Controller housing

Abstract

To provide a controller housing which can be configured with a minimum number of different components and which minimizes the space between boards arranged above and below, thereby enabling space saving for controller installation.SOLUTION: A housing 2 of a controller 1 includes a cover 4, a bottom case 5, an intermediate case 6, and a fixing member (not shown). The bottom case 5 includes a first bottom notch 5C and a second bottom notch 5D for accommodating a connector 3B of a board 3. In this case, the notch depth of the second bottom notch 5D is shallower than the height of the connector 3B of the board 3. The intermediate case 6 has a first middle notch 6B and a second middle notch 6C for accommodating the connector 3B of the board 3. In this case, the notch depth of the second middle notch 6C is shallower than the height of the connector 3B of the board 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a housing for a controller mounted on a construction machine (work machine) such as a hydraulic excavator, a wheel loader, or a dump truck. [Background technology]

[0002] In general, construction machines such as hydraulic excavators, wheel loaders, and dump trucks are equipped with controllers for controlling various electrical devices. The controller is configured by accommodating electronic control boards on which electronic components, connectors, and the like are mounted in a housing. For example, the housing of the controller accommodates various electronic control boards (hereinafter also simply referred to as "boards"), such as an electronic control board for controlling hydraulic devices such as a control valve, an electronic control board for controlling communications, an electronic control board for controlling an air conditioner, an electronic control board for controlling a monitor (display device), an electronic control board for controlling an inverter, and an electronic control board for controlling a converter.

[0003] In the field of work machines, including construction machines, the increase in the number of controllers and the number of harnesses has led to an issue of how to reduce the space required for controllers. Controllers have electronic components that can be switched between mounted and unmounted on the same board depending on the model of construction machine, and when there are many unmounted components, a large area of ​​the board becomes wasted space. Furthermore, the location of controllers has shifted from inside the cab to outside the cab, making it an issue to be able to mount the controller in a small space.

[0004] Here, controllers are becoming larger and more numerous due to the increasing complexity of control of hydraulic equipment and the increase in output from controllers, and as a result, the installation space for controllers is becoming narrower. For example, consider miniaturization through high-density mounting of electronic components to meet the required number of outputs. In this case, increasing the number of electronic components will increase the number of wiring inside the board, and the more wiring, the narrower the wiring spacing will be. This makes manufacturing difficult and requires great consideration to ensure quality.

[0005] On the other hand, if the board is divided and each board is housed in a separate housing to avoid narrowing the wiring interval, the total size of the controller will become larger and the space it occupies will increase. In recent years, controllers are often installed outside the driver's cab, so the smaller the controller, the greater the freedom in where it can be installed and the higher the quality. In addition, construction machinery controllers have many electronic components that can be switched between mounted and unmounted so that the same board can be used for multiple types of construction machinery, so the board area for the unmounted electronic components can be wasted.

[0006] In response to this, for example, Patent Document 1 describes an electronic control board storage box in which multiple U-shaped intermediate cases that store boards between a lower cover and an upper cover are stacked. With this electronic control board storage box, a housing that stores the required number of boards required for each specification can be constructed with a combination of the minimum number of parts, making it possible to miniaturize the controller. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-140200 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, the electronic control board storage box of Patent Document 1 stores a board with a connector mounted in a U-shaped intermediate case, and the height of this intermediate case depends on the height of the connector. This results in wasted space between the boards arranged above and below, leaving room for improvement in terms of space saving. In particular, controllers used in construction machines must be earthquake-resistant (vibration-resistant), so relatively large connectors are often used. For this reason, when the electronic control board storage box of Patent Document 1 is used in construction machines, there is a possibility that the wasted space between the boards will increase significantly.

[0009] One object of the present invention is to provide a controller housing which can be constructed using a combination of the minimum number of components, and which minimizes the space between adjacent boards, thereby enabling space saving in installation of the controller. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The present invention preferably relates to a controller housing comprising a cover, a bottom case, an intermediate case capable of accommodating an electronic control board having a connector mounted thereon, and a fixing member for maintaining the assembled state of the cover and the bottom case, or the cover, the bottom case and the intermediate case, wherein the bottom case has a bottom notch for accommodating the connector of the electronic control board, the notch depth of at least one of the bottom notches being shallower than the height of the connector, and the intermediate case has a first intermediate notch for accommodating the connector of the electronic control board accommodated in the intermediate case itself, and a second intermediate notch for accommodating the connector of the electronic control board accommodated in the overlapping intermediate case, the notch depth of the second intermediate notch being shallower than the height of the connector. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to configure the controller with a combination of the minimum number of parts, and to minimize the space between boards arranged one above the other, thereby enabling space saving for controller installation. In other words, it is possible to configure a housing that accommodates only the required number of boards required for each specification in the minimum required space, with a combination of the minimum number of parts. Also, the space between boards arranged one above the other can be minimized. This allows space saving for controller installation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a controller according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2]2 is a perspective view showing the cover in FIG. 1 turned upside down. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a bottom case in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an intermediate case in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the controller (after assembly) according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the controller in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 7 is a front view of the controller as seen from below in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is a left side view of the controller as seen from the right side of FIG. 6. [Figure 9] 7 is a rear view of the controller as seen from above in FIG. 6. [Figure 10] FIG. 3 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 2, showing a cover according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 3, showing a bottom case according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 5 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 4, showing an intermediate case according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a controller (after assembly) according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a plan view showing the controller in FIG. [Figure 15] 15 is a front view of the controller as seen from below in FIG. 14. [Figure 16] 15 is a right side view of the controller as seen from the left side of FIG. 14. [Figure 17] 15 is a left side view of the controller as seen from the right side of FIG. 14. [Figure 18] FIG. 3 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 2, showing a cover according to a third embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 4 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 3, showing a bottom case according to a third embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 5 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 4, showing an intermediate case according to a third embodiment. [Figure 21]FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a controller (after assembly) according to a third embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a plan view showing the controller in FIG. 21. [Figure 23] 23 is a front view of the controller as seen from below in FIG. 22. [Figure 24] 23 is a left side view of the controller as seen from the right side of FIG. 22. [Diagram 25] 23 is a rear view of the controller as seen from above in FIG. 22. [Figure 26] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a controller according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a controller (after completion of assembly) according to a modification of the second embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a plan view showing the controller in FIG. 27. [Figure 29] 29 is a front view of the controller as viewed from below in FIG. 28. [Diagram 30] 29 is a left side view of the controller as seen from the right side of FIG. 28. [Diagram 31] 29 is a right side view of the controller as seen from the left side of FIG. 28. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, the housing of the controller according to the embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0014] 1 to 9 show a first embodiment. In Fig. 1, the controller 1 includes a housing 2 that constitutes an outer shell (box) of the controller 1, and a plurality of electronic control boards 3 (hereinafter referred to as boards 3) housed in the housing 2. In the first embodiment, the controller 1 includes three boards 3. That is, three boards 3 are housed in the housing 2 of the controller 1. The controller 1 is mounted, for example, on a hydraulic excavator (not shown), which is a representative example of construction machinery.

[0015] The board 3 of the controller 1 has electronic components and a connector 3B. The board 3 corresponds to various electronic control boards, such as an electronic control board for controlling hydraulic equipment such as a control valve, an electronic control board for controlling communication, an electronic control board for controlling an air conditioner, an electronic control board for controlling a display device (monitor), an electronic control board for controlling an inverter, an electronic control board for controlling a converter, etc. A cable (harness) not shown is connected to the connector 3B. The board 3 is connected to various electrical equipment such as a solenoid of a control valve, a communication device, an air conditioner, a display device, an inverter, a converter, etc., via the connector 3B and the cable (harness).

[0016] FIG. 1 shows the controller 1 in a disassembled state (before the housing 2 and the board 3 are assembled). FIG. 2 shows the cover 4 that constitutes a part of the housing 2. In this case, FIG. 2 shows the cover 4 in FIG. 1 upside down. FIG. 3 shows the bottom case 5 that constitutes a part of the housing 2. FIG. 4 shows the middle case 6 that constitutes a part of the housing 2. FIG. 5 to FIG. 9 show the controller 1 after assembly has been completed.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the board 3 accommodated in the housing 2 includes a rectangular plate 3A on which electronic components are attached, and a connector 3B that serves as a rectangular connection port provided on one of the four sides of the plate 3A. The plate 3A is provided with a plurality of (e.g., eight) mounting holes 3A1 through which mounting screws (not shown) for fixing the board 3 to a bottom case 5 or an intermediate case 6 described below are inserted. The base end side of the connector 3B is a trapezoidal flange 3B1. The long side (upper side) of the four sides of the flange 3B1 is provided with a groove 3B2 into which a groove fitting protrusion 4D of the cover 4 or a groove fitting protrusion 6H (FIG. 1) of the intermediate case 6 described below fits. In addition, the remaining three sides of the four sides of the flange 3B1 other than the long side are provided with a groove fitting protrusion 3B3 that fits into a groove 5G of the bottom case 5 or a groove 6G of the intermediate case 6 described below.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4, the housing 2 includes a cover 4, a bottom case 5, and two intermediate cases 6. The housing 2 includes the cover 4, the bottom case 5, and two intermediate cases 6, and thus accommodates three boards 3. For example, as in a modified example shown in FIG. 26 described later, the intermediate case 6 may be omitted, and the housing 2 may include the cover 4 and the bottom case 5, thereby accommodating one board 3 in the housing 2. Although not shown, for example, the housing 2 may include the cover 4, the bottom case 5, and one intermediate case 6, thereby accommodating two boards 3 in the housing 2. For example, the housing 2 may include the cover 4, the bottom case 5, and three intermediate cases 6, thereby accommodating four boards 3 in the housing 2.

