Signal conversion unit and signal input and output device

Abstract

To provide a signal conversion unit and a signal input and output device capable of reducing a burden of an installation work.SOLUTION: In a signal conversion unit 4, a first connector 42 and a second connector 43 are both integrated with a conversion unit main body 41. The conversion unit main body 41 enables a communication between an input card 3 and an external device by executing a signal conversion that converts a signal from the external device into a signal that can be read by the input card 3 between the input card 3 and the external device. The first connector 42 can be inserted in a card connector 32 of the input card 3. To the second connector 43, an external device connector 5 connected to the external device can be inserted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a signal conversion unit and a signal input / output device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a plant monitoring and control device in which a repeater is connected by an internal cable to an input / output unit for inputting and outputting signals to and from plant equipment such as water supply and sewerage, and the plant equipment is connected to the repeater by an external cable. The repeater has an electrical conversion function that absorbs differences between the electrical specifications of the input / output unit and the electrical specifications of the plant equipment. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-171420 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the conventional plant monitoring and control device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the repeater is connected to the input / output unit by an internal cable. Therefore, when installing the repeater, the internal cable needs to be laid. This makes the installation of the repeater time-consuming.

[0005] The present disclosure is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a signal conversion unit and a signal input / output device that can reduce the effort required for installation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The signal conversion unit of the present disclosure comprises a conversion unit main body, and a first connector and a second connector integrated with the conversion unit main body, and the conversion unit main body performs signal conversion to convert a signal from one of the input / output card and the external device into a signal that can be read by the other, thereby enabling communication between the input / output card and the external device, and the input / output card has a card main body and a card connector integrated with the card main body, and the first connector is insertable into the card connector, and an external device connector connected to the external device is insertable into the second connector. In addition, the signal input / output device of the present disclosure comprises an input / output card for communicating with an external device, and a signal conversion unit, the signal conversion unit having a conversion unit main body and a first connector and a second connector integrated with the conversion unit main body, the conversion unit main body performing signal conversion to convert a signal from one of the input / output card and the external device into a signal that can be read by the other, thereby enabling communication between the input / output card and the external device, the input / output card having a card main body and a card connector integrated with the card main body, the first connector being insertable into the card connector, and the second connector being capable of receiving an external device connector connected to the external device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the effort required for installing a signal conversion unit and a signal input / output device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a signal input device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the signal input device of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the signal conversion unit of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 4 is a perspective view of the signal conversion unit of FIG. 3 when viewed from another direction. [Figure 5]2 is a top view showing the signal converting unit of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a top view showing the signal input device of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view showing the signal input device of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 8 is a front view showing an input card in the signal input device of FIG. 7. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the signal conversion unit of FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a configuration diagram showing the relationship between the internal circuit of the signal conversion unit of FIG. 9 and the input card and external device connector. [Figure 11] 10 is a configuration diagram showing the relationship between the internal circuit of a signal conversion unit, an input card, and an external device connector in a signal input device according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a signal input device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the signal conversion unit of FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a signal input device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the signal conversion unit of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The following describes embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, identical or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are appropriately simplified or omitted. Note that the subject matter of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and any component of the embodiments may be modified or omitted within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure.

[0010] Embodiment 1 The signal input / output device according to this embodiment is used in a control device that monitors and controls external devices. Examples of external devices to be monitored and controlled include multiple devices used in a water treatment plant. The control device uses a signal input device and a signal output device as signal input / output devices. The external devices include input external devices and output external devices. The signal input device sends signals from the input external devices to a controller main body of the control device. The signal output device sends signals from the controller main body to the output external devices. This enables the controller main body to communicate with the external devices via the signal input device and the signal output device. The controller main body performs processing related to monitoring and control of the output external devices based on signals from the input external devices.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a signal input device according to embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the signal input device of Fig. 1. The signal input device 1 is attached to a mounting base 2 fixed inside a control panel. On the mounting base 2, a signal output device (not shown) and a controller main body (not shown) are attached side by side in the horizontal direction together with the signal input device 1.

[0012] The signal input device 1 has an input card 3 and a signal conversion unit 4. The signal output device (not shown) has an output card and a signal conversion unit. The input card 3 and the output card are each used as an input / output card in the control device.

[0013] The input card 3 is a unit that receives signals from external input devices and sends them to the controller main body. The output card is a unit that outputs signals from the controller main body to external output devices. In other words, the input / output cards are units that communicate with external devices. Examples of external devices that communicate with the input card 3, i.e., external input devices, include switches and sensors. Examples of external devices that communicate with the output card, i.e., external output devices, include lamps and magnets.

[0014] In this embodiment, a CPU unit of a programmable logic controller (PLC) is used as the controller body, and the input card and output card of the programmable logic controller are used as the input card 3 of the signal input device 1 and the output card of the signal output device.

