Electrical Equipment Module

Abstract

This improves both the ease of attachment and detachment to the rack and the strength against impacts. [Solution] An electrical equipment module (1) removably mounted on a rack (9) includes an outer case (10) having a front end wall (11), an upper wall (14) extending from the edge of the front end wall (11), and a claw insertion hole (18) penetrating the upper wall (14), and a latch (30) elastically fixed to the outer case (10) and releasably engaged with the rack (9). The latch (30) has a flexible, plate-shaped latch body (31) and a reinforcing member (40). The latch body (31) includes a root portion (32) fixed to the inner surface of the upper wall (14), an extension portion (33) extending from the root portion (32) and projecting outward from the front end wall (11), and a locking claw (35) projecting from the extension portion (33) through the claw insertion hole (18) toward the outer surface of the upper wall (14) and releasably engaged with the rack (9). The reinforcing member (40) is overlaid on the surface of the extension portion (33).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to electrical equipment modules. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic device that is inserted into a cabinet (also called a rack). The electronic device includes a case and an elastic sheet module. The elastic sheet module is made of a single metal plate and is fixed in a cantilevered manner to the inner surface of the side wall of the case. The elastic sheet module has two protrusions that protrude from the side wall of the case between both ends. When the electronic device is inserted into the cabinet, these two protrusions abut against the cabinet, thereby locking the electronic device to the cabinet. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 1,180,5612 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] If the tip of the elastic sheet module is exposed from the case, a worker can easily remove the electronic device from the cabinet by manipulating the exposed part to bend and deform the elastic sheet module so that it separates from the cabinet. However, there is a possibility that the exposed part may be subjected to unintentional external impact. Increasing the thickness of the metal plate to improve impact resistance makes it difficult for the elastic sheet module to elastically deform, reducing the ease of attachment and detachment.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an electrical equipment module that achieves both improved operability in attaching and detaching from a rack and improved strength against impact. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention provides an electrical equipment module that is removably mounted to a rack, the electrical equipment module comprising: an outer case having an end wall, a long wall extending from a peripheral edge of the end wall, and a claw insertion hole penetrating the long wall; and a latch that is elastically fixed to the outer case and releasably engaged with the rack, the latch being a flexible, plate-shaped latch body that includes a root portion fixed to the inner surface of the long wall, an extension portion that extends from the root portion and protrudes outward from the end wall, and a locking claw that protrudes from the extension portion through the claw insertion hole to the outer surface of the long wall and is releasably engaged with the rack; and a reinforcing body overlaid on the surface of the extension portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an electrical equipment module that achieves both improved operability in attaching and detaching to a rack and improved strength against impacts. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an electrical equipment unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the electrical equipment unit shown in FIG. 1 . [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the electrical device module according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rack of electrical equipment units shown in FIG. 1; [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of an electrical equipment unit in a state where one electrical equipment module is mounted on a rack. [Figure 6] Enlarged view of Figure 2. [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 6, and is a cross-sectional view of the electric equipment unit in the process of inserting or removing the electric equipment module into or from the rack, unlike FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 8 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the electrical equipment unit taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 6, viewed from below and from the front. [Figure 9] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the latch shown in FIG. 4 . [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the latch shown in FIG. 9 . [Figure 11] 10 is a bottom perspective view of the latch shown in FIG. 9. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the latch shown in FIG. 9; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An electrical equipment module according to one embodiment is an electrical equipment module that is removably mounted to a rack, and comprises an outer case having an end wall, a long wall extending from the edge of the end wall, and a claw insertion hole that penetrates the long wall; and a latch that is elastically fixed to the outer case and releasably engages with the rack, wherein the latch is a flexible, plate-shaped latch body that includes a root portion fixed to the inner surface of the long wall, an extension portion that extends from the root portion and protrudes outward from the end wall, and a locking claw that protrudes from the extension portion through the claw insertion hole to the outer surface of the long wall and is releasably engaged with the rack, and a reinforcing body that is partially overlapped on the surface of the extension portion.

[0010] According to the above configuration, the latch has a latch body including an extension portion extending from a base portion fixed to the inner surface of the long wall of the outer case, and the extension portion protrudes outward from the end wall of the outer case. The latch body and its extension portion are flexible plate-shaped. Therefore, an operator can elastically deform the latch body by pushing the tip of the extension portion in a direction away from the long wall. At this time, the latch body bends and deforms, moving away from the inner surface of the long wall as it moves from the base portion toward the tip of the extension portion (i.e., toward the tip side in the extension direction of the latch body). As a result, the locking claw eliminates or reduces its protrusion from the outer surface of the long wall and disengages from the rack. An operator can remove the electrical equipment module from the latch by continuing to press the tip of the extension portion and pulling out the outer case.

[0011] The latch also has a reinforcing member partially overlapping the surface of the extension portion. This allows the compressive load from the impact to be absorbed not only by the latch body but also by the reinforcing member, even if the tip of the extension portion is subjected to an impact toward the base end in the extension direction of the latch body. This improves the latch's strength against impact and prevents the latch from buckling. Because the reinforcing member partially covers the extension portion, it does not impede the elastic deformation of the latch body when the operator presses the latch. This achieves both improved operability for attaching and detaching the electrical equipment module to and from the rack and improved latch strength against impact.

