Panels, wiring systems, and wiring methods

Abstract

To facilitate the installation of a panel.SOLUTION: The distribution board 20 is used together with a gutter space extension member 10 arranged so as to extend from the vicinity of at least one of a floor and a ceiling. The distribution board 20 includes a board main body to which an electric wire wired along the gutter space extension member 10 is connected, and a case 21 that houses the board main body, and the case 21 has an outer peripheral portion 22 that surrounds an outer periphery of the board main body, and an opening portion 23 that is provided in a part of the outer peripheral portion 22 of the case 21 and through which the gutter space extension member 10 can pass in a longitudinal direction of the gutter space extension member 10, and is configured such that the gutter space extension member 10 and the case 21 can be disposed such that a part of the gutter space extension member 10 is housed inside the case 21.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a panel, a wiring system, and a wiring method that are installed and used on, for example, a wall or the like.

Background Art

[0002] Wiring work for wiring electric wires to a panel installed and used on, for example, a wall or the like is generally performed by the following steps. That is, along the ceiling or floor, electric wires such as lead-in wires and branch wires are wired to the planned installation position of the panel. Next, the panel is installed at the planned installation position. Then, the electric wires are passed through the installed panel. After that, the electric wires passed through the panel are connected to the panel body.

[0003] Note that Patent Document 1 below discloses the structure of an incoming wire duct used together with a distribution board.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] There has been a demand for an installation method for a panel such as a distribution board that can shorten the construction period compared to the conventional general wiring work method.

[0006] An object of this invention is to provide a panel, a wiring system, and a wiring method that can shorten the installation period.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The panel of the first invention is a panel used in conjunction with a gutter space extension member that is arranged to extend from the vicinity of at least one of the floor and the ceiling, and comprises a panel body to which electric wires that are routed along the gutter space extension member are connected, and a case that houses the panel body, wherein the case has an outer periphery that surrounds the outer periphery of the panel body, and an opening provided in a part of the outer periphery of the case through which the gutter space extension member can pass in the longitudinal direction of the gutter space extension member, and the panel is configured such that the gutter space extension member and the case can be arranged such that a part of the gutter space extension member is housed inside the case.

[0008] This configuration allows the control panel to be positioned with the electrical wires already routed through the gutter space extension member, thereby shortening the installation period for the control panel.

[0009] Furthermore, the disc of this second invention is a disc in which the opening is located towards the back, in contrast to the first invention.

[0010] With this configuration, by positioning the panel with the electrical wires already routed through the gutter space extension member, the electrical wires can be pulled into the panel, making it easier to install the wiring system.

[0011] Furthermore, the panel of the third invention, compared to the first invention, includes an extension member body having an open portion along the longitudinal direction and an upper member positioned on the extension member body so as to cover the open portion of the extension member body, wherein the edge of the opening is formed to be close to the outer circumferential surface of the extension member body when the panel and the gutter space extension member are arranged.

[0012] This configuration allows for a narrower gap between the case and the gutter space extension member due to the presence of an opening. This prevents foreign objects from entering the inside of the case. Furthermore, it allows for a cleaner appearance of the wiring system, improving its design aesthetics.

[0013] Furthermore, the wiring system of the fourth invention comprises a gutter space extension member arranged to extend from the vicinity of at least one of the floor and the ceiling and house electric wires, and a panel, the panel comprising a panel body to which electric wires routed along the gutter space extension member are connected, and a case housing the panel body, the case having an outer periphery surrounding the outer periphery of the panel body and an opening provided in a part of the outer periphery of the case, through which the gutter space extension member can pass in the longitudinal direction of the gutter space extension member, and the gutter space extension member and the case can be arranged such that a part of the gutter space extension member is housed inside the case, thus making it a wiring system.

[0014] This configuration allows the control panel to be positioned with the electrical wires already routed through the gutter space extension member, thereby shortening the construction period required for installing the wiring system.

[0015] Furthermore, the wiring method of the fifth invention is a wiring method for wiring electric wires to a panel body using a panel having a gutter space extension member for housing electric wires and a panel body to which electric wires are connected, wherein an opening is provided in a part of the outer circumference of the case housing the panel through which the gutter space extension member can pass, and the method includes the steps of arranging the gutter space extension member so that it extends from the vicinity of at least one of the floor and the ceiling, housing electric wires in the gutter space extension member, arranging the case so that a part of the gutter space extension member passes through the opening, and connecting the electric wires housed in the gutter space extension member to the panel body.

[0016] This configuration allows the control panel to be positioned with the electrical wires already routed through the gutter space extension member, thereby shortening the construction period required for installing the wiring system. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, the panel can be positioned with the electric wires already routed through the gutter space extension member, thereby shortening the construction period required for installing the wiring system. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] Front view of a wiring system including a distribution board according to one embodiment of the present invention [Figure 2] Side view of the wiring system according to this embodiment [Figure 3] Cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 1 [Figure 4] Perspective view of the wiring system according to this embodiment [Figure 5] Exploded perspective view of the wiring system according to this embodiment [Figure 6] First figure for explaining a wiring method using the wiring system in this embodiment [Figure 7] Second figure for explaining the same wiring method [Figure 8] Third figure for explaining the same wiring method [Figure 9] Front view of a wiring system according to a modification of this embodiment [Figure 10] Side view of a wiring system according to a modification of this embodiment [Figure 11] Exploded perspective view of a wiring system including a distribution board according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention [Figure 12] Perspective view of the distribution board according to Embodiment 2 [Figure 13] Perspective view showing the separated state of the distribution board according to Embodiment 2 [Figure 14] Cross-sectional view for explaining an example of the mounting structure of the distribution board according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention [Figure 15] Front view for explaining the configuration of the distribution board according to a modification of Embodiment 2 described above [Figure 16] Cross-sectional view for explaining an example of the mounting structure of the same distribution board

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of a board or the like will be described with reference to the drawings. Here, the board refers to an electrical equipment board, and specifically, for example, a distribution board, a switchboard, a control panel, etc. may correspond to the board.

