Block and contact block

Abstract

A block (12) comprising two contact elements (20) adjacent to each other in a predetermined mounting direction, wherein the two contact elements (20) have approximately inverted U-shapes open in an insertion direction orthogonal to the predetermined mounting direction, wherein the block (12) comprises a support element (22) for supporting the two contact elements (20) and the support element (22) is equipped with a slot (16) for inserting a printed circuit board (14) between the two contact elements (20) along the insertion direction and a first wall area (24a) for preventing a displacement of a contact point (CP) of the two contact elements (20) in the predetermined mounting direction.

Description

field of technology

[0001] The present invention relates to a contact block in which a plurality of contact transmitters are mounted, and to a block provided in the contact block. State of the art

[0002] JP 2018-056503 A discloses an I / O unit. According to JP 2018-056503 A, a plurality of I / O units are mounted on a DIN rail. Overview of the invention

[0003] The I / O unit comprises a plurality of contacts. These contacts are connection groups located on both sides of the I / O unit (see also JP 2018-056503 A). Two I / O units adjacent to each other on the DIN rail are electrically connected by bringing the plurality of contacts of the two I / O units into contact with each other.

[0004] The I / O unit further comprises an electrical circuit that performs processing for transmitting and receiving signals to and from another I / O unit. The electrical circuit is, for example, implemented on a circuit board. The circuit board (a board on which an electrical circuit is implemented) is inserted between the multiple contacts arranged on one side of the I / O unit and the multiple contacts arranged on the other side of the I / O unit.

[0005] The contactor can obstruct the printed circuit board being installed. Furthermore, the contactor obstructing the printed circuit board can be bent by the pressure exerted by the printed circuit board.

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the problem mentioned above.

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention is characterized by a block comprising: two contact transmitters arranged adjacent to each other along a predetermined mounting direction in order to be electrically connected to each other;and a support element configured to support the two contact elements so that they are arranged along the specified mounting direction, the support element being provided with a slot configured to allow a removable circuit board to be inserted between the two contact elements along an insertion direction that is orthogonal to the specified mounting direction in order to electrically connect the removable circuit board and the two contact elements, the two contact elements having a substantially U-shape that opens in a direction opposite to the insertion direction when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the specified mounting direction and the insertion direction, and a first wall region being provided on the support element, the first wall region being configured to prevent a contact point between the two contact elements from being displaced in the specified mounting direction.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention is characterized by a contact block into which a printed circuit board is inserted, wherein the contact block and a further contact block are arranged adjacent to one another along a predetermined mounting direction in order to be electrically connected to each other, wherein the contact block comprises: a plurality of the blocks according to the first aspect, wherein the plurality of blocks are stacked in a direction orthogonal to the predetermined mounting direction and the insertion direction such that the slot of each of the plurality of blocks is connected to the slot of a further of the plurality of blocks.

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the risk of the contactor bending. Brief description of the drawings [ Fig. 1] Fig. 1A is a perspective view of an I / O unit according to a reference example; Fig. 1B is an exploded view of the I / O unit Fig. 1A; [ Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a contact block according to a reference example; [ Fig. 3] Fig. 3A is an end view along a line IIIA-IIIA of Fig. 2; Fig. 3B is a view that displays the contact block of Fig. 3A represents a circuit board inserted therein; [ Fig. 4] Fig. Figure 4 is a view showing three contact blocks arranged in a left-right direction in the same sectional view as that of Fig. 3A represents; [ Fig. 5] Fig. Figure 5 is a view representing a contact block according to one embodiment; and [ Fig. 6] Fig. Figure 6 is a top view of a block according to the embodiment. Detailed description of the invention. Designs

[0010] Fig. 1A is a perspective view of an I / O unit 100 according to a reference example. Fig. 1B is an exploded view of I / O unit 100 from Fig. 1A. The right-hand area of ​​I / O unit 100, which is located in Fig. 1A, which is not shown, is essentially symmetrical with the left-hand area of ​​the I / O unit 100.

