JP7575996B2 - Panel unit for installing electrical equipment - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a panel unit for installing electrical equipment, which is installed on panels that form the walls of, for example, clean rooms.

Generally, computer rooms and laboratories where computers and servers are located use clean rooms whose walls are made up of assembled panels, similar to production facilities for semiconductors, electronic parts, precision equipment, food and pharmaceutical industries, and medical facilities such as hospitals.

In clean rooms, electrical equipment such as outlets and switches must be installed in the walls to supply electricity to the equipment installed therein, and technologies such as those described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 have been proposed.

The technology described in Patent Document 1 involves providing a mounting hole in a panel for an electrical device, such as an electrical outlet, inserting the outlet into the mounting hole, and fixing the outlet to the opening.

The technology described in Patent Document 2 is a structure in which electrical equipment, such as a cable connection means and a decorative spacer, are installed interchangeably within an opening in a panel having an opening.

The technology described in Patent Document 3 involves incorporating an electrical panel unit between walls, the electrical panel unit having a connection block with outlets that can be detachably fitted into multiple openings in a mounting frame, and the connection block has a plug-in portion that is inserted into the opening, and a surface portion that is formed larger than the outer periphery of the plug-in portion and is flush with the wall surface.

Patent No. 5295018 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-275727 Patent No. 4363250

However, the technology described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 requires that a unit for installing electrical equipment be installed inside the panel when the panel is created, making it impossible to change the position of the unit.

In the technology described in Patent Document 3, the panel and the unit are separate, so the position of the unit can be changed by changing the shape and size of the panel. However, because the surface of the connection block that holds the electrical equipment protrudes beyond the unit, unevenness is created on the entire wall surface after the unit and panel are connected, and there is a problem in that dirt remains on the uneven parts.

This invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a panel unit for installing electrical appliances that allows the position of the unit to be changed and reduces unevenness on the wall surface as a whole.

In order to solve the above problem, the present invention provides a panel unit for installing electrical equipment that is provided in a gap between panels that constitute a wall body, the panel unit comprising a pair of base frames that abut against the ends of the panels that form the gap, and a pair of equipment mounting plates that are fixed between the pair of base frames at a distance in the thickness direction of the panels, the equipment mounting plates each having an opening and an equipment mounting portion for mounting electrical equipment, the base frames having decorative board engagement portions on the outside in the thickness direction of the panel from the fixed points of the equipment mounting plates, and a decorative board having the same surface as the surface of the panel that covers the portion excluding the surface of the electrical equipment is engaged to the decorative board engagement portion (claim 1).

By configuring it in this way, the space of the unit, which is composed of a pair of base frames disposed in the gap formed between the panels and a pair of equipment mounting plates fixed at a distance in the panel thickness direction between the pair of base frames, can form a box into which electrical equipment can be inserted. In addition, since the unit is placed between the panels that make up the wall, the position of the unit on the wall can be changed by changing the shape and size of the panels. Furthermore, by engaging the decorative plate with the decorative plate engagement portion provided on the equipment mounting plate, the decorative plate can be installed flush with the panel.

In this invention, it is preferable that the device mounting portion is provided in a plurality of locations at appropriate intervals on the edge of the opening so that the electrical device can be selectively mounted (Claim 2).

This configuration allows electrical equipment to be selectively mounted within the openings provided in the equipment mounting plate, and allows multiple electrical equipment to be mounted.

In addition, in this invention, it is preferable that the base frame has a groove at the fixing point with the equipment mounting plate into which the end of the equipment mounting plate can be inserted (claim 3).

This configuration allows the equipment mounting plate to be fixed in place with its end inserted into the groove provided in the base frame.

In addition, in this invention, it is preferable that the base frame has a groove on the surface that abuts against the end of the panel, which cooperates with the groove provided in the end of the panel to form a space for inserting the coupling member (claim 4).

This configuration allows the base frame to be connected to the panel via a joint member that is inserted into the space for inserting the joint member, which is formed by the groove in the base frame and the groove in the end of the panel.

