Measurement apparatus, temperature unit, and power unit

Abstract

To provide a measurement apparatus, a temperature unit, and a power unit capable of freely changing the number of channels for temperature measurement and power measurement, while ensuring accuracy of temperature measurement.SOLUTION: A measurement apparatus 10 includes: a temperature unit 20 having a temperature detection unit 201 for acquiring a temperature detection signal; and a power unit 22 for acquiring detection signals of current and voltage. The temperature unit 20 and the power unit 22 are provided with two connectors 5 that allow temperature units 20 to be connectable to each other, power units 22 to be connectable to each other, and the temperature unit 20 and the power unit 22 to be connectable to each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a measuring device, a temperature unit and a power unit. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a measuring device in which a current / voltage detector that detects DC power converted from AC power to direct current, a temperature sensor that senses the ambient temperature, and a processor that obtains the power consumption of the AC power based on the voltage value, current value, and ambient temperature are arranged on a system circuit board.

[0003] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a measuring device to which a measuring unit capable of measuring power and a measuring unit capable of measuring temperature can be attached. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-221944 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-219744 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the measuring device described in Patent Document 1, the current-voltage detector and the temperature sensor corresponding to the temperature detection unit are arranged on the same circuit board in the same housing, which limits the number of channels for detecting power and temperature. Therefore, if one measuring device does not have enough channels for detecting power and temperature, multiple measuring devices must be prepared and connected to each other to measure power and temperature.

[0006] Furthermore, in the measurement device described in Patent Document 2, the temperature or power measurement unit is attached to an attachment part, so the number of channels is limited to the number of attachment parts that can attach measurement units to the housing of the measurement device. Therefore, if the number of channels for detecting power or temperature is insufficient, a measurement device housing must be prepared that has attachment parts that can attach measurement units to meet the required number of channels.

[0007] In addition, a measurement device with a mounting section that can accommodate a number of measurement units far exceeding the required number is heavy and large, making it difficult to carry and install. Therefore, a measurement device housing with a mounting section that can accommodate the required number of measurement units, or a number slightly exceeding the required number, based on the number of channels for detecting the target power and temperature is required, and therefore multiple measurement device housings must be prepared according to the number of measurement targets.

[0008] In addition, the temperature detection unit is required to maintain a constant temperature to increase measurement accuracy, but if the current-voltage detector is placed in the same housing, the temperature cannot be maintained constant due to the heat generated when the current-voltage detector detects high voltages, large currents, etc., and there is a risk that the temperature measurement accuracy will decrease.

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to provide a measurement device, a temperature unit, and a power unit that can freely change the number of channels for temperature measurement and power measurement while ensuring temperature measurement accuracy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In one aspect of the present invention, a measurement device capable of connecting multiple units includes a temperature unit that acquires temperature detection signals and a power unit that acquires current and voltage detection signals, and the temperature unit and the power unit are provided with two connectors that allow the temperature units to be connected to each other and the power units to be connected to each other, and also allow the temperature unit and the power unit to be connected to each other. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to this aspect, the temperature unit and power unit of the measuring device are provided with two connectors that allow the same units to be connected to each other, and also allow different units to be connected to each other. This makes it possible to simultaneously connect any two of temperature units to temperature units, power units to power units, and temperature units to power units, and therefore makes it possible to connect the temperature units and power units in any order, thereby realizing a measuring device in which the number of temperature and power channels can be freely changed.

[0012] In addition, the temperature unit and the power unit are configured in separate housings, and the separate units are connected to form the measurement device. This makes it possible to prevent the temperature detection unit from being affected by heat generated by the power detection unit, compared to a configuration in which the temperature detection unit and the power detection unit are housed in a single housing of the measurement device, and therefore makes it possible to prevent a decrease in temperature measurement accuracy due to heat generated by the power detection unit.

[0013] Therefore, it is possible to provide a measurement device that can freely change the number of temperature and power channels while ensuring the accuracy of temperature measurement. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a measurement device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing one side of the temperature unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a side connector of the temperature unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the other side of the temperature unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the other side connector of the temperature unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing one side of the power unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the other side of the power unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing one side of the collection unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the other side of the collecting unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the temperature unit. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the power unit. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the collection unit. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of changing the connection order of each unit. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing one side of a specific unit that cannot be connected. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a side connector of a specific unit. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a modified example of the measuring device. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the other side of the power unit of the measurement device according to the modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, a measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a measurement device 10 according to this embodiment.

[0017] The measuring device 10 measures and outputs the power and temperature of an object to be measured at predetermined intervals, and is used, for example, for battery charge / discharge tests. The measuring device 10 has multiple units and is configured to be able to connect identical units and different units.

[0018] 1, the measurement device 10 is composed of a temperature unit 20, a power unit 22, and a collection unit 24. The number of temperature units 20 and power units 22 can be selected arbitrarily. For example, the number of temperature units 20 can be changed to two, or the number of power units 22 can be changed to two, depending on the purpose of use.

[0019] The temperature unit 20 acquires a temperature detection signal. Then, the temperature unit 20 obtains a measurement quantity based on the acquired detection signal. The measurement quantity is information related to the detection quantity obtained from the acquired detection signal.

[0020] As a specific example, the temperature unit 20 has one or more channels for detecting temperature, and each channel is provided with a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature. The temperature unit 20 receives a detection signal indicating the temperature of the object to be measured, and detects the temperature of the object by calculating the detection amount obtained from the received detection signal or converting it using a conversion table to obtain a measurement amount.

[0021] In this embodiment, a pair of connection terminals is provided for each channel inside the cover 30 of the temperature unit 20, and the output cable of a thermocouple placed in the measurement target is connected to the pair of connection terminals inside the cover 30 of the temperature unit 20. The temperature unit 20 inputs a voltage signal generated in a temperature sensor such as a thermocouple as a detection signal, and calculates or converts the detection quantity obtained from the detection signal to determine the measurement quantity.

[0022] It is desirable for the temperature unit 20 to suppress the transfer of heat from other units so that the effect of heat from the surroundings does not affect the measurement quantity. For example, the surface of the temperature unit 20 that comes into contact with the other unit may be made concave or convex so that the contact area is smaller than the size of the surface where the temperature unit 20 and the other unit meet, thereby making it difficult for heat to be transferred to the temperature unit 20 or facilitating heat dissipation from the temperature unit 20. Furthermore, the material of the portion where the temperature unit 20 and the other unit come into contact with each other may be made to be difficult for heat to be transferred by using a resin with lower thermal conductivity than metal for the housing.

[0023] The power unit 22 acquires detection signals of current and voltage. The power unit 22 then calculates power based on the acquired detection signals. The calculated power is information related to the detection amount obtained from the acquired detection signals.

[0024] As a specific example, the power unit 22 has one or more channels for detecting power, and includes a power detection unit for detecting power for each channel. The power unit 22 detects current and voltage signals of the channel connected to the measurement target, and detects the power transmitted through the channel based on the detection amount obtained from the detected signals.

[0025] In this embodiment, a current terminal 31 and a pair of voltage terminals 32 are provided for each channel on the housing of the power unit 22. An output cable of a pair of harnesses or clip terminals connected to a voltage measurement point is connected to the pair of voltage terminals 32 of the power unit 22, and an output cable of a current sensor arranged at a current measurement point is connected to the current terminals 31.

[0026] The current sensor is not limited to a contact sensor, but may be a non-contact sensor that clamps the electric wire to be measured and detects the current in the electric wire. The current signal output from the current sensor may be an electrical signal indicating the magnitude of the current flowing at the measurement point, or a detection signal proportional to the magnitude of the current. The output signal from the current sensor may be an analog signal or a digital signal.

[0027] The power unit 22 receives a voltage signal input to a pair of voltage terminals 32 and a current signal input to a pair of current terminals 31, detects the current and voltage values, and calculates the power transmitted to the channel being measured from the detected current and voltage values. The power unit 22 then outputs the calculation result as a measured quantity.

[0028] The collection unit 24 collects the measured quantities of the temperature unit 20 and the power unit 22 and outputs the collected measured quantities to the outside. The collection unit 24 is configured, for example, by a data logger that stores measurement data that indicates the measured quantities in chronological order.

