PANEL FOR DEVICES

- Pioneer Corporation

A panel constitutes a part of an exterior of a device. The panel includes a first panel member having a first one end, and a second panel member having a second one end. At least part of the second one end is located to be overlapped with at least part of the first one end of the first panel member. The panel includes a biasing attachment that biases the overlapped parts between the first one end of the first panel member and the second one end of the second panel member in an overlap direction so as to attach the overlapped parts.

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Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a panel for various devices, such as electronic devices; this panel constitutes a part of an exterior of a device.

BACKGROUND ART

Panels constituting exteriors of various deices, such as electronic devices, simply represent the external view of these devices. In particular, a front panel constitutes a device's front surface that faces a user during operation of the device is frequently viewed by the user. Thus, forming grooves on a surface of a panel to give depth feel or fabricating, such as blasting or mirror finishing, a surface of a panel enhances the surface of panel in aesthetic appearance and design.

These panels are normally produced by an extruded material, such as an extruded aluminum material.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention

In recent years, electronic devices have enhanced their functionalities and gone upscale. Such sophisticated and upscale electronic devices can increase their sizes. The increase of an electronic device in size naturally contributes to the increase in the area of its exteriors. For this reason, a panel constituting an exterior of such an electronic device increases in size with increase in size of the electronic device.

In order to produce a large-area panel, it is necessary to increase an extruding die in size with increase in panel-size. However, there is a limit to the increase in size of an extruding die in view of the costs of the die; this limits the increase in area of an integrally formed panel.

When a large-size panel with grooves on its surface is produced by an extruded metallic material, a deformation, such as warpage and/or a kink, may be caused in the produced panel.

In addition, it may be difficult to fabricate, such as blast or mirror finish, the formed grooves on the surface of a panel.

The present invention has been made in light of the circumstances provided above. The present invention has an example of an object of providing panels for devices; these panels are adapted to:

address the increase in the surface area of devices, which in turn can address the increase in their areas;

prevent or reduce the decrease in their strengths with increase in their areas and the deformation due to the decrease in their strengths; and

allow easy fabrication of its surface, such as forming of deep grooves on its surface and surface finishing of the formed grooves.

Means for Solving the Problems

An aspect of the present invention recited in claim 1 is a panel constitutes a part of an exterior of a device. The panel includes a first panel member having a first one end, and a second panel member having a second one end. At least part of the second one end is located to be overlapped with at least part of the first one end of the first panel member. The panel includes a biasing attachment that biases the overlapped parts between the first one end of the first panel member and the second one end of the second panel member in an overlap direction so as to attach the overlapped parts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a panel for devices according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is one side view of the panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view taken on line A-A in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view schematically illustrating a part of a panel for devices according to the second embodiment of the present invention; this part of the panel corresponds to a part of the panel illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a panel for a device and a housing of the device according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a panel for a device and a housing of the device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is one side and locally sectional view of each of a panel for a device and a housing of the device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating another structure of a bracket according to the first to fifth embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating another structure of a bracket according to the first to fifth embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating another structure of a bracket according to the first to fifth embodiments of the present invention.

 DESCRIPTION OF CHARACTERS

    • 1 Panel
    • 3 First panel member
    • 5 Second panel member
    • 7 Integrated panel
    • 8, 8A to 8C Housing
    • 9, 9A, 9B, 9C Biasing attachment
    • 11 flat plate portion
    • 11a One end
    • 15, 25 Slit
    • 21 Flat plate portion
    • 21a One end
    • 27 Groove
    • 31, 60 panel stay
    • 33 Edge rib
    • 41, 42 L bracket
    • 41a, 42a First support plate
    • 41b, 42b Second support plate
    • 13a, 23a, 35a, 45a, 45b, 46a, 46b, 47 to 49, 62a, 62b, 81, 82, 92a, 92b, 100 to 103 Screw hole
    • 36, 51a, 51b, 52a, 52b, 96, 104, 105 Screw
    • 61a, 61b Mounting boss
    • 91a, 91b Attachment member (Sheet metal)
    • 97 Nut

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention will be described hereinafter with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a panel 1 for devices according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is one side view of the panel 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view taken on line A-A in FIG. 2.

The panel 1 according to the first embodiment is used to constitute an exterior of a device; this device is included in various devices including, for example, audio devices, such as amplifiers, and electronic devices including car-navigation systems, audio component systems, and the like. Particularly, the panel 1 constitutes a device's front surface that faces a user during operation of the device.

Specifically, referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the panel 1 is provided with an integrated panel 7 and a biasing support 9. The integrated panel 7 consists of a substantially plate-like first panel member 3 and a substantially plate-like second panel member 5 integrated with each other. The first panel member 3 has a width in one direction, and the second panel member 5 has substantially the same width in the one direction as the width of the first panel member 3.

The biasing support 9 is adapted to bias the integrated panel 7 to a housing 8 so as to attach it thereto. The overall shape of the integrated panel 7 is substantially the same as a surface of the housing 8 to which the integrated panel 7 is to be attached.

Each of the first and second panel members 3 and 5 is produced by an extruded metal plate, such as an extruded aluminum plate.

The first panel member 3 is provided with a flat plate portion 11 having, for example, substantially rectangular shape. The flat plate portion 11 has one longitudinal end 11a and the other end 11b opposite thereto.

The other end 11b of the flat plate portion 11 is bent toward a panel stay 31 at a substantially right angle to provide an edge rib 13.

The edge rib 13 serves as an installation wall (bottom wall) when the device (panel 1) is in installed condition. The first panel member 3 is configured to extend, via the edge rib 13, in a Z direction illustrated in FIG. 1 relative to an installation surface S. An inner surface 11c of the flat plate portion 11 faces the panel stay 31, and the inner surface 11c and an outer surface 11d opposing the inner surface 11c constitute a lower front surface of the device.

The edge rib 13 is formed at its both ends with screw holes 13a.

Like the edge rib 13, the one end 11a of the flat plate portion 11 is bent toward the panel stay 31 at a substantially right angle, and further bent toward the second panel member 5 as a substantially right angle. The one end 11a is formed with a slit 15 at its middle in the longitudinal direction corresponding to a y direction illustrated in FIG. 1. The slit 15 allows air to enter therethrough. Air entering from the exterior of the panel 1 into the inside of the panel 1 through the slit 15 cools heat-generating components located inside the panel 1.

Note that each of the first and second panel members 3 and 5 can be formed with a notch, and integration between the first and second panel members 3 and 5 can provide a slit allowing air to flow therethrough.

The second panel member 5 is located above the first panel member 3 based on the installation surface S (the edge rib 13).

