Terminal blocks and I / O units

Abstract

A terminal block (16) comprises: a plurality of insertion sections (28) each provided with a connection terminal (30) that is electrically connected to an external terminal (104a); a plurality of lighting sections (34) provided corresponding to the plurality of insertion sections (28); a plurality of light guide members (36) that are provided corresponding to the plurality of lighting sections (34) and that direct light emitted by a plurality of light emitting elements (24) to the plurality of lighting sections (34) to cause the plurality of lighting sections (34) to light; and at least one connecting member (38) connecting the plurality of light guide members (36).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a terminal block and an I / O unit equipped with the terminal block. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-125607 discloses an example of an I / O unit (signal transmission device). This signal transmission device includes a display unit. The display unit includes an LED (Light Emitting Diode) that lights up. The display unit (lighting unit) is located on the front of the signal transmission device. [Overview of the project]

[0003] One of the components that make up the lighting section of an I / O unit is a light guide member that directs the light emitted from the light source. A light guide member is, for example, a light pipe.

[0004] An I / O unit may have multiple lighting units. In that case, the I / O unit will be equipped with multiple light guide members, corresponding to the number of lighting units. However, the more light guide members an I / O unit is equipped with, the longer it takes to assemble the light guide members into the I / O unit.

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the problems described above.

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention comprises: a plurality of insertion parts into which a plurality of external terminals are inserted, each of which is provided with a connection terminal that is electrically connected to the inserted external terminals; a plurality of lighting parts provided corresponding to the plurality of insertion parts; a plurality of light guide members provided corresponding to the plurality of lighting parts, which guide light emitted by a plurality of light-emitting elements to the plurality of lighting parts, thereby lighting the plurality of lighting parts; and one or more connecting members connecting the plurality of light guide members.

[0007] A second aspect of the present invention is an I / O unit comprising a terminal block according to the first aspect, further comprising: a plurality of light-emitting elements; and a communication processing circuit that controls the input and output of signals to a plurality of external terminals connected to the terminal block, and controls the emission of light from the plurality of light-emitting elements.

[0008] According to the present invention, the increase in the work time required to assemble the light guide member to the terminal block of the I / O unit is suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a communication system related to an example. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the front and left side of an I / O unit related to a reference example. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the internal configuration of a connector unit in a reference example. [Figure 4] Figure 4A is a perspective view showing the front and left side of the I / O unit according to the embodiment. Figure 4B is an exploded view of the I / O unit shown in Figure 4A. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the connector unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6A shows a connector unit according to Modification 1. Figure 6B shows another connector unit according to Modification 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a connector unit according to modified example 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] [Embodiment] Figure 1 shows a communication system 100 related to a reference example.

[0011] Note that the plurality of arrows shown in each drawing indicate each direction (front, rear, left, right, up, down) used in the following description. The vertical direction (first direction), the left-right direction (second direction), and the front-rear direction are orthogonal to each other. The left-right direction and the front-rear direction are parallel to a horizontal plane, for example.

[0012] The communication system 100 is a system that transmits signals between a control device and a device 104. The control device is, for example, a numerical control device that controls a machine tool. The device 104 is, for example, an actuator, a detector, or the like provided in a machine tool. Illustration of the control device is omitted. Only a part including the external terminal 104a of the device 104 is illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0013] The communication system 100 includes a plurality of I / O units 108. The plurality of I / O units 108 are arranged continuously on a predetermined installation member 110. The number of continuously arranged I / O units 108 is not particularly limited.

[0014] The installation member 110 is, for example, a DIN rail. The extending direction of the installation member 110 illustrated in FIG. 1 is the left-right direction. That is, the installation member 110 illustrated in FIG. 1 is elongated in the left-right direction.

[0015] The plurality of I / O units 108 are attached to a front portion of the installation member 110. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the arrangement direction of the plurality of I / O units 108 matches the extending direction of the installation member 110.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a front portion 108F and a left side portion 108L of an I / O unit 108 according to a reference example.

[0017] The I / O unit 108 includes a connector unit 112 and a communication processing unit 114.