[0012] In another embodiment, the reinforcing member may be in the form of a flexible plate.

[0013] According to the above configuration, since the reinforcing body is elastically deformable together with the extending portion, the elastic deformation of the extending portion is not hindered by the reinforcing body, thereby improving the operability of attaching and detaching the electrical equipment module to and from the rack.

[0014] In other embodiments, the reinforcement body may be point-connected to the latch body at one or more fixed points.

[0015] According to the above configuration, the extension is restrained by the reinforcing member only at one or more fixed points, so elastic deformation is not hindered by the reinforcing member. This improves the operability of attaching and detaching the electrical equipment module to the rack. Furthermore, when shock or vibration occurs, the reinforcing member and the latch body displace relative to each other, allowing the shock or vibration to be absorbed by the friction generated between the reinforcing member and the latch body. This absorption function improves the shock resistance of the latch.

[0016] In another embodiment, the base end of the extension portion may be exposed and not covered by the reinforcing body.

[0017] According to the above configuration, the base end of the extension portion is easily bent and deformed, thereby improving the operability of attaching and detaching the extension portion to and from the rack.

[0018] In another embodiment, the extension portion has a wide portion continuing from the root portion and a narrow portion continuing from the wide portion to the tip side opposite the root portion, and the narrow portion is narrower than the wide portion, and the reinforcing body may cover at least a portion of the narrow portion.

[0019] In the area where the width of the extension changes, stress may be concentrated when an impact is applied to the tip of the extension. With the above configuration, such an area is reinforced by the reinforcing member, improving the strength of the latch against impact.

[0020] In another embodiment, the end wall may have a latch passage hole through which the extension portion passes, the narrow portion may pass through the latch passage hole, and the reinforcing body may be housed inside the exterior case.

[0021] According to the above configuration, when the extension portion protrudes outward from the end wall, the narrow portion passes through the latch-passing hole. This allows the width of the latch-passing hole to be reduced. The reinforcing body does not pass through the latch-passing hole but is housed inside the outer case. This allows the height of the latch-passing hole (the dimension along the plate thickness direction of the extension portion) to be reduced. Because the area of ​​the latch-passing hole is reduced, it becomes more difficult for an operator to access the inside of the outer case through the latch-passing hole. This improves the safety of both the electrical equipment module and the operator.

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that identical or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings, and detailed descriptions will be omitted. In this specification, terms indicating specific directions or positions (e.g., "upper," "lower," etc.) are used as necessary. However, these terms are intended to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure based on the drawings, and the use of such terms does not limit the technical scope of the present disclosure. The embodiments described below are specific examples based on the technical ideas of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of the described components are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The configurations, actions, effects, etc. of one embodiment or example may also be applied to other embodiments or examples. Note that the sizes and positional relationships of components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0023] 1 and 2, an electric equipment unit 100 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of electric equipment modules 1 and a rack 9. The electric equipment modules 1 are removably mounted on the rack 9.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 3, the electrical device module 1 includes an exterior case 10, an internal device 20, and a latch 30.

[0025] The exterior case 10 is, for example, a long rectangular parallelepiped, and is rectangular when viewed in its height direction Z (i.e., in a plan view). In the following description, the direction in which the long sides of this rectangle extend is referred to as the longitudinal direction X, and the direction in which the short sides extend is referred to as the width direction Y. The longitudinal direction X corresponds to the depth direction or front-to-back direction, the width direction Y corresponds to the left-to-right direction, and the height direction Z corresponds to the up-down direction. The longitudinal direction X, width direction Y, and height direction Z are each perpendicular to the other two directions.

[0026] The outer case 10 includes a front end wall 11 and a rear end wall 12 that face each other in the longitudinal direction X, a bottom wall 13 and a top wall 14 that face each other in the height direction Z, and a pair of side walls 15 that face each other in the width direction Y. The bottom wall 13, the top wall 14, and the pair of side walls 15 are each long walls extending from the edges of the front end wall 11. The long walls extend in the longitudinal direction X and connect the edges of the front end wall 11 and the rear end wall 12. The outer case 10 defines an interior space 10a surrounded by these walls.

[0027] The outer case 10 is constructed by assembling multiple case parts. In the illustrated example, the outer case 10 has, as case parts, a case base 10A, a case cover 10B, and an end plate 10C, with the case base 10A constituting the bottom wall 13, the case cover 10B constituting the rear end wall 12, the top wall 14, and a pair of side walls 15, and the end plate 10C constituting the front end wall 11. However, this is merely an example, and the manner in which the parts of the outer case 10 are divided can be changed as appropriate.

[0028] The built-in devices 20 are housed in the internal space 10a of the exterior case 10. For example, the electric equipment module 1 may be a battery module equipped with a plurality of battery cells and a battery monitoring unit (BMU) as the built-in devices 20. In this case, the plurality of battery modules and the electric equipment unit 100 equipped with them may be used as an emergency power supply device deployed in a data center. However, the electric equipment module 1 is not limited to a battery module, and the built-in devices 20 may be devices or equipment other than batteries.