Specifically, the second panel member 5 is provided with a flat plate portion 21 with a constant width as well as the first panel member 3. The flat plate portion 21 has one end 21a and the other end 21b opposite thereto. The dimensions of the one end 21a and the other end 21b of the flat plate portion 21 are substantially the same as those of the one end 11a and the other end 11b of the flat plate portion 11.

The one end 21a of the flat plate portion 21, which is a longitudinal side of the rectangular portion 21 located close to the first panel member 3 according to the first embodiment and the one end 11a of the flat plate portion 11, which is a longitudinal side of the rectangular portion 11 located close to the second panel member 5 according to the first embodiment, are overlapped with each other to provide the integrated panel 7.

Like the first panel member 3, the other end 21b of the flat plate portion 21 is bent toward the panel stay 31 at a substantially right angle to provide an edge rib 23.

The edge rib 23 is formed at its both ends with screw holes 23a in alignment with the screw holes 13a formed in the edge rib 13.

The flat plate portion 21 has an inner surface 23c opposing the panel stay 31, and the inner surface 23c and an outer surface 23d opposing the inner surface 23c constitute an upper front surface of the device. That is, the lower front surface 11d and the upper front surface 21d provide the front surface of the integrated panel 7.

Like the edge rib 23, the one end 21a of the flat plate portion 21 is bent toward the panel stay 31 at a substantially right angle, and further bent toward the first panel member 3 as a substantially right angle. The one end 21a is formed with a slit 25 at its middle in the longitudinal direction in alignment with the slit 15; this slit 25 has the same shape as the slit 15. As well as the slit 15, the slit 25 works to allow air to enter therethrough.

Note that, as described above, each of the first and second panel members 3 and 5 can be formed with a notch, and integration between the first and second panel members 3 and 5 can provide a slit allowing air to flow therethrough. The slits 15 and 25 can be used as a fancy design or used to expose an indicator.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the one end 11a of the first panel member 11 and the one end 21a of the second panel member 21 are overlapped with each other such that their slits 15 and 25 are aligned with each other. The overlapped portion is so configured as to be concaved inward relative to the front surfaces 11d and 15d, thus being designed as “overlapped groove” 27.

The overlapped groove 27 stages the front surface of the integrated panel 23 such that the front surface appears to be separated into the lower front surface lid of the first panel member 3 and the upper front surface 21d of the second panel member 5.

The appearance of the front surface of the integrated panel 7 is not only effective as a decoration, but also more effective when a component system, such as an audio component system, is assembled in one unit. The integrated component system requires a larger housing and includes various functions. Thus, in order to assemble the component system while visually identifying the individual functions, the integrated panel consisting of the first and second panel members 11 and 21 can be applied.

Reference numeral 21e represents a window in which an operating part, such as a volume knob, is to be installed. Reference numeral 21f represents an indicating window for exposing indicators that indicate, for example, various pieces of information.

The panel stay 31 has a substantially plate-like shape, and has lateral ends (lateral sides) along respective x-z planes of the housing 8. The lateral ends of the panel stay 31 are bent toward respective lateral ends of the integrated panel 7 at a substantially right angle to provide edge ribs 33.

The panel stay 31 also has longitudinal ends (longitudinal sides) along respective x-y planes of the housing 8. The longitudinal ends of the panel stay 31 are bent toward respective longitudinal ends of the integrated panel 7 at a substantially right angle to provide edge ribs 35.

One of the edge ribs 35, which faces the edge rib 13 of the integrated panel 7, is formed at its both ends with screw holes 35a each having the same shape as the screw holes 13a. The other of the edge ribs 35, which faces the edge rib 23 of the integrated panel 7, is formed at its both ends with screw holes 35a each having the same shape as the screw holes 23a.

The panel stay 31 has one surface facing the inner surfaces 11c and 21c of the integrated panel 7, and has the other surface opposing the one surface. The housing of the device is fixed to the other surface of the panel stay 31. As fixing means between the panel stay 31 and the housing 8, various fixing means can be used. For example, the panel stay 31 is fixed to the housing 8 by screws.

The biasing support 9 according to the first embodiment is configured to allow the attachment between the first panel member 3 and the second panel member 5 to provide the integrated panel 7. In providing the integrated panel 7, the only overlap between the one end 11a of the first panel member 11 and the one end 21a of the second panel member 21 may have a weak strength at the overlapped portion (overlapped groove 27); this may cause the overlapped portion to be susceptible to deformation, such as warpage or kink.

Thus, according to the first embodiment, not only the integrated panel 7 is fixed to the panel stay 31, but also the one end 11a of the first panel member 11 and the one end 21a of the second panel member 21 are so overlapped with each other as to provide the overlapped portion with adequate strength.

Specifically, referring to FIG. 1, the first panel member 3 and the second panel member 5 according to the first embodiment are so biased to the panel stay 31 (housing 8) with L brackets 41 and 42 as to be fixed thereto. In addition, the panel stay 31, which is a sheet metal, serves as a supporting structure of the integrated panel 7.

The configuration of the biasing support 9 permits the first and second panel members 3 and 5 to be more firmly integrated with each other with deformation of the overlapped portion being reduced.

Moreover, according to the first embodiment, the upper rib 23 of the integrated panel 7 and the upper edge rib 35 of the panel stay 31 illustrated in FIG. 1 are arranged to be overlapped with each other. The overlapped ribs 23 and 35 are fixed, such as threaded, to each other. The configuration provides the integrated panel 7 with high nondirectional resistance to deformation.

Specifically, referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the L bracket 41 consists of a first support plate 41a and a second support plate 41b orthogonal to each other. The first support plate 41a and the second support plate 41b have a screw hole 45a and a screw hole 45b, respectively. The screw holes 45a and 45b are respectively provided to urge the first and second panel members 3 and 5 so as to fasten them in their being integrated.

Similarly, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the L bracket 42 consists of a first support plate 42a and a second support plate 42b orthogonal to each other. The first support plate 42a and the second support plate 42b have a screw hole 46a and a screw hole 46b, respectively. The screw holes 46a and 46b are respectively provided to fasten the integrated plate 7 to the edge ribs 33.

The integrated panel 7 has screw holes 47 and 48. The overlapped groove 27 has ends 27a and 27b opposite to each other via the slits 15 and 25. The screw holes 47 and 48 are formed in predetermined positions of the ends 27a and 27b of the overlapped groove 27, respectively. Each of the screw holes 47 and 48 has the same diameter as that of the screw holes 45a and 46a.