[0018] The communication processing unit 114 includes a housing 114a, a plurality of contactors 20, and a control module 26. The housing 114a accommodates the plurality of contactors 20 and the control module 26. However, a part of each contactor 20 is exposed to the outside at the left side portion 108L or the right side portion 108R of the I / O unit 108.

[0019] The plurality of contactors 20 are a terminal group electrically connected to another I / O unit 108 adjacent to the I / O unit 108.

[0020] The plurality of contactors 20 are arranged on the left side portion 108L and the right side portion 108R. The plurality of contactors 20 on the right side portion 108R are arranged symmetrically with the plurality of contactors 20 on the left side portion 108L, for example. All contactors 20 are electrically connected to the control module 26.

[0021] The control module 26 is a module including a communication processing circuit 22 and a plurality of light emitting elements 24.

[0022] The communication processing circuit 22 is an electric circuit that performs processing necessary for establishing communication between a control device and an apparatus 104. The communication processing circuit 22 includes, for example, a control IC (Integrated Circuit). The communication processing circuit 22 is mounted on, for example, a resin substrate.

[0023] The communication processing circuit 22 is electrically connected to the plurality of contactors 20. In this case, the communication processing circuit 22 is electrically connected to another unit arranged on the left side of the I / O unit 108 via the plurality of contactors 20 arranged on the left side portion 108L. In addition, the communication processing circuit 22 is electrically connected to another unit arranged on the right side of the I / O unit 108 via the plurality of contactors 20 arranged on the right side portion 108R.

[0024] Furthermore, the communication processing circuit 22 is connected to multiple devices 104 via the connector unit 112. Therefore, in Figure 1, each device 104 is electrically connected to the control device via at least one I / O unit 108. The control device and each device 104 can input and output signals via at least one communication processing circuit 22. A more detailed explanation of the connector unit 112 will be given later.

[0025] The multiple light-emitting elements 24 include, for example, multiple LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). Each light-emitting element 24 is arranged on the substrate, for example, in the same way as the communication processing circuit 22. Each light-emitting element 24 can emit light under the control of the communication processing circuit 22. The multiple light-emitting elements 24 are provided in correspondence with the multiple lighting units 34 provided in the connector unit 112.

[0026] The connector unit 112 is a terminal block device for connecting the external terminal 104a (see Figure 1) of the device 104. The connector unit 112 includes the front part 108F of the I / O unit 108. In other words, the connector unit 112 is positioned in front of the communication processing unit 114. The connector unit 112 comprises a plurality of insertion parts 28, a plurality of release operators 32, and a plurality of indicator lights 34.

[0027] Each of the multiple insertion portions 28 is a portion to which the external terminal 104a is connected. Each insertion portion 28 includes, for example, an insertion opening into which the external terminal 104a is inserted. The multiple insertion portions 28 are provided on the front portion 108F.

[0028] The multiple release operators 32 are a group of operators provided corresponding to the multiple insertion parts 28. Each of the multiple release operators 32 is, for example, a pusher. Each release operator 32 releases the connection between the corresponding insertion part 28 and the external terminal 104a connected to that insertion part 28, according to the operator's operation.

[0029] Multiple release operators 32 are arranged inside the connector unit 112 (see also Figure 3). However, at least a portion of each release operator 32 is exposed to the outside so that it can be operated by an operator. For example, a portion of each release operator 32 is exposed to the outside at the front section 108F.

[0030] Multiple lighting units 34 are provided corresponding to multiple insertion portions 28. The multiple lighting units 34 are arranged, for example, in the front portion 108F. Each lighting unit 34 includes a light-transmitting member. For example, each lighting unit 34 includes a transparent member or a translucent member.

[0031] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the internal configuration of a connector unit 112 in a reference example.

[0032] The connector unit 112 further comprises a plurality of connection terminals 30 and a plurality of light guide members 36.

[0033] Multiple connection terminals 30 are arranged corresponding to multiple insertion parts 28. Each connection terminal 30 is electrically conductive. Multiple connection terminals 30 are arranged inside the connector unit 112. However, each connection terminal 30 can contact an external terminal 104a via its corresponding insertion part 28. Each connection terminal 30 is electrically connected to the external terminal 104a by contacting the external terminal 104a inserted into its corresponding insertion part 28.

