Terminal block cover, power supply unit, and lighting unit

Abstract

To provide a terminal block cover, a power supply device, and a lighting device that can suppress the attachment of foreign matter to an insertion hole of a terminal block and prevent damage and disconnection of electric wires.SOLUTION: A rotating member 73 includes: a pair of side plate parts 74, 75 which are rotatably attached to a pair of support parts 71, 72 about rotation axes; and a cover part 76 which connects the pair of side plate parts 74,75 and covers an insertion surface 62 of the terminal block 6 in which an insertion hole 620 into which an electric wire 9 is inserted is formed at a closed position. The pair of side plate parts 74, 75 include: a first end part 740; a second end part 741 which faces the first end part 740 and is located closer to a fixing member 70 side than the first end part 740 when the rotating member 73 is at the closed position; a third end 742 extending from the first end 740 toward the second end 741 on the side of the rotation axes of the side plate parts 74, 75; and an inclined fourth end part 743 which connects the second end part 741 and the third end part 742.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a terminal block cover, a power supply device, and a lighting device. BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a so-called high-ceiling lighting device that is installed in buildings with high ceilings such as gymnasiums and halls and illuminates a lighting space from above.

[0003] The lighting device described in Patent Document 1 includes a light source unit, a holding member that holds the light source unit, a power supply unit that supplies power to the light source unit, and an arm that rotatably supports the holding member.

[0004] The power supply unit includes: a power conversion circuit that converts externally supplied power into power required for the light source unit; a box-shaped case that houses the power conversion circuit therein; a terminal block electrically connected to the power conversion circuit and attached to the outer surface of the case; and a cover that covers the terminal block. The cover is rotatably attached to the case between a closed position covering the terminal block and an open position exposing the terminal block. PRIOR ART DOCUMENT PATENT DOCUMENT

[0005] Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2018-77957 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0006] The cover described in Patent Document 1 is formed with an opening for drawing an electric wire inserted into an insertion hole of the terminal block out of the cover. The opening is formed at a position facing the insertion hole of the terminal block, leaving the insertion hole exposed. Therefore, there has been a problem that foreign matter such as dust entering through the opening easily adheres to the insertion hole.

[0007] When the cover opening is closed to prevent foreign matter from adhering, the gap between the cover and the case narrows as the cover rotates from the open position to the closed position, eventually eliminating the gap between the cover and the case. As a result, electrical wires could get caught between the cover and the case, leading to damage or disconnection.

[0008] The present invention aims to provide a terminal block cover that can suppress the adhesion of foreign matter to the insertion holes of a terminal block and prevent damage and breakage of electric wires, a power supply unit equipped with a terminal block cover, and a lighting device equipped with a terminal block cover and a power supply unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The terminal block cover disclosed herein comprises a fixed member on which a terminal block is arranged, and a rotatable member attached to the fixed member so as to be rotatable between a closed position covering the terminal block and an open position exposing the terminal block. The fixed member has a pair of support portions facing each other via the terminal block. The rotatable member has a pair of side plate portions attached to the pair of support portions so as to be rotatable about a pivot axis, and a cover portion connecting the pair of side plate portions and covering the insertion surface of the terminal block in which insertion holes for inserting electric wires are formed in the closed position. At least one of the pair of side plate portions has a first end, a second end facing the first end and located closer to the fixed member than the first end when the rotatable member is in the closed position, a third end extending from the first end to the second end on the pivot axis side of the side plate portion, and an inclined fourth end connecting the second end and the third end.

[0010] In the terminal block cover disclosed herein, the angle between the side plate portion having the fourth end and the support portion supporting the side plate portion is obtuse regardless of the rotational position of the rotating member.

[0011] In the terminal block cover disclosed herein, when the rotating member is in the closed position, there is a gap between the second end and the fixed member.

[0012] In the terminal block cover disclosed herein, at least one of the pair of support portions has a projection, and the rotating member has an engaging portion that engages with the projection in the closed position.

[0013] The power supply device disclosed herein comprises a power supply unit including a box-shaped case, a terminal block located outside the case, and a terminal block cover.

