Joining member

Abstract

To provide a joining member for joining plates constituting a cabinet without using an adhesive, which can improve assembly accuracy for the plates.SOLUTION: A joining member 1 is configured to join a side plate 11 in which a first recess 112 is formed, and a back plate 12 in which a second recess 122 is formed, and is formed by bending a thin plate having elastic restoring force. The joining member 1 comprises: a main plate part 2; a first claw part 3 formed by bending one end part of the main plate part 2; and a second claw part 4 formed by bending the other end part of the main plate part 2. The first claw part 3 and the second claw part 4 have first folded parts 31, 41 formed by bending at an acute angle toward a first main surface side of the main plate part 2, and second folded parts 32, 42 formed by bending from the first folded parts 31, 41.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a joining member for joining plate materials in which recesses are formed.

Background Art

[0002] A cabinet is configured by joining plate materials so that a storage space is provided inside. For example, an open-type lower cabinet without a top plate or a cabinet with drawers has a horizontal bar connecting a pair of side plates above the front side. In order to obtain rigidity, a cabinet having a horizontal bar is usually joined using an adhesive and dowels between the main surface of the side plate and the end face of the horizontal bar. In this case, a plurality of dowels protruding from the end face of the horizontal bar are fitted into holes provided in the main surface of the side plate and fixed with an adhesive, so that the side plate and the horizontal bar are joined integrally. Further, since the joining is performed by both surfaces of the main surface of the side plate and the end face of the horizontal bar, the generation of a gap between the two surfaces is suppressed, and the rigidity of the cabinet is maintained.

[0003] However, in the conventional joining method using an adhesive and dowels, there is a possibility that the adhesive strength varies depending on the amount of the adhesive applied. Therefore, it is difficult to obtain an appropriate adhesive strength when assembling on site (in the case of knockdown). In addition, when using an adhesive, it is necessary to maintain an appropriate joining state and provide a curing time.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for joining plate materials without using an adhesive. The coupling structure of Patent Document 1 forms a convex portion in the cross-sectional shape of the edge portion of one top plate and a concave portion in the cross-sectional shape of the edge portion of the other top plate that fits into the convex portion when joining the top plate of the desk and the top plate of the desk wagon, and joins the top plate of the desk and the top plate of the desk wagon. It is a coupling structure between the top plate of the desk and the top plate of the desk wagon, and also forms a convex portion in the cross-sectional shape of the edge portion of one top plate and a concave portion in the cross-sectional shape of the edge portion of the other top plate that fits into the convex portion, and connects these two top plates with a connecting tool. It is a coupling structure between the top plate of the desk and the top plate of the desk wagon.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, the connector of the coupling structure in Patent Document 1 is provided with a protruding strip perpendicular to a rectangular plate, and this protruding strip is simply inserted into a concave portion of a top plate. For this reason, gaps are likely to occur between the plate materials, and it is difficult to maintain the assembling accuracy between the plate materials. In addition, the flat protruding strip is not sufficiently resistant to pulling out in the direction opposite to its insertion direction. As a result, the strength aspect is insufficient, and there is a possibility that the design property of the assembled cabinet may be impaired.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention has been devised in view of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a joining member for joining plate materials constituting a cabinet without using an adhesive, and capable of improving the assembling accuracy between the plate materials.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The joining member according to the present invention is a joining member for joining plate materials in which recesses are formed, and is configured by bending a thin plate having an elastic restoring force, and includes a main body plate portion, a first claw portion formed by bending one end portion of the main body plate portion, and a second claw portion formed by bending the other end portion of the main body plate portion. The first claw portion and the second claw portion are characterized by having a first return portion formed by being bent at an acute angle on the first main surface side of the main body plate portion, and a second return portion formed by being bent from the first return portion.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, there is provided a joining member for joining plate materials constituting a cabinet without using an adhesive, and the joining member can improve the assembling accuracy of the plate materials with each other.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments for implementing a joining member to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0012] <Cabinet 100> As shown in FIG. 1, the cabinet 100 is a box-shaped storage furniture formed by joining plate materials or the like and having a storage space inside. The cabinet 100 is, for example, a storage furniture that can also be provided with a slidable drawer (not shown) in the storage space. The cabinet 100 may be provided with a door that can be opened and closed via a hinge on the front surface of the storage space. The cabinet 100 may be, for example, a hanging cabinet. The cabinet 100 may be, for example, a cabinet provided below a counter such as a kitchen or a washbasin vanity.

[0013] In the cabinet 100, a pair of side plates 11, a back plate 12, a bottom plate 13, and a top plate 14 are joined to each other. Note that in the case where the cabinet 100 is a cabinet (such as a sink cabinet) provided with a space for accommodating a wagon under the counter or a space where sitting work is possible, some plate materials such as the bottom plate may be omitted.

[0014] The plate materials constituting the cabinet 100 such as the side plates 11, the back plate 12, the bottom plate 13, and the top plate 14 may be wooden plate materials such as MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard), solid wood, plywood, laminated wood, and particle board. The plate materials constituting the cabinet 100 may be configured to include metal plate materials such as steel plates and stainless steel. The plate materials constituting the cabinet 100 may be resin plate materials such as acrylic-based, urethane-based, and FRP. The plate materials constituting the cabinet 100 may be foamed resin plate materials such as expanded polystyrene.

[0015] A pair of side plates 11 are provided apart in the left-right direction. The back plate 12 is joined to the back side of the side plates 11 and the back side of the bottom plate 13. The bottom plate 13 is joined to the bottom of the side plates 11. The top plate 14 is joined to the upper side of the side plates 11 and the upper side of the back plate 12.

[0016] For example, in the plate material joining structure 10, two plate materials constituting the cabinet 100 are joined via a joining member 1. The joining member 1 can join the plate materials constituting the cabinet 100 from the inner surface side. The joining member 1 is fitted into a recess formed in each plate material. Hereinafter, as an example of the plate material joining structure 10, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the joining of the side plate 11 in which the first recess 112 is formed and the back plate 12 in which the second recess 122 is formed will be described.

