cabinet

Abstract

To facilitate work of attaching a panel member to a frame.SOLUTION: A housing (10) includes: a pair of frames (11) which are disposed spaced apart from each other; and an elastically deformable panel member (12) attached to the pair of frames. The panel member includes a pair of joint surface parts (22) each of which faces inward with the outer edge side of a main surface part (21) set to its base end. The frame includes: a first support surface part (11a) facing the main surface part; and a second support surface part (11b) facing the joint surface part. The housing includes fitting parts (30) each for causing the joint surface part to fit in the second support surface part through elastic deformation of the panel member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a housing in which panel members are supported by a frame.

Background Art

[0002] In a switchboard or the like that houses predetermined electrical equipment, it is configured to include a box-shaped housing. In such a housing, a configuration in which panel members forming the outer peripheral surface of the housing are supported by a frame is known, and such a configuration is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In Patent Document 1, the panel is fixed to the frame by welding the panel member to the frame or screwing a screw into a screw hole for assembly. Therefore, in Patent Document 1, a skilled technique is required to perform sufficient welding, or the use of screws increases the assembly man-hours, lengthens the working time, and increases the work burden.

[0005] In view of such points, the present invention is made, and one of the objects is to provide a housing capable of simplifying the work of attaching a panel member to a frame.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A housing according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a pair of frames spaced apart in a predetermined direction, and elastically deformable panel members mounted on the pair of frames, wherein the panel members include a main surface portion that forms the outer circumferential surface of the housing, and a pair of joining surface portions that are directed inward of the housing with the outer edge of the main surface portion as the base end, and the frames include a first support surface portion opposite to the main surface portion, and a second support surface portion opposite to the joining surface portion, and a fitting portion that allows the joining surface portion to be fitted into the second support surface portion via the elastic deformation of the panel members. The fitting portion includes a projection that protrudes inward from the joining surface, and in the fitted state, the projection is positioned to sandwich the main surface and the frame, and two intersecting panel members are mounted on one frame, and at least one of the two panel members has an opening through which the projection of the other panel member passes. It is characterized by having this feature. Furthermore, another embodiment of the present invention provides a housing comprising: a pair of frames spaced apart in a predetermined direction; elastically deformable panel members mounted on the pair of frames; and an intermediate frame provided between the pair of frames, wherein the panel members comprise a main surface portion forming the outer circumferential surface of the housing; a pair of joining surface portions facing inward of the housing with the outer edge of the main surface portion as the base end; and an auxiliary fitting portion formed by cutting and bending the main surface portion and fitting into the intermediate frame, wherein the frame comprises a first support surface portion facing the main surface portion and a second support surface portion facing the joining surface portion, and includes a fitting portion for fitting the joining surface portion into the second support surface portion via the elastic deformation of the panel member, wherein the intermediate frame comprises a forming surface located on the same plane as the front surface of the first support surface portion, and the main surface portion has an in-plane opening adjacent to the auxiliary fitting portion, and the in-plane opening is closed by the intermediate frame. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, panel members can be attached to a pair of frames by a fitting portion. This eliminates the need for conventional welding and screw fastening, simplifying the process of attaching panel members to frames. Furthermore, since the fitting portion can be engaged by the elastic deformation of the panel member, the fitting portion can be engaged by applying an external force such as pressing to the panel member to deform it, further simplifying the process of attaching the panel members. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view of the housing according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is an exploded view. [Figure 3] Figure 3A is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing the panel member of the first embodiment mounted on the frame, and Figure 3B is an exploded view of Figure 3A. [Figure 4] Figures 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views similar to those in Figure 3A, showing an intermediate stage in the installation of the panel member according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view similar to Figure 1, showing an intermediate stage in the assembly of the housing of the first embodiment. [Figure 6]This is an enlarged perspective view showing a partial cross-section of the housing of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 6 is a top view. [Figure 8] Figure 8A is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 3A, showing the panel member of the second embodiment mounted on the frame, and Figure 8B is an exploded view of Figure 8A. [Figure 9] Figure 9A is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 3A, showing the panel member of the third embodiment mounted on the frame, and Figure 9B is an exploded view of Figure 9A. [Figure 10] This is a partial schematic perspective view of the auxiliary fitting portion in the third embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11A is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 3A, showing the panel member of the fourth embodiment mounted on the frame, and Figure 11B is an exploded view of Figure 11A. [Figure 12] Figure 12A is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 3A showing the panel member of the first modified example mounted on the frame. Figure 12B is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 3A showing the panel member of the second modified example mounted on the frame. [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 3A, showing the panel member of the third modified example attached to the frame. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following describes in detail the housing according to the embodiment of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, and can be modified as appropriate without changing its essence. In the following figures, some components may be omitted for the sake of clarity. Furthermore, in the following description, unless otherwise specified, "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," and "back" refer to the directions indicated by the arrows in each figure. However, the orientation of each component is merely an example and can be changed to any orientation.

