Patent Description:
Prior art which is related to this field is disclosed in <CIT> showing an outdoor apparatus and in <CIT> showing a waterproof structure for disaster prevention and security equipment. An electric power control apparatus such as a power control apparatus (a power converter) in which an electrical apparatus that is connected to a solar cell and has a function of converting DC power from the solar cell into AC power is housed in a casing is becoming popular mainly for a domestic use. Because such a power control apparatus is often installed outdoors, the casing for housing the electrical apparatus needs to have a high waterproof property.

For example, PTL <NUM> set forth below discloses a casing that includes a casing body (a metal casing) for housing an electrical apparatus, a cover body (a metal cover) for covering an opening of the casing boy, and a waterproof seal arranged between the casing boy and the cover body, whereby improving the waterproof property.

The present disclosure provides a casing according to claim <NUM>.

The present disclosure provides a power control apparatus according to claim <NUM>.

Conventionally, a casing for a power control apparatus installed outdoor is required to have an improved waterproof property to withstand storms and the like.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a casing for an electrical apparatus that has a simple configuration and an improved waterproof property, and a power control apparatus.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, a casing for an electrical apparatus that has a simple configuration and an improved waterproof property and a power control apparatus can be provided.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be illustrated in detail with reference to the drawings.

A power control apparatus <NUM> according to the present embodiment includes a casing <NUM> for an electrical apparatus and an electrical apparatus <NUM> housed in the casing <NUM> for an electrical apparatus, as illustrated in <FIG>.

The electrical apparatus <NUM> schematically illustrated in <FIG> is connected to, for example, a solar cell installed on a roof of a house and has a function of converting DC power generated by the solar cell into AC power and outputting the AC power to an electric system of the house. That is, the power control apparatus <NUM> is configured as a power control apparatus (a power converter) for a domestic use.

The power control apparatus <NUM> may have a configuration in which the casing <NUM> for an electrical apparatus houses, for example, a plurality of types of electrical apparatuses having different functions or configurations such as a fuel cell, a storage battery, a ventilation fan, or the like, in addition to the electrical apparatus <NUM> having the power conversion function as described above. As the storage battery mentioned above, for example, a lithium ion battery or a nickel hydrogen battery can be used. The casing <NUM> for an electrical apparatus can also house a member such as a heat insulating material or a cushioning material, in addition to the electrical apparatus <NUM>. Further, the electrical apparatus <NUM> housed in the casing <NUM> for an electrical apparatus is not limited to one having the power conversion function for the solar cell as described above and may be an electrical apparatus that has other functions such as, for example, a fuel cell, a transformer apparatus, or an apparatus having a function of supplying electric power to a commercial power system.

The power control apparatus <NUM> may be installed outdoors. In the present embodiment, the power control apparatus <NUM> may be installed, for example, on the exterior wall of a house by using mounting brackets, a pedestal, or the like.

The power control apparatus <NUM> is not limited to be installed outdoors but may be installed in other places including indoors.

The casing <NUM> for housing the electrical apparatus <NUM> includes a casing body <NUM> and a cover body <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the casing body <NUM> has a box shape including a first wall <NUM>, a second wall <NUM>, a third wall <NUM>, a fourth wall <NUM>, and a fifth wall <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the casing body <NUM> is a cast product made of aluminum alloy in which the first wall <NUM>, the second wall <NUM>, the third wall <NUM>, the fourth wall <NUM>, and the fifth wall <NUM> are integrally provided. The casing body <NUM> having the configuration and shape as described above can be easily manufactured at a high productively.

The casing body <NUM> is not limited to the cast product made of aluminum alloy described above and may be a cast product such as a cast iron product or other metal cast products. The casing body <NUM> is not limited to a cast metal product and may be a product made of another material such as, for example, an injection-molded product made of a synthetic resin material. Further, the casing body <NUM> may have a configuration in which the first wall <NUM>, the second wall <NUM>, the third wall <NUM>, the fourth wall <NUM>, and the fifth wall <NUM> are formed separately from one another and integrally connected to one another by means such as welding, bonding, fastening, or the like.

The first wall <NUM> includes a first side 11a and a second side 11b parallel to each other. The first wall <NUM> also includes a third side 11c and a fourth side 11d that are orthogonal to the first side 11a and the second side 11b and parallel to each other. As described above, the first wall <NUM> has a rectangular plate-like shape in appearance formed by the four sides 11a to 11d. In the present embodiment, the first wall <NUM> constitutes a rear surface of the casing body <NUM>.

The second wall <NUM> has an elongated rectangular plate-like shape and is continuous at a right angle to the first wall <NUM> on the first side 11a. The third wall <NUM> has an elongated rectangular plate-like shape in a manner similar to the second wall <NUM> and is opposing the second all <NUM> and continuous at a right angle to the first wall <NUM> on the second side 11b. In the present embodiment, the second wall <NUM> and the third wall <NUM> oppose each other in parallel and constitute respective outer side surfaces 12a and 13a facing left and right sides of the casing body <NUM>.

