JP2020173181A - Measurement unit and module - Google Patents

Abstract

To enhance the degree of freedom of a direction of attaching a measurement unit configurated by successively providing a plurality of modules, in a fixture for attaching the measurement unit.SOLUTION: A measurement unit 1 configurated by successively providing a plurality of modules includes: first fixing parts which attach the modules to fixtures 7 for attaching the measurement unit to an electric installation; and second fixing parts for attaching the modules in a direction at 90 degrees to a direction of the modules attached to the fixtures by the first fixing parts.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to a measuring unit and a module.

Measurement units used for measuring electrical equipment such as distribution boards or distribution boards and measuring the surrounding environment of electrical equipment are known. The measurement unit is configured by combining various functional modules such as a detection sensor and a small switch. When the measuring unit is attached to electrical equipment or the like, it is generally attached perpendicular to the attachment rail as described in Patent Document 1.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-256760

By the way, when installing the measurement unit in the electrical equipment, there is a risk that the installation space is narrow and the unit cannot be installed. For example, there is no space for connecting modules in the left-right and up-down directions. Further, since the wiring direction from the measurement unit or module is limited, it is necessary to secure a space for wiring.

The inventor of this case tried to solve this problem by diligently examining this point. An object to be solved by the present invention is to increase the degree of freedom in the mounting direction of the measuring unit with respect to the mounting tool for mounting the measuring unit formed by arranging a plurality of modules in succession.

In order to solve the above problems, a measurement unit composed of a plurality of modules connected in series, and a first fixing portion for attaching the module to a fixture for attaching the measurement unit to an electric facility or the like. The measuring unit is provided with a second fixing portion for mounting the module in a direction 90 degrees different from the orientation of the module when the first fixing portion is attached to the fixture.

Further, it is preferable to have a configuration in which it is possible to select whether to attach the first fixing portion or the second fixing portion to the attached portion of the attachment.

Further, with respect to the attachment to be attached to the measurement unit described above, when the attachment is attached using at least one of the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion, the width of the support surface facing the module faces the support surface. The configuration is preferably equal to or less than the width of the module.

In addition, it is a module that constitutes a measurement unit by being connected to other modules, and has a first fixing portion for attaching the module to a fixture for attaching the measurement unit to electrical equipment or the like, and the above-mentioned The module is provided with a second fixing portion that allows the module to be mounted in a direction 90 degrees different from the orientation of the module when it is attached to the fixture by the first fixing portion.

Further, it is preferable to have a configuration in which it is possible to select whether to attach the first fixing portion or the second fixing portion to the attached portion of the attachment.

Further, when mounting using at least one of the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion, the width of the module facing the support surface of the fixture is equal to or larger than the width of the support surface facing the module. Is preferable.

In the present invention, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in the mounting direction of the measuring unit with respect to the mounting tool for mounting the measuring unit configured by connecting a plurality of modules in succession.

It is an exploded perspective view of the measurement unit in an embodiment. It is a perspective view of the functional module of an embodiment. It is a perspective view of a measuring unit and a fixture. It is a side view of the fixture. It is a perspective view which shows the state which fixed the measuring unit by using the vertical fixing part. It is a perspective view which shows the state which fixed the measuring unit by using the horizontal fixing part. It is a perspective view of the module which includes both the vertical fixing part and the horizontal fixing part. It is a perspective view which shows the state which fixed to the rail and fixed the base module to the fixture by using the vertical fixing part. It is a perspective view which shows the state which fixed to the rail and fixed the base module to the fixture by using the horizontal fixing part. It is a side view which shows the state which the module is attached to the attachment with a magnet. It is a side view which shows the state which attached the module to the screwed attachment. It is a perspective view which shows the state which the measuring unit is attached to the fixture fixed to the rail when the housing width of some functional modules is increased.

A mode for carrying out the invention is shown below. First, the outline of the measurement unit 1 and each module constituting the measurement unit 1 will be described. The measurement unit 1 is configured by connecting various modules such as a detection sensor in succession. In the embodiment, it is composed of a base module 41, a functional module 42, and an end module 43.

The base module 41 of the embodiment includes a power supply unit that supplies power to various functional modules 42, a recording unit that records information from each module, a communication unit that transmits information from the recording unit to the outside, and the like. One side surface of the base module 41 of the embodiment includes a connection unit 91 to which wiring from an external power source that supplies power to the power supply unit can be connected. The base module 41 does not necessarily have to be in the form of connecting an external power source, and may be configured to include a battery or a rechargeable battery in the module.