[0020] In the following explanation, the coordinates shown in the drawings are common to all drawings. The Z direction of the coordinate system is perpendicular to the horizontal plane. The X direction is perpendicular to the Z direction. The Y direction is perpendicular to both the Z and X directions. The Z direction is sometimes referred to as the up-down direction (the direction where the Z axis is positive when viewed from the origin is up), the Y direction as the front-back direction (the direction where the X axis is positive when viewed from the origin is forward), and the Y direction as the left-right direction. Regarding the control panel, the side that normally faces the user operating the switches, etc., is called the front (front), and the direction the user faces (the direction from the user towards the control panel is sometimes called the back).

[0021] In the following, we may indicate a certain direction to explain the shape and positional relationships of each part, but the indication of direction is merely for the convenience of explanation and does not limit the orientation or position when using the board, etc., according to the present invention. Furthermore, expressions indicating direction, or states such as horizontal, vertical, orthogonal, only indicate that they can be understood in a general way, and should not necessarily be interpreted strictly according to those expressions.

[0022] In the following, "floor" refers to, for example, the floor of an indoor room, but is not limited to this. A floor is a surface on the lower side in space, and is not limited to a nearly horizontal plane; it may also be a sloped surface, a curved surface, or two or more surfaces with slight differences in height. Similarly, "ceiling" refers to, for example, the ceiling of an indoor room, but is not limited to this. A ceiling is a surface on the upper side in space, and is not limited to a nearly horizontal plane; it may also be a sloped surface, a curved surface, or two or more surfaces with slight differences in height. Furthermore, "wall" refers to, for example, a wall having a wall surface that partitions an indoor room, but is not limited to this. A wall may also refer to a surface in space that is above the floor or below the ceiling, extending in a direction different from the floor or ceiling and partitioning a part of the space. A wall (wall surface) is not limited to a nearly vertical plane; it may be a sloped surface, a curved surface, or two or more surfaces with slight differences in height.

[0023] In the following embodiments, the panel and the wiring system comprising it are located in an indoor space having a floor and ceiling. The wiring system is also located along a wall. Located along a wall may include being adjacent to a wall or being slightly away from a wall. Located along a wall may include being in the vicinity of a wall, or more specifically, being in close proximity to a wall. Located along a wall may be interpreted as being located along a wall if at least some components of the wiring system are supported by a wall.

[0024] However, the wiring system is not limited to this. It may also be installed outdoors or in a space exposed to the outside air. Furthermore, the wiring system is not limited to being installed along a wall; for example, it may be installed freestanding on the floor or suspended from the ceiling.

[0025] (Embodiment)

[0026] Figure 1 is a front view of a wiring system 1 comprising a distribution board 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a side view of the wiring system 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of Figure 1. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the wiring system 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the wiring system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0027] In Figures 3, 4, and 5, for the sake of clarity, the panel body and wires of wiring system 1 have been omitted from the illustration. Furthermore, details have been simplified in the illustrations.

[0028] As shown in the figure, the wiring system 1 broadly comprises a duct 10 (an example of a gutter space extension member) and a distribution board 20 (an example of a board). The distribution board 20 is used together with the duct 10 and together with the duct 10 constitutes the wiring system 1.

[0029] In this embodiment, the duct 10 is positioned between the floor and the ceiling, along the wall 5. The duct 10 is a columnar component that extends vertically. The duct 10 comprises, for example, a duct body 11 (an example of an extension member body), an upper member 13, and a support member 15.

[0030] In this embodiment, the duct body 11 is a member that extends linearly in a substantially vertical direction from the floor to the ceiling. As shown in Figure 3, the duct body 11 has a U-shaped (channel-shaped, C-shaped) cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In other words, the duct body 11 has a shape that is like a rectangular prism-shaped pipe but lacks one front face. It can also be said that the duct body 11 is a duct with an open portion at the front. It can also be said that the duct body 11 has an open portion along the longitudinal direction. Due to this cross-sectional shape, the duct body 11 can maintain structural strength while forming a space for housing the electric wires 40 inside. The duct body 11 is a columnar member made of metal or resin, but is not limited to these and can be made of other materials. The duct body 11 may be made of extruded material, a sheet metal member made by bending a single plate, or a column formed by combining multiple members. Multiple members divided in the longitudinal direction may be connected to form one duct body 11. Furthermore, the portion of the duct body 11 that is open along its longitudinal direction only needs to be open when viewed from a direction different from the direction facing the wall 5; for example, it may be open to either the left or the right.

[0031] The upper member 13 is assembled to the front of the duct body 11 via a support member 15. The upper member 13 is positioned to straddle the front open portion of the duct body 11 in the left-right direction, that is, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the duct body 11. In this embodiment, the upper member 13 is a strip-shaped metal or resin member, but the material is not limited. The upper member 13 is attached to multiple different locations in the longitudinal direction of the duct body 11. By providing the upper member 13, it is possible to prevent the electric wires 40 housed inside the duct body 11 from protruding outwards from the open portion of the duct body 11.