[0029] A connector 26 is attached to the rear end wall 12. The built-in device 20 can be connected to external electrical equipment via the connector 26. A handle 27 is provided on the outer surface of the front end wall 11. An operator can grip the handle 27 to insert the electrical equipment module 1 into the rack 9 and remove the electrical equipment module 1 from the rack 9.

[0030] The latch 30 is fixed to the exterior case 10 in a manner that allows it to be elastically deformed. The latch 30 is releasably engaged with the rack 9. The latch 30 is configured as, for example, a leaf spring.

[0031] In this embodiment, merely by way of example, the thickness direction of the latch 30 is oriented in the height direction Z, and one end of the latch 30 is fixed to the inner surface of the top wall 14, which is an example of a long wall. Therefore, the width direction of the latch 30 itself coincides with the width direction Y of the electrical equipment module 1 and the electrical equipment unit 100, and the extension direction or longitudinal direction of the latch 30 itself coincides with the longitudinal direction X of the electrical equipment module 1 or the electrical equipment unit 100. In addition, the thickness direction of the latch 30 corresponds to the height direction Z of the electrical equipment module 1 or the electrical equipment unit 100. Furthermore, the protruding direction of a locking claw 35 of the latch 30, which will be described later, corresponds to the upward direction, which is one side of the height direction Z of the electrical equipment module 1 or the electrical equipment unit 100.

[0032] However, one end of the latch 30 may be fixed to the inner surface of the bottom wall 13. Alternatively, the thickness direction of the latch 30 may be oriented in the width direction Y, and one end of the latch 30 may be fixed to the inner surface of one of the side walls 15. The correspondence between the orientation of the latch 30 itself and the orientation of the electrical equipment module 1 or electrical equipment unit 100 may be changed as appropriate depending on which of the long walls the latch 30 is fixed to.

[0033] The latch 30 extends forward from the fixed point, passes through the latch passage hole 17 in the front end wall 11, and protrudes outward from the front end wall 11. The base end (rear end) of the latch 30 is a fixed end, while the tip end (front end) of the latch 30 is a free end. When no external force is applied, the latch 30 is in a neutral position extending linearly in the longitudinal direction X along the inner surface of the top wall 14.

[0034] The latch 30 has a locking claw 35 that protrudes upward (to one side in the plate thickness direction) within the internal space 10a. In this embodiment, the latch 30 is provided with a pair of locking claws 35 in the width direction Y. The locking claws 35 extend in the longitudinal direction X (front-rear direction). On the other hand, the upper wall 14 is provided with a pair of claw insertion holes 18 corresponding to the pair of locking claws 35. The claw insertion holes 18 penetrate the upper wall 14. In the neutral position, the pair of locking claws 35 each pass through the pair of claw insertion holes 18 and protrude outward from the outer surface of the upper wall 14.

[0035] Even if an attempt is made to push the tip of the latch 30 upward, the latch 30 will not bend or deform because almost the entire latch 30 abuts against the inner surface of the top wall 14. An operator can bend and deform the latch 30 by pushing downward the tip of the latch 30 that is exposed from the front end wall 11. When the operator releases the operating force, the latch 30 returns to its neutral position.

[0036] 1 and 4, the rack 9 defines a plurality of mounting chambers 90 in which a plurality of electrical equipment modules 1 are individually mounted. The rack 9 has at least an entrance 91. The entrance 91 forms the front end of the rack 9. The rack 9 may have a housing 99 that continues rearward from the entrance 91 and houses the electrical equipment modules 1. The rear of the electrical equipment module 1 may be supported by the housing 99.

[0037] The entrance section 91 has a bottom plate 92 and a top plate 93 that face each other in the height direction Z, a pair of side plates 94 that face each other in the width direction Y, and a plurality of partition plates 95 arranged at intervals in the width direction Y between the pair of side plates 94.

[0038] The bottom plate 92 and the top plate 93 are plate-shaped with their thickness direction oriented in the height direction Z and have a rectangular shape that is long in the width direction Y. One of the side plates 94 connects the left edges of the bottom plate 92 and the top plate 93, and the other side plate 94 connects the right edges of the bottom plate 92 and the top plate 93.

[0039] The partition plate 95 is disposed within a rectangular frame formed by the bottom plate 92, the top plate 93, and the pair of side plates 94, and connects the inner surface (upper surface) of the bottom plate 92 and the inner surface (lower surface) of the top plate 93 in the height direction Z. The pair of side plates 94 and the multiple partition plates 95 are arranged parallel to each other, and extend in the height direction Z and the longitudinal direction X with their plate thickness directions facing the width direction Y.

[0040] The pair of side plates 94, adjacent two of the plurality of partition plates 95, the bottom plate 92, and the top plate 93 define an entrance area of ​​the mounting chamber 90. In the rack 9, the plurality of mounting chambers 90 (and their entrance areas) are arranged in a row in the width direction Y.

