JP2004015841A - Modular equipment and functional module - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a modular equipment which stably operates with less voltage drop due to contact resistance even if a plurality of functional modules are connected. <P>SOLUTION: The modular equipment is composed of a power source module 1 which supplies a power and a plurality of functional modules 2, 3, and 4 connected together by connector connection. The power supply line AB which supplies power to loads 23, 33, and 43 of the functional modules 2, 3, and 4 comprises a first line A not connected to the loads 23, 33, and 43; a second line B connected to the loads 23, 33, and 43; and a folding conductor 53 which connects the first line A to the second line B. A voltage detection part 13 detects a voltage at the end of the second line B. A voltage conversion part 15 regulates a voltage based on that voltage. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【００２１】
したがって、モジュール機器に供給されるモジュール間の電源電圧差の最大値ΔＶ_ｍａｘ１は、初段目の機能モジュール２００とｎ番目の機能モジュール４００との間の電源電圧差であり、次のとおりとなる。
【００２２】
【数２】

【００２３】
（実施の形態１のモジュール型機器）
次に図３を参照し実施の形態１のモジュール型機器について説明する。説明を簡略化するため、すべての機能モジュール２、３、４が消費する電流値はＩ（Ａ）と仮定する。また、接続する機能モジュール２、３、４の台数はｎ（台）と仮定する。また、終端モジュール５に流れる電流値は無視すると仮定する。また、電源モジュール１のオペアンプ１３に接続されるコネクタに流れる電流値は無視すると仮定する。また、モジュール間を接続するコネクタの接触抵抗値は均一（ｒ（Ω））と仮定する。
【００２４】
ｎ段目のモジュールに供給される電源電圧をＶ_ｎ、（ｎ−１）段目のモジュールに供給される電源電圧Ｖ_{（ ｎ−１ ）}、（ｎ−２）段目のモジュールに供給される電源電圧Ｖ_{（ ｎ−２ ）}、（ｎ−ｍ）段目のモジュールに供給される電源電圧Ｖ_{（ ｎ−ｍ ）}はそれぞれ次のとおりとなる。
【００２５】
【数３】

【００２６】
したがって、Ｖ_ｎとＶ_ｎ−ｍとの差ΔＶは次のとおりとなる。
【００２７】
【数４】

【００２８】
ここで、条件（ｍ＜＝ｎ−１）より、モジュール機器に供給されるモジュール間の電源電圧差の最大値ΔＶ_ｍａｘ２は、次のとおりとなる。
【００２９】
【数５】

【００３０】
以上のように構成したので、複数台の機能モジュールのコネクタ接続によって生ずる電圧降下を低減し、安定した動作を小型な構成により実現することができる。
例えば、機器モジュールの接続台数を２０台とした場合、従来の接続で生じるモジュール間に供給される最大の電源電圧差ΔＶ_ｍａｘ１は３８０ｒＩ（Ｖ）であり、他方、実施の形態１の接続で生じるモジュール間に供給される最大の電源電圧差ΔＶ_ｍａｘ２は９０．２５ｒＩ（Ｖ）であり、約１／４以下に低減される。ここで、第一の電源供給線Ａ、第二の電源供給線Ｂ、グランド線Ｃとして各々コネクタの８ピンを使用し接触抵抗ｒ＝５０ｍΩ、負荷電流Ｉ＝２００ｍＡの場合には、ΔＶ_ｍａｘ１は３．８（Ｖ）、他方、ΔＶ_ｍａｘ２は０．９（Ｖ）となる。したがって、すべての機能モジュールの最低動作保証電圧が５．０Ｖとすれば、従来の場合供給電圧Ｖ_ｃｃは８．８（Ｖ）、他方、実施の形態１の場合供給電圧Ｖ_ｃｃは５．９（Ｖ）となる。
【００３１】
特に、コネクタのピンを、電源供給線以外制御用信号線、通信用信号線等として使用する場合には、小型化かつコネクタ接続により生じる電圧降下を抑えることができ好ましい。
具体的には、コネクタのピン数が２４本で、電源供給用として１２本使用可能な場合を想定する。従来の接続の場合には、電源側ラインａ、グランド側ラインｂ共に６本のピンを使用する。実施の形態１の接続の場合には、電源側ラインＡＢに８本、グランド側ラインＣに４本のピンを使用する。上述のように、実施の形態１の接続は、使用するピン数の接触抵抗を考慮しなければ従来の接続に比較し、モジュール間の電圧降下が約１／４に低減する、他方、一ライン当たり使用するピンが４本と少なく、従来の接続（一ライン当たり６本）に比較し、接触抵抗は３／２（＝６本／４本）倍となる。したがって、電源供給用として有限のピン数を使用する場合には、実施の形態１の接続は従来の接続よりも、３／８（＝（１／４）×（３／２））の電圧降下となる。
【００３２】
実施の形態２．