[0032] The support member 15 is, for example, a member provided to protrude forward from a part of the duct body 11, and is configured to support the upper member 13 relative to the duct body 11 by positioning the upper member 13 in front of the duct body 11. The support member 15 can be fixed to the duct body 11 by screwing it in, for example, but the method of fixing is not limited to this.

[0033] Furthermore, the support member 15 and the upper member 13 can also be provided as a single integrated component. In this case, the number of parts is reduced and assembly is simplified by molding the support member 15 and the upper member 13 as a single unit.

[0034] In this embodiment, the duct 10 is arranged along the wall 5, but is not limited to this. The duct 10 may also be arranged to stand independently on the floor or the like. The duct 10 can be called a gutter space extension member, which is a structure for extending the gutter space portion inside the panel, as defined in JIS standards, etc., to the ceiling, floor, and left and right. The duct 10 in this embodiment may also be called an extended gutter space (or simply a gutter space).

[0035] The distribution board 20 is used together with the duct 10. The distribution board 20 is housed in a case 21 and includes a panel body 26 to which the electric wires 40 are connected. As will be described later, the electric wires 40 are housed in the distribution board 20 via the duct 10 and routed to a position where they can be connected to the panel body 26. The case 21 has an opening 23 on its outer circumference 22, and the duct 10 penetrates the case 21 from the outside to the inside through this opening 23.

[0036] The distribution board 20, also known as a slit board (S board), functions as part of the wiring system 1. The distribution board 20 is positioned along the wall 5, but it is not limited to this arrangement and may be positioned independently.

[0037] In this embodiment, the distribution board 20 comprises a case 21, a case cover 25, a panel body 26, a switch 28, and a panel cover 29. The distribution board 20 is a box-shaped device having a rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole, and is positioned so that its back is along the wall 5. However, the shape of the distribution board 20 is not limited to this. Furthermore, the back of the distribution board 20 may be open to the rear as a whole. That is, there may or may not be members that constitute the back of the distribution board 20.

[0038] Case 21 constitutes a part of the outer surface of the distribution board 20. Case 21 is made of, for example, metal. In this embodiment, case 21 has an outer periphery 22. The outer periphery 22 is a part perpendicular to the back surface and, in this embodiment, includes both the left and right sides, the top surface, and the bottom surface. The outer periphery 22 can also be said to be a part that separates the inside and outside of case 21 in a direction parallel to the wall surface 5, that is, in a direction parallel to the back surface.

[0039] The front of case 21 is open to the front as a whole. However, case 21 may be formed to cover a portion of the front. In other words, there may or may not be a portion of case 21 that constitutes the front of the distribution board 20.

[0040] In this embodiment, the case 21 has an opening 23. The opening 23 is provided in a part of the outer periphery 22 of the case 21, and is provided so that the duct 10 can pass through it in the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the opening 23 is formed on the top surface and the bottom surface of the outer periphery 22, respectively. The upper opening 23 and the lower opening 23 are formed in positions that overlap when viewed from the vertical direction. As a result, the duct 10 can pass through the case 21 in the vertical direction through the opening 23, and a part of the duct 10 can be positioned inside the case 21.

[0041] As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, the opening 23 is provided on the rear side of the case 21, that is, near the wall 5. The opening 23 opens towards the rear. The opening 23 can be said to open towards the rear, or it can be said to open towards the wall 5. The opening 23 is formed by providing two edges 24 extending forward from the rear and one edge 24 extending left and right at the front end of the outer periphery 22. That is, the edges 24 provided on the outer periphery 23 to form the opening 23 have two parts extending forward from the rear of the case 21 and a part that connects these two parts left and right in front of the rear. In other words, in this embodiment, the opening 23 is a U-shaped (channel-shaped) opening 23 that opens in a direction different from the longitudinal direction of the duct 10.

[0042] In this embodiment, the edge 24 of the opening 23 is formed to be close to the outer surface of the duct body 11 when the distribution board 20 and the duct 10 are arranged. That is, the gap between the edge 24 and the outer surface of the duct body 11 is made relatively narrow. In other words, when the duct body 11 and the case 21 are both provided along a planar wall 5 as in this embodiment, the shape of the opening 23 only needs to be slightly larger than the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the duct body 11. By providing the opening 23 in this way, the gap is narrowed, which prevents foreign objects from entering the inside of the case 21 through the gap.

[0043] In this embodiment, the case cover 25 is positioned to cover the front of the case 21, specifically the portion in front of the duct 10 (in front of the gutter space). The case cover 25 may also be provided to cover other portions of the front of the case 21. Alternatively, the case cover 25 may be provided to cover the entire front of the case 21. The presence of the case cover 25 protects the interior of the case 21.

[0044] The main body of the panel 26 is housed inside the case 21. The outer periphery 22 can be said to be formed to surround the outer periphery of the main body of the panel 26 when viewed from the front. In this embodiment, the main body of the panel 26 is positioned inside the case 21 adjacent to the area where the duct 10 is located, i.e., the gutter space.

[0045] The panel body 26 houses switches 28 such as relays and circuit breakers, as well as other elements necessary to realize the functions of the distribution board 20. Electrical wires 40 are connected to the panel body 26. A panel cover 29 is positioned in front of the panel body 26 to cover it. The panel cover 29 is configured to expose some of the switches 28 to the front so that they can be operated from the front. This allows general users to safely operate the switches 28 as needed.

