Panel instrument

Abstract

A panel instrument apparatus of reduced size, comprising a printed circuit board on which light emitting elements and switches are mounted, and a panel cover to the rear of which the front face of the printed circuit board is attached. The panel cover comprises reflecting holes arranged in positions corresponding to the light emitting elements on the printed circuit board to guide light from the light emitting elements to the surface of the panel cover; and furthermore comprises resilient links and coupled thereto keys which are located in positions corresponding to the switches on the printed circuit board.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates to a panel instrument, such as mounted on a panel; and more particularly, to such panel instrument of reduced size.

2. Description of Related Art

A panel instrument, for example, a temperature controller, has a plurality of switches and displays on the front surface thereof, and has formed at the rear thereof a plurality of terminal boards, which are connected to internal printed circuit boards. Examples of such panel instruments are disclosed, for example in Japanese Laid Open Applications UM SN H3-124,692 (1991); H5-79,435 (1993); H5-87,524 (1993); H6-45,338 (1994); Japanese Patent H7-209,095 (1995); Japanese U.M. H7-16,975 (1995); H7-25,625 (1995); and H7-43,612 (1995). With the advance of technology, the size of the panel instrument has become smaller. However, impeding the reduction of size of such panel instruments are such factors as discussed below.

Display

In panel instruments, the visibility of display numerals, and the like, is not very good and so an enlarged display thereof is needed. However, currently, there is a limit on the size of the numerals and symbols being displayed. To provide enlarged symbols and the like for display, the case itself must also be enlarged. Also, since 7-segment display modules are of large vertical dimension, the height of the entire display being determined corresponding to the height of the 7-segment display module is also large, even though the height of the switches, and the like, is not great. Consequently, this factor interferes with the reduction in size of the panel instrument.

Waterproof and Dustproof Properties

Finger guards are usually provided for case terminals to satisfy safety standards. Such an arrangement is shown, for example, in Japanese UM H3-124,482(1991). However, in most cases, the mounting area is limited due to the presence of the finger guards so that reduction in size is impeded.

Thus, it is desirable to eliminate finger guards and yet still comply with safety standards. The prevailing safety standards require that the front cover cannot be removed manually and that the knob covers be made to be of small size. If, however, the knob covers are made smaller, the knobs cannot be readily moved because the rubber packing usually used therewith does not deform readily. Thus, if the knobs are forced, there is likely to be breakage of the rubber packing. In that case, waterproof and dustproof properties may become degraded.

Terminal Board

Even if the panel instrument is made smaller, the same number of terminals must be provided. Since usually one of the terminals has a thermocouple connected thereto for temperature measurement, temperature compensation is provided by measuring the terminal temperature using a sensor. Thus, space must be provided for such sensor which causes reduction in space for the other terminals. Also, since the temperature measured by the sensor is often different from the actual terminal temperature, errors may occur in the temperature measured by the thermocouple.

Moreover, with the reduction in size of the panel instrument, the density of electronic components mounted on the printed circuit boards (also know as "cards") is increