JP2023027087A - Hub device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a hub device having reduced possibility of being an obstacle.

SOLUTION: A hub device 1 includes a body 2, a plurality of terminal parts 7, and an attachment part 8. The plurality of terminal parts 7 are provided on the body 2. The plurality of terminal parts 7 can electrically connect a plurality of wirings. The plurality of wirings at least include a plurality of wirings for communication. The attachment part 8 is a part for attaching the body 2 to a structure 300 that is a part of a building.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

COPYRIGHT: (C)2023,JPO&INPIT

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a hub device, and more particularly to a hub device to which wiring for communication can be connected.

As a conventional example of a hub device, a switching hub device described in Patent Document 1 will be exemplified. A switching hub device described in Patent Document 1 includes a connector group in which a plurality of connectors are arranged, and a lock release member. The connector has a hole into which the cable is inserted and a locking mechanism that locks the inserted cable. The unlocking member presses an unlocking mechanism provided on the cable to unlock the connector.

JP 2011-048676 A

Conventionally, the hub device is placed on a rack and used. However, when a rack is required to install the hub device, the rack may occupy a space such as a room and become a hindrance.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE An object of the present disclosure is to provide a hub device that is less likely to get in the way.

A hub device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a body, a plurality of terminal portions, and an attachment portion. The plurality of terminal portions are provided on the body. A plurality of wirings can be electrically connected to the plurality of terminal portions. The plurality of wirings includes at least a plurality of communication wirings for communication. The attachment portion is a portion for attaching the body to a structure forming part of a building. The structure includes a first surface exposed to the obscuring portion of the building and a second surface opposite the first surface. The body includes an insertion portion inserted into a hole penetrating from the first surface to the second surface of the structure in a predetermined penetrating direction, and an insertion portion connected to the insertion portion and facing the first surface. and an extension portion extending in a direction along the first surface with the insertion portion as a base point when viewed from the side. A side surface of the insertion portion along the penetrating direction and a predetermined surface of the extension portion face a predetermined space. At least one terminal portion among the plurality of terminal portions is provided on the side surface of the insertion portion.
A hub device according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a body, a plurality of terminal portions, and an attachment portion. The plurality of terminal portions are provided on the body. A plurality of wirings can be electrically connected to the plurality of terminal portions. The plurality of wirings includes at least a plurality of communication wirings for communication. The attachment portion is a portion for attaching the body to a structure forming part of a building. The structure includes a first surface exposed to the obscuring portion of the building and a second surface opposite the first surface. The body has an insertion portion that is inserted into a hole penetrating from the first surface to the second surface of the structure in a predetermined penetrating direction. The insertion portion includes an insertion body whose area in a cross section perpendicular to the penetration direction decreases from the near side to the far side when viewed from the side facing the first surface. The insert body includes a surface oblique to the penetration direction. At least one terminal portion among the plurality of terminal portions is provided on the surface of the insertion body.
A hub device according to still another aspect of the present disclosure includes a body, a plurality of terminal portions, and an attachment portion. The plurality of terminal portions are provided on the body. A plurality of wirings can be electrically connected to the plurality of terminal portions. The plurality of wirings includes at least a plurality of communication wirings for communication. The attachment portion is a portion for attaching the body to a structure forming part of a building. The structure includes a first surface exposed to the obscuring portion of the building and a second surface opposite the first surface. The body includes: an insertion portion inserted into a hole penetrating from the first surface to the second surface of the structure; and an extension portion extending in a direction along the first surface from the insertion portion as a base point. At least one of the plurality of terminal portions is provided on the extension portion.
A hub device according to still another aspect of the present disclosure includes a body, a plurality of terminal portions, and an attachment portion. The plurality of terminal portions are provided on the body. A plurality of wirings can be electrically connected to the plurality of terminal portions. The plurality of wirings includes at least a plurality of communication wirings for communication. The attachment portion is a portion for attaching the body to a structure forming part of a building. The mounting board includes an electronic component and a board on which the electronic component is mounted. The structure includes a first surface exposed to the obscuring portion of the building and a second surface opposite the first surface. The body includes an insertion portion that is inserted into a hole penetrating from the first surface to the second surface of the structure, and is connected to an upper portion of the insertion portion above a center in a vertical direction, and is connected to the first surface. an extension portion extending in a direction along the first surface with the insertion portion as a base point when viewed from the side facing the surface. The body has a space inside. The mounting board is arranged in the space inside the body. The extension has a space inside. At least part of the mounting substrate is arranged in the space inside the extension.

A hub device according to one aspect of the present disclosure reduces the possibility of obstruction.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a state in which devices and the like are connected to a hub device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view of the same hub device. FIG. 3 is a side view of the same hub device. FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the same hub device with the mounting portion and the lid portion removed. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the same hub device. FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a main part of the same hub device. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a hub device according to Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 8 is a plan view of a surface of the same hub device on which a plurality of terminal portions are provided. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a hub device according to Embodiment 3. FIG. 10A is a front view of a hub device according to Embodiment 4. FIG. FIG. 10B is a bottom view of a main part of the hub device; FIG. 10C is a side view of a main part of the same hub device. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a hub device according to Embodiment 5. FIG. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the same hub device with the lid removed. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the same hub device with the mounting portion and the lid portion removed. FIG. 14 is a plan view of the same hub device with the cap removed. FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the same hub device.

A hub device according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, each embodiment described below is only a part of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Each of the embodiments described below can be modified in various ways according to design and the like as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Also, each drawing described in each embodiment below is a schematic drawing, and the ratio of the size and thickness of each component in the drawing does not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratio. do not have.

(Embodiment 1)
(Configuration of hub device)
First, the configuration of the hub device 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. More specifically, the hub device 1 is a switching hub device that performs collision prevention processing of signals transmitted and received between a plurality of devices 100 . The plurality of devices 100 are, for example, computer terminals, network cameras, IP (Internet Protocol) telephones, wireless access points, and the like. The computer terminal is, for example, a controller that receives operations for setting the operation of the hub device 1 . The controller performs serial communication with the hub device 1, for example. Further, another example of the plurality of devices 100 is lighting equipment, air conditioning equipment, audio equipment, and the like.

The hub device 1 has a plurality of terminal portions 7 (see FIGS. 2 and 4). The hub device 1 is, for example, an L2 switch that has a function of storing correspondence between MAC (Media Access Control address) addresses and terminal units 7 (ports). That is, the hub device 1 has a function of creating a correspondence table showing the correspondence between the identification information (for example, MAC address) of the device 100 and the terminal unit 7 connected to the device 100 . This function can be realized, for example, by a technique of creating a forwarding database (FDB). Since the technology for creating the forwarding database is well known, the description is omitted.

The hub device 1 includes a body 2, a plurality of (twelve) terminal portions 7, and a mounting portion 8, as shown in FIGS. Hereinafter, when not distinguishing between the plurality of terminal portions 7, each of them will be referred to as the terminal portion 7, and when distinguishing between the plurality of terminal portions 7, the plurality of terminal portions 7 will be referred to as terminal portions P1 to P10, 71, and 72, respectively.

The hub device 1 further includes a plurality (twelve) of covers 11 . Each of the plurality of covers 11 is tubular. The plurality of covers 11 includes openings 12 at first axial ends. The multiple covers 11 are made of, for example, metal and resin. In the cover 11, resin is provided on the inner surface of the cylindrical metal. The plurality of covers 11 correspond to the plurality of terminal portions 7 on a one-to-one basis. A plurality of covers 11 are provided around corresponding terminal portions 7 respectively. Each of the plurality of covers 11 covers the corresponding terminal portion 7 by the peripheral edge of the opening portion 12 .

A plurality of terminal portions 7 are provided on the body 2 . The body 2 has a plurality of (10) insertion holes 421 corresponding to the plurality of terminal portions P1 to P10 one-to-one, and a plurality of (two) insertion holes corresponding to the plurality of terminal portions 71 and 72 one-to-one. 321 and are formed. The plurality of terminal portions 7 are respectively inserted into the corresponding insertion holes 421 or 321 and exposed outside the body 2 through the corresponding insertion holes 421 or 321 .

Among the plurality of terminal sections 7, the plurality of terminal sections P1 to P10 are LAN (Local Area Network) ports. Each of the plurality of terminal portions P1 to P10 can be electrically connected to communication wiring W1. That is, the plurality of terminals P1 to P10 can be electrically connected to the same number (10) of communication wirings W1. Here, each wiring W1 for communication is a wiring capable of transmitting both electric power and signals. More specifically, each wiring W1 for communication is a wiring corresponding to PoE (Power over Ethernet). Some of the plurality of terminal portions P1 to P10 are terminal portions for power input and signal input/output, and the remaining terminal portions of the plurality of terminal portions P1 to P10 are for power output and signal input. It is a terminal part for the input and output of

The terminal section 71 is a LAN port. The terminal portion 71 can be electrically connected to the wiring W2 for communication. The wiring W2 is a wiring capable of transmitting only signals out of power and signals. The terminal portion 72 can be electrically connected to the wiring W3 for power supply. The wiring W3 is a wiring capable of transmitting only power out of power and signals.

A corresponding wire W1 (or W2, W3) can be connected to each terminal portion 7, while a corresponding wire W1 (or W2, W3) can be removed from each terminal portion 7. FIG. That is, each terminal portion 7 is configured such that the corresponding wiring W1 (or W2, W3) can be inserted/extracted. More specifically, in each terminal portion 7, the corresponding wiring W1 (or W2, W3) can be inserted and connected through the opening 12 of the corresponding cover 11, and can be pulled out. More specifically, a plug is provided at the tip of each wiring W1, W2, and the plug has a claw. The plug is locked with respect to the cover 11 by hooking the claw of the plug on the cover 11 while the wiring W1 (or W2) is electrically connected to the terminal portion 7 . By removing the claw of the plug from the cover 11 , the plug is unlocked from the cover 11 and the wiring W1 (or W2) can be removed from the terminal section 7 . On the other hand, the wire W3 is provided with a mounting structure including a screw, and the wire W3 is fixed to the terminal portion 72 by screwing the cover 11 around the terminal portion 72 to the mounting structure. By loosening the screw, the wiring W3 can be removed from the terminal portion 72. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, when a plurality of devices 100 are connected by the hub device 1 and a plurality of wires W1, signal transmission between the plurality of devices 100 becomes possible. Further, the hub device 1 can supply power to a PoE-compatible device among the plurality of devices 100 via the plurality of wirings W1. The hub device 1 can also receive power supply from a PoE-compatible device among the plurality of devices 100 via the plurality of wires W1.

Since a plurality of wires W1 can be connected to the hub device 1, the upper limit of the amount of power to be transmitted is greater than when only one wire W1 can be connected. Further, when some wirings W1 out of the plurality of wirings W1 cannot transmit electric power due to a defect or the like, electric power can be transmitted by the remaining wirings W1. That is, the power transmission function in the hub device 1 can be made redundant.

The hub device 1 receives power supply from a power supply such as a commercial power supply PS1 or a device 100 via a plurality of wirings W1, and can also supply the supplied power to another device 100 (so-called feeder). power supply). Note that the hub device 1 may perform at least one of power supply and power reception with one or a plurality of devices 100 by wireless power supply. As a result, for example, wireless power can be supplied from the hub device 1 to a device such as a mobile terminal located at the location where the hub device 1 is installed.

A management device 110 (controller) that sets and manages the hub device 1 and the hub device 1 are connected by a wiring W2, and the hub device 1 transmits signals to and from the management device 110. FIG. A power converter 120 is provided outside the hub device 1 . Power converter 120 converts AC power to DC power. Power converter 120 is arranged, for example, in a space above the ceiling. Power converter 120 is connected to a power source such as commercial power source PS1. Terminal portion 72 (see FIG. 2) of hub device 1 and power converter 120 are connected by wiring W3, and hub device 1 is supplied with (DC) power from power converter 120 . That is, terminal portion 72 is a terminal portion for inputting power, and receives input of power output from a power supply such as commercial power supply PS1 and converted by power converter 120 . The voltage of the DC power supplied from the power converter 120 to the terminal section 72 is, for example, 54V. The power converter 120 may supply power not only to the hub device 1 but also to the lighting fixtures attached to the ceiling. Also, the power converter 120 may be built in the hub device 1 .

