Frame

Abstract

To provide a frame capable of facilitating assembling more than conventionally.SOLUTION: A prismatic frame 1 having four sides and extending in a longitudinal direction L comprises, formed on a first surface 21 which is the extending surface of at least a first side 11 and a second surface 22 which is the extending surface of a second side 12 facing the first side 11, a first slit 41 of a depth not reaching the second surface 22 from the first surface 21 and a second slit 42 of a depth not reaching the first surface 21 from the second surface 22. The first and second slits 41 and 42 are alternately formed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a frame. [Background technology]

[0002] Various types of machining equipment, such as cutting machines and grinding machines for processing semiconductor wafers, etc., are constructed by assembling rectangular aluminum frames to form the outer frames of the equipment. When assembling the aluminum frames, it is known that the aluminum frames are connected using corner brackets and joint brackets (connecting metal fittings) (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-156390 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when using the aluminum frame described in Patent Document 1, there are problems in that the bolts are easily dropped during assembly. In addition, the assembly work itself must be performed by multiple people, which makes the work complicated.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and has an object to provide a frame that can be assembled more easily than conventional frames. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the frame of the present invention is a rectangular frame having four sides and extending in the longitudinal direction, and is characterized in that, on at least a first surface which is the surface on which the first side extends and a second surface which is the surface on which the second side opposite the first side extends, a first slit of a depth which does not reach from the first surface to the second surface and a second slit of a depth which does not reach from the second surface to the first surface are formed, and the first slits and the second slits are formed alternately.

[0007] The frame has a third surface which is a surface on which a third side connected to the first surface and the second surface extends, and a fourth surface which is a surface on which a fourth side opposite the third side extends, and is formed with third slits of a depth which does not extend from the third surface to the fourth surface, and fourth slits of a depth which does not extend from the fourth surface to the third surface, the third slits and the fourth slits being formed alternately, and further, the third slits and the fourth slits may not be connected to the first slits and the second slits. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The present invention can bend the area where the first slit and the second slit are formed so that it is convex toward the first surface, and can also bend so that it is convex toward the second surface, making it easy to realize shapes that were not possible with conventional non-bendable frames, and it can also realize shapes that required multiple pieces to be assembled with conventional non-bendable frames, by using fewer pieces than conventional frames, reducing the labor required for assembly, making assembly easier than conventional frames. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a frame according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the frame according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view showing the frame according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of use of the frame according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing another example of use of the frame according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view showing a frame according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view showing a frame according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side view showing a frame according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side view showing a frame according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of use of the frame according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Modes (embodiments) for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the contents described in the following embodiments. Furthermore, the components described below include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art and those that are substantially the same. Furthermore, the configurations described below can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the configuration can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0011] [Embodiment 1] A frame 1 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the frame 1 according to the first embodiment. Figs. 2 and 3 are both side views showing the frame 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a side view seen from direction II shown in Fig. 1, i.e., a direction parallel to a longitudinal direction L of the frame 1, which will be described later, and Fig. 3 is a side view seen from direction III shown in Fig. 1, i.e., a direction parallel to a first side 11 and a second side 12 of the frame 1, which will be described later. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of use of the frame 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the frame 1 according to the first embodiment is formed in a columnar shape extending in one direction. Hereinafter, the extending direction of the frame 1 will be referred to as the longitudinal direction L. As shown in FIG. 2, the frame 1 is formed in a rectangular shape (a square shape in the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) when viewed in a direction parallel to (along) the longitudinal direction L, and has a first side 11, a second side 12 facing (opposing) the first side 11, a third side 13 connected to the first side 11 and the second side 12, and a fourth side 14 connected to the first side 11 and the second side 12 and facing the third side 13. Note that the terms "rectangular" and "square" in this specification essentially encompass concepts such as "approximately rectangular" and "approximately square."

[0013] In the frame 1, the first side 11 and the second side 12 are parallel to each other and are both perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. In the frame 1, the third side 13 and the fourth side 14 are parallel to each other and are both perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. In the frame 1, the first side 11 and the second side 12 are perpendicular to the third side 13 and the fourth side 14. In the present specification, the direction in which the first side 11 and the second side 12 are aligned (the horizontal direction on the paper in FIG. 2) will be referred to as direction A as appropriate, and the direction in which the third side 13 and the fourth side 14 are aligned (the vertical direction on the paper in FIG. 2) will be referred to as direction B as appropriate. Furthermore, the distance between the third side 13 and the fourth side 14 along direction A will be referred to as size (length) 17 of the frame 1 in direction A, and the distance between the first side 11 and the second side 12 along direction B will be referred to as size (length) 18 of the frame 1 in direction B.

