Sequence control terminal block, sequence control and sequence control unit

Abstract

A sequence control terminal block (1, 51) having a terminal surface on which a plurality of terminal areas (12) are arranged, to each of which a terminal can be attached, the sequence control terminal block (1, 51) comprising: a tie fastening portion (5, 55) formed to protrude in a first direction (Y) parallel to an arrangement direction (X) of the terminal portions (12), wherein the binder fastening region (5, 55) has two first legs (13, 53) which are designed to protrude in the first direction (Y), and a first connecting region (14, 54) which connects the ends of the two first legs (13, 53) to one another, a surface which is surrounded by a surface (1a, 51a) forming a fastening area, from which the tie fastening area (5, 55) protrudes, wherein the first legs (13, 53) and the first connecting area (14, 54) correspond to a threading hole into which a cable tie (4) can be threaded, wherein a distance between the surface (1a, 51a) forming a fastening area and the first connecting area (14, 54) is greater than a width of the cable tie (4), the binder fastening portion (5, 55) further comprises a second leg (15) formed to protrude from the fastening portion forming surface (1a, 51a) in the first direction (Y), and a second connecting portion (16) connecting one end of the second leg (15) to a central part of the first connecting portion (14, 54), and the first connecting region (14, 54) and the second connecting region (16) together form a T-shape.

Description

Area

[0001] The present invention relates to a terminal block for a sequence controller, a sequence controller and a sequence control unit. background

[0002] In a sequencer unit used in a system such as a factory automation (FA) device, multiple sequencers are typically arranged and mounted. Such a sequencer includes a terminal block with multiple terminal sections arranged thereon, to which wires for incoming and outgoing signals are connected. If the wires connected to the terminal sections are not held together but left as they are, the wires may interfere with an adjacent sequencer, making it difficult to attach and detach the sequencer. Furthermore, this may also impair the visibility of the wiring status, making it take a long time to locate a loose wire or the like in the wiring and making it difficult to prevent a ground fault or the like.

[0003] Therefore, the wires attached to the terminal sections are generally tied together and held together with a cable tie. As a further measure to prevent the wires from spreading apart, a cable tie is firmly attached to hold the wires together. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a tie-fixing section for attaching a cable tie to a terminal block. List of citationsPatent documents

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Application No. S61-63776. Short descriptionTechnical problem

[0005] However, in the conventional technique described above, the tie-down area is located at a point where it protrudes into a wiring installation area, reducing the space for wiring. The tie-down area can therefore interfere with wiring and make it difficult to handle.

[0006] DE 88 10 756 U1 discloses a terminal block with cutouts formed therein through which cable ties can be passed to fasten cables.

[0007] US 2012 / 0 057 307 A1 describes a terminal block with integrated channels for cable routing.

[0008] EP 0 592 712 A1 discloses a plug-in connection system with fastening tabs for attaching cable ties.

[0009] DE 82 25 323 U1 describes a plug-in device with semicircular projections at both ends for inserting connecting cables. Openings in the projections serve to thread cable ties through.

[0010] DE 296 06 299 U1 discloses a device for connecting peripheral cables to an assembly in which a cable duct is formed for laying cables.

[0011] JP 2010-282 764 A discloses a terminal block with a U-shaped cable entry formed on the terminal side.

[0012] JP 3 957 149 B2 shows a multi-level cable holder to which several cables can be individually fastened with separate cable ties.

[0013] The present invention is intended to overcome the problems described above, one object of the invention being to provide a terminal block for a sequence control with a tie mounting area that is less disruptive to wiring. Solution to the problem

[0014] According to the invention, a sequence control terminal block with the features of the appended claim 1, a sequence control with the features of the appended claim 4, and a sequence control unit with the features of the appended claim 5 are proposed. Advantageous embodiments of the sequence control terminal block are specified in the appended subclaims 2 and 3. Advantageous effects of the invention