The panel stay 31 has screw holes 49 and 50. The screw holes 49 and 50 are formed in predetermined positions of the edge ribs 33 along the respective x-z planes of the housing 8, respectively. Each of the screw holes 49 and 50 has the same diameter as that of the screw holes 45b and 46b. The screw holes 49 and 50 are arranged to be opposite to each other.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, when the panel stay 31 is located opposing the integrated panel 7 with a predetermined interval, the L bracket 41 is located such that:

the first and second support plates 41a and 41b abut on the one end 27a of the overlapped groove 27 and the corresponding edge rib 33, respectively; and

the screw holes 45a and 45b are aligned with the screw holes 47 and 49, respectively.

Similarly, when the panel stay 31 is located opposing the integrated panel 7 with the predetermined interval, the L bracket 42 is located such that:

the first and second support plates 42a and 42b abut on the other end 27b of the overlapped groove 27 and the corresponding edge rib 33, respectively; and

the screw holes 46a and 46b are aligned with the screw holes 48 and 50, respectively.

In the first embodiment, the integrated panel 7 is fastened to the panel stay 31 via the L brackets 41 and 42 by screws 51a, 51b, 52a, and 52b. In the first embodiment, the screws are used as fastening members, but alternative fastening members, such as nuts and the like, can be used.

Particularly, the screws 51a and 51b bias the integrated panel 7 toward the panel stay 31 and secure it, and the screws 52a and 52b fasten the biased integrated panel 7 to the panel stay 31.

Specifically, as descried above, the L bracket 41 is located such that:

the first and second support plates 41a and 41b abut on the one end 27a of the overlapped groove 27 and the corresponding edge rib 33, respectively; and

the screw holes 45a and 45b are aligned with the screw holes 47 and 49, respectively.

Similarly, the L bracket 42 is located such that:

the first and second support plates 42a and 42b abut on the other end 27b of the overlapped groove 27 and the corresponding edge rib 33, respectively; and

the screw holes 46a and 46b are aligned with the screw holes 48 and 50, respectively.

In the L bracket configuration, the screw 51a is threaded into the screw holes 45a and 47. This results in that the bent one end 11a of the first panel member 11 and the bent one end 21a of the second panel member 21, which constitute the overlapped one end 27a of the integrated panel 7, are attached to each other while being urged in the overlap direction. Thereafter, the screw 52a is threaded into the screw holes 49 and 45b from the exterior of the panel stay 31 to thereby attach the overlapped one end 27a of the integrated panel 7 to the corresponding edge rib 33.

Similarly, in the L bracket configuration, the screw 51b is threaded into the screw holes 46a and 48 from the back side of the integrated panel 7. This results in that the bent one end 11a of the first panel member 11 and the bent one end 21a of the second panel member 21, which constitute the overlapped other end 27b of the integrated panel 7, are attached to each other while being urged in the overlap direction. Thereafter, the screw 52b is threaded into the screw holes 50 and 46b from the exterior of the panel stay 31 to thereby attach the overlapped other end 27b of the integrated panel 7 to the corresponding edge rib 33.

In addition, when the panel stay 31 is located opposing the integrated panel 7 with the predetermined interval, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lower edge rib 35 in the z direction is mounted on the corresponding edge rib 13 of the integrated panel 7, and, on the upper edge rib 35 in the z direction, the corresponding edge rib 23 of the integrated panel 7 is mounted. This results in that:

the screw holes 13a of the edge rib 13 and the corresponding screw holes 35a of the lower edge rib 35 are aligned with each other; and

the screw holes 23a of the edge rib 23 and the corresponding screw holes 35a of the upper edge rib 35 are aligned with each other.

Thereafter, a screw 36 is threaded into the coaxially aligned screw holes 13a and 35a, and a screw 36 is threaded into the coaxially aligned screw holes 23a and 35a. This fastens the edge ribs 13 and 23 of the integrated panel 7 to the corresponding edge ribs 35 and 35 of the panel stay 31.

As a result, the integrated panel 7 is fixedly supported by the panel stay 31 from its back side direction along the x direction, in its side direction along the y direction, and side direction along the z direction.

The integrated panel 7 supported by the panel stay 31 set forth above is attached to one side wall, for example, an opening wall, of the housing 8 of the device to constitute an outer surface of the device. The panel stay 31 is fixed to the housing 8 with un-illustrated means (not shown), such as engaging means, screwing means, nut locking means, or the like.

Because the panel stay 31 is secured to the housing 8, and the first panel member 3 and the second panel member 5 are fixed to the panel stay 31, the integrated panel 7 with high resistance to deformation is formed to be secured to the housing 8.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the individually extruded first and second panel members 3 and 5 are overlapped at their one ends 11a and 21a with each other to thereby produce the integrated panel 1. This eliminates the need for increasing an extruding die in size with increase in the size of the integrated panel 7.

Coupling a plurality of the divided panels with each other enlarges the area of the integrated panel, and using devised fixing means tightly integrates the coupled panels with each other. This produces large panels each of which has high resistance to deformation and is easy to be decorated in design.

Specifically, even if the device 8 is designed to have a large height relative to the installation surface S, it is possible to easily manufacture a panel with a large height corresponding to an outer surface of the device 8 with such a large height.

With the panel 1 according to the first embodiment, the overlapped portion between the bent one end 11a of the first panel member 11 and the bent one end 21a of the second panel member 21 provides the inwardly concaved overlapped groove 27 relative to the front surfaces 11d and 15d.

Specifically, in the panel 1, the groove 27 is formed by overlapping the bent one ends 11a and 21a of the individually molded first and second panel members 11 and 21 with each other to provide the groove 27 without molding the groove 27 on a surface of a metallic material.

For this reason, it is possible to eliminate the possibility that, when a groove is conventionally formed on a planar member, a deformation, such as warpage or a kink in a direction orthogonal to the length direction of the groove occurs. In addition to the advantage, it is possible to omit a groove forming step during a process of manufacturing the panel. Thus, it is possible to provide the panel 1 for devices; this panel 1 facilitates its manufacturing and has high reliability.

Conventionally, when a groove is formed on a planner member, it may be difficult to form a deep groove due to mold limitations or insufficient strength. Even if a groove is formed on a planner member, the formed groove may have a shallow depth, and it may be difficult to fabricate the formed groove. This may make it difficult to design the groove.

However, in the first embodiment, the bent one ends 11a and 21a of the individually extruded first and second panel members 3 and 5 are overlapped with each other to provide the groove 27. For this reason, more increase in the depth of each of the one ends 11a and 21a relative to the surface of a corresponding panel member allows the groove 27 with a deeper depth to be provided, thus improving the design effect of the groove 27. Particularly, when the panel is applied to a high-grade device, such as a high-grade audio device, it is possible to bring the groove to have a high-grade design.

The panel 1 is configured such that the one ends 11a and 21a of the individually formed first and second panel members 3 and 5 are overlapped with each other to provide the groove 27. For this reason, it is possible to easily fabricate, such as blast or mirror finish, each of the bent one ends 11a and 21a of the separated first and second panel members before their overlap.