In FIG. 2, the attachment portion 8 is a member for attaching the body 2 to a structure 300 forming part of a building. Examples of the structure 300 are ceiling materials (such as ceiling boards), wall materials, floor materials, beams, and columns. In this embodiment, the structure 300 is described as a plate-like ceiling material. The thickness of structure 300 is, for example, 25 mm.

In the hub device 1 , the body 2 can be attached to the structure 300 by the attachment portion 8 . Therefore, compared to the case where the hub device 1 is placed on a desk, a shelf (rack), a box for housing the hub device 1, or the like, the possibility of the hub device 1 becoming an obstacle can be reduced. Even if it is difficult to secure a space for placing the hub device 1 on an existing desk, shelf, or box, by attaching the hub device 1 to the structure 300, an installation place for the hub device 1 can be secured. . In addition, even if it is difficult to secure a space for installing a new shelf or box for installing the hub device 1 in the building, by attaching the hub device 1 to the structure 300, the installation location of the hub device 1 can be changed. can be secured.

In recent years, due to the spread of IoT (Internet of Things) devices, many devices such as sensors have been installed in spaces in buildings, and there has been a problem that it is difficult to secure a place to install the hub device 1 that communicates with these devices. obtain. Such problems can be dealt with by attaching the hub device 1 to the structure 300 .

In addition, when the device 100 connected to the hub device 1 is arranged in the space above the ceiling, compared with the case where the hub device 1 is placed on a desk, a shelf, a box, or the like, it extends from the space above the ceiling into the room. Reduce the number of wires. Therefore, the appearance of the room can be improved.

Structure 300 includes a first side 301 and a second side 302 opposite first side 301 . The first surface 301 is exposed in the building obscuring portion 400 . Concealment part 400 is specifically the space behind the ceiling. That is, in the structure 300, the first surface 301 is the upper surface and the second surface 302 is the lower surface. When the structure 300 is a wall material, the space behind the wall corresponds to the concealing part 400, the first surface 301 is the back surface of the wall, and the second surface 302 is the surface of the wall. Of these, it becomes the surface on the indoor side. When the structure 300 is a floor material, the space under the floor corresponds to the concealing part 400, the first surface 301 is the lower surface, and the second surface 302 is the upper surface.

A hole 330 is formed through the structure 300 from the first surface 301 to the second surface 302 . Hole 330 is circular. The holes 330 are formed using, for example, a hole saw.

The body 2 is made of metal or resin, for example. As shown in FIG. 5, the body 2 has an insertion portion 3 that is inserted into the hole 330. As shown in FIG. The insertion portion 3 has a semi-cylindrical shape. In a state where the body 2 is attached to the structure 300, the axial direction of the insertion portion 3 extends along the vertical direction. Below, the top and bottom when the body 2 is attached to the structure 300 are defined as the top and bottom of the hub device 1 . However, this provision is not intended to limit the usage direction of the hub device 1 .

The insertion portion 3 has a cavity inside. This cavity accommodates a substrate and the like on which a circuit for making the hub device 1 function as a switching hub device is mounted.

The body 2 also has an extension 4 that connects to the insert 3 . The extension part 4 is plate-shaped. The extension portion 4 extends in a direction along the first surface 301 with the insertion portion 3 as a base point when viewed from the side (above) facing the first surface 301 . More specifically, the extension portion 4 extends from the axial first end (upper end) of the insertion portion 3 in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction. The outer peripheral shape of the extension portion 4 when viewed from above and below is semicircular. When viewed from above and below, the extension portion 4 and the insertion portion 3 are concentric and have the same diameter. The extension part 4 has a larger area than the insertion part 3 when viewed from above and below.

Hub device 1 further comprises a retaining member 5 coupled to extension 4 . The holding member 5 holds a plurality of wirings (a plurality of wirings W1 and wirings W2 and W3). As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the holding member 5 has a base end portion 51 that is rectangular when viewed from above and below, and two arm portions 52 protruding from the base end portion 51 . The base end portion 51 is plate-shaped. The base end portion 51 is coupled to the extension portion 4 by screwing. The two arms 52 are plate-shaped. Each arm portion 52 has an arc shape when viewed from above and below, and the radial direction of the arc coincides with the thickness direction of each arm portion 52 . The two arm portions 52 protrude from both longitudinal ends of the base end portion 51 . The projecting tips 521 of the two arms 52 face each other with a gap therebetween. Also, each of the two arm portions 52 is bent toward the center of the arc at the projecting tip 521 . The two arms 52 are elastically deformable so as to bend. The two arm portions 52 are provided separately from the plurality of terminal portions 7 (see FIG. 4).

As shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of wires W1 are passed through a space 53 surrounded by the base end portion 51 and the two arm portions 52 . Although not shown in FIG. 6, wirings W2 and W3 are also passed through the space 53 . A plurality of wirings W1 and wirings W2 and W3 are arranged along the vertical direction in the space 53 . As a result, the plurality of wirings W1 and wirings W2 and W3 are restricted from moving in the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. That is, the plurality of wirings W1 and wirings W2 and W3 are held by the holding member 5 in the space 53 . For example, after the plurality of wirings W1 and the wirings W2 and W3 are electrically connected to the plurality of terminal portions 7 (see FIGS. 2 and 4), the plurality of wirings W1 and the wirings W2 and W3 are connected from the gaps between the two arm portions 52. is introduced into the space 53 , the plurality of wirings W<b>1 and the wirings W<b>2 and W<b>3 are held by the holding member 5 .

When a plurality of wirings W1 and wirings W2 and W3 are held by the holding member 5, when inserting the insertion portion 3, the extension portion 4, and the holding member 5 into the hole 330 formed in the structure 300 or pulling it out from the hole 330, In addition, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the plurality of wirings W1 and wirings W2 and W3 will become an obstacle.

A configuration in which the insertion portion 3 of the body 2, the extension portion 4, and the holding member 5 are combined has a circular shape when viewed from above. The diameter of the hole 330 formed in the structure 300 is greater than the diameter of the combined configuration of the insert 3, extension 4 and retaining member 5. FIG. The diameter of hole 330 is, for example, 150 mm or 100 mm.

The body 2 further has a lid portion 6 . The lid portion 6 is positioned below the extension portion 4 . Also, the lid portion 6 is positioned below the plurality of terminal portions 7 . The lid portion 6 is connected to the insertion portion 3 via a later-described stopper 89 of the mounting portion 8 . The lid portion 6 is in contact with the axial second end (lower end) of the insertion portion 3 . The lid portion 6 is disc-shaped. The thickness direction of the lid portion 6 extends along the vertical direction. The lid portion 6 extends in a direction along the second surface 302 with the insertion portion 3 as a base point when viewed from the side (bottom) facing the second surface 302 (see FIG. 2) of the structure 300 . More specifically, the lid portion 6 extends in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction from the axial second end (lower end) of the insertion portion 3 . The lid portion 6 is concentric with the insertion portion 3 when viewed from above and below. The diameter of the lid portion 6 is larger than the diameter of the insertion portion 3 when viewed from above and below. A peripheral edge portion 61 of the lid portion 6 rises upward. The lid portion 6 has four locking protrusions 611 on the peripheral edge portion 61 for attaching the lid portion 6 to the mounting portion 8 . The lid portion 6 is formed with an insertion hole 62 through which the wiring W1, W2 or W3 can be passed.

As shown in FIG. 4, among the plurality of terminal portions 7, the plurality of terminal portions P1 to P10 are provided on the extension portion 4 of the body 2. As shown in FIG.

A plurality of (10 in FIG. 4) insertion holes 421 are formed in the lower surface 42 of the extension portion 4 . The plurality of insertion holes 421 correspond one-to-one with the plurality of terminal portions P1 to P10. In addition, the plurality of insertion holes 421 correspond to 10 covers 11 out of the plurality (12) of covers 11 on a one-to-one basis. A corresponding cover 11 is arranged inside each insertion hole 421 . Inside each cylindrical cover 11, corresponding terminal portions among the plurality of terminal portions P1 to P10 are arranged. Each of the terminals P1 to P10 is exposed to the outside of the body 2 through the corresponding opening 12 of the cover 11. As shown in FIG. The plurality of terminal portions P1 to P10 are arranged in two rows. On the lower surface 42 of the extension portion 4, port numbers 1 to 10 of each of the terminal portions P1 to P10 are written on portions adjacent to the respective terminal portions P1 to P10.

The opening 12 of each cover 11 on the lower surface 42 of the extension 4 is formed so that the terminals P1 to P10 are exposed when viewed from below. That is, the axial direction of each cylindrical cover 11 extends along the vertical direction, and the opening 12 is formed at the lower end of the cover 11 . The opening 12 of each cover 11 may be formed so that the terminal portions P1 to P10 are exposed when viewed obliquely from below. For example, the terminals P1 to P10 may be exposed when viewed obliquely from below by arranging the covers 11 so that the axial direction of each cover 11 is oblique. When the terminal portions P1 to P10 are exposed when viewed from below or obliquely below, dust and water droplets are more likely to adhere to the terminal portions P1 to P10 than when the terminal portions P1 to P10 are exposed when viewed from above. is reduced.

The plurality of wirings W1 electrically connected to the plurality of terminal portions P1 to P10 are arranged so as to pass through the space 53 provided in the holding member 5 from bottom to top when the plurality of terminal portions P1 to P10 are used as base points. placed.

The hub device 1 further includes a plurality of (10 in FIG. 4) indicator lights 13 . Each of the plurality of indicator lamps 13 is composed of, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode). A plurality of indicator lights 13 are provided on the lower surface 32 of the insertion portion 3 . The plurality of indicator lamps 13 correspond to the plurality of terminal portions P1 to P10 on a one-to-one basis. The lighting state of each indicator lamp 13 changes according to the communication state at the corresponding terminal portion among the plurality of terminal portions P1 to P10. More specifically, each of the indicator lamps 13 lights up when the corresponding terminal portion among the plurality of terminal portions P1 to P10 is communicating with the device 100 (see FIG. 1) via the wiring W1. Turn off when not in use.

As shown in FIG. 2, the insertion portion 3 is provided with terminal portions 71 and 72 . A plurality of (two in FIG. 2) insertion holes 321 are formed in the surface 33 of the semi-cylindrical insertion portion 3, which corresponds to the cross section of the cylinder. The plurality of insertion holes 321 correspond to the plurality of terminal portions 71 and 72 on a one-to-one basis. Also, the plurality of insertion holes 321 correspond to two covers 11 among the plurality (twelve) of covers 11 on a one-to-one basis. A corresponding cover 11 is arranged inside each insertion hole 321 . Inside each cover 11, corresponding terminal portions among the plurality of terminal portions 71 and 72 are arranged. Each terminal portion 71 , 72 is exposed to the outside of the body 2 through the corresponding opening 12 of the cover 11 .

A layout diagram F1 of a plurality of terminal portions P1 to P10 is shown on the surface 33 of the insertion portion 3. As shown in FIG. That is, the arrangement of the plurality of terminal portions P1 to P10 on the lower surface 42 of the extension portion 4 is copied to the layout drawing F1. The layout F1 is printed directly on the surface 33, for example. A seal on which the layout F1 is printed may be attached to the surface 33 .

The body 2 is separate from the mounting portion 8 . The attachment portion 8 is attached to the structure 300 . The body 2 is attached to the structure 300 via the attachment portion 8 by being attached to the attachment portion 8 .

The hub device 1 further comprises mounting pins 9 . A mounting pin 9 is coupled to the extension 4 of the body 2 . The body 2 is attached to the attachment portion 8 via attachment pins 9 .

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the mounting portion 8 has first to seventh frame members 81 to 87, two wings 88, and a stopper 89. As shown in FIGS. These are connected to each other, for example by screwing.

The first to seventh frame members 81 to 87 are rectangular plates. The second and third frame members 82, 83 overlap each other. The fourth and fifth frame members 84, 85 overlap each other. Second and third frame members 82 and 83 are coupled to the first longitudinal end of the first frame member 81 . Fourth and fifth frame members 84 and 85 are coupled to the second longitudinal end of the first frame member 81 . The second to fifth frame members 82 to 85 extend from the first frame member 81 in the thickness direction of the first frame member 81 (downward). Thereby, the first to fifth frame members 81 to 85 are combined in a U shape.