[0015] For example, when an existing I / O card that communicates with an external device is replaced with a new I / O card, the specifications of the I / O card for input and output signals may differ from those of the external device. In this case, if the external device is connected to the I / O card as is, the signals from either the I / O card or the external device will not be readable by the other. Therefore, in this case, communication between the I / O card and the external device is performed via a signal conversion unit. The signal conversion unit converts signals from either the I / O card or the external device into signals that can be read by the other, i.e., signals that comply with the specifications of the other device, thereby enabling communication between the I / O card and the external device.

[0016] The input card 3 has a card body 31 and a card connector 32. A card front face 31a is formed on the card body 31. The card body 31 is attached to the mounting base 2. The card body 31 protrudes from the mounting base 2 with the card front face 31a facing the front of the control panel.

[0017] The card connector 32 is integrated with the card body 31. The card connector 32 is exposed from the card body 31 at the card front face 31a.

[0018] Here, Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the signal conversion unit 4 of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the signal conversion unit 4 of Fig. 3 when viewed from a different direction. The signal conversion unit 4 has a conversion unit main body 41, a first connector 42, and a second connector 43. The first connector 42 and the second connector 43 are integrated with the conversion unit main body 41.

[0019] 2, the first connector 42 can be inserted into the card connector 32. In the signal input device 1, the input card 3 and the signal conversion unit 4 are electrically connected to each other by inserting the first connector 42 into the card connector 32. This enables communication between the input card 3 and the signal conversion unit 4.

[0020] In this embodiment, a plurality of external input devices are used. The plurality of external input devices are connected to an external device connector 5 via an external signal cable 51. The external signal cable 51 is a cable that bundles together a plurality of signal lines that are individually connected to the plurality of external input devices. The external device connector 5 can be plugged into the second connector 43. In the signal input device 1, by plugging the external device connector 5 into the second connector 43, communication between each of the plurality of external input devices and the signal conversion unit 4 becomes individually possible.

[0021] 3 and 4, the conversion unit body 41 is provided with a plurality of operation switches 411. Each operation switch 411 is exposed from the conversion unit body 41. This allows each operation switch 411 to be operated from outside the conversion unit body 41.

[0022] Fig. 5 is a top view showing the signal conversion unit 4 of Fig. 1. The conversion unit main body 41 has a base portion 45 and a protruding portion 46. The protruding portion 46 protrudes from the base portion 45. The base portion 45 and the protruding portion 46 form the shape of the conversion unit main body 41 into an L-shape.

[0023] The first connector 42 and the second connector 43 are exposed from the base portion 45. The first connector 42 and the second connector 43 face opposite each other in the insertion direction of the first connector 42 into the card connector 32. As a result, the insertion direction of the external device connector 5 into the second connector 43 matches the insertion direction of the first connector 42 into the card connector 32.

[0024] The protrusion 46 protrudes from the base portion 45 toward the side facing the second connector 43. As a result, the second connector 43 is located closer to the first connector 42 than the tip of the protrusion 46 in the insertion direction of the first connector 42 into the card connector 32.

[0025] Here, the portion of the first connector 42 exposed from the base portion 45 is referred to as the first connector exposed portion, and the portion of the second connector 43 exposed from the base portion 45 is referred to as the second connector exposed portion. The insertion direction of the first connector 42 into the card connector 32 is referred to as the unit reference direction. In this case, the distance A from the first connector exposed portion to the second connector exposed portion in the unit reference direction is smaller than the distance B from the first connector exposed portion to the tip of the protrusion 46 in the unit reference direction. In this embodiment, when the signal conversion unit 4 is viewed along the unit reference direction, the first connector 42 overlaps the area of ​​the protrusion 46, and the second connector 43 is arranged to avoid the area of ​​the protrusion 46.

[0026] 3, the plurality of operation switches 411 are exposed from the protrusion 46. In the present embodiment, the plurality of operation switches 411 are exposed on the side surface of the protrusion 46 that faces the second connector 43 side.

[0027] 4, a card receiving surface 412 is formed on the base portion 45 of the conversion unit main body 41. The card receiving surface 412 is formed on a portion of the base portion 45 opposite to the protruding portion 46 side in the insertion direction of the first connector 42 into the card connector 32. The first connector 42 is exposed at the card receiving surface 412. In this embodiment, a portion of the first connector 42 protrudes from the card receiving surface 412.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a top view showing the signal input device 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a side view showing the signal input device 1 of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a front view showing the input card 3 in the signal input device 1 of FIG. 7. The signal conversion unit 4 is attached to the card body 31 of the input card 3 by a pair of mounting screws 47 that pass through the protrusions 46. This allows the signal conversion unit 4 to be supported by the card body 31. The signal conversion unit 4 is attached to the card body 31 with the first connector 42 inserted into the card connector 32. When the signal conversion unit 4 is attached to the card body 31, the signal conversion unit 4 is located farther from the mounting base 2 than the card body 31.