[0011] A number of arrows shown in each drawing indicate the directions used in the following description (forward, backward, left, right, up, and down). The forward-backward, left-right, and up-down directions are orthogonal to each other. The forward-backward and left-right directions, for example, are parallel to a horizontal plane.

[0012] The I / O unit 100 is an electronic device that inputs and outputs signals between a control device and a device. The control device could be, for example, a numerical control device that controls a machine tool. The device could be, for example, an actuator, detector, or similar component integrated into the machine tool.

[0013] The I / O unit 100 comprises a printed circuit board 14, a plurality of insert receiving areas 101 and a contact block 102.

[0014] Printed circuit board 14 is a circuit board on which an electrical circuit is mounted for performing processing necessary for inputting and outputting signals between the control device and the devices. The electrical circuit includes, for example, an integrated circuit (IC).

[0015] The insertion area 101 is provided, for example, in a front section of the I / O unit 100. A device connector is inserted into the insertion area 101. In this way, the I / O unit 100 and the device are connected to each other via the insertion area 101. The I / O unit 100 comprises multiple insertion areas 101. Therefore, multiple devices can be connected to one I / O unit 100. The device connected to the I / O unit 100 is connected to the circuit board 14 of the I / O unit 100.

[0016] The contact block 102 is designed to connect the circuit board 14 of the I / O unit 100 with another I / O unit 100 mounted next to the I / O unit 100.

[0017] Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a contact block 102 according to a reference example.

[0018] The contact block 102 comprises a plurality of contact transmitters 20 and a support element 106.

[0019] The support element 106 is an insulating element that supports the majority of contact transmitters 20. The material for the support element 106 includes, for example, an insulating resin. The support element 106 has an insertion opening 108.

[0020] The insertion opening 108 is formed in the support element 106 essentially in a center in the left-right direction. The insertion opening 108 is an opening into which the printed circuit board 14 is inserted (see Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B). The circuit board 14 is inserted into the insertion opening 108 from the front side of the insertion opening 108 towards the rear side.

[0021] Each of the plurality of contact elements 20 is an electrically conductive element with a substantially U-shape. The material for the plurality of contact elements 20 includes, for example, a metal. Each contact element 20 has a right end 20a and a left end 20b in the left-right direction.

[0022] The plurality of contactors 20 (20L, 20R) comprises a plurality of contactors 20L and a plurality of contactors 20R. The plurality of contactors 20L and the plurality of contactors 20R are arranged such that they insert the insertion opening 108 between them in the left-right direction.

[0023] Each of the contactors 20L is a contactor 20 for connecting the circuit board 14 to an electronic device mounted on the left side of the I / O unit 100. The majority of contactors 20L are arranged in an upward-downward direction. At least a portion of each contactor 20L is exposed on the left side of the I / O unit 100 (see also Fig. 1A).

[0024] Each of the plurality of contactors 20R is a contactor 20 for connecting the printed circuit board 14 to an electronic device mounted on the right side of the I / O unit 100. The plurality of contactors 20R are arranged in the upward-downward direction. At least a portion of each contactor 20R is exposed to the outside on the right side of the I / O unit 100. For example, at least a portion of each contactor 20R is exposed to the outside in a substantially symmetrical manner with contactor 20L.

[0025] Fig. 3A is an end view along a line IIIA-IIIA of Fig. 2.

[0026] The contact transmitter 20 is attached to the support element 106 along the forward direction from the rear side. The rear side of the support element 106 is open to allow for the mounting of the contact transmitter 20.

[0027] Among the majority of contact transmitters 20 attached to the support element 106, contact transmitter 20L and contact transmitter 20R, which are arranged in essentially the same position in the upward-downward direction, can be in contact with each other. The in Fig. The contact point CP shown in Figure 3A indicates a contact point between the contactor 20L and the contactor 20R, which are arranged at substantially the same position in the upward-downward direction. The contact point CP is located substantially in the center of the insertion opening 108 in the left-right direction.

[0028] Fig. 3B is a view of contact block 102 of Fig. 3A with the circuit board 14 inserted therein.

