JP2011003402A - Connector module - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a connector module in which distribution of a large current is carried out on a wiring board having a small board size.SOLUTION: The connector module includes: the wiring board 3 in which an input wiring pattern, and nine pieces of output wiring patterns conducted to this input wiring pattern are respectively formed on one main face; a connector 33 on the power supply side connected to an input wiring pattern of this wiring substrate 3 and the power supply 14; nine loads 15 to 23 to which a current is distributed from the power source 14 via this power supply side connector 33; two load side connectors 34, 35 which are respectively connected to the output wiring patterns of the wiring board 3; and a plurality numbers of leads 12 to which each one end is connected to the load side connectors 34, 35 and the power supply side connector 33 respectively. While respective other ends of these leads 12 are extended toward a direction opposite to the main face of the wiring board 3, the power supply side connector 33 and the load side connectors 34, 35 are arranged on this wiring board 3.

Description

  The present invention relates to a connector module.

  The terminal block is connected to a plurality of power sources having a large power capacity and a plurality of loads, and relays power from each power source via a plurality of power lines to distribute the power to each load. The terminals of the terminal block are connected to a plurality of loads by branching one power supply line. A screw terminal type is known as a terminal block.

  FIG. 6 is a side view of a terminal board including a conventional screw terminal block. FIG. 7 is a view of the terminal block of FIG. 6 as viewed from above. In these drawings, the same reference numerals represent the same elements. The terminal board 60 includes a casing 61 of the apparatus, and an insulating terminal block 63 having both ends fixed by screws 62 on the casing 61. The casing 61 is provided with a load circuit on which circuit elements, devices, and the like are mounted. The upper surface of the terminal block 63 is provided with a plurality of recesses aligned along the longitudinal direction, and a terminal screw 64 is screwed into a screw hole formed in the bottom of each recess. When each terminal screw 64 is turned by a driver, these terminal screws 64 are tightened so that the lead 65 for external connection is sandwiched between the lower surface of the screw head of each terminal screw 64 and the peripheral portion of each screw hole. It has become.

  Electric power from two input power sources 66 and 67 is supplied to the terminal block 63 via two leads 65. The two leads 65 are supply and return wires, respectively. Between some adjacent terminal screws 64, a crossover wiring 70 for connecting these terminal screws 64 to each other is provided. The terminal block 63 distributes power from the input power supply 66 into two, and distributes power from the input power supply 67 into four.

  Instead of the crossover wiring 70, power may be distributed using a bus bar obtained by punching a metal plate. FIG. 8 is a view of another screw-type terminal block as viewed from above. A bus bar 75 is electrically connected between some terminal screws 64. Each bus bar 75 divides the input power into two, and the terminal block 63 distributes the input power into four. In this power distribution method, by connecting a wire such as a thick lead 65 to the terminal block 63 and screwing it, a power supply line through which a large current flows is connected between the upstream and downstream on the power distribution path.

  As for a wiring method in a signal system circuit, an example in which a signal is distributed by mounting a connector on a mother board is conventionally known. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a connector module that is mounted on a motherboard and connects between a cable-side connector and the motherboard. In Patent Document 2, when devices such as image processing apparatuses having different connector shapes and electrical standards are connected, a connection interface that facilitates extraction of signals and connection between devices for various connectors and electrical standards A device has been proposed.

JP 2007-95648 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-6479

  However, in the power line wiring system using the terminal board 60, mounting the terminal board 60 requires a large space due to the volume occupied by the terminal block 63. In order to obtain the insulation of the terminal block 63, it is necessary to ensure a large pitch between the recesses into which the terminal screws 64 are inserted. A large space is required around the terminal block 63 on the installation surface of the housing 61. Since the screwdriver that turns the terminal screw 64 and the screw 62 is swung in a state of being perpendicular to the surface of the terminal block 63, it is necessary to secure a space for the driver in a predetermined distance range above the surface of the terminal block 63. . Even when the transition wiring 70 is provided, a work space for applying the transition wiring 70 is required, and a space for the driver is also required.

