JP2004031092A

JP2004031092A - Automatic photoelectric flashing device

Info

Publication number: JP2004031092A
Application number: JP2002184992A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Kousuke Sasaki; 佐々木　工輔
Original assignee: Matsushita Electric Works Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co Ltd
Priority date: 2002-06-25
Filing date: 2002-06-25
Publication date: 2004-01-29
Anticipated expiration: 2022-06-25
Also published as: JP4026426B2

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic photoelectric flashing device preventing a trouble from occurring due to the incomplete connection or the like of cables, without lowering a molding property, weathering property, and shock-resistant property of an outer shell. <P>SOLUTION: The molding property, weathering property, shock-resistant property, or the like of the outer shell 1 is satisfied as in the past by constructing a terminal block 30 having a plurality of terminals 31 and a housing 32 housing the terminals 31 separately from the outer shell 1, and forming the outer shell by a thermoplastic resin. At the same time, even when the trouble due to the incomplete connection between the terminal 31 and the cable is generated by some reasons, there is no risk of a trouble such as the deformation of the housing 32 due to the heat generation, and the trouble due to the incomplete connection is prevented without lowering the molding property, weathering property, shock-resistant property or the like of the outer shell 1 by forming the housing 32 of the terminal block 30 covering the terminal 31 of the thermoplastic resin having an excellent heat-resistant property and a tracking resistant property. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、ＥＥスイッチやフォトスイッチなどと称される光電式自動点滅器に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来より、暗くなれば自動的に点灯し、明るくなれば自動的に消灯するような自己制御照明が防犯灯や街路灯などとして用いられており、このような自己制御照明には周囲の明るさ（周囲照度）を検出して所定の点灯照度よりも低下したときに外部電源（商用電源）から照明負荷への給電路を閉成して照明負荷を点灯し、周囲照度が所定の消灯照度よりも上昇するか若しくは予め設定される消灯時刻になると外部電源から照明負荷への給電を停止して照明負荷を消灯させる光電式自動点滅器が備えられている。
【０００３】
このような光電式自動点滅器は、合成樹脂成型品からなる外郭内に回路部品、並びに外部電源と上記回路部品を接続するための端子部が収納されていた。
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
ところが、従来の光電式自動点滅器は、成形性や耐候性並びに耐衝撃性等の点から外郭が熱可塑性樹脂で形成されていたため、何らかの原因で端子部と電線の接続不良が生じた場合に発熱による外郭の変形等の不具合が発生する虞があった。また、熱可塑性樹脂は耐トラッキング性に劣る材料であるから、端子部の端子間を絶縁する隔壁が熱可塑性樹脂で形成されているとトラッキング事故が発生しやすくなるという問題があった。
【０００５】
一方、熱可塑性樹脂に比較して耐熱性及び耐トラッキング性に優れている熱硬化性樹脂で外郭を形成した場合、上述のような発熱による外郭の変形やトラッキング事故等の不具合の発生を防ぐことはできるが、反対に成形性や耐候性並びに耐衝撃性が低下してしまうという問題がある。
【０００６】
本発明は上記問題に鑑みて為されたものであり、その目的は、外郭の成形性や耐候性並びに耐衝撃性等を低下させずに電線の接続不良等による不具合の発生を防ぐことができる光電式自動点滅器を提供することにある。
【０００７】
【課題を解決するための手段】
請求項１の発明は、上記目的を達成するために、周囲照度を検出するとともに検出した周囲照度に応じて外部電源から照明負荷への給電を入切して照明負荷を点滅させる回路ブロックと、熱可塑性樹脂成型品からなり内部に回路ブロックを収納する外郭と、外郭に結合され外部電源及び照明負荷と回路ブロックとを電気的に接続する端子ブロックとを備え、端子ブロックは、回路ブロックと導通し且つ一端が外部電源又は照明負荷に接続された電線の他端を接続する複数の端子と、熱硬化性樹脂成型品からなり複数の端子をそれぞれ収納する複数の端子収納部を内部に有し且つ複数の端子収納部と連通して電線がそれぞれ挿入される複数の電線挿入孔が開口したハウジングとを具備したことを特徴とする。
【０００８】
請求項２の発明は、請求項１の発明において、外郭の外形よりも外側に突出し且つ内部に電線挿入孔が形成されたボス部を端子ブロックのハウジングに設けたことを特徴とする。
【０００９】
請求項３の発明は、請求項２の発明において、ボス部をハウジングと一体に形成したことを特徴とする。
【００１０】
請求項４の発明は、請求項１又は２又は３の発明において、電線挿入孔は、被覆が剥かれていない電線の径よりも小さくない径を有して入口側に設けられる大径部と、被覆が剥かれていない電線の径よりも小さく且つ電線の芯線の径よりも大きい径を有して大径部よりも奥側に設けられる小径部とからなることを特徴とする。
【００１１】
請求項５の発明は、請求項１〜４の何れかの発明において、複数の端子間をそれぞれ絶縁する絶縁壁を熱硬化性樹脂によりハウジングと一体に形成したことを特徴とする。
【００１２】
請求項６の発明は、請求項１〜５の何れかの発明において、ハウジングの端子収納部に収納される端子板と、端子板に螺合して電線の芯線を端子板に接続する端子ねじとで端子を構成し、電線挿入孔から挿入された電線の芯線を外郭を通して視認可能とする切り欠き部を、電線の挿入方向と略直交する方向における端子ねじの両側に設けたことを特徴とする。
【００１３】
請求項７の発明は、請求項１〜６の何れかの発明において、端子ブロックのハウジングを外郭の所定位置に配置したときに互いに凹凸嵌合してハウジングを外郭に結合する嵌合手段をハウジング並びに外郭に設けたことを特徴とする。
【００１４】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、図面を参照して本発明を実施形態により詳細に説明する。
【００１５】
本実施形態の光電式自動点滅器は、図１に示すように周囲照度を検出するとともに検出した周囲照度に応じて外部電源から照明負荷への給電を入切して照明負荷を点滅させる回路ブロック２０と、回路ブロック２０を収納する外郭１と、外郭１に結合されて外部電源及び照明負荷と回路ブロック２０とを電気的に接続する端子ブロック３０とを備える。
【００１６】