The fourth wall <NUM> has an elongated plate-like shape and is continuous at a right angle to the third side 11c of the first wall <NUM> and, simultaneously, to upper sides of the second wall <NUM> and the third wall <NUM> located on the upper side in <FIG>. The fourth wall <NUM> has a shape having a trapezoidal protruding portion that protrudes in a direction remote from the first wall <NUM> and includes a surface of the protruding portion that is parallel to the first wall <NUM> and functions as an end surface 14a of the fourth wall <NUM> facing opposite from the first wall <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the fourth wall <NUM> constitutes a top surface of the casing body <NUM> facing up.

The fifth wall <NUM> has an elongated plate-like shape having a trapezoidal protruding portion in a manner similar to the fourth wall <NUM>, opposes the fourth wall <NUM>, and is continuous at a right angle to the fourth side 11d of the first wall <NUM> and also to bottom sides of the second wall <NUM> and the third wall <NUM> illustrated on a lower side in <FIG>. A surface of the protruding portion of the fifth wall <NUM> parallel to a surface of the first wall <NUM> functions as an end surface 15a of the fifth wall <NUM> facing an opposite side of the first wall <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the fifth wall <NUM> constitutes a bottom surface of the casing body <NUM> that is facing down.

The casing body <NUM> is provided with a first partition wall <NUM> and a second partition wall <NUM>. Each of the first partition wall <NUM> and the second partition wall <NUM> is formed by performing sheet metal processing of one metal plate material made of, for example, steel, aluminum alloy, or stainless steel. The first partition wall <NUM> is attached to the casing body <NUM> by screw members <NUM> in a state being continuous to an end surface of the second wall <NUM> of the casing body <NUM> facing an opposite side of the first wall <NUM> and inclined with respect to the second wall <NUM>. Similarly, the second partition wall <NUM> is attached to the casing body <NUM> by the screw members <NUM> in a state being continuous to an end surface of the third wall <NUM> of the casing body <NUM> facing an opposite side of the first wall <NUM> and inclined with respect to the third wall <NUM>.

Although in the present embodiment both the first partition wall <NUM> and the second partition wall <NUM> are formed separately from the casing body <NUM> and the cover body <NUM>, the first partition wall <NUM> and the second partition wall <NUM> may be integrally formed with the casing body <NUM>. Alternatively, the first partition wall <NUM> and the second partition wall <NUM> may be integrally formed with the cover body <NUM>.

The casing body <NUM> has a housing space 10a therein. The electrical apparatus <NUM> is housed in the housing space 10a. The side of the casing body <NUM> opposing the first wall <NUM> has an opening 10b. The opening 10b has a rectangular shape defined by an end surface 14a of the fourth wall <NUM>, an end surface 15a of the fifth wall <NUM>, a side portion of the first partition wall <NUM>, and a side portion of the second partition wall <NUM>. By removing the cover body <NUM> from the casing body <NUM> and communicating the opening 10b to the outside, the electrical apparatus <NUM> can be arranged in the housing space 10a through the opening 10b.

A top cover <NUM> and a bottom cover <NUM> are attached to the casing body <NUM>.

The top cover <NUM> is made of synthetic resin and attached to the casing body <NUM> to cover the fourth wall <NUM> from above. The top cover <NUM> includes a plurality of discharge holes 18a having slit-like shapes for exhausting air heated by heat radiated through a heat sink provided on a top surface of the fourth wall <NUM> to the outside. By attaching the top cover <NUM>, the fourth wall <NUM> or the heat sink heated by heat from the electrical apparatus <NUM> can be suppressed from being directly touched by hands, whereby safety is improved.

The bottom cover <NUM> is made of synthetic resin and attached to the casing body <NUM> to cover a bottom side of the fifth wall <NUM>. The bottom cover <NUM> can receive water discharged along the outer side surface 12a of the second wall <NUM> and the outer side surface 13a of the third wall <NUM> and discharge the water to the outside through a discharge hole provided at a predetermined position. Further, by attaching the bottom cover <NUM>, the fifth wall <NUM> heated by heat from the electrical apparatus <NUM> can be suppressed from being directly touched by hands, whereby safety is improved.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the cover body <NUM> has a U-shape in cross-section and includes a flat plate-like cover portion <NUM>, and a first outer side surface cover portion <NUM> and a second outer side surface cover portion <NUM> provided on either side of the flat plate-like cover portion <NUM>.

