Corner Connectors and Storage Cabinets

Abstract

To provide a corner coupling tool that is excellent in strength despite being made of a bent metal sheet and in which a step is not generated at a corner part coupling each frame.SOLUTION: A corner coupling tool with ensured strength is constructed by overlapping a first coupling tool C1, which is made by bending a sheet metal to form three mutually perpendicular surfaces S1, S2, S3, with a second coupling tool C2, which is also made by bending a sheet metal to form three mutually perpendicular surfaces S4, S5, S6, based on top parts V1 and V2, and covering a cut edge CE1, which forms a ridge line of the first coupling tool C1, with an uncut ridge line R6 of the second coupling tool C2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a corner connector that can connect the ends of three frames (F1, F2, F3) made of bent sheet metal of a predetermined thickness at right angles to each other and that forms the framework of a cabinet, and also to a corner connector and storage cabinet that are suitable for cabinets that can store electrical equipment such as distribution boards. [Background technology]

[0002] A cabinet capable of storing items such as electrical distribution boards is constructed by constructing a rectangular framework with three mutually perpendicular vertical, horizontal, and deep frames connected at the ends, with a ceiling panel and a bottom panel attached to the top and bottom, respectively, and side panels or doors attached to the perimeter.

[0003] In recent years, in order to reduce manufacturing costs, such cabinets have been made lighter, less welded, and less painted, and a configuration has been adopted in which the vertical, horizontal, and depth frames mentioned above are made of thin, plated steel sheets bent into a U-shaped cross section, for example, and the ends of each frame are connected at the corners by corner connectors also made of bent thin, plated steel sheets.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a frame assembly structure for a closed distribution board in which a box-shaped framework is constructed by combining and joining vertical beams, horizontal beams, and depth beams that are perpendicular to one another, and the vertical beams, horizontal beams, and depth beams are made by bending thin steel plates into a U-shaped or C-shaped cross section, and the ends of the vertical beams, horizontal beams, and depth beams are overlapped inside and outside at each corner of the framework to combine them in a fitting manner, and the overlapping plate surfaces of each beam member are riveted or screwed together to directly join them.

[0005] In this frame assembly structure, corner reinforcement plates made by bending thin steel plates are superimposed on the corners of the framework, and the corner reinforcement plates are riveted or screwed to each of the vertical beams, horizontal beams, and depth beams to join them together.

[0006] Patent Document 2 discloses a frame structure in which three strength members formed with an L-shaped cross section are connected via corner connectors. The corner connectors are formed by bending plate material and have a first plate connected to a second strength member and a third strength member, a second plate connected to the first strength member and the third strength member, a third plate connected to the second strength member, and a fourth plate connected to the first strength member, with a slit formed between the third plate and the fourth plate. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-061981 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-123386 DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, in the frame assembly structure described in Patent Document 1, the ends of the vertical beams, horizontal beams, and depth beams are overlapped and fitted together at the corners, and corner reinforcing plates made of bent thin steel plates are overlapped on the inner surfaces of each beam constituting the corners and riveted or screwed together, which requires each component to be positioned in a predetermined position and maintained in its posture during assembly, resulting in complicated assembly work. Furthermore, because the corner reinforcing plates are made by bending thin steel plates, there are issues with the strength of the bent parts where stress is concentrated, which are weak, and there are also issues with steps created at the joints of the vertical beams, horizontal beams, and depth beams at the corners, which are the thickness of the sheet metal, which creates small gaps when attaching, for example, ceiling panels or side panels.

[0009] Furthermore, in the frame structure described in Patent Document 2, each of the three strength members can be sequentially connected to the corner connector, reducing the amount of assembly work required, but because the corner connector is formed by bending sheet metal, the bent portion where stress is concentrated becomes weak in strength, which is a problem similar to that of the corner reinforcement plate described in Patent Document 1. Furthermore, this corner connector has slits, which are gaps created by the joints of the cut edges of the sheet metal during bending, formed in a direction that intersects the vertical direction, allowing for deformation of the frame in the event of an earthquake or the like while also being able to favorably withstand loads in the direction of gravity. However, this does not solve the problem of insufficient strength inherent in corner connectors obtained by bending sheet metal.

