JP7647149B2 - Wire connection device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a wire connection device that includes a rail portion and a wire that is electrically connected to an electronic device supported on the rail portion.

A rail section that supports electronic devices is known. Electric wires connected to the electronic devices supported by the rail section are arranged around the rail. Therefore, in addition to the space for the rail, space is required for wiring the electric wires. As a technology for reducing the space in which the electric wires are wired, Patent Document 1 discloses a control device panel in which the electric wires are housed in grooves in the rail.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-351115

In the control equipment panel disclosed in Patent Document 1, the electric wires housed in the grooves of the rails are connected to terminals of the control equipment located outside the rails through wiring insertion holes formed in the side of the rails. In other words, the electric wires are located outside the rails near the control equipment. The electric wires located outside the rails may be affected from the outside. For example, the electric wires located outside the rails may come into contact with other components, the user's hands, etc. The electric wires may be pulled by other components that they come into contact with, causing them to come off the control equipment or to be cut.

The object of the present invention is therefore to solve the above problems and to provide a wire connection device that can reduce external influences on wires more than the conventional technology.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows.
An electric wire connection device according to one aspect of the present invention includes:
a rail portion supporting at least one electronic device, the rail portion having a groove that opens on a side on which the electronic device is supported and extends in a longitudinal direction;
at least one electrical wire received in the groove;
The electric wire is electrically connected to a connector provided on the electronic device and exposed to the groove when the electronic device is supported on the rail portion.

The present invention makes it possible to reduce external influences on electric wires more effectively than conventional techniques.

1 is a plan view of an electric wire connecting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1 . 2 is a cross-sectional view of an electric wire connecting device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, the cross-sectional view corresponding to the cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1 . 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an electric wire connecting device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, the cross-sectional view corresponding to the line AA in FIG. FIG. 10 is a plan view of an electric wire connecting device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B in FIG. 5 . FIG. 13 is a plan view of an electric wire connecting device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a plan view of an electric wire connecting device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. 8 .

An electric wire connection device according to one aspect of the present invention includes:
a rail portion supporting at least one electronic device, the rail portion having a groove that opens on a side on which the electronic device is supported and extends in a longitudinal direction;
at least one electrical wire received in the groove;
The electric wire is electrically connected to a connector provided on the electronic device and exposed to the groove when the electronic device is supported on the rail portion.

According to this configuration, the electric wire is housed in a groove in the rail portion. The electric wire is electrically connected to the connector exposed in the groove, and is thereby electrically connected to the electronic device. Thus, the electric wire can be electrically connected to the electronic device without passing through the outside of the rail portion. Therefore, the external influence on the electric wire can be reduced more than in the conventional technology.

The connector may include a connection member electrically connected to the electric wire, and a biasing portion that biases the connection member toward the electric wire. According to this configuration, the connector includes a connection member and a biasing portion. The connection member electrically connected to the electric wire is biased toward the electric wire by the biasing portion. Therefore, the possibility of poor contact between the electric wire and the connection member can be reduced compared to the conventional technology.

The electric wire connection device according to one aspect of the present invention may further include a DC-DC converter supported on the rail portion, and the electric wire may include at least one first electric wire and at least one second electric wire located at a different position in the longitudinal direction from the first electric wire, and the DC-DC converter may be located between the first electric wire and the second electric wire and electrically connected to each of the first electric wire and the second electric wire.

With this configuration, a first electric wire to which a first voltage is applied and a second electric wire to which a second voltage, which is a value different from the first voltage, can coexist on one rail section. Therefore, one rail section can support electronic devices that operate on different voltages.

The electric wire connection device according to one aspect of the present invention may further include a holding member that is supported by the rail portion and holds the electric wire. With this configuration, the electric wire can be held by the holding member. Therefore, the position of the electric wire housed in the groove of the rail portion can be stabilized.

The electric wire connection device according to one aspect of the present invention may further include a cover that covers the opening of the groove. With this configuration, the cover can reduce the influence of external influences on the electric wires more than in the prior art.

For example, the wire connection device according to one aspect of the present invention may further include the electronic device supported by the rail portion and having the connector.

For example, the rail portion may be a DIN rail.

First Embodiment
Fig. 1 is a plan view of an electric wire connecting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 1.

In the electric wire connection device 10, the electric wires 41, 42 housed in the DIN rail 20 are electrically connected to the connectors 32A, 32B provided on the electronic device 30.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the wire connection device 10 includes a DIN rail 20 and wires 41 and 42.

The DIN rail 20 is manufactured in accordance with the German Industrial Standard (DIN). In the first embodiment, the DIN rail 20 is attached to a wall 50. Electronic equipment 30 can be attached to the DIN rail 20, as described below. The DIN rail 20 is an example of a rail portion.