[0017] The side plate 11 has a first recess 112 formed on its inner surface. The first recess 112 extends from the upper end surface to the lower end surface of the side plate 11. The first recess 112 has a first opening 113 that is formed by notching the inner surface of the side plate 11 and extends in the vertical direction, and a first groove portion 114 that is wider than the first opening 113 and is located inside the side plate 11 in the plate thickness direction with respect to the first opening 113.

[0018] The back plate 12 has a second recess 122 formed on its inner surface. The second recess 122 extends from the upper end surface to the lower end surface of the back plate 12. The second recess 122 has a second opening 123 that notches the inner surface of the back plate 12 and extends in the vertical direction, and a second groove 124 that is wider than the second opening 123 and is located on the inner side in the plate thickness direction of the back plate 12 relative to the second opening 123.

[0019] <First Embodiment: Joining Member 1> The joining member 1 is formed by bending a single thin plate having an elastic restoring force such as spring steel. The plate thickness of the thin plate used for the joining member 1 is, for example, about 0.3 mm to 1.5 mm. In addition to spring steel, the joining member 1 may be formed by bending a single thin plate having an elastic restoring force, such as a resin plate molded by injection molding or the like. The joining member 1 includes a main body plate portion 2 having an elastic restoring force, a first claw portion 3 formed by bending one side end portion of the main body plate portion 2, and a second claw portion 4 formed by bending the other side end portion of the main body plate portion 2.

[0020] The main body plate portion 2 has a first main surface that contacts the main surface of a plate material such as the side plate 11 or the back plate 12, and a second main surface opposite to the first main surface. The main body plate portion 2 has a first main body plate portion 21 where the first claw portion 3 is formed, and a second main body plate portion 22 where the second claw portion 4 is formed and is arranged to stand up with respect to the first main body plate portion 21. The first main surface of the first main body plate portion 21 contacts the inner surface of the side plate 11. The first main surface of the second main body plate portion 22 contacts the inner surface of the back plate 12. The first main body plate portion 21 and the second main body plate portion 22 are formed in a rectangular shape.

[0021] The main body plate portion 2 is formed in an L shape in plan view. The second main body plate portion 22 is formed by being bent substantially perpendicularly from the first main body plate portion 21 toward the second main surface side.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), the first claw portion 3 is formed by bending one side end portion of the main body plate portion 2. The first claw portion 3 has a first return portion 31 formed by bending at an acute angle on the first main surface side of the main body plate portion 2, and a second return portion 32 formed by bending from the first return portion 31 to the first main surface side. Before the first claw portion 3 is fitted into the first recess 112, the bending angle θ1 before fitting between the first return portion 31 and the first main body plate portion 21 is an acute angle.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 3, the first return portion 31 is inserted into the first opening 113. The second return portion 32 is hooked on the first groove portion 114. Thereby, the first claw portion 3 is fitted into the first recess 112. When the first claw portion 3 is fitted into the first recess 112, an elastic restoring force acts on the first claw portion 3, so that the first claw portion 3 can be firmly fitted into the first recess 112. The bending angle after fitting between the first return portion 31 and the second main body plate portion 22 in plan view may be slightly larger than the bending angle θ1 before fitting. The bending angle after fitting may be, for example, perpendicular or obtuse.

[0024] Also, the second return portion 32 is hooked on the first groove portion 114 that is wider than the first opening 113. Therefore, the pulling out of the first claw portion 3 can be suppressed.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), the second claw portion 4 is formed by bending the other side end portion of the main body plate portion 2. The second claw portion 4 has a first return portion 41 formed by bending at an acute angle on the first main surface side of the main body plate portion 2, and a second return portion 42 formed by bending from the first return portion 41 to the first main surface side. Before the second claw portion 4 is fitted into the second recess 122, the bending angle θ2 before fitting between the first return portion 41 and the second main body plate portion 22 is an acute angle.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 3, the first return portion 41 is inserted into the second opening 123. The second return portion 42 is hooked on the second groove portion 124. Thereby, the second claw portion 4 is fitted into the second recess 122. When the second claw portion 4 is fitted into the second recess 122, an elastic restoring force acts on the second claw portion 4, so that the second claw portion 4 can be firmly fitted into the second recess 122. The bending angle after the fitting of the first return portion 41 and the second main body plate portion 22 in a plan view is slightly larger than the bending angle θ2 before the fitting. The bending angle after the fitting may be, for example, perpendicular or an obtuse angle.

[0027] Further, the second return portion 42 is hooked on the second groove portion 124 that is wider than the second opening 123. Therefore, the second claw portion 4 can be prevented from being pulled out.

[0028] The first claw portion 3 and the second claw portion 4 are arranged on both sides with the bent portion of the first main body plate portion 21 and the second main body plate portion 22 interposed therebetween.

[0029] In the extending direction of the first recess 112, the length of the first recess 112 is longer than the length of the first claw portion 3, and in the extending direction of the second recess 122, the length of the second recess 122 is longer than the length of the second claw portion 4.

[0030] <Assembly method of the cabinet 100> Next, an example of the assembly method of the cabinet 100 will be described. The assembly method of the cabinet 100 joins the plate materials constituting the cabinet 100, such as the side plate 11, the back plate 12, the bottom plate 13, and the top plate 14, to each other. The assembly method of the cabinet 100 includes a plate material joining method for joining the plate materials in which the recesses are formed.

[0031] An example of the plate material joining method is to join the side plate 11 and the back plate 12 with the joining member 1. The plate material joining method includes a first fitting step and a second fitting step. As an example of the plate material joining method, a case where the second claw portion 4 is fitted into the second recess 122 after the first claw portion 3 is fitted into the first recess 112 will be described.

[0032] An example of the method for joining plates is to arrange the side plate 11 and the back plate 12 in advance so that they are substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0033] In the first fitting step, the first claw portion 3 is inserted into the first recess 112 of the side plate 11. In the first fitting step, the first claw portion 3 may be inserted into the first recess 112 from the inner surface of the side plate 11 in the thickness direction of the side plate 11. In the first fitting step, the first claw portion 3 may be inserted into the first recess 112 from the upper end surface or the lower end surface of the side plate 11 in the extending direction of the first recess 112.

