Terminal block and terminal block group

Abstract

The invention provides a terminal block and a terminal block group, which can display that the input / output voltage relative to other terminal blocks is normal. A terminal block that can be electrically connected to another terminal block is provided with a determination unit and a display unit. The determination unit is configured so as to be able to determine whether or not a first voltage output to the connected other terminal block or a second voltage input from the connected other terminal block is normal. The display unit is configured so as to be able to display that the first voltage or the second voltage is normal when it is determined that the first voltage or the second voltage is normal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a terminal block and a terminal block group. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a terminal block in which a display lamp is integrally provided, and the display lamp can be lit to confirm that the electric heater is operating normally.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2006-19173

[0004] The terminal block of Patent Document 1 does not consider at all the operation of the electric heater of the terminal block not provided with the display lamp. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a terminal block capable of displaying a normal input / output voltage with respect to other terminal blocks, and a terminal block group capable of displaying, at a first terminal block, that a first voltage output from the first terminal block to a second terminal block or a second voltage input from the second terminal block to the first terminal block is normal.

[0006] A terminal block according to one aspect of the present disclosure can be electrically connected to other terminal blocks, and the terminal block includes: a determination unit configured to be able to determine whether a first voltage output to the connected other terminal block or a second voltage input from the connected other terminal block is normal; and a display unit configured to be able to display that the first voltage or the second voltage is normal when it is determined that the first voltage or the second voltage is normal.

[0007] A terminal block group according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a first terminal block, which is the terminal block of the above aspect; a second terminal block, which is the other terminal block; and a conduction member that electrically connects the first terminal block and the second terminal block.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, a terminal block capable of displaying that the first voltage or the second voltage is normal can be realized. In addition, according to the present disclosure, a terminal block group capable of displaying, at the first terminal block, that the first voltage or the second voltage is normal can be realized. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a terminal block group according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 2 is a representation of Figure 1 a perspective view of the second terminal block of the terminal block group.

[0011] Figure 3 is a representation of Figure 1 a side view of a state in which the first terminal block and the second terminal block of the terminal block group are connected.

[0012] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the first terminal block and the second terminal block of the terminal block group of Figure 1 are connected.

[0013] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the first terminal block of the terminal block group of Figure 1

[0014] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the second terminal block of the terminal block group of Figure 1

[0015] Figure 7 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the determination unit of the terminal block group of Figure 1

[0016] Figure 8 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the display process for showing the second normal state of the terminal block group of Figure 1

[0017] Figure 9 is a view showing an example of the tool of the terminal block group of Figure 1

[0018] Reference Numeral Explanation

[0019] 1 Terminal block group

[0020] 10 First terminal block

[0021] 11 Determination unit

[0022] 111 Processor

[0023] 112 Storage device

[0024] 12 Display unit

[0025] 121 Light-emitting element

[0026] 122 LED

[0027] 123 Light guide member

[0028] 124 Substrate

[0029] 13 Connection part

[0030] 131 Terminal part

[0031] 20 Second terminal block

[0032] 21 Connection part

[0033] 211 Terminal part

[0034] 30 Conductive member ​​​​​

[0035] 40 tools

[0036] 101 and 201 housings

[0037] 102, 103, 202, and 203 openings Detailed implementation mode

[0038] Hereinafter, an example of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The following description is essentially just an illustration and does not limit the present disclosure, the application objects of the present disclosure, and the uses of the present disclosure. The drawings are schematic drawings, and the structures shown may sometimes have different ratios of each dimension, etc. from the implementation products.

[0039] As Figure 1 shown, the terminal block group 1 of one mode of the present disclosure includes a first terminal block 10 and a second terminal block 20. In this mode, the first terminal block 10 and the second terminal block 20 are push-connect type terminal blocks. As Figure 2 shown, the second terminal block 20 constitutes a part of the power supply device 2.

