Measuring device and unit

Abstract

To suppress arrangement of a predetermined unit between other units without providing any additional structure or the like.SOLUTION: A measuring device 10 comprises a first unit 20 in which first side face connectors (50, 52) are provided on a first left side face 40L and first other side face connectors (90, 92) are provided on a first right side face 40R. The measuring device 10 comprises a second unit 22 in which second side face connectors (210, 212) are provided on a second left side face 200L and second other side face connectors (260, 262) are provided on a second right side face 200R. The first other side face connectors (90, 92) are configured such that they can be connected to the first side face connectors (50, 52) and the second side face connectors (210, 212). The second other side face connectors (260, 262) are configured such that they can be connected to the second side face connectors (210, 212) but cannot be connected to the first side face connectors (50, 52).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 shows a measuring device made up of multiple units.

[0003] In the measuring device, adjacent units are connected to each other by fitting the protrusions of one unit into the grooves of the other unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-079865 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Such a measuring device may include, for example, a unit that is prone to heat generation and a unit that is susceptible to heat influence.

[0006] In this case, when the measuring device is shipped, for example, it is necessary to warn the user of the units about the connection order so that units that are easily affected by heat are not placed between units that are easily heated, or to provide additional structures for determining the connection order for the units.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to make it possible to prevent a predetermined unit from being placed between other units without providing an additional structure to the unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A measuring device of one embodiment of the present invention comprises a first unit having a first side connector on one side and a first other side connector on another side different from the side on which the first side connector is provided, and a second unit having a second side connector on one side and a second other side connector on another side different from the side on which the second side connector is provided, wherein the first other side connector is configured to be connectable to the first side connector and the second side connector, and the second other side connector is configured to be connectable to the second side connector but not connectable to the first side connector. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] In this aspect, the first other side connector of the first unit is configured to be connectable to the first side connector of the first unit and the second side connector of the second unit, and the second other side connector of the second unit is configured to be connectable to the second side connector.

[0010] Therefore, multiple first units can be connected adjacent to each other, and multiple second units can be connected adjacent to each other.Furthermore, the first unit can be connected to the second unit on the other side.

[0011] On the other hand, the second other side connector of the second unit and the first side connector of the first unit are configured to be incompatible, so the second unit cannot be connected to one side of the first unit, and the first unit cannot be placed between the second units.

[0012] Therefore, it is possible to prevent a first unit as a specified unit from being placed between second units as other units, without providing the units with any additional structure for determining the connection order other than the connectors that connect the units to each other. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a measurement device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing one side of the first unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a side connector of the first unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the other side of the first unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the other side surface connector of the first unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing one side of the second unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a side connector of the second unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the other side of the second unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the other side surface connector of the second unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing one side of the third unit. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a side connector of the third unit. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the other side of the third unit. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the connection relationship between the first unit and each unit including the first unit. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the connection relationship between the second unit and each unit including the second unit. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the connection relationship between the third unit and each unit including the third unit. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the connection relationships between the units. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of each unit of a measurement device according to a modified example, viewed from the other side. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of each unit of a measurement device according to a modified example, viewed from one side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, a measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] 1 is a front view showing a measuring device 10 according to an embodiment. The measuring device 10 has a plurality of units, and is a device that measures and records, for example, the voltage and temperature of an object to be measured at predetermined time intervals.

[0016] 1, the measurement device 10 is composed of a first unit 20, a second unit 22, and a third unit 24. The number of first units 20 and second units 22 can be selected arbitrarily. For example, the number of first units 20 can be changed to two, or the number of second units 22 can be changed to two, depending on the purpose of use.

[0017] The first unit 20 is composed of a voltage and temperature measuring device. The first unit 20 measures the voltage and temperature of the object to be measured. The temperature is measured using a thermocouple connected to a terminal inside the cover 30 of the first unit 20. It is desirable for the first unit 20 to suppress the transfer of heat from other units so that the measurement value is not affected by heat from the surroundings.

[0018] The second unit 22 is configured as a power meter. The second unit 22 measures the voltage and current at a target location via a harness connected to the terminal 32. The second unit 22 obtains power from the measured voltage and current.

[0019] The third unit 24 is configured by a data logger. The third unit 24 inputs the voltage and temperature measured by the first unit 20 and the power acquired by the second unit 22, and stores them in a memory unit one by one.

[0020] The units 20, 22, 24 are arranged side by side. Adjacent units 20, 22, 24 are connected to each other by connectors and are linked by connecting plates 36.

[0021] (First Unit) Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing one side surface (40L) of the first unit 20. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a side surface connector (50) of the first unit 20. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the other side surface (40R) of the first unit 20. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the other side surface connector (90) of the first unit 20.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the first 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.

[0023] (First side connector) 2, a first upper left side surface connector 50 as a first side surface connector is provided at a portion of the first left side surface 40L (as one side surface) on the first back surface 40B side, on the first top surface 40T side. A first lower left side surface connector 52 as another first side surface connector is provided at a portion closer to the first bottom surface 40A than the first upper left side surface connector 50.

[0024] (First upper left side connector) The first upper left side connector 50 includes a first upper hole 60 and a first female power connector 62 provided inside the first upper hole 60 .

[0025] The first upper hole 60 is an opening formed in the first left side surface 40L. The first power supply female connector 62 is a power supply connector provided on the circuit board 70 inside the first unit 20. The first power supply female connector 62 is an electrical connector that exchanges power between the units 20, 22, and 24.

[0026] (First lower left side connector) The first lower left side connector 52 includes a first lower hole 80 and a first signal female connector 82 provided inside the first lower hole 80 .

[0027] The first lower hole 80 is an opening formed in the first left side surface 40L. The first signal female connector 82 is a signal connector provided on the substrate 70 in the first unit 20. The first signal female connector 82 is an electrical connector that exchanges signals between the units 20, 22, and 24.

[0028] (Details of the first upper left side connector) The first side surface connector provided on the first left side surface 40L as one side surface will be specifically described using the first upper left side surface connector 50 as an example.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3, the first upper hole 60 constituting the first upper left side connector 50 is formed in a vertically long rectangular shape.

[0030] The opening edge of the first upper hole 60 includes a back-side long side 60A extending along the first back surface 40B and a top-side short side 60B extending from the end of the back-side long side 60A on the first top surface 40T side toward the first front surface 40F. The opening edge of the first upper hole 60 also includes a bottom-side short side 60C extending from the end of the back-side long side 60A on the first bottom surface 40A side toward the first front surface 40F.