The flat plate-like cover portion <NUM> has a first side 21a and a second side 21b that are parallel to the first side 11a of the first wall <NUM> of the casing body <NUM>. Further, the flat plate-like cover portion <NUM> has a third side 21c and a fourth side 21d that are parallel to the third side 11c of the first wall <NUM>. Thus, the flat plate-like cover portion <NUM> has a rectangular plate-like shape having the four sides 21a to 21d.

The first outer side surface cover portion <NUM> is continuous to the first side 21a serving as one side of the flat plate-like cover portion <NUM>, via the first curved cover portion <NUM>. The first curved cover portion <NUM> is curved in an arc at a central angle of <NUM> degrees about a central axis, which is an axis parallel to the first side 21a, from the first side 21a to the side of the first wall <NUM>. The first outer side surface cover portion <NUM> has a rectangular plate-like shape parallel to the second wall <NUM>.

Similarly, the second outer side surface cover portion <NUM> is continuous to the second side 21b serving as one side of the flat plate-like cover portion <NUM>, via the second curved cover portion <NUM>. The second curved cover portion <NUM> is curved in an arc at a central angle of <NUM> degrees about a central axis, which is an axis parallel to the second side 21b, from the second side 21b to the first wall <NUM>. The second outer side surface cover portion <NUM> has a rectangular plate-like shape parallel to the third wall <NUM>.

Each of the first outer side surface cover portion <NUM> and the second outer side surface cover portion <NUM> is provided with two attaching holes <NUM> (Note: <FIG> illustrates one attaching hole <NUM> of the first outer side surface cover portion <NUM>). As illustrated in <FIG>, on the other hand, the second wall <NUM> and the third wall <NUM> of the casing body <NUM> are provided with two screw holes 10c on sides of the first wall <NUM> and sides of the fourth wall (<NUM>) and the fifth wall (<NUM>). As illustrated in <FIG>, the cover body <NUM> is attached to the casing body <NUM> by screwing the screw members <NUM> inserted into the attaching holes <NUM> of the cover body <NUM> into corresponding screw holes 10c of the casing body <NUM>.

In a state in which the cover body <NUM> is attached to the casing body <NUM>, the flat plate-like cover portion <NUM> covers the opening 10b formed on the front surface of the casing body <NUM>. Also, in the state in which the cover body <NUM> is attached to the casing body <NUM>, the first outer side surface cover portion <NUM> opposes the outer side surface 12a of the second wall <NUM> with a predetermined gap therebetween and covers the outer side surface 12a. Further, in the state in which the cover body <NUM> is attached to the casing body <NUM>, the second outer side surface cover portion <NUM> opposes the outer side surface 13a of the third wall <NUM> with a predetermined gap therebetween and covers the outer side surface 13a.

The cover body <NUM> may be formed by, for example, performing sheet metal processing of a metal plate made of steel, aluminum alloy, or stainless steel. Thus, the cover body <NUM> having the above shape can be formed easily at low cost by a simple bending process. A plate thickness of the cover body <NUM> can be determined appropriately and may preferably be, for example, <NUM> to <NUM>.

The cover body <NUM> is not limited to be formed by performing sheet metal processing of a plate material and may have a structure in which the flat plate-like cover portion <NUM>, the first outer side surface cover portion <NUM>, the second side surface cover portion <NUM>, the first curved cover portion <NUM>, and the second curved cover portion <NUM> are formed separately and integrally connected to one another by means such as welding, adhesion, or fastening. Further, the cover body <NUM> is not limited to a metal product and may be a product made of another material such as an injection molded product made of a synthetic resin material.

In the present embodiment, in the cover body <NUM>, the first outer side surface cover portion <NUM> is continuous to the flat plate-like cover portion <NUM> via the first curved cover portion <NUM>, and the second outer side surface cover portion <NUM> is continuous to the flat plate-like cover portion <NUM> via the second curved cover portion <NUM>. However, each of the first outer side surface cover portion <NUM> and the second outer side surface cover portion <NUM> may be directly continuous to the flat plate-like cover portion <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a seal member <NUM> having a waterproof function is attached to the casing body <NUM> in a manner surrounding the opening 10b. In the state in which the cover body <NUM> is attached to the casing body <NUM>, the seal member <NUM> is tucked between the casing body <NUM> and the flat plate-like cover portion <NUM> of the cover body <NUM> and seals between the casing body <NUM> and the flat plate-like cover portion <NUM> to the extent that water such as rainwater does not enter.

In the present embodiment, the seal member <NUM> includes a first sealing piece 30a attached to the end surface 14a of the fourth wall <NUM>, a second sealing piece 30b attached to the end surface 15a of the fifth wall <NUM>, a third sealing piece 30c attached to a side surface of the first partition wall <NUM>, and a fourth sealing piece 30d attached to a side surface of the second partition wall <NUM>, which are connected to one another. Each of the first sealing piece 30a, the second sealing piece 30b, the third sealing piece 30c, and the fourth sealing piece 30d may be formed from, for example, an elastic body such as synthetic rubber or an elastomer, or a rubber sponge which is a foam of ethylene propylene rubber.