[0046] In this embodiment, the electric wire 40 is drawn from the ceiling or floor to the distribution board 20. The electric wire 40 is housed in the duct body 11 and runs from the ceiling or floor to the distribution board 20, passing through the opening 23 together with the duct body 11 and being routed inside the case 21. Inside the case 21, the electric wire 40 is connected to the panel body 26.

[0047] Next, an example of an installation method, or wiring method, for the wiring system 1 configured as described above will be explained. The wiring method can be described as a method of wiring the electric wires 40 to the panel body 26 using a duct 10 that houses the electric wires 40 and a distribution board 20 having a panel body 26 to which the electric wires 40 are connected.

[0048] Figure 6 is the first diagram illustrating the wiring method using the wiring system 1 in this embodiment. Figure 7 is the second diagram illustrating the same wiring method. Figure 8 is the third diagram illustrating the same wiring method.

[0049] As shown in Figure 6, first, the duct 10 is positioned to extend from the vicinity of at least one of the floor and the ceiling (step S11; duct installation step). In this embodiment, the duct body 11 is positioned to extend vertically between the floor and the ceiling. The duct body 11 is positioned along the wall 5.

[0050] Next, as shown in Figure 7, the electric wires 40 are housed in the duct 10, which is positioned along the wall 5 (step S12; wire entry step). For example, electric wires 40 that are routed along the floor and ceiling are housed inside the duct body 11 and routed to the vicinity of the location where the distribution board 20 will be installed. Here, for example, the electric wire 40 routed from the floor is pulled in so that it passes through the inside of the duct body 11, using the location where the top surface of the distribution board 20 is located (the top surface of the board) as a guide. Similarly, the electric wire 40 routed from the ceiling is pulled in so that it passes through the inside of the duct body 11, using the location where the bottom surface of the distribution board 20 is located as a guide. In this way, since each electric wire 40 only needs to be pulled in using the length required to reach a predetermined position in the duct 10 as a guide, it is possible to easily determine the length of the electric wires 40 to be pulled in and perform the pulling work while preventing the pulled-in length of the electric wires 40 from being too short or too long.

[0051] Next, as shown in Figure 8, the case 21 is positioned so that a portion of the duct 10 passes through the opening 23 (step S13; panel mounting step). In this embodiment, the opening 23 is formed on the top and bottom surfaces of the case 21, opening towards the rear. Therefore, this work can be easily performed by fitting the duct body 11 into the opening 23 and then moving the case 21 from the front to the rear to attach it to the wall 5.

[0052] With the case 21 positioned in this manner, the electric wires 40 housed inside the duct 10 are drawn into the gutter space inside the case 21. Then, the panel body 26 is installed inside the case 21, and the electric wires 40 housed in the duct 10, i.e., the electric wires 40 in the gutter space, are connected to the panel body 26 (connection step).

[0053] Once the process of connecting the electric wires 40 to the panel body 26 is complete, the system can be brought to the state shown in Figure 1 by attaching other components, such as the case cover 25, the panel cover 29, and the upper component 13 if necessary.

[0054] As explained above, this embodiment offers the following advantages.

[0055] In other words, conventional wiring methods had the following problems: When running wires to the planned installation location, it was necessary to make the length of the wires longer than needed to ensure that subsequent work could be carried out properly. As a result, the portion of the wire that was longer than the length needed to connect to the panel itself became excess, resulting in a relatively large amount of waste. In addition, the work of threading the wires that had been run to the planned installation location through to the panel was time-consuming, and the wires could get in the way during the process, making it difficult to carry out the work efficiently.

[0056] To address these problems, this embodiment allows for easy wiring of the electric wires 40 using the wiring system 1. Specifically, by installing the duct 10 in advance along the route to which the electric wires 40 will be routed, the gutter space can be extended. The electric wires 40 can then be routed to near the planned installation location of the distribution board 20 so that they are housed in the duct 10. This prevents wasted electric wires 40 and ensures that the electric wires 40 do not get in the way. Furthermore, by installing the distribution board 20 with the duct 10 passing through the opening 23 after the electric wires 40 have been routed through the duct 10, the installation of the distribution board 20 and the routing of the electric wires 40 into the case 21 can be performed simultaneously. In other words, the gutter space can be secured in advance, allowing the electric wires 40 to be routed beforehand. Consequently, wiring work using the wiring system 1 can be performed efficiently, reducing the man-hours required for installing the distribution board 20 compared to conventional methods.

[0057] In particular, in this embodiment, since the opening 23 is located at the rear of the case 21, the installation of the distribution board 20 can be performed with a simple operation of moving the case 21 from front to rear relative to the duct 10. Therefore, the amount of work required to install the distribution board 20 can be significantly reduced compared to conventional methods.

[0058] Furthermore, the above embodiment may be modified as follows.

[0059] Figure 9 is a front view of wiring system 201 according to one modified example of this embodiment. Figure 10 is a side view of wiring systems 201, 301, and 401 according to modified examples of this embodiment.

[0060] The wiring system 201 according to this modified example differs from the wiring system 1 according to the above embodiment in that the duct 10 has an upper member 213 and the distribution board 20 has a case cover 25 that covers the entire front surface of the case 21. The other configurations are the same as in the above embodiment.