As shown in FIG. 1, the DIN rail 20 extends in a longitudinal direction 2. The length of the width direction 3 of the DIN rail 20 is shorter than the length of the longitudinal direction 2 of the DIN rail 20. The width direction 3 of the DIN rail 20 is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 2 of the DIN rail 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the length of the thickness direction 4 of the DIN rail 20 is shorter than the length of the width direction 3 of the DIN rail 20. The thickness direction 4 of the DIN rail 20 is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 2 of the DIN rail 20 and the width direction 3 of the DIN rail 20. The cross section of the DIN rail 20 is generally U-shaped.

In the following description, the longitudinal direction of the DIN rail 20 is referred to as longitudinal direction 2, the width direction of the DIN rail 20 as width direction 3, and the thickness direction of the DIN rail 20 as thickness direction 4. In the description of the electronic device 30, the electric wires 41, 42, the holding member 60, the DC-DC converter 70, and the cover 80 described below, the longitudinal direction 2, width direction 3, and thickness direction 4 are defined when the electric wires 41, 42, the holding member 60, the DC-DC converter 70, and the cover 80 are arranged together with the DIN rail 20.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the DIN rail 20 has a bottom 21, a pair of side portions 22A, 22B, and a pair of flange portions 23A, 23B. The DIN rail 20 is formed by bending a plate-like member so that its cross section is roughly U-shaped as shown in Figure 2.

The bottom 21 is plate-shaped and expands in the longitudinal direction 2 and the width direction 3. As shown in FIG. 2, a pair of side portions 22A, 22B protrude in the thickness direction 4 from both ends of the bottom 21 in the width direction 3. A groove 24 is formed by the bottom 21 and the pair of side portions 22A, 22B. The groove 24 is open on the side where the electronic device 30 is supported. The groove 24 extends along the longitudinal direction 2 (the depth direction of the paper in FIG. 2).

The pair of flanges 23A, 23B extend outward from the tip of each of the pair of side portions 22A, 22B in the width direction 3. In other words, the side portions 22A, 22B extend in opposite directions.

The bottom 21 has a number of through holes (not shown). By inserting screws or the like into the through holes, the DIN rail 20 is attached to the wall surface 50a of the wall 50 as shown in FIG. 2. At this time, the bottom 21 contacts the wall surface 50a, and the pair of side portions 22A, 22B protrude from the wall surface 50a in the thickness direction 4.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the DIN rail 20 supports electronic equipment 30. In Figure 1, one electronic equipment 30 is supported by the DIN rail 20.

The electronic device 30 may be, for example, a power supply unit, a temperature control unit, a sensor unit, a communication unit, a terminal block, etc.

As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic device 30 includes a main body 31, connectors 32A and 32B, a connector support portion 33, protrusions 34A and 34B, and protrusions 35A and 35B.

The main body 31 is equipped with electronic circuits for operating the electronic device 30, as well as LEDs for displaying various information.

The protrusions 34A and 34B protrude from the surface 31A of the main body 31 toward the wall 50. The surface 31A faces the wall surface 50a when the electronic device 30 is supported on the DIN rail 20. The protrusions 34A and 34B protrude from both ends of the surface 31A in the width direction 3. The protrusions 35A and 35B protrude inward in the width direction 3 from the tips of the protrusions 34A and 34B.

A groove is formed by surface 31A, convex portion 34A, and convex portion 35A of main body 31. This groove engages with flange portion 23A of DIN rail 20. A groove is formed by surface 31A, convex portion 34B, and convex portion 35B of main body 31. This groove engages with flange portion 23B of DIN rail 20. In this way, the two grooves formed in electronic device 30 engage with flange portions 23A and 23B of DIN rail 20, respectively, so that electronic device 30 is supported by DIN rail 20.

The connector support portion 33 is provided on the surface 31A side of the main body 31. The connector support portion 33 is exposed to the groove 24.

In the first embodiment, the electronic device 30 includes two connectors 32A and 32B. The connectors 32A and 32B are plate-shaped members made of a conductor such as copper or aluminum. The connectors 32A and 32B are supported by a connector support portion 33. When the electronic device 30 is supported by the DIN rail 20, the connectors 32A and 32B protrude from the connector support portion 33 into the groove 24. In other words, the connectors 32A and 32B are exposed to the groove 24. In the first embodiment, the connectors 32A and 32B are arranged side by side along the width direction 3.

The connector 32A has a base 32Aa and a pair of curved plate portions 32Ab and 32Ac.

The base 32Aa is supported by the connector support 33 by known means such as fitting.