The sixth frame member 86 extends from the first frame member 81 in the lateral direction of the first frame member 81 . The thickness direction of the sixth frame member 86 coincides with the thickness direction of the first frame member 81 . The mounting portion 8 further has a connecting member 861 . The connecting member 861 is coupled to the sixth frame member 86 . A mounting pin 9 is attached to the connecting member 861 . A connecting hole 862 , which is a through hole penetrating the sixth frame member 86 and the connecting member 861 , is formed in the mounting portion 8 . The mounting pin 9 is inserted into the connecting hole 862 .

The body 2 can be attached to and detached from the attachment portion 8 . Attachment/detachment of the body 2 to/from the attachment portion 8 is performed via attachment pins 9 . The connecting member 861 has a claw on which the mounting pin 9 is hooked and a spring that pushes the claw toward the mounting pin 9 . When the mounting pin 9 is inserted into the connecting hole 862 from bottom to top, the hook of the connecting member 861 is pushed by the mounting pin 9 and moves. When the mounting pin 9 moves to a predetermined position, the mounting pin 9 and the claw are not in contact with each other. As a result, the mounting pin 9 does not apply pressure to the claw, and the spring moves the claw toward the mounting pin 9 and catches the mounting pin 9 . This prevents the mounting pin 9 from moving downward. That is, the body 2 is attached to the attachment portion 8 via the attachment pin 9 . When the mounting pin 9 moves further upward, the hook between the mounting pin 9 and the claw is released, and the mounting pin 9 can be removed from the connecting member 861 . Thereby, the body 2 can be removed from the mounting portion 8 . It should be noted that the attachment pin 9 may be configured such that the hook is housed in the attachment pin 9 and the hook protruding from the attachment pin 9 is hooked on the connecting member 861 . For example, when the mounting pin 9 is pushed from the axial direction of the mounting pin 9, the claw protrudes from the mounting pin 9, and when the mounting pin 9 is pushed again, the claw is accommodated in the mounting pin 9. may have been The structure of the mounting pin 9 and the connecting member 861 as described above may also be used as a structure for mounting a lighting fixture such as a downlight to a ceiling material.

The seventh frame member 87 is joined to the end of the sixth frame member 86 opposite to the first frame member 81 side. The seventh frame member 87 extends in the thickness direction of the sixth frame member 86 . The direction in which the seventh frame member 87 extends from the sixth frame member 86 is the same as the direction in which the second to fifth frame members 82 to 85 extend from the first frame member 81 (downward). The seventh frame member 87 is formed with two screw insertion holes 871 through which screws for coupling the seventh frame member 87 and the insertion portion 3 of the body 2 are inserted.

A tip (lower end) of each of the second frame member 82 , the fourth frame member 84 and the seventh frame member 87 is coupled to a stopper 89 . The stopper 89 has an annular shape. The coupling points between each of the second frame member 82, the fourth frame member 84 and the seventh frame member 87 and the stopper 89 are arranged in this order at intervals of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction of the stopper 89. As shown in FIG.

When the insertion portion 3 of the body 2 is inserted into the hole 330 in the structure 300 and the body 2 is about to move upward, the stopper 89 comes into contact with the second surface 302 of the structure 300, thereby allowing the body 2 to move upward. It is suppressed to go too far.

The lid portion 6 can be attached to the stopper 89 . Four (three in FIG. 5) grooves 891 are formed in the stopper 89 . The four grooves 891 are arranged at intervals of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction of the stopper 89 . The four grooves 891 correspond to the four locking projections 611 of the lid portion 6 on a one-to-one basis. A corresponding locking projection 611 is hooked on each of the four grooves 891 . Thereby, the lid portion 6 is attached to the stopper 89 .

The mounting portion 8 further has two struts 881 (see FIG. 2) corresponding to the two vane portions 88 one-to-one. The end (lower end) of the third frame member 83 opposite to the first frame member 81 is bent. one is provided. Similarly, the end (lower end) of the fifth frame member 85 on the side opposite to the first frame member 81 is bent. 881 are provided.

Each of the two wings 88 is rod-shaped. Each of the two wings 88 has a through hole into which the corresponding strut 881 is inserted. Each of the two wings 88 is rotatable around the corresponding support 881 .

The outer surface of each post 881 is formed with threads and grooves. Threads and thread grooves that mesh with the threads and thread grooves of the support 881 are formed on the inner surface of the through hole through which the support 881 is passed in each vane portion 88 . By rotating the support 881 in a state in which the support 881 is passed through the through hole in the wing 88 , the wing 88 moves in the axial direction of the support 881 . Thereby, the distance between the two wings 88 and the stopper 89 can be adjusted.

(Attachment of hub device to structure)
Next, an example of the procedure for attaching the hub device 1 to the structure 300 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 2, the mounting portion 8 is inserted into a hole 330 formed in the structure 300. As shown in FIG. When the mounting portion 8 is inserted into the hole 330, the rotation angles of the two wings 88 are set to the first rotation angle. The first rotation angle is the rotation angle when the longitudinal direction of the wing portion 88 is aligned with the lateral direction of the first frame member 81 (the depth direction of the paper surface of FIG. 2). After the mounting portion 8 is inserted into the hole 330, the rotation angle of the two wings 88 is set to the second rotation angle. The second rotation angle is the rotation angle when the longitudinal direction of the wing portion 88 is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the first frame member 81 (horizontal direction in FIG. 2). The two wings 88 rotate 90 degrees between the first rotation angle and the second rotation angle. In the mounting portion 8, when the rotation angle of the two vane portions 88 is the first rotation angle, the length of the two vane portions 88 in the radial direction of the hole 330 is longer than when the rotation angle is the second rotation angle. Since it is shortened, it can be easily inserted into the hole 330 . By setting the rotation angle of the two wing portions 88 to the second rotation angle, the two wing portions 88 extend out of the hole 330 and come into contact with the first surface 301 of the structure 300 . That is, the mounting portion 8 is placed on the structure 300 so that the two wings 88 are in contact with the first surface 301 of the structure 300 .

Next, by rotating the support 881 and moving the wing 88 in the axial direction of the support 881 , the structure 300 is sandwiched between the two wing 88 and the stopper 89 .

A plurality of wirings W1 and wirings W2 and W3 are electrically connected to a plurality of terminal portions 7 provided in the body 2 . Furthermore, the plurality of wirings W1 and wirings W2 and W3 are held by the holding member 5 . A plurality of wirings W1 and wirings W2 and W3 are electrically connected to a plurality of terminal portions 7 , a plurality of wirings W1 and wirings W2 and W3 are held by a holding member 5 , and a mounting portion 8 is the first terminal portion of the structure 300 . After being placed on the surface 301 of the body 2 , the body 2 is attached to the attachment portion 8 .

More specifically, first, the extension part 4 of the body 2 , the holding member 5 and the insertion part 3 are inserted into the hole 330 formed in the structure 300 . Next, the attachment pin 9 provided on the body 2 is attached to the connecting member 861 . Thereafter, the lid portion 6 is attached to the stopper 89 by hooking the four locking projections 611 (see FIG. 5) of the lid portion 6 to the four grooves 891 (see FIG. 5) of the stopper 89 (see FIG. 5). .

Further, the seventh frame member 87 (see FIG. 5) may be threaded through two screw insertion holes 871 (see FIG. 5) formed in the seventh frame member 87 (see FIG. 5) to connect the seventh frame member 87 and the insertion portion 3 with screws. good.

As described above, the hub device 1 is attached to the structure 300 . In addition, the hub device 1 can be removed from the structure 300 by performing the operation opposite to that for attaching the hub device 1 to the structure 300 .

When the lid portion 6 is removed from the stopper 89 after the hub device 1 is attached to the structure 300 , the plurality of terminal portions 7 are exposed to the space below the body 2 . Therefore, even when the body 2 is attached to the structure 300 via the attachment portion 8, the plurality of wirings W1 and the wirings W2 and W3 can be attached to and detached from the respective terminal portions 7. FIG. Further, when the lid portion 6 is removed from the stopper 89 after the hub device 1 is attached to the structure 300 , the plurality of indicator lamps 13 are also exposed in the space below the body 2 . Therefore, by looking at the lighting state of each indicator lamp 13, the communication state at each of the terminals P1 to P10 can be confirmed. The hub device 1 may be used by being attached to the structure 300 with the lid portion 6 removed from the stopper 89 .

Further, in the hub device 1, a space SP1 exists below the extension portion 4 and the holding member 5. As shown in FIG. A plurality of terminal portions 7 provided in the insertion portion 3 are exposed to the space SP1. Therefore, the operator can insert a hand or the like into the space SP1 to electrically connect the plurality of wirings W1 and the wirings W2 and W3 to the plurality of terminal portions 7 .

When the hub device 1 is inserted into the hole 330 in the structure 300, the space SP1 becomes a space surrounded by the inner edge of the hole 330 and the insertion portion 3. As shown in FIG. The space SP1 is preferably sized to accommodate an elliptical cylinder with a major axis of 120 mm or more and 650 mm or less and a minor axis of 80 mm or more and 620 mm or less. In this case, it becomes easier to insert and remove the wires W1, W2, and W3 by inserting a hand into the space SP1. The space SP1 is more preferably of a size that accommodates an elliptical cylinder with a major axis of 120 mm or more and 200 mm or less and a minor axis of 80 mm or more and 170 mm or less. It is more preferable that the size is large enough to accommodate a cylinder.

(Modification of Embodiment 1)
Modifications of the first embodiment are listed below. The following modified examples may be implemented in combination as appropriate.

Attachment of the body 2 to the attachment portion 8 is not limited to attachment using the attachment pin 9 . For example, the body 2 may be attached to the attachment portion 8 by being screwed to the attachment portion 8 . Alternatively, the body 2 may be attached to the mounting portion 8 by rotating the body 2 while the threads and grooves provided on the body 2 and the mounting portion 8 are meshed with each other.

In the attachment portion 8, the number of feather portions 88 is not limited to two, and may be one or three or more.

A cover 11 covering the terminal portion 7 may be formed integrally with the body 2 .

The attachment portion 8 does not have to be directly attached to the structure 300 . The mounting portion 8 may be indirectly attached to the structure 300 by being attached to a member such as a hanging bolt fixed to the structure 300 .

The shape of the holding member 5 is not limited to the shape shown in the first embodiment. For example, the holding member 5 may be a member in which a through hole is formed, and may be configured so that a plurality of wirings W1, W2, and W3 can pass through the through hole. Alternatively, the holding member 5 may be a member having cutouts formed therein so that a plurality of wirings W1, W2, and W3 can pass through the inside of the cutouts.

The stopper 89 may alternatively attach a plurality of types of lids 6 . The plurality of types of lids 6 have different colors, for example, and otherwise have the same configuration. A builder or the like can select the lid 6 having the same color as or harmonizing with the color of the structure 300 such as the ceiling material from among a plurality of types of the lid 6 and attach it to the stopper 89 . Thereby, the appearance of the hub device 1 can be improved.

The terminal portion 7 and the wirings W1, W2, and W3 may have shapes conforming to, for example, the USB standard, the HDMI (registered trademark) standard, the HDBaseT (registered trademark) standard, or the RJ45 standard.

The hub device 1 may have a fall prevention wire. A first end of the fall prevention wire is attached to a structure 300 such as a ceiling material, and a second end is attached to at least one of the body 2 and the attachment portion 8 of the hub device 1 . The fall prevention wire can reduce the possibility that the body 2 and the mounting portion 8 will fall when the body 2 and the mounting portion 8 are detached from the structure 300 .

The function of indicator light 13 is not limited to the function of displaying the communication status of hub device 1 . The indicator lamp 13 may indicate the presence or absence of an abnormality in the hub device 1, for example. Further, the hub device 1 may include a notification unit that notifies the presence or absence of an abnormality in the hub device 1 by sound. The notification unit includes, for example, a buzzer. Also, at least one of the indicator lamp 13 and the notification unit may notify the presence or absence of an abnormality by light or sound in accordance with the operator's inspection operation during maintenance of the hub device 1 .

