JP7638155B2 - Plate-like member connection structure - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a connecting structure for plate-like members.

In some connection structures for plate-like members, a protrusion on one plate-like member is fitted into a hole on the other plate-like member to position the plate-like members, and the plate-like members are then connected to each other by fastening the plate-like members to each other with a fastening member.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a connection structure in which two embossed protrusions formed by half-punching or burring on a first plate-like member are fitted into two through holes in a second plate-like member, thereby connecting the first plate-like member and the second plate-like member. In the connection structure described in Patent Document 1, fastening members are attached to a screw hole between the two protrusions of the first plate-like member and a screw hole between the two through holes of the second plate-like member. This fastens the first plate-like member and the second plate-like member.

JP 2006-226307 A

In the connection structure described in Patent Document 1, the operation, transport, etc. of the device, apparatus, etc. in which the plate-shaped member connection structure is used may apply a force to the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member in a direction that moves them away from each other. In that case, since the protrusion of the first plate-shaped member is not fixed to the through-hole of the second plate-shaped member by a fastening member, the force caused by the operation, transport, etc. of the device, etc. may cause the protrusion of the first plate-shaped member to move in a direction that pulls it out of the through-hole of the second plate-shaped member. Alternatively, the force caused by the operation, transport, etc. of the device, etc. may cause the first plate-shaped member to move relatively in a direction along the plate surface of the second plate-shaped member.

At this time, a force is applied to the portions of the first and second plate-shaped members where the screw holes are provided when the protrusion of the first plate-shaped member moves in a direction to come out of the through-hole of the second plate-shaped member. Alternatively, a force is applied to the portions of the first and second plate-shaped members where the screw holes are provided when the first plate-shaped member moves in a direction along the plate surface. As a result, there is a risk that the fastening member will become loose.

This disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and aims to provide a connection structure for plate-like members that can be connected at an accurate position and that is unlikely to loosen.

In order to achieve the above object, the plate-shaped member connection structure according to the present disclosure includes a first plate-shaped member having a first embossed portion protruding from one side and recessed from the other side, a second plate-shaped member having a second embossed portion protruding from one side and recessed from the other side, which is superimposed on the first plate-shaped member with one side facing in the same direction as the one side of the first plate-shaped member, and the second embossed portion is fitted into the recess of the first embossed portion, and a first fastening member fastening the first embossed portion and the second embossed portion. The size of the second embossed portion when viewed from one side of the second plate-shaped member is larger than the size of the recess of the first embossed portion when viewed from the other side of the first plate-shaped member, and the protruding portion of the second embossed portion protruding from the one side of the second embossed portion is fitted into the recess of the first embossed portion in a state of interference fit. The recess of the first embossed portion has a first trapezoidal shape with an upper base located at the back side and a lower base located at the opening side in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the plate surface of the first plate-shaped member. The protruding portion of the second embossed portion has a shape of a second trapezoid whose upper base is located at the back side of the recess of the first embossed portion and whose lower base is located at the opening side of the recess of the first embossed portion in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the plate surface of the second plate-like member. Furthermore, the first trapezoid and the second trapezoid are isosceles trapezoids, and the base angle formed by the legs and the lower base of the first trapezoid is larger than the base angle formed by the legs and the lower base of the second trapezoid. The side surface portion of the protruding portion of the second embossed portion does not contact the side wall portion of the inner wall of the recess at the back side of the recess of the first embossed portion, but contacts the side wall portion of the inner wall of the recess at the opening end of the recess of the first embossed portion.

According to the configuration of the present disclosure, the size of the second embossed portion when viewed from one side of the second plate-like member is larger than the size of the recess of the first embossed portion when viewed from the other side of the first plate-like member, and the protrusion of the second embossed portion protruding toward the one side is fitted into the recess of the first embossed portion in a tight fit. Therefore, the connection position between the second plate-like member having the second embossed portion and the first plate-like member having the first embossed portion is accurate.

In addition, because the second embossed portion is fitted tightly into the recess of the first embossed portion, the second embossed portion is less likely to come out of the recess of the first embossed portion or to become misaligned. As a result, the first fastening member that fastens the first embossed portion and the second embossed portion is less likely to be subjected to a force that moves the first embossed portion and the second embossed portion away from each other or closer to each other. In addition, the first fastening member is less likely to be subjected to a force that moves the first embossed portion or the second embossed portion in a direction along one surface of the first plate-like member or the second plate-like member. As a result, the connection between the first plate-like member and the second plate-like member is less likely to loosen.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner assembled using a connecting structure according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed diagonally from above to the left; FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner assembled using a connecting structure according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed diagonally from below on the left; FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a base and a right side panel included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner assembled using a connecting structure according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of a connection portion between a base and a right side panel of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner assembled using the connection structure according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a connecting portion between a base and a right side panel of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner assembled using the connecting structure according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV shown in FIG. 2B. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a connection structure according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embossed portion and a screw included in the connection structure according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embossed portion in a fitted state provided in a connection structure according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a connection structure according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 11 is a component diagram of a connecting portion between a base and an accumulator included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner assembled using a connecting structure according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a top view of a base and an accumulator included in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner assembled using a connecting structure according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XI-XI shown in FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XII-XII in FIG. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an embossed portion of a connection structure according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an embossed portion of a connection structure according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an embossed portion of a connection structure according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an embossed portion of a connection structure according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a connection structure according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of an outdoor unit in which a connecting structure according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is used. An enlarged view of region XIXA of FIG. An enlarged view of region XIXB in FIG. An enlarged view of region XIXC in FIG. An enlarged view of the XIXD region of FIG. FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a lower front portion of an outdoor unit using a connection structure according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure; 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXI-XXI shown in FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXII-XXII in FIG.