[0041] The upper plate 93 of the entrance portion 91 is provided with a plurality of locked portions 96. The plurality of locked portions 96 correspond one-to-one to the plurality of mounting chambers 90. In this embodiment, the locked portions 96 are configured by a pair of slits 96a into which the pair of locking claws 35 of the latch 30 can be respectively inserted. The upper plate 93 has a plurality of recesses 93a aligned in the width direction Y, and the plurality of locked portions 96 are provided in the recesses 93a. The pair of slits 96a penetrate the bottom of the recesses 93a and extend parallel to the longitudinal direction X.

[0042] In this embodiment, by way of example only, the rack 9 has six mounting chambers 90, and a maximum of six electrical equipment modules 1 are mounted on the rack 9. FIGS. 1 and 2 show the entire electrical equipment unit 100 in a state where six electrical equipment modules 1 are mounted on the rack 9. FIGS. 5 and 6 show an enlarged view of the periphery of the entrance 91 of the rack 9 in a state where only one electrical equipment module 1 is mounted on the rack 9.

[0043] When mounting the electrical equipment module 1 in the empty mounting chamber 90, the worker supports the rear end of the electrical equipment module 1 with his or her hand and inserts the electrical equipment module 1 from its rear end into the entrance area of ​​the mounting chamber 90. Once the electrical equipment module 1 has been inserted to some extent into the mounting chamber 90, the worker grasps the handle 27 and pushes the electrical equipment module 1 rearward.

[0044] 7, when the electrical equipment module 1 is further inserted, the rear end of the locking claw 35 abuts against the front edge of the upper plate 93. The rear end of the locking claw 35 is inclined downward as it moves rearward. Therefore, when the operator pushes the electrical equipment module 1 further rearward (see arrow A1 in FIG. 7), the locking claw 35 is elastically deformed downward (see arrows A2 and A3 in FIG. 7) based on this operating force, and the amount of protrusion of the locking claw 35 from the upper wall 14 decreases.

[0045] When the latch 30 is deformed until the upper edge of the locking claw 35 reaches the height position of the inner surface of the upper plate 93, the locking claw 35 enters the mounting chamber 90. With the upper edge of the locking claw 35 pressed against the inner surface of the upper plate 93, the electrical equipment module 1 moves rearward. When the electrical equipment module 1 is inserted until the locking claw 35 reaches the position of the pair of slits 96a, the latch 30 returns to the neutral position, and the locking claw 35 is inserted into the slits 96a from below.

[0046] 5, 6, and 8, the latch 30 is locked to the rack 9, completing the insertion or installation of the electrical equipment module 1 into the rack 9. That is, the latch 30 is locked to the rack 9, and the electrical equipment module 1 is installed in the rack 9.

[0047] The front end of the locking claw 35 extends in the height direction Z and is not tilted forward. Therefore, even if an operator grasps the handle 27 and pulls the electrical equipment module 1 forward (see arrow B1 in FIG. 8) while the latch 30 is locked to the rack 9, the front end of the locking claw 35 will abut against the rear edge of the slit 96a (see arrow B2 with an x ​​in FIG. 8). Unlike when the latch 30 is inserted, the latch 30 does not elastically deform, and the locked state of the latch 30 and the attached state of the electrical equipment module 1 are maintained. The latch 30 cooperates with the slit 96a to prevent it from coming loose.

[0048] Referring to Figure 8, when removing the electrical equipment module 1 from the rack 9, the worker pushes the tip of the latch 30 downward (see arrow C1 in Figure 8). This causes the latch 30 to bend downward as described above (see arrow C2 in Figure 8). The protrusion of the locking claw 35 from the upper wall 14 is eliminated or reduced, and the locking claw 35 retreats downward from the slit 96a. In other words, the latch 30 is released from its locked state.

[0049] While releasing the latch 30, the operator grasps the handle 27 and pulls the electrical equipment module 1 forward. Because the upper edge of the locking claw 35 is in contact with or positioned below the inner surface of the upper plate 93, the electrical equipment module 1 is pulled forward. During this process, when the locking claw 35 moves forward beyond the rack 9, the locking claw 35 returns to its neutral position (see FIG. 7). When the rear end of the electrical equipment module 1 passes rearward through the entrance portion 91, the electrical equipment module 1 is completely pulled out from the rack 9. In other words, the electrical equipment module 1 is released from its installed state.

[0050] The structure and operation of the latch 30 will now be described in detail.

[0051] 9 to 12, the latch 30 includes a latch body 31, a reinforcing member 40, and an operating portion 51. As shown in FIG.

[0052] The latch body 31 is a flexible plate made of metal such as spring steel. In this embodiment, the reinforcing member 40 is also a flexible plate made of metal such as spring steel. In this manner, the latch 30 of this embodiment has a two-plate structure.

[0053] The thicknesses of the latch body 31 and the reinforcement body 40 are set according to the materials of the latch body 31 and the reinforcement body 40, the elasticity required of the latch 30, and the strength required of the latch 30. The thickness of the reinforcement body 40 is greater than the thickness of the latch body 31, and is, for example, about 1.5 to 2.5 times the thickness of the latch body 31. The thickness of the latch body 31 is, for example, 0.5 to 1.5 mm, and preferably 0.7 to 1.2 mm, and the thickness of the reinforcement body 40 is, for example, 0.8 to 3 mm, and preferably 1.5 to 2.5 mm.