回路ブロック２０は周囲照度を検出する検出素子２２、外部電源から照明負荷への給電路を開閉する開閉素子、検出素子２２で検出する周囲照度に応じて開閉素子を制御することで外部電源から照明負荷への給電を入切する制御回路等がプリント配線板からなる回路基板２１に実装されて構成される。ここで検出素子２２としてはＣｄＳ等の光電変換素子やフォトトランジスタあるいは太陽電池が利用可能であり、開閉素子としてはトライアックのような半導体スイッチ素子や半導体リレーあるいはメカニカルリレー等が利用可能である。但し、上述のような制御回路の回路構成及び動作は従来周知であるから図示並びに説明は省略する。なお、制御回路を用いずに光電変換素子と熱動継電器（サーマルリレー）を用いることも可能である。
【００１７】
外郭１は、前面が開口する矩形箱形のボディ２と、前面開口を塞ぐようにボディ２に取り付けられる採光カバー３と、採光カバー３の前面を覆うカバー４とで構成される。図５に示すように、ボディ２は耐候性、耐衝撃性（機械的強度）及び成形性に優れた熱可塑性樹脂、例えばＡＡＳ（アクリルゴム−アクリロニトリル−スチレン）樹脂の成型品からなり、その内部が、底面から前方へ立ち上がる隔絶壁５によって上部収納室６と下部収納室７の２室に分割されている。
【００１８】
上部収納室６は回路ブロック３０を収納するところであって、上方の両隅並びに下方の隔絶壁５近傍の中央にはそれぞれ底面から前方に向けて支持部８，９が突設され、回路基板２１の一端側の両角部に穿孔された嵌合孔２１ａとそれぞれ嵌合する嵌合突起８ａが設けられ、下方の支持部９の先端には回路基板２１の他端側の中央に形成された半円形の切り欠き溝２１ｂに嵌合する嵌合突起９ａが形成されている。
【００１９】
一方、下部収納室７は端子ブロック３０を収納するところであって、下側の側面には端子ブロック３０のボス部３８を下方へ突出させるための窓孔７ａが形成されている。また、下部収納室７の底面における窓孔７ａの近傍には先端に上向きの嵌合爪１６ａを有する一対の嵌合片１６が前方へ突設され、嵌合爪１６ａの前面には後方に向かって上方向へ傾斜する傾斜面１６ｂが形成されている。さらに、下部収納室７の両側面には矩形の嵌合凹部７ｂがそれぞれ凹設されている。
【００２０】
採光カバー３は透光性及び耐光性に優れた熱可塑性樹脂、例えばＰＭＭＡ（ポリメタクリル酸メチル）樹脂の成型品からなり、背面が開口する扁平な箱形に形成されている。なお、採光カバー３については後で詳細に説明する。
【００２１】
図８及び図９に示すように、カバー４は遮光性を有するとともに可撓性に優れた熱可塑性樹脂、例えばＰＰ（ポリプロピレン）樹脂の成型品からなり、採光カバー３の上部に取り付けられる主部１０と、薄肉のヒンジ部１２を介して主部１０の下側に一体に設けられる可動部１１とを有し、採光カバー３と同様に背面が開口する扁平な箱形に形成されており、ヒンジ部１２を支点として可動部１１が主部１０に対して開閉自在となっている。
【００２２】
主部１０の中央部には矩形の採光窓１０ａが設けられ、可動部１１の前面中央には採光窓１０ａの内周縁と嵌合する矩形枠状の突部１１ａが突設されている。ここで、採光窓１０ａの上縁中央部には係止溝１０ｂが形成されており、可動部１１の下縁中央部には係止溝１０ｂと係合する爪１１ｃが先端に設けられた係止片１１ｂが設けられている。すなわち、係止片１１ｂの爪１１ｃを係止溝１０ｂの周縁に係合することで可動部１１を主部１０に対して閉じた状態に保持できる。また、主部１０の背面におけるヒンジ部１２の近傍には、可動部１１を主部１０に対して閉じた状態で上部収納室６へ入射する光を遮るための遮光片１３が後方へ突設されている。
【００２３】
而して、図４に示すように可動部１１を主部１０に対して閉じることで可動部１１の前面中央に突設されている突部１１ａが主部１０の採光窓１０ａに嵌合して閉塞し、回路基板２１の前面に実装されている検出素子２２へ入射する光を可動部１１によって強制的に遮ることができる。つまり、自動点滅器の動作又は照明負荷の点灯を確認する場合に採光窓１０ａから入射する外光を遮断する必要があり、従来は作業者が遮光用の袋を外郭に被せて採光窓を覆っていたために作業性がよくなかったのであるが、上述のように採光窓１０ａから入射する外光を遮断するための可動部１１をカバー４と一体に構成しているので、作業者が遮光用の袋を持ち歩く必要が無く、上記動作確認等の作業性を向上することができる。
【００２４】
また、カバー４の可動部１１背面の左右両側には、外向きの爪１４ａを先端に有する掛け止め片１４がそれぞれ後方に突設されており、ボディ２の下部収納室７における左右両側の側壁を貫通する孔７ｃに掛け止め片１４が挿通され、孔７ｃの外側周縁に爪１４ａが係止されることで可動部１１が主部１０に対して開いた状態（定常状態）で保持されるにようになっている。さらに、主部１０の側壁内側には複数の突起１０ｃが設けられており、これらの突起１０ｃを採光カバー３の側壁に設けられた溝部３ｄに嵌合することでカバー４が採光カバー３に取り付けられるようになっており、上記定常状態においては採光窓１０ａを除くカバー４全体で採光カバー３前面を覆うことができて採光窓１０ａ以外の部位から検出素子２２に光が入射することが無いようにしている。
【００２５】
一方、図６及び図７に示すように、採光カバー３の背面中央には、先端部が隔絶壁５と当接する突条片１５が後方へ突設されるとともに、この突条片１５には採光カバー３の前面側に開口してカバー４の遮光片１３が挿入される溝１５ａが形成されている。また、カバー４の可動部１１と対向する採光カバー３の前面下部には、端子ブロック３０の端子ねじ３４（後述する）を操作するためにドライバが挿入される４つのドライバ挿入孔３ａが幅方向（水平方向）に列設されている。さらに、カバー４の主部１０と対向する採光カバー３の前面上部には、カバー４の採光窓１０ａに背面側から嵌合する矩形の嵌合凸部３ｂが突設されるとともに、採光窓１０ａ内に挿通され、カバー４の可動部１１が主部１０に対して閉じられたときに矩形枠状の突部１１ａの内側に嵌入される突台部３ｃが嵌合凸部３ｂの前面中央に突設されている。
【００２６】
ここで、図６（ａ）に示すように採光カバー３前面の溝１５ａよりも下側の部位がシボ加工されているが、各ドライバ挿挿入孔３ａの上部近傍にはシボ加工されずに背面側を視認可能とした確認窓３ｅが設けられている。また、上記部位の一端側下部には電線の被覆を剥く際の目安とするための凹部、所謂ストリップゲージ３ｆが設けられている。なお、突台部３ｃの背面にも検出素子２２に対向する円形の部分を除いて同様にシボ加工されている（図７（ａ）参照）。
【００２７】
次に端子ブロック３０について説明する。端子ブロック３０は、図１０に示すように外部電源用と照明負荷用に各一対ずつで合計４つの端子３１と、これら４つの端子３１を収納するハウジング３２とを具備する。端子３１は黄銅のような金属材料からなる端子板３３、端子ねじ３４及び座金３５で構成される。図１３に示すように、端子板３３は端子ねじ３４が取り付けられて座金３５との間で電線の芯線を挟持し且つ接触導通する接触片３３ａと、接触片３３ａの一端縁より後方に延長された延長片３３ｂと、接触片３３ａ及び延長片３３ｂよりも幅狭の金属片を略Ｓ字形に折り曲げてなる接続片３３ｃとが一体に形成されている。
【００２８】
接触片３３ａの中央には一端が側方に開放する半長円形の端子ねじ挿通溝３３ｄが形成され、さらに接触片３３ａの前面における端子ねじ挿通溝３３ｄの両側には端子ねじ３４に当接する一対の突起３３ｅが突設されている。また、接触片３３ａの背面における両端部には、ローレット加工により網目のローレット目を形成した抜け止め部３３ｆがそれぞれ設けてある。さらに、抜け止め部３３ｆが設けられた両端部近傍の延長片３３ｂとの境界部位には、接触片３３ａと座金３５との間に挟持された電線の芯線を視認可能とする切り欠き部３３ｇがそれぞれ設けてある。
【００２９】
また、接続片３３ｃは隔絶壁５を乗り越えてボディ２の上部収納室６に進出し、先端部に設けられた突起部３３ｈが回路基板２１の下端部に穿孔されている接続孔２１ｃに挿通され、接続孔２１ｂの周辺に形成されている導電パターンと半田あるいは導電性接着剤等で接続される（図１４参照）。これにより、端子板３３が一端側において回路ブロック２０と電気的に接続されることになる。
【００３０】
一方、ハウジング３２は難燃性及び耐トラッキング性に優れた熱硬化性樹脂、例えばメラミンフェノール樹脂やユリア樹脂の成型品からなり、図１１に示すように３つの絶縁壁３６によってほぼ等分に区切られた４つの端子収納部３７と、内部に電線挿入孔３９が形成された３つのボス部３８ａ，３８ｂとを具備する。端子収納部３７は前面及び上面が開放する断面Ｌ字形に形成され、底面において電線挿入孔３９と連通している。
【００３１】
図１１及び図１２に示すように、端子収納部３７の側面及び背面にはそれぞれ凹部３７ａが形成されており、これらの凹部３７ａに接触片３３ａの側端縁及び接続片３３ｃの基端部がそれぞれ嵌合されることで端子収納部３７に端子板３３が仮固定される。
【００３２】
