JP2007132692A - Signal converter - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide the signal converter which is easy in attaching and detaching a signal conversion module, and is small, and low cost. <P>SOLUTION: The signal conversion module 1 is fixed to a holding part 24 by engaging hooks 11b with the openings 30a and 30b. While, if hook adjusting parts 11a are pressed toward inside of a case 1a, the hooks 11b are forced into the case 1a and the hooks 11b are released from the engagement opening 30a and 30b. Then, the signal conversion module 1 can be removed from the holding part 24 by pulling up the signal conversion module 1 upward. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a signal converter, and in particular, is used mainly in the field of industrial measurement, and converts analog signals of various sensors such as thermocouples installed in the field into predetermined voltage or current signals, such as sequencers and computers. It is related with the signal converter output to the control apparatus.

  This type of signal converter is generally a signal conversion module for converting analog signals such as various sensors into predetermined voltage or current signals, an input terminal block on which input terminals for inputting analog signals are arranged, It is comprised from the attachment base which can attach a signal conversion module via a connector.

  A conventional signal converter is disclosed in Patent Document 1. This signal converter is shown in FIGS. When the signal conversion module 100 is attached to the attachment base 101, the male connector 102 provided on the signal conversion module 100 is inserted into the female connector 103 provided on the attachment base 101, and then penetrates the signal conversion module 100. The signal conversion module 100 is fixed to the mounting base 101 by a set screw 104. When removing the signal conversion module 100 from the mounting base 101, first, the set screw 104 is removed, and then the signal conversion module 100 is pulled up and pulled out from the mounting base 101.

Another conventional signal converter is disclosed in Patent Document 2. This signal converter is shown in FIG. When the signal conversion module 110 is attached to the attachment base 111, the signal conversion module 110 is inserted into the female connector 112 provided on the attachment base 111, and then the hook 113 provided on the attachment base 111 is attached to the signal conversion module. It is fixed by engaging with a mounting pad 114 provided in 110. When removing the signal conversion module 110 from the mounting base 111, the hook 113 is first removed, and then the signal conversion module 110 is pulled up and pulled out from the mounting base 111.
When converting a signal from a temperature sensor such as a thermocouple, the RJC sensor 115 for compensating the reference cold junction temperature is fixed to the input terminal 116 provided on the mounting base 111 and used. At this time, the RJC sensor 115 is fixed only to the mounting base 111, and in the state of FIG. 12 in which the signal conversion module 110 and the mounting base 111 are separated, the RJC sensor 115 and the signal conversion module 110 are completely separated. It becomes a state.

JP 2001-326038 A JP-A-8-166294

However, in the signal converter of Patent Document 1, when the signal conversion module 100 is attached to the attachment base 101 and removed from the attachment base 101, the signal conversion module 100 is attached after the set screw 104 is attached / detached. Since it is necessary to attach and detach the base 101 and at least two work steps are required, there is a problem that the work is complicated. In addition, a mounting screw is required, and there is a problem that the outer shape becomes large and the cost is high for mounting the component.
The signal converter of Patent Document 2 is simplified in that the signal conversion module 110 is attached to the attachment base 111 by engaging the hook 113 with the attachment pad 114, but the signal conversion module 110 is When removing from the mounting base 111, it is necessary to perform a work process of removing the hook 113 from the mounting pad 114 and then pulling out the signal conversion module 110 from the mounting base 111. There is a problem that the work is complicated.

  The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a signal converter in which the signal conversion module can be easily mounted and removed, the outer shape is small, and the cost is low.

In the signal converter having an input terminal for inputting an analog signal and having a plurality of signal conversion modules for converting the input analog signal into a predetermined voltage or current signal in the housing part, the housing part is The signal conversion module includes a hook that is elastically deformable and a hook adjustment unit that elastically deforms the hook, and the signal is generated when the hook engages with the engagement opening. When the conversion module is attached to the housing portion and the hook adjusting portion is pressurized from the outside to the inside of the signal conversion module, the hook is pushed into the signal conversion module to the inside. The signal conversion module is removed from the housing portion by being removed from the joint opening.
The plurality of signal conversion modules are arranged in a row adjacent to the accommodating portion, and each of the plurality of signal conversion modules has a first side surface and a second side surface facing each other adjacent to the adjacent signal conversion module. The first side surface is provided with a connecting projection having a tip-shaped shape, and the second side surface has a narrower opening on the second side surface than the inside. A groove is provided, and each of the plurality of signal conversion modules engages the connection protrusion with the connection groove of the adjacent signal conversion module, and connects the connection protrusion of the adjacent signal conversion module to the connection groove. By engaging, it may be connected to the adjacent signal conversion module.
The signal conversion module further includes an RJC sensor having a lead wire having one end connected to the signal conversion module and a sensor unit provided at the other end of the lead wire, and the signal conversion module is disposed in the housing unit. In the attached state, the lead wire is connected to the signal conversion module at a position 1 cm or more above the hook adjustment portion, and the lead wire is connected to the input terminal when the sensor portion is connected to the input terminal. You may adjust to the length which does not contact a hook adjustment part.

