one or more insertion protrusions.

[0014] One or more insertion holes are formed inside the plate support frame into which the one or more insertion protrusions are inserted.

[0015] After the circuit board is inserted into the housing until the one or more insertion protrusions are inserted into the one or more insertion holes, the one or more insertion protrusions are supported by engaging with the board support frame due to the downward movement of the circuit board.

[0016] The bottom surface of the housing is formed with a pair of support ribs to support the lower end of the circuit board, and when the one or more insertion protrusions engage with the board support frame, the lower end of the circuit board is inserted into the space formed between the pair of support ribs.

[0017] Multiple light-transmitting holes are formed inside the plate holder, and partition walls are formed between the multiple light-transmitting holes.

[0018] One or more light sources are mounted on the circuit board.

[0019] With the plate holder connected to the circuit board, light emitted from the one or more light sources is directed toward the one or more light-transmitting holes.

[0020] The control box according to the invention further includes a cover for opening or closing the open front surface of the housing, a light guide protruding from the rear of the cover, and one or more light channels formed inside the light guide.

[0021] The board retainer is bent to cover the corner where the front and top edges of the circuit board intersect.

[0022] The circuit board is inserted into the housing in the same direction as the fastening member is inserted into the housing.

[0023] According to another aspect of the invention, a control box includes: a housing; a circuit board located inside the housing; a board retainer connected to the housing and the circuit board; and a fastening member for securing the board retainer to the housing, wherein at least a portion of the edge of the circuit board is inserted into the board retainer such that both sides of the circuit board are supported by the board retainer.

[0024] According to another aspect of the invention, a control box includes: a housing; a circuit board located inside the housing; a board retainer connected to the housing and the circuit board; and a fastening member for securing the board retainer to the housing, wherein the board retainer is secured to a protrusion within the housing by the fastening member, thereby maintaining the circuit board spaced apart from the inner wall of the housing.

[0025] The control box with the above configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention has the following effects.

[0026] First, to replace the circuit board inside the housing, simply open the cover attached to the front of the housing and separate the board holder from the housing. Therefore, even when multiple control boxes are densely arranged in the lateral direction, there is no need to disassemble or separate adjacent control boxes.

[0027] Secondly, since fastening components such as screws do not need to penetrate the circuit board directly to secure it inside the housing, the risk of damaging the circuit board is minimized.

[0028] Third, since the insertion direction of the fastening member, which is used to connect the fastening boss on the plate retainer with the retainer bracket inside the housing, is parallel to the insertion and removal direction of the circuit board, it is not necessary to separate the side of the housing to separate the circuit board, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0029] Fourth, since the board retainer is equipped with a cable retainer, there is no need for a separate device to organize the cables connected to the board.

[0030] Fifth, because the front and top of the circuit board are supported by the board retainer, the rear of the circuit board is supported by the board support bracket, and the bottom of the circuit board is supported by the board support rib, the circuit board can be stably fixed inside the housing without shaking even if vibration is transmitted from the outside to the control box.

[0031] Sixth, since only one fastening component is used to fix the circuit board, it has the effect of reducing labor and costs. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1This is a front perspective view of the control box according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 This is an exploded 3D view of the control box.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a control box showing a circuit board fixed inside the housing by a plate retainer.

[0035] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the control box cut by line 4-4.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the plate retainer as seen from one side.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the plate retainer as seen from the other side.

[0038] Figure 7 It is along Figure 5 A three-dimensional view of the cross-section of the plate retainer cut by line 7-7.

[0039] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a circuit board installed in a control box according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 9 This is an assembly diagram showing the process of attaching the board holder to the circuit board in sequence.

[0041] Figure 10 Along the circuit board when it is separated Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the shell cut by line 4-4 in the figure.

[0042] Figure 11 When the circuit board is attached to the housing, along Figure 10 The cross-sectional view of the shell cut by line 11-11.

[0043] Figure 12 It is a frontal perspective view of the cover attached to the housing.

[0044] Figure 13 This is a rear-view 3D view of the cover.

[0045] Figure 14 This is a rear perspective view of the slider constituting the cover locking module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 15 This is a front perspective view of the upper locking buckle constituting the cover locking module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 16 This is a rear-view 3D view of the locking mechanism.

[0048] Figure 17 This is a perspective view of the side latch constituting the cover locking module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 18 This is an enlarged view showing the stepped portion of a cover on which a cover locking module according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted.

[0050] Figure 19 It is along Figure 12 The cross-sectional view of the control box cut by line 19-19 shows its appearance before the slider descends.

[0051] Figure 20 yes Figure 19 Rear view of the cover in the state shown.

[0052] Figure 21 It is along Figure 12 The cross-sectional view of the control box cut by line 19-19 shows the slider at its maximum extent.

[0053] Figure 22 yes Figure 21 Rear view of the cover in the state shown.

[0054] Figure 23 It is a diagram showing the path of light emitted from a light source. Detailed Implementation

[0055] The following is a detailed description of a control box according to an embodiment of the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0056] Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of the control box according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 This is an exploded 3D view of the control box.