[0040] As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the first terminal block 10 and the second terminal block 20 are electrically connected via a conduction component 30. The conduction component 30 includes, for example, a copper plate and a wire. In this mode, power is supplied from the first terminal block 10 to the second terminal block 20 via a cable 50 (an example of a conduction component) connected to the first terminal block 10.

[0041] The first terminal block 10 is configured to be able to be electrically connected to other terminal blocks including the second terminal block 20. The first terminal block 10 includes a determination unit 11 and a display unit 12. In this mode, the first terminal block 10 and the second terminal block 20 include connection parts 13 and 21, and are electrically connected via the connection parts 13 and 21. A cable 50 is connected to the connection part 13 of the first terminal block 10.

[0042] The determination unit 11 is configured to be able to determine whether the first voltage output to the connected second terminal block 20 or the second voltage input from the connected second terminal block 20 is normal. In this mode, as an example, the determination unit 11 is composed of the circuit shown in Figure 7 In Figure 7 the circuit, an AC voltage is input from an external power supply 60 to the first terminal block 10. The input AC voltage is divided and input to the comparator IC 110. If the input AC voltage is above the threshold value, it is determined that the first voltage is normal, and the current flows through the terminal K to the display unit 12, and the LED 121 lights up. Regarding the second voltage, it can also be determined by comparing with Figure 7The same circuit structure as the shown circuit is used to determine whether it is normal. In this case, the DC voltage output from the power supply device 2 is input to the first terminal block 10. The input DC voltage is divided and input to the comparator IC 110. If the input DC voltage is above the threshold value, it is determined that the second voltage is normal, and the current flows through the terminal K to the display unit 12, and the LED 121 lights up.

[0043] When the determination unit 11 determines that the first voltage or the second voltage is normal, the display unit 12 displays "First voltage normal" or "Second voltage normal".

[0044] The determination unit 11 may also include a processor 111 and a storage device 112. The processor 111 and the storage device 112 may also constitute, for example, Figure 7 a part of the shown circuit. The processor 111 includes, for example, a CPU, MPU, GPU, DSP, FPGA, ASIC, or a combination thereof. The storage device 112 includes, for example, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium composed of an internal recording medium or an external recording medium. The internal recording medium includes a non-volatile memory, etc. The external recording medium includes a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), an optical disc device, etc. The determination unit 11 may also be configured to transmit and receive data to and from an external device such as a server via a communication circuit or a communication module.

[0045] The display unit 12 is configured to be able to display "First voltage normal" or "Second voltage normal" when it is determined that the first voltage or the second voltage is normal.

[0046] In this mode, the display unit 12 includes a light-emitting element 121. For example, as Figure 4 shown, the light-emitting element 121 includes an LED (light-emitting diode) 122 and a light guide member 123. In a state where the first terminal block 10 and the second terminal block 20 are connected, the LED 122 is located on the substrate 124 of the first terminal block 10 facing the second terminal block 20. By lighting the LED 122, it is displayed that "the first voltage or the second voltage is normal".

[0047] The first terminal block 10 and the second terminal block 20 include housings 101 and 201, and the respective connection portions 13 and 21 are located inside the housings 101 and 201. The respective connection portions 13 and 21 include terminal portions 131 and 211 configured to contact the housed conduction member 30.

[0048] In Figure 4In a state where the first terminal block 10 and the second terminal block 20 shown are connected by the conduction member 30, the housing 101 of the first terminal block 10 has openings 102 and 103 on the surface opposite to the surface facing the second terminal block 20. The openings 102 and 103 are adjacent to each other. The housing 201 of the second terminal block 20 has openings 202 and 203 on the surface facing the first terminal block 10. The openings 202 and 203 are adjacent to each other. The openings 102 and 103 of the first terminal block 10 are connected to the connecting portion 13, and the openings 202 and 203 of the second terminal block 20 are connected to the connecting portion 21. In this embodiment, the housing 101 has a plurality of openings 102 and 103, and the housing 201 has a plurality of openings 202 and 203. The same number of openings 102 and 103 are provided in the housing 101. The same number of openings 202 and 203 are provided in the housing 201.