[0014] The lighting device disclosed herein comprises a light source unit, a power supply unit including a box-shaped case that supplies power to the light source unit, a terminal block disposed outside the case, and a terminal block cover as described in claim 1. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a terminal block cover that can suppress the adhesion of foreign matter to the insertion holes of the terminal block and prevent damage and breakage of electric wires, a power supply device equipped with a terminal block cover, and a lighting device equipped with a terminal block cover and a power supply device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the lighting device according to the embodiment, seen from above. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the lighting fixture from below. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of the lighting device taken along line III-III in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This is a top-down perspective view of a power supply unit with its terminal block cover closed. [Figure 5] This is a top-down perspective view of a power supply unit with its terminal block cover in a rotating position. [Figure 6] This is a top-down perspective view of a power supply unit with its terminal block cover open. [Figure 7] This is a left side view showing the terminal block cover in the open position. [Figure 8] This is a left side view showing the terminal block cover in a rotated state. [Figure 9]It is a left side view showing the terminal block cover in a rotated state. [Figure 10] It is a left side view showing the terminal block cover in a closed state. [Figure 11] This is a reference example for facilitating understanding of the terminal block cover according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a left side view showing a modified example of the fourth end portion of the rotating member. [Figure 13] It is a perspective view showing a modified example of the terminal block cover in a closed state. [Figure 14] It is a perspective view showing a modified example of the terminal block cover in an open state.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding portions are denoted by the same reference signs, and repeated description thereof will be omitted. In addition, to facilitate understanding of the present invention, a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system (front-rear, left-right, and up-down directions) is shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 2 and subsequent figures, the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system shown in FIG. 1 will be incorporated to describe the present embodiment.

[0018] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 14, the lighting device 1 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the lighting device 1 according to the embodiment as viewed from above. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lighting device 1 as viewed from below. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the lighting device 1 taken along line III-III in FIG. 1.

[0019] The lighting device 1 according to the present embodiment is, for example, a lighting device installed on the ceiling of a building. In particular, the lighting device 1 according to the present embodiment is suitable for use as a high-ceiling lighting device installed in buildings with high ceilings such as warehouses, factories, gymnasiums, and halls. The reason why it is suitable is that, as will be described later, the provision of the terminal block cover 7 reduces adhesion of dust to the terminal block 6, and can reduce the frequency of high-place work for cleaning and maintenance around the terminal block 6.

[0020] The lighting device 1 includes a light source unit 2 and a power supply unit 3. In addition to the light source unit 2 and the power supply unit 3, the lighting device 1 may also include an arm 8.

[0021] The light source unit 2 includes an LED (Light Emitting Diode) unit 20, a light source cover 21, and a heat dissipation member 22.

[0022] The LED unit 20 is constructed by mounting multiple LEDs on the underside of a rectangular substrate 200. A rectangular light source cover 21, slightly larger than the substrate 200, is positioned on the underside of the substrate 200. A rectangular heat dissipation member 22, slightly larger than the substrate 200, is positioned on the top side of the substrate 200. The LED unit 20 is housed in an internal space formed by the light source cover 21 and the heat dissipation member 22.

[0023] The light source cover 21 is made of a light-transmitting resin material such as polycarbonate resin. The light source cover 21 may also have light-diffusing properties. The light source cover 21 is positioned on the lower side of the LED unit 20. The light source cover 21 covers the substrate 200 and the LEDs of the LED unit 20. The light emitted by the LED unit 20 passes through the light source cover 21 and illuminates downwards.

[0024] The heat dissipation member 22 is made of a metal or resin material. Preferably, the heat dissipation member 22 is made of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The substrate 200 and the light source cover 21 are attached to the lower surface of the heat dissipation member 22. In the illustrated example, the substrate 200 and the light source cover 21 are screwed to the heat dissipation member 22. Multiple heat dissipation fins 220 are formed on the upper surface of the heat dissipation member 22. The heat generated by the LED unit 20 is conducted through the heat dissipation member 22 and dissipated into the atmosphere through the heat dissipation fins 220.