  Further, in the screw-type terminal block 63, an operation of tightening the terminal screw 64 and the screw 62 is required. Since the leads 65 are not entangled and each lead 65 is caulked and fixed to the terminal block 63 with screws, the workability is not excellent. The terminal block 63 cannot be easily detached.

  When a plurality of large-capacity currents are distributed using the wiring methods described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 described above, it is necessary to use a connector for large currents like the terminal block 63, and the size of this connector is large. . Since the connector is provided perpendicular to the connection receiving surface on the motherboard and the area of the standing board on which a plurality of connectors are fitted must be increased, it is necessary to use a signal system wiring device. It is difficult to mount a wiring space for realizing current distribution in a small space.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a connector module that can distribute a large current on a wiring board having a small board size.

  In order to solve such a problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, an input wiring pattern and a wiring board in which a plurality of output wiring patterns that are respectively conductive with the input wiring pattern are formed on at least one main surface The input wiring pattern of the wiring board and a power supply side connector connected to the power supply, a plurality of loads to which current supplied from the power supply is distributed via the power supply side connector, and the wiring board A plurality of load-side connectors each connected to the output wiring pattern, and a plurality of leads each having one end connected to each of the load-side connector and the power-side connector, and each of these leads With the other end extending in the direction opposite to the main surface of the wiring board, the power supply side connector and the plurality of load side connectors are connected to the wiring board. Connector module, characterized in that disposed on the plates is provided.

  According to the present invention, since it is possible to increase the pattern width of the wiring pattern, increase the pattern thickness, and shorten the wiring pattern length, respectively, it is possible to reduce the size of the wiring board. The current can be distributed on a wiring board having a small board size.

It is a top view of the connector module concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is a side view of the connector module seen from the one direction side of FIG. It is a fragmentary sectional view of a wiring board. It is a figure which shows an example of the power supply wiring pattern containing the input wiring pattern and output wiring pattern which were formed in the surface of a wiring board. It is a figure which shows the example of terminal arrangement | positioning of a plug housing. It is a side view of the terminal board containing the conventional screwing type terminal block. It is the figure which looked at the terminal block of FIG. 6 from upper direction. It is the figure which looked at the other conventional terminal block of a screwing type from the upper part.

  Hereinafter, a connector module according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. In the drawings, the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  FIG. 1 is a top view of the connector module according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view of the connector module viewed from the arrow A side in FIG. The connector module 1 includes a printed wiring board 3 (wiring board) having a power wiring pattern 2 formed on both front and back surfaces, and three insulating plug housings 4, 5 and 7 provided on the printed wiring board 3, respectively. The plug housing 6 is provided on the surface of the printed wiring board 3 opposite to the surface on which the plug housing 4 is provided, and a plurality of contact terminals (not shown) inserted into the chambers of the plug housings 4 to 7. . Insulating jack housings 8 to 11, which are mating mates, are fitted to the plug housings 4 to 7, respectively. Contact terminals (not shown) are accommodated in the chambers of the jack housings 8 to 11, and the ends of the leads 12 connected to the contact terminals are also inserted into these chambers.

  A cathode of a diode 13 for preventing a backflow of current is connected to a lead end opposite to the printed wiring board 3 among both ends of the lead 12. An AC / DC power source 14 as a power source for supplying an alternating current or a direct current is connected to the anode side of the diode 13. Four load circuits 15 to 18 (loads) are connected to the jack housing 11, and five load circuits 19 to 23 are connected to the jack housing 9. These load circuits 15 to 23 are all circuit elements, ICs or devices mounted on the circuit board. A battery 24 as an auxiliary power source is connected to the jack housing 10 via a diode 12. The battery 24 is used by being switched by a hardware switch when the AC / DC power supply 14 is at rest.