３つのボス部３８ａ，３８ｂの内で中央のボス部３８ｂは断面が略楕円形の筒状であって、内部には互いに独立した２つの電線挿入孔３９が並設されている。これに対して、両側のボス部３８ａは断面が略円形の筒状であって、内部には１つの電線挿入孔３９が形成されている。ここで、中央のボス部３８ｂに設けられた２つの電線挿入孔３９には外部電源の一方の極と照明負荷の一方の入力端を接続するための電線がそれぞれ挿入されるのであって特にこれら２つの電線を絶縁する必要がないため、２つの電線挿入孔３９を近接して１つのボス部３８ｂに設けることが可能であり、ボス部の個数を一つ減らすことでハウジング３２の小型化が図れるものである。
【００３３】
電線挿入孔３９は、図１２に示すように被覆が剥かれていない電線の径よりも小さくない径（内径）を有して入口側に設けられる大径部３９ａと、被覆が剥かれていない電線の径よりも小さく且つ電線の芯線の径よりも大きい径（内径）を有して大径部３９ａよりも奥側（端子収納部３７に近い側）に設けられる小径部３９ｂとを有し、大径部３９ａと小径部３９ｂの境界部分にはその内径が大径部３９ａから小径部３９ｂに向けて徐々に縮小するテーパ３９ｃが形成されている。
【００３４】
ところで、図１１に示すように、ハウジング３２の外側底面の後端部には、ボディ２の嵌合爪１６ａとそれぞれ凹凸嵌合する一対の嵌合突部４０がボス部３８ａ，３８ｂの間に突設されている。また、ボディ２の下部収納室７の両側面に形成されている嵌合凹部７ｂとそれぞれ嵌合する突部４１がハウジング３２の両側面上部に突設されている。
【００３５】
而して、接触片３３ａの端子ねじ挿通溝３３ｄに挿通した端子ねじ３４の先端に座金３５を螺着した端子板３３をそれぞれハウジング３２の端子収納部３７に収納して端子ブロック３０が組み立てられる。このとき、上述のように端子収納部３７の上部開口から端子板３３の接続片３３ｃがハウジング３２の外に導出される。このように組み立てられた端子ブロック３０を前方よりボディ２の下部収納室７内に挿入すると、ハウジング３２の外側底面に突設されている嵌合突部４０とボディ２の嵌合片１６とが干渉し、嵌合突部４０の背面側に形成されている傾斜面４０ａと嵌合片１６の傾斜面１６ｂとが摺接して嵌合片１６が下方へ撓み、やがて嵌合片１６の嵌合爪１６ａが嵌合突部４０を乗り越えて両者が凹凸嵌合する。このとき同時にハウジング３２の両側面上部に突設されている突部４１がボディ２の下部収納室７の両側面に形成されている嵌合凹部７ｂとそれぞれ嵌合し、合計４カ所の凹凸嵌合によって端子ブロック３０を下部収納室７内に収納した状態でボディ２に結合することができる。
【００３６】
このように本実施形態では、端子ブロック３０とボディ２を結合する際にボディ２の所定位置（下部収納室７）にハウジング３２を配置すれば、係合爪１６ａと嵌合突部４０、並びに嵌合凹部７ｂと突部４１からなる嵌合手段によってハウジング３２をボディ２に結合することができる。すなわち、端子ブロック３０をボディ２に結合する際にねじやリベット等の別部品を用いる必要が無いから、部品点数の削減並びに組立性の向上が図れるものである。なお、端子ブロック３０をボディ２に結合した状態では、ボディ２の隔絶壁５の先端から前方へ突設されている閉塞体５ａによってハウジング３２の上部開口が閉塞されるようになっている。また、この閉塞体５ａには４つの溝５ｂが並設されており、各溝５ｂに接続片３３ｃを嵌合して支持するようにしてある。
【００３７】
次に本実施形態の組立手順を簡単に説明する。
【００３８】
まず、上述の手順で端子ブロック３０をボディ２の下部収納室７内に収納して結合した後、ボディ２の上部収納室６に回路ブロック２０を収納する。すなわち、検出素子２２が実装されている面を前面とし、上部収納室６内に突設されている支持部８，９の先端の嵌合突起８ａ，９ａにそれぞれ回路基板２１の嵌合孔２１ａ並びに切り欠き溝２１ｂを嵌合するとともに、隔絶壁５を乗り越えてボディ２の上部収納室６に進出している端子板３３の接続片３３ｃ先端部に設けられた突起部３３ｈを回路基板２１の下端部に穿孔されている接続孔２１ｃに挿通し、接続孔２１ｂから突出した突起部３３ｈを回路基板２１の導電パターンと半田あるいは導電性接着剤等で接続する（図１５参照）。
【００３９】
上述のように回路ブロック２０並びに端子ブロック３０がそれぞれ上部収納室６及び下部収納室７に収納されたボディ２の前面に採光カバー３を取着し、採光カバー３の周縁部をほぼ全周に渡って超音波溶接することで採光カバー３をボディ２に接合する（図１６参照）。そして、主部１０の側壁内側に設けられた複数の突起１０ｃを採光カバー３の側壁に設けられた溝部３ｄに嵌合するとともに、カバー４の可動部１１背面の左右両側に突設されている掛け止め片１４をボディ２の下部収納室７における左右両側の側壁を貫通する孔７ｃに挿通し、掛け止め片１４の先端の爪１４ａを孔７ｃの外側周縁に係止することで可動部１１を主部１０に対して開いた状態（定常状態）で保持させることでカバー４を採光カバー３に取り付けて組立が完了する（図２及び図３参照）。
【００４０】
ところで、図２及び図５に示すように、ボディ２の背面には後方に突出する略円筒形の取付部４２が形成されており、この取付部４２に下端部が取り付けられた略Ｌ字形の取付金具５０の上端部を壁面などの造営面に固定することで本実施形態の自動点滅器が所定の場所に設置されるようになっている。取付部４２の上面には中央にねじ挿通孔４２ａが設けられるとともにねじ挿通孔４２ａの周囲には複数の凹部４２ｂが同心円上に略等間隔で列設されている（図３参照）。すなわち、取付部４２のねじ挿通孔４２ａに挿通した固定ねじ５１で取付金具５０を取付部４２に固定するのであるが、取付金具５０には取付部４２の上面に列設されている何れかの凹部４２ｂと嵌合する凸部（図示せず）が設けられており、この凸部を何れの凹部４２ｂと嵌合させるかによって取付金具５０に対する自動点滅器の取付方向を可変とし、採光窓１０ａを通して検出素子２２に入射する光の方向が調整できるようにしてある。
【００４１】
次に、本実施形態の施工手順を簡単に説明する。外部電源及び照明負荷と接続するための電線は、例えば塩化ビニル製の被覆を有している。したがって、まずカバー４の可動部１１前面に設けられたストリップゲージ３ｆを使って所定長さの芯線が露出するように電線の被覆を剥く。そして、カバー４の可動部１１を持ち上げるように回動して主部１０に対して閉じた状態に保持させ（図４参照）、被覆を剥いた電線を外郭１の下面から突出するボス部３８ａ，３８ｂの電線挿入孔３９に挿入する。このとき、前方に露出する採光カバー３の前面下部に設けられている確認窓３ｅを通して電線の挿入量を確認することができ、挿入量が充分であることを確認した後、ドライバ挿入孔３ａに挿入したドライバで端子ねじ３４を締め付けて座金３５と接触片３３ａの間に芯線を挟持すれば端子３１への電線の接続が完了する。全ての端子３１に電線を接続し、採光窓１０ａから入射する外光を可動部１１で遮断した状態で動作確認等を行った後、カバー４の可動部１１を主部１０に対して開いて定常状態に戻せば本実施形態の施工が完了する。すなわち、定常状態ではカバー４の可動部１１でドライバ挿入孔３ａを塞いでおり、端子３１を隠す部材と採光窓１０ａを塞ぐ部材をカバー４の可動部１１で兼用することができる。
【００４２】
本実施形態は上述のように構成したものであり、複数の端子３１とそれらの端子３１を収納するハウジング３２とを具備する端子ブロック３０を外郭１と別体に構成し、外郭１を熱可塑性樹脂成型品とすることで従来と同様に成形性や耐候性並びに耐衝撃性等を満足することができる。それと同時に、端子３１を覆う端子ブロック３０のハウジング３２を耐熱性及び耐トラッキング性に優れた熱硬化性樹脂成型品とすることにより、何らかの原因で端子３１と電線の接続不良が生じた場合にも発熱によるハウジング３２の変形等の不具合が発生する虞がなく、外郭１の成形性や耐候性並びに耐衝撃性等を低下させずに電線の接続不良等による不具合の発生を防ぐことができる。また、外郭１の外形よりも外側に突出したボス部３８ａ，３８ｂをハウジング３２に設け、そのボス部３８ａ，３８ｂの内部に電線挿入孔３９を形成することにより、難燃性に優れる熱硬化性樹脂製のボス部３８ａ，３８ｂで電線挿入孔３９内における電線の周囲を覆うようにしているので、何らかの原因で万が一にも電線の被覆に着火した場合でも外郭１に類焼する虞が無く、安全性の向上が図れるという利点がある。さらに、ボス部３８ａ，３８ｂをハウジング３２と一体に形成することでボス部３８ａ，３８ｂに継ぎ目が生じないようにしているため、ハウジング３２内部への雨水の浸入を抑えて防水性の向上が図れる。なお、ボス部３８ａ，３８ｂを外郭１の外形よりも外側（下側）に突出させているため、ボス部３８ａ，３８ｂ内に形成される電線挿入孔３９の長さ寸法を充分に大きく採ることができ、この点からも防水性の向上が図れる。しかも、端子ブロック３０において複数の端子３１間をそれぞれ絶縁する絶縁壁３６を熱硬化性樹脂によりハウジング３２と一体に形成しているので、熱硬化性樹脂製の絶縁壁３６で端子３１間を絶縁することにより耐トラッキング性の向上が図れるという利点もある。
【００４３】