The plate-shaped member connection structure according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that in the drawings, the same or equivalent parts are given the same reference numerals. In addition, the plate-shaped member connection structure will hereinafter be referred to simply as the connection structure.

(Embodiment 1)
The connecting structure according to the first embodiment is a connecting structure in which the embossed portions of plate-like members are connected by overlapping the embossed portions with each other and fastening the embossed portions with a screw member. This connecting structure connects a panel formed of a plate-like member and a base provided in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner. First, the configuration of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner to which this connecting structure is applied will be described with reference to Figures 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, and 3.

Figure 1A is a perspective view of outdoor unit 100A of an air conditioner assembled using the connecting structure according to embodiment 1, viewed from diagonally above left. Figure 1B is a perspective view of outdoor unit 100A viewed from diagonally below left. Figure 2A is a perspective view of base 122 and right side panel 125 provided in outdoor unit 100A. Figure 2B is an enlarged perspective view of the connecting portion between base 122 and right side panel 125. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the connecting portion between base 122 and right side panel 125.

As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the outdoor unit 100A has a housing 120 formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape to accommodate various air conditioning devices and parts such as a fan 110, a heat exchanger (not shown), and an accumulator.

The housing 120 has a base 122 that forms the bottom of the housing 120. This base 122 is made of sheet metal and is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate with many projections and recesses, as shown in FIG. 2A. The above-mentioned various devices and parts are installed on the upper side of the base 122, fitting into these projections and recesses (not shown). In addition, legs 121 are provided on the underside of the base 122. The legs 121 allow the base 122 to support the various devices and parts installed thereon.

On the other hand, in order to enclose and protect the various air conditioning devices and components, the housing 120 has an upper panel 123, a front panel 124, a right side panel 125, a left side panel 126, and a rear panel 127, which are attached to a base 122 and form the top, front, right side, left side, and rear surfaces, as shown in Figures 1A and 1B. Of these panels, the right side panel 125 is connected to the base 122 by screws 30A, as shown in Figures 2B and 3.

When connecting the right side panel 125 and the base 122, it is desirable that the right side panel 125 be accurately positioned relative to the base 122 in order to assemble the housing 120 with high precision. Furthermore, it is desirable that the positioning be performed using a simple structure to facilitate assembly. Therefore, as shown in Figure 3, a connecting structure 1A is used to connect the right side panel 125 and the base 122. Next, the configuration of the connecting structure 1A will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 8 in addition to Figure 3.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV shown in Figure 2B. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the connecting structure 1A according to the first embodiment. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the embossed portions 10A, 20A, and the screw 30A provided in the connecting structure 1A. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the embossed portions 10A, 20A in an engaged state. Figure 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the connecting structure 1A.

In order to make it easier to understand, in Figs. 5 to 8, the plate-like portions 11A and 21A of the base 122 and the right side panel 125 are simplified to have a square shape. Also, in order to show the positional relationship between the embossed portions 10A and 20A, Fig. 7 shows the embossed portions 10A and 20A when it is assumed that there is a gap between the embossed portions 10A and 20A. It also shows the screw 30A when it is assumed that the screw 30A is fastened in this state.

In addition, in the Cartesian coordinate system XYZ shown in Figures 5 to 8, the extension directions of the plate surfaces of the plate-like portions 11A and 21A are the X-axis and Y-axis, and the direction perpendicular to the X-axis and Y-axis is the Z-axis. In the following explanation, this coordinate system will be referenced as appropriate.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the connecting structure 1A includes an embossed portion 10A provided on the plate-shaped portion 11A of the base 122, an embossed portion 20A provided on the plate-shaped portion 21A of the right side panel 125, and a screw 30A that fastens the embossed portions 10A and 20A together.

The embossed portion 10A is provided to determine the position of the right side panel 125 relative to the base 122 by fitting the embossed portion 20A on the right side panel 125 in a tight fit when the right side panel 125 is connected to the base 122.

The embossed portion 10A is formed so that a portion of the plate-shaped portion 11A protrudes to one side, i.e., to the +Z side, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, so that it can be pressed into the embossed portion 20A by its positioning. In detail, the embossed portion 10A is produced by pressing the metal sheet of the base 122, and as a result, the plate-shaped portion 11A has a cylindrical shape protruding to the +Z side. The -Z side of the embossed portion 10A is recessed in the +Z direction as shown in Fig. 6, and as a result, a cylindrical recess 12A is formed. The protrusion amount A11 and recess amount A12 of the embossed portion 10A are greater than the plate thickness T1 of the plate-shaped portion 11A.

In contrast, in the embossed portion 20A, the -Z side is recessed in the +Z direction to make it easier for the embossed portion 10A to be pressed in. In detail, as shown in FIG. 5, the embossed portion 20A has a shape in which the plate-shaped portion 21A protrudes cylindrically toward the +Z side. And on the -Z side, as shown in FIG. 6, there is a recess 22A that is recessed cylindrically in the +Z direction. The recess amount A22 of the recess 22A is greater than the plate thickness T2 of the plate-shaped portion 21A to allow the embossed portion 10A to be pressed in deeply. The protrusion amount A21 of the embossed portion 20A is also greater than the plate thickness T2.

Here, it is desirable that one of the plate-shaped portions 11A and 21A is equal to or greater than two times the plate thickness of the other. For example, it is desirable that the plate thickness T2 of the plate-shaped portion 21A is 0.5 to 2.0 times the plate thickness T1 of the plate-shaped portion 11A. This is because if the plate thickness T2 exceeds 2.0 times the plate thickness T1, when the embossed portion 10A is pressed into the recess 22A of the embossed portion 20A, the difference in rigidity between the embossed portion 20A and the embossed portion 10A becomes too large, and the portion with the smaller rigidity is more deformed. As a result, the close contact of the protrusion 14A of the embossed portion 10A to the recess 22A of the embossed portion 20A, which will be described later, is not uniformly formed over the entire outer circumference of the protrusion 14A. For example, if plate-shaped portion 11A and plate-shaped portion 21A are cold-rolled steel plates, when plate-shaped portion 21A has a thickness T2 of 0.8 mm, it is desirable that plate-shaped portion 11A has a thickness T1 of 1.6 mm or less.