[0029] In this embodiment, the collection unit 24 collects the temperature measurements made by the temperature unit 20 and the power measurements made by the power unit 22 and sequentially records them in a memory unit. The collection unit 24 also transmits the measurement data recorded in the memory unit to an external device via the communication connector 33, the LAN port 34, etc., or records it in a portable storage medium such as a USB memory (not shown).

[0030] The temperature unit 20, the power unit 22, and the collection unit 24 are arranged side by side. Adjacent units 20, 22, and 24 are connected by connectors 5 provided on the opposing side surfaces of the housings.

[0031] The two connectors 5 that are connected to each other may have the same shape or different shapes. An example of the configuration of the connector 5 of each of the units 20, 22, 24 will be described in detail below.

[0032] In the following configuration examples, for convenience, the surface on which the current terminal 31 and the voltage terminal 32 are arranged will be referred to as the front, the surface opposite the front will be referred to as the back, one of the remaining surfaces will be referred to as the left side, the surface opposite the left side will be referred to as the right side, and the left and right sides together will be referred to as the side. Furthermore, one of the surfaces other than the front, back, left side, and right side will be referred to as the bottom, the surface opposite the bottom will be referred to as the top, a position closer to the top than the bottom will be referred to as the upper, and a position closer to the bottom than the top will be referred to as the lower. However, the surface on which the current terminal 31 and the voltage terminal 32 are arranged is not limited to the front. For example, the front may be one of the surfaces on which the current terminal 31 and the voltage terminal 32 are not arranged.

[0033] (Temperature unit) First, a specific example of the connector 5 provided on the side surface of the housing of the temperature unit 20 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0034] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing one side surface (40L) of the temperature unit 20. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a side surface connector (50) of the temperature unit 20. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the other side surface (40R) of the temperature unit 20. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the other side surface connector (90) of the temperature unit 20.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the temperature unit 20 includes a rectangular first housing 40. The first housing 40 includes a rectangular first bottom surface 40A, a first front surface 40F extending upward from the front edge of the first bottom surface 40A, and a first back surface 40B extending upward from the rear edge of the first bottom surface 40A. The first housing 40 also includes a first left side surface 40L extending upward from the left edge of the first bottom surface 40A, and a first right side surface 40R extending upward from the right edge of the first bottom surface 40A. The first housing 40 also includes a first top surface 40T connecting the first front surface 40F, the first back surface 40B, the first left side surface 40L, and the first right side surface 40R.

[0036] (First side connector) 2, one or more connectors are provided as connector 5 in a region of first left side surface 40L (as one side surface) on the first back surface 40B side, and in this embodiment, two first side surface connectors (50, 52) are provided. Specifically, a first upper left side surface connector 50 as the first side surface connector is provided in a region on the first top surface 40T side. A first lower left side surface connector 52 as another first side surface connector is provided in a region closer to the first bottom surface 40A than first upper left side surface connector 50.

[0037] (First upper left side connector) The first upper left side connector 50 includes an upper hole 60 and a female power connector 62 provided inside the upper hole 60.

[0038] The upper hole 60 is an opening formed in the first left side surface 40L. The power supply female connector 62 is a power supply connector provided on the circuit board 70 inside the temperature unit 20. The power supply female connector 62 is an electrical connector that exchanges power between the units 20, 22, and 24.

[0039] (First lower left side connector) The first lower left side connector 52 includes a lower hole 80 and a signal female connector 82 provided inside the lower hole 80 .

[0040] The lower hole 80 is an opening formed in the first left side surface 40L. The signal female connector 82 is a signal connector provided on the circuit board 70 inside the temperature unit 20. The signal female connector 82 is an electrical connector that exchanges signals between the units 20, 22, and 24.

[0041] (Details of the first upper left side connector) The configuration of the first side surface connectors (50, 52) provided on the first left side surface 40L will be specifically described using the first upper left side surface connector 50 as an example.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 3, the upper hole 60 constituting the first upper left side connector 50 is formed in a rectangular shape.

[0043] The opening edge of the upper hole 60 includes a rear-side long side 60A extending along the first rear surface 40B and a top-side short side 60B extending from the end of the rear-side long side 60A on the first top surface 40T side toward the first front surface 40F. The opening edge of the upper hole 60 also includes a bottom-side short side 60C extending from the end of the rear-side long side 60A on the first bottom surface 40A side toward the first front surface 40F.

[0044] A bottom inclined side 60D inclined toward the first top surface 40T extends from the end of the bottom short side 60C, and a top inclined side 60E inclined toward the first bottom surface 40A extends from the end of the top short side 60B. The bottom inclined side 60D and the top inclined side 60E are connected by a front long side 60F that extends along the first front surface 40F.

[0045] The lower hole 80 constituting the first lower left side connector 52 is configured in the same manner as the upper hole 60 constituting the first upper left side connector 50 .

[0046] The first upper left side connector 50 having the upper hole 60 and the first lower left side connector 52 having the lower hole 80 have a recessed structure.

[0047] (First other side connector) 2 and 4, a first other side surface connector configured to be able to mate with the first side surface connectors (50, 52) is provided as connector 5 in a region on the first right side surface 40R, which is the other side surface different from the first left side surface 40L on which the first upper left side surface connector 50 and the first lower left side surface connector 52 are provided, on the first back surface 40B side. Specifically, a first upper right side surface connector 90 as the first other side surface connector is provided in a region on the first top surface 40T side. A first lower right side surface connector 92 as another first other side surface connector is provided in a region closer to the first bottom surface 40A than the first upper right side surface connector 90.

[0048] (First upper right side connector) First upper right side surface connector 90 includes an upward protrusion 100 formed around upper elongated hole 96, and a male power connector 102 protruding from upper elongated hole 96. Upper protrusion 100 surrounds male power connector 102 and protects male power connector 102 protruding from first right side surface 40R.

[0049] The upper elongated hole 96 is an opening formed in the first right side surface 40R. The upward protrusion 100 is a cylindrical wall formed along the edge of the opening of the upper elongated hole 96. The power male connector 102 is a power connector provided on the circuit board 70 inside the temperature unit 20. The power male connector 102 is an electrical connector that exchanges power between the units 20, 22, and 24.

[0050] (First lower right side connector) The first lower right side surface connector 92 includes a downward protrusion 110 formed around the lower elongated hole 98, and a signal male connector 112 protruding from the lower elongated hole 98. The downward protrusion 110 surrounds the signal male connector 112 and protects the signal male connector 112 protruding from the first right side surface 40R.

[0051] The lower elongated hole 98 is an opening formed in the first right side surface 40R. The downward protrusion 110 is a cylindrical wall formed along the edge of the opening of the lower elongated hole 98. The signal male connector 112 is a signal connector provided on the circuit board 70 inside the temperature unit 20. The signal male connector 112 is an electrical connector that exchanges signals between the units 20, 22, and 24.

[0052] (Details of the first upper right side connector) The configuration of the first other side surface connectors (90, 92) provided on the first right side surface 40R will be specifically described using the first upper right side surface connector 90 as an example.

[0053] 5, the upward protrusion 100 constituting the first upper right side connector 90 includes a rear sidewall 100A extending along the first rear surface 40B, and a top sidewall 100B extending from the end of the rear sidewall 100A on the first top surface 40T side toward the first front surface 40F. The upward protrusion 100 also includes a bottom sidewall 100C extending from the end of the rear sidewall 100A on the first bottom surface 40A side toward the first front surface 40F.

[0054] A bottom-side inclined wall portion 100D inclined toward the first top surface 40T extends from the end of the bottom-side wall portion 100C, and a top-side inclined wall portion 100E inclined toward the first bottom surface 40A extends from the end of the top-side wall portion 100B. The bottom-side inclined wall portion 100D and the top-side inclined wall portion 100E are connected by a front-side wall portion 100F that extends along the first front surface 40F.

[0055] A low top-side step 100G is formed on the top-side wall 100B facing the rear-side wall 100A. A low bottom-side step 100H is formed on the bottom-side wall 100C facing the rear-side wall 100A. The height of the rear-side wall 100A connecting the top-side wall 100B and the bottom-side wall 100C is lower than the height of the steps 100G and 100H.

[0056] The downward protrusion 110 constituting the first lower right side connector 92 is configured in the same manner as the upward protrusion 100 constituting the first upper right side connector 90 .

[0057] The first upper right side connector 90 and the first lower right side connector 92 have a convex structure.