A sealing member having a waterproof function may be provided between the first partition wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM> and between the second partition wall <NUM> and the third wall <NUM>.

To shield a gap between the outer side surface 12a of the second wall <NUM> and the first outer side surface cover portion <NUM>, the outer side surface 12a is provided with three first ribs <NUM> (see <FIG>). Similarly, to shield a gap between the outer side surface 13a of the third wall <NUM> and the second outer side surface cover portion <NUM>, the outer side surface 13a is provided with three first ribs <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>.

Further, both the outer side surface 12a and the outer side surface 13a are provided with five second ribs <NUM>, in addition to the three first ribs <NUM> described above.

Other than that the outer surface 12a of the second wall <NUM> and the outer side surface 13a of the third wall <NUM> are symmetrical to each other, they are provided with the first rib <NUM> and the second rib <NUM> in basically the same manner. Accordingly, the first rib <NUM> and the second rib <NUM> provided on the outer side surface 13a of the third wall <NUM> will be mainly described.

Each of the three first ribs <NUM> provided on the outer side surface 13a of the third wall <NUM> is integrally formed with the outer side surface 13a, as illustrated in <FIG>. Each of the first ribs <NUM> has a wall shape that protrudes toward the outside of the casing body <NUM> from the outer side surface 13a and has a protruding end opposing an inner surface of the second outer side surface cover portion <NUM> having a predetermined gap therefrom. Also, the first ribs <NUM> extend along the second side 21b serving as one side of the flat plate-like cover portion <NUM> between a top side of the outer side surface 13a on the side of the fourth wall <NUM> and a bottom side on the side of the fifth wall <NUM>. Further, the first ribs <NUM> are arranged at intervals from each other in a direction orthogonal to the second side 21b and parallel to the outer side surface 13a of the third wall <NUM>. The three first ribs <NUM> are parallel to each other. Note that "the first ribs <NUM> extend along the second side 21b serving as one side of the flat plate-like cover portion <NUM>" is not limited to a configuration in which the first ribs <NUM> extend strictly keeping a constant distance with respect to the second side 21b (in a configuration in which the first ribs <NUM> are parallel to the second side 21b) and may include a state in which the first ribs <NUM> are not parallel to the second side 21b.

Although the outer side surface 13a has a configuration in which the three first ribs <NUM> are stepped across the first rib <NUM> located in the middle of the three first ribs <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>, the first rib <NUM> located in the middle protrudes toward the outside of the casing body <NUM> with respect to the outer side surface 13a on either side thereof. Further, of the three first ribs <NUM>, each the first rib <NUM> on the side of the flat plate-like cover portion <NUM> and the first rib <NUM> located in the middle has an approximately the same gap between their protruding direction ends and the inner surface of the second outer side surface cover portion <NUM>. On the other hand, a gap between a protruding direction end of the first rib <NUM> located on the farthest side from the flat plate-like cover portion <NUM> and the inner surface of the second outer side surface cover portion <NUM> is smaller than the gap between the protruding direction ends of the other two first ribs <NUM> and the inner surface of the second outer side surface cover portion <NUM>.

As described above, the power control apparatus <NUM> of the present embodiment can be installed outdoors in a manner being mounted on, for example, an exterior wall of a house using a mounting bracket or the like. Here, the power control apparatus installed outdoors is required to have a high waterproof property due to its environment exposed to wind and rain and, in consideration of a situation exposed to storms, desired to obtain a protection grade corresponding to "IP45" according to "JIS C0920" defined by the Japanese Industrial Standards. In this case, regarding protection against a jet flow, it is necessary to satisfy a waterproof performance that "must not have a harmful influence caused by jet water from nozzles located in all directions".

However, a conventional configuration in which a waterproof seal is arranged between a casing body for housing an electrical apparatus and a cover body for closing an opening of the casing body has a risk that the waterproof seal is broken and lets water enter the casing body, upon application of a large water pressure to the waterproof seal by jet water entering at a high flow rate between the casing body and the cover body.

In a configuration in which a gap is formed between the first outer side surface cover portion <NUM> and the outer side surface 12a of the second wall <NUM> in a manner similar to the power control apparatus <NUM>, because there is a risk that jet water enters the gap between the first outer side surface cover portion <NUM> and the outer side surface 12a of the second wall <NUM> from a rear surface. i.e., the casing body <NUM> on the side of the first wall <NUM>, a high waterproof performance is required against such jet water. Similarly, in the power control apparatus <NUM> of the present embodiment, because a gap is formed also between the second outer side surface cover portion <NUM> and the outer side surface 13a of the third wall <NUM>, jet water may enter a gap between the second outer side surface cover portion <NUM> and the outer side surface 13a of the third wall <NUM> from the rear surface, i.e., the casing body <NUM> on the side of the first wall <NUM>, and thus a high waterproof performance is required against such jet water.