[0034] In the first fitting step, the second return portion 32 is hooked on the first groove portion 114. Thereby, the first claw portion 3 is fitted into the first recess 112 of the side plate 11.

[0035] In the second fitting step, with the first claw portion 3 fitted into the first recess 112, the main body plate portion 2 is elastically deformed so that the second main surface of the first main body plate portion 21 and the second main surface of the second main body plate portion 22 approach each other, and the second claw portion 4 is inserted into the second recess 122 of the back plate 12. In the second fitting step, the second claw portion 4 may be inserted into the second recess 122 from the inner surface of the back plate 12 in the thickness direction of the back plate 12. In the second fitting step, the second claw portion 4 may be inserted into the second recess 122 from the upper end surface or the lower end surface of the back plate 12 in the extending direction of the second recess 122.

[0036] In the second fitting step, the elastically deformed main body plate portion 2 is restored to its original state, and the second return portion 42 is hooked on the second groove portion 124. Thereby, the second claw portion 4 is fitted into the second recess 122 of the back plate 12.

[0037] Thus, an example of the method for joining plates is completed.

[0038] Next, another example of the method for joining plates will be described, where the fitting of the first claw portion 3 into the first recess 112 and the fitting of the second claw portion 4 into the second recess 122 are performed simultaneously. In this case, the side plate 11 and the back plate 12 are arranged in advance so that they are substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0039] In the first fitting step, the main body plate portion 2 is elastically deformed so that the second main surface of the first main body plate portion 21 and the second main surface of the second main body plate portion 22 approach each other, and the first claw portion 3 is inserted into the first concave portion 112 of the side plate 11. In the first fitting step, the first claw portion 3 may be inserted into the first concave portion 112 from the inner surface of the side plate 11 in the plate thickness direction of the side plate 11. In the first fitting step, the first claw portion 3 may be inserted into the first concave portion 112 from the upper end surface or the lower end surface of the side plate 11 in the extending direction of the first concave portion 112.

[0040] In the second fitting step, the main body plate portion 2 is elastically deformed so that the second main surface of the first main body plate portion 21 and the second main surface of the second main body plate portion 22 approach each other, and at the same time as the insertion of the first claw portion 3 into the first concave portion 112, the second claw portion 4 is inserted into the second concave portion 122 of the back plate 12. In the second fitting step, the second claw portion 4 may be inserted into the second concave portion 122 from the inner surface of the back plate 12 in the plate thickness direction of the back plate 12. In the second fitting step, the second claw portion 4 may be inserted into the second concave portion 122 from the upper end surface or the lower end surface of the back plate 12 in the extending direction of the second concave portion 122.

[0041] Next, in the first fitting step, the elastically deformed main body plate portion 2 is restored to its original state, and the second return portion 32 is hooked on the first groove portion 114. Thereby, the first claw portion 3 is fitted into the first concave portion 112 of the side plate 11.

[0042] In the second fitting step, the elastically deformed main body plate portion 2 is restored to its original state, and at the same time as the fitting of the first claw portion 3 into the first concave portion 112, the second return portion 42 is hooked on the second groove portion 124. Thereby, the second claw portion 4 is fitted into the second concave portion 122 of the back plate 12. That is, the fitting of the first claw portion 3 into the first concave portion 112 and the fitting of the second claw portion 4 into the second concave portion 122 can be performed simultaneously.

[0043] Thus, another example of the method for joining plate materials is completed.

[0044] According to this embodiment, a thin plate having an elastic restoring force is bent to form a main body plate portion 2, a first claw portion 3 formed by bending one end portion of the main body plate portion 2, and a second claw portion 4 formed by bending the other end portion of the main body plate portion 2. Thus, by elastically deforming the main body plate portion 2 so that the second main surface of the first main body plate portion 21 and the second main surface of the second main body plate portion 22 approach each other, insertion of the first claw portion 3 into the first concave portion 112 and insertion of the second claw portion 4 into the second concave portion 122 can be easily performed. Further, by restoring the elastically deformed main body plate portion 2, fitting of the first claw portion 3 into the first concave portion 112 and fitting of the second claw portion 4 into the second concave portion 122 can be performed. Therefore, the side plate 11 and the back plate 12 can be easily joined without using an adhesive.

[0045] According to this embodiment, the first claw portion 3 and the second claw portion 4 have first return portions 31, 41 formed by being bent at an acute angle on the first main surface side of the main body plate portion 2, and second return portions 32, 42 formed by being bent from the first return portions 31, 41. Thus, when the first claw portion 3 is fitted into the first concave portion 112 and the second claw portion 4 is fitted into the second concave portion 122, an elastic restoring force acts such that the first claw portion 3 and the second claw portion 4 approach each other. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a gap between the plate materials, and the assembling accuracy of the plate materials is improved. Further, the second return portion 32 of the first claw portion 3 can be hooked on the first groove portion 114, and the second return portion 42 of the second claw portion 4 can be hooked on the second groove portion 124. Therefore, the pulling out of the joining member 1 can be suppressed.

[0046] According to this embodiment, the main body plate portion 2 has a first main body plate portion 21 where the first claw portion 3 is formed, and a second main body plate portion 22 where the second claw portion 4 is formed and is arranged to stand up with respect to the first main body plate portion 21. The second main body plate portion 22 is formed by being bent from the first main body plate portion 21 to the second main surface side opposite to the first main surface. Thus, two plate materials can be joined from the inner surface side.

[0047] According to this embodiment, in the extending direction of the first recess 112, the length of the first recess 112 is longer than the length of the first claw portion 3, and in the extending direction of the second recess 122, the length of the second recess 122 is longer than the length of the second claw portion 4. Thereby, the installation position of the joining member 1 can be adjusted.

[0048] In the present invention, in the extending direction of the first recess 112, the length of the first recess 112 may be equal to the length of the first claw portion 3, and in the extending direction of the second recess 122, the length of the second recess 122 may be equal to the length of the second claw portion 4. In this case, the installation position of the joining member 1 can be determined at a predetermined position. Further, the first recess 112 and the second recess 122 can be hidden by the joining member 1.

