JP2020167017A - Connection structure of electric equipment unit and electric equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide connection structure of an electric equipment unit of which the cost can be reduced and which enables the electric equipment unit to be easily recombined after connection.SOLUTION: Terminal blocks (electric equipment units) 4 and 4' have wall portions 41, one wall surface 41A of the wall portion 41 has an engaging hook (engaging portion) 42, and the other wall surface 41B has an engaging hole (engaged portion) 44 corresponding to the engaging hook 42. The engaging hole 44 of one terminal block 4 allows the engaging hook 42 of the other terminal block 4' to enter and rotate, such that the engaging hook 42 engages with the engaging hole 44.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

The present invention relates to a connection structure for connecting electrical equipment units such as a terminal block, a breaker, a circuit protector, a relay, a relay socket, and a power supply to each other, and more particularly to an improvement of the structure.

Conventionally, as a connecting structure for connecting terminal blocks to each other, a screwing method for connecting using screws and nuts and a press-fitting method for press-fitting a convex portion into a concave portion are used. In the screwing method, as shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-340142, a screw for inserting a through hole formed in a terminal block is prepared, and a plurality of terminal blocks are arranged side by side in each through hole of each terminal block. The screw is inserted and a nut is attached to the tip of the screw and tightened so that the terminal blocks are connected to each other (see FIG. 13 and paragraph [0007] of the same publication). Further, in the press-fitting method, as shown in the above-mentioned publication, a convex portion is provided on one side of the terminal block and a concave portion is provided on the other side, and a plurality of terminal blocks are arranged side by side to form the convex portion of one terminal block. By press-fitting into the recess of the other terminal block adjacent to this, the terminal blocks are connected to each other (see FIG. 14 and paragraph [0008] of the same publication).

However, in the connection structure by the screwing method, when the number of poles of the terminal block increases or decreases, the length of the screw used changes accordingly. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare screws having a length corresponding to the number of poles of the terminal block each time. If we try to stock screws according to the number of poles in advance, management costs will be incurred, leading to cost increase. Further, in the connection structure by the press-fitting method, in order to completely press-fit the convex portion into the concave portion, a dedicated jig, device, or tool is generally required. Further, in the press-fitting method, once the convex portion is press-fitted into the concave portion, it is difficult to separate each terminal block, and therefore, it is difficult to rearrange the terminal block after connection.

The present invention has been made in view of such conventional circumstances, and the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a connection structure of an electric device unit that can reduce costs and easily recombinate after connection. To do.

In order to solve the above problems, in the present invention, in a connecting structure for connecting electrical equipment units to each other, the electrical equipment unit has a wall portion, and one wall surface of the wall portion has an engaging portion. The other wall surface has an engaged portion corresponding to the engaging portion, and the engaged portion of one electric device unit allows the engaging portion of the other electric device unit to enter and rotate. The engaging portion engages with the engaged portion.

In the present invention, when the electrical equipment units are connected to each other, the engaging portion of one wall surface of the wall portion in one electrical equipment unit is engaged with the other wall surface of the wall portion in the other electrical equipment unit. Enter the part and rotate it. As a result, the engaging portion engages with the engaged portion, and the electrical equipment units are connected to each other.

According to the present invention, in order to connect the electric device units to each other, it is only necessary to enter and rotate the engaging portion of one electric device unit with respect to the engaged portion of the other electric device unit. No screws or special jigs are required, and the cost can be reduced. Further, since the electric equipment can be easily assembled and separated without the need for nut tightening work or press-fitting work, each electric equipment unit can be easily rearranged.

In the present invention, the electrical equipment unit has a through hole that passes through the center of rotation of the engaging portion.

In the present invention, the electrical equipment unit has a support shaft portion on which a cylindrical surface is formed centered on the center of rotation of the engaging portion.

In the present invention, the cylindrical surface of the support shaft portion has a guide portion for guiding the circumferential position of the cylindrical surface when the engaging portion is engaged with the engaged portion.

In the present invention, after the electrical equipment unit is connected, the axial movement regulating means for restricting the axial movement of the engaged portion and the engaged portion to the side where they are separated from each other, and the engaging portion with respect to the engaged portion. It is equipped with a rotational movement regulating means for regulating the rotational movement to the reverse side.

In the present invention, the rotation movement restricting means is provided on the interference portion provided on either one side of the engaging portion or the engaged portion and on the other side of the engaging portion or the engaged portion. , It is composed of an interfered portion in which the interfering portion interferes when the engaging portion is reversed.

The electric device according to the present invention is configured by connecting a plurality of electric device units by the connection structure.

As described above, according to the connection structure of the electric device unit according to the present invention, there is an effect that the cost can be reduced and the recombination after the connection can be easily performed.

