JP5195184B2

JP5195184B2 - Programmable controller

Info

Publication number: JP5195184B2
Application number: JP2008227019A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 淳濱田; 浩史一色
Original assignee: Denso Wave Inc
Current assignee: Denso Wave Inc
Priority date: 2008-09-04
Filing date: 2008-09-04
Publication date: 2013-05-08
Anticipated expiration: 2028-09-04
Also published as: JP2010062020A

Description

本発明は、本体ケースに、回路基板を収容すると共に、外部機器接続用の複数個の接続端子を有する端子台を取付けるようにしたプログラマブルコントローラに関する。 The present invention relates to a programmable controller in which a circuit board is accommodated in a main body case and a terminal block having a plurality of connection terminals for connecting external devices is attached.

例えば工場設備等において使用され、外部機器に対する入出力制御を行うプログラマブルコントローラ（Ｉ／Ｏモジュール）は、例えば、矩形箱状をなす合成樹脂製の本体ケース内に、制御回路や入出力回路部等が実装された回路基板を備えると共に、前記本体ケースの外面部（前面部）に、外部機器（例えば、モータ、ベルトコンベア、電磁弁、表示装置、ランプ等の負荷、スイッチやセンサ等の入力機器）との電気的接続を行うための端子台を備えて構成されている。 For example, a programmable controller (I / O module) that is used in factory facilities and performs input / output control for external devices is, for example, a control circuit, an input / output circuit section, etc. in a body case made of synthetic resin having a rectangular box shape. Are mounted on the outer surface (front surface) of the main body case, and external devices (for example, motors, belt conveyors, electromagnetic valves, display devices, lamps and other loads, switches, sensors and other input devices) ) And a terminal block for performing electrical connection.

この種のプログラマブルコントローラにおける回路基板と端子台との電気的接続構造としては、例えば特許文献１に示された構成が一般的である。即ち、図６に示すように、プログラマブルコントローラの本体ケース１は、縦型の矩形状をなし、その前面には、上端部に位置して、接続された外部機器の動作状況を表示するための表示部２が設けられると共に、その下部に、縦長の長方形状の開口部３ａを有する端子台取付部３が設けられる。さらに、端子台取付部３の前記開口部３ａの上下部には、夫々ねじ止め穴３ｂが設けられている。 As an electrical connection structure between a circuit board and a terminal block in this type of programmable controller, for example, a configuration shown in Patent Document 1 is common. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the main body case 1 of the programmable controller has a vertical rectangular shape, and the front surface of the main body case 1 is positioned at the upper end to display the operation status of the connected external device. The display unit 2 is provided, and the terminal block attachment unit 3 having a vertically long rectangular opening 3a is provided below the display unit 2. Furthermore, screwing holes 3b are provided in the upper and lower portions of the opening 3a of the terminal block mounting portion 3, respectively.

図７にも示すように、本体ケース１内には、回路基板４が立てた状態で収容され、その回路基板４の一辺部（前辺）に接続辺部４ａが設けられ、前記開口部３ａに臨むように配置されている。図７に示すように、回路基板４の接続辺部４ａの両面（一方のみ図示）には、該辺部に沿って上下に並ぶようにして、端子台５に電気的に接続される複数個（例えば両面で合計１８個）の電極６が設けられている。 As shown also in FIG. 7, in the main body case 1, the circuit board 4 is accommodated in an upright state, and a connection side 4a is provided on one side (front side) of the circuit board 4, and the opening 3a. It is arranged to face. As shown in FIG. 7, on both surfaces (only one of them is shown) of the connection side 4a of the circuit board 4, a plurality of electrical connections to the terminal block 5 are arranged vertically along the side. (For example, a total of 18 electrodes on both sides) are provided.

これに対し、端子台５は、縦方向に長い矩形ブロック状をなす合成樹脂製のハウジング５ａの前面部に、左右２列で上下に９個ずつ（合計１８個）の接続端子７を有して構成されている。そして、ハウジング５ａの後面部に、前記開口部３ａに嵌合されると共に、回路基板４の接続辺部４ａが相対的に差し込まれて電気的に接続されるコネクタ部８が設けられている。詳しく図示はしないが、このコネクタ部８には、各接続端子７に電気的につながっている合計１８個の電気接点が設けられている。また、ハウジング５ａの上下両端部には、夫々ねじ挿通穴を有するねじ止め片部５ｂ，５ｂが一体に設けられている。 On the other hand, the terminal block 5 has nine connection terminals 7 (up to 18 in total) in two rows on the left and right on the front surface of a synthetic resin housing 5a having a rectangular block shape that is long in the vertical direction. Configured. A connector portion 8 is provided on the rear surface portion of the housing 5a. The connector portion 8 is fitted into the opening 3a and the connection side portion 4a of the circuit board 4 is relatively inserted and electrically connected thereto. Although not shown in detail, the connector portion 8 is provided with a total of 18 electrical contacts that are electrically connected to the connection terminals 7. Further, screwing pieces 5b and 5b each having a screw insertion hole are integrally provided at both upper and lower ends of the housing 5a.