[0029] When the first connector 42 is inserted into the card connector 32, the card receiving surface 412 is in surface contact with the card body 31. This reduces the amplitude of vibration of the signal conversion unit 4 relative to the input card 3 when the signal input device 1 vibrates or is subjected to an impact. In this embodiment, the entire surface of the card receiving surface 412 is in contact with the card front surface 31a of the card body 31. In FIG. 8, an area S on the card front surface 31a of the card body 31 where the card receiving surface 412 is in contact is shown surrounded by a dashed line.

[0030] The external device connector 5 is attached to the conversion unit main body 41 by a pair of mounting screws 52 that pass through the external device connector 5. As a result, the external device connector 5 is supported on the card main body 31 via the signal conversion unit 4. The external device connector 5 is attached to the conversion unit main body 41 in a state where it is inserted into the second connector 43.

[0031] The external device connector 5 is inserted into the second connector 43 at a position closer to the input card 3 than the tip of the protrusion 46. When the external device connector 5 is inserted into the second connector 43, the external device connector 5 is arranged alongside the protrusion 46 when the signal input device 1 is viewed along the insertion direction of the first connector 42 into the card connector 32.

[0032] Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the signal conversion unit 4 of Fig. 1. The base portion 45 has a connector board 451 and a connector board accommodating portion 452. The first connector 42 and the second connector 43 are provided on the connector board 451.

[0033] The connector substrate 451 has a first surface and a second surface formed thereon that face each other in the thickness direction of the connector substrate 451. The first connector 42 is provided on the first surface of the connector substrate 451, and the second connector 43 is provided on the second surface of the connector substrate 451. As a result, the first connector 42 and the second connector 43 are arranged to sandwich the connector substrate 451 in the thickness direction of the connector substrate 451. The connector substrate 451 is arranged so that the insertion direction of the first connector 42 into the card connector 32 coincides with the thickness direction of the connector substrate 451.

[0034] The connector board accommodating portion 452 accommodates the connector board 451. The connector board accommodating portion 452 is provided with a first opening (not shown) that exposes the first connector 42 from the base portion 45, and a second opening (not shown) that exposes the second connector 43 from the base portion 45. The card receiving surface 412 is formed in the connector board accommodating portion 452.

[0035] The protrusion 46 has a circuit board 461 and a circuit board accommodating portion 462 .

[0036] The circuit board 461 is disposed along the direction in which the protrusion 46 protrudes from the base portion 45. The circuit board 461 is connected to the connector board 451 via the inter-board connector 413.

[0037] Circuit board accommodating portion 462 accommodates circuit board 461. A plurality of operation switches 411 are provided on circuit board 461. As shown in FIG. 3 , circuit board accommodating portion 462 is formed with a switch opening portion that exposes the plurality of operation switches 411 from protruding portion 46.

[0038] The circuit board accommodating portion 462 is integrated with the connector board accommodating portion 452. As a result, in the conversion unit main body 41, an L-shaped housing is formed by the connector board accommodating portion 452 and the circuit board accommodating portion 462. The connector board 451 and the circuit board 461 are housed inside the housing.

[0039] 10 is a configuration diagram showing the relationship between the internal circuit of the signal conversion unit 4 of FIG. 9 and the input card 3 and external device connector 5. The circuit board 461 of the signal conversion unit 4 has N signal conversion circuits 414, where N is an integer equal to or greater than 2. That is, the conversion unit main body 41 has a plurality of signal conversion circuits 414. In this embodiment, the circuit board 461 has 32 signal conversion circuits 414.

[0040] By inserting the external device connector 5 into the second connector 43, the signal conversion circuits 414 can be electrically connected to a plurality of external input devices, each corresponding to a respective signal conversion circuit 414. Therefore, each signal conversion circuit 414 can individually perform signal conversion that enables communication between the corresponding external input device and the input card 3. In other words, each signal conversion circuit 414 can individually perform signal conversion that converts a signal from the corresponding external input device into a signal that can be read by the input card 3, i.e., a signal that complies with the specifications of the input card 3.

[0041] Each signal conversion circuit 414 is provided with an operation switch 411. Thus, in this embodiment, 32 operation switches 411 are provided in the conversion unit main body 41. In the conversion unit main body 41, whether or not to perform signal conversion by each signal conversion circuit 414 can be selected individually by operating the operation switch 411 provided in the signal conversion circuit 414.

[0042] In this embodiment, digital signals are used as input signals from each external input device to the input card 3. Furthermore, in this embodiment, among the multiple external input devices, the specifications of some of the external input devices differ from those of the input card 3, while the specifications of the other external input devices match those of the input card 3. In this embodiment, the value of current Ia of a signal that conforms to the specifications of the input card 3 differs from the value of current Ib of a signal that conforms to the specifications of some of the external input devices. That is, the signal that conforms to the specifications of the input card 3 is a digital signal that uses a current of 4 mA at DC 24 V. In contrast, the signal that conforms to the specifications of some of the external input devices is a digital signal that uses a current of 10 mA at DC 24 V.