The communication unit provided in the base module 41 of the embodiment may use wireless communication, or may transmit / receive information to / from the outside by wire using the wiring connected to the connection unit 91. Good. Further, although the recording unit can record information sent from the communication unit, if a storage medium such as a memory card is used for the recording unit, the data can be directly taken out and the information can be provided to the outside.

A functional module 42 is connected to the base module 41 as needed, and various types of functional modules 42 are provided with a connecting portion 91 on one side surface of the functional module 42. For example, if various sensors such as current, voltage, temperature, and humidity are connected to the connection unit 91, information on electrical equipment such as current and voltage, and information on temperature and humidity in the surrounding environment can be measured.

Terminals 92 that are electrically connected are provided on the adjacent surfaces of the base module 41, the functional module 42, and the end module 43. By keeping the terminal portions 92 of each module in contact with each other, it is possible to supply power to each module and send information measured by various sensors or the like to the base module 41. In the embodiment, the information measured by the various sensors is sent to the base module 41 via the functional module 42 and recorded in the recording unit.

The end module 43 includes a terminating resistor that supplies power through a plurality of modules. By connecting the end modules 43 having a terminating resistor in series, wiring between the modules can be efficiently performed without being affected by noise.

By the way, it is not necessary for one base module 41 to include all of the power supply unit, the recording unit, and the communication unit, and for example, each of them may be provided in another module. Further, various sensors may be connected to the base module 41. For example, when a current sensor is indispensable, the function of the measurement unit 1 can be fulfilled only by the base module 41 by connecting the current sensor to the connection unit 91 of the base module 41 including the power supply unit, the recording unit, and the communication unit. It is also possible to do so.

Next, a configuration for connecting each module in succession will be described. The measurement unit 1 is configured by connecting a plurality of modules in succession. The measurement unit 1 is provided with a retaining protrusion 93 on one side of the module and a retaining groove 94 on one of the opposing modules. There is. These modules are connected to each other by sliding them in a state where the retaining protrusion 93 is fitted in the retaining groove 94. Further, the measurement unit 1 includes a regulation unit that regulates the slide movement of the modules connected in series. Therefore, in the measurement unit 1 in which the modules are connected in series, the modules can be easily attached and detached.

In order to form such a measurement unit 1, regarding the module that constitutes the measurement unit 1 by being connected to another module, the retaining protrusion 93 that fits into the retaining groove 94 of the other module at the time of being connected is connected. It is sometimes preferable to provide at least one of the retaining grooves 94 into which the retaining projections 93 of other modules are fitted. Further, it is preferable that this module is provided with a regulating portion that can be changed from a state in which the retaining protrusion 93 is fitted in the retaining groove 94 so that the module can be slid to a state in which the sliding movement is restricted.

As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2, one side surface of each module is provided with at least one of a retaining protrusion 93 or a retaining groove 94. The retaining protrusion 93 of a certain module can be engaged with the retaining groove 94 provided on one side surface of the adjacent module, but the module is slid and moved with the retaining protrusion 93 fitted in the retaining groove 94 (FIG. 1). Then, if you slide it up and down), you can bring it to the appropriate position for continuous installation. Further, if the terminal portions 92 are provided on the surfaces where the modules face each other and the modules are arranged at adjacent positions by sliding movement, the terminal portions 92 can be electrically connected.

Since the retaining protrusion 93 of the embodiment has a shape in which the tip side is wider than the base end side, movement in two directions (front-back and left-right directions in FIG. 3) can be restricted by engagement.

Further, in the embodiment, some modules are provided with a regulating portion used for restricting the sliding movement on a side surface (front surface in FIG. 2) parallel to the sliding movement direction. In the embodiment, a stopper 81 that can be arranged so as to pass between the modules is provided, and the presence of the stopper 81 that is bridged between the modules makes it possible to make the modules inseparable. In this way, it is preferable to arrange the stopper 81 between adjacent modules to regulate the sliding movement of the modules. At this time, it is preferable to provide the stopper 81 on the side surface parallel to the slide moving direction for engaging the adjacent modules.

The stopper 81 of the embodiment can slide in the groove 82 provided in the module. The groove 82 is provided on a side surface parallel to the slide moving direction. When fixing the modules to each other, the stopper 81 provided on one module is moved so as to fit into the groove 82 of the adjacent module, and the stopper 81 is positioned in the groove 82 of each module. The stopper 81 arranged at such a position restricts the module from sliding and moving, and makes it impossible to separate the module.