[0054] The latch body 31 integrally includes a root portion 32 and an extension portion 33. The aforementioned locking claw 35 is provided on the latch body 31. The root portion 32 and the extension portion 33 form a flush first surface and a flush second surface on the opposite side of the plate thickness from the first surface. In this embodiment, the first surface is the upper surface 31a that faces the inner surface of the top wall 14 when assembled to the exterior case 10. The second surface is the lower surface 31b that faces the internal space 10a when assembled to the exterior case 10.

[0055] The root portion 32 has, for example, a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view. The root portion 32 is fixed to the inner surface of the upper wall 14, which is an example of a long wall, with its upper surface in surface contact with the inner surface of the upper wall 14. The root portion 32 may be fixed by a fastener 52 inserted into the root portion 32 and the upper wall 14, by an adhesive interposed between the upper surface of the root portion 32 and the inner surface of the upper wall 14, or by welding the root portion 32 to the upper wall 14. In the present embodiment, the fastener 52 is used as an example. In the illustrated example, the fastener 52 is a rivet, but the fastener 52 is not limited to a rivet and may be another fastener such as a bolt.

[0056] When a rivet is used as the fastener 52 as in this embodiment, fastening holes 14a, 32a into which the fastener 52 is inserted are provided in the upper wall 14 and the base portion 32, respectively. When a bolt is used as the fastener 52, an internal thread may be formed on the inner peripheral surface of either of the fastening holes 14a, 32a.

[0057] In the present embodiment, when the base portion 32 is generally rectangular and fasteners 52 are used to fasten the base portion 32, the four corners of the base portion 32 serve as fastening points, and the four fasteners 52 are inserted into the four corners. Note that one or more corners of the base portion 32 may be cut out to avoid interference with other components to be provided on the upper wall 14 (see FIG. 6). In this case, the fastening points of the base portion 32 (i.e., the insertion positions of the fasteners 52) are also offset appropriately.

[0058] The extension portion 33 extends forward from the base portion 32 and protrudes outward from the front end wall 11. The extension portion 33 has, in plan view, a generally rectangular shape that is long in the extension direction and short in the width direction.

[0059] The width of the extending portion 33 is narrower than the width of the base portion 32. The center of the base portion 32 in the width direction roughly coincides with the center of the extending portion 33 in the width direction, and the base portion 32 protrudes on both sides in the width direction when viewed from the extending portion 33.

[0060] The pair of locking claws 35 respectively protrude upward from a portion of a pair of side edges of the extension portion 33. The locking claws 35 are integrated with the extension portion 33 so as to be seamlessly continuous with the extension portion 33 by bending the blank plate that is the material of the latch body 31.

[0061] The extending portion 33 has a wide portion 33A continuing from the base portion 32 and a narrow portion 33B continuing from the wide portion 33A to the tip side (i.e., forward) opposite the base portion 32. The wide portion 33A extends in the longitudinal direction X from the base end of the extending portion 33 to the rear end of the locking claw 35. The narrow portion 33B extends in the longitudinal direction X from near the rear end of the locking claw 35 to the tip of the extending portion 33. The narrow portion 33B is narrower than the wide portion 33A. The center of the wide portion 33A in the width direction generally coincides with the center of the narrow portion 33B in the width direction, and the wide portion 33A protrudes on both sides in the width direction when viewed from the narrow portion 33B. On the other hand, a notch 33a is provided in the wide portion 33A adjacent to and in front of the front end of the locking claw 35. The narrowing behind the rear end of the locking claw 35 and the presence of the notch 33a close to the front end of the locking claw 35 facilitate bending to form the locking claw 35. More specifically, the bending can be easily performed by preventing the outer surface of the locking claw 35 from protruding in the width direction beyond the side edge of the wide portion 33A.

[0062] The narrow portion 33B has an extension 33b extending forward from the wide portion 33A, an inclined portion 33c extending forward from the extension 33b while tilting upward, and a terminal end 33d protruding forward from the upper front end of the inclined portion 33c. The operating part 51 is a resin part and is fitted to the terminal end 33d. The upper surface of the operating part 51 is provided with grooves or ribs to prevent slipping. A tongue 34 is provided on the terminal end 33d by cutting and raising, and the elastic force of the tongue 34 prevents the operating part 51 from falling off.

[0063] The rear end of the locking pawl 35 is located forward of the front end of the base portion 32, and further forward of the center of the extension direction of the wide portion 33A. The upper edge of the locking pawl 35 extends parallel to the extension direction of the extension portion 33. When the latch 30 is assembled to the outer case 10 and is in a neutral position, the upper edge of the locking pawl 35 extends along the longitudinal direction X. The amount by which the locking pawl 35 protrudes from the upper surface of the extension portion 33 is greater than the sum of the plate thicknesses of the upper wall 14 and the upper plate 93 (see Figures 7 and 8).

[0064] The locking claw 35 has a trapezoidal shape in a side view. The front edge of the locking claw 35 extends upward from the extension portion 33 without inclining in either the width direction or the extension direction. The rear edge of the locking claw 35 is inclined so as to be inclined rearward as it extends downward from the upper edge of the locking claw 35 toward the extension portion 33. The "incline" is not limited to a linear shape, and may be curved, for example, in the shape of a quarter circle.