以下、この発明の実施の形態２について説明する。図４はこの発明の実施の形態２に係るモジュール型機器の供給電圧の制御回路を示すブロック図である。
図４において、８は電源モジュール１に電力を供給するＡＣ電源である。１３はオペアンプ１３Ａ（図３参照）を有し、第二の電源供給線（第二のライン）Ｂの電圧を検出する電圧検出部、１５は電源電圧Ｖ_ｃｃの電圧を調整する電圧変換部であり、交流を直流に変換するＡＣ／ＤＣ変換部１５ＡとＡＣ／ＤＣ変換部１５Ａが出力する電源電圧Ｖ_ｃｃの値を制御する変換制御部１５Ｂを備えている。その他の構成は実施の形態１と同様であるのでその説明を省略する。
【００３３】
機能モジュールに供給される電源電圧として、初段に接続される機能モジュール２へ供給される電源電圧即ち電源ライン１０Ｂにおける電圧を電源検出部１３により検出し、その検出値を変換制御部１５Ｂに出力する。変換制御部１５Ｂは検出値が所定値に近づくようにＡＣ／ＤＣ変換部１５Ａの変換値をフィードバック制御する。即ち、最も低い供給電圧となる機能モジュールが動作可能な電圧となるように、供給電圧Ｖ_ｃｃを制御する。
【００３４】
以上のように構成したので、機能モジュールを複数接続することにより生じる電圧ドロップを電圧検出部１３で検出し、電圧変換部１５にフィードバックするので、負荷２３、３３、４３の動作に最適な電圧を得ることが可能となり、回路の安定動作や信頼性の向上に役立つ。また、コネクタの接触抵抗により生じる電圧ドロップ分を補正するので、初段に接続する機能モジュール２に供給する電源電圧が高くなりすぎることもない。これにより供給電源電圧範囲の広い電圧変換部１５を構成する電子回路を選定する必要もなくなり、コスト低減にも役立つ。同様に動作可能電圧範囲の広い負荷２３、３３、４３を構成する電子回路の選定も不要となる。
【００３５】
実施の形態３．
以下この発明の実施の形態３について説明する。図５はこの発明の実施の形態３に係るモジュール型機器の電気的な接続関係を示すブロック図である。
図５において、１０Ｄ、２０Ｄ、３０Ｄ、４０Ｄは、電源モジュール１、機能モジュール２、３、４の電源ライン、１１Ｄ、２１Ｄ、３１Ｄ、４１Ｄは各コネクタ間の接触抵抗であり、これらにより電源供給線（電源側ライン）Ｄが構成されている。
【００３６】
１０Ｆ、２０Ｆ、３０Ｆ、４０Ｆは、電源モジュール１、機能モジュール２、３、４のグランドライン、１１Ｆ、２１Ｆ、３１Ｆ、４１Ｆは各コネクタ間の接触抵抗であり、これらにより第一のグランド線（第一のライン）Ｆが構成され、１０Ｇ、２０Ｇ、３０Ｇ、４０Ｇは、電源モジュール１、機能モジュール２、３、４のグランドライン、１１Ｇ、２１Ｇ、３１Ｇ、４１Ｇは各コネクタ間の接触抵抗であり、これらにより第二のグランド線Ｇが構成されている。５５は終端モジュール５に設けられた第一のグランド線Ｆと第二のグランド線（第二のライン）Ｇを電気的に接続する折返し導体である。第一のグランド線Ｄと第二のグランド線（グランド側ライン）Ｆ、折返し導体５５により、グランド線ＦＧが構成される。
【００３７】
１３Ｇは電源モジュール１に設けられ第二の電源供給線Ｇの端部に接続されたオペアンプである。その他の構成は実施の形態１、２と同様であるのでその説明を省略する。
このように構成することで、実施の形態１、２と同様の作用効果を奏する。
【００３８】
実施の形態４．
以下この発明の実施の形態４について説明する。図６はこの発明の実施の形態４に係るモジュール型機器の電気的な接続関係を示すブロック図であり、機能モジュール３と機能モジュール４０の間には複数の機能モジュールが接続され、かつ機能モジュール４０と終端モジュール５の間には複数の機能モジュールが接続されている。図６において、４０は折返し導体５６を有し、折返しモジュールを兼ねた機能モジュールであり、第一の電源線（第一のライン）Ａからの線路を電源モジュール１側に折り返す第二の電源線（第二のライン）Ｂと終端モジュール５００側に接続された第３の電源線Ｈに分岐する。その他の構成は実施の形態１、２、従来例と同様であるのでその説明を省略する。
【００３９】
以上のように構成したので、従来のモジュール型機器に比較し、複数台の機能モジュールのコネクタ接続によって生ずる電圧降下を低減し、安定した動作を実現することができる。
また、機能モジュール４０より終端モジュール５００側に従来のモジュール型機器の構成モジュールを接続することができるので、汎用性に優れる。
また、機能モジュール４０が折返しモジュールを兼ねたので、全体のモジュール型機器をコンパクトにできる。他方、機能モジュール間に接続される専用の折り返しモジュールを設けてもよく、この場合には、同一機能の機能モジュールとして、導体５６有り無しの２種類を準備する必要がなくなる。
【００４０】
なお、電源モジュール１、機能モジュール２、３、４は相互に矩形状の筐体を相互にコネクタ接続する例について説明したが、これ以外の接続であってもよい。例えば、図７に示すように、筐体の底面（即ち図１において取り付けレール９側の面）にコネクタを設ける接続であっても良い。図７はモジュール型機器の接続を説明する図であり、信号線を破線で１本のみ示している。図７において、７は導電機器、１９、２９、３９、４９は導電機器７のコネクタ７１、７２、７３、７４にコネクタ接続される電源モジュール１、機能モジュール２、３、４のコネクタである。図７の場合には終端モジュールは不要となる。
【００４１】
【発明の効果】
この発明に係るモジュール型機器は、電源を供給する電源モジュールと、コネクタに電気的に接続された電源側ラインおよびグランド側ラインに電気的に接続され上記電源モジュールから電源が供給され固有の機能を奏する負荷回路を有しコネクタ接続された複数の機能モジュールを備えたモジュール型機器において、上記電源側ラインまたは上記グランド側ラインは、上記電源モジュールの電源側またはグランド側に電気的に接続され、かつ、上記負荷回路に電気的に接続されない第一のラインと、上記負荷機器に電気的に接続される第二のラインと、上記第一のラインと上記第二のラインを電気的に接続する折返し接続部とを備えたので、複数の機能モジュールを接続しても安定して動作する。