The hub device 1 may include an AC power supply terminal for receiving AC power. Furthermore, the AC power terminal of the hub device 1 may be a feed wiring terminal. AC power supplied from the commercial power supply PS1 or the like to the feed wiring terminals via wiring is supplied to the hub device 1 . Furthermore, the AC power supplied to the hub device 1 is supplied to the device 100 via the wiring wired to the feed wiring terminal.

Further, the hub device 1 may be provided with an outlet having an AC power terminal. The outlet is built in the body 2 of the hub device 1, for example.

The hub device 1 may have one of the functions of receiving power via the AC power supply terminal and receiving power via the wiring W1. If power cannot be transmitted due to a problem or the like, power can be transmitted by the other. That is, the power transmission function in the hub device 1 can be made redundant.

The hub device 1 may notify the outside of the information regarding the amount of power supplied and the amount of received power. For example, a controller that controls the operation of the hub device 1 may be notified of information regarding the amount of power supplied and the amount of received power. A controller is one of a plurality of devices 100 . The controller controls the operations of other devices 100 . Further, the hub device 1 may notify the device 100 other than the controller of information regarding the amount of power supplied and the amount of power received. Further, the hub device 1 may receive notification of information regarding the power supply amount and the power reception amount from the controller or the device 100 other than the controller.

An example of the information on the amount of power supplied and the amount of power received is information on the amount of power used by each of the hub device 1 and the plurality of devices 100 . Also, the controller may control power supply based on information on the power consumption of each of the hub device 1 and the plurality of devices 100 . For example, the controller may preferentially supply power to a device 100 having a high power supply priority among the plurality of devices 100 . Priority information may be stored in advance in the controller, or the priority may be determined by processing in the controller. Note that the controller may be provided in the hub device 1 .

Here, a hub device 1 that supplies power (hereinafter referred to as a "power supply hub") and a hub device 1 that receives power from the hub device 1 that supplies power (hereinafter referred to as a "power receiving hub") are electrically connected. Describes how to set the priority when One or more devices 100 may be connected to each of the power feeding hub and the power receiving hub. The power receiving hub may then power one or more devices 100 electrically connected to the power receiving hub. The terms “power feeding hub” and “power receiving hub” are designations that represent the relationship between power feeding and power reception between these two hub devices 1 at a certain point in time. Depending on the case, the power feeding hub can also receive power from the power receiving hub and the device 100 and the like, and the power receiving hub can also feed power to the power feeding hub and the device 100 and the like.

By performing communication such as packet communication between the power feeding hub and the power receiving hub, the power feeding hub can obtain information that the power receiving hub is electrically connected. Then, the power feeding hub may feed power to the power receiving hub with priority over other devices 100 . For example, when a power receiving hub and one or more devices 100 are electrically connected to a power feeding hub, the priority of power feeding to the power receiving hub is set higher than the priority of power feeding to one or more devices 100. may be

The hub device 1 of the first embodiment is an L2 switch that has a function of storing correspondence between MAC addresses and terminal units 7 (ports), but the hub device 1 is not limited to an L2 switch. Hub device 1 may be an L3 switch. The hub device 1 as an L3 switch has a function of storing correspondence between IP addresses and terminal units 7 (ports) and performing routing using IP addresses, in addition to functions as an L2 switch.

(Summary of Embodiment 1 and Modified Example of Embodiment 1)
The following aspects are disclosed from the first embodiment and the modified example of the first embodiment described above.

A hub device 1 includes a body 2 , a plurality of terminal portions 7 and a mounting portion 8 . A plurality of terminal portions 7 are provided on the body 2 . The plurality of terminal portions 7 can electrically connect the plurality of wirings W1, W2, W3. The multiple wirings W1, W2, W3 include at least multiple wirings W1, W2 for communication. The attachment portion 8 is a portion for attaching the body 2 to a structure 300 forming part of a building.

According to the above configuration, hub device 1 can be attached to structure 300 . Therefore, compared to the case where the hub device 1 is placed on a desk or the like, the possibility of the hub device 1 becoming an obstacle can be reduced.

Also, in the hub device 1 , the structure 300 includes a first surface 301 and a second surface 302 opposite to the first surface 301 . The first surface 301 is exposed in the building obscuring portion 400 . The body 2 has an insertion section 3 . The insertion portion 3 is inserted into a hole 330 that penetrates from the first surface 301 to the second surface 302 of the structure 300 .

According to the above configuration, by inserting the insertion portion 3 into the hole 330 , at least part of the insertion portion 3 is arranged inside the hole 330 or in the concealing portion 400 and is visible from the outside of the concealing portion 400 . it gets harder. Therefore, the hub device 1 becomes less conspicuous.

Moreover, the hub device 1 further includes a stopper 89 . The stopper 89 is connected to the insertion section 3 . The stopper 89 extends in a direction along the second surface 302 with the insertion portion 3 as a base point when viewed from the side facing the second surface 302 .

According to the above configuration, in the operation of inserting the insertion portion 3 into the hole 330 formed in the structure 300 , when the stopper 89 contacts the periphery of the hole 330 , the stopper 89 contacts the structure 300 . It is possible to suppress the movement of the insertion portion 3 to the side.

Moreover, in the hub device 1 , the body 2 further has an extension portion 4 . The extension part 4 is connected to the insertion part 3 . The extension portion 4 extends in a direction along the first surface 301 with the insertion portion 3 as a base point when viewed from the side facing the first surface 301 . At least one of the plurality of terminal portions 7 is provided on the extension portion 4 .

According to the above configuration, it becomes easier to secure a space for providing a plurality of terminal portions 7 than when the extension portion 4 is not provided. Also, compared to the case where the extension part 4 extends only in the direction from the second surface 302 toward the first surface 301, it is possible to suppress the space of the concealing part 400 from being compressed in that direction.

Also, the hub device 1 further comprises at least one cover 11 . The cover 11 corresponds to at least one terminal portion 7 among the plurality of terminal portions 7 on a one-to-one basis. Cover 11 includes opening 12 . The cover 11 covers at least one terminal portion 7 around the periphery of the opening 12 . The opening 12 is formed so that at least one terminal portion 7 is exposed when viewed from below or obliquely below.

According to the above configuration, the possibility of dust and water droplets adhering to the terminal portion 7 is reduced compared to the case where the terminal portion 7 is exposed when viewed from above.

Moreover, in the hub device 1 , the plurality of terminal portions 7 are exposed in the space below the body 2 .

According to the above configuration, when the body 2 is attached to the ceiling material or the like as the structure 300, even if the body 2 is attached to the structure 300, the additional wiring can be connected to the terminal portion 7. Easy to connect.

Further, in the hub device 1, the plurality of terminal portions 7 are configured such that the plurality of wirings W1, W2, and W3 can be inserted/extracted.

According to the above configuration, it is easy to replace the wires W1, W2 and W3 connected to the terminal portion 7 and to change the connection points of the wires W1, W2 and W3 in the hub device 1. FIG.

Moreover, the hub device 1 further includes a holding member 5 . The holding member 5 is provided separately from the plurality of terminal portions 7 . The holding member 5 holds at least one of the plurality of wirings W1, W2, W3 electrically connected to the plurality of terminal portions 7. As shown in FIG.

According to the above configuration, the wires W1, W2, and W3 can be held without using a member separate from the hub device 1. FIG.

Further, in the hub device 1 , the body 2 is separate from the attachment portion 8 attached to the structure 300 and can be attached to the attachment portion 8 .

According to the above configuration, the mounting portion 8 and the body 2 can be individually designed.

Also, in the hub device 1 , the body 2 is attachable to and detachable from the mounting portion 8 .

According to the above configuration, when one of the mounting portion 8 and the body 2 is replaced with a new mounting portion 8 or the body 2, the other can be used continuously.

In the hub device 1, the plurality of terminal portions 7 include at least one of a terminal portion for inputting both power and signals and a terminal portion for outputting both power and signals.

According to the above configuration, one terminal portion 7 can input or output both power and signals, so the number of terminal portions 7 can be reduced.

Further, in the hub device 1 , the plurality of terminal portions 7 include terminal portions 72 for power input. Power input terminal portion 72 receives input of power output from a power supply (commercial power supply PS1) and converted by power converter 120 .

According to the above configuration, power can be obtained from an external power source.

(Embodiment 2)
A hub device 1A according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. Configurations similar to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

A hub device 1A of this embodiment includes a body 2A and a mounting portion 8A. The mounting portion 8A is incorporated in the body 2A. The mounting portion 8A has two wing portions 88 and two (one in FIG. 7) struts 881 corresponding to the two wing portions 88 on a one-to-one basis.

Each wing portion 88 is rotatable about the corresponding strut 881 as an axis. When the rotation angle of the two wing portions 88 is the first rotation angle, the two wing portions 88 are accommodated in the recess 34 provided in the insertion portion 3A of the body 2A. In this state, the insertion portion 3A is inserted into the hole 330 (see FIG. 2) formed in the structure 300 (see FIG. 2). When the rotation angle of the two wings 88 is the second rotation angle, the two wings 88 protrude from the insertion section 3A. In this state, the hub device 1A is placed on the structure 300 so that the two wings 88 are in contact with the first surface 301 of the structure 300 (see FIG. 2).

The body 2A has an insertion portion 3A and a lid portion 6. As shown in FIG. The insertion section 3A includes an insertion body 35 and two side walls 36. As shown in FIG. The insertion body 35 has a three-dimensional shape obtained by cutting a cylinder obliquely with respect to the axial direction of the cylinder. As such, the insert body 35 includes a surface 351 that is oblique with respect to the axial direction. The surface 351 is rectangular.

A plurality of terminal portions 7 (terminal portions P 1 to P 10 , 71 and 72 ) are provided on the surface 351 . When the hub device 1A is attached to the structure 300, the axial direction of the insertion body 35 extends along the vertical direction. When the hub device 1A is attached to the structure 300, the surface 351 of the insertion body 35 is oblique with respect to the vertical direction (vertical direction). The surface 111 of the cover 11 on which the opening 12 is formed is formed along the surface 351 of the insertion body 35 . In other words, surface 111 is substantially parallel to surface 351 . Therefore, when the hub device 1A is attached to the structure 300, the surface 111 of the cover 11 on which the opening 12 is formed is oblique with respect to the vertical direction.

The insert body 35 has an upper surface 352 at a first axial end and a lower surface at a second axial end. A lower surface of the insertion body 35 faces the lid portion 6 . The top surface 352 of the insert body 35 is larger than the bottom surface of the insert body 35 . The area of the insertion body 35 in a cross section orthogonal to the vertical direction decreases from top to bottom. The direction of the normal to the surface 351 of the insertion body 35 is obliquely downward. The direction of the normal to the surface 111 of the cover 11 on which the opening 12 is formed is obliquely downward with respect to the vertical direction. The plurality of terminal portions 7 are exposed through the openings 12 of the cover 11 when viewed from the direction along the normal line of the surface 351 . That is, the opening 12 of each cover 11 is formed so that the terminal portion 7 is exposed when viewed obliquely from below. A plurality of terminal portions 7 provided on the surface 351 of the insertion body 35 are exposed to the space below the body 2A.

A holding member 5A of the hub device 1A is coupled to the insertion portion 3A by screwing. The two side walls 36 of the insertion portion 3A protrude from two sides of the surface 351 of the insertion body 35 that are oblique to the vertical direction. A plurality of wires W1, W2, and W3 electrically connected to a plurality of terminal portions 7 pass through a space 37 surrounded by an insertion body 35 and two side walls 36, and pass through the proximal end portions 51A and 2 of the holding member 5A. It is passed through a space 53A surrounded by two arm portions 52A.

The stopper 89 is provided in the hub device 1 as a configuration outside the attachment portion 8A. The stopper 89 is coupled to the lower surface of the insertion body 35 by screwing. The lid portion 6 is attached to the stopper 89 . The lid portion 6 is attached to the insertion portion 3A via a stopper 89. As shown in FIG.

Although illustration is omitted, a plurality of indicator lamps 13 (see FIG. 4) are provided on the lower surface of the insertion body 35 .

The direction of the normal to the surface 111 of the cover 11 on which the opening 12 is formed may be diagonally upward with respect to the vertical direction.

(Summary of Embodiment 2)
The following aspects are disclosed from the second embodiment described above.