[0015] According to the present invention, a sequence control terminal block having a tie-down mounting portion that is less likely to interfere with wiring can be provided. Short description of the characters Fig. 1 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a sequence control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 shows a view of the underside of the sequence control unit. Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a schematic configuration of a sequencer with a sequencer terminal block. Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic representation of a schematic configuration of the sequence control terminal block, showing the sequence control terminal block in a front perspective view. Fig. 5 shows an enlarged partial view in which the Fig. Part A shown in Figure 4 is illustrated. Fig. 6 shows a view of the right side of a truss attachment area. Fig. Figure 7 shows a cross section along the direction of the Fig. 6 arrows BB shown. Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state with a cable tie attached to the tie attachment portion. Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state where wires are held together with the cable tie. Fig. 10-1 is a graphical representation illustrating a method for texturing a surface in the vicinity of the truss attachment area. Fig. 10-2 is a graphical representation illustrating a method for texturing a surface in the vicinity of the truss attachment area. Fig. 10-3 is a graphical representation illustrating a method for texturing a surface in the vicinity of the truss attachment area. Fig. 11-1 is a diagram illustrating a method of texturing a surface in the vicinity of a header attachment portion according to a comparative example. Fig. 11-2 is a diagram illustrating a method of texturing a surface in the vicinity of a header attachment portion according to a comparative example. Fig. 11-3 is a diagram illustrating a method of texturing a surface in the vicinity of a header attachment portion according to a comparative example. Fig. 12 shows an enlarged partial perspective view of a truss attachment portion according to another comparative example. Fig. 13 is an enlarged perspective partial view showing a tie attachment portion of a sequence control terminal block according to still another comparative example, the view showing a state with a cable tie attached to the tie attachment portion. Description of embodiments

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of a sequencer terminal block, a sequencer, and a sequencer unit according to the present invention will be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. The present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0017] Fig. 1 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a sequence control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 shows a bottom view of the sequence control unit. A sequence control unit 2 comprises a base unit 10 and several sequence controllers 11. The sequence controllers 11 are arranged and attached to the base unit 10.

[0018] Connectors (not shown) are located on the opposing surfaces of the base unit 10 and the sequencers 11 to attach the base unit 10 and the sequencers 11. The sequencers 11 are electrically connected to each other via connectors through which information is sent and received and power is transmitted and received.

[0019] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a schematic configuration of the sequencer with a sequencer terminal block. Fig. Figure 4 is a diagrammatic representation of a schematic configuration of the sequence control terminal block, showing the sequence control terminal block in a front perspective view. As shown in Fig. 3, the shape of the sequencer 11 as a whole resembles a cuboid and has a sequencer terminal block on the front of a housing area 7.

[0020] On the sequencer terminal block 1, a plurality of connection terminal areas 12 are arranged, which are designed for connecting wires in a direction indicated by the arrow X. The direction of the arrow X is perpendicular to an arrangement direction of the sequencers 11 and parallel to the sequencer mounting surface 10a of the base unit 10. As shown, for example, in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 4, each of the terminal portions 12 is configured to receive a terminal (not shown) located at one end of the wire.

[0021] Fig. 5 shows an enlarged partial view illustrating the Fig. 4. On one of the surfaces of the sequencer terminal block 1, there is a tie-fastening portion 5, which, when attached to the sequencer 11, belongs to a lower surface (a fastening portion forming surface 1a) of the sequencer. The tie-fastening portion 5 is formed to protrude in a direction indicated by arrow Y (first direction). The direction of arrow Y is parallel to the arrangement direction of the connection terminal portions 12 (the direction indicated by arrow X) with respect to the fastening portion forming surface 1a. Since this structure is formed in a housing of the terminal block assembly, it does not adversely affect wiring efficiency.

[0022] Fig. 6 shows a view of the right side of a truss attachment area. Fig. Figure 7 shows a cross section along the direction of the Fig. 6 shown arrows BB. The truss fastening area 5 comprises first legs 13, a first connecting area 14, a second leg 15, and a second connecting area 16.

[0023] The number of first legs 13 is two, wherein the first legs 13 are formed such that they protrude in the direction indicated by the arrow X from the surface 1a forming a fastening area. As Fig. As can be seen from Figure 7, the two first legs 13 are formed on an edge of the surface 1a forming a fastening region. The first connecting region 14 connects the ends of the first legs 13 to one another. The tie fastening region 5 thus has a ring shape, so that an area surrounded by the surface 1a forming a fastening region, the first legs 13, and the first connecting region 14 corresponds to a threading hole into which a cable tie 4 can be threaded.