[0058] 2 to 5, the first upper left side connector 50 and the first lower left side connector 52 as the first side connectors have a recessed structure that is one of a convex structure and a concave structure that allow them to be connected to each other. The first upper right side connector 90 and the first lower right side connector 92 as the first other side connectors have a convex structure that is the other of a convex structure and a concave structure that allow them to be connected to each other.

[0059] The first upper right side connector 90 is disposed on the rear side of the first upper left side connector 50. The upper protrusion 100 constituting the first upper right side connector 90 has a shape that allows it to be inserted into the upper hole 60 constituting the first upper left side connector 50. The male power connector 102 constituting the first upper right side connector 90 is electrically connectable to the female power connector 62 constituting the first upper left side connector 50. Examples of electrically connected components include a clock for synchronizing used in units and measuring devices, a signal line, a power line, etc. The electrical connection is realized by one or more conducting wires or conductors.

[0060] The first lower right side connector 92 is disposed on the rear side of the first lower left side connector 52. A downward protrusion 110 constituting the first lower right side connector 92 has a shape that allows it to be inserted into the downward hole 80 constituting the first lower left side connector 52. A signal male connector 112 constituting the first lower right side connector 92 is electrically connectable to the signal female connector 82 constituting the first lower left side connector 52.

[0061] In this way, the connector 5 is configured by connectors (50, 52, 90, 92) that can connect the temperature units 20 to each other and electrically connect the temperature units 20 to each other.

[0062] (Connection status) With the temperature units 20 arranged side by side, the upward protrusion 100 (see FIG. 4) of the first upper right side connector 90 of the left temperature unit 20 is inserted into the upper hole 60 (see FIG. 2) of the right temperature unit 20. In this state, the first upper right side connector 90 of the left temperature unit 20 is connected to the first upper left side connector 50 of the right temperature unit 20.

[0063] At this time, the male power connector 102 (see FIG. 4) of the first upper right side connector 90 of the left temperature unit 20 is electrically connected to the female power connector 62 (see FIG. 2) of the first upper left side connector 50 of the right temperature unit 20. This allows the left temperature unit 20 and the right temperature unit 20 to exchange power to drive the electrical circuit. Note that when three or more units are electrically connected, power to drive the electrical circuit can be exchanged not only between the left temperature unit 20 and the right temperature unit 20, but also with the other electrically connected units.

[0064] Additionally, the downward protrusion 110 of the first lower right side connector 92 of the left temperature unit 20 is inserted into the lower hole 80 of the right temperature unit 20. In this state, the first lower right side connector 92 of the left temperature unit 20 is connected to the first lower left side connector 52 of the right temperature unit 20.

[0065] At this time, the signal male connector 112 of the first lower right side connector 92 of the left temperature unit 20 is electrically connected to the signal female connector 82 of the first lower left side connector 52 of the right temperature unit 20. This allows the left temperature unit 20 and the right temperature unit 20 to exchange clocks and signals. Note that when three or more units are electrically connected, clocks and signals can be exchanged not only between the left temperature unit 20 and the right temperature unit 20, but also with the other electrically connected units.

[0066] In this way, the temperature units 20 are connected to each other by the two connectors 5 provided on the side surfaces of the housings of the same temperature unit 20.

[0067] (power unit) Next, specific examples of the two connectors 5 provided on the side surfaces of the housing of the power unit 22 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0068] Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing one side (200L) of the power unit 22. Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the other side (200R) of the power unit 22.

[0069] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the power unit 22 includes a rectangular second housing 200. The second housing 200 includes a rectangular second bottom surface 200A, a second front surface 200F extending upward from the front edge of the second bottom surface 200A, and a second back surface 200B extending upward from the rear edge of the second bottom surface 200A. The second housing 200 also includes a second left side surface 200L extending upward from the left edge of the second bottom surface 200A, and a second right side surface 200R extending upward from the right edge of the second bottom surface 200A. The second housing 200 also includes a second top surface 200T connecting the second front surface 200F, the second back surface 200B, the second left side surface 200L, and the second right side surface 200R.

[0070] (Second side connector) 6, a second side surface connector is provided as the connector 5 on the second rear surface 200B side of the second left side surface 200L as one side surface. The second side surface connector is configured similarly to the first side surface connectors (50, 52) provided on the side surface of the housing of the temperature unit 20.

[0071] Specifically, the second side connector has a second upper left side connector having the same shape as the first upper left side connector 50 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) and a second lower left side connector having the same shape as the first lower left side connector 52 (see FIG. 4). For this reason, the second side connectors are given the same reference numerals as the first side connectors (50, 52) and will not be described here.

[0072] (Second other side connector) As shown in Figures 6 and 7, a second other side surface connector configured to be able to mate with the second side surface connectors (50, 52) is provided on the second back surface 200B side of the second right side surface 200R, which is the other side surface other than the second left side surface 200L on which the second upper left side surface connector 50 and the second lower left side surface connector 52 are provided.

[0073] Specifically, the second other side surface connector has a second upper right side surface connector having the same shape as the first upper right side surface connector 90 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) and a second lower right side surface connector having the same shape as the first lower right side surface connector 92 (see FIG. 7). For this reason, the second other side surface connector is given the same reference numeral as the first other side surface connectors (90, 92) and a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0074] 6 and 7, second upper left side connector 50 and second lower left side connector 52 as second side connectors have a concave structure that is one of a convex structure and a concave structure that allow them to be connected to each other. Second upper right side connector 90 and second lower right side connector 92 as second other side connectors have a convex structure that is the other of a convex structure and a concave structure that allow them to be connected to each other.

[0075] (Connection status) With the power units 22 arranged side by side, the upward protrusion 100 (see FIG. 4) of the second upper right side connector 90 of the left power unit 22 is inserted into the upper hole 60 (see FIG. 2) of the right power unit 22. In this state, the second upper right side connector 90 of the left power unit 22 is connected to the second upper left side connector 50 of the right power unit 22.

[0076] At this time, the male power connector 102 (see FIG. 4) of the second upper right side connector 90 of the left power unit 22 is electrically connected to the female power connector 62 (see FIG. 2) of the second upper left side connector 50 of the right power unit 22. This allows the left power unit 22 and the right power unit 22 to exchange power to drive the electrical circuits. Note that when three or more units are electrically connected, power to drive the electrical circuits can be exchanged not only between the left temperature unit 20 and the right temperature unit 20, but also with the other electrically connected units.

[0077] Additionally, the downward protrusion 110 of the second lower right side surface connector 92 of the left power unit 22 is inserted into the lower hole 80 of the right power unit 22. In this state, the second lower right side surface connector 92 of the left power unit 22 is connected to the second lower left side surface connector 52 of the right power unit 22.

[0078] At this time, the signal male connector 112 of the second lower right side face connector 92 of the left power unit 22 is electrically connected to the signal female connector 82 of the second lower left side face connector 52 of the right power unit 22. This enables the exchange of clocks and signals between the left power unit 22 and the right power unit 22. Note that when three or more units are electrically connected, clocks and signals can be exchanged not only between the left power unit 22 and the right power unit 22, but also with the other electrically connected units.

[0079] In this way, the power units 22 are connected to each other by the two connectors 5 provided on the side surfaces of the housings of the same power unit 22.

[0080] (connection of power unit and temperature unit) 2 to 7 , the second upper left side connector 50 of the power unit 22 is disposed at a position corresponding to the first upper right side connector 90 of the temperature unit 20. The upper hole 60 of the second upper left side connector 50 of the power unit 22 has a shape that allows the upper protrusion 100 of the second upper right side connector 90 to be inserted therein. The female power connector 62 of the second upper left side connector 50 is connectable to the male power connector 102 of the first upper right side connector 90 of the temperature unit 20.

[0081] The second lower left side connector 52 of the power unit 22 is disposed at a position corresponding to the first lower right side connector 92 of the temperature unit 20. The lower hole 80 of the second lower left side connector 52 has a shape that allows the downward protrusion 110 of the first lower right side connector 92 of the temperature unit 20 to be inserted therein. The signal female connector 82 of the second lower left side connector 52 of the power unit 22 is connectable to the signal male connector 112 of the first lower right side connector 92 of the temperature unit 20.