[0049] As Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, as an example, the connecting portion 13 of the first terminal block 10 has a leaf spring. The leaf spring is configured to be able to clamp and hold the cable 50 received through the opening 102 together with the terminal portion 131, and to be able to release the holding of the cable 50 by a tool (not shown) received in the connecting portion 13 through the opening 103.

[0050] As Figure 4 and Figure 6 shown, the connecting portion 21 of the second terminal block 20 is configured to be able to receive a part of the conduction member 30, and to be able to hold a part of the received conduction member 30 and to be able to release the holding of the received conduction member 30 by a tool 40. A part of the conduction member 30 is received in the connecting portion 21 through the opening 202 of the housing 201. The opening 202 is an example of the first opening.

[0051] As an example, the connecting portion 21 has a leaf spring 212. The leaf spring 212 is configured to be able to clamp and hold the conduction member 30 received through the opening 202 together with the terminal portion 211, and to be able to release the holding of the conduction member 30 by the tool 40 received in the connecting portion 21 through the opening 203. A part of the tool 40 is fixed to the housing 101 of the first terminal block 10, and the tool 40 extends from the opening 103 to the outside of the housing 101. A part of the portion of the tool 40 located outside the housing 101 is received inside the connecting portion 21 through the opening 203 of the housing 201. By bringing the first terminal block 10 and the second terminal block 20 closer to each other, the tool 40 contacts the leaf spring 212, and the holding of the conduction member 30 is released. The opening 203 is an example of the second opening.

[0052] Refer to Figure 8, an example of the display process for showing the second normal state of the use of the terminal block group 1 will be described. This display process is implemented, for example, by the processor 111 executing a prescribed program stored in the storage device 112.

[0053] As Figure 8 shown, when the display process starts, it is determined whether the second terminal block 20 is connected (step S1). Step S1 is repeated until it is determined that the second terminal block 20 is connected. The determination unit 11 determines that the second terminal block 20 is connected, for example, in the following cases.

[0054] · When a prescribed signal output from the second terminal block 20 is received.

[0055] · When the user has performed the start operation of the display process on the first terminal block 10.

[0056] When it is determined that the second terminal block 20 is connected, the determination unit 11 acquires the first voltage or the second voltage (step S2). When the voltage is acquired, the determination unit 11 determines whether the acquired voltage is normal (step S3). Whether the acquired voltage is normal is determined, for example, based on whether the acquired voltage is equal to or higher than a prescribed threshold value. The prescribed threshold value of the voltage is set, for example, according to the specifications of the second terminal block 20, etc.

[0057] When it is determined that the acquired voltage is normal, the determination unit 11 causes the display unit 12 to display "The acquired voltage is normal" (step S4).

[0058] In the case where it is not determined that the acquired voltage is normal in step S3, or when "The acquired voltage is normal" is displayed by the display unit 12 in step S4, the determination unit 11 determines whether to end the display process (step S5). The determination unit 11 determines to end the display process, for example, in the following cases.

[0059] · When a prescribed signal output from the second terminal block 20 has not been received for a prescribed period or more.

[0060] · When the user has performed the end operation of the display process on the first terminal block 10.

[0061] In the case where it is determined to end the display process, the display process ends. In the case where it is not determined to end the display process, the process returns to step S2 to acquire the first voltage or the second voltage. In the case where "The acquired voltage is normal" is displayed by the display unit 12 in step S4, the process returns to step S2 in the state where "The acquired voltage is normal" is being displayed by the display unit 12. In the state where "The acquired voltage is normal" is being displayed by the display unit 12, in the case where it is not determined that the acquired voltage is normal in step S3, the determination unit 11 causes the display unit 12 to end the display of "The acquired voltage is normal".

[0062] The first terminal block 10 can achieve the following effects.