[0025] Although the light source unit 2 in the illustrated example is formed in the shape of a flattened cube, the shape of the light source unit 2 is not limited to this. For example, the light source unit 2 may be formed in the shape of a disc.

[0026] The arm 8 is made of a metal or resin material. The arm 8 is formed in a roughly U-shape. That is, the arm 8 includes a central part 80 and a pair of leg parts 81 and 82 extending from both ends of the central part 80.

[0027] The central section 80 is configured in a planar shape and is attached to the ceiling of a building or the like. In the illustrated example, multiple bolt insertion holes 800 are formed in the central section 80 of the arm 8, and the central section 80 is attached to the ceiling or the like by bolts (not shown).

[0028] The leg portion 81 has a bolt insertion hole and a bolt insertion groove 810. The bolt insertion hole is a circular hole. The bolt insertion groove 810 is an arc-shaped groove centered on the bolt insertion hole. The leg portion 82 also has a bolt insertion hole and a bolt insertion groove 810, similar to the leg portion 81.

[0029] The heat dissipation member 22 has a pair of arm support portions 23 and 24 formed thereon. The pair of arm support portions 23 and 24 protrude upward from the side surface of the heat dissipation member 22. The arm support portion 23 has a circular hole, which is a bolt insertion hole 230. A bolt 84 is also fixed to the arm support portion 23. The arm support portion 24 also has a bolt insertion hole 230 formed thereon, and a bolt 84 is fixed to it, similar to the arm support portion 23.

[0030] A bolt 83 is inserted through the bolt insertion hole in the leg portion 81 and the bolt insertion hole 230 in the arm support portion 23. Similarly, a bolt 83 is inserted through the bolt insertion hole in the leg portion 82 and the bolt insertion hole 230 in the arm support portion 24. The two bolts 83 act as pivot axes, and the light source unit 2 is rotatably supported relative to the arm 8. This allows the irradiation direction of the light source unit 2 to be adjusted.

[0031] A bolt 84 of the arm support 23 is inserted through a bolt insertion groove 810 of the leg 81. Similarly, a bolt 84 of the arm support 24 is inserted through a bolt insertion groove 810 of the leg 82. As a result, the rotation range of the light source unit 2 is limited to the range in which the two bolts 84 can move within their respective bolt insertion grooves 810. The position of the light source unit 2 relative to the arm 8 is maintained when each bolt 84 is tightened.

[0032] The power supply unit 3 is mounted on the upper side of the heat dissipation member 22. The power supply unit 3 includes a power supply unit 4, a case 5, a terminal block 6, and a terminal block cover 7.

[0033] Figure 4 is a top-view perspective of the power supply unit 3 with the terminal block cover 7 closed. Figure 5 is a top-view perspective of the power supply unit 3 with the terminal block cover 7 rotated. Figure 6 is a top-view perspective of the power supply unit 3 with the terminal block cover 7 open.

[0034] The power supply unit 4 includes a power supply circuit (not shown) and a case 5. The case 5 is box-shaped and houses the power supply circuit inside. The case 5 is made of metal or the like. Although not shown in the illustration, ventilation holes for heat dissipation may be formed in the case 5. Brackets 50 are integrally formed on the bottom surface of the case 5, with shapes that protrude forward and backward, respectively. Multiple bolt insertion holes 51 are formed in the brackets 50. Bolts 52 are inserted through each bolt insertion hole 51.

[0035] The power supply circuit within case 5 is a power conversion circuit that converts power supplied from an external source (for example, AC power supplied from a commercial power source) into DC power required by the light source unit 2. The power supply circuit may also have a function to adjust the light intensity of the light source unit 2 by increasing or decreasing the output current in response to a dimming signal transmitted from an external source via a dimming signal line. The DC power output by the power supply circuit is supplied to the substrate 200 of the light source unit 2 via an electric wire (not shown). This electric wire, for example, exits from the rear of case 5, passes through the heat dissipation member 22, extends to the substrate 200, and is electrically connected to the substrate 200.