In addition, in this invention, it is preferable that the panel unit further comprises a pair of end frames that abut against the end of the equipment mounting plate in the direction along the base frame and are fixed to the base frame in a state perpendicular to the base frame (Claim 5). In this case, it is preferable that the end frames are provided with a groove that cooperates with a groove provided in an adjacent panel or an adjacent panel unit to form a space for inserting a coupling member (Claim 6).

By configuring it in this way, the strength of the entire unit is improved by fixing the end frame bodies to both ends of the pair of base frame bodies. In this case, the strength of the entire unit can be further improved by connecting the end frame body to the panel or adjacent panel unit via a coupling member that is inserted into the coupling member insertion space formed by the groove provided in the end frame body and the groove provided in the panel end or the groove provided in the adjacent panel unit.

In addition, in this invention, it is preferable that a caulking agent is filled in the joints between the base frame of the panel unit and the panel adjacent to the panel unit (claim 7).

By configuring it in this way, the gap width of the joints between the base frame and the panel ends and the unevenness of the steps can be suppressed by the caulking agent.

As a result of the above configuration, this invention provides the following notable advantages:

(1) According to the invention described in claim 1, the unit forming the box in which the electrical equipment can be inserted is disposed between the panels constituting the wall body, so that the position of the unit on the wall can be changed by changing the shape and size of the panels. In addition, by engaging the decorative panel with the decorative panel engagement portion provided on the equipment mounting plate, the decorative panel can be installed flush with the panel. Therefore, by changing the shape and size of the panel, the position of the unit can be changed, and unevenness of the wall surface as a whole can be suppressed.

(2) According to the invention described in claim 2, electrical equipment can be selectively mounted in the opening provided in the equipment mounting plate, and multiple electrical equipment can be mounted, so in addition to the above (1), there is further freedom in mounting the electrical equipment.

(3) According to the invention described in claim 3, the equipment mounting plate can be fixed in place with its end inserted into the groove provided in the base frame, which in addition to the advantages of (1) and (2) above, further improves the manufacturing efficiency and dimensional accuracy of the unit.

(4) According to the invention described in claim 4, the base frame can be connected to the panel via a joint member inserted into a space for inserting the joint member formed by a groove provided in the base frame and a groove provided in the end of the panel. In addition to the above (1) to (3), this further improves the construction efficiency of the wall and suppresses unevenness on the entire wall surface.

(5) According to the invention described in claim 5, in addition to the above (1) to (4), the strength of the entire unit is improved by further fixing end frames to both ends of a pair of base frames. In this case, the strength of the entire unit can be further improved by connecting the end frames to the panel or adjacent panel unit via a joint member inserted into a joint member insertion space formed by a groove provided in the end frame and a groove provided in the panel end or a groove provided in the adjacent panel unit (claim 6).

(6) According to the invention described in claim 7, the gap width of the joints between the base frame and the panel ends and the unevenness of the steps can be suppressed by the caulking agent, so in addition to the above (1) to (5), it is also possible to suppress unevenness of the entire wall surface.

1A is a schematic front view showing an example of a state in which an electrical device is attached to a panel unit according to the present invention, and FIG. 1B is an enlarged view of a portion I in FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing a state in which an electrical appliance is attached to a panel unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a schematic front view showing a state in which the decorative board according to the present invention is attached. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main portion of the panel unit according to the present invention; FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which an electrical device is attached to a panel unit according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the base frame and the equipment mounting plate according to the present invention with some parts omitted. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the attachment state of the end frame and the connection state of the panel in the present invention. FIG. FIG. 11 is a front view showing a second embodiment of a panel unit according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view in which a portion of the panel unit is omitted. 13 is a front view of a main portion showing a state in which an electrical device is attached to a panel unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. A cross-sectional view showing the connection state between the base frame and the panel in the third embodiment.

The following describes in detail the embodiment of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings.