【００４２】
また、上記折返し接続部は、上記機能モジュールに相互にコネクタ接続可能なコネクタと、このコネクタの上記第一のラインとなる端子と上記第二のラインとなる端子を電気的に接続する導体と、上記コネクタと導体を収納するケースとを備えた終端モジュールであるので、同一の機能を有する機能モジュールを複数準備する必要がない。
【００４３】
また、上記折返し接続部は、上記電源モジュールから見て終端の機能モジュールに接続されるので、電圧降下を効率的に抑制することができる。
【００４４】
また、上記第一のラインは上記コネクタの複数ピンを含むので、上記ピン数を有効に活用でき装置を小型化できる。
【００４５】
また、上記第二のライン端部の電圧を検出する電圧検出部と、上記電圧検出部により検出された電圧に基づいて上記電源モジュールに出力する電圧を調整する電圧変換部とを備えたので、動作がより安定化する。
【００４６】
また、機器モジュールは、コネクタに電気的に接続された電源側ラインおよびグランド側ラインに電気的に接続され電源が供給され固有の機能を奏する負荷回路を有し、上記電源側ラインまたは上記グランド側ラインは、上記電源モジュールの電源側またはグランド側に電気的に接続され、かつ、上記負荷回路に電気的に接続されない第一のラインと、上記負荷機器に電気的に接続される第二のラインとを備えたもので、機器モジュールを複数接続した際に電圧降下を抑制できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】この発明の実施の形態１に係るモジュール型機器の構成図である。
【図２】図１のモジュール型機器の組み立てを説明する図である。
【図３】図１のモジュール型機器の電気的な接続関係を示すブロック図である。
【図４】この発明の実施の形態２に係るモジュール型機器の供給電圧の制御回路を示すブロック図である。
【図５】この発明の実施の形態３に係るモジュール型機器の電気的な接続関係を示すブロック図である。
【図６】この発明の実施の形態４に係るモジュール型機器の電気的な接続関係を示すブロック図である。
【図７】モジュール型機器の接続を説明する図であり、信号線を破線で１本のみ示している。
【図８】従来のモジュール型機器の構成を示すブロック図である。
【符号の説明】
１　電源モジュール、　　２、３、４　機器モジュール、
５　終端モジュール（折返しモジュール）、
１０Ａ、２０Ａ、３０Ａ、４０Ａ　電源ライン、
１０Ｂ、２０Ｂ、３０Ｂ、４０Ｂ　電源ライン、
１０Ｃ、２０Ｃ、３０Ｃ、４０Ｃ　グランドライン、
１１Ａ、２１Ａ、３１Ａ、３１Ｘ、４１Ａ　接触抵抗、
１１Ｂ、２１Ｂ、３１Ｂ、３１Ｙ、４１Ｂ　接触抵抗、
１１Ｃ、２１Ｃ、３１Ｃ、３１Ｚ、４１Ｃ　接触抵抗、
１０Ｄ、２０Ｄ、３０Ｄ、４０Ｄ　電源ライン、
１０Ｆ、２０Ｆ、３０Ｆ、４０Ｆ　グランドライン、
１０Ｇ、２０Ｇ、３０Ｇ、４０Ｇ　グランドライン、
１１Ｄ、２１Ｄ、３１Ｄ、４１Ｄ　接触抵抗、
１１Ｆ、２１Ｆ、３１Ｆ、４１Ｆ　接触抵抗、
１１Ｇ、２１Ｇ、３１Ｇ、４１Ｇ　接触抵抗、
１３　電圧検出部、　　１５　電圧変換器、
４０　機能モジュール（折返しモジュール）、
５３、５５、５６　導体、
ＡＢ　電源側ライン（電源供給線）、
Ａ　　第一のライン（第一の電源供給線）、
Ｂ　　第二のライン（第二の電源供給線）、
Ｃ　　グランド側ライン（グランド線）、
Ｄ　　電源側ライン（電源供給線）、
Ｆ　　第一のライン（第一のグランド線）、
Ｇ　　第二のライン（第二のグランド線）、
ＦＧ　グランド側ライン（グランド線）[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a modular device and a functional module that can be configured as a system by connecting a plurality of functional modules having unique functions to a power supply module as desired by a user.
[0002]
[Prior art]
For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-154964 discloses a modular device that can have an arbitrary system configuration. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional modular device.
In FIG. 8, reference numeral 100 denotes a power supply module for supplying a power supply voltage to all of the functional modules 200, 300, and 400, and 200, 300, and 400 denote functional modules having unique functions whose number of components may be changed depending on the application. There are connectors connected to the first-stage, second-stage, and n-th modules, respectively. Reference numeral 500 denotes a terminal module connected to the terminal functional module 400 by a connector.