[0010] [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a housing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of FIG. 1. The housing 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a predetermined accommodation space inside, and accommodates predetermined electrical devices such as a control panel and a circuit breaker (not shown) in the accommodation space. The housing 10 includes a plurality of frames 11 (not shown in FIG. 1) assembled along each side of a rectangular parallelepiped forming the outer shape of the housing 10, and panel members 12 to 15 attached to the frames 11. In the present embodiment, the housing 10 includes a front panel member 12, a rear panel member 13, a left panel member 14, and a right panel member 15 as panel members. Further, the housing 10 includes a top plate 16 supported by the frames 11 formed and assembled in a substantially flat shape.

[0011] Each of the panel members 12 to 15 is not particularly limited, but can be exemplified by being formed of a metal plate such as a steel plate, and is provided to be elastically deformable by applying an intentional external force as described later. Each of the panel members 12 to 15 includes a main surface portion 21 that extends in the vertical direction and forms the outer peripheral surface of the housing 10. Further, each of the panel members 12 to 15 includes joint surface portions 22 that are continuous on both sides in a direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the main surface portion 21 while being orthogonal to the vertical direction. The joint surface portions 22 are directed inward of the housing 10.

[0012] The front panel member 12 and the rear panel member 13 have the same structure but are provided in different orientations and are symmetric with respect to a plane parallel to the vertical and horizontal directions. Also, the left panel member 14 and the right panel member 15 have the same structure but are provided in different orientations and are symmetric with respect to a plane parallel to the vertical and front-rear directions. Further, the left panel member 14 and the right panel member 15 are configured to be substantially the same as a configuration in which the width of the main surface portion 21 is reduced while rotating 90° around an axis extending in the vertical direction with respect to the front panel member 12 and the rear panel member 13 (excluding the presence or absence of the opening 35 described later). Therefore, each of the panel members 12 to 15 includes a pair of joint surface portions 22 having substantially the same configuration but different orientations.

[0013] Therefore, in the following, as a representative example, the structure in which the front panel member 12 is attached to a pair of frames 11 spaced apart in the left - right direction (predetermined direction, separation direction) will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0014] FIG. 3A is a cross - sectional view for explaining the state in which the panel member of the first embodiment is attached to the frame, and FIG. 3B is an exploded view of FIG. 3A. FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate the reduction of the width of the main surface portion 21 in the left - right direction, and may be similarly illustrated in the following cross - sectional views.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the frame 11 is formed in an angular shape. The frame 11 includes a first support surface portion 11a directed in the left - right direction from the corner portion and a second support surface portion 11b directed in the front - rear direction from the corner portion. In the state where the front panel member 12 is attached to the frame 11, the first support surface portion 11a is disposed to face the main surface portion 21 of the front panel member 12, and the second support surface portion 11b is disposed to face the joint surface portion 22 of the front panel member 12.

[0016] The main surface portion 21 of the front panel member 12 includes two long sides extending in the vertical direction on both the left and right sides (see FIG. 2). The joint surface portion 22 is formed to project rearward (inward of the housing 10) from the outer edge forming the long side of the main surface portion 21. Therefore, the joint surface portion 22 is continuous with the outer edge side of the main surface portion 21 as the base end and has a tip end inside the housing 10. The joint surface portion 22 is directed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the main surface portion 21.