First Embodiment
The electrical equipment installation panel unit 10 according to the present invention (hereinafter simply referred to as the panel unit 10) comprises a pair of base frames 20 abutting against the ends of the upper panel 2 and lower panel 3 which form a gap 5 between the upper panel 2 and lower panel 3 which constitute a wall body 1, a pair of equipment mounting plates 30 fixed between the pair of base frames 20 at a distance in the thickness direction of the upper panel 2 and lower panel 3, and a pair of end frames 40 abutting against the longitudinal ends of both base frames 20 and fixed perpendicularly to the base frames 20. The space of the unit formed by the pair of base frames 20 and the equipment mounting plates 30 forms a box into which an electrical equipment, for example, a socket C, can be inserted.

The device mounting plate 30 is formed, for example, from an aluminum plate material, and has an opening 31 and a device mounting portion 32 for mounting the outlet C, as shown in Figures 2, 4, and 5. In this case, the opening 31 is formed in a rectangular shape, and multiple pairs, for example six pairs, of approximately rectangular device mounting portions 32 protruding toward the inside of the opening 31 are provided at the opposing upper and lower opening edges of the opening 31 at appropriate intervals, that is, at least at intervals that do not interfere with adjacent outlets C. In addition, a screw hole 32a into which a mounting screw 33 for mounting the outlet C is screwed is provided in the center of the device mounting portion 32. In this way, by providing multiple device mounting portions 32, it is possible to select the mounting position of the outlet C. In addition, the number of device mounting portions 32 does not need to be six, and any number can be used as long as they are provided at intervals that do not interfere with adjacent outlets C.

The base frame 20 is formed of an aluminum extrusion, and as shown in Figs. 3, 4 and 5, the abutting piece 21 abutting the ends of the upper panel 2 and the lower panel 3 has a groove 22 (hereinafter referred to as the unit side groove 22) that cooperates with the groove 8a (hereinafter referred to as the panel side groove 8a) of the panel frame 8 provided at the ends of the upper panel 2 and the lower panel 3 to form the space 11 for inserting the joint member. In addition, a fixing piece 25 is provided that extends outward from the side pieces 23 that form the unit side groove 22 to the bottom piece 24 of the unit side groove 22, and the equipment mounting plate 30 is fixed to the fixing piece 25 by a fixing screw 60 (tapping screw). In addition, a thin portion 23a is provided on a part of the bottom piece side of the side pieces 23 that form the unit side groove 22. In addition, a narrow opening arc-shaped screw pocket 26 is provided in the outer center of the bottom piece 24.

The base frame 20 is provided with a groove 27 (hereinafter referred to as the equipment mounting groove 27) at the fixed location with the equipment mounting plate 30 into which the end of the equipment mounting plate 30 can be inserted. In this case, the equipment mounting groove 27 is formed by the side piece 23 of the unit side groove 22, the abutment piece 21, and a rib 28 protruding from the abutment piece 21. The base frame 20 is provided with a decorative plate engagement portion 29 on the outside in the thickness direction of the upper panel 2 and the lower panel 3 from the fixed location of the equipment mounting plate 30, i.e., the equipment mounting groove 27. In this case, the decorative plate engagement portion 29 is formed in a stepped shape by the tip of the abutment piece 21 and an outer rib 29a protruding from the inside from the tip of the abutment piece 21.

The decorative plate 50 is formed of a plate material, such as aluminum, with a thickness that takes into account the step of the decorative plate engagement portion 29, which is formed in a stepped shape. The decorative plate 50 also has an opening 51 that exposes the surface of the outlet C attached to the device mounting plate 30, and covers the entire surface of the outlet C except for the surface.

As shown in FIG. 6, the end frame 40 is formed of an aluminum extrusion material with a generally U-shaped cross section, and has a groove 41 (hereinafter referred to as the end groove 41) that cooperates with the panel side groove 8a provided in the panel frame 8 of the adjacent panel 4 to form the space for inserting the joint member 11. The end frame 40 thus formed is fixed to the base frame 20 by a fixing screw 61 that penetrates the bottom piece 24b of the end groove 41 and screws into the screw pocket 26 of the base frame 20 while abutting against the longitudinal end of the equipment mounting plate 30, i.e., the end along the base frame 20. In addition, a thin portion 41a is provided on a part of the bottom side of the side pieces 23 that form the end groove 41. As described above, the end frame 40 that abuts against the longitudinal end of the equipment mounting plate 30 is fixed to both ends of a pair of base frames 20, thereby improving the strength of the entire unit.