これにて、本体ケース１内に、回路基板４が組込まれた状態で、端子台取付部３の開口部３ａに、端子台５のコネクタ部８を嵌め込み、２本のねじ９，９を、夫々ねじ止め片部５ｂ，５ｂを通してねじ止め穴３ｂ，３ｂにねじ込むことにより、端子台５が端子台取付部３に対して取付けられる。このとき、回路基板４の接続辺部４ａがコネクタ部８内に相対的に差し込まれ、コネクタ部８の各電気接点が、接続辺部４ａの各電極６と接触して電気的接続が図られる。
特開平７−５７７９９号公報 Thus, with the circuit board 4 assembled in the main body case 1, the connector portion 8 of the terminal block 5 is fitted into the opening 3a of the terminal block mounting portion 3, and the two screws 9, 9 are inserted. The terminal block 5 is attached to the terminal block mounting portion 3 by screwing into the screw holes 3b and 3b through the screwing pieces 5b and 5b, respectively. At this time, the connection side part 4a of the circuit board 4 is relatively inserted into the connector part 8, and each electrical contact of the connector part 8 comes into contact with each electrode 6 of the connection side part 4a to achieve electrical connection. .
JP-A-7-57799

ところで、この種のプログラマブルコントローラにあっては、近年、機能面の向上や全体のコンパクト化などを図るために、１個の端子台５における接続端子７の端子数を増やしたい要望がある。この場合、接続端子７の端子数の増加に伴い、回路基板４（接続辺部４ａ）側の電極６の数も増えることになるが、安全性確保のために、電極６同士間には所定のクリアランスを維持しなければならず、接続片部４ａにおける電極６の配置ピッチを無闇に小さくすることはできない。 By the way, in this kind of programmable controller, in recent years, there is a demand to increase the number of connection terminals 7 in one terminal block 5 in order to improve functions and make the whole compact. In this case, the number of electrodes 6 on the circuit board 4 (connection side portion 4a) side increases with an increase in the number of terminals of the connection terminals 7, but in order to ensure safety, there is a predetermined gap between the electrodes 6. This clearance must be maintained, and the arrangement pitch of the electrodes 6 in the connection piece portion 4a cannot be reduced to zero.

従って、単純に端子台３の接続端子７の数ひいては回路基板４側の電極６の数を増やそうとすれば、回路基板４の接続辺部４ａを該辺の延びる方向（図７で上下方向）に大型化せざるを得ず、これに伴い、コネクタ部８ひいては端子台５の大型化が避けられないものとなる。つまり、上記した従来の構成のままでは、全体の大型化を招くことなく、端子台５の接続端子７の端子数を増やすことは不可能であったのである。 Accordingly, if the number of the connection terminals 7 of the terminal block 3 and the number of the electrodes 6 on the circuit board 4 side are simply increased, the connection side 4a of the circuit board 4 extends in the direction in which the side extends (vertical direction in FIG. 7). Accordingly, the size of the connector portion 8 and thus the size of the terminal block 5 cannot be avoided. That is, with the above-described conventional configuration, it is impossible to increase the number of terminals of the connection terminals 7 of the terminal block 5 without increasing the overall size.

本発明は上記事情に鑑みてなされたもので、その目的は、全体の大型化を抑制しつつも、端子台の接続端子数を増やすことができるプログラマブルコントローラを提供するにある。 This invention is made | formed in view of the said situation, The objective is to provide the programmable controller which can increase the number of connection terminals of a terminal block, suppressing the enlargement of the whole.

上記目的を達成するために、本発明のプログラマブルコントローラは、本体ケースに、回路基板を収容すると共に、先端側に外部機器接続用の複数個の接続端子を有する端子台を取付け、端子台の基端側に設けられ複数個の電気接点を有する接続部を、前記回路基板の一辺の接続辺部に嵌合させることにより、前記接続辺部に沿って設けられた複数個の電極と前記各電気接点との電気的接続を図るようにしたものにあって、前記端子台の基端側には、前記回路基板の接続辺部の両端部から夫々隣接する辺部に沿って、該接続辺部から対向する辺部方向に延び、該延長方向に並ぶ複数個の電気接点を有する一対の延長接続部が設けられていると共に、前記回路基板には、前記延長接続部の各電気接点に夫々対応した複数個の電極が設けられ、更に、前記各延長接続部は、前記回路基板を表裏両面側から挟むよう設けられ、該延長接続部に設けられたばね性を有する複数個の電気接点が、前記各電極に圧接するように構成されているところに特徴を有する（請求項１の発明）。 In order to achieve the above object, a programmable controller of the present invention includes a circuit board accommodated in a main body case, and a terminal block having a plurality of connection terminals for connection to external devices attached to a distal end side. A plurality of electrodes provided along the connection side and each of the electrical connections are provided by fitting a connection portion provided on the end side and having a plurality of electrical contacts with the connection side on one side of the circuit board. In the electrical connection with the contact, the base side of the terminal block is connected to the connection side portion along the adjacent side portions from both ends of the connection side portion of the circuit board. extending the side portion opposite directions from a pair of extension connecting portion having a plurality of electrical contacts arranged in the extension direction is provided, on the circuit board, corresponding respectively to each electrical contact of the extension connection portion and a plurality of electrodes provided with a further , Each extending connecting portion is provided so as to sandwich the circuit board from both sides side, a plurality of electrical contacts having a spring property provided in the extended connection portion is configured to press the respective electrodes (Invention of claim 1).

上記構成によれば、本体ケースに取付けられる端子台の接続部を、回路基板の一辺の接続辺部に嵌合させることにより、接続辺部に沿って設けられた複数個の電極と、接続部に設けられた複数個の電気接点とが電気的に接続されるのであるが、これと併せて、端子台の延長接続部に設けられた複数個の電気接点と、回路基板に設けられた複数個の電極とが電気的に接続されるようになる。このとき、端子台の延長接続部は、回路基板の接続辺部から対向する辺部方向に延び、その延長方向に並んで複数個の電気接点を有しているので、回路基板においても、接続辺部から対向する辺部方向に向けて並ぶように複数個の電極が設けられるようになる。 According to the above configuration, by connecting the connection portion of the terminal block attached to the main body case to the connection side portion on one side of the circuit board, the plurality of electrodes provided along the connection side portion and the connection portion In addition to this, a plurality of electrical contacts provided in the terminal block are electrically connected. In addition to this, a plurality of electrical contacts provided in the extension connection portion of the terminal block and a plurality of electrical contacts provided in the circuit board are provided. The electrodes are electrically connected. At this time, the extension connection portion of the terminal block extends from the connection side portion of the circuit board in the opposite side direction and has a plurality of electrical contacts arranged in the extension direction. A plurality of electrodes are provided so as to line up from the side toward the opposite side.

従って、安全性確保のための電極間に所定のクリアランスを設ける必要から、回路基板の接続辺部に設けることのできる電極の数は、接続辺部の大きさ（長さ）に応じて一定数に決まっていても、接続辺部以外の部位において更に複数個の電極を追加することができるので、その分だけ端子台の接続端子の数を増やすことが可能となる。この場合、接続辺部を長さ方向（辺の延びる方向）に大型化することなく、接続辺部に設けられる電極の数を越えた数の電極を設けることができるので、端子台の大型化ひいては全体の大型化を抑制することができる。 Accordingly, since it is necessary to provide a predetermined clearance between the electrodes for ensuring safety, the number of electrodes that can be provided on the connection side portion of the circuit board is a fixed number according to the size (length) of the connection side portion. Even if it is determined, a plurality of electrodes can be further added at a portion other than the connection side portion, so that the number of connection terminals of the terminal block can be increased accordingly. In this case, since the number of electrodes exceeding the number of electrodes provided on the connection side can be provided without increasing the size of the connection side in the length direction (direction in which the side extends), the terminal block can be increased in size. As a result, the enlargement of the whole can be suppressed.

本発明においては、一対の延長接続部を、回路基板の接続辺部の両端部から夫々隣接する辺部に沿って、該接続辺部から対向する辺部方向に延びるように設けている。これによれば、回路基板の電極を、回路や部品等の存在しない辺部に沿って設ければ良いので、回路基板上におけるスペース面で有利となり、また、端子台の延長接続部が、回路基板上の部品に干渉したりすることも防止することができる。 In the present invention, the pair of extension connection portions are provided so as to extend from the connection side portions to the opposite side portions along the adjacent side portions from both ends of the connection side portion of the circuit board . According to this, since it is only necessary to provide the electrodes of the circuit board along the side where the circuit or component does not exist, it is advantageous in terms of space on the circuit board, and the extension connection part of the terminal block has a circuit. Interference with components on the board can also be prevented.

さらには、前記各延長接続部を、回路基板を表裏両面側から挟むよう設け、その延長接続部に設けられたばね性を有する複数個の電気接点が、回路基板の各電極に圧接するように構成している。これによれば、例えば、製品のばらつきによって一部の回路基板に反りが生じているような場合でも対応することができ、反りをいわば矯正するようにしながら、回路基板の電極と端子台の電気接点との電気的接続を確実に行うことができる。
また、本発明においては、前記端子台の基端側に、前記各延長接続部に加えて、前記回路基板の接続辺部の中間部分から対向する辺部方向に延び、複数個の電気接点を有する中間延長接続部を設けると共に、前記回路基板に、前記中間延長接続部の各電気接点に夫々対応した複数個の電極を設ける構成とすることもできる（請求項２の発明）。 Further, each extension connection portion is provided so as to sandwich the circuit board from both the front and back sides, and a plurality of electrical contacts having spring properties provided in the extension connection portion are configured to press-contact each electrode of the circuit board. doing. According to this, for example, even when some of the circuit boards are warped due to product variations, it is possible to cope with the warpage, so that the electric power between the electrodes of the circuit board and the terminal block is corrected. The electrical connection with the contact can be reliably performed.
Further, in the present invention, on the base end side of the terminal block, in addition to each of the extended connection portions, a plurality of electrical contacts are extended in an opposite side direction from an intermediate portion of the connection side portion of the circuit board. An intermediate extension connecting portion may be provided, and a plurality of electrodes corresponding to each electrical contact of the intermediate extension connecting portion may be provided on the circuit board (invention of claim 2).

以下、本発明を具体化した一実施例について、図１ないし図４を参照しながら説明する。図４（ｂ）は、本実施例に係るプログラマブルコントローラ１１の外観を概略的に（一部を省略して）示しており、プログラマブルコントローラ１１の本体ケース１２は、全体としてほぼ矩形箱状をなしており、例えば立てた状態（縦長の状態）に設置される。図４（ａ）にも示すように、以下述べる実施例では、便宜上、本体ケース１２のうち、端子台１３が取付けられる端子台取付部１４を有する側を前面とし、これを基準として、前後、左右、上下といった方向を述べることとする。 Hereinafter, an embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4B schematically shows the appearance of the programmable controller 11 according to the present embodiment (a part thereof is omitted), and the main body case 12 of the programmable controller 11 has a substantially rectangular box shape as a whole. For example, it is installed in a standing state (vertically long state). As shown in FIG. 4 (a), in the embodiment described below, for convenience, the side of the main body case 12 that has the terminal block mounting portion 14 to which the terminal block 13 is mounted is defined as the front surface, and the front and rear, The directions such as left and right and up and down will be described.