[0029] The circuit board 14 is inserted into the insertion opening 108 such that it is positioned between the contactor 20L and the contactor 20R. In this way, the contactor 20L naturally moves to the left as the circuit board 14 is inserted. Similarly, the contactor 20R naturally moves to the right as the circuit board 14 is inserted. Consequently, the circuit board 14 is positioned between the majority of contactors 20L and the majority of contactors 20R.

[0030] The majority of contact elements 20 are positioned between the printed circuit board 14 to make contact with the electrical circuit formed on the printed circuit board 14. Therefore, the majority of contact elements 20 and the electrical circuit of the printed circuit board 14 can be electrically connected to each other.

[0031] Fig. Figure 4 is a view showing three contact blocks 102 (102A, 102B and 102C) arranged in the left-right direction in the same sectional view as that of Fig. 3A represents.

[0032] The majority of I / O units 100 are arranged in a left-right direction, and therefore the majority of contact blocks 102 are also arranged in a left-right direction. In this case, the majority of contactors 20L of the right contact block 102 of the two adjacent contact blocks 102 and the majority of contactors 20R of the left contact block 102 are in contact with each other. In this way, the contactors 20L of the right contact block 102 and the contactors 20R of the left contact block 102 are electrically connected to each other.

[0033] In the example of Fig. For example, the majority of contact transmitters 20L of contact block 102A and the majority of contact transmitters 20R of contact block 102B are in contact with each other. In this way, the majority of contact transmitters 20L of contact block 102A and the majority of contact transmitters 20R of contact block 102B are electrically connected to each other.

[0034] A printed circuit board 14A (14) is inserted into contact block 102A. A printed circuit board 14B (14), different from printed circuit board 14A, is inserted into contact block 102B. Printed circuit board 14A and printed circuit board 14B are electrically connected to each other via the majority of contact elements 20L of contact block 102A and the majority of contact elements 20R of contact block 102B.

[0035] In the example of Fig. 4. The majority of contact transmitters 20L of contact block 102B and the majority of contact transmitters 20R of contact block 102C are in contact with each other. In this way, the majority of contact transmitters 20L of contact block 102B and the majority of contact transmitters 20R of contact block 102C are electrically connected to each other.

[0036] A circuit board 14C (14), different from circuit board 14A and circuit board 14B, is inserted into contact block 102C. Circuit board 14B and circuit board 14C are electrically connected to each other via the majority of contact elements 20L of contact block 102B and the majority of contact elements 20R of contact block 102C. Since circuit board 14B can be electrically connected to circuit board 14A as described above, circuit board 14C can also be electrically connected to circuit board 14A via circuit board 14B.

[0037] In the example of Fig. 4. The majority of contactors 20R of contact block 102C receives a leftward force from contact block 102B. This leftward force also acts on the majority of contactors 20L of contact block 102C via the contact points CP between the majority of contactors 20R and the majority of contactors 20L of contact block 102C. As a result, the majority of contactors 20L of contact block 102C as a whole are displaced to the left.

[0038] The majority of contactors 20L of contact block 102C shift as a whole to the left, and consequently the positions of the contact points CP are also shifted to the left. It should be noted that one point CPP in Fig. 4 indicates the position of the contact point CP before the contact point CP is moved to the left.

[0039] If the printed circuit board 14 is inserted into the insertion opening 108 with the contact point CP shifted to the left, the contactor 20 obstructs the printed circuit board 14 in the forward and backward directions. That is, the contactor 20 prevents the printed circuit board 14 from being inserted. If the printed circuit board 14 is forced in, the contactor 20 can be bent (damaged) by the force exerted by the printed circuit board 14. It should be noted that a similar problem occurs if the contact point CP is shifted to the right.

[0040] Taking the above into account, a contact block 10 according to one embodiment is described below. However, explanations that overlap with those of the reference examples are omitted as far as possible in the following description. Elements described in the reference examples above are identified with the same reference numerals as in the reference examples above, unless otherwise indicated.

[0041] Fig. Figure 5 is a view showing a contact block 10 according to one embodiment.