When it is desired to remove a certain module, the stopper 81 is not bridged between the module and the other module. In this state, the corresponding module can be slid and separated from other modules. As described above, by using the module having the slidable stopper 81 and the module having the groove 82 into which the stopper 81 can be fitted, the modules are held in a connected state by the movement of the stopper 81, and the module thereof is maintained. If the release can be selected, the modules can be easily fixed and separated with a simple structure.

With such a configuration, when three or more modules are fixed, only the module at the designated position can be removed. Specifically, regarding the module to be removed, the other modules and the stopper 81 may not be bridged with each other, and the modules not to be removed may be supported by the stopper 81 between the modules. This way, the modules you don't want to remove will not come out together.

When the slide movement of the module is restricted by the stopper 81 in this way, it is not necessary to strengthen the engagement between the retaining protrusion 93 and the retaining groove 94, and the module can be easily attached and detached. Further, in the embodiment, the modules of the measurement unit 1 are restricted from moving in three directions by the retaining protrusion 93, the retaining groove 94, and the regulating portion. Therefore, a plurality of modules can be firmly fixed as one measurement unit 1. Therefore, the measurement unit 1 does not have to be attached to the electrical equipment, and can be used as a portable measurement unit 1. Therefore, for example, it is possible to place such a measuring unit 1 in a place where information such as temperature and humidity is desired to be measured for measurement.

Here, a fixture 7 for mounting the measuring unit 1 in which the modules are connected to the electrical equipment will be described. As can be seen from FIGS. 3 and 4, the fixture 7 of the embodiment is substantially U-shaped in side view. The fixture 7 has a size that matches the width of the housing of one module. More specifically, the width of the housing of the functional module 42 is configured to match the width of the fixture 7 for attaching the measuring unit 1 to electrical equipment or the like. The fixture 7 has a U-shaped side view by a base portion 71 longer than the length of the module in the longitudinal direction and rising pieces 72 extending from both sides of the base portion 71. The base portion 71 is provided with a fitting groove 73 into which the module is fitted. Further, the rising piece 72 is elastically deformable and includes an engaging hole 74 with which the module is engaged.

A groove 76 corresponding to a standard rail called a DIN rail is provided on one surface (bottom surface in FIG. 4) of the fixture 7 of the embodiment. An operation unit 75 that can be moved by operating on the side surface side of the attachment 7 is provided. By pushing the operation unit 75 and locking the tip of the operation unit 75 to the rail 95, the attachment 7 is attached to the rail 95. Can be fixed. By pulling the operation unit 75 to release the lock between the tip of the operation unit 75 and the rail 95, the fixture 7 can be removed from the rail 95.

By the way, the module of the measurement unit 1 is provided with a vertical fixing portion 83 used for mounting the module so that the direction of connecting the modules is orthogonal to the mounting direction of the fixture 7 and the module. The continuous installation direction is indicated by a solid thick arrow in FIG. 5, and the attachment direction of the fixture 7 and the module is indicated by a broken line thick arrow in FIG.

The vertical fixing portion 83 shown in FIG. 3 is provided on the tip side (lower side in FIG. 3) in the slide moving direction for connecting modules in series. As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2, the bottom surface of the module is provided with a fitting portion 96 that fits into the fixture 7.

When fixing the module as shown in FIG. 5, when the module is pushed into the fitting 7 from above, the fitting portion 96 provided on the bottom surface of the module fits into the fitting groove 73 of the fitting 7. At this time, the rising piece 72 of the fixture 7 is elastically deformed, and the vertical fixing portion 83 of the module engages with the engaging hole 74 of the fixture 7, so that the module can be fixed to the fixture 7. When the module is removed from the fixture 7, the vertical fixing portion 83 can be removed from the engagement hole 74 by deforming the rising piece 72 of the fixture 7.