[0061] As shown in the figure, the upper member 213 is positioned on the duct body 11 so as to cover the open portion of the duct body 11. The upper member 213 may also be called a gutter space cover or a duct cover. The upper member 213 is supported by a plurality of support members 15 arranged in the longitudinal direction of the duct body 11, for example, in the same manner as in the embodiment described above, and is fixed to the duct body 11. However, the method of fixing the upper member 213 is not limited to this, and for example, the upper member 213 may be attached to the duct body 11 by providing engaging parts and engaged parts on both the duct body 11 and the upper member 213 that engage with each other.

[0062] Since the opening of the duct body 11 is covered by the upper member 213, external impacts and the intrusion of foreign objects can be prevented after the electrical wires 40 have been housed. In addition, since the electrical wires 40 are prevented from being exposed to the outside by the upper member 213, the wiring system 201 can be made to look neat and tidy.

[0063] Furthermore, as shown in the wiring systems 301 and 401 in Figure 10, in this embodiment, the duct 10 and the distribution board 20 may be installed with a portion of them embedded behind the wall 5. For example, the wiring system 301 is a semi-recessed type in which the duct 10 and a portion of the distribution board 20 are embedded behind the surface of the wall 5. Also, for example, the wiring system 401 is a fully recessed type in which the duct 10 and the case 21 of the distribution board 20 are embedded behind the surface of the wall 5. Even when a portion or all of the wiring system 301 and 401 are installed embedded in the wall 5 in this way, they can still be said to be positioned along the wall 5. In this case as well, regardless of the position of the wall 5, the opening 23 is provided according to the positional relationship between the duct 10 and the case 21, so that, as in the embodiment described above, the advantage of reducing the man-hours required for installing the distribution board 20 can be obtained.

[0064] (Embodiment 2)

[0065] The embodiment described above will be referred to as Embodiment 1 below. Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Embodiment 2 differs from Embodiment 1 in the configuration of the distribution board case. The other configurations are the same as those of Embodiment 1, so the same reference numerals are used for the same components and their descriptions are omitted.

[0066] Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of a wiring system 1001 equipped with a distribution board 1020 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 12 is a perspective view of the distribution board 1020 according to Embodiment 2.

[0067] In Embodiment 2, for the sake of clarity, the panel body and wires of the wiring system 1001 may be omitted from the illustration. Furthermore, the detailed structure is shown in a simplified manner as appropriate.

[0068] The case 1021 of the distribution board 1020 is formed to enclose and house the main body of the panel (not shown) inside, similar to the case 21 in the first embodiment described above. The case 1021 is formed in a box shape with an opening at least on the front side, but is not limited to this. The case 1021 of the distribution board 1020 is provided with an opening 23 through which the duct 10 can pass, similar to the case 21. In other words, the distribution board 1020 can be used in basically the same procedures and methods as in the first embodiment described above.

[0069] Case 1021 has a bottom portion 1121 that covers the rear side in the area where the duct 10 is not located, i.e., in the area where the opening 23 is not formed. The distribution board 1020 can be positioned so that the bottom portion 1121 is along the wall surface, but the positioning method is not limited to this. Furthermore, the bottom portion 1121 may not be provided at all.

[0070] Case 1021 has a portion that is roughly composed of a first frame 1022 and a second frame 1222 combined together.

[0071] The first frame 1022 is positioned adjacent to the duct 10 when viewed from the front. The outer periphery of the first frame 1022 is configured to form a rectangular shape with one side missing on the duct 10 side when viewed from the front, that is, a U-shape (which may also be called a C-shape or U-shape) that opens toward the duct 10. The first frame 1022 is configured to surround at least a part of the outer periphery of the panel body. In this embodiment 2, it can also be said that the first frame 1022 has an outer periphery formed to surround the three sides (top, left, and bottom) of the panel body. The outer periphery of the first frame 1022 can be said to have an upper surface and a lower surface extending substantially horizontally from the duct 10, and a left side surface connecting the upper surface and the lower surface.

[0072] The second frame 1222 is positioned to cover at least a portion of the area where the duct 10 is located when viewed from the front. That is, the second frame 1222 is positioned to cover at least a portion of the duct 10 when viewed from the side where the electric wires 40 are housed in the duct. The outer periphery of the second frame 1222 is configured to form a U-shape, which is a rectangle with one side missing on the side facing the first frame 1022, when viewed from the front, that is, an opening toward the first frame 1022. The upper and lower parts of the outer periphery of the second frame 1222 can be said to be the parts excluding the opening 23. The outer periphery of the second frame 1222 can be said to have an upper and lower part that is in the part excluding the opening 23 through which the duct 10 passes, and a right side part that connects the upper and lower parts. The second frame 1222 can be said to have one or more parts that are positioned to straddle the electric wires 40 housed in the duct 10. To say that it is positioned to straddle the electric wires 40 housed in the duct 10 can also be said to mean that it is positioned to straddle the duct 10.

[0073] In this second embodiment, the upper surface of the second frame 1222 is L-shaped when viewed from above. The upper surface of the first frame 1022 is close to the left side of the duct 10. That is, the opening 23 provided on the upper surface of the second frame 1222 is defined by the edge 24 of the second frame 1222 located in front of the duct 10, the edge 24 of the second frame 1222 close to the right side of the duct 10, and the edge 24 of the first frame 1022 close to the left side of the duct 10. Similarly, when the lower part of the distribution board 1020 is viewed from below, the opening 23 is defined by one edge of the first frame 1022 and two edges of the second frame 1222.