The pair of curved plate portions 32Ab, 32Ac protrude from the base portion 32Aa into the groove 24. The pair of curved plate portions 32Ab, 32Ac can bend in the width direction 3. In the first embodiment, the pair of curved plate portions 32Ab, 32Ac face each other in the width direction 3. The pair of curved plate portions 32Ab, 32Ac are curved at the base end and the tip end so as to approach the other. The pair of curved plate portions 32Ab, 32Ac are curved at the intermediate portion 32Ad between the base end and the tip end so as to move away from the other. An electric wire 41, which will be described later, is clamped in the intermediate portion 32Ad.

The connector 32B is configured similarly to the connector 32B, and includes a base 32Ba and a pair of curved plate portions 32Bb, 32Bc. The base 32Ba is supported by the connector support portion 33, similar to the base 32Aa. The pair of curved plate portions 32Bb, 32Bc are configured similarly to the pair of curved plate portions 32Ab, 32Ac. An electric wire 42, which will be described later, is clamped in the middle portion 32Bd of the pair of curved plate portions 32Ab, 32Ac.

The electric wires 41, 42 are linear members made of a conductor such as copper or aluminum. In the first embodiment, the electric wires 41, 42 are arranged side by side in the width direction 3.

The electric wire 41 is electrically connected to the connector 32A. In the process of mounting the electronic device 30 to the DIN rail 20, the electric wire 41 is inserted between the pair of curved plate parts 32Ab, 32Ac along the thickness direction 4 from the tip end to the base end of the pair of curved plate parts 32Ab, 32Ac. The distance between the tip ends of the pair of curved plate parts 32Ab, 32Ac is configured to be shorter than the diameter of the electric wire 41. However, the pair of curved plate parts 32Ab, 32Ac are pushed by the electric wire 41 inserted from the tip end and bend so as to expand in the width direction 3. As a result, the electric wire 41 moves from between the tip ends of the pair of curved plate parts 32Ab, 32Ac to between the intermediate part 32Ad. When the electric wire 41 is positioned between the intermediate part 32Ad, the pair of bent curved plate parts 32Ab, 32Ac return to their original state. As a result, the electric wire 41 is clamped between the middle portion 32Ad of the pair of curved plate portions 32Ab, 32Ac (see Figure 2).

The electric wire 42 is electrically connected to the connector 32B. The electric wire 42 is clamped between the intermediate portion 32Bd of the pair of curved plate portions 32Bb, 32Bc in the same manner as the electric wire 41 is clamped between the intermediate portion 32Ad of the pair of curved plate portions 32Ab, 32Ac.

The electric wires 41, 42 may be composed of a bare wire made of a conductor such as copper or aluminum, and a coating that covers the bare wire. The coating is made of an electrically insulating insulator. In this case, the bare wire is exposed in the portions of the electric wires 41, 42 that are electrically connected to the connectors 32A, 32B.

According to the first embodiment, the electric wires 41, 42 are housed in the groove 24 of the DIN rail 20. The electric wires 41, 42 are electrically connected to the connectors 32A, 32B exposed to the groove 24, and are thereby electrically connected to the electronic device 30. Thus, the electric wires 41, 42 can be electrically connected to the electronic device 30 without passing through the outside of the DIN rail 20. Therefore, the external influence on the electric wires 41, 42 can be reduced more than in the conventional technology.

In the first embodiment, the DIN rail 20 supports one electronic device 30. However, the DIN rail 20 can support at least one electronic device 30. For example, the DIN rail 20 may support three electronic devices 30. In this case, the three electronic devices 30 are supported by the DIN rail 20 adjacent to each other in the width direction 3 or spaced apart from each other in the width direction 3.

In the first embodiment, the electric wire connection device 10 includes two electric wires 41, 42. However, the number of electric wires included in the electric wire connection device 10 is not limited to two. For example, the electric wire connection device 10 may include only one electric wire, or may include three or more electric wires. In other words, it is sufficient for the electric wire connection device 10 to include at least one electric wire. The number of connectors included in the electronic device 30 is determined according to the number of electric wires included in the electric wire connection device 10.

The connectors are not limited to the configuration of connectors 32A and 32B shown in FIG. 2. Other examples of connector configurations are described in the second and third embodiments.

In the first embodiment, the wire connection device 10 includes a DIN rail 20 and wires 41 and 42, but does not include an electronic device 30. However, the electronic device 30 may be a part of the wire connection device 10. In other words, the wire connection device 10 may include a DIN rail 20, wires 41 and 42, and an electronic device 30.

In the first embodiment, the DIN rail 20 corresponds to the rail portion. However, the rail portion is not limited to the DIN rail 20 as long as the electronic device 30 can be attached to it. For example, the rail portion may be a member formed into a rail shape by combining multiple members (e.g., a member corresponding to the bottom portion 21 and a member corresponding to a pair of side portions 22A, 22B).

