TWI754412B - Connection device - Google Patents

Abstract

The problem is to provide a connection device that contributes to increasing the stability of mechanical connection to a wiring duct. A connection device (10) includes: a duct connecting member (21) to be physically attached to a wiring duct (40) by having a part thereof inserted into the wiring duct (40) through an opening (43) extending along length of the wiring duct (40); and a body (24) to be held by the wiring duct (40) via the duct connecting member (21). The wiring duct (40) includes a first part (424) and a second part (425) facing each other with the opening (43) interposed along width of the wiring duct (40). A duct facing surface (2411), configured to face the wiring duct (40), of the body (24) has a first region (2411a) and a second region (2411b) to face the first part (424) and the second part (425), respectively. The body (24) includes at least one of: a first contact portion (244a) provided for the first region (2411a) to contact with the first part (424); or a second contact portion (244b) provided for the second region (2411b) to contact with the second part (425).

Description

connection device

The present invention relates generally to connecting devices, and more particularly, to connecting devices used to connect conduits to other devices.

JP 2009-94002 A discloses a wiring duct system. The wiring duct system of JP 2009-94002 A is designed to supply power to lamps, network devices, and various other types of devices through the power lines routed in the building by using the wiring ducts installed on the ceiling of the building, And enables network devices to establish power line (PLC) communication between them.

According to JP 2009-94002 A, various connection devices, such as power plugs and pipe-connectable PLC plugs, are attached to the wiring duct to connect lamps, network devices, and various other types of devices to the wiring duct.

The problem is to provide a connection device that helps to improve the stability of the mechanical connection to the conduit.

A connection device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a pipe connection member and a body. The conduit connection member is intended to be physically attached to a distribution conduit. The distribution conduit is used to transmit power through it. The system is to be held by the distribution conduit via the conduit connection member. The body includes a conduit facing surface to face the wiring conduit. The wiring conduit has openings extending along the length of the wiring conduit. The conduit connection member is intended to be physically attached to the distribution conduit by inserting at least a portion of the conduit connection member through the opening into the distribution conduit. The wiring duct includes a first portion and a second portion that face each other along the width of the wiring duct with the opening interposed therebetween. The duct facing surface has a first area and a second area to face the first portion and the second portion of the wiring duct, respectively. The body includes at least one of the first contact portion or the second contact portion. The first contact portion is provided for the first region to be in contact with the first portion. The second contact portion is provided for the second region to be in contact with the second portion.

10: Connection device

10A: Connection device

10B: Connection device

10C: Connection device

10D: Connection device

20: Shell

20A: Shell

20B: Shell

20C: Shell

20D: Shell

211: Protrusion

2121: Hook hole

212: Rod

213: convex part

214a: first terminal

214b: second terminal

214c: Third terminal

21: Pipe connection components

21a: first connector

21b: Second connector

22: Device connection part

23: Auxiliary Power Supply Department

2401: Attachment hole

2402: Screw holes

2403: Recess

24040: Four screw holes

2404: The first support

2405: Second support

2406: Support Department

2407: Latch boss

2408: Support Department

2409: Hook hole

240a: First surface

240b: Second Surface

240c: Outside surface

240d: outside surface

240e: Outside surface

240f: Outside surface

2411: Pipe facing surface

2411a: First area

2411b: Second area

2412: Steps

241: Installation Department

2421a: Outside Surface

2421b: Outside Surface

2422a: Inside Surface

2422b: Inside Surface

2423a: Tapered Surface

2423b: Tapered Surface

242a: first wall

242b: second wall

243a: First Reinforcement Division

243b: Second Strengthening Division

244a: first convex part

244b: Second convex part

245: Restriction Department

246a: first wall

246b: Second wall

2470: Coupling hole

247a: Department of Restrictions

247b: Department of Restrictions

2480a: First Wall

2480b: Second Wall

2481a: Outside Surface

2481b: Outside Surface

2482a: Inside Surface

2482b: Inside Surface

2483a: Tapered Surface

2483b: Tapered Surface

2484a: Extensions

2484b: Extensions

2485a: Restrictions

2485b: Department of Restrictions

2486a: Coupling hole

2486b: Coupling hole

248a: first wall member

248b: Second wall member

2499a: Inside Surface

2499b: Inside Surface

249a: First rib

249b: Second rib

24: Ontology

24A: Ontology

24B: Ontology

24C: Ontology

24D: Ontology

25: Retainer

260: Flat panel

260a: Fitting Cuts

260b: Hole

260c: Latch boss

261: Protrusion

262: Flat panel

262a: Opening

262b: Holes

262c: Latch boss

263: Protrusion

264: Latch part

26: Coupling components

26D: Coupling Components

26a: Coupling hole

27: Support member

27a: Opening

280: Attachment Plate

280a: Opening

280b: Peripheral wall

281: Zhou Wall

281a: Sidewall

281b: Sidewall

281c: Sidewall

281d: Sidewall

281e: Opening

282: Boss

283: Plural holes

284: Boss

284a: Screw holes

285: convex part

28: Shell

290a: Opening

290b: Plural screw holes

290c: Hole

29: Fixed plate

30: Circuit block

31: The first communication unit

321: Second communication unit

322: Converter unit

32: Output unit

33: Processing unit

34: Power supply unit

35: Notification Unit

36: Operation unit

40: wiring conduit

41a: first conductor

41b: Second conductor

41c: third conductor

4211: First side surface

4221: Second side surface

421: First side wall part

422: Second side wall part

423: Flat panel

424: Part 1

425: Part II

426: First holder

427:Second holder

42: Shell

431: First inner surface

432: Second medial surface

43: Opening

44: convex part

50: Device

60: Control device

70: Adapter

80: Connector cable

81: Connector

90: hanging parts

91: Ontology

921: Protrusion

922: convex part

92: Connector

93: Cable Member

94: Coupling components

S11: Screws

S12: Screws

S13: Screws

S14: Screws

1 shows an equipment system including a connecting device according to an exemplary embodiment; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the connecting device; FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the connecting device; FIG. 4 is another exploded perspective view of the connecting device; FIG. 5 is a part of the connecting device Fig. 6 is a plan view of the connecting device; Fig. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the plane AA shown in Fig. 6; Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the holder of the connecting device; Fig. 9 illustrates how to connect the connecting device to the wiring duct; FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the connection device according to the first modification; 11 is a plan view of the connecting device according to the first modification; FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the connecting device according to the first modification; FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of the connecting device according to the first modification; FIG. 14 Explain how the connection device according to the first modification is connected to the wiring duct; FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the connection device according to the second modification; FIG. 16 is a plan view of the connection device according to the second modification; An exploded perspective view of a part of the connecting device according to the modification; FIG. 18 illustrates how the connecting device according to the second modification is connected to the wiring duct; FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the connecting device according to the third modification; FIG. 20 is according to the third modification FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the connecting device according to the third modification; FIG. 22 illustrates how the connecting device according to the third modification is connected to the wiring duct; FIG. 23 is according to the fourth modification Figure 24 is a plan view of the connecting device according to the fourth modification; Figure 25 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the connecting device according to the fourth modification; Figure 26 is taken along the plane BB shown in Figure 24 Partial cross-sectional view; FIG. 27 illustrates how the connection device according to the fourth modification is connected to the wiring duct; FIG. 28 is a plan view of the connection device according to another modification; and FIG. 29 is a part of the connection device shown in FIG. 28 Cross-sectional view.

(1) Example

(1.1) Overview

Figure 1 shows an equipment system (distribution piping system). The equipment system can be used, for example, in a facility such as a factory. The equipment system includes a plurality of connection devices 10, each of which connects a device 50 to a distribution conduit 40 installed in the facility.

FIG. 2 shows the connection device 10 . The connecting device 10 includes a pipe connecting member 21 and a body 24 . The conduit connection member 21 is intended to be physically attached to the distribution conduit 40, which is used to transmit power therethrough. The main body 24 is to be held by the wiring duct 40 via the duct connecting member 21 .

As shown in FIG. 2 , the body 24 includes a first wall portion 242 a and a second wall portion 242 b protruding from both sides of the conduit facing surface 2411 to face the wiring conduit 40 . As shown in FIG. 9 , when the body 24 is held by the wiring duct 40 via the duct connecting member 21 , the first wall portion 242 a and the second wall portion 242 b face the first side surfaces 4211 along the width of the wiring duct 40 , respectively and the second side surface 4221.

The connection device 10 can be attached to the distribution conduit 40 via the conduit connection member 21 . Furthermore, when the connecting device 10 is attached to the wiring duct 40 (ie, when the body 24 is held by the wiring duct 40 via the duct connecting member 21 ), the first and second wall portions 242 a , 242 b face the wiring duct 40 , respectively. The first and second side surfaces 4211, 4221. Therefore, the first and second wall portions 242a, 242b may serve as means to reduce the wobble of the body 24 along the width of the wiring duct 40. As shown in FIG. This reduces the chance of destabilizing the mechanical connection to the conduit 40 due to wobbling of the body 24 . Therefore, the connection device 10 helps to improve the stability of the mechanical connection with the conduit 40 .

Furthermore, in this connection device 10, the body 24 has a duct facing surface 2411 to face the wiring duct 40 as shown in FIG. 2 . As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the wiring duct 40 has openings 43 extending along the length of the wiring duct 40 . The conduit connecting member 21 is physically attached to the wiring conduit 40 by inserting at least a portion of the conduit connecting member 21 through the opening 43 into the wiring conduit 40, as shown in FIG. 9 . wiring The conduit 40 includes first and second portions 424, 425 that face each other along the width of the wiring conduit 40 with an opening 43 therebetween. The conduit facing surface 2411 includes first and second regions 2411a, 2411b, which correspond to the first and second portions 424, 425 of the wiring conduit 40, respectively. The body 24 includes a first contact portion 244a and a second contact portion 244b. The first contact portion 244a is provided so that the first region 2411a is in contact with the first portion 424 . The second contact portion 244b is provided so that the second region 2411b is in contact with the second portion 425 .

The connection device 10 can be attached to the distribution conduit 40 via the conduit connection member 21 . In the attached state, the first contact portion 244a is located in the first region 2411a to contact the first portion 424 , and the second contact portion 244b is located in the second region 2411b to contact the second portion 425 . The attached state is a state in which the main body 24 is held by the wiring duct 40 via the duct connecting member 21 , and is a state where the connection device 10 is attached to the wiring duct 40 . Therefore, the first and second contact portions 244a, 244b may serve as portions that reduce the wobble of the body 24 along the width of the wiring duct 40 . This reduces the chance of destabilizing the mechanical connection to the conduit 40 due to wobbling of the body 24 . Therefore, the connection device 10 helps to improve the stability of the mechanical connection with the conduit 40 .

The connecting device 10 further includes a pair of coupling members 26 . As shown in FIG. 3 , the coupling member 26 has a coupling hole 26 a for coupling the connecting device 10 to the cord-like member 93 . The coupling member 26 is provided separately from the body 24 and secures the coupling member 26 to the body 24 .

The connection device 10 is configured to be easily coupled to the wiring conduit 40 using the cord member 93 . Therefore, even if the duct connecting member 21 of the connecting device 10 is detached from the wiring duct 40 , the connecting device 10 is still suspended from the wiring duct 40 through the cord-shaped member 93 . Therefore, providing the coupling member 26 enables the connection device 10 to be easily coupled to the wiring duct 40 using the cord-like member 93 and reduces the probability of the connection device 10 falling off the wiring duct 40 .

(1.2) Configuration

The equipment system including the connection device 10 will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. As shown in FIG. 1 , the equipment system includes at least one connection device 10 , at least one distribution conduit 40 , and at least one device 50 . In this embodiment, the equipment system includes a plurality of connection devices 10 , a plurality of distribution pipes 40 , and a plurality of devices 50 . The equipment system further includes a management device 60 and an adapter 70 .

(1.2.1) Distribution conduit

At least one distribution conduit 40 is pre-installed in the facility to transmit power (first power). In this embodiment, the first power is AC power (eg commercial AC power of 60/50Hz, 100/200V). The wiring conduit 40 may be installed, for example, on the ceiling of the facility.

As shown in FIG. 9, the wiring duct 40 includes first, second, and third conductors 41a, 41b, and 41c, and a housing 42 that accommodates the first, second, and third conductors 41a, 41b, and 41c.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the casing 42 has the shape of an elongated and hollow rectangular parallelepiped. The length, width, and thickness of the housing 42 define the length, width, and thickness, respectively, of the wiring conduit 40 . The housing 42 has electrical insulating properties. The case 42 may be formed of a material having electrical insulating properties such as a resin material, or formed by coating the surface of the metal frame with a material having electrical insulating properties.

As shown in FIG. 9 , the case 42 includes a first side wall portion 421 , a second side wall portion 422 , and a flat plate portion 423 . The first side wall portion 421 and the second side wall portion 422 face each other along the width of the housing 42 (ie, the rightward/leftward direction in FIG. 9 ). The surface of the first side wall portion 421 opposite to the second side wall portion 422 is the first side surface 4211 of the wiring duct 40 . The surface of the second side wall portion 422 opposite to the first side wall portion 421 is the second side surface 4221 of the wiring duct 40 . The first and second side surfaces 4211 , 4221 define two outer side surfaces of the wiring duct 40 . The flat plate portion 423 couples the respective first ends (ie, the respective upper ends in FIG. 9 ) of the first side wall portion 421 and the second side wall portion 422 together. The housing 42 further includes from the first The second end of the side wall portion 421 (ie, the lower end in FIG. 9 ) protrudes toward the first portion 424 of the second side wall portion 422 , and the second end of the second side wall portion 422 (ie, the lower end in FIG. 9 ) lower end) the second portion 425 protruding toward the first side wall portion 421 . The first portion 424 and the second portion 425 face each other with a predetermined space therebetween so that the opening 43 is formed between the first portion 424 and the second portion 425 . In other words, the first and second portions 424, 425 face each other along the width of the wiring conduit 40 with the opening 43 interposed therebetween. The opening 43 is located in the middle of the width of the housing 42 and extends along the length of the housing 42 . The casing 42 further has a protruding portion 44 protruding from the second end of the second side wall portion 422 . The protrusions 44 extend along the length of the housing 42 . The protrusions 44 are provided to prevent the connection device 10 from being improperly connected to the wiring conduit 40 .

As shown in FIG. 9 , the first and second conductors 41 a, 41 b are accommodated in the casing 42 to face along the width of the casing 42 (ie, the right/left direction in FIG. 9 ). each other. In addition, the first and second conductors 41a, 41b extend along the length of the housing 42 . In this embodiment, the housing 42 includes first and second holding members 426, 427 for holding the first and second conductors 41a, 41b, respectively. The first holding member 426 protrudes toward the second side wall portion 422 from a surface of the first side wall portion 421 facing the second side wall portion 422 . The second holder 427 protrudes toward the first side wall portion 421 from a surface of the second side wall portion 422 facing the first side wall portion 421 . The first holder 426 and the second holder 427 extend along the length of the housing 42 . The first conductor 41a is held in the tip portion of the first holder 426, and the second conductor 41b is held in the tip portion of the second holder 427 so that the first and second conductors 41a, 41b can face each other . In this embodiment, the first and second conductors 41a, 41b are used as power feeding conductors.

As shown in FIG. 9 , the third conductor 41c is accommodated in the case 42 to be located in the middle of the width of the case 42 (ie, the right/left direction in FIG. 9 ). The third conductor 41c extends along the length of the housing 42 . In this embodiment, the third conductor 41c is fixed on the flat plate portion 423 of the casing 42 inside the casing 42 . In this embodiment, the third conductor 41c is used as a ground conductor.

(1.2.2) Device

The device 50 is used in a facility for various purposes, such as control and management. Each of the devices 50 includes at least one connection port that is connected to one of the connection devices 10 through a connector cable 80 . In this embodiment, the connector cable 80 is a cable conforming to a computer network standard. In particular, the connector cable 80 is compatible with Ethernet® and is also compliant with the Power over Ethernet (PoE) standard. Therefore, the connection port of the device 50 is an Ethernet compatible port. Device 50 may operate with power supplied via connector cable 80 . That is, device 50 operates with power (second power) that conforms to a different standard (power standard) than the first power transmitted via conduit 40 . The second power is PoE compliant and can be, for example, 48V DC power. Examples of devices 50 include monitoring devices, notification devices, control devices, and communication devices. Examples of surveillance devices include cameras (web cameras) and sensors (human detection sensors and fire sensors). Examples of notification devices include speakers, projectors, and displays (eg, digital signage). Examples of control devices include lamps and air conditioners. Examples of communication devices include access points.

(1.2.3) Control device

The management device 60 is a device for managing and controlling the device 50 . The management device 60 is connected to the distribution conduit 40 via an adapter 70 . Adapter 70 is a device used to facilitate power line communication. By using the management and control device 60, the equipment system can perform various functions. For example, if one of the devices 50 is a camera, the control device 60 enables the user to inspect the video captured by the device 50 . If the other device 50 is a digital signage board, the control device 60 enables information to be displayed on the device 50 . The management device 60 may be implemented as a personal computer (eg, a desktop computer or a laptop computer). Alternatively, the management and control device 60 can also be implemented as a mobile telecommunication device, such as a smart phone or a tablet computer.

(1.2.4) Connection device

Next, the connection device 10 will be described. The connecting device 10 is used to connect any of the devices 50 to the conduit 40 . In other words, the connecting device 10 is used as a joint for connecting the device 50 to the distribution conduit 40 .

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the connection device 10 . FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the connection device 10 . As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the connection device 10 includes a housing 20 and a circuit block 30 accommodated in the housing 20 .

(1.2.4.1) Enclosure

As shown in FIG. 1 , the housing 20 includes a pipe connecting member 21 , a device connecting portion 22 , and an auxiliary power supply portion 23 . As shown in FIGS. 2-4 , the housing 20 includes a main body 24 and a holder 25 . The body 24 includes a pipe connecting member 21 , a device connecting portion 22 , an auxiliary power supply portion 23 , and a pair of coupling members 26 .

The body 24 houses the circuit block 30 therein. The body 24 has a box shape. In particular, the body 24 has the shape of a compression box, as shown in Figures 2-4. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, the main body 24 has a square shape in plan view. The body 24 has a first surface (ie, the upper surface in FIGS. 3 and 4 ) 240 a and a second surface (ie, the lower surface in FIGS. 3 and 4 ) 240 b in the thickness direction. The first surface 240a along the thickness of the body 24 is the surface of the body 24 configured to face the conduit 40 (ie, the conduit attachment surface). The second surface 240b along the thickness of the body 24 is the surface of the body 24 designed to face away from the wiring conduit 40 . The second surface 240b along the thickness of the body 24 is the attachment surface to which the holder 25 is physically attached (retainer attachment surface). The body 24 further has an outer peripheral surface, which consists of four outer surfaces 240c-240f. The outer side surfaces 240c, 240e are surfaces opposed to each other, and the outer side surfaces 240d, 240f are surfaces opposed to each other. In this embodiment, the directions in which the outer surfaces 240c, 240e face each other are the directions aligned with the length of the wiring duct 40 when the body 24 is held by the wiring duct 40 via the duct connecting member 21 . Meanwhile, the directions in which the outer surfaces 240d, 240f face each other are the directions aligned with the width of the wiring duct 40 when the body 24 is held by the wiring duct 40 via the duct connecting member 21 .

As shown in FIG. 5 , the first surface 240 a along the thickness of the body 24 has at least one attachment hole 2401 to which the pipe connecting member 21 is attached. In this embodiment, the first surface 240a has two attachment holes 2401 . Two attachment holes 2401 are provided on both sides of the first surface 240 a along the thickness of the body 24 . The attachment holes 2401 have a circular shape. In this embodiment, two attachment holes 2401 are disposed through the first surface 240a along the thickness of the body 24 to be located near the outer surfaces 240c, 240e of the body 24 and on the outer surfaces 240d, 240f of the body 24, respectively in between. In addition, around each of the attachment holes 2401 of the first surface 240a, a plurality of (eg, four in this example) screw holes 2402 are provided. Furthermore, the first surface 240a has recesses 2403, each of which is disposed in an area covering the associated attachment hole 2401 and the associated four screw holes 2402. Each of the recesses 2403 has a rectangular shape. The associated attachment hole 2401 and the associated four screw holes 2402 are provided through the bottom of the recess 2403 .

As shown in FIG. 5 , at least one support member 27 is disposed along the first surface 240 a of the thickness of the body 24 . In this embodiment, the first surface 240a is provided with two support members 27 . Each of the support members 27 has an annular shape. Each of the support members 27 has a circular opening 27a and has an outside diameter equal to or greater than the diameter of the associated attachment hole 2401 . Each support member 27 is disposed on the first surface 240a such that the associated attachment hole 2401 is exposed inside the opening 27a thereof. The support member 27 serves as a fitting protrusion of the body 24 .

As shown in FIG. 5 , a pair of coupling members 26 are disposed along the first surface 240 a of the thickness of the body 24 . As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the coupling member 26 is used to couple the connection device 10 to the distribution conduit 40 via the cable member 93 .

Each of the coupling members 26 has a coupling hole 26 a to be coupled to the cord member 93 . More specifically, the coupling member 26 has a flat plate portion 260 and a protruding portion 261 . The flat plate portion 260 has a substantially rectangular shape plate shape. The flat plate portion 260 has dimensions small enough to fit in the associated recess 2403 of the body 24 . In this case, the depth of the concave portion 2403 is smaller than the thickness of the flat plate portion 260 . The flat plate portion 260 has a fitting cutout 260a. The fitting cutout 260a is provided to enable the support member 27 to be fitted thereon and therethrough. The matching cutout 260a is disposed in the middle of the flat plate portion 260 and has one side open along the width. The plate portion 260 further has a plurality of (eg, four in this example) holes 260b. The four holes 260b are used to fix the coupling member 26 to the main body 24 by means of screws S12. The four holes 260b are disposed at four corners of the flat plate portion 260 . The coupling member 26 further includes a latching protrusion 260c. As will be described later, the latch projection 260c is provided so that the flat plate portion 260 fits into the hook hole 2121 of the rod portion 212 of the pipe connecting member 21 when the rod portion 212 is located at a predetermined position. The protruding portion 261 is provided to protrude from one surface (ie, the first surface 240 a ) of the body 24 from the flat plate portion 260 . The protruding portion 261 protrudes from one end along the length of the flat plate portion 260 . The protrusion 261 has the shape of a flat plate. In this example, the coupling hole 26a is provided through the protrusion 261 so that the protrusion 261 has a U-shaped appearance. In this embodiment, the coupling hole 26 a reaches a part of the flat plate portion 260 . Providing the coupling hole 26a through the protrusion 261 facilitates the coupling of the connection device 10 to the wiring duct 40 by the cord member 93 .

As shown in FIG. 5 , each coupling member 26 is disposed in the associated recess 2403 of the body 24 such that the associated support member 27 provided for the body 24 fits into the fitting cutout 260 a of the coupling member 26 . Next, the screw S12 is screwed into the screw hole 2402 of the main body 24 through the hole 260 b of the flat plate portion 260 , so that the coupling member 26 can be fixed to the main body 24 . This enables the coupling member 26 to be fixed to the body 24 via the flat plate portion 260 , thereby increasing the fixing strength of the coupling member 26 relative to the body 24 .

In this embodiment, the coupling member 26 is made of metal material. For example, the coupling member 26 may be formed by punching and folding a metal plate. The coupling member 26 is provided separately from the body 24 and secures the coupling member 26 to the body 24 .

As shown in FIG. 4 , the second surface 240b along the thickness of the body 24 has four screw holes 24040 . The four screw holes 24040 are arranged to have 4-fold rotational symmetry with respect to the center of the second surface 240b.

The duct connection member 21 is used to attach the connection device 10 to the distribution duct 40 . The conduit connection member 21 is disposed on the first surface 240a along the thickness of the body 24 (ie, the surface of the body 24 configured to face the wiring conduit 40). The duct connection member 21 includes first and second connectors 21 a, 21 b to be physically attached to the wiring duct 40 .

Each of the first and second connectors 21 a, 21 b has a protruding portion 211 , a rod portion 212 , and a pair of convex portions 213 , 213 . The protrusion 211 protrudes from the first surface 240 a along the thickness of the body 24 . The protrusion 211 has a cylindrical shape and is rotatable about its central axis. The protrusion 211 itself has a size small enough to pass through the opening 43 of the housing 42 . The rod portion 212 is a member for adjusting the center axis of the protruding portion 211 . The rod portion 212 protrudes from the protruding portion 211 in a direction intersecting the central axis of the protruding portion 211 . As shown in FIG. 4 , the rod portion 212 has a hook hole 2121 , which is disposed on the surface of the rod portion 212 facing the first surface 240 a along the thickness of the body 24 . In this embodiment, the hook hole 2121 is not a through hole. However, this is merely an example of the present disclosure and should not be construed as limiting. Alternatively, the hook hole 2121 can also be a through hole. The pair of convex portions 213 , 213 protrudes from both sides of the protruding portion 211 . The width of the pair of protruding portions 213 , 213 is equal to or smaller than the diameter of the protruding portion 211 .

Each of the first and second connectors 21a, 21b further includes first, second, and third terminals 214a, 214b, 214c. The first and second terminals 214a, 214b are intended to be electrically connected to the first and second conductors 41a, 41b of the wiring conduit 40, respectively. The third terminal 214c is to be electrically connected to the third conductor 41c of the wiring conduit 40 . In this embodiment, the first and second terminals 214a, 214b are associated with the first and second conductors 41a, 41b of the conduit 40, respectively. Therefore, the first and second terminals 214a, 214b are respectively connected Connecting to the first and second conductors 41a, 41b constitutes a correct connection. However, connecting the first and second terminals 214a, 214b to the second and first conductors 41b, 41a, respectively, constitutes a wrong connection. The first and second terminals 214 a and 214 b and the pair of convex portions 213 and 213 protrude from both sides of the protruding portion 211 . The first and second terminals 214a, 214b are located closer to the top end of the protruding portion 211 than the pair of convex portions 213, 213. The first and second terminals 214a, 214b overlap the pair of protrusions 213, 213 when viewed along the central axis of the protruding portion 211.

It can be seen that the first and second connectors 21a, 21b are disposed on both sides of the first surface 240a along the thickness of the body 24 . In particular, in this embodiment, the first and second connecting members 21a, 21b are respectively located near the outer surfaces 240c, 240e of the main body 24 on the first surface 240a along the thickness of the main body 24, and are disposed between the main body 24 Intermediate between the outer surfaces 240d, 240f.

By operating the lever portion 212, each of the first and second connecting members 21a, 21b can be rotated between a first position (first rotational position) and a second position (second rotational position). The first position is the position where the length of the pair of protrusions 213 and 213 is aligned with the length of the body 24 . The second position is the position where the pair of protrusions 213 and 213 are aligned with the width of the body 24 . For example, in FIG. 6, the first and second connectors 21a, 21b are located at the first position. Meanwhile, in FIG. 10, the first and second connectors 21a, 21b are located at the second position. In FIG. 9, the first connector 21a located at the first position is represented by a double-dotted chain, and the first connector 21a located at the second position is represented by a solid line. That is, the first and second connectors 21a, 21b can pass through the opening 43 when they are in the first position, but cannot pass through the opening 43 when they are in the second position.

The first and second connecting members 21 a and 21 b are attached to the main body 24 through the attachment holes 2401 of the main body 24 . That is, each of the first and second connecting pieces 21a, 21b is inserted into the relevant one of the attachment holes 2401 so that the protrusion 211 thereof can be rotated about its central axis. In this case, there are coupling members 26 and support members 27 around each attachment hole 2401 of the body 24 . As shown in FIG. 7, the support member 27 is provided It is placed in the concave portion 2403 of the first surface 240 a , and the attachment hole 2401 is exposed inside the opening 27 a of the support member 27 . In addition, the coupling member 26 is also disposed in the concave portion 2403, and the supporting member 27 is adapted to fit in the cutout 260a. Therefore, the protrusion 211 is inserted into the attachment hole 2401 through the opening 27a of the support member 27 . The flat plate portion 260 of the coupling member 26 and the supporting member 27 are located between the first surface 240 a and the rod portion 212 , thereby increasing the fixing strength of the coupling member 26 relative to the body 24 . In this embodiment, the thickness of the support member 27 is larger than that of the flat plate portion 260 . Therefore, the support member 27 supports the protruding portion 211 so that the rod portion 212 does not come into contact with (the flat plate portion 260 of) the coupling member 26 . In particular, the support member 27 has the shape of a ring surrounding the protruding portion 211, so that the rod portion 212 can be supported with good stability. As described above, the coupling member 26 includes the latch projection 260c. When the rod portion 212 of the pipe connecting member 21 is located at a predetermined position, the latch protrusion 260c is fitted into the hook hole 2121 (see FIG. 4 ) which is provided to pass through the facing coupling of the rod portion 212 surface of member 26. As used herein, the predetermined position refers to the position of the lever portion 212 when the protrusion 211 is in a position that prevents the protrusion 211 from passing through the opening 43 (ie, in the second position). Therefore, fitting the latch protrusion 260c into the hook hole 2121 reduces the probability of the lever portion 212 being accidentally displaced from the predetermined position. This reduces the probability of the first link 21a or the second link 21b accidentally moving from the second position to the first position. That is, this reduces the probability of the duct connecting member 21 being unintentionally detached from the wiring duct 40 .

The device connection portion 22 is a portion connected to any of the devices 50 . In this embodiment, the device connection 22 is connected to the device 50 via a connector cable 80 . The device connection portion 22 may be, for example, a port compliant with the Ethernet standard. In particular, the device connection portion 22 conforms to the Power over Ethernet (PoE) standard. In this embodiment, the device connecting portion 22 is disposed through the outer surface 240c of the body 24, as shown in FIG. 2 .

The auxiliary power supply part 23 is a part through which the first power transmitted through the wiring duct 40 is supplied. The auxiliary power supply 23 is implemented as a connector with power terminals. For example, the auxiliary power supply 23 may be an outlet through which commercial AC power is supplied (eg, an AC outlet into which a power plug is inserted). In this embodiment, the auxiliary power supply portion 23 is disposed through one of the outer surfaces 240e and 240f of the body 24 .

In this embodiment, the body 24 further includes a mounting portion 241 and first and second wall portions 242 a and 242 b on the first surface 240 a along the thickness of the body 24 , as shown in FIG. 6 . The main body 24 further includes a plurality of first and second reinforcing parts 243a and 243b, a plurality of first and second convex parts 244a and 244b, and a plurality of restricting parts 245 on the first surface 240a along the thickness of the main body 24 .

The mounting portion 241 protrudes from the configuration of the body 24 to face one surface (ie, the first surface 240 a ) of the wiring duct 40 . In particular, the mounting portion 241 protrudes from the central area of the first surface 240 a of the body 24 . In this embodiment, the mounting portion 241 is located on the first surface 240 a of the main body 24 and between the first connecting piece 21 a and the second connecting piece 21 b of the pipe connecting member 21 . As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the attachment portion 241 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. When the body 24 is held by the wiring duct 40 via the duct connecting member 21 , the length of the mounting portion 241 is aligned with the length of the wiring duct 40 . Likewise, when the body 24 is held by the wiring duct 40 via the duct connecting member 21 , the width of the mounting portion 241 is aligned with the width of the wiring duct 40 . The mounting portion 241 is arranged such that the surface facing the wiring conduit 40 (ie, the upper surface of the mounting portion 241 ) is the conduit facing surface 2411 . The duct facing surface 2411 is a surface facing the wiring duct 40 when the body 24 is held by the wiring duct 40 via the duct connecting member 21 . Since the mounting portion 241 has the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped in this embodiment, the duct facing surface 2411 has the shape of a rectangle. The length and width of the duct facing surface 2411 are the same as the length and width of the mounting portion 241, respectively.

Also, when the connecting device 10 (in particular, the body 24 thereof) is correctly positioned relative to the wiring duct 40, the mounting portion 241 does not contact the top end (ie, the lower end in FIG. 9) of the convex portion 44 of the wiring duct 40. On the other hand, when the connecting device 10 (especially, the body 24 thereof) is improperly positioned relative to the wiring duct 40, the mounting portion 241 and the top end (ie, the lower end in FIG. 9 ) of the convex portion 44 of the wiring duct 40 touch. In this case, if the mounting portion 241 is in contact with the protruding portion 44, even when the first and second connecting members 21a, 21b are located at the first position, the mounting portion 241 and the protruding portion 44 can avoid the first and second connecting members 21a and 21b. The two connectors 21a, 21b are inserted into the openings 43 of the wiring duct 40 . In this embodiment, in order to prevent the mounting portion 241 from coming into contact with the convex portion 44 when the body 24 is correctly positioned relative to the wiring conduit 40, the conduit facing surface 2411 has a step 2412. The correct positioning of the connection device 10 relative to the conduit 40 is the position where the first and second terminals 214a, 214b are connected to the first and second conductors 41a, 41b, respectively. Improper positioning of the connection device 10 relative to the conduit 40 is where the first and second terminals 214a, 214b are improperly connected to the second and first conductors 41b, 41a, respectively.

The first and second wall portions 242a, 242b are provided to increase the stability of the mechanical connection to the conduit 40 . Each of the first and second wall portions 242a, 242b is a wall portion having a rectangular plate shape. The first and second wall portions 242a, 242b protrude from the first surface 240a of the body 24 including the duct facing surface 2411. More specifically, the first and second wall portions 242a, 242b protrude from both sides of the duct facing surface 2411. As shown in FIG. 9 , when the body 24 is held by the wiring duct 40 via the duct connecting member 21 , the first and second wall portions 242 a , 242 b face the first and second respectively along the width of the wiring duct 40 Side surfaces 4211, 4221.

More specifically, the first and second wall portions 242a, 242b protrude from the configuration of the body 24 to face one surface (ie, the first surface 240a) of the wiring duct 40, and are located on both sides of the duct facing surface 2411. side. In particular, the first and second wall portions 242a, 242b are along a direction perpendicular to the duct facing surface 2411 to protrude. In addition, the first and second wall portions 242a, 242b are located on both sides along the width of the duct facing surface 2411. Also, the first and second wall portions 242a, 242b face each other with the duct facing surface 2411 interposed therebetween. In other words, the first and second wall portions 242a, 242b face each other along the width of the duct facing surface 2411 . In particular, the first and second wall portions 242a, 242b face each other along the width of the duct facing surface 2411 as a whole. The first and second wall portions 242a, 242b extend linearly along the length of the duct facing surface 2411 and are as long as the duct facing surface 2411.

The first and second wall portions 242a, 242b have surfaces 2421a, 2421b (ie, outside surfaces 2421a, 2421b) located opposite the duct facing surface 2411. The outer side surfaces 2421 a , 2421 b extend from the first surface 240 a of the body 24 . The first and second wall portions 242a, 242b also have surfaces 2422a, 2422b (ie, inner side surfaces 2422a, 2422b) facing the duct facing surface 2411. The inner side surfaces 2422a, 2422b extend from the duct facing surface 2411. Furthermore, the first and second wall portions 242a, 242b further have tapered surfaces 2423a, 2423b connected to the inner side surfaces 2422a, 2422b at their top ends, respectively. In this case, as the distance from the duct facing surface 2411 increases, the tapered surface 2423a is inclined away from the inner side surface 2422a, so that the gap between the tapered surface 2423a and the first side surface 4211 of the wiring duct 40 increases accordingly Big. Likewise, as the distance from the duct facing surface 2411 increases, the tapered surface 2423b slopes away from the inner side surface 2422b so that the gap between the tapered surface 2423b and the second side surface 4221 of the wiring duct 40 increases accordingly. That is, the tapered surfaces 2423a, 2423b facilitate insertion of the wiring conduit 40 into the space between the first and second wall portions 242a, 242b.

The heights of the first and second wall portions 242a, 242b are defined such that when the connection device 10 is attached to the conduit 40, along the thickness of the conduit 40 (ie, in the upward/downward direction in FIG. 9) The middle tie is located between the top ends of the first and second wall portions 242a, 242b and the pipe facing surface 2411. Alternatively, the heights of the first and second wall portions 242a, 242b may also be defined such that when the connecting device 10 is attached When wiring the conduit 40, the first and second conductors 41a, 41b are located along the thickness of the wiring conduit 40 between the top ends of the first and second wall portions 242a, 242b and the conduit facing surface 2411. Also, in this embodiment, the gap remaining between the wiring duct 40 and the first and second wall portions 242a, 242b may be set so that when the connecting device 10 is attached to the wiring duct 40, when the body is along the wiring When the width of the duct 40 swings, at least one of the first and second wall portions 242 a and 242 b is in contact with the wiring duct 40 . In particular, in this embodiment, the gap remaining between the first wall portion 242 a and the first side surface 4211 of the wiring duct 40 and the gap remaining between the second wall portion 242 b and the second side surface 4221 of the wiring duct 40 remain The gap of is suitably equal to or less than 0.5mm, and may for example be 0.2mm.

The first and second reinforcing portions 243a, 243b are provided to strengthen the first and second wall portions 242a, 242b, respectively. The first and second reinforcement portions 243a, 243b reduce the probability of damage to the first and second wall portions 242a, 242b. As shown in FIG. 9 , each of the first reinforcement portions 243a is disposed from the body 24 to face a surface (ie, the first surface 240a ) of the wiring conduit 40 along the first wall portion 242a and the conduit surface. The surface opposite the surface 2411 (ie, the outer side surface 2421a) is extended to align with the height of the first wall portion 242a. As shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, a plurality of (eg, five in this example) first reinforcement portions 243a are provided, which are arranged at approximately regular intervals along the length of the first wall portion 242a. As shown in FIG. 9 , each of the second reinforcing portions 243b is disposed from the body 24 to face one surface (ie, the first surface 240a ) of the wiring conduit 40 along the second wall portion 242b and the conduit surface The surface opposite to the surface 2411 (ie, the outer side surface 2421b) is extended to align with the height of the second wall portion 242b. As shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, a plurality of (eg, five in this example) second reinforcement portions 243b are provided, which are arranged at approximately regular intervals along the length of the second wall portion 242b.

The first and second protrusions 244a, 244b are provided to increase the stability of the mechanical connection with the wiring conduit 40 . The first and second protrusions 244a, 244b protrude from the duct facing surface 2411. Each of the first and second protrusions 244a, 244b has a hemispherical shape.

In this embodiment, a plurality of (eg, three in this example) first protrusions 244a are provided. The plurality of first protrusions 244a are provided in the first region 2411a of the duct facing surface 2411 designed to face the first portion 424 of the wiring duct 40 (see FIGS. 6 and 9). The plurality of first protrusions 244a are provided at first predetermined intervals along the length of the pipe facing surface 2411 . In other words, when the body 24 is held by the wiring duct 40 via the duct connecting member 21 , the plurality of first protrusions 244 a are provided at first predetermined intervals along the length of the wiring duct 40 . In addition, the respective top ends of the plurality of first protrusions 244a are located at the same height (located on the same plane). When the body 24 is held by the wiring duct 40 via the duct connecting member 21 , the plurality of first protrusions 244 a together form a first contact portion to be in contact with the first portion 424 of the wiring duct 40 . In this embodiment, a plurality of (eg, three in this example) second protrusions 244b are provided. The plurality of second protrusions 244b are disposed in the second region 2411b of the duct facing surface 2411 designed to face the second portion 425 of the wiring duct 40 (see FIGS. 6 and 9). The plurality of second protrusions 244b are provided at second predetermined intervals along the length of the pipe facing surface 2411 . In other words, when the body 24 is held by the wiring duct 40 via the duct connecting member 21 , the plurality of second protrusions 244 b are provided at second predetermined intervals along the length of the wiring duct 40 . In addition, the respective top ends of the plurality of second protrusions 244b are located at the same height (located on the same plane). Furthermore, the respective top ends of the plurality of first protrusions 244a and the plurality of second protrusions 244b are located at the same height. In this embodiment, the first predetermined interval is equal to the second predetermined interval. When the body 24 is held by the wiring duct 40 via the duct connecting member 21 , the plurality of second protrusions 244 b together form a second contact portion to be in contact with the second portion 425 of the wiring duct 40 . Again, the plural (for example, three in this example A number) of the first protrusions 244a and a plurality (eg, three in this example) of the second protrusions 244b are arranged side by side along the width of the pipe facing surface 2411 .

The height of the first contact portion (that is, the heights of the plurality of first protrusions 244a) is set so as to be measured between the pair of protrusions 213 of the first connecting member 21a or the second connecting member 21b and the first contacting portion is less than the thickness of the first portion 424 of the conduit 40 . However, the dimension measured between the convex portion 213 and the first contact portion needs to be large enough to allow the first portion 424 to be inserted into the gap between the convex portion 213 and the first contact portion. This enables the first portion 424 to be sandwiched and held between the first contact portion and the raised portion 213 , thereby helping to increase the stability of the mechanical connection to the conduit 40 . Likewise, the heights of the second contact portions (ie, the heights of the plurality of second protrusions 244b) are set such that between the pair of protrusions 213 of the first connecting member 21a or the second connecting member 21b and the second contacting portion The dimension measured between them is less than the thickness of the second portion 425 of the conduit 40 . However, the dimension measured between the convex portion 213 and the second contact portion needs to be large enough to allow the second portion 425 to be inserted into the gap between the convex portion 213 and the second contact portion. This enables the second portion 425 to be sandwiched and held between the second contact portion and the raised portion 213 , thereby helping to increase the stability of the mechanical connection to the conduit 40 .

The restricting portion 245 is provided to restrict the pivoting range of each lever portion 212 . The restricting portion 245 can prevent the lever portion 212 from being over-rotated, thereby reducing the chance of damage to the pipe connection member 21 . More specifically, each of the restricting portions 245 is a convex portion protruding from the first surface 240 a of the body 24 . The restricting portion 245 is in contact with the lever portion 212 , thereby restricting the pivoting range of the lever portion 212 . In this embodiment, each pair of restricting portions 245 limits the pivoting range of the associated lever portion 212 to when the associated connecting member (ie, the first connecting member 21a or the second connecting member 21b ) is in the first position The range between the point and the point at which the associated connector (ie, the first connector 21a or the second connector 21b) is in the second position. In this embodiment, four restricting portions 245 are provided for the body 24 . Two of the four restricting portions 245 are provided for the rod portion 212 of the first connecting piece 21a, and the other The two restricting portions 245 are provided for the rod portion 212 of the second connecting piece 21b. As shown in FIG. 6 , the two restricting portions 245 for the first connecting member 21a are provided at one end of the first surface 240a adjacent to the outer surface 240c, and are located in the direction in which the outer surfaces 240d, 240f face each other Both sides of the first connector 21a. Meanwhile, two restricting portions 245 for the second connecting member 21b are provided at one end of the first surface 240a adjacent to the outer surface 240e, and are located on the second connecting member in the direction in which the outer surfaces 240d, 240f face each other Both sides of 21b. In this embodiment, the four restricting portions 245 form an integral part of the first surface 240 a of the body 24 . Therefore, the restricting portion 245 is provided separately from the coupling member 26 .

Holder 25 is a member for physically holding device 50 . In this embodiment, the holder 25 is provided separately from the body 24 and is physically attached to the body 24 .

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 and 8 , the holder 25 includes a housing 28 and a fixing plate 29 .

The housing 28 is a molded product of a resin material having electrical insulating properties. The housing 28 includes an attachment plate 280 , a peripheral wall 281 , and a plurality (eg, four in this example) of bosses 282 .

Attachment plate 280 is the portion to which device 50 is attached. The attachment plate 280 has a rectangular shape (especially, square) in plan view. The attachment plate 280 has an opening (first opening) 280a. The opening 280a is used to allow the connector cable 80 (see FIGS. 3 and 4 ) connecting the device 50 to the device connector 22 to pass therethrough. The opening 280a is provided in the central area of the attachment plate 280 . The opening 280a has a generally rectangular shape and is approximately one-ninth the size of the attachment plate 280 .

The attachment plate 280 further has a peripheral wall portion 280b and a plurality of holes 283 . The peripheral wall portion 280b protrudes from the edge of the opening 280a of the attachment plate 280 toward the fixing plate 29 (ie, upward in FIG. 8). The peripheral wall portion 280b surrounds the opening 280a along its entire periphery. Holes 283 are provided to pass screw shafts for attachment device 50 . A plurality of holes 283 are provided in the vicinity of the opening 280a.

The peripheral wall 281 protrudes from the edge of the attachment plate 280 along the thickness of the attachment plate 280 . In particular, the peripheral wall 281 protrudes from the edge of the attachment plate 280 toward the body 24 so as to surround the attachment plate 280 . The peripheral wall 281 has the shape of a rectangular frame in plan view. The peripheral wall 281 has four side walls 281a-281d. Of the four side walls 281a-281d, the side walls 281a, 281c face each other, and the side walls 281b, 281d face each other. The peripheral wall 281 also has an opening (second opening) 281e. The opening 281e is used to allow the connector cable 80 (see FIGS. 3 and 4 ) connecting the device 50 to the device connector 22 to pass therethrough. The opening 281e is provided through the side wall 281a. The opening 281e has a substantially rectangular shape. The opening 281e has the shape of a cutout. The side opposite to the attachment plate 280 of the opening 281e is open.

The four bosses 282 are used to fix the holder 25 to the body 24 by means of screws S11 (see FIGS. 3 and 4 ). Four bosses 282 are disposed on the attachment plate 280 . Four bosses 282 protrude from the attachment plate 280 toward the body 24 . Each of the bosses 282 has a cylindrical shape and has a hole to allow the shaft portion of the screw S11 to pass inside. As shown in FIG. 8 , the four bosses 282 are disposed with four-fold rotational symmetry relative to the center of the attachment plate 280 . More specifically, the four bosses 282 are disposed near the middle of each of the four side walls 281 a - 281 d of the peripheral wall 281 .

The housing 28 further has a plurality (eg, four in this example) of bosses 284 and a plurality (eg, four in this example) of projections 285 .

As shown in FIG. 8 , four bosses 284 are used for fixing the fixing plate 29 to the casing 28 by means of screws S13. Four bosses 284 are disposed on the attachment plate 280 . Four bosses 284 protrude from the attachment plate 280 toward the fixing plate 29 . Each of the bosses 284 has a cylindrical shape. Each of the bosses 284 has a screw hole 284a at the top end to engage with the screw S13. The four bosses 284 are arranged with four-fold rotational symmetry relative to the center of the attachment plate 280 . More specifically, four bosses 284 are disposed near the four corners of the attachment plate 280 .

As shown in FIG. 3 , the four protrusions 285 are used for positioning the fixing plate 29 with respect to the housing 28 . Four protrusions 285 are provided on the attachment plate 280 . Each of the protrusions 285 has an L shape in plan view. The four protrusions 285 are disposed near the four corners of the attachment plate 280 and are disposed to surround the four protrusions 284 .

The fixing plate 29 is a metal plate. The fixing plate 29 has a rectangular shape (especially, a square shape) in plan view. The fixing plate 29 has a smaller size than the attachment plate 280 . As shown in FIG. 8, the fixing plate 29 has an opening (third opening) 290a, a plurality of screw holes 290b, and a plurality of (eg, four in this example) holes 290c. The opening 290a is used to allow the connector cable 80 (see FIGS. 3 and 4 ) connecting the device 50 to the device connector 22 to pass therethrough. The opening 290a is provided to pass through the central area of the fixing plate 29 . The opening 290a is large enough to allow the peripheral wall portion 280b to pass through the interior. In this example, peripheral wall portion 280b is designed to fit within opening 290a. The plurality of screw holes 290b respectively accommodate screws for attaching the device 50 to the connecting device 10 . In addition, the plurality of screw holes 290b are disposed at corresponding positions of the plurality of holes 283 of the fixing plate 29 facing the casing 28 . Four holes 290c are used to fix the fixing plate 29 into the housing 28 . The four holes 290c are disposed at corresponding positions of the fixing plate 29 facing the four bosses 284 of the housing 28 . In this example, four holes 290c are disposed near the four corners of the fixing plate 29

In order to fix the fixing plate 29 to the attachment plate 280 of the housing 28, the screws S13 can be screwed into the screw holes 284a of the four bosses 284 through the four holes 290c, respectively. In this case, the fixing plate 29 can be easily positioned relative to the casing 28 by abutting the four corners of the fixing plate 29 with the inner corners of the four protrusions 285 of the casing 28 . Further, fitting the peripheral wall portion 280b of the housing 28 into the opening 290a of the fixing plate 29 enables the fixing plate 29 to be temporarily held by the housing 28, thereby facilitating the connection work with the screw S13.

The retainer 25 is physically attached to the second surface 240b along the thickness of the body 24 such that the attachment plate 280 faces the second surface 240b. More specifically, screwing the screws S11 into the four screw holes 24040 of the body 24 through the holes of the four bosses 282 of the holder 25 enables the holder 25 to be physically attached to the second surface 240 b of the body 24 .

When the device 50 is attached to the holder 25 , the screws can be screwed into the fixing plate 29 through the holes of the device 50 and the holes of the housing 28 . The fixing plate 29 is made of a metal material, thus increasing the adhesion strength of the device 50 to the holder 25 compared to the case where the device 50 is directly fixed to the attachment plate 280 made of resin. Furthermore, in order to connect the device 50 to the device connection portion 22 by the connector cable 80, the connector cable 80 can be passed through the opening 280a of the attachment plate 280, the opening 290a of the fixing plate 29, the opening 281e of the peripheral wall 281, and can be The connector 81 of the connector cable 80 is connected to the device connection portion 22 . In this embodiment, a portion of the connector cable 80 may be received in the holder 25 . This reduces exposure of the connector cable 80 , thereby helping to protect the connector cable 80 .

(1.2.4.2) Circuit block

As shown in FIG. 1 , the circuit block 30 includes a first communication unit 31 , an output unit 32 , a processing unit 33 , a power supply unit 34 , a notification unit 35 , and an operation unit 36 .

The first communication unit 31 includes a communication interface conforming to the power line communication standard, and has the capability of transmitting and receiving communication signals through power line communication. Any of a variety of known standards may be employed to establish power line communications. For example, a high-resolution power line communication standard may be employed. These communication interfaces conforming to the power line communication standard may have known configurations, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted here.

The first communication unit 31 is electrically connected to the pipe connecting member 21 . More specifically, the first communication unit 31 is electrically connected to the first and second terminals 214 a and 214 b of the first connecting piece 21 a of the pipe connecting member 21 . Therefore, attaching the duct connecting member 21 to the wiring duct 40 allows the first communication unit 21 to It can be electrically connected to the wiring duct 40 via the duct connection member 21 . Therefore, the first communication unit 31 has the capability of receiving the communication signal (the first communication signal) from the wiring duct 40 through the power line communication via the duct connecting member 21 (ie, the first communication unit 31 has the reception capability). In addition, the first communication unit 31 also has the capability of transmitting the communication signal (the second communication signal) to the distribution conduit 40 through the power line communication through the conduit connection member 21 (ie, the first communication unit 31 has the transmission capability). That is, two-way communication can be established through the first communication unit 31 .

As shown in FIG. 1 , the output unit 32 is a circuit including a second communication unit 321 and a converter unit 322 .

The second communication unit 321 is a circuit for communicating with the device 50 according to a communication protocol different from the power line communication according to the first communication signal received by the first communication unit 31 . The second communication unit 321 establishes a communication conforming to a communication protocol different from the power line communication. Examples of signals conforming to a different communication protocol than power line communication include signals conforming to the Ethernet® standard and serial signals. In this embodiment, the second communication unit 321 has the ability to transmit signals conforming to the signaling Ethernet® standard (ie, has the ability to transmit) and the ability to receive these signals (ie, has the ability to receive). As shown in FIG. 1 , the second communication unit 321 is connected to the device connecting portion 22 . Therefore, the second communication unit 321 outputs signals conforming to a communication protocol different from the power line communication via the device connection portion 22 , and receives these signals via the device connection portion 22 . In this way, the second communication unit 321 communicates with the device 50 via the connector cable 80 connected to the device connection portion 22 .

The converter unit 322 is a circuit for generating a second power conforming to a power standard different from the first power based on the first power obtained through the pipe connection member 21 , and supplying the second power to the device 50 . As mentioned above, the first power is AC power (eg, commercial AC power of 60/50Hz, 100/200V), and the second power is PoE compliant power and may be 48V DC power. Therefore, convert The converter unit 322 may be implemented as a power converter circuit including an AC/DC converter. As shown in FIG. 1 , the converter unit 322 is connected to the device connection portion 22 . Therefore, the converter unit 322 outputs the second power, which conforms to a different power standard from the first power, to the device connection portion 22 . That is, the converter unit 322 supplies the second power to the device 50 via the connector cable 80 connected to the device connection part 22 .

In this embodiment, the output unit 32 conforms to the Power over Ethernet standard and is used as a so-called "power sourcing equipment". In addition, the power supply method may be a method of superimposing current on two pairs used for communication of the connector cable 80 (ie, a so-called "Alternative A" method), or a method of using two pairs that are not used. The method of supplying power (ie, the so-called "Alternative B2" method), whichever is appropriate. That is, the output unit 32 utilizes the device connection portion 22 to communicate with the device 50 and supply power to the device 50 . This facilitates connecting the connecting device 10 to the device 50 for communication and power supply purposes.

The processing unit 33 is a control circuit for controlling the operation of the connection device 10 . The processing unit 33 may be implemented, for example, as a computer system including one or more processors (microprocessors) and one or more memories. That is, the one or more processors perform the functions of the processing unit 33 by executing one or more programs stored in the one or more memories. In this embodiment, the processing unit 33 is configured to cause the second communication unit 321 to convert the first communication signal received from the distribution conduit 40 via the conduit connection member 21 into a signal conforming to a communication protocol different from that of power line communication, and to output the converted signal later signal. In addition, the processing unit 33 is also configured such that the first communication unit 31 converts the signal received by the second communication unit 321 from the device 50 through the connector cable 80 into a communication signal (ie, the second communication signal) conforming to power line communication, And output the second communication signal. That is, the processing unit 33 may only have the capability of relaying signals between the first communication unit 31 and the second communication unit 321 . In addition, the processing unit 33 may further have the capability of controlling the device 50 according to the first communication signal received by the first communication unit 31 . Optionally, the processing unit 33 It may further have the ability to enable the second communication unit 321 to collect information from the device 50 and to enable the first communication unit 31 to transmit the information to the management and control device 60 via the wiring conduit 40 .

The power supply unit 34 is a circuit for supplying operating power to the processing unit 33 . In this embodiment, the power supply unit 34 generates the power required to drive the processing unit 33 based on the output (ie, the second power) of the converter unit 322 of the output unit 32 . The power supply unit 34 may be implemented as a power supply circuit including one or more DC/DC converters. These power supply circuits may have known configurations, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted here.

Notification unit 35 may include one or more display devices. Examples of display devices include lamps, such as light emitting diodes. Optionally, the notification unit 35 may comprise an electro-acoustic transducer, such as a speaker or a buzzer, in addition to or instead of the display device. That is, the notification through the notification unit 35 does not have to be a visual notification, but can also be an audible notification. For example, the processing unit 33 may cause the notification unit 35 to provide notification about the status of the connected device 10 (eg, the connected device 10 is functioning well or failed due to some error). Alternatively, the processing unit 33 can cause the notification unit 35 to provide a notification according to the first communication signal that the first communication unit 31 has received.

The operation unit 36 is a circuit for changing the setting of the connecting device 10 or initializing the connecting device 10 . The operating unit 36 may include one or more switches. Examples of switches include dip switches, slide switches, push button switches, and various other known switches. An example of a setting change of the connection device 10 includes switching from master to slave and vice versa. In this embodiment, the operation unit 36 is exposed on the outer side surface 240d of the main body 24, as shown in FIG. 2 .

(1.3) Attachment method

The attachment device 10 can be attached to the conduit 40 in the following manner. First, the lever portion 212 is rotated as required to place the first and second connectors 21a, 21b in the first position. In this state, the first and The second connectors 21a, 21b are inserted into the housing 42 through the opening 43 of the wiring duct 40 . In this state, if the connecting device 10 is improperly positioned with respect to the wiring duct 40, the duct facing surface 2411 of the mounting portion 241 comes into contact with the top end of the convex portion 44, thereby obstructing the first and second connecting members 21a, 21b is inserted into the housing 42 of the wiring duct 40 . This prevents the connection device 10 from being improperly connected to the wiring conduit 40 . That is, this reduces the chance that the connection device 10 is attached to the wiring conduit 40 in the wrong way. On the other hand, if the connecting device 10 is correctly positioned with respect to the wiring duct 40, the duct facing surface 2411 of the mounting portion 241 will not come into contact with the tip of the convex portion 44, and thus will not hinder the first and second connections The pieces 21a, 21b are inserted into the housing 42 of the wiring conduit 40 . This enables the first and second connectors 21 a, 21 b to be inserted into the housing 42 of the wiring duct 40 .

After the first and second connectors 21a, 21b are inserted into the housing 42 through the opening 43 of the wiring duct 40, the lever 212 can be rotated to move the first and second connectors 21a, 21b from the first position to the second position. This enables the pair of protrusions 213, 213 to be physically supported by both edges of the opening 43 of the housing 42 of the conduit 40 in each of the first and second connectors 21a, 21b, as in the double Represented by the dot chain. Also, in the first connector 21a, the first, second, and third terminals 214a, 214b, 214c are electrically connected to the first, second, and third conductors 41a, 41b, 41c of the wiring duct 40, respectively. This enables the conduit connection member 21 to be not only physically attached to the wiring conduit 40 , but also electrically connected to the wiring conduit 40 .

The connection device 10 includes first and second wall portions 242a, 242b protruding from both sides of the conduit facing surface 2411 configured to face the wiring conduit 40 . When the body 24 is held by the wiring duct 40 via the duct connecting member 21 , the first and second wall portions 242 a , 242 b face the first and second side surfaces 4211 , 4221 respectively along the width of the wiring duct 40 . Therefore, the first and second wall portions 242a, 242b At least one of them can be used as a portion that reduces the wobble of the body 24 along the width of the conduit 40 . Therefore, the connection device 10 helps to improve the stability of the mechanical connection with the conduit 40 .

Furthermore, the connection device 10 includes a first contact portion (the first convex portion 244 a ) and a second contact portion (the second convex portion 244 b ), which are respectively disposed on the duct facing surface 2411 configured to face the wiring duct 40 . in the first area 2411a and the second area 2411b. When the body 24 is held by the wiring duct 40 via the duct connecting member 21 , the first contact portion (the first convex portion 244 a ) is in contact with the first portion 424 of the wiring duct 40 . Further, the second contact portion (the second convex portion 244 b ) is in contact with the second portion 425 of the wiring duct 40 . Therefore, at least one of the first and second contact portions may serve as a portion that reduces the wobble of the body 24 along the width of the wiring conduit 40 . Therefore, the connection device 10 helps to improve the stability of the mechanical connection with the conduit 40 .

Furthermore, the connecting device 10 further includes coupling members 26 , each of which has a coupling hole 26 a for coupling the connecting device 10 to the cord-like member 93 . This facilitates coupling of the connection device 10 to the wiring conduit 40 via the cord member 93 . Therefore, even if the duct connecting member 21 of the connecting device 10 is detached from the wiring duct 40 , the connecting device 10 is still suspended from the wiring duct 40 through the cord-shaped member 93 . This reduces the chance of the connection device 10 falling off the wiring duct 40 . In particular, the coupling member 26 is provided separately from the body 24 and secures the coupling member 26 to the body 24 . Therefore, the coupling member 26 may be made of a material that is stronger than the body 24 . This reduces the probability that the coupling member 26 is damaged so much that the connecting device 10 falls off from the wiring duct 40 when the connecting device 10 is suspended from the wiring duct 40 through the cord-like member 93 . Therefore, providing the coupling member 26 not only facilitates the coupling of the connecting device 10 to the wiring duct 40 via the cord-like member 93 , but also reduces the probability of the connecting device 10 falling off the wiring duct 40 .

(1.4) Suspension

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the hanger 90 may be used to couple the connection device 10 to the wiring conduit 40 via the cable member 93 . The hanger 90 may be used with the attachment device 10 to prevent the attachment device 10 from falling out. That is, the hanger 90 reduces the probability of the connection device 10 falling off the wiring duct 40 .

In order to reduce the probability of the connecting device 10 falling off the wiring duct 40 even when the connecting device 10 is accidentally dropped from the wiring duct 40 , the connecting device 10 may be coupled to the wiring duct 40 in advance by the cord-like member 93 . In general, however, the wiring conduit 40 typically does not have a portion specifically designed to attach the cord member 93 thereto. Therefore, attaching the cord member 93 to the wiring duct 40 is often cumbersome. In contrast, hangers 90 assist in attaching cord members 93 to wiring conduit 40 . Thus, the hanger 90 enables the connection device 10 to be easily coupled to the wiring conduit 40 by the cord-like member 93 .

The suspension member 90 includes a main body 91 , a connecting member 92 , a cable member 93 , and a coupling member 94 . The body 91 is coupled to one of the coupling members 26 of the connection device 10 by means of a cord member 93 . The body 91 has the shape of a circular box. The body 91 has a first surface (ie, the upper surface in FIGS. 3 and 4 ) and a second surface (ie, the lower surface in FIGS. 3 and 4 ) along its thickness. However, the body 91 does not necessarily have to have the shape of such a circular box, but may also have the shape of a polygonal box. The connector 92 may be used to attach the hanger 90 to the wiring conduit 40 . The connecting member 92 is disposed on the first surface along the thickness of the body 91 . The connector 92 includes a protruding portion 921 and a pair of convex portions 922 and 922 . The protrusion 921 protrudes from the first surface along the thickness of the body 91 . The protrusion 921 has a cylindrical shape. The protrusion 921 itself has a size small enough to pass through the opening 43 of the housing 42 . The pair of convex portions 922 and 922 protrude from the protruding portion 921 to both sides. The width of the pair of protruding portions 922 , 922 is equal to or smaller than the diameter of the protruding portion 921 . The cord-like member 93 has a first end and a second end. The first end of the cord member 93 is secured to the second surface along the thickness of the body 91 . The second end of the cord member 93 is fixed to the coupling member 94 . Examples of cord-like members 93 include cords and wires. Any cord-like member 93 may be used without limitation, but is suitably strong enough to withstand at least the weight of the connection device 10. quantity. The coupling member 94 is used to easily attach the cable member 93 to the coupling member 26 . The coupling member 94 is coupled to the coupling member 26 by passing a portion thereof through the coupling hole 26 a of the coupling member 26 . In this embodiment, the coupling member 94 is a so-called "snap hook". However, this is merely an example of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting.

The hanger 90 may be attached to the wiring conduit 40 in the following manner. First, the orientation of the hanger 90 relative to the wiring duct 40 is adjusted so that the pair of protrusions 922 , 922 of the connector 92 is aligned with the length of the opening 43 of the wiring duct 40 . In this state, the connector 92 is inserted into the housing 42 through the opening 43 of the wiring duct 40 . After the connector 92 is inserted into the housing 42 through the opening 43 of the wiring duct 40 , the hanger 90 is rotated to align the pair of protrusions 922 , 922 of the connector 92 with the width of the opening 43 of the wiring duct 40 . This enables the pair of protrusions 922 , 922 to be physically supported by both edge portions (ie, the first and second portions 424 , 425 ) of the opening 43 of the housing 42 of the wiring conduit 40 . In this way, the hanger 90 is physically attached to the wiring conduit 40 .

Next, the coupling member 94 of the hanger 90 is fixed to the coupling member 26 of the connection device 10 . This enables the body 91 of the hanger 90 to be coupled to the connection device 10 by means of the cable member 93 . In this way, the connection device 10 is coupled to the wiring conduit 40 via the cord member 93 . Accordingly, the hanger 90 helps to attach the cord member 93 to the wiring conduit 40 . That is, this enables the connection device 10 to be easily coupled to the wiring conduit 40 by the cord-like member 93 .

(2) Modifications

It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are merely illustrative of various embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting. Rather, the above-described exemplary embodiments may be readily modified in various ways depending on design choice or any other factor, all without departing from the scope of the present invention. Variations of the above-described exemplary embodiments will be enumerated one by one.

(2.1) First modification example

10-14 show a connection device 10A according to a first modification. The connection device 10A includes a housing 20A, which is distinct from the housing 20 of the connection device 10 . The housing 20A includes a body 24A and a holder 25 . Although the body 24A of the housing 20A is different from the body 24 of the housing 20 , the holder 25 of the housing 20A is the same as the holder 25 of the housing 20 . In the following description, any constituent element of the connection device 10A according to the first modification example having the same function as the counterpart of the connection device 10 according to the above-described embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals as the counterparts, and will be omitted here It is described in detail to avoid redundancy.

The body 24A (and the body 24 ) houses the circuit block 30 therein. The body 24A has a first surface (ie, an upper surface in FIG. 10 ) 240 a and a second surface (ie, a lower surface in FIG. 10 ) 240 b in the thickness direction. The first surface 240a along the thickness of the body 24A is the surface of the body 24A configured to face the conduit 40 (ie, the conduit attachment surface). The second surface 240b along the thickness of the body 24A is the surface of the body 24A designed to face away from the wiring conduit 40 . The second surface 240b along the thickness of the body 24A is the attachment surface to which the holder 25 is physically attached (retainer attachment surface). The body 24A further has an outer peripheral surface, which is composed of four outer surfaces 240c-240f.

The body 24A further includes a mounting portion 241, first and second wall portions 246a, 246b, a plurality of first and second protruding portions 244a, 244b, a plurality of restricting portions 245, and a The coupling member 26 is shown in FIG. 11 . In the first modification, the mounting portion 241, the plurality of first and second convex portions 244a, 244b, and the plurality of restricting portions 245 are the same as their counterparts in the above-described embodiment.

The first and second wall portions 246a, 246b are provided to improve the stability of the mechanical connection to the conduit 40. The first and second wall portions 246a, 246b protrude from the first surface 240a of the body 24A including the duct facing surface 2411. More specifically, the first and second wall portions 246a, 246b extend from the duct surface The central area of the surface 2411 protrudes. As shown in FIG. 14 , when the body 24A is held by the wiring duct 40 via the duct connecting member 21 , the first and second wall portions 246 a , 246 b face the first and second walls along the width of the opening 43 of the wiring duct 40 , respectively. and the second inner side surfaces 431 and 432 .

More specifically, the first and second wall portions 246a, 246b protrude from the configuration of the body 24A to face one surface (ie, the first surface 240a) of the wiring duct 40, and are located at the center of the duct facing surface 2411 area. In particular, the first and second wall portions 246a, 246b protrude in a direction perpendicular to the duct facing surface 2411. In addition, the first and second wall portions 246a, 246b are located in the central region along the width of the duct facing surface 2411. Also, the first and second wall portions 246a, 246b face each other along the width of the duct facing surface 2411 . In particular, the first and second wall portions 246a, 246b extend linearly along the length of the duct facing surface 2411 and are as long as the duct facing surface 2411.

In a first modification, the heights of the first and second wall portions 246a, 246b are defined such that when the connecting device 10A is attached to the conduit 40, the top ends of the first and second wall portions 246a, 246b are positioned along the between the middle of the thickness of the wiring duct 40 and the duct facing surface 2411 . Alternatively, the heights of the first and second wall portions 246a, 246b may also be defined such that when the connecting device 10A is attached to the wiring conduit 40, the top ends of the first and second wall portions 246a, 246b are along the length of the wiring conduit 40. thickness between the first and second conductors 41a, 41b and the pipe facing surface 2411. Also, in this modification, the gap remaining between the wiring duct 40 and the first and second wall portions 246a, 246b may be set so that when the connecting device 10A is attached to the wiring duct 40, the main body 24A is along the When the width of the wiring duct 40 swings, at least one of the first and second wall portions 246 a and 246 b is in contact with the wiring duct 40 . In particular, in this modification, the gap remaining between the first wall portion 246 a and the first inner side surface 431 of the wiring duct 40 and the remaining gap between the second wall portion 246 b and the second inner side surface 432 of the wiring duct 40 remain The gap of is suitably equal to or less than 0.5mm, and may for example be 0.2mm. Naturally, when the body 24A is connected via the pipe connecting member 21 When held by the wiring duct 40 , the first and second wall portions 246 a , 246 b may be in contact with the first and second inner side surfaces 431 , 432 of the wiring duct 40 , respectively.

As shown in FIG. 12 , the first surface 240 a along the thickness of the body 24A has at least one attachment hole 2401 to which the pipe connecting member 21 is attached. In this modification, the first surface 240a has two attachment holes 2401 . Further, around each of the attachment holes 2401 of the first surface 240a, a plurality of (for example, two in this modification) screw holes 2402 are provided. Furthermore, the first surface 240a has recesses 2403, each of which is disposed in an area covering the associated attachment hole 2401 and the associated two screw holes 2402. Each of the recesses 2403 has a rectangular shape. The associated attachment hole 2401 and the associated two screw holes 2402 are disposed at the bottom of the recess 2403 . In addition, around each attachment hole 2401 of the first surface 240a, a first support portion 2404 and a second support portion 2405 are further provided. The first and second support portions 2404 , 2405 support the associated rod portion 212 such that the rod portion 212 is kept out of contact with the associated coupling member 26 . A first support portion 2404 is provided on the first surface 240a between the associated attachment hole 2401 and the mounting portion 241 . The first support portion 2404 is a convex portion having an arc shape in plan view. The first support portion 2404 is provided along a portion of the attachment hole 2401 facing the mounting portion 241 . The first support portion 2404 forms an integral part of the first surface 240a of the body 24A. The first support portion 2404 serves as a fitting protrusion of the body 24A. A second support portion 2405 is provided on the first surface 240a opposite the mounting portion 241 with respect to the associated attachment hole 2401 . The second support portion 2405 has the shape of a linear convex portion in plan view. The second support portion 2405 is disposed between the two restricting portions 245 associated with the associated attachment hole 2401 . The heights of the first support portion 2404 and the second support portion 2405 are lower than the restriction portion 245 . In this modification, the corresponding top ends of the first support portion 2404 and the second support portion 2405 are located on the same plane.

The coupling member 26 is used to couple the connection device 10A to the wiring conduit 40 via the cord member 93 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The coupling member 26 according to this modification can be the same as the counterpart of the above-described embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the first support portion 2404 is fitted into the fitting cutout 260a of the flat plate portion 260, and the fitting cutout 260a is used to allow the first support portion 2404 to pass therethrough. Further, the flat plate portion 260 has a plurality of (for example, two in this modification) holes 260b. The two holes 260b are used to fix the coupling member 26 to the body 24A by screws. Each coupling member 26 is disposed in the associated recess 2403 of the body 24A, and the associated first support portion 2404 of the body 24A is fitted into the fitting cutout 260a of the coupling member 26 . Next, screws are screwed into the screw holes 2402 of the main body 24A through the holes 260b of the flat plate portion 260 so that the coupling member 26 can be fixed to the main body 24A. In this modification, the coupling member 26 is made of metallic material. For example, the coupling member 26 may be formed by punching and folding a metal plate. The coupling member 26 is provided separately from the body 24A and secures the coupling member 26 to the body 24A.

In this modification, the first and second connecting pieces 21a and 21b of the pipe connecting member 21 are also attached to the main body 24A through the attachment holes 2401 of the main body 24A. That is, each of the first and second connecting pieces 21a, 21b is inserted into the associated attachment hole 2401 so that its protrusion 211 can be rotated about its central axis. In this modification, around each attachment hole 2401 of the main body 24A, the associated coupling member 26 and the associated first and second support portions 2404 and 2405 are provided. As shown in FIG. 13 , the flat plate portion 260 and the first and second support portions 2404 and 2405 of the coupling member 26 are disposed between the first surface 240 a and the associated rod portion 212 . The first and second support portions 2404, 2405 support the rod portion 212 to keep the rod portion 212 out of contact with (the flat plate portion 260 of the coupling member 26).

The connecting device 10A can be attached to the conduit 40 in the following manner. First, the lever portion 212 is rotated as required to place the first and second connectors 21a, 21b in the first position, as indicated by the double-dotted chain in FIG. 14 . In this state, the first and second connectors 21 a and 21 b are inserted into the housing 42 through the opening 43 of the wiring duct 40 . In this state, if the connecting device 10A is connected to the wiring duct 40 Improperly positioned, the pipe facing surface 2411 of the mounting portion 241 comes into contact with the top end of the convex portion 44 , thereby preventing the first and second connectors 21 a , 21 b from being inserted into the housing 42 of the wiring duct 40 . This prevents the connection device 10A from being improperly connected to the wiring conduit 40 . That is, this reduces the chance that the connection device 10A is attached to the wiring conduit 40 in the wrong way. At the same time, if the connecting device 10A is correctly positioned with respect to the wiring duct 40, the duct facing surface 2411 of the mounting portion 241 will not come into contact with the top end of the convex portion 44, thus not obstructing the first and second connecting members 21a , 21b are inserted into the housing 42 of the wiring duct 40 . This enables the first and second connectors 21 a, 21 b to be inserted into the housing 42 of the wiring duct 40 .

After the first and second connectors 21a, 21b are inserted into the housing 42 through the opening 43 of the wiring duct 40, the lever 212 can be rotated to move the first and second connectors 21a, 21b from the first position to the second position. This enables the pair of protrusions 213, 213 to be physically supported by both edges of the opening 43 of the housing 42 of the wiring duct 40 in each of the first and second connectors 21a, 21b, as shown in FIG. 14 . indicated by the line. Also, in the first connector 21a, the first, second, and third terminals 214a, 214b, 214c are electrically connected to the first, second, and third conductors 41a, 41b, 41c of the wiring duct 40, respectively. This enables the conduit connection member 21 to be not only physically attached to the wiring conduit 40 , but also electrically connected to the wiring conduit 40 .

The connection device 10A includes first and second wall portions 246a, 246b that protrude from a central region configured to face the conduit facing surface 2411 of the wiring conduit 40 . When the body 24A is held by the wiring duct 40 via the duct connecting member 21 , the first and second wall portions 246 a , 246 b face the first and second inner side surfaces 431 respectively along the width of the opening 43 of the wiring duct 40 , 432. Therefore, even when the body 24A swings along the width of the wiring duct 40, at least one of the first and second wall portions 246a, 246b is in contact with the wiring duct 40, thereby reducing the wobbling of the body 24A. Therefore, the connection device 10A helps to improve the stability of the mechanical connection with the conduit 40 .

Furthermore, the connecting device 10A includes a first contact portion (the first convex portion 244 a ) and a second contact portion (the second convex portion 244 b ), which are respectively disposed on the duct facing surface 2411 configured to face the wiring duct 40 . in the first area 2411a and the second area 2411b. When the body 24A is held by the wiring duct 40 via the duct connecting member 21 , the first contact portion (the first convex portion 244 a ) is in contact with the first portion 424 of the wiring duct 40 . Further, the second contact portion (the second convex portion 244 b ) is in contact with the second portion 425 of the wiring duct 40 . Therefore, even when the body 24A is swung along the width of the wiring duct 40, at least one of the first and second contact portions is in contact with the wiring duct 40, thereby reducing the wobbling of the body 24A. Therefore, the connection device 10A helps to improve the stability of the mechanical connection with the conduit 40 .

Furthermore, the connection device 10A further includes coupling members 26 , each of which has a coupling hole 26 a for coupling the connection device 10A to the cord-like member 93 . This facilitates coupling the connection device 10A to the wiring conduit 40 by the cord member 93 . Therefore, even if the duct connecting member 21 of the connecting device 10A is detached from the wiring duct 40 , the connecting device 10A is still suspended from the wiring duct 40 through the cord-shaped member 93 . This reduces the probability of the connection device 10A falling off the wiring duct 40 . In particular, the coupling member 26 is provided separately from the body 24A and secures the coupling member 26 to the body 24A. Therefore, the coupling member 26 may be made of a higher strength material than the body 24A. When the connecting device 10A is suspended from the wiring duct 40 through the cord-like member 93 , the probability that the coupling member 26 is damaged so much that the connecting device 10A falls off from the wiring duct 40 is reduced.

(2.2) Second modification example

15-18 show a connecting device 10B according to a second modification. The connection device 10B includes a housing 20B, which is distinct from the housing 20 of the connection device 10 . The housing 20B includes a body 24B and a holder 25 . Although the body 24B of the housing 20B is different from the body 24 of the housing 20 , the holder 25 of the housing 20B is the same as the holder 25 of the housing 20 . In the following description, those having the same functions as the counterparts of the above-mentioned connecting device 10 or 10A Any constituent elements of the connecting device 10B according to the second modification will be denoted by the same reference numerals as the counterparts, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted here to avoid redundancy.

Body 24B (and body 24 ) houses circuit block 30 therein. The body 24B has a first surface (ie, an upper surface in FIG. 15 ) 240 a and a second surface (ie, a lower surface in FIG. 15 ) 240 b in the thickness direction. The first surface 240a along the thickness of the body 24B is the surface of the body 24B configured to face the conduit 40 (ie, the conduit attachment surface). The second surface 240b along the thickness of the body 24B is the surface of the body 24B designed to face away from the wiring conduit 40 . The second surface 240b along the thickness of the body 24B is the attachment surface to which the holder 25 is physically attached (retainer attachment surface). The body 24B further has an outer peripheral surface, which is composed of four outer surfaces 240c-240f.

The body 24B further includes a mounting portion 241 and first and second wall portions 242a and 242b on the first surface 240a, as shown in FIG. 16 . The main body 24B further includes a plurality of first and second strengthening portions 243a, 243b, a plurality of first and second convex portions 244a, 244b, and a plurality of restricting portions 247a, 247b on the first surface 240a. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 17 , the first surface 240 a of the main body 24B has an attachment hole 2401 , a support portion 2406 , and a latch protrusion 2407 .

The attachment hole 2401 is a hole to which the pipe connecting member 21 is attached. In this modification, the first surface 240a has two attachment holes 2401 .

The support portions 2406 are respectively disposed around the associated attachment holes 2401 on the first surface 240a. The support portions 2406 each support the associated rod portion 212 thereon. The support portion 2406 is an annular convex portion. The support portions 2406 each protrude from the first surface 240a to surround the associated attachment hole 2401 . The support portion 2406 forms an integral part of the first surface 240a of the body 24B.

Latch bosses 2407 are provided for their associated supports 2406 . The latching protrusion 2407 is disposed on the support portion 2406 to fit the pipe connecting member 21 when the rod portion 212 is located at a predetermined position. in the hook hole 2121 of its associated rod portion 212 . As used herein, the predetermined position refers to the position of the rod portion 212 when the protrusion 211 is in a position where the protrusion 211 cannot pass through the opening 43 (ie, in the second position).

The first and second wall portions 242a, 242b may be almost the same as their counterparts in the above-described embodiments. In this modification, neither the first and second wall portions 242a, 242b have tapered surfaces 2423a, 2423b.

A plurality of (eg, five in this example) first protrusions 244a together form a first contact. Five first protrusions 244a are provided in an area including the first surface 240a of the duct facing surface 2411 designed to face the first portion 424 of the wiring duct 40 . The middle three of the plurality of first protrusions 244a are located within the pipe facing surface 2411, but the other two first protrusions 244a at both ends are mostly located outside the pipe facing surface 2411, and are partially located on the pipe surface to the inside of surface 2411. Also, the top ends of the plurality of first protrusions 244a are located at the same height (ie, located on the same plane). A plurality (eg, five in this example) of the second protrusions 244b together form the second contact. Five second protrusions 244b are provided in an area including the first surface 240a of the duct facing surface 2411 designed to face the second portion 425 of the wiring duct 40 . The middle three of the plurality of second protrusions 244b are located inside the pipe facing surface 2411, but the other two second protrusions 244b at both ends are mostly located outside the pipe facing surface 2411, and some are located on the pipe surface to the inside of surface 2411. Also, the top ends of the plurality of second protrusions 244b are located at the same height (ie, located on the same plane). Furthermore, the respective top ends of the plurality of first protrusions 244a and the plurality of second protrusions 244b are located at the same height.

The restricting portions 247a, 247b are provided to restrict the pivoting range of the lever portion 212 . More specifically, each of the restricting portions 247a, 247b is a convex portion protruding from the first surface 240a of the body 24B. Each of the restricting portions 247a and 247b is a rectangular convex portion.

Each of the restricting portions 247a, 247b is in contact with the associated lever portion 212, thereby restricting the pivoting range of the lever portion 212. In this modification, the restricting portions 247a, 247b restrict the pivoting range of the lever portion 212 to a range between the first restricting position and the second restricting position. The first limiting position is the position when the relevant connecting member (which is the first connecting member 21a or the second connecting member 21b) is located at the first position. The second limiting position is the position when the relevant connecting member (which is the first connecting member 21a or the second connecting member 21b) is located at the second position. In this modification, two pairs of restricting portions 247a, 247b are provided for the main body 24B. One of the two pairs of restricting portions 247a, 247b is associated with the rod portion 212 of the first link 21a, while the other pair of restricting portions 247a, 247b is associated with the rod portion 212 of the second link 21b. As shown in FIG. 16, the two restricting portions 247a, 247b provided for the first connecting member 21a are located at one end of the first surface 240a adjacent to the outer side surface 240c, and are located in the direction in which the outer side surfaces 240d, 240f face each other Both sides of the first connector 21a. Meanwhile, the two restricting portions 247a, 247b provided for the second connector 21b are located at one end of the first surface 240a adjacent to the outer surface 240e, and are located on the second connector in the direction in which the outer surfaces 240d, 240f face each other Both sides of 21b. In this modification, the two pairs of restricting portions 247a, 247b form an integral part of the first surface 240a of the body 24B.

In this modification, each of the restricting portions 247b has a coupling hole 2470 . The coupling hole 2470 passes through the restricting portion 247b along its width. Therefore, the restricting portion 247b has a U-shape in a side view. The coupling hole 2470 is used to couple the connecting device 10B to the cable member 93 . That is, the restricting portion 247b facilitates the coupling of the connecting device 10B to the wiring conduit 40 by the cord member 93 . Therefore, even if the duct connecting member 21 of the connecting device 10B is detached from the wiring duct 40 , the connecting device 10B is still suspended from the wiring duct 40 through the cord-like member 93 . This reduces the probability of the connection device 10B falling off the wiring duct 40 . That is, according to this modification, the restricting portion 247b functions as the coupling member 26 according to the above-described embodiment and the first modification. Therefore, the restricting portion 247b also functions as the coupling member 26 .

The connecting device 10B can be attached to the conduit 40 in the following manner. First, the lever portion 212 is rotated as required to place the first and second connectors 21a, 21b in the first position, as indicated by the two-dot chain in FIG. 18 . In this state, the first and second connectors 21 a and 21 b are inserted into the housing 42 through the opening 43 of the wiring duct 40 . In this state, if the connecting device 10B is improperly positioned with respect to the wiring duct 40, the duct facing surface 2411 of the mounting portion 241 comes into contact with the top end of the convex portion 44, thereby obstructing the first and second connecting members 21a, 21b is inserted into the housing 42 of the wiring duct 40 . This prevents the connection device 10B from being improperly connected to the wiring conduit 40 . That is, this reduces the chance that the connecting device 10B is attached to the wiring conduit 40 in the wrong way. At the same time, if the connecting device 10B is correctly positioned with respect to the wiring duct 40, the duct facing surface 2411 of the mounting portion 241 will not come into contact with the top end of the convex portion 44, thus not obstructing the first and second connecting members 21a , 21b are inserted into the housing 42 of the wiring duct 40 . This enables the first and second connectors 21 a, 21 b to be inserted into the housing 42 of the wiring duct 40 .

After the first and second connectors 21a, 21b are inserted into the housing 42 through the opening 43 of the wiring duct 40, the lever 212 can be rotated to move the first and second connectors 21a, 21b from the first position to the second position. This enables the pair of protrusions 213, 213 to be physically supported by both edges of the opening 43 of the housing 42 of the wiring duct 40 in each of the first and second connectors 21a, 21b, as shown in FIG. 18 . indicated by the line. Also, in the first connector 21a, the first, second, and third terminals 214a, 214b, 214c are electrically connected to the first, second, and third conductors 41a, 41b, 41c of the wiring duct 40, respectively. This enables the conduit connection member 21 to be not only physically attached to the wiring conduit 40 , but also electrically connected to the wiring conduit 40 .

The connection device 10B includes first and second wall portions 242 a, 242 b protruding from both sides of the conduit facing surface 2411 configured to face the wiring conduit 40 . When the main body 24B is held by the wiring duct 40 via the duct connecting member 21 , the first and second wall portions 242 a and 242 b are along the width of the wiring duct 40 . face the first and second side surfaces 4211 and 4221 respectively. Therefore, even when the body 24B swings along the width of the wiring duct 40, at least one of the first and second wall portions 242a, 242b is in contact with the wiring duct 40, thereby reducing the wobbling of the body 24B. Therefore, the connection device 10B helps to improve the stability of the mechanical connection with the conduit 40 .

Furthermore, the connection device 10B includes a first contact portion (first convex portion 244a) and a second contact portion (second convex portion 244b). When the body 24B is held by the wiring duct 40 via the duct connecting member 21 , the first contact portion (the first convex portion 244 a ) is in contact with the first portion 424 of the wiring duct 40 . Further, the second contact portion (the second convex portion 244 b ) is in contact with the second portion 425 of the wiring duct 40 . Therefore, even when the body 24B is swung along the width of the wiring duct 40, at least one of the first and second contact portions is in contact with the wiring duct 40, thereby reducing the wobbling of the body 24B. Therefore, the connection device 10B helps to improve the stability of the mechanical connection with the conduit 40 .

Furthermore, the connecting device 10B further includes restricting portions 247 b each having a coupling hole 2470 for coupling the connecting device 10B to the cord-like member 93 . This facilitates the coupling of the connection device 10B to the conduit 40 by the cord member 93 . Therefore, even if the duct connecting member 21 of the connecting device 10B is detached from the wiring duct 40 , the connecting device 10B is still suspended from the wiring duct 40 through the cord-like member 93 . This reduces the probability of the connection device 10B falling off the wiring duct 40 .

(2.3) Third modification example

19-22 show a connection device 10C according to a third modification. The connection device 10C includes a housing 20C, which is distinct from the housing 20 of the connection device 10 . The housing 20C includes a body 24C and a holder 25 . Although the body 24C of the housing 20C is different from the body 24 of the housing 20 , the holder 25 of the housing 20C is the same as the holder 25 of the housing 20 . In the following description, have the same as the counterpart of the above-mentioned connecting device 10, 10A, or 10B Any constituent elements of the connection device 10C according to the third modification example in function will be denoted by the same reference numerals as the counterparts, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted here to avoid redundancy.

The body 24C (and the body 24 ) houses the circuit block 30 therein. The body 24C has a first surface (ie, an upper surface in FIG. 19 ) 240 a and a second surface (ie, a lower surface in FIG. 19 ) 240 b in the thickness direction. The first surface 240a along the thickness of the body 24C is the surface of the body 24C configured to face the conduit 40 (ie, the conduit attachment surface). The second surface 240b along the thickness of the body 24C is the surface of the body 24C designed to face away from the wiring conduit 40 . The second surface 240b along the thickness of the body 24C is the attachment surface (retainer attachment surface) to which the holder 25 is physically attached. The body 24C further has an outer peripheral surface, which is composed of four outer surfaces 240c-240f.

The main body 24C further includes a mounting portion 241, first and second wall portions 246a, 246b, a plurality of first and second convex portions 244a, 244b, and a plurality of restricting portions 247a, 247b on the first surface 240a, as shown in FIG. 20 . . Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 21 , the first surface 240 a of the main body 24C has an attachment hole 2401 , a support portion 2406 , and a latch protrusion 2407 .

The connecting device 10C can be attached to the conduit 40 in the following manner. First, the lever portion 212 is rotated as required to place the first and second connectors 21a, 21b in the first position, as indicated by the double-dotted chain in FIG. 22 . In this state, the first and second connectors 21 a and 21 b are inserted into the housing 42 through the opening 43 of the wiring duct 40 . In this state, if the connecting device 10C is improperly positioned with respect to the wiring duct 40, the duct facing surface 2411 of the mounting portion 241 comes into contact with the top end of the convex portion 44, thereby obstructing the first and second connectors 21a, 21b is inserted into the housing 42 of the wiring duct 40 . This prevents the connection device 10C from being improperly connected to the wiring duct 40 . That is, this reduces the chance that the connection device 10C is attached to the wiring conduit 40 in the wrong way. Meanwhile, if the connecting device 10C is positioned correctly with respect to the wiring duct 40, the duct facing surface 2411 of the mounting portion 241 does not come into contact with the tip of the convex portion 44, and therefore does not Insertion of the first and second connectors 21 a, 21 b into the housing 42 of the wiring duct 40 is hindered. This enables the first and second connectors 21 a, 21 b to be inserted into the housing 42 of the wiring duct 40 .

After the first and second connectors 21a, 21b are inserted into the housing 42 through the opening 43 of the wiring duct 40, the lever 212 can be rotated to move the first and second connectors 21a, 21b from the first position to the second position. This enables the pair of protrusions 213, 213 to be physically supported by both edges of the opening 43 of the housing 42 of the wiring duct 40 in each of the first and second connectors 21a, 21b, as shown in FIG. 22 . indicated by the line. Also, in the first connector 21a, the first, second, and third terminals 214a, 214b, 214c are electrically connected to the first, second, and third conductors 41a, 41b, 41c of the wiring duct 40, respectively. This enables the conduit connection member 21 to be not only physically attached to the wiring conduit 40 , but also electrically connected to the wiring conduit 40 .

The connection device 10C includes first and second wall portions 246a, 246b that protrude from the central region of the conduit facing surface 2411 configured to face the wiring conduit 40 . When the body 24C is held by the wiring duct 40 via the duct connecting member 21 , the first and second wall portions 246 a , 246 b face the first and second inner side surfaces 431 , respectively, along the width of the opening 43 of the wiring duct 40 . , 432. Therefore, even when the body 24C swings along the width of the wiring duct 40, at least one of the first and second wall portions 246a, 246b is in contact with the wiring duct 40, thereby reducing the wobbling of the body 24C. Therefore, the connecting device 10C contributes to improving the stability of the mechanical connection with the conduit 40 .

Furthermore, the connection device 10C includes a first contact portion (first convex portion 244a) and a second contact portion (second convex portion 244b). When the body 24C is held by the wiring duct 40 via the duct connecting member 21 , the first contact portion (the first convex portion 244 a ) is in contact with the first portion 424 of the wiring duct 40 . Further, the second contact portion (the second convex portion 244 b ) is in contact with the second portion 425 of the wiring duct 40 . Therefore, even when the body 24C is swung along the width of the wiring duct 40, at least one of the first and second contact portions and the The wiring conduits 40 are in contact, thereby reducing the wobble of the body 24C. Therefore, the connecting device 10C contributes to improving the stability of the mechanical connection with the conduit 40 .

Furthermore, the connecting device 10C further includes restricting portions 247 b each having a coupling hole 2470 for coupling the connecting device 10C to the cord-like member 93 . This facilitates coupling of the connection device 10C to the wiring conduit 40 via the cord member 93 . Therefore, even if the duct connecting member 21 of the connecting device 10C is detached from the wiring duct 40 , the connecting device 10C is still suspended from the wiring duct 40 through the cord-like member 93 . This reduces the probability of the connection device 10C falling off the wiring duct 40 .

(2.4) Fourth modification

23-27 show a connecting device 10D according to a fourth modification. The connection device 10D includes a housing 20D, which is distinct from the housing 20 of the connection device 10 . The housing 20D includes a body 24D and a holder 25 . Although the body 24D of the housing 20D is different from the body 24 of the housing 20 , the holder 25 of the housing 20D is the same as the holder 25 of the housing 20 . In the following description, any constituent elements of the connecting device 10D according to the fourth modification example having the same functions as those of the counterparts of the above-described connecting device 10 will be denoted by the same reference numerals as the counterparts, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted here for the purpose of Avoid redundancy.

The body 24D (and the body 24 ) houses the circuit block 30 therein. The body 24D has a first surface (ie, an upper surface in FIG. 23 ) 240 a and a second surface (ie, a lower surface in FIG. 23 ) 240 b in the thickness direction. The first surface 240a along the thickness of the body 24D is the surface of the body 24D configured to face the conduit 40 (ie, the conduit attachment surface). The second surface 240b along the thickness of the body 24D is the surface of the body 24D designed to face away from the wiring conduit 40 . The second surface 240b along the thickness of the body 24D is the attachment surface to which the holder 25 is physically attached (retainer attachment surface). The body 24D further has an outer peripheral surface, which is composed of four outer surfaces 240c-240f.

The body 24D further includes a mounting portion 241, first and second wall members 248a, 248b, a plurality of first and second protrusions 244a, 244b, and a pair of coupling members 26D on the first surface 240a along the thickness of the body 24D , as shown in Figure 24. In the fourth modification, the mounting portion 241 and the plurality of first and second protruding portions 244a, 244b are the same as their counterparts in the above-described embodiments.

The first wall portion member 248a includes a first wall portion 2480a, a pair of extending portions 2484a, 2484a, and a pair of restricting portions 2485a, 2485a. The first wall portion 2480a, the pair of extending portions 2484a, 2484a, and the pair of restricting portions 2485a, 2485a are integrally formed with each other. In addition, the first wall member 248a also forms an integral part of the body 24D. Similarly, the second wall member 248b includes a second wall 2480b, a pair of extension portions 2484b, 2484b, and a pair of restricting portions 2485b, 2485b. The second wall portion 2480b, the pair of extending portions 2484b, 2484b, and the pair of restricting portions 2485b, 2485b are integrally formed with each other. In addition, the second wall member 248b also forms an integral part of the body 24D.

The first and second wall portions 2480a, 2480b are provided to increase the stability of the mechanical connection to the conduit 40. The first and second wall portions 2480a, 2480b protrude from the first surface 240a of the body 24D including the duct facing surface 2411. More specifically, the first and second wall portions 2480a, 2480b protrude from both sides of the duct facing surface 2411. As shown in FIG. 27 , when the main body 24D is held by the wiring duct 40 via the duct connecting member 21 , the first and second wall portions 2480 a , 2480 b face the first and second respectively along the width of the wiring duct 40 Side surfaces 4211, 4221.

More specifically, the first and second wall portions 2480a, 2480b protrude from the configuration of the body 24D to face one surface (ie, the first surface 240a) of the wiring duct 40, and are located on both sides of the duct facing surface 2411. side. In particular, the first and second wall portions 2480a, 2480b protrude in a direction perpendicular to the duct facing surface 2411. In addition, the first and second wall portions 2480a, 2480b are located on both sides of the duct facing surface 2411 along the width thereof. Furthermore, the first and second wall portions 2480a, 2480b face along the duct The widths of the surfaces 2411 face each other. The first and second wall portions 2480a, 2480b extend linearly along the length of the duct facing surface 2411 and are as long as the duct facing surface 2411.

The first and second wall portions 2480a, 2480b have surfaces 2481a, 2481b (ie, outer side surfaces 2481a, 2481b) located opposite the duct facing surface 2411. Outer side surfaces 2481a, 2481b extend from the first surface 240a of the body 24D. The first and second wall portions 2480a, 2480b also have surfaces 2482a, 2482b (ie, inner side surfaces 2482a, 2482b) facing the duct facing surface 2411. The inner side surfaces 2482a, 2482b extend from the duct facing surface 2411. Furthermore, the first and second wall portions 2480a, 2480b further have tapered surfaces 2483a, 2483b connected to the inner side surfaces 2482a, 2482b at their top ends, respectively. In this case, as the distance from the duct facing surface 2411 increases, the tapered surface 2483a is inclined away from the inner side surface 2482a, so that the gap between the tapered surface 2483a and the first side surface 4211 of the wiring duct 40 increases accordingly Big. Likewise, as the distance from the duct facing surface 2411 increases, the tapered surface 2483b slopes away from the inner side surface 2482b so that the gap between the tapered surface 2483b and the second side surface 4221 of the wiring duct 40 increases accordingly. That is, the tapered surfaces 2483a, 2483b facilitate insertion of the wiring conduit 40 into the space between the first and second wall portions 2480a, 2480b.

In the fourth modification, the heights of the first and second wall portions 2480a, 2480b are defined such that when the connecting device 10D is attached to the conduit 40, the top ends of the first and second wall portions 2480a, 2480b are positioned along the between the middle of the thickness of the wiring duct 40 and the duct facing surface 2411 . Alternatively, the heights of the first and second wall portions 2480a, 2480b may also be defined such that when the connecting device 10D is attached to the distribution conduit 40, the top ends of the first and second wall portions 2480a, 2480b are along the length of the distribution conduit 40. thickness between the first and second conductors 41a, 41b and the pipe facing surface 2411. In addition, in this modification, the gap remaining between the wiring duct 40 and the first and second wall portions 2480a and 2480b may be set so that when the connecting device 10D is attached to the wiring duct 40, when the main body 24D is along the Width of wiring conduit 40 When swung, at least one of the first and second wall portions 2480a, 2480b is in contact with the wiring duct 40 . In particular, in this modification, the gap remaining between the first wall portion 2480 a and the first inner surface 431 of the wiring duct 40 and the gap remaining between the second wall portion 2480 b and the second inner surface 432 of the wiring duct 40 remain The gap of is suitably equal to or less than 0.5mm, and may for example be 0.2mm. Naturally, when the body 24D is held by the wiring duct 40 via the duct connecting member 21, the first and second wall portions 2480a, 2480b can be in contact with the first and second inner surfaces 431, 432 of the wiring duct 40, respectively .

The pair of extensions 2484a, 2484a extend from both longitudinal ends of the first wall portion 2480a along the length of the first wall portion 2480a, as shown in FIG. 24 . The pair of extending portions 2484a, 2484a face the first and second connecting members 21a, 21b, respectively, along the width of the duct facing surface 2411. Each of the pair of extension parts 2484a, 2484a has the shape of a rectangular plate. The pair of extensions 2484a, 2484a are as tall as the first wall portion 2480a, but have a width less than that of the first wall portion 2480a. In addition, the surfaces of the pair of extending portions 2484a, 2484a located opposite to the first and second connecting members 21a, 21b are flush with the outer side surface 2481a of the first wall portion 2480a. Furthermore, the extending portion 2484a facing the second connecting member 21b has a coupling hole 2486a passing through the extending portion 2484a along its width. Coupling holes 2486a are provided to couple the connection device 10D to the cord member 93 . The extension portion 2484a having the coupling hole 2486a serves as a coupling member for coupling the connecting device 10D to the cord member 93 .

The pair of extensions 2484b, 2484b extend from both longitudinal ends of the second wall portion 2480b along the length of the second wall portion 2480b, as shown in FIG. 24 . The pair of extension portions 2484b, 2484b face the first and second connecting members 21a, 21b, respectively, along the width of the pipe facing surface 2411. Each of the pair of extension parts 2484b, 2484b has the shape of a rectangular plate. The pair of extensions 2484b, 2484b are the same height as the second wall portion 2480b, but have a width less than that of the second wall portion 2480b. In addition, the pair of extension portions 2484b, 2484b are located outside the second wall portion 2480b on the surface opposite to the first and second connecting members 21a, 21b The side surface 2481b is flush. Furthermore, the extension portion 2484b facing the first connector 21a has a coupling hole 2486b passing through the extension portion 2484b along its width. Coupling holes 2486b are provided to couple the connection device 10D to the cord member 93 . The extension portion 2484b having the coupling hole 2486b serves as a coupling member for coupling the connecting device 10D to the cord member 93 .

As shown in FIG. 24 , the pair of restricting portions 2485a, 2485a extend away from the first wall portion 2480a from the pair of extending portions 2484a, 2484a, respectively. Each of the pair of restricting portions 2485a and 2485a is a rectangular parallelepiped convex portion. The pair of restricting portions 2485a, 2485a are as wide as the pair of extending portions 2484a, 2484a, but have a height less than that of the pair of extending portions 2484a, 2484a. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 24 , the pair of restricting portions 2485b, 2485b extend away from the second wall portion 2480b from the pair of extending portions 2484b, 2484b, respectively. Each of the pair of restricting portions 2485b and 2485b is a rectangular parallelepiped convex portion. The pair of restricting portions 2485b, 2485b are as wide as the pair of extending portions 2484b, 2484b, but have a height less than that of the pair of extending portions 2484b, 2484b.

The restricting portions 2485a and 2485b are provided to restrict the pivoting range of the lever portion 212 . The restricting portions 2485a, 2485b can prevent the lever portion 212 from being over-rotated, thereby reducing the chance of damage to the duct connection member 21 . More specifically, the restricting portions 2485a, 2485b are in contact with the lever portion 212, thereby restricting the pivoting range of the lever portion 212. In this embodiment, the restricting portions 2485a, 2485b limit the pivoting range of the lever portion 212 to the point at which the relevant connecting member (ie, the first connecting member 21a or the second connecting member 21b) is located at the first position and the relevant The range between the points when the connector (ie, the first connector 21a or the second connector 21b) is located at the second position.

As shown in FIG. 25, the first surface 240a along the thickness of the body 24D has at least one attachment hole 2401 to which the pipe connecting member 21 is attached. In this modification, the first surface 240a has two attachment holes 2401 . In addition, around each of the attachment holes 2401 of the first surface 240a, a plurality of (eg, two in this example) screw holes 2402 are provided. Again, the first The surface 240a has recesses 2403, each of which is provided in an area covering the associated attachment hole 2401 and the associated two screw holes 2402. Each of the recesses 2403 has a rectangular shape. The associated attachment hole 2401 and the associated two screw holes 2402 are provided at the bottom of each recess 2403 . Furthermore, on the first surface 240a, support portions 2408 are provided around each of the attachment holes 2401. Each support portion 2408 supports its associated stem portion 212 to prevent the stem portion 212 from contacting the coupling member 26D. Each support portion 2408 has the shape of a cylinder surrounding the associated attachment hole 2401 on the first surface 240a. The support portion 2408 forms an integral part of the first surface 240a of the body 24D. The height of the support part 2408 is lower than the restriction parts 2485a and 2485a. In addition, the first surface 240a along the thickness of the body 24D has at least one hook hole 2409 . The first surface 240a has two hook holes 2409 . The two hook holes 2409 are respectively disposed beside the coupling hole 2486a of the first wall member 248a and the coupling hole 2486b of the second wall member 248b.

The coupling member 26D is used to couple the connection device 10D to the distribution conduit 40 via the cord member 93 (see Figures 3 and 4). The coupling member 26D is made of metal material. For example, the coupling member 26D may be formed by punching and folding a metal plate. The coupling member 26D is provided separately from the body 24D and secures the coupling member 26D to the body 24D. Each of the coupling members 26D has a coupling hole 26a for coupling the connection device 10D to the cord member 93 . More specifically, each coupling member 26D has a flat plate portion 262 , a protruding portion 263 , and a latch portion 264 . The flat plate portion 262 has a substantially rectangular flat plate shape. The flat plate portion 262 has dimensions small enough to fit in the associated recess 2403 of the body 24D. In this case, the depth of the concave portion 2403 is smaller than the thickness of the flat plate portion 262 . The flat plate portion 262 has an opening 262a. The opening 262a is used to expose its associated attachment hole 2401 and its associated support portion 2408. The plate portion 262 further has a plurality of (eg, two in this example) holes 262b. The two holes 262b are used for fixing the coupling member 26D to the main body 24D by the screws S14. Each coupling member 26D further includes a latching protrusion 262c. The latch projection 260c is provided so that the flat plate portion 262 fits when the lever portion 212 is in a predetermined position In the hook hole 2121 of the relative rod portion 212 of the pipe connecting member 21 . The protruding portion 263 is provided to protrude from one surface (ie, the first surface 240a ) of the body 24D from the flat plate portion 262 . The protruding portion 263 protrudes from one end along the length of the flat plate portion 262 . The protrusion 263 has the shape of a flat plate. In this example, the coupling hole 26a is provided through the protrusion 263 so that the protrusion 263 has a U-shaped appearance. Providing the coupling hole 26a through the protrusion 263 facilitates the coupling of the connection device 10D to the wiring duct 40 by the cord-like member 93 . The latch portion 264 extends from one longitudinal end of the flat plate portion 262 along the length of the flat plate portion 262 . The latch portion 264 has the shape of a rectangular plate.

As shown in FIG. 26, each coupling member 26D is disposed in the associated recess 2403 of the body 24D such that the associated support member 2408 provided for the body 24D is exposed within the opening 262a of the coupling member 26D. At this time, the latch portion 264 is inserted into the main body 24D through the relevant hook hole 2409 of the main body 24D. Next, the screw S14 is screwed into the screw hole 2402 of the main body 24D through the hole 262b of the flat plate portion 262, so that the coupling member 26D can be fixed to the main body 24D. This enables the coupling member 26D to be fixed to the body 24D via the flat plate portion 262, thereby increasing the fixing strength of the coupling member 26D relative to the body 24D. Furthermore, the latch portion 264 of the coupling member 26D is inserted into the body 24D through the associated hook hole 2409 . This also increases the fixing strength of the coupling member 26D relative to the body 24D. In this case, in the coupling member 26D associated with the first connector 21a, the coupling hole 26a faces the coupling hole 2486b of the second wall member 248b, as shown in FIG. 26 . That is, the cord-like member 93 is coupled to the connection device 10D through the coupling holes 26a, 2486b. On the other hand, in the coupling member 26D associated with the second connecting member 21b, the coupling hole 26a communicates with the coupling hole 2486b of the first wall member 248a. That is, the cord-like member 93 is coupled to the connection device 10D through the coupling holes 26a, 2486b. This enables the cable member 93 to be directly coupled to both the coupling member 26D and the body 24D, thereby increasing the coupling strength of the cable member 93 to the connection device 10D.

In this modification, the first and second connecting pieces 21a and 21b of the pipe connecting member 21 are also attached to the main body 24D through the attachment holes 2401 of the main body 24D. That is, each of the first and second connecting pieces 21a, 21b is inserted into the relative one of the attachment holes 2401 so that the protrusion 211 thereof can be rotated about its central axis. In this case, there are support portions 2408 around each of the attachment holes 2401 of the body 24D. As shown in FIG. 26 , the flat plate portion 262 of each coupling member 26D is disposed between the first surface 240 a and the associated rod portion 212 . The support portion 2408 supports the associated rod portion 212 such that the rod portion 212 is kept out of contact with the associated coupling member 26D (the flat plate portion 262).

The connection device 10D can be attached to the conduit 40 in the following manner. First, the lever portion 212 is rotated as required to place the first and second connectors 21a, 21b in the first position, as indicated by the double-dotted chain in FIG. 27 . In this state, the first and second connectors 21 a and 21 b are inserted into the housing 42 through the opening 43 of the wiring duct 40 . In this state, if the connecting device 10D is improperly positioned relative to the wiring duct 40, the duct facing surface 2411 of the mounting portion 241 comes into contact with the top end of the convex portion 44, thereby obstructing the first and second connecting members 21a, 21b is inserted into the housing 42 of the wiring duct 40 . This prevents the connection device 10D from being improperly connected to the wiring conduit 40 . That is, this reduces the chance that the connection device 10D is attached to the wiring conduit 40 in the wrong way. At the same time, if the connecting device 10D is correctly positioned relative to the wiring duct 40, the duct facing surface 2411 of the mounting portion 241 will not come into contact with the top end of the convex portion 44, thus not obstructing the first and second connecting members 21a , 21b are inserted into the housing 42 of the wiring duct 40 . This enables the first and second connectors 21 a, 21 b to be inserted into the housing 42 of the wiring duct 40 .

After the first and second connectors 21a, 21b are inserted into the housing 42 through the opening 43 of the wiring duct 40, the lever 212 can be rotated to move the first and second connectors 21a, 21b from the first position to the second position. This enables the pair of protrusions 213, 213 to be physically supported by both edges of the opening 43 of the housing 42 of the conduit 40 in each of the first and second connectors 21a, 21b, as in FIG. 27 represented by the solid line. Also, in the first connector 21a, the first, second, and third terminals 214a, 214b, 214c are electrically connected to the first, second, and third conductors 41a, 41b, 41c of the wiring duct 40, respectively. This enables the conduit connection member 21 to be not only physically attached to the wiring conduit 40 , but also electrically connected to the wiring conduit 40 .

The connecting device 10D includes first and second wall portions 2480a, 2480b that protrude from the central region of the conduit facing surface 2411 configured to face the wiring conduit 40 . When the body 24D is held by the wiring duct 40 via the duct connecting member 21, the first and second wall portions 2480a, 2480b face the first and second inner side surfaces 431, respectively, along the width of the opening 43 of the wiring duct 40 , 432. Therefore, even when the body 24D swings along the width of the wiring duct 40, at least one of the first and second wall portions 2480a, 2480b is in contact with the wiring duct 40, thereby reducing the wobbling of the body 24D. Therefore, the connection device 10D contributes to improving the stability of the mechanical connection with the conduit 40 .

Furthermore, the connection device 10D includes a first contact portion (first convex portion 244a) and a second contact portion (second convex portion 244b). Therefore, even when the body 24D is swung along the width of the wiring duct 40, at least one of the first and second contact portions is in contact with the wiring duct 40, thereby reducing the wobbling of the body 24D. Therefore, the connection device 10D contributes to improving the stability of the mechanical connection with the conduit 40 .

Furthermore, the connection device 10D further includes coupling members 26D, each of which has a coupling hole 26 a for coupling the connection device 10D to the cord-like member 93 . This facilitates the coupling of the connection device 10D to the conduit 40 by the cord member 93 . Therefore, even if the duct connecting member 21 of the connecting device 10D is detached from the wiring duct 40 , the connecting device 10D is still suspended from the wiring duct 40 through the cord-shaped member 93 . This reduces the probability of the connection device 10D falling off the wiring duct 40 . In particular, the coupling member 26D is provided separately from the body 24D and secures the coupling member 26D to the body 24D. Therefore, the coupling member 26D may be made of a higher strength material than the body 24D. Here the connecting device 10D is suspended from the cable member 93 on the When attached to the wiring duct 40 , the probability that the coupling member 26D is damaged so much that the connecting device 10D falls off the wiring duct 40 is reduced.

The connecting device 10D further includes the pair of extension portions 2484a, 2484a and the pair of extension portions 2484b, 2484b. The extensions 2484a, 2484b enable the first and second connectors 21a, 21b to be protected. For example, the extensions 2484a, 2484b can reduce the chance that the first and second connectors 21a, 21b will accidentally rotate due to collision with an object that is unintentionally dislodged from the conduit 40. In addition, the first and second connecting members 21a, 21b are hidden behind the extending portions 2484a, 2484b, thus also improving the appearance of the connecting device 10D.

(2.5) Other modifications

According to a modification, the body 24 may further include at least one first rib 249a and at least one second rib 249b, as shown in FIG. 28 . In the example shown in FIG. 28, a plurality of (eg, three in this example) first ribs 249a and a plurality (eg, three in this example) of second ribs 249b are provided.

The first rib portion 249a protrudes from a surface of the first wall portion 242a facing the first side surface 4211 of the wiring duct 40 (hereinafter referred to as "inner side surface 2422a"). Each of the first ribs 249a has a surface facing the first side surface 4211 of the wiring duct 40 (hereinafter referred to as "inner side surface 2499a"). In addition, the three first ribs 249a are provided at equal intervals along the length of the first wall portion 242a. It should be noted that each of the first ribs 249a is provided alongside the associated first reinforcement portion 243a along the width of the first wall portion 242a (ie, the right/left direction in FIG. 28). That is, each first reinforcing portion 243a also helps to strengthen its associated first rib portion 249a.

As shown in FIG. 29, each of the first ribs 249a extends along the height of the first wall portion 242a. In this case, the angle defined by the inner side surface 2499a of each first rib portion 249a with respect to the pipe facing surface 2411 is smaller than the angle defined by the inner side surface 2422a of the first wall portion 242a with respect to the pipe facing surface 2411 angle. That is, as the distance from the duct facing surface 2411 increases, the distance between the respective first ribs 249a and the respective inner side surfaces 2499a, 2422a of the first wall portion 242a also increases. However, the angle defined by the first rib 249a with respect to the pipe facing surface 2411 is equal to or greater than 90 degrees.

The second rib portion 249b protrudes from a surface of the second wall portion 242b facing the second side surface 4221 of the wiring duct 40 (hereinafter referred to as "inner side surface 2422b"). Each of the second ribs 249b has a surface facing the second side surface 4221 of the wiring duct 40 (hereinafter referred to as "inner side surface 2499b"). In addition, three second ribs 249b are provided at equal intervals along the length of the second wall portion 242b. It should be noted that each of the second ribs 249b is provided alongside the associated second reinforcing portion 243b along the width of the second wall portion 242b (ie, the right/left direction in FIG. 28). That is, each second reinforcing portion 243b also helps to strengthen its associated second rib portion 249b.

As shown in FIG. 29, each of the second ribs 249b extends along the height of the second wall portion 242b. In this case, the angle defined by the inner side surface 2499b of each second rib 249b with respect to the pipe facing surface 2411 is smaller than the angle defined by the inner side surface 2422b of the second wall portion 242b with respect to the pipe facing surface 2411 . That is, as the distance from the duct facing surface 2411 increases, the distance between the respective second ribs 249b and the respective inner side surfaces 2499b, 2422b of the second wall portion 242b also increases. However, the angle defined by the second rib 249b with respect to the pipe facing surface 2411 is equal to or greater than 90 degrees.

The connection device 10 includes first and second wall portions 242a, 242b protruding from both sides of the conduit facing surface 2411 configured to face the wiring conduit 40 . Furthermore, in the example shown in FIGS. 28 and 29 , the connecting device 10 further includes first and second ribs 249 a and 249 b protruding from the first and second wall portions 242 a and 242 b toward the wiring duct 40 . Therefore, when the body 24 is held by the wiring duct 40 via the duct connecting member 21, the first and second wall portions 242a, 242b and the first and second ribs 249a, 249b are respectively spaced along the width of the wiring duct 40 Facing the first and second side surfaces 4211 and 4221 . therefore, Even when the body 24 swings along the width of the wiring duct 40, the first wall portion 242a or the second wall portion 242b contacts the wiring duct 40 via the first rib 249a or the second rib 249b. This reduces the wobble of the body 24 .

Furthermore, as the distance from the duct facing surface 2411 increases, the distance between the respective first ribs 249a and the respective inner side surfaces 2499a, 2422a of the first wall portion 242a also increases. Likewise, as the distance from the duct facing surface 2411 increases, the distance between the respective second ribs 249b and the respective inner side surfaces 2499b, 2422b of the second wall portion 242b also increases. This widens the space between the first and second wall portions 242a, 242b, thus facilitating the attachment of the connecting device 10 to the wiring conduit 40. In addition, the first and second ribs 249a, 249b are provided so that the first and second wall portions 242a, 242b can indirectly contact the wiring duct 40. As shown in FIG. This reduces wobble of the body 24 , thereby improving the stability of the mechanical connection to the conduit 40 . That is, this improves the stability of the mechanical connection with the conduit 40 while facilitating the attachment of the connecting device 10 to the conduit 40 .

These first and second ribs 249a, 249b are also suitable for the connecting device 10B according to the second modification and the connecting device 10D according to the fourth modification. The number of the first ribs 249a provided is not necessarily equal to or greater than two. Likewise, the number of the second ribs 249b provided is not necessarily equal to or greater than two. In addition, it is not necessary to provide the first rib portion 249a and the second rib portion 249b at the same time. Alternatively, only the (plurality of) first ribs 249a or only the (plurality of) second ribs 249b may be provided.

In another modification, the coupling member 26 need not necessarily have the above-described structure. Furthermore, the coupling member 26 need not necessarily be provided separately from the body 24 . Alternatively, the coupling member 26 may form an integral part of the body 24 . Furthermore, although two coupling members 26 are provided according to the above-described exemplary embodiment, the number of coupling members 26 provided is not particularly limited, and may be one. If not necessary, the coupling member 26 may even be omitted. The same statement applies to coupling member 26D.

In yet another modification, regarding the latch protrusion 260c, the predetermined position may be the position (ie, the first position) of the associated lever portion 212 when the associated protrusion 211 can pass through the opening 43 . Furthermore, the latch projections 260c do not necessarily have to be provided to the associated coupling member 26 . Alternatively, the latch projections 260c may be provided on the body 24 . If not necessary, the latch projection 260c may even be omitted. The same statement applies to the latch projection 262c.

In yet another modification, the support member 27 need not necessarily be provided separately from the body 24 . Alternatively, the support member 27 may form an integral part of the body 24 . If not necessary, the support member 27 may even be omitted.

In yet another modification, instead of the mounting portion 241, the first and second wall portions 242a, 242b, the plurality of first and second reinforcing portions 243a, 243b, the plurality of first and second convex portions 244a, 244b, and the plurality of All the restricting portions 245 must be disposed on the first surface 240a. Optionally, these parts may be provided separately from the body 24 .

In yet another modification, the mounting portion 241 does not necessarily have to have a rectangular shape in plan view, but may also have a polygonal or circular shape. In addition, the pipe facing surface 2411 does not necessarily have to be the entire upper surface of the mounting portion 241, but may be only a part of the upper surface. Optionally, the pipe facing surface 2411 of the mounting portion 241 may not have the step 2412 .

In yet another modification, when the body 24 is held by the wiring duct 40 via the duct connecting member 21 , the first and second wall portions 242 a , 242 b may be directly connected to the first and second wall portions 242 a , 242 b along the width of the wiring duct 40 , respectively. contact with the second side surfaces 4211 and 4221 . Optionally, the first and second wall portions 242a, 242b may only partially, not fully face each other along the width of the duct facing surface 2411, or do not necessarily have to face each other along the width of the duct facing surface 2411. to each other. In short, the first and second wall portions 242a, 242b need only be configured from the body 24 to face one surface of the wiring duct 40 (ie, the first surface 240a) protruding and located on both sides of the pipe facing surface 2411. Optionally, each of the first and second wall portions 242a, 242b may be comprised of a plurality of numbers disposed along the length of the conduit 40 when the body 24 is held by the conduit 40 via the conduit connection member 21 Small wall. The heights of the first and second wall portions 242a, 242b are also not particularly limited. The heights of the first and second wall portions 242a, 242b do not necessarily have to be defined such that when the connection device 10 is attached to the wiring duct 40, along the thickness of the wiring duct 40 (ie, the upward/downward direction in FIG. 9 ) ) is located between the top ends of the first and second wall portions 242a, 242b and the pipe facing surface 2411. The same statement applies to the first and second wall portions 2480a, 2480b.

In yet another modification, the number of the first and second reinforcing portions 243a, 243b provided is not necessarily five, although the number is assumed to be five in the above-described exemplary embodiment. Alternatively, the number of the first and second strengthening parts 243a and 243b can be one or more. In yet another modification, the number of the first and second reinforcing portions 243a, 243b does not necessarily have to have the structure employed in the above-described exemplary embodiment. Alternatively, the first and second reinforcement portions 243a, 243b may have any other structure to strengthen the first and second wall portions 242a, 242b.

In yet another modification, the height of the first convex portion 244a and the height of the second convex portion 244b are not particularly limited. Therefore, the height of the first contact portion (the first convex portion 244a ) does not necessarily have to be defined such that the dimension measured between the pair of convex portions 213 of the first connecting piece 21a or the second connecting piece 21b and the first contact portion Less than the thickness of the first portion 424 of the conduit 40 . Likewise, the height of the second contact portion (the second convex portion 244b ) does not necessarily have to be defined such that the height measured between the pair of convex portions 213 of the first connecting piece 21a or the second connecting piece 21b and the second contacting portion The size is smaller than the thickness of the second portion 425 of the wiring conduit 40 . And, the first predetermined interval between the plural (eg, three in this example) first protrusions 244a and the second predetermined interval between the plural (for example, three in this example) second protrusions 244b The intervals can be different from each other. Again Also, the plural (eg, three in this example) first protrusions 244a and the plural (eg, three in this example) second protrusions 244b do not necessarily have to be along the width of the pipe facing surface 2411 Set side by side. Furthermore, the first and second protrusions 244a, 244b do not necessarily have to have spherical shapes, but may also have columnar, conical, or frustoconical shapes. The first and second protrusions 244a, 244b may also have polygonal or circular shapes in plan view. Furthermore, the number of the first and second protrusions 244a, 244b need not necessarily be five, although the number is assumed to be five in the above-described exemplary embodiment. Rather, the number of the provided first protrusions 244a and the number of the provided second protrusions 244b may be one or more. Furthermore, either the first contact portion (the first convex portion 244a ) or the second contact portion (the second convex portion 244b ) may be provided instead of both.

In yet another modification, the restricting portion 245 need not necessarily form an integral part of the body 24 . Alternatively, the restricting portion 245 may be provided separately from the body 24 . For example, the restriction 245 may form an integral part of any of the coupling members 26 . In the above-described exemplary embodiment, each connecting piece is provided with two restricting portions 245 . However, the number of the restriction parts 245 provided is not particularly limited, and may be one. If not necessary, the restricting portion 245 can be omitted. The same description applies to the restricting portions 2485a, 2485b.

In yet another modification, when the body 24A is held by the wiring duct 40 via the duct connecting member 21 , the first and second wall portions 246 a , 246 b may be directly connected to each other along the width of the opening 43 of the wiring duct 40 . In contact with the first and second inner side surfaces 431 , 432 . The first and second wall portions 246a, 246b do not necessarily have to face each other along the width of the duct facing surface 2411. Optionally, each of the first and second wall portions 246a, 246b may be comprised of a plurality of numbers disposed along the length of the wiring duct 40 when the body 24A is held by the wiring duct 40 via the duct connection member 21 Small wall. The heights of the first and second wall portions 246a, 246b are also not particularly limited. The heights of the first and second wall portions 246a, 246b do not necessarily have to be defined such that when the body 24A of the connection device 10A is attached to the wiring conduit 40 via the conduit connection member 21, the heights of the first and second wall portions 246a, 246b are not necessarily defined. The top end is along the distribution conduit 40 The thickness of (ie, the upward/downward direction in FIG. 14 ) is located between the middle of the thickness of the wiring duct 40 and the duct facing surface 2411

In yet another variation, the first and second wall portions 246a, 246b may be provided together with the first and second wall portions 242a, 242b or the first and second wall portions 2480a, 2480b.

In yet another modification, the first and second support portions 2404, 2405 do not necessarily have to form an integral part of the body 24A. Alternatively, the first and second support parts 2404, 2405 may be provided separately from the body 24A. If not necessary, the first and second support parts 2404 and 2405 can be omitted. Likewise, the support portion 2406 need not necessarily form an integral part of the body 24B. Alternatively, the support portion 2406 may be provided separately from the body 24B. If not necessary, the support portion 2406 can be omitted. The same statement applies to the support portion 2408 as well.

In yet another modification, with regard to the latching protrusion 2407 , the predetermined position may be the position of the associated lever portion 212 (ie, the first position) when the associated protrusion 211 can pass through the opening 43 . Furthermore, the latch projections 2407 do not necessarily have to be provided to the relevant support portions 2406 . If not necessary, the latch projection 2407 may even be omitted.

In yet another modification, the restricting portions 247a, 247b need not necessarily form an integral part of the body 24B. Alternatively, the restricting portions 247a, 247b may be provided separately from the body 24B, and the restricting portions 247a, 247b may be fixed to the body 24B. In the above-described third modification example, each connector is provided with two restricting portions 247a, 247b. However, the number of the limiting portions 247a and 247b provided is not particularly limited, and may be one. Optionally, the restricting portion 247b may not have the coupling hole 2470 . Alternatively, the restricting portion 247a may have a coupling hole 2470 . If not necessary, the restricting parts 247a and 247b can be omitted.

The housings (20, 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D) of the connecting devices (10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D) need not necessarily have the above configuration. In particular, the pipe connection member 21, the device connection portion 22, And the auxiliary power supply part 23 may have a known shape as long as it can perform its function. For example, the conduit connection member 21 may be physically attached to the distribution conduit 40 at at least one point. The shape of the duct connection member 21 may be changed according to the shape of the wiring duct 40 . Also, in the above embodiment, the single device connection portion 22 is used to communicate with the given device 50 and supply power to the given device 50 . However, this is only an example of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting. Alternatively, one device connection 22 may be used to communicate with the device 50 while the other device connection 22 may be used to supply power to the device 50 . That is, in the output unit 32 , the second communication unit 321 and the converter unit 322 can be connected to the device 50 via two different connector cables 80 . Furthermore, the device connection portion 22 need not necessarily be connected to the device 50 by the connector cable 80 . Optionally, the device connecting portion 22 may be disposed on the second surface 240b of the body (24, 24A-24D). In this case, the connection portion between the connector cable 80 and the device connection portion 22 can be hidden behind the holder 25 . Alternatively, the device connecting portion 22 need not necessarily be provided on the second surface 240b of the body (24, 24A-24D) itself, but may be provided on a portion protruding from the second surface 240b. This enables the device connection portion 22 to face a different direction than the second surface 240b. For example, the connector 81 of the connector cable 80 may be connected to the device connecting portion 22 in a direction perpendicular to the normal of the second surface 240b. This facilitates reducing the thickness of the housing (20, 20A-20D). Furthermore, the housings (20, 20A-20D) may have a plurality of device connections 22, or may have no device connections 22 at all. If the housing ( 20 , 20A-20D) does not have the device connecting portion 22 , the output unit 32 can communicate with the device 50 in a wireless manner and supply power to the device 50 . Furthermore, the auxiliary power supply unit 23 is not an essential component.