[0049] <Second Embodiment: Joining Member 1> Next, the joining member 1 in the second embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, mainly the differences from the above-described embodiment will be described, and detailed description of the same configurations will be omitted. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a through hole 7 is further formed in the main body plate portion 2 of the joining member 1.

[0050] The through hole 7 is formed in the first main body plate portion 21 and the second main body plate portion 22. A fixing member 8 such as a wood screw is provided in the through hole 7. The fixing member 8 provided on the first main body plate portion 21 makes the fixing between the side plate 11 and the first main body plate portion 21 stronger. The fixing member 8 provided on the second main body plate portion 22 makes the fixing between the back plate 12 and the second main body plate portion 22 stronger.

[0051] <Third Embodiment: Joining Member 1> Next, the joining member 1 in the third embodiment will be described. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the joining member 1 joins, for example, the side plate 11, the back plate 12, and the bottom plate 13.

[0052] The bottom plate 13 has a third recess 132 formed on its inner surface. The third recess 132 extends from one end face of the bottom plate 13 to the other end face. The third recess 132 has a third opening 133 that notches the inner surface of the bottom plate 13 and extends in the vertical direction, and a third groove portion 134 that is wider than the third opening 133 on the inner side in the plate thickness direction of the bottom plate 13 relative to the third opening 133.

[0053] The side plate 11 has a fourth recess 142 formed on its inner surface. The fourth recess 142 extends from one end face of the side plate 11 to the other end face. The fourth recess 142 has a fourth opening 143 that notches the inner surface of the side plate 11 and extends in the vertical direction, and a fourth groove portion 144 that is wider than the fourth opening 143 on the inner side in the plate thickness direction of the side plate 11 relative to the fourth opening 143. The fourth recess 142 extends in a direction intersecting with the first recess 112.

[0054] The main body plate portion 2 of the joining member 1 has a first main body plate portion 21, a second main body plate portion 22, and a third main body plate portion 23. Further, the joining member 1 has a third claw portion 5 and a fourth claw portion 6.

[0055] The main body plate portion 2 has a first main body plate portion 21 where the first claw portion 3 is formed, a second main body plate portion 22 where the second claw portion 4 is formed and is erected with respect to the first main body plate portion 21, and a third main body plate portion 23 where the third claw portion 5 is formed and is erected with respect to the first main body plate portion 21. The first main surface of the first main body plate portion 21 is in contact with the inner surface of the side plate 11. The first main surface of the second main body plate portion 22 is in contact with the inner surface of the back plate 12. The first main surface of the third main body plate portion 23 is in contact with the inner surface of the bottom plate 13. The first main body plate portion 21, the second main body plate portion 22, and the third main body plate portion 23 are formed in a rectangular shape.

[0056] The third main body plate portion 23 is formed by being bent substantially perpendicularly from the first main body plate portion 21 toward the second main surface side.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b), the third claw portion 5 is formed by bending the end portion of the main body plate portion 2. The third claw portion 5 has a first return portion 51 that is bent at an acute angle toward the first main surface side of the main body plate portion 2, and a second return portion 52 that is bent from the first return portion 51 toward the first main surface side. Before the third claw portion 5 is fitted into the third recess 132, the bending angle θ3 before fitting between the first return portion 51 and the third main body plate portion 23 is an acute angle.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 7, the first return portion 51 is inserted into the third opening 133. The second return portion 52 is hooked on the third groove portion 134. Thereby, the third claw portion 5 is fitted into the third recess 132. When the third claw portion 5 is fitted into the third recess 132, an elastic restoring force acts on the third claw portion 5, so that the third claw portion 5 can be firmly fitted into the third recess 132. The bending angle after fitting between the first return portion 51 and the third main body plate portion 23 in side view may be slightly larger than the bending angle θ3 before fitting. The bending angle after fitting may be, for example, perpendicular or obtuse.

[0059] Also, the second return portion 52 is hooked on the third groove portion 134 that is wider than the third opening 133. Therefore, the third claw portion 5 can be prevented from being pulled out.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b), the fourth claw portion 6 is formed by bending the end portion of the main body plate portion 2 on the side opposite to the end portion where the third claw portion 5 is formed. The fourth claw portion 6 has a first return portion 61 that is bent at an acute angle toward the first main surface side of the main body plate portion 2, and a second return portion 62 that is bent from the first return portion 61 toward the first main surface side. Before the fourth claw portion 6 is fitted into the fourth recess 142, the bending angle θ4 before fitting between the first return portion 61 and the first main body plate portion 21 is an acute angle.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 7, the first return portion 61 is inserted into the fourth opening 143. The second return portion 62 is hooked in the fourth groove portion 144. Thereby, the fourth claw portion 6 is fitted into the fourth concave portion 142. When the fourth claw portion 6 is fitted into the fourth concave portion 142, an elastic restoring force acts on the fourth claw portion 6, so that the fourth claw portion 6 can be firmly fitted into the fourth concave portion 142. The bending angle after fitting between the first return portion 61 and the first main body plate portion 21 in a side view may be slightly larger than the bending angle θ4 before fitting. The bending angle after fitting may be, for example, perpendicular or an obtuse angle.

[0062] Further, the second return portion 62 is hooked in the fourth groove portion 144 that is wider than the fourth opening 143. Therefore, the pulling-out of the second claw portion 4 can be suppressed.

[0063] The third claw portion 5 and the fourth claw portion 6 are arranged on both sides with the bent portion between the first main body plate portion 21 and the third main body plate portion 23 interposed therebetween.

[0064] An example of the method for joining plate materials is to join the side plate 11, the back plate 12, and the bottom plate 13 with the joining member 1. The method for joining plate materials includes a first fitting step, a second fitting step, a third fitting step, and a fourth fitting step. As an example of the method for joining plate materials, a case will be described in which after fitting the first claw portion 3 into the first concave portion 112 and fitting the fourth claw portion 6 into the fourth concave portion 142, the second claw portion 4 is fitted into the second concave portion 122 and the third claw portion 5 is fitted into the third concave portion 132.