[0082] As a result, the first upper right side connector 90 and the first lower right side connector 92 of the temperature unit 20 can be connected to the second upper left side connector 50 and the second lower left side connector 52 of the power unit 22. In addition, the first upper right side connector 90 and the first lower right side connector 92 of the temperature unit 20 can be electrically connected to the second upper left side connector 50 and the second lower left side connector 52 of the power unit 22 via electrical connectors.

[0083] In this way, the connectors 5 are provided on one opposing side surface (40L and 200L) and the other opposing side surface (40R and 200R) of each housing of the temperature unit 20 and the power unit 22. The connectors 5 are configured by connectors (50, 52, 90, 92) that connect the temperature unit 20 and the power unit 22 to each other and can electrically connect the temperature unit 20 and the power unit 22 to each other.

[0084] (Collection Unit) Next, a specific example of the connector 5 provided on the side surface of the housing of the collection unit 24 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0085] Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing one side (300L) of the collecting unit 24. Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the other side (300R) of the collecting unit 24.

[0086] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 , the collection unit 24 includes a rectangular third housing 300. The third housing 300 includes a rectangular third bottom surface 300A, a third front surface 300F extending upward from the front edge of the third bottom surface 300A, and a third back surface 300B extending upward from the rear edge of the third bottom surface 300A. The third housing 300 includes a third left side surface 300L extending upward from the left edge of the third bottom surface 300A as one side surface, and a third right side surface 300R extending upward from the right edge of the third bottom surface 300A as the other side surface. The third housing 300 includes a third top surface 300T connecting the third front surface 300F, the third back surface 300B, the third left side surface 300L, and the third right side surface 300R.

[0087] (Third side connector) 8, a third side surface connector is provided as the connector 5 on a portion of the third left side surface 300L, which serves as one side surface, on the third rear surface 300B side. The third side surface connector is configured similarly to the first side surface connectors (50, 52) provided on the side surface of the housing of the temperature unit 20.

[0088] Specifically, the third side surface connector has a third upper left side surface connector having the same shape as the first upper left side surface connector 50 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) and a third lower left side surface connector having the same shape as the first lower left side surface connector 52 (see FIG. 4). For this reason, the third side surface connectors are given the same reference numerals as the first side surface connectors (50, 52) and will not be described here.

[0089] (Third other side connector) As shown in FIG. 9, the collecting unit 24 does not have a connector on the third right side surface 300R, which is the other side surface.

[0090] Specifically, the third right side surface 300R, which is the other side surface of the collecting unit 24, does not have connectors that can be connected to the first to third upper left side surface connectors 50 and the first to third lower left side surface connectors 52.

[0091] As a result, the temperature unit 20, the power unit 22, and the collection unit 24 cannot be connected to the third right side surface 300R.

[0092] The third right side surface 300R of the collecting unit 24 may be provided with connectors for connecting devices other than the temperature unit 20, the power unit 22, and the collecting unit 24.

[0093] 2 to 9 , the third upper left side connector 50 is disposed at a position corresponding to the first upper right side connector 90 of the temperature unit 20 and the second upper right side connector 90 of the power unit 22. The upper hole 60 of the third upper left side connector 50 is formed in a shape that allows the upper protrusions 100 of the first and second upper right side connectors 90 to be inserted therein. The female power connector 62 of the third upper left side connector 50 is connectable to the male power connectors 102 of the first and second upper right side connectors 90.

[0094] The third lower left side connector 52 is disposed at a position corresponding to the first and second lower right side connectors 92 of the temperature unit 20 and the power unit 22. The lower hole 80 of the third lower left side connector 52 is formed in a shape that allows the downward protrusions 110 of the first and second lower right side connectors 92 to be inserted therein. The signal female connector 82 of the third lower left side connector 52 is connectable to the signal male connectors 112 of the first and second lower right side connectors 92.

[0095] (Connection status) When the temperature unit 20 is placed next to the collection unit 24 on the left, the upward protrusion 100 of the first upper right side connector 90 of the temperature unit 20 is inserted into the upper hole 60 of the collection unit 24. In this state, the first upper right side connector 90 of the temperature unit 20 is connected to the third upper left side connector 50 of the collection unit 24.

[0096] At this time, the male power connector 102 of the first upper right side connector 90 of the temperature unit 20 is electrically connected to the female power connector 62 of the third upper left side connector 50 of the collection unit 24. This allows the temperature unit 20 and the collection unit 24 to exchange power to drive the electrical circuit.

[0097] Furthermore, the downward protrusion 110 of the first lower right side connector 92 of the temperature unit 20 is inserted into the third lower hole 80 of the collection unit 24. In this state, the first lower right side connector 92 of the temperature unit 20 is connected to the third lower left side connector 52 of the collection unit 24.

[0098] At this time, the signal male connector 112 of the first lower right side connector 92 of the temperature unit 20 is electrically connected to the signal female connector 82 of the third lower left side connector 52 of the collection unit 24. This allows the temperature unit 20 and the collection unit 24 to exchange clocks and signals.

[0099] When the power unit 22 is placed next to the collection unit 24 on the left, the upper protrusion 100 of the second upper right side connector 90 of the power unit 22 is inserted into the upper hole 60 of the collection unit 24. In this state, the second upper right side connector 90 of the power unit 22 is connected to the third upper left side connector 50 of the collection unit 24.

[0100] At this time, the male power connector 102 of the second upper right side connector 90 of the power unit 22 is electrically connected to the female power connector 62 of the third upper left side connector 50 of the collection unit 24. This allows the power unit 22 and the collection unit 24 to exchange power to drive the electrical circuit.

[0101] Furthermore, the downward protrusion 110 of the second lower right side connector 92 of the power unit 22 is inserted into the lower hole 80 of the collection unit 24. In this state, the second lower right side connector 92 of the power unit 22 is connected to the third lower left side connector 52 of the collection unit 24.

[0102] At this time, the signal male connector 112 of the second lower right side connector 92 of the power unit 22 is electrically connected to the signal female connector 82 of the third lower left side connector 52 of the collection unit 24. This allows the power unit 22 and the collection unit 24 to exchange clocks and signals.

[0103] Next, the functional configuration of each of the units 20, 22, and 24 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0104] (Temperature unit) FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the temperature unit 20 in this embodiment.

[0105] The temperature unit 20 includes one or more temperature detection units 201, a communication unit 204, and a power supply unit 205. In this embodiment, the temperature detection units 201, communication units 204, and power supply units 205 for N channels CH1 to CHn are arranged on a single circuit board. N is a natural number, for example, 30.

[0106] A pair of temperature terminals 30a connected to each of the N temperature detection units 201 is provided on the front surface of the first housing 40 of the temperature unit 20. Furthermore, a first upper left side connector 50 and a first lower left side connector 52 are provided as connectors 5 on the left side surface (40L) of the first housing 40, and a first upper right side connector 90 and a first lower right side connector 92 are provided as connectors 5 on the right side surface (40R).

[0107] Each temperature detection unit 201 includes an AD converter 202 and a processing unit 203. The AD converter 202 receives a detection signal input from a temperature detection unit such as a thermocouple via a pair of temperature terminals 30a. The detection signal input from the temperature detection unit to the pair of temperature terminals 30a is a signal that indicates, in time series, the amount of detected temperature at the measurement location where the temperature detection unit is located, and is, for example, a voltage signal whose voltage value is proportional to the magnitude of the temperature at the measurement location.

[0108] The AD converter 202 converts the input signal from an analog signal to a digital signal at a predetermined sampling period. The sampling period can be set to any value. The AD converter 202 outputs the converted digital signal to the processing unit 203.

[0109] The processing unit 203 detects the temperature of the measurement location by sequentially converting the detected amount of temperature at the measurement location indicated by the output signal of the AD converter 202 into an amount (measured amount) indicating the magnitude of the temperature. The processing unit 203 is configured, for example, by a computer including a processor such as a CPU and a memory 203a such as a RAM. The processing unit 203 records the measured amounts obtained by sequentially converting the detected amounts in time series in the memory 203a.

[0110] The processing unit 203 outputs the latest measured amount recorded in the memory 203 a to the communication unit 204 in accordance with an instruction from the communication unit 204 .

[0111] The communication unit 204 communicates between the temperature unit 20 itself and the other units 20, 22, and 24 through the first lower left side connector 52 and the first lower right side connector 92. When the communication unit 204 of this embodiment receives an instruction to acquire the temperature measurement amount of each channel from the collection unit 24 through the first lower right side connector 92, it notifies the processing unit 203 of the instruction.