[0063] The first terminal block capable of being electrically connected to other terminal blocks includes a determination unit 11 and a display unit 12. The determination unit 11 is configured to be able to determine whether the first voltage or the second voltage is normal. The display unit 12 is configured to be able to display that the first voltage or the second voltage is normal when it is determined that the first voltage or the second voltage is normal. With such a structure, a terminal block can be realized that can display that the input / output voltage with respect to other terminal blocks is normal.

[0064] The display unit 12 includes a light-emitting element 121. The determination unit 11 is configured to cause the light-emitting element 121 to emit light when it is determined that the first voltage or the second voltage is normal. With such a structure, a terminal block can be more reliably realized that can display that the input / output voltage with respect to other terminal blocks is normal.

[0065] The terminal block group 1 can achieve the following effects.

[0066] The terminal block group 1 includes a first terminal block 10, a second terminal block 20, and a conduction component 30 that electrically connects the first terminal block 10 and the second terminal block 20. With such a structure, a terminal block group 1 can be realized that can display that the first voltage or the second voltage is normal at the first terminal block 10.

[0067] The second terminal block 20 includes a housing 201. The housing 201 is configured to be able to accommodate a part of the conduction component 30, and to be able to hold a part of the accommodated conduction component 30 and be able to release the holding of the conduction component 30 by a tool 40. The housing 201 has: a first opening 202 configured to be able to allow the conduction component 30 to be inserted; and a second opening 203 provided adjacent to the first opening 202 and configured to be able to allow the tool 40 to be inserted. With such a structure, a terminal block group 1 can be more reliably realized that can display that the first voltage or the second voltage is normal at the first terminal block 10.

[0068] The tool 40 is fixed to the first terminal block 10. With such a structure, a terminal block group 1 can be more reliably realized that can display that the first voltage or the second voltage is normal at the first terminal block 10.

[0069] The terminal block group 1, the first terminal block 10, and the second terminal block 20 can be configured as follows.

[0070] The present disclosure is not limited to push-in connection type terminal blocks, and can be applied to terminal blocks of other structures such as screw connection type terminal blocks.

[0071] The length of the conduction component 30 can be arbitrarily changed. The tool 40 can be used in a state fixed to the first terminal block 10 or in a state removed from the first terminal block 10 according to the length of the conduction component 30.

[0072] The display unit 12 is not limited to including the light-emitting element 121, and any structure capable of displaying the first normal state or the second normal state can be adopted. For example, in addition to the light-emitting element 121, the display unit 12 can also include a structure capable of outputting sound.

[0073] The connection part 21 of the second terminal block 20 can adopt any structure that can accommodate a part of the conduction component 30, can hold the accommodated part of the conduction component 30, and can release the holding of the conduction component 30 by the tool 40. The structure of the tool 40 can be changed according to the structure of the connection part 21 of the second terminal block 20.

[0074] For example, as Figure 9 shown, the tool 40 can be configured to have a plurality of protrusions 41 that can be simultaneously inserted into a plurality of second openings 203 of the second terminal block 20. The tool 40 is configured to have at least the same number of protrusions 41 as the conduction component 30 accommodated in the connection part 21 via the second opening 203 of the second terminal block 20. In Figure 2 the case where the conduction component 30 is inserted into all five second openings 203 of the second terminal block 20, the tool 40 is configured to have at least five protrusions 41. By configuring in this way, it is possible to more reliably achieve the following terminal block group 1: capable of displaying the first voltage or the second voltage normally at the first terminal block 10.

[0075] As described above, various embodiments in the present disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. Finally, various aspects of the present disclosure will be described. In the following description, as an example, reference numerals are added for description.

[0076] The terminal block according to the first aspect of the present disclosure can be electrically connected to other terminal blocks, and the terminal block includes: a determination unit 11 configured to be able to determine whether the first voltage output to the connected other terminal block or the second voltage input from the connected other terminal block is normal; and a display unit 12 configured to be able to display that the first voltage or the second voltage is normal when it is determined that the first voltage or the second voltage is normal.