This makes it possible to easily produce the panel 1 for devices; this panel 1 has an improved aesthetic appearance and a high designability with a low cost as compared with conventional panels for devices, thus providing, at a low cost, the panel 1 for devices; this panel 1 has an improved aesthetic appearance and a high designability.

If the two panel members 3 and 5 were arranged one above the other and thereafter fixed to each other to produce an integrated panel 7 with a large height, there would be concern about a possibility that warpage occurs in the integrated panel 7 in its height direction orthogonal to the overlapped groove 27.

However, in the first embodiment, the L brackets 41 and 42 cause the bent one end 11a of the first panel member 11 and the bent one end 21a of the second panel member 21, which constitute the overlapped portion of the integrated panel 7, to be coupled to each other while the overlapped one ends are urged in the overlap direction. For this reason, it is possible to increase the adhesion strength between the overlapped ends of the first and second panel members 11 and 21. This prevents or reduces deformations, such as warpage and/or kinks, from occurring in the integrated panel 7 in its height direction.

The L brackets 41 and 42 fasten the integrated panel 7 to the panel stay 31. The configuration allows the strength of the panel stay 31 in its height direction to further prevent or reduce these deformations, such as warpage and/or kinks, from occurring in the integrated panel 7.

When the one end of the panel member 3 and the one end of the panel member 5 are bent to be overlapped with each other, there is concern about a possibility that the overlapped portion possesses insufficient structural strength.

However, in the first embodiment, the L brackets 41 and 42 fasten both ends 27a and 27b of the overlapped portion between the first and second panel members 3 and 5 to the metal plate-like panel stay 31. For this reason, it is possible to reinforce the strength of the overlapped portion between the first and second panel members 3 and 5. This solves or eliminates the problem of insufficient strength of an overlapped portion; this insufficient strength would be caused if the first and second panel members 3 and 5 were merely joined to each other.

Particularly, in the first embodiment, because the overlapped portion (groove 27) is sufficiently reinforced by the L brackets 41 and 42 and the panel stay 31, the slits 15 and 25 can be formed in the groove 27. This makes it possible to provide the panel 1 with an improved aesthetic appearance and a high designability.

Note that, in the panel 1 according to the first embodiment, the bent one end 11a of the first panel member 3 and the bent one end 21a of the second panel member 5 are integrally overlapped with each other to provide the groove 27, but the present invention is not limited to the structure.

Specifically, one end of the first panel member 3 and one end of the second panel member 5 can be overlapped with each other to provide an integrated panel.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the L brackets 41 and 42 attach the overlapped portions of the integrated panel 7 with each other, and attach the integrated panel 7 to the panel stay 31, but the present invention is not limited to the structure.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view schematically illustrating a part of a panel 1A for devices according to the second embodiment of the present invention; this part of the panel 1A corresponds to a part of the panel illustrated in FIG. 3.

Specifically, referring to FIG. 4, a panel stay 60 of the panel 1A is provided with, in place of the edge ribs 33, mounting bosses 61a and 61b formed to abut on the one end 27a and the other end 27b of the groove 27, respectively.

The mounting bosses 61a and 61b are formed at their positions with screw holes 62a and 62b; these screw holes 62a and 62b are aligned with the corresponding screw holes 47 and 48, respectively. Each of the screw holes 62a and 62b has a same diameter as the diameter of a corresponding one of the screw holes 47 and 48. The screws 51a and 51b are adapted to be threaded into the screw holes 62a and 62b, respectively.

Specifically, in the second embodiment, the panel stay 60, the screw holes 47, 48, 62a, and 62b, and screws 51a and 51b provide a fixing support 90A.

According to the second embodiment, the mounting bosses 61a and 61b of the panel stay 60 are located to abut on the both ends 27a and 27b of the groove of the integrated panel 7 such that the screw holes 47 and 48 are aligned with the corresponding screw holes 62a and 62b, respectively. In this arrangement, the screw 51a is threaded into the screw holes 62a and 47 from the back of the mounting boss 61a, and the screw 51b is threaded into the screw holes 62b and 48 from the back of the mounting boss 61b.

This causes the overlapped groove end 27a of the integrated panel 7 to be coupled to the panel stay 60 while the overlapped groove end 27a is urged in the overlap direction, and the overlapped groove end 27b of the integrated panel 7 to be coupled to the panel stay 60 while the overlapped groove end 27b is urged in the overlap direction. Thus, it is possible to fasten the integrated panel 7 to the panel stay 60 while the overlapped groove 27 is biased toward the panel stay 60.

Specifically, in the second embodiment, the first panel member 3 and the second panel member 5 are coupled to each other at their overlapped ends 27a and 27b by the mounting bosses 61a and 61b and the screws 51a and 51b while each of the overlapped ends 27a and 27b is urged in its overlap direction. The coupled first and second panel members 3 and 5 are fastened to the panel stay 60 at their overlapped ends 27a and 27b.

Thus, it is possible to reinforce the strength of the overlapped portion between the first and second panel members 3 and 5. This solves or eliminates the problem of insufficient strength of an overlapped portion; this insufficient strength would be caused if the first and second panel members 3 and 5 were merely joined to each other.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a panel 1B for a device and a housing 8A of the device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, the housing 8A according to the third embodiment has one side wall 80 that is open. The one side wall 80 need not be open. The opening wall 80 has substantially the same shape as the whole rectangular shape of the integrated panel 7. Attachment of the integrated panel 7 to the opening wall 80 of the housing 8A serves the integrated panel 7 as an outer surface of the corresponding device.

Screw holes 81 and 82 are formed in predetermined positions of lateral sides of the housing 8A, respectively; these lateral sides define the opening wall 80. Each of the screw holes 81 and 82 has the same diameter as the diameter of a corresponding one of the screw holes 45b and 46b formed in the respective plates 41b and 42b. The screw holes 81 and 82 are arranged to be opposite to each other.

When the integrated panel 7 is arranged to cover the opening wall 80 of the housing 8A, the L bracket 41 is located such that the first support plate 41a abuts on the one end 27a of the overlapped groove 27, and the screw holes 45a and 45b are aligned with the screw holes 47 and 81, respectively.

Similarly, when the integrated panel 7 is arranged to cover the opening wall 80 of the housing 8A, the L bracket 42 is located such that the first support plate 42a abuts on the other end 27b of the overlapped groove 27, and the screw holes 46a and 46b are aligned with the screw holes 48 and 82, respectively.

Screw holes 84a are formed in both ends of one longitudinal side (bottom side in the z direction) defining the opening wall 80 of the housing 8A, respectively. Each of the screw holes 84a has the same diameter as the diameter of a corresponding one of the screw holes 13a. The screw holes 84a are arranged to be opposite to each other.