[0112] When the communication unit 204 acquires measurement data indicating the measured temperature quantity of each channel from the processing unit 203 , it transmits the acquired measurement data to the collection unit 24 via the first lower right side connector 92 .

[0113] The power supply unit 205 supplies power to the electronic components provided in the temperature unit 20, and also supplies (transmits) power to the other units 20, 22, and 24. In this embodiment, the power supply unit 205 receives power from the collection unit 24 through the first upper right side connector 90, and uses that power to drive the electronic components in the temperature unit 20.

[0114] (power unit) FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the power unit 22 in this embodiment.

[0115] The power unit 22 includes one or more power detection units 221, a communication unit 204, and a power supply unit 205. In this embodiment, the power detection units 221, communication units 204, and power supply units 205 for multiple channels CH are arranged on a single circuit board. The communication unit 204 and power supply unit 205 have the same or equivalent configuration as the communication unit and power supply unit of the temperature unit 20, so they are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted here.

[0116] For convenience, Figure 11 shows only the functional configuration of the power detection unit 221 of the first channel CH1 among the multiple channels CH, and the power detection units of other channels not shown also have the same configuration as the power detection unit 221 of the first channel CH1.

[0117] A current terminal 31 and a pair of voltage terminals 32 (see FIG. 1) connected to each of the three power detection units 221 are provided on the front surface of the second housing 200 of the power unit 22. Furthermore, a second upper left side connector 50 and a second lower left side connector 52 are provided as connectors 5 on the left side surface (200L) of the second housing 200, and a second upper right side connector 90 and a second lower right side connector 92 are provided as connectors 5 on the right side surface (200R).

[0118] Each power detection unit 221 detects the power transmitted through the channel by sequentially converting the detected amounts of current and voltage indicated by the current signal and voltage signal of the channel CH connected to the measurement target into amounts (measured amounts) indicating the magnitude of the current and voltage, and then multiplying them. The power detection unit 221 of this embodiment detects an analog signal output from a current sensor (not shown) and an analog signal output from a voltage detection unit such as a harness or clip terminal (not shown) to determine the measured amount of power.

[0119] The power detection unit 221 includes an AD converter 222, a detector 223, and a processing unit 224. The AD converter 222 receives a voltage signal input from the voltage detection unit via a pair of voltage terminals 32. The voltage signal input from the voltage detection unit to the pair of voltage terminals 32 is a signal that indicates, in time series, the magnitude of the applied voltage of the measurement object connected to the voltage detection unit. Note that the voltage signal input to the pair of voltage terminals 32 may also be a detection signal that indicates, in time series, a detection amount that is proportional to the magnitude of the applied voltage.

[0120] The AD converter 222 has the same or equivalent configuration as the AD converter 202 of the temperature unit 20, and converts the input signal from an analog signal to a digital signal at a predetermined sampling period. The sampling period can be set to any value. The AD converter 222 outputs the converted digital signal to the detector 223.

[0121] Detector 223 receives as input the digital signal output from AD converter 222 and the current signal input from the current sensor via current terminal 31. The current signal input from the current sensor to current terminal 31 is a signal that indicates, in time series, the current value of a current flowing through a measurement object on which the current sensor is placed. Note that the current signal input to current terminal 31 may also be a detection signal that indicates, in time series, a detection amount that is proportional to the magnitude of the current flowing through the measurement object.

[0122] Detector 223 detects the voltage value of the voltage applied to the object to be measured and the current value of the current flowing through the object to be measured, using the output signal of AD converter 222 and the input signal to current terminal 31. Detector 223 outputs the detected current value and voltage value to processing unit 224.

[0123] The processing unit 224 measures the power value by multiplying the voltage value and current value output from the detector 223, and acquires the measured power value as a measured amount of power transmitted to the measurement object. The processing unit 224 has a configuration equivalent to that of the processing unit 203 of the temperature unit 20, and is configured by, for example, a computer including a processor such as a CPU and memory 224a such as a RAM. The processing unit 224 records the measured amounts acquired sequentially in chronological order in the memory 224a as the measured amounts.

[0124] The processing unit 224 outputs the latest measured amount recorded in the memory 224a to the communication unit 204 in accordance with an instruction from the communication unit 204.

[0125] The power unit 22 may be provided with a cooler for cooling the heat generated in the power detection unit 221. This can reduce the amount of heat transferred from the power unit 22 to the temperature unit 20 disposed adjacent to the power unit 22 on the left.

[0126] (Collection Unit) FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the collection unit 24 in this embodiment.

[0127] The collection unit 24 includes a communication unit 204, a power supply unit 205, a processing unit 241, a memory unit 242, and an output unit 243. In this embodiment, the communication unit 204, the power supply unit 205, the processing unit 241, the memory unit 242, and the output unit 243 are arranged on a single circuit board. The communication unit 204 and the power supply unit 205 have the same or equivalent configurations as the communication unit and the power supply unit of the temperature unit 20 and the power unit 22, and therefore will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described here.

[0128] The power supply unit 205 is connected to an external power supply and supplies power from the external power supply to each component in the collection unit 24, and also supplies (transmits) power to the other units 20, 22 through the first upper left side connector 50.

[0129] The processing unit 241 collects the measured quantities of the temperature unit 20 and the power unit 22, and outputs the collected measured quantities to the outside. The processing unit 241 is configured, for example, by a computer including a processor such as a CPU, a memory such as a RAM, and an input device. The input device is configured, for example, by a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, etc.

[0130] The processing unit 241 of this embodiment instructs the communication unit 204 to acquire, at the same or approximately the same timing, the latest measured amount of temperature of each channel provided in the temperature unit 20 and the latest measured amount of power of each channel provided in each power unit 22. That is, the detection signal acquired by the temperature detection unit 201 of each channel and the detection signal acquired by the power detection unit 221 of each channel are acquired in synchronization with each other.

[0131] Specifically, the processing unit 241 issues an acquisition instruction to the communication unit 204 at a predetermined cycle to acquire measurement data measured by the other units 20 and 22. The predetermined cycle is set arbitrarily to a value within a range of, for example, several ms to several hundred ms.

[0132] In accordance with the acquisition instruction from the processing unit 241, the communication unit 204 simultaneously or sequentially transmits an acquisition instruction to the communication units 204 of the other units 20, 22 via the third lower left side connector 52 to acquire the latest measurement data recorded in its own unit.

[0133] Thereafter, the communication unit 204 simultaneously or sequentially inputs, via the third lower left side connector 52, the measurement data recorded in the memory 203a of the processing unit 203 in the temperature unit 20 and the measurement data recorded in the memory 203a of the processing unit 224 in each of the power units 22. The communication unit 204 then outputs the group of measurement data input from the other units 20, 22 to the processing unit 241.

[0134] The processing unit 241 associates the group of measurement data acquired from the communication unit 204 with time information and records it in the storage unit 242. The processing unit 241 also outputs the group of measurement data stored in the storage unit 242 to the output unit 243.

[0135] The storage unit 242 stores, in chronological order, the measurement data of the other units 20 and 22. The storage unit 242 is configured, for example, by a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), an optical drive, or the like.

[0136] When the output unit 243 receives an output instruction from the processing unit 241, it outputs the measurement data stored in the storage unit 242 to the outside. The output instruction is generated based on, for example, an operation signal received by an input device. The output unit 243 is configured by, for example, a communication device, a display device, a recording device, etc.

[0137] In accordance with an output instruction from the processing unit 241, the output unit 243 displays the measurement data stored in the storage unit 242 on a display device, or transmits the measurement data stored in the storage unit 242 to an external device via the communication connector 33 or the LAN port 34. Alternatively, the output unit 243 records the measurement data stored in the storage unit 242 in a portable storage medium (not shown).

[0138] (Action and effect) Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0139] In this embodiment, the measurement device 10, which can connect multiple units, includes a temperature unit 20 that acquires temperature detection signals and a power unit 22 that acquires current and voltage detection signals, and can connect identical units and different units. The temperature unit 20 has a temperature detection section 201 that receives a temperature detection signal from the object to be measured and detects the temperature of the object to be measured, and the power unit 22 has a detector 223 that detects current and voltage signals of a channel CH connected to the object to be measured, and detects the power transmitted through the channel CH.