図４に示すように、プログラマブルコントローラ１１の本体ケース１２は、合成樹脂から縦型の矩形箱状に構成されており、その外面この場合前面には、図４で上端部に位置して、接続された外部機器の動作状況を表示するための表示部１５が前方に突出した形態に設けられる。詳しく図示はしないが、この表示部１５は、複数個のＬＥＤを縦横に配列状に備えており、それら各ＬＥＤを点灯、消灯することにより、各負荷のオン・オフ状態などの状況を表示するように構成されている。 As shown in FIG. 4, the main body case 12 of the programmable controller 11 is composed of a synthetic resin in a vertical rectangular box shape, and its outer surface, in this case, the front surface is located at the upper end in FIG. The display unit 15 for displaying the operation status of the external device is provided in a form protruding forward. Although not shown in detail, the display unit 15 includes a plurality of LEDs arranged vertically and horizontally, and displays the status of each load on / off by turning on and off the LEDs. It is configured as follows.

また、図４（ａ）に示すように、本体ケース１２の前面部は、前記表示部１５の下部に位置して、一段後方（奥方）に引っ込んだ状態とされており、その部分に端子台取付部１４が設けられる。この端子台取付部１４は、中央やや右寄り部位に位置して縦長の長方形状の開口部１４ａを形成すると共に、その開口部１４ａの上部及び下部に位置して、ねじ穴を有するねじ止め用ボス１４ｂ、１４ｂを設けて構成されている。後述するように、この端子台取付部１４には、外部機器のケーブル（配線）が接続される端子台１３が、接続端子を有する側を前面として立てた状態（縦長の状態）に取付けられる。 Further, as shown in FIG. 4A, the front surface portion of the main body case 12 is located at the lower portion of the display portion 15 and is retracted one step backward (backward), and a terminal block is provided at that portion. A mounting portion 14 is provided. The terminal block mounting portion 14 is located at a position slightly on the right side of the center to form a vertically long rectangular opening portion 14a, and is located at the upper and lower portions of the opening portion 14a and has a screw hole. 14b and 14b are provided. As will be described later, the terminal block 13 to which a cable (wiring) of an external device is connected is mounted on the terminal block mounting portion 14 in a state in which the side having the connection terminal is upright (vertically long state).

前記本体ケース１２内には、図１、図２にも示すように、制御回路や入出力回路部等が実装された回路基板１６が、立てた状態で収容される。この回路基板１６は、矩形板状をなし、その前辺に位置する接続辺部１６ａが、前記端子台取付部１４の開口部１４ａに臨むように配設されている。このとき、図１に片面のみ示すように、前記接続辺部１６ａには、該接続辺部１６ａに沿って並ぶように、端子台１３（外部）に接続される複数個の電極１７が設けられている。これら電極１７は、必要なクリアランスが確保されるピッチで、片面に例えば９個が上下方向に並んで設けられ、また、表裏両面間で半ピッチだけ上下にずれた位置に、合計１８個が設けられている。 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a circuit board 16 on which a control circuit, an input / output circuit unit, and the like are mounted is accommodated in the main body case 12 in an upright state. The circuit board 16 has a rectangular plate shape, and is arranged so that a connection side portion 16 a located on the front side thereof faces the opening portion 14 a of the terminal block mounting portion 14. At this time, as shown in FIG. 1 only on one side, the connection side 16a is provided with a plurality of electrodes 17 connected to the terminal block 13 (external) so as to be arranged along the connection side 16a. ing. For example, nine electrodes 17 are arranged on one side in a vertical direction at a pitch that ensures a necessary clearance, and a total of 18 electrodes 17 are provided at positions shifted by a half pitch between the front and back surfaces. It has been.

更に、本実施例では、回路基板１６のうち、接続辺部１６ａの端部（上下両端部）から隣接する辺部（上辺部及び下辺部）に沿って並ぶように、複数個の電極１８（第２の電極１８と称する）が設けられている。これら第２の電極１８も、端子台１３（外部）に接続されるものであり、片面のみ図示するが、上辺部及び下辺部の夫々前辺寄り部位の表裏両面側に、例えば合計１８個が設けられている。これら第２の電極１８も、必要なクリアランスを確保されるピッチで形成されている。 Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a plurality of electrodes 18 (in the circuit board 16) are arranged so as to be arranged along the adjacent side portions (upper side portion and lower side portion) from the end portion (upper and lower end portions) of the connection side portion 16 a. (Referred to as the second electrode 18). These second electrodes 18 are also connected to the terminal block 13 (external), and only one side is shown. For example, a total of 18 pieces are provided on the front and back both sides of the front side and the lower side, respectively. Is provided. These second electrodes 18 are also formed at a pitch that ensures a necessary clearance.

さて、前記端子台１３について、図１〜図３も参照して述べる。図３（ａ）等に示すように、この端子台１３は、全体として上下方向に細長いほぼ矩形ブロック状をなす絶縁材（プラスチック）製のハウジング１９の基端側である前面部に、外部機器接続用の複数個（この場合３６個）の接続端子２０を配列して構成されている。この場合、ハウジング１９の前面部に、左右２列に１８個ずつの接続端子２０が設けられるのであるが、図１、図２に示すように、ハウジング１９の前面部は、左側（左列）が奥方に一段下がり、右側（右列）が前方に突出した段差状をなしている。 Now, the terminal block 13 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 3A and the like, the terminal block 13 is connected to an external device on the front side which is the base end side of a housing 19 made of an insulating material (plastic) which is formed in a substantially rectangular block shape that is elongated in the vertical direction as a whole. A plurality (36 in this case) of connection terminals 20 for connection are arranged. In this case, 18 connection terminals 20 are provided on the front surface of the housing 19 in two rows on the left and right sides. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the front surface of the housing 19 is on the left side (left column). Is stepped down to the back, and the right side (right column) has a stepped shape protruding forward.