[0034] Multiple light guide members 36 are arranged to correspond to multiple lighting units 34. Each light guide member 36 is, for example, a light pipe that is long in the front-to-back direction. Multiple light guide members 36 are arranged inside the connector unit 112. However, at least a portion of each light guide member 36 may extend into the interior of the communication processing unit 114.

[0035] Each light guide member 36 transmits the light emitted by the corresponding light-emitting element 24 to the corresponding lighting unit 34. As a result, each lighting unit 34 can be lit using the light transmitted from the corresponding light guide member 36.

[0036] By the way, the more light guide members 36 are provided in the I / O unit 108, the longer it takes to assemble the light guide members 36 into the I / O unit 108.

[0037] Based on the above, the I / O unit 10 according to the embodiment will be described below. However, explanations that overlap with the above reference example will be omitted as much as possible in the following description. Elements already explained in the reference example will be given the same reference numerals as in the reference example unless otherwise specified.

[0038] Figure 4A is a perspective view showing the front 10F and left side 10L of the I / O unit 10 according to the embodiment. Figure 4B is an exploded view of the I / O unit 10 shown in Figure 4A. Note that the right side 10R of the I / O unit 10 may be substantially symmetrical to the left side 10L.

[0039] Preferably, the I / O unit 10 is divisible into a base unit 12, a communication processing unit 14, and a connector unit 16, as described below.

[0040] The base unit 12 is a part that includes the rear (rear end) 10B of the I / O unit 10. The base unit 12 comprises an end engagement portion 18 and a plurality of contactors 20.

[0041] The end engagement portion 18 is provided on the rear portion 10B. The end engagement portion 18 is provided to engage with the mounting member 110. For example, the end engagement portion 18 has a claw that engages with a part of the mounting member 110. By engaging the end engagement portion 18 with the mounting member 110, the I / O unit 10 is installed on the mounting member 110.

[0042] Multiple contactors 20 are arranged on the left side 12L of the base unit 12 and on the right side of the base unit 12. The diagram of the right side of the base unit 12 is omitted.

[0043] The left side 12L of the base unit 12 is included in the left side 10L of the I / O unit 10. The right side of the base unit 12 is included in the right side 10R of the I / O unit 10.

[0044] A portion of each contactor 20 located on the left side 12L is exposed to the outside of the base unit 12 on that left side 12L. Similarly, a portion of each contactor 20 located on the right side of the base unit 12 is exposed to the outside of the base unit 12 on that right side.

[0045] The communication processing unit 14 is a part that can be attached to and detached from the base unit 12. The communication processing unit 14 is positioned in front of the base unit 12 and is attached to the base unit 12 along the rear direction.

[0046] The communication processing unit 14 comprises a housing 14a and a control module 26. The housing 14a houses the control module 26. The control module 26 includes a communication processing circuit 22 and a plurality of light-emitting elements 24.

[0047] The communication processing circuit 22 is electrically connected to the multiple contactors 20 when the communication processing unit 14 is mounted on the base unit 12. Each light-emitting element 24 emits light under the control of the communication processing circuit 22. Each light-emitting element 24 includes, for example, an LED.

[0048] The connector unit (terminal block) 16 is a part that can be attached to and detached from the communication processing unit 14. The connector unit 16 is positioned in front of the communication processing unit 14 and is mounted to the communication processing unit 14 along the rear direction. The connector unit 16 includes the front part 10F of the I / O unit 10.

[0049] The connector unit 16 comprises a housing 16a, a plurality of insertion parts 28, a plurality of release operators 32, and a plurality of lighting units 34. The housing 16a may include an engagement mechanism for connecting to the housing 14a of the communication processing unit 14. The plurality of insertion parts 28, the plurality of release operators 32, and the plurality of lighting units 34 are arranged, for example, in the front part 10F.

[0050] Each of the multiple insertion parts 28 is a portion to which the device 104 (see Figure 1) is connected. Each insertion part 28 has an opening into which, for example, the external terminal 104a of the device 104 is inserted. The opening is formed on the front surface of the housing 16a.