[0003]
10a, 20a, 30a, and 40a are power lines of the power supply module 100 and the functional modules 200, 300, and 400, and 11a, 21a, 31a, 31y, and 41a are contact resistances between the connectors. It is configured.
10b, 20b, 30b, and 40b are ground lines of the power supply module 100 and the functional modules 200, 300, and 400, and 11b, 21b, 31b, 31z, and 41b are contact resistances between the connectors. Have been.
Reference numerals 223, 323, and 443 denote loads on the functional modules 200, 300, and 400, respectively, and receive power from a power supply line a and a ground line b.
[0004]
Power is supplied to the loads 223, 323, and 443 of the functional modules 200, 300, and 400 by connecting the power supply module 100, the functional modules 200, 300, and 400, and the terminating module 500 with connectors. do.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the above-described conventional example, a voltage drop occurs due to the contact resistance between the connectors connecting the modules 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and the terminal function module 400 has a lower voltage than the first-stage function module 100. The drop is large, and the supply voltage to the load circuit 443 may be lower than the minimum voltage that guarantees the operation. It should be noted that the degree of the voltage drop will be described in detail in the section of the embodiment of the invention described later.
To solve this problem, the supply voltage V _cc of the power supply module 100 may be increased. In this case, however, the power supply voltage supplied to the first-stage functional module 100 is increased, so that there is a limit to the increase. And power consumption is increased, which is not preferable.
[0006]
Also, the contact resistance may be reduced by increasing the number of connectors for supplying the power supply voltage or the number of pins used in the connector, but in this case, the number of connectors or a large connector is required, and the mounting space is reduced. It will be oppressed, which is not preferable.
Furthermore, it is possible to use a load circuit that operates at a lower voltage as it approaches the end, but in this case, the selection of parts is restricted in order to lower the supply voltage, and furthermore, the function The order of connecting the modules 200, 300, and 400 is restricted, which is not efficient.