[0017] The joint surface portion 22 is provided with a projection 23 formed to protrude inward at the middle of the protruding direction (front-rear direction). Here, the inward and outward direction of the joint surface portion 22 is used as the thickness direction of the joint surface portion 22. For example, in the joint surface portion 22 formed on the right side of the front panel member 12, the right direction is outward and the left direction is inward. In this embodiment, the projection 23 is formed by bending the flat joint surface portion 22 by pressing or bending, and is formed in a state where it bulges inward and is recessed outward. The projection 23 is also formed to extend in the vertical direction, which is the extension direction of the joint surface portion 22 (see Figure 2).

[0018] The projection 23 is equipped with a locking portion 23a that contacts the leading edge (rear end surface) of the second support surface portion 11b when the front panel member 12 is attached to the frame 11. The locking portion 23a is oriented in a direction approximately perpendicular to the joining surface portion 22. Furthermore, the left-right width of the locking portion 23a is formed to be slightly larger than the thickness of the second support surface portion 11b.

[0019] The projection 23 further comprises a connecting portion 23b that is connected to the inner end of the locking portion 23a and oriented in the front-rear direction, and a guide portion 23c that is connected to the rear end of the connecting portion 23b. The guide portion 23c is oriented in a direction that is inclined with respect to the front-rear direction. More specifically, in the front panel member 12, the guide portion 23c formed on the left joint surface portion 22 and the guide portion 23c formed on the right joint surface portion 22 are formed inclined such that the spacing between them in the left-right direction gradually decreases from rear to front.

[0020] The relative distance L1 between the locking portion 23a of the projection 23 and the main surface portion 21 (distance in the front-rear direction) is formed to be approximately the same as the front-rear width W1 of the frame 11 (see Figure 3B). As a result, as shown in Figure 3A, the locking portion 23a of the projection 23 is positioned to sandwich the inner surface (rear surface) of the main surface portion 21 and the second support surface portion 11b of the frame 11 from the front-rear direction. In this state, the relative displacement of the frame 11 and the front panel member 12 in the front-rear direction is restricted. Here, the fitting portion 30 is formed including the projection 23 formed on the joining surface portion 22, and the fitting portion 30 can be used to fit the joining surface portion 22 into the second support surface portion 11b (fitted state).

[0021] Here, as shown in Figure 3B, in the pair of left and right frames 11 to which the front panel member 12 is attached, the distance in the left-right direction (separation direction) between the left side of the second support surface portion 11b and the front panel member 12 is defined as distance L2. This distance L2 and the relative distance between the left and right joining surfaces 22 of the front panel member 12 (distance in the left-right direction) L3 are set to be approximately the same.

[0022] As a result, as shown in Figure 3A, the left and right pair of frames 11 are positioned so that they are sandwiched from the left and right by the inner surfaces of the left and right joining surfaces 22. In this state, the relative displacement between the frame 11 and the front panel member 12 in the left-right direction is restricted. Therefore, together with the restriction of relative displacement of the fitting portion 30, the relative displacement between the frame 11 and the front panel member 12 in the front-back and left-right directions is restricted.

[0023] Next, the method for attaching the front panel members 12 to the pair of frames 11 arranged side by side will be described below with reference to Figures 4A and 4B, in addition to Figures 3A and 3B. Figures 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views similar to Figure 3A, showing the intermediate stage in which the panel members are being attached.

[0024] First, as shown in Figure 3B, the front panel member 12 is positioned so that the inner surfaces of the left and right joining surfaces 22 are aligned with the pair of frames 11, bringing the front panel member 12 close to the frames 11. As a result, as shown in Figure 4A, the pair of frames 11 are positioned between the left and right joining surfaces 22, and the corners of the frames 11 come into contact with the guide portions 23c of the protrusions 23.

[0025] In this state, the front panel member 12 is pushed backward. This action brings the main surface portion 21 of the front panel member 12 closer to the first support surface portion 11a of the frame 11.

[0026] This approaching motion causes the guide portion 23c of the projection 23 to slide over the corner portions of the pair of frames 11. As a result, the pushing force during the approaching motion is divided into left-right forces, and the front panel member 12 is elastically deformed so that the left and right joining surfaces 22 separate from each other in the left-right direction. Therefore, the guide portions 23c of the left and right projections 23 smoothly guide the above-mentioned elastic deformation of the front panel member 12.