It is an overall perspective view which shows an example (the number of poles: 5P) of a terminal block as an electric device connected by using the connection structure by one Example of this invention. It is a front view of the terminal block (FIG. 1). The exploded view of the terminal block (FIG. 2) shows an end block with a terminal, a terminal block (electrical equipment unit), and an end block without a terminal, which constitute the terminal block. However, for convenience of illustration, the number of poles is shown. Is reduced to 3P. It is the IV arrow view of FIG. 3, and corresponds to the plan view of the terminal block (FIG. 1). It is a V arrow view of FIG. 3, and corresponds to the bottom view of the terminal block (FIG. 1). FIG. 3 is a view taken along the line VI-VI of FIG. 3, which is a left side view of the terminal block block (FIG. 3). FIG. 3 is a view taken along the line VII-VII of FIG. 3, which is a right side view of the terminal block block (FIG. 3). FIG. 3 is a view taken along the line VIII-VIII of FIG. 3, and is a right side view of the end block with terminals (FIG. 3). It is the IX-IX line arrow view of FIG. 3, and is the left side view of the terminalless end block (FIG. 3). It is the X arrow view of FIG. 3, and is the left side view of the end block with a terminal (FIG. 3). It is the XI arrow view of FIG. 3, and is the right side view of the terminalless end block (FIG. 3). It is a figure for chronologically explaining the connection method at the time of assembling the terminal block (FIG. 1) by connecting the terminal block blocks (FIG. 3) to each other, and is the figure for chronologically explaining the terminal block block having an engagement hook. Is shown by a alternate long and short dash line, and a terminal block block with an engaging hole is shown by a solid line. It is a figure for chronologically explaining the connection method at the time of assembling the terminal block (FIG. 1) by connecting the terminal block blocks (FIG. 3) to each other, and is the figure for chronologically explaining the terminal block block having an engagement hook. Is shown by a alternate long and short dash line, and a terminal block block with an engaging hole is shown by a solid line. It is a figure for chronologically explaining the connection method at the time of assembling the terminal block (FIG. 1) by connecting the terminal block blocks (FIG. 3) to each other, and is the figure for chronologically explaining the terminal block block having an engagement hook. Is shown by a alternate long and short dash line, and a terminal block block with an engaging hole is shown by a solid line. It is a figure for chronologically explaining the separation method at the time of separating the terminal block (FIG. 1), and the terminal block block having an engaging hook is connected with the alternate long and short dash line, and the terminal block block having an engaging hole. Is shown by a solid line. It is a figure for chronologically explaining the separation method at the time of separating the terminal block (FIG. 1), and the terminal block block having an engaging hook is connected with the alternate long and short dash line, and the terminal block block having an engaging hole. Is shown by a solid line. It is a figure for chronologically explaining the separation method at the time of separating the terminal block (FIG. 1), and the terminal block block having an engaging hook is connected with the alternate long and short dash line, and the terminal block block having an engaging hole. Is shown by a solid line. It is a figure for demonstrating the procedure at the time of assembling the terminal block (FIG. 1) using a long pin, and is the perspective view seen from the side of the end block with a terminal. It is a figure for demonstrating the procedure at the time of assembling the terminal block (FIG. 1) using a long pin, and is the perspective view seen from the side of the terminalless end block. FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a state in which the distance between adjacent blocks is narrowed.

Hereinafter, examples of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
1 to 20 are views for explaining a connection structure of an electric device unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 1 to 11 are views for explaining a configuration of the electric device unit. 12 to 20 are diagrams for explaining a procedure for connecting / separating electrical equipment units from each other. Here, a terminal block is taken as an example of an electric device. Further, a screw type terminal block is taken as an example.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the terminal block (electrical device) 1 is arranged between an end block 2 with a terminal arranged at the left end in the drawing and an end block 3 without a terminal arranged at the right end in the drawing. It is provided with the four terminal block blocks (electrical equipment units) 4 provided. All of these blocks 2, 3 and 4 are formed of an insulating resin, and the terminal block 2 and the terminal block block 4 each have a screw n for connection. 1 and 2 show an example in which the number of poles of the terminal block 1 is 5P.

Details of the terminal block block 4, the end block 2 with terminals, and the end block 3 without terminals, which constitute the terminal block 1, will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 11. In these figures, for convenience of illustration, the number of terminal block blocks 4 is set to 2, and the number of poles of the terminal block 1 is reduced to 3P.

As shown in FIGS. 3 (front view), 4 (plan view), and 5 (bottom view), the terminal block block 4 has a base portion 40 and a wall portion 41 extending upward from the base portion 40. ing. Although two terminal block blocks 4 are shown in each figure, since they both have the same structure, the description of the terminal block block 4 applies to both terminal block blocks 4.

As shown in FIGS. 6 (VI-VI line arrow view of FIG. 3) and FIGS. 3 to 5, three engaging hooks (engaging portions) protruding from the wall surface 41A are provided on one wall surface 41A of the wall portion 41. ) 42 is provided. Each engaging hook 42 has a shaft portion 42a extending in a direction orthogonal to the wall surface 41A (hereinafter, referred to as "axial direction" if necessary), and a wall surface from the tip of the shaft portion 42a toward the peripheral edge portion of the wall surface 41A. It is composed of a bent portion 42b that bends in a direction parallel to 41A, and is formed in a substantially L-shape in front view. Each bent portion 42b is formed in a substantially trapezoidal shape in this example (see FIG. 6). A support shaft portion 43 projecting in a direction (axial direction) orthogonal to the wall surface 41A is provided at a substantially central portion of the wall surface 41A. The outer peripheral surface of the support shaft portion 43 is formed on a cylindrical surface 43a that occupies most of the outer peripheral surface and a part of the outer peripheral surface, and is a protruding portion (guide portion) that is formed in a fan shape from the lower portion of the cylindrical surface 43a in the radial direction. ) It is composed of 43b. The support shaft portion 43 has a through hole 43c, and the through hole 43c penetrates the entire terminal block block 4 through the support shaft portion 43. The center of the through hole 43c coincides with the axial center of the support shaft portion 43. As shown in FIG. 6, each engaging hook 42 is arranged on the wall surface 41A along a direction (that is, radially outward) from the axial center of the support shaft portion 43 in the radial direction. In this example, the engagement hook 42 arranged on the upper side has a different distance from the axis of the support shaft portion 43 with respect to the two engagement hooks 42 arranged on the lower side, but each engagement The hooks 42 are evenly arranged at intervals of approximately 120 ° in the circumferential direction. It should be noted that the intervals do not necessarily have to be even. Further, when drawing the center line C1 in the vertical direction passing through the axis of the support shaft portion 43, in this example, the upper engaging hook 42 is not arranged on the center line C1, and the axis of the support shaft portion 43 is drawn. Is located at a position slightly rotated counterclockwise with the center of rotation as the center of rotation.