[0007]
The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a modular device and a function module that operate stably even when a plurality of function modules are connected.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A modular device according to the present invention has a power supply module for supplying power, a power supply line electrically connected to a connector, and a power supply line that is electrically connected to a ground side line and is supplied with power from the power supply module to perform a unique function. In a modular device including a plurality of functional modules connected to each other and having a load circuit to be played, the power supply side line or the ground side line is electrically connected to a power supply side or a ground side of the power supply module, and A first line that is not electrically connected to the load circuit, a second line that is electrically connected to the load device, and a fold that electrically connects the first line and the second line. And a connection part.
[0009]
In addition, the folded connection portion is a connector that can be connected to the functional module with a connector, a conductor that electrically connects the first line terminal and the second line terminal of the connector, It is a terminal module including the connector and a case for housing a conductor.
3. The modular device according to claim 2, wherein the folded connection portion is connected to a functional module at a terminal as viewed from the power supply module.
[0010]
The first line includes a plurality of pins of the connector.
The power supply module further includes a voltage detector that detects a voltage of the second line end, and a voltage converter that adjusts a voltage output to the power supply module based on the voltage detected by the voltage detector. is there.
[0011]
The device module has a load circuit that is electrically connected to a power supply side line and a ground side line that are electrically connected to a connector, is supplied with power, and performs a unique function. A line is electrically connected to a power supply side or a ground side of the power supply module, and a first line not electrically connected to the load circuit, and a second line electrically connected to the load device. It is provided with.
[0012]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Embodiment 1 FIG.
Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a modular device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, in which three functional modules are connected. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the assembly of the modular device of FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical connection relationship of the modular device of FIG.
[0013]
In FIGS. 1 and 2, reference numeral 1 denotes a power supply module that supplies a power supply voltage to all the functional modules 2, 3, and 4; The modules are connected to the first, second, and third modules 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Reference numeral 5 denotes a terminal module (a folded module) connected to the terminal functional module 4 by a connector. Reference numeral 9 denotes a mounting rail for mounting the modular device.
[0014]
For example, in the case of an energy monitoring device, the function module 2 communicates with a wattmeter (not shown), a gas meter (not shown), a water meter (not shown), a data collection server (not shown), and performs measurement. A module for communication for collecting data and transmitting the collected data. The function module 3 is a module for inputting the collected data of the function module 2 and displaying power, gas, and water usage. The function module 4 is a function module. This module inputs the collected data of the module 2, compares it with a predetermined value, and displays caution and alarm information.
[0015]
As shown in FIG. 2, the convex connector 11 of the power supply module 1 and the concave connector (not shown) of the functional module 2 are fitted and connected between the modules. Further, the convex connector 21 of the functional module 2 and the concave connector (not shown) of the functional module 3 are fitted and connected. Similarly, connection is made between the function modules 3 and 4 and between the function module 4 and the termination module 5. The term “connector connection” refers to a connection in which connectors are fitted, and the number of connectors (single or plural) and the number of pins (single or plural) of one connector are not particularly limited. From the viewpoint of achieving functions such as supply and communication and making the device compact, it is preferable that one connector has a plurality of signal lines (for power supply, communication, and the like).
[0016]
The power supply will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 3, 10A, 20A, 30A, and 40A are power supply modules 1, power supply lines of functional modules 2, 3, and 4, and 11A, 21A, 31A, 31X, and 41A are contact resistances between connectors. One power supply line (first line) A is configured. 10B, 20B, 30B, and 40B are power supply lines of the power supply module 1 and the function modules 2, 3, and 4, and 11B, 21B, 31B, 31Y, and 41B are contact resistances between the connectors. A line (second line) B is configured. Reference numeral 53 denotes a folded conductor that electrically connects the first power supply line A and the second power supply line B provided in the terminal module 5. The first power supply line A, the second power supply line B, and the folded conductor 53 form a power supply line (power-supply-side line) AB.
[0017]
10C, 20C, 30C, and 40C denote ground lines of the power supply module 1 and the function modules 2, 3, and 4, and 11C, 21C, 31C, 31Z, and 41C denote contact resistances between the connectors. Line C is configured.
Reference numeral 13A denotes an operational amplifier provided in the power supply module 1 and connected to an end of the second power supply line B. Reference numerals 14 and 54 denote terminating resistors electrically connected in parallel to the loads 23, 33, and 43. It is provided for CAN (Controller Area Network) communication between 2, 3, and 4. CAN is a serial communication protocol having a terminating resistor at both ends, and has features such as excellent noise resistance and communication from any module without using a unique module as a parent. The termination module 5 has a termination resistor 54 and a folded conductor 53.