In the power control apparatus <NUM> of the present embodiment, on the other hand, because the first ribs <NUM> are provided on the outer side surface 12a of the second wall <NUM> covered by the first outer side surface cover portion <NUM>, even if jet water enters a gap between the first outer side surface cover portion <NUM> and the outer side surface 12a of the second wall <NUM>, the jet water can hit the first ribs <NUM> and reduce its force. Thus, an amount of jet water reaching the third sealing piece 30c can be reduced, and a water pressure of the jet water reaching the third sealing piece 30c is reduced, whereby the third sealing piece 30c arranged between the flat plate-like cover portion <NUM> and the casing body <NUM> can reliably suppress water intrusion. Similarly, in the power control apparatus <NUM> of the present embodiment, because the first ribs <NUM> are provided also on the outer side surface 13a of the third wall <NUM> covered by the second outer side surface cover portion <NUM>, even if jet water enters the gap between the second outer side surface cover portion <NUM> and the outer side surface 13a of the third wall <NUM>, the jet water can hit the first rib <NUM> and reduce its force. Thus, an amount of jet water reaching the fourth sealing piece 30d is reduced, and a water pressure of the jet water reaching the fourth sealing piece 30d is reduced, whereby the fourth sealing piece 30d arranged between the flat plate-like cover portion <NUM> and the casing body <NUM> can reliably suppress the water intrusion.

The first ribs <NUM> simply need to extend along the first side 21a and the second side 21b, which are the respective sides of the flat plate-like cover portion <NUM>, and preferably extend in parallel with them, as described in the present embodiment. In this configuration, the first ribs <NUM> extend in a direction orthogonal to jet water entering toward the opening 10b from a rear side of the casing body <NUM> and can effectively block a flow of jet water entering the gap between the first outer side surface cover portion <NUM> and the outer side surface 12a of the second wall <NUM> and the gap between the second outer side surface cover portion <NUM> and the outer side surface 13a of the third wall <NUM>. Thus, the third sealing piece 30c and the fourth sealing piece 30d can improve the waterproof properties between the flat plate-like cover portion <NUM> and the casing body <NUM>.

Further, in a manner similar to the power control apparatus <NUM> according to the present embodiment, the plurality of first ribs <NUM> arranged side by side at intervals on the outer side surfaces 12a and 13a can reduce, in a stepwise manner, the force of jet water entering the gap between the first outer side surface cover portion <NUM> and the outer side surface 12a of the second wall <NUM> and the gap between the second outer side surface cover portion <NUM> and the outer side surface 13a of the third wall <NUM>. As a result, the amounts of jet water reaching the third sealing piece 30c and the fourth sealing piece 30d can be further reduced, and the water pressures of the jet water reaching the third sealing piece 30c and the fourth sealing piece 30d can be further reduced, whereby the third sealing piece 30c and the fourth sealing piece 30d can reliably suppress the water intrusion between the flat plate-like cover portion <NUM> and the casing body <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the five second ribs <NUM> provided on the outer side surface 13a of the third wall <NUM> are integrally formed on the outer side surface 13a and project from the outer side surface 13a toward the outside of the casing body <NUM>. A protrusion height of the second ribs <NUM> from the outer side surface 13a is equal to or greater than a protrusion height of the first ribs <NUM> from the outer surface 13a. In the present embodiment, a protrusion height of the second ribs <NUM> from the outer side surface 13a is greater than the protrusion height of the first ribs <NUM> from the outer side surface 13a.

Each of the second ribs <NUM> is seen through from the front side on the side of the opening 10b of the outer side surface 13a to the rear side on the side of the first wall <NUM> toward the outer side surface 13a and extends in a direction orthogonal to the second side 21b serving as a side of the flat plate-like cover portion <NUM> and parallel to the outer side surface 13a of the third wall <NUM>. That is, each of the second ribs <NUM> extends in a direction orthogonal to each of the first ribs <NUM>. Further, the second ribs <NUM> are arranged spaced apart from one another in a direction orthogonal to the second side 21b and parallel to the outer surface 13a of the third wall <NUM>, i.e., an extension direction of the first ribs <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, each of the second ribs <NUM> includes a pair of first protruding portions 50a protruding from the outer side surface 13a by a predetermined height and a second protruding portion 50b protruding from the outer surface 13a by a smaller protrusion height than the first protruding portions 50a. The first protruding portions 50a are provided on the front side of the second ribs <NUM> on the side of the opening 10b and the rear side of the second ribs <NUM> on the side of the first wall <NUM>, and the second protrusion 50b is provided between the first protrusions 50a. An inclined portion 50c having a gradually changing protrusion height from the outer side surface 13a is provided between the first protruding portion 50a and the second protruding portion 50b.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the first protruding portion 50a of the second rib <NUM> located on the side of the fourth wall <NUM>, from among the five second ribs <NUM>, and the first protruding portion 50a of the five second rib <NUM> located on the side of the fifth wall <NUM>, from among the five second ribs <NUM>, have respective screw holes 10c described above at end surfaces in protruding directions. Protrusion heights of these first protruding portions 50a from the outer side surface 13a are higher than protrusion heights of other first protruding portions 50a from the outer side surface 13a.