[0010] In view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, the object of the present invention is to provide a corner connector and a storage cabinet that are made of bent sheet metal but have excellent strength and do not create steps at the corners that connect each frame. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a first characteristic configuration of the corner connector of the present invention is a corner connector that can connect the ends of three frames (F1, F2, F3) made of bent sheet metal of a predetermined thickness in an orthogonal position to each other and that forms the skeleton of a cabinet, and the sheet metal of a predetermined shape is bent along two intersecting bend lines (L1, L2), and the intersection of the two bend lines (L1, L2) is defined as a vertex (V1) and has a first surface (S1), a second surface (S2), and a third surface (S3) that are orthogonal to each other. A first connector (C1) is formed with three surfaces (S3), one of the bend lines (L1) becomes the ridge line of the first surface (S1) and the second surface (S2), the other bend line (L2) becomes the ridge line of the first surface (S1) and the third surface (S3), and the ridge lines of the second surface (S2) and the third surface (S3) where the extension lines of the two bend lines (L1, L2) are opposite become the cut edges, and the sheet metal of a predetermined shape and a predetermined thickness is bent along the two intersecting bend lines (L3, L4), and the two bend lines (L3,A fourth surface (S4), a fifth surface (S5), and a sixth surface (S6) are formed, which are perpendicular to each other, with the intersection of the fourth and fifth surfaces (S4, S5) and (S6) as the apex (V2), and the one bending line (L3) becomes the ridge line between the fourth surface (S4) and the fifth surface (S5) and the fourth surface (S4) and the sixth surface (S6), and the other bending line (L4) becomes the ridge line between the fifth surface (S5) and the sixth surface (S6), and the other bending line (L4) is formed on the fourth surface (S4). and a second connector (C2) having a cut edge that is continuous with the line (L4), wherein the top (V2) of the second connector (C2) overlaps the top (V1) of the first connector (C1), and the ridge lines of the second surface (S2) and the third surface (S3) of the first connector (C1) overlap the ridge lines of the fifth surface (S5) and the sixth surface (S6) of the second connector (C2), and the second connector (C2) A connection hole (H1) with the frame (F1) is formed in the first surface (S1) or the second surface (S2) of the first connector (C1) extending from the ends of the fourth surface (S4) and the fifth surface (S5) of the second connector (C2), a connection hole (H2) with the frame (F2) is formed in the first surface (S1) or the third surface (S3) of the first connector (C1) extending from the ends of the fourth surface (S4) and the sixth surface (S6) of the second connector (C2), and a connection hole (H3) with the frame (F3) is formed in the second surface (S2) or the third surface (S3) of the first connector (C1) extending from the ends of the fifth surface (S5) and the sixth surface (S6) of the second connector (C2), so that each frame (F1, F2, F3) and the second connector (C2) are joined flush with each other. The fifth surface (S5) of the second connector (C2) is formed by bending along the bending line (L3), and a seventh surface (S7) is formed by bending inward along a bending line (L5) parallel to the bending line (L3). The point is that

[0012] The first connector (C1) and the second connector (C2), which are made from bent sheet metal, are overlapped so that their tops (V1, V2) coincide, and the ridges of the second surface (S2) and the third surface (S3) of the first connector (C1), i.e., the cut edges of the sheet metal that make up the first connector (C1), are covered by the ridges of the fifth surface (S5) and the sixth surface (S6) of the second connector (C2), i.e., the bent portions.This means that the inherent weakness in the strength of the first connector (C1) is reinforced by the second connector (C2), and each ridge of the first connector (C1) is reinforced by the second connector (C2), resulting in a corner connector of sufficient strength.

[0013] Furthermore, the frames (F1, F2, F3) made of bent sheet metal and the second connector (C2) are made of the same thickness, and the first connector (C1) and the frames (F1, F2, F3) are connected by the connecting holes (H1, H2, H3), so that the frames (F1, F2, F3) and the second connector (C2) are flush with each other.

[0014] Furthermore, when the frame (F1) is inserted into the first surface (S1) and the second surface (S2) of the first connector (C1), the inner bent portion that forms the edge of the frame (F1) becomes flush with the seventh surface (S7), and all of the edge of the frame (F1) is connected flush with the corner connector.