[0036] A terminal block 6 is located outside the case 5. The terminal block 6 supplies external power to the power supply circuit. In the illustrated example, the terminal block 6 is located in front of the case 5. More specifically, the terminal block 6 is mounted on a bracket 50 that protrudes from the front of the case 5 and is screwed to the bracket 50. The terminal block 6 is electrically connected to the power supply circuit inside the case 5 on its rear side.

[0037] The terminal block 6 has a top surface 60, a bottom surface 61, and four sides (right, left, front, and rear) connecting the top surface 60 and the bottom surface 61. The front surface of the terminal block 6, the insertion surface 62, has insertion holes 620 into which electric wires 9 (see Figure 7, etc.) are inserted. In the illustrated example, six insertion holes 620 are arranged in a row in the left-right direction on the insertion surface 62. A release button 600 is formed on the top surface 60 of the terminal block 6. In the illustrated example, one release button 600 is formed on the top surface 60 for every two insertion holes 620. An electric wire 9 for external power supply is inserted into each of the insertion holes 620. The electric wires 9 inserted into the insertion holes 620 are held in that position and are electrically connected to the power supply circuit inside the case 5. When the release button 600 is pressed, the wire 9 inserted into the insertion hole 620, which is paired with the pressed release button 600, is released from its hold.

[0038] A terminal block for dimming signal lines may be placed on the bracket 50 along with a terminal block 6 for electric wires. Dimming signal lines are inserted into the dimming terminal block and supply dimming signals to the power supply circuit inside the case 5. Note that a single terminal block 6 may have both insertion holes for electric wires and insertion holes for dimming signal lines.

[0039] The terminal block cover 7 includes a fixing member 70 and a rotating member 73. At least a terminal block 6 is positioned on the fixing member 70. In addition to the terminal block 6, the case 5 of the power supply unit 4 may also be positioned on the fixing member 70. The rotating member 73 is attached to the fixing member 70 so as to be rotatable between a closed position that covers the terminal block 6 and an open position that exposes the terminal block 6. Figure 4 shows the rotating member 73 in the closed position. Figure 6 shows the rotating member 73 in the open position. Figure 5 shows the rotating member 73 in a state where it is rotating from the closed position to the open position, or in the process of rotating from the closed position to the open position. In this embodiment, the terminal block cover 7 with the rotating member 73 in the closed position may be referred to as the closed terminal block cover 7. The terminal block cover 7 with the rotating member 73 in the open position may be referred to as the open terminal block cover 7. The terminal block cover 7 with the rotating member 73 in the process of rotating may be referred to as the rotating terminal block cover 7.

[0040] The terminal block cover 7 is made of a metal material such as plated steel sheet or a resin material such as polycarbonate resin. Preferably, the terminal block cover 7 is made of plated steel sheet, which has high strength, low manufacturing cost, and high dust resistance.

[0041] The fixing member 70 is a plate-shaped member and is fixed to the heat dissipation member 22. In the illustrated example, the fixing member 70 is fastened together with the bracket 50 to the heat dissipation member 22 by a plurality of bolts 52. In this way, the case 5 and terminal block 6 of the power supply unit 4 are attached to the light source unit 2 via the bracket 50 and the fixing member 70. In other words, the fixing member 70 functions as a holder for the case 5 and the terminal block 6.

[0042] The fixing member 70 has a pair of support portions 71 and 72 facing each other via a terminal block 6. In the illustrated example, trapezoidal projections (corresponding to the support portions 71 and 72) protrude from two ends (right and left ends) of the rectangular fixing member 70. These two projections are bent upward to form the support portions 71 and 72. A circular hole, a bolt insertion hole 710, is formed in the support portion 71. Similarly, a bolt insertion hole 710 is also formed in the support portion 72. A bolt 78 is fastened to the support portion 72.

[0043] The rotating member 73 has a pair of side plate portions 74 and 75 and a cover portion 76. The side plate portion 74 is rotatably attached to the support portion 71 by bolts 77. The side plate portion 75 is also rotatably attached to the support portion 72 by bolts 77. The cover portion 76 connects the side plate portions 74 and 75. In the illustrated example, the rotating member 73 is constructed by bending a metal plate such as plated steel sheet.