[0024] The second leg 15 is formed such that it protrudes from the fastening region forming surface 1a in a direction indicated by the arrow Y. The second connecting region 16 connects one end of the second leg 15 to a central region of the first connecting region 14. The connection of the first connecting region 14 and the second connecting region 16 results in a T-shape, as can be seen from a plan view. An area surrounded by the fastening region forming surface 1a, the first legs 13, the first connecting region 14, the second connecting region 16, and the second leg 15 also corresponds to a threading hole into which a cable tie 4 can be threaded. Accordingly, three routes are formed through which the cable tie 4 can be passed.

[0025] Fig. Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state with cable ties 4 attached to the tie attachment portion 5. How Fig. As can be seen from Fig. 8, three routes are formed, into each of which a cable tie 4 can be inserted, so that several cable ties 4 can be attached to the single tie fastening area 5.

[0026] As in Fig. 7, the corner edges 17 of the first leg 13, the first connecting region 14, the second leg 15 and the second connecting region 16, which point towards the interior of the area surrounded by these regions, ie the corner edges 17 which face the threading holes, are chamfered.

[0027] Fig. Fig. 9 is a graphical representation illustrating a state with wires 3 held together by cable ties 4. As in Fig. 9, the cable ties 4 are used to hold together a plurality of wires 3 that are fastened to the terminal areas 12. The cable ties 4 are fastened to the tie fastening area 5 when tying together the wires 3. The wires 3 fastened to the terminal areas 12 run along the surface on which the terminal areas 12 are arranged and are directed towards the underside of the sequence control 11 (see also Fig. 1 and Fig. 2) redirected.

[0028] In the above-described sequence control terminal block 1, sequence control 11 and sequence control unit 2, the tie fixing portion 5 is formed so as to protrude in a direction indicated by arrow Y, which is parallel to the direction of arrangement of the connection terminal portions 12 on the sequence control terminal block 1. Therefore, the tie fixing portion 5, as shown in Fig. 9, is arranged at a location that runs away from the routing paths of the wires 3 along the surface where the connecting terminal areas 12 are arranged. This makes it less likely that the wire routing will be disrupted by the tie fastening area 5, and handling will not be impaired.

[0029] By bundling the wires 3 with the cable ties 4 so that the wires 3 are secured to the sequencer terminal block 1, the system obtains a better appearance and interference with an adjacent sequencer 11 by the wires 3 is less likely, thereby simplifying attachment / removal of the sequencer 11.

[0030] In addition, the wires 3 are connected to the sequencer terminal block 1. Therefore, when a sequencer terminal block 1 has been removed from the housing section 7 of the sequencer 11, the removed sequencer terminal block 1 can be attached to another housing section 7 of another sequencer 11 and used as it is.

[0031] The tensile strength when pulling on wires 3 is improved. Even if the wires come loose, the probability of a short circuit to ground caused by the loosening is lower because the wires 3 are held together by the cable ties 4.

[0032] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 8, since multiple cable ties 4 can be attached to the tie fastening area 5, the wires 3 can be bundled into multiple groups. Since the likelihood of the cable ties interfering with each other is reduced in this case, handling is also improved. The ability to bundle the wires into multiple groups allows wires that are difficult to bundle, such as signal wires and power supply wires, to be bundled into groups.

[0033] By selecting the threading hole to be used, a suitable type of fastening can be selected. For example, if wires are to be fastened in such a way that they continue downwards, the threading hole can be selected through which the Fig. 8 is guided. If the wires are to be guided to the front and wires leading to the terminal block of an adjacent sequence control 11 are to be fastened, the threading hole can be selected through which the Fig. 8 is guided. If wires are to be guided to the base unit 10 in such a way that they are difficult to see and the appearance of the wire fastening is to be improved, the threading hole can be selected through which the Fig. 8. In this way, the cable tie 4 can be attached in an orientation suitable for the wire routing route by selecting the threading hole for threading the cable tie 4, whereby not all of the cable ties 4 are necessarily used.