As shown in FIG. 7 (viewed along the line VII-VII of FIG. 3), a fitting hole 45 having a size capable of fitting the support shaft portion 43 is formed on the other wall surface 41B of the wall portion 41. The fitting holes 45 are arranged concentrically with the through holes 43c. The inner peripheral surface of the fitting hole 45 has substantially the same diameter as the cylindrical surface 43a of the support shaft portion 43, and the cylindrical surface 43a of the support shaft portion 43 is along the inner peripheral surface of the fitting hole 45. It can slide in the circumferential direction. The fitting hole 45 has an overhanging hole portion 45a that projects radially outward from the lower portion of the inner peripheral surface thereof in a fan shape. The overhanging hole portion 45a corresponds to the overhanging portion 43b of the support shaft portion 43, but is slightly longer in the circumferential direction than the overhanging portion 43b. That is, the fitting hole 45 and the overhanging hole 45a have a complementary shape to the cross-sectional shape of the support shaft portion 43, except that the length of the overhanging hole 45a in the circumferential direction is slightly longer. Therefore, when connecting the terminal block blocks 4 to each other, in order for the support shaft portion 43 of one terminal block block 4 to fit into the fitting hole 45 of the other terminal block block 4, the overhanging portion of the support shaft portion 43 is required. The position of 43b must be aligned with the position of the overhanging hole 45a of the fitting hole 45, and in that sense, the overhanging portion 43b of the support shaft portion 43 guides the circumferential position of the cylindrical surface 43a of the support shaft portion 43. It functions as a guide section. Further, since the circumferential length of the overhanging hole 45a is slightly longer than the circumferential length of the overhanging portion 43b, the support shaft portion 43 is fitted into the fitting hole 45 and then the axial center of the support shaft portion 43. It is possible to rotate a small amount around (that is, the center of the through hole 43c).

Further, the wall surface 41B corresponds to each engaging hook 42 on the wall surface 41A side, and has three engaging holes (engaged) that form a connecting structure according to the present invention in cooperation with each corresponding engaging hook 42. A joint portion) 44 is provided. Each engaging hole 44 is formed in a substantially rectangular cross section, and is arranged at a position facing each engaging hook 42 with the wall portion 41 interposed therebetween. Each engaging hole 44 has a size that allows each corresponding engaging hook 42 to enter (that is, allows entry), but is wider in the circumferential direction than the circumferential width of each engaging hook 42. Is formed in. At the outer corners of each engagement hole 44 in the radial direction, which is arranged on the side where the clockwise rotation angle is larger than the center of the through hole 43c, the regulation plate portion (axial movement restriction) Means) 44a is provided. The thickness of each regulating plate portion 44a is substantially equal to the gap between the bent portion 42b of each corresponding engaging hook 42 and the wall surface 41A, but is slightly larger than the gap. With this configuration, each engaging hook 42 enters the corresponding engaging hole 44 (at this time, the support shaft portion 43 is also fitted into the fitting hole 45), and then around the axis of the support shaft portion 43. Can move circumferentially within each engaging hole 44 during rotation (ie, each engaging hole 44 allows rotation of the corresponding engaging hook 42), and when further moved in the circumferential direction. , Each engaging hook 42 engages with the engaging hole 44 by fitting each regulating plate portion 44a into the gap between the bent portion 42b of each engaging hook 42 and the wall surface 41A without a gap in the axial direction. It has become like. At this time, the connected terminal block blocks 4 cannot move to the side where they are separated from each other (that is, separated) in the axial direction, and no backlash in the axial direction occurs. In that sense, the restricting plate portion 44a functions as an axial movement restricting means for restricting the axial movement of the engaging hook 42 and the engaging hole 44 to the side where they are separated from each other. Further, when the support shaft portion 43 rotates around the axis (that is, the center of the through hole 43c) in the fitting hole 45, each engaging hook 42 rotates around the center of the through hole 43c, and therefore penetrates. The center of the hole 43c coincides with the center of rotation of each engaging hook 42. The through hole 43c of the terminal block block 4 is axially different from the through hole 21a (FIGS. 8 and 10) of the end block 2 with a terminal and the through hole 31a (FIG. 9 and 11) of the end block 3 without a terminal, which will be described later. The center lines of these through holes are represented by the reference numerals CL in FIGS. 1, 3 to 5.