  According to this invention, when the hook is engaged with the engagement opening, the signal conversion module is attached to the accommodating portion, and the hook is pushed into the inside of the signal conversion module to be released from the engagement opening. Since the signal conversion module is removed from the accommodating portion, the signal conversion module can be easily attached and detached without performing the work of attaching or removing the set screw or the hook. Moreover, since parts such as mounting screws are not required, the outer shape can be reduced and the cost can be reduced.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Embodiment 1 FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the signal converter 10 includes a plurality of signal conversion modules 1 and a mounting base 2 to which the plurality of signal conversion modules 1 can be attached. The mounting base 2 is provided with an input terminal block 21 in which a plurality of input terminals 5 are arranged and an output adapter 22.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the rectangular parallelepiped resin case 1a of the signal conversion module 1 has an engaging means 11 for attaching the signal conversion module 1 to the accommodating portion 24 (see FIG. 3). It is provided on one surface 1a1. The engaging means 11 has a gentle inclined surface from one end connected to the surface 1a1, protrudes from the surface 1a1, and can be pushed toward the inside of the case 1a by the elasticity of the resin. And a hook 11b having one end connected to the other end of the hook adjusting portion 11a and the other end having a return shape. When the hook adjusting portion 11a is pressurized so that the hook adjusting portion 11a is pushed into the inside of the case 1a, the hook 11b is also pushed into the inside of the case 11b together with the hook adjusting portion 11a, and the pressure on the hook adjusting portion 11a is stopped. The hook 11b is elastically deformed so that the hook 11b returns to the original position together with the hook adjusting portion 11a. Although only one engaging means 11 is shown in FIG. 2, the engaging means 11 having the same structure is also provided on the surface 1a2 opposite to the surface 1a1 on which the illustrated engaging means 11 is provided. Is provided. Further, in the vicinity of the engaging means 11 on the surface 1a1, there is provided a convex portion 14 that protrudes from the surface 1a1 and extends in the longitudinal direction of the surface 1a1, and at one corner of the surfaces 1a1 and 1a2, the surfaces 1a1 and 1a2 are provided. Each of the recesses 13 is cut out along the outer edge. Further, a male connector 12 is provided on a surface 1a3 which is a lower surface when the signal conversion module 1 is attached to the attachment base 2.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the mounting base 2 includes a receiving portion 24 to which a plurality of signal conversion modules 1 are mounted adjacent to each other. The accommodating portion 24 is formed on the fixed wall 25 formed so as to surround the accommodating portion 24 along the outer edge of the accommodating portion 24, and the bottom surface 24 a of the portion surrounded by the fixed wall 25. A plurality of female connectors 29 into which the side connectors 12 are inserted are provided. As shown in FIG. 3 (b), the fixing wall 25 has engaging openings 30 a and 30 b that engage with the hook portion 11 b of the engaging means 11 on both sides in the longitudinal direction of each female connector 29. Each female connector 29 is provided so as to sandwich it. In addition, the fixed wall 25 is provided with ribs 26 and 27 that have a fitting relationship with the two concave portions 13 and a groove 28 that has a fitting relationship with the convex portion 14 when the signal conversion module 1 is attached. .

  As shown in FIG. 4, a printed circuit board 121 on which a signal conversion circuit (not shown) is mounted is stored in the case 1 a of the signal conversion module 1, and an external input / output circuit (not shown) is installed in the mounting base 2. Is stored. As shown in FIG. 5, in a state where the signal conversion module 1 is attached to the attachment base 2, the signal conversion is performed by connecting the male connector 12 of the signal conversion module 1 and the female connector 29 of the attachment base 2. The circuit and the external input / output circuit are electrically connected.