The recess 22A of the embossed portion 20A is formed to be smaller than the embossed portion 10A to the extent that the recess 22A can be pressed, strongly pressed, shrunk, or cooled, so that the embossed portion 10A can be fitted in the recess 22A in a tight fit state. In detail, the recess 22A of the embossed portion 20A is circularly recessed in the XY plane, and the diameter D2 of the recess 22A is smaller than the diameter D1 of the protruding portion 14A of the embossed portion 10A that protrudes to the +Z side by the size of the interference. In other words, the diameter D1 of the protruding portion 14A of the embossed portion 10A is larger than the diameter D2 of the recess 22A by the size of the interference. For example, if the diameter D1 of the protrusion 14A of the embossed portion 10A is 25.02 mm, the diameter D2 of the recess 22A of the embossed portion 20A is 24.08 mm, which is smaller than the diameter D1 by an interference of 0.94 mm.

Furthermore, the embossed portion 20A is arranged with the side with the recess 22A facing the embossed portion 10A. The embossed portion 10A faces the protrusion 14A toward the recess 22A of the embossed portion 20A. As shown in FIG. 7, the protrusion 14A is fitted into the recess 22A in a tight fit. As a result, the side wall portion of the protrusion 14A facing the X and Y directions of the inner wall of the recess 22A is in close contact with the side wall portion facing the X and Y directions of the inner wall of the recess 22A. This allows the embossed portion 10A to be joined to the embossed portion 20A. The center of the embossed portion 20A, which is circular in the XY plane view, is aligned with the center of the embossed portion 10A, which is circular in the XY plane view. Furthermore, the tip of the embossed portion 10A comes into contact with the bottom of the recess of the embossed portion 20A, so that the Z-direction position of the embossed portion 10A relative to the embossed portion 10A is determined. As a result, the right side panel 125 having the embossed portion 20A is positioned on the base 122 having the embossed portion 10A.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, a through hole 23A is formed at the tip of the +Z side of the embossed portion 20A, through which the shank 31A of the screw 30A can be inserted. Similarly, a screw hole 13A is formed at the tip of the +Z side of the embossed portion 10A, penetrating the tip. Although not shown, a female thread is formed on the inner wall of the screw hole 13A into which the male thread provided on the shank 31A of the screw 30A can be screwed.

The screw hole 13A has a smaller diameter than the through hole 23A, and the center of the screw hole 13A overlaps with the through hole 23A in the Z direction when the protrusion 14A of the embossed portion 10A is fitted into the recess 22A of the embossed portion 20A. As shown in FIG. 8, the shaft 31A of the screw 30A is attached to the screw hole 13A through the through hole 23A with the protrusion 14A of the embossed portion 10A fitted into the recess 22A of the embossed portion 20A. As a result, the embossed portions 10A and 20A, which are positioned with the protrusion 14A fitted into the recess 22A, are firmly joined. As a result, the right side panel 125 having the embossed portion 20A is fixed to the base 122 having the embossed portion 10A.

As described above, in the connecting structure 1A according to the first embodiment, the size of the protrusion 14A of the embossed portion 10A is larger than the size of the recess 22A of the embossed portion 20A. In other words, the size of the protrusion 14A of the embossed portion 10A when viewed from the +Z side is larger than the size of the recess 22A of the embossed portion 20A when viewed from the -Z side. The protrusion 14A of the embossed portion 10A is fitted into the recess 22A of the embossed portion 20A in a tight fit. As a result, the embossed portion 20A can be assembled to the embossed portion 10A with high accuracy. As a result, in the connecting structure 1A, the right side panel 125 having the embossed portion 20A can be positioned and connected to the base 122 having the embossed portion 10A with high accuracy.

In addition, since the protrusion 14A of the embossed portion 10A is fitted into the recess 22A of the embossed portion 20A in a tight fit, it is unlikely to come off the recess 22A of the embossed portion 20A, or the protrusion 14A and the recess 22A are unlikely to shift position. Therefore, the screw 30A that fastens the embossed portion 10A and the embossed portion 20A is unlikely to be subjected to a force that pulls the embossed portion 10A and the embossed portion 20A apart or closer to each other. In addition, the screw 30A is unlikely to be subjected to a force that moves the embossed portion 10A or the embossed portion 20A along the plate-like portion 11A of the base 122, or along the plate-like portion 21A of the right side panel 125. As a result, the fastening of the screw 30A is unlikely to loosen.

For example, the outdoor unit 100A may be subjected to vibrations from the legs 121 due to vibrations of the building where it is installed, vibrations during transportation, and the like. At this time, a force may be applied to move the embossed portion 10A and the embossed portion 20A apart or closer to each other. In addition, a force may be applied to move the embossed portion 10A and the embossed portion 20A along the plate-shaped portion 11A and the plate-shaped portion 21A. However, the protrusion 14A of the embossed portion 10A is fitted into the recess 22A of the embossed portion 20A in a tight fit. As a result, as described above, a force to move the embossed portion 10A and the embossed portion 20A apart or closer to each other is not easily applied to the screw 30A, and a force to move the embossed portion 10A and the embossed portion 20A along the plate-shaped portion 11A and the plate-shaped portion 21A is not easily applied to the screw 30A. As a result, the fastening of the screw 30A is not easily loosened.