Second Embodiment
3 is a view of the electric wire connection device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, which corresponds to the A-A cross section in FIG. 1. The electric wire connection device 10A according to the second embodiment differs from the electric wire connection device 10 according to the first embodiment in that the electric wires 41, 42 are electrically connected to the connectors 36A, 36B of the electronic device 30A in the electric wire connection device 10A according to the second embodiment. The configuration of the connectors 36A, 36B, which is a difference from the first embodiment, will be described below. The same reference numerals will be used to designate the common points with the electric wire connection device 10 according to the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted. This also applies to each embodiment described later.

The connectors 36A and 36B are plate-shaped members made of a conductor such as copper or aluminum. As shown in FIG. 3, the connectors 36A and 36B are supported by the connector support portion 33. When the electronic device 30A is supported on the DIN rail 20, the connectors 36A and 36B protrude from the connector support portion 33 into the groove 24. In other words, the connectors 36A and 36B are exposed to the groove 24. In the second embodiment, the connectors 36A and 36B are arranged side by side along the width direction 3.

The connectors 36A and 36B are U-shaped leaf springs in a side view. The base ends 36Aa and 36Ba of the connectors 36A and 36B are plate-shaped and extend in the width direction 3 and the longitudinal direction 2. The base ends 36Aa and 36Ba of the connectors 36A and 36B are supported by the connector support 33 by known means such as fitting.

The tip portions 36Ab, 36Bb of the connectors 36A, 36B are plate-shaped and extend in the width direction 3 and the length direction 2. The tip portion 36Ab of the connector 36A is in contact with the electric wire 41 and is electrically connected to the electric wire 41 when the electronic device 30A is supported on the DIN rail 20. The tip portion 36Bb of the connector 36B is in contact with the electric wire 42 and is electrically connected to the electric wire 42 when the electronic device 30A is supported on the DIN rail 20.

The intermediate portions 36Ac, 36Bc of the connectors 36A, 36B are curved. The intermediate portions 36Ac, 36Bc of the connectors 36A, 36B are between the base ends 36Aa, 36Ba and the tip ends 36Ab, 36Bb of the connectors 36A, 36B. Because the intermediate portions 36Ac, 36Bc of the connectors 36A, 36B are curved, the tip ends 36Ab, 36Bb of the connectors 36A, 36B can bend in the thickness direction 4.

The distance in the thickness direction 4 from the surface 31A of the main body 31 to the tip portions 36Ab, 36Bb of the connectors 36A, 36B is greater than the distance in the thickness direction 4 between the electric wires 41, 42 and the surface 31A when the electronic device 30A is supported on the DIN rail 20. Therefore, when the electronic device 30A is supported on the DIN rail 20, the connectors 36A, 36B are bent. At this time, the tip portion 36Ab of the connector 36A is in contact with the electric wire 41 while being urged toward the electric wire 41 by the intermediate portion 36Ac of the connector 36A. Also, at this time, the tip portion 36Bb of the connector 36B is in contact with the electric wire 42 while being urged toward the electric wire 42 by the intermediate portion 36Bc of the connector 36B. In other words, the tip portion 36Ab of the connector 36A is electrically connected to the electric wire 41, and the tip portion 36Bb of the connector 36B is electrically connected to the electric wire 42. In this case, the tip portions 36Ab and 36Bb of the connectors 36A and 36B correspond to the connecting members, and the middle portions 36Ac and 36Bc of the connectors 36A and 36B correspond to the biasing portions.

According to the second embodiment, the tip portions 36Ab, 36Bb electrically connected to the electric wires 41, 42 are biased toward the electric wires 41, 42 by the intermediate portions 36Ac, 36Bc. Therefore, the possibility of poor contact between the electric wires 41, 42 and the tip portions 36Ab, 36Bb can be reduced compared to the conventional technology.

Third Embodiment
Fig. 4 is a view of an electric wire connection device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, which corresponds to the cross section A-A in Fig. 1. The electric wire connection device 10B according to the third embodiment differs from the electric wire connection device 10 according to the first embodiment in that the electric wires 41, 42 are electrically connected to the connectors 37A, 37B of the electronic device 30B in the electric wire connection device 10B according to the third embodiment. The configuration of the connectors 37A, 37B, which is the difference from the first embodiment, will be described below.

The connectors 37A and 37B are plate-shaped members made of a conductor such as copper or aluminum. As shown in FIG. 4, the connectors 37A and 37B are supported by the connector support portion 33. When the electronic device 30B is supported by the DIN rail 20, the connectors 37A and 37B protrude from the connector support portion 33 into the groove 24. In other words, the connectors 37A and 37B are exposed to the groove 24. In the second embodiment, the connectors 37A and 37B are arranged side by side along the width direction 3.

The connector 37A includes a supported plate 37Aa, a connecting member 37Ab, and a coil spring 37Ac. The connector 37B includes a supported plate 37Ba, a connecting member 37Bb, and a coil spring 37Bc. The coil springs 37Ac and 37Bc are examples of biasing parts.