Reference numerals 23, 33, and 43 denote loads on the functional modules 2, 3, and 4, respectively, and receive power from the power supply line AB and the ground line C.
[0018]
Next, the operation of power supply will be described in comparison with the conventional modular device shown in FIG.
(Conventional modular equipment)
First, a conventional modular device will be described with reference to FIG. To simplify the description, it is assumed that the current value consumed by all the functional modules 200, 300, and 400 is I (A). It is assumed that the number of functional modules 200, 300, and 400 to be connected is n (units). It is also assumed that the value of the current flowing through the termination module 500 is ignored. Further, it is assumed that the contact resistances 11a, 21a, 31a, 31y, 41a, 11b, 21b, 31b, 31z, 41b of the connectors connecting the modules are uniform (r (Ω)).
[0019]
Supply voltage V _n is supplied with power supply voltage supplied to the power supply voltage supplied to the functional module 200 of the first-stage second to the functional module 300 of V _1, 2 stage to V _2, n-th functional module 400 are each It is as follows.
[0020]
(Equation 1)

[0021]
Therefore, the maximum value ΔV _max1 of the power supply voltage difference between modules supplied to the module devices is the power supply voltage difference between the first-stage function module 200 and the n-th function module 400, and is as follows.
[0022]
(Equation 2)

[0023]
(Modular device of the first embodiment)
Next, the modular device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. For the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that the current value consumed by all the functional modules 2, 3, and 4 is I (A). It is assumed that the number of functional modules 2, 3, and 4 to be connected is n (units). It is also assumed that the value of the current flowing through the termination module 5 is ignored. It is also assumed that the value of the current flowing through the connector connected to the operational amplifier 13 of the power supply module 1 is ignored. Also, it is assumed that the contact resistance value of the connector connecting the modules is uniform (r (Ω)).
[0024]
The power supply voltage supplied to the n-th stage module is V _n , the power supply voltage V _{( n-1 )} supplied to the (n-1) -th stage module, and the power supply voltage supplied to the (n-2) -th stage module supply voltage _{V (n-2),} the following (n-m) the power supply voltage _{V (n-m)} which is supplied to stage module respectively.
[0025]
[Equation 3]

[0026]
Therefore, the difference ΔV between V _n and V _nm is as follows.
[0027]
(Equation 4)

[0028]
Here, from the condition (m <= n−1), the maximum value ΔV _max2 of the power supply voltage difference between the modules supplied to the module devices is as follows.
[0029]
(Equation 5)

[0030]
With the configuration described above, the voltage drop caused by the connector connection of a plurality of functional modules can be reduced, and stable operation can be realized with a small configuration.
For example, when the number of connected device modules is 20, the maximum power supply voltage difference ΔV _max1 supplied between modules in the conventional connection is 380 rI (V), and the maximum power supply voltage difference ΔV _max1 is generated in the connection in the first embodiment. The maximum power supply voltage difference ΔV _max2 supplied between the modules is 90.25 rI (V), which is reduced to about ４ or less. Here, when the eight pins of each connector are used as the first power supply line A, the second power supply line B, and the ground line C, the contact resistance r = 50 mΩ, and the load current I = 200 mA, ΔV _max1 is 3.8 (V), while ΔV _max2 is 0.9 (V). Therefore, assuming that the minimum operation guarantee voltage of all the functional modules is 5.0 V, the supply voltage _Vcc is 8.8 (V) in the conventional case, while the supply voltage _Vcc is 5.9 in the first embodiment. (V).
[0031]
In particular, when the pins of the connector are used as a control signal line, a communication signal line, and the like other than the power supply line, it is preferable because the size can be reduced and a voltage drop caused by the connector connection can be suppressed.
Specifically, it is assumed that the connector has 24 pins and 12 pins can be used for power supply. In the case of the conventional connection, the power supply side line a and the ground side line b use six pins. In the case of the connection of the first embodiment, eight pins are used for the power supply side line AB and four pins are used for the ground side line C. As described above, the connection of the first embodiment reduces the voltage drop between modules to about 1/4 as compared with the conventional connection unless the contact resistance of the number of pins used is taken into account. The number of pins used per contact is as small as four, and the contact resistance is 3/2 (= 6/4) times that of the conventional connection (six per line). Therefore, when a finite number of pins are used for power supply, the connection in the first embodiment has a voltage drop of 3/8 (= (1/4) × (3/2)) than the conventional connection. It becomes.
[0032]
Embodiment 2 FIG.