[0027] The elastic deformation of the front panel member 12 is mainly due to the expansion of the angle between the right-angle joint surface portion 22 and the main surface portion 21, and the bending deformation of the main surface portion 21.

[0028] During the approaching motion, as shown in Figure 4B, the corner portion between the locking portion 23a and the connecting portion 23b of the projection 23 slides against the second support surface portion 11b of the frame 11. As the approaching motion continues and the locking portion 23a of the projection 23 passes the tip (rear end) of the second support surface portion 11b, the elasticity of the front panel member 12 causes the left and right joining surfaces 22, which had deformed to separate, to change shape back to their initial shape.

[0029] As a result, as shown in Figure 3A, the locking portion 23a of the projection 23 contacts the tip of the second support surface portion 11b, and the front panel member 12 is attached to the pair of frames 11. In this state, the second support surface portion 11b of the frame 11 is fitted in a state where it is sandwiched between the locking portion 23a of the projection 23 and the rear surface of the main surface portion 21, and the relative displacement of the frame 11 and the front panel member 12 in the front-rear direction is restricted. In addition, the left and right pair of frames 11 are sandwiched from the left and right directions by the inner surfaces of the left and right joining surfaces 22, and the relative displacement of the frame 11 and the front panel member 12 in the left-right direction is restricted.

[0030] Next, the assembly method of the housing 10 will be described below with reference to Figures 1 and 2, as well as Figures 5 to 7. Figure 5 is a perspective view similar to Figure 1, showing an intermediate stage in the assembly of the housing of the first embodiment. Figure 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a partial cross-section of the housing of the first embodiment. Figure 7 is a view of Figure 6 from above.

[0031] The housing 10 is assembled by attaching the front panel member 12 to the frame 11 in the manner described above, and then attaching the rear panel member 13 to the frame 11 in the same manner as the front panel member 12, but with the front-to-back direction reversed. The state with the front panel member 12 and rear panel member 13 attached is shown in Figure 5.

[0032] Here, as shown in Figures 2 and 5, openings 35 are formed in the main surface portions 21 of the front panel member 12 and the rear panel member 13 at predetermined intervals from the long sides on both the left and right sides. The openings 35 are formed extending in the vertical direction, and the left panel member 14 and the right panel member 15 are attached using these openings 35 as described below.

[0033] For a description of how the left panel member 14 and the right panel member 15 are attached to the frame 11, please refer to Figures 6 and 7. As a representative example, the structure of the portion where the front panel member 12 and the left panel member 14 intersect will be described. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the opening 35 formed in the front panel member 12 is positioned to align with the right end of the first support surface portion 11a of the frame 11.

[0034] When attaching the left panel member 14 to the frame 11, the front panel member 12 has already been attached to the frame 11. Therefore, before attaching the left panel member 14, the frame 11 is covered by the front panel member 12 (see Figure 5), and the left panel member 14 is attached so as to cover the outside of the front panel member 12. This attachment is performed in roughly the same manner as when attaching the front panel member 12 to the frame 11, but with a 90° rotation.

[0035] At this time, an opening 35 is formed so that the projection 23 (fitting portion 30) of the left panel member 14 can be fitted into the frame 11. In other words, the projection 23 of the left panel member 14 passes through the opening 35, and the left panel member 14 is installed with the locking portion 23a in contact with the right end of the frame 11. As a result, the locking portion 23a of the projection 23 of the left panel member 14 is positioned to sandwich the inner surface (right surface) of the main surface portion 21 and the frame 11 from the left and right directions.

[0036] The first support surface 11a of the frame 11 facing the main surface 21 of the front panel member 12 becomes the second support surface 11b facing the joining surface 22 of the left panel member 14 (the reference numerals are shown in parentheses in Figures 6 and 7). Therefore, the protrusion 23 of the left panel member 14 can also sandwich the second support surface 11b of the frame 11, and the joining surface 22 of the left panel member 14 can be fitted into the second support surface 11b (fitted state). In this state, the relative displacement of the frame 11 and the left panel member 14 in the left-right direction is restricted.