[0057] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control box 10 includes a housing 11, a cover 12 connected to the front of the housing 11, a circuit board 13 installed inside the housing 11, a board holder 14 for fixing the circuit board 13 inside the housing 11, and a fastening member S for fixing the board holder 14 to the housing 11.

[0058] In detail, the control box 10 may also include a cover locking module 20 disposed on the cover 12. The cover locking module 20 is defined as a locking device for allowing the cover 12 to be engaged or disengaged from the housing 11.

[0059] The cover locking module 20 includes a slider 21, a top latch 22, a spring 23, and a pair of side latches 24. The slider 21 is placed on a stepped portion 121 located on the front of the cover 12. The top latch 22 penetrates the stepped portion 121 and is connected to the cover 12. The spring 23 is vertically connected to the top latch 22. The opposite side latches 24 are inserted through the stepped portion 121.

[0060] The stepped portion 121 has multiple holes into which a portion of the side latch 24 and the upper latch 22 are inserted, and the slider 21 covers the front surface of the upper latch 22 to prevent external exposure. Furthermore, the vertical length of the slider 21 is formed to be shorter than the vertical length of the stepped portion 121, and the slider 21 is slidably connected to the stepped portion 121.

[0061] Furthermore, as the slider 21 slides to move, the locking buckle 22 also slides along with the slider 21. Specifically, when the user lowers the slider 21, the locking buckle 22 also descends, the spring 23 is compressed, and simultaneously, the side locking buckle 24 moves horizontally toward the center of the step portion 121. As a result, the cover 12 becomes separable from the housing 11, i.e., in an openable state, and by rotating the cover 12, one end of the cover 12 separates from the housing 11.

[0062] On the other hand, when the force applied to the slider 21 is removed, the slider 21 and the upper latch 22 rise to their original positions due to the restoring force of the spring 23, and the side latch 24 moves horizontally toward the left and right edges of the step portion 121, thereby keeping the cover 12 engaged with the housing 11, i.e., in the closed state.

[0063] The configuration and operation of the cover locking module 20 will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0064] Meanwhile, the circuit board 13 may be equipped with a light source 15, and the portion of the cover 12 corresponding to the front of the light source 15 may be formed thinner than the other portions to form a so-called hidden display 123. Therefore, when the light source 15 is off, the hidden display is not visible to the user, but when the light source 15 is on, the light emitted from the light source 15 passes through the hidden display 123 formed on the cover 12 and becomes visible to the user.

[0065] Alternatively, the portion of the cover illuminated by light emitted from the light source 15 is made transparent or translucent.

[0066] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a control box showing a circuit board fixed inside the housing by a plate retainer. Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the control box cut by line 4-4.

[0067] Reference Figure 3and Figure 4 The board retainer 14 is inserted into the corner of the circuit board 13. Specifically, a portion of the board retainer 14 hooks onto the circuit board 13, while another portion is secured to the housing 11, thereby preventing the circuit board 13 from wobbling within the housing 11 along its width. For example, a portion of the board retainer 14 may be defined as a first portion, and the other portion may be defined as a second portion. More specifically, the first portion may be defined as one end of the board retainer 14, and the second portion may be defined as the other end of the board retainer 14.

[0068] Furthermore, since the surface passing through the circuit board 13 and one of the multiple surfaces passing through the first and second portions of the board holder 14 are parallel to each other, the circuit board 13 and the board holder 14 have the advantage of being able to be mounted in a configuration where they are positioned close to the interior of the housing 11. The surface passing through the circuit board 13 can be understood as the surface that divides the thickness of the circuit board 13 in two.

[0069] In other words, due to the structure and combination of the board holder 14, the board 13 can be installed very close to the inner surface of the housing 11 while the side surface of the board 13 and the side surface of the housing 11 remain parallel.

[0070] The plate retainer 14 can be inserted into a corner of the circuit board 13 (e.g., the corner where the front and top surfaces intersect), and the plate retainer 14 can be secured to the housing 11 by the fastening member S.

[0071] As shown in the figure, the front and rear of the housing 11 are open, and heat dissipation slits (described later) are formed on the top and / or bottom surfaces, thereby allowing the heat generated by the circuit board 13 to be quickly released to the outside. The structure of the housing 11 will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0072] First, the structure and function of the plate holder 14 will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0073] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the plate retainer as seen from one side. Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the plate retainer from the other side, and Figure 7 It is along Figure 5 A three-dimensional view of the cross-section of the plate retainer cut by line 7-7.

[0074] Reference Figures 5 to 7 The plate holder 14 constituting the control box 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is formed as approximately " "Shape, and can be installed at the corner where the front and top ends of the circuit board 13 intersect."

[0075] In detail, the plate retainer 14 includes a retainer body 141, which can be formed as having a single bend. "Shaped configuration".

[0076] The retainer body 141 includes: a first surface 1411 covering one of the left and right sides of the circuit board 13; a second surface 1412 covering the other side; a third surface 1413 connecting the front ends of the first surface 1411 and the second surface 1412 to cover a portion of the front end of the circuit board 13; and a fourth surface 1414 covering the first surface 1411 and the second surface 1412, and covering a portion of the upper end of the circuit board 13. The surfaces of the retainer body 141 corresponding to the opposite sides of the third surface 1413 and the fourth surface 1414 are open, and the circuit board 13 is inserted through these open portions.