[0019] That is, the number of intermediate cases 6 can be increased or decreased depending on the number of boards 3 required for the controller 1. In other words, zero or more intermediate cases 6 can be arranged between the cover 4 and the bottom case 5 (between the top and bottom) depending on the number of boards 3 housed in the housing 2. When one board 3 is housed in the housing 2, the housing 2 can be constructed by the cover 4 and the bottom case 5 without arranging the intermediate case 6 between the cover 4 and the bottom case 5 (see FIG. 26). The housing 2 (cover 4, bottom case 5, intermediate case 6) can be formed of, for example, synthetic resin. Note that the material of the housing 2 (cover 4, bottom case 5, intermediate case 6) is not limited to synthetic resin, and various materials such as metal can be adopted depending on the strength, weight, durability, performance, material (properties) required for the housing 2.

[0020] Fig. 2 shows the cover 4. Fig. 2 shows the cover 4 in Fig. 1 upside down. The cover 4 is configured as a substantially rectangular plate. The cover 4 includes a rectangular lid portion 4A, a protruding wall 4B as a blocking portion provided on one of the four sides constituting the periphery of the lid portion 4A, fixing portions 4C provided on the four corners of the lid portion 4A, and a groove fitting protrusion 4D provided around the entire periphery of the lid portion 4A including the protruding wall 4B.

[0021] The lid portion 4A of the cover 4 covers the opening (frame portion 6A) of the uppermost intermediate case 6 or the opening (tubular portion 5B) of the bottom case 5. That is, when two or more boards 3 are housed in the housing 2, the opening (frame portion 6A) of the uppermost intermediate case 6 is covered by the lid portion 4A of the cover 4. In contrast, when one board 3 is housed in the housing 2, the opening (tubular portion 5B) of the bottom case 5 is covered by the lid portion 4A of the cover 4 (see FIG. 26).

[0022] The convex wall 4B is provided on the lower surface of the lid portion 4A (the lower surface in FIG. 1, the upper surface in FIG. 2). The convex wall 4B protrudes in a trapezoidal shape from the lid portion 4A toward the lower side (the lower side in FIG. 1, the upper side in FIG. 2) which is the side of the intermediate case 6 and the bottom case 5. The convex wall 4B covers the second intermediate cutout portion 6C which is a shallow cutout portion of the uppermost intermediate case 6, or the second bottom cutout portion 5D which is a shallow cutout portion of the bottom case 5. That is, when two or more boards 3 are accommodated in the housing 2, the second intermediate cutout portion 6C of the uppermost intermediate case 6 is blocked by the convex wall 4B of the cover 4. On the other hand, when one board 3 is accommodated in the housing 2, the second bottom cutout portion 5D of the bottom case 5 is blocked by the convex wall 4B of the cover 4.

[0023] The convex wall 4B fits into the second bottom cutout 5D of the bottom case 5 or the second middle cutout 6C of the middle case 6, thereby blocking the second bottom cutout 5D of the bottom case 5 or the second middle cutout 6C of the middle case 6. For this reason, the convex wall 4B has a shape that matches (conforms to) the second bottom cutout 5D of the bottom case 5 and the second middle cutout 6C of the middle case 6.

[0024] The fixing parts 4C are provided at the four corners of the lid part 4A. The fixing parts 4C protrude horizontally from the periphery of the lid part 4A. The fixing parts 4C are provided at the four corners of the lid part 4A so that they are in the same position when the cover 4 is rotated 180 degrees. In other words, the fixing parts 4C are provided at positions that are line-symmetrical when the cover 4 is viewed from above. The fixing parts 4C are provided with insertion holes 4C1 through which fixing screws (not shown) for maintaining the assembled state of the housing 2 are inserted.

[0025] When the housing 2 is composed of the cover 4 and the bottom case 5, the fixing screw is inserted through the insertion hole 4C1 of the cover 4 and screwed into the female threaded hole 5F1 of the bottom case 5. On the other hand, when the housing 2 is composed of the cover 4, the bottom case 5, and one or more intermediate cases 6, the fixing screw is inserted through the insertion hole 4C1 of the cover 4 and the insertion hole 6F1 of the intermediate case 6, and screwed into the female threaded hole 5F1 of the bottom case 5. The fixing screw corresponds to a fixing member for maintaining the cover 4 and the bottom case 5, or the cover 4, the bottom case 5, and the intermediate case 6 in an assembled state.

[0026] The groove fitting protrusion 4D is provided on the lower surface of the lid portion 4A (lower surface in FIG. 1, upper surface in FIG. 2). The groove fitting protrusion 4D is provided so as to surround the periphery of the lid portion 4A including the convex wall 4B, and protrudes from the lid portion 4A and the convex wall 4B toward the lower side (lower side in FIG. 1, upper side in FIG. 2) which is the side of the intermediate case 6 and the bottom case 5. The groove fitting protrusion 4D is fitted into the groove 6G of the uppermost intermediate case 6 or the groove 5G of the bottom case 5. The groove fitting protrusion 4D is also fitted into the periphery (groove 3B2 of the flange 3B1) of the connector 3B of the board 3 attached to the uppermost intermediate case 6, or the periphery (groove 3B2 of the flange 3B1) of the connector 3B of the board 3 attached to the bottom case 5.

[0027] The groove fitting protrusion 4D fits into the periphery (groove 3B2 of flange 3B1) of the connector 3B of the substrate 3 and the groove 6G of the intermediate case 6 or the groove 5G of the bottom case 5, thereby preventing liquid from entering the inside of the housing 2 from the outside. This ensures the waterproofing required when the controller 1 is installed outside the driver's room (e.g., the cab) of a construction machine (e.g., a hydraulic excavator). Note that the sealing property of the housing 2 can be improved by applying a sealant between the groove fitting protrusion 4D and the periphery (groove 3B2 of flange 3B1) of the connector 3B of the substrate 3 and the groove 6G of the intermediate case 6, or between the groove fitting protrusion 4D and the periphery (groove 3B2 of flange 3B1) of the connector 3B of the substrate 3 and the groove 6G of the bottom case 5, as necessary.

[0028] 3 shows the bottom case 5. The bottom case 5 is configured as a substantially rectangular cylinder with a bottom. The bottom case 5 includes a rectangular bottom 5A, a rectangular cylinder 5B protruding from the periphery of the bottom 5A toward the upper side (upper side in FIGS. 1 and 3) that is the side of the intermediate case 6 and the cover 4, a first bottom notch 5C provided on one of the four sides of the rectangular cylinder 5B, a second bottom notch 5D provided on the side of the four sides of the cylinder 5B that is 180° opposite to the first bottom notch 5C, a plurality of bases 5E for fixing the substrate 3, fixing portions 5F provided at the four corners of the cylinder 5B, and a groove portion 5G provided around the entire periphery of the upper surface of the cylinder 5B including the first bottom notch 5C and the second bottom notch 5D.

[0029] The bottom 5A of the bottom case 5 covers the lower opening of the tube part 5B. The tube part 5B is a rectangular frame and is provided on the upper surface of the bottom part 5A so as to surround the outer periphery of the bottom part 5A. The upper surface of one of the four sides of the rectangular tube part 5B is provided with a first bottom cutout part 5C that is recessed from the upper surface toward the bottom part 5A. The first bottom cutout part 5C is an opening for allowing the connector 3B of the board 3 attached to the bottom case 5 to be exposed to the outer surface of the housing 2. In this case, the first bottom cutout part 5C has the same size as the connector 3B (bump part 3B1) of the board 3. In other words, the depth dimension (cutout depth, vertical dimension) of the first bottom cutout part 5C is the same as the height dimension (vertical dimension) of the connector 3B (bump part 3B1) of the board 3. In this specification, "same" also includes "approximately the same".

[0030] In addition, a second bottom cutout 5D is provided on the upper surface of the side of the rectangular tube portion 5B that is 180° opposite to the side on which the first bottom cutout 5C is provided, the second bottom cutout 5D being recessed from the upper surface toward the bottom portion 5A. The second bottom cutout 5D is an opening for exposing a part (lower half) of the lower side of the connector 3B of the board 3 located one step above the board 3 attached to the bottom case 5 to the outer surface of the housing 2. In this case, the second bottom cutout 5D is the same size as a part (lower half) of the lower side of the connector 3B (bump 3B1) of the board 3. In other words, the depth dimension (cutout depth, vertical dimension) of the second bottom cutout 5D is smaller than the height dimension (vertical dimension) of the connector 3B (bump 3B1) of the board 3. That is, the second bottom cutout 5D is a cutout that is shallower than the first bottom cutout 5C.

[0031] When one board 3 is housed in the housing 2, that is, when the cover 4 is placed on the top of the bottom case 5, the second bottom cutout 5D is blocked by the convex wall 4B of the cover 4. For this reason, the second bottom cutout 5D has the same size as the convex wall 4B of the cover 4. In other words, the depth dimension (cutout depth, vertical dimension) of the second bottom cutout 5D is the same as the height dimension (vertical dimension) of the convex wall 4B of the cover 4.