[0044] The two bolts 77 are arranged coaxially and form the pivot axis of the rotating member 73. The rotating member 73 is rotatable within a range of motion from the closed position to the open position around the pivot axis. When the rotating member 73 is in the open position, the cover portion 76 moves above and behind the terminal block 6, exposing the terminal block 6. In particular, the insertion holes 620 and release buttons 600 of the terminal block 6 are exposed, which improves the workability of the wiring work described later.

[0045] When the rotating member 73 is in the closed position, the cover portion 76 faces the top surface 60 and the insertion surface 62 of the terminal block 6. Also, the right and left surfaces of the terminal block 6 face the side plate portions 74 and 75. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the lower end of the rotating member 73 (such as the second end portion 741 described later) is located below the insertion hole 620. Therefore, the terminal block 6, and especially the insertion hole 620, are covered by the rotating member 73.

[0046] Furthermore, when the rotating member 73 is in the closed position, a gap is formed between the lower end of the rotating member 73 (such as the second end 741 described later) and the fixed member 70. By allowing the electric wire 9 to be pulled out of the terminal block cover 7 through this gap, it is possible to prevent the electric wire 9 from being pinched between the rotating member 73 and the fixed member 70 and thus damaged or broken.

[0047] The side plate portion 74 has a first end 740, a second end 741, a third end 742, and a fourth end 743. The first end 740 is the end of the side plate portion 74 that is closest to the fixed member 70 when the rotating member 73 is in the closed position. That is, the first end 740 corresponds to the upper end of the side plate portion 74. The second end 741 is opposite to the first end 740 and is located closer to the fixed member 70 than the first end 740 when the rotating member 73 is in the closed position. That is, the second end 741 corresponds to a part of the lower end of the side plate portion 74. The third end 742 extends from the first end 740 toward the second end 741 on the side of the pivot axis (i.e., the bolt 77) of the side plate portion 74. That is, the third end 742 corresponds to a part of the rear end of the side plate portion 74. The fourth end portion 743 is a slanted hypotenuse that connects the second end portion 741 and the third end portion 742. In other words, the fourth end portion 743 is a hypotenuse formed by cutting off one of the four vertices of the rectangular side plate portion 74. That is, the fourth end portion 743 is slanted relative to the second end portion 741 and the third end portion 742. Furthermore, when the rotating member 73 is in the closed position, the fourth end portion 743 moves away from the fixed member 70 in the vertical direction as it approaches the pivot center in the front-rear direction.

[0048] The side plate portion 75, like the side plate portion 74, has a first end portion 740, a second end portion 741, a third end portion 742, and a fourth end portion 743. The fourth end portion 743 may be formed on only one of the side plate portions 74 or 75. Preferably, the fourth end portion 743 is formed on at least the side plate portion 75 on which the electric wire 9 is pulled out.

[0049] Of the ends of the rotating member 73, the ends that may come into contact with the electric wire 9 may be bent. In the illustrated example, the lower end of the side plate portion 74 (i.e., the second end portion 741), the lower end of the side plate portion 75 (i.e., the second end portion 741), and the lower end of the cover portion 76 are bent. Because each lower end has a curved shape due to the bending process, damage to or breakage of the electric wire 9 can be suppressed compared to when the ends are not bent.

[0050] A recessed engagement portion 79 is formed between the third end 742 and the fourth end 743 of the side plate portion 75. When the rotating member 73 is in the closed position, the engagement portion 79 engages with the bolt 78 of the support portion 72. When the bolt 78 is tightened while the engagement portion 79 and the bolt 78 are engaged, the rotating member 73 is locked in the closed position. In the illustrated example, the bolt 78 engages with the engagement portion 79 to lock it, but it may simply engage. For example, a projection that can engage with the engagement portion 79 is formed on the side plate portion 75.

[0051] In the illustrated example, a locking mechanism consisting of an engaging portion 79 and a bolt 78 is provided on the side plate portion 75, but a similar locking mechanism may also be provided on the side plate portion 74. Alternatively, a locking mechanism may be provided only on the side plate portion 74.

[0052] Next, the installation and wiring work for the lighting device 1 will be described. First, the worker attaches the arm 8 of the lighting device 1 shown in Figure 1 to a ceiling beam or the like. Furthermore, the worker connects the lighting device 1 to the ceiling beam with a fall prevention wire (not shown) made of metal wire. The worker loosens the bolt 78 to release the lock and disengages the bolt 78 from the engaging part 79. Next, the worker rotates the rotating member 73, which is in the closed position, upward to move it to the open position. With the rotating member 73 in the open position, the worker inserts the electric wire 9 into the insertion hole 620 of the terminal block 6 and connects it.

[0053] Next, the worker rotates the rotating member 73 downwards from the open position to the open position. The worker engages the engaging part 79 with the bolt 78 and tightens the bolt 78 to lock the rotating member 73 in the closed position. One end of the electric wire 9 inserted into the insertion hole 620 is pulled out of the terminal block cover 7 through the gap between the rotating member 73 and the fixed member 70.

[0054] In the closed position, the rotating member 73 covers the front, top, and sides of the insertion holes 620 of the terminal block 6. Dust floating in the air often falls downwards from the ceiling due to gravity, i.e., onto the lighting device 1. When the rotating member 73 is in the closed position, the cover portion 76 faces the top surface 60 and insertion surface 62 of the terminal block 6, thereby suppressing the adhesion of dust and other foreign matter to the insertion holes 620. The effect of suppressing foreign matter adhesion is particularly significant in the lighting device 1, which is installed on a high ceiling where cleaning and maintenance around the terminal block 6 are difficult. In other words, by suppressing the adhesion of foreign matter to the insertion holes 620, the frequency of working at height for cleaning and maintenance around the terminal block 6 can be reduced. Furthermore, even if the light source unit 2 rotates relative to the arm 8 and the position of the terminal block 6 is tilted, the terminal block 6 is covered by the rotating member 73, thus suppressing the adhesion of foreign matter to the insertion holes 620. For example, even if the front end of the light source unit 2 in the position shown in Figures 1 to 3 is rotated upward by approximately 90 degrees, the cover portion 76 of the rotating member 73 in the closed position faces the top surface 60 and the insertion surface 62 of the terminal block 6, suppressing the adhesion of foreign matter to the insertion hole 620.

[0055] Here, the operation of closing the rotating member 73 will be explained with reference to Figures 7 to 10. Figure 7 is a left side view showing the terminal block cover 7 in the open state. Figures 8 and 9 are left side views showing the terminal block cover 7 in the rotated state. Figure 10 is a left side view showing the terminal block cover 7 in the closed state. In Figures 7 to 10, one end of the electric wire 9 inserted into the insertion hole 620 is shown to be pulled out from the front to the left of the terminal block 6.

[0056] As shown in Figure 7, when the rotating member 73 is in the open position, the angle d1 between the fourth end 743 and the support portion 72 is approximately 180 degrees. As shown in Figure 8, when the rotating member 73 rotates toward the closed position, the support portion 72 and the side plate portion 75 may overlap and be in contact in some parts. As shown in Figure 8, even when the rotating member 73 rotates toward the closed position, the angle d1 remains an obtuse angle of 90 degrees or more. As the rotating member 73 rotates further toward the closed position, as shown in Figure 9, the fourth end 743 moves onto the support portion 72. At this time, the angle d2 between the second end 741 and the support portion 72 also becomes an obtuse angle of 90 degrees or more. As shown in Figure 10, when the rotating member 73 is in the closed position, the angle d2 between the second end 741 and the support portion 72 is approximately 90 degrees, maintaining an obtuse angle.