[0037] Furthermore, the second support surface portion 11b of the frame 11 facing the joint surface portion 22 of the front panel member 12 becomes the first support surface portion 11a facing the main surface portion 21 of the left panel member 14 (the reference numerals are shown in parentheses in Figures 6 and 7).

[0038] Regarding the fitting structure shown in Figures 6 and 7, the front portion of the left panel member 14 was explained as a representative example, but the rear portion of the left panel member 14 and both the front and rear sides of the right panel member 15 are similarly constructed, although their orientation differs. Therefore, from the state shown in Figure 5, the left panel member 14 and the right panel member 15 can be attached to the frame 11 (not shown in Figure 5), and the housing 10 can be assembled as shown in Figure 1.

[0039] In this embodiment, the left-right width of the front panel member 12 and the rear panel member 13 is larger than the front-to-back width of the left panel member 14 and the right panel member 15. Therefore, due to deflection of the main surface portion 21, the front and rear panel members 12 and 13 are more prone to dimensional errors than the left and right panel members 14 and 15. In this embodiment, the front and rear panel members 12 and 13, which are prone to dimensional errors, are held down from the outside by the left and right panel members 14 and 15, thereby preventing rattling of the front and rear panel members 12 and 13.

[0040] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the protrusions 23 are displaced by the elastic deformation of each panel member 12 to 15, and each panel member 12 to 15 can be attached to the frame 11. This eliminates the need for conventional welding and screw fastening, and simplifies the assembly process.

[0041] Furthermore, since the fitting at the fitting portion 30 is achieved by the elastic deformation of each panel member 12 to 15, each panel member 12 to 15 can be deformed and attached to the frame 11 simply by applying an external force such as pressing to each panel member 12 to 15. This makes it easy to fit the fitting portion 30 and simplifies the installation work of each panel member 12 to 15.

[0042] Next, embodiments of the present invention other than those described above will be described. In the following description, the same reference numerals may be used for components that are the same as or equivalent to those described in embodiments described before the embodiment being described, and their descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0043] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8A is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 3A showing the panel member of the second embodiment mounted on the frame, and Figure 8B is an exploded view of Figure 8A. As shown in Figures 8A and 8B, in the second embodiment, an intermediate frame 41 is provided between the left and right pair of frames 11, compared to the first embodiment.

[0044] In the second embodiment, the intermediate frame 41 extends vertically and is positioned to contact the rear surface of the main surface portion 21 of the front panel member 12. The front surface (forming surface) of the intermediate frame 41 is positioned on the same plane as the front surface of the first support surface portion 11a of the pair of left and right frames 11 to which the front panel member 12 is attached.

[0045] Here, the intermediate frame 41 is formed in a prismatic shape, but it may also be a cylindrical body or a long member with a C-shaped, U-shaped, or L-shaped cross-section, as long as its front surface is on the same plane as the front surface of the first support surface portion 11a of the frame 11. Furthermore, the intermediate frame 41 is preferably positioned in the center of the left-right pair of frames 11 in the left-right direction (the direction of separation), but it may also be positioned at an appropriate intermediate position offset to the left or right from the center.

[0046] In the second embodiment, the main surface portion 21 of the front panel member 12 has a curved shape that bulges rearward (inward) before being attached to the frame 11 (see Figure 8B). This curved shape is formed, for example, following the roll shape of the steel sheet used in the manufacture of the front panel member 12. Then, as shown in Figure 8A, when the front panel member 12 is attached to the frame 11, the main surface portion 21 is pushed forward (outward) by the intermediate frame 41. In this state, the main surface portion 21 elastically deforms from its curved shape towards flatness and can be maintained in a flat state.

[0047] Thus, in the second embodiment, the main surface portion 21 and the intermediate frame 41 can be pressed together in the front-rear direction (the thickness direction of the main surface portion 21). As a result, when an external force is applied to the main surface portion 21, the intermediate frame 41 can prevent deformation to the rear and suppress deformation that causes it to bulge forward, thereby maintaining the smoothness of the main surface portion 21 well.