[0077] From another perspective, the retainer body 141 can be described as comprising a first body portion and a second body portion, the first body portion covering the front end of the circuit board 13, and the second body portion bending from the upper end of the first body portion to cover the upper end of the circuit board 13. The first body portion may be formed to be longer than the second body portion, but is not limited thereto. Furthermore, one end of the retainer body 141, i.e., the end of the first body portion, is rotatably connected to the circuit board 13, and the other end of the retainer body 141, i.e., the end of the second body portion, is fixed to the inner surface of the housing 11.

[0078] Additionally, the board holder 14 may include a cable holder 142 extending from the holder body 141. Specifically, the cable holder 142 is formed on the first surface 1411 and may be formed at the end of the second body portion. The cable holders 142 extend in a loop at positions facing each other and can support cables extending from connectors inserted into the board 13. This allows for efficient use of the internal space of the housing 11 without requiring a separate device for cable management.

[0079] The plate retainer 14 may also include a fastening boss 143 extending from the retainer body 141. The fastening boss 143 is formed on the fourth surface 1414 and may be formed at the end of the second body portion. A fastening hole 1431 is formed inside the fastening boss 143, and a fastening member penetrates the fastening hole 1431 in a direction parallel to the extension direction of the second body portion.

[0080] The plate holder 14 may further include a latching bar 144 formed at an end of the first body portion. Specifically, the latching bar 144 is a cylindrical bar connecting the first surface 1411 and the second surface 1412. When the plate holder 14 is coupled to the circuit board 13, the latching bar 144 serves as a rotation axis for the plate holder 14. Here, the latching bar 144 may be formed on a first portion of the plate holder 14, and this first portion can be understood as one end of the plate holder 14. Furthermore, a fastening boss 143 may be formed on a second portion of the plate holder 14, and this second portion can be understood as the other end of the plate holder 14.

[0081] The plate retainer 14 may also include a latch portion 145 formed on a second surface 1412 constituting the second body portion. Specifically, the latch portion 145 may be formed by cutting a portion of the second surface 1412 into an inverted U-shape. The latch portion 145 includes a latch body 1451 extending to a predetermined length and a latch protrusion 1452 projecting from an end of the latch body 1451 toward the first surface 1411. The latch body 1451 is resilient due to the inverted U-shaped cut and can be bent. The end of the latch protrusion 1452 may be formed at an angle.

[0082] The third surface 1413 of the plate holder 14 may have one or more light-transmitting holes 1415, and in this embodiment, two light-transmitting holes are formed. When two or more light-transmitting holes are formed, a blocking wall 1416 extends from the rear side of the third surface 1413 corresponding to the position between adjacent light-transmitting holes. The blocking wall 1416 prevents light from different light sources from interfering with each other before passing through the light-transmitting holes 1415.

[0083] The width (or thickness) of the third surface 1413 of the plate holder 14, which has a light-transmitting hole 1415, can be larger than the width of the other parts.

[0084] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a circuit board installed in a control box according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] Reference Figure 8 The circuit board 13 according to the present invention includes a board body 131 formed in a rectangular shape, and the board body 131 may include a front end, a rear end, a top end, a bottom end, a left side and a right side.

[0086] Specifically, on one side of the plate body 131, for example, on the side of the front end of the plate body 131, the retainer engagement groove 133 may be formed as a recess. As the retainer engagement groove 133 moves toward the rear end of the plate body 131, the retainer engagement groove 133 may extend upward in an inclined manner.

[0087] Inserting the latch bar 144 of the plate retainer 14 into the retainer engagement slot 133 is an embodiment for latching the first part of the plate retainer 14 onto the circuit board 13, and it should be noted that other forms of latching devices may also be provided.

[0088] Specifically, an embodiment may be proposed in which a retainer engagement groove 133 is formed on the upper surface of the plate body 131, and a latching bar 144 of the plate retainer 14 is formed on the second part of the plate retainer 14, while a fastening boss 143 of the plate retainer 14 is formed on the first part of the plate retainer 14.

[0089] At the front end of the plate body 131, the blocking wall insertion groove 134 is recessed at a point spaced apart from the upper end of the plate body 131 and the retainer engagement groove 133. The blocking wall 1416 formed on the third surface 1413 of the plate retainer 14 is inserted into the blocking wall insertion groove 134.

[0090] The light source 15 is mounted on either the left or right side of the panel body 131. The light source 15 may include a first light source 151 and a second light source 152, which are mounted at points opposite each other relative to the barrier wall insertion slot 134. There is no limitation on the number of light sources mounted on the panel body 131, and barrier walls and barrier wall insertion slots into which they are inserted may be formed between adjacent light sources to prevent light interference. Light emitted from the light source 15 illuminates the front end of the panel body 131 and passes sequentially through a light-transmitting hole 1415 formed in the panel holder 14 and a hidden display 123 disposed in the cover 12.

[0091] A protruding insertion portion 135 is formed at the corner where the front and upper ends of the plate body 131 intersect, and a latching protrusion 1452 constituting the latching portion 145 of the plate retainer 14 is connected to the protruding insertion portion 135. For example, the protruding insertion portion 135 is provided in the form of a hole, allowing the latching protrusion 1452 to be inserted into the protruding insertion portion 135.

[0092] Furthermore, when the plate holder 14 is attached to the plate body 131, the inclined end of the latch protrusion 1452 contacts the other side of the left or right side of the plate body 131. Additionally, during the process of attaching the second body portion of the plate holder 14 to the circuit board 13, the latch body 1451 of the latch portion 145 gradually bends outward from the plate holder 14. Furthermore, when the latch protrusion 1452 is inserted into the protrusion insertion portion 135, the bent latch body 1451 returns to its original position.

[0093] As another example of the protruding insertion portion 135, it can be configured to be hook-shaped so that the latch protrusion 1452 can hook onto the protruding insertion portion 135.

[0094] Meanwhile, the circuit board 13 includes one or more insertion protrusions 132 projecting from the rear end of the board body 131. In detail, the one or more insertion protrusions 132 may extend obliquely from the rear end of the board body 131 and then bend downward toward the lower end.

[0095] Figure 9 This is an assembly diagram showing the process of attaching the board holder to the circuit board in sequence.

[0096] Reference Figure 9 In (a) to (c), in order to attach the board holder 14 to the circuit board 13, the latch 144 is first inserted into the holder engagement slot 133 of the circuit board. In this state, the board holder 14 is rotated so that the front end and top end of the circuit board 13 are fully inserted into the interior of the board holder 14.

[0097] By rotating the plate retainer 14 until the third surface 1413 of the plate retainer 14 and the front end of the circuit board 13 are parallel to each other, the circuit board 13 is fully inserted into the interior of the plate retainer 14. In this state, a fastening member S, such as a screw, is inserted into the fastening boss 143 of the plate retainer 14.

[0098] Figure 10 Along the circuit board when it is separated Figure 3 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the shell cut by line 4-4 in the figure, and Figure 11 When the circuit board is attached to the housing, along Figure 10 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the shell cut by line 11-11.

[0099] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 The front of the housing 11 is open and can be selectively covered by the cover 12. The rear of the housing 11 can also be open.

[0100] When multiple control boxes are arranged in a modular configuration, they are positioned laterally within the housing 11. The front surfaces of these control boxes do not overlap or interfere with adjacent control boxes. Therefore, it is advantageous that to replace a circuit board inside a specific control box, only the cover 12 forming the front surface of that specific control box needs to be removed, without separating adjacent control boxes.

[0101] In detail, multiple heat dissipation slits (or heat dissipation holes) 115 may be formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the housing 11, and a cooling fan (not shown) may be arranged on the lower side of the housing 11 to allow air to pass through the interior of the housing 11 for heat exchange.

[0102] Additionally, an upper hook hole 116 may be formed on the upper surface of the housing 11, and a plurality of heat dissipation slits 115 may be arranged behind the upper hook hole 116.

[0103] The circuit board 13 can be arranged on either the left or right side of the interior of the housing 11. A protrusion can be formed on one side of the interior of the housing 11, and this protrusion can be defined as a retainer flange 111. A fastening boss 143 of the plate retainer 14 is disposed on the retainer flange 111. Furthermore, a fastening member S passing through the fastening boss 143 is inserted into the retainer flange 111, thereby allowing a second portion of the plate retainer 14 to be secured to the housing 11. This second portion can be defined as the other end of the plate retainer 14.

[0104] Side hook holes 112 are formed on both sides of the housing 11, and a pair of side latches 24 constituting the cover locking module 20 are detachably connected to the side hook holes 112.

[0105] A pair of plate support ribs 113 can extend from the bottom surface of the housing 11. The pair of plate support ribs 113 can extend rearward from the front end of the housing 11 by a predetermined length. The lower portion of the circuit board 13 is inserted into the space formed between the pair of plate support ribs 113, thereby preventing the circuit board 13 from wobbling in the width direction of the housing 11 due to external forces.

[0106] A board support frame 114 is formed on the side of the housing 11 adjacent to the rear surface of the housing 11. One or more insertion holes 1141 are formed inside the board support frame 114. The number of insertion holes 1141 may correspond to the number of insertion protrusions 132 formed on the circuit board 13.

[0107] The vertical width W1 of the insertion hole 1141 is formed to be larger than the maximum vertical width W2 of the insertion protrusion 132, thereby allowing the insertion protrusion 132 to be inserted into the insertion hole 1141 without interference.

[0108] In detail, to enable the worker to install the circuit board 13 inside the housing 11, the worker first pushes the circuit board 13 horizontally into the housing 11 until the insertion protrusion 132 is fully inserted into the insertion hole 1141. Once the insertion protrusion 132 is inserted into the insertion hole 1141, the worker lowers the circuit board 13 to the bottom of the housing, as shown in the figure. Then, the bent end of the insertion protrusion 132 engages with the board support bracket 114. Simultaneously, the lower end of the circuit board 13 is inserted between a pair of board support ribs 113. Alternatively, when a portion of the insertion protrusion 132 is inserted into the insertion hole 1141, the actions of pushing the circuit board 13 backward and lowering the circuit board 13 can be performed simultaneously, such that the insertion protrusion 132 is inserted diagonally into the insertion hole 1141.

[0109] In this state, by connecting one end of the plate retainer 14 to the circuit board 13 and fixing the other end to the retainer flange 111, the circuit board 13 is securely fixed inside the housing 11 without any wobbling.

[0110] To replace circuit board 13, the assembly process is reversed. That is, cover 12 can be rotated to open or separate from housing 11, and then a tool is inserted through the open front of housing 11 to separate the fastening plate holder 14 from the fastening member S of housing 11. Circuit board 13 can then be pulled forward with plate holder 14 engaged to remove it from housing 11.

[0111] Alternatively, the fastening member S can be separated so that the second part of the plate holder 14 is separated from the housing 11, and then the first part of the plate holder 14 is separated from the circuit board 13, and then the circuit board 13 is separated from the housing 11.

[0112] During this process, it is not necessary to disassemble or remove other control boxes 10 arranged on the side of the control box 10, thereby significantly improving work efficiency.

[0113] Figure 12 It is a front perspective view of the cover connected to the housing, and Figure 13 This is a rear-view 3D view of the cover.

[0114] Reference Figure 12 and Figure 13 As described above, with the cover 12 fixed to the front of the housing 11, when the slider 21 is lowered in the direction of the arrow, the locking end of the upper latch 22 descends, and the locking ends of the pair of side latches 24 move horizontally toward the center of the cover 12, thereby allowing the cover 12 to be released from the housing 11. When the force applied to the slider 21 is removed in this state, the slider 21 rises back to its original position due to the restoring force of the spring 23, and the upper latch 22 and the side latches 24 engage with the locking holes formed in the housing 11, as described later, to lock in place.

[0115] Meanwhile, a light guide 122 is formed on the rear side of the cover 12 to extend to a predetermined length. The light guide 122 is formed at a position corresponding to the front of the light source 15, and the front surface of the light guide 122 is defined to conceal the display 123.

[0116] Inside the light guide 122, a number of light channels are formed corresponding to the number of light sources 15. In this embodiment, the light channels are limited to the first light channel 1221 and the second light channel 1222.

[0117] Figure 14 This is a rear perspective view of the slider constituting the cover locking module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0118] Reference Figure 14 The slider 21 constituting the cover locking module 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a slider body 211, a pressing rib 212 and a slider hook 213.

[0119] In detail, the slider body 211 includes: a front portion 2111; a pair of side portions 2112 extending rearward from the left and right edges of the front portion 2111; an upper surface portion 2113 extending rearward from the upper end of the front portion 2111; and the lower surface portion of the slider body 211 can be provided in an open form.

[0120] Additionally, the pressing rib 212 can be provided in a form that extends downward from the lower surface of the upper surface portion 2113 to a predetermined length. As shown in the figure, the pressing rib 212 can be provided in the form of a plurality of vertical ribs spaced apart in the horizontal direction or in the form of a single U-shaped rib.

[0121] Furthermore, the slider hook 213 extends rearward from the rear surface of the front portion 2111. Specifically, the slider hook 213 may include a pair of hooks that protrude rearward from positions adjacent to the left and right edges of the rear surface of the front portion 2111, respectively.

[0122] Figure 15 This is a front perspective view of the upper locking buckle constituting the cover locking module according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 16 This is a rear-view 3D view of the locking mechanism.

[0123] Reference Figure 15 and Figure 16 The upper locking buckle 22 constituting the cover locking module 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an upper locking buckle body 221, a front rib 222, an upper hook 223, an upper support boss 226, a lifting guide 228, and an insertion rib 229.

[0124] In detail, the locking body 221 can be formed as a square plate so that it can be accommodated inside the slider 21.

[0125] The front rib 222 protrudes forward from the front of the upper locking body 221 and may be formed at a point spaced downward from the top of the upper locking body 221. The front rib 222 may extend horizontally to a predetermined length, or as shown in the figure, may extend further downward from both ends of the horizontally extending portion.

[0126] The upper surface of the front rib 222 is pressed by the pressing rib 212 of the slider 21, thereby serving to lower the upper lock 22 as an integral part of the slider 21.

[0127] The upper hook 223 extends rearward from the upper end of the upper locking body 221 and can be provided as one or more pieces. In this embodiment, a pair of upper hooks 223 extend rearward from both ends of the upper locking body 221 and engage with the upper hook holes 116 formed on the upper surface of the housing 11. As shown in the figure, the pair of upper hooks 223 can be of the same size or can be designed with different widths.

[0128] The insertion rib 229 extends downward from the lower end of the upper locking body 221 to a predetermined length. As shown in the figure, the insertion rib 229 can be formed as a single downwardly extending rib or as multiple ribs, such as a pair of downwardly extending ribs.

[0129] Meanwhile, the spring hole 225 can be formed at the center of the upper latch body 221. Specifically, the spring hole 225 can extend downward by a predetermined length from a point spaced apart from the upper end of the upper latch body 221. For example, the upper end of the spring hole 225 can be at the same height as the lower surface of the front rib 222, but this is not necessarily limited to this.