The hub device 1A further includes at least one cover 11. As shown in FIG. The cover 11 corresponds to at least one terminal portion 7 among the plurality of terminal portions 7 on a one-to-one basis. Cover 11 includes opening 12 . The cover 11 covers at least one terminal portion 7 around the periphery of the opening 12 . At least one terminal portion 7 is configured such that at least one wire out of the plurality of wires W1, W2, and W3 can be inserted through the opening 12 and connected. The opening 12 is formed in a surface 111 of at least one cover 11 that is oblique with respect to the vertical direction, and exposes at least one terminal portion 7 .

According to the above configuration, when the normal direction of the surface 111 oblique to the vertical direction is obliquely upward and the terminal portion 7 is exposed to the space obliquely above the terminal portion 7, the terminal portion 7 is It is easier to electrically connect the wirings W1, W2, and W3 to the terminal section 7 than when they are exposed only to the space directly above the terminal section 7 . When the normal direction of the surface 111 oblique to the vertical direction is obliquely downward and the terminal portion 7 is exposed in the space obliquely below the terminal portion 7, the terminal portion 7 is positioned in the space directly below the terminal portion 7. The wires W1, W2, and W3 are less likely to come off the terminal portion 7 than when they are exposed only to the terminal portion 7.

(Embodiment 3)
A hub device 1B according to Embodiment 3 will be described below with reference to FIG. Configurations similar to those of the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

A body 2B of the hub device 1B has an insertion portion 3B and an extension portion 4B. The insertion portion 3B includes an insertion body 35B and two side walls 36B. The hub device 1B includes terminal portions P1 to P6 and terminal portions 71 and 72 as the plurality of terminal portions .

The insertion body 35B is semi-cylindrical. In the insertion body 35B, a plurality of terminal portions 7 are provided on a surface 353 corresponding to a cylindrical cross section. The surface 353 extends along the vertical direction. A cover 11 covering each terminal portion 7 is opened in one direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, and the terminal portion 7 is exposed when viewed from the one direction. A plurality of wirings W1, W2, and W3 can be inserted/extracted from the terminal portion 7 from the one direction. As a result, the possibility of water droplets, dust, etc. adhering to the terminal portion 7 can be reduced compared to the case where the terminal portion 7 is configured such that the plurality of wirings W1, W2, and W3 can be inserted/extracted only from above, for example.

The two side walls 36B of the insertion portion 3B protrude from two sides of the surface 353 of the insertion body 35B along the axial direction of the insertion body 35B. In the two side walls 36B, surfaces 361 facing each other are curved like cylindrical side surfaces. The extension portion 4B extends in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction from the axial first end (upper end) of the insertion body 35B.

The stopper 89B is integrated with the insertion portion 3B. The lid portion 6B is attached to the stopper 89B.

When the hub device 1B is placed on the floor or the like with the stopper 89B in contact with the floor or the like, the surface 353 on which the plurality of terminal portions 7 are provided extends in the vertical direction. Also, the plurality of terminal portions 7 are concentrated on this surface 353 . Therefore, it is easy to connect/disconnect the plurality of wires W1, W2, and W3 to/from the plurality of terminal portions 7 while the hub device 1B is placed on the floor or the like.

(Embodiment 4)
A hub device 1C according to Embodiment 4 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 10A to 10C. Configurations similar to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted. Further, as the structure of the mounting portion for mounting the body 2C of the hub device 1C to the structural body 300, for example, the structure shown in any one of the first to third embodiments may be adopted. omitted.

A body 2C of the hub device 1C has an insertion portion 3C and an extension portion 4C. The insertion portion 3C has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. When viewed from below, the four corners 38 of the insertion portion 3C are rounded. The extension part 4C has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The extension portion 4C is connected to the insertion portion 3C.

Insert portion 3C is arranged inside hole 330 formed in structure 300 . At this time, the extension portion 4C extends in a direction along the first surface 301 with the insertion portion 3C as a base point when viewed from the side (upper side) facing the first surface 301 of the structure 300 . More specifically, the extension portion 4C extends from the upper end of the insertion portion 3C in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. The extension 4C is arranged in the concealed part 400 of the building. The extension portion 4C faces the first surface 301 of the structure 300 in the vertical direction.

A corner portion 39 on the opposite side of the upper end of the insertion portion 3C from the side connected to the extension portion 4C is rounded.

The insertion portion 3C has a cavity H1 inside. This cavity accommodates a substrate and the like on which a circuit for making the hub device 1C function as a switching hub device is mounted.

A plurality of (two in FIG. 10C) terminal portions P1 and P2 are provided on the distal end surface 41 of the extension portion 4C on the side opposite to the insertion portion 3C side. A plurality of (four in FIG. 10B) terminal portions P3 to P6 and a terminal portion 71 are provided on the lower surface 32C of the insertion portion 3C.

Each of the plurality of terminal portions P3 to P6 has a function different from that of the plurality of terminal portions P1 and P2. Specifically, each of the plurality of terminal portions P1 and P2 is a terminal portion (first terminal portion) for power input and signal input/output. Each of the plurality of terminal portions P3 to P6 is a terminal portion (second terminal portion) for power output and signal input/output. A terminal portion 71 is a terminal portion for inputting and outputting signals.

The normal directions of the lower surface 32C of the insertion portion 3C provided with the plurality of terminal portions P1 and P2 and the distal end surface 41 of the extension portion 4C provided with the plurality of terminal portions P3 to P6 are different from each other. As a result, the direction in which one of the plurality of wirings W1 is inserted into each of the plurality of terminal portions P1 and P2 (first terminal portions) is different from that of the plurality of terminal portions P3 to P6 (second terminal portions). The direction in which one of the plurality of wirings W1 is inserted in each is different. More specifically, the wiring W1 is inserted upward from below into the plurality of terminal portions P1 and P2, and is inserted into the plurality of terminal portions P3 to P6 in a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction.

When attaching the body 2C to the structure 300, first, the extension 4C is inserted into the hole 330, and then the body 2C is attached within a plane orthogonal to the lower surface 32C of the insertion portion 3C and the distal end surface 41 of the extension 4C. The insertion portion 3C is inserted into the hole 330 while being rotated. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 10A, the extension portion 4C is arranged in the concealing portion 400, and the insertion portion 3C is arranged inside the hole 330. As shown in FIG.

According to this embodiment, the extension portion 4C for providing the terminal portions P1 and P2 extends in the direction along the first surface 301 with the insertion portion 3C as a base point. Therefore, compared to the case where the extension 4C extends in the normal direction (upward) of the first surface 301, the vertical dimension of the portion of the body 2C located above the first surface 301 is reduced. suppressed. Therefore, the hub device 1C can be attached to the structure 300 even if the concealing portion 400 (ceiling space) is relatively low in the vertical direction.

Also in this embodiment, the body 2C may have a lid portion 6 (see FIG. 2).

(Summary of Embodiment 4)
The following aspects are disclosed from the fourth embodiment described above.

Hub device 1 further comprises at least one cover 11 . The cover 11 corresponds to at least one terminal portion 7 among the plurality of terminal portions 7 on a one-to-one basis. Cover 11 includes opening 12 . The cover 11 covers at least one terminal portion 7 around the periphery of the opening 12 . At least one terminal portion 7 is configured such that at least one wire out of the plurality of wires W1, W2, and W3 can be inserted through the opening 12 and connected. The plurality of terminal portions 7 includes first terminal portions (terminal portions P1 and P2) and second terminal portions (terminal portions P3 to P6) having functions different from those of the first terminal portions. The direction in which one of the plurality of wirings W1, W2, and W3 is inserted in the first terminal portion is different from the direction in which one of the plurality of wirings W1, W2, and W3 is inserted in the second terminal portion. different.

According to said structure, it is easy to distinguish a 1st terminal part and a 2nd terminal part.

In the hub device 1, the first terminal portions (terminal portions P1 and P2) are terminal portions for inputting at least one of electric power and signals. The second terminal portions (terminal portions P3 to P6) are terminal portions for outputting at least one of electric power and signals.

According to the above configuration, it is easy to distinguish between the terminal portion for input and the terminal portion for output.

(Embodiment 5)
A hub device 1D according to the fifth embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 11 to 15. FIG. Configurations similar to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, the hub device 1D includes a body 2D, a plurality (six) of terminal portions 7, a mounting portion 8D, and a lid portion 6D. The body 2D has an insertion portion 3D, an extension portion 4D, and a holding member 5D. A plurality of wirings W<b>1 , W<b>2 , W<b>3 are electrically connected to the plurality of terminal portions 7 . 13 shows only a part of each of the two wirings W1, and the wirings W1, W2, and W3 are omitted in FIGS. 11, 12, 14, and 15. FIG.

As in the first embodiment, the body 2D and the mounting portion 8D are separate bodies. After the attachment portion 8D is attached to the structure 300, the body 2D is attached to the attachment portion 8D. That is, the body 2D is attached to the structure 300 via the attachment portion 8D.

The insertion portion 3D has a semi-cylindrical shape. In a state in which the body 2D is attached to the structure 300 via the attachment portion 8D, the extension portion 4D extends above the vertical center of the insertion portion 3D. The extension portion 4D extends in a direction along the first surface 301 with the insertion portion 3D as a base point when viewed from the side facing the first surface 301 . More specifically, the extension portion 4D protrudes from near the upper end of the insertion portion 3D along a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. The extension part 4D has a shape obtained by cutting out a part of a semi-cylindrical shape. When viewed from above, the shape of the body 2D including the insertion portion 3D and the extension portion 4D is circular with a notch. By forming the body 2D in such a shape, the size of the body 2D viewed from above can be increased compared to the body 2 of the first embodiment. Therefore, it is possible to easily secure an arrangement space for a substrate or the like in the space SP2 inside the body 2D. A holding member 5D is arranged in a space corresponding to the cutout portion of the extension portion 4D.

The holding member 5D has an arm portion 52D that corresponds to the arm portion 52 of the first embodiment. A holding member 5D of the fifth embodiment consists of only an arm portion 52D. The shape of the arm portion 52D is arcuate when viewed from above. The arm portion 52D protrudes from the insertion portion 3D. A gap 54 is provided between the tip of the arm portion 52D and the extension portion 4D.

A plurality of wires W1, W2, and W3 are passed through a space 53 surrounded by the arm portion 52D, the insertion portion 3D, and the extension portion 4D. A plurality of wirings W1, wirings W2, and W3 are arranged in the space 53 from the outside of the space 53 via gaps 54, for example. A plurality of wirings W1, wirings W2, and W3 are arranged along the vertical direction in the space 53 . As a result, the plurality of wirings W1, W2, and W3 are restricted from moving in the direction orthogonal to the vertical direction.

The insertion section 3D has an insertion main body 35, a housing section 37D, and a plurality of (three, but only two are shown in FIG. 13) protrusions 374. As shown in FIG. The insert body 35 is semi-cylindrical. The accommodating portion 37D has a semi-cylindrical shape with an open upper surface. The outer shape of the housing portion 37</b>D follows the outer shape of the insertion body 35 when viewed from above and below. The housing portion 37D is attached to the insertion body 35. As shown in FIG. Also, the housing portion 37D can be removed from the insertion body 35. As shown in FIG. The housing portion 37D covers the insertion body 35 from below.

A plurality of protruding portions 374 protrude from the accommodating portion 37D. The projecting direction of the plurality of projecting portions 374 is along the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. When viewed in the vertical direction, the plurality of protruding portions 374 are arranged at approximately equal intervals in the arcuate region of the outer peripheral surface of the accommodating portion 37D. More specifically, the plurality of protrusions 374 are arranged at intervals of approximately 120 degrees in the arcuate region of the outer peripheral surface of the accommodation portion 37D.

An opening 3750 is formed in the lower surface 375 of the insertion portion 3D (the lower surface of the housing portion 37D). A plurality of (six in FIG. 13) indicator lamps 13 are exposed through the opening 3750 .

One of the six indicator lamps 13 (hereinafter also referred to as an indicator lamp 13D) changes its lighting state according to a specific state of the hub device 1D. Thereby, the indicator lamp 13D displays a specific state. In the fifth embodiment, the specific state is whether or not the hub device 1D is performing short-range wireless communication conforming to standards such as BlueTooth (registered trademark). For example, the indicator lamp 13D is lit when the hub device 1D is performing short-range wireless communication, and the indicator lamp 13D is turned off when the hub device 1D is not performing short-range wireless communication.