[0014] As described above, the frame 1 is a prismatic column (rectangular column, or square column in the example shown in FIG. 1 ) having four sides, namely, a first side 11, a second side 12, a third side 13, and a fourth side 14, and extending in the longitudinal direction L. Note that the term "prismatic column" in this specification essentially encompasses a substantially prismatic column. In the first embodiment, the frame 1 is an aluminum frame formed of a material primarily composed of aluminum, such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy, which is a preferred form that favorably allows for deformation (bending) as described below. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the frame 1 may be formed of any other material that has a certain degree of rigidity and forms a rigid body, and that also allows for deformation (bending) as described below. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the frame 1 has each corner chamfered, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the frame 1 may not be formed of any other material that has a certain degree of rigidity and forms a rigid body, as long as it is a material that allows for deformation (bending) as described below.

[0015] As shown in Figure 1, the frame 1 has four side surfaces: a surface along which the first side 11 extends, i.e., a first surface 21 formed by the first side 11 extending in the longitudinal direction L; a surface along which the second side 12 extends, i.e., a second surface 22 formed by the second side 12 extending in the longitudinal direction L; a surface along which the third side 13 extends, i.e., a third surface 23 formed by the third side 13 extending in the longitudinal direction L; and a surface along which the fourth side 14 extends, i.e., a fourth surface 24 formed by the fourth side 14 extending in the longitudinal direction L.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , each side surface (first surface 21, second surface 22, third surface 23, fourth surface 24) of the frame 1 has a groove (first groove 31, second groove 32, third groove 33, fourth groove 34, respectively) formed in the center of the width direction of each side surface. These grooves (first groove 31, second groove 32, third groove 33, fourth groove 34) are all formed to the same shape and are convex when viewed in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction L, i.e., are so-called T-grooves formed in an inverted T shape, and are formed to extend in the longitudinal direction L. These grooves (first groove 31, second groove 32, third groove 33, fourth groove 34) are all formed to have the same cross-sectional shape at any point in the longitudinal direction L. In embodiment 1, the frame 1 has grooves formed therein (first groove 31, second groove 32, third groove 33, and fourth groove 34, respectively), which allows for significant weight reduction without significantly reducing strength, and is a preferred form that makes it possible to utilize these grooves to connect to another frame 1 or other components; however, the present invention is not limited to this, and grooves do not have to be formed.

[0017] 1 and 3, the frame 1 is formed with a plurality of first slits 41 and a plurality of second slits 42. As shown in Fig. 3, each of the first slits 41 is formed from the first surface 21 toward the second surface 22 to a depth that does not reach the second surface 22, i.e., a depth that is shallower than the size 18 in direction B of the frame 1. As shown in Fig. 3, each of the second slits 42 is formed from the second surface 22 toward the first surface 21 to a depth that does not reach the first surface 21, i.e., a depth that is shallower than the size 18 in direction B of the frame 1.

[0018] The first slits 41 and the second slits 42 are both formed along a surface direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction L. Furthermore, the first slits 41 and the second slits 42 are both formed independently so as not to be connected to each other. That is, the first slits 41 are both formed independently so as not to be connected to each other, the second slits 42 are both formed independently so as not to be connected to each other, and the first slits 41 and the second slits 42 are both formed independently so as not to be connected to each other. Furthermore, the first slits 41 and the second slits 42 are both formed at positions shifted from each other in the direction along the longitudinal direction L.

[0019] 1 and 3, the first slits 41 and the second slits 42 are alternately formed along the longitudinal direction L, and are all formed parallel to each other along a surface direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L, i.e., along a surface direction parallel to the directions A and B, and at equal intervals 45 (see FIG. 3) in the longitudinal direction L. Note that the present invention is not limited to this, and the first slits 41 and the second slits 42 may be formed in a different order along the longitudinal direction L, may be formed along a surface direction inclined with respect to the surface direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L, or may be formed at different intervals so as to be non-equidistant. By forming the first slit 41 and the second slit 42 in the frame 1 so that they are offset at a fixed interval 45 along the longitudinal direction L, the risk of a significant reduction in the strength of the frame 1 is reduced, and the risk of the first slit 41 and the second slit 42 connecting with each other is reduced, while allowing the first slit 41 and the second slit 42 to perform their functions.