The protrusion 14A of the embossed portion 10A protrudes greater than the thickness T1 of the plate-shaped portion 11A, and the recess 22A of the embossed portion 20A is recessed greater than the thickness T2 of the plate-shaped portion 21A. Therefore, when the protrusion 14A is fitted into the recess 22A, the area in close contact with the inner wall of the recess 22A is large. As a result, in the connecting structure 1A, the protrusion 14A can be firmly fixed to the recess 22A.

The embossed portion 10A, the embossed portion 20A, the base 122 including the plate-like portion 11A, and the right side panel 125 including the plate-like portion 21A described in the first embodiment are examples of the second embossed portion, the first embossed portion, the second plate-like member, and the first plate-like member as referred to in this specification. The screw 30A and the shaft portion 31A are examples of the first fastening member and the first shaft portion. The through hole 23A and the screw hole 13A are examples of the first through hole and the second through hole.

In addition, in the first embodiment, a female thread is formed on the inner wall of the screw hole 13A, but the screw hole 13A may be a normal through hole with no threads on the inner wall. In that case, the shaft portion 31A of the screw 30A may be pushed in while rotating, so that the shaft portion 31A threads the inner wall of the through hole. In addition, in the first embodiment, the inner wall of the through hole 23A is not threaded, but the inner wall of the through hole 23A may be threaded, resulting in the formation of a female thread.

(Embodiment 2)
In the first embodiment, the embossed portion 10A and the embossed portion 20A of the connecting structure 1A are circular when viewed from the tip side, but the connecting structure 1A is not limited thereto. In the connecting structure 1A, the embossed portion 10A and the embossed portion 20A may have a shape other than a circle when viewed from the tip side.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the connecting structure 1A connects the base 122 and the right side panel 125, but the application location of the connecting structure 1A is not limited to this. The connecting structure 1A may be applied to other locations of the outdoor unit 100A.

The connecting structure 1B according to the second embodiment includes embossed portions 10B and 20B that are rectangular when viewed from the tip side. The connecting structure 1B connects the base 122 and the components of the outdoor unit 100B. First, the configuration of the outdoor unit 100B in which the connecting structure 1B is used will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10, and then the configuration of the connecting structure 1B will be described with reference to Figures 11 to 14. The second embodiment will be described with a focus on the configuration that differs from the first embodiment.

Figure 9 is a component diagram of the connecting portion between the base 122 and the accumulator 130 of the outdoor unit 100B of the air conditioner assembled using the connecting structure 1B according to embodiment 2. Figure 10 is a top view of the base 122 and the accumulator 130.

Note that, for ease of understanding, Figures 9 and 10 only show the base 122, accumulator 130, and related parts among the air conditioning equipment and parts of the outdoor unit 100B.

As shown in FIG. 9, the outdoor unit 100B includes a base 122 that forms the bottom of the housing 120, and an accumulator 130 installed on the base 122.

As described in the first embodiment, the base 122 is formed into a rectangular plate shape by bending a metal plate. The accumulator 130 is installed in the area above and to the right of the base 122.

The accumulator 130 is placed on a pedestal 131 connected to the base 122. In detail, the pedestal 131 has a bottom plate portion 132, a side plate portion 133, and a top plate portion 134, which are formed by bending a metal plate into a U-shape. The bottom plate portion 132 is longer than the top plate portion 134 and protrudes toward the front side, with the front end of the bottom plate portion 132 connected to the base 122. The accumulator 130 is placed on the top plate portion 134. The bottom plate portion 132 is then connected to the base 122, and is fixed to the base 122.

At this time, in order to place the accumulator 130 in an accurate position inside the outdoor unit 100B, it is desirable to position the pedestal 131 on the base 122 with high precision. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, a connecting structure 1B is used to connect the pedestal 131 and the base 122. Next, the configuration of the connecting structure 1B will be described with reference to FIG. 10 as well as FIGS. 11-14.

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the XI-XI cutting line shown in Figure 10. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the XII-XII cutting line shown in Figure 10. Figure 13 is a perspective view of an embossed portion 10B provided in a connecting structure 1B according to embodiment 2. Figure 14 is a perspective view of an embossed portion 20B provided in a connecting structure 1B.

As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the connecting structure 1B includes an embossed portion 10B provided on the plate-shaped portion 11B of the base 122, an embossed portion 20B provided on the plate-shaped portion 21B of the bottom plate portion 132 of the pedestal 131, and screws 30B and 40B that fasten the embossed portion 10B and the embossed portion 20B together.

As shown in FIG. 13, the embossed portion 10B has a shape in which a rectangular portion with rounded corners of the plate-like portion 11B is raised upward. As a result, the embossed portion 10B has a shape in which a long, thin rectangular parallelepiped with rounded corners protrudes from the plate-like portion 11B. Also, as shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, as a result of the plate-like portion 11B being raised upward, an upwardly recessed depression 12B is formed on the underside of the embossed portion 10B.

As shown in Figure 14, the embossed portion 20B also has a shape in which a rectangular portion with rounded corners of the plate-shaped portion 21B protrudes upward. In other words, it has a shape in which a long, thin rectangular parallelepiped with rounded corners protrudes from the plate-shaped portion 21B. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, as a result of the plate-shaped portion 21B protruding upward, an upward recess 22B is formed on the underside of the embossed portion 20B, just as in the case of the embossed portion 10B.

The recess 22B of the embossed portion 20B is formed to a size that allows the protrusion 14B of the embossed portion 10B to be fitted in a tight fit. This size relationship is the same as the relationship between the recess 22A and the protrusion 14A described in the first embodiment. Therefore, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. The relationship between the protrusion amount of the embossed portions 10B, 20B and the plate thickness of the plate-shaped portions 11B, 21B is also the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The recess 22B of the embossed portion 20B and the protrusion 14B of the embossed portion 10B are formed to the above-mentioned size, and furthermore, the protrusion 14B is fitted into the recess 22B in a tight fit. This bonds the embossed portion 20B to the embossed portion 10B. It also positions them. As a result, the seat 131 having the embossed portion 20B is positioned on the base 122 having the embossed portion 10B.