The measuring unit 1 shown in FIG. 3 includes a horizontal fixing portion 84 used for mounting the module so that the direction in which the modules are connected is the same as the mounting direction of the fixture 7 and the module. The continuous installation direction is indicated by a solid thick arrow in FIG. 6, and the attachment direction of the fixture 7 and the module is indicated by a broken line thick arrow in FIG.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the base module 41 and the functional module 42 are provided with a vertical fixing portion 83, and the end module 43 is provided with a horizontal fixing portion 84. In this way, the measurement unit 1 in which a plurality of modules are connected in succession is the first vertical fixing portion 83 for attaching the module to the fixture 7 for attaching the measurement unit 1 to electrical equipment or the like. A configuration including a fixing portion and a second fixing portion which is a horizontal fixing portion 84 capable of mounting the module in a direction 90 degrees different from the orientation of the module when the first fixing portion is attached to the fixture 7. Is preferable. By doing so, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in the mounting direction of the measuring unit 1 with respect to the mounting tool 7 for mounting the measuring unit 1 which is composed of a plurality of modules connected in series. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the vertical fixing portion 83 is formed in a horizontally long protrusion on the lower side of the module. Further, the horizontal fixing portion 84 is formed in a vertically long protrusion shape above and below the end module 43.

As can be seen from FIGS. 5 and 6, the orientation of the module is different when the measuring unit 1 is attached using the vertical fixing portion 83 and when the measuring unit 1 is attached using the horizontal fixing portion 84. Although it changes by 90 degrees, in the embodiment, regardless of whether the vertical fixing portion 83 or the horizontal fixing portion 84 is used, it can be attached to the fixture 7 by using the same engaging hole 74. In this way, it is possible to select whether to attach the first fixing portion which is the vertical fixing portion 83 or the second fixing portion which is the horizontal fixing portion 84 to the attached portion of the attachment 7. It is preferable to do so.

In the embodiment, since the fixture 7 is configured according to the housing width of one module (functional module 42 in the example shown in FIG. 5), the fixture 7 can be arranged according to the position of the horizontal fixing portion 84. , The end module 43 can be fixed to the fixture 7.

Further, when the mounting tool 7 of the embodiment is mounted using at least one of the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion, the width of the support surface facing the module is the width of the module facing the support surface. It is configured to be less than or equal to the width. This is because when the module is mounted using at least one of the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion, the width of the module facing the support surface of the fixture 7 is the support facing the module. It means that it is wider than the width of the surface. Due to such a configuration, the space required for the fixture 7 can be suppressed.

Further, even when mounting using either the first fixing portion or the second fixing portion, the width of the support surface facing the module is equal to or less than the width of the module facing the support surface. If it is configured, the space required for the fixture 7 can be further suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to configure the fixture 7 to be connected to each module. By using such a fixture 7, the fixture 7 can be increased or decreased according to the user's specifications as the number of functional modules 42 is increased or decreased. Since the unused fixture 7 can be removed, space is reduced.

Further, when a plurality of fixtures 7 are attached to the module by using at least one of the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion, the width of the module facing the support surface of the fixture 7 faces the module. It is preferable that the widths of the support surfaces of all the fixtures 7 to be mounted are equal to or larger than the sum of the widths of the support surfaces. In this way, it is possible to connect a plurality of fixtures 7 to one module and support the module without protruding in the width direction of the module. In the embodiment, the module can be supported by using two fixtures 7 arranged at intervals. Therefore, a space can be secured between the fixture 7 and the fixture 7, and the space can be used as a ventilation path or the like.

For example, if the base module 41 and the functional module 42 are connected to the end module 43 in a state where the horizontal fixing portion 84 provided in the end module 43 is fitted in the engagement hole 74, the base module 41 and the functional module 42 are connected to the end module 43 so as to be stacked on the fixture 7. Modules can be mounted, and when the fixture 7 is fixed to the back plate side of the housing of the electrical equipment, the modules can be stacked so as to extend from the back side to the front side of the electrical equipment. Further, if the functional module 42 and the end module 43 are connected to the base module 41 in a state where the vertical fixing portion 83 provided in the base module 41 is fitted in the engaging hole 74, the module can be attached to the same fixture 7. Modules can be stacked so that they extend parallel to the back plate. In this way, since the mounting direction of the measuring unit 1 can be selected, the module can be mounted efficiently even when the space in the electrical equipment is limited. Further, it is necessary to secure the space required for the wiring connected to the connection portion 91 of the module constituting the measurement unit 1, but since the measurement unit 1 can be attached according to the wiring direction, the wiring work is efficient. It becomes possible to do.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the vertical fixing portion 83 and the horizontal fixing portion 84 are provided in different modules, but as shown in FIG. 7, a structure in which the vertical fixing portion 83 and the horizontal fixing portion 84 are provided for one module. May be. In this case, as can be understood from FIGS. 8 and 9, the appropriate one of the vertical fixing portion 83 and the horizontal fixing portion 84 provided in one module can be selected and attached to the fixture 7. it can. In this way, with respect to the module that constitutes the measurement unit 1 by being connected to other modules in series, the first fixing portion for attaching the module to the fixture 7 for attaching the measurement unit 1 to electrical equipment or the like. It is preferable that the fixture 7 is provided with a second fixing portion capable of mounting the module in a direction 90 degrees different from the orientation of the module when the module is mounted by the first fixing portion.