The upper panel 2, lower panel 3, and left and right panels 4 are each formed to have the same cross-sectional structure, and a panel frame 8 is placed on the peripheral edges of a pair of surface plates 7, and a heat insulating core material 9 is filled in the space formed by both surface plates 7 and the panel frame 8. Note that piping 70 for lead wires (not shown) is embedded in the upper panel 2 (see Figure 2).

The panel unit 10 and the upper and lower panels 2 and 3 formed as described above are joined by a joint member 80 inserted into the joint member insertion space 11 formed by the unit side groove 22 provided in the base frame 20 and the panel side groove 8b provided in the upper and lower panels 2 and 3 (see Figures 3 and 4). In this case, the joint member 80 is formed in a hollow rectangular shape formed by an aluminum extruded shape. In this way, by connecting the base frame 20 to the upper and lower panels 2 and 3 via the joint member 80 inserted into the joint member insertion space 11 formed by the unit side groove 22 provided in the base frame 20 and the panel side groove 8a provided at the panel end, the construction efficiency of the wall is improved and the unevenness of the entire wall surface can be suppressed.

In addition, the panel unit 10 is joined to the adjacent panels 4 on the left and right sides by a joint member 80A inserted into the joint member insertion space 11 formed by the end groove 41 provided in the end frame 40 and the panel side groove 8a provided in the panel 4 (see FIG. 6). In this case, the joint member 80A is formed of a synthetic resin member having a cross section formed in a substantially H-shape, including a pair of insert pieces 81 inserted into the end groove 41 and the panel side groove 8a, and a connecting piece 82 connecting both insert pieces 81. In addition, at the tips of both insert pieces 81, inclined end portions 83 inclined toward the opposing sides are formed, and at the base end side of the inclined end portions 83, a locking claw portion 84 inclined toward the outside is formed. In this way, the joint member 80A is made of a synthetic resin member formed into a roughly H-shaped cross section, and by forming inclined ends 83 at the tips of both insertion pieces 81 and forming locking claws 84 that are inclined outward, the locking claws 84 engage with the thin portion 41a provided in the end groove 41 and the thin portion 8b provided in the panel side groove 8a, temporarily fixing the joint member 80A. This makes it possible to prevent the panel 4 from shifting out of position.

As described above, the strength of the entire unit can be improved by connecting the end frame 40 to the panel 4 via the joint member 80A inserted into the joint member insertion space 11 formed by the end groove 41 provided in the end frame 40 and the panel side groove 8a provided at the panel end.

The joints 12 formed by the joining of the upper panel 2 and the lower panel 3 with the panel unit 10 are filled with caulking agent 13 (see Figures 3, 4, and 4A). The joints 12 formed by the joining of the panel 4 with the panel unit 10 are also filled with caulking agent 13 (see Figure 6). In this way, by filling the joints 12 between the upper panel 2 and the lower panel 3 with the panel unit 10 and between the panel 4 with the panel unit 10 with caulking agent 13, it is possible to suppress unevenness on the entire wall surface.

In the panel unit 10 formed as described above, the end of the equipment mounting plate 30 is inserted into the equipment mounting groove 27 provided in the base frame 20, and in a state where it is abutted against the fixing piece 25, the fixing screw 60 (tapping screw) that passes through the mounting hole 34 provided in the equipment mounting plate 30 is screwed into the fixing piece 25, thereby fixing the equipment mounting plate 30 to the base frame 20. In this way, by fixing the equipment mounting plate 30 with its end inserted into the equipment mounting groove 27 provided in the base frame 20, the manufacturing efficiency and dimensional accuracy of the panel unit 10 can be improved.