On the other hand, as shown in Figs. 13 and 14, two screw holes 13B and two through holes 23B are formed in the embossed portion 10B and the embossed portion 20B, respectively. Although not shown, the two screw holes 13B and the two through holes 23B are connected in the vertical direction with the protrusion 14B of the embossed portion 10B fitted into the recess 22B of the embossed portion 20B, and further, the screws 30B and 40B are attached. In this way, the embossed portion 10B and the embossed portion 20B are fastened by the screws 30B and 40B. As a result, the pedestal 131 having the embossed portion 20B is firmly joined to the base 122 having the embossed portion 10B.

The two screw holes 13B of the embossed portion 10B are arranged apart from each other when viewed from above where the embossed portion 10B protrudes. That is, they are arranged apart from each other in the horizontal direction. The two through holes 23B of the embossed portion 20B are also arranged in a similar manner. As a result, the screws 30B, 40B are similarly attached at positions apart from each other in the horizontal direction. This prevents one of the embossed portions 10B, 20B from rotating horizontally relative to the other.

Returning to FIG. 10, embossed portion 20B has a rectangular shape with rounded corners in plan view, and screws 30B and 40B are attached at a position offset from the center of embossed portion 20B in plan view. Embossed portion 10B also has a rectangular shape with rounded corners in plan view, and although not shown, screws 30B and 40B are attached at a position offset from the center of embossed portion 10B in plan view, similar to the case of embossed portion 20B. As a result, embossed portions 10B and 20B cannot rotate around screws 30B and 40B when fastened together.

In other words, the recess 22B of the embossed portion 20B is a rotating body when the axis is a center line that passes through the center of the screw 30B or 40B in a plan view and extends in the extension direction of the shank of the screw 30B or 40B, which is conveniently called a first rotating body, but has a different outer shape from the first rotating body. Similarly, the protrusion 14B of the embossed portion 10B is a rotating body when the axis is a center line that passes through the center of the screw 30B or 40B in a plan view and extends in the extension direction of the shank of the screw 30B or 40B, which is conveniently called a second rotating body, but has a different outer shape from the second rotating body. As a result, the recess 22B and the protrusion 14B are shaped so that they cannot rotate around the shank of the screw 30B or 40B.

By having such a configuration, the embossed portions 10B and 20B do not rotate even if the base 122 and the pedestal 131 vibrate due to vibrations of the surrounding equipment and the outdoor unit 100B, preventing the screws 30B and 40B from loosening.

As described above, in the connection structure 1B according to the second embodiment, the protrusion 14B protruding in a rectangular parallelepiped shape of the embossed portion 10B is fitted tightly into the recess 22B recessed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape of the embossed portion 20B. Therefore, the embossed portion 20B is assembled to the embossed portion 10B with high precision. As a result, in the connection structure 1B, the base 131 of the accumulator 130 having the embossed portion 20B can be positioned and connected to the base 122 having the embossed portion 10B with high precision. In addition, since the protrusion 14B and the recess 22B are rectangular, after the protrusion 14B is fitted into the recess 22B, the protrusion 14B does not rotate within the recess 22B, and the screws 30B and 40B are unlikely to loosen.

In addition, because the protrusion 14B of the embossed portion 10B is tightly fitted into the recess 22B of the embossed portion 20B, the screws 30B, 40B that fasten the embossed portions 10B and 20B are not likely to be subjected to a force in a direction that pulls the embossed portions 10B and 20B apart or closer to each other. In addition, the screws 30B, 40B are not likely to be subjected to a force that moves the embossed portions 10B, 20B along the plate-shaped portion 11B of the base 122 or the plate-shaped portion 21B of the pedestal 131. As a result, the screws 30B and 40B are not likely to loosen.

In the connecting structure 1B, the screws 30B and 40B are arranged apart from each other, so the embossed portions 10B and 20B do not rotate around the shanks of the screws 30B and 40B. Also, because the embossed portions 10B and 20B are not in the shape of a rotating body with the shanks of the screws 30B and 40B as their axis, they do not rotate around the shanks of the screws 30B and 40B. As a result, the screws 30B and 40B are less likely to loosen.

The embossed portion 10B, the embossed portion 20B, the base 122 including the plate-like portion 11B, and the base 131 including the plate-like portion 21B described in the second embodiment are examples of the second embossed portion, the first embossed portion, the second plate-like member, and the first plate-like member as referred to in this specification. Also, the screw 30B, the shaft portion of the screw 30B, the screw 40B, and the shaft portion of the screw 40B are examples of the first fastening member, the first shaft portion, the second fastening member, and the second shaft portion. The through hole 23B and the screw hole 13B are examples of the first through hole and the second through hole.

(Embodiment 3)
In the connection structure 1B according to the second embodiment, the embossed portions 10B and 20B are rectangular parallelepiped-shaped, so that the side portion of the protrusion 14B of the embossed portion 10B and the side wall portion of the recess 22B of the embossed portion 20B are in close contact with each other. However, the embossed portions 10B and 20B are not limited to this. The embossed portions 10B and 20B may have any shape as long as they are fitted together in a tight fit. For example, the embossed portions 10B and 20B may be trapezoidal in cross section.

The connecting structure 1C according to the third embodiment includes embossed portions 10C and 20C that are trapezoidal in cross section. The connecting structure 1C according to the third embodiment will be described below with reference to Figs. 15 to 17. The description of the third embodiment will focus on the configuration that differs from the first and second embodiments. Note that the connecting structure 1C according to the third embodiment is used in the outdoor unit 100B described in the second embodiment, and therefore the description of the outdoor unit 100B will be omitted.

Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of embossed portions 10C and 20C provided in a connecting structure 1C according to embodiment 3. Figure 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of embossed portions 10C and 20C. Figure 17 is an exploded perspective view of connecting structure 1C.

For ease of understanding, in Figs. 15-17, plate-like portions 11C, 21C are simplified to have a square shape, as in Figs. 4-8. In addition, in the Cartesian coordinate system XYZ shown in Figs. 15-17, the extension directions of the plate surfaces of plate-like portions 11A, 21A are the X-axis and Y-axis, and the direction perpendicular to the X-axis and Y-axis is the Z-axis. In the following explanation, this coordinate system will be referenced as appropriate.

As shown in Figures 15 to 17, in the connection structure 1C, the embossed portion 10C is trapezoidal in a cross section perpendicular to the plate-like portion 11C, specifically in an XZ cross section. As a result, the protrusion 14C of the embossed portion 10C is also trapezoidal in an XZ cross section.

In detail, as shown in FIG. 17, the protrusion 14C has an isosceles trapezoidal shape in the XZ cross section, and the length L11 of the upper base is shorter than the length L12 of the lower base in the XZ cross section.

In contrast, as shown in Figures 15-17, the embossed portion 20C has a trapezoidal shape with a longer upper base than the trapezoid of the embossed portion 10C in the XZ cross section. As a result, the recess 22C of the embossed portion 20C also has a trapezoidal shape with a longer upper base than the trapezoid of the protrusion 14C in the XZ cross section.

17, the recess 22C has an isosceles trapezoidal shape in the XZ cross section, and the length L21 of the upper base of the trapezoid of the recess 22C in the XZ cross section is longer than the length L11 of the upper base of the trapezoid of the protrusion 14C in the XZ cross section so that the protrusion 14C of the embossed portion 10C can be fitted in. On the other hand, the length L22 of the lower base of the trapezoid of the recess 22C in the XZ cross section is shorter than the length L12 of the lower base of the trapezoid of the protrusion 14C in the XZ cross section so that the protrusion 14C can be fitted in a tight fit. The height of the trapezoid of the recess 22C in the XZ cross section, i.e., the recess amount A22, is the same as the height of the trapezoid of the protrusion 14C in the XZ cross section, i.e., the protrusion amount A11, so that the plate-shaped portions 11C and 21C overlap without any gaps when the protrusion 14C is fitted in. In this case, the base angle θ2 shown in FIG. 16, which is the interior angle formed by the lower base and legs of the isosceles trapezoid of the recess 22C when viewed in the XZ cross section, is greater than the base angle θ1, which is the interior angle formed by the lower base and legs of the isosceles trapezoid of the protrusion 14C when viewed in the XZ cross section.

The embossed portions 10C and 20C are formed into the above-mentioned shapes, and furthermore, the protrusion 14C of the embossed portion 10C is fitted into the recess 22C of the embossed portion 20C. As a result, in the recess 22C, the opening end of the recess 22C is pressed into the side portion on the base side of the protrusion 14C, causing it to deform. As a result, the side portion on the base side of the protrusion 14C is in close contact with the opening end of the recess 22C and the opening side portion of the inner wall around it. This positions the embossed portion 20C in the embossed portion 10C.

In addition, the side portion of the base of the protrusion 14C is in close contact with the open end of the recess 22C, so that the side portion of the base of the protrusion 14C fits snugly into the open end of the recess 22C. Therefore, although the effect is weaker than in embodiment 1, the positions of the protrusion 14C and the recess 22C are less likely to shift, and as a result, the fastening of the screw 30C is less likely to loosen.

Although not shown, embossed portions 10C and 20C are formed in the shape of a rectangular prism whose protruding end is thinner than its base end, that is, the shape of a rectangular prism that becomes thinner toward the +Z side. Therefore, embossed portions 10C and 20C have a trapezoidal cross section in the YZ cross section as well as in the XZ cross section. The relationship between the position and size of the trapezoidal shape of embossed portion 10C in the YZ cross section and the trapezoidal shape of embossed portion 20C in the YZ cross section is the same as the relationship between the position and size of the trapezoidal shape of embossed portion 10C in the YZ cross section and the trapezoidal shape of embossed portion 20C in the YZ cross section.

As described above, in the connecting structure 1C according to the third embodiment, the protrusion 14C of the embossed portion 10C and the recess 22C of the embossed portion 20C are formed in a trapezoidal shape in cross section, and the protrusion 14C of the embossed portion 10C is fitted into the recess 22C of the embossed portion 20C. The side portion of the base side of the protrusion 14C is in close contact with the open end of the recess 22C, so that the embossed portion 20C is positioned in the embossed portion 10C. Therefore, when fitting the protrusion 14C into the recess 22C, there is no need to deform the entire recess 22C and the protrusion 14C, making the fitting easy.

In addition, since only a portion of the recess 22C and the protrusion 14C needs to be deformed, even if the plate thicknesses of the embossed portions 10C and 20C are significantly different and the difference in rigidity is large, the portion with the lower rigidity described in embodiment 1 is less likely to deform significantly and become difficult to fit together, which is a problem that would occur. As a result, the assembly of the connecting structure 1C is easy.

The trapezoidal cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 14C of the embossed portion 10C and the trapezoidal cross-sectional shape of the recess 22C of the embossed portion 20C described in embodiment 3 are examples of the first trapezoid and second trapezoid as defined in this specification.

(Embodiment 4)
In the connecting structure 1A according to the first embodiment, the embossed portions 10A and 20A protrude toward the outside of the outdoor unit 100A, but the direction in which the embossed portions 10A and 20A protrude is arbitrary. The embossed portions 10A and 20A may protrude toward the inside of the outdoor unit 100A.

The connecting structure 1D according to the fourth embodiment includes embossed portions 10D, 20D that protrude toward the inside of the outdoor unit 100D. Below, the connecting structure 1C according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 18 to 24. First, the outdoor unit 100D in which the connecting structure 1D is used will be described. Note that in the fourth embodiment, the configuration that differs from the first to third embodiments will be mainly described.