Screw holes 85a are formed in both ends of the other longitudinal side (top side in the z direction) defining the opening wall 80 of the housing 8A, respectively. Each of the screw holes 85a has the same diameter as the diameter of a corresponding one of the screw holes 23a. The screw holes 85a are arranged to be opposite to each other.

The screw 51a is adapted to be threaded into the screw holes 45a and 47, and the screw 51b is adapted to be threaded into the screw holes 48 and 46a. Similarly, the screw 52a is adapted to be threaded into the screw holes 81 and 46a, and the screw 52b is adapted to be threaded into the screw holes 82 and 46b.

Specifically, in the third embodiment, the brackets serving as fixing attachments attaches the integrated panel 7 while urging it. Specifically, the L bracket 41 with the fixing screw hole 45a, the L bracket 42 with the fixing screw hole 46a, the screw 51a, and the screw 51b provide a biasing support 9B.

According to the third embodiment, when the first support plate 41a of the L bracket 41 abuts on the one end 27a of the overlapped groove of the integrated panel 7, the L bracket 41 is arranged such that the screw holes 45a and 47 are aligned with each other, and the screw holes 45b and 81 are aligned with each other.

Similarly, when the first support plate 42a of the L bracket 42 abuts on the other end 27b of the overlapped groove of the integrated panel 7, the L bracket 42 is arranged such that the screw holes 46a and 48 are aligned with each other, and the screw holes 46b and 82 are aligned with each other.

In the L-bracket arrangement condition, the screw 51a is threaded into the screw holes 47 and 45a from one side of the integrated panel 7 opposite to the side of the housing 8A. This attaches the bent one end 11a of the first panel member 11 and the bent one end 21a of the second panel member 21, which constitute the overlapped one end 27a of the integrated panel 7, to each other while the overlapped one end 27a is urged in the overlap direction.

Similarly, in the L-bracket arrangement condition, the screw 51b is threaded into the screw holes 48 and 46a from the one side of the integrated panel 7 opposite to the side of the housing 8A. This attaches the bent one end 11a of the first panel member 11 and the bent one end 21a of the second panel member 21, which constitute the overlapped other end 27a of the integrated panel 7, to each other while the overlapped other end 27a is urged in the overlap direction.

Thus, the first panel member 3 and the second panel member 5 are attached to each other while being biased in the overlap direction.

Thereafter, the screw 52a is threaded into the screw holes 81 and 45b from the exterior of the housing, and the screw 52b is threaded into the screw holes 82 and 46b from the exterior of the housing. This fastens the integrated panel 7 to both lateral sides of the housing 8A via the L brackets 41 and 42.

Specifically, the fixing attachment 9B serves as both means for biasing the panel members 3 and 5 to attach them and means for fastening the attached panel members 3 and 5 to the housing 8A.

In the fastened condition of the integrated panel 7 to the housing 8A by the L brackets 41 and 42, the edge rib 13 is overlapped with the bottom side of the housing 8A defining the opening wall 80, and the edge rib 23 is overlapped with the top side of the housing 8A defining the opening wall 80.

The overlapped state of the integrated panel 7 allows the screw holes 84a formed in the bottom side of the housing 8A defining the opening wall 80 to be aligned with the corresponding screw holes 13a of the edge rib 13. Similarly, the overlapped state of the integrated panel 7 allows the screw holes 85a formed in the top side of the housing 8A defining the opening wall 80 to be aligned with the corresponding screw holes 23a of the edge rib 23.

Thereafter, referring to FIG. 2, the screws 36 are threaded into the coaxially aligned screw holes 13a and 84a, and the screws 36 are threaded into the coaxially aligned screw holes 23a and 85a. This fastens the edge ribs 13 and 23 of the integrated panel 7 to the one and the other longitudinal sides of the housing 8A in the z direction; these longitudinal sides define the opening wall 80 of the housing 8A.

As described above, in the third embodiment, the first panel member 3 and the second panel member 5 are attached to each other at their overlapped ends 27a and 27b by the L brackets 41 and 42 and the screws 51a and 51b while each of the overlapped ends 27a and 27b is urged in its overlap direction. The attached integrated panel 7 is directly fixed to the housing 8A by the L brackets 41 and 42 and the screws 52a and 52b.

Thus, in addition to the advantages achieved by the second embodiment, it is possible to omit the panel stay 31. This reduces the number of component parts of the device while reinforcing the strength of the overlapped portion between the first and second panel members 3 and 5.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a panel 1C for a device and a housing 8B of the device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, the housing 8B according to the fourth embodiment has one side wall 90 that is open. The one side wall 90 need not be open. The opening wall 90 has substantially the same shape as the whole rectangular shape of the integrated panel 7. Attachment of the integrated panel 7 to the opening wall 90 of the housing 8B serves the integrated panel 7 as an outer surface of the corresponding device.

Lateral sides of the housing 8A defining the opening wall 90 are formed with sheet metal attachment members 91a and 91b, respectively. The attachment members 91a and 91b are located such that, when the integrated panel 7 is located opposing the opening wall 90, the attachment members 91a and 91b are aligned with the corresponding ends 27a and 27b of the overlapped groove of the integrated panel 7.

When the integrated panel 7 is located opposing the opening wall 90, screw holes 92a and 92b are so formed in the attachment members 91a and 91b as to be aligned with the screw holes 47 and 48 formed in the corresponding ends 27a and 27b of the integrated panel 7, respectively. Each of the screw holes 92a and 92b has the same diameter as the diameter of a corresponding one of the screw holes 47 and 48. The screws 51a and 51b are adapted to be threaded into the screw holes 92a and 92b, respectively.

Screw holes 94a are formed in both ends of one longitudinal side (bottom side in the z direction) defining the opening wall 90 of the housing 8B, respectively. Each of the screw holes 94a has the same diameter as the diameter of a corresponding one of the screw holes 13a. The screw holes 94a are arranged to be opposite to each other.

Screw holes 95a are formed in both ends of the other longitudinal side (top side in the z direction) defining the opening wall 90 of the housing 8B, respectively. Each of the screw holes 95a has the same diameter as the diameter of a corresponding one of the screw holes 23a. The screw holes 95a are arranged to be opposite to each other.

Specifically, in the fourth embodiment, the attachment members 91a and 91b extending in the same direction of the panel surface and the overlapped surface on a y-z plane in FIG. 6 directly attaches the integrated panel 7 while urging it, and simultaneously fixes the integrated panel 7 to the housing 8B.

The configuration of the panel 1C achieves an advantage that is the same as both: the advantage that the surface of the L bracket 41b according to the third embodiment is fastened to the corresponding one side of the housing with the screw hole 81, and the advantage that the surface of the L bracket 42b according to the third embodiment is fastened to the corresponding one side of the housing with the screw hole 82.