[0032] The base 5E is provided on the bottom 5A. The base 5E is a rectangular protrusion protruding upward from the bottom 5A. Eight bases 5E are provided on the bottom 5A. In this case, six of the bases 5E are provided at positions in contact with the inner surface of the tube portion 5B. The remaining two bases 5E are provided at a distance from each other in the center of the bottom 5A. The bases 5E are provided at positions corresponding to the mounting holes 3A1 of the substrate 3. The bases 5E are provided with female threaded holes 5E1. Mounting screws (not shown) for fixing the substrate 3 to the bases 5E are screwed into the female threaded holes 5E1 of the bases 5E.

[0033] The fixing parts 5F are provided at the four corners of the bottom 5A (the four corners of the tube part 5B). The fixing parts 5F protrude horizontally from the periphery of the tube part 5B at the same height (thickness) as the tube part 5B. The fixing parts 5F are provided at the four corners of the bottom 5A (the four corners of the tube part 5B) so that they are in the same position when the bottom case 5 is rotated 180 degrees. That is, the fixing parts 5F are provided at positions that are line-symmetrical when the bottom case 5 is viewed from above. The fixing parts 5F are provided with female screw holes 5F1 into which fixing screws (not shown) for maintaining the assembled state of the housing 2 are screwed. That is, fixing screws for fixing the cover 4, the bottom case 5, and a required number of intermediate cases 6 together are screwed into the female screw holes 5F1 of the bottom case 5.

[0034] The groove 5G is provided on the upper surface of the tube portion 5B (upper surface in FIGS. 1 and 3). The groove 5G is provided on the entire upper surface of the tube portion 5B including the first bottom notch 5C and the second bottom notch 5D, and is recessed downward from the upper surface (lower side in FIGS. 1 and 3). The periphery of the connector 3B of the board 3 attached to the bottom case 5 (groove fitting protrusion 3B3 of the flange 3B1) is fitted into the portion of the groove 5G corresponding to the first bottom notch 5C. The periphery of the connector 3B of the board 3 located one step above the board 3 attached to the bottom case 5 (groove fitting protrusion 3B3 of the flange 3B1) or the portion of the groove fitting protrusion 4D of the cover 4 corresponding to the convex wall 4B is fitted into the portion of the groove 5G corresponding to the second bottom notch 5D. A groove fitting protrusion 6H (FIG. 1) of the lowermost intermediate case 6 or a groove fitting protrusion 4D of the cover 4 is fitted into a portion of the groove 5G that is not aligned with the first bottom cutout 5C and the second bottom cutout 5D.

[0035] The groove 5G fits with the periphery of the connector 3B of the board 3 (groove fitting protrusion 3B3 of the flange 3B1) and the groove fitting protrusion 6H (FIG. 1) of the intermediate case 6 or the groove fitting protrusion 4D of the cover 4, thereby preventing liquid from entering the inside of the housing 2 from the outside. This ensures the waterproofing required when the controller 1 is installed outside the cab of the construction machine. Note that the sealing property of the housing 2 can be improved by applying a sealant between the groove 5G and the periphery of the connector 3B of the board 3 (groove fitting protrusion 3B3 of the flange 3B1) and the groove fitting protrusion 6H of the intermediate case 6, or between the groove 5G and the periphery of the connector 3B of the board 3 (groove fitting protrusion 3B3 of the flange 3B1) and the groove fitting protrusion 4D of the cover 4, as necessary.

[0036] 4 shows the intermediate case 6. The intermediate case 6 is configured as a substantially rectangular frame. The intermediate case 6 includes a rectangular frame 6A, a first intermediate cutout 6B provided on one of the four sides of the rectangular frame 6A, a second intermediate cutout 6C provided on the side of the frame 6A that is 180° opposite to the first intermediate cutout 6B, a support piece 6D and a plurality of bases 6E for fixing the substrate 3, fixing parts 6F provided at the four corners of the frame 6A, a groove 6G provided on the upper surface of the frame 6A including the first intermediate cutout 6B and the second intermediate cutout 6C, and a groove fitting protrusion 6H (FIG. 1) provided on the lower surface of the frame 6A.

[0037] The frame 6A of the intermediate case 6 is a rectangular frame (more specifically, a substantially rectangular frame with one of the four sides cut off midway). The frame 6A of the intermediate case 6 is a rectangular shape with the same dimensions as the tubular portion 5B of the bottom case 5, i.e., a substantially rectangular shape with the same dimensions as the portion of the tubular portion 5B of the bottom case 5 excluding the first bottom cutout portion 5C. In this specification, "same dimensions" also includes "approximately the same dimensions." The height dimension (vertical dimension) of the frame 6A is smaller than the height dimension (vertical dimension) of the connector 3B (brim portion 3B1) of the board 3.

[0038] A first intermediate cutout 6B is provided on one of the four sides of the rectangular frame 6A by cutting (dividing) a large part of the side. The first intermediate cutout 6B is an opening for exposing a part (upper half) of the upper side of the connector 3B of the board 3 attached to the intermediate case 6 to the outer surface of the housing 2. The first intermediate cutout 6B is cut out so as to cut (divide) one side of the frame 6A, and the depth dimension (cutout depth, vertical dimension) of the first intermediate cutout 6B is the same as the height dimension (vertical dimension) of the frame 6A. In addition, the first intermediate cutout 6B is the same size as a part (upper half) of the upper side of the connector 3B (bump 3B1) of the board 3. In other words, the depth dimension (cutout depth, vertical dimension) of the first intermediate cutout 6B is smaller than the height dimension (vertical dimension) of the connector 3B (bump 3B1) of the board 3.

[0039] In addition, a second intermediate cutout 6C is provided on the upper surface of the side of the rectangular frame 6A that is 180° opposite to the side on which the first intermediate cutout 6B is provided, the second intermediate cutout 6C being recessed downward from the upper surface. The second intermediate cutout 6C is an opening for exposing a part (lower half) of the lower side of the connector 3B of the board 3 located one step above the board 3 attached to the intermediate case 6 to the outer surface of the housing 2. In this case, the second intermediate cutout 6C has the same size as a part (lower half) of the lower side of the connector 3B (bump 3B1) of the board 3. In other words, the depth dimension (cutout depth, vertical dimension) of the second intermediate cutout 6C is smaller than the height dimension (vertical dimension) of the connector 3B (bump 3B1) of the board 3.

[0040] Also, the depth dimension (notch depth, vertical dimension) of the second intermediate cutout 6C is smaller than the height dimension (vertical dimension) of the frame portion 6A. That is, the second intermediate cutout 6C is a cutout shallower than the first intermediate cutout 6B. Also, the sum of the depth dimension of the second intermediate cutout 6C and the depth dimension of the first intermediate cutout 6B is equal to the height dimension of the connector 3B (the flange portion 3B1) of the board 3. In this specification, "match" also includes "almost match". Also, the depth dimension of the second intermediate cutout 6C is shallower than the depth dimension of the first intermediate cutout 6B. In this case, the depth dimension of the second intermediate cutout 6C is equal to the depth dimension of the second bottom cutout 5D of the bottom case 5.

[0041] When the cover 4 is disposed above the intermediate case 6, the second intermediate cutout 6C is blocked by the convex wall 4B of the cover 4. Therefore, the second intermediate cutout 6C has the same size as the convex wall 4B of the cover 4. In other words, the depth dimension (cutout depth, vertical dimension) of the second intermediate cutout 6C is the same as the height dimension (vertical dimension) of the convex wall 4B of the cover 4.

[0042] The support piece 6D is provided in the frame 6A in a cross shape. That is, the support piece 6D extends from the inner surface of three of the four sides of the frame 6A toward the center of the frame 6A so as to intersect. The base 6E is provided on the frame 6A and the support piece 6D. The base 6E is a rectangular support. Similarly to the bottom case 5, the intermediate case 6 is provided with eight bases 6E. In this case, four bases 6E are provided on the inner side of the four corners of the frame 6A. The remaining four bases 6E are provided on the support piece 6D. The base 6E is provided at a position corresponding to the mounting hole 3A1 of the substrate 3. The base 6E is provided with a female screw hole 6E1. A mounting screw (not shown) for fixing the substrate 3 to the base 6E is screwed into the female screw hole 6E1 of the base 6E.

[0043] The fixing parts 6F are provided at the four corners of the frame part 6A. The fixing parts 6F protrude horizontally from the periphery of the frame part 6A at the same height (thickness) as the frame part 6A. The fixing parts 6F are provided at the four corners of the frame part 6A so that they are in the same position when the intermediate case 6 is rotated 180 degrees. In other words, the fixing parts 6F are provided at positions that are line-symmetrical when the intermediate case 6 is viewed from above. The fixing parts 6F are provided with insertion holes 6F1 through which fixing screws (not shown) for maintaining the assembled state of the housing 2 are inserted.