The remaining five indicator lights out of the six indicator lights 13 correspond to the five terminal parts 7 out of the six terminal parts 7 on a one-to-one basis. The lighting state of each indicator lamp 13 changes according to the communication state at the corresponding terminal portion among the five terminal portions 7 .

The plurality of terminal portions 7 are provided on a surface 353 of the insertion body 35 along the vertical direction. A cover 11 covering each terminal portion 7 is opened in one direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, and the terminal portion 7 is exposed when viewed from the one direction. A plurality of wirings W1, W2, and W3 can be inserted/extracted from the terminal portion 7 from the one direction. As a result, the possibility of water droplets, dust, etc. adhering to the terminal portion 7 can be reduced compared to the case where the terminal portion 7 is configured such that the plurality of wirings W1, W2, and W3 can be inserted/extracted only from above, for example.

Body 2D further has cap 14 . The cap 14 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom. As shown in FIG. 14 , a plurality of through holes 141 are formed in the bottom of the cap 14 . The structure of the bottom of the cap 14 is a honeycomb structure in which a plurality of through holes 141 are formed.

The cap 14 covers the structure consisting of the insertion portion 3D and the extension portion 4D from above. Each of the insertion portion 3D and the extension portion 4D has a space inside, and the space inside the insertion portion 3D and the space inside the extension portion 4D are connected to form one space SP2 (the space inside the body 2D. (see FIG. 15). The cap 14 covers the space inside the insertion portion 3D and the extension portion 4D. Further, in the hub device 1D, heat generated in the space inside the insertion portion 3D and the extension portion 4D can be discharged through the plurality of through holes 141 of the cap 14. FIG.

When viewed from above, the outer shape of the cap 14 substantially matches the outer shape of the structure consisting of the insertion portion 3D and the extension portion 4D. That is, when viewed from above, the shape of the cap 14 is circular with a notch. By forming the cap 14 in such a shape, it is possible to ensure the size of the outer shape of the cap 14 as viewed from above. As a result, the heat generated in the space inside the insertion portion 3D and the extension portion 4D can be efficiently exhausted.

As shown in FIG. 15, the hub device 1D further includes a plurality of (six in FIG. 15) mounting substrates 151 to 156 and a plurality of (two in FIG. 15) heat sinks 17 and 18 . The plurality of mounting substrates 151 to 156 and the plurality of heat sinks 17 and 18 are arranged in the space SP2 inside the body 2D, that is, the space inside the insertion portion 3D and the extension portion 4D. At least a portion of the multiple mounting boards 151 to 155 and the multiple heat sinks 17 and 18 are housed in the insertion body 35 . The mounting board 156 is housed in the housing portion 37D.

Each of the plurality of mounting boards 151-156 includes a board and at least one electronic component 16 mounted on the board. More specifically, mounting substrate 151 includes substrate 1510 . Mounting substrate 152 includes substrate 1520 , mounting substrate 153 includes substrate 1530 , mounting substrate 154 includes substrate 1540 , mounting substrate 155 includes substrate 1550 , and mounting substrate 156 includes substrate 1560 .

The mounting board 151 is a power supply board. That is, a power supply circuit is formed on the mounting board 151 . The power supply circuit converts the power output from a power supply such as commercial power supply PS1 (see FIG. 1) and converted by power converter 120 (see FIG. 1) into power of a desired voltage, and converts the power to power of a desired voltage. circuit. The power supply circuit includes, for example, a step-down chopper, and the step-down chopper includes a plurality of switching elements as electronic components 16 . A switching element consists of a transistor, for example.

The mounting substrate 151 is arranged in the upper part of the space inside the insertion portion 3D and the extension portion 4D. More specifically, at least part of the mounting substrate 151 is arranged in the space inside the extension portion 4D, and the extension portion 4D protrudes from near the upper end of the insertion portion 3D. The thickness direction of the substrate 1510 of the mounting substrate 151 is along the vertical direction.

The heat sink 17 is made of aluminum, for example. The heat sink 17 has a base 171 and a plurality of fins 172 . The base 171 is formed in a plate shape. The thickness direction of the base 171 extends along the vertical direction. The shape of the base 171 when viewed from above and below is a shape along the inner edges of the insertion portion 3D and the extension portion 4D. The base 171 covers the space inside the insertion portion 3D and the extension portion 4D from above. A plurality of fins 172 protrude from the top surface of the base 171 .

The heat sink 17 is arranged on the mounting board 151 . The base 171 of the heat sink 17 is in contact with at least some of the electronic components 16 such as switching elements arranged on the upper surface of the substrate 1510 of the mounting substrate 151 . The heat sink 17 also has a plurality of projections 173 that contact at least some of the electronic components 16 . A plurality of protrusions 173 protrude from the lower surface of the base 171 .

A cap 14 is arranged on the heat sink 17 . The heat sink 17 dissipates heat generated in the space inside the insertion portion 3D and the extension portion 4D to the outside of the hub device 1D through the cap 14 . The heat sink 17 radiates heat received from electronic components 16 such as transistors mounted on the substrate 1510 to the outside of the hub device 1D through the cap 14, for example.

Substrates 1520 , 1530 , 1540 , 1550 are positioned below substrate 1510 . A substrate 1550 is arranged below the substrate 1520 , and a substrate 1530 and a substrate 1540 are arranged between the substrates 1520 and 1550 . The thickness direction of each of substrates 1520 and 1550 is along the vertical direction. The thickness direction of the substrates 1530 and 1540 is along one direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, and the substrates 1530 and 1540 are arranged in this one direction.

Boards 1520, 1530, 1540, and 1550 are mounted with components involved in communication between hub device 1D and a plurality of devices 100 (see FIG. 1) outside hub device 1D. One terminal portion 7 (see FIG. 13), a cover 11 covering the terminal portion 7, and a plurality of electronic components 16 are mounted on the substrate 1520 . Five terminal portions 7 (see FIG. 13), five covers 11 (only one is shown in FIG. 15) covering the five terminal portions 7, and a plurality of electronic components 16 are mounted on the substrate 1550. ing. A plurality of electronic components 16 are mounted on each of substrates 1530 and 1540 .

The heat sink 18 is made of aluminum, for example. The heat sink 18 has a base 181 and a plurality of fins 182 . The base 181 is formed in a plate shape. The thickness direction of the base 181 is along one direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. A plurality of fins 182 protrude from the base 181 in the one direction.

The base 181 is in contact with at least some of the electronic components 16 mounted on the board 1540 . The heat sink 18 also has a plurality of projections 183 that contact at least some of the electronic components 16 . A plurality of protrusions 183 protrude from the base 181 . Also, the base 181 is mechanically and thermally coupled to the base 171 of the heat sink 17 .

The heat sink 18 conducts heat generated in the space inside the insertion portion 3D and the extension portion 4D to the heat sink 17 . The heat sink 18 conducts, for example, heat received from the electronic components 16 mounted on the substrate 1540 to the heat sink 17 .

Substrate 1560 is positioned below substrate 1550 . The thickness direction of the substrate 1560 is along the vertical direction. Wiring formed on the substrate 1560 is electrically connected to the plurality of indicator lamps 13 .

As described above, a plurality of indicator lamps 13 are exposed through openings 3750 formed in the lower surface 375 of the accommodation portion 37D. More specifically, when the cover 6D is not attached to the insertion portion 3D, the plurality of indicator lights 13 are exposed to the space inside the room under the structure 300 (ceiling material). On the other hand, when the lid portion 6D is attached to the insertion portion 3D, one indicator lamp 13D is exposed to the indoor space below the structure 300 (ceiling material) through the insertion hole 62 of the lid portion 6D. The remaining five indicator lamps 13 are covered with the lid portion 6D and are not exposed to the space in the room.

Further, as described above, the substrate 1510 is arranged in the upper part of the space inside the insertion portion 3D and the extension portion 4D. The substrate 1510 is arranged at the top among the plurality of substrates 1510 , 1520 , 1530 , 1540 , 1550 and 1560 . Therefore, the heat generated in the mounting substrate 151 including the substrate 1510 can be easily discharged onto the body 2D. Furthermore, since the heat sink 17 is provided adjacent to the mounting board 151, the heat generated in the mounting board 151 is efficiently discharged as compared with the case where the heat sink 17 is not provided. Since the power supply circuit formed on the mounting board 151 includes a transistor that is a heat source, the amount of heat generated by the mounting board 151 tends to be larger than the amount of heat generated by each of the mounting boards 152 to 155 . Therefore, by efficiently exhausting the heat generated in the mounting substrate 151 as described above, it is possible to reduce the temperature rise in the space SP2 inside the body 2D.

As shown in FIG. 11, the lid portion 6D is disc-shaped. An insertion hole 62 is formed in the center of the lid portion 6D. The lid portion 6D has four protrusions 611D for attaching the lid portion 6D to the attachment portion 8D. The lid portion 6D is attached to the attachment portion 8D by hooking the four projections 611D on the attachment portion 8D.

Next, the structure of the mounting portion 8D will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG.

The attachment portion 8D has a tubular portion 81D, a plurality (three) of feather portions 88, a plurality (three) of struts 881, and a stopper 89. As shown in FIG.

The tubular portion 81D is formed in a cylindrical shape. The axial direction of the tubular portion 81D extends along the vertical direction. The tubular portion 81D is formed with four mounting holes 812 into which the four projections 611D of the lid portion 6D are inserted.

The stopper 89 is formed in an annular shape. The stopper 89 is coupled to the cylindrical portion 81D. The stopper 89 protrudes radially outward from the tubular portion 81D from the lower end of the tubular portion 81D.

A plurality of struts 881 are held by the cylindrical portion 81D. The configurations of the plurality of vane portions 88 and the plurality of struts 881 are the same as those of the first embodiment, so description thereof will be omitted.

The mounting portion 8D includes a plurality (three) of spring portions 82D (see FIGS. 11 and 14), a plurality of (three) projecting base portions 83D (see FIG. 11: only one is shown in FIG. 11), further has The three spring portions 82D are fixed to the cylindrical portion 81D. The three spring portions 82D are arranged near the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 81D. The three spring portions 82D are arranged at approximately equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 81D. The three spring portions 82D are leaf springs. The three spring portions 82D are in one-to-one correspondence with the three projecting portions 374 of the insertion portion 3D. The three projecting base portions 83D protrude from the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 81D. The three projecting base portions 83D correspond one-to-one with the three spring portions 82D. Each of the three projecting base portions 83D is adjacent to the corresponding spring portion 82D. Each of the three spring portions 82D holds (sandwiches) the corresponding projecting portion 374 with the corresponding projecting base portion 83D.

Next, with reference to FIG. 11, an example of procedure for attaching the hub device 1D to the structure 300 will be described.

First, the attachment portion 8D is attached to the structure 300 as in the first embodiment. That is, the mounting portion 8D is inserted into the hole 330 formed in the structure 300. As shown in FIG. When the mounting portion 8D is inserted into the hole 330, the rotation angles of the two vane portions 88 are set to the first rotation angle by the operator's operation. After the mounting portion 8D is inserted into the hole 330, the two wing portions 88 are rotated approximately 90 degrees by the operator's operation, and the rotation angle of the two wing portions 88 is set to the second rotation angle. By setting the rotation angle of the two wing portions 88 to the second rotation angle, the two wing portions 88 extend out of the hole 330 and come into contact with the first surface 301 of the structure 300 . That is, the mounting portion 8D is placed on the structure 300 so that the two wings 88 are in contact with the first surface 301 of the structure 300. As shown in FIG.

Next, by rotating the support 881 and moving the vane 88 in the axial direction of the support 881, the structure 300 is sandwiched between the two vanes 88 and the stopper 89 (see FIG. 15). As described above, the attachment portion 8D is attached to the structure 300 .

On the other hand, a plurality of wirings W1, W2, and W3 are electrically connected to a plurality of terminal portions 7 provided on the body 2D. Furthermore, the plurality of wirings W1, W2, W3 are held by the holding member 5D. A plurality of wirings W1, W2, and W3 are electrically connected to a plurality of terminal portions 7, a plurality of wirings W1, W2, and W3 are held by a holding member 5D, and a mounting portion 8D is connected to the first surface 301 of the structure 300. After being placed on the body 2D, the body 2D is attached to the attachment portion 8D.