[0042] The contact block 10 comprises a plurality of blocks 12. The plurality of blocks 12 are stacked along the up-down direction. The total number of stacked blocks 12 is not subject to any particular limit. An operator can change the total number of stacked blocks 12 as needed. The size of the entire contact block 10 in the up-down direction varies depending on the total number of stacked blocks 12.

[0043] Each block 12 has a slot 16. The slot 16 is formed in the front area of ​​each block 12. The slot 16 extends from the front end of each block 12 to the rear. The printed circuit board 14 (see the reference examples) can be inserted into the slot 16.

[0044] The majority of slots 16 are connected to each other in the upward-downward direction by stacking the majority of blocks 12 in the upward-downward direction. The majority of interconnected slots 16 form an insertion opening 18 for the printed circuit board 14.

[0045] Fig. Figure 6 is a top view of block 12 according to the embodiment.

[0046] Block 12 comprises a support element 22, a wall area 24 and a plurality of intervention areas 26. The wall area 24 comprises a first wall area 24a, a second wall area 24b, a third wall area 24c, a fourth wall area 24d and a fifth wall area 24e.

[0047] The support element 22 is an element that supports the two contact transmitters 20 from below. The support element 22 has the form of a substantially flat plate. The material for the support element 22 includes, for example, an insulating resin. The slot 16 is formed by cutting out a section of the support element 22. The rear end 16a of the slot 16 is positioned in front of the first wall section 24a. However, the rear end 16a can reach the first wall section 24a.

[0048] The upper and / or lower region of the support element 22 can be equipped with a fitting structure for aligning with another block 12, which is stacked on the support element 22 in an upward-downward direction. The fitting structure comprises, for example, a projection and a groove into which the projection fits. However, the fitting structure is not shown in the illustration.

[0049] Two contact sensors 20 are mounted on each support element 22. Here, the two contact sensors 20 are arranged on the upper surface of the support element 22 such that a substantially U-shaped opening is open in the front direction when the support element 22 is viewed from above. The two contact sensors 20 extend in the forward-backward direction beyond the rear end region 16a of the slot 16 to the rear.

[0050] A contact transmitter 20R and a contact transmitter 20L are mounted on each support element 22. The contact transmitter 20R and the contact transmitter 20L are arranged in the left-right direction on the upper surface of the support element 22.

[0051] The material for wall section 24 includes, for example, an insulating resin. Wall section 24 can comprise the same material as the support element 22. Wall section 24 and the support element 22 can be formed as a single piece.

[0052] The first wall section 24a is a wall provided on the support element 22 to prevent displacement. In the example of Fig. 6 is an area enclosed by a frame formed by a dashed line, the first wall area 24a. That is, the first wall area 24a is located behind the slot 16 in the forward-backward direction. The first wall area 24a is located between the two contact transmitters 20 in the left-right direction.

[0053] The first wall section 24a prevents the two adjacent contact transmitters 20 on the support element 22 from shifting in a direction in which the contact transmitters 20 approach each other. That is, the first wall section 24a abuts contact transmitter 20L from the right. This limits movement of contact transmitter 20L in the clockwise direction. The first wall section 24a abuts contact transmitter 20R from the left. This limits movement of contact transmitter 20R in the counterclockwise direction.

[0054] The first wall region 24a prevents the two contact elements 20 from being displaced in the direction in which they approach each other, thus preventing the contact point CP from being displaced in the left-right direction. In other words, the first wall region 24a prevents the contact point CP from being displaced in the left-right direction. Because the contact point CP is prevented from being displaced in the left-right direction, it is less likely that the contact element 20 will obstruct the circuit board 14 in the forward-backward direction. This reduces the possibility that the contact element 20 will be bent by the force absorbed by the circuit board 14.

[0055] The first wall area 24a can also hold the contact elements 20 in such a way as to prevent deformation of the contact elements 20 in the approach direction. For example, the first wall area 24a can prevent the contact element 20R from expanding excessively in the left direction. The first wall area 24a can also prevent the contact element 20L from expanding excessively in the right direction.