[0044] The groove 6G is provided on the upper surface (upper surface in Figs. 1 and 4) of the frame 6A including the first intermediate cutout 6B and the second intermediate cutout 6C, and is recessed downward (lower side in Figs. 1 and 4) from the upper surface. The peripheral edge (groove fitting protrusion 3B3 of the flange 3B1) of the connector 3B of the board 3 attached to the intermediate case 6 is fitted into the portion of the groove 6G corresponding to the first intermediate cutout 6B. The peripheral edge (groove fitting protrusion 3B3 of the flange 3B1) of the connector 3B of the board 3 located one step above the board 3 attached to the intermediate case 6 is fitted into the portion of the groove 6G corresponding to the second intermediate cutout 6C, or the portion of the groove fitting protrusion 4D of the cover 4 corresponding to the convex wall 4B. A groove fitting protrusion 6H (FIG. 1) of the lowermost intermediate case 6 or a groove fitting protrusion 4D of the cover 4 is fitted into a portion of the groove 6G that is not aligned with the first intermediate cutout 6B and the second intermediate cutout 6C.

[0045] The groove 6G fits with the periphery of the connector 3B of the board 3 (groove fitting protrusion 3B3 of the flange 3B1) and the groove fitting protrusion 6H (FIG. 1) of the intermediate case 6 or the groove fitting protrusion 4D of the cover 4, thereby preventing liquid from entering the inside of the housing 2 from the outside. This ensures the waterproofing required when the controller 1 is installed outside the cab of the construction machine. Note that the sealing property of the housing 2 can be improved by applying a sealant between the groove 6G and the periphery of the connector 3B of the board 3 (groove fitting protrusion 3B3 of the flange 3B1) and the groove fitting protrusion 6H of the intermediate case 6, or between the groove 6G and the periphery of the connector 3B of the board 3 (groove fitting protrusion 3B3 of the flange 3B1) and the groove fitting protrusion 4D of the cover 4, as necessary.

[0046] The groove fitting protrusion 6H (FIG. 1) is provided on the lower surface of the frame portion 6A (the lower surface in FIGS. 1 and 4). The groove fitting protrusion 6H is provided continuously on the lower surface of the frame portion 6A at a portion other than the first middle cutout portion 6B, and protrudes from the frame portion 6A toward the lower side (the lower side in FIGS. 1 and 4) on the side of the intermediate case 6 and the bottom case 5. The groove fitting protrusion 6H is fitted into a portion of the groove portion 6G of the intermediate case 6, which is one step lower, excluding the first middle cutout portion 6B and the second middle cutout portion 6C, or a portion of the groove portion 5G of the bottom case 5, excluding the first bottom cutout portion 5C and the second bottom cutout portion 5D. In addition, the groove fitting protrusion 6H fits into the peripheral edge (groove portion 3B2 of flange portion 3B1) of the connector 3B of the board 3 attached to the intermediate case 6 one step below, or the peripheral edge (groove portion 3B2 of flange portion 3B1) of the connector 3B of the board 3 attached to the bottom case 5.

[0047] The groove fitting protrusion 6H fits into the periphery of the connector 3B of the substrate 3 (groove 3B2 of the flange 3B1) and the groove 6G of the intermediate case 6 one step below or the groove 5G of the bottom case 5, thereby preventing liquid from entering the inside of the housing 2 from the outside. This ensures the waterproofing required when the controller 1 is installed outside the cab of the construction machine. Note that the sealing property of the housing 2 can be improved by applying a sealant between the groove fitting protrusion 6H and the periphery of the connector 3B of the substrate 3 (groove 3B2 of the flange 3B1) and the groove 6G of the intermediate case 6 one step below, or between the groove fitting protrusion 6H and the periphery of the connector 3B of the substrate 3 (groove 3B2 of the flange 3B1) and the groove 5G of the bottom case 5, as necessary.

[0048] Thus, according to the first embodiment, the housing 2 of the controller 1 includes the cover 4, the bottom case 5, the intermediate case 6, and a fixing screw (not shown) as a fixing member. The cover 4 corresponds to the lid member disposed at the uppermost part of the housing 2. The bottom case 5 corresponds to the bottom member disposed at the lowermost part of the housing 2. The intermediate case 6 is disposed between the bottom case 5 and the cover 4 in accordance with the number of boards 3 housed in the housing 2. The number of intermediate cases 6 is one less than the number of boards 3 housed in the housing 2.

[0049] The intermediate case 6 can accommodate the board 3 on which the connector 3B is mounted. The fixing screw maintains the assembled state of the cover 4 and the bottom case 5, or the cover 4, the bottom case 5, and the intermediate case 6. The fixing screw is inserted through the insertion hole 4C1 of the fixing portion 4C of the cover 4 and the insertion hole 6F1 of the fixing portion 6F of the intermediate case 6, and is screwed into the female screw hole 5F1 of the fixing portion 5F of the bottom case 5. In the first embodiment, the fixing member for maintaining the assembled state of the cover 4, the bottom case 5, and the intermediate case 6 is the "fixing screw". However, the fixing member is not limited to the "fixing screw", and various fixing members can be used as long as they can maintain the assembled state of the cover 4, the bottom case 5, and the intermediate case 6, which are separate members.

[0050] The bottom case 5 has bottom cutouts 5C and 5D for accommodating the connector 3B of the board 3. In the first embodiment, the bottom case 5 has a plurality (two) of bottom cutouts 5C and 5D, namely, a first bottom cutout 5C and a second bottom cutout 5D. The cutout depth of the second bottom cutout 5D, which is at least one bottom cutout, is shallower than the height of the connector 3B (bump 3B1) of the board 3. On the other hand, in the first embodiment, the cutout depth of the first bottom cutout 5C is the same as the height of the connector 3B (bump 3B1) of the board 3. The orientations of the first bottom cutout 5C and the second bottom cutout 5D of the bottom case 5 are not in the same direction. That is, the first bottom cutout 5C of the bottom case 5 and the second bottom cutout 5D, which is a shallow cutout, are in a positional relationship in which the phases are different by 180 degrees when viewed from above.

[0051] The intermediate case 6 has a first intermediate cutout 6B for accommodating the connector 3B (flange 3B1) of the board 3 accommodated in the intermediate case 6 itself, and a second intermediate cutout 6C for accommodating the connector 3B (flange 3B1) of the board 3 accommodated in the overlapping intermediate case 6. The cutout depth of the second intermediate cutout 6C is shallower than the height of the connector 3B (flange 3B1) of the board 3. The cutout depth of the first intermediate cutout 6B is also shallower than the height of the connector 3B (flange 3B1) of the board 3. The sum of the cutout depths of the first intermediate cutout 6B and the second intermediate cutout 6C is equal to the height dimension of the connector 3B (flange 3B1) of the board 3.

[0052] In addition, the orientations of the first and second intermediate cutouts 6B and 6C of one intermediate case 6 are not the same. That is, the first and second intermediate cutouts 6B and 6C of one intermediate case 6 are out of phase with each other by 180 degrees when viewed from above. The housing 2 can change the number of boards 3 accommodated by changing the number of stacked intermediate cases 6. In addition, the cover 4 has a protruding wall 4B as a blocking portion that blocks a cutout portion (i.e., the second bottom cutout 5D of the bottom case 5 or the second middle cutout 6C of the uppermost intermediate case 6) in which the connector 3B (the flange portion 3B1) is not accommodated.

[0053] The controller 1 and its housing 2 according to the first embodiment have the configuration described above, and the following describes the procedure for assembling the controller 1. Note that Fig. 1 shows the controller 1 in a disassembled state prior to assembly, and Figs. 5 to 9 show the controller 1 after assembly has been completed.

[0054] <1> A sealant is applied to the groove 5G of the first bottom cutout 5C of the bottom case 5. In this state, the board 3 is placed on the bottom case 5 and fixed with a mounting screw (not shown). At this time, the periphery of the connector 3B of the board 3 (groove fitting protrusion 3B3 of the flange 3B1) is fitted into the groove 5G of the first bottom cutout 5C. Also, a mounting screw is inserted into the mounting hole 3A1 of the board 3, and this mounting screw is screwed into the female threaded hole 5E1 of the base 5E of the bottom case 5.

[0055] <2> A sealant is applied to the groove 5G excluding the second bottom cutout 5D of the bottom case 5, and to the upper groove 3B2 of the connector 3B (bump 3B1) of the board 3 fixed to the bottom case 5. In this state, the first-stage intermediate case 6 is placed on the bottom case 5. At this time, the first middle cutout 6B of the intermediate case 6 is positioned above the second bottom cutout 5D of the bottom case 5. Then, the groove fitting protrusion 6H (FIG. 1) of the first-stage intermediate case 6 is fitted into the groove 5G of the bottom case 5 to which the sealant has been applied and the upper groove 3B2 of the connector 3B (bump 3B1).

[0056] <3> A sealant is applied to the groove 6G of the first intermediate cutout 6B of the first-stage intermediate case 6 and the groove 5G of the second bottom cutout 5D of the bottom case 5. In this state, the board 3 is placed on the first-stage intermediate case 6 and fixed with a mounting screw (not shown). At this time, the periphery (groove fitting protrusion 3B3 of the flange 3B1) of the connector 3B of the board 3 is fitted into the groove 6G of the first intermediate cutout 6B of the first-stage intermediate case 6 and the groove 5G of the second bottom cutout 5D of the bottom case 5. Also, a mounting screw is inserted into the mounting hole 3A1 of the board 3, and this mounting screw is screwed into the female threaded hole 6E1 of the base 6E of the first-stage intermediate case 6.