  The printed wiring board 3 is screwed onto a surface of a housing 25 such as an existing structure or device by a screw 26, and after being assembled, it is fixed without being removed. A circuit board and equipment are accommodated in the housing 25.

  FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the printed wiring board 3. The printed wiring board 3 is formed by laminating a conductor layer 3a and an insulating layer 3b, and a metal foil such as a copper foil is provided on the surfaces of the outermost insulating layers on both sides, and the power supply wiring pattern 2, 27 is formed. The power supply wiring patterns 2 and 27 are via-connected by a plurality of through holes 28 (only one is shown) penetrating both the front and back surfaces of the printed wiring board 3. A conductor is attached to the inner wall surface of each through hole 28.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the power supply wiring pattern 2 formed on the surface of the printed wiring board 3. In the figure, elements having the same reference numerals as those described above represent the same elements. The power supply wiring pattern 2 includes a power supply pattern portion 29 (input wiring pattern) connected to the AC / DC power supply 14 via each contact terminal, and nine loads each connected to each of the load circuits 15-23. The pattern part 30 for output (output wiring pattern), the ground pattern part 31, and the battery side pattern part 32 connected to the battery 24 are included. These load pattern portion 30, ground pattern portion 31, and battery side pattern portion 32 are each connected to a through hole 28.

  The pattern width and the copper foil thickness of each of the power pattern portion 29, the load pattern portion 30, and the battery side pattern portion 32 are such that when a large current flows, these pattern portions are destroyed by an excessive energizing current. The width and thickness are such that they do not reach. These pattern widths and copper foil thicknesses are selected to such an extent that they have a withstand current strength that is not destroyed with respect to the power capacity of the power source and the value of the current flowing into the load circuits 15-23. The values of the pattern width and thickness are determined in advance according to, for example, the rated current value of the circuit components of the load circuits 15 to 23 and the sum of the current consumption values and ripples. For example, by determining the required pattern width in consideration of the possibility that a current of 5 amperes will flow, or by determining the copper foil thickness to such an extent that it will not be destroyed even if a current of 10 amperes flows, the pattern width and copper The value of the foil thickness is determined. In the connector module 1, the pattern width has a necessary thickness, and the power source and the load are wired with the shortest distance.

  The plug housings 4, 5, 7 in FIGS. 1 and 2 are disposed on the main surface of the first layer of the printed wiring board 3, and the openings are directed upward in the drawings. The plug housing 6 is disposed on the main surface on the opposite side of the printed wiring board 3 and has an opening on the right side of the figure. The plug housings 4, 5, 6, and 7 have locking protrusions (not shown). Each locking projection has a shape in which the tip is folded back in a letter shape. Each locking projection penetrates a locking hole (not shown) drilled in the printed wiring board 3 and each tip is hooked to the substrate surface at the periphery of each locking hole, so that these plug housings 4 to 7 Are fixed to the upper and lower main surfaces of the printed wiring board 3.

  Each of the plug housings 4, 5, 6, and 7 has a plurality of compartments inside. Several to tens of chambers are formed. The contact terminals of these plug housings 4 to 7 have a contact portion connected to the mating contact at one end and a conductor leg portion connected to the pattern foil at the other end. For example, when the tip of the contact portion is cut by a plane orthogonal to the fitting direction, the tip of the contact portion is shaped so as to be circular. In the connector module 1, a required number of contact terminals among a plurality of contact terminals are combined to increase the withstand current value.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of terminal arrangement of the plug housing 4. For example, an example in which the number of terminals is nine is shown. Of the nine contact terminals each having a rated current of 1 ampere, two groups of three are electrically connected within the housing. For example, the contact terminals 1, 2, and 5 are connected in advance as power supply terminals, and the contact terminals 3, 7, and 8 are connected in advance as return terminals independently of this connection. The withstand current value of the plug housing 4 is increased from 1 ampere to 3 amperes. Similar to the example of the plug housing 4, the contact terminals in the plug housings 5 to 7 also have a desired number of contact terminals such as three each in the housing so that a large withstand current value can be secured when energized. Connected.