The supported plates 37Aa, 37Ba extend in the width direction 3 and the longitudinal direction 2. The supported plates 37Aa, 37Ba are supported by the connector support portion 33 by known means such as fitting.

The connection members 37Ab and 37Bb are arc-shaped plates. When the electronic device 30A is supported on the DIN rail 20, the connection member 37Ab is in contact with the electric wire 41, and the connection member 37Bb is in contact with the electric wire 42.

One end of the coil spring 37Ac is connected to the supported plate 37Aa, and the other end of the coil spring 37Ac is connected to the connecting member 37Ab. The coil spring 37Ac biases the connecting member 37Ab toward the electric wire 41.

One end of the coil spring 37Bc is connected to the supported plate 37Ba, and the other end of the coil spring 37Bc is connected to the connecting member 37Bb. The coil spring 37Bc biases the connecting member 37Bb toward the electric wire 42.

The distance in the thickness direction 4 from the surface 31A of the main body 31 to the connection members 37Ab and 37Bb is greater than the distance in the thickness direction 4 between the electric wires 41 and 42 and the surface 31A when the electronic device 30A is supported on the DIN rail 20. Therefore, when the electronic device 30A is supported on the DIN rail 20, the coil springs 37Ac and 37Bc are compressed. At this time, the connection member 37Ab is in contact with the electric wire 41 while being biased toward the electric wire 41 by the coil spring 37Ac. Also, at this time, the connection member 37Bb is in contact with the electric wire 42 while being biased toward the electric wire 42 by the coil spring 37Bc. In other words, the connection member 37Ab is electrically connected to the electric wire 41, and the connection member 37Bb is electrically connected to the electric wire 42.

According to the third embodiment, the connector 37A includes a connection member 37Ab and a coil spring 37Ac, and the connector 37B includes a connection member 37Bb and a coil spring 37Bc. The connection members 37Ab and 37Bb, which are electrically connected to the electric wires 41 and 42, are biased toward the electric wires 41 and 42 by the coil springs 37Ac and 37Bc. Therefore, the possibility of poor contact between the electric wires 41 and 42 and the connection members 37Ab and 37Bb can be reduced compared to the conventional technology.

Fourth Embodiment
Fig. 5 is a plan view of an electric wire connection device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in Fig. 5. The electric wire connection device 10C according to the fourth embodiment differs from the electric wire connection device 10 according to the first embodiment in that the electric wire connection device 10C according to the third embodiment includes a holding member 60. The configuration of the holding member 60, which is a difference from the first embodiment, will be described below.

As shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the holding member 60 is supported by the DIN rail 20 and holds the electric wires 41, 42. As shown in Fig. 5, in the fourth embodiment, the DIN rail 20 supports two holding members 60. In the fourth embodiment, the two holding members 60 are spaced apart in the width direction 3, and sandwich the electronic device 30 between them.

As shown in FIG. 6, the retaining member 60 includes a base 61, a pair of side portions 62A, 62B, a pair of flange portions 63A, 63B, a pair of protrusions 64A, 64B, a pair of protrusions 65A, 65B, and wire support portions 66A, 66B.

The base 61 is plate-shaped and extends in the longitudinal direction 2 and the width direction 3. A pair of side portions 62A, 62B protrude in the thickness direction 4 from both ends of the base 61 in the width direction 3.

The pair of flanges 63A, 63B extend outward in the width direction 3 from the tip of each of the pair of side portions 62A, 62B. The flange 63A extends from the tip of the side portion 62A. The flange 63B extends from the tip of the side portion 62B.

The pair of protrusions 64A, 64B protrude from the tip of each of the pair of flanges 63A, 63B. The pair of protrusions 64A, 64B protrude toward the bottom 21 in the thickness direction 4. The protrusion 64A protrudes from the tip of the flange 63A. The protrusion 64B protrudes from the tip of the flange 63B.

The pair of protrusions 65A, 65B protrude inward in the width direction 3 from the tip of each of the pair of protrusions 64A, 64B. The protrusion 65A protrudes from the tip of the protrusion 64A. The protrusion 65B protrudes from the tip of the protrusion 64B.

The surface 65Aa of the protrusion 65A and the surface 65Ba of the protrusion 65B are inclined with respect to the width direction 3. The surfaces 65Aa and 65Ba face the opposite side in the thickness direction 4 from the flange portions 63A and 63B.

The wire support portion 66A supports the wire 41, and the wire support portion 66B supports the wire 42. The wire support portions 66A and 66B protrude from the base portion 61 in the thickness direction 4. The wire support portions 66A and 66B are located between a pair of side portions 62A and 62B.