[0130] Additionally, a pair of slider hook guide holes 224 may be formed in the upper locking body 221. These slider hook guide holes 224 extend downward from a point offset downward from the top of the upper locking body 221. The pair of slider hook guide holes 224 may be formed at points offset to the left and right of the spring hole 225, respectively. Alternatively, the pair of slider hook guide holes 224 may be described as being formed at points adjacent to the left and right edges of the upper locking body 221.

[0131] Additionally, the upper locking body 221 may have a pair of guide protrusions 227 formed therein. Specifically, the pair of guide protrusions 227 may be formed on the left and right sides of the spring hole 225 at points adjacent to the lower end of the spring hole 225, respectively. Furthermore, the pair of guide protrusions 227 may be inclined and extend in a direction that brings them closer together as they extend upwards. Alternatively, the pair of guide protrusions 227 may be described as inclined and extending in a direction that brings them closer to the spring hole 225 as they extend upwards. Depending on design conditions, each of the pair of guide protrusions 227 may be formed in a shape that includes a portion (second hole) extending upwards from the top of the inclined portion (first hole), in addition to the inclined extension shape, as shown in the figure.

[0132] The lifting guide 228 specifically protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the upper locking body 221 at a point between the upper end of the upper locking body 221 and the upper end of the spring hole 225. Guide grooves 2281 are formed on both sides of the lifting guide 228. The guide grooves 2281 can be formed along the length from the top to the bottom of the lifting guide 228.

[0133] The upper support boss 226 is the portion for the upper end of the spring 23 to hook onto, and extends downward from the bottom surface of the lifting guide 228 to a predetermined length, inserting into the interior of the spring 23. The insertion of the upper support boss 226 into the upper end of the spring 23 prevents the upper end of the spring 23 from detaching from the upper latch 22. Furthermore, the formation of the spring hole 225 prevents interference between the spring 23 and the upper latch body 221.

[0134] Figure 17 This is a perspective view of the side latch constituting the cover locking module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0135] Reference Figure 17 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cover locking module 20 includes a pair of side latches 24.

[0136] Specifically, the opposing side latches 24 include a left latch and a right latch. Each of the opposing side latches 24 includes a side latch body 241, a guide protrusion 242, and a side hook 243. The guide protrusion 242 protrudes a predetermined length from the front of the side latch body 241 and is formed at a point adjacent to the left or right edge of the side latch body 241. For example, the guide protrusion 242 of the left latch may be formed on the right edge of the side latch body 241, while the guide protrusion 242 of the right latch may be formed on the left edge of the side latch body 241. Each pair of guide protrusions 242 is inserted into a pair of guide protrusion holes 227 formed in the upper latch 22, and they move in the left-right direction along the guide protrusion holes 227 when the upper latch 22 moves up and down.

[0137] Side hooks 243 extend from the rear surface of the side latch body 241. The side hooks 243 of the left latch and the right latch are symmetrically formed with the protrusions extending in opposite directions. Therefore, as the slider 21 moves in the vertical direction, the pair of side latches 24 move horizontally toward or away from each other, thereby inserting into or separating from the side hook holes 112 formed on both sides of the housing 11.

[0138] The side hook 243 has a pair of guide grooves 2431 formed therein, and the pair of guide grooves 2431 can be formed on the upper surface and the lower surface of the side hook 243, respectively.

[0139] Figure 18 This is an enlarged view showing the stepped portion of the cover to which the cover locking module according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached.

[0140] See Figure 18 A stepped portion 121 is formed on the upper front portion of the cover 12, and the stepped portion 121 is covered by the slider 21.

[0141] In detail, the slider support ridge 130 protrudes from the lower end of the stepped portion 121, and an insertion rib through-hole 1301 is formed on the upper surface of the slider support ridge 130. An insertion rib 229 extending from the lower end of the upper latch 22 is inserted into the insertion rib through-hole 1301. Furthermore, the front surface of the slider support ridge 130 supports the front portion 2111 of the slider 21. Additionally, side support ridges 1211 are formed on the two side edges of the stepped portion 121 to support the side portions 2112 of the slider 21. Specifically, the side portions 2112 of the slider 21 move up and down while in close contact with the side support ridges 1211, thereby preventing lateral swaying during movement. Furthermore, the lower end of the rear surface of the front portion 2111 of the slider 21 moves while in close adhesion to the front of the slider support ridge 130, thereby preventing the slider from swaying in the front-back direction during movement.

[0142] Meanwhile, the internal space of the stepped portion 121 defined by the upper surface of the opposite support ridge 1211, the upper surface of the slider support ridge 130, and the upper surface of the cover 12 can be defined as the cover locking module mounting portion.

[0143] The cover locking module installation part includes a side lock buckle through hole 1232, a lifting guide through hole 126, an upper hook through hole 127, a slider hook insertion hole 128, and a spring receiving hole 129.

[0144] In detail, the spring receiving hole 129 extends vertically from approximately the center of the cover locking module mounting portion to a predetermined length. Specifically, the spring receiving hole 129 extends downward from the upper end (or the upper end of the stepped portion) of the cover locking module mounting portion to a predetermined length, and may extend to a point spaced upward from the upper surface of the slider support ridge 130. The spring receiving hole 129 receives the spring 23.

[0145] The spring support rib 125 can be formed at any point between the upper and lower ends of the spring receiving hole 129. The spring support rib 125 is used to support the spring 23 housed in the spring receiving hole 129 so that the spring 23 does not bend during the compression process of the spring 23.