As shown in FIG. 6, at the lower part of the wall surface 41A, an arc-shaped wall portion 46 extending in an arc shape between the lower locking hooks 42 below the support shaft portion 43 and projecting axially from the wall surface 41A is formed. It is provided. The arc-shaped wall portion 46 is a thin-walled wall-shaped member, and its inner peripheral surface is arranged concentrically with the axial center of the support shaft portion 43. A bulging portion 46a that bulges toward the inner peripheral side is formed at one end (left end in the drawing) of the arc-shaped wall portion 46, and a convex portion (interference portion) 46b that protrudes toward the outer peripheral side is formed in the vicinity thereof. There is. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, in the lower part of the wall surface 41B, an arc-shaped wall portion extending in an arc shape between the lower engaging holes 44 below the fitting hole 45 and projecting axially from the wall surface 41B. 47 is provided. The arc-shaped wall portion 47 is a thin-walled wall-shaped member, and its inner outer peripheral surface is arranged concentrically with the center of the fitting hole 45. A recess 47a corresponding to the bulging portion 46a of the wall surface 41A is formed at one end (right end in the drawing) of the outer peripheral surface of the arc-shaped wall portion 47. Further, below the arc-shaped wall portion 47, an operation portion 48 is provided with an arc-shaped gap e interposed therebetween. The gap e has a size that allows the arcuate wall portion 46 of the wall surface 41A to be slidably fitted. A concave portion (interfered portion) 48a corresponding to the convex portion 46b of the arcuate wall portion 46 is formed on one end side (right end side in the drawing) of the operation portion 48, and a person is formed on the other end side (left end side in the drawing). A pressing portion 48b for pressing and operating with a finger is provided, and the operating portion 48 is connected to the base 40 via the connecting portion 48c (note that in FIG. 6, the operating portion 48 on the wall surface 41B side is connected. It is visible from the side of the wall surface 41A). In a state where the terminal block blocks 4 are connected to each other, the arcuate wall portion 46 on the wall surface 41A side of one terminal block block 4 is fitted into the gap e on the wall surface 41B side of the other terminal block block 4. At this time, the bulging portion 46a of the arc-shaped wall portion 46 engages with the recess 47a of the arc-shaped wall portion 47, and the convex portion 46b of the arc-shaped wall portion 46 engages with the recess 48a of the operating portion 48. ing. In this state, the arcuate wall portion 46 is locked in the rotational direction within the gap e, and the rotational movement of the support shaft portion 43 around the axis is restricted. In that sense, the convex portion 46b and the concave portion 48a are engaging hooks to the side where the engaging hook 42 is engaged with the engaging hole 44 and the engaged state is released (that is, the side where the engaging hook 42 is reversed). It functions as a rotational movement regulating means for regulating the rotational movement of 42.

As shown in FIGS. 3 (front view), 4 (plan view), and 5 (bottom view), the terminal block 2 has a base portion 20 and a wall portion 21 extending upward from the base portion 20. are doing. The base portion 20 is formed with a notch 20a into which a mounting screw for mounting on a control panel or the like is inserted.

As shown in FIG. 10 (arrow view X in FIG. 3), one wall surface 21A of the wall portion 21 is not provided with a locking hook or a support shaft portion, and the end block 2 with a terminal is provided in the axial direction. A through hole 21a is formed to penetrate. A fitting hole 25 is formed in the other wall surface 21B of the wall portion 21 as shown in FIG. 8 (arrow view taken along the line VIII-VIII of FIG. 3). The fitting hole 25 has the same structure as the fitting hole 45 of the terminal block block 4, is arranged concentrically with the through hole 21a, and has substantially the same inner diameter as the cylindrical surface 43a of the support shaft portion 43. Have. The fitting hole 25 has an overhanging hole portion 25a that projects outward in a radial direction in a fan shape, and the overhanging hole portion 25a is slightly longer in the circumferential direction than the overhanging portion 43b of the support shaft portion 43. There is.

Further, the wall surface 21B is provided with three engaging holes 24. Each engaging hole 24 has the same configuration as each engaging hole 44 of the terminal block block 4, is formed in a substantially rectangular cross section, and each corresponding engaging hook 42 of the terminal block block 4 is provided. Although it has a size that allows it to enter, it is formed to be wider in the circumferential direction than the width in the circumferential direction of each engaging hook 42. A regulation plate portion 24a is provided at the outer corner of each engagement hole 24 in the radial direction. By the regulation plate 24a, each engaging hook 42 enters the corresponding engaging hole 24 (at this time, the support shaft portion 43 is also fitted into the fitting hole 25), and then the shaft of the support shaft portion 43. It is possible to move in the circumferential direction in each engaging hole 24 when rotating around the center, and further, when moving in the circumferential direction, each regulation is made in the gap between the bent portion 42b of each engaging hook 42 and the wall surface 41A. By fitting the plates 24a in the axial direction without gaps, each engaging hook 42 engages with the engaging hole 24. At this time, the connected end block 2 with terminals and the terminal block block 4 cannot move to the side where they are separated (separated) from each other in the axial direction, and no play occurs in the axial direction. When the support shaft portion 43 rotates around the center of the through hole 21a in the fitting hole 25, each engaging hook 42 rotates around the center of the through hole 21a, and the center of the through hole 21a is each. It coincides with the center of rotation of the engaging hook 42.