More specifically, first, body 2D is inserted into hole 330 formed in structure 300 . Body 2D is then rotated. As a result, each of the three projecting portions 374 is placed on the projecting base portion 83D and moved to a position held (sandwiched) between the corresponding spring portion 82D and the projecting base portion 83D. Thereby, the body 2D is attached to the attachment portion 8D. That is, the body 2D is attached to the structure 300 via the attachment portion 8D. Further, the spring force of the spring portion 82D suppresses the rotation of the body 2D with respect to the mounting portion 8D so that the projecting portion 374 is separated from the projecting base portion 83D.

After that, the four projections 611D of the lid portion 6D are inserted into the four attachment holes 812 (see FIG. 12) formed in the tubular portion 81D, so that the four projections 611D are hooked on the tubular portion 81D. Thereby, the lid portion 6D is attached to the cylindrical portion 81D.

As described above, the hub device 1D is attached to the structure 300 . In addition, the hub device 1D can be removed from the structure 300 by performing the operation opposite to that for attaching the hub device 1D to the structure 300. FIG.

When the lid portion 6D is removed from the tubular portion 81D after the hub device 1D is attached to the structure 300, the plurality of indicator lamps 13 are exposed in the space below the body 2D. Therefore, even when the body 2D is attached to the structure 300 via the attachment portion 8D, the communication status of the hub device 1D can be confirmed by checking the lighting status of each indicator lamp 13. FIG. Further, even when the lid portion 6D is attached to the cylindrical portion 81D, communication corresponding to the indicator lamp 13D can be performed by observing the lighting state of one indicator lamp 13D exposed through the insertion hole 62 of the lid portion 6D. You can check the status. In the fifth embodiment, as described above, the indicator lamp 13D indicates whether the hub device 1D is performing short-range wireless communication.

The hub device 1D may be used by being attached to the structure 300 with the lid portion 6D removed from the cylindrical portion 81D.

(Modification of Embodiment 5)
Modifications of the fifth embodiment are listed below. The following modified examples may be implemented in combination as appropriate.

The hub device 1D may have a drainage structure for draining water that has entered through the plurality of through holes 141 of the cap 14 . For example, at least one of an inclined surface and a drainage groove may be provided inside the body 2D, and water may be drained outside the body 2D along at least one of the inclined surface and the drainage groove. Water may be drained from, for example, through-holes provided in the side surface or bottom surface of the hub device 1D.

At least one of the plurality of wires W1, W2, W3 may be a flat cable. Between the lid portion 6D and the mounting portion 8D or the body 2D, a gap for passing the flat cable may be provided. Alternatively, the lid portion 6D, the attachment portion 8D, or the body 2D may be formed with a through hole for passing the flat cable. That is, the hub device 1D may have an insertion portion such as a gap or a through hole for passing the flat cable. As a result, the flat cable can be pulled out to the outside (inside the room) of the hub device 1D while the lid portion 6D is attached to the cylindrical portion 81D. The thickness of the flat cable is, for example, about 1 mm. The width of the flat cable is, for example, about 10 mm. The gaps and through-holes are formed, for example, to have the same size as the flat cable. Here, "equal to" is not limited to the case of exact match, but also includes the case of being different within a permissible range of error. An acceptable error is, for example, an error of 5% or less or an error of 10% or less. In addition, the gap and the through hole may be larger than the dimensions of the flat cable.

The hub device 1D may be configured such that at least one of the plurality of wires W1, W2, W3 can be pulled out under the hub device 1D. For example, the flat cable can be pulled out under the hub device 1D by providing the above-mentioned gap or through-hole for passing the flat cable as the wiring W1, W2 or W3. Also, the wires W1, W2, or W3 drawn below the hub device 1D are not limited to flat cables, and may be arbitrary wires. A device 100 (see FIG. 1) installed in a room with a hub device 1D attached to the ceiling material is connected to the hub device 1D via wiring W1, W2 or W3 drawn downward from the hub device 1D. Power transmission and communication are possible. For example, the hub device 1D can supply power to the device 100 installed on the ceiling.

A fan may be arranged in the space SP2 inside the body 2D. By driving the fan, the heat exhaust efficiency of the hub device 1D can be improved.

The arrangement of the plurality of terminal portions 7 and the plurality of indicator lights 13 is not limited to the arrangement shown in the fifth embodiment. For example, at least one of the plurality of terminal portions 7 may be arranged on the lower surface 375 of the insertion portion 3D (accommodating portion 37D). At least one of the plurality of indicator lamps 13 may be arranged on a surface 353 (front surface) of the insertion portion 3D (insertion body 35) along the vertical direction. That is, at least a portion of the plurality of terminal portions 7 and at least a portion of the plurality of indicator lamps 13 may be arranged so as to be exposed when viewed from below, or may be arranged in a direction intersecting the vertical direction (for example, the vertical direction). direction). Note that the hub device 1D may include both the terminal portion 7 exposed when viewed from below and the terminal portion 7 exposed when viewed from the direction intersecting the vertical direction. Further, the hub device 1D may include both the indicator lamp 13 that is exposed when viewed from below and the indicator lamp 13 that is exposed when viewed from the direction intersecting the vertical direction.

(Summary of Embodiment 5 and Modified Example of Embodiment 5)
The following aspects are disclosed from the fifth embodiment and the modified example of the fifth embodiment described above.

The hub device 1D further includes a mounting substrate 151 (and 152-156). Mounting substrate 151 (and 152-156) includes electronic component 16 and substrate 1510 (or 1520, 1530, 1540, 1550) on which electronic component 16 is mounted. The body 2D has a space SP2 inside. The mounting board 151 (and 152 to 156) is arranged in the space SP2 inside the body 2D.

According to the above configuration, the space SP2 inside the body 2D can be effectively used.

Further, in the hub device 1D, the body 2D further has an extension portion 4D. The extension portion 4D is connected above the center of the insertion portion 3D in the vertical direction. The extension portion 4D extends in a direction along the first surface 301 with the insertion portion 3D as a base point when viewed from the side facing the first surface 301 . The extension part 4D has a space inside. At least part of the mounting substrate 151 is arranged in the space inside the extension portion 4D.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to easily secure an arrangement space for the mounting board 151 . At least part of the mounting substrate 151 is arranged in the space inside the upper extension portion 4D of the body 2D. Therefore, the temperature rise in the space SP2 inside the body 2D can be reduced compared to the case where the entire mounting substrate 151 is arranged below the space SP2 inside the body 2D.

Further, in the hub device 1D, the electronic component 16 is a switching element.

According to the above configuration, the switching element may generate heat when switching. It is possible to reduce the temperature rise in the space SP2 inside the .

Also, the hub device 1D further includes a heat sink 17 (and 18). The heat sink 17 (and 18) contacts the mounting board 151 (and 154).

According to the above configuration, it is possible to reduce the temperature rise in the space SP2 inside the body 2D.

(Modification)
Modifications 1 to 7 below may be applied to any of Embodiments 1 to 5. Modifications 1 to 7 below are modifications in which the hub device 1 is added with a configuration having a specific function (here, collectively referred to as a "function section"). According to Modifications 1 to 7, compared to the case where the functional unit is provided in a device provided separately from the hub device 1 (hereinafter referred to as "functional device"), it is possible to secure an installation space for the functional unit. easier. Also, in one aspect, the function unit is connected to a device 100 external to the network or hub device 1 . If the functional unit is provided in a functional device provided separately from the hub device 1, the functional device can be connected via the hub device 1 by electrically connecting the functional device and the hub device 1 with a wiring W1 or the like. Connection to a network or a device 100 external to the hub device 1 is conceivable. However, in Modifications 1 to 7, since the hub device 1 is provided with the functional units, the labor for connection can be reduced.

In Embodiment 5, the functional portion may be housed in the housing portion 37D of the hub device 1D. More specifically, the mounting substrate 156 housed in the housing section 37D may have a functional section. Then, the user may select a housing portion 37D from among a plurality of housing portions 37D housing functional portions having different functions, depending on the application of the hub device 1D, and attach it to the insertion main body 35. FIG.

(Modification 1)
The hub device 1 may include a communication section having a wireless LAN function. The communication unit functions, for example, as a wireless access point. The communication unit performs wire communication or wireless communication with a router connected to the network. That is, the router is one of the multiple devices 100 communicating with the hub device 1 . When the communication unit performs wired communication with the router, the connection between the communication unit and the router is made by communication wiring (for example, wiring W1) electrically connected to the terminal unit 7 . The router is placed, for example, in the space above the ceiling.

Also, the communication unit performs wireless communication with one or a plurality of devices 100 such as network cameras, personal computers, and mobile terminals. The communication unit interconnects the router and one or more devices 100 . Thereby, the communication unit connects one or more devices 100 to the network via the router.

Communication between the hub device 1 and one or a plurality of devices 100 not compatible with wireless LAN is performed by wired communication using communication wiring (for example, wiring W1). Thereby, the communication unit connects one or more devices 100 to the network via the router.

In Modification 1, the hub device 1 includes a communication unit having a wireless LAN function, and the hub device 1 is attached to a structure 300 such as a ceiling material. As a result, the hub device 1 is less likely to interfere with the location where the hub device 1 is installed, compared to a communication unit placed on a desk or the like. In other words, the network environment can be constructed while reducing the possibility that the space at the installation location of the hub device 1 will be compressed.

When the hub device 1 has a function as a wireless access point as in Modification 1, the hub device 1 may have only one terminal section 7 . A wiring for communication (for example, wiring W1) can be electrically connected to one terminal portion 7 . The terminal unit 7 is electrically connected to a router as the device 100 via communication wiring. Communication between the hub device 1 and the device 100 other than the router is performed by wireless communication by the communication unit.

Note that the hub device 1 may further include a router. The router of the hub device 1 is connected to a line terminating device such as a modem via communication wiring. A line terminating equipment is connected to a network.

Also, the hub device 1 may further include a line termination device. A line terminating device of the hub device 1 is connected to a network via communication wiring.

Further, the hub device 1 may have a SIM card slot into which a SIM card is inserted.

(Modification 2)
The hub device 1 may include a controller that controls the operations of multiple devices 100 electrically connected to the hub device 1 via multiple wires W1, W2, and W3. Furthermore, the hub device 1 may be provided with one or more sensors for detecting surrounding conditions. The controller may then control the operations of the multiple devices 100 based on the detection results of the one or multiple sensors.

At least one of the sensor and the controller may not be provided in the hub device 1 , and at least one of the sensor and the controller may be configured outside the hub device 1 . Communication between the hub device 1 and the sensors and controllers may be wired communication via communication wiring (for example, wiring W1), or may be wireless communication.

An example of the sensor is a position sensor using LPS (Local Positioning System). For example, the controller detects the presence or absence of a person and the position of a person by LPS, and depending on the detection result, lighting equipment, air conditioning equipment (air conditioner, ventilator, humidifier, dehumidifier, etc.) and audio equipment, etc. Control the device 100 .

Another example of the sensor is a human sensor using a heat ray sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a photoelectric sensor, an infrared sensor, or the like. Alternatively, the sensor is, for example, an image sensor that analyzes an image captured by a camera and recognizes a person. The controller detects the presence or absence of a person using, for example, a human sensor or an image sensor, and controls the equipment 100 such as lighting equipment, air conditioning equipment, and audio equipment according to the detection result.

Another example of a sensor is an environmental sensor such as a temperature sensor, humidity sensor, or brightness sensor. The controller, for example, controls equipment 100 such as lighting fixtures and air conditioners according to the detection result of the environment sensor.

Another example of a sensor is an air quality sensor. The air quality sensor detects pollutant concentration, carbon dioxide concentration, or the like in the air. For example, when the carbon dioxide concentration detected by the air quality sensor is higher than the threshold, the controller controls the air conditioner as the device 100 to perform ventilation.

Another example of a sensor is a biosensor such as a heart rate sensor. The heartbeat sensor, for example, transmits radio waves and receives reflected waves generated by the transmitted radio waves being reflected by a person. Then, the heartbeat sensor detects a person's heartbeat based on the received reflected waves. The detection result of the biosensor is stored in the memory of the hub device 1, for example.