The electric wire support part 66A has a recess 66Aa recessed from the tip part toward the base part 61. The inner part of the recess 66Aa is wider than the front part of the recess 66Aa. The inner part of the recess 66Aa is circular in side view, similar to the electric wire 41. The inner diameter of the circle is the same as or approximately the same as the diameter of the electric wire 41. The length in the width direction 3 of the front part of the recess 66Aa is shorter than the diameter of the electric wire 41.

Both sides of the recess 66Aa in the wire support part 66A in the width direction 3 can bend in the width direction 3. Similarly, both sides of the recess 66Ba in the wire support part 66B in the width direction 3 can bend in the width direction 3.

The procedure for supporting the holding member 60 on the DIN rail 20 and holding the electric wires 41, 42 on the holding member 60 will be described below. The procedure is typically as follows. First, the DIN rail 20 is attached to the wall surface 50a of the wall 50. Next, the holding member 60 is engaged with the DIN rail 20, thereby supporting the holding member 60 on the DIN rail 20. Next, the electric wire 41 is fitted into the electric wire support portion 66A of the holding member 60, and the electric wire 42 is fitted into the electric wire support portion 66B of the holding member 60, thereby holding the electric wires 41, 42 on the holding member 60. Note that the procedure for supporting the holding member 60 on the DIN rail 20 and holding the electric wires 41, 42 on the holding member 60 may be different from that described above. For example, the holding member 60 may be engaged with the DIN rail 20 after the electric wires 41, 42 are held by the holding member 60.

As described in detail below, the retaining member 60 engages with the DIN rail 20 and is supported by the DIN rail 20.

When the holding member 60 is supported on the DIN rail 20, it approaches the DIN rail 20 from the flange portions 23A and 23B of the DIN rail 20 along the thickness direction 4.

As a result, the base 61 and the pair of side portions 62A, 62B of the retaining member 60 are inserted into the groove 24 of the DIN rail 20.

This also causes the surfaces 65Aa, 65Ba of the convex portions 65A, 65B of the holding member 60 to come into contact with the flange portions 23A, 23B. Then, a reaction force acts on the surfaces 65Aa, 65Ba from the flange portions 23A, 23B. Because the surfaces 65Aa, 65Ba are inclined with respect to the width direction 3, part of this reaction force becomes a force that pushes the convex portions 65A, 65B outward in the width direction 3. Therefore, the convex portions 64A, 64B bend outward in the width direction 3. This allows the flange portion 23A to enter the recess formed by the flange portion 63A and the convex portions 64A, 65A of the holding member 60. This also allows the flange portion 23B to enter the recess formed by the flange portion 63B and the convex portions 64B, 65B of the holding member 60.

Finally, the DIN rail 20 supports the retaining member 60 with the base 61 and the pair of side portions 62A, 62B of the retaining member 60 inserted into the groove 24.

Finally, the flange portion 23A of the DIN rail 20 fits into the recess formed by the flange portion 63A and the protrusions 64A and 65A of the holding member 60. Similarly, the flange portion 23B of the DIN rail 20 fits into the recess formed by the flange portion 63B and the protrusions 64B and 65B of the holding member 60. As a result, the holding member 60 engages with the DIN rail 20 and is supported by the DIN rail 20.

As described in detail below, the holding member 60 holds the electric wires 41 and 42. In the fourth embodiment, the electric wire 41 is held by the electric wire support portion 66A of the holding member 60, and the electric wire 42 is held by the electric wire support portion 66B of the holding member 60.

The electric wire 41 is fitted into the recess 66Aa of the electric wire support part 66A. As described above, the length in the width direction 3 of the front part of the recess 66Aa is shorter than the diameter of the electric wire 41. When the electric wire 41 is pushed into the front part of the recess 66Aa from the tip side of the electric wire support part 66A, the electric wire support parts 66A on both sides of the width direction 3 of the recess 66Aa are pushed by the electric wire 41 and bend so as to expand in the width direction 3. As a result, the electric wire 41 passes through the front part of the recess 66Aa and reaches the back part. When the electric wire 41 passes through the front part of the recess 66Aa, the bent electric wire support part 66A returns to its original position. As a result, the electric wire 41 is clamped by the electric wire support part 66A and is held by the holding member 60.

In the same manner as the electric wire 41, the electric wire 42 is fitted into the recess 66Ba of the electric wire support part 66B and is clamped by the electric wire support part 66B, and is held by the holding member 60.

According to the fourth embodiment, the electric wires 41, 42 can be held by the holding member 60. Therefore, the position of the electric wires 41, 42 housed in the groove 24 of the DIN rail 20 can be stabilized.

In the fourth embodiment, the DIN rail 20 supports two holding members 60. However, the DIN rail 20 can support at least one holding member 60. In other words, the DIN rail 20 may support one holding member 60, or three or more holding members 60.