An arc-shaped wall portion 27 that extends in an arc shape below the fitting hole 25 and projects axially from the wall surface 21B is provided below the wall surface 21B. The arc-shaped wall portion 27 has the same configuration as the arc-shaped wall portion 47 of the terminal block block 4, and is a thin-walled wall-shaped member, and the inner outer peripheral surface thereof is concentric with the center of the fitting hole 25. It is arranged. At one end (right end in the drawing) of the outer peripheral surface of the arc-shaped wall portion 27, a recess 27a corresponding to the bulging portion 46a of the arc-shaped wall portion 46 on the side of the terminal block block 4 is formed. An elastic plate portion 28 is provided below the arc-shaped wall portion 27 with a gap e interposed therebetween. The gap e has a size that allows the arcuate wall portion 46 of the terminal block block 4 to be slidably fitted. The elastic plate portion 28 has a configuration similar to that of the operation portion 48 of the terminal block block 4, and a concave portion 28a corresponding to the convex portion 46b of the arcuate wall portion 46 is formed on one end side (right end side in the drawing). The other end (left end in the figure) is elastically supported by the base 20 via the connecting portion 28c, but the other end side (left end side in the figure) is provided with a pressing portion for a person to perform a pressing operation with a finger. Absent. The structure may be such that a person can press it. In a state where the terminal block block 4 is connected to the terminal block 2 with terminals, the arcuate wall portion 46 on the wall surface 41A side of the terminal block block 4 is fitted in the gap e on the wall surface 21B side of the terminal block 2 with terminals. At this time, the bulging portion 46a of the arc-shaped wall portion 46 engages with the recess 27a of the arc-shaped wall portion 27, and the convex portion 46b of the arc-shaped wall portion 46 engages with the recess 28a of the elastic plate portion 28. It has become. In this state, the arcuate wall portion 46 is locked in the rotational direction within the gap e, and the rotational movement of the support shaft portion 43 around the axis is restricted.

As shown in FIGS. 3 (front view), 4 (plan view), and 5 (bottom view), the terminalless end block 3 has a base portion 30 and a wall portion 31 extending upward from the base portion 30. are doing. The base portion 30 is formed with a notch 30a into which a mounting screw for mounting on a control panel or the like is inserted.

As shown in FIG. 9 (arrow view of IX in FIG. 3), one wall surface 31A of the wall surface 31 is provided with three engaging hooks 32 protruding from the wall surface 31A. Each engaging hook 32 has the same configuration as each engaging hook 42 of the terminal block block 4, and has a shaft portion 32a extending in the axial direction and the tip of the shaft portion 32a toward the peripheral edge portion of the wall surface 31A. It is composed of a bent portion 32b that bends in a direction parallel to the wall surface 31A, and is formed in a substantially L-shape in front view. A support shaft portion 33 projecting in the axial direction is provided at a substantially central portion of the wall surface 31A. The support shaft portion 33 has the same configuration as the support shaft portion 43 of the terminal block block 4, and its outer peripheral surface is formed on a cylindrical surface 33a that occupies most of the outer peripheral surface and a part of the outer peripheral surface. It is composed of an overhanging portion 33b that extends outward in a radial direction from the lower portion of the cylindrical surface 33a in a fan shape. The support shaft portion 33 has a through hole 31a, and the through hole 31a penetrates the entire terminal block block 3 through the support shaft portion 33. The center of the through hole 31a coincides with the axial center of the support shaft portion 33. Further, an arc-shaped wall portion 36 having the same configuration as the arc-shaped wall portion 46 of the terminal block block 4 is provided below the wall surface 31A. A bulging portion 36a is formed at one end of the arc-shaped wall portion 36, and a convex portion 36b is formed in the vicinity thereof. As shown in FIG. 11 (arrow view of XI in FIG. 3), the other wall surface 31B of the wall portion 31 is not provided with a locking hook or a support shaft portion, and the terminalless end block 3 is provided in the axial direction. A through hole 31a is formed to penetrate.

Next, the action and effect of this example will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 20.
12 to 17 show a procedure for connecting / separating the terminal block blocks 4, and FIGS. 18 to 20 show the procedure for connecting the terminal block 2 with terminals, the terminal block 4 and the end block 3 without terminals. The procedure is shown. In FIGS. 12 to 17, for convenience of explanation, the two terminal block blocks to be connected are referred to by reference numerals 4 and 4'. Further, in FIGS. 12 to 17, with the wall surface 41B of one terminal block block 4 arranged on the front side of the paper surface (see the solid line), the other terminal block block 4'connected to the wall surface 41B is viewed from the wall surface 41B side. The positions of the engaging hook 42, the support shaft portion 43, and the arc-shaped wall portion 46 at the time of the operation are shown (see the alternate long and short dash line).

When connecting the terminal block blocks 4 and 4', as shown in FIG. 12, connect the other terminal block block (dotted chain line) 4'to one terminal block block 4 (solid line) counterclockwise as shown. The terminal block blocks 4 and 4'are brought close to each other from the axial direction while being rotated by a slight amount. Then, the support shaft portion 43 and the overhanging portion 43b on the wall surface 41A side of the terminal block block 4'fit into the fitting hole 45 and the overhanging hole portion 45a on the wall surface 41B side of the terminal block block 4, respectively, and the terminal block block 4 Each of the engaging hooks 42 of'is entered into each of the corresponding engaging holes 44 of the terminal block block 4, and the arcuate wall portion 46 of the terminal block block 4'is entered into the arcuate gap e of the terminal block block 4. enter in.