Another example of a sensor is a heat sensor. A thermal sensor detects a fire. When the heat sensor detects a fire, the hub device 1 communicates with disaster prevention equipment to issue an alarm or activate a sprinkler.

Further, the hub device 1 may include an air conditioner or the like. For example, the hub device 1 may include a ventilator, a water cooler, an air purifier, and the like.

Further, the hub device 1 may include a device that emits fragrance. As a result, for example, it is possible to provide a pleasant scent to people in the room where the hub device 1 is installed. This device, for example, emits fragrance according to the detection result of the human sensor.

Further, the hub device 1 may be provided with a device having an insect repellent effect. For example, the hub device 1 may be equipped with a device that has an insect repellent effect using fragrance or a device that has an insect repellent effect using ultrasonic waves. This device switches between the presence and absence of an insect repellent action, for example, according to the detection results of environmental sensors such as a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor, and a human sensor.

Also, the hub device 1 may communicate with a digital signage system. A digital signage system is installed, for example, next to an escalator in a facility. On the other hand, the hub device 1 is installed, for example, on the ceiling of an escalator landing. A sensor detection result is input to the digital signage system via the hub device 1 . A digital signage system includes, for example, a display whose display is switched according to the detection result of a sensor.

(Modification 3)
The hub device 1 may include a lighting section including a light source such as an LED. The lighting section is arranged on the lower surface of the body 2 of the hub device 1, for example. The lighting unit is used, for example, as an emergency light or a guide light. The lighting unit changes its lighting state in response to a command from a controller that communicates with the hub device 1, for example. When the commercial power supply PS1 fails, the lighting unit receives power from an emergency power supply (for example, UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)) and lights up in accordance with a command from the controller. Communication between the hub device 1 and the controller may be wired communication via communication wiring (for example, wiring W1), or may be wireless communication.

The lighting unit of the hub device 1 may be controlled to change the lighting state in conjunction with lighting fixtures external to the hub device 1 . For example, the lighting unit and the lighting equipment may be linked by a command from the controller, or the lighting unit and the lighting equipment may be linked by communication between the lighting unit and the lighting equipment. By interlocking the lighting unit and the lighting equipment, for example, it is possible to match the timings of lighting and turning off, or to shift the timings of turning on and turning off at a certain timing.

Further, the lighting unit may be controlled so that the lighting state changes according to the detection result of the sensor (human sensor or the like) of Modification 2.

Further, the lighting unit may be controlled to change the lighting state based on the output of an entry/exit management system that manages entry/exit of people to/from the room in which the hub device 1 is installed. The room entry/exit management system manages entry and exit of people by reading information from IC tags carried by people when they enter and leave the room, for example. As an example, when a person enters the room, the lighting unit lights up, and when the person leaves the room, the lighting unit turns off.

Hub device 1 may include a battery. The hub device 1 may use a battery as an emergency power supply. Further, the lighting unit may be configured such that the lighting state is changed by the user's operation. Further, the lighting unit is not limited to emergency lights or guide lights, and may be used, for example, as interior lights that can be used other than during power outages.

The hub device 1 may have a terminal electrically connected to the battery. Even if the hub device 1 does not have a battery in advance, the hub device 1 can receive power from the battery through the terminal. Also, the hub device 1 may charge the battery via the terminal.

The hub device 1 may accept power supply from the battery when the amount of PoE power supplied from the hub device 1 to one or more devices 100 exceeds a predetermined limit value. In other cases, the hub device 1 does not need to receive power supply from the battery.

(Modification 4)
Hub device 1 may include a camera. The camera takes a picture of the space (indoor space, etc.) in which the hub device 1 is installed, and generates image data (still image data or moving image data). Image data generated by the camera is output to a device outside the hub device 1 via a network, for example.

Note that the hub device 1 may relay communication between a camera installed outside the hub device 1 and an image data output destination device. Communication between the hub device 1 and the camera may be wired communication via communication wiring (for example, wiring W1), or may be wireless communication.

Further, the hub device 1 may store the image data generated by the camera in the memory of the hub device 1 . Alternatively, the hub device 1 may store the image data generated by the camera in a memory card such as an SD card. In order to store the image data in the SD card, the hub device 1 may have an SD card slot into which the SD card is inserted.

Also, the camera may be used as a device for capturing images used for a videophone.

(Modification 5)
The hub device 1 may include at least one of a speaker and a microphone. Speakers and microphones are used, for example, as equipment for inputting and outputting audio for videophones. The speaker and microphone output sound (including voice) and receive input according to commands from a controller that communicates with the hub device 1, for example. Communication between the hub device 1 and the controller may be wired communication via communication wiring (for example, wiring W1), or may be wireless communication.

A directional speaker may be used as the speaker. The directional speaker outputs sound so that, for example, in the space directly below the hub device 1, the sound from the speaker can be heard more easily than in the surrounding space.

Also, as the speaker, a mute speaker having a noise canceling function may be used. The muffling speaker, for example, suppresses propagation of sound between the space immediately below the hub device 1 and the surrounding space.

(Modification 6)
The hub device 1 may have a projector function. For example, hub device 1 may include a projector that projects an image onto a screen. A projector projects an image according to a user's operation or the like.

(Modification 7)
The hub device 1 may include an input reception section that receives an input of a contact signal from a contact device having contacts that open and close. A contact signal is output from the contact device according to opening and closing of the contact. The hub device 1 may operate according to the contact signal. Also, the hub device 1 may transmit the contact signal to the other device 100 .

Each of the above-described embodiments, including modifications, may be combined as appropriate and implemented.

1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D hub device 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D body 3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D insertion portion 4, 4B, 4C, 4D extension portion 5, 5A, 5D holding member 89 stopper 7 terminal portions 8, 8A, 8D mounting portion 11 cover 111 surface 12 opening 120 power converters 151 to 156 mounting substrates 1510, 1520, 1530, 1540, 1550, 1560 substrate 16 electronic components 17, 18 heat sink 300 structure 301 First surface 302 Second surface 330 Hole 400 Concealing part PS1 Commercial power supply (power supply)
SP2 Space W1, W2, W3 Wiring

A hub device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a body, a plurality of terminal portions, a mounting portion, and a holding member . The plurality of terminal portions are provided on the body. A plurality of wirings can be electrically connected to the plurality of terminal portions. The plurality of wirings includes at least a plurality of communication wirings for communication. The attachment portion is a portion for attaching the body to a structure forming part of a building. The holding member is provided separately from the plurality of terminal portions. The holding member holds at least one wire among the plurality of wires electrically connected to the plurality of terminal portions.

Claims (19)

body and
a plurality of terminal portions provided on the body and capable of electrically connecting a plurality of wirings including at least a plurality of communication wirings for communication;
a mounting portion for mounting the body to a structure forming part of a building,
The structure includes a first surface exposed to the concealed part of the building and a second surface opposite to the first surface,
The body is
an insertion portion inserted into a hole penetrating from the first surface to the second surface of the structure in a predetermined penetrating direction;
an extension part connected to the insertion part and extending in a direction along the first surface with the insertion part as a base point when viewed from the side facing the first surface;
A side surface of the insertion portion along the penetrating direction and a predetermined surface of the extension portion face a predetermined space,
At least one terminal portion among the plurality of terminal portions is provided on the side surface of the insertion portion,
hub device. body and
a plurality of terminal portions provided on the body and capable of electrically connecting a plurality of wirings including at least a plurality of communication wirings for communication;
a mounting portion for mounting the body to a structure forming part of a building,
The structure includes a first surface exposed to the concealed part of the building and a second surface opposite to the first surface,
the body has an insertion portion that is inserted into a hole penetrating from the first surface to the second surface of the structure in a predetermined penetrating direction;
The insertion portion includes an insertion body whose area in a cross section perpendicular to the penetration direction decreases from the near side to the far side when viewed from the side facing the first surface,
the insertion body includes a surface that is oblique to the penetration direction;
At least one terminal portion among the plurality of terminal portions is provided on the surface of the insertion body,
hub device. further comprising a holding member that is provided separately from the plurality of terminal portions and holds at least one of the plurality of wires electrically connected to the plurality of terminal portions;
When viewed from the penetrating direction, the outer edge of the body has a shape along a predetermined circle,
The holding member has a shape that fits within the predetermined circle,
A hub device according to claim 1 or 2. body and
a plurality of terminal portions provided on the body and capable of electrically connecting a plurality of wirings including at least a plurality of communication wirings for communication;
a mounting portion for mounting the body to a structure forming part of a building,
The structure includes a first surface exposed to the concealed part of the building and a second surface opposite to the first surface,
The body is
an insertion portion inserted into a hole penetrating from the first surface to the second surface of the structure;
an extension part connected to the insertion part and extending in a direction along the first surface with the insertion part as a base point when viewed from the side facing the first surface;
at least one of the plurality of terminal portions is provided on the extension portion;
hub device. body and
a plurality of terminal portions provided on the body and capable of electrically connecting a plurality of wirings including at least a plurality of communication wirings for communication;
a mounting portion for mounting the body to a structure forming part of a building;
a mounting substrate including an electronic component and a substrate on which the electronic component is mounted;
The structure includes a first surface exposed to the concealed part of the building and a second surface opposite to the first surface,
The body is
an insertion portion inserted into a hole penetrating from the first surface to the second surface of the structure;
an extension part that is connected to the upper part of the insertion part from the center in the vertical direction and extends in a direction along the first surface with the insertion part as a base point when viewed from the side facing the first surface; have
The body has a space inside,
The mounting board is arranged in the space inside the body,
The extension has a space inside,
At least part of the mounting substrate is arranged in the space inside the extension,
hub device. The electronic component is a switching element,
The hub device according to claim 5. Further comprising a heat sink in contact with the mounting substrate,
A hub device according to claim 5 or 6. further comprising a stopper connected to the insertion portion and extending in a direction along the second surface with the insertion portion as a base point when viewed from the side facing the second surface;
A hub device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. Further comprising a holding member that is provided separately from the plurality of terminal portions and holds at least one of the plurality of wires electrically connected to the plurality of terminal portions,
The hub device according to any one of claims 4-8. at least one cover corresponding to at least one terminal portion among the plurality of terminal portions in a one-to-one correspondence, and including an opening and covering the at least one terminal portion by a peripheral edge of the opening;
The opening is formed so that the at least one terminal portion is exposed when viewed from below or obliquely below.
A hub device according to any one of claims 1 to 9. at least one cover corresponding to at least one terminal portion among the plurality of terminal portions in a one-to-one correspondence, and including an opening and covering the at least one terminal portion by a peripheral edge of the opening;
the at least one terminal portion is configured to allow at least one wire out of the plurality of wires to be inserted and connected through the opening;
The opening is formed in a surface of the at least one cover that is oblique with respect to the vertical direction, and exposes the at least one terminal.
A hub device according to any one of claims 1 to 10. the plurality of terminal portions are exposed in a space below the body;
A hub device according to any one of claims 1 to 11. The plurality of terminal portions are configured such that the plurality of wirings can be inserted and removed,
A hub device according to any one of claims 1-12. The body is separate from the mounting portion attached to the structure, and is attachable to the mounting portion.
A hub device according to any one of claims 1-13. The body is detachable from the mounting portion,
15. A hub device according to claim 14. at least one cover corresponding to at least one terminal portion among the plurality of terminal portions in a one-to-one correspondence, and including an opening and covering the at least one terminal portion by a peripheral edge of the opening;
the at least one terminal portion is configured to allow at least one wire out of the plurality of wires to be inserted and connected through the opening;
The plurality of terminal portions includes a first terminal portion and a second terminal portion having a function different from that of the first terminal portion,
The direction in which one of the plurality of wires is inserted in the first terminal portion is different from the direction in which one of the plurality of wires is inserted in the second terminal portion,
A hub device according to any one of claims 1-15. the first terminal portion is a terminal portion for inputting at least one of electric power and a signal;
The second terminal portion is a terminal portion for outputting at least one of electric power and a signal,
17. A hub device according to claim 16. The plurality of terminal portions include at least one of a terminal portion for inputting both power and signals and a terminal portion for outputting both power and signals,
Hub device according to any one of claims 1-17. The plurality of terminal units includes a terminal unit for inputting electric power,
The terminal unit for power input receives input of power output from a power supply and converted by a power converter.
Hub device according to any one of claims 1-18.

Images