[0043] Therefore, each signal conversion circuit 414 in the signal conversion unit 4 is a current amplification circuit that supplements the current Ic with the value of the signal current Ia that conforms to the specifications of the input card 3 and amplifies the signal current Ib to the value of the signal current Ib that conforms to the specifications of the external input device. Each signal conversion circuit 414 has a resistor connected to the power supply line. The resistor of each signal conversion circuit 414 is connected to the signal line of the corresponding external input device via the operation switch 411.

[0044] In each signal conversion circuit 414, when the operation switch 411 is turned ON, signal conversion is performed to supply current Ic to the signal from the corresponding external input device, and the converted signal is sent to the input card 3. Also, in each signal conversion circuit 414, when the operation switch 411 is turned OFF, the signal from the corresponding external input device is sent to the input card 3 as is.

[0045] In the conversion unit main body 41, when the specifications of the input card 3 and the external input device are different from each other, the operation switch 411 corresponding to the external input device is turned ON. On the other hand, when the specifications of the input card 3 and the external input device are the same, the conversion unit main body 41 turns OFF the operation switch 411 corresponding to the external input device. As a result, the signal from each external input device passes through the signal conversion unit 4 and becomes a signal that complies with the specifications of the input card 3, i.e., a signal that can be read by the input card 3.

[0046] In the signal output device, the signal conversion unit itself converts the signal from the output card into a signal that can be read by the external output device, i.e., a signal that conforms to the specifications of the external output device, thereby enabling communication between the external output device and the output card.

[0047] Each of the plurality of signal conversion circuits in the conversion unit main body of the signal output device is provided with an operation switch. Thus, in this embodiment, 32 operation switches are provided in the conversion unit main body 41. In the conversion unit main body of the signal output device, whether or not to perform signal conversion by each signal conversion circuit can be individually selected by operating the operation switch provided in the signal conversion circuit 414.

[0048] In this embodiment, among the multiple external output devices, the specifications of some of the external output devices differ from those of the output card, while the specifications of the remaining external output devices match those of the output card. In the conversion unit main body of the signal output device, when the specifications of the output card and the external output device differ from each other, the operation switch corresponding to the external output device is turned ON. On the other hand, in the conversion unit main body of the signal output device, when the specifications of the output card and the external output device match, the operation switch corresponding to the external output device is turned OFF. As a result, the signal from the output card passes through the signal conversion unit and becomes a signal that conforms to the specifications of each external output device, i.e., a signal that can be individually read by each external output device. The mechanical configuration of the signal output device is similar to that of the signal input device 1. Other configurations of the signal output device are similar to those of the signal input device 1.

[0049] In this signal conversion unit 4, the first connector 42 and the second connector 43 are integrated with the conversion unit main body 41. The first connector 42 is insertable into the card connector 32 of the input card 3. The second connector 43 is insertable into the external device connector 5. Therefore, when installing the signal conversion unit 4, it is not necessary to connect the signal conversion unit 4 to the input card 3 using a connection cable. This eliminates the need for wiring the connection cable and reduces the effort required for installing the signal conversion unit 4. It also reduces problems such as incorrect connection of the signal conversion unit 4 to the input card 3. Furthermore, since the connection cable connecting the signal conversion unit 4 to the input card 3 can be eliminated, costs can be reduced. Furthermore, because the signal conversion unit 4 can be attached to the input card 3, it is not necessary to reserve space within the control panel to install the signal conversion unit 4 when installing it inside the control panel. This makes it easy to install the signal conversion unit 4 even when adding a signal conversion unit 4 to an existing control panel. Since the mechanical configuration of the signal conversion unit in the signal output device is similar to the mechanical configuration of the signal conversion unit 4 in the signal input device 1, the same effect can be obtained in the signal output device.

[0050] Furthermore, the first connector 42 and the second connector 43 exposed from the base portion 45 face opposite each other in the insertion direction of the first connector 42 into the card connector 32. The protrusion 46 protrudes from the base portion 45 toward the side toward which the second connector 43 faces. Therefore, the second connector 43 can be positioned closer to the first connector 42 than the tip of the protrusion 46. This allows the external device connector 5 to be inserted into the second connector 43 at a position closer to the first connector 42 than the tip of the protrusion 46. Therefore, even if an unbalanced force is applied to the external device connector 5, the magnitude of the moment applied to the first connector 42 can be reduced. This makes it less likely for the signal input device 1 to be damaged even if the signal input device 1 vibrates or is subjected to an impact. Because the mechanical configuration of the signal converting unit in the signal output device is similar to the mechanical configuration of the signal converting unit 4 in the signal input device 1, the same effect can be achieved in the signal output device.