詳しく図示はしないが、前記各接続端子２０は、ねじ穴を有する座金部と、この座金部に上方からねじ込まれるねじとを有して構成されている。このとき、図１、図３に示すように、隣り合う接続端子２０同士間には、ハウジング１９に一体に設けられた隔壁部１９ａが前方に立ち上がるように配置されている。また、右列の接続端子２０と、左列の接続端子２０とは、上下方向に半ピッチ分だけずれて配置されている。図示はしないが、外部機器のケーブルは、その先端にＹ型端子が取付けられ、前記ねじを緩めた状態でそのＹ型端子が端子台１３の左側面側から差込まれ、その後ねじが締付けられることにより、接続端子２０に着脱可能に接続されるようになっている。 Although not shown in detail, each connection terminal 20 includes a washer portion having a screw hole and a screw screwed into the washer portion from above. At this time, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, a partition wall 19 a provided integrally with the housing 19 is arranged between the adjacent connection terminals 20 so as to rise forward. Further, the connection terminals 20 in the right row and the connection terminals 20 in the left row are arranged so as to be shifted by a half pitch in the vertical direction. Although not shown, a Y-type terminal is attached to the tip of the cable of the external device, and the Y-type terminal is inserted from the left side of the terminal block 13 with the screw loosened, and then the screw is tightened. Thus, the connection terminal 20 is detachably connected.

そして、端子台１３（ハウジング１９）の基端側である後面側には、端子台１３と前記回路基板１６との電気的接続を行うための、接続部２１及び延長接続部２２，２２が一体的に設けられている。これら接続部２１及び延長接続部２２，２２は、端子台１３の端子台取付部１４への取付け状態で、前記開口部１４ａから本体ケース１２内部に差し込まれ、前記回路基板１６に嵌合するようになっている。 A connecting portion 21 and extended connecting portions 22 and 22 for making an electrical connection between the terminal block 13 and the circuit board 16 are integrally formed on the rear surface side which is the base end side of the terminal block 13 (housing 19). Provided. The connection portion 21 and the extension connection portions 22 and 22 are inserted into the main body case 12 from the opening portion 14a and fitted to the circuit board 16 in a state where the terminal block 13 is attached to the terminal block attachment portion 14. It has become.

そのうち接続部２１は、ハウジング１９の正面から見て右側に偏った位置（右列の接続端子２０の後方側）に、前後方向に延びて後方に凸となるように設けられている。図３（ｂ）に示すように、接続部２１の中央部には、前記回路基板１６の接続辺部１６ａが差込まれる差込溝２１ａが上下方向全体に延びて設けられている。これと共に、接続部２１（差込溝２１ａ）の内部には、前記各電極１７に対応した位置に、ばね性を有する金属板材からなる合計１８個の電気接点２３が、差込溝２１ａの左右両側に位置して上下方向に配列された状態で設けられている。 Of these, the connecting portion 21 is provided at a position biased to the right side when viewed from the front of the housing 19 (the rear side of the connecting terminal 20 in the right row) so as to extend in the front-rear direction and to protrude rearward. As shown in FIG. 3B, an insertion groove 21 a into which the connection side portion 16 a of the circuit board 16 is inserted is provided at the center portion of the connection portion 21 so as to extend in the entire vertical direction. At the same time, a total of 18 electrical contacts 23 made of a metal plate material having a spring property are provided in the connection portion 21 (insertion groove 21a) at positions corresponding to the respective electrodes 17, and left and right of the insertion groove 21a. They are provided on both sides and arranged in the vertical direction.

前記延長接続部２２，２２は、ハウジング１９の接続部２１の上下両端側に位置して、前記回路基板１６の上辺部及び下辺部に沿うように、前記回路基板１６の接続辺部１６ａから対向する辺部（後辺部）方向、つまり後方に延びて夫々設けられている。これにて、上部の延長接続部２２と、接続部２１と、下部の延長接続部２２とが、全体でコ字状をなすようにして、前記回路基板１６の接続辺部１６ａ及びそれにつながる上下両辺部に嵌合される。 The extension connection portions 22 and 22 are located on both upper and lower ends of the connection portion 21 of the housing 19 and face the connection side portion 16a of the circuit board 16 along the upper side portion and the lower side portion of the circuit board 16. It is provided to extend in the direction of the side (rear side), that is, rearward. Thus, the upper extension connection portion 22, the connection portion 21, and the lower extension connection portion 22 form a U-shape as a whole, so that the connection side portion 16a of the circuit board 16 and the upper and lower portions connected thereto are connected. It is fitted to both sides.