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control circuit for a supply voltage of a modular device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
4, reference numeral 8 denotes an AC power supply that supplies power to the power supply module 1. Reference numeral 13 denotes an operational amplifier 13A (see FIG. 3), a voltage detection unit for detecting the voltage of the second power supply line (second line) B, and 15 a voltage conversion unit for adjusting the voltage of the power supply voltage _Vcc. There is provided an AC / DC converter 15A for converting AC into DC and a conversion controller 15B for controlling the value of the power supply voltage _Vcc output from the AC / DC converter 15A. The other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0033]
As the power supply voltage supplied to the functional module, the power supply voltage supplied to the functional module 2 connected in the first stage, that is, the voltage on the power supply line 10B is detected by the power supply detection unit 13 and the detected value is output to the conversion control unit 15B. . Conversion control section 15B performs feedback control of the conversion value of AC / DC conversion section 15A so that the detected value approaches a predetermined value. That is, the supply voltage _Vcc is controlled so that the functional module having the lowest supply voltage can operate.
[0034]
With the configuration as described above, the voltage drop generated by connecting a plurality of functional modules is detected by the voltage detection unit 13 and fed back to the voltage conversion unit 15, so that the optimal voltage for the operation of the loads 23, 33, and 43 is determined. It is possible to obtain a stable operation and improve reliability of the circuit. Further, since the voltage drop caused by the contact resistance of the connector is corrected, the power supply voltage supplied to the functional module 2 connected in the first stage does not become too high. As a result, there is no need to select an electronic circuit constituting the voltage conversion unit 15 having a wide supply power supply voltage range, which also contributes to cost reduction. Similarly, it is not necessary to select an electronic circuit constituting the loads 23, 33, and 43 having a wide operable voltage range.
[0035]
Embodiment 3 FIG.
Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical connection relationship of a modular device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
In FIG. 5, reference numerals 10D, 20D, 30D, and 40D denote power supply lines of the power supply module 1 and the function modules 2, 3, and 4, and 11D, 21D, 31D, and 41D denote contact resistances between the connectors. (Power supply side line) D is configured.
[0036]
10F, 20F, 30F, and 40F are ground lines of the power supply module 1 and the functional modules 2, 3, and 4, and 11F, 21F, 31F, and 41F are contact resistances between the connectors. 10G, 20G, 30G, and 40G are ground lines of the power supply module 1 and the function modules 2, 3, and 4, and 11G, 21G, 31G, and 41G are contact resistances between the connectors. These form a second ground line G. Reference numeral 55 denotes a folded conductor that electrically connects the first ground line F and the second ground line (second line) G provided in the terminal module 5. The first ground line D, the second ground line (ground side line) F, and the folded conductor 55 constitute a ground line FG.
[0037]
13G is an operational amplifier provided in the power supply module 1 and connected to an end of the second power supply line G. Other configurations are the same as those of the first and second embodiments, and thus description thereof will be omitted.
With this configuration, the same operation and effect as those of the first and second embodiments can be obtained.
[0038]
Embodiment 4 FIG.
Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an electrical connection relationship of a modular device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. A plurality of functional modules are connected between functional module 3 and functional module 40, and A plurality of functional modules are connected between 40 and the terminal module 5. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 40 denotes a functional module having a folded conductor 56 and also serving as a folded module, and a second power line that folds the line from the first power line (first line) A to the power module 1 side. (Second line) Branches to B and a third power supply line H connected to the terminal module 500 side. The other configurations are the same as those in the first and second embodiments and the conventional example, and thus the description thereof is omitted.
[0039]
With the configuration as described above, a voltage drop caused by connector connection of a plurality of functional modules can be reduced and a stable operation can be realized as compared with a conventional modular device.
In addition, since a constituent module of a conventional modular device can be connected to the end module 500 side from the functional module 40, the versatility is excellent.
In addition, since the function module 40 also functions as a folding module, the entire modular device can be made compact. On the other hand, a dedicated folded module connected between the functional modules may be provided. In this case, there is no need to prepare two types of functional modules having the same function with or without the conductor 56.
[0040]
Although the power supply module 1 and the functional modules 2, 3, and 4 have been described with respect to an example in which mutually rectangular housings are connected to each other by a connector, other connections may be used. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the connection may be such that a connector is provided on the bottom surface of the housing (that is, the surface on the mounting rail 9 side in FIG. 1). FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the connection of the modular devices, and only one signal line is shown by a broken line. 7, reference numeral 7 denotes a conductive device, and reference numerals 19, 29, 39, and 49 denote connectors of the power supply module 1 and the functional modules 2, 3, and 4 connected to the connectors 71, 72, 73, and 74 of the conductive device 7, respectively. In the case of FIG. 7, the terminal module becomes unnecessary.