また本実施形態においては、被覆が剥かれていない電線の径よりも小さくない径を有して入口側に設けられる大径部３９ａと、被覆が剥かれていない電線の径よりも小さく且つ電線の芯線の径よりも大きい径を有して大径部３９ａよりも奥側に設けられる小径部３９ｂとで電線挿入孔３９を形成しているため、被覆付の電線は大径部３９ａまでしか挿入することができず、小径部３９ｂ及びその奥の端子収納部３７には到達し得ない。よって、仮に端子３１と電線（芯線）の接続部位でアークが発生してもそのアークによって電線の被覆に着火することが防止でき、安全性の向上が図れるものである。
【００４４】
ところで本実施形態では、図１５における左側２つの端子３１（電源用の端子）については端子ねじ３４の右側で電線が接続され、右側２つの端子３１（照明負荷用の端子）については端子ねじ３４の左側で電線が接続される構成としているので、中央のボス部３８ｂに２つの電線挿入孔３９を並設したことと相まって端子ブロック３０の幅寸法を抑えて小型化を図ることができる。また、電線挿入孔３９から挿入された電線の芯線を確認窓３ｅを通して視認可能とする切り欠き部３３ｇを、電線の挿入方向と略直交する方向（図１５における水平方向）における端子ねじ３４の両側に設けているから、端子３１と電線挿入孔３９との位置関係を切り欠き部３３ｇに合わせて２通りに設定することができる。その結果、電線の接続位置が異なる上記電源用及び照明負荷用の各端子３１について端子板３３を共通に用いることができるので、部品点数の削減によるコストダウンが図れるという利点がある。
【００４５】
【発明の効果】
請求項１の発明は、周囲照度を検出するとともに検出した周囲照度に応じて外部電源から照明負荷への給電を入切して照明負荷を点滅させる回路ブロックと、熱可塑性樹脂成型品からなり内部に回路ブロックを収納する外郭と、外郭に結合され外部電源及び照明負荷と回路ブロックとを電気的に接続する端子ブロックとを備え、端子ブロックは、回路ブロックと導通し且つ一端が外部電源又は照明負荷に接続された電線の他端を接続する複数の端子と、熱硬化性樹脂成型品からなり複数の端子をそれぞれ収納する複数の端子収納部を内部に有し且つ複数の端子収納部と連通して電線がそれぞれ挿入される複数の電線挿入孔が開口したハウジングとを具備したことを特徴とし、複数の端子とそれらの端子を収納するハウジングとを具備する端子ブロックを外郭と別体に構成し、外郭を熱可塑性樹脂成型品とすることで従来と同様に成形性や耐候性並びに耐衝撃性等を満足すると同時に、端子を覆う端子ブロックのハウジングを耐熱性及び耐トラッキング性に優れた熱硬化性樹脂成型品とすることで何らかの原因で端子と電線の接続不良が生じた場合にも発熱によるハウジングの変形等の不具合が発生する虞がなく、外郭の成形性や耐候性並びに耐衝撃性等を低下させずに電線の接続不良等による不具合の発生を防ぐことができる。
【００４６】
請求項２の発明は、請求項１の発明において、外郭の外形よりも外側に突出し且つ内部に電線挿入孔が形成されたボス部を端子ブロックのハウジングに設けたことを特徴とし、電線挿入孔内で電線の周囲を覆うハウジングが難燃性に優れる熱硬化性樹脂製であるから、何らかの原因で万が一にも電線の被覆に着火した場合でも外郭に類焼する虞が無く、安全性の向上が図れる。
【００４７】
請求項３の発明は、請求項２の発明において、ボス部をハウジングと一体に形成したことを特徴とし、ハウジングと一体に形成することでボス部に継ぎ目が生じないから、ハウジング内部への雨水の浸入を抑えることができて防水性の向上が図れる。
【００４８】
請求項４の発明は、請求項１又は２又は３の発明において、電線挿入孔は、被覆が剥かれていない電線の径よりも小さくない径を有して入口側に設けられる大径部と、被覆が剥かれていない電線の径よりも小さく且つ電線の芯線の径よりも大きい径を有して大径部よりも奥側に設けられる小径部とからなることを特徴とし、被覆付の電線は大径部までしか挿入することができず小径部及びその奥の端子収納部には到達し得ないので、仮に端子と電線（芯線）の接続部位でアークが発生してもそのアークによって電線の被覆に着火することが防止できて安全性の向上が図れる。
【００４９】
請求項５の発明は、請求項１〜４の何れかの発明において、複数の端子間をそれぞれ絶縁する絶縁壁を熱硬化性樹脂によりハウジングと一体に形成したことを特徴とし、熱硬化性樹脂製の絶縁壁で端子間を絶縁することにより耐トラッキング性の向上が図れる。
【００５０】
請求項６の発明は、請求項１〜５の何れかの発明において、ハウジングの端子収納部に収納される端子板と、端子板に螺合して電線の芯線を端子板に接続する端子ねじとで端子を構成し、電線挿入孔から挿入された電線の芯線を外郭を通して視認可能とする切り欠き部を、電線の挿入方向と略直交する方向における端子ねじの両側に設けたことを特徴とし、切り欠き部を通して電線の芯線が充分に挿入されているか否かを確認することができる。また、この切り欠き部を電線の挿入方向と略直交する方向における端子ねじの両側に設けているから、端子ねじの何れの側においても電線の芯線を端子板に接続することが可能であり、さらには端子と電線挿入孔との位置関係を切り欠き部に合わせて２通りに設定することができる。
【００５１】
請求項７の発明は、請求項１〜６の何れかの発明において、端子ブロックのハウジングを外郭の所定位置に配置したときに互いに凹凸嵌合してハウジングを外郭に結合する嵌合手段をハウジング並びに外郭に設けたことを特徴とし、端子ブロックと外郭を結合する際に外郭の所定位置にハウジングを配置すれば嵌合手段によってハウジングを外郭に結合することができるから部品点数の削減並びに組立性の向上が図れる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の実施形態を示す分解斜視図である。
【図２】同上を示し、（ａ）は正面図、（ｂ）は左側から見た半断面図、（ｃ）は下面図である。
【図３】同上の斜視図である。
【図４】同上のカバーの可動部を主部に対して閉じた状態の正面図である。
【図５】同上におけるボディを示し、（ａ）は正面図、（ｂ）は左側断面図である。
【図６】同上における採光カバーを示し、（ａ）は正面図、（ｂ）は左側面図である。
【図７】同上における採光カバーを示し、（ａ）は背面図、（ｂ）は左側断面図である。
【図８】同上におけるカバーを示し、（ａ）は正面図、（ｂ）は左側面図である。
【図９】同上におけるカバーを示し、（ａ）は背面図、（ｂ）は左側断面図である。
【図１０】同上における端子ブロックの分解斜視図である。
【図１１】同上における端子ブロックのハウジングを示し、（ａ）は正面から見た半断面図、（ｂ）は下面図、（ｃ）は左側面図である。
【図１２】同上における端子ブロックのハウジングの断面図である。
【図１３】同上における端子板を示し、（ａ）は正面図、（ｂ）は上側面図、（ｃ）は左側面図である。
【図１４】同上における採光カバー及びカバーを取り外した状態の斜視図である。
【図１５】同上における採光カバー及びカバーを取り外した状態の正面図である。
【図１６】同上におけるカバーを取り外した状態の正面図である。
【符号の説明】
１　外郭
２　ボディ
３　採光カバー
４　カバー
２０　回路ブロック
３０　端子ブロック
３１　端子
３２　ハウジング[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a photoelectric automatic blinker called an EE switch or a photo switch.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, self-control lighting, which automatically turns on when dark and turns off automatically when bright, has been used as security lights and street lights, etc. (Ambient illuminance) is detected, and when the illuminance falls below a predetermined lighting illuminance, a power supply path from an external power supply (commercial power supply) to the lighting load is closed to turn on the lighting load, and the ambient illuminance is lower than a predetermined unlit illuminance Also, a photoelectric automatic blinker is provided which stops the power supply from the external power supply to the lighting load and turns off the lighting load when the temperature rises or when a preset turn-off time comes.
[0003]
In such a photoelectric automatic blinker, a circuit component and a terminal for connecting the circuit component to an external power supply are housed in an outer shell made of a synthetic resin molded product.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional photoelectric automatic blinker, because the outer shell was formed of thermoplastic resin in terms of moldability, weather resistance, impact resistance, etc., when the connection failure of the terminal part and the electric wire occurred for some reason. There is a possibility that problems such as deformation of the outer shell due to heat generation may occur. In addition, since the thermoplastic resin is a material having poor tracking resistance, there is a problem that a tracking accident is likely to occur when the partition wall for insulating the terminals of the terminal portion is formed of the thermoplastic resin.
[0005]
On the other hand, when the outer shell is formed of a thermosetting resin that is superior in heat resistance and tracking resistance as compared to a thermoplastic resin, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of defects such as deformation of the outer shell and tracking accident due to the above-described heat generation. On the contrary, there is a problem that the moldability, weather resistance and impact resistance are reduced.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to prevent the occurrence of problems due to poor connection of electric wires and the like without reducing the outer formability, weather resistance, impact resistance, and the like. An object of the present invention is to provide a photoelectric automatic blinker.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a circuit block for detecting ambient illuminance, turning on / off power supply from an external power supply to the lighting load in accordance with the detected ambient illuminance, and blinking the illumination load, An outer shell made of a thermoplastic resin molded product and containing the circuit block therein, and a terminal block coupled to the outer shell and electrically connecting an external power supply and a lighting load to the circuit block, the terminal block being electrically connected to the circuit block. A plurality of terminals for connecting the other end of the electric wire, one end of which is connected to an external power supply or a lighting load, and a plurality of terminal accommodating portions each formed of a thermosetting resin molded product and accommodating a plurality of terminals therein. And a housing having a plurality of wire insertion holes into which the wires are inserted in communication with the plurality of terminal housings.
[0008]
A second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first aspect of the present invention, a boss portion protruding outside the outer shape of the outer shell and having an electric wire insertion hole formed therein is provided on the housing of the terminal block.
[0009]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the boss is formed integrally with the housing.
[0010]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second or third aspect of the invention, the wire insertion hole has a diameter not smaller than the diameter of the wire whose coating is not peeled off, and a large-diameter portion provided on the inlet side. And a small-diameter portion having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the unstripped electric wire and larger than the diameter of the core wire of the electric wire, and provided on a deeper side than the large-diameter portion.
[0011]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, an insulating wall for insulating between the plurality of terminals is formed integrally with the housing using a thermosetting resin.
[0012]
A sixth aspect of the present invention is the terminal screw according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the terminal screw is screwed to the terminal plate to connect the core wire of the electric wire to the terminal plate. And a notch that allows the core of the wire inserted through the wire insertion hole to be visible through the outer shell, provided on both sides of the terminal screw in a direction substantially orthogonal to the wire insertion direction. I do.
[0013]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, when the housing of the terminal block is arranged at a predetermined position on the outer shell, the fitting means engages and recesses with each other and connects the housing to the outer shell. It is characterized by being provided in the outer shell.
[0014]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0015]
As shown in FIG. 1, the photoelectric type automatic blinker according to the present embodiment detects ambient illuminance and turns on / off the power supply to the lighting load from an external power supply according to the detected ambient illuminance to blink the lighting load. 20, an outer shell 1 for housing the circuit block 20, and a terminal block 30 coupled to the outer shell 1 to electrically connect an external power supply and a lighting load to the circuit block 20.
[0016]
The circuit block 20 includes a detection element 22 for detecting ambient illuminance, a switching element for opening and closing a power supply path from an external power supply to an illumination load, and an illumination from an external power supply by controlling the switching element according to the ambient illuminance detected by the detection element 22. A control circuit for turning on and off the power supply to the load is mounted on a circuit board 21 made of a printed wiring board. Here, as the detection element 22, a photoelectric conversion element such as CdS, a phototransistor, or a solar cell can be used, and as the switching element, a semiconductor switch element such as a triac, a semiconductor relay, a mechanical relay, or the like can be used. However, since the circuit configuration and operation of the control circuit as described above are conventionally well-known, illustration and description are omitted. In addition, it is also possible to use a photoelectric conversion element and a thermal relay without using a control circuit.
[0017]
The outer shell 1 includes a rectangular box-shaped body 2 having an open front surface, a lighting cover 3 attached to the body 2 so as to cover the front opening, and a cover 4 for covering the front surface of the lighting cover 3. As shown in FIG. 5, the body 2 is made of a molded article of a thermoplastic resin having excellent weather resistance, impact resistance (mechanical strength) and moldability, for example, AAS (acrylic rubber-acrylonitrile-styrene) resin. Is divided into an upper storage room 6 and a lower storage room 7 by an isolation wall 5 rising from the bottom to the front.
[0018]
The upper storage chamber 6 stores the circuit block 30, and support portions 8, 9 are respectively provided at the upper corners and in the center near the lower isolation wall 5 so as to project forward from the bottom surface, and the circuit board 21. Fitting projections 8a are provided at two corners on one end of the circuit board 21 so as to fit with the fitting holes 21a. A fitting projection 9a that fits into the circular cutout groove 21b is formed.
[0019]
On the other hand, the lower storage chamber 7 is for storing the terminal block 30, and a window hole 7a for projecting the boss 38 of the terminal block 30 downward is formed on the lower side surface. Further, a pair of fitting pieces 16 having upward fitting claws 16a at the ends are protruded forward in the vicinity of the window hole 7a on the bottom surface of the lower storage chamber 7, and the fitting claws 16a have a front face facing rearward. An inclined surface 16b inclined upward is formed. Further, rectangular fitting recesses 7b are respectively provided on both side surfaces of the lower storage chamber 7.
[0020]
The daylighting cover 3 is made of a molded article of a thermoplastic resin excellent in light transmission and light resistance, for example, PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) resin, and is formed in a flat box shape with an open back surface. The lighting cover 3 will be described later in detail.
[0021]
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the cover 4 is made of a molded product of a thermoplastic resin having excellent light shielding properties and excellent flexibility, for example, a PP (polypropylene) resin, and is attached to an upper portion of the lighting cover 3. 10 and a movable portion 11 provided integrally below the main portion 10 via a thin hinge portion 12, and is formed in a flat box shape having an open back surface like the lighting cover 3. The movable portion 11 can be freely opened and closed with respect to the main portion 10 with the hinge portion 12 as a fulcrum.
[0022]
A rectangular lighting window 10a is provided at the center of the main part 10, and a rectangular frame-shaped projection 11a that fits with the inner peripheral edge of the lighting window 10a is provided at the center of the front surface of the movable part 11. Here, a locking groove 10b is formed at the center of the upper edge of the daylighting window 10a, and a hook 11c is provided at the front end at the center of the lower edge of the movable portion 11 to engage with the locking groove 10b. A stop piece 11b is provided. That is, the movable part 11 can be held in a closed state with respect to the main part 10 by engaging the claw 11c of the locking piece 11b with the peripheral edge of the locking groove 10b. In the vicinity of the hinge 12 on the back surface of the main part 10, a light-shielding piece 13 for blocking light incident on the upper storage chamber 6 with the movable part 11 closed with respect to the main part 10 protrudes rearward. Have been.