[0146] An opening formed on the upper side of the spring support rib 125 is defined as a lifting guide through-hole 126 into which a lifting guide 228, protruding from the rear surface of the upper latch 22, is inserted. Guide ribs 1261 extend from the left and right edges of the lifting guide through-hole 126, and these guide ribs 1261 are inserted into a pair of guide grooves 2281 recessed into both sides of the lifting guide 228. This structure facilitates the smooth up-and-down movement of the upper latch 22 by having the guide ribs 1261 support the lifting guide 228 as the upper latch 22 moves up and down.

[0147] The lower end of the spring receiving hole 129 has a horizontally forward-protruding extension end 120, and the upper surface of the extension end 120 has a lower support boss 124 extending upward for a predetermined length. The lower support boss 124 is inserted into the lower end of the spring 23 to support the spring 23.

[0148] Specifically, when the lifting guide 228 is inserted into the lifting guide through hole 126, the lower support boss 124 is located directly below the upper support boss 226. As a result, the central axis of the spring 23 becomes coaxial with the central axis of the upper support boss 226 and the central axis of the lower support boss 124.

[0149] Meanwhile, upper hook through holes 127 are formed on the left and right sides of spring receiving holes 129, and the upper hook 223 of the upper latch 22 passes through the upper hook through holes 127. The upper hook 223 passes through the upper hook through holes 127 and engages with the upper hook hole 116 formed on the upper surface of the housing 11.

[0150] Slider hook insertion holes 128 are formed on the left and right sides of spring receiving holes 129 and extend a predetermined length in the vertical direction. Furthermore, a pair of slider hooks 213 extending from the rear surface of slider 21 pass through the pair of slider hook insertion holes 128 and engage with the rear surface of the cover locking module mounting portion. When the slider hooks 213 are hooked onto the rear side of the cover locking module mounting portion, slider 21 can move stably in the vertical direction.

[0151] Side latch through holes 1232 are formed below spring receiving holes 129, and are respectively formed on the left and right sides of the cover locking module mounting portion. A pair of side latches 24 are respectively inserted into a pair of side latch through holes 1232.

[0152] Guide ribs 1231 are formed on the upper and lower edges of each of the pair of side latch through holes 1232. The pair of guide ribs 1231 are inserted into guide grooves 2431 formed in the side latch 24, thereby preventing the side latch 24 from disengaging from the side latch through holes 1232. Additionally, the guide ribs 1231 are inserted into the guide grooves 2431 to guide horizontal movement of the side latch 24.

[0153] The horizontal length of the guide rib 1231 is shorter than the horizontal length of the side latch through hole 1232. Therefore, after the side hook 243 of the side latch 24 is inserted into the space where the guide rib 1231 is not formed, when the guide protrusion 242 of the side latch 24 is inserted into the guide protrusion hole 227 of the upper latch 22, the guide rib 1231 is inserted into the guide groove 2431 of the side latch 24. Furthermore, when the guide protrusion 242 moves left and right along the guide protrusion hole 227, the guide rib 1231 moves relative to the guide groove 2431.

[0154] Figure 19 It is along Figure 12 The cross-sectional view of the control box cut by line 19-19 shows its appearance before the slider descends, and Figure 20 yes Figure 19 Rear view of the cover in the state shown.

[0155] Reference Figure 19 and Figure 20 Before the slider 21 descends, the upper hook 223 remains engaged in the upper hook hole 116, and the side hook 243 remains engaged in the side hook hole 112.

[0156] In this state, the guide protrusion 242 of the side latch 24 remains hooked in the lower part of the guide protrusion hole 227. Additionally, the spring 23 retains its original state before compression.

[0157] Figure 21 It is along Figure 12 The cross-sectional view of the control box cut by line 19-19 shows the slider in its fully lowered state, and Figure 22 yes Figure 21 Rear view of the cover in the state shown.

[0158] Reference Figure 21 and Figure 22 When slider 21 is Figure 12 When the slider 21 descends in the direction of the arrow, the lower end of the slider 21 engages with the lower end of the step portion 121.

[0159] During this process, the pressing rib 212 of the slider 21 presses against the front rib 222 of the locking buckle 22, causing the locking buckle 22 to descend. As the locking buckle 22 descends, the hook 223 separates from the hook hole 116, and the spring 23 is compressed.

[0160] Furthermore, as the upper latch 22 descends, the guide protrusion 227 also descends, and as the guide protrusion 227 descends, the guide protrusion 242 of the side latch 24 moves horizontally toward each other along the guide protrusion 227, which is inclined at a certain angle. As a result, the side hook 243 separates from the side hook hole 112, making the cover 12 separable from the housing 11, i.e., unlocked.

[0161] In this state, when the force applied to the slider 21 is removed, the slider 21 and the upper latch 22 rise to their original positions due to the elastic force of the spring 23, and finally, the upper hook 223 engages with the upper hook hole 116 and the side hook 243 engages with the side hook hole 112, thereby causing the cover 12 to return to the housing 11 in the locked state.

[0162] Figure 23 It is a diagram showing the path of light emitted from a light source.