[0034] As from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 7, the corner edges 17 facing the threading holes are chamfered. When threading the cable tie 4 into the threading hole, one end of the cable tie 4 is easily guided into the threading hole by the chamfered corner edges 17. This allows the cable tie 4 to be easily inserted into the threading hole, thereby facilitating the attachment of the cable tie 4. This improves handling even in a dark location.

[0035] The corner edges 17 represent areas with which a cable tie 4 comes into contact during application. Due to the chamfered corner edges 17, local stress on a cable tie is less likely. The likelihood of damage to the cable tie 4 is therefore lower.

[0036] The surface of the sequence control terminal block 1 can be provided with a surface texture. In the tie-fixing portion 5 of the sequence control terminal block 1 according to the embodiment, the functionality of the surface texture can be improved, and the appearance of the sequence control terminal block 1 can be improved after it has been subjected to surface texturing. This aspect will be explained in detail below with reference to the figures.

[0037] First, a surface texturing process is described. Fig. 10-1 to 10-3 show graphical representations illustrating a procedure for texturing the surface in the area of the truss attachment region 5. Fig. 10-1 shows the surroundings of the truss attachment area 5 in a state in which it has not been subjected to surface texturing. As can be seen from Fig. 10-2, in which a mold core slider 18 is inserted as an aid into the threading hole of the binder fastening area 5, the surface texturing is carried out on the surface of the sequence control terminal block 1, including the surface 1a forming a fastening area.

[0038] At this time, no surface texturing is carried out on the area covered by the mold core slide 18, so that this area is not subjected to any surface texturing. However, since the first legs 13 of the binder fastening area, as shown in Fig. 10-3, are formed at the edge of the surface 1a forming the attachment area, a large part of the area not subjected to surface texturing is concealed by the tie attachment area 5. Since this area not subjected to surface texturing is difficult to see, an improved appearance of the sequence control terminal block 1 is achieved.

[0039] The width of the surface not subjected to surface texturing depends on the width of the mold core slider 18. Since the mold core slider 18 is inserted through the threading hole surrounded by the surface 1a forming the attachment portion, the first legs 13, and the first connecting portion 14, the width of the surface not subjected to surface texturing does not exceed the width of the threading hole.

[0040] By making the width of the second connecting portion 16 at least larger than the width of the threading hole surrounded by the surface 1a forming the fastening portion, the first legs 13, and the first connecting portion 14, the area not subjected to surface texturing can be reliably covered by the undersides of the first connecting portion 14 and the second connecting portion 16, as viewed from above. Furthermore, if the width of the second connecting portion 16 is made larger, the area not subjected to surface texturing becomes more difficult to see.

[0041] Since the second leg 15 lies in the insertion direction of the mold core slider 18, the mold core slider 18 can be inserted until it abuts the second leg 15. Therefore, fine adjustment of the insertion path or the like is not required when inserting the mold core slider 18, which can improve handling.

[0042] Next, as a comparative example, a method for texturing a surface of a sequencer terminal block 100 having a tie attachment portion 150 as shown will be described. Fig. 11-1 to 11-3 are diagrams showing a method of texturing a surface in the vicinity of a truss attachment portion shown as a comparative example.

[0043] In the header attachment portion 150 illustrated as a comparative example, one of the legs 113 is located at a position offset from an edge of a surface 100a forming a mounting portion. Therefore, due to the covering by the mold core slider 18a, a portion of the surface not subjected to surface texturing is not covered by the header attachment portion 150 but is exposed, thereby deteriorating the appearance of the sequencer terminal block 100. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the appearance can be improved as described above because the surface not subjected to surface texturing is difficult to see.

[0044] Fig. 12 is an enlarged partial perspective view of a tie fastening portion illustrated as another comparative example. In a tie fastening portion 200 illustrated as a comparative example, two steps are required to attach a cable tie 4: one step to thread one end of the cable tie 4 into one of the threading holes, and another step to pull the end of the cable tie 4 out of the other threading hole. Therefore, increased labor and difficulty in handling when attaching the cable tie 4 may be a problem. In contrast, in the present embodiment, since the cable tie 4 is simply passed through the threading hole with one end for attachment, an increase in labor can be avoided and handleability can be improved.

[0045] Fig. 13 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a tie-fastening portion of a sequence control terminal block according to yet another embodiment, illustrating a state in which a cable tie is attached to the tie-fastening portion. Components identical to those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by similar reference numerals and will not be explicitly described.