[0031] 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.

[0032] The first lower hole 80 constituting the first lower left side connector 52 as the first side connector is configured similarly to the first upper hole 60 constituting the first upper left side connector 50 .

[0033] The first upper left side connector 50 having the first upper hole 60 and the first lower left side connector 52 having the first lower hole 80 have a recessed portion structure that does not have groove portions 250, 350 (see Figures 7 and 11) described below.

[0034] (First other side connector) 2 and 4, a first upper right side surface connector 90 as a first other side surface connector is provided at a portion on the first top surface 40T side of 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. A first lower right side surface connector 92 as another first other side surface connector is provided at a portion closer to the first bottom surface 40A than the first upper right side surface connector 90.

[0035] (First upper right side connector) The first upper right side surface connector 90 includes a first upper protrusion 100 formed around the first upper elongated hole 96, and a first power male connector 102 protruding from the first upper elongated hole 96. The first upper protrusion 100 surrounds the first power male connector 102 and protects the first power male connector 102 protruding from the first right side surface 40R.

[0036] The first upper elongated hole 96 is an opening formed in the first right side surface 40R. The first upper protrusion 100 is a cylindrical wall formed along the edge of the opening of the first upper elongated hole 96. The first power male connector 102 is a power connector provided on the circuit board 70 inside the first unit 20. The first power male connector 102 is an electrical connector that exchanges power between the units 20, 22, and 24.

[0037] (First lower right side connector) The first lower right side surface connector 92 includes a first downward protrusion 110 formed around the first lower elongated hole 98, and a first signal male connector 112 protruding from the first lower elongated hole 98. The first downward protrusion 110 surrounds the first signal male connector 112 and protects the first signal male connector 112 protruding from the first right side surface 40R.

[0038] The first lower elongated hole 98 is an opening formed in the first right side surface 40R. The first lower protrusion 110 is a cylindrical wall formed along the edge of the opening of the first lower elongated hole 98. The first signal male connector 112 is a signal connector provided on the circuit board 70 in the first unit 20. The first signal male connector 112 is an electrical connector that exchanges signals between the units 20, 22, and 24.

[0039] (Details of the first upper right side connector) The first other side surface connector provided on the first right side surface 40R as the other side surface will be specifically described using the first upper right side surface connector 90 as an example.

[0040] 5, the first upper right side connector 90 includes a first upper protrusion 100 having a rear sidewall 100A extending along the first rear surface 40B and a top sidewall 100B extending from an end of the rear sidewall 100A on the first top surface 40T side toward the first front surface 40F. The first upper protrusion 100 also includes a bottom sidewall 100C extending from an end of the rear sidewall 100A on the first bottom surface 40A side toward the first front surface 40F.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] The first lower protrusion 110 constituting the first lower right side connector 92 as the first other side connector is configured in the same manner as the first upper protrusion 100 constituting the first upper right side connector 90.

[0044] The first upper right side connector 90 and the first lower right side connector 92 have a convex structure that does not include a protrusion 290 (see FIG. 9) described later.

[0045] 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.

[0046] The first upper right side connector 90 is disposed on the back side of the first upper left side connector 50. The first upper protrusion 100 constituting the first upper right side connector 90 has a shape that allows it to be inserted into the first upper hole 60 constituting the first upper left side connector 50. The first male power connector 102 constituting the first upper right side connector 90 is electrically connectable to the first female power connector 62 constituting the first upper left side connector 50.

[0047] The first lower right side connector 92 is disposed on the rear side of the first lower left side connector 52. The first lower protrusion 110 constituting the first lower right side connector 92 has a shape that allows it to be inserted into the first lower hole 80 constituting the first lower left side connector 52. The first signal male connector 112 constituting the first lower right side connector 92 is electrically connectable to the first signal female connector 82 constituting the first lower left side connector 52.

[0048] (Connection status) With the first units 20 arranged side by side, the first upper protrusion 100 (see FIG. 4) of the first upper right side connector 90 of the left first unit 20 is inserted into the first upper hole 60 (see FIG. 2) of the right first unit 20. In this state, the first upper right side connector 90 of the left first unit 20 is connected to the first upper left side connector 50 of the right first unit 20.

[0049] At this time, the first power male connector 102 (see FIG. 4) of the first upper right side surface connector 90 of the left first unit 20 is electrically connected to the first power female connector 62 (see FIG. 2) of the first upper left side surface connector 50 of the right first unit 20. This allows power to be exchanged between the left first unit 20 and the right first unit 20.

[0050] Additionally, the first downward protrusion 110 of the first lower right side surface connector 92 of the left first unit 20 is inserted into the first lower hole 80 of the right first unit 20. In this state, the first lower right side surface connector 92 of the left first unit 20 is connected to the first lower left side surface connector 52 of the right first unit 20.

[0051] At this time, the first signal male connector 112 of the first lower right side surface connector 92 of the left first unit 20 is electrically connected to the first signal female connector 82 of the first lower left side surface connector 52 of the right first unit 20. This enables the left first unit 20 and the right first unit 20 to exchange signals.

[0052] (Second Unit) Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing one side surface (200L) of the second unit 22. Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a side surface connector (210) of the second unit 22. Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the other side surface (200R) of the second unit 22. Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the other side surface connector (260) of the second unit 22.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the second 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.

[0054] (Second side connector) 6, a second upper left side surface connector 210 as a second side surface connector is provided at a portion of the second left side surface 200L (as one side surface) on the second back surface 200B side, on the second top surface 200T side. A second lower left side surface connector 212 as another second side surface connector is provided at a portion closer to the second bottom surface 200A than the second upper left side surface connector 210.

[0055] (Second upper left side connector) The second upper left side connector 210 includes a second upper hole 220 and a second female power connector 222 provided inside the second upper hole 220 .

[0056] The second upper hole 220 is an opening formed in the second left side surface 200L. The second power supply female connector 222 is a power supply connector provided on the circuit board 230 in the second unit 22. The second power supply female connector 222 is an electrical connector that exchanges power between the units 20, 22, and 24.

[0057] (Second lower left side connector) The second lower left side connector 212 includes a second lower hole 240 and a second signal female connector 242 provided inside the second lower hole 240 .

[0058] The second lower hole 240 is an opening formed in the second left side surface 200L. The second signal female connector 242 is a signal connector provided on the substrate 230 in the second unit 22. The second signal female connector 242 is an electrical connector that exchanges signals between the units 20, 22, and 24.

[0059] (Details of the second upper left side connector) The second side surface connector provided on the second left side surface 200L as one side surface will be specifically described using the second upper left side surface connector 210 as an example.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 7, the second upper hole 220 constituting the second upper left side connector 210 is formed in a vertically long rectangular shape.

[0061] The opening edge of the second upper hole 220 includes a rear-side long side 220A extending along the second rear surface 200B and a top-side short side 220B extending from the end of the rear-side long side 220A on the second top surface 200T side toward the second front surface 200F (see FIG. 6). The opening edge of the second upper hole 220 also includes a bottom-side short side 220C extending from the end of the rear-side long side 220A on the second bottom surface 200A side toward the second front surface 200F (see FIG. 6).

[0062] A bottom-side inclined side 220D inclined toward second top surface 200T extends from the end of bottom-side short side 220C, and a top-side inclined side 220E inclined toward second bottom surface 200A extends from the end of top-side short side 220B. Bottom-side inclined side 220D and top-side inclined side 220E are connected by a front-side long side 220F that extends along second front surface 200F (see FIG. 6).

[0063] (groove) A trapezoidal groove 250 recessed toward the second rear surface 200B is formed at the opening edge of the second upper hole 220 by a notch formed in the center of the rear-side long side 220A. This allows the second upper left side connector 210 to have a recess structure with the groove 250 formed inside, into which a protrusion 290 (see FIG. 9) described later can be inserted.

[0064] The edge of groove 250 has upper bottom portion 250A extending along the second back surface 200B side and top surface-side inclined portion 250B extending diagonally from the end of upper bottom portion 250A on the second top surface 200T side. The edge of groove 250 has top surface-side connecting portion 250C connecting the tip of top surface-side inclined portion 250B to back surface-side long side 220A, and bottom surface-side inclined portion 250D extending diagonally from the end of upper bottom portion 250A on the second bottom surface 200A side. The edge of groove 250 has bottom surface-side connecting portion 250E connecting the tip of bottom surface-side inclined portion 250D to back surface-side long side 220A.

[0065] The second lower hole 240 constituting the second lower left side connector 212 as the second side connector is configured similarly to the second upper hole 220 constituting the second upper left side connector 210 .

[0066] (Second other side connector) 6 and 8, a second upper right side surface connector 260 as a second other side surface connector is provided at a portion on the second top surface 200T side of the second right side surface 200R, which is the other side surface different from the second left side surface 200L on which the second upper left side surface connector 210 and the second lower left side surface connector 212 are provided. A second lower right side surface connector 262 as another second other side surface connector is provided at a portion closer to the second bottom surface 200A than the second upper right side surface connector 260.

[0067] (Second upper right side connector) Second upper right side surface connector 260 includes a second upper protrusion 270 formed around second upper elongated hole 266, and a second power male connector 272 protruding from second upper elongated hole 266. Second upper protrusion 270 surrounds second power male connector 272 and protects second power male connector 272 protruding from second right side surface 200R.

[0068] The second upper elongated hole 266 is an opening formed in the second right side surface 200R. The second upper protrusion 270 is a cylindrical wall formed along the edge of the opening of the second upper elongated hole 266. The second power male connector 272 is a power connector provided on the circuit board 230 in the second unit 22. The second power male connector 272 is an electrical connector that exchanges power between the units 20, 22, and 24.

[0069] (Second lower right side connector) The second lower right side surface connector 262 includes a second downward protrusion 280 formed around the second lower elongated hole 268, and a second signal male connector 282 protruding from the second lower elongated hole 268. The second downward protrusion 280 surrounds the second signal male connector 282 and protects the second signal male connector 282 protruding from the second right side surface 200R.

[0070] The second lower elongated hole 268 is an opening formed in the second right side surface 200R. The second lower protrusion 280 is a cylindrical wall formed along the edge of the opening of the second lower elongated hole 268. The second signal male connector 282 is a signal connector provided on the circuit board 230 in the second unit 22. The second signal male connector 282 is an electrical connector that exchanges signals between the units 20, 22, and 24.

[0071] (Details of the second upper right side connector) The second other side surface connector provided on the second right side surface 200R as the other side surface will be specifically described using the second upper right side surface connector 260 as an example.

[0072] 9, the second upper protrusion 270 constituting the second upper right side connector 260 includes a rear side wall 270A extending along the second rear surface 200B. The second 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] (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 second upper protrusion 270 of the second upper right side surface connector 260. The second upper right side surface connector 260 as the second other side surface connector has a convex structure in which the protrusion 290 that protrudes outward is provided on the outer surface.

[0076] 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.

[0077] The second downward protrusion 280 constituting the second lower right side connector 262 as the second other side connector is configured in the same manner as the second upper protrusion 270 constituting the second upper right side connector 260 .

[0078] 6 and 8, second upper right side connector 260 is disposed on the back side of second upper left side connector 210. Second upper protrusion 270 constituting second upper right side connector 260 has a shape that allows it to be inserted into second upper hole 220 constituting second upper left side connector 210. Second male power connector 272 constituting second upper right side connector 260 is electrically connectable to second female power connector 222 constituting second upper left side connector 210.

[0079] Additionally, second lower right side connector 262 is disposed on the rear side of second lower left side connector 212. Second lower protrusion 280 constituting second lower right side connector 262 has a shape that allows it to be inserted into second lower hole 240 constituting second lower left side connector 212. Second signal male connector 282 constituting second lower right side connector 262 is electrically connectable to second signal female connector 242 constituting second lower left side connector 212.

[0080] 6 to 9, second upper left side connector 210 and second lower left side connector 212 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 260 and second lower right side connector 262 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.

[0081] Second upper right side connector 260 and second lower right side connector 262 as second other side connectors have a convex structure with an outwardly protruding protrusion 290 provided on their outer surfaces. Second upper left side connector 210 and second lower left side connector 212 as second side connectors have a concave structure with an inner groove 250 into which protrusion 290 can be inserted.

[0082] (Connection status) With the second units 22 arranged side by side, the second upper protrusion 270 of the second upper right side connector 260 of the left second unit 22 is inserted into the second upper hole 220 of the right second unit 22. In this state, the second upper right side connector 260 of the left second unit 22 is connected to the second upper left side connector 210 of the right second unit 22.

[0083] At this time, the second power male connector 272 of the second upper right side connector 260 of the left second unit 22 is electrically connected to the second power female connector 222 of the second upper left side connector 210 of the right second unit 22. This allows power to be exchanged between the left second unit 22 and the right second unit 22.

[0084] Additionally, the second downward protrusion 280 of the second lower right side surface connector 262 of the left second unit 22 is inserted into the second lower hole 240 of the right second unit 22. In this state, the second lower right side surface connector 262 of the left second unit 22 is connected to the second lower left side surface connector 212 of the right second unit 22.

[0085] At this time, the second signal male connector 282 of the second lower right side surface connector 262 of the left second unit 22 is electrically connected to the second signal female connector 242 of the second lower left side surface connector 212 of the right second unit 22. This allows signals to be exchanged between the left second unit 22 and the right second unit 22.

[0086] 2 to 9 , the second upper left side connector 210 is disposed at a position corresponding to the first upper right side connector 90 of the first unit 20. The second upper hole 220 of the second upper left side connector 210 has a shape that allows the first upper protrusion 100 of the first upper right side connector 90 to be inserted therein. The second female power connector 222 of the second upper left side connector 210 is connectable to the first male power connector 102 of the first upper right side connector 90.

[0087] The second lower left side connector 212 is disposed at a position corresponding to the first lower right side connector 92 of the first unit 20. The second lower hole 240 of the second lower left side connector 212 has a shape that allows the first lower protrusion 110 of the first lower right side connector 92 to be inserted therein. The second signal female connector 242 of the second lower left side connector 212 is connectable to the first signal male connector 112 of the first lower right side connector 92.

[0088] As a result, the first upper right side connector 90 and the first lower right side connector 92 as the first other side surface connectors are connectable to the second upper left side surface connector 210 and the second lower left side surface connector 212 as the second side surface connectors. In addition, the first upper right side surface connector 90 and the first lower right side surface connector 92 as the first other side surface connectors are electrically connectable to the second upper left side surface connector 210 and the second lower left side surface connector 212 as the second side surface connectors via the electrical connectors.

[0089] On the other hand, the second upper protrusion 270 of the second upper right side connector 260 has a protrusion 290 that protrudes outward on its outer surface (see FIGS. 8 and 9). However, the first upper hole 60 of the first upper left side connector 50 does not have a groove 250 into which the protrusion 290 can be inserted (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

[0090] As a result, the protrusion 290 of the second upper protrusion 270 of the second upper right side connector 260 interferes with the edge of the first upper hole 60 of the first upper left side connector 50. As a result, the second upper right side connector 260 and the first upper left side connector 50 cannot be connected.

[0091] Also, the second downward protrusion 280 of the second lower right side connector 262 has a protrusion (290) that protrudes outward on its outer surface (see FIG. 8). However, the first lower hole 80 of the first lower left side connector 52 does not have a groove 250 into which the protrusion 290 can be inserted (see FIG. 2).

[0092] As a result, the protrusion (290) of the second downward protrusion 280 of the second lower right side connector 262 interferes with the edge of the first lower hole 80 of the first lower left side connector 52. As a result, the second lower right side connector 262 and the first lower left side connector 52 cannot be connected.

[0093] (Third Unit) Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing one side surface (300L) of the third unit 24. Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing a side surface connector (310) of the third unit 24. Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing the other side surface (300R) of the third unit 24.

[0094] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 12 , the third 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.

[0095] (Third side connector) 10, a third upper left side surface connector 310 as a third side surface connector is provided at a portion of third left side surface 300L as one side surface on the third back surface 300B side, on the third top surface 300T side. A third lower left side surface connector 312 as another third side surface connector is provided at a portion closer to the third bottom surface 300A than third upper left side surface connector 310.

[0096] (Third upper left side connector) The third upper left side connector 310 includes a third upper hole 320 and a third female power connector 322 provided inside the third upper hole 320 .

[0097] The third upper hole 320 is an opening formed in the third left side surface 300L. The third power supply female connector 322 is a power supply connector provided on the circuit board 330 in the third unit 24. The third power supply female connector 322 is an electrical connector that exchanges power between the units 20, 22, and 24.

[0098] (Third lower left side connector) The third lower left side connector 312 includes a third lower hole 340 and a third signal female connector 342 provided inside the third lower hole 340 .

[0099] The third lower hole 340 is an opening formed in the third left side surface 300L. The third signal female connector 342 is a signal connector provided on the substrate 330 in the third unit 24. The third signal female connector 342 is an electrical connector that exchanges signals between the units 20, 22, and 24.

[0100] (Details of the third upper left side connector) The third side surface connector provided on the third left side surface 300L as one side surface will be specifically described using the third upper left side surface connector 310 as an example.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 11, third upper hole 320 constituting third upper left side connector 310 is formed in a vertically long rectangular shape.

[0102] The opening edge of third upper hole 320 includes rear-side long side 320A extending along third rear surface 300B and top-side short side 320B extending from the end of rear-side long side 320A on the third top surface 300T side toward third front surface 300F. The opening edge of third upper hole 320 includes bottom-side short side 320C extending from the end of rear-side long side 320A on the third bottom surface 300A side toward third front surface 300F.

[0103] Bottom-side inclined side 320D, inclined toward third top surface 300T, extends from the end of bottom-side short side 320C, and top-side inclined side 320E, inclined toward third bottom surface 300A, extends from the end of top-side short side 320B. Bottom-side inclined side 320D and top-side inclined side 320E are connected by front-side long side 320F, which extends along third front surface 300F.

[0104] (groove) A trapezoidal groove 350 recessed toward third rear surface 300B is formed at the opening edge of third upper hole 320 by a notch formed in the center of rear long side 320A. As a result, third upper left side connector 310 as the third side surface connector has a recess structure with groove 350 formed inside, into which protrusion 290 (see FIG. 9) of second upper right side connector 260 described above can be inserted.

[0105] The edge of groove 350 has upper bottom portion 350A extending along the third back surface 300B side and top surface-side inclined portion 350B extending diagonally from the end of upper bottom portion 350A on the third top surface 300T side. The edge of groove 350 has top surface-side connecting portion 350C connecting the tip of top surface-side inclined portion 350B to back surface-side long side 320A, and bottom surface-side inclined portion 350D extending diagonally from the end of upper bottom portion 350A on the third bottom surface 300A side. The edge of groove 350 has bottom surface-side connecting portion 350E connecting the tip of bottom surface-side inclined portion 350D to back surface-side long side 320A.

[0106] It should be noted that third lower hole 340 constituting third lower left side connector 312 as the third side surface connector is configured similarly to third upper hole 320 constituting third upper left side connector 310 .

[0107] (Third other side connector) As shown in FIG. 12, the third unit 24 does not have a connector on the other side surface, that is, the third right side surface 300R.

[0108] Specifically, the third right side surface 300R as the other side surface of the third unit 24 does not have a connector connectable to the first upper left side surface connector 50 and the first lower left side surface connector 52 as first side surface connectors. Moreover, the third right side surface 300R of the third unit 24 does not have a connector connectable to the second upper left side surface connector 210 and the second lower left side surface connector 212 as second side surface connectors. Furthermore, the third right side surface 300R of the third unit 24 does not have a connector connectable to the third upper left side surface connector 310 and the third lower left side surface connector 312 as third side surface connectors.

[0109] As a result, the third unit 24 cannot be connected to the first unit 20, the second unit 22, and the third unit 24 on the third right side surface 300R side.

[0110] Note that a connector for connecting devices other than the first unit 20, the second unit 22, and the third unit 24 can be provided on the third right side surface 300R of the third unit 24.

[0111] 2 to 11 , the third upper left side connector 310 is disposed at a position corresponding to the first upper right side connector 90 of the first unit 20 and the second upper right side connector 260 of the second unit 22. The third upper hole 320 of the third upper left side connector 310 is formed in a shape that allows the first upper protrusion 100 of the first upper right side connector 90 and the second upper protrusion 270 of the second upper right side connector 260 to be inserted therein. The third female power connector 322 of the third upper left side connector 310 is connectable to the first male power connector 102 of the first upper right side connector 90 and the second male power connector 272 of the second upper right side connector 260.

[0112] The third lower left side connector 312 is disposed at a position corresponding to the first lower right side connector 92 of the first unit 20 and the second lower right side connector 262 of the second unit 22. The third lower hole 340 of the third lower left side connector 312 is formed in a shape that allows the first downward protrusion 110 of the first lower right side connector 92 and the second downward protrusion 280 of the second lower right side connector 262 to be inserted therein. The third signal female connector 342 of the third lower left side connector 312 is connectable to the first signal male connector 112 of the first lower right side connector 92 and the second signal male connector 282 of the second lower right side connector 262.

[0113] (Connection status) When the first unit 20 is arranged next to the third unit 24 on the left, the first upper protrusion 100 of the first upper right side connector 90 of the first unit 20 is inserted into the third upper hole 320 of the third unit 24. In this state, the first upper right side connector 90 of the first unit 20 is connected to the third upper left side connector 310 of the third unit 24.

[0114] At this time, the first male power connector 102 of the first upper right side connector 90 of the first unit 20 is electrically connected to the third female power connector 322 of the third upper left side connector 310 of the third unit 24. This allows the first unit 20 and the third unit 24 to exchange power.

[0115] Additionally, the first downward protrusion 110 of the first lower right side connector 92 of the first unit 20 is inserted into the third lower hole 340 of the third unit 24. In this state, the first lower right side connector 92 of the first unit 20 is connected to the third lower left side connector 312 of the third unit 24.

[0116] At this time, the first signal male connector 112 of the first lower right side connector 92 of the first unit 20 is electrically connected to the third signal female connector 342 of the third lower left side connector 312 of the third unit 24. This enables the second unit 22 and the third unit 24 to exchange signals.

[0117] When the second unit 22 is arranged next to the third unit 24 on the left, the second upper protrusion 270 of the second upper right side connector 260 of the second unit 22 is inserted into the third upper hole 320 of the third unit 24. In this state, the second upper right side connector 260 of the second unit 22 is connected to the third upper left side connector 310 of the third unit 24.

[0118] At this time, the second male power connector 272 of the second upper right side connector 260 of the second unit 22 is electrically connected to the third female power connector 322 of the third upper left side connector 310 of the third unit 24. This allows the second unit 22 and the third unit 24 to exchange power.

[0119] Additionally, the second downward protrusion 280 of the second lower right side connector 262 of the second unit 22 is inserted into the third lower hole 340 of the third unit 24. In this state, the second lower right side connector 262 of the second unit 22 is connected to the third lower left side connector 312 of the third unit 24.

[0120] At this time, the second signal male connector 282 of the second lower right side connector 262 of the second unit 22 is electrically connected to the third signal female connector 342 of the third lower left side connector 312 of the third unit 24. This enables the second unit 22 and the third unit 24 to exchange signals.

[0121] (Connection availability explanation) The connectability of each connector provided on each unit 20, 22, 24 will be specifically described.

[0122] Fig. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the connection relationship between the first unit 20 and each of the units 20, 22, and 24. Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the connection relationship between the second unit 22 and each of the units 20, 22, and 24. Fig. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the connection relationship between the third unit 24 and each of the units 20, 22, and 24.

[0123] (Connection of the first unit) 13, the first upper left side connector 50 provided on the first left side surface 40L of the first unit 20 has a first upper hole 60 which is a recessed structure that does not have grooves (250, 350) on the inside. Also, the first lower left side connector 52 provided on the first left side surface 40L of the first unit 20 has a first lower hole 80 which is a recessed structure that does not have grooves (250, 350) on the inside.

[0124] The first upper right side connector 90 provided on the first right side surface 40R of the first unit 20 has a first upper protrusion 100 which is a convex structure that does not have a protrusion 290 (see FIG. 9) that protrudes outward on its outer surface. The first lower right side connector 92 provided on the first right side surface 40R of the first unit 20 has a first lower protrusion 110 which is a convex structure that does not have a protrusion 290 (see FIG. 9) that protrudes outward on its outer surface.

[0125] Therefore, the first upper left side connector 50 of the first unit 20 can be connected to the first upper right side connector 90 of the first unit 20 arranged adjacently to the left. Also, the first lower left side connector 52 of the first unit 20 can be connected to the first lower right side connector 92 of the first unit 20 arranged adjacently to the left.

[0126] Furthermore, the first upper right side connector 90 of the first unit 20 is connectable to the first upper left side connector 50 of the first unit 20 arranged adjacently to the right. The first lower right side connector 92 of the first unit 20 is connectable to the first lower left side connector 52 of the first unit 20 arranged adjacently to the right.

[0127] The second upper right side connector 260 provided on the second right side surface 200R of the second unit 22 has a second upper protrusion 270 which is a convex structure provided with a protrusion 290 that protrudes outward on its outer surface. The second lower right side connector 262 provided on the second right side surface 200R of the second unit 22 has a second lower protrusion 280 which is a convex structure formed on its outer surface with a protrusion (290) that protrudes outward on its outer surface.