[0057] <4> A sealant is applied to the groove 6G of the first-stage intermediate case 6 excluding the second middle cutout 6C, and to the upper groove 3B2 of the connector 3B (bump 3B1) of the board 3 fixed to the first-stage intermediate case 6. In this state, the second-stage intermediate case 6 is placed on the upper side of the first-stage intermediate case 6. At this time, the first middle cutout 6B of the second-stage intermediate case 6 is positioned above the second middle cutout 6C of the first-stage intermediate case 6. Then, the groove fitting protrusion 6H (FIG. 1) of the second-stage intermediate case 6 is fitted into the groove 6G of the first-stage intermediate case 6 to which the sealant has been applied and the upper groove 3B2 of the connector 3B (bump 3B1).

[0058] <5> A sealant is applied to the groove 6G of the first intermediate cutout 6B of the second intermediate case 6 and the groove 6G of the second intermediate cutout 6C of the first intermediate case 6. In this state, the board 3 is placed on the second intermediate case 6 and fixed with a mounting screw (not shown). At this time, the periphery (groove fitting protrusion 3B3 of the flange 3B1) of the connector 3B of the board 3 is fitted into the groove 6G of the first intermediate cutout 6B of the second intermediate case 6 and the groove 6G of the second intermediate cutout 6C of the first intermediate case 6. Also, a mounting screw is inserted into the mounting hole 3A1 of the board 3, and this mounting screw is screwed into the female threaded hole 6E1 of the base 6E of the second intermediate case 6.

[0059] <6> A sealant is applied to the entire groove 6G of the second-stage intermediate case 6 and to the upper groove 3B2 of the connector 3B (brim 3B1) of the board 3 fixed to the second-stage intermediate case 6. In this state, the cover 4 is placed on the top of the second-stage intermediate case 6. At this time, the convex wall 4B of the cover 4 is fitted into the second intermediate cutout 6C of the second-stage intermediate case 6. At the same time, the groove fitting protrusion 4D of the cover 4 is fitted into the groove 6G of the second-stage intermediate case 6 to which the sealant has been applied and the upper groove 3B2 of the connector 3B (brim 3B1).

[0060] <7> A fixing screw is inserted through the insertion hole 4C1 of the fixing part 4C of the cover 4 and the insertion hole 6F1 of the fixing part 6F of the two intermediate cases 6, and this fixing screw is screwed into the female threaded hole 5F1 of the fixing part 5F of the bottom case 5. This joins the cover 4, the bottom case 5, and the two intermediate cases 6 together. As a result, the controller 1 that houses the three boards 3 and is waterproof is completed.

[0061] Here, as shown in FIG. 9, the connector 3B (bump 3B1) of the second-stage board 3 is fitted across the first intermediate cutout 6B of the first-stage intermediate case 6 and the second bottom cutout 5D, which is a shallow cutout of the bottom case 5. Also, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 7, the connector 3B (bump 3B1) of the third-stage board 3 is fitted across the first intermediate cutout 6B of the second-stage intermediate case 6 and the second intermediate cutout 6C, which is a shallow cutout of the first-stage intermediate case 6. This makes it possible to minimize the space between the boards 3 that are stacked vertically. That is, the controller 1 (housing 2) of the first embodiment can save space in the height direction (reduce the height dimension) compared to the conventional technology.

[0062] In addition, as in the modified example of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 26, when the controller 1 requires only one board 3, which is the minimum number of boards, the housing 2 can be configured with only the cover 4 and the bottom case 5 without using the intermediate case 6. This allows the controller 1 to be reconfigured to any size that matches the required functions. In this case, the second bottom cutout 5D, which is a shallow cutout in the bottom case 5, does not have a connector (brim) of the board to be accommodated, but is blocked by the convex wall 4B of the cover 4. This allows for a sealed structure.

[0063] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the second bottom cutout 5D, which is at least one bottom cutout of the bottom case 5, has a cutout depth shallower than the height of the connector 3B (flange 3B1) of the board 3. Also, the second middle cutout 6C of the middle case 6 has a cutout depth shallower than the height of the connector 3B (flange 3B1) of the board 3. That is, the bottom case 5 and the middle case 6 have the second bottom cutout 5D and the second middle cutout 6C, which are shallow cutouts for accommodating the connector 3B (flange 3B1) of the board 3 one level above. Therefore, the space between the boards 3 that are stacked vertically can be minimized. This allows the controller 1 to be made smaller, and the space required for installing the controller can be saved. As a result, for example, in the case of a construction machine, the space inside the cab can be expanded and the degree of freedom in the installation location can be improved. In addition, the housing 2 can be constructed by combining a minimum number of parts (the cover 4, the bottom case 5, and the minimum necessary intermediate case 6), eliminating the need for multiple types of housings. This allows for cost reduction through the standardization of parts.

[0064] According to the first embodiment, the orientations of the first and second intermediate cutouts 6B and 6C of one intermediate case 6 are not the same. This allows the orientations of the overlapping connectors 3B (bump 3B1) to be different. This allows the distance between the vertically overlapping boards 3 to be close to or less than the thickness of the connectors 3B (bump 3B1).

[0065] According to the first embodiment and its modified examples, the number of boards 3 that can be accommodated can be changed by changing the number of layers in the intermediate case 6. This allows the number of boards 3 that can be accommodated to be changed as desired, making it possible to provide a controller 1 with control functions of any specification. In other words, by mounting and adding / removing unmounted components on the boards 3 accommodated in the intermediate case 6, it is possible to add / remove functions of the controller 1. This allows the controller 1 to be configured in a size that matches the functions.

[0066] According to the first embodiment and its modified example, the cover 4 has a convex wall 4B that closes the second bottom cutout 5D of the bottom case 5 or the second middle cutout 6C of the middle case 6 in which the connector 3B (brim 3B1) is not housed. Therefore, the convex wall 4B of the cover 4 can close the "shallow cutout 5D of the bottom case 5" or the "shallow cutout 6C of the uppermost middle case 6" located on the lower side of the cover 4. That is, since there is no connector (brim) to be housed in the "shallow cutout 5D of the bottom case 5" or the "shallow cutout 6C of the uppermost middle case 6" located on the lower side of the cover 4, the internal board 3 is exposed through the shallow cutout 5D or 6C until that point, but the convex wall 4B of the cover 4 can close this shallow cutout 5D or 6C. This can prevent the internal board 3 from being exposed through the shallow cutout 5D or 6C.

[0067] Next, Fig. 10 to Fig. 17 show the second embodiment. The second embodiment is characterized in that the first bottom cutout 5C of the bottom case 5 and the second bottom cutout 5D, which is a shallow cutout, are in a positional relationship in which the phases differ by 90° when viewed from above, the first middle cutout 6B of one middle case 6 and the second middle cutout 6C, which is a shallow cutout, are in a positional relationship in which the phases differ by 90° when viewed from above, and the fixing parts 4C, 5F, and 6F of the cover 4, bottom case 5, and middle case 6 are provided at positions that are point-symmetrical by 90° when viewed from above. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0068] The controller 1 includes a housing 2 and a board 3. In the second embodiment, the controller 1 includes two boards 3. That is, the housing 2 of the controller 1 houses the two boards 3.

[0069] FIG. 10 shows the cover 4 that constitutes a part of the housing 2. In this case, FIG. 10 shows the cover 4 upside down. That is, when the cover 4 is to cover the opening of the bottom case 5 or the intermediate case 6, the top side of the cover 4 in FIG. 10 is attached to the bottom case 5 or the intermediate case 6 with the top side facing down. FIG. 11 shows the bottom case 5 that constitutes a part of the housing 2. FIG. 12 shows the intermediate case 6 that constitutes a part of the housing 2. Also, FIGS. 13 to 17 show the controller 1 after assembly is complete.

[0070] The housing 2 includes a cover 4, a bottom case 5, and one intermediate case 6. The housing 2 is configured with the cover 4, the bottom case 5, and one intermediate case 6, and thus accommodates two boards 3. Although not shown, the intermediate case 6 may be omitted and the housing 2 may be configured with the cover 4 and the bottom case 5, thereby accommodating one board 3 in the housing 2. Also, for example, the housing 2 may be configured with the cover 4, the bottom case 5, and two intermediate cases 6, thereby accommodating three boards 3 in the housing 2. Also, for example, as in a modified example shown in FIG. 27 to FIG. 31 described later, the housing 2 may be configured with the cover 4, the bottom case 5, and three intermediate cases 6, thereby accommodating four boards 3 in the housing 2.

[0071] 10, the fixing parts 4C of the cover 4 are provided at the four corners of the lid part 4A so that they are in the same position when the cover 4 is rotated 90 degrees. In other words, the fixing parts 4C are provided at positions that are point-symmetrical at 90 degrees when the cover 4 is viewed from above.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 11, a first bottom notch 5C is provided on one of the four sides of the tube portion 5B of the bottom case 5. A second bottom notch 5D is provided on a side of the four sides of the tube portion 5B that is out of phase with the side on which the first bottom notch 5C is provided. That is, in the second embodiment, the first bottom notch 5C and the second bottom notch 5D are in a positional relationship in which they are out of phase with each other by 90 degrees when viewed from above. The fixing portions 5F of the bottom case 5 are provided at the four corners of the bottom portion 5A (the four corners of the tube portion 5B) so that they are in the same position when the bottom case 5 is rotated by 90 degrees. That is, the fixing portions 5F are provided at positions that are symmetrical about 90 degrees when the bottom case 5 is viewed from above.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 12, a first intermediate cutout 6B is provided on one of the four sides of the frame 6A of the intermediate case 6. Also, a second intermediate cutout 6C is provided on a side of the frame 6A that is out of phase with the side on which the first intermediate cutout 6B is provided, out of the four sides of the frame 6A. That is, in the second embodiment, the first intermediate cutout 6B and the second intermediate cutout 6C are in a positional relationship in which they are out of phase with each other by 90 degrees when viewed from above. The fixing portions 6F of the intermediate case 6 are provided on the four corners of the frame 6A so that they are in the same position when the intermediate case 6 is rotated by 90 degrees. That is, the fixing portions 6F are provided at positions that are symmetrical about 90 degrees when the intermediate case 6 is viewed from above.