  On the other hand, the jack housings 8 to 11 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 have a chamber having one end opened. A thin metal plate that is bent is used for the contact terminals accommodated in these chambers. Each contact terminal is accommodated in each chamber in a predetermined interval. In the jack housing 11, two groups of contact terminals are electrically connected in the housing. Similarly to the example of the jack housing 11, the required number of contact terminals are electrically connected to each other in the housings of the jack housings 9 to 14, so that the withstand current value is increased. One external connection lead 12 is connected to one contact terminal group electrically connected. Electrically independent contact terminals are connected to one lead 12 at a time.

  The plug housings 4 to 7 and the jack housings 8 to 11 are fitted so that they can be easily attached and detached. When the plug housings 4, 5, 7 and the jack housings 11, 12, 14 are respectively fitted, the three housing pairs stand up with respect to the board surface. In this standing state, each lead 12 is held in a flying state at a predetermined distance from the substrate surface. The flying state refers to a state in which the wire is lifted in a direction substantially orthogonal to the substrate surface.

  An operation example when the connector module according to the present embodiment having such a configuration is used as a power supply circuit will be described. In the connector module 1, as an example, the load circuits 15 to 23 connected to the power supply circuit are constituted by a DC / DC converter for supplying various devices (not shown) and circuit elements for the DC / DC converter. The connector module 1 (FIG. 1 etc.) as a power supply circuit can receive power from both the AC / DC power supply 14 and the battery 24 and distributes power to a plurality of DC / DC converters by the power supply wiring pattern 2. The connector module 1 functions as a power distribution circuit that relays power between the AC / DC power supply 14, the battery 24, and a plurality of DC / DC converters.

  Since the board size of the printed wiring board 3 is determined according to the pattern width required for the current value when energized, a function for distributing a large current is packed on the board surface of the minimum size. A large current distribution function is mounted in a small area of the installation surface of the printed wiring board 3 on the housing 25. Most of the area occupied by the connector module 1 on the housing 9 is occupied by the board size of the printed wiring board 3. Distribution of a large current can be realized easily and reliably because it is modularized in a small area.

  Further, the connector module 1 realizes four connector functions. The plug housing 4, jack housing 8, lead 12 and contact terminal function together as an input connector 33 (power supply side connector). The input connector 33 is brought into a flying state with respect to the substrate surface.

  In a normal operation in which the AC / DC power supply 14 is operated as a power supply, the connector module 1 draws an AC output or a DC output from the AC / DC power supply 14 having a large current value in this state. The plug housing 5, jack housing 9, lead 12 and contact terminal collectively function as an output connector 34 (load side connector), and this output connector 34 distributes current to each of the load circuits 19 to 23. The plug housing 7, jack housing 11, lead 12 and contact terminal jointly function as an output connector 35 (load side connector), and this output connector 35 distributes current to each of the load circuits 15 to 18.

  When an abnormality occurs or during inspection, the hardware switch disconnects the AC / DC power supply 14 from the lead 12 and connects the lead 12 to the battery 24. The plug housing 6, jack housing 10, lead 12 and contact terminal function together as an input connector 36. The input connector 36 draws AC output or DC output from the battery 24 into the connector module 1. The output connectors 34 and 35 distribute current to the load circuits 15 to 23. Since the input connectors 33 and 36 are mounted on the substrate relative to each other, and the output connectors 34 and 35 are mounted between the input connectors 33 and 36, the drop voltage can be kept low. Since the plug housings 4 to 8 are mounted on the upper and lower surfaces of the printed wiring board 3, the power distribution function can be realized with the shortest distance. In particular, the pins of the connector are arranged so that the terminals are arranged in parallel, so that the pattern distance can be shortened and the pattern area can be increased. According to the experiment of the present inventor, wiring drop and heat generation can be minimized.