[0023]
By closing the movable portion 11 with respect to the main portion 10 as shown in FIG. 4, the protrusion 11a projecting from the center of the front surface of the movable portion 11 fits into the lighting window 10a of the main portion 10. The movable portion 11 can forcibly block light incident on the detection element 22 mounted on the front surface of the circuit board 21. In other words, when confirming the operation of the automatic blinker or the lighting of the lighting load, it is necessary to block external light incident from the lighting window 10a. Conventionally, an operator covers the lighting window with a light-blocking bag over the outer shell. Although the workability was not good because of the above, the movable part 11 for blocking external light coming from the lighting window 10a was integrally formed with the cover 4 as described above, It is not necessary to carry the bag, and the workability such as the above-described operation check can be improved.
[0024]
On both left and right sides of the back of the movable portion 11 of the cover 4, latching pieces 14 each having an outward claw 14 a at a tip thereof are projected rearward, and are provided on the left and right side walls in the lower storage chamber 7 of the body 2. The movable piece 11 is held in an open state (steady state) with respect to the main part 10 by the hook piece 14 being inserted into the hole 7c penetrating the main part 10 and being engaged with the claw 14a on the outer peripheral edge of the hole 7c. It is like. Further, a plurality of projections 10c are provided inside the side wall of the main part 10, and the cover 4 is attached to the daylighting cover 3 by fitting these projections 10c into grooves 3d provided on the side wall of the daylighting cover 3. In the steady state, the entire cover 4 except the lighting window 10a can cover the front surface of the lighting cover 3 so that light does not enter the detection element 22 from a portion other than the lighting window 10a. I have to.
[0025]
On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, at the center of the rear surface of the lighting cover 3, a protruding strip 15 whose front end is in contact with the isolation wall 5 is protruded rearward. A groove 15a is formed on the front side of the lighting cover 3 so as to be inserted into the light shielding piece 13 of the cover 4. Further, four driver insertion holes 3a into which a driver is inserted for operating terminal screws 34 (described later) of the terminal block 30 are provided in the lower part of the front surface of the lighting cover 3 facing the movable portion 11 of the cover 4 in the width direction. (Horizontal direction). Further, a rectangular fitting projection 3b that fits into the lighting window 10a of the cover 4 from the rear side protrudes from the front upper portion of the lighting cover 3 facing the main part 10 of the cover 4, and the lighting window 10a. When the movable portion 11 of the cover 4 is closed with respect to the main portion 10, the protruding portion 3 c inserted into the inside of the rectangular frame-shaped protruding portion 11 a is provided at the center of the front surface of the fitting protruding portion 3 b. It is protruding.
[0026]
Here, as shown in FIG. 6A, the portion below the groove 15a on the front surface of the daylighting cover 3 is grained, but the vicinity of the upper part of each of the driver insertion holes 3a is not grained but the back surface. A confirmation window 3e whose side is visible is provided. In addition, a concave portion, a so-called strip gauge 3f, is provided at a lower portion on one end side of the above-mentioned portion as a guide when stripping the coating of the electric wire. It should be noted that the back surface of the protruding portion 3c is similarly textured except for a circular portion facing the detection element 22 (see FIG. 7A).
[0027]
Next, the terminal block 30 will be described. As shown in FIG. 10, the terminal block 30 includes a total of four terminals 31 for each pair for an external power supply and a lighting load, and a housing 32 for housing the four terminals 31. The terminal 31 includes a terminal plate 33, a terminal screw 34, and a washer 35 made of a metal material such as brass. As shown in FIG. 13, the terminal plate 33 is provided with a terminal screw 34, holds the core of the electric wire between the terminal plate 34 and the washer 35, and has a contact piece 33 a that makes contact and conduct, and extends rearward from one end edge of the contact piece 33 a. The extended piece 33b and a connecting piece 33c formed by bending a metal piece narrower than the contact piece 33a and the extended piece 33b into a substantially S-shape are integrally formed.
[0028]
At the center of the contact piece 33a, a semi-elliptical terminal screw insertion groove 33d whose one end is opened to the side is formed. Further, on both sides of the terminal screw insertion groove 33d on the front surface of the contact piece 33a, a pair of terminal screw abuts on the terminal screw 34. Projection 33e is provided. At both ends on the back surface of the contact piece 33a, there are provided retaining portions 33f each having a knurled mesh formed by knurling. Further, at a boundary portion between the extension piece 33b near both ends where the retaining portion 33f is provided, a notch portion 33g for visually recognizing the core wire of the electric wire sandwiched between the contact piece 33a and the washer 35 is provided. Each is provided.
[0029]
Further, the connection piece 33c passes over the isolation wall 5 and advances to the upper storage chamber 6 of the body 2, and the protrusion 33h provided at the tip is inserted into the connection hole 21c formed at the lower end of the circuit board 21. It is connected to a conductive pattern formed around the connection hole 21b by solder or a conductive adhesive (see FIG. 14). Thus, the terminal plate 33 is electrically connected to the circuit block 20 at one end.
[0030]
On the other hand, the housing 32 is formed of a thermosetting resin having excellent flame retardancy and tracking resistance, for example, a molded product of a melamine phenol resin or a urea resin, and is substantially equally divided by three insulating walls 36 as shown in FIG. And four bosses 38a and 38b each having a wire insertion hole 39 formed therein. The terminal accommodating portion 37 is formed in an L-shaped cross section with the front surface and the upper surface open, and communicates with the wire insertion hole 39 on the bottom surface.
[0031]
As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, concave portions 37a are formed on the side surface and the rear surface of the terminal storage portion 37, respectively. The side edge of the contact piece 33a and the base end of the connecting piece 33c are formed in these concave portions 37a. The terminal plate 33 is temporarily fixed to the terminal storage portion 37 by being fitted respectively.
[0032]
Of the three bosses 38a and 38b, the central boss 38b has a substantially elliptical cross section and has two electric wire insertion holes 39 which are independent from each other and are arranged side by side. On the other hand, the bosses 38a on both sides are cylindrical with a substantially circular cross section, and one wire insertion hole 39 is formed inside. Here, electric wires for connecting one pole of the external power supply and one input terminal of the lighting load are inserted into the two electric wire insertion holes 39 provided in the central boss portion 38b. Since there is no need to insulate the two electric wires, two electric wire insertion holes 39 can be provided in one boss portion 38b in close proximity, and the housing 32 can be downsized by reducing the number of boss portions by one. It can be planned.
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 12, the wire insertion hole 39 has a diameter (inner diameter) not smaller than the diameter of the unstripped wire, and a large-diameter portion 39a provided on the inlet side, and the sheath is not stripped. A small-diameter portion 39b having a diameter (inner diameter) smaller than the diameter of the electric wire and larger than the diameter of the core wire of the electric wire, and provided on the back side (closer to the terminal storage portion 37) than the large-diameter portion 39a. At the boundary between the large diameter portion 39a and the small diameter portion 39b, there is formed a taper 39c whose inner diameter gradually decreases from the large diameter portion 39a toward the small diameter portion 39b.
[0034]
By the way, as shown in FIG. 11, a pair of fitting projections 40, each of which engages with the fitting claw 16a of the body 2, is provided between the bosses 38a, 38b at the rear end of the outer bottom surface of the housing 32. It is protruding. In addition, protrusions 41 are respectively provided on upper portions of both sides of the housing 32 so as to be fitted with fitting recesses 7 b formed on both sides of the lower storage chamber 7 of the body 2.
[0035]
Thus, the terminal block 33 in which the washer 35 is screwed to the end of the terminal screw 34 inserted into the terminal screw insertion groove 33d of the contact piece 33a is housed in the terminal housing portion 37 of the housing 32, and the terminal block 30 is assembled. . At this time, the connection piece 33c of the terminal plate 33 is led out of the housing 32 from the upper opening of the terminal storage portion 37 as described above. When the terminal block 30 thus assembled is inserted into the lower storage chamber 7 of the body 2 from the front, the fitting projection 40 projecting from the outer bottom surface of the housing 32 and the fitting piece 16 of the body 2 are connected. As a result, the inclined surface 40a formed on the back side of the fitting projection 40 and the inclined surface 16b of the fitting piece 16 slide and contact with each other, and the fitting piece 16 bends downward. The claws 16a get over the fitting projections 40, and the two are fitted into the concave and convex. At this time, the projections 41 projecting from the upper sides of both sides of the housing 32 are simultaneously fitted with the fitting recesses 7b formed on both sides of the lower storage chamber 7 of the body 2, respectively, so that a total of four projections and depressions are formed. In some cases, the terminal block 30 can be coupled to the body 2 while being stored in the lower storage chamber 7.