[0065] An example of the method for joining plate materials is to arrange the side plate 11, the back plate 12, and the bottom plate 13 in advance so as to be substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0066] In the first fitting step, the main body plate portion 2 is elastically deformed so that the second main surface of the first main body plate portion 21 and the second main surface of the second main body plate portion 22 approach each other, and the first claw portion 3 is inserted into the first concave portion 112 of the side plate 11. In the first fitting step, the first claw portion 3 may be inserted into the first concave portion 112 from the inner surface of the side plate 11 in the plate thickness direction of the side plate 11.

[0067] In the fourth fitting step, the main body plate portion 2 is elastically deformed so that the second main surface of the first main body plate portion 21 and the second main surface of the third main body plate portion 23 approach each other. Simultaneously with the insertion of the first claw portion 3 into the first concave portion 112, the fourth claw portion 6 is inserted into the fourth concave portion 142 of the side plate 11. In the fourth fitting step, the fourth claw portion 6 may be inserted into the fourth concave portion 142 from the inner surface of the side plate 11 in the plate thickness direction of the side plate 11.

[0068] In the first fitting step, the second return portion 32 is hooked on the first groove portion 114. Thereby, the first claw portion 3 is fitted into the first concave portion 112 of the side plate 11.

[0069] In the fourth fitting step, the second return portion 62 is hooked on the fourth groove portion 144. Thereby, the fourth claw portion 6 is fitted into the fourth concave portion 142 of the side plate 11.

[0070] In the second fitting step, with the first claw portion 3 fitted into the first concave portion 112, the main body plate portion 2 is elastically deformed so that the second main surface of the first main body plate portion 21 and the second main surface of the second main body plate portion 22 approach each other, and the second claw portion 4 is inserted into the second concave portion 122 of the back plate 12. In the second fitting step, the second claw portion 4 may be inserted into the second concave portion 122 from the inner surface of the back plate 12 in the plate thickness direction of the back plate 12.

[0071] In the second fitting step, the elastically deformed main body plate portion 2 is restored to its original state, and the second return portion 42 is hooked on the second groove portion 124. Thereby, the second claw portion 4 is fitted into the second concave portion 122 of the back plate 12.

[0072] Similarly, in the third fitting step, with the fourth claw portion 6 fitted into the fourth concave portion 142, the main body plate portion 2 is elastically deformed so that the second main surface of the first main body plate portion 21 and the second main surface of the third main body plate portion 23 approach each other, and the third claw portion 5 is inserted into the third concave portion 132 of the bottom plate 13. In the third fitting step, the third claw portion 5 may be inserted into the third concave portion 132 from the inner surface of the bottom plate 13 in the plate thickness direction of the bottom plate 13.

[0073] In the third fitting step, the elastically deformed main body plate portion 2 is restored to its original state, and the second return portion 52 is hooked on the third groove portion 134. Thereby, the third claw portion 5 is fitted into the third concave portion 132 of the bottom plate 13.

[0074] Thus, an example of the method for joining plate materials is completed.

[0075] In addition to the above-described example, the fitting of the first claw portion 3 into the first concave portion 112, the fitting of the second claw portion 4 into the second concave portion 122, the fitting of the third claw portion 5 into the third concave portion 132, and the fitting of the fourth claw portion 6 into the fourth concave portion 142 may be performed simultaneously.

[0076] According to the present embodiment, the third main body plate portion 23 is formed by being bent from the first main body plate portion 21 to the second main surface side opposite to the first main surface, and further includes a third claw portion 5 formed by bending an end portion of the third main body plate portion 23. The third claw portion 5 has a first return portion 51 formed by being bent at an acute angle to the first main surface side, and a second return portion 52 formed by being bent from the first return portion 51. Thereby, by elastically deforming the main body plate portion 2 so that the second main surface of the first main body plate portion 21 and the second main surface of the third main body plate portion 23 approach each other, the insertion of the third claw portion 5 into the third concave portion 132 can be easily performed. Further, by restoring the elastically deformed main body plate portion 2, the fitting of the third claw portion 5 into the third concave portion 132 can be performed. Therefore, the side plate 11, the back plate 12, and the bottom plate 13 can be easily joined without using an adhesive.

[0077] According to the present embodiment, the main body plate portion 2 further includes a fourth claw portion 6 formed by bending an end portion of the first main body plate portion 21. The fourth claw portion 6 has a first return portion 61 formed by being bent at an acute angle to the first main surface side, and a second return portion 62 formed by being bent from the first return portion 61. Thereby, by elastically deforming the main body plate portion 2 so that the second main surface of the first main body plate portion 21 and the second main surface of the third main body plate portion 23 approach each other, the insertion of the fourth claw portion 6 into the fourth concave portion 142 can be easily performed. Further, by restoring the elastically deformed main body plate portion 2, the fitting of the fourth claw portion 6 into the fourth concave portion 142 can be performed. Therefore, the side plate 11, the back plate 12, and the bottom plate 13 can be easily joined without using an adhesive.

[0078] According to this embodiment, the third claw portion 5 and the fourth claw portion 6 have first return portions 51 and 61 that are bent at an acute angle on the first main surface side of the main body plate portion 2, and second return portions 52 and 62 that are formed by being bent from the first return portions 51 and 61. As a result, when the third claw portion 5 is fitted into the third concave portion 132 and the fourth claw portion 6 is fitted into the fourth concave portion 142, an elastic restoring force that causes the third claw portion 5 and the fourth claw portion 6 to approach each other acts. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a gap between the plate materials, and the assembly accuracy of the plate materials is further improved. Further, the second return portion 52 of the third claw portion 5 can be hooked on the third groove portion 134, and the second return portion 62 of the fourth claw portion 6 can be hooked on the fourth groove portion 144. Therefore, the pulling out of the joining member 1 can be further suppressed.

[0079] According to this embodiment, the main body plate portion 2 has a first main body plate portion 21 where the fourth claw portion 6 is formed, and a third main body plate portion 23 where the third claw portion 5 is formed and is arranged to stand up with respect to the first main body plate portion 21. The third main body plate portion 23 is formed by being bent from the first main body plate portion 21 to the second main surface side opposite to the first main surface. Thereby, three plate materials can be joined from the inner surface side.