[0046] A tie fastening portion 55 of a sequence control terminal block 51 according to this comparative example has no second leg 15 and no second connection portion 16 (see also Fig. 5 etc.), as described in the above embodiment. However, since two first legs 53 are formed on an edge of a surface 51a forming a fastening region, as in the above embodiment, the binder fastening region 55 comprising a first connecting region 54 can cover a surface not subjected to surface texturing. Since the mold core slider 18 (see also Fig. 10-2) cannot, however, strike the second leg 15, the handling is somewhat worse.

[0047] As in the above embodiment, the tie-fixing portion 55 is formed to protrude in the direction indicated by arrow Y parallel to the arrangement direction of the terminal portions 12. The tie-fixing portion 55 is arranged at a location away from the wiring route of the wires 3 connected to the terminal portions 12. Therefore, the tie-fixing portion 55 is less likely to interfere with the wiring work, thereby preventing deterioration of the workability.

[0048] The cable tie 4 can be attached by simply passing one end of the cable tie 4 through the threading hole once. Unlike a cable tie as shown in Fig.With the tie fastening portion 200 shown in Figure 12, after inserting the cable tie 4 into one of the threading holes, the cable tie 4 does not need to be pulled out at a location associated with another threading hole. Therefore, an increase in labor can be avoided and handling can be improved. Industrial applicability

[0049] As explained above, a sequence control terminal block according to the invention is suitable for a sequence control terminal block in which several wires are connected to connection terminal areas. List of reference symbols

[0050] 1 sequence control terminal block, 1a surface forming a fastening area, 2 sequence control unit, 3 wire, 4a, 4b, 4c cable tie, 5 tie fastening area, 7 housing area, 10 base unit, 10a sequence control fastening surface, 11 sequence control, 12 connection terminal area, 13 first leg, 14 first connection area, 15 second leg, 16 second connection area, 17 corner edge, 18 mold core slider, 51 sequence control terminal block, 51a surface forming a fastening area, 53 first leg, 54 first connection area, 55 tie fastening area, 100 sequence control terminal block, 113 leg, 150, 200 tie fastening area.

Claims

[1] Sequence control terminal block (1, 51) having a terminal surface on which a plurality of terminal areas (12) are arranged, to each of which a terminal can be attached, the sequence control terminal block (1, 51) comprising: a tie fastening portion (5, 55) formed to protrude in a first direction (Y) parallel to an arrangement direction (X) of the terminal portions (12), wherein the binder fastening region (5, 55) has two first legs (13, 53) which are designed to protrude in the first direction (Y), and a first connecting region (14, 54) which connects the ends of the two first legs (13, 53) to one another, a surface which is surrounded by a surface (1a, 51a) forming a fastening area, from which the tie fastening area (5, 55) protrudes, wherein the first legs (13, 53) and the first connecting area (14, 54) correspond to a threading hole into which a cable tie (4) can be threaded, wherein a distance between the surface (1a, 51a) forming a fastening area and the first connecting area (14, 54) is greater than a width of the cable tie (4), the binder fastening portion (5, 55) further comprises a second leg (15) formed to protrude from the fastening portion forming surface (1a, 51a) in the first direction (Y), and a second connecting portion (16) connecting one end of the second leg (15) to a central part of the first connecting portion (14, 54), and the first connecting region (14, 54) and the second connecting region (16) together form a T-shape. [2] A sequence control terminal block (1, 51) according to claim 1, wherein the corner edges of the first leg (13, 53), the first connecting portion (14, 54), the second leg (15) and the second connecting portion (16) facing the interior of a surface surrounded by these portions are chamfered. [3] A sequence control terminal block (1, 51) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first legs (13, 53) are formed to project from an edge of the surface (1a, 51a) forming a mounting portion. [4] Sequence control (11) comprising: a sequence control terminal block (1, 51) according to one of claims 1 to 3 and a housing area (7) to which the sequence control terminal block (1, 51) is attached. [5] Sequence control unit (2) comprising: several sequence controls (11) according to claim 4 and a base unit (10) on which the sequence controls (11) are arranged and fastened.

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