At this time, the overhanging portion 43b is fitted in the overhanging hole portion 45a with a gap formed on the left side of the drawing with respect to the overhanging hole portion 45a, and each engaging hook 42 is in each engaging hole 44. It has entered the side where the regulation plate portion 44a is not formed (that is, the left side in the drawing of the regulation plate portion 44a). Further, the bulging portion 46a of the arc-shaped wall portion 46 is not engaged with the concave portion 47a of the arc-shaped wall portion 47, and the convex portion 46b of the arc-shaped wall portion 46 is engaged with the concave portion 48a of the operating portion 48. I haven't. In the state shown in FIG. 12, the terminal block blocks 4 and 4'are in contact with each other without a gap in the axial direction and are united, but when they are moved in the directions away from each other in the axial direction, they are separated from each other and separated from each other. The child stand blocks 4 and 4 are in a temporarily assembled state.

When the terminal block blocks 4 and 4'are brought close to each other, if the rotation angle of the terminal block block 4'is too large or, conversely, too small, the overhanging portion 43b enters the overhanging hole portion 45a. It is not possible to bring the terminal block blocks 4 and 4'close to each other. Therefore, the overhanging portion 43b guides the circumferential position of the cylindrical surface 43a of the support shaft portion 43 at the time of connection by cooperating with the overhanging hole portion 45a, that is, the terminal block block 4'is used as the terminal block block 4. On the other hand, it can be said that it functions as a guide unit that guides to an appropriate rotation position.

From the state shown in FIG. 12, the terminal block block 4'is rotated clockwise with respect to the terminal block block 4. Then, the state shifts to the state of FIG. 14 through the state of FIG. In the state of FIG. 13, as shown in the figure, the support shaft portion 43 rotates clockwise in the fitting hole 45, and the overhanging portion 43b moves toward the left side in the drawing in the overhanging hole portion 45a. The overhanging portion 43b forms a gap on the right side of the drawing with respect to the overhanging hole portion 45a. Each engaging hook 42 rotates clockwise in each engaging hole 44 and moves to the position of the regulation plate portion 44a. At this time, each regulation plate portion 44a has entered between each bending portion 42b of each engagement hook 42 and the wall surface 41A. Further, the bulging portion 46a of the arc-shaped wall portion 46 is in a state of being substantially engaged with the concave portion 47a of the arc-shaped wall portion 47, but the convex portion 46b of the arc-shaped wall portion 46 is engaged with the concave portion 48a of the operating portion 48. The right end of the operation unit 48 (shown) is pushed down, and the right end of the operation part 48 is flexed downward and elastically deformed.

In the state of FIG. 14, as shown in the figure, the terminal block block 4'is further slightly rotated clockwise in the drawing from the state shown in FIG. 13, and at this time, each engaging hook 42 has each engaging hole. It further rotates clockwise within the 44 to abut the side walls in each engagement hole 44. Further, the bulging portion 46a of the arc-shaped wall portion 46 is completely engaged with the recess 47a of the arc-shaped wall portion 47. Further, the convex portion 46b of the arcuate wall portion 46 gets over the right end shown in the operation portion 48, and as a result, the operation portion 48 returns to the state before elastic deformation, and the convex portion 46b becomes the concave portion 48a of the operation portion 48. Fully engaged.

As described above, in the state shown in FIG. 14, each regulation plate portion 44a is engaged between each bending portion 42b of each engagement hook 42 and the wall surface 41A, and each engagement hook 42 has each engagement hole. The terminal block block 4'cannot be pulled out from the inside of the 44 in the axial direction, and the terminal block block 4'is locked in the axial direction with respect to the terminal block block 4. Further, the convex portion 46b of the arc-shaped wall portion 46 is engaged with the concave portion 48a of the operating portion 48, so that the arc-shaped wall portion 46 cannot rotate counterclockwise as shown, and the terminal block block 4' Is locked in the rotation direction with respect to the terminal block block 4. Therefore, in the state shown in FIG. 14, both terminal block blocks 4 and 4'are connected, that is, assembled. In the figure, the bulging portion 46a of the arc-shaped wall portion 46 is engaged with the recess 47a of the arc-shaped wall portion 47, which makes it possible to prevent rattling in the rotation direction. ..

Next, when separating the terminal block blocks 4 and 4', the pressing portion 48b of the operating portion 48 is pushed in the state shown in FIG. Then, the operation unit 48 rotates clockwise around the connecting unit 48c, and the right end of the operation unit 48 in the drawing moves downward. From this state, the terminal block block 4'is rotated counterclockwise as shown with respect to the terminal block block 4. As a result, as shown in FIG. 16, the convex portion 46b of the arcuate wall portion 46 shifts to the position immediately before passing over the right end shown in the operation portion 48. In FIG. 15, even if the terminal block block 4'is attempted to be rotated counterclockwise with respect to the terminal block block 4 without pressing the pressing portion 48b, the convex portion 46b of the arcuate wall portion 46 is the operating portion 48. It shows a state in which the terminal block block 4'does not rotate due to interference with the recess 48a of the above.