このとき、図３（ｂ）に示すように、上側の延長接続部２２の下面側、及び、下側の延長接続部２２の上面側には、夫々、前記回路基板１６の上下の辺部（前寄り部分）が差込まれる差込溝２２ａ及び２２ａが前後方向全体に延びて設けられている。これと共に、差込溝２２ａ，２２ａの内部には、前記各第２の電極１８に対応した位置に、ばね性を有する金属板材からなる合計１８個の電気接点２４（第２の電気接点２４と称する）が、差込溝２２ａの左右両側に位置して前後方向に配列された状態で設けられている。 At this time, as shown in FIG. 3B, on the lower surface side of the upper extension connection portion 22 and the upper surface side of the lower extension connection portion 22, respectively, the upper and lower side portions ( Insertion grooves 22a and 22a into which the front portion) is inserted extend in the entire front-rear direction. At the same time, in the insertion grooves 22a and 22a, a total of 18 electrical contacts 24 (second electrical contacts 24 and 24) made of a metal plate having spring properties are provided at positions corresponding to the second electrodes 18. Are provided on the left and right sides of the insertion groove 22a and arranged in the front-rear direction.

尚、図示はしないが、接続部２１内の電気接点２３及び各延長接続部２２の第２の電気接点２４は、ハウジング１９の内部において、前記各接続端子２０（座金部）に夫々電気的に接続（一体的に連続）されている。また、図１、図３（ａ）等に示すように、端子台１３のハウジング１９の右列側の上下両端部（前記ねじ止め用ボス１４ｂ，１４ｂに対応した位置）には、夫々ねじ挿通穴を有するねじ止め片部１９ｂ，１９ｂが一体に設けられている。 Although not shown, the electrical contact 23 in the connection portion 21 and the second electrical contact 24 of each extension connection portion 22 are electrically connected to the connection terminals 20 (washers) inside the housing 19, respectively. Connected (integrally continuous). Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3A and the like, screws are inserted into upper and lower ends (positions corresponding to the screwing bosses 14b and 14b) on the right row side of the housing 19 of the terminal block 13, respectively. Screwing pieces 19b and 19b having holes are integrally provided.

これにて、端子台１３は、その背面側の接続部２１及び延長接続部２２，２２部分を、前記端子台取付部１４の開口部１４ａに前方から差込むようにし、上下のねじ止め片部１９ｂ，１９ｂを各ねじ止め用ボス１４ｂ，１４ｂに重ねるように配置した状態で、それら２箇所でねじ止めすることにより、図４（ｂ）に示すように、端子台取付部１４（本体ケース１２）に取付けられるようになっている。 As a result, the terminal block 13 has the connecting portion 21 and the extended connecting portions 22 and 22 on the back side thereof inserted into the opening portion 14a of the terminal block mounting portion 14 from the front, and the upper and lower screwing pieces. In a state where 19b and 19b are arranged so as to overlap each of the screwing bosses 14b and 14b, the terminal block mounting portion 14 (main body case 12 is mounted as shown in FIG. ).

この取付け時において、図１、図２に示すように、端子台１３の接続部２１の差込溝２１ａに、回路基板１６の前辺部である接続辺部１６ａが相対的に差込まれる。これと共に、上側の延長接続部２２の差込溝２２ａに、回路基板１６の上辺部の前寄り部分（つまり第２の電極１８の形成部分）が相対的に差込まれ、下側の延長接続部２２の差込溝２２ａに、回路基板１６の下辺部の前寄り部分（つまり第２の電極１８の形成部分）が相対的に差込まれる。 At the time of this attachment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the connection side portion 16 a that is the front side portion of the circuit board 16 is relatively inserted into the insertion groove 21 a of the connection portion 21 of the terminal block 13. At the same time, the front portion of the upper side portion of the circuit board 16 (that is, the portion where the second electrode 18 is formed) is relatively inserted into the insertion groove 22a of the upper extension connection portion 22, and the lower extension connection is made. A front portion of the lower side portion of the circuit board 16 (that is, a portion where the second electrode 18 is formed) is relatively inserted into the insertion groove 22 a of the portion 22.

これにより、回路基板１６の接続辺部１６ａの各電極１７に、接続部２１内の各電気接点２３が圧接し、これと共に、回路基板１６の上下辺部に形成された各第２の電極１８に、延長接続部２２の内の各第２の電気接点２４が圧接し、端子台１３と回路基板１６との電気的接続がなされるのである。この場合、全部で３６個の接点（電極）における電気的接続が可能となる。 Thereby, each electrical contact 23 in the connection part 21 is pressed against each electrode 17 of the connection side part 16 a of the circuit board 16, and together with this, each second electrode 18 formed on the upper and lower side parts of the circuit board 16. In addition, each second electrical contact 24 in the extension connecting portion 22 is in pressure contact, and electrical connection between the terminal block 13 and the circuit board 16 is made. In this case, electrical connection at a total of 36 contacts (electrodes) is possible.

次に、上記構成の作用、効果について述べる。上記構成においては、本体ケース１２に取付けられる端子台１３の接続部２１を、回路基板１６の一辺の接続辺部１６ａに嵌合させることにより、接続辺部１６ａに沿って設けられた複数個（１８個）の電極１７と、接続部２１に設けられた複数個（１８個）の電気接点２３とが電気的に接続されることに加えて、端子台１３の延長接続部２２，２２に設けられた複数個（合計１８個）の第２の電気接点２４と、回路基板１６の上辺部及び下辺部に沿って設けられた複数個（合計１８個）の第２の電極１８とが電気的に接続されるようになる。 Next, the operation and effect of the above configuration will be described. In the above configuration, a plurality of (provided along the connection side portion 16 a (a plurality of connection portions 21 of the terminal block 13 attached to the main body case 12) are fitted into the connection side portion 16 a on one side of the circuit board 16 ( (18) electrodes 17 and a plurality (18) of electrical contacts 23 provided on the connection portion 21 are electrically connected, and are provided on the extension connection portions 22 and 22 of the terminal block 13. The plurality of (total 18) second electrical contacts 24 and the plurality (total 18) second electrodes 18 provided along the upper and lower sides of the circuit board 16 are electrically connected. Will be connected to.