[0048] [Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. Figure 9A is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 3A showing the panel member of the third embodiment mounted on the frame, and Figure 9B is an exploded view of Figure 9A. As shown in Figures 9A and 9B, in the third embodiment, compared to the second embodiment, an auxiliary fitting portion 44 that fits into the intermediate frame 42 is provided on the front panel member 12. Compared to the second embodiment, the intermediate frame 42 in the third embodiment is changed to a long member with a cross-sectional shape of C or U.

[0049] The auxiliary fitting portion 44 comprises a pair of left and right projections 45 that protrude rearward from the rear surface of the main surface portion 21, and a pair of left and right projections 46 formed on the tip (rear end) side of each projection 45.

[0050] Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the auxiliary fitting part in the third embodiment. In Figure 10, the projection 45 and projection 46 formed on the left side are shown. As shown in Figure 10, the auxiliary fitting part 44 is formed by cutting and bending the main surface 21, and has a shape in which the projection 45 and projection 46 extend vertically for a predetermined length. Thus, an in-plane opening 48 that connects to the inside and outside of the main surface 21 is formed according to the formation area of ​​the projection 45 and projection 46.

[0051] Returning to Figures 9A and 9B, in the third embodiment, an in-plane opening 48 is formed adjacent to the left side of the projection 45 and projection 46 formed on the left side, and an in-plane opening 48 is formed adjacent to the right side of the projection 45 and projection 46 formed on the right side.

[0052] With the front panel member 12 attached to the frame 11, the pair of left and right projections 45 are formed in positions that contact both the left and right surfaces of the intermediate frame 42. The pair of left and right projections 46 protrude in directions opposite to each other and are formed in positions that contact the rear end surface of the intermediate frame 42.

[0053] In the auxiliary fitting portion 44, the shape of the left projection 46 is formed to have the same cross-sectional shape as the projection 23 formed on the left joint surface portion 22, and the shape of the right projection 46 is formed to have the same cross-sectional shape as the projection 23 formed on the right joint surface portion 22. As a result, fitting of the auxiliary fitting portion 44 with the intermediate frame 42 can be performed in the same manner as fitting of the fitting portion 30 with the frame 11.

[0054] Furthermore, when the auxiliary fitting portion 44 is fitted to the intermediate frame 42, the inclined portions at the tips of the left and right protrusions 46 slide against the intermediate frame 42, guiding the left and right protruding pieces 45 to elastically deform in a direction away from each other. Moreover, in the fitted state of the auxiliary fitting portion 44 and the intermediate frame 42, the front portion of the protrusion 46 contacts the rear end surface of the intermediate frame 42, and at this time, the rear surface of the main surface portion 21 contacts the front surface of the intermediate frame 42. As a result, the intermediate frame 42 is sandwiched from the front-rear direction between the protrusion 46 and the rear surface of the main surface portion 21, and the front panel member 12 is positioned in the front-rear direction. In addition, the intermediate frame 42 is sandwiched from the left-right direction by the left and right protruding pieces 45, and the front panel member 12 is positioned in the left-right direction.

[0055] Thus, in the third embodiment, the auxiliary fitting portion 44 is fitted to the intermediate frame 42, allowing the main surface portion 21 to be positioned in the front-rear and left-right directions, thereby increasing the rigidity of the main surface portion 21 at its center. Furthermore, for example, if there is a vibrating device such as a motor inside the housing 10, even if the panel members 12 to 15 are located near it, it is possible to prevent the main surface portion 21 from resonating and generating vibration.

[0056] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 11. Figure 11A is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 3A showing the panel member of the fourth embodiment mounted on the frame, and Figure 11B is an exploded view of Figure 11A. As shown in Figures 11A and 11B, in the fourth embodiment, the distance between the left and right protruding pieces 45 and protrusions 46 is increased compared to the third embodiment, and the formation position of the in-plane opening 48 is changed.

[0057] In the fourth embodiment, an in-plane opening 48 is formed adjacent to the right side of the projection 45 and projection 46 formed on the left side, and an in-plane opening 48 is formed adjacent to the left side of the projection 45 and projection 46 formed on the right side. Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, compared to the third embodiment, the intermediate frame 50 is changed to a pair of left and right angle members, and the intermediate frame 50 is formed in a position and size that closes the in-plane opening 48.

[0058] Therefore, the fourth embodiment can perform the same functions and effects as the third embodiment while closing the in-plane opening 48 and improving the sealability inside the housing 10.