[0015] The second characteristic configuration is that, in addition to the first characteristic configuration described above, the first surface (S1) of the first connector (C1) and the fourth surface (S4) of the second connector (C2) are riveted together through holes formed on either side of the cut edge continuing to the other bend line (L4).

[0016] The first surface (S1) of the first connector (C1) and the fourth surface (S4) of the second connector (C2) superimposed on the first surface (S1) are riveted together by holes formed on either side of the cut edge formed on the fourth surface (S4), thereby realizing an inexpensive corner connector of sufficient strength in which the first connector (C1) and the second connector (C2) are firmly connected.

[0017] The third characteristic configuration is that, in addition to the first characteristic configuration described above, a waste hole for connecting to other components is formed in the overlapping area with the second connector (C2) on each surface (S1, S2, S3) of the first connector (C1).

[0018] Even when it becomes necessary to fix cabinets whose frames are connected by corner connectors to a wall at the installation location or to connect cabinets side by side, by drilling mounting holes in the second connector (C2) using the pilot holes formed in the first connector (C1) as a guide, bolts can be easily fastened to the wall or between cabinets placed side by side, and if mounting holes are not drilled, the second connector (C2) functions as a smooth decorative panel.

[0019] The characteristic configuration of the storage cabinet according to the present invention is that it has a skeletal structure in which multiple frames (F1, F2, F3) made of bent sheet metal of a predetermined thickness are connected via corner connectors having any of the first to third characteristic configurations described above.

[0020] First to second three At corners where multiple frames are connected by corner connectors having any of the above characteristic configurations, sufficient strength can be ensured at any bent portion, including the cut edges of the metal sheets, and since the frames and corner connectors are flush at the corners and no steps are formed, a storage cabinet can be realized that looks good and does not leave gaps even when ceiling panels, side panels, etc. are attached. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a corner connector and a storage cabinet that are made of bent sheet metal but have excellent strength and do not produce steps at the corners that connect each frame. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] An explanatory diagram of a corner portion of a cabinet using a corner connector according to the present invention. [Figure 2] (a) is an explanatory diagram of the shape of the sheet metal of the first connector that constitutes the corner connector before bending, and (b) is an explanatory diagram of the first connector after bending. [Figure 3] (a) is an explanatory diagram of the sheet metal shape of the second connector that constitutes the corner connector before bending, and (b) is an explanatory diagram of the second connector after bending. [Figure 4] (a) is an assembly explanatory diagram of a corner connector consisting of a first connector and a second connector, and (b) is an explanatory diagram of the corner connector viewed from the top. [Figure 5] An explanatory diagram of the corner connector shown in Figure 4(b) viewed from the inside. [Figure 6] An explanatory diagram showing three frames connected to a corner connector DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The corner connector and storage cabinet of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The storage cabinet is a metal cabinet that can mainly store electrical equipment such as distribution boards. However, the storage cabinet is not particularly limited in its use, and can store a variety of equipment.

[0024] 1 shows a partially exploded perspective view of a corner connector 10 according to the present invention and a storage cabinet 1. The corner connector 10 is configured to be able to connect the ends of three frames F1, F2, and F3, each made of bent metal sheet of a predetermined thickness, at right angles to one another, and constitutes the framework of the cabinet 1. The corner connector 10 is composed of a first connector C1 and a second connector C2.

[0025] Corner connectors 10 are placed at six corners, and the corner connectors 10 are connected by 12 frames to form the frame framework of a rectangular or cubic cabinet, and the cabinet is completed by attaching panels including doors to each face.

[0026] 2(a) and 2(b), the first connector C1 is formed by bending a metal sheet B1 having a predetermined shape along two intersecting bend lines L1 and L2, and forming a first surface S1, a second surface S2, and a third surface S3 that are perpendicular to each other with the intersection of the two bend lines L1 and L2 as the apex V1. In this example, the bend lines L1 and L2 are perpendicular to each other.

[0027] One bend line L1 forms the ridge line R1 between the first surface S1 and the second surface S2, the other bend line L2 forms the ridge line R2 between the first surface S1 and the third surface S3, and the cut edge CE1 of the metal sheet B1 is located at the ridge line R3 between the second surface S2 and the third surface S3 where the extension lines of the two bend lines L1 and L2 face each other. In other words, a slit SL is formed at the position of the ridge line R3 between the second surface S2 and the third surface S3.