[0074] Thus, according to the second embodiment, the orientations of the first bottom notch 5C and the second bottom notch 5D of the bottom case 5 are not the same direction. That is, the first bottom notch 5C of the bottom case 5 and the second bottom notch 5D, which is a shallow notch, are in a positional relationship in which the phases are different by 90 degrees when viewed from above. Furthermore, the orientations of the first middle notch 6B and the second middle notch 6C of one middle case 6 are not the same direction. That is, the first middle notch 6B and the second middle notch 6C, which is a shallow notch, of one middle case 6 are in a positional relationship in which the phases are different by 90 degrees when viewed from above. Furthermore, the fixing parts 4C, 5F, and 6F of the cover 4, the bottom case 5, and the middle case 6 are positioned to be point-symmetrical by 90 degrees when viewed from above.

[0075] Next, a procedure for assembling the controller 1 of the second embodiment will be described. Note that Figures 13 to 17 show the controller 1 in a state after assembly is completed.

[0076] <1> A sealant is applied to groove portion 5G of first bottom cutout portion 5C of bottom case 5. In this state, substrate 3 is placed on bottom case 5 and fixed with mounting screws (not shown).

[0077] <2> A sealant is applied to groove portion 5G excluding second bottom cutout portion 5D of bottom case 5 and groove portion 3B2 above connector 3B (flange portion 3B1) of board 3 fixed to bottom case 5. In this state, intermediate case 6 is placed on bottom case 5.

[0078] <3> A sealant is applied to the groove 6G of the first middle cutout 6B of the intermediate case 6 and the groove 5G of the second bottom cutout 5D of the bottom case 5. In this state, the substrate 3 is placed on the intermediate case 6 and fixed with mounting screws (not shown).

[0079] <4> A sealant is applied to the entire groove 6G of the intermediate case 6 and to the groove 3B2 above the connector 3B (flange portion 3B1) of the board 3 fixed to the intermediate case 6. In this state, the cover 4 is placed on the upper side of the intermediate case 6.

[0080] <5> A fixing screw is inserted through the insertion hole 4C1 of the fixing part 4C of the cover 4 and the insertion hole 6F1 of the fixing part 6F of the intermediate case 6, and this fixing screw is screwed into the female threaded hole 5F1 of the fixing part 5F of the bottom case 5. This joins the cover 4, the bottom case 5, and one intermediate case 6 together. As a result, the controller 1 housing the two boards 3 is completed.

[0081] 13 and 17, the connector 3B (brim portion 3B1) of the second-tier board 3 is fitted across the first middle cutout portion 6B of the intermediate case 6 and the second bottom cutout portion 5D, which is a shallow cutout portion, of the bottom case 5. This makes it possible to minimize the space between the boards 3 that are stacked one on top of the other.

[0082] When controller 1 requires four boards 3, as in the modified example of the second embodiment shown in Figures 27 to 31, housing 2 can be constructed using three intermediate cases 6. The procedure for assembling controller 1 of the modified example shown in Figures 27 to 31 will be described below.

[0083] <1> from <3> is the second embodiment <1> from <3> The process is similar to that of <2> and <3> The "intermediate case 6" in this figure corresponds to the "first stage intermediate case 6" in Figures 27 to 31.

[0084] <4> A sealant is applied to the groove 6G excluding the second middle cutout 6C of the first-stage intermediate case 6, and to the groove 3B2 above the connector 3B (flange 3B1) of the board 3 fixed to the first-stage intermediate case 6. In this state, the second-stage intermediate case 6 is placed on the upper side of the first-stage intermediate case 6.

[0085] <5> A sealant is applied to the groove 6G of the first intermediate cutout 6B of the second-stage intermediate case 6 and the groove 6G of the second intermediate cutout 6C of the first-stage intermediate case 6. In this state, the substrate 3 is placed on the second-stage intermediate case 6 and fixed with mounting screws (not shown).

[0086] <6> A sealant is applied to the groove 6G excluding the second middle cutout 6C of the second-stage intermediate case 6, and to the groove 3B2 above the connector 3B (bump 3B1) of the board 3 fixed to the second-stage intermediate case 6. In this state, the third-stage intermediate case 6 is placed on the upper side of the second-stage intermediate case 6.

[0087] <7> A sealant is applied to the groove 6G of the first intermediate cutout 6B of the third-tier intermediate case 6 and the groove 6G of the second intermediate cutout 6C of the second-tier intermediate case 6. In this state, the substrate 3 is placed on the third-tier intermediate case 6 and fixed with mounting screws (not shown).

[0088] <8> A sealant is applied to the entire groove 6G of the third-tier intermediate case 6 and to the groove 3B2 above the connector 3B (flange portion 3B1) of the board 3 fixed to the third-tier intermediate case 6. In this state, the cover 4 is placed on the top of the third-tier intermediate case 6.

[0089] <9> Fixing screws are inserted through the insertion holes 4C1 of the fixing portion 4C of the cover 4 and the insertion holes 6F1 of the fixing portions 6F of the three intermediate cases 6, and the fixing screws are screwed into the female threaded holes 5F1 of the fixing portion 5F of the bottom case 5. This joins the cover 4, the bottom case 5, and the three intermediate cases 6 together. As a result, the controller 1 housing the four boards 3 is completed.

[0090] Here, as shown in FIG. 27 and FIG. 30, the connector 3B (flange portion 3B1) of the second-stage board 3 is fitted across the first intermediate cutout portion 6B of the first-stage intermediate case 6 and the second bottom cutout portion 5D, which is a shallow cutout portion of the bottom case 5. Although not shown, the connector 3B (flange portion 3B1) of the third-stage board 3 is fitted across the first intermediate cutout portion 6B of the second-stage intermediate case 6 and the second intermediate cutout portion 6C, which is a shallow cutout portion of the first-stage intermediate case 6. As shown in FIG. 27 and FIG. 31, the connector 3B (flange portion 3B1) of the fourth-stage board 3 is fitted across the first intermediate cutout portion 6B of the third-stage intermediate case 6 and the second intermediate cutout portion 6C, which is a shallow cutout portion of the second-stage intermediate case 6. This makes it possible to minimize the space between the boards 3 that are arranged vertically stacked. The more substrates 3 that are accommodated, the more space can be saved, and therefore a greater space-saving effect can be achieved.

[0091] In the second embodiment and its modified examples, the housing 2 of the controller 1 is constituted by the cover 4, bottom case 5, and middle case 6 as described above, and its basic operation is not particularly different from that of the first embodiment and its modified examples described above. That is, the second embodiment can also be constituted by combining a minimum number of parts, and the space between the boards arranged above and below can be minimized, thereby enabling space saving in the installation of the controller.

[0092] Next, Fig. 18 to Fig. 25 show a third embodiment. The third embodiment is characterized in that the housing is a simple, non-waterproof structure. In the third embodiment, the bottom case has one bottom cutout.

[0093] The controller 21 of the third embodiment includes a housing 22 and a board 23. In the third embodiment, the controller 21 includes two boards 23. That is, the housing 22 of the controller 21 accommodates the two boards 23.

[0094] FIG. 18 shows cover 24 which constitutes a part of housing 22. In this case, FIG. 18 shows cover 24 upside down. That is, when covering the opening of bottom case 25 or intermediate case 26 with cover 24, the upper side of cover 24 in FIG. 18 is attached to bottom case 25 or intermediate case 26 with the upper side facing downward. FIG. 19 shows bottom case 25 which constitutes a part of housing 22. FIG. 20 shows intermediate case 26 which constitutes a part of housing 22. Also, FIGS. 21 to 25 show controller 21 after assembly is complete.

[0095] The board 23 of the third embodiment does not have a flange on the base end side of the connector 23B. That is, in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and their modified examples, a trapezoidal flange 3B1 is provided on the base end side of the connector 3B of the board 3, but in the third embodiment, a flange does not have to be provided on the base end side of the connector 23B. In other words, in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and their modified examples, the flange 3B1 of the connector 3B of the board 3 constitutes a part of the outer surface of the housing 2, and the connection port and the flange 3B1 of the connector 3B are exposed. In contrast, in the third embodiment, only the connection port of the connector 23B is exposed.

[0096] The housing 22 includes a cover 24, a bottom case 25, and two intermediate cases 26. The housing 22 includes the cover 24, the bottom case 25, and two intermediate cases 26, and thus accommodates two boards 23. Although not shown, for example, the housing 22 may include the cover 24, the bottom case 25, and one intermediate case 26, and thus accommodate one board 23 in the housing 22. Also, for example, the housing 22 may include the cover 24, the bottom case 25, and three intermediate cases 26, and thus accommodate three boards 23 in the housing 22. That is, the number of intermediate cases 26 can be increased or decreased according to the number of boards 23 required for the controller 21. In the third embodiment, the number of intermediate cases 26 and the number of boards 23 accommodated in the housing 22 are the same.