[0080] <Fourth Embodiment: Joining Member 1> Next, the joining member 1 in the fourth embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 9, in the joining member 1, the fourth claw portion 6 is formed at the end of the third main body plate portion 23. In this case, the fourth concave portion 142 may be formed on the bottom plate 13.

[0081] The first main body plate portion 21 is formed by being bent substantially perpendicularly from the third main body plate portion 23 to the second main surface side. The second main body plate portion 22 is formed by being bent substantially perpendicularly from the third main body plate portion 23 to the second main surface side. The second main body plate portion 22 is separated from the first main body plate portion 21 and is arranged to stand up with respect to the first main body plate portion 21.

[0082] The first claw portion 3 is formed at the end of the first main body plate portion 21 on the side far from the second main body plate portion 22 in the normal direction of the second main surface of the second main body plate portion 22. The second claw portion 4 is formed at the end of the second main body plate portion 22 on the side far from the first main body plate portion 21 in the normal direction of the second main surface of the first main body plate portion 21. The third claw portion 5 is formed at the end of the third main body plate portion 23 on the side far from the first main body plate portion 21 in the normal direction of the second main surface of the first main body plate portion 21. The fourth claw portion 6 is formed at the end of the third main body plate portion 23 on the side far from the second main body plate portion 22 in the normal direction of the second main surface of the second main body plate portion 22.

[0083] In the present invention, the fourth claw portion 6 may be formed at at least any one of the ends of the first main body plate portion 21, the second main body plate portion 22, and the third main body plate portion 23. The fourth recess 142 into which the fourth claw portion 6 is fitted is formed in the plate material constituting the cabinet. For example, when the fourth claw portion 6 is formed at the end of the second main body plate portion 22, the fourth recess 142 is formed in the back plate 12.

[0084] <Fifth Embodiment: Joining Member 1> Next, the joining member 1 in the fifth embodiment will be described. As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the joining member 1 can join the plate materials constituting the cabinet 100 from the outer surface side. The main body plate portion 2 of the joining member 1 is formed in an L shape in plan view. The second main body plate portion 22 is formed by being bent substantially perpendicularly from the first main body plate portion 21 toward the first main surface side.

[0085] The side plate 11 has a first recess 112 formed on its outer surface. The first recess 112 extends from the upper end surface to the lower end surface of the side plate 11. The first recess 112 has a first opening 113 that is formed by notching the outer surface of the side plate 11 and extends in the vertical direction, and a first groove portion 114 that is wider than the first opening 113 on the inner side in the plate thickness direction of the side plate 11 than the first opening 113.

[0086] The back plate 12 has a second recess 122 formed on its outer surface. The second recess 122 extends from the upper end surface to the lower end surface of the back plate 12. The second recess 122 has a second opening 123 that notches the outer surface of the back plate 12 and extends in the vertical direction, and a second groove portion 124 that is wider than the second opening 123 and is located on the inner side in the plate thickness direction of the back plate 12 with respect to the second opening 123.

[0087] The main body plate portion 2 has a first main surface that contacts the main surface of a plate material such as the side plate 11 or the back plate 12, and a second main surface on the opposite side of the first main surface. The main body plate portion 2 has a first main body plate portion 21 where the first claw portion 3 is formed, and a second main body plate portion 22 where the second claw portion 4 is formed and is arranged to stand up with respect to the first main body plate portion 21. The first main surface of the first main body plate portion 21 contacts the outer surface of the side plate 11. The first main surface of the second main body plate portion 22 contacts the outer surface of the back plate 12.

[0088] The main body plate portion 2 is formed in an L shape in plan view. The second main body plate portion 22 is formed by being bent substantially perpendicularly from the first main body plate portion 21 toward the second main surface side.

[0089] As shown in FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b), the first claw portion 3 is formed by bending one side end portion of the main body plate portion 2. The first claw portion 3 has a first return portion 31 that is bent at an acute angle toward the first main surface side of the main body plate portion 2, and a second return portion 32 that is bent from the first return portion 31 toward the first main surface side. Before the first claw portion 3 is fitted into the first recess 112, the bending angle θ1 before fitting between the first return portion 31 and the first main body plate portion 21 is an acute angle.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 11, the first return portion 31 is inserted into the first opening 113. The second return portion 32 is hooked on the first groove portion 114. Thereby, the first claw portion 3 is fitted into the first recess 112. When the first claw portion 3 is fitted into the first recess 112, an elastic restoring force acts on the first claw portion 3, so that the first claw portion 3 can be firmly fitted into the first recess 112. The bending angle after fitting between the first return portion 31 and the first main body plate portion 21 in plan view may be slightly larger than the bending angle θ1 before fitting. The bending angle after fitting may be, for example, perpendicular or obtuse.

[0091] As shown in FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b), the second claw portion 4 is formed by bending the other side end portion of the main body plate portion 2. The second claw portion 4 has a first return portion 41 that is bent at an acute angle toward the first main surface side of the main body plate portion 2, and a second return portion 42 that is bent from the first return portion 41 toward the first main surface side. Before the second claw portion 4 is fitted into the second recess 122, the bending angle θ2 before fitting between the first return portion 41 and the second main body plate portion 22 is an acute angle.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 11, the first return portion 41 is inserted into the second opening 123. The second return portion 42 is hooked on the second groove portion 124. Thereby, the second claw portion 4 is fitted into the second recess 122. When the second claw portion 4 is fitted into the second recess 122, an elastic restoring force acts on the second claw portion 4, so that the second claw portion 4 can be firmly fitted into the second recess 122. The bending angle after fitting between the first return portion 41 and the second main body plate portion 22 in plan view becomes slightly larger than the bending angle θ2 before fitting. The bending angle after fitting may be, for example, perpendicular or obtuse.

[0093] According to the present embodiment, the main body plate portion 2 has a first main body plate portion 21 on which the first claw portion 3 is formed, and a second main body plate portion 22 on which the second claw portion 4 is formed and which is erected with respect to the first main body plate portion 21. The second main body plate portion 22 is formed by bending from the first main body plate portion 21 toward the first main surface side. Thereby, two plate materials can be joined from the outer surface side.