[0051] Furthermore, multiple connection terminals 30 corresponding to multiple insertion parts 28 are arranged inside the housing 16a (see also Figure 5). The device 104 is connected to the connection terminal 30 corresponding to the inserted insertion part 28.

[0052] Multiple connection terminals 30 are electrically connected to the communication processing circuit 22 when the connector unit 16 is attached to the communication processing unit 14. Therefore, the device 104 is electrically connected to the communication processing circuit 22 via the connection terminals 30 corresponding to the inserted portion 28.

[0053] The number of insertion parts 28 provided in the connector unit 16 is not particularly limited. Multiple insertion parts 28 may be arranged in multiple rows on the front part 10F. For example, the multiple insertion parts 28 (28A, 28B) illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B are arranged in two rows on the front part 10F. In each row, the multiple insertion parts 28 are arranged in the vertical direction. The positions of one row and the other row differ in the horizontal direction.

[0054] In the following explanation, the insertion portion 28 included in the left column of the two aforementioned columns will also be referred to as the first insertion portion 28A. Furthermore, the insertion portion 28 included in the right column of the two aforementioned columns will also be referred to as the second insertion portion 28B.

[0055] Multiple release operators 32 are housed in the housing 16a. However, a portion of each release operator 32 is exposed to the outside of the housing 16a at the front section 10F so that an operator can operate each release operator 32. Furthermore, the multiple release operators 32 (32A, 32B) consist of multiple first release operators 32A and multiple second release operators 32B.

[0056] Multiple first release operators 32A are arranged corresponding to multiple first insertion parts 28A. In the examples shown in Figures 4A and 4B, each first release operator 32A is positioned to the left of the corresponding first insertion part 28A. Furthermore, the multiple first release operators 32A are arranged vertically.

[0057] Multiple second release operators 32B are arranged corresponding to multiple second insertion parts 28B. In the examples shown in Figures 4A and 4B, each second release operator 32B is positioned to the right of its corresponding second insertion part 28B. Furthermore, the multiple second release operators 32B are arranged vertically.

[0058] The multiple lighting units 34 (34A, 34B) consist of multiple first lighting units 34A and multiple second lighting units 34B.

[0059] Multiple first lighting units 34A are arranged corresponding to multiple first insertion units 28A. In the examples shown in Figures 4A and 4B, each first lighting unit 34A is positioned to the left of its corresponding first insertion unit 28A. Furthermore, the multiple first lighting units 34A are arranged vertically.

[0060] Multiple second lighting units 34B are arranged corresponding to multiple second insertion units 28B. In the examples shown in Figures 4A and 4B, each second lighting unit 34B is positioned to the right of its corresponding second insertion unit 28B. Furthermore, the multiple second lighting units 34B are arranged vertically.

[0061] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the connector unit 16 according to this embodiment.

[0062] The connector unit 16 further comprises a plurality of light guide members 36 and a plurality of connecting members 38.

[0063] Multiple light guide members 36 and multiple connecting members 38 are housed in the housing 16a. However, at least a portion of each of the multiple light guide members 36 and multiple connecting members 38 may protrude rearward from the housing 16a. In that case, the portions of the multiple light guide members 36 and multiple connecting members 38 that protrude rearward from the housing 16a may be housed in the housing 14a of the communication processing unit 14 when the connector unit 16 is attached to the communication processing unit 14.

[0064] Each of the multiple light guide members 36 is elongated in the front-to-back direction. Each light guide member 36 also has a first end 42 and a second end 44. The first end 42 is the front tip of the light guide member 36. The second end 44 is the rear tip of the light guide member 36.

[0065] The first ends 42 of the multiple light guide members 36 are connected to different lighting units 34. The second ends 44 of the multiple light guide members 36 are connected to different light-emitting elements 24 when the connector unit 16 is attached to the communication processing unit 14.

[0066] Each light guide member 36 directs the light emitted by the corresponding light-emitting element 24 to the corresponding lighting unit 34. As a result, multiple lighting units 34 light up in response to the light emitted by multiple light-emitting elements 24.

[0067] In this embodiment, the multiple light guide members 36 (36A, 36B) consist of a light guide member 36 connected to the first lighting unit 34A and a light guide member 36 connected to the second lighting unit 34B. Accordingly, the light guide member 36 connected to the first lighting unit 34A will also be referred to as the first light guide member 36A in the following description. Similarly, the light guide member 36 connected to the second lighting unit 34B will also be referred to as the second light guide member 36B in the following description.

[0068] Each of the multiple connecting members 38 is a linear (columnar) member that is long in the vertical direction. Each connecting member 38 connects multiple light guide members 36. Here, the multiple connecting members 38 (38A, 38B) consist of multiple first connecting members 38A and multiple second connecting members 38B.

[0069] Each of the multiple first connecting members 38A connects to the multiple first light guide members 36A. The multiple first light guide members 36A and the multiple first connecting members 38A may be integrally molded.

[0070] Each of the multiple second connecting members 38B connects to the multiple second light guide members 36B. The multiple second light guide members 36B and the multiple second connecting members 38B may be integrally molded.

[0071] The operator only needs to perform the insertion operation once to house the multiple connected light guide members 36 into the housing 16a. In other words, according to this embodiment, the operator does not need to repeat the operation of housing the multiple light guide members 36 into the housing 16a as many times as there are light guide members 36. Therefore, the operator can assemble the I / O unit 10 easily and quickly.

[0072] Thus, according to this embodiment, the increase in the work time required to assemble the multiple light guide members 36 to the I / O unit 10 is suppressed.

[0073] Each connecting member 38 is preferably made of the same material as the light guide member 36. This prevents an increase in the number of different materials included in the connector unit 16.

[0074] Furthermore, if the connecting member 38 is made of the same material as the light guide member 36, there is a risk that light may leak from the light guide member 36 to the connecting member 38. This leakage of light from the light guide member 36 to the connecting member 38 may reduce the amount of light emitted from the corresponding lighting unit 34.

[0075] Based on this, it is preferable that the connection points of the multiple connecting members 38 to each light guide member 36, and the shape of each light guide member 36, be designed taking into consideration the material properties related to the angle of light reflection. This minimizes the risk of light leaking from the light guide member 36 to the connecting members 38.

[0076] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the I / O unit 10 can be divided into multiple units. Specifically, the I / O unit 10 can be divided into a connector unit 16 that is responsible for connecting to the device 104, a communication processing unit 14 that is responsible for communication processing, and a base unit 12 that is responsible for connecting to another I / O unit 10. This allows the operator to perform maintenance on each unit, for example, the connector unit 16, the communication processing unit 14, and the base unit 12.

[0077] [Differentiation] The following describes modifications according to the above embodiment. However, descriptions that overlap with the above embodiment will be omitted as much as possible in the following description. Elements already described in the above embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as in the above embodiment unless otherwise specified.

[0078] (Variation 1) Figure 6A shows a connector unit 161(16) according to Modification 1. Figure 6B shows another connector unit 162(16) according to Modification 1.

[0079] All insertion parts 28 may be arranged in a single row (Figures 6A and 6B). Similarly, all lighting parts 34 may be arranged in a single row.

[0080] The multiple lighting units 34 may be arranged to the right or to the left of the multiple insertion units 28 arranged in a row. A mixture of lighting units 34 arranged to the right of the multiple insertion units 28 and lighting units 34 arranged to the left of the multiple insertion units 28 is also possible.

[0081] (Modification 2) Figure 7 shows a connector unit 163(16) according to modified example 2.

[0082] The connector unit 163 comprises the components of the connector unit 16 (see embodiment). The connector unit 163 further comprises a mounting member 40.

[0083] The mounting member 40 is sized to fit inside the housing 16a. For example, the width W of the mounting member 40 in the left-right direction. 40 The width W is the inner width of the housing 16a. 16 Shorter than (W 40 <W 16 ).

[0084] Furthermore, the mounting member 40 has a plurality of mounting portions 46 formed thereon. Each mounting portion 46 is formed for attaching the light guide member 36 to the mounting member 40. Each mounting portion 46 has, for example, a groove capable of holding the light guide member 36.