In the fourth embodiment, two adjacent holding members 60 are arranged with a gap between them in the width direction 3. However, two adjacent holding members 60 may be arranged adjacent to each other in the width direction 3.

In the fourth embodiment, two adjacent holding members 60 sandwich an electronic device 30 between them. However, two adjacent holding members 60 do not have to sandwich an electronic device 30 between them.

The holding member 60 is not limited to the shape shown in Figs. 5 and 6, provided that it is supported by the DIN rail 20 and holds the electric wires 41, 42. For example, the holding member 60 may be composed of only the base 61 and the electric wire support parts 66A, 66B. In this case, the holding member 60 is attached to the DIN rail 20 by, for example, attaching the base 61 to the bottom 21 of the DIN rail 20 by known means such as fitting or screwing.

Fifth Embodiment
7 is a plan view of an electric wire connection device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The electric wire connection device 10D according to the fifth embodiment differs from the electric wire connection device 10 according to the first embodiment in that the electric wire connection device 10D according to the fifth embodiment includes two pairs of electric wires 40A, 40B and a DC-DC converter 70. The configurations of the electric wires 40A, 40B and the DC-DC converter 70, which are different from the first embodiment, will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 7, the electric wire connection device 10 includes two systems of electric wires 40A and 40B. The electric wires 40A and 40B are linear members made of a conductor such as copper or aluminum, similar to the electric wires 41 and 42 in the first embodiment. The electric wire 40A is an example of a first electric wire. The electric wire 40B is an example of a second electric wire.

In the fifth embodiment, the electric wire 40A includes two electric wires 40Aa and 40Ab, and the electric wire 40B includes two electric wires 40Ba and 40Bb. In the fifth embodiment, the electric wires 40Aa and 40Ab are arranged side by side in the width direction 3, and the electric wires 40Ba and 40Bb are arranged side by side in the width direction 3. The electric wire 40A is located at a different position in the longitudinal direction 2 from the electric wire 40B.

The DC-DC converter 70 is disposed between the electric wire 40A and the electric wire 40B.

The DC-DC converter 70 converts the input DC voltage into a DC voltage of a different value using an electronic circuit built into the main body, and outputs the converted DC voltage. In the fifth embodiment, the DC voltage applied to the electric wire 40A is input to the DC-DC converter 70. The DC-DC converter 70 converts the input DC voltage into a DC voltage of a different value using an electronic circuit built into the main body, and applies the converted DC voltage to the electric wire 40B.

The outside of the DC-DC converter 70 is configured in a similar manner to the electronic device 30. In other words, the DC-DC converter 70 includes a main body, a connector, and a connector support.

The body of the DC-DC converter 70 corresponds to the body 31 of the electronic device 30. However, the body of the DC-DC converter 70 may have a different shape from the body 31 of the electronic device 30.

The connectors of the DC-DC converter 70 have the same configuration as the connectors 32A and 32B of the electronic device 30. The connector support portion of the DC-DC converter 70 has the same configuration as the connector support portion 33 of the electronic device 30. However, while the electronic device 30 of the first embodiment has two connectors 32A and 32B corresponding to the electric wires 41 and 42, the DC-DC converter 70 of the fifth embodiment has four connectors corresponding to the electric wires 40Aa, 40Ab, 40Ba, and 40Bb. In other words, two of the four connectors of the DC-DC converter 70 are electrically connected to the electric wires 40Aa and 40Ab, and the remaining two connectors are electrically connected to the electric wires 40Ba and 40Bb.

The DC-DC converter 70 has protrusions corresponding to the protrusions 34A and 34B of the electronic device 30, and protrusions corresponding to the protrusions 35A and 35B of the electronic device 30. This allows the DC-DC converter 70 to be supported by the DIN rail 20 in the same manner as the electronic device 30.

The function and configuration of the DC-DC converter 70 are well known, so further detailed description will be omitted here. The DC-DC converter 70 may be a boost converter, a buck converter, or a buck-boost converter.

According to the fifth embodiment, it is possible for an electric wire 40A to which a first voltage is applied and an electric wire 40B to which a second voltage, which is a value different from the first voltage, to coexist on a single DIN rail 20. Therefore, a single DIN rail 20 can support electronic devices 30 that operate on different voltages.

In the fifth embodiment, the electric wire 40A is composed of two electric wires 40Aa and 40Ab, and the electric wire 40B is composed of two electric wires 40Ba and 40Bb. However, the number of electric wires 40A and 40B is not limited to two. For example, each of the electric wires 40A and 40B may be composed of one electric wire, or may be composed of three or more electric wires. Furthermore, the number of electric wires 40A may be the same as or different from the number of electric wires 40B. In other words, it is sufficient that the electric wire connection device 10 includes at least one electric wire 40A and at least one electric wire 40B. The number of connectors included in the DC-DC converter 70 is determined according to the number of electric wires 40A and 40B.