In yet another modification, the body (24, 24A-24D) need not necessarily have the above-mentioned structure. For example, the body (24, 24A-24D) need not necessarily have the shape of a compressed box, but may be in the shape of a box with a height. Furthermore, in a plan view, the bodies ( 24 , 24A- 24D ) do not necessarily have to have a square shape, but can also have a polygonal shape (eg, a rectangular parallelepiped shape) or a circular shape.

In yet another modification, the holder 25 may be integrally formed with the body (24, 24A-24D). In addition, the holder 25 need not necessarily have the above-mentioned structure. Optionally, the housings ( 20 , 20A-20D) may not have the holder 25 . That is, the housing (20, 20A-20D) needs to contain at least the body (24, 24A-24D).

In yet another variant, the circuit block 30 of the connection device (10, 10A-10D) may have a battery and may be configured to operate through the battery. In this case, the connection devices ( 10 , 10A- 10D ) do not necessarily have to draw power from the conduit 40 . That is, the connection device ( 10 , 10A- 10D ) may not have the power supply unit 34 in this case. Optionally, the connection device (10, 10A-10D) may include a charger circuit for charging the battery. This enables the connection devices ( 10 , 10A- 10D ) to operate even when the connection devices ( 10 , 10A- 10D ) cannot draw power from the conduit 40 . Furthermore, the connection device ( 10 , 10A- 10D ) does not necessarily have to include the processing unit 33 . In this case, the connection device ( 10 , 10A- 10D ) needs to be configured to transmit and receive signals between the first communication unit 31 and the second communication unit 321 of the output unit 32 . Furthermore, the connection device ( 10 , 10A- 10D ) does not necessarily have to include the notification unit 35 or the operation unit 36 . That is, the connection device ( 10 , 10A- 10D ) needs to include at least the casing 20 , the first communication unit 31 , and the output unit 32 . In this case, the first communication unit 31 may have at least one of reception capability or transmission capability. Likewise, the second communication unit 321 may have at least one of a receiving capability or a transmitting capability.

The wiring duct 40 need not necessarily have the above-described configuration, but may have a known configuration (eg, a duct rail or a lighting rail). That is, any track can be used as the distribution conduit 40 as long as the track is installed in a facility to transmit power. In the above-described exemplary embodiment, the distribution conduit 40 is installed on the ceiling of the facility. However, this is only an example of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting. Alternatively, the wiring conduit 40 may be installed on the wall of the facility or any other location without limitation. Furthermore, The wiring duct 40 need not necessarily contain the third conductor 41c. In this case, the pipe connection member 21 may not have the third terminal 214c.

Furthermore, the control device 60 and the adapter 70 are not necessary components of the equipment system. That is, the equipment system needs to include at least the connecting device ( 10 , 10A- 10D ), the wiring duct 40 , and the device 50 . Also, any number of connection devices (10, 10A-10D), conduits 40, or devices 50 may be provided. In other words, the equipment system may include at least one connection device ( 10 , 10A- 10D ), at least one distribution conduit 40 , and at least one device 50 . When the equipment system includes a plurality of connection devices (10, 10A-10D), the destination of the first communication signal can be specified by adding the address of the connection device (10, 10A-10D) to the first communication signal.

It should be noted that the facility where this equipment system is installed is not necessarily a factory. The facility may be residential (eg, single-family or multi-family) or non-residential (eg, factory, commercial facility, hospital, office, or building).

The agent performing the functions of the above-mentioned connecting device includes a computer system. In this case, the computer system may include a processor and a memory as the main hardware components. The agent performs the functions of the connecting device according to the present invention by causing the processor to execute a program stored in the memory of the computer system. The program can be pre-stored in the memory of the computer system. Alternatively, the program can also be downloaded via a telecommunication line, or recorded on some non-transitory storage medium (such as a memory card, CD-ROM, or hard disk drive, any of which is readable by the computer system) distribution after the middle. The processor of a computer system can be composed of a single or a plurality of electronic circuits including semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) or large integrated circuits (LSIs). As used herein, "integrated circuits" such as ICs or LSIs are referred to by different names depending on their degree of integration. Examples of integrated circuits include system LSIs, very large integrated circuits (VLSI), and very large integrated circuits (ULSI). Optionally, field-programmable programming after the LSI is manufactured can also be used A gate array (FPGA), or a reconfigurable logic device that allows reconfiguration of connections or circuit parts within the LSI to act as a processor. The electronic circuits may be integrated together on a single chip or distributed over multiple chips, as appropriate. The plurality of wafers may be integrated together in a single device or distributed to a plurality of devices without limitation.

(3) Form

As can be seen from the foregoing description of the embodiments and their modifications, the present invention has the following aspects. In the following description, reference symbols are inserted in parentheses only for the purpose of clearly explaining the correspondence of constituent elements between the following aspects of the present invention and the above-described exemplary embodiments.

The first aspect is a connecting device (10; 10A-10D), which comprises a pipe connecting member (21) and a body (24: 24A-24D). The conduit connection member (21) is intended to be physically attached to a distribution conduit (40). The distribution conduit (40) is used to transmit power therethrough. The body (24:24A-24D) is intended to be held by the wiring conduit (40) via the conduit connecting member (21). The body (24: 24A-24D) includes a conduit facing surface (2411) to face the distribution conduit (40). The wiring duct (40) has an opening (43) extending along the length of the wiring duct (40). The conduit connection member (21) is intended to be physically attached to the distribution conduit (40) by inserting at least a portion of the conduit connection member (21) through the opening (43) into the distribution conduit (40). The wiring duct (40) includes a first portion (424) and a second portion (425) that face each other along the width of the wiring duct (40) with the opening (43) interposed therebetween. The conduit facing surface (2411) has a first area (2411a) and a second area (2411b) to face the first portion (424) and the second portion (425) of the wiring conduit (40), respectively. The body (24: 24A-24D) includes at least one of a first contact portion (244a) or a second contact portion (244b). The first contact portion (244a) is provided for the first region (2411a) to be in contact with the first portion (424). The second contact portion (244b) is provided for the second area domain (2411b) to make contact with the second portion (425). This aspect helps to improve the stability of the mechanical connection to the conduit (40).

The second aspect is an embodiment of the connection device (10; 10A-10D) according to the first aspect. In the second aspect, the first contact portion (244a) includes at least one first convex portion (244a) protruding from the first region (2411a). The second contact portion (244b) includes at least one second protrusion (244b) protruding from the second region (2411b). This aspect helps to improve the stability of the mechanical connection to the conduit (40).

The third aspect is an embodiment of the connection device (10; 10A-10D) according to the second aspect. In a third aspect, the at least one first convex portion (244a) of the first contact portion (244a) includes a plurality of first convex portions (244a). The at least one second convex portion (244b) of the second contact portion (244b) includes a plurality of second convex portions (244b). This aspect helps to improve the stability of the mechanical connection to the conduit (40).

The fourth aspect is an embodiment of the connection device (10; 10A-10D) according to the third aspect. In the fourth aspect, when the body (24: 24A-24D) is held by the wiring conduit (40) via the conduit connecting member (21), the plurality of first protrusions (244a) are along the The length of the wiring duct (40) is arranged at first predetermined intervals. When the body (24: 24A-24D) is held by the wiring duct (40) via the duct connecting member (21), the plurality of second protrusions (244b) are along the length of the wiring duct (40). length and arranged at second predetermined intervals. This aspect helps to improve the stability of the mechanical connection to the conduit (40).

The fifth aspect is an embodiment of the connection device (10; 10A-10D) according to any one of the first to fourth aspects. In a fifth aspect, the body (24:24A-24D) includes a mounting portion (241) that is designed from the body (24:24A-24D) to face a surface ( A part of 240a) is highlighted. The duct facing surface (2411) is the surface of the mounting portion (241) designed to face the wiring duct (40). This aspect helps to improve the stability of the mechanical connection to the conduit (40).

The sixth aspect is an embodiment of the connecting device (10; 10A-10D) according to the fifth aspect. In a sixth aspect, the pipe connection member (21) includes a pair of connectors (21a, 21b) provided for the one surface (240a) of the body (24: 24A-24D), and configured to be physically attached to the distribution conduit (40). The mounting portion (241) is disposed between the pair of connecting pieces (21a, 21b). This aspect helps to improve the stability of the mechanical connection to the conduit (40).

The seventh aspect is an embodiment of the connection device (10; 10A-10D) according to any one of the first to sixth aspects. In a seventh aspect, the duct connecting member (21) includes a pair of protrusions (213, 213) which are intended to be inserted into the wiring duct (40) through the opening (43), and are provided on the wiring duct (40) ) of the first and second portions (424, 425) are located on surfaces opposite the duct facing surface (2411). The dimension measured between the pair of protrusions (213, 213) and the first contact portion (244a) is smaller than the thickness of the first portion (424). The dimension measured between the pair of protrusions (213, 213) and the second contact portion (244b) is smaller than the thickness of the second portion (425). This aspect helps to improve the stability of the mechanical connection to the conduit (40).

The eighth aspect is an embodiment of the connection device (10; 10A-10D) according to any one of the first to seventh aspects. In an eighth aspect, the connecting device (10; 10A-10D) further comprises a coupling member (26; 247b; 26D, 2484a, 2484b) configured to couple the connecting device (10; 10A-10D) Coupling holes (26a; 2470; 26a, 2486a, 2486b) to a cord-like member (93). This aspect reduces the probability of the connecting device (10) falling off from the wiring duct (40).

The ninth aspect is an embodiment of the connecting device (10; 10A-10D) according to the eighth aspect. In a ninth aspect, the pipe connecting member (21) comprises: a protruding portion (211) which protrudes from a surface (240a) of the body (24: 24A-24D) and is arranged around its central axis rotation; and a lever (212) configured to rotate the protrusion (211) about the central axis. The pair of convex portions (213, 213) protrude from the protruding portion (211). The pipe connection member (21) is configured by passing the protrusion (211) through the opening The opening (43) is inserted into the wiring duct (40) and then the protrusion (211) is rotated about the central axis thereof to physically attach to the wiring duct (40). This aspect enables easier attachment of the connecting device (10) to the wiring conduit (40).

The tenth aspect is an embodiment of the connection device (10; 10A-10D) according to the ninth aspect. In the tenth aspect, the connecting device (10; 10A-10D) further comprises a restricting portion (245; 247a, 247b; 2485a, 2495b) to restrict the movable range of the rod portion (212). This aspect reduces the probability of damage to the pipe connecting member (21).

The eleventh aspect is an embodiment of the connection device ( 10B, 10C) according to the tenth aspect. In the eleventh aspect, the restricting portion (247b) also serves as the coupling member. This aspect eliminates the need to provide any coupling member separately from the restriction (247b).

The twelfth aspect is an embodiment of the connection device (10B, 10D) according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects. In a twelfth aspect, the coupling member (247b; 2484a, 2484b) forms an integral part of the body (24: 24A-24D). This aspect enables easier placement of the coupling members (247b; 2484a, 2484b).

The thirteenth aspect is an embodiment of the connection device (10; 10A-10D) according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects. In a thirteenth aspect, the conduit connection member (21) is configured not only to be physically attached to the distribution conduit (40), but also to be electrically connected to the distribution conduit (40). This aspect enables the wiring conduit (40) and the device (50) to be electrically connected together.

The fourteenth aspect is an embodiment of the connection device (10; 10A-10D) according to the thirteenth aspect. In the fourteenth aspect, the connection device (10; 10A-10D) includes a first communication unit (31) and an output unit (32). The first communication unit (31) is accommodated in the body (24; 24A-24D), and is configured to be connected to the wiring duct (40) via the duct connecting member (21) so as to pass through the wiring duct ( 40) while establishing electrical Powerline Communications. The output unit (32) is accommodated in the main body (24; 24A-24D), and includes a second communication unit (321) and a converter unit (322). The second communication unit (321) is configured to establish communication with a device (50) according to a communication protocol different from the power line communication. The converter unit (322) is configured to generate a second power conforming to a different power standard than the first power based on the first power drawn from the distribution conduit (40) via the conduit connection member (21), and to The second power is supplied to the device (50). This aspect even enables a device (50) that meets a different power standard than the distribution conduit (40) to communicate with and be powered by the connected device via the distribution conduit (40).

The fifteenth aspect is an embodiment of the connection device (10; 10A-10D) according to the fourteenth aspect. In a fifteenth aspect, the connection device (10; 10A-10D) further comprises a device connection portion (22) configured to be connected to the device (50) via a connector cable (80). The second communication unit (321) is configured to communicate with the device (50) via the connector cable (80) connected to the device connection portion (22). The converter unit (322) is configured to supply the second power to the device (50) via the connector cable (80) connected to the device connection (22). This aspect facilitates connection so that the connecting device (10; 10A-10D) can communicate with the device (50) and supply power to the device (50).

10: Connection device

211: Protrusion

213: convex part

214a: first terminal

214b: second terminal

214c: Third terminal

21: Pipe connection components

21a: first connector

240a: First surface

2411: Pipe facing surface

2411a: First area

2411b: Second area

2412: Steps

241: Installation Department

2421a: Outside Surface

2421b: Outside Surface

2422a: Inside Surface

2422b: Inside Surface

2423a: Tapered Surface

2423b: Tapered Surface

242a: first wall

242b: second wall

243a: First Reinforcement Division

243b: Second Strengthening Division

244a: first convex part

244b: Second convex part

24: Ontology

40: wiring conduit

41a: first conductor

41b: Second conductor

41c: third conductor

4211: First side surface

4221: Second side surface

421: First side wall part

422: Second side wall part

423: Flat panel

424: Part 1

425: Part II

426: First holder

427:Second holder

42: Shell

43: Opening

44: convex part

Claims (15)

A connection device comprising: a conduit connection member configured to be physically attached to a distribution conduit for transmitting power therethrough; and a body configured to be retained by the wiring conduit via the conduit connecting member, The body includes a duct facing surface, the duct facing surface is configured to face the distribution duct, the distribution conduit has an opening extending along the length of the distribution conduit, The conduit connection member is configured to be physically attached to the distribution conduit by inserting at least a portion of the conduit connection member through the opening into the distribution conduit, The wiring duct includes a first portion and a second portion facing each other along the width of the wiring duct with the opening interposed therebetween, the duct facing surface has a first area and a second area, the first area and the second area are configured to face the first part and the second part of the wiring duct, respectively, The body includes at least one of a first contact portion or a second contact portion, the first contact portion being provided for the first region and configured to be in contact with the first portion, and the second contact portion being provided for the first portion The second region is configured to be in contact with the second portion. The connecting device of claim 1, wherein The first contact portion includes at least one first protrusion protruding from the first region, and The second contact portion includes at least one second convex portion protruding from the second region. The connecting device of claim 2, wherein The at least one first convex portion of the first contact portion includes a plurality of first convex portions, and The at least one second convex portion of the second contact portion includes a plurality of second convex portions. The connecting device of claim 3, wherein When the body is held by the distribution duct via the duct connection member, the plurality of first protrusions are provided at first predetermined intervals along the length of the distribution duct, and When the body is held by the distribution duct via the duct connection member, the plurality of second protrusions are provided at second predetermined intervals along the length of the distribution duct. The connecting device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the body includes a mounting portion protruding from a portion of a surface of the body configured to face the wiring conduit, and The duct facing surface is the surface of the mounting portion configured to face the wiring duct. The connecting device of claim 5, wherein The conduit connection member includes a pair of connectors disposed for the one surface of the body and configured to physically attach to the distribution conduit, and The mounting portion is disposed between the pair of connecting pieces. The connecting device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The duct connecting member includes a pair of protrusions configured to be inserted into the wiring duct through the opening, and disposed at positions of the first and second portions of the wiring duct on surfaces facing the duct On the opposite surface, A dimension measured between the pair of protrusions and the first contact portion is less than the thickness of the first portion, and A dimension measured between the pair of protrusions and the second contact portion is smaller than the thickness of the second portion. The connection device of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a coupling member having a coupling hole configured to couple the connection device to a cord-like member. The connecting device of claim 8, wherein The pipe connection component contains: a protrusion protruding from a surface of the body and configured to rotate about its central axis; and a lever configured to rotate the protrusion about the central axis, The pair of protrusions protrude from the protrusion, and The conduit connection member is configured to physically attach to the conduit by inserting the tab through the opening into the conduit and then rotating the tab about the central axis thereof. The connecting device of claim 9 further includes a restricting portion configured to restrict the movable range of the rod portion. The connecting device of claim 10, wherein The restricting portion also serves as the coupling member. The connecting device of claim 8, wherein The coupling member forms an integral part of the body. The connecting device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The conduit connection member is configured not only to be physically attached to the wiring conduit, but also to be electrically connected to the wiring conduit. The connecting device of claim 13, including: a first communication unit housed in the body and configured to be connected to the wiring duct via the duct connecting member to establish power line communication through the wiring duct; and an output unit, which is accommodated in the body and includes a second communication unit and a converter unit, the second communication unit is configured to establish communication with a device according to a communication protocol different from the power line communication, the conversion The appliance unit is configured to generate a second power conforming to a different power standard than the first power based on the first power drawn from the wiring conduit via the conduit connection member, and to supply the second power to the device. The connecting device of claim 14, further comprising a device connecting portion configured to connect to the device via a connector cable, wherein The second communication unit is configured to communicate with the device via the connector cable connected to the device connection, and The converter unit is configured to supply the second power to the device via the connector cable connected to the device connection.

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