[0128] For this reason, as described above, the first upper left side connector 50 of the first unit 20 cannot be connected to the second upper right side connector 260 of the second unit 22 located adjacent to it on the left. Also, the first lower left side connector 52 of the first unit 20 cannot be connected to the second lower right side connector 262 of the second unit 22 located adjacent to it on the left.

[0129] On the other hand, the second upper left side connector 210 provided on the second left side surface 200L of the second unit 22 has a second upper hole 220 which is a recessed structure with a groove 250 formed on the inside. The second lower left side connector 212 provided on the second left side surface 200L of the second unit 22 has a second lower hole 240 which is a recessed structure with a groove 250 formed on the inside.

[0130] Therefore, the first upper right side connector 90 of the first unit 20 can be connected to the second upper left side connector 210 of the second unit 22 located adjacent to it on the right. Also, the first lower right side connector 92 of the first unit 20 can be connected to the second lower left side connector 212 of the second unit 22 located adjacent to it on the right.

[0131] The third unit 24 does not have a connector on the third right side surface 300R.

[0132] Therefore, the first upper left side connector 50 and the first lower left side connector 52 of the first unit 20 cannot be connected to the third unit 24 located to the left.

[0133] The third upper left side connector 310 provided on the third left side surface 300L of the third unit 24 has a third upper hole 320 which is a recessed structure with a groove 350 formed on the inside. The third lower left side connector 312 provided on the third left side surface 300L of the third unit 24 has a third lower hole 340 which is a recessed structure with a groove 350 formed on the inside.

[0134] Therefore, the first upper right side connector 90 of the first unit 20 can be connected to the third upper left side connector 310 of the third unit 24 located adjacent to it on the right. Also, the first lower right side connector 92 of the first unit 20 can be connected to the third lower left side connector 312 of the third unit 24 located adjacent to it on the right.

[0135] (Connecting the second unit) 14, the second upper left side connector 210 on the second left side surface 200L of the second unit 22 has a second upper hole 220 which is a recessed structure with a groove 250 formed on the inside. The second lower left side connector 212 on the second left side surface 200L of the second unit 22 has a second lower hole 240 which is a recessed structure with a groove 250 formed on the inside.

[0136] Therefore, the second upper left side connector 210 of the second unit 22 is connectable to the first upper right side connector 90 of the first unit 20 arranged adjacently to the left and the second upper right side connector 260 of the second unit 22 arranged adjacently to the left. Also, the second lower left side connector 212 of the second unit 22 is connectable to the first lower right side connector 92 of the first unit 20 arranged adjacently to the left and the second lower right side connector 262 of the second unit 22 arranged adjacently to the left.

[0137] On the other hand, the second upper left side connector 210 and the second lower left side connector 212 of the second unit 22 cannot be connected to the third unit 24 located to the left.

[0138] Further, the second upper right side connector 260 on the second right side surface 200R of the second unit 22 has a second upper protrusion 270 which is a convex structure having a protrusion 290 that protrudes outward on its outer surface. The second lower right side connector 262 on the second right side surface 200R of the second unit 22 has a second lower protrusion 280 which is a convex structure having a protrusion 290 that protrudes outward on its outer surface.

[0139] For this reason, as described above, the second upper right side connector 260 of the second unit 22 cannot be connected to the first upper left side connector 50 of the first unit 20 located adjacent to it on the right. Also, the second lower right side connector 262 of the second unit 22 cannot be connected to the first lower left side connector 52 of the first unit 20 located adjacent to it on the right.

[0140] On the other hand, the second upper right side connector 260 of the second unit 22 is connectable to the second upper left side connector 210 of the second unit 22 arranged adjacently to the right and the third upper left side connector 310 of the third unit 24 arranged adjacently to the right. Also, the second lower right side connector 262 of the second unit 22 is connectable to the second lower left side connector 212 of the second unit 22 arranged adjacently to the right and the third lower left side connector 312 of the third unit 24 arranged adjacently to the right.

[0141] (Connecting a third unit) 15, the third upper left side connector 310 on the third left side surface 300L of the third unit 24 has a third upper hole 320 which is a recessed structure with a groove 350 formed on the inside. The third lower left side connector 312 on the third left side surface 300L of the third unit 24 has a third lower hole 340 which is a recessed structure with a groove 350 formed on the inside.

[0142] Therefore, the third upper left side connector 310 of the third unit 24 is connectable to the first upper right side connector 90 of the first unit 20 located to the left and the second upper right side connector 260 of the second unit 22 located to the left. Also, the third lower left side connector 312 of the third unit 24 is connectable to the first lower right side connector 92 of the first unit 20 located to the left and the second lower right side connector 262 of the second unit 22 located to the left.

[0143] On the other hand, the third upper left side connector 310 and the third lower left side connector 312 of the third unit 24 cannot be connected to the third unit 24 disposed adjacently to the left.

[0144] Furthermore, the third unit 24 does not have a connector on the third right side surface 300R.

[0145] Therefore, the third unit 24 cannot be connected to the units 20, 22, and 24 located to the right.

[0146] FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the connection relationship between the units 20, 22, and 24.

[0147] As shown in Figure 16, the measuring device 10 is capable of connecting each unit 20, 22, and 24 in a first arrangement example 400 in which the first unit 20, the first unit 20, the second unit 22, the second unit 22, and the third unit 24 are arranged in order from the left.

[0148] On the other hand, in the second arrangement state 402 in which the first unit 20, the second unit 22, the first unit 20, the second unit 22, and the third unit 24 are arranged in order from the left, the measuring device 10 cannot connect each unit 20, 22.

[0149] (Action and effect) Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0150] The measuring device 10 in this embodiment includes a first unit 20 having a first side connector (50, 52) provided on a first left side face 40L as one side face, and a first other side face connector (90, 92) provided on a first right side face 40R as the other side face different from the first left side face 40L as the side face on which the first side face connector (50, 52) is provided. The measuring device 10 includes a second unit 22 having a second side face connector (210, 212) provided on a second left side face 200L as one side face, and a second other side face connector (260, 262) provided on a second right side face 200R as the other side face different from the second left side face 200L as the side face on which the second side face connector (210, 212) is provided. The first other side face connector (90, 92) is configured to be connectable to the first side face connector (50, 52) and the second side face connector (210, 212). The second other side connectors (260, 262) are configured to be connectable to the second side connectors (210, 212) but not connectable to the first side connectors (50, 52).