Sixth Embodiment
Fig. 8 is a plan view of an electric wire connection device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in Fig. 8. The electric wire connection device 10E according to the sixth embodiment differs from the electric wire connection device 10 according to the first embodiment in that the electric wire connection device 10E according to the sixth embodiment includes a cover 80. The configuration of the cover 80, which is a difference from the first embodiment, will be described below.

As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the cover 80 is supported by the DIN rail 20. When supported by the DIN rail 20, the cover 80 covers the opening of the groove 24 of the DIN rail 20. In the sixth embodiment, the DIN rail 20 supports three covers 80 as shown in Fig. 8. Each of the three covers 80 covers the opening of the groove 24 of the DIN rail 20 in a position where the electronic device 30 is not placed.

As shown in FIG. 9, the cover 80 includes a plate portion 81, a pair of protrusions 82A and 82B, and a pair of protrusions 83A and 83B.

The plate portion 81 extends in the longitudinal direction 2 and the width direction 3, and covers the opening of the groove 24 of the DIN rail 20. The pair of protrusions 82A, 82B protrude in the thickness direction 4 from both ends of the plate portion 81 in the width direction 3. The pair of protrusions 83A, 83B protrude inward in the width direction 3 from the respective tips of the pair of protrusions 82A, 82B.

The flange portion 23A of the DIN rail 20 engages with the recess formed by the plate portion 81 and the protrusions 82A and 83A. The flange portion 23B of the DIN rail 20 engages with the recess formed by the plate portion 81 and the protrusions 82B and 83B. This allows the cover 80 to be held by the DIN rail 20. In the sixth embodiment, the plate portion 81 is curved, making the above-mentioned engagement easier than in the prior art.

According to the sixth embodiment, the cover 80 can reduce the influence of external influences on the electric wires 41 and 42 more than in the conventional technology.

In the sixth embodiment, the DIN rail 20 supports three covers 80. However, the DIN rail 20 can support at least one cover 80. In other words, the DIN rail 20 may support one cover 80, or may support three or more covers 80.

In the sixth embodiment, the cover 80 covers the opening of the groove 24 of the DIN rail 20 at all positions except the position where the electronic device 30 is arranged. However, the cover 80 may cover the opening of the groove 24 of the DIN rail 20 at some positions except the position where the electronic device 30 is arranged. In other words, it is not necessary for all of the opening of the groove 24 of the DIN rail 20 to be covered by the cover 80.

The cover 80 is not limited to the shape shown in Figures 8 and 9, provided that it covers the opening of the groove 24 of the DIN rail 20. For example, the cover 80 may be composed of only the plate portion 81. In this case, for example, the cover 80 is attached to the DIN rail 20 by passing screws through the plate portion 81 and the flange portions 23A and 23B of the DIN rail 20.

In addition, any of the various embodiments described above can be combined as appropriate to achieve the effects of each.

Although the present invention has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiment with appropriate reference to the drawings, various modifications and alterations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and alterations are to be understood as included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims, unless they depart therefrom.

2 Longitudinal direction 10 Wire connection device 20 DIN rail (rail portion)
24 Groove 30 Electronic device 32A Connector 32B Connector 37Ab Connection member 37Ac Coil spring (biasing portion)
37Bb Connection member 37Bc Coil spring (biasing portion)
40A Electric Wire (First Electric Wire)
40B electric wire (second electric wire)
41 Electric wire 42 Electric wire 60 Holding member 70 DC-DC converter 80 Cover

Claims (6)

a rail portion supporting at least one electronic device, the rail portion having a groove that opens on a side on which the electronic device is supported and extends in a longitudinal direction;
At least one electrical wire housed in the groove;
a holding member supported by the rail portion and holding the electric wire,
the electric wire is electrically connected to a connector provided on the electronic device and exposed to the groove when the electronic device is supported on the rail portion;
The holding member is located at a position different from the electronic device in the longitudinal direction, and is not disposed in a portion where the electronic device is located . The connector includes:
A connection member electrically connected to the electric wire;
The electric wire connection device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a biasing portion that biases the connection member toward the electric wire. Further comprising a DC-DC converter supported on the rail portion,
The electric wire is
At least one first wire;
and at least one second electric wire located at a different position in the longitudinal direction from the first electric wire,
3. The electric wire connection device according to claim 1, wherein the DC-DC converter is located between the first electric wire and the second electric wire and is electrically connected to each of the first electric wire and the second electric wire. The electric wire connection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a cover that covers the opening of the groove. The electric wire connection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising the electronic device supported by the rail portion and having the connector. The wire connection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the rail portion is a DIN rail.

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