[0057] Even if the electric wire 9 is caught between the support portion 72 and the side plate portion 75 when the rotating member 73 rotates to the closed position, the inclined fourth end portion 743 moves while contacting the electric wire 9, acting a force in the direction that pushes the electric wire 9 outward, and preventing shear force from being applied to the electric wire 9. Therefore, damage and breakage of the electric wire 9 due to being caught between the support portion 72 and the side plate portion 75 can be prevented. In addition, because the fourth end portion 743 is present, the angle (angles d1, d2) between the support portion 72 and the side plate portion 75 is always obtuse, so even if the electric wire 9 is caught between the support portion 72 and the side plate portion 75, no shear force is applied to the electric wire 9, thus preventing damage and breakage of the electric wire 9.

[0058] Figure 11 is a reference example to help understand the terminal block cover 7 according to this embodiment. The reference example terminal block cover 7-1 comprises a fixing member 70-1 and a rotating member 73-1. The side plate portion 75-1 of the rotating member 73-1 is attached to the support portion 72-1 so as to be rotatable between a closed position and an open position around a bolt 77-1.

[0059] In the example, the side plate portion 75-1 lacks the inclined fourth end portion 743. Therefore, when the rotating member 73-1 rotates to the closed position, no force acts to push the electric wire 9 outward. As a result, the electric wire 9 is sandwiched between the support portion 72-1 and the side plate portion 75-1 as the rotating member 73-1 rotates to the closed position. Furthermore, as the rotating member 73-1 rotates to the closed position, the angle between the support portion 72-1 and the side plate portion 75-2 becomes acute, which can cause shear force on the electric wire 9, potentially leading to damage and breakage of the electric wire 9.

[0060] In the reference example terminal block cover 7-1, the worker needs to hold the electric wire 9 to prevent it from being pinched between the support portion 72-1 and the side plate portion 75-1 when rotating the rotating member 73-1 to the closed position. This results in poor workability. In contrast, in the terminal block cover 7 according to this embodiment, even if the electric wire 9 is pinched between the support portion 72 and the side plate portion 75, damage and breakage of the electric wire 9 can be prevented. Therefore, the worker does not need to hold the electric wire 9, improving workability.

[0061] Embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings (Figures 1 to 10). However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the invention. Modifications are described below.

[0062] As shown in Figures 1 to 10, the fourth ends 743 of the side plate portions 74 and 75 were inclined in a straight line, but the shape is not limited to this. Figure 12 is a left side view showing a modified fourth end 743a of the rotating member 73. As shown in Figure 12, the fourth end 743a of the side plate portion 75 is inclined in a curved shape. Even when a curved inclined fourth end 743a is formed, the angle between the support portion 72 and the side plate portion 75 is always obtuse, thus preventing damage to and breakage of the electric wire 9.

[0063] Figures 13 and 14 are perspective views showing a modified terminal block cover 7b, which is a modified version of the terminal block cover 7. Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the terminal block cover 7b in the closed state. Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the terminal block cover 7b in the open state.

[0064] In the terminal block cover 7b, each of the side plate portions 74 and 75 is a rectangle that is elongated in the front-to-back direction. However, in the side plate portion 75, the vertex opposite to the vertex on which the pivot bolt 77 is provided is cut out to form a pull-out portion 745b. More specifically, the pull-out portion 745b is a recess provided at the second end portion 741 and the fifth end portion 744b. This recess is open toward the fixed member 70 when the pivot member 73 is in the closed position. The fifth end portion 744b is the front end portion opposite the third end portion 742. One end of the electric wire 9 inserted into the insertion hole 620 of the terminal block 6 is pulled out from the pull-out portion 745b to the outside of the terminal block cover 7b. Note that it is sufficient for the pull-out portion 745b to be formed in at least one of the side plate portions 74 and 75. Preferably, the pull-out portion 745b is formed on at least the side plate portion 74 and the side plate portion 75 on the side from which the electric wire 9 is pulled out.

[0065] As shown in Figure 14, when the rotating member 73 is in the open position, the second end 741 of the side plate portion 74 is flush with the support portion 71. That is, the vertex where the second end 741 and the third end 742 intersect is located on the support portion 71 and does not protrude outwards from the support portion 71. Therefore, when the rotating member 73 rotates from the open position to the closed position, the angle between the second end 741 of the side plate portion 74 and the support portion 71 is always obtuse. Consequently, even if the electric wire 9 is caught between the support portion 71 and the side plate portion 74, damage and breakage of the electric wire 9 can be prevented.