When the terminal block block 4'is further rotated counterclockwise in the drawing from the state shown in FIG. 16, the state shifts to the state shown in FIG. In the figure, the convex portion 46b of the arc-shaped wall portion 46 gets over the right end shown in the operation portion 48, the convex portion 46b is separated from the concave portion 48a of the operation portion 48, and the bulging portion 46a of the arc-shaped wall portion 46 is formed. It comes off from the recess 47a of the arcuate wall portion 47. Further, each engaging hook 42 moves away from each regulating plate portion 44a in each engaging hole 44 to the left side in the drawing, and the support shaft portion 43 moves in the fitting hole 45 counterclockwise in the drawing. The overhanging portion 43b moves in the overhanging hole portion 45a to the right side in the drawing, and the overhanging portion 43b forms a gap in the overhanging hole portion 45a on the left side in the drawing. By moving the terminal block blocks 4 and 4'from this state in the axial direction toward the side away from each other, the terminal block blocks 4 and 4'can be separated.

In FIGS. 12 to 17, the case where the terminal block blocks 4 and 4'are connected / separated from each other has been described, but the case where the end block 2 with a terminal is connected / separated from the terminal block block 4 and the case where the terminal block 2 is connected / separated are described. The same procedure can be used for connecting / separating the terminalless end block 3 to the block 4'. The elastic plate portion 28 of the end block 2 with terminals is not provided with a portion corresponding to the pressing portion 48b of the operation portion 48, but both blocks are used when separating the end block 2 with terminals and the terminal block block 4 after connection. When 2 and 4 are rotated to the separation side, the elastic plate portion 28 of the end block 2 with a terminal receives a pressing force from the convex portion 46b of the arcuate wall portion 46 of the terminal block block 4 and elastically deforms to form an arc shape. The convex portion 46b of the wall portion 46 comes off from the concave portion 28a of the elastic plate portion 28. The elastic plate portion 28 of the end block 2 with terminals may have a structure that can be pressed by a person.

Next, a method of connecting the terminal block 1 when the number of poles is large will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 to 20.
Here, an example is shown in which four terminal block blocks 4 are connected between the end block 2 with terminals and the end block 3 without terminals.
First, prepare a long pin PN. The pin PN is a long round bar, which is slightly smaller than the inner diameters of the through holes 21a of the end block 2 with terminals, the through holes 31a of the end block 3 without terminals, and the through holes 43c of each terminal block block 4. It has an outer diameter.

Next, with one end of the pin PN (for example, the right end in FIG. 18) fixed to the jig, the other end of the pin PN (the left end in the same figure) is inserted into the through hole 31a of the terminalless end block 3 and the four terminal block blocks 4. It is inserted into each through hole 43c and the through hole 21a of the end block 2 with a terminal in order. At this time, the wall surfaces 21B, 31B, and 41B of the blocks 2, 3, and 4 are arranged on one end side of the pin PN. By aligning the orientations of the blocks 2, 3 and 4 in this way, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the wall surface 21B of the end block 2 with terminals faces the wall surface 41A of the terminal block block 4, and the terminal block block The wall surface 41B of 4 faces the wall surface 41A of the terminal block block 4, and the wall surface 31A of the end block 3 without terminals faces the wall surface 41B of the terminal block block 4.

Next, as shown in FIG. 20, the terminalless ends are brought close to each other and the engaging hooks of one block are inserted into the corresponding engaging holes of the other block. By rotating each terminal block block 4 and the terminal block 2 with terminals at once with respect to the block 3, all the blocks 2, 3 and 4 can be connected at once (see FIG. 1). In this case, the terminal blocks 4 having a large number of poles can be efficiently and easily assembled by using the through holes 21a, 31a, and 43c formed in the blocks 2, 3, and 4.

According to this embodiment, in order to connect the terminal block blocks 4 to each other, the engaging hook 42 of one terminal block block 4 is inserted into the engaging hole 44 of the other terminal block block 4. Since it is only necessary to rotate it, screws for connection and special jigs are not required, and the cost can be reduced. Furthermore, the terminal block blocks can be easily assembled without the need for nut tightening work or press-fitting work for uneven parts, and separation is easy, so each terminal block block can be rearranged (for example, to increase or decrease the number of poles). Addition / reduction and replacement, reassembly in case of incorrect assembly, etc.) can be easily performed.

Although examples suitable for the present invention have been described above, the application of the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention includes various modifications. Some examples of modifications are given below.

[First modification]
In the above embodiment, the example in which the engaging hooks 42 of the terminal block block 4 are provided at three places on the wall surface 41A is shown, but the engaging hooks 42 may be provided at one place, two places, or four or more places. Further, an example is shown in which the bent portion 42b of the engaging hook 42 extends outward in the radial direction from the tip of the shaft portion 42a, but the bent portion 42b extends inward in the radial direction from the shaft portion 42a. May be good. In this case, the regulation plate portion 44a provided in the engaging hole 44 is arranged at the inner corner in the radial direction in the engaging hole 44. Further, the rotation direction of the terminal block blocks 4 when connecting the terminal block blocks 4 to each other may be opposite to the direction shown in the above embodiment, or if the rotation directions of the terminal block blocks 4 are alternately different. You may let it.