[0163] Reference Figure 23Light of different colors emitted from the first light source 151 and the second light source 152 passes sequentially through the light-transmitting hole 1415 and the light guide 122 of the plate holder 14 and is projected onto the rear surface of the hidden display 123. Then, the light illuminating the rear surface of the hidden display 123 passes through the hidden display 123 and is perceived by the user's eye.

[0164] Here, due to the barrier wall 1416 formed between adjacent light-transmitting holes 1415, the light emitted from the first light source 151 and the light emitted from the second light source 152 do not interfere with each other and pass through the light-transmitting holes 1415 respectively.

[0165] Furthermore, the light-transmitting holes 1415 are formed in such a way that their width gradually increases from the light source 15 toward the light guide 122, so that the light emitted from the light source 15 can be diffusely guided into the interior of the light guide 122.

[0166] Furthermore, the lower end of the light guide 122 is spaced apart from the upper surface of the plate holder 14, so that the light guide 122 and the upper surface of the plate holder 14 will not interfere with each other even when the cover 12 is attached to the front of the housing 11.

[0167] Cross-references to related applications

[0168] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0020172, filed on February 17, 2025, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0054942, filed on April 25, 2025, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A control box, the control box comprising: case; A circuit board, wherein the circuit board is disposed inside the housing; A board retainer, the board retainer comprising a first portion connected to the circuit board and a second portion connected to the housing; as well as A fastening member for securing the plate retainer to the housing. Wherein, at least one of the planes passing through the first portion and the second portion is configured to be parallel to the component mounting surface of the circuit board.

2. The control box of claim 1, wherein, The front end of the circuit board has a retainer engagement groove for engaging the first portion, and The first portion has an engagement rod that engages with the retainer engagement groove.

3. The control box according to claim 1, wherein, A fastening boss is formed on the second part. A retainer flange is formed on the inner side of the housing to accommodate the fastening boss, and The fastening boss is fixed to the retainer flange by the fastening member.

4. The control box according to claim 3, wherein, The fastening member is inserted sequentially into the fastening boss and the retainer flange in a direction from the front to the rear of the housing.

5. The control box according to claim 1, wherein, The plate retainer includes a cable retainer that protrudes for cable support.

6. The control box according to claim 1, wherein, The plate retainer includes a flexible latch portion formed on the plate retainer, and The circuit board includes a protruding insertion portion for the latch portion to be inserted.

7. The control box according to claim 6, wherein, The latch portion includes: A latch body, formed by cutting a portion of the circuit board; and A latching protrusion that protrudes from the end of the latch body. The latch protrusion is inserted into the protrusion insertion portion.

8. The control box according to claim 7, wherein, The end of the latch protrusion is formed at an angle, such that during the process of attaching the plate holder to the circuit board, the latch body gradually bends as it slides along the surface of the circuit board. And when the latch protrusion is inserted into the protrusion insertion portion, the latch body returns to its original position by elastic force.

9. The control box according to claim 1, wherein, One or more insertion protrusions are formed on the rear end of the circuit board, and The housing includes a plate support frame that supports the one or more insertion protrusions.

10. The control box according to claim 9, wherein, One or more insertion holes are formed inside the plate support frame into which the one or more insertion protrusions are inserted.

11. The control box according to claim 10, wherein, After the circuit board is inserted into the housing until the one or more insertion protrusions are inserted into the one or more insertion holes, the one or more insertion protrusions are supported by engaging with the board support frame due to the downward movement of the circuit board.

12. The control box according to claim 11, wherein, The bottom surface of the housing has a pair of support ribs that support the lower end of the circuit board. And when one or more insertion protrusions engage with the board support frame, the lower end of the circuit board is inserted into the space formed between the pair of support ribs.

13. The control box according to claim 1, wherein, Multiple light-transmitting holes are formed inside the plate holder, and A partition wall is formed between the plurality of light-transmitting holes.

14. The control box according to claim 13, wherein, One or more light sources are mounted on the circuit board.

15. The control box according to claim 14, wherein, With the plate holder connected to the circuit board, light emitted from the one or more light sources is directed toward the one or more light-transmitting holes.

16. The control box according to claim 15, wherein, The control box also includes a cover for opening or closing the open front surface of the housing. The light guide protrudes from the rear of the cover, and One or more optical channels are formed inside the optical guide.

17. The control box according to claim 1, wherein, The board retainer is bent to cover the corner where the front and top edges of the circuit board intersect.

18. The control box according to claim 1, wherein, The circuit board is inserted into the housing in the same direction as the fastening member is inserted into the housing.

19. A control box, the control box comprising: case; A circuit board, located inside the housing; A board holder, the board holder being connected to the housing and the circuit board; as well as A fastening member for securing the plate retainer to the housing. At least a portion of the edge of the circuit board is inserted into the board holder, such that both sides of the circuit board are supported by the board holder.

20. A control box, the control box comprising: case; A circuit board, located inside the housing; A board holder, the board holder being connected to the housing and the circuit board; as well as A fastening member for securing the plate retainer to the housing. The plate retainer is fixed to the protruding portion inside the housing by the fastening member, thereby keeping the circuit board spaced apart from the inner wall of the housing.

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