When attaching the outlet C to the equipment mounting plate 30, the outlet C is attached to any of the multiple (six in the figure) equipment mounting sections 32 provided on the equipment mounting plate 30, for example, to three equipment mounting sections 32 with equipment mounting sections 32 remaining in between, using mounting screws 33. The attachment position of the outlet C can be selectively attached to any of the six equipment mounting sections 32. For example, it is possible to attach the outlet C to all six equipment mounting sections 32.

The decorative panel 50 has an opening 51 pre-machined to match the surface of the outlet C in accordance with the installation position of the outlet C, and is attached to the decorative panel engagement portion 29 provided on the base frame 20. This allows the decorative panel 50 to be installed flush with the upper panel 2, lower panel 3, and left and right panels 4, with the entire surface of the outlet C covered by the decorative panel 50.

In the above explanation, the outlet C is attached to only one of the pair of equipment mounting plates 30, but the other equipment mounting plate 30 can be provided with a similar outlet mounting opening 31 and equipment mounting portion 32 and the outlet C can be attached in the same manner. It is also possible to attach the outlet C to both equipment mounting plates 30.

Second Embodiment
In the above first embodiment, a panel unit 10 is described as being incorporated into the gap 5 between one upper panel 2 and one lower panel 3. In the second embodiment, however, as shown in Figures 1 and 7, a panel unit 10A is incorporated into the gap 5 between multiple, for example three, upper panels 2 and lower panels 3 that make up a wall 1.

In the second embodiment, the base frame 20A is formed to a length that abuts against the ends of the three upper panels 2 and lower panels 3 shown in FIG. 1, for example a length of 2700 mm, and is joined to the upper panels 2 and lower panels 3 by connecting members (not shown) in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

In the second embodiment, the equipment mounting plate 30A is formed to the same length as the base frame 20A, and has openings 31 and equipment mounting sections 32 for mounting the outlets C at three locations on the equipment mounting plate 30A, as in the first embodiment. In this case, each opening 31 is formed in a rectangular shape, and multiple pairs (e.g., five pairs) of approximately rectangular equipment mounting sections 32 that protrude inward from the opposing upper and lower opening edges of the opening 31 are provided at appropriate intervals, i.e., at intervals that do not interfere with at least adjacent outlets C.

In the above description, the panel unit 10A is installed in the gap 5 between three upper panels 2 and three lower panels 3, but it may be installed in the gap 5 between two upper panels 2 and two lower panels 3 that constitute the wall body 1. In this case, the base frame 20A is formed to a length that abuts against the ends of the two upper panels 2 and the lower panel 3, for example, a length of 1800 mm, and is connected to the upper panel 2 and the lower panel 3 by joint members, as in the first embodiment. Also, an opening 31 for mounting an outlet (not shown) and an equipment mounting portion 32 are provided at two locations on the equipment mounting plate 30A, as in the first embodiment.
In the second embodiment, other parts are the same as those in the first embodiment, so the same parts are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

According to the second embodiment, the panel unit 10A can be incorporated into the gap 5 between the multiple upper panels 2 and lower panels 3 that make up the wall body 1, and since more device mounting sections 32 can be provided than in the first embodiment, the degree of freedom in mounting the outlets C can be increased.

Third Embodiment
In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, a panel unit 10B is incorporated into a gap 5 provided between adjacent panels 4 on the left and right sides that constitute a wall body 1.

In the third embodiment, the base frame 20B abuts against the side ends of the left and right panels 4, and is connected to the adjacent panels 4 via joint members 80A made of synthetic resin and formed into a generally H-shaped cross section (see FIG. 10). The equipment mounting plate 30B fixed to the base frame 20B has a rectangular opening 31, and multiple pairs (for example, three pairs) of rectangular equipment mounting parts 32 are provided at appropriate intervals on the opposing opening edges of the opening 31 in a direction perpendicular to the base frame 20. The outlet C is attached to any one of the three equipment mounting parts 32 with a mounting screw 33.
In the third embodiment, other parts are the same as those in the first embodiment, so the same parts are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

According to the panel units 10, 10A, and 10B of the embodiment configured as described above, the panel units 10, 10A, and 10B that form a box into which an electrical device, for example, a socket C, can be inserted, are arranged between the upper panel 2 and lower panel 3 that form the wall body, or between adjacent panels 4 on the left and right, so that the position of the panel units 10, 10A, and 10B on the wall can be changed by changing the shape and size of the panels.