[0097] 18, the cover 24 is configured as a substantially rectangular plate body. The cover 24 includes a rectangular lid portion 24A, wall portions 24B as blocking portions provided on three of the four sides constituting the periphery of the lid portion 24A, and insertion holes 24C provided at each of the four corners of the lid portion 24A.

[0098] The lid portion 24A of the cover 24 covers the opening (frame portion 26A) of the uppermost intermediate case 26. The wall portion 24B is provided on the lower surface of the lid portion 24A (upper surface in FIG. 18, lower surface in FIG. 21). The wall portion 24B protrudes from the lid portion 24A toward the lower side (upper side in FIG. 18, lower side in FIG. 21) that is the intermediate case 26 and the bottom case 25 side. The wall portion 24B closes the second intermediate cutout portion 26C that is a shallow cutout portion of the uppermost intermediate case 26. For this reason, the height dimension of the wall portion 24B is equal to or greater than the depth dimension of the second intermediate cutout portion 26C of the intermediate case 26. The wall portion 24B is provided over three of the four sides that constitute the periphery of the lid portion 24A, but it may be provided on only one of the four sides. When the wall portion 24B is provided on three sides of the lid portion 24A, the positioning of the cover 24 relative to the intermediate case 26 can be reliably performed by the wall portion 24B.

[0099] The insertion holes 24C are provided at the four corners of the rectangular lid portion 24A. The insertion holes 24C are provided at positions that are line symmetrical when the cover 24 is viewed from above and at positions that are point symmetrical at 90°. Fixing screws (not shown) for maintaining the assembled state of the housing 22 are inserted into the insertion holes 24C.

[0100] As shown in Fig. 19, bottom case 25 is configured as a substantially rectangular cylinder with a bottom. Bottom case 25 includes a rectangular bottom 25A, a rectangular cylinder portion 25B protruding from the periphery of bottom portion 25A toward the upper side (upper side in Figs. 19 and 21) on the side of intermediate case 26 and cover 24, a bottom notch 25C provided on one of the four sides of rectangular cylinder portion 25B, and female screw holes 25D provided at each of the four corners of cylinder portion 25B.

[0101] The bottom 25A of the bottom case 25 covers the lower opening of the tube part 25B. The tube part 25B is a rectangular frame and is provided on the upper surface of the bottom part 25A so as to surround the outer periphery of the bottom part 25A. The upper surface of one of the four sides of the rectangular tube part 25B is provided with a bottom notch 25C recessed from the upper surface toward the bottom part 25A. The bottom notch 25C is an opening for exposing a part (lower half) of the lower side of the connector 23B of the board 23 attached to the intermediate case 26 one step above the bottom case 25 to the outer surface of the housing 22. In this case, the bottom notch 25C has the same size as a part (lower half) of the lower side of the connector 23B (connection port) of the board 23. In other words, the depth dimension (notch depth, vertical dimension) of the bottom notch 25C is smaller than the height dimension (vertical dimension) of the connector 23B (connection port) of the board 23. That is, the bottom cutout portion 25C is a shallow cutout portion with a bottom.

[0102] The female screw holes 25D are provided at the four corners of the rectangular tubular portion 25B. The female screw holes 25D are provided at positions that are line symmetrical when the bottom case 25 is viewed from above and at positions that are point symmetrical at 90°. Fixing screws (not shown) for maintaining the assembled state of the housing 22 are screwed into the female screw holes 25D. That is, fixing screws serving as fixing members for fixing the cover 24, the bottom case 25, and the required number of intermediate cases 26 together are screwed into the female screw holes 25D of the bottom case 25.

[0103] 20, the intermediate case 26 is configured as a substantially rectangular frame body. The intermediate case 26 includes a rectangular frame portion 26A, a first intermediate cutout portion 26B provided on one of the four sides of the rectangular frame portion 26A, a second intermediate cutout portion 26C provided on the side of the four sides of the frame portion 26A that is 180° opposite to the first intermediate cutout portion 26B, a support piece 26D and a plurality of bases 26E for fixing the substrate 23, and insertion holes 26F provided at the four corners of the frame portion 26A.

[0104] Frame portion 26A of intermediate case 26 is a rectangular frame (more specifically, a substantially rectangular frame with one of the four sides cut off midway). Frame portion 26A of intermediate case 26 is a rectangular shape with the same dimensions as tube portion 25B of bottom case 25, that is, a substantially rectangular shape with the same dimensions as the portion of tube portion 25B of bottom case 25 excluding bottom cutout portion 25C. The height dimension (vertical dimension) of frame portion 26A is smaller than the height dimension (vertical dimension) of connector 23B (connection port) of substrate 23.

[0105] A first intermediate cutout 26B is provided on one of the four sides of the rectangular frame 26A by cutting (dividing) a large part of the side. The first intermediate cutout 26B is an opening for exposing a part (upper half) of the upper side of the connector 23B of the board 23 attached to the intermediate case 26 to the outer surface of the housing 22. The first intermediate cutout 26B is cut so as to cut (divide) one side of the frame 26A, and the depth dimension (cutout depth, vertical dimension) of the first intermediate cutout 26B is the same as the height dimension (vertical dimension) of the frame 26A. In addition, the first intermediate cutout 26B is the same size as a part (upper half) of the upper side of the connector 23B (connection port) of the board 23. In other words, the depth dimension (cutout depth, vertical dimension) of the first intermediate cutout 26B is smaller than the height dimension (vertical dimension) of the connector 23B (connection port) of the board 23.

[0106] In addition, a second intermediate cutout 26C is provided on the upper surface of the side of the rectangular frame 26A that is 180° opposite to the side on which the first intermediate cutout 26B is provided, the second intermediate cutout 26C being recessed downward from the upper surface. The second intermediate cutout 26C is an opening for exposing a part (lower half) of the lower side of the connector 23B of the board 23 located one step above the board 23 attached to the intermediate case 26 to the outer surface of the housing 22. In this case, the second intermediate cutout 26C has the same size as a part (lower half) of the lower side of the connector 23B (connection port) of the board 23. In other words, the depth dimension (cutout depth, vertical dimension) of the second intermediate cutout 26C is smaller than the height dimension (vertical dimension) of the connector 23B (connection port) of the board 23.

[0107] Also, the depth dimension (notch depth, vertical dimension) of the second intermediate cutout 26C is smaller than the height dimension (vertical dimension) of the frame portion 26A. That is, the second intermediate cutout 26C is a shallower cutout than the first intermediate cutout 26B. Also, the sum of the depth dimension of the second intermediate cutout 26C and the depth dimension of the first intermediate cutout 26B is equal to the height dimension of the connector 23B (connection port) of the board 23. Also, the depth dimension of the second intermediate cutout 26C is shallower than the depth dimension of the first intermediate cutout 26B. In this case, the depth dimension of the second intermediate cutout 26C is equal to the depth dimension of the bottom cutout 25C of the bottom case 25.

[0108] When the cover 24 is disposed above the intermediate case 26, the second intermediate cutout 26C is covered by the wall portion 24B of the cover 24. For this reason, the depth dimension (cutout depth, vertical dimension) of the second intermediate cutout 26C is equal to or smaller than the height dimension (vertical dimension) of the wall portion 24B of the cover 24.

[0109] The support pieces 26D are provided in a cross shape within the frame portion 26A. The base 26E is provided on the frame portion 26A and the support pieces 26D. The base 26E is provided at a position corresponding to a mounting hole (not shown) of the substrate 23. The base 26E is provided with a female screw hole 26E1. A mounting screw (not shown) for fixing the substrate 23 to the base 26E is screwed into the female screw hole 26E1 of the base 26E.

[0110] The insertion holes 26F are provided at the four corners of the rectangular frame portion 26A. The insertion holes 26F are provided at positions that are line symmetrical when the intermediate case 26 is viewed from above and at positions that are point symmetrical at 90°. Fixing screws (not shown) for maintaining the assembled state of the housing 22 are inserted into the insertion holes 26F.

[0111] Thus, according to the third embodiment, the housing 22 of the controller 21 includes the cover 24, the bottom case 25, the intermediate case 26, and fixing screws (not shown) as fixing members. The intermediate cases 26 are disposed between the bottom case 25 and the cover 24 in accordance with the number of boards 23 housed in the housing 22. According to the third embodiment, the number of intermediate cases 26 matches the number of boards 23 housed in the housing 22. The intermediate cases 26 are capable of housing boards 23 having connectors 23B mounted thereon. The fixing screws maintain the assembled state of the cover 24, the bottom case 25, and the intermediate case 26.

[0112] The bottom case 25 has a bottom cutout 25C for accommodating the connector 23B of the board 23. The cutout depth of the bottom cutout 25C is shallower than the height of the connector 23B (connection port) of the board 23. The intermediate case 26 has a first intermediate cutout 26B for accommodating the connector 23B (connection port) of the board 23 accommodated in the intermediate case 26 itself, and a second intermediate cutout 26C for accommodating the connector 23B (connection port) of the board 23 accommodated in the overlapping intermediate case 26. The cutout depth of the second intermediate cutout 26C is shallower than the height of the connector 23B (connection port) of the board 23. The cutout depth of the first intermediate cutout 26B is also shallower than the height of the connector 23B (connection port) of the board 23. The sum of the notch depth of the first intermediate cutout 26B and the notch depth of the second intermediate cutout 26C coincides with the height dimension of the connector 23B (connection port) of the board 23. In addition, the cover 24 has a wall portion 24B as a closing portion that closes a cutout portion that does not accommodate the connector 23B (connection port) (i.e., the second intermediate cutout 26C of the uppermost intermediate case 26).