  In the large current distribution method using the conventional example, the area where the terminal board is installed on the housing surface is the area occupied by the screw-type terminal block, and the plurality of screw terminals of the terminal block are connected to the power supply side and the load. And a region where a large number of leads extending to the side are concentrated. When the housing surface is horizontal, a large number of leads are spread horizontally. That is, the screw-type terminal block requires a large space around the connection point of each terminal. A large space around the terminal block is required on the device housing to which the terminal board is attached. It is necessary to secure an insulation space to fix the terminal block. In addition, a gap is also required in the direction orthogonal to the housing surface. Since a space for putting hands in work is required, it is difficult to realize distribution of a large current in a small space in each of the housing surface and the direction orthogonal to the housing surface.

  On the other hand, in the connector module 1, the power distribution function can be mounted in a small space on the surface of the housing 25 and in the direction orthogonal to the surface of the housing 25. There are no restrictions. The connector function is realized by a pair of plug housing and jack housing without fixing the lead to the terminal block with the terminal screws required in the conventional example, so the driver is used standing on the board surface. Is eliminated, and there is no need to secure a gap of a predetermined distance from the substrate surface. There is no need to create a crossover wiring.

  Furthermore, since the four pairs of plug housings 4 to 7 and jack housings 8 to 11 can be easily attached and detached, workability can be greatly improved. In the conventional example, since the wiring is soldered or screwed, it is necessary to process the end of the wiring at the connection point, and it is necessary to process the extra length of the wiring material. Assembling can be completed simply by installing the printed wiring board 3 and inserting the housings, thereby improving work efficiency.

  Further, in the connector module 1, it is possible to easily increase the number of power supplies and batteries on the input side or add a load circuit. The current consumption of the distribution system is anticipated according to the number of power supplies and load circuits connected to the connector module 1, and the width of the wiring pattern and the thickness of the copper foil are determined according to the estimated current value. As a result, a current having a magnitude corresponding to the rated current of each load and power supply flows through the board having the minimum size, and a printed wiring board 3 having an appropriate pattern width can be prepared. It becomes possible.

  Further, the input connectors 33 and 36 and the output connectors 34 and 35 are fixed to the housing 25, and the lead 12 is connected to the substrate surface in a flying state with respect to the input connectors 33 and 36 and the output connectors 34 and 35. ing. Since the input connectors 33 and 36 on the receiving side and the output connectors 34 and 35 are fixed, the lead 12 side in the flying state can be connected relatively easily in a space narrower than a space required for inserting a driver. . Even when the space between the board surface of the printed wiring board 3 and the device, building surface, wall surface or ceiling surface facing the board surface is sandwiched, these jack housings 8 to 11 are connected to the housings 4 to 4. Therefore, the connector module 1 can be attached to the apparatus or the building relatively easily without using a driver. Even if an attempt is made to reduce the space for inserting the driver, the size can be reduced to a certain extent, but the power distribution system cannot be built in a space narrower than a space where only a hand can be inserted. The connector module 1 is free from the restriction of securing a space for inserting a hand.

  The input connectors 33 and 36 and the output connectors 34 and 35 are mounted by being connected to the upper and lower surfaces and the inner layer of the printed wiring board 3 according to the circuit pattern as shown in FIG. become able to. For example, by performing pin assignment as shown in FIG. 5, the contact terminals grouped together are arranged in parallel, and on the printed circuit board 3, among the circuit patterns toward the load circuit, the distance between adjacent patterns is shortened. And the pattern area can be increased. Therefore, wiring drop and heat generation can be minimized.

  When the connector module 1 is compared with a power distribution system such as a signal distribution system or a bus bar, the signal distribution system receives a signal with a small current value and distributes the signal through the motherboard. Can not. In a power distribution system using a bus bar or the like, an increase in size cannot be avoided due to high power distribution. On the other hand, in the connector module 1, the details of the pattern foil can be determined according to the current consumption value when the circuit elements on the circuit board connected to the printed wiring board 3 are energized. The optimal size of the printed wiring board 3 can be determined according to the power capacity. A compact connector module 1 can be obtained as a circuit dedicated to power distribution.