[0041]
【The invention's effect】
A modular device according to the present invention has a power supply module for supplying power, a power supply line electrically connected to a connector, and a power supply line that is electrically connected to a ground side line and is supplied with power from the power supply module to perform a unique function. In a modular device including a plurality of functional modules connected to each other and having a load circuit to be played, the power supply side line or the ground side line is electrically connected to a power supply side or a ground side of the power supply module, and A first line that is not electrically connected to the load circuit, a second line that is electrically connected to the load device, and a fold that electrically connects the first line and the second line. With the connection unit, even if a plurality of functional modules are connected, the operation is stable.
[0042]
In addition, the folded connection portion is a connector that can be connected to the functional module with a connector, a conductor that electrically connects the first line terminal and the second line terminal of the connector, Since the terminal module includes the connector and the case for housing the conductor, it is not necessary to prepare a plurality of functional modules having the same function.
[0043]
Further, since the folded connection portion is connected to the terminal functional module as viewed from the power supply module, a voltage drop can be efficiently suppressed.
[0044]
Further, since the first line includes a plurality of pins of the connector, the number of pins can be effectively used, and the device can be downsized.
[0045]
In addition, the power supply module includes a voltage detection unit that detects a voltage of the second line end, and a voltage conversion unit that adjusts a voltage output to the power supply module based on the voltage detected by the voltage detection unit. Operation becomes more stable.
[0046]
The device module has a load circuit that is electrically connected to a power supply side line and a ground side line that are electrically connected to a connector, is supplied with power, and performs a unique function. A line is electrically connected to a power supply side or a ground side of the power supply module, and a first line not electrically connected to the load circuit, and a second line electrically connected to the load device. And a voltage drop can be suppressed when a plurality of device modules are connected.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a modular device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a view for explaining the assembly of the modular device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical connection relationship of the modular device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control circuit for a supply voltage of a modular device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical connection relationship of a modular device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an electrical connection relationship of a modular device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining connection of modular devices, and shows only one signal line with a broken line.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a conventional modular device.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 power supply module, 2, 3, 4 equipment module,
5 Termination module (return module),
10A, 20A, 30A, 40A power line,
10B, 20B, 30B, 40B power line,
10C, 20C, 30C, 40C Ground line,
11A, 21A, 31A, 31X, 41A contact resistance,
11B, 21B, 31B, 31Y, 41B contact resistance,
11C, 21C, 31C, 31Z, 41C contact resistance,
10D, 20D, 30D, 40D power line,
10F, 20F, 30F, 40F Ground line,
10G, 20G, 30G, 40G ground line,
11D, 21D, 31D, 41D contact resistance,
11F, 21F, 31F, 41F contact resistance,
11G, 21G, 31G, 41G contact resistance,
13 voltage detector, 15 voltage converter,
40 function module (return module),
53, 55, 56 conductors,
AB power supply side line (power supply line),
A first line (first power supply line),
B second line (second power supply line),
C Ground side line (ground line),
D Power line (power supply line)
F first line (first ground line),
G second line (second ground line),
FG Ground side line (ground line)

Claims (6)

A power supply module for supplying power, and a load circuit that is electrically connected to a power supply side line and a ground side line electrically connected to the connector, is supplied with power from the power supply module and performs a unique function, and is connected to the connector. Modular equipment with multiple functional modules,
The power supply side line or the ground side line is
A first line electrically connected to a power supply side or a ground side of the power supply module, and not electrically connected to the load circuit;
A second line electrically connected to the load device;
A modular device comprising: a folded connection portion that electrically connects the first line and the second line. The folded connection part is
A connector connectable to the functional module,
A conductor that electrically connects the first line terminal and the second line terminal of the connector,
The modular device according to claim 1, wherein the module is a folded module including the connector and a case for housing the conductor. The modular device according to claim 2, wherein the folded connection portion is connected to a terminal functional module as viewed from the power supply module. 2. The modular device of claim 1, wherein said first line includes a plurality of pins of said connector. A voltage detector for detecting the voltage of the second line end,
The module-type device according to claim 1, further comprising: a voltage conversion unit that adjusts a voltage output to the power supply module based on the voltage detected by the voltage detection unit. A power supply side line electrically connected to the connector and a load circuit that is electrically connected to the ground side line and is supplied with power and has a unique function,
The power supply side line or the ground side line is
A first line electrically connected to a power supply side or a ground side of the power supply module, and not electrically connected to the load circuit;
A functional module, comprising: a second line electrically connected to the load device.

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