[0151] In addition, the second unit 22 as a unit in this embodiment is a unit that can be connected to another unit (20) in which the first side surface connectors (50, 52) are provided on the first left side surface 40L as one side surface, and the first other side surface connectors (90, 92) are provided on the first right side surface 40R as the other side surface different from the first left side surface 40L as the one side surface on which the first side surface connectors (50, 52) are provided. The second unit 22 is provided with the second side surface connectors (210, 212) on the second left side surface 200L as one side surface, and the second other side surface connectors (260, 262) on the second right side surface 200R as the other side surface different from the second left side surface 200L as the one side surface on which the second side surface connectors (210, 212) are provided. The second side connectors (210, 212) are configured to be connectable to the first other side connectors (90, 92) and the second other side connectors (260, 262), and the second other side connectors (260, 262) are configured to be connectable to the second side connectors (210, 212) but not connectable to the first side connectors (50, 52).

[0152] According to this configuration, the first other side surface connectors (90, 92) of the first unit 20 are configured to be connectable to the first side surface connectors (50, 52) of the first unit 20 and the second side surface connectors (210, 212) of the second unit 22. The second other side surface connectors (260, 262) of the second unit 22 as a unit are configured to be connectable to the second side surface connectors (210, 212).

[0153] Therefore, a plurality of first units 20 can be connected adjacent to each other. Also, a plurality of second units 22 can be connected adjacent to each other. Furthermore, a second unit 22 can be connected to the first right side surface 40R, which is the other side surface of the first unit 20.

[0154] On the other hand, the second other side surface connectors (260, 262) of the second unit 22 and the first side surface connectors (50, 52) of the first unit 20 are configured to be incapable of being connected to each other. For this reason, the second unit 22 cannot be connected to the first left side surface 40L, which is one side surface of the first unit 20, and the first unit 20 cannot be disposed between the second units 22 and 22.

[0155] Therefore, it is possible to prevent a first unit 20 as a predetermined unit from being placed between second units 22 as other units, without providing any additional structure for determining the connection order in addition to the connectors that connect the units together.

[0156] Furthermore, since the measuring device 10 can regulate the placement of the first unit 20 without providing additional structures, it is possible to suppress an increase in size compared to when additional structures are provided, and there is no need to handle wiring, etc., improving convenience.

[0157] Furthermore, in the measuring device 10 of this embodiment, the first unit 20 is composed of a voltage temperature measuring device to which a thermocouple is connected, and it is preferable that the first unit 20 suppresses the transfer of heat from other units so that the measurement value is not affected by heat from the surroundings.

[0158] Therefore, compared to when the first unit 20 is sandwiched between the second units 22, which are composed of heat-generating power measuring devices, it is possible to suppress the influence of heat from the second units 22 on the measurement values.

[0159] In the measuring device 10 of this embodiment, the first side connectors (50, 52) have one of a convex structure and a concave structure that allow them to be connected to each other, and the first other side connectors (90, 92) have the other of a convex structure and a concave structure that allow them to be connected to each other. The second side connectors (210, 212) have one of a convex structure and a concave structure that allow them to be connected to each other, and the second other side connectors (260, 262) have the other of a convex structure and a concave structure that allow them to be connected to each other.

[0160] In the second unit 22 of this embodiment, the first side connectors (50, 52) have either a convex structure or a concave structure that allow them to be connected to each other, and the first other side connectors (90, 92) have the other of a convex structure or a concave structure that allow them to be connected to each other. The second side connectors (210, 212) have either a convex structure or a concave structure that allow them to be connected to each other, and the second other side connectors (260, 262) have the other of a convex structure or a concave structure that allow them to be connected to each other.

[0161] According to this configuration, the measuring device 10 and the second unit 22 as a unit can connect the units 22, 24 by using a convex structure and a concave structure that are connectable to each other. Furthermore, by devising the other of the convex structure and the concave structure that constitute the second other side surface connectors (260, 262) or the one of the convex structure and the concave structure that constitute the first side surface connectors (50, 52), the measuring device 10 and the second unit 22 as a unit can make the second other side surface connectors (260, 262) and the first side surface connectors (50, 52) unconnectable.

[0162] Furthermore, in the measurement device 10 of this embodiment, the first side connectors (50, 52), the first other side connectors (90, 92), the second side connectors (210, 212), and the second other side connectors (260, 262) are equipped with electrical connectors. The first other side connectors (90, 92) are electrically connectable to the first side connectors (50, 52) and the second side connectors (210, 212) via the electrical connectors. The second other side connectors (260, 262) are electrically connectable to the second side connectors (210, 212) via the electrical connectors.

[0163] In addition, in the second unit 22 as a unit of this embodiment, the first side connectors (50, 52), the first other side connectors (90, 92), the second side connectors (210, 212), and the second other side connectors (260, 262) are equipped with electrical connectors. The first other side connectors (90, 92) are electrically connectable to the first side connectors (50, 52) and the second side connectors (210, 212) via the electrical connectors. The second other side connectors (260, 262) are electrically connectable to the second side connectors (210, 212) via the electrical connectors.

[0164] According to this configuration, each connector connecting adjacent units (22, 24) has an electrical connector, and the units (22, 24) connected by each connector can be electrically connected to each other.

[0165] This allows, for example, power and signals to be exchanged between adjacent units (22, 24), making it possible for the connected units (22, 24) to share a power source and measurement data.

[0166] In addition, the measuring device 10 of this embodiment further includes a third unit 24 having a third left side surface 300L as one side surface on which a third side surface connector (310, 312) connectable to the first other side surface connector (90, 92) and the second other side surface connector (260, 262) is provided, and a third right side surface 300R as the other side surface other than the third left side surface 300L as one side surface on which the third side surface connector (310, 312) is provided, and which does not have a connector connectable to the first side surface connector (50, 52), the second side surface connector (210, 212), and the third side surface connector (310, 312).

[0167] According to this configuration, it is possible to connect the first unit 20 or the second unit 22 only to the third left side surface 300L side, which is one side surface, of the third unit 24. Here, the second unit 22 cannot be connected to the first left side surface 40L, which is one side surface of the first unit 20, and the first unit 20 is disposed on the second left side surface 200L side, which is one side surface of the second unit 22.

[0168] Therefore, the first unit 20 is disposed on one side surface (40L, 200L, 300L) of the adjacent units (20, 22, 24). The third unit 24 is disposed on the other side surface (40R, 200R) of the adjacent units (20, 22). This makes it possible to prevent the first unit 20 from being disposed between the second unit 22 and the third unit 24.