In the fourth embodiment, the attachment members 91a and 91b, which are project members with formed screw holes and are fixed to or integrally formed to the housing 8B, serve as the biasing attachments 9 according to the first to third embodiments. The attachment members 91a and 91b can be formed by folding the sheet metal of the housing 8B or can be formed separately from the housing 813. Folding of the sheet metal of the housing can reduce the number of components of the panel 1C, and more strongly integrate the panel 7 and the housing 8B.

The configuration can omit the L brackets from the configuration of the panel 1B according to the third embodiment.

Specifically, in the fourth embodiment, the attachment members 71 and 72 respectively formed with the screw holes 72a and 72b provide the biasing attachment 9C. The screws 51a and 51b are threaded into the screw holes 47 and 48, respectively, so as to urge the panel members 3 and 5 toward each other, thus attaching the panel members 3 and 5, and therefore, providing the integrated panel 7.

According to the fourth embodiment, the integrated panel 7 is located such that the ends 27a and 27b of the overlapped groove abut on the attachment members 91a and 91b of the opening wall 70, and the threaded holes 47 and 48 are aligned with the threaded holes 72a and 72b formed in the attachment members 71a and 71b, respectively.

In the alignment state, the screw 51a is threaded into the screw holes 47 and 72a from one side of the integrated panel 7 opposite to the side of the housing 8A, and the screw 51b is threaded into the screw holes 48 and 72b from the one side of the integrated panel 7 opposite to the side of the housing 8A. This attaches, by the attachment members 91a and 91b and the screws 51a and 51b, the ends 27a and 27b of the overlapped groove of the integrated panel 7 to the housing 8B while urging the ends 27a and 27b of the overlapped groove toward the housing 8B. This results in that the panel members 3 and 5 are integrated with each other to provide the integrated panel 7 with the integrated panel 7 being fixed to the housing 8B.

In the fastened condition of the integrated panel 7 to the housing 8B by the attachment members 71a and 71b, the edge rib 13 is overlapped with the bottom side of the housing 8B defining the opening wall 90, and the edge rib 23 is overlapped with the top side of the housing 8B defining the opening wall 90

The overlapped state of the integrated panel 7 allows the screw holes 94a formed in the bottom side of the housing 8B defining the opening wall 90 to be aligned with the corresponding screw holes 13a of the edge rib 13. Similarly, the overlapped state of the integrated panel 7 allows the screw holes 95a formed in the top side of the housing 8B defining the opening wall 90 to be aligned with the corresponding screw holes 23a of the edge rib 23.

Thereafter, referring to FIG. 2, the screws 36 are threaded into the coaxially aligned screw holes 13a and 94a, and the screws 36 are threaded into the coaxially aligned screw holes 23a and 95a. This fastens the edge ribs 13 and 23 of the integrated panel 7 to the one and the other longitudinal sides of the housing 8B in the z direction; these longitudinal sides define the opening wall 90 of the housing 8B.

As described above, in the fourth embodiment, in addition to the advantages achieved by the third embodiment, it is possible to omit the L brackets 41 and 42. This reduces the number of component parts of the device while reinforcing the strength of the overlapped portion between the first and second panel members 3 and 5.

FIG. 7 is one side and locally sectional view of a panel 1D for a device and a housing 8C of the device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The housing 8C has the same structure as that of the housing 8B illustrated in FIG. 6. Specifically, lateral sides of the housing 8C defining the opening wall 90 are formed with sheet metal attachment members 91a and 91b, respectively. Note that the screw holes 92a and 92b can be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 7, the one end 11a of the first panel member 11 and the one end 21a of the second panel member 21, which constitute the one end 27a of the overlapped groove of an integrated panel 7A according to the fifth embodiment, are attached with each other independently of the housing 8C. Specifically, the one end 11a of the first panel member 11 and the one end 21a of the second panel member 21 are attached to each other by a screw 96 and a nut 97 while they are urged toward each other in the overlap direction by the screw 96 and nut 97; these screw 96 and nut 97 serve as a biasing attachment 9D.

The housing 8C is formed at its first and second side walls 98 and 99 with screw holes 100 and 101, respectively; these first and second side walls 98 and 99 correspond to the edge ribs 13 and 23 of the integrated panel 7, respectively.

The edge ribs 13 and 23 of the integrated panel 7A are formed with screw holes 102 and 103 corresponding to the screw holes 102 and 103, respectively. A screw 104 is adapted to be threaded into the screw holes 100 and 102, and a screw 105 is adapted to be threaded into the screw holes 101 and 103, respectively.

The integrated panel 7A according to the fifth embodiment is located opposing the opening wall of the housing 8C such that:

the edge ribs 13 and 23 abut on the outer surfaces of the corresponding side walls of the housing 8C; and

the screw holes 100 and 101 are alignment with the screw holes 102 and 103, respectively.

In the arrangement state, the screw 104 is threaded into the aligned screw holes 100 and 102 from the exterior of the housing 8C to thereby fasten the edge rib 23 of the integrated panel 7A to the first side wall 98 of the housing 8C.

Similarly, in the arrangement state, the screw 105 is threaded into the aligned screw holes 101 and 105 from the exterior of the housing 8C to thereby fasten the edge rib 13 of the integrated panel 7A to the second side wall 99 of the housing 8C.

As described above, in the fifth embodiment, the one end 11a of the first panel member 11 and the one end 21a of the second panel member 21 are attached to each other by the screw 96 and the nut 97 while they are urged toward each other in the overlap direction by the screw 96 and nut 97. The integrated panel 7 consisting of the attached panel members 11 and 21 is directly fixed to the housing 8C by the screw holes 100, 101, 102, and 103, and the screws 104 and 105.

In the fifth embodiment, the nut 97 serves as a member that works to urge the panel members 3 and 5 toward each other to thereby attach them, which corresponds to the panel stays and/or brackets according to the first to fourth embodiments. Because the supporting area and the weight of the nut 97 are small, the strength of the overlapped portion may be reduced by a little level.

However, threading of the screws 104 and 105 into the respective aligned screw holes 100 and 102 and aligned screw holes 101 and 103 integrates the integrated panel 7A and the housing 8C with each other. For this reason, it is possible to maintain the strength of the whole of the integrated panel 7A while preventing deformations.

The width of the sheet metal attachment member 91a (91b) in the z direction, the width of the one end 27a of the overlapped groove therein, and the width (thickness) of the nut 92 therein are preferably in agreement with each other. The configuration biases the one end 27a (27b) of the overlapped portion to the sheet metal attachment member 91a (91b), making it possible to achieve the advantages in the first to forth embodiments.