Figure 18 is an exploded perspective view of an outdoor unit 100D in which a connecting structure 1D according to embodiment 4 is used. Figures 19A-19D are enlarged views of the XIXA-XIXD area in Figure 18. Figure 20 is an enlarged view of the lower front portion of the outdoor unit 100D.

As shown in FIG. 18, in the outdoor unit 100D, the front panel 124 is fixed to two points on the left side panel 126 and two points on the base 122, and is attached to the left side panel 126 and the base 122.

In detail, the front panel 124 has two hooking claws 141 on its right end surface, which are spaced a fixed distance apart in the vertical direction, as shown in Figs. 18 and 19A. In contrast, the left side panel 126 has two hook grooves 142 on its front end surface, which are spaced the same distance apart as the two hooking claws 141 in the vertical direction, as shown in Figs. 18 and 19B. The front panel 124 is attached to the left side panel 126 by hooking the two hooking claws 141 into the two hook grooves 142.

As shown in Figures 19C, 19D, and 20, the front panel 124 has embossed sections 20D in the lower right and lower left regions. In contrast, the base 122 has embossed sections 10D in the right and left sides, as shown in Figures 19C and 19D. The front panel 124 is attached to the base 122 by overlapping the embossed sections 20D and 10D and fastening them with screws 30D.

In this way, the front panel 124 is attached to the base 122 using a connecting structure 1D because simply attaching it to the left side panel 126 using the hooking claws 141 and hooking grooves 142 does not allow for high-precision assembly. Next, the configuration of the connecting structure 1D will be described with reference to Figures 21 and 22.

Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXI-XXI shown in Figure 20. Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXII-XXII shown in Figure 20.

21 and 22, the embossed portion 10D is formed by a portion of the plate-shaped portion 11D of the base 122 being recessed toward the inside of the outdoor unit 100D in an inverted trapezoidal cross-sectional shape. As a result, the embossed portion 10D has a recess 12D that is trapezoidal in cross-sectional shape.

The embossed portion 20D is formed by recessing a portion of the plate-shaped portion 21D of the front panel 124 inwardly of the outdoor unit 100D, so that the cross-sectional shape of the embossed portion 20D is an inverted trapezoid with a larger upper side than the cross-sectional shape of the embossed portion 10D. As a result, the embossed portion 20D has a protruding portion 24D that protrudes in a trapezoidal cross-section inwardly of the outdoor unit 100D.

Here, the amount of recession of the embossed portion 20D is greater than the thickness of the head 32D of the screw 30D in order to accommodate the head 32D of the screw 30D. In addition, the upper side of the trapezoidal cross-sectional view of the embossed portion 20D is greater than the diameter of the head 32D of the screw 30D.

The relationship between the position and size of the trapezoidal cross-sectional shape of the recess 12D of the embossed portion 10D and the trapezoidal cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 24D of the embossed portion 20D is the same as the relationship between the position and size of the trapezoidal cross-sectional shape of the recess 22C of the embossed portion 20C and the trapezoidal cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 14C of the embossed portion 10C described in embodiment 3. Therefore, a detailed description is omitted, but the relationship between the position and size allows the protrusion 24D of the embossed portion 20D to be fitted into the recess 12D of the embossed portion 10D. As a result, when the protrusion 24D of the embossed portion 20D is fitted into the recess 12D of the embossed portion 10D, the side portion on the base side of the protrusion 24D is in close contact with the opening end of the recess 12D. This allows the side portion at the base of the protrusion 24D to fit snugly into the opening end of the recess 12D, positioning the embossed portion 20C in the embossed portion 10C.

Although not shown, in the embossed portions 10D and 20D, as in the first embodiment, a through hole and a screw hole are formed that are connected to each other when the protrusion 24D of the embossed portion 20D is fitted into the recess 12D of the embossed portion 10D. The shaft portion 31D of the screw 30D, whose head 32D is disposed inside the recess 22D of the embossed portion 20D, is passed through the through hole and the screw hole. This fastens the embossed portion 10C and the embossed portion 20C. At this time, the head 32D of the screw 30D is housed in the recess 22D of the embossed portion 20D, so that the head 32D does not come into contact with surrounding objects, such as pipes, parts, etc., and become loose.

As described above, in the connecting structure 1D according to embodiment 4, the protrusion 24D of the embossed portion 20D is tightly fitted into the recess 12D of the embossed portion 10D, so that the embossed portion 10A can be assembled to the embossed portion 20A with high precision, as in embodiment 1. As a result, the base 122 having the embossed portion 20D and the front panel 124 having the embossed portion 10D can be positioned and connected with high precision.

In addition, since the protrusion 24D of the embossed portion 20D is tightly fitted into the recess 12D of the embossed portion 10D, the screw 30D that fastens the embossed portion 10A and the embossed portion 20A is unlikely to loosen, as in the first embodiment.

The embossed portion 10D, the embossed portion 20D, the base 122 including the plate-like portion 11D, and the front panel 124 including the plate-like portion 21D described in embodiment 4 are examples of the first embossed portion, the second embossed portion, the first plate-like member, and the second plate-like member as referred to in this specification. The screw 30D and the shaft portion 31D are examples of the first fastening member and the first shaft portion.

The above describes the connection structure 1A-1D according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, but the connection structure 1A-1D is not limited to this.

For example, in embodiment 1, the connecting structure 1A connects the base 122 and the right side panel 125, and in embodiment 2, the connecting structure 1B connects the base 122 and the pedestal 131 of the accumulator 130. Also, in embodiment 4, the connecting structure 1D connects the base 122 and the front panel 124. However, the connecting structure 1A-1D is not limited to this. The connecting structure 1A-1D can be applied to any device or apparatus that has two plate-like members to be connected. For example, the connecting structure 1A-1D may be applied to connect another panel of the outdoor units 100A, 100B, 100D to the base 122. It may also be applied to household electrical appliances other than air conditioners that are manufactured by combining two or more plate-like members.