[0094] <Sixth Embodiment: Joining Member 1> Next, the joining member 1 in the sixth embodiment will be described. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the joining member 1 can join the plate members constituting the cabinet 100 from the outer surface side. The joining member 1 joins, for example, the side plate 11, the back plate 12, and the top plate 14.

[0095] A third recess 132 is formed on the outer surface of the top plate 14. The third recess 132 extends from one end face of the top plate 14 to the other end face. The third recess 132 has a third opening 133 that extends in the front-rear direction by notching the outer surface of the top plate 14, and a third groove portion 134 that is wider than the third opening 133 on the inner side in the plate thickness direction of the top plate 14 than the third opening 133.

[0096] A fourth recess 142 is formed on the outer surface of the side plate 11. The fourth recess 142 extends from one end face of the side plate 11 to the other end face. The fourth recess 142 has a fourth opening 143 that extends in the front-rear direction by notching the outer surface of the side plate 11, and a fourth groove portion 144 that is wider than the fourth opening 143 on the inner side in the plate thickness direction of the side plate 11 than the fourth opening 143. The fourth recess 142 extends in a direction intersecting the first recess 112.

[0097] The main body plate portion 2 of the joining member 1 has a first main body plate portion 21, a second main body plate portion 22, and a third main body plate portion 23. The joining member 1 further has a third claw portion 5 and a fourth claw portion 6.

[0098] The main body plate portion 2 has a first main body plate portion 21 in which a first claw portion 3 is formed, a second main body plate portion 22 in which a second claw portion 4 is formed and is erected with respect to the first main body plate portion 21, and a third main body plate portion 23 in which a third claw portion 5 is formed and is erected with respect to the first main body plate portion 21. The first main surface of the first main body plate portion 21 is in contact with the outer surface of the side plate 11. The first main surface of the second main body plate portion 22 is in contact with the outer surface of the back plate 12. The first main surface of the third main body plate portion 23 is in contact with the outer surface of the top plate 14.

[0099] The third main body plate portion 23 is formed by being bent substantially perpendicularly from the first main body plate portion 21 toward the first main surface side.

[0100] As shown in FIGS. 14(a) and 14(b), the third claw portion 5 is formed by bending the end portion of the main body plate portion 2. The third claw portion 5 has a first return portion 51 that is bent at an acute angle toward the first main surface side of the main body plate portion 2, and a second return portion 52 that is bent from the first return portion 51 toward the first main surface side. Before the third claw portion 5 is fitted into the third recess 132, the bending angle θ3 before fitting between the first return portion 51 and the third main body plate portion 23 is an acute angle.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 13, the first return portion 51 is inserted into the third opening 133. The second return portion 52 is hooked on the third groove portion 134. Thereby, the third claw portion 5 is fitted into the third recess 132. When the third claw portion 5 is fitted into the third recess 132, an elastic restoring force acts on the third claw portion 5, so that the third claw portion 5 can be firmly fitted into the third recess 132. The bending angle after fitting between the first return portion 51 and the third main body plate portion 23 in a side view is slightly larger than the bending angle θ3 before fitting. The bending angle after fitting may be, for example, perpendicular or obtuse.

[0102] As shown in FIGS. 14(a) and 14(b), the fourth claw portion 6 is formed by bending the end portion of the main body plate portion 2. The fourth claw portion 6 has a first return portion 61 that is bent at an acute angle toward the first main surface side of the main body plate portion 2, and a second return portion 62 that is bent from the first return portion 41 toward the first main surface side. Before the fourth claw portion 6 is fitted into the fourth recess 142, the bending angle θ4 before fitting between the first return portion 61 and the first main body plate portion 21 is an acute angle.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 13, the first return portion 61 is inserted into the fourth opening 143. The second return portion 62 is hooked on the fourth groove portion 144. Thereby, the fourth claw portion 6 is fitted into the fourth concave portion 142. When the fourth claw portion 6 is fitted into the fourth concave portion 142, an elastic restoring force acts on the fourth claw portion 6, so that the fourth claw portion 6 can be firmly fitted into the fourth concave portion 142. The bending angle after fitting between the first return portion 61 and the first main body plate portion 21 in side view is slightly larger than the bending angle θ4 before fitting. The bending angle after fitting may be, for example, perpendicular or obtuse.

[0104] According to the present embodiment, the main body plate portion 2 has a first main body plate portion 21 in which the fourth claw portion 6 is formed, and a third main body plate portion 23 in which the third claw portion 5 is formed and which is erected with respect to the first main body plate portion 21. The third main body plate portion 23 is formed by being bent from the first main body plate portion 21 toward the first main surface side. Thereby, three plate members can be joined from the outer surface side.

[0105] <Seventh Embodiment: Joining Member 1> Next, the joining member 1 in the seventh embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 15, in the joining member 1, the fourth claw portion 6 is formed at the end of the third main body plate portion 23. In this case, the fourth concave portion 142 may be formed in the top plate 14.

[0106] The first main body plate portion 21 is formed by being bent substantially perpendicularly from the third main body plate portion 23 toward the first main surface side. The second main body plate portion 22 is formed by being bent substantially perpendicularly from the third main body plate portion 23 toward the first main surface side. The second main body plate portion 22 is separated from the first main body plate portion 21 and is erected with respect to the first main body plate portion 21.

[0107] The first claw portion 3 is formed at the end of the first main body plate portion 21 on the side far from the second main body plate portion 22 in the normal direction of the second main surface of the second main body plate portion 22. The second claw portion 4 is formed at the end of the second main body plate portion 22 on the side far from the first main body plate portion 21 in the normal direction of the second main surface of the first main body plate portion 21. The third claw portion 5 is formed at the end of the third main body plate portion 23 on the side far from the first main body plate portion 21 in the normal direction of the second main surface of the first main body plate portion 21. The fourth claw portion 6 is formed at the end of the third main body plate portion 23 on the side far from the second main body plate portion 22 in the normal direction of the second main surface of the second main body plate portion 22.