Of the three first ribs <NUM>, two first ribs <NUM> counted from the side of the opening 10b are orthogonal to the protruding portions 50b of the second rib <NUM>. Protrusion heights of the two first ribs <NUM> from the outer side surface 13a are lower than the protrusion height of the second protruding portion 50b from the outer side surface 13a. On the other hand, of the three first ribs <NUM>, the first rib <NUM> arranged farthest from the opening 10b is orthogonal to the first protruding portion 50a of the second rib <NUM>. The protrusion height of the first rib <NUM> from the outer side surface 13a is lower than the protrusion height of the first protruding portion 50a from the outer side surface 13a.

In <FIG>, members denoted by a reference sign <NUM> are a plurality of heat sinks integrally provided on a rear surface of the first wall <NUM> facing the outside of the first wall <NUM>. Each of the second wall <NUM> and the third wall <NUM> has an overhanging portion protruding from the first wall <NUM> toward an opposite side of the opening 10b, and the heat sink <NUM> is arranged parallel to the protruding portions of the second wall <NUM> and the third wall <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in the state in which the cover body <NUM> is attached to the casing body <NUM>, the inner side of the second outer side surface cover portion <NUM> is in contact with the end surface of one of the first protruding portion 50a in the protruding direction on the side of the opening 10b of each of the second ribs <NUM> via a portion of the second partition wall <NUM>. In the state in which the cover body <NUM> is attached to the casing body <NUM>, further, the inner side of the second outer side surface cover portion <NUM> abuts on the end surface of the first protruding portion 50a of the second rib <NUM> in the protruding direction provided with the screw hole 10c arranged in the vicinity of the fourth wall <NUM> and the end surface of the first protruding portion 50a of the second rib <NUM> in the protruding direction provided with the screw hole 10c arranged in the vicinity of the fifth wall <NUM>. In the state in which the cover body <NUM> is attached to the casing body <NUM>, because the first protruding portions 50a of the second rib <NUM> protruding from the outer side surface 13a support the inner surface of the outer side surface cover portion <NUM> as described above, a gap is formed between the second outer side surface cover portion <NUM> and the outer side surface 13a.

By providing the second ribs <NUM> in addition to the first ribs <NUM> on both the second wall <NUM> and the third wall <NUM>, the second wall <NUM> and the third wall <NUM> can be thinner and lighter while having increased rigidity. Further, heat generated during operation of the electrical apparatus <NUM> housed in the housing space 10a can be effectively dissipated by the second wall <NUM> and the third wall <NUM>.

The second outer side surface cover portion <NUM> covering the outer side surface 13a of the third wall <NUM> is supported by the first protruding portions 50a of the plurality of second ribs <NUM> provided on the outer side surface 13a, in a manner such that the gap is formed between the second outer side surface cover portion <NUM> and the outer side surface 13a. Thus, an amount of heat conducted from the third wall <NUM> heated by heat generated during the operation of the electrical apparatus <NUM> housed in the housing space 10a to the second outer side surface cover portion <NUM> can be reduced. As a result, excessive rising of the temperature of the cover body <NUM> can be suppressed, and the safety can be improved for when a user such as a resident touches the cover body <NUM>.

Further, because the second outer side surface cover portion <NUM> abuts on the first protruding portion 50a of the plurality of second ribs <NUM> and is arranged in the vicinity of the plurality of first ribs <NUM>, the second outer side surface cover portion <NUM> can be supported by the plurality of second ribs <NUM> and the plurality of first ribs <NUM> when the second outer side surface cover portion <NUM> is pressed by the user such as the resident. Thus, excessive deformation of the second outer side surface cover portion <NUM> can be suppressed, and a structural strength of the cover body <NUM> can be improved.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in the power control apparatus <NUM> of the present embodiment, the cover body <NUM> is formed in the U-shape in the cross section having the first outer side surface cover portion <NUM> and the second outer side surface cover portion <NUM> arranged on either side of the flat plate-like cover portion <NUM> and is attached to the casing body <NUM> by being shifted along a direction vertical to the first wall <NUM> from the side of the opening 10b to the side of the first wall <NUM>. At this time, the first outer side surface cover portion <NUM> of the cover body <NUM> is shifted along the outer side surface 12a of the second wall <NUM> of the casing body <NUM>, and the second outer side surface cover portion <NUM> of the cover body <NUM> is shifted along the outer side surface 13a of the third wall <NUM> of the casing body <NUM>. Thus, in the configuration in which the first ribs <NUM> are provided on the outer side surfaces 12a and 13a, the cover body <NUM> needs to be easily attached to the casing body <NUM> without causing the front ends of the first outer side surface cover portion <NUM> and the second outer side surface cover portion <NUM> in the assembling direction to get caught by the first ribs <NUM>.