[0051] The base portion 45 also has a connector board 451. The first connector 42 and the second connector 43 are arranged on either side of the connector board 451 in the thickness direction of the connector board 451. Therefore, the second connector 43 can be easily positioned close to the first connector 42 in the insertion direction of the first connector 42 into the card connector 32. Because the mechanical configuration of the signal conversion unit in the signal output device is similar to the mechanical configuration of the signal conversion unit 4 in the signal input device 1, the same effect can be obtained in the signal output device.

[0052] The protrusion 46 also has a circuit board 461. The circuit board 461 has a signal conversion circuit 414 that performs signal conversion to enable communication between the external input device and the input card 3. Therefore, the signal conversion function can be consolidated into the circuit board 461. As a result, by simply changing the circuit board 461, the signal conversion unit 4 can be given the function of performing signal conversion for different purposes. Therefore, it is possible to easily manufacture multiple types of signal conversion units 4 that have the same mechanical configuration but different signal conversion functions for different purposes. The circuit board in the signal output device also has a signal conversion circuit that performs signal conversion to enable communication between the external output device and the output card. Therefore, the same effect can be obtained in the signal output device.

[0053] Furthermore, when the first connector 42 is inserted into the card connector 32, the card receiving surface 412 of the conversion unit main body 41 is in surface contact with the card main body 31. Therefore, even if the signal input device 1 vibrates or receives an impact, the amplitude of vibration of the signal conversion unit 4 relative to the input card 3 can be suppressed. This makes it even more difficult for the signal input device 1 to be damaged. Because the mechanical configuration of the signal conversion unit in the signal output device is the same as the mechanical configuration of the signal conversion unit 4 in the signal input device 1, the same effect can be obtained in the signal output device.

[0054] The conversion unit main body 41 also has a plurality of signal conversion circuits 414. Each signal conversion circuit 414 is provided with an operation switch 411. In the conversion unit main body 41, whether or not to perform signal conversion by each signal conversion circuit 414 can be individually selected by operating the operation switch 411 provided in the signal conversion circuit 414. Therefore, whether or not to perform signal conversion by each signal conversion circuit 414 can be easily switched in the common signal conversion unit 4. This eliminates the need to separately connect an external input device having specifications different from those of the input card 3 to the input card 3 via the signal conversion unit 4 and connect an external input device having specifications matching those of the input card 3 to the input card 3. This further simplifies the installation of the signal conversion unit 4. Each signal conversion circuit in the signal output device is also provided with an operation switch. Therefore, the same effect can be obtained in the signal output device.

[0055] Furthermore, in such a signal input device 1, the first connector 42 and the second connector 43 are integrated with the conversion unit main body 41. The first connector 42 can be inserted into the card connector 32 of the input card 3. The second connector 43 can be inserted into the external device connector 5. This reduces the effort required for installing the signal conversion unit 4. It also reduces problems such as incorrect connection of the signal conversion unit 4 to the input card 3. It also reduces costs. Furthermore, the signal conversion unit 4 can be easily installed even when adding an additional signal conversion unit 4 to an existing control panel. Similar effects can be obtained in the signal output device.

[0056] Embodiment 2 11 is a configuration diagram showing the relationship between the internal circuit of the signal conversion unit 4, the input card 3, and the external device connector 5 in the signal input device 1 according to the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the signal used for communication between the external input device and the input card 3 is an analog signal. Also, in this embodiment, the signal conforming to the specifications of the input card 3 is a voltage signal. In this embodiment, when the specifications of the external input device and the input card 3 differ from each other, the signal conforming to the specifications of the external input device is a current signal.

[0057] Therefore, in this embodiment, each signal conversion circuit 414 in the signal conversion unit 4 is a current / voltage conversion circuit that converts a current signal that conforms to the specifications of the external input device into a voltage signal that conforms to the specifications of the input card 3. That is, in this embodiment, each signal conversion circuit 414 on the circuit board 461 of the signal conversion unit 4 is different from that in Embodiment 1. Each signal conversion circuit 414 has a resistor connected via an operation switch 411 to a signal circuit that connects the corresponding external input device and the input card 3.

[0058] Each signal conversion circuit 414 is provided with an operation switch 411. When the operation switch 411 is turned ON in each signal conversion circuit 414, signal conversion is performed to convert a current signal from the corresponding external input device into a voltage signal, and the converted voltage signal is sent to the input card 3. Furthermore, when the signal that conforms to the specifications of the external input device is a voltage signal, when the operation switch 411 is turned OFF in each signal conversion circuit 414, the voltage signal from the corresponding external input device is sent to the input card 3 as is.

[0059] In the signal conversion unit 4, the operation switches 411 are operated in accordance with the specifications of the external input devices, thereby enabling communication between the external input devices and the input card 3.