[0169] Furthermore, in the measuring device 10 of this embodiment, the second other side connectors (260, 262) have a convex structure with a protrusion 290 that protrudes outward provided on the outer surface. The second side connectors (210, 212) have a concave structure with a groove 250 formed on the inside into which the protrusion 290 can be inserted. The first other side connectors (90, 92) have a convex structure that does not have a protrusion 290, and the first side connectors (50, 52) have a concave structure that does not have a groove 250.

[0170] In addition, in the second unit 22 as a unit of this embodiment, the second other side connectors (260, 262) have a convex structure with a protrusion 290 that protrudes outward provided on the outer surface. The second side connectors (210, 212) have a concave structure with a groove 250 formed on the inside into which the protrusion 290 can be inserted. The first other side connectors (90, 92) have a convex structure that does not have a protrusion 290, and the first side connectors (50, 52) have a concave structure that does not have a groove 250.

[0171] According to this configuration, by providing a protrusion 290 on the convex structure constituting the connector and forming a groove 250 into which the protrusion 290 can be inserted on the concave structure constituting the connector, it is possible to form a first other side connector (90, 92) that can be connected to the first side connector (50, 52) and the second side connector (210, 212). It is also possible to form a second other side connector (260, 262) that can be connected to the second side connector (210, 212) but cannot be connected to the first side connector (50, 52).

[0172] 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.

[0173] Although the measuring device 10 of this embodiment has been described as having electrical connectors in each connector, the measuring device 10 may be configured as in the following modified example, for example.

[0174] (Variation) Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the units 20, 22, and 24 of the measurement device 500 according to the modified example, as seen from the other side. Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the units 20, 22, and 24 of the measurement device 500 according to the modified example, as seen from one side. The arrangement order of the units 20, 22, and 24 is different between Fig. 17 and Fig. 18.

[0175] As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the first left side surface 40L of the first unit 20 is provided with a first left side surface connector 510 configured as a circular hole, and the first right side surface 40R is provided with a first right side surface connector 512 having a cylindrical shape.

[0176] The second left side surface 200L of the second unit 22 is provided with a second left side surface connector 520 configured as a square hole, and the second right side surface 200R is provided with a second right side surface connector 522 configured as a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0177] The third left side surface 300L of the third unit 24 is provided with a third left side surface connector 530 configured as a square hole, and the third right side surface 300R is provided with no connector.

[0178] The cylindrical first right side connector 512 can be inserted into the first left side connector 510, which is configured with a circular hole, and the second left side connector 520 and the third left side connector 530, which are configured with square holes. The rectangular second right side connector 522 can be inserted into the second left side connector 520 and the third left side connector 530, which are configured with square holes, but cannot be inserted into the first left side connector 510, which is configured with a circular hole.

[0179] In this measuring device 500 as well, the first unit 20 cannot be placed between the other units 22 and 24, and the same effects as those described above are achieved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0180] 10. Measuring equipment 22 Second Unit 24 Third Unit 50 First upper left side connector 52 First lower left side connector 60 First upper hole 62 First power female connector 80 First lower hole 82 First signal female connector 90 First upper right side connector 92 First lower right side connector 100 First upward protrusion 102 First power male connector 110 First downward protrusion 112 First signal male connector 210 Second upper left side connector 212 Second lower left side connector 220 Second upper hole 222 Second power female connector 240 Second lower hole 242 Second signal female connector 250 Groove 260 Second upper right side connector 262 Second lower right side connector 270 Second upward protrusion 272 Second power male connector 280 Second downward protrusion 282 Second signal male connector 290 Protrusion 310 Third upper left side connector 312 Third lower left side connector 320 Third upper hole 322 Third power female connector 340 Third lower hole 342 Third signal female connector 350 Groove 500 Measuring Device 510 First left side connector 512 First right side connector 520 Second left side connector 522 Second right side connector 530 Third left side connector

Claims

1. A measuring device comprising: a first unit having a first side connector provided on one side surface thereof and a first other side connector provided on another side surface thereof different from the one side surface on which the first side connector is provided; a second unit having a second side connector provided on one side surface thereof and a second other side connector provided on another side surface thereof different from the one side surface on which the second side connector is provided; Equipped with the first other side surface connector is configured to be connectable to the first side surface connector and the second side surface connector, the second other side connector is configured to be connectable to the second side connector but not connectable to the first side connector; Measuring device.

2. 2. The measuring device according to claim 1, 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 device.

3. 2. The measuring device according to claim 1, the first side connector, the first other side connector, the second side connector, and the second other side connector each comprise an electrical connector; the first other side connector is electrically connectable to the first side connector and the second side connector via an electrical connector; the second other side connector is electrically connectable to the second side connector via an electrical connector; Measuring device.

4. 2. The measuring device according to claim 1, a side surface provided with a third side surface connector connectable to the first other side surface connector and the second other side surface connector; a third unit having a side surface other than the side surface on which the third side surface connector is provided, the side surface not including a connector connectable with the first side surface connector, the second side surface connector, and the third side surface connector; Measuring device.

5. 3. The measuring device according to claim 2, the second other side surface connector has a convex structure in which a protrusion that protrudes outward is provided on an outer surface, the second side connector has a recessed portion structure having a groove formed therein into which the protrusion can be inserted, the first other side surface connector has a convex portion structure that does not include the protrusion, The first side connector has a recessed portion structure that does not include the groove portion. Measuring device.

6. A unit having a first side connector on one side thereof and connectable to another unit having a first other side connector on another side thereof different from the one side thereof on which the first side connector is provided, the other unit has a second side surface connector provided on one side surface thereof, and a second other side surface connector provided on another side surface thereof different from the one side surface on which the second side surface connector is provided, the second side surface connector is configured to be connectable to the first other side surface connector and the second other side surface connector, the second other side connector is configured to be connectable to the second side connector but not connectable to the first side connector; unit.

7. 7. The unit of 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; unit.

8. 7. The unit of claim 6, the first side connector, the first other side connector, the second side connector, and the second other side connector each comprise an electrical connector; the first other side connector is electrically connectable to the first side connector and the second side connector via an electrical connector; the second other side connector is electrically connectable to the second side connector via an electrical connector; unit.

9. 8. The unit of claim 7, the second other side surface connector has a convex structure in which a protrusion that protrudes outward is provided on an outer surface, the second side connector has a recessed portion structure having a groove formed therein into which the protrusion can be inserted, the first other side surface connector has a convex portion structure that does not include the protrusion, The first side connector has a recessed portion structure that does not include the groove portion. unit.

Images