In the power control apparatus <NUM> of the present embodiment, on the other hand, the second ribs <NUM> having the protrusion height from the outer side surfaces 12a and 13a higher than the protrusion height of the first ribs <NUM> from the outer side surfaces 12a and 13a are provided to the outer side surfaces 12a and 13a. Thus, at the time of the attachment of the cover body <NUM> to the casing body <NUM>, the first outer side surface cover portion <NUM> and the second outer side surface cover portion <NUM> are guided by the second ribs <NUM> without touching the first ribs <NUM>. As a result, when the cover body <NUM> is attached to the casing body <NUM>, the first outer side surface cover portion <NUM> and the second outer side surface cover portion <NUM> can be suppressed from getting caught by the first ribs <NUM>, and the cover body <NUM> can be more easily attached to the casing body <NUM>.

The protrusion height of the second ribs <NUM> from the outer side surfaces 12a and 13a simply needs to be equal to or higher than the protrusion height of the first ribs <NUM> from the outer side surfaces 12a and 13a. However, by setting the protrusion height of the second ribs <NUM> from the outer side surfaces 12a and 13a higher than the protrusion height of the first ribs <NUM> from the outer side surfaces 12a and 13a, the first outer surface cover potion <NUM> and the second outer side surface cover portion <NUM> can be more reliably suppressed from getting caught by the first ribs <NUM>.

In the power control apparatus <NUM> of the present embodiment, as described above, the outer side surface 12a of the second wall <NUM> is covered by the first outer side surface cover portion <NUM>. Thus, air heated by heat exhausted from the casing body <NUM> between the outer side surface 12a of the second wall <NUM> and the first outer side surface cover portion <NUM> moves upward between the outer side surface 12a of the second wall <NUM> and the first outer side surface cover portion <NUM> (i.e., from the side of the fifth wall <NUM> to the side of the fourth wall <NUM>). However, a configuration in which the second ribs <NUM> abut on the first outer side surface cover portion <NUM> throughout their lengths has a problem that the upward movement of the air is inhibited by the second ribs <NUM> and the heated air stays between the outer side surface 12a of the second wall <NUM> and the first outer side surface cover portion <NUM>, whereby a heat radiation performance of the casing body <NUM> is reduced. Similarly, a configuration in which the second ribs <NUM> abut on the second outer side surface cover portion <NUM> throughout their lengths has a problem that the upward movement of the air between the outer side surface 13a of the third wall <NUM> and the second outer side surface cover portion <NUM> is inhibited by the second ribs <NUM> and the heated air stays between the outer side surface 13a of the third wall <NUM> and the second outer side surface cover portion <NUM>, whereby the heat radiation performance of the casing body <NUM> is reduced.

In the power control apparatus <NUM> of the present embodiment, on the other hand, each of the second ribs <NUM> includes the first protruding portion 50a protruding from the outer side surfaces 12a and 13a by the predetermined height and the second protruding portion 50b having the protrusion height from the outer side surfaces 12a and 13a lower than the protrusion height of the first protruding portion 50a, such that the second protruding portion 50b forms an air passage that allows the air to move upward. Thus, air heated between the outer side surface 12a and the first outer side surface cover portion <NUM> and air heated between the outer side surface 13a and the second outer side surface cover portion <NUM> can pass the second ribs <NUM> via the second protruding portions 50b. As a result, the heated air can be exhausted to the outside without staying between the outer side surface 12a of the second wall <NUM> and the first outer side surface cover portion <NUM> and between the outer side surface 13a of the third wall <NUM> and the second outer side surface cover portion <NUM>, and heat radiation performance of the casing body <NUM> can be improved.

Each of the second wall <NUM> and the third wall <NUM> is provided with a through hole <NUM> having a rectangular shape, as illustrated in <FIG>. Water such as rainwater that has entered the inner side of the top cover <NUM> through the discharge holes 18a thereof and accumulated on the top surface of the fourth wall <NUM> is discharged through the through hole <NUM> to the outer side surface 12a of the second wall <NUM> or the outer side surface 13a of the third wall <NUM>. The water discharged to the outer side surface 12a of the second wall <NUM> or the outer side surface 13a of the third wall <NUM> through the through hole <NUM> flows downward along the outer side surfaces 12a and 13a into the bottom cover <NUM> and is then drained to the outside through a drain hole formed on the bottom cover <NUM>.