[0059] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented with various modifications. In the embodiments described above, the size, shape, orientation, etc., shown in the accompanying drawings are not limited thereto, and can be appropriately modified within the scope that allows the present invention to exert its effects. In addition, the present invention can be implemented with appropriate modifications as long as it does not deviate from the scope of its objectives.

[0060] In the embodiments described above, the case in which the fitting portion 30 is composed of a projection 23 has been explained, but it may be modified as long as it can perform the same function as described above. For example, it can be changed to the configuration shown in Figures 12A and 12B. Figure 12A is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 3A in which the panel member of the first modified example is attached to the frame. Figure 12B is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 3A in which the panel member of the second modified example is attached to the frame.

[0061] In the first modified example shown in Figure 12A, the configuration of the projection 52 is changed compared to the first embodiment. The projection 52 in the first modified example includes a guide portion 52c formed by folding the tip side of the joint surface portion 22 at an acute angle, and a connecting portion 52b that is connected to the front end of the guide portion 52c and oriented in the front-rear direction. The projection 52 also includes a locking portion 52a that is connected to the front end of the connecting portion 52b and oriented in the left-right direction. The locking portion 52a is a contact portion that contacts the front end surface (rear end surface) of the second support surface portion 11b when the front panel member 12 is attached to the frame 11. As a result, the locking portion 52a of the projection 52 clamps the inner surface (rear surface) of the main surface portion 21 and the second support surface portion 11b of the frame 11 from the front-rear direction, restricting the relative displacement of the frame 11 and the front panel member 12 in the front-rear direction.

[0062] In the first modified example, when attaching the front panel member 12 to the frame 11, the angle of the guide portion 52c with respect to the joint surface portion 22 changes, and the locking portion 52a can be elastically deformed so that it is displaced in the left-right direction. As a result, the number of elastically deformable parts of the front panel member 12 can be increased compared to the first embodiment, and the work of attaching the front panel member 12 to the frame 11 can be made easier.

[0063] In the second modified example shown in Figure 12B, the fitting portion 30 is configured to include a projection 54 and a hole 55. The projection 54 is provided to protrude outward from the second support surface portion 11b of the frame 11. The hole 55 is formed in the joining surface portion 22 and receives the projection 54. In the fitting portion 30 formed by the projection 54 and hole 55 in Figure 12B, the relative displacement in the front-rear direction between the frame 11 and the front panel member 12 can be restricted, and the projection 54 and the hole 55 can be fitted together by the elastic deformation of the front panel member 12.

[0064] Furthermore, while the third and fourth embodiments described above describe cases where the main surface portion 21 is cut and bent to form an auxiliary fitting portion 44 and an in-plane opening 48, the invention is not limited to these cases, and the configuration shown in Figure 13 can be exemplified. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 3A, showing the panel member of the third modified example mounted on the frame.

[0065] In the third modified example shown in Figure 13, the auxiliary fitting portion 44 is formed as a separate component from the main surface portion 21, and is configured to have a mounting surface portion 58 connected to the front end of the projection portion 45. The auxiliary fitting portion 44 is constructed by attaching the mounting surface portion 58 to the rear surface of the main surface portion 21 by welding, screwing, or the like. In this third modified example, the in-plane opening 48 is not formed, and the closure of the inside of the housing 10 can be maintained well.

[0066] Furthermore, in the third and fourth embodiments, the auxiliary fitting portion 44 and the intermediate frames 42 and 50 are formed at a single location in the center of the left-right pair of frames 11 in the left-right direction (separation direction), or they may be formed at one or more locations offset to the left and right from the center. In addition, although the extension direction of the auxiliary fitting portion 44 and the intermediate frames 42 and 50 is set to the vertical direction, it may be changed to the left-right direction.

[0067] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes a case where the angle of the main surface portion 21 with respect to the joining surface portion 22 is formed to be approximately right angle, the invention is not limited to this, and configurations with acute or obtuse angles may also be used.