[0140] The housing side surface (40R) of the temperature unit 20 is provided with two connectors 5 (92, 52) that allow the temperature units 20 to be connected to each other and that allow the temperature units 20 and the power units 22 to be connected to each other, and the housing side surface (200L) of the power unit 22 is provided with two connectors 5 (92, 52) that allow the power units 22 to be connected to each other and that allow the temperature units 20 and the power units 22 to be connected to each other.

[0141] In this way, the temperature unit 20 and the power unit 22 are each provided with two connectors 5 (52 and 92) that allow the temperature units 20 to be connected to each other and the power units 22 to be connected to each other, and that allow the temperature units 20 and the power units 22 to be connected to each other.

[0142] The temperature unit 20 is provided in the measurement device 10 and has a temperature detection unit 201. The connectors 5 (52 and 92) provided on the side surface of the housing of the temperature unit 20 are configured to be connectable to the connectors 5 (92 and 52) provided on the side surface of the housing of the power unit 22.

[0143] In this way, the temperature unit 20 is provided in the measurement device 10 and acquires a temperature detection signal. One connector 5 (52, 92) provided in the temperature unit 20 is configured to be connectable to the other connector 5 (92, 52) provided in the power unit 22.

[0144] On the other hand, the power unit 22 is provided in the measurement device 10, has a detector 223, and detects the power transmitted through the channel. The other connector 5 (92, 52) provided in the power unit 22 is configured to be connectable to one connector 5 (52, 92) provided in the temperature unit 20.

[0145] In this way, the power unit 22 is provided in the measurement device 10 and acquires current and voltage detection signals. The two connectors 5 (92 and 52) provided in the power unit 22 are configured to be connectable to the two connectors 5 (52 and 92) provided in the temperature unit 20.

[0146] According to these configurations of the measuring device 10, temperature unit 20, and power unit 22, the temperature detecting section 201 of the temperature unit 20 and the detector 223 of the power unit 22 are housed in separate housings (40, 200). Therefore, the temperature detecting section 201 is less susceptible to the influence of heat generated in the detector 223 compared to a typical measuring device in which the temperature detecting section 201 and the detector 223 are housed in the same housing. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the accuracy of temperature measurement in the temperature detecting section 201 is reduced due to heat generated by the detector 223.

[0147] Furthermore, since the measuring device 10 is configured to be able to connect the temperature units 20 and power units 22 to each other, which are configured to be able to connect the same units to each other and different units to each other, it is possible to change the number of connected temperature units 20 and power units 22 depending on the measurement position and number of measurements of temperature and power.

[0148] Therefore, it is possible to provide a measurement device 10 that can freely change the number of channels for temperature and power while ensuring the accuracy of temperature measurement.

[0149] Furthermore, the connector 5 of this embodiment is a connector that can electrically connect temperature units 20 to each other or power units 22 to each other, and is a connector 5 (52, 92) that connects the temperature units 20 and the power units 22 to each other and can electrically connect the temperature units 20 and the power units 22 to each other.

[0150] With this configuration, when mechanically connecting the temperature unit 20 and the power unit 22, it is possible to simultaneously electrically connect the temperature unit 20 and the power unit 22. This eliminates the need to make an electrical connection separate from the mechanical connection of the temperature unit 20 and the power unit 22 using the connector 5, so it is possible to easily configure a measurement device 10 that matches the number of channels to be measured for temperature and power.

[0151] In this embodiment, the detection signals acquired by the temperature unit 20 and the power unit 22 are acquired synchronously via the connector 5.

[0152] According to this configuration, the detection signals acquired by the temperature unit 20 and the detection signals acquired by the power unit 22 are both acquired synchronously, so there is no need to perform synchronization processing to synchronize the multiple detection signals acquired by each of the units 20, 22, and 24. Therefore, it is possible to grasp the temporal relationship between the temperature and power of the measurement target without performing processing using software or the like to eliminate the time lag in the information acquired by each of the units 20, 22, and 24.

[0153] Furthermore, the connector 5 of this embodiment can connect temperature units 20 and power units 22, temperature units 20 to each other, and power units to each other, and the order in which one or more temperature units 20 are connected to one or more power units 22 can be changed.

[0154] With this configuration, any two of the temperature units 20 and 20, the power units 22 and 22, and the temperature units 20 and 22 can be connected simultaneously, and the order in which the temperature units 20 and the power units 22 are connected can be changed, making it possible to configure the measuring device 10 according to the measurement positions and order of temperature and power. This makes it possible to simplify the numerous wirings from the current sensors, voltage detectors, etc. to the measuring device 10.

[0155] In addition, the connectors 5 of this embodiment are provided on one opposing side (40L) and the other side (40R) of the housing (40) of the temperature unit 20, and on one opposing side (200L) and the other side (200R) of the housing (200) of the power unit 22.

[0156] With this configuration, the temperature unit 20 and the power unit 22 are connected so that they are stacked horizontally, so there is no need to use any connecting members other than the connector 5 to connect the temperature unit 20 and the power unit 22. Therefore, with this simple configuration, the number and order of connecting the temperature units 20 and the power units 22 of the measurement device 10 can be flexibly adjusted according to the temperature and power measurement positions and the number of channels to be measured.

[0157] Furthermore, the measurement device 10 of this embodiment further includes a collection unit 24 that collects the measured quantities of the temperature unit 20 as information related to the detected quantities acquired by the temperature unit 20 and the measured quantities of the power unit 22 as information related to the detected quantities acquired by the power unit 22, and outputs the collected measured quantities to the outside. A connector 5 that can connect the collection unit 24 to the temperature unit 20 or the power unit 22 is provided on the housing side surface (300L) of the collection unit 24, and one or more temperature units 20, one or more power units 22, and the collection unit 24 are connected to each other.

[0158] According to this configuration, the collection unit 24 is provided separately from the temperature unit 20 and the power unit 22, so there is no need for the temperature unit 20 and the power unit 22 to have the functions of the collection unit 24. Therefore, the temperature unit 20 and the power unit 22 only need to have the function of generating measurement data using an input signal and outputting it to the collection unit 24, so the temperature unit 20 and the power unit 22 can be configured inexpensively.

[0159] In the present embodiment, the connector 5 of the temperature unit 20 includes a first side connector (52) provided on one side surface (40L) of the temperature unit 20 and a first other side surface connector (92) provided on the other side surface (40R) of the temperature unit 20 that is different from the one side surface (40L) of the temperature unit 20. The connector 5 of the power unit 22 includes a second side surface connector (52) provided on one side surface (200L) of the power unit 22 and a second other side surface connector (92) provided on the other side surface (200R) of the power unit 22 that is different from the one side surface (200L).

[0160] The first side surface connector (52) of the temperature unit 20 is configured to be connectable to the first other side surface connector (92) of the temperature unit 20 and the second other side surface connector (92) of the power unit 22. The second side surface connector (52) of the power unit 22 is also configured to be connectable to the first other side surface connector (92) of the temperature unit 20 and the second other side surface connector (92) of the power unit 22.

[0161] According to this configuration, the housing (40) of the temperature unit 20 and the housing (200) of the power unit 22 are provided with the same connectors (52, 92), so that the temperature unit 20 and the power unit 22 can be easily connected and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0162] In this embodiment, the first side connector 52 has one of a convex structure and a concave structure that can be connected to each other, and the first other side connector 92 has the other of a convex structure and a concave structure that can be connected to each other. The second side connector 52 has one of a convex structure and a concave structure that can be connected to each other, and the second other side connector 92 has the other of a convex structure and a concave structure that can be connected to each other.

[0163] According to this configuration, the temperature unit 20 and the power unit 22 are connected to each other by fitting the convex structure of the temperature unit 20 with the concave structure of the power unit 22, or by fitting the concave structure of the temperature unit 20 with the convex structure of the power unit 22. Therefore, it is possible to realize a measuring device 10 in which the temperature unit 20 and the power unit 22 are less likely to come loose compared to a connector that does not use a convex structure or a concave structure.

[0164] In addition, in the above-mentioned explanation of the effects of this embodiment, the same can of course be said if the first side connector 52 is replaced with the first side connector 50 and the second side connector 92 is replaced with the second side connector 90.

[0165] In addition, in this embodiment, connectors 5 are provided on the side surfaces of the housings of the temperature unit 20 and the power unit 22, including a signal connector (52, 92) for transmitting a signal indicating the detected or measured quantity of the temperature unit 20 or the power unit 22, and a power connector (50, 90) for transmitting power.