従って、回路基板１６に設けられる電極１７，１８同士間に安全性確保のために所定のクリアランスを設ける必要から、接続辺部１６ａに設けることのできる電極１７の数は、接続辺部１６ａの大きさ（長さ）に応じて一定数に決まっていても、回路基板１６の接続辺部１６ａ以外の部位において更に複数個の電極（第２の電極１８）を追加することができるので、その分だけ端子台１３の接続端子２０の数を増やすことが可能となる。 Accordingly, since it is necessary to provide a predetermined clearance between the electrodes 17 and 18 provided on the circuit board 16 to ensure safety, the number of electrodes 17 that can be provided on the connection side 16a is larger than the size of the connection side 16a. Even if the number is determined according to the length (length), a plurality of electrodes (second electrodes 18) can be further added at portions other than the connection side portion 16a of the circuit board 16, and accordingly. Only the number of connection terminals 20 of the terminal block 13 can be increased.

またこの場合、接続辺部１６ａを上下方向（辺の延びる方向）に大型化することなく、接続辺部１６ａに設けられる電極１７の数を越えた数の電極１７，１８を設けることができるので、端子台１３の大型化ひいては全体の大型化を抑制することができる。本実施例の端子台１３では、図７に示した従来の端子台５とほぼ同じ大きさでありながら、従来の接続端子７の数（１８個）に対し、接続端子２０の数（３６個）を２倍に増やすことができた。 In this case, the number of electrodes 17 and 18 exceeding the number of electrodes 17 provided on the connection side portion 16a can be provided without increasing the size of the connection side portion 16a in the vertical direction (direction in which the side extends). Further, it is possible to suppress the increase in size of the terminal block 13 and the increase in overall size. The terminal block 13 of the present embodiment is approximately the same size as the conventional terminal block 5 shown in FIG. 7, but the number of connection terminals 20 (36) compared to the number of conventional connection terminals 7 (18). ) Was doubled.

このように本実施例のプログラマブルコントローラ１１によれば、端子台１３や回路基板１６の上下方向の大型化、ひいては全体の大型化を抑制しつつも、端子台１３の接続端子２０の個数を大幅に増やすことができるという優れた効果を得ることができるものである。 As described above, according to the programmable controller 11 of the present embodiment, the number of the connection terminals 20 of the terminal block 13 is greatly increased while suppressing an increase in the size of the terminal block 13 and the circuit board 16 in the vertical direction, and thus an increase in the overall size. It is possible to obtain an excellent effect that it can be increased.

また、特に本実施例では、延長接続部２２，２２を、回路基板１６の接続辺部１６ａの両端部から隣接する辺部（上辺部及び下辺部）に沿って延びるように設けたので、回路基板１６の第２の電極１８を他の回路や部品等の存在しない辺部に沿って設けることができ、回路基板１６上におけるスペース面で有利となる。端子台１３の延長接続部２２，２２が、回路基板１６上の部品に干渉したりすることも防止することができる。 Further, in particular, in the present embodiment, the extension connection portions 22 and 22 are provided so as to extend from both end portions of the connection side portion 16a of the circuit board 16 along the adjacent side portions (upper side portion and lower side portion). The second electrode 18 of the substrate 16 can be provided along a side where no other circuit or component is present, which is advantageous in terms of space on the circuit substrate 16. It is possible to prevent the extension connection portions 22 and 22 of the terminal block 13 from interfering with components on the circuit board 16.

さらには、延長接続部２２，２２を、回路基板１６を表裏両面側から挟むよう設け、その延長接続部２２，２２に設けられたばね性を有する複数個の第２の電気接点２４が、回路基板１６の各第２の電極１８に圧接するように構成したので、例えば、製品のばらつきによって一部の回路基板１６に反りが生じているような場合でも対応することができ、反りをいわば矯正するようにしながら、回路基板１６の第２の電極１８と端子台１３の第２の電気接点２４との電気的接続を確実に行うことができるものである。 Further, the extension connecting portions 22 and 22 are provided so as to sandwich the circuit board 16 from both the front and back sides, and a plurality of second electrical contacts 24 having spring properties provided on the extension connecting portions 22 and 22 are provided on the circuit board. Since it is configured to be in pressure contact with each of the 16 second electrodes 18, for example, even when some of the circuit boards 16 are warped due to product variations, the warpage can be corrected. Thus, the electrical connection between the second electrode 18 of the circuit board 16 and the second electrical contact 24 of the terminal block 13 can be reliably performed.

図５は、本発明の他の実施例を示しており、上記実施例と異なる点は次の構成にある。即ち、端子台３１には、接続部２１、延長接続部２２，２２に加えて、接続部２１の上下方向中間部分から、後方に延びる中間延長接続部３２が設けられている。この中間延長接続部３２には、図示はしないが、複数個の電気接点が設けられている。これに対し、回路基板３３には、中間延長接続部３２の複数個の電気接点に対応して、複数個の第３の電極３４が設けられている。 FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the present invention, which is different from the above embodiment in the following configuration. In other words, in addition to the connection part 21 and the extension connection parts 22, 22, the terminal block 31 is provided with an intermediate extension connection part 32 extending rearward from an intermediate part in the vertical direction of the connection part 21. Although not shown, the intermediate extension connection portion 32 is provided with a plurality of electrical contacts. On the other hand, the circuit board 33 is provided with a plurality of third electrodes 34 corresponding to the plurality of electrical contacts of the intermediate extension connection portion 32.