[0074] Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the separated state of the distribution board 1020 according to Embodiment 2.

[0075] The first frame 1022 and the second frame 1222 are configured to have overlapping portions on their upper and lower surfaces in the front-to-back direction. A connecting portion 1422 is formed on the first frame 1022 side, and a connecting portion 1522 is formed on the second frame 1222 side. The first frame 1022 and the second frame 1222 are joined together by attaching connecting members 1322 to the upper and lower connecting portions 1422 and 1522, respectively, to form a single case 1022. As shown in Figure 13, the first frame 1022 and the second frame 1222 can be separated from each other (separated state) by releasing (for example, removing) the two connecting members 1322 at the top and bottom.

[0076] In this second embodiment, the connecting member 1322 is a screw, the connecting part 1422 is a screw hole, and the connecting part 1522 is a through hole. The screw is screwed through the through hole on the second frame 1222 side into the screw hole on the first frame 1022 side, thereby connecting the first frame 1022 and the second frame 1222. The specific configuration of the connecting means is not limited to this, and for example, a structure in which the connecting parts provided on the first frame 1022 and the second frame 1222 are connected by a fastener using another snap structure may be adopted. In other words, it is sufficient to use a structure in which the respective connecting parts of the first frame 1022 and the second frame 1222 are releasably connected by a connecting member (which may be a part of the first frame 1022 or the second frame 1222 itself).

[0077] In this second embodiment, a cover 1025 is detachably attached to the front side of the second frame 1222. The second frame 1222 is positioned on the front side of the duct 10, and the cover 1025 is positioned to cover the front side of the duct 10. By attaching the cover 1025, the wires 40 and the like that that are routed from inside the duct 10 to the main body of the distribution board 1020 are not exposed to the outside from inside the distribution board 1020. If necessary, the cover 1025 can be removed to allow work to be done on the wires 40.

[0078] The cover 1025 is, for example, a flat plate-shaped member. The cover 1025 is fixed to the second frame 1222 by connecting fixing screws 1026 to screw holes in the joint portion 1422 formed on the second frame 1222. However, the method of fixing the cover 1025 is not limited to this. For example, it may be connected to the second frame 1222 via a rotating shaft and configured to form an openable and closable door that covers or exposes the front side of the second frame 1222.

[0079] In this second embodiment, the cover 1025 is rectangular in shape as a whole, matching the shape of the second frame 1222, but notches 1325 are formed at two locations, upper and lower, where the connecting members 1322 are attached, so as not to cover the connecting portion 1522. That is, with the cover 1025 fixed to the second frame 1222, the first frame 1022 and the second frame 1222 can be connected using the connecting members 1322, or the connection can be released to separate them. This makes it possible to perform installation work, other wiring work, maintenance work, etc. of the distribution board 1020 in a variety of procedures.

[0080] As described above, according to this embodiment 2, the case 1021 of the distribution board 1020 is composed of a separable first frame 1022 and a second frame 1222. This allows a large opening to be formed on the side of the case 1021 when installing the distribution board 1020, so that workers can use this opening to easily perform tasks such as connecting the electric wires 40 to the panel body 26 while securing a large workspace. Since the installation work for each distribution board 1020 is shortened, the total number of days that electrician's resources are used can be reduced, thereby shortening the construction period.

[0081] For example, when installing the distribution board 1020, the worker can follow these steps. First, with the first frame 1022 and the second frame 1222 joined together, the distribution board 1020 is mounted on top of the duct 10, which has the electrical wires 40 pre-wired inside. Next, as shown in Figure 13, the first frame 1022 and the second frame 1222 are separated, and the second frame 1222 is removed while the first frame 1022 remains in place, exposing the duct 10. Then, the electrical wires 40 wired in the duct 10 are connected to the main board 26. Once the work is complete, the second frame 1222 is placed over the duct 10, the first frame 1022 and the second frame 1222 are joined together, and the setup is returned to the state shown in Figure 12.

[0082] In the structure of Embodiment 1, since the case 21 is a single integrated structure, the workspace for pulling the electric wires 40 into the case 21 becomes narrow. This problem can be particularly noticeable when it is necessary to route thick main cables. Also, for example, if the electric wires 40 that have been pre-wired to the duct 10 are too long, after attaching the case 21 from above the duct 10, it will be necessary to pass the ends of the electric wires 40 through the opening 23 to pull them into the case 21, which can complicate the wiring work.

[0083] In contrast, in the structure of Embodiment 2, as described above, the first frame 1022 and the second frame 1222 are separated, and any member that obstructs the work of routing the electric wires 40 along the duct 10 to the panel body 26 can be removed. Therefore, it becomes easier to handle thick main cables and excessively long electric wires 40, greatly improving the freedom of wiring work and dramatically improving work efficiency. Furthermore, it becomes possible to temporarily pull out the electric wires 40 to be routed to the duct 10 to the side of the panel and lay them down beforehand, resulting in a significant improvement in workability.

[0084] (others)

[0085] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the mounting structure of a distribution board 1020 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0086] Figure 14 shows a cross-section of the peripheral portion of the wiring system 1001 around the duct 10 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the duct 10, near the joint 1522. In Figure 14, details such as the cover 1025 are omitted, and the depicted content should be considered schematic.

[0087] The distribution board 1020 can be attached to the wall 5 by means of screws, for example, but the mounting structure of the distribution board 1020 is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 14, the case 1021 may be pressed against the wall 5 by a fixing bracket 1012 fixed to a part of the duct 10. This reduces the impact on the wall 5 in parts other than the duct 10, and also makes it easy to remove or replace the distribution board 1020.