The nut 92 is not limited to a commercially available nut. A support plate formed with a screw hole into which the screw 96 can be threaded can be used in place of the nut 92. The increase in area of the support plate, the matching of the width (thickness) of the support plate with the width of each of the sheet metal attachment member 91a (91b) and the overlapped one end 27a in the z direction, the increase in the number of fixed points, and the like can enhance the biasing attachment effect of the integrated panel 7A.

As a result, as well as the third and fourth embodiments, it is possible to omit the panel stay in addition to the advantages in the first and second embodiments. Thus, it is possible to reduce the number of components of the device while reinforcing the strength of the overlapped portion of the first and second panel members 3 and 5.

Moreover, according to the fifth embodiment, the integration between the panels 3 and 5 of the integrated panel 7A and the fixed supporting of the integrated panel 7A to the housing 8C are accomplished by individual components. For this reason, it is possible to increase the flexibility of the integrated structure between the panels 3 and 5 of the integrated panel 7A and the flexibility of the fixed supporting structure of the integrated panel 7A to the housing 8C.

The concept described in the fifth embodiment can be applied to the first embodiment. Specifically, the integration between the panels 3 and 5 of the integrated panel 7A and the fixed supporting of the integrated panel 7A to the panel stay 31 can be accomplished by individual components.

Note that, in the first to fifth embodiments, the shape and material of each of the components, such as the first panel member 3, the second panel member 5, and the fixing support 9, are described as an example, but they can be formed by another shape and material.

Moreover, in the first to fifth embodiments, two panel members (the first panel member 3 and the second panel member 5) are assembled to provide the integrated panel 7, but the present invention is not limited to the structure. Three panel members can be assembled to provide an integrated panel. There is not limited to a vertical direction. For example, small panel members, such as three panel members in a vertical direction, two panel members in a horizontal direction, or the combination of vertical and horizontal directions can provide a large integrated panel.

Furthermore, in the first to fifth embodiments, the shape of each bracket is not limited to an L shape.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, in place of the L brackets 41 and 42, brackets 110 and 111 each having a substantially C shape (block C shape) in the z-x plane can be used.

Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the bracket 110 has a length corresponding to the length of a lateral side of a housing, for example, the housing 8A, which is the length in the z direction. The bracket 110 is located opposing the housing 8A. The bracket 110 is formed at its middle portion with a screw hole 110a corresponding to the screw hole 47.

The bracket 110 has both ends in its longitudinal direction, and the both ends are bent toward both ends of the housing 8A in the z direction. Both of the bent ends are formed with screw holes 110b corresponding to the screw holes 84a and 85a, respectively.

Similarly, the bracket 111 has a length corresponding to the length of a lateral side of the housing 8A, which is the length in the z direction. The bracket 111 is located opposing the housing 8A. The bracket 111 is formed at its middle portion with a screw hole 111a corresponding to the screw hole 48.

The bracket 111 has both ends in its longitudinal direction, and the both ends are bent toward both ends of the housing 8A in the z direction. Both of the bent ends are formed with screw holes 111b corresponding to the screw holes 84a and 85a, respectively.

According to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 8, when the brackets 110 and 111 and the integrated panel 7 are located such that the screw holes 110a and 111a are aligned with the screw holes 47 and 48, respectively, the screw 51a is threaded into the screw holes 47 and 110a from one side of the integrated panel 7 opposite to the housing 8A. This biases and attaches the one end 11a of the first panel member 11 to the one end 21a of the second panel member 21.

According to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 8, when the brackets 110 and 111 and the integrated panel 7 are located such that the screw holes 110a and 111a are aligned with the screw holes 47 and 48, respectively, the screw 51a is threaded into the screw holes 47 and 110a from one side of the integrated panel 7 opposite to the housing 8A. This biases and attaches the one end 11a of the first panel member 11 to the one end 21a of the second panel member 21.

Similarly, the screw 51b is threaded into the screw holes 48 and 111a from the one side of the integrated panel 7 opposite to the housing 8A. This biases and attaches the other end 11b of the first panel member 11 to the other end 21b of the second panel member 21.

At that time, the screw holes 13a and 23a of one end side of the edge rib 13 and the screw holes 111a and 111a of both ends of the bracket 110 are coaxially aligned with each other. Similarly, the screw holes 13b and 23b of the other end side of the edge rib 13 and the screw holes 111b and 111b of both ends of the bracket 111 are coaxially aligned with each other.

The screw holes 13a and 23a of the integrated panel 7 biased and attached by the brackets 110 and 111 are respectively aligned with the screw holes 84a and 85a of both ends of the housing 8A in the z direction.

Referring to FIG. 2, the screw 36 is threaded into each screw hole 13a of the edge rib 13 and the screw hole 84a coaxially aligned therewith, and the screw 36 is threaded into each screw hole 23a of the edge rib 23 and the screw hole 85a coaxially aligned therewith. As a result, the integrated panel 7 is fastened to the housing 8A via the edge ribs 13 and 23.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, in place of the L brackets 41 and 42, a bracket 120 having a substantially C shape in the x-y plane can be used.

Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the bracket 120 has a length corresponding to the length of a longitudinal side of a housing, for example, the housing 8A, which is the length in the y direction. The bracket 120 is located opposing the housing 8A.

The bracket 120 has a rectangular frame in z y-z plane in its cross section, and the bracket 120 is formed at its center portion with a slit corresponding to the slit 15 (25).

The bracket 120 has both ends 121 and 122 outwardly extending in the y direction from the rectangular frame portion, and the both ends 121 and 122 are formed with screw holes 121a and 122a corresponding to the screw holes 47 and 48, respectively.

Both ends 121 and 122 of the bracket 120 are bent toward both ends of the housing 8A in the y direction. Both of the bent ends 121 and 122 are formed with screw holes 121b and 122b corresponding to the screw holes 81 and 82, respectively.

According to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 9, when the bracket 120 and the integrated panel 7 are located such that the screw holes 120a and 121a are aligned with the screw holes 47 and 48, respectively, the screw 51a is threaded into the screw holes 47 and 121a from one side of the integrated panel 7 opposite to the housing 8A. In the location, the screw 51b is threaded into the screw holes 48 and 122a from the one side of the integrated panel 7 opposite to the housing 8A. This biases and attaches the one end 11a of the first panel member 11 to the one end of the second panel member 21 by the bracket 120, and the other end 11b of the first panel member 11 to the other end 21b of the second panel member 21.

At that time, the screw holes 81 and 82 formed at both ends corresponding to lateral sides constituting the opening wall 80 of the housing 8A and screw holes 121b and 122b of both ends 121 and 122 of the bracket 120 are coaxially aligned with each other.