[0028] As shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), the second connector C2 is formed by bending a metal sheet B2 of the same thickness as the frames F1, F2, and F3 along two intersecting bend lines L3 and L4. The intersection of the two bend lines L3 and L4 forms a vertex V2, forming a fourth surface S4, a fifth surface S5, and a sixth surface S6 that are perpendicular to each other. One bend line L3 forms a ridge line R4 between the fourth surface S4 and the fifth surface S5, and a ridge line R5 between the fourth surface S4 and the sixth surface S6. The other bend line L4 forms a ridge line R6 between the fifth surface S5 and the sixth surface S6. A cut edge CE2 that connects to the other bend line L4 is located on the fourth surface S4. In this example, the bend lines L3 and L4 are perpendicular to each other.

[0029] As shown in Figures 4(a) and (b), the top V2 of the second connector C2 overlaps the top V1 of the first connector C1, and the connectors are connected so that the slit SL, which forms the ridge R3 between the second surface S2 and the third surface S3 of the first connector C1, overlaps the ridge R6 between the fifth surface S5 and the sixth surface S6 of the second connector C2.

[0030] The first connector C1 and the second connector C2 are joined by fastening them with rivets R1 and R2 through holes h1 and h2 formed on the first surface S1 of the first connector C1 and holes h3 and h4 formed on the fourth surface S4 of the second connector C2, sandwiching the cut edge CE2 that is connected to the other bend line L4. In addition to joining via rivets R1 and R2, screws or welding may also be used.

[0031] 1 and 4(b), a connecting hole H1 is formed in the first surface S1 or the second surface S2 of the first connector C1, which extends from the end of the fourth surface S4 or the fifth surface S5 of the second connector C2, to connect with the connecting hole H4 formed in the frame F1, and the two are fastened together with a screw. Each connecting hole is formed by pressing before bending.

[0032] A connecting hole H2 is formed on the first surface S1 or the third surface S3 of the first connector C1, which extends from the ends of the fourth surface S4 and the sixth surface S6 of the second connector C2, to connect with the connecting hole H5 formed in the frame F2, and both are screwed together. In this embodiment, the connecting hole H2 is formed on the first surface S1, but the connecting hole H2 may also be formed on the third surface S3.

[0033] The first connector C1 extends from the ends of the fifth and sixth faces S5 and S6 of the second connector C2 and has a connecting hole H3 formed on the second or third face S2 or S3 thereof, which connects to the connecting hole H6 formed on the frame F3, and the two are fastened together with a screw. In this embodiment, the connecting hole H3 is formed on the third face S3, but the connecting hole H2 may also be formed on the second face S2.

[0034] As shown in Figures 3(a), (b) and 5, the fifth surface (S5) of the second connector (C2) is formed by bending along the bending line (L3), and a seventh surface (S7) is formed by bending inward along a bending line (L5) parallel to the bending line (L3).

[0035] FIG. 6 shows a part of the frame structure of the cabinet 1 in which the frames F1, F2, and F3 are connected to the corner connectors 10. With the edge of each frame F1, F2, F3 abutting against the edge of the second connector C2, the connecting holes H4, H5, H6 of each frame F1, F2, F3 and the connecting holes H1, H2, H3 of the first connector C1 are fastened with screws D1, D2, D3, respectively, to form the skeleton of the storage cabinet in which each frame F1, F2, F3 and the second connector C2 are joined flush, and the storage cabinet is constructed by fixing side panels to each side of the storage cabinet.

[0036] As shown by the dashed lines in Figure 6, when the frame (F1) is inserted into the first surface (S1) and the second surface (S2) of the first connector (C1), the inner bent portion that forms the edge of the frame (F1) becomes flush with the seventh surface (S7), and all of the edge of the frame (F1) is connected flush with the corner connector.