[0036]
As described above, in the present embodiment, if the housing 32 is arranged at a predetermined position (the lower storage chamber 7) of the body 2 when the terminal block 30 and the body 2 are connected, the engaging claw 16a, the fitting protrusion 40, and The housing 32 can be connected to the body 2 by the fitting means including the fitting recess 7b and the protrusion 41. That is, when connecting the terminal block 30 to the body 2, there is no need to use separate components such as screws and rivets, so that the number of components can be reduced and assemblability can be improved. When the terminal block 30 is connected to the body 2, the upper opening of the housing 32 is closed by a closing body 5 a protruding forward from the distal end of the isolation wall 5 of the body 2. Further, four grooves 5b are provided in parallel with the closing body 5a, and the connecting pieces 33c are fitted and supported in the respective grooves 5b.
[0037]
Next, an assembly procedure of the present embodiment will be briefly described.
[0038]
First, after the terminal block 30 is housed in the lower housing chamber 7 of the body 2 and connected by the above-described procedure, the circuit block 20 is housed in the upper housing chamber 6 of the body 2. That is, the surface on which the detection element 22 is mounted is set as the front surface, and the fitting holes 8a, 9a of the circuit board 21 are respectively formed in the fitting protrusions 8a, 9a at the tips of the support portions 8, 9 projecting into the upper storage chamber 6. The notch groove 21b is fitted, and the protrusion 33h provided at the tip of the connection piece 33c of the terminal plate 33 extending over the isolation wall 5 and protruding into the upper storage chamber 6 of the body 2 is attached to the circuit board 21. The protrusion 33h protruding from the connection hole 21b is inserted into the connection hole 21c formed at the lower end, and connected to the conductive pattern of the circuit board 21 with solder or a conductive adhesive (see FIG. 15).
[0039]
As described above, the lighting block 3 is attached to the front surface of the body 2 in which the circuit block 20 and the terminal block 30 are stored in the upper storage chamber 6 and the lower storage chamber 7, respectively. The daylighting cover 3 is joined to the body 2 by ultrasonic welding across (see FIG. 16). A plurality of projections 10c provided inside the side wall of the main portion 10 are fitted into grooves 3d provided on the side wall of the lighting cover 3, and are provided on both left and right sides of the rear surface of the movable portion 11 of the cover 4. The latching piece 14 is inserted into a hole 7c penetrating the left and right side walls of the lower storage chamber 7 of the body 2 and the claw 14a at the tip of the latching piece 14 is locked to the outer peripheral edge of the hole 7c, so that the movable portion 11 Is held in an open state (steady state) with respect to the main part 10, the cover 4 is attached to the lighting cover 3, and the assembly is completed (see FIGS. 2 and 3).
[0040]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, a substantially cylindrical mounting portion 42 is formed on the back surface of the body 2 so as to project rearward. By fixing the upper end of the mounting bracket 50 to a construction surface such as a wall surface, the automatic blinker of the present embodiment is installed at a predetermined place. A screw insertion hole 42a is provided in the center of the upper surface of the mounting portion 42, and a plurality of recesses 42b are arranged concentrically at substantially equal intervals around the screw insertion hole 42a (see FIG. 3). That is, the mounting bracket 50 is fixed to the mounting section 42 with the fixing screw 51 inserted into the screw insertion hole 42 a of the mounting section 42. A convex portion (not shown) that fits into the concave portion 42b is provided, and the mounting direction of the automatic blinker with respect to the mounting bracket 50 is made variable depending on which concave portion 42b the convex portion is fitted to, and the lighting window 10a is provided. The direction of the light incident on the detection element 22 through the light source can be adjusted.
[0041]
Next, the construction procedure of the present embodiment will be briefly described. An electric wire for connecting to an external power supply and a lighting load has, for example, a coating made of vinyl chloride. Therefore, first, the covering of the electric wire is stripped using a strip gauge 3f provided on the front surface of the movable portion 11 of the cover 4 so that the core wire of a predetermined length is exposed. Then, the movable portion 11 of the cover 4 is rotated so as to be lifted and held in a closed state with respect to the main portion 10 (see FIG. 4), and the stripped electric wire projects from the lower surface of the outer shell 1. , 38b into the wire insertion holes 39. At this time, the insertion amount of the electric wire can be confirmed through the confirmation window 3e provided at the lower part of the front surface of the lighting cover 3 exposed forward, and after confirming that the insertion amount is sufficient, the electric wire is inserted into the driver insertion hole 3a. When the terminal screw 34 is tightened by the inserted screwdriver and the core wire is sandwiched between the washer 35 and the contact piece 33a, the connection of the electric wire to the terminal 31 is completed. After connecting the electric wires to all the terminals 31 and checking the operation or the like in a state where the external light incident from the lighting window 10 a is blocked by the movable portion 11, the movable portion 11 of the cover 4 is opened with respect to the main portion 10. If it returns to a steady state, construction of this embodiment will be completed. That is, in the steady state, the driver insertion hole 3a is closed by the movable portion 11 of the cover 4, and the member for hiding the terminal 31 and the member for closing the lighting window 10a can be shared by the movable portion 11 of the cover 4.
[0042]
In the present embodiment, the terminal block 30 including the plurality of terminals 31 and the housing 32 accommodating the terminals 31 is formed separately from the outer shell 1, and the outer shell 1 is made of thermoplastic resin. By using a resin molded product, moldability, weather resistance, impact resistance, and the like can be satisfied as in the conventional case. At the same time, by forming the housing 32 of the terminal block 30 covering the terminals 31 from a thermosetting resin molded product having excellent heat resistance and tracking resistance, even if connection failure between the terminals 31 and the electric wires occurs for some reason, There is no possibility that a problem such as deformation of the housing 32 due to heat generation will occur, and it is possible to prevent a problem due to a poor connection of the electric wire without deteriorating the formability, weather resistance, impact resistance, etc. of the outer shell 1. Further, by providing bosses 38a, 38b protruding outside of the outer shape of the outer shell 1 in the housing 32 and forming the wire insertion holes 39 inside the bosses 38a, 38b, thermosetting properties excellent in flame retardancy can be obtained. Since the bosses 38a and 38b made of resin cover the periphery of the electric wire in the electric wire insertion hole 39, even if the electric wire coating is ignited by any cause, there is no danger that the outer shell 1 will be ignited and the safety will be improved. There is an advantage that the performance can be improved. Furthermore, since the bosses 38a and 38b are formed integrally with the housing 32 to prevent seams from being formed in the bosses 38a and 38b, the infiltration of rainwater into the housing 32 is suppressed, and the waterproofness is improved. . Since the bosses 38a, 38b project outward (downward) from the outer shape of the outer shell 1, the length of the wire insertion hole 39 formed in the bosses 38a, 38b must be sufficiently large. This also improves the waterproofness. In addition, since the insulating walls 36 that insulate the terminals 31 from each other in the terminal block 30 are formed integrally with the housing 32 by a thermosetting resin, the terminals 31 are insulated by the insulating walls 36 made of a thermosetting resin. By doing so, there is also an advantage that the tracking resistance can be improved.
[0043]
Further, in the present embodiment, the large-diameter portion 39a provided on the inlet side having a diameter not smaller than the diameter of the electric wire whose coating is not stripped, and the electric wire smaller than the diameter of the electric wire whose coating is not stripped and Since the wire insertion hole 39 is formed by the small-diameter portion 39b provided on the back side of the large-diameter portion 39a and having a diameter larger than the diameter of the core wire of the core wire, the covered wire is limited to the large-diameter portion 39a only. It cannot be inserted and cannot reach the small-diameter portion 39b and the terminal storage portion 37 behind it. Therefore, even if an arc is generated at the connection portion between the terminal 31 and the electric wire (core wire), it is possible to prevent the arc from igniting the coating of the electric wire, thereby improving safety.