[0065] The reinforcing body 40 is placed on the surface of the extension portion 33. In this embodiment, the reinforcing body 40 is placed on the surface of the first or second surface of the extension portion 33 opposite to the side (upper side) from which the locking claw 35 protrudes, i.e., the second surface (lower surface 31b).

[0066] The reinforcing member 40 has a main portion 41 and a tip portion 42 .

[0067] The main portion 41 has a generally rectangular shape in plan view and covers the wide portion 33 A. The tip portion 42 has a generally rectangular shape in plan view and continues forward from the main portion 41, partially covering the narrow portion 33 B.

[0068] The width of the main portion 41 is approximately equal to the width of the wide portion 33A of the extending portion 33. The width of the tip portion 42 is narrower than the width of the main portion 41 and approximately equal to the width of the narrow portion 33B of the extending portion 33. The center of the width direction of the tip portion 42 approximately coincides with the center of the width direction of the extending portion 33. When the reinforcing body 40 is overlapped on the extending portion 33, the center of the width direction of the reinforcing body 40 approximately coincides with the center of the width direction of the extending portion 33. In addition, the boundary or transition portion between the main portion 41 and the tip portion 42 overlaps the boundary or transition portion between the wide portion 33A and the narrow portion 33B.

[0069] The reinforcement body 40 is point-connected to the extension portion 33 of the latch body 31 at one or more fixing points. The point-connection may be achieved by fasteners 53 inserted into the reinforcement body 40 and the extension portion 33 at each fixing point, or by spot welding at each fixing point. In this embodiment, the fasteners 53 are used as an example. In the illustrated example, the fasteners 53 are rivets, but the fasteners 53 are not limited to rivets and may be other fasteners such as bolts. When rivets are used as the fasteners 53 as in this embodiment, the extension portion 33 and the reinforcement body 40 are each provided with fastening holes 33e, 40a into which the fasteners 53 are inserted. When bolts are used as the fasteners 53, the inner circumferential surfaces of either the fastening holes 33e, 40a may be internally threaded.

[0070] In this embodiment, the four corners of the main portion 41 are used as fixing points. Four coupling holes 40a are provided at the four corners of the main portion 41. Four coupling holes 33e are provided in the extension portion 33 (wide portion 33A) at four positions that overlap with the four coupling holes 40a.

[0071] The rear edge of the main portion 41 extends in the width direction. The rear edge of the main portion 41 is located forward of the boundary or transition portion between the root portion 32 and the extension portion 33. In other words, the base end (rear end) of the extension portion 33 is not covered with the reinforcing body 40, and its surface is exposed.

[0072] The front edge of the tip portion 42 also extends in the width direction. The front edge of the tip portion 42 is located rearward of the boundary between the extension portion 33b and the inclined portion 33c. In other words, the reinforcing member 40 covers the base end of the narrow portion 33B, and the surface of the remaining portion of the narrow portion 33B is exposed.

[0073] 7 and 8, when the latch 30 described above is assembled to the outer case 10, the base portion 32 is fixed to the upper wall 14 at four fixing points while being in surface contact with the inner surface of the upper wall 14. The extension portion 33 extends along the inner surface of the upper wall 14, and the reinforcing member 40 extends below and parallel to the extension portion 33 while being in surface contact with the extension portion 33.

[0074] The narrow portion 33B passes through the latch-passing hole 17, while the reinforcing body 40 is housed inside the outer case 10. More specifically, the wide portion 33A and the extending portion 33b of the extending portion 33 are housed in the internal space 10a together with the reinforcing body 40. The boundary between the extending portion 33b and the inclined portion 33c is located inside the latch-passing hole 17 or is close to the inner or outer surface of the front end wall 11. The inclined portion 33c protrudes upward and forward from the outer surface of the front end wall 11, and the operating portion 51 is located slightly forward and spaced apart from the outer surface of the front end wall 11. The latch-passing hole 17 is provided at the upper end of the front end wall 11. The handle 27 is located below the operating portion 51.

[0075] When the extension portion 33 protrudes outward from the front end wall 11, the narrow portion 33B passes through the latch passing hole 17. This allows the width of the latch passing hole 17 to be reduced. The reinforcing member 40 does not pass through the latch passing hole 17, but is housed in the internal space 10a of the exterior case 10. This allows the height of the latch passing hole 17 to be reduced.

[0076] In this way, the opening area of ​​the latch passing hole 17 can be reduced. This makes it difficult for an operator to access the inside of the exterior case 10 through the latch passing hole 17. Furthermore, even if high-temperature gas accompanied by sparks is generated from the built-in device 20, the risk of the gas and sparks spraying out from the latch passing hole 17 can be reduced. This improves the safety of both the electric device module 1 and the operator.

[0077] Now, let us assume that an external backward impact is unintentionally applied to the operating portion 51 due to a natural disaster such as an earthquake or vibration of the rack 9 that occurs during transportation of the rack 9 (see arrow D in FIG. 8). In other words, let us assume that an unintentional compressive load acts on the latch 30. In this embodiment, the latch 30 has a reinforcing member 40 that is overlaid on the surface of the extension portion 33 of the latch main body 31. This allows the compressive load caused by the impact to be absorbed not only by the latch main body 31 but also by the reinforcing member 40. This improves the strength of the latch 30 against impact, and buckling of the latch 30 can be suppressed.