[0077] The terminal block according to the second aspect of the present disclosure is configured such that, on the basis of the terminal block according to the first aspect, the display unit 12 includes a light-emitting element 121, and when the determination unit 11 determines that the first voltage or the second voltage is normal, the light-emitting element 121 emits light.

[0078] The terminal block group 1 of the third aspect of the present disclosure includes: a first terminal block 10, which is the terminal block described in the first aspect or the second aspect; a second terminal block 20, which is the other terminal block; and a conduction component 30, which electrically connects the first terminal block 10 and the second terminal block 20.

[0079] Based on the terminal block group 1 of the third aspect, the terminal block group 1 of the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the second terminal block 20 includes a housing 201, and the housing 201 has a connection portion 21 inside. The connection portion 21 is configured to be able to accommodate a part of the conduction component 30, and be able to hold a part of the accommodated conduction component 30 and be able to release the holding of the conduction component 30 by a tool 40. The housing 201 has: a first opening 202, which is configured to be able to allow the conduction component 30 to be inserted; and a second opening 203, which is arranged adjacent to the first opening 202 and is configured to be able to allow the tool 40 to be inserted.

[0080] Based on the terminal block group 1 of the fourth aspect, the terminal block group 1 of the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the tool 40 is fixed to the first terminal block 10.

[0081] Based on the terminal block group 1 of the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect, the terminal block group 1 of the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the housing 201 has: a plurality of the first openings 202; and a plurality of the second openings 203 respectively corresponding to the plurality of the first openings 202, and the tool 40 has a plurality of protrusions 41 that can be inserted into the plurality of the second openings 203 simultaneously.

[0082] Based on the terminal block group 1 of the sixth aspect, the terminal block group 1 of the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the tool 40 has at least the same number of the protrusions 41 as the conduction component 30.

[0083] By appropriately combining any of the above various embodiments or variations, the respective effects can be achieved. In addition, combinations of embodiments with each other, combinations of examples with each other, or combinations of embodiments and examples can be made, and combinations of features in different embodiments or examples can also be made.

[0084] The present disclosure has been described in each embodiment with a certain degree of detail, but the disclosed content of these embodiments can be appropriately changed in the detailed parts of the structure, and changes in the combination and order of elements in each embodiment can be achieved without departing from the scope and concept of the claimed present disclosure.

[0085] Industrial Applicability

[0086] The present disclosure can be applied, for example, to terminal blocks installed in control panels or power supply devices.

Claims

1. A terminal block capable of being electrically connected to other terminal blocks, wherein: The terminal block has: a determination unit configured to determine whether a first voltage output to the other connected terminal block or a second voltage input from the other connected terminal block is normal; as well as The display unit is configured to display that the first voltage or the second voltage is normal when it is determined that the first voltage or the second voltage is normal.

2. The terminal block according to claim 1, wherein: The display unit includes a light emitting element. The determination unit is configured to cause the light emitting element to emit light when determining that the first voltage or the second voltage is normal.

3. A terminal block assembly, comprising: A first terminal seat, which is the terminal seat according to claim 1 or 2; A second terminal seat, which is the other terminal seat; and A conducting component electrically connects the first terminal block and the second terminal block.

4. The terminal block assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The second terminal block includes a housing having a connecting portion therein, wherein the connecting portion is configured to receive a portion of the conductive component, retain the received portion of the conductive component, and release the retention of the conductive component by a tool. The housing has: a first opening configured to allow the conductive component to be inserted therein; and The second opening is provided adjacent to the first opening and is configured to allow the tool to be inserted.

5. The terminal block assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The tool is fixed to the first terminal seat.

6. The terminal block assembly according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: The housing comprises: a plurality of said first openings; and a plurality of the second openings corresponding to the plurality of the first openings respectively; The tool has a plurality of protrusions that can be simultaneously inserted into a plurality of the second openings.

7. The terminal block assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The tool has at least the same number of the protrusions as the conductive components.

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