Next, a method for attaching the signal conversion module 1 to the housing portion 24 and a method for removing the signal conversion module 1 from the housing portion 24 will be described.
When the signal conversion module 1 is attached to the accommodating portion 24, the two concave portions 13 and one convex portion 14 of the signal converting module 1 are respectively connected to the ribs 26 and 27 of the attachment base 2 of the accommodating portion 24 and the groove 28. Insert according to the position. At this time, the hook 11b of the signal conversion module 1 is elastically deformed so as to be pushed into the inside of the case 1a by the pressure received from the fixed wall 25 at the time of insertion. As shown in FIG. 5, when the male connector 12 and the female connector 23 are completely connected, the hook 11b returns to the original position, so that the hook 11b is engaged with the engagement openings 30a and 30b. Match. As a result, the signal conversion module 1 is held in a state in which the signal conversion module 1 is prevented from being detached from the housing portion 24. That is, the signal conversion module 1 is attached to the housing portion 24 simply by pushing the signal conversion module 1 into the housing portion 24 so that the male connector 12 and the female connector 23 are connected.

  When the signal conversion module 1 is removed from the accommodating portion 24, the two hook adjusting portions 11a of the signal conversion module 1 are operated to be pressed and pressed into the case 1a to push the two hooks. 11b is elastically deformed so as to be pushed into the inside of the case 1a. Then, the hook 11b is detached from the engagement openings 30a and 30b, and the signal conversion module 1 is removed from the accommodating portion 24 by pulling the signal conversion module 1 upward in the state (FIG. 4). That is, the signal conversion module 1 is removed from the accommodating portion 24 simply by sandwiching the two hook adjustment portions 11a with fingers and pulling the signal conversion module 1 upward while pressing the hook adjustment portion 11a.

  Thus, the hook 11b engages with the engagement openings 30a and 30b, whereby the signal conversion module 1 is attached to the housing portion 24, and the hook adjustment portion 11a is directed from the outside to the inside of the case 1a. When the pressure is applied, the hook 11b is pushed into the inside of the case 1a and is disengaged from the engagement openings 30a and 30b, so that the signal conversion module 1 can be easily attached to the housing portion 24 and easily the housing portion 24. Can be removed from. Furthermore, since parts such as mounting screws are not required, the outer shape can be reduced and the cost can be reduced.

  In the first embodiment, it is described that the hook 11b is pushed into the inside of the case 1a. However, this does not mean that the hook 11b is pushed completely into the case 1a. May be pushed toward the inside of the case 1a to such an extent that it is disengaged from the engagement openings 30a and 30b.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
Next, a signal converter according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. In the following embodiments, the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 to 5 are the same or similar components, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.
The signal converter according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention is configured such that adjacent signal conversion modules are connected to Embodiment 1.
As shown in FIG. 6, the signal conversion module 40 has a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape on top of the first side surface 40a1, which is one of two surfaces in contact with an adjacent signal conversion module (not shown). A protrusion 46 is provided. The connecting protrusion 46 extends away from the first side surface 40a1 so as to have a shape that spreads out from the connection portion with the first side surface 40a1. The end face of the connecting projection 46 is chamfered. A connection groove 47 for receiving the connection protrusion 46 of the other signal conversion module 40 is provided on the upper portion of the second side surface 40a2 which is the other surface. The cross section of the connection groove 47 is trapezoid like the cross section of the connection protrusion 46, and the opening 47a on the second side surface 40a2 is narrower than the inside. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, when attaching the plurality of signal conversion modules 40 to the accommodating portion 24, the connection protrusion 46 is engaged with the connection groove 47 of the adjacent signal conversion module 40. Here, since the end face of the connection protrusion 46 is chamfered, the connection protrusion 46 can be engaged with the connection groove 47 with a relatively weak pressure. Therefore, since a special operation for connecting to the adjacent signal module 40 is not necessary, the operation when the signal conversion module 40 is attached to the accommodating portion 24 is not complicated. Thereby, the signal conversion modules 40 attached to the accommodating portion 24 are connected to each other as shown in FIG. In FIG. 7, only three adjacent signal conversion modules 40 are shown.