[0020] 1 and 3, the first slits 41 and the second slits 42 are both formed with the same depth that is less than half the distance (size 18) between the first surface 21 and the second surface 22. Therefore, even if the depths of the first slits 41 and the second slits 42 are added together, the depth does not reach the distance (size 18) between the first surface 21 and the second surface 22. Therefore, a constant distance 46 (see FIG. 3) is formed between the first slits 41 and the second slits 42 along direction B. By forming the first slits 41 and the second slits 42 along direction B with the constant distance 46 therebetween, the frame 1 further reduces the risk of a significant decrease in the strength of the frame 1 and reduces the risk of the first slits 41 and the second slits 42 connecting to each other, while realizing a state in which the first slits 41 and the second slits 42 can perform their functions.

[0021] In the first embodiment, the first slits 41 and the second slits 42 are both formed to have a width along the longitudinal direction L of 1.0 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less, for example, 1.5 mm. The pitch representing the distance between the first slits 41 and the second slits 42 along the longitudinal direction L corresponds to the length of the interval 45 in FIG. 3 and is 1.5 mm or more and 2.5 mm or less, and in the first embodiment, both are 2.0 mm. By forming the first slits 41 and the second slits 42 in the frame 1 with such widths and pitches, the interval 45 is suitably realized, and the frame 1 is prevented from being significantly reduced in strength. The first slits 41 and the second slits 42 are prevented from being connected to each other, and the first slits 41 and the second slits 42 can perform their functions.

[0022] Because frame 1 has the above-described configuration, for example, by deforming frame 1 so as to widen the width of first slit 41 and narrow the width of second slit 42, frame 1 can be curved along direction B so as to be convex toward first surface 21 and concave toward second surface 22 in the region where first slit 41 and second slit 42 are formed, as shown in FIG. 4 . Furthermore, by deforming frame 1 so as to narrow the width of first slit 41 and widen the width of second slit 42, frame 1 can be curved along direction B so as to be concave toward first surface 21 and convex toward second surface 22 in the region where first slit 41 and second slit 42 are formed. By utilizing such curvature, frame 1 has a significantly increased degree of freedom in shape compared to conventional non-bendable frames. This makes it possible to realize shapes with fewer frames that could only be realized by connecting and assembling multiple frames with conventional non-bendable frames, and to realize shapes that could not be realized with conventional non-bendable frames.

[0023] 5 is a perspective view showing another example of use of the frame 1 according to the first embodiment. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5 , the frame 1 can be suitably used to form the outer frame 110 of various types of machining apparatuses, such as a cutting apparatus or grinding apparatus for processing semiconductor wafers, etc. For example, in a conventional non-bendable frame, forming the side portion 111 and the upper portion 112 of the outer frame 110 of the processing apparatus 100 required connecting and assembling three frames. However, this can be easily achieved by using a single frame 1 that is formed to a length that is twice the length of the side portion 111 plus the length of the upper portion 112 along the longitudinal direction L and has a plurality of first slits 41 and a plurality of second slits 42 formed at positions extending from both ends of the side portion 111, respectively, and bending the frame 1 in the regions where the first slits 41 and the second slits 42 are formed.

[0024] The frame 1 according to the first embodiment having the above configuration can be bent along the direction B in the region where the first slit 41 and the second slit 42 are formed, either convexly toward the first surface 21 or convexly toward the second surface 22. Therefore, the frame 1 according to the first embodiment can easily realize shapes that could not be realized with conventional non-bendable frames, and can realize shapes that conventional non-bendable frames required assembling by connecting multiple pieces, with fewer pieces than conventional frames, reducing the number of assembly steps. Thus, the frame 1 according to the first embodiment has the advantage of being easier to assemble than conventional frames. As a result, the frame 1 according to the first embodiment can reduce the risk of dropping bolts during assembly, and can also reduce the number of workers required for the assembly work itself, making the work itself easier.