[0166] According to this configuration, the temperature unit 20 and the power unit 22 are connected by two connectors, which increases the strength of the connection between the temperature unit 20 and the power unit 22. Furthermore, by separating the power supply route and the communication route, it becomes possible to increase the communication speed between the temperature unit 20 and the power unit 22. Therefore, it is possible to increase the strength of the connection between the temperature unit 20 and the power unit 22 and also increase the communication speed.

[0167] <Modification of connection order> In this embodiment, the temperature unit 20 and the power unit 22 are connected in the order shown in Fig. 1, but this is not limiting, and the order of connection and the number of connections can be changed according to the positions and number of temperature and power measurement points. Therefore, other examples of the order of connection will be briefly described with reference to Fig. 13.

[0168] 13 is a diagram showing another example of the connection order of the temperature unit 20 and the power unit 22. As shown in FIG. 13, the temperature unit 20 may be disposed between the power units 22 and connected.

[0169] In this embodiment, the connectors 5 provided on both sides of the temperature unit 20 and the connectors 5 provided on both sides of the power unit 22 are the same, so it is possible to connect the temperature unit 20 and the power unit 22, the temperature units 20 to each other, and the power units 22 to each other. Therefore, it is possible to freely change the connection order of one or more temperature units 20 to one or more power units 22.

[0170] <Modification of connection> For example, if a heterogeneous unit having electrical characteristics different from those of the temperature unit 20, the power unit 22, and the collection unit 24 is connected to the measurement device 10, the measurement device 10 will not operate normally. As a countermeasure to this, a restriction configuration that disables connection of the temperature unit 20, the power unit 22, and the collection unit 24 with heterogeneous units will be briefly described with reference to Figures 14 and 15.

[0171] 14 is a perspective view showing the other side surface (200R) of the heterogeneous unit 26, which is a different type from the power unit 22. FIG.

[0172] (Fourth other side connector) The heterogeneous unit 26 is provided with fourth other-side connectors (260, 262) instead of the second other-side connectors (90, 92) of the power unit 22 shown in Fig. 7. The other components are the same as those of the power unit 22, and therefore are designated by the same reference numerals and will not be described here.

[0173] 14, a fourth upper right side surface connector 260 as a fourth other side surface connector is provided on a portion of second right side surface 200R facing second back surface 200B, on a portion facing second top surface 200T. A fourth lower right side surface connector 262 as another fourth other side surface connector is provided on a portion closer to second bottom surface 200A than fourth upper right side surface connector 260.

[0174] (Fourth upper right side connector) The fourth upper right side surface connector 260 includes a fourth upper protrusion 270 formed around the fourth upper elongated hole 266, and a fourth power male connector 272 protruding from the fourth upper elongated hole 266. The fourth upper protrusion 270 surrounds the fourth power male connector 272 and protects the fourth power male connector 272 protruding from the second right side surface 200R.

[0175] The fourth upper elongated hole 266 is an opening formed in the second right side surface 200R. The fourth upper protrusion 270 is a cylindrical wall formed along the edge of the opening of the fourth upper elongated hole 266. The fourth power male connector 272 is a power connector provided on the substrate 230 in the heterogeneous unit 26.

[0176] (Fourth lower right side connector) The fourth lower right side surface connector 262 includes a fourth downward protrusion 280 formed around the fourth lower elongated hole 268, and a fourth signal male connector 282 protruding from the fourth lower elongated hole 268. The fourth downward protrusion 280 surrounds the fourth signal male connector 282 and protects the fourth signal male connector 282 protruding from the second right side surface 200R.

[0177] The fourth downward elongated hole 268 is an opening formed in the second right side surface 200R. The fourth downward protrusion 280 is a cylindrical wall formed along the edge of the opening of the fourth downward elongated hole 268. The fourth signal male connector 282 is a signal connector provided on the substrate 230 in the heterogeneous unit 26. The fourth signal male connector 282 is an electrical connector for exchanging signals between the units 20, 22, and 24.

[0178] (Details of the fourth upper right side connector) The fourth other side surface connector will be specifically described using the fourth upper right side surface connector 260 as an example.

[0179] 15, the fourth upper protrusion 270 constituting the fourth upper right side connector 260 includes a rear side wall 270A extending along the second rear surface 200B. The fourth upper protrusion 270 includes a top side wall 270B extending from an end of the rear side wall 270A on the second top surface 200T side toward the second front surface 200F side, and a bottom side wall 270C extending from an end of the rear side wall 270A on the second bottom surface 200A side toward the second front surface 200F side.

[0180] A bottom-side inclined wall portion 270D inclined toward second top surface 200T extends from an end of bottom-side wall portion 270C, and a top-side inclined wall portion 270E inclined toward second bottom surface 200A extends from an end of top-side wall portion 270B. Bottom-side inclined wall portion 270D and top-side inclined wall portion 270E are connected by front-side wall portion 270F extending along second front surface 200F.

[0181] A low top surface side step 270G is formed on the top surface side wall 270B on the rear surface side wall 270A side. A low bottom surface side step 270H is formed on the bottom surface side wall 270C on the rear surface side wall 270A side. The height of the rear surface side wall 270A connecting the top surface side wall 270B and the bottom surface side wall 270C is lower than the height of each of the steps 270G, 270H.

[0182] (protrusion) A trapezoidal protrusion 290 that protrudes from the center of the rear side wall 270A toward the second rear surface 200B is formed on the fourth upper protrusion 270 of the fourth upper right side surface connector 260. The fourth upper right side surface connector 260 has a convex structure in which the protrusion 290 that protrudes outward is provided on the outer surface.

[0183] The protrusion 290 is formed from a portion of the rear sidewall 270A. The protrusion 290 is trapezoidal. The protrusion 290 has an upper bottom wall 290A extending along the second rear surface 200B and a top-side inclined wall 290B extending obliquely from the end of the upper bottom wall 290A on the second top surface 200T side. The protrusion 290 has a top-side connecting wall 290E connecting the tip of the top-side inclined wall 290B to the rear sidewall 270A, and a bottom-side inclined wall 290F extending obliquely from the end of the upper bottom wall 290A on the second bottom surface 200A side. The protrusion 290 has a bottom-side connecting wall 290G connecting the tip of the bottom-side inclined wall 290F to the rear sidewall 270A.

[0184] The fourth downward protrusion 280 constituting the fourth lower right side connector 262 is configured in the same manner as the fourth upper protrusion 270 constituting the fourth upper right side connector 260.

[0185] (Connection Limit) The fourth upper protrusion 270 of the fourth upper right side connector 260 has a protrusion 290 that protrudes outward on its outer surface (see FIGS. 14 and 15). On the other hand, the upper hole 60 of the second upper left side connector 50 of the power unit 22 does not have a groove 250 into which the protrusion 290 can be inserted (see FIG. 6).

[0186] As a result, the protrusion 290 of the fourth upper protrusion 270 of the fourth upper right side connector 260 interferes with the edge of the upper hole 60 of the first upper left side connector 50. As a result, the fourth upper right side connector 260 and the second upper left side connector 50 cannot be connected.

[0187] Furthermore, the fourth downward protrusion 280 of the fourth lower right side connector 262 has a protrusion 290 that protrudes outward on its outer surface (see FIG. 15). On the other hand, the lower hole 80 of the second lower left side connector 52 of the power unit 22 does not have a groove 250 into which the protrusion 290 can be inserted (see FIG. 6).

[0188] As a result, the protrusion 290 of the fourth downward protrusion 280 of the fourth lower right side connector 262 interferes with the edge of the lower hole 80 of the second lower left side connector 52. As a result, the fourth lower right side connector 262 and the second lower left side connector 52 cannot be connected.

[0189] In this way, by providing the fourth right side surface connectors (260, 262) with the protrusion 290 on the second right side surface 200R of the heterogeneous unit 26, it is possible to restrict connection with the second left side surface connectors (50, 52) of the power unit 22. Similarly, by providing the second left side surface 200L of the heterogeneous unit 26 with a mechanism that interferes with the second right side surface connectors (90, 92) of the power unit 22, it is possible to restrict connection of the heterogeneous unit 26 at the second left side surface 200L with the power unit 22.