[0078] The reinforcement body 40 is point-bonded to the latch body 31 at one or more (four in this embodiment) fixing points. The reinforcement body 40 is not surface-bonded to the latch body 31, as would be the case with adhesive, for example. Therefore, when a compressive load acts on the latch 30, the reinforcement body 40 and the latch body 31 may displace relative to each other while in surface contact. The amount of relative displacement is assumed to be the amount of backlash at the fixing points. A portion of the compressive load is absorbed by friction generated between the reinforcement body 40 and the latch body 31 due to this relative displacement, thereby reducing the load that must be borne by the latch body 31 and the reinforcement body 40. This shock-absorbing function further improves the shock resistance of the latch 30.

[0079] The extension portion 33 has a wide portion 33A and a narrow portion 33B. The narrow portion 33B reduces the operating force required for elastic deformation and facilitates the molding of the locking pawl 35. However, stress may be concentrated at the boundary or transition portion between the wide portion 33A and the narrow portion 33B during an impact. In this embodiment, the reinforcing member 40 has not only a main portion 41 that covers the wide portion 33A, but also a tip portion 42 that covers the base end of the narrow portion 33B. Therefore, the boundary or transition portion between the wide portion 33A and the narrow portion 33B and the base end of the narrow portion 33B are reinforced by the reinforcing member 40. This effectively improves the strength of the areas where stress may be concentrated, further improving the impact resistance of the latch 30.

[0080] Next, when removing the electrical equipment module 1 from the rack 9, the worker grasps the handle 27 to pull the electrical equipment module 1 and presses down the operating unit 51 to release the latch 30. The handle 27 extends in the height direction Z below the operating unit 51. This allows the worker to grasp the handle 27 with four fingers (the second to fifth fingers) of one hand and press down the top surface of the operating unit 51 with the first finger of the same hand. In this way, the worker can perform the operation to remove the electrical equipment module 1 from the rack 9 with one hand. This improves the operability of attaching and detaching the electrical equipment module 1 to and from the rack 9.

[0081] When the operating portion 51 is pressed down, a bending load acts independently on the latch body 31 and the reinforcing member 40, causing both the latch body 31 and the reinforcing member 40 to elastically deform. As described above, the provision of the reinforcing member 40 improves impact resistance while ensuring sufficient flexibility in response to operating force. In other words, it is possible to achieve both improved operability in attaching and detaching the electrical equipment module 1 to and from the rack 9 and improved strength of the latch 30 against impact.

[0082] The reinforcing member 40 is made of a flexible plate material, so that the reinforcing member 40 can be easily bent together with the latch body 31 based on the operating force, improving the ease of attachment and detachment.

[0083] The reinforcement body 40 is point-bonded to the latch body 31 at one or more (four in this embodiment) fixing points. In contrast to a configuration in which the reinforcement body 40 is surface-bonded to the latch body 31 and the latch body 31 bends and deforms together with the reinforcement body 40, such as when an adhesive is used, the latch body 31 and the reinforcement body 40 can be elastically deformed with a small operating force. This improves attachment and detachment operability. In this way, the point-bonding of the reinforcement body 40 contributes to achieving both improved attachment and detachment operability and improved impact resistance.

[0084] The reinforcing member 40 partially covers the extension 33, so it is unlikely to impede the elastic deformation of the latch body 31 when the operator pushes it. This improves the ease of attachment and detachment. In particular, the base end of the extension 33 is exposed and not covered by the reinforcing member 40. This makes it easier for the latch body 31 to bend starting from the base end of the extension 33. A large amount of deflection deformation can be achieved with a small operating force, improving the ease of attachment and detachment.

[0085] Although the embodiments have been described above, the above configurations can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the latch passage hole 17 is provided in the front end wall 11, and the latch 30 is partially exposed to the front outer side of the front end wall. However, this is just one example, and the latch passage hole 17 may be provided in the rear end wall 12, and the latch 30 may protrude rearward and outward from the rear end wall.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the reinforcing member 40 is placed on one of the pair of surfaces of the latch body 31, opposite the surface from which the locking claw protrudes. However, this is just one example, and the reinforcing member 40 may be placed on the surface from which the locking claw protrudes. When the reinforcing member 40 is placed on the opposite surface, substantially the entire surface of the latch body 31 can be abutted against the inner surface of the long wall of the exterior casing in the neutral position. This makes it easier to manage the dimensions of the latch body 31.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the reinforcing member 40 is in the shape of a flat plate. However, this is just one example, and the reinforcing member 40 may be in the shape of a bent or curved plate, or may have a shape other than a plate.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the base portion 32 has four fixing points, and the reinforcing body 40 has four fixing points, all of which are set within the wide portion 33A. However, this is just one example. The number of fixing points on the base portion 32 is not limited to four, and the positions of the fixing points can also be changed as appropriate. The same applies to the fixing points on the reinforcing body 40. Furthermore, at least one of the fixing points on the reinforcing body 40 may be set within the narrow portion 33B.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the reinforcing body 40 partially covers the wide portion 33A and partially covers the narrow portion 33B. However, this is just one example. The reinforcing body 40 may cover the entire wide portion 33A. The reinforcing body 40 may cover the entire narrow portion 33B. The entire narrow portion 33B may be exposed and not covered by the reinforcing body 40.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the extending portion 33 has a wide portion 33A and a narrow portion 33B. However, this is just an example. The extending portion 33 may have a constant width. The extending portion 33 may have three or more portions with different widths.