[Second modification]
In the above embodiment, the terminal block block 4 is provided with the support shaft portion 43 having the through hole 43c, but either the through hole 43c or the support shaft portion 43 may be omitted. If the through hole 43c is omitted, the pin PN cannot be used when assembling the terminal block 4, but even in that case, the support shaft portion 43 rotates and slides in the fitting hole 45, so that each engaging hook 42 Can rotate around the axis of the support shaft portion 43 in each engaging hole 44. Further, when the support shaft portion 43 is omitted, by inserting the pin PN into the through hole 43c, each engaging hook 42 can rotate in each engaging hole 44 around the axis of the pin PN. is there.

[Third variant]
In the above embodiment, an overhanging portion 43b is provided on the support shaft portion 43 and an overhanging hole portion 45a is formed in the fitting hole 45, but the overhanging portion 43b and the overhanging hole portion 45a may be omitted. In this case, there is nothing to guide the circumferential position of the support shaft portion 43, but in this case, if the positions of the base portions 40 of the terminal block blocks 4 to be connected are aligned to some extent, the engaging hooks 42 can be connected. It can be entered into each corresponding engaging hole 44.

[Fourth variant]
In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which an overhanging portion 43b is provided as a guide portion for guiding the circumferential position of the supporting shaft portion 43 so as to project outward in a radial direction from a part of the outer peripheral surface of the supporting shaft portion 43. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to this. The guide portion may be a recess that is recessed inward in the radial direction from a part of the outer peripheral surface of the support shaft portion 43.

[Fifth variant]
In the above embodiment, the arc-shaped wall portion 46 is provided on the side of the wall surface 41A provided with the engaging hook 42, and the gap in which the arc-shaped wall portion 46 is fitted on the side of the wall surface 41B provided with the fitting hole 45. Although an example in which e is provided is shown, the application of the present invention is not limited to this. The arcuate wall portion 46 may be provided on the side of the wall surface 41B, and the gap e may be provided on the side of the wall surface 41A.

[Sixth variant]
In the above embodiment, in the arcuate wall portion 46, the bulging portion 46a is formed on the inner peripheral side and the convex portion 46b is formed on the outer peripheral side. On the contrary, the bulging portion 46a is shown. May be formed on the outer peripheral side, and the convex portion 46b may be formed on the inner peripheral side.

[Other variants]
Each of the above embodiments and modifications should be considered in all respects merely as an example of the present invention and is not limiting. Those skilled in the art in the field to which the present invention is related will not deviate from the spirit and essential features of the present invention when considering the above teaching contents, even if not explicitly stated in the present specification. Various variants and other embodiments that employ the principle of can be constructed.

[Other application examples]
In the above embodiment, the connection structure of the electric equipment unit according to the present invention is applied to the screw type terminal block, but the present invention can be similarly applied to the screwless type terminal block without a screw. Further, in the above embodiment, a terminal block having 3P or 5P poles is taken as an example, but it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to a terminal block having a number of poles other than these. Furthermore, the application of the present invention is not limited to the terminal block, and the present invention can be similarly applied to other electrical equipment units such as breakers, circuit protectors, relays, relay sockets, and power supplies.

As described above, the present invention is useful for the connecting structure of the electrical equipment unit, and is particularly suitable for the connecting structure that is easy to assemble and separate.

1: Terminal block (electrical equipment)

4, 4': Terminal block block (electrical equipment unit)
41: Wall part 41A, 41B: Wall surface 42: Engagement hook (engagement part)
43: Support shaft part 43a: Cylindrical surface 43b: Overhanging part (guide part)
43c: Through hole 44: Engagement hole (engaged part)
44a: Regulatory plate (axial movement regulating means)
46b: Convex part (interference part) (rotational movement regulating means)
48a: Recess (interfered part) (rotational movement regulating means)

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-340142 (see paragraphs [0007] and [0008], FIGS. 13 and 14).

Claims (7)

It is a connection structure for connecting electrical equipment units to each other.
The electrical equipment unit has a wall portion and
The wall portion has an engaging portion on one wall surface and an engaged portion corresponding to the engaging portion on the other wall surface.
The engaged portion of one of the electrical equipment units allows the engaging portion of the other electrical equipment unit to enter and rotate so that the engaged portion engages with the engaged portion. Has become
The connection structure of the electrical equipment unit is characterized by this. In claim 1,
The electrical equipment unit has a through hole that passes through the center of rotation of the engaging portion.
The connection structure of the electrical equipment unit is characterized by this. In claim 1,
The electrical equipment unit has a support shaft portion on which a cylindrical surface is formed centered on the center of rotation of the engaging portion.
The connection structure of the electrical equipment unit is characterized by this. In claim 3,
The cylindrical surface of the support shaft portion has a guide portion for guiding the circumferential position of the cylindrical surface when the engaging portion is engaged with the engaged portion.
The connection structure of the electrical equipment unit is characterized by this. In claim 1,
After the electrical equipment unit is connected, the axial movement regulating means for restricting the axial movement of the engaging portion and the engaged portion to the side where the engaged portion is separated from each other, and the engaging portion with respect to the engaged portion. It is equipped with a rotational movement regulating means that regulates rotational movement to the reverse side.
The connection structure of the electrical equipment unit is characterized by this. In claim 5,
The rotational movement regulating means is provided on one side of the engaging portion or the engaged portion, and on the other side of the engaging portion or the engaged portion. , It is composed of an interfered portion with which the interfering portion interferes when the engaging portion is reversed.
The connection structure of the electrical equipment unit is characterized by this. An electric device in which a plurality of the electric device units are connected by the connecting structure according to claim 1.

Images