[0060] In the signal output device, the conversion unit main body of the signal conversion unit performs signal conversion to convert the signal from the output card into a signal readable by the external output device, i.e., a signal that conforms to the specifications of the external output device. In this embodiment, the signal used for communication between the external output device and the output card is an analog signal. Also, in this embodiment, the signal that conforms to the specifications of the output card is a current signal. In this embodiment, if the specifications of the output card and the external output device differ, the signal that conforms to the specifications of the external output device is a voltage signal.

[0061] Therefore, in the signal output device, each signal conversion circuit in the signal conversion unit is a current / voltage conversion circuit. Each signal conversion circuit in the signal output device has a resistor connected via an operation switch to a signal circuit that connects the corresponding external output device and the output card.

[0062] In the signal conversion unit of the signal output device, each operation switch is operated according to the specifications of each external output device. This enables communication between each external output device and the output card. The other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0063] In this way, even if the signal that conforms to the specifications of the external input device is a current signal and the signal that conforms to the specifications of the input card 3 is a voltage signal, by making the signal conversion circuit 414 a current / voltage conversion circuit, it is possible to enable communication between the external input device and the input card 3. Also, even if the signal that conforms to the specifications of the external output device is a voltage signal and the signal that conforms to the specifications of the output card is a current signal, by making the signal conversion circuit in the signal output device a current / voltage conversion circuit, it is possible to enable communication between the external output device and the output card.

[0064] Embodiment 3 Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing a signal input device according to embodiment 3. Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing the signal conversion unit of Fig. 12. The first connector 42 is exposed from a base portion 45 of the conversion unit main body 41. The second connector 43 is exposed from a protrusion 46 of the conversion unit main body 41. The first connector 42 and the second connector 43 face the same side in the insertion direction of the first connector 42 into the card connector 32.

[0065] The first connector 42 is exposed at a card receiving surface 412 formed on the base portion 45. The protrusion 46 protrudes from the base portion 45 toward the side toward which the first connector 42 faces. The second connector 43 is exposed from the tip of the protrusion 46. As a result, the second connector 43 is located farther from the base portion 45 than the first connector 42 in the insertion direction of the first connector 42 into the card connector 32. In this embodiment, the second connector 43 is provided on a circuit board 461 at the protrusion 46.

[0066] 12, the plurality of operation switches 411 are exposed from the protruding portion 46. In the present embodiment, the plurality of operation switches 411 are exposed on the side surface of the protruding portion 46 that faces away from the second connector 43 side.

[0067] The signal conversion unit 4 is attached to the card body 31 with the first connector 42 inserted into the card connector 32. When the first connector 42 is inserted into the card connector 32, the protrusion 46 protrudes from the base 45 toward the mounting base 2. As a result, when the first connector 42 is inserted into the card connector 32, the second connector 43 is located closer to the mounting base 2 than the first connector 42.

[0068] With the first connector 42 inserted into the card connector 32, the external device connector 5 is inserted into the second connector 43, so that the external device connector 5 is positioned closer to the mounting base 2 than the conversion unit main body 41. The mechanical configuration of the signal output device is the same as that of the signal input device. The other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0069] In this signal conversion unit 4, the first connector 42 and the second connector 43 face the same side in the insertion direction of the first connector 42 into the card connector 32. The protrusion 46 protrudes from the base portion 45 toward the side toward which the first connector 42 faces. The second connector 43 is located farther from the base portion 45 than the first connector 42 in the insertion direction of the first connector 42 into the card connector 32. Therefore, when the card body 31 is attached to the mounting base 2, inserting the first connector 42 into the card connector 32 allows the second connector 43 to be positioned closer to the mounting base 2 than the first connector 42. This allows the external device connector 5 to be inserted into the second connector 43 at a position closer to the mounting base 2 than the conversion unit body 41. Therefore, the signal input device and the external device connector 5 can be positioned closer to the mounting base 2, making the signal input device even more resistant to damage. A similar effect can be achieved with the signal output device.

[0070] Embodiment 4 Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing a signal input device according to embodiment 4. Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing the signal conversion unit of Fig. 14. The shape of the conversion unit main body 41 is a rectangular parallelepiped having a front surface, a back surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, and a pair of side surfaces. The front surface of the conversion unit main body 41 is formed on the conversion unit main body 41 as a card receiving surface 412.

[0071] The first connector 42 is exposed from the conversion unit main body 41 at the card receiving surface 412. The rear surface of the conversion unit main body 41 faces the card receiving surface 412 in the insertion direction of the first connector 42 into the card connector 32.