このような構成であっても、上記実施例と同様に、全体の大型化を抑制しつつも、端子台３１の接続端子２０の個数を増やすことができるという優れた効果を得ることができる。このとき、前記中間延長接続部３２（第３の電極３４）は、回路基板３３の両面側に設けられていても、片面側にのみ設けられていても良い。中間延長接続部３２を複数個設けることもできる。 Even with such a configuration, an excellent effect that the number of connection terminals 20 of the terminal block 31 can be increased while suppressing an increase in the overall size, as in the above embodiment. At this time, the intermediate extension connection portion 32 (third electrode 34) may be provided on both sides of the circuit board 33 or may be provided only on one side. A plurality of intermediate extension connecting portions 32 may be provided.

尚、上記実施例では、端子台取付部１４を本体ケース１２の前面部に設けるようにしているが、プログラマブルコントローラ１１（本体ケース１２）の設置の仕方（向き）によっては、本体ケース１２の端子台取付部１４が上面や背面或いは側面等を向いて配置されることもあり、それらも本発明の技術的範囲に含まれることは勿論である。 In the above embodiment, the terminal block mounting portion 14 be provided on the front portion of the main body case 12, the programmable controller 11 how to install the (body case 12) (direction) of the main body case 12 Of course, the terminal block mounting portion 14 may be arranged facing the upper surface, the back surface, the side surface, or the like, and these are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

その他、例えば端子台１３において接続端子を３列に設けるなど、端子台１３や本体ケース１２等の具体的な形状や構造、接続端子２０（電極１７，１８，３４や電気接点２３，２４）の個数等についても、種々の変形が可能である。更には、１個の本体ケースに複数個の回路基板及び端子台を設ける構成のプログラマブルコントローラにも本発明を適用することができる等、本発明は上記した実施例に限定されるものではなく、要旨を逸脱しない範囲内で適宜変更して実施し得るものである。 In addition, specific shapes and structures of the terminal block 13 and the body case 12, such as providing the connection terminals in three rows in the terminal block 13, the connection terminals 20 (electrodes 17, 18, 34 and electrical contacts 23, 24) Various modifications are possible for the number and the like. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to a programmable controller having a configuration in which a plurality of circuit boards and terminal blocks are provided in one main body case, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The present invention can be implemented with appropriate modifications within a range not departing from the gist.

本発明の一実施例を示すもので、端子台が回路基板に嵌合した状態を示す左側面図The left view which shows one Example of this invention and shows the state which the terminal block fitted to the circuit board. 端子台が回路基板に嵌合した状態を示す斜視図The perspective view which shows the state in which the terminal block was fitted to the circuit board 端子台の正面図（ａ）、背面図（ｂ）及び右側面図（ｃ）Front view (a), rear view (b) and right side view (c) of terminal block 端子台の取付前（ａ）及び取付後（ｂ）の様子を示すプログラマブルコントローラの斜視図The perspective view of the programmable controller which shows the state before (a) and after (b) of attachment of a terminal block 本発明の他の実施例を示す図１相当図FIG. 1 equivalent view showing another embodiment of the present invention. 従来例を示すもので、プログラマブルコントローラの分解斜視図An exploded perspective view of a programmable controller showing a conventional example 図１相当図1 equivalent diagram

Explanation of symbols

図面中、１１はプログラマブルコントローラ、１２は本体ケース、１３，３１は端子台、１４は端子台取付部、１４ａは開口部、１６、３３は回路基板、１６ａは接続辺部、１７，１８，３４は電極、１９はハウジング、２０は接続端子、２１は接続部、２２は延長接続部、２３，２４は電気接点、３２は中間延長接続部を示す。 In the drawings, 11 is a programmable controller, 12 is a main body case, 13 and 31 are terminal blocks, 14 is a terminal block mounting portion, 14a is an opening, 16 and 33 are circuit boards, 16a is a connection side portion, 17, 18, and 34 Is an electrode, 19 is a housing, 20 is a connection terminal, 21 is a connection portion, 22 is an extension connection portion, 23 and 24 are electrical contacts, and 32 is an intermediate extension connection portion.

Claims

A main body case, a circuit board accommodated in the main body case, and a terminal block attached to the main body case and having a plurality of connection terminals for connecting external devices on the distal end side, the base end of the terminal block A plurality of electrodes provided along the connection side and each of the electrical contacts by fitting a connection part having a plurality of electrical contacts provided on the side to the connection side of one side of the circuit board A programmable controller designed to achieve electrical connection with
On the base end side of the terminal block, a plurality of terminals extending from both ends of the connection side portion of the circuit board along the adjacent side portions in the direction of the opposite side from the connection side portion and arranged in the extending direction A pair of extension connections having electrical contacts of
To the circuit board, respectively the corresponding plurality of electrodes are provided to the each electrical contact of each extension connection portion,
Further, each of the extension connection portions is provided so as to sandwich the circuit board from both the front and back sides, and a plurality of electrical contacts having spring properties provided in the extension connection portion are configured to be in pressure contact with the electrodes. A programmable controller characterized by

On the base end side of the terminal block, in addition to the extension connection portions, an intermediate extension connection portion having a plurality of electrical contacts extending in an opposite side direction from an intermediate portion of the connection side portion of the circuit board. As well as
The programmable controller according to claim 1 , wherein the circuit board is provided with a plurality of electrodes respectively corresponding to the electrical contacts of the intermediate extension connection portion .