[0066] The positional relationship between the support portion 72 and the side plate portion 75 is the same as the positional relationship between the support portion 71 and the side plate portion 74. Therefore, even if the electric wire 9 is sandwiched between the support portion 72 and the side plate portion 75, damage and breakage of the electric wire 9 can be prevented.

[0067] In the terminal block cover 7b, any end of the rotating member 73 that may come into contact with the electric wire 9 may be bent to prevent damage to and breakage of the electric wire 9.

[0068] Furthermore, the case 5 and the terminal block 6 do not need to be located adjacent to each other in the same place. For example, the case 5 and the terminal block 6 may be located separately, and the power supply circuit inside the case 5 and the terminal block 6 may be electrically connected by wires. Also, multiple power supply circuits may be electrically connected to a single terminal block 6 by wires.

[0069] Furthermore, the fixing member 70 is not limited to having a pair of support parts 71 and 72; the case 5 may also have a pair of support parts 71 and 72. In this configuration, the case 5 functions as a fixing member. That is, bolts 77, 78, etc., are provided on each of the opposing pair of side surfaces of the case 5, and the rotating member 73 is rotatably supported by the opposing pair of side surfaces of the case 5.

[0070] Furthermore, although the embodiment illustrates a configuration in which the power supply unit 3 and the terminal block cover 7 are used in the lighting device 1, the use of the power supply unit 3 and the terminal block cover 7 is not limited to the lighting device 1.

[0071] The drawings are schematic representations of each component for ease of understanding. Therefore, the thickness, length, and size of each component shown may differ from the actual dimensions due to the limitations of drawing creation. [Industrial applicability]

[0072] This invention can be used in the fields of terminal block covers, power supplies, and lighting devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1. Lighting device 2 Light source section 3 Power supply 4 Power supply section 5 cases 6 Terminal block 7,7b Terminal block cover 9 Electric wire 61 Bottom 62 Insertion surface 70 Fixing member 71,72 Support part 73 Rotating Member 74,75 Side plate part 76 Cover section 78 bolts (protrusions) 79 Engaging part 620 insertion holes 740 First end 741 Second end 742 Third end 743,743a 4th end

Claims

1. A fixing member on which the terminal block is placed, A rotating member is attached to the fixing member so as to be rotatable between a closed position that covers the terminal block and an open position that exposes the terminal block. Equipped with, The fixing member has a pair of support parts that face each other via the terminal block, The aforementioned rotating member is A pair of side plates are rotatably attached to the pair of support parts around a pivot axis, A cover portion connects the pair of side plate portions and, in the closed position, covers the insertion surface of the terminal block into which the insertion holes for inserting electric wires are formed. It has, At least one of the pair of side plate portions is The first end and, A second end facing the first end and located closer to the fixed member than the first end when the rotating member is in the closed position, The side plate portion has a third end that extends from the first end toward the second end on the pivot axis side, A fourth inclined end connects the second end and the third end. It has, A terminal block cover in which the angle between the side plate portion having the fourth end and the support portion supporting the side plate portion is obtuse regardless of the rotational position of the rotating member.

2. The terminal block cover according to claim 1, wherein the fourth end has a linearly inclined shape or a curvedly inclined shape.

3. The terminal block cover according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein when the rotating member is in the closed position, there is a gap between the second end and the fixed member.

4. At least one of the pair of support portions has a projection, The terminal block cover according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the rotating member has an engaging portion that engages with the projection in the closed position.

5. The power supply unit includes a box-shaped case, A terminal block located outside the aforementioned case, Terminal block cover according to claim 1 or claim 2 and A power supply unit equipped with the following features.

6. Light source section, Including a box-shaped case, a power supply unit that supplies power to the light source unit, A terminal block located outside the aforementioned case, Terminal block cover according to claim 1 or claim 2 and A lighting device equipped with the following features.

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