[0088] The fixing brackets 1012 shown in the figure are fixed, for example, to both the left and right sides of the duct 10, pressing down on a portion of the case 1021 from the front towards the back. As described above, the case 1021 is separable into a first frame 1022 and a second frame 1222, and the fixing brackets 1012 are provided to act on the first frame 1022 and the second frame 1222 respectively. When the distribution board 1020 is installed, the second frame 1222 can be easily separated from the first frame 1022 by removing the fixing brackets 1012 that engage with the second frame 1222 and removing the connecting member 1322.

[0089] In addition to this structure, the case 1021 may be configured to engage with a part of the duct 10.

[0090] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible, which are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0091] The configurations of the embodiments described above are not limited to those described above, and each component of the embodiments and modified versions described above may be replaced with components of other forms as appropriate. Furthermore, some components of the embodiments and modified versions described above may be omitted. For example, upper members and panel covers may not be provided. Also, the wiring system is not limited to distribution boards, but can use panels having a panel body to which electric wires are connected, such as switchboards and control panels.

[0092] In each of the embodiments described above, the duct is arranged to extend vertically from the ceiling to the floor, but is not limited to this. The duct may be arranged to extend vertically from the vicinity of the floor or ceiling. That is, the wiring system may include a duct arranged to extend from the vicinity of at least one of the floor and ceiling, and a panel, and the duct and the panel can be arranged such that an opening is provided in the case of the panel so that a part of the duct is housed inside the case.

[0093] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the duct serves as a gutter space, and the location of the opening in the case, i.e., the location of the gutter space, should be appropriately set according to the number and layout of the panel bodies. For example, when providing one panel body as in Embodiment 1 above, the position of the opening should be determined so that the gutter space is provided on the side that makes it easier to connect wires to the panel body, out of the four sides of the case (top, bottom, left, and right). Also, when providing two panel bodies, i.e., a two-unit panel, the gutter space should be placed in the center of the connection.

[0094] Figure 15 is a front view illustrating the configuration of a distribution board 2020 according to one modified example of the embodiment 2 described above. Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the mounting structure of the same distribution board 2020.

[0095] In Figure 16, the mounting structure is schematically shown using the same method of illustration as in Figure 14.

[0096] The distribution board 2020 in this modified example is the two-unit distribution board described above. The panel body 26 from Embodiment 1 described above is arranged on both the left and right sides of the duct 10, i.e., the gutter space. The case 2021 of the distribution board 2020 consists of two first frames 1022, each housing a panel body 26 on the left and right sides, and a second frame 2222 that connects the two first frames 1021 to each other. Since the first frame 1022 is U-shaped, two second frames 2222 are used to connect their upper parts and lower parts, respectively. Each second frame 2222 is, for example, a member that extends in the left-right direction and is arranged to straddle the electric wires 40 housed in the duct 10. That is, each second frame 2222 is arranged to straddle the duct 10.

[0097] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 16, even in such a two-unit distribution panel 2020, the case 2021 may be fixed to the wall 5 using a fixing bracket 1012 that is fixed to the duct 10.

[0098] The second frame 2222 is connected to the connecting portion 1422 of the first frame 1022 by a connecting member 1322. With the distribution board 2020 in place, the connecting member 1322 can be removed, and the second frame 2222 can be separated from each of the first frames 1022. Therefore, the same effects as in the second embodiment described above can be obtained. [Industrial applicability]

[0099] As described above, the panel according to the present invention has the effect of allowing the panel to be positioned with the electric wires already passed through the gutter space extension member, thereby shortening the construction period for installing the wiring system, and is therefore useful as a panel or the like.

[0100] (Note) Regarding the panel according to the above invention, the case comprises a first frame that surrounds at least a part of the outer circumference of the panel body, and a second frame that is positioned to cover at least a part of the area where the gutter space extension member is located when viewed from the front. The first frame and the second frame are detachably connected via a connecting member, and may be separated from each other by releasing the connecting member. With this configuration, the sides of the panel can be largely opened during wiring work, thereby securing sufficient workspace and significantly improving the efficiency of wiring work. Furthermore, the opening may be defined by the edge of the first frame and the edge of the second frame. This configuration facilitates wiring work when separating the first frame and the second frame. Furthermore, the second frame is provided with a removable cover that covers the front side of the second frame. The cover may be positioned to avoid the joint between the first and second frames, so that the first and second frames can be joined and separated with the cover attached. This configuration allows for the separation and joining of the frames with the cover attached, increasing the flexibility of the work procedure and improving overall work efficiency. Furthermore, regarding the wiring method described above, the case may be configured such that a first frame encloses at least a portion of the outer circumference of the panel body and a second frame is positioned to cover at least a portion of the area where the gutter space extension member is located when viewed from the front, and these frames are detachably connected via a connecting member, and can be separated from each other by releasing the connecting member. The wiring method may include, after the step of positioning the case, the steps of separating the second frame from the first frame by releasing the connecting member, connecting the wires housed in the gutter space extension member to the panel body with the second frame separated from the first frame, and connecting the second frame to the first frame with the wires connected to the panel body. With such a configuration, the side of the panel can be largely opened during wiring work, thereby securing sufficient workspace and facilitating the handling of thick wires, and significantly improving the efficiency of wiring work. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0101] 1,1001 Wiring System 5 walls 10. Duct (Example of gutter space extension component) 11. Duct body (an example of an extension component body) 13,213 Upper member 15 Support member 20,1020,2020 Distribution board (an example of a board) 21,1021,2021 cases 22 Outer periphery 23 Opening 24 Edge 25 Case Covers 26 Main body 28 switches 29 Record cover 40 Electric wire 1012 Fixing bracket 1022 First Frame 1025 Cover 1121 Bottom 1222,2222 Second frame 1322 Connecting member 1325 Notch 1422,1522 Joint