Here, as described above, because the power control apparatus <NUM> of the present embodiment has the configuration in which the second ribs <NUM> have the first protruding portions 50a protruding by the predetermined height from the outer side surfaces 12a and 13a and the second protruding portions 50b protruding from the outer side surfaces 12a and 13a by the protrusion height lower than that of the first protruding portions 50a, the second protruding portions 50b also function as the water passage. Thus, water discharged through the through hole <NUM> can be drained to the outside without staying between the outer side surface 12a of the second wall <NUM> and the first outer side surface cover portion <NUM> and between the outer side surface 13a of the third wall <NUM> and the second outer side surface cover portion <NUM>. As a result, deterioration of coating films and progress of corrosion of the metal in the casing body <NUM> and the cover body <NUM> caused by water retention can be suppressed.

In the present embodiment, central portions of the second ribs <NUM> have the protrusion height lower than that of the end portions of the second rib <NUM> in a direction orthogonal to the first side 21a and the second side 21b serving as the respective sides of the flat plate-like cover portion <NUM> and parallel to the outer side surfaces 12a and 13a, such that the second protruding portions 50b are provided between respective pairs of first protruding portions 50a. However, this is not restrictive. The second ribs <NUM> may have a configuration including the first protruding portion 50a and the second protruding portion 50b, in which a protrusion height of the end portions in the above direction is lower than a protrusion height of another portion.

The present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

For example, although in the above embodiment the three first ribs <NUM> are provided on the outer side surfaces 12a and 13a, at least one first rib <NUM> is simply needed, and the number of the first ribs <NUM> can be appropriately determined.

Although in the above embodiments the first ribs <NUM> are configured to extend parallel to the first side 21a and the second side 21b serving as the respective sides of the flat plate-like cover portion <NUM>, this is not restrictive. The first ribs <NUM> may be configured to extend in a direction that is not parallel to the first side 21a and the second side 21b serving as the respective sides of the flat plate-like cover portion <NUM>.

Although in the above embodiments the second ribs <NUM> are provided on both the outer side surface 12a and the outer side surface 13a, the second ribs <NUM> may be omitted. In a configuration in which the second ribs <NUM> are provided on the outer side surface 12a and the outer side surface 13a, at least one second rib <NUM> simply needs to be provided on both the outer side surface 12a and the outer side surface 13a, and the number of the second ribs <NUM> can be appropriately determined.

The second ribs <NUM> are not limited to the configuration extending orthogonally to the first ribs <NUM> and may extend in a direction crossing the first ribs <NUM> at an angle other than <NUM> degrees. The protrusion height of the second ribs <NUM> from the outer side surface 13a may be equal to the protrusion height of the first rib <NUM> from the outer side surface 13a.

Although the cover body <NUM> includes the first outer side surface cover portion <NUM> and the second outer side surface cover portion <NUM>, the cover body <NUM> may have one of the outer side surface cover portions. In this case, the first rib <NUM> may be provided on the one of the outer surfaces corresponding to the outer side surface cover portion.

Claim 1:
A casing (<NUM>) for an electrical apparatus (<NUM>) that houses the electrical apparatus (<NUM>), the casing (<NUM>) comprising:
a casing body (<NUM>) having an opening (10b);
a cover body (<NUM>) that includes a flat plate-like cover portion (<NUM>) having a rectangular shape for covering the opening (10b) and an outer side surface cover portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) that is continuous to one side (21a, 21b) of the flat plate-like cover portion (<NUM>) and covers an outer side surface (12a, 13a) of the casing body (<NUM>); and
a first rib (<NUM>) that is provided on the outer surface (12a, 13a) of the casing body (<NUM>) covered by the outer side surface cover portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) and extends along the one side (21a, 21b),
characterized in that
the outer side surface (12a, 13a) is provided with a second rib (<NUM>) that extends in a direction crossing the first rib (<NUM>) and has a protrusion height from the outer side surface (12a, 13a) equal to or higher than a protrusion height of the first rib (<NUM>) from the outer side surface (12a, 13a),
wherein the second rib (<NUM>) includes a first protruding portion (50a) protruding from the outer side surface (12a, 13a) by a predetermined height and a second protruding portion (50b) protruding from the outer side surface (12a, 13a) by a protrusion height lower than the predetermined height of the first protruding portion (50a), and
wherein the second protruding portion (50b) forms an air passage that allows air to pass the second rib (<NUM>) via the second protruding portion (50b).