[0037] Of the surfaces S1, S2, and S3 of the first connector C1, holes h5 and h6 for connection to other components are formed in the overlapping area with the second connector C1, and when it becomes necessary to fix the cabinet 1, with the frames F1, F2, and F3 connected with the corner connector 1, to a wall at the installation location or to connect cabinets side by side, mounting holes can be drilled in the second connector (C2) using a drill or the like, aiming for the holes h4 and h5 formed in the first connector C1, allowing for easy bolt fixing to the wall or between cabinets placed side by side. When no mounting holes are drilled, the second connector (C2) functions as a smooth decorative panel.

[0038] The above-described embodiment is merely an example of a corner connector according to the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the aspects described in the embodiment. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the specific shape, size, and material of each part shown in the above-described embodiment can be appropriately modified and designed within the scope of the effects of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0039] 1: Cabinet 10: Corner connector C1: 1st connector C2:Second connector F1, F2, F3: Frame L1, L2, L3, L4; bending lines S1: 1st page S2: 2nd side S3:Side 3 S4:Side 4 S5:Side 5 S6:Side 6 R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6: Ridge line V1,V2:Top

Claims

1. A corner connector that can connect the ends of three frames (F1, F2, F3) made of bent sheet metal of a predetermined thickness in a mutually orthogonal orientation and that constitutes the framework of a cabinet, a first connector (C1) in which a sheet metal of a predetermined shape is bent along two intersecting bend lines (L1, L2), and a first surface (S1), a second surface (S2), and a third surface (S3) are formed, which are perpendicular to each other with the intersection of the two bend lines (L1, L2) as a vertex (V1), one of the bend lines (L1) being the ridge line of the first surface (S1) and the second surface (S2), the other bend line (L2) being the ridge line of the first surface (S1) and the third surface (S3), and the ridge lines of the second surface (S2) and the third surface (S3), where the extension lines of the two bend lines (L1, L2) face each other, are cut edges; a second connector (C2) in which the sheet metal of a predetermined shape and thickness is bent along two intersecting bend lines (L3, L4), and a fourth surface (S4), a fifth surface (S5), and a sixth surface (S6) are formed, which are perpendicular to each other with the intersection of the two bend lines (L3, L4) as the apex (V2), and one of the bend lines (L3) forms a ridge line between the fourth surface (S4) and the fifth surface (S5) and between the fourth surface (S4) and the sixth surface (S6), and the other bend line (L4) forms a ridge line between the fifth surface (S5) and the sixth surface (S6), and a cut edge connected to the other bend line (L4) is arranged on the fourth surface (S4); Equipped with The connectors are coupled such that the top (V2) of the second connector (C2) overlaps the top (V1) of the first connector (C1), and the ridges of the second surface (S2) and the third surface (S3) of the first connector (C1) overlap the ridges of the fifth surface (S5) and the sixth surface (S6) of the second connector (C2), A connection hole (H1) with the frame (F1) is formed on the first surface (S1) or the second surface (S2) of the first connector (C1) extending from the ends of the fourth surface (S4) and the fifth surface (S5) of the second connector (C2), a connection hole (H2) with the frame (F2) is formed on the first surface (S1) or the third surface (S3) of the first connector (C1) extending from the ends of the fourth surface (S4) and the sixth surface (S6) of the second connector (C2), a connection hole (H3) with the frame (F3) is formed on the second surface (S2) or the third surface (S3) of the first connector (C1) extending from the ends of the fifth surface (S5) and the sixth surface (S6) of the second connector (C2), and each frame (F1, F2, F3) and the second connector (C2) are configured to be joined flush with each other, A corner connector in which the fifth surface (S5) of the second connector (C2) is formed by bending along the bending line (L3), and a seventh surface (S7) is formed by bending inward along a bending line (L5) parallel to the bending line (L3).

2. 2. The corner connector according to claim 1, wherein the first surface (S1) of the first connector (C1) and the fourth surface (S4) of the second connector (C2) are riveted together through holes formed on either side of the cut edge that is connected to the other bend line (L4).

3. 2. A corner connector as described in claim 1, wherein a recessed hole for connection to another component is formed in the overlapping area of ​​each surface (S1, S2, S3) of the first connector (C1) with the second connector (C2).

4. A storage cabinet having a skeletal structure in which a plurality of frames (F1, F2, F3) made of bent sheet metal of a predetermined thickness are connected via corner connectors described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

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