  As described above, according to the connector module according to the present embodiment, the power distribution function equivalent to the function of the conventional example can be realized using the minimum space, and the small input connectors 33 and 36 and the output connectors 34 and 35 can be realized. Can be used in a space-saving and easy connection. It is possible to increase the pattern width of the wiring pattern, increase the pattern thickness, and shorten the length of the wiring pattern, thereby reducing the size of the wiring board. This can be performed on a wiring board having a small board size. A large current can be distributed in a small space. Human operability is also improved, and voltage drops due to large currents are kept low.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage.

  In the above embodiment, the jack housing and the plug housing are used for the housings on the AC / DC power supply 14 side and the printed wiring board 3 side, respectively, but the plug housings on the AC / DC power supply 14 side and the printed wiring board 3 side, respectively. A jack housing may be used. The same applies to the battery 25. The contact terminal arrangement can be changed, and a housing having a desired number of terminals may be used. Of the total number of terminals, the number of contact terminals collectively can be variously changed. The wiring pattern can be changed variously. It is also possible to supply power from any layer of the multilayer and to distribute power from any layer.

  Further, since the connector module according to the embodiment of the present invention has a board-mounted connector, circuit elements necessary for a power supply line such as a monitor terminal, an OR circuit of an input diode, and a fuse can be mounted on the board. Furthermore, the number of inputs can be increased, the number of outputs can be increased, and the distribution number can be changed. As a connection method for mounting the connector, a method other than the housing may be used. The two diodes 13 for preventing current backflow may be provided on the printed wiring board 3 side. The superiority of the present invention is not spoiled at all for the invention carried out by making these changes.

  In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Connector module, 2,27 ... Power supply wiring pattern, 3 ... Printed wiring board (wiring board), 3a ... Conductor layer, 3b ... Insulating layer, 4-7 ... Plug housing, 8-11 ... Jack housing, 12 ... Lead , 13 ... Diode, 14 ... AC / DC power supply (power supply), 15-23 ... Load circuit (load), 24 ... Battery, 25 ... Housing, 26 ... Screw, 28 ... Through hole, 29 ... Power supply pattern section ( Input wiring pattern), 30... Load pattern section (output wiring pattern), 31... Ground pattern section, 32... Battery side pattern section, 33... Input connector (power supply side connector), 34 and 35. ), 36: Input connector.

Claims (5)

An input wiring pattern, and a wiring board formed on at least one main surface with a plurality of systems of output wiring patterns each conducting with the input wiring pattern;
The input wiring pattern of this wiring board, and a power supply side connector connected to a power supply,
A plurality of loads to which a current supplied from the power source is distributed via the power source side connector, and a plurality of load side connectors each connected to the output wiring pattern of the wiring board;
These load side connectors, and a plurality of leads each connected to one end of each of the power supply side connectors,
The power supply side connector and the plurality of load side connectors are arranged on the wiring board with the other ends of the leads extending in a direction opposite to the main surface of the wiring board. Connector module.   2. The connector module according to claim 1, wherein the current rating of the input wiring pattern of the wiring board and the current rating of the output wiring patterns of the plurality of systems are determined based on an energization current value.   3. The connector module according to claim 2, wherein the pattern width and pattern thickness of the input wiring pattern and the pattern width and pattern thickness of the output wiring pattern are each determined based on the energization current value.   The wiring board is formed by laminating a conductor layer and an insulating layer, and the input wiring pattern and the output wiring pattern are formed by a metal foil provided on the surface of the outermost insulating layer on both sides. Item 1. The connector module according to Item 1.   The input wiring pattern and the output wiring patterns of the plurality of systems are characterized in that the input wiring pattern and the output wiring pattern are conductively connected between the plurality of load side connectors and the power source side connector at the shortest distance. The connector module according to claim 1.

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