[0190] In addition, in this embodiment, the connector 5 of the temperature unit 20 is the same as the connector 5 of the power unit 22, so that the temperature unit 20 can also be prevented from being connected to a different type of unit 26.

[0191] (Action and effect) In this embodiment, the convex and concave structures of the temperature unit 20 and the power unit 22 cannot be connected to the concave and convex structures provided on the side surfaces of the housing of the specific unit (26), respectively.

[0192] According to this configuration, the temperature unit 20 and the power unit 22 cannot be connected to the specific unit 26, so it is possible to prevent the measurement device 10 from being connected to the specific unit 26 by mistake. This makes it possible to prevent electrical failures and the like that may occur when the specific unit 26 is connected to the measurement device 10.

[0193] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above embodiments merely illustrate some of the application examples of the present invention, and it is not intended that the technical scope of the present invention be limited to the specific configurations of the above embodiments.

[0194] For example, in this embodiment, two connectors (50 and 52, 90 and 92) are provided on the upper and lower sides of each of the opposing sides of the housing of each unit 20, 22, 24 as connectors 5, but the number of connectors provided on one side may be one, or three or more.

[0195] In addition, in this embodiment, the same connector 5 is provided on the side surface of the housing of each unit 20, 22, 24, but the connectors connecting the same units and the connectors connecting different units may be formed in different shapes.

[0196] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which a pair of left side connectors (50, 52) having a recessed structure and a pair of right side connectors (90, 92) having a protruding structure are provided on one side and the other side of the housing of each unit 20, 22, 24, respectively. However, from the viewpoint of increasing the connection strength, the pair of left side connectors (50, 52) and the pair of right side connectors (90, 92) may be provided on the same side. Furthermore, although each connector is provided on the rear side of the housing side, it may also be provided midway between the front and rear sides of the housing side, or on the front side.

[0197] In addition, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which the collection unit 24 is placed separately from the temperature unit 20 and the power unit 22, but the functions of the collection unit 24 may be implemented in one or both of the temperature unit 20 and the power unit 22, and the collection unit 24 may be eliminated.

[0198] In addition, in this embodiment, a connector (50, 52, 90, 92) having either a concave structure or a convex structure is used as the connector 5, but this is not limited to this. The convex structure may be formed as a cylinder, an elliptical cylinder, a polygonal cylinder, etc., and the concave structure corresponding to the convex structure may be formed as a circular hole, an elliptical hole, a polygonal hole, etc.

[0199] Furthermore, in the measuring device 10 of this embodiment, the units 20, 22, and 24 are connected to each other by connectors 5 provided on the side of the housing of each unit 20, 22, and 24. However, in order to further increase the strength of the connection, the measuring device 10 may be configured using connecting members such as those shown in Figures 16 and 17.

[0200] 16 is a diagram showing the measuring device 10 equipped with a connecting member 36. FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the connecting member 36 of the power unit 22.

[0201] As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, by arranging connecting members 36 on the top and bottom surfaces of each of the units 20, 22, 24, the connecting strength of each of the units 20, 22, 24 can be increased.

[0202] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the positions of the units 20, 22, and 24 can be freely changed and connected, but it is also possible to restrict the connection of some units of different types or structures. As an example, a power supply unit (not shown) that supplies power to drive each of the units 20, 22, and 24 may be connected to each of the units, and a connector may be used between the temperature unit 20 or the power unit 22 and the power supply unit so that connection is not possible without sandwiching the collection unit 24. If such a connector is used, the impact of heat generated by the power supply unit on the temperature unit 20 or the power unit 22 can be reduced.

[0203] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the detected amounts obtained from the detection signals acquired by the temperature unit 20 or the power unit 22 are calculated within the unit or converted using a conversion table to determine the measured amounts, but the detected amounts obtained by the temperature unit 20 or the power unit 22 may be collected by the collection unit 24 and the measured amounts may be determined within the collection unit 24. This reduces the number of parts that make up the temperature unit 20 or the power unit 22, making it possible to make the temperature unit 20 or the power unit 22 less expensive and more compact.

[0204] Furthermore, the detection amounts obtained by the temperature unit 20 or the power unit 22 may be collected by the collection unit 24, and the detection amounts may be output from the collection unit 24 to the outside to obtain the measurement amounts externally. This eliminates the need to obtain the measurement amounts in each of the units 20, 22, 24, and therefore reduces the number of components that make up each of the units 20, 22, 24, making it possible to make each of the units 20, 22, 24 less expensive and more compact.

[0205] In addition, although the signal connectors (52, 92) and the power connectors (50, 90) are separate in this embodiment, the signal connectors and the power connectors may be integrated into a single connector. Furthermore, each unit 20, 22, 24 may be connected to a power adapter (not shown) to transmit power. Furthermore, each unit 20, 22, 24 may be provided with a battery or cell, eliminating the need for power transmission. [Explanation of symbols]

[0206] 10. Measuring equipment 20 Temperature Unit 22 Power Unit 24 collection units 50 First to third upper left side connectors 52 First to third lower left side connectors 60 Upper hole 62 female power connector 80 Lower hole 82 signal female connector 90 First to third upper right side connectors 92 First to third lower right side connectors 100 Upper protrusion 102 Power Male Connector 110 Downward protrusion 112 signal male connector 260 Fourth upper right side connector 262 Fourth lower right side connector 270 Fourth upward protrusion 272 Fourth power male connector 280 Fourth downward protrusion 282 Fourth signal male connector 290 Protrusion

Claims

1. A measuring device capable of connecting multiple units, a temperature unit for acquiring a temperature detection signal; a power unit for obtaining current and voltage detection signals; The temperature unit and the power unit are provided with two connectors that allow the temperature units to be connected to each other and the power units to be connected to each other, and that allow the temperature unit and the power unit to be connected to each other. Measuring equipment.

2. 2. The measuring device according to claim 1, the connector is a connector that allows the temperature units to be electrically connected to each other and the power units to be electrically connected to each other, and also a connector that allows the temperature unit and the power unit to be electrically connected to each other; Measuring equipment.

3. 3. The measuring device according to claim 2, the detection signals acquired by the temperature unit and the power unit are acquired synchronously through the connector; Measuring equipment.

4. 2. The measuring device according to claim 1, The connectors are provided on one side surface and the other side surface of each of the housings of the temperature unit and the power unit, the side surfaces facing each other. Measuring equipment.

5. 2. The measuring device according to claim 1, a collection unit that collects information on the detected quantities acquired by the temperature unit and the power unit and outputs the collected information on the detected quantities to an external device; a connector capable of connecting the collection unit to the temperature unit or the power unit is provided on a side surface of the housing of the collection unit; One or more of the temperature units, one or more of the power units, and the collection unit are coupled together; Measuring equipment.

6. 2. The measuring device according to claim 1, the connector of the temperature unit has a first side connector provided on one side of the temperature unit and a first other side connector provided on another side of the temperature unit different from the one side, the connector of the power unit has a second side connector provided on one side of the power unit and a second other side connector provided on another side of the power unit different from the one side, the first side connector and the second side connector are configured to be connectable to the first other side connector and the second other side connector, Measuring equipment.

7. 7. The measuring device according to claim 6, the first side surface connector has one of a convex structure and a concave structure connectable to each other, and the first other side surface connector has the other of a convex structure and a concave structure connectable to each other, the second side connector has one of a convex structure and a concave structure connectable to each other, and the second other side connector has the other of a convex structure and a concave structure connectable to each other; Measuring equipment.

8. 8. The measuring device according to claim 7, the protruding structure and the recessed structure cannot be connected to a recessed structure and a protruding structure provided on a side surface of a housing of a specific unit, respectively; Measuring equipment.

9. 3. The measuring device according to claim 2, The connectors provided on the housing side surfaces of the temperature unit and the power unit include a signal connector for transmitting signals indicating detected quantities collected by the temperature unit and the power unit, and a power connector for transmitting power. Measuring equipment.

10. A temperature unit provided in a measurement device and acquiring a temperature detection signal, The two connectors provided on the temperature unit are configured to be connectable to two connectors provided on a power unit that acquires current and voltage detection signals. Temperature unit.

11. A power unit provided in a measuring device for acquiring current and voltage detection signals, The two connectors provided on the power unit are configured to be connectable to two connectors provided on a temperature unit that acquires a temperature detection signal. Power unit.

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