[0092] The present disclosure may include the following aspects. (Aspect 1) An electrical equipment module removably mounted in a rack, an outer case having an end wall, a long wall extending from a peripheral edge of the end wall, and a nail insertion hole penetrating the long wall; a latch that is elastically deformably fixed to the exterior case and detachably engaged with the rack; Equipped with The latch A flexible plate-shaped latch body, a root portion fixed to the inner surface of the elongated wall; an extension portion extending from the root portion and projecting outward from the end wall; and a locking claw that protrudes from the extension portion to the outer surface side of the elongated wall through the claw insertion hole and is releasably locked to the rack; a latch body including: a reinforcing body overlaid on the surface of the extension portion; having Electrical equipment module. (Aspect 2) The reinforcing body is a flexible plate-like body. 2. The electrical equipment module of embodiment 1. (Aspect 3) The reinforcement body is point-connected to the latch body at one or more fixed points. 3. The electrical device module according to claim 1 or 2. (Aspect 4) A base end of the extension portion is exposed and not covered by the reinforcing body. 4. The electrical equipment module according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3. (Aspect 5) the extension portion has a wide portion continuing from the base portion and a narrow portion continuing from the wide portion to a tip side opposite the base portion, the narrow portion being narrower than the wide portion; The reinforcing member covers the base end of the narrow portion. 5. The electrical equipment module according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4. (Aspect 6) the end wall has a latch passage hole through which the extension passes; the narrow portion passes through the latch passage hole, and the reinforcing body is housed inside the exterior case. 6. The electrical equipment module of embodiment 5. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1 Electrical Equipment Module 9 racks 10 Outer case 10A case base 10B Case Cover 10C End Plate 10a Internal space 11 Front end wall 12 Back end wall 13 Bottom wall 14 Upper wall 14a Binding hole 15 Side wall 17 Latch passage hole 18 Claw insertion hole 20 Built-in Devices 26 Connectors 27 Handle 30 Latch 31 Latch body 31a Top surface 31b Bottom side 32 Root 32a Binding hole 33 Extension 33A wide part 33B Narrow part 33a notch 33b Extension 33c Slope 33d end 33e binding hole 34 Tongue piece 35 Locking claw 40 Reinforcement 40a coupling hole 41 Main Section 42 Tip 51 Operation section 52,53 Connectors 90 Fitting Room 91 Entrance 92 Bottom plate 93 Upper Plate 93a Recess 94 Side Panel 95 Divider 96 Locked part 96a Slit 99 Containment Unit 100 Electrical Equipment Units X Longitudinal direction Y width direction Z height direction

Claims

1. An electrical equipment module removably mounted in a rack, an outer case having an end wall, a long wall extending from a peripheral edge of the end wall, and a pair of claw insertion holes penetrating the long wall; a latch that is elastically deformably fixed to the exterior case and detachably engaged with the rack; Equipped with The latch A flexible plate-shaped latch body, a root portion fixed to the inner surface of the elongated wall; an extension portion extending from the root portion, protruding outward from the end wall, and having a width narrower than that of the root portion; and a pair of locking claws that protrude from the extension portion to the outer surface side of the elongated wall through the pair of claw insertion holes, respectively, and are releasably locked to the rack; a latch body including: a reinforcing member superimposed on a surface of the extension portion opposite to a side from which the pair of locking claws protrude; and the reinforcing body has a first edge on a base end side and a second edge on a tip end side in an extension direction of the extension portion, the first edge being located on the tip end side of a boundary portion between the base portion and the extension portion, the extending portion is covered with the reinforcing body from the first edge to the tip end side up to the second edge, while a base end portion between the root portion and the first edge and a tip end side of the second edge are exposed without being covered with the reinforcing body, the area covered by the reinforcing body includes at least the area between the pair of locking claws, The area of ​​the latch that is covered by the reinforcement body is thicker than the tip side of the second edge that is the area that is not covered by the reinforcement body. Electrical equipment module.

2. The reinforcing body is a flexible plate-like body. The electrical equipment module of claim 1 .

3. The reinforcement body is point-connected to the latch body at one or more fixing points.

3. The electrical device module according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the extension portion has a wide portion continuing from the base portion and a narrow portion continuing from the wide portion to a tip side opposite the base portion, the narrow portion being narrower than the wide portion; The reinforcing member covers the base end of the narrow portion. The electrical device module according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the end wall has a latch passage hole through which the extension passes; the narrow portion passes through the latch passage hole, and the reinforcing body is housed inside the exterior case. The electrical equipment module of claim 4 .

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