[0085] Multiple mounting portions 46 are formed on the left end 40L and the right end 40R of the mounting member 40. The multiple mounting portions 46 formed on the left end 40L hold multiple first light guide members 36A. The multiple mounting portions 46 formed on the right end 40R hold multiple second light guide members 36B.

[0086] Multiple light guide members 36 attached to the mounting member 40 protrude forward from the mounting member 40.

[0087] The operator houses the mounting member 40, to which multiple light guide members 36 are attached, into the housing 16a. This allows the operator to house all the light guide members 36 into the housing 16a in a single operation when housing the mounting member 40 into the housing 16a.

[0088] At least a portion of the mounting member 40 may protrude rearward from the housing 16a. In that case, the portion of the mounting member 40 that protrudes rearward from the housing 16a may be housed in the housing 14a of the communication processing unit 14 when the connector unit 16 is attached to the communication processing unit 14.

[0089] When the mounting member 40 is used, it is more preferable that each of the plurality of light guide members 36 has a bent portion 36c. The bent portion 36c of each light guide member 36 is located forward of the mounting member 40 in a state where the light guide member 36 is attached to the mounting member 40.

[0090] Each light guide member 36 is bent in a substantially crank shape at the bent portion 36c. A first end portion 42 of each light guide member 36 faces forward forward of the bent portion 36c.

[0091] The first light guide member 36A and the second light guide member 36B differ in the manner of bending at the bent portion 36c. That is, each first light guide member 36A is bent toward the second light guide member 36B (rightward) at the bent portion 36c. In contrast, each second light guide member 36B is bent toward the first light guide member 36A (leftward) at the bent portion 36c.

[0092] Accordingly, the lateral interval W between the first end portion 42 of the first light guide member 36A and the first end portion 42 of the second light guide member 36B 36 is shorter than the width W of the mounting member 40 40 (W 36 <W 40 ). Accordingly, the lateral interval W between the first end portion 42 of the first light guide member 36A and the first end portion 42 of the second light guide member 36B 36 can be made sufficiently small compared to the inner width W of the housing 16a 16 (W 36 <W 16 ). As a result, the assembly work of the connector unit 16 is facilitated.

[0093] That is, in the assembly work of the connector unit 16, an operator attaches the plurality of light guide members 36 to the mounting member 40 as described above. Next, the operator accommodates the mounting member 40 into the housing 16a along the forward direction from the rear of the housing 16a.

[0094] Here, the interval W 36 is the width W 16Because it is sufficiently smaller than the first light guide member 36A and the first light guide member 36B, the operator can easily insert them into the housing 16a.

[0095] (Variation 3) The number of first connecting members 38A that connect multiple first light guide members 36A may be one. Similarly, the number of second connecting members 38B that connect multiple second light guide members 36B may be one.

[0096] (Modification 4) The first end portion 42 of each light guide member 36 and the corresponding lighting portion 34 may be integrally molded.

[0097] (A combination of multiple variations) The aforementioned variations may be combined as appropriate, within the bounds of consistency.

[0098] [Invention obtained from the embodiment] The inventions that can be understood from the above embodiments and modified examples are described below.

[0099] <First Invention> The first invention is a terminal block (16) comprising: a plurality of insertion parts (28) into which a plurality of external terminals (104a) are inserted and which are provided with a connection terminal (30) that is electrically connected to the inserted external terminals; a plurality of lighting parts (34) provided corresponding to the plurality of insertion parts; a plurality of light guide members (36) provided corresponding to the plurality of lighting parts, which guide the light emitted by the plurality of light-emitting elements (24) to the plurality of lighting parts, thereby lighting the plurality of lighting parts; and one or more connecting members (38) connecting the plurality of light guide members.

[0100] This helps to suppress the increase in the time required to assemble the light guide member to the terminal block.

[0101] The plurality of insertion portions are arranged to be aligned along the first direction, and the plurality of light guide members may be arranged along the first direction at positions different from the plurality of insertion portions with respect to a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0102] The plurality of insertion portions may include a plurality of first insertion portions (28A) arranged along the first direction, and a plurality of second insertion portions (28B) arranged along the first direction at positions different from the plurality of first insertion portions with respect to the second direction.