Claims

1. A panel used in conjunction with a gutter space extension member that is positioned to extend from the vicinity of at least one of the floor and the ceiling, A panel body to which the wires routed along the gutter space extension member are connected, The system comprises a case for housing the aforementioned panel body, The aforementioned case is, The outer periphery surrounding the outer periphery of the aforementioned panel body, It is provided on a part of the outer periphery of the case, has an opening on the back side, and has an opening through which the gutter space extension member can pass in the longitudinal direction of the gutter space extension member, A panel configured such that a portion of the gutter space extension member is housed inside the case, allowing the gutter space extension member and the case to be arranged together.

2. The aforementioned gutter space extension member is An extension member body having an open portion along the longitudinal direction, Includes an upper member that is positioned on the extension member body so as to cover the open portion of the extension member body, The panel according to claim 1, wherein the edge of the opening is formed to be close to the outer circumferential surface of the extension member body when the panel and the gutter space extension member are arranged.

3. The aforementioned case is, A first frame enclosing at least a portion of the outer periphery of the aforementioned panel body, The system comprises a second frame positioned to cover at least a portion of the area where the gutter space extension member is located, as viewed from the front, The first frame and the second frame are detachably connected via a connecting member, and can be separated from each other by releasing the connecting member, as described in claim 1.

4. A panel used in conjunction with a gutter space extension member that is positioned to extend from the vicinity of at least one of the floor and the ceiling, A panel body to which the wires routed along the gutter space extension member are connected, The system comprises a case for housing the aforementioned panel body, The aforementioned case is, The outer periphery surrounding the outer periphery of the aforementioned panel body, It is provided on a part of the outer periphery of the case and has an opening through which the gutter space extension member can pass in the longitudinal direction of the gutter space extension member, The gutter space extension member and the case are configured to be arranged such that a part of the gutter space extension member is housed inside the case. The aforementioned case is, A first frame enclosing at least a portion of the outer periphery of the aforementioned panel body, The system comprises a second frame positioned to cover at least a portion of the area where the gutter space extension member is located, as viewed from the front, The opening is defined by the edge of the first frame and the edge of the second frame. The first frame and the second frame are detachably connected via a connecting member, and can be separated from each other by releasing the connecting member.

5. The control panel according to claim 4, wherein the second frame is provided with a cover that can be detachably attached to the front side of the second frame, and the cover is positioned in a portion that avoids the joint between the first frame and the second frame, such that the first frame and the second frame can be joined and separated when the cover is attached.

6. The panel according to claim 4, wherein the opening is located towards the back.

7. A gutter space extension member that is positioned to extend from the vicinity of at least one of the floor and ceiling and accommodates electrical wires, Equipped with a board, The aforementioned disc is The panel body to which the wires routed along the gutter space extension member are connected, The system comprises a case for housing the aforementioned panel body, The aforementioned case is, The outer periphery surrounding the outer periphery of the aforementioned panel body, It is provided on a part of the outer periphery of the case, has an opening on the back side, and has an opening through which the gutter space extension member can pass in the longitudinal direction of the gutter space extension member, A wiring system in which the gutter space extension member and the case can be arranged such that a portion of the gutter space extension member is housed inside the case.

8. A wiring method for wiring electric wires to a panel body using a gutter space extension member for housing electric wires and a panel body to which the electric wires are connected, A portion of the outer periphery of the case housing the main body of the panel is provided with an opening that is open towards the back, through which the gutter space extension member can pass. The steps include arranging the gutter space extension member so as to extend from the vicinity of at least one of the floor and the ceiling, The steps include housing the electric wire in the gutter space extension member, The steps include moving the case from front to back so that a portion of the gutter space extension member fits into the opening, and positioning the case so that a portion of the gutter space extension member penetrates the opening, A wiring method comprising the step of connecting the electric wire housed in the gutter space extension member to the panel body.

9. A wiring method for wiring electric wires to a panel body using a gutter space extension member for housing electric wires and a panel body to which the electric wires are connected and a case for housing the panel body, The case comprises a first frame that surrounds at least a portion of the outer periphery of the main body of the panel and a second frame that is positioned to cover at least a portion of the area where the gutter space extension member is located when viewed from the front, and these two frames are detachably connected via a connecting member, and are configured to be separable from each other by releasing the connecting member. An opening is provided in a part of the outer periphery of the case through which the gutter space extension member can pass. The steps include arranging the gutter space extension member so as to extend from the vicinity of at least one of the floor and the ceiling, The steps include housing the electric wire in the gutter space extension member, The steps include: positioning the case such that a portion of the gutter space extension member penetrates the opening; After the step of positioning the case, the second frame is separated from the first frame by releasing the connecting member, With the second frame separated from the first frame, the steps include connecting the electric wire housed in the gutter space extension member to the panel body, A wiring method comprising the step of connecting the second frame to the first frame while the electric wire is connected to the panel body.

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