As described above, since the adjacent signal conversion modules 40 are connected by the connection protrusions 46 and the connection grooves 47, it is possible to make the structure more robust against vibration and the like.
Further, when the signal conversion module 40 is attached to the accommodating portion 24, if the attachment is insufficient, the adjacent signal conversion modules 40 cannot be completely connected to each other, so that an incomplete attachment error can be prevented. it can.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
In the signal converter according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the signal conversion module further includes an RJC sensor as compared with the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 8, the signal conversion module 50 includes an RJC sensor 53 having a lead wire 51 having one end connected to the signal conversion module 50 and a sensor unit 52 connected to the other end of the lead wire 51. ing. The sensor unit 52 includes a temperature sensor unit 52 a in which a temperature sensor (not shown) is stored, and a round hole terminal 52 b that can be fastened to the input terminal 5. In addition, the lead wire 51 is fixed in a state where it is electrically connected to a printed circuit board 121 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) on which a signal conversion circuit (not shown) of the signal conversion module 50 is mounted. One end of the lead wire 51 is connected to the signal conversion module 50 at a position 1 cm or more above the hook adjustment portion 11a, and the lead wire 51 is hooked in a state where the round hole terminal 52b is tightened to the input terminal 5 with a screw (FIG. 9). The lead wire 51 is set to have an appropriate length so as not to contact the adjusting portion 11a. As a result, a sufficient space for inserting a finger is ensured between the hook adjusting portion 11a and the lead wire 51, and this may interfere with operation when the hook adjusting portion 11a of the signal conversion module 50 is sandwiched between fingers. It can be avoided.

  The signal conversion module 50 is calibrated by operating the calibration trimmer 15 (see FIG. 1) mounted on the upper surface of the signal conversion module 50 in the state shown in FIG. At this time, the signal conversion circuit (not shown) of the signal conversion module 50 and the RJC sensor 53 are calibrated as a pair, and the signal conversion module 50 and the RJC sensor 53 are not separated even when installed at the customer after shipment. Thereby, it can install in the same conditions as the calibration conditions at the time of shipment, and the error which arises when the combination of the signal conversion module 50 and the RJC sensor 53 differs at the time of wiring work can be prevented.

1 is a perspective view of a signal converter according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 3 is a perspective view of a signal conversion module attached to the signal converter according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is the perspective view and top view of the attachment base of the signal converter which concern on Embodiment 1. FIG. In the signal converter which concerns on Embodiment 1, it is a sectional side view which shows the state which the signal conversion module and the attachment base isolate | separated. In the signal converter which concerns on Embodiment 1, it is a sectional side view which shows the state which connected the signal conversion module to the attachment base. It is a perspective view of the signal conversion module attached to the signal converter concerning Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a top view which shows the state which connected the several signal conversion module attached to the signal converter which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a side view of the signal conversion module attached to the signal converter which concerns on Embodiment 3. In the signal converter concerning Embodiment 3, it is a side view which shows the state which connected the signal conversion module to the attachment base. It is a perspective view of the conventional signal converter. It is a bottom view of the signal conversion module attached to the conventional signal converter. It is a perspective view of another conventional signal converter.

Explanation of symbols

  1, 40, 50 Signal conversion module, 2 mounting base, 5 input terminal, 10 signal converter, 11a hook adjusting portion, 11b hook, 24 accommodating portion, 25 fixing wall, 30a, 30b engagement opening, 40a1 first Side surface, 40a2 2nd side surface, 46 Connection protrusion, 47 Connection groove, Front of 47a (connection groove), 51 Lead wire, 52 Sensor part, 53 RJC sensor.

Claims (3)

In a signal converter having an input terminal for inputting an analog signal and having a plurality of signal conversion modules for converting the input analog signal into a predetermined voltage or current signal in the housing portion,
The housing includes an engagement opening;
The signal conversion module includes:
An elastically deformable hook;
A hook adjusting portion for elastically deforming the hook,
When the hook engages with the engagement opening, the signal conversion module is attached to the housing portion,
When the hook adjusting unit is pressurized from the outside to the inside of the signal conversion module, the hook is pushed into the signal conversion module to be released from the engagement opening, thereby A signal converter, wherein a conversion module is removed from the housing portion. The plurality of signal conversion modules are arranged in a row adjacent to the housing portion,
Each of the plurality of signal conversion modules has a first side surface and a second side surface facing each other adjacent to the adjacent signal conversion module;
The first side surface is provided with a connecting protrusion having a shape whose tip is divergent,
The second side surface is provided with a connecting groove having a narrower opening on the second side surface than the inside,
Each of the plurality of signal conversion modules has the connection protrusion engaged with the connection groove of the adjacent signal conversion module, and the connection groove of the adjacent signal conversion module is engaged with the connection groove. The signal converter according to claim 1, wherein the signal converter is connected to an adjacent signal conversion module. The signal conversion module includes:
A lead wire having one end connected to the signal conversion module;
An RJC sensor having a sensor part provided at the other end of the lead wire;
In a state where the signal conversion module is attached to the housing portion, the lead wire is
While being connected to the signal conversion module at a position 1 cm or more above the hook adjustment unit,
The signal converter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the sensor unit is connected to the input terminal, the lead wire is adjusted to a length that does not contact the hook adjusting unit.

Images