[0044]
By the way, in the present embodiment, the electric wire is connected to the right side of the terminal screw 34 for the two left terminals 31 (power supply terminals) in FIG. 15, and the terminal screw 34 is connected for the two right terminals 31 (lighting load terminals). Since the electric wires are connected on the left side of the terminal block 30, the width of the terminal block 30 can be reduced by downsizing the terminal block 30 in combination with the two electric wire insertion holes 39 provided in the central boss portion 38b. The notch 33g that allows the core wire of the electric wire inserted from the electric wire insertion hole 39 to be visually recognized through the confirmation window 3e is provided on both sides of the terminal screw 34 in a direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 15) substantially orthogonal to the insertion direction of the electric wire. Therefore, the positional relationship between the terminal 31 and the electric wire insertion hole 39 can be set in two ways in accordance with the notch 33g. As a result, since the terminal plate 33 can be commonly used for the power supply terminal and the lighting load terminal 31 having different connection positions of the electric wires, there is an advantage that the cost can be reduced by reducing the number of parts.
[0045]
【The invention's effect】
The invention according to claim 1 comprises a circuit block for detecting ambient illuminance and turning on and off the power supply from an external power supply to the illumination load in accordance with the detected ambient illuminance to blink the illumination load, and a thermoplastic resin molded product. And a terminal block coupled to the outer shell for electrically connecting an external power supply and a lighting load to the circuit block. The terminal block is electrically connected to the circuit block and has one end connected to the external power supply or the lighting. A plurality of terminals for connecting the other ends of the electric wires connected to the load, and a plurality of terminal storage portions each formed of a thermosetting resin molded product and storing the plurality of terminals therein and communicating with the plurality of terminal storage portions. And a housing having a plurality of wire insertion holes into which the wires are respectively inserted, and a terminal comprising a plurality of terminals and a housing for accommodating the terminals. The lock is formed separately from the outer shell, and the outer shell is made of a molded thermoplastic resin, which satisfies moldability, weather resistance, impact resistance, etc. as before, and the terminal block housing that covers the terminals is heat resistant. In addition, when a thermosetting resin molded product with excellent tracking resistance is used, even if a connection failure between the terminal and the electric wire occurs for some reason, there is no danger of the housing being deformed due to heat generation. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems due to poor connection of the electric wires without reducing the properties, weather resistance, impact resistance, and the like.
[0046]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the terminal block housing according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein a boss protruding outward from the outer shape of the outer shell and having an inner wire insertion hole is provided in the housing of the terminal block. Since the housing that covers the periphery of the electric wire inside is made of thermosetting resin with excellent flame retardancy, even if the electric wire coating is ignited for any reason, there is no danger that the outer shell will burn, and safety will be improved. I can do it.
[0047]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the boss portion is formed integrally with the housing, and since the boss portion has no seam by being formed integrally with the housing, rainwater into the interior of the housing is formed. Can be suppressed, and the waterproofness can be improved.
[0048]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second or third aspect of the invention, the wire insertion hole has a diameter not smaller than the diameter of the wire whose coating is not peeled off, and a large-diameter portion provided on the inlet side. Characterized in that it has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the unstripped electric wire and a diameter larger than the diameter of the core wire of the electric wire, and a small diameter portion provided on the back side of the large diameter portion. The electric wire can be inserted only up to the large diameter part and cannot reach the small diameter part and the terminal storage part behind it, so even if an arc occurs at the connection part between the terminal and the electric wire (core wire), It is possible to prevent ignition of the covering of the electric wire, thereby improving safety.
[0049]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, an insulating wall for insulating a plurality of terminals from each other is formed integrally with the housing using a thermosetting resin. The insulation resistance between the terminals can be improved by the insulating wall made of a material, so that the tracking resistance can be improved.
[0050]
A sixth aspect of the present invention is the terminal screw according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the terminal screw is screwed to the terminal plate to connect the core wire of the electric wire to the terminal plate. And a notch that allows the core wire of the wire inserted through the wire insertion hole to be visible through the outer shell, on both sides of the terminal screw in a direction substantially orthogonal to the wire insertion direction. Then, it can be confirmed whether or not the core wire of the electric wire is sufficiently inserted through the cutout portion. Further, since the notch is provided on both sides of the terminal screw in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of insertion of the electric wire, it is possible to connect the core wire of the electric wire to the terminal plate on any side of the terminal screw, Further, the positional relationship between the terminal and the electric wire insertion hole can be set in two ways in accordance with the notch.
[0051]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, when the housing of the terminal block is arranged at a predetermined position on the outer shell, the fitting means engages and recesses with each other and connects the housing to the outer shell. In addition, when the housing is arranged at a predetermined position of the outer shell when the terminal block is connected to the outer shell, the housing can be connected to the outer shell by the fitting means. Can be improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of the present invention.
2 (a) is a front view, FIG. 2 (b) is a half sectional view seen from the left side, and FIG. 2 (c) is a bottom view.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the same.
FIG. 4 is a front view showing a state in which a movable part of the cover is closed with respect to a main part.
FIGS. 5A and 5B show the body in the above, wherein FIG. 5A is a front view and FIG.
6A and 6B show the daylighting cover in the above embodiment, wherein FIG. 6A is a front view and FIG. 6B is a left side view.
FIGS. 7A and 7B show the daylighting cover of the above, wherein FIG. 7A is a rear view and FIG.
FIGS. 8A and 8B show the cover in the above, wherein FIG. 8A is a front view and FIG. 8B is a left side view.
9A and 9B show the cover in the above, wherein FIG. 9A is a rear view and FIG. 9B is a left sectional view.
FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the terminal block in the above.
FIGS. 11A and 11B show a housing of the terminal block in the above, in which FIG. 11A is a half sectional view seen from the front, FIG. 11B is a bottom view, and FIG. 11C is a left side view.
FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a housing of the terminal block in the above.
FIGS. 13A and 13B show the terminal plate in the above, wherein FIG. 13A is a front view, FIG. 13B is a top side view, and FIG. 13C is a left side view.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the lighting device with the lighting cover and the cover removed.
FIG. 15 is a front view of the lighting device with the lighting cover and the cover removed.
FIG. 16 is a front view of the same device with the cover removed.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 outer shell
2 body
3 Daylight cover
4 Cover
20 circuit blocks
30 terminal block
31 terminal
32 housing

Claims

A circuit block that detects the ambient illuminance and turns on and off the power supply from an external power supply to the lighting load in accordance with the detected ambient illuminance, and a circuit block that blinks the lighting load and a housing that is made of a thermoplastic resin and houses the circuit block inside And a terminal block coupled to the outer shell and electrically connecting the external power supply and the lighting load to the circuit block, wherein the terminal block is electrically connected to the circuit block and has one end connected to the external power supply or the lighting load. A plurality of terminals for connecting the other ends, and a plurality of terminal storage portions made of a thermosetting resin molded product and each storing the plurality of terminals therein, and each of the wires is inserted in communication with the plurality of terminal storage portions. And a housing having a plurality of electric wire insertion holes formed therein.

2. The photoelectric automatic flasher according to claim 1, wherein a boss protruding outward from the outer shape of the outer shell and having a wire insertion hole formed therein is provided in the housing of the terminal block.

3. The photoelectric flasher according to claim 2, wherein the boss is formed integrally with the housing.

The wire insertion hole has a diameter that is not smaller than the diameter of the unstripped electric wire, and a large-diameter portion provided on the inlet side, and is smaller than the diameter of the unstripped electric wire, and The photoelectric automatic blinker according to claim 1, wherein the photoelectric automatic blinker comprises a small diameter portion having a diameter larger than the diameter and provided on a deeper side than the large diameter portion.

The photoelectric automatic flasher according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein an insulating wall for insulating each of the plurality of terminals is formed integrally with the housing using a thermosetting resin.

A terminal is composed of a terminal plate housed in a terminal housing portion of the housing and a terminal screw screwed into the terminal plate to connect a core wire of the electric wire to the terminal plate. The photoelectric automatic blinker according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein cutout portions that can be visually recognized through the terminal screw are provided on both sides of the terminal screw in a direction substantially orthogonal to the insertion direction of the electric wire.

7. A housing according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein when the housing of the terminal block is arranged at a predetermined position on the outer shell, fitting means for engaging and disengaging each other and connecting the housing to the outer shell are provided on the housing and the outer shell. The photoelectric type automatic flasher according to the above.