In addition, in embodiment 1, the embossed portions 10A and 20B are cylindrical, and in embodiment 2, the embossed portions 10A and 20B are rectangular. In addition, in embodiments 3 and 4, the embossed portions 10C, 10D, 20C, and 20D are trapezoidal in cross section. However, the shapes of the embossed portions 10A-10D and 20A-20D are not limited to this.

One of the embossed portions 10A-10D and 20A-20D may protrude on one side and be recessed on the other side. The other of the embossed portions 10A-10D and 20A-20D may protrude on one side and be recessed on the other side, with the other embossed portion fitting into the recesses 12A, 12B, 12D, 22A, 22B, 22C of one embossed portion. In this case, the protrusions 14A, 14B, 14C, 24D of the other embossed portion may be fitted into the recesses 12A, 12B, 12D, 22A, 22B, 22C of the one embossed portion in a press-fit state. The shape of the embossed portions 10A-10D and 20A-20D may be any shape as long as it satisfies these requirements. For example, the embossed portions 10A-10D, 20A-20D may be formed in an elliptical cylindrical shape or a frustum shape.

In embodiments 1-4, the screws 30A-30D, 40B are bolts or machine screws. However, the screws 30A-30D, 40B are not limited to this. The screws 30A-30D, 40B may be any fastening member that fastens the embossed portions 10A-10D and 20A-20D. For example, the screws 30A-30D, 40B may be rivets.

1A-1D Connection structure, 10A-10D Embossed portion, 11A-11D Plate-shaped portion, 12A, 12B, 12D Recess, 13A, 13B Screw hole, 14A, 14B, 14C Protrusion, 20A-20D Embossed portion, 21A-21D Plate-shaped portion, 22A-22D Recess, 23A, 23B Through hole, 24D Protrusion, 30A-30D Screw, 31A, 31D Shaft, 32D Head, 40B Screw, 100A, 100B, 100D Outdoor unit, 110 Fan, 120 Housing, 121 Leg, 122 Base, 123 Upper panel, 124 Front panel, 125 Right side panel, 126 Left side panel, 127 Rear panel, 130 Accumulator, 131 base, 132 bottom plate, 133 side plate, 134 top plate, 141 hook claw, 142 hook groove, A11, A21 protrusion amount, A12, A22 recess amount, D1, D2 diameter, L11, L12, L21, L22 length, T1, T2 plate thickness, θ1, θ2 base angle.

Claims (5)

a first plate-like member having a first embossed portion that protrudes from one surface side and is recessed from the other surface side;
a second plate-like member having a second embossed portion that protrudes on one side and is recessed on the other side, the second plate-like member being superimposed on the first plate-like member with one side facing in the same direction as the one side of the first plate-like member, the second embossed portion being fitted into the recess of the first embossed portion;
A first fastening member that fastens the first embossed portion and the second embossed portion;
Equipped with
a size of the second embossed portion when viewed from one surface of the second plate-like member is larger than a size of the recess of the first embossed portion when viewed from the other surface of the first plate-like member, and a protruding portion of the second embossed portion protruding toward the one surface side is fitted into the recess of the first embossed portion in a tight fit state ;
the depression of the first embossed portion has a shape of a first trapezoid having an upper base on the back side and a lower base on the opening side in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the plate surface of the first plate-like member,
the protruding portion of the second embossed portion has a second trapezoidal shape in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the plate surface of the second plate-like member, the upper base of the protruding portion being located on the deep side of the recess of the first embossed portion and the lower base being located on the opening side of the recess of the first embossed portion,
the first trapezoid and the second trapezoid are isosceles trapezoids,
a base angle formed between a leg of the first trapezoid and the lower base is larger than a base angle formed between a leg of the second trapezoid and the lower base;
A side surface portion of the protrusion of the second embossed portion does not contact a side wall portion of an inner wall of the recess at a deep side of the recess of the first embossed portion, and contacts the side wall portion of the inner wall of the recess at an opening end of the recess of the first embossed portion .
A connecting structure for plate-shaped members. the first embossed portion protrudes from one surface of the first plate-like member by a distance greater than a plate thickness of the first plate-like member, and the other surface of the first embossed portion is recessed by a distance greater than a plate thickness of the first plate-like member,
The second embossed portion protrudes from one surface side of the second plate-like member by a larger amount than the plate thickness of the second plate-like member, and the other surface side is recessed by a larger amount than the plate thickness of the first plate-like member.
The plate-like member connection structure according to claim 1 . Further, a second fastening member is provided to fasten the first embossed portion and the second embossed portion,
The second fastening member is aligned with the first fastening member when viewed from one surface side of the first embossed portion or the second embossed portion.
The plate-like member connection structure according to claim 1 or 2. The first embossed portion has a first through hole,
The second embossed portion has a second through hole provided at a position overlapping with the first through hole when viewed from one surface side of the second plate-like member,
The first fastening member has a first shaft portion passing through the first through hole and the second through hole,
the depression of the first embossed portion has an outer shape different from that of a first rotating body having an axis along a center line passing through the center of the first through hole and extending in the extension direction of the first through hole, and the second embossed portion has an outer shape different from that of a second rotating body having an axis along a center line passing through the center of the second through hole and extending in the extension direction of the second through hole, so that the first embossed portion cannot rotate around the center line of the second through hole.
The plate-like member connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The protruding portion of the second embossed portion is narrower at a protruding end side than at a base side, and the base side contacts an opening side portion of the inner wall of the recess of the first embossed portion.
The plate-like member connection structure according to claim 1 .

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