[0056] The second wall area 24b is a right-hand positioning wall area located inside the essentially U-shaped contact element 20R. The second wall area 24b positions the contact element 20R to a certain extent in the left-right direction. The second wall area 24b and the first wall area 24a align the contact element 20R between them in the left-right direction. In this way, the contact element 20R is positioned more precisely in the left-right direction.

[0057] The third wall area 24c is a left-hand positioning wall area located inside the essentially U-shaped contactor 20L. The third wall area 24c positions the contactor 20L to a certain extent in the left-right direction. The third wall area 24c and the first wall area 24a position the contactor 20L between them in the left-right direction. In this way, the contactor 20L is positioned more precisely in the left-right direction.

[0058] The fourth wall section 24d is a right-hand auxiliary wall section that interposes the contact transmitter 20R in the forward-backward direction in conjunction with the second wall section 24b. This allows the contact transmitter 20R to be positioned more precisely in the forward-backward direction.

[0059] In the representation of Fig. 6 is an area enclosed by a frame consisting of a long and short dashed line, the fourth wall area 24d. The fourth wall area 24d preferably extends to the right side of the contactor 20R. In this way, the contactor 20R is inserted in the left-right direction between the fourth wall area 24d and the second wall area 24b. As a result, the contactor 20R is positioned more precisely in the left-right direction.

[0060] The fourth wall area 24d is connected to the first wall area 24a. However, the fourth wall area 24d and the first wall area 24a can be separate from each other.

[0061] The fifth wall section 24e is a left auxiliary wall section that, in conjunction with the third wall section 24c, interposes the contact transmitter 20L in the forward-backward direction. This allows the contact transmitter 20L to be positioned more precisely in the forward-backward direction.

[0062] In the representation of Fig. 6 is an area enclosed by a frame consisting of a long dashed line and a double short dashed line, the fifth wall area 24e. The fifth wall area 24e preferably extends to the left side of the contactor 20L. In this way, the contactor 20L is inserted in the left-right direction between the fifth wall area 24e and the third wall area 24c. As a result, the contactor 20L is positioned more precisely in the left-right direction.

[0063] The fifth wall area 24e is connected to the first wall area 24a. However, the fifth wall area 24e and the first wall area 24a can be separate from each other.

[0064] Each of the plurality of engagement areas 26 is, for example, a slot different from the slot 16. In the support element 22, the plurality of engagement areas 26 are formed on both sides in the insertion direction of the printed circuit board 14. That is, in the support element 22, the plurality of engagement areas 26 are formed on both sides in the forward-backward direction. In the present embodiment, the engagement areas 26 are provided at three positions, i.e., at the front region of the second wall region 24b, the front region of the third wall region 24c, and the rear region of the first wall region 24a. However, the number of engagement areas 26 and their arrangement in the block 12 can be changed if necessary.

[0065] The plurality of engagement areas 26 interlock with a plurality of projections provided on a further element. Here, the further element is an element to which the block 12 is attached. In particular, the plurality of projections with which the plurality of engagement areas 26 interlock are provided, for example, on the housing of the I / O unit 100. With the above configuration, the block 12 can, for example, be easily attached to the housing of the I / O unit 100 by means of the plurality of engagement areas 26. Modifications

[0066] Modifications of the embodiment described above are described below. However, explanations that overlap with those of the embodiment above are omitted as far as possible in the following description. Elements described in the context of the embodiment above are identified by the same reference numerals as in the embodiment above, unless otherwise indicated. Modification 1

[0067] The contact block 10 can consist of a single block 12. Modification 2

[0068] The fourth wall area 24d can be omitted. Modification 3

[0069] The fifth wall area 24e can be omitted. Combination of multiple modifications

[0070] The majority of modifications described above can be combined appropriately within a range where no technical inconsistencies arise. Inventions obtained from embodiments

[0071] The inventions resulting from the embodiment described above and its modifications are described below. First aspect of the invention

[0072] A first aspect of the present invention is characterized by the block (12) comprising: the two contact elements (20) arranged adjacent to one another along the predetermined mounting direction in order to be electrically connected to each other; and the support element (22) configured to support the two contact elements so that they are arranged along the predetermined mounting direction, the support element being provided with the slot (16) configured to allow the removable circuit board (14) to be inserted between the two contact elements along the insertion direction, which is orthogonal to the predetermined mounting direction, in order to electrically connect the removable circuit board and the two contact elements, the two contact elements having a substantially U-shape which extends, viewed from the direction orthogonal to the predetermined mounting direction and the insertion direction,opens in the direction opposite to the insertion direction, and the first wall area (24a) is provided on the support element, wherein the first wall area is designed to prevent the contact point (CP) between the two contact transmitters from being displaced in the specified mounting direction.