[0072] The upper and lower surfaces of the conversion unit main body 41 face each other in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the first connector 42 into the card connector 32. When the first connector 42 is inserted into the card connector 32, the upper surface of the conversion unit main body 41 faces upward, and the lower surface of the conversion unit main body 41 faces downward. The second connector 43 is exposed from the lower surface of the conversion unit main body 41. This allows the external device connector 5 to be inserted into the second connector 43 from below the conversion unit main body 41. Therefore, the insertion direction of the external device connector 5 into the second connector 43 intersects with the insertion direction of the first connector 42 into the card connector 32.

[0073] 14, the operation switches 411 are exposed from one side surface of the conversion unit body 41. The mechanical configuration of the signal output device is the same as that of the signal input device. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0074] In this signal conversion unit 4, the insertion direction of the external device connector 5 into the second connector 43 intersects with the insertion direction of the first connector 42 into the card connector 32. Therefore, when the first connector 42 is inserted into the card connector 32, the external device connector 5 can be inserted into the second connector 43 to position the external device connector 5 closer to the mounting base 2 than the tip of the conversion unit main body 41. This makes it even more difficult for the signal input device to be damaged. A similar effect can be obtained in the signal output device.

[0075] Furthermore, with the first connector 42 inserted into the card connector 32, the external device connector 5 can be inserted into the second connector 43 from below the conversion unit main body 41. This allows the external device connector 5 to be inserted into the second connector 43 while avoiding other devices adjacent to the signal input device. This makes it easier to insert the external device connector 5 into the second connector 43. The same effect can be achieved in the signal output device.

[0076] In the fourth embodiment, the second connector 43 is exposed on the bottom surface of the conversion unit main body 41. However, as long as there is enough space to place the external device connector 5, the second connector 43 may be exposed on any one of the top surface, one side surface, and the other side surface of the conversion unit main body 41. In the signal output device, the second connector may also be exposed on any one of the top surface, one side surface, and the other side surface of the conversion unit main body.

[0077] Furthermore, in the third and fourth embodiments, the current amplifier circuit in the first embodiment is used as the signal conversion circuit 414 in the conversion unit main body 41. However, the current / voltage conversion path in the second embodiment may be used as the signal conversion circuit 414 in the conversion unit main body 41. Similarly, in the signal output device, the current / voltage conversion path in the second embodiment may be used as the signal conversion circuit.

[0078] In each of the above embodiments, a plurality of signal conversion circuits 414 are included in the conversion unit main body 41. However, the number of signal conversion circuits 414 included in the conversion unit main body 41 may be one. Similarly, the number of signal conversion circuits in the signal output device may be one.

[0079] In each of the above embodiments, the conversion unit main body 41 is provided with a plurality of operation switches 411. However, if it is assumed that signal conversion is performed in the conversion unit main body 41, the plurality of operation switches 411 may be omitted. Similarly, the signal output device may not have a plurality of operation switches.

[0080] The configurations described in the above embodiments are merely examples of the contents of the present disclosure. The embodiments can be combined with other known technologies. Part of the configuration of the embodiments can be omitted or modified without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0081] Examples of aspects that may be included in the present disclosure are set forth below as appendices. (Appendix 1) A conversion unit main body; a first connector and a second connector that are integrated with the conversion unit body; Equipped with the conversion unit main body performs signal conversion to convert a signal from one of the input / output card and the external device into a signal that can be read by the other, thereby enabling communication between the input / output card and the external device; The input / output card has a card body and a card connector integrated with the card body, the first connector is insertable into the card connector, The signal conversion unit has an external device connector that can be plugged into the second connector and is connected to the external device. (Appendix 2) The conversion unit main body has a base portion and a protrusion portion protruding from the base portion, the first connector and the second connector are exposed from the base portion, the first connector and the second connector face opposite each other in an insertion direction of the first connector into the card connector, 2. The signal conversion unit according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion protrudes from the base portion toward the side facing the second connector. (Appendix 3) the base portion has a connector board and a connector board accommodating portion that accommodates the connector board, the protrusion has a circuit board and a circuit board accommodating portion that accommodates the circuit board, the connector board is provided with the first connector and the second connector, the first connector and the second connector are arranged to sandwich the connector board in a thickness direction of the connector board, 3. The signal conversion unit according to claim 2, wherein the circuit board has a signal conversion circuit that performs the signal conversion. (Appendix 4) The conversion unit main body has a base portion and a protrusion portion protruding from the base portion, the first connector is exposed from the base portion, the second connector is exposed from the protrusion, the first connector and the second connector face the same side in an insertion direction of the first connector into the card connector, the protrusion protrudes from the base portion toward the first connector, 2. The signal conversion unit according to claim 1, wherein the second connector is located farther from the base portion than the first connector in a direction in which the first connector is inserted into the card connector. (Appendix 5) 2. The signal conversion unit according to claim 1, wherein a direction in which the external device connector is inserted into the second connector intersects with a direction in which the first connector is inserted into the card connector. (Appendix 6) The conversion unit body has a card receiving surface formed thereon, the first connector is exposed at the card receiving surface, 6. The signal conversion unit according to claim 1, wherein the card receiving surface is in surface contact with the card body when the first connector is inserted into the card connector. (Appendix 7) The conversion unit main body has a plurality of signal conversion circuits, a plurality of external devices each corresponding to a respective one of the signal conversion circuits can be connected to the plurality of signal conversion circuits by inserting the external device connector into the second connector; each of the signal conversion circuits is capable of individually performing the signal conversion that enables communication between the corresponding external device and the input / output card; Each of the signal conversion circuits is provided with an operation switch, A signal conversion unit according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 6, wherein in the conversion unit main body, whether or not to perform the signal conversion by each of the signal conversion circuits can be individually selected by operating the operation switch provided in the signal conversion circuit. (Appendix 8) an input / output card for communicating with an external device; Signal conversion unit and Equipped with the signal conversion unit has a conversion unit body, and a first connector and a second connector integrated with the conversion unit body; the conversion unit main body performs signal conversion to convert a signal from one of the input / output card and the external device into a signal readable by the other, thereby enabling communication between the input / output card and the external device; The input / output card has a card body and a card connector integrated with the card body, the first connector is insertable into the card connector, The signal input / output device has an external device connector that can be plugged into the second connector and is connected to the external device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1 signal input device (signal input / output device), 3 input card (input / output card), 4 signal conversion unit, 5 external device connector, 31 card body, 32 card connector, 41 conversion unit body, 42 first connector, 43 second connector, 45 base portion, 46 protrusion portion, 411 operation switch, 412 card receiving surface, 414 signal conversion circuit, 451 connector board, 452 connector board accommodating portion, 461 circuit board, 462 circuit board accommodating portion.