[0108] In the present invention, the fourth claw portion 6 may be formed at at least one end of the first main body plate portion 21, the second main body plate portion 22, and the third main body plate portion 23. The fourth recess 142 into which the fourth claw portion 6 is fitted is formed in the plate material constituting the cabinet. For example, when the fourth claw portion 6 is formed at the end of the second main body plate portion 22, the fourth recess 142 is formed in the back plate 12.

[0109] <Eighth Embodiment: Joining Member 1> Next, the joining member 1 in the eighth embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 16, the main body plate portion 2 of the joining member 1 is formed in a flat shape.

[0110] The plate material joining structure 10 is such that, for example, two plate materials constituting the cabinet 100 are joined via the joining member 1. The joining member 1 is fitted into recesses formed in each plate material. Two back plates 15 and 16, for example, constituting the cabinet 100 are arranged side by side and joined via the joining member 1.

[0111] The back plate 15 has a first recess 112 formed on its inner surface. The first recess 112 extends from the upper end surface to the lower end surface of the back plate 15. The first recess 112 has a first opening 113 formed by notching the inner surface of the back plate 15 and extending in the vertical direction, and a first groove portion 114 that is wider than the first opening 113 on the inner side in the plate thickness direction of the back plate 15 relative to the first opening 113.

[0112] The back plate 16 has a second recess 122 formed on its inner surface. The second recess 122 extends from the upper end surface to the lower end surface of the back plate 16. The second recess 122 has a second opening 123 that is formed by notching the inner surface of the back plate 16 and extends in the vertical direction, and a second groove portion 124 that is wider than the second opening 123 and is located on the inner side in the plate thickness direction of the back plate 12 with respect to the second opening 123.

[0113] According to this embodiment, the main body plate portion 2 is formed in a flat shape. Thereby, two juxtaposed plate materials can be joined from the inner surface side.

[0114] Note that the back plate 15 may have a first recess 112 formed on its outer surface. The back plate 16 may have a second recess 122 formed on its outer surface. In this case, the joining member 1 can join two juxtaposed plate materials from the outer surface side.

[0115] As described above, some embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the present invention can be implemented in various novel forms in addition to the above embodiments. Therefore, the above embodiments can be variously omitted, replaced, and modified without departing from the gist of the present invention. Such novel forms and modifications are included in the scope and gist of the present invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the scope of equivalents of the invention described in the claims.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0116] 1: Joining member 2: Main body plate portion 21: First main body plate portion 22: Second main body plate portion 23: Third main body plate portion 3: First claw portion 31: First return portion 32: Second return portion 4: Second claw portion 41: First return portion 42: Second return portion 5: Third claw portion 51: First return portion 52: Second Return Part 6: Fourth Claw Part 61: First Return Part 62: Second Return Part 7: Through Hole 8: Fixing Member 100: Cabinet 11: Side Plate 12: Rear Plate 13: Bottom Plate 14: Top Plate 15: Rear Plate 16: Rear Plate 112: First Recess 113: First Opening 114: First Groove 122: Second Recess 123: Second Opening 124: Second Groove 132: Third Recess 133: Third Opening 134: Third Groove 142: Fourth Recess 143: Fourth Opening 144: Fourth Groove

Claims

1. A joining member for joining sheet materials with recesses formed therein, composed of a thin plate having an elastic restoring force that is bent, a main body plate portion, a first claw portion formed by bending one end of the main body plate portion, and a second claw portion formed by bending the other end of the main body plate portion, and comprising: the first claw portion and the second claw portion have a first return portion formed by being bent at an acute angle on the first main surface side of the main body plate portion, and a second return portion formed by being bent from the first return portion. A joining member characterized by the above.

2. The main body plate portion has a first main body plate portion where the first claw portion is formed, and a second main body plate portion where the second claw portion is formed and is disposed upright with respect to the first main body plate portion, and the second main body plate portion is formed by being bent from the first main body plate portion to the second main surface side opposite to the first main surface. The joining member according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. The main body plate portion has a first main body plate portion where the first claw portion is formed, a second main body plate portion where the second claw portion is formed and is disposed upright with respect to the first main body plate portion, and a third main body plate portion disposed upright with respect to the first main body plate portion and the second main body plate portion, the third main body plate portion is formed by being bent from the first main body plate portion to the second main surface side opposite to the first main surface, further includes a third claw portion formed by bending an end of the third main body plate portion, and the third claw portion has the first return portion formed by being bent at an acute angle on the first main surface side, and the second return portion formed by being bent from the first return portion. The joining member according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

4. Further includes a fourth claw portion formed by bending an end of the main body plate portion, and the fourth claw portion has the first return portion formed by being bent at an acute angle on the first main surface side, and the second return portion formed by being bent from the first return portion. The joining member according to claim 3, characterized by the above.

5. The main body plate portion has a first main body plate portion where the first claw portion is formed, and a second main body plate portion where the second claw portion is formed and is disposed upright with respect to the first main body plate portion, and the second main body portion is formed by being bent from the first main body plate portion to the first main surface side. The joining member according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

6. The main body plate portion has a first main body plate portion where the first claw portion is formed, a second main body plate portion on which the second claw portion is formed and which is erected with respect to the first main body plate portion; a third main body plate portion which is erected with respect to the first main body plate portion and the second main body plate portion; the third main body plate portion is formed by being bent from the first main body plate portion toward the first main surface side; the third main body plate portion further includes a third claw portion formed by bending an end portion thereof; the third claw portion has a first folded-back portion formed by being bent at an acute angle toward the first main surface side; and a second folded-back portion formed by being bent from the first folded-back portion; The joining member according to claim 1, characterized in that.

7. The joining member further includes a fourth claw portion formed by bending an end portion of the main body plate portion; the fourth claw portion has a first folded-back portion formed by being bent at an acute angle toward the first main surface side; and a second folded-back portion formed by being bent from the first folded-back portion; The joining member according to claim 6, characterized in that.

8. The main body plate portion is formed in a flat shape; The joining member according to claim 1, characterized in that.

9. A through hole is formed in the main body plate portion; The joining member according to claim 1, characterized in that.

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