In addition, the outlets C can be selectively attached within the openings 31 provided in the equipment mounting plates 30, 30A, and 30B, and multiple outlets C can be attached, allowing for flexibility in the installation of the outlets C.

In addition, by engaging the decorative panel 50 with the decorative panel engagement portion 29 provided on the equipment mounting plate 30, the decorative panel 50 can be installed flush with the upper panel 2, lower panel 3, and left and right panels 4. Therefore, by changing the shape and size of the panels 2, 3, and 4, the positions of the panel units 10, 10A, and 10B can be changed, and unevenness of the wall surface as a whole can be suppressed.

In the above embodiment, the panel units 10, 10A are installed in the gap 5 between one or more upper panels 2 and lower panels 3 that make up the wall body 1. However, it is also possible to connect panels in which a panel unit 10 is installed between one upper panel 2 and lower panel 3. In this case, the end frame 40 of the panel unit 10 can be connected by a joint member 80A.

In the above embodiment, the electrical device is a socket C, but the panel unit of the present invention can also be used to install electrical devices other than socket C, such as switches and control panels.

1 Wall body 2 Upper panel 3 Lower panel 4 Panel 5 Gap 8 Panel frame body 8a Panel side groove 10, 10A, 10B Panel unit 11 Space for inserting joint member 12 Joint portion 13 Caulking agent 20, 20A, 20B Base frame body 22 Unit side groove 25 Fixing piece 27 Equipment mounting groove 29 Decorative plate engagement portion 30, 30A, 30B Equipment mounting plate 31 Opening 32 Equipment mounting portion 33 Mounting screw 40 End frame body 41 End groove 50 Decorative plate 51 Opening 60 Fixing screw 61 Fixing screw 80, 80A Joint member

Claims (7)

A panel unit for installing electrical equipment that is provided in a gap between panels constituting a wall body, comprising:
the panel unit includes a pair of base frames abutting against ends of the panel that form the gap, and a pair of equipment mounting plates fixed between the pair of base frames at an interval in a thickness direction of the panel,
The equipment mounting plates each have an opening and an equipment mounting portion for mounting an electric device,
the base frame has a decorative plate engagement portion on the outer side of a fixing portion of the equipment mounting plate in a thickness direction of the panel,
A decorative plate having the same surface as the surface of the panel that covers the portion other than the surface of the electrical device is attached to the decorative plate engagement portion.
A panel unit for installing electrical equipment. 2. The electrical equipment installation panel unit according to claim 1,
The electrical equipment installation panel unit is characterized in that a plurality of the equipment mounting sections are provided at appropriate intervals along the edge of the opening to allow selection of the mounting location of the electrical equipment. The electrical equipment installation panel unit according to claim 1 or 2,
The electrical equipment installation panel unit is characterized in that the base frame has a groove at a fixing location with the equipment mounting plate, into which an end of the equipment mounting plate can be inserted. 4. The electrical equipment installation panel unit according to claim 1,
A panel unit for installing electrical equipment, characterized in that the base frame body has a groove on its surface that abuts against the end of the panel, the groove cooperating with a groove provided on the end of the panel to form a space for inserting a coupling member. 5. The electrical equipment installation panel unit according to claim 1,
The panel unit for installing electrical equipment is characterized in that it further includes a pair of end frame bodies that abut the end portion of the equipment mounting plate in a direction along the base frame body and are fixed to the base frame body in a perpendicular state to the base frame body. The electrical equipment installation panel unit according to claim 5,
The panel unit for installing electrical equipment, characterized in that the end frame body is provided with a groove that cooperates with a groove provided in an adjacent panel or an adjacent panel unit to form a space for inserting a coupling member. 6. The electrical equipment installation panel unit according to claim 1,
A panel unit for installing electrical equipment, characterized in that a caulking agent is filled in the joints between the base frame of the panel unit and the panel adjacent to the panel unit.

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