When the base module 41 is provided with the function sensors required for the power supply unit, the recording unit, and the communication unit, the function can be operated without the function module 42 and the end module 43. When the base module 41 is not connected to another module, it is preferable to provide a shielding portion capable of covering the terminal portion 92. When the base module 41 is not connected to other modules, the terminal portion 92 of the base module 41 may be exposed, but if the terminal portion 92 is covered by the shielding portion, the terminal portion 92 that can be electrically connected is exposed. There is no state.

By the way, as described above, in the embodiment, the fitting portion 96 provided in the module can be fitted into the fitting groove 73 of the fixture 7. As shown in FIG. 8, when one module is attached to the fixture 7 by using the vertical fixing portion 83, the vertical fixing portion 83 of the module and the engaging hole 74 of the fixture 7 are relatively large. Although it is easy to apply a load, by fitting the fitting portion 96 of the module into the fitting groove 73 of the fixture 7, it is possible to avoid supporting the load only around the vertical fixing portion 83. Further, the module can be firmly fixed to the fixture 7.

In the above example, the fixture 7 is attached to the rail 95, but the fixture 7 can be used without being attached to the rail 95. For example, as can be seen from FIG. 10, the magnet 98 may be used for fixing. If the magnet 98 is used, it can be directly fixed to a metal housing of electrical equipment or the like, and can be attached not only to the inside and outside of the housing.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the fixture 7 may be fixed by screwing with a screw 99. For example, the fixture 7 can be attached to a place such as a wooden base where screws can be fastened.

Further, the functional modules 42 shown in FIG. 1 use housings having the same width, but for example, in the case of the high-performance functional module 42, when the internal device cannot be accommodated in one housing. , It is also possible to use a housing wider than this. As can be seen from FIG. 12, even in such a case, the fixture 7 can be mounted by adjusting the position.

Although the present invention has been described above by taking the embodiment as an example, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be in various modes. For example, the base module may be provided with a display operation unit capable of confirming information on the measurement unit and performing operations such as touch panel operation.

In addition, the measurement unit is equipped with a control unit that controls electrical equipment based on the measured data and an alarm unit that notifies when an abnormality occurs, or a control unit that controls electrical equipment based on the measured data and an alarm that notifies when an abnormality occurs. A functional module provided with a part may be connected in succession. By adding necessary functions or removing unnecessary functions according to the user's specifications in this way, it is possible to provide a measurement unit at a low cost.

1 Measuring unit 7 Mounting tool 83 Vertical fixing part (first fixing part)
84 Horizontal fixing part (second fixing part)

Claims (6)

A measurement unit composed of a plurality of modules connected in series, the first fixing portion for attaching a module to a fixture for attaching the measurement unit to an electric facility or the like, and the first fixing portion for attaching the module to the fixture. A measuring unit equipped with a second fixing part for mounting a module in a direction 90 degrees different from the orientation of the module when mounted with one fixing part. The measuring unit according to claim 1, wherein it is possible to select whether to attach the first fixing portion or the second fixing portion to the attached portion of the fixture. The attachment to be attached to the measuring unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the width of the support surface facing the module is wide when the attachment is attached using at least one of the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion. , A fixture that is less than or equal to the width of the module facing the support surface. It is a module that constitutes a measurement unit by being connected to other modules, and has a first fixing part for mounting the module and the mounting tool with respect to a mounting tool for mounting the measuring unit on electrical equipment or the like. A module having a second fixing part that allows the module to be mounted in a direction 90 degrees different from the orientation of the module when it is mounted by the first fixing part. The module according to claim 4, wherein it is possible to select whether to attach the first fixing portion or the second fixing portion to the attached portion of the fixture. 4. Claim 4 in which the width of the module facing the support surface of the fixture is equal to or greater than the width of the support surface facing the module when mounted using at least one of the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion. Or the module according to 5.