[0025] [Embodiment 2] A frame 1-2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIGS. 6, 7, 8, and 9 are all side views showing the frame 1-2 according to the second embodiment. FIGS. 6, 7, 8, and 9 are side views of the frame 1-2 according to the second embodiment as seen from the directions of the first surface 21, the second surface 22, the third surface 23, and the fourth surface 24, respectively. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of use of the frame 1-2 according to the second embodiment. In FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, the same parts as those in the embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0026] The frame 1-2 according to the second embodiment is the frame 1 according to the first embodiment, further comprising a plurality of third slits 43 and a plurality of fourth slits 44, as shown in Figures 6, 7, 8, and 9. As shown in Figures 6, 7, and 8, each of the third slits 43 extends from the third surface 23 toward the fourth surface 24 to a depth that does not reach the fourth surface 24, i.e., a depth that is shallower than the size 17 in the direction A of the frame 1. As shown in Figures 6, 7, and 9, each of the fourth slits 44 extends from the fourth surface 24 toward the third surface 23 to a depth that does not reach the third surface 23, i.e., a depth that is shallower than the size 17 in the direction A of the frame 1.

[0027] The third slits 43 and the fourth slits 44 are both formed along a surface direction intersecting the longitudinal direction L, similar to the first slits 41 and the second slits 42. The third slits 43 and the fourth slits 44 are also formed independently of the first slits 41 and the second slits 42 so as not to be connected to each other. That is, the third slits 43 are not connected to each other, the fourth slits 44 are not connected to each other, the third slits 43 are not connected to the first slits 41, the second slits 42, and the fourth slits 44, and the fourth slits 44 are not connected to the first slits 41, the second slits 42, and the third slits 43. The third slits 43 and the fourth slits 44 are also formed independently of the first slits 41 and the second slits 42 so as not to be connected to each other in the longitudinal direction L.

[0028] 6, 7, 8, and 9, the third slits 43 and the fourth slits 44 are alternately formed along the longitudinal direction L, and are all formed parallel to and at equal intervals with each other along a surface direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L, i.e., along a surface direction parallel to directions A and B. In the example of embodiment 2 shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 8, and 9, the first slits 41, the second slits 42, the third slits 43, and the fourth slits 44 are specifically formed along the longitudinal direction L in the order of the first slit 41, the fourth slit 44, the second slit 42, and the third slit 43, parallel to each other along a surface direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and at equal intervals 47 with each other along the longitudinal direction L, and are repeatedly arranged along the longitudinal direction L, and are formed in an order that forms a spiral shape around the central axis of the frame 1-2.

[0029] The present invention is not limited to this, and the order in which the first slits 41, the second slits 42, the third slits 43, and the fourth slits 44 are formed along the longitudinal direction L may be changed, or the slits may be formed along a surface direction inclined with respect to a surface direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L, or the slits may be formed at unequal intervals. In the frame 1-2, the first slits 41, the second slits 42, the third slits 43, and the fourth slits 44 are formed so as to be offset at regular intervals 47 along the longitudinal direction L in this manner, thereby suppressing the risk of a significant decrease in the strength of the frame 1 and suppressing the risk of the first slits 41, the second slits 42, the third slits 43, and the fourth slits 44 connecting with each other, while realizing a state in which the first slits 41, the second slits 42, the third slits 43, and the fourth slits 44 can perform their functions.

[0030] 6, 7, 8, and 9, the third slits 43 and the fourth slits 44 are all formed to the same depth, which is less than half the distance (size 17) between the third surface 23 and the fourth surface 24. Therefore, the sum of the depths of the third slits 43 and the fourth slits 44 does not reach the distance (size 17) between the third surface 23 and the fourth surface 24. Therefore, a constant gap 48 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) is formed between the third slits 43 and the fourth slits 44 along the direction A. In the frame 1-2, the third slits 43 and the fourth slits 44 are formed with the constant gap 48 in the direction A, which further reduces the risk of a significant decrease in the strength of the frame 1-2 and reduces the risk of the third slits 43 and the fourth slits 44 connecting to each other, thereby realizing a state in which the third slits 43 and the fourth slits 44 can perform their functions.