[0113] Controller 21 and its housing 22 according to the third embodiment have the configuration described above, and the procedure for assembling controller 21 will be described below.

[0114] <1> The boards 23 are placed on the first and second intermediate cases 26 and fixed with mounting screws (not shown). At this time, the connectors 23B (connection ports) of the boards 23 are fitted into the first intermediate cutouts 26B of the intermediate cases 26. In this state, mounting screws are inserted into the mounting holes of the boards 23 and screwed into the female threaded holes 26E1 of the base 26E of the intermediate cases 26.

[0115] <2> The bottom case 25, the first intermediate case 26 with the board 23 attached, the second intermediate case 26 with the board 23 attached, and the cover 24 are stacked in this order from the bottom. At this time, the lower side of the connector 23B (connection port) of the board 23 attached to the first intermediate case 26, i.e., the portion of the connector 23B (connection port) that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the intermediate case 26, is fitted into the bottom notch 25C of the bottom case 25. Also, the lower side of the connector 23B (connection port) of the board 23 attached to the second intermediate case 26, i.e., the portion of the connector 23B (connection port) that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the intermediate case 26, is fitted into the second intermediate notch 26C of the first intermediate case 26. Also, the wall portion 24B of the cover 24 closes the second intermediate notch 26C of the second intermediate case 26.

[0116] <3> Fixing screws are inserted through insertion holes 24C of cover 24 and through holes 26F of two intermediate cases 26, and the fixing screws are screwed into female threaded holes 25D of bottom case 25. This joins cover 24, bottom case 25, and two intermediate cases 26 together. As a result, a non-waterproof controller 21 housing two circuit boards 23 is completed.

[0117] 21 and 23, connector 23B (connection port) of first-stage board 23 is fitted across first intermediate cutout 26B of first-stage intermediate case 26 and bottom cutout 25C, which is a shallow cutout, of bottom case 25. Also, as shown in Fig. 21 and 25, connector 23B (connection port) of second-stage board 23 is fitted across first intermediate cutout 26B of second-stage intermediate case 26 and second intermediate cutout 26C, which is a shallow cutout, of first-stage intermediate case 26. This makes it possible to minimize the space between boards 23 that are stacked vertically.

[0118] In the third embodiment, the housing 22 of the controller 21 is constituted by the cover 24, the bottom case 25, and the intermediate case 26 as described above, and its basic operation is not particularly different from that of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and their modified examples. That is, according to the third embodiment, the bottom cutout 25C of the bottom case 25 has a cutout depth shallower than the height of the connector 23B (connection port) of the board 23. Also, the second intermediate cutout 26C of the intermediate case 26 has a cutout depth shallower than the height of the connector 23B (connection port) of the board 23. That is, the bottom case 25 and the intermediate case 26 have the bottom cutout 25C and the second intermediate cutout 26C that are shallow cutouts for accommodating the connector 23B (connection port) of the board 23 one level above. Therefore, the third embodiment can also be constituted by a combination of the minimum number of parts, and the space between the boards 23 arranged above and below can be minimized, thereby saving space for installing the controller.

[0119] In the third embodiment, the first and second intermediate cutouts 26B and 26C of the intermediate case 26 are in a positional relationship in which the phases of the first and second intermediate cutouts 26B and 26C are different from each other by 180°. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first and second intermediate cutouts 26B and 26C of the intermediate case 26 may be in a positional relationship in which the phases of the first and second intermediate cutouts 26B and 26C are different from each other by 90°.

[0120] In the first to third embodiments and their modified examples (hereinafter simply referred to as "embodiments"), the cross-sectional shape (excluding the fixed parts 4C, 5F, 6F) of the housings 2, 22 (covers 4, 24, bottom cases 5, 25, and intermediate cases 6, 26) has been described as a regular quadrangle (square). However, this is not limiting, and the cross-sectional shape of the housings (covers, bottom cases, intermediate cases) may be, for example, rectangular. In other words, the lengths of the sides do not all have to be the same.

[0121] In the embodiment, the cross-sectional shape (excluding the fixed parts 4C, 5F, 6F) of the housings 2, 22 (covers 4, 24, bottom cases 5, 25, and intermediate cases 6, 26) is a rectangle. However, the cross-sectional shape of the housings (covers, bottom cases, intermediate cases) may be a polygon other than a rectangle, such as a triangle, a pentagon, or a hexagon. In this case, the positional relationship between the first intermediate cutout and the shallow second intermediate cutout of one intermediate case can be arranged according to the position (angle) of the side of the polygon. When the cross-sectional shape is a hexagon, the first intermediate cutout and the second intermediate cutout of one intermediate case may be in a positional relationship in which the phases differ by, for example, 60° when viewed from above.

[0122] Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the housing (cover, bottom case, intermediate case) may be circular. When the cross-sectional shape is circular, the first intermediate cutout portion and the second intermediate cutout portion of one intermediate case may be in a positional relationship in which the phases are different in the circumferential direction. That is, the first intermediate cutout portion and the second intermediate cutout portion of one intermediate case are not limited to a positional relationship of 90° or 180°, but may be in a positional relationship that is not in the same direction. In this case, the positional relationship between the first intermediate cutout portion and the second intermediate cutout portion of one intermediate case may be set according to the cross-sectional shape of the housing.

[0123] In the embodiment, the fixing members for fixing the cover 4, 24, bottom case 5, 25, and intermediate case 6, 26 of the housing 2, 22 are fixing screws. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various fixing members can be used as long as they can maintain the cover, bottom case, and intermediate case, which are separate members, in an assembled state. Furthermore, the mounting screws (substrate fixing members) for fixing the substrate 3, 23 to the bottom case 5 or intermediate case 6, 26 are not limited to screws, and various fixing members can be used.

[0124] In the embodiment, the connection ports of the connectors 3B and 23B are configured to protrude outward from the outer surfaces of the housings 2 and 22 (covers 4 and 24, bottom cases 5 and 25, and intermediate cases 6 and 26). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the connection ports of the connectors may not protrude from the outer surfaces of the housings (cover, bottom case, and intermediate case). For example, the opening edge of the connection port of the connector may be aligned with the outer surfaces of the housings (cover, bottom case, and intermediate case). Also, the opening edge of the connection port of the connector may be positioned inside (rearward) the outer surfaces of the housings (cover, bottom case, and intermediate case).

[0125] In the embodiment, a case where one board 3, 23 is fixed (housed) in the bottom case 5 and the intermediate case 6, 26 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which multiple boards (two or three or more) are fixed in the bottom case and / or the intermediate case may be used. In this case, multiple (two or three or more) bottom cutouts in the bottom case and / or intermediate cutouts (first intermediate cutout, second intermediate cutout) in the intermediate case can be provided according to the number of boards. For example, when the bottom case and the intermediate case are quadrangular (e.g., rectangular), multiple bottom cutouts and / or intermediate cutouts (first intermediate cutout, second intermediate cutout) can be provided on one side (long side).

[0126] In the embodiment, the controller 1, 21 is mounted on a hydraulic excavator, that is, the controller 1, 21 is used as a controller for a construction machine. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the controller may be mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile or a railroad car. In other words, the controller is not limited to construction machines and vehicles, and can be widely used as a controller for controlling electrical equipment of various types of machinery including general machinery, industrial machinery, etc.

[0127] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and other forms conceivable within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention are also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as the characteristics of the present invention are not compromised. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 1,21 Controller 2,22 Case 3,23 Board (electronic control board) 3B,23B Connector 4,24 Cover 4B Convex wall (blocking part) 5,25 Lower case 5D 2nd bottom notch (bottom notch) 6,26 Intermediate case 6B First intermediate cutout 6C Second intermediate cutout 24B Wall section (blocking section) 25C bottom notch 26B First intermediate cutout 26C Second intermediate cutout

Claims

1. Cover and The bottom case and an intermediate case capable of accommodating an electronic control board having a connector mounted thereon; a fixing member for maintaining an assembled state of the cover and the bottom case, or the cover, the bottom case, and the intermediate case; Equipped with the bottom case has a bottom notch for receiving a connector of the electronic control board, and a depth of at least one of the bottom notches is shallower than a height of the connector; the intermediate case has a first intermediate cutout for accommodating a connector of the electronic control board accommodated in the intermediate case itself, and a second intermediate cutout for accommodating a connector of the electronic control board accommodated in the overlapping intermediate case, the cutout depth of the second intermediate cutout being shallower than the height of the connector; A controller housing comprising:

2. the first intermediate cutout portion and the second intermediate cutout portion of one intermediate case are not oriented in the same direction; 2. The controller housing according to claim 1.

3. The number of electronic control boards that can be accommodated can be changed by changing the number of layers of the intermediate case.

2. The controller housing according to claim 1.

4. the cover has a closing portion that closes the bottom notch of the bottom case or the second middle notch of the middle case in which the connector is not housed.

2. The controller housing according to claim 1.

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