Referring to FIG. 5, the screw 52a is threaded into the screw holes 81 and 121b from the exterior of the housing, and the screw 52b is threaded into the screw holes 82 and 122b from the exterior of the housing. As a result, the integrated panel 7 is fastened to the both side surfaces of the housing 8A (both lateral side surfaces of the opening wall housing 8A) via the bracket 120.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, in place of the L brackets 41 and 42, a bracket constructed by combining the structure illustrated in FIG. 8 and that illustrated in FIG. 9 can be used.

Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the bracket is designed such that a surface extending in the z direction and a surface extending in the z direction. The at least one part of the cross section in a y-z direction has a H shape or “+” shape. FIG. 10 illustrates the bracket having a H shape.

Referring to FIG. 10, the bracket has a length corresponding to the length of a longitudinal side of a housing, for example, the housing 8A, which is the length in the y direction, and has a first portion 130 to be located opposing the housing 8A. The first portion 130 has a substantially inverse U shape in its cross section, and formed at its middle portion with a concave portion corresponding to the slit 15 (25). The first portion 130 can have a rectangular shape illustrated in FIG. 9.

A pair of second portions 140 and 141 having a substantially C shape in its cross section in a z-x plane are formed at both ends of the first portion 130.

Specifically, referring to FIG. 8, the second portion 140 has a length corresponding to the length of a lateral side of the housing 8A, which is the length in the z direction. The second portion 140 is located opposing the housing 8A. The second portion 140 is formed at its middle portion with a screw hole 140a corresponding to the screw hole 47.

The second portion 140 has both ends in its longitudinal direction, and the both ends are bent toward both ends of the housing 8A in the z direction. Both of the bent ends are formed with screw holes 140b corresponding to the screw holes 84a and 85a, respectively.

Similarly, the second portion 141 has a length corresponding to the length of a lateral side of the housing 8A, which is the length in the z direction. The second portion 141 is located opposing the housing 8A. The second portion 141 is formed at its middle portion with a screw hole 141a corresponding to the screw hole 48.

The second portion 141 has both ends in its longitudinal direction, and the both ends are bent toward both ends of the housing 8A in the z direction. Both of the bent ends are formed with screw holes 141b corresponding to the screw holes 84a and 85a, respectively.

The biasing attachment of the bracket illustrated in FIG. 10 to the first and second panels 3 and 5, and the attachment of the integrated panel 7 biased and attached by the bracket are omitted because they are in the same manner as the case of the brackets 110 and 111 illustrated in FIG. 8.

Using the bracket illustrated in FIG. 10 increases the area of the bracket developed in the y-z direction. For this reason, the surface for biasing and fastening the integrated panel, which corresponds to the L brackets 41a and 41b, can be secured, and advantages that are substantially the same as the advantages achieved by the panel stay 31 can be achieved.

Specifically, it is possible to reduce the weight while reducing the area to reduce the material cost. Moreover, because the area of the surface developed in the y-z plane parallel to the integrated panel 7 becomes wide, the integration between the panel members 3 and 5 becomes more strong, making it possible to achieve an advantage that they are difficult to be deformed. The advantage can be achieved by orthogonally overlapping a plate in the y direction with a plate in z direction or crossing and fastening them. The advantage can also be achieved by constructing the bracket with one plate.

As described above, in the first to fifth embodiments, for attachment and fastening between components, screws can be typically used, but various attachment members and/or attachment structures, such as attachment members using nuts, or attachment structures using engaging can be used.

The present invention is not limited to the aforementioned first to fifth embodiments and their modifications, and can be implemented as variations of the aforementioned first to fifth embodiments and their modifications within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A panel constituting a first surface exposed on an exterior of a device, the panel comprising:

a first panel member having a first one end;
a second panel member having a second one end, at least part of the second one end being located to be overlapped with at least part of the first one end of the first panel member; and
a biasing attachment that biases the overlapped parts between the first one end of the first panel member and the second one end of the second panel member in an overlap direction so as to attach the overlapped parts.

2. A panel constituting first surface exposed on an exterior of a device, the panel comprising:

a first panel member having a first one end;
a second panel member having a second one end, at least part of the second one end being located to be overlapped with at least part of the first one end of the first panel member; and
a biasing attachment having a surface opposing the overlapped parts between the first one end of the first panel member and the second one end of the second panel member, the biasing attachment biasing, via the surface, the overlapped parts between the first one end of the first panel member and the second one end of the second panel member in an overlap direction so as to attach the overlapped parts,
wherein the first panel member is formed at its other end portion opposing the overlapped parts with a first panel bend portion, the first panel bend portion being bent at a substantially right angle relative to the first surface toward a direction of the housing, being overlapped with a second surface of the housing orthogonal to the first surface thereof, and being fixed to the housing, and the second panel member is formed at its other end portion opposing the overlapped parts with a second panel bend portion, the second panel bend portion being bent at a substantially right angle relative to the first surface toward a direction of the housing, being overlapped with the second surface of the housing orthogonal to the first surface thereof, and being fixed to the housing.

3. The panel according to claim 2, wherein the biasing attachment comprises a biasing attachment bend portion bent at a substantially right angle toward a direction of the housing so as to be fixed to the housing.

4. The panel according to claim 3, wherein the biasing attachment has an L shape.

5. The panel according to claim 2, wherein the biasing attachment bends, at a substantially right angle, the surface opposing the overlapped parts from any one surface of the housing orthogonal to the first surface thereof so as to extend the surface.

6. The panel according to claim 1, wherein the biasing attachment comprises a plate member located opposing the first and second panel members, and the plate member comprises a mounting boss formed to abut on the overlapped parts, and the biasing attachment further comprises a fixing member that fixes the overlapped parts and the mounting boss abutting thereon at a point.

7. The panel according to claim 1, wherein the overlapped parts are so concaved relative to surfaces of the first and second panel members as to be formed as a concaved groove.

8. The panel according to claim 1, wherein the overlapped parts extend in a predetermined direction, and the overlapped parts are formed with a slit extending in the predetermined direction.

9. The panel according to claim 7, wherein the first one end of the first panel member is bent toward the housing at a substantially right angle to provide a first overlap surface, the second one end of the second panel member is bent toward the housing at a substantially right angle to provide a second overlap surface, and the first overlap surface and the second overlap surface are overlapped with each other to provide the concaved groove.

Patent History
Publication number: 20100060116
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 30, 2007
Publication Date: Mar 11, 2010
Applicant: Pioneer Corporation (Tokyo)
Inventors: Shuji Okano (Kawasaki-shi), Yuichi Watamura (Tokorozawa-shi)
Application Number: 12/594,076
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: For Particular Electrical Device Or Component (312/223.1); Miscellaneous (312/352)
International Classification: A47B 81/00 (20060101); A47B 97/00 (20060101);