[0031] In the second embodiment, the third slits 43 and the fourth slits 44 are each formed to have a width along the longitudinal direction L of 1.0 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less, for example, 1.5 mm. The pitch representing the spacing between the first slits 41, the second slits 42, the third slits 43, and the fourth slits 44 along the longitudinal direction L corresponds to the length of the interval 47 in Figures 6, 7, 8, and 9, and is 1.5 mm or more and 2.5 mm or less, and is 2.0 mm in the second embodiment. By forming the first slit 41, the second slit 42, the third slit 43, and the fourth slit 44 in the frame 1-2 with such widths and pitches, the spacing 47 is suitably realized, which reduces the risk of a significant reduction in the strength of the frame 1-2 and reduces the risk of the first slit 41, the second slit 42, the third slit 43, and the fourth slit 44 connecting with each other, while realizing a state in which the first slit 41, the second slit 42, the third slit 43, and the fourth slit 44 can perform their functions.

[0032] Because the frame 1-2 has the above-described configuration, for example, by deforming the frame 1-2 so as to widen the width of the third slit 43 and narrow the width of the fourth slit 44, the frame 1-2 can be curved along direction A so as to be convex toward the third surface 23 and concave toward the fourth surface 24 in the region where the third slit 43 and the fourth slit 44 are formed. Furthermore, by deforming the frame 1-2 so as to narrow the width of the third slit 43 and widen the width of the fourth slit 44, the frame 1-2 can be curved along direction A so as to be concave toward the third surface 23 and convex toward the fourth surface 24 in the region where the third slit 43 and the fourth slit 44 are formed, as shown in FIG. 4 . By utilizing such curvature, the frame 1-2 has a significantly increased degree of freedom in the shape of the frame 1-2 compared to conventional non-bendable frames. Therefore, it is possible to realize shapes with fewer frames that could only be realized by connecting and assembling multiple frames with conventional non-bendable frames, and it is also possible to realize shapes that could not be realized with conventional non-bendable frames.

[0033] Similarly to frame 1 according to embodiment 1, frame 1-2 according to embodiment 2 can be bent along direction B so as to be convex toward first surface 21 or so as to be convex toward second surface 22 by deforming it so as to widen or narrow first slit 41 and second slit 42, respectively. Therefore, frame 1-2 according to embodiment 2 can be bent along direction A and also along direction B, which increases the number of directions in which it can be bent compared to frame 1 according to embodiment 1 and further increases the degree of freedom of deformation. As a result, more shapes can be realized with fewer frames than with conventional non-bendable frames that require connecting and assembling multiple frames, and more shapes can be realized that cannot be realized with conventional non-bendable frames.

[0034] Furthermore, like the frame 1 according to the first embodiment, the frame 1-2 according to the second embodiment can suitably form the outer frame 110 of various types of machining equipment, for example, a machining equipment 100 such as a cutting equipment or grinding equipment for machining semiconductor wafers, as shown in FIG.

[0035] Frame 1-2 according to embodiment 2 having the above configuration achieves the same effects as frame 1 according to embodiment 1, and furthermore, in the region where third slit 43 and fourth slit 44 are formed, can be bent along direction A so as to be convex toward third surface 23 or so as to be convex toward fourth surface 24. Therefore, frame 1-2 according to embodiment 2 can easily realize more shapes that could not be realized with conventional non-bendable frames, and can realize more shapes that conventional non-bendable frames required assembling multiple pieces by connecting them together, with fewer pieces than before, reducing the labor required for assembling.

[0036] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented in various modifications without departing from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0037] 1,1-2 frames 11 First Side 12 Second Side 13 Third Side 14 Fourth Side 21 First Side 22 Second Side 23 The Third Side 24 The Fourth Side 41 First Slit 42 Second Slit 43 Third Slit 44 Fourth Slit L Longitudinal direction

Claims

1. A frame having a rectangular shape, four sides, and extending in a longitudinal direction, At least a first surface that is a surface on which a first side extends and a second surface that is a surface on which a second side facing the first side extends, a first slit having a depth that does not extend from the first surface to the second surface; a second slit having a depth that does not reach from the second surface to the first surface; The first slits and the second slits are alternately formed. A frame characterized by:

2. The frame includes a third surface that is a surface on which a third side connected to the first surface and the second surface extends, and a fourth surface that is a surface on which a fourth side facing the third side extends. and a third slit having a depth that does not reach from the third surface to the fourth surface; a fourth slit having a depth that does not reach from the fourth surface to the third surface, The third slits and the fourth slits are alternately formed, Furthermore, the third slit and the fourth slit are the first slit and the second slit. is not connected to The frame of claim 1 .

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