[0073] This reduces the risk of the contactor bending.

[0074] The two contact elements can extend beyond the slot in the insertion direction, and the first wall section can be positioned between the two contact elements and located on one side of the insertion direction beyond the slot. This prevents the contact point of the contact element from being offset in the left-right direction.

[0075] The first aspect of the invention can further comprise the second wall section (24b), which is provided for inserting one of the contact elements in the predetermined mounting direction between the second wall section and the first wall section; and the third wall section (24c), which is provided for inserting another of the contact elements in conjunction with the first wall section in the predetermined mounting direction. This more appropriately prevents the contact point of the contact element from being displaced in the left-right direction.

[0076] The support element's engagement areas (26), designed to attach the support element to another element, can be provided on both sides in the insertion direction. This allows the block to be attached to another element in a suitable manner. The other element is, for example, an I / O unit. Second aspect of the invention

[0077] A second aspect of the present invention is characterized by the contact block (10) into which the printed circuit board (14) is inserted, wherein the contact block and a further contact block are arranged adjacent to one another along the predetermined mounting direction in order to be electrically connected to each other, wherein the contact block comprises: the plurality of blocks according to the first aspect, wherein the plurality of blocks are stacked in the direction orthogonal to the predetermined mounting direction and the insertion direction such that the slot of each of the plurality of blocks is connected to the slot of a further of the plurality of blocks.

[0078] This reduces the risk of the contactor bending. List of reference symbols 10 contact blocks 12 blocks 14 circuit board 16 slots 18 Insertion opening 20 (20L, 20R) Contactors 22 Support element 24 wall area 24a first wall area 24b second wall area 24c third wall area 26 Intervention area QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2018-056503 A [0002, 0003]

Claims

[1] Block (12), which has: two contactors (20) arranged adjacent to each other along a predetermined mounting direction to be electrically connected to each other; and a support element (22) which is designed to support the two contactors so that they are arranged along the predetermined mounting direction, wherein the support element is provided with a slot (16) designed to allow a removable circuit board (14) to be inserted between the two contactors along an insertion direction that is orthogonal to the predetermined mounting direction in order to electrically connect the removable circuit board and the two contactors, wherein the two contactors have a substantially U-shape which opens towards a direction opposite to the insertion direction, viewed from a direction orthogonal to the predetermined mounting direction and the insertion direction, and a first wall region (24a) is provided on the support element, wherein the first wall region is designed to prevent a contact point (CP) between the two contactors from being displaced in the predetermined mounting direction. [2] Block according to claim 1, wherein the two contactors extend beyond the slot in the insertion direction, and the first wall area is provided between the two contactors and is located on one side of the insertion direction beyond the slot. [3] Block according to claim 2, further comprising: a second wall region (24b) which is intended to insert one of the contactors in the predetermined mounting direction between the second wall region and the first wall region; and a third wall region (24c) which is intended to interpose another of the contactors in cooperation with the first wall region in the predetermined mounting direction. [4] Block according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the support member has engagement portions (26) adapted to fix the support member to another member provided on both sides in the insertion direction. [5] Contact block (10) into which a printed circuit board (14) is inserted, wherein the contact block and another contact block are arranged adjacent to each other along a predetermined mounting direction in order to be electrically connected to each other, wherein the contact block comprises: a plurality of blocks according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of blocks are stacked in a direction orthogonal to the predetermined mounting direction and the insertion direction such that the slot of each of the plurality of blocks communicates with the slot of another of the plurality of blocks.

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