[0103] The plurality of light guide members include a plurality of first light guide members (36A) provided on one side of the plurality of insertion portions with respect to the second direction, and a plurality of second light guide members (36B) provided on the other side of the plurality of insertion portions with respect to the second direction, and the connecting member may include one or more first connecting members (38A) connecting the plurality of first light guide members, and one or more second connecting members (38B) connecting the plurality of second light guide members.

[0104] The first invention further comprises a mounting member (40) to which a plurality of first light guide members are attached on one side in the second direction and a plurality of second light guide members are attached on the other side in the second direction, and a housing (16a) that houses the plurality of first light guide members and the plurality of second light guide members together with the mounting member, wherein the plurality of first light guide members and the plurality of second light guide members protrude from the mounting member toward the housing, each of the plurality of first light guide members is bent toward the other side in the second direction, and each of the plurality of second light guide members may be bent toward one side in the second direction. This improves ease of assembly.

[0105] The one or more connecting members and the multiple light guide members may contain the same material. This allows the multiple connecting members and the multiple light guide members to be manufactured integrally within the same manufacturing process.

[0106] <Second Invention> The second invention is an I / O unit (10) equipped with the terminal block described in the first invention, comprising a plurality of light-emitting elements and a communication processing circuit (22) that controls the input and output of signals to a plurality of external terminals connected to the terminal block, and controls the emission of light from the plurality of light-emitting elements.

[0107] This helps to suppress the increase in the time required to assemble the light guide member into the I / O unit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0108] 10…I / O Unit 16, 161-163... Connector unit (terminal block) 16a... Enclosure 22... Communication processing circuit 24…Light-emitting element 26…Control module 28... Insertion part 30... Connection terminal 34...Lighting unit 36...Light guide member 38...Connecting member 40...Mounting member 104a...External terminal

Claims

1. Multiple insertion parts into which multiple external terminals are inserted, and each insertion part is provided with a connection terminal that is electrically connected to the inserted external terminal, Multiple lighting units provided corresponding to multiple insertion portions, Multiple light guide members are provided corresponding to multiple lighting units, and guide the light emitted by multiple light-emitting elements to the multiple lighting units, thereby illuminating the multiple lighting units. One or more connecting members that connect multiple light guide members, Equipped with, The multiple insertion portions are arranged along the first direction at positions different from the multiple light guide members with respect to a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, The plurality of insertion portions include a plurality of first insertion portions arranged along the first direction, and a plurality of second insertion portions arranged along the first direction at positions different from the plurality of first insertion portions with respect to the second direction. The plurality of light guide members are arranged in a line along the first direction and have a plurality of first light guide members provided on one side of the plurality of insertion portions with respect to the second direction. The connecting member has one or more first connecting members that connect a plurality of the first light guide members. A terminal block in which each of the multiple first light guide members is bent toward the other side in the second direction.

2. A terminal block according to claim 1, The plurality of light guide members are arranged in line along the first direction and further comprise a plurality of second light guide members provided on the other side of the plurality of insertion portions with respect to the second direction. The terminal block further comprises one or more second connecting members that connect a plurality of the second light guide members.

3. A terminal block according to claim 2, A mounting member on which a plurality of the first light guide members are attached to one side in the second direction, and a plurality of the second light guide members are attached to the other side in the second direction, A housing that houses multiple first light guide members and multiple second light guide members together with the mounting member, Furthermore, The plurality of first light guide members and the plurality of second light guide members protrude from the mounting member toward the housing, A terminal block in which each of the multiple second light guide members is bent towards one side in the second direction.

4. A terminal block according to claim 1, A terminal block in which one or more connecting members and a plurality of light guide members contain the same material.

5. An I / O unit comprising the terminal block described in claim 1, Multiple light-emitting elements, A communication processing circuit that controls the input and output of signals to a plurality of external terminals connected to the terminal block, and controls the light emission of a plurality of light-emitting elements, An I / O unit equipped with [the necessary components].

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