[0068] Furthermore, the projections 23 may be formed in multiple locations at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction (extension direction) of the joint surface 22. In addition, in a configuration that forms an opening 35 through which the projections 23 pass, the positions of the openings 35 may also be formed in multiple locations at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction (extension direction), corresponding to the positions of the projections 23. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0069] 10: Cabinet 11: Frame 11a: First support surface part 11b: Second support surface part 12: Front panel component (panel component) 13: Rear panel component (panel component) 14: Left panel component (panel component) 15: Right panel component (panel component) 21:Main surface part 22:Joint surface part 23: Protrusion 23c: Information department 30: Fitting part 35:Aperture 41: Intermediate frame 42: Intermediate frame 44: Auxiliary fitting part 48: In-plane opening 50: Intermediate frame 52: Protrusion 54: Protrusion 55: Hole

Claims

1. A housing comprising a pair of frames spaced apart in a predetermined direction, and elastically deformable panel members mounted on the pair of frames, The panel member comprises a main surface portion that forms the outer circumferential surface of the housing, The main surface portion comprises a pair of joining surfaces that are directed inward towards the housing, with the outer edge of the main surface portion as the base end. The frame comprises a first support surface portion facing the main surface portion and a second support surface portion facing the joining surface portion. The panel member is provided with a fitting portion that fits the joining surface portion into the second support surface portion via elastic deformation of the panel member, The fitting portion includes a projection that protrudes inward from the joining surface, and in the fitted state, the projection is positioned to sandwich the main surface and the frame. Two of the panel members, which intersect each other, are mounted on one of the frames. The housing is characterized in that at least one of the two panel members has an opening formed therein through which the projection of the other panel member passes.

2. The system further comprises an intermediate frame provided between the pair of frames, The housing according to claim 1, characterized in that the intermediate frame has a forming surface located on the same plane as the front surface of the first support surface.

3. The housing according to claim 2, characterized in that the panel member has an auxiliary fitting portion that fits into the intermediate frame.

4. The housing according to claim 3, characterized in that the auxiliary fitting portion is formed by cutting and bending the main surface portion.

5. The housing according to claim 4, characterized in that an in-plane opening is formed in the main surface portion adjacent to the auxiliary fitting portion, and the in-plane opening is closed by the intermediate frame.

6. A housing comprising a pair of frames spaced apart in a predetermined direction, elastically deformable panel members mounted on the pair of frames, and an intermediate frame provided between the pair of frames, The panel member comprises a main surface portion that forms the outer circumferential surface of the housing, A pair of joining surfaces, with the outer edge of the main surface as the base end and facing inward towards the housing, It comprises an auxiliary fitting portion formed by cutting and bending the main surface portion and fitting into the intermediate frame, The frame comprises a first support surface portion facing the main surface portion and a second support surface portion facing the joining surface portion. The panel member is provided with a fitting portion that fits the joining surface portion into the second support surface portion via elastic deformation of the panel member, The intermediate frame has a forming surface located on the same plane as the front surface of the first support surface, The housing is characterized in that an in-plane opening is formed in the main surface portion adjacent to the auxiliary fitting portion, and the in-plane opening is closed by the intermediate frame.

7. The housing according to claim 6, wherein the fitting portion includes a projection formed to protrude inward from the joining surface, and the projection is arranged to sandwich the main surface and the frame when fitted.

8. The housing according to any one of claims 1 to 5 or 7, characterized in that the projection is provided with a guide portion that slides with the frame to guide the elastic deformation of the panel member when the fitting portion is in a fitted state.

9. The housing according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, in the direction in which the pair of frames separate, the distance between the pair of frames and the distance between the pair of joint surfaces are set to be substantially the same.

10. The housing according to any one of claims 1 to 5 or 7, characterized in that the protrusion is formed by bending the joining surface.

11. The housing according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that, when the panel member is mounted on the pair of frames, the main surface portion elastically deforms in a direction that approaches flatness due to the intermediate frame, while the curved shape bulging inward is mounted on the pair of frames.

12. The housing according to any one of claims 1 to 5 or 7, characterized in that the projection is formed by folding back the tip side of the joining surface at an acute angle, and at least the portion that contacts the second support surface is displaced by elastic deformation.

13. The fitting portion comprises a projection provided on the second support surface, The housing according to claim 6, further comprising a hole formed in the joint surface for receiving the protrusion.

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