Claims

1. A conversion unit main body; a first connector and a second connector that are integrated with the conversion unit body; Equipped with the conversion unit main body performs signal conversion to convert a signal from one of the input / output card and the external device into a signal that can be read by the other, thereby enabling communication between the input / output card and the external device; The input / output card has a card body and a card connector integrated with the card body, the first connector is insertable into the card connector, The signal conversion unit has an external device connector that can be plugged into the second connector and is connected to the external device.

2. The conversion unit main body has a base portion and a protrusion portion protruding from the base portion, the first connector and the second connector are exposed from the base portion, the first connector and the second connector face opposite each other in an insertion direction of the first connector into the card connector, The signal conversion unit according to claim 1 , wherein the protrusion protrudes from the base portion toward the side facing the second connector.

3. the base portion has a connector board and a connector board accommodating portion that accommodates the connector board, the protrusion has a circuit board and a circuit board accommodating portion that accommodates the circuit board, the connector board is provided with the first connector and the second connector, the first connector and the second connector are arranged to sandwich the connector board in a thickness direction of the connector board, 3. The signal conversion unit according to claim 2, wherein the circuit board has a signal conversion circuit that performs the signal conversion.

4. The conversion unit main body has a base portion and a protrusion portion protruding from the base portion, the first connector is exposed from the base portion, the second connector is exposed from the protrusion, the first connector and the second connector face the same side in an insertion direction of the first connector into the card connector, the protrusion protrudes from the base portion toward the first connector, 2. The signal conversion unit according to claim 1, wherein the second connector is located farther from the base portion than the first connector in the insertion direction of the first connector into the card connector.

5. 2. The signal conversion unit according to claim 1, wherein the insertion direction of the external device connector into the second connector intersects with the insertion direction of the first connector into the card connector.

6. The conversion unit body has a card receiving surface formed thereon, the first connector is exposed at the card receiving surface, 6. The signal conversion unit according to claim 1, wherein the card receiving surface is in surface contact with the card body when the first connector is inserted into the card connector.

7. The conversion unit main body has a plurality of signal conversion circuits, a plurality of external devices each corresponding to a respective one of the signal conversion circuits can be connected to the plurality of signal conversion circuits by inserting the external device connector into the second connector; each of the signal conversion circuits is capable of individually performing the signal conversion that enables communication between the corresponding external device and the input / output card; Each of the signal conversion circuits is provided with an operation switch, A signal conversion unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein in the conversion unit main body, whether or not to perform the signal conversion by each of the signal conversion circuits can be individually selected by operating the operation switch provided in the signal conversion circuit.

8. an input / output card for communicating with an external device; Signal conversion unit and Equipped with the signal conversion unit has a conversion unit body, and a first connector and a second connector that are integrated with the conversion unit body; the conversion unit main body performs signal conversion to convert a signal from one of the input / output card and the external device into a signal readable by the other, thereby enabling communication between the input / output card and the external device; The input / output card has a card body and a card connector integrated with the card body, the first connector is insertable into the card connector, An external device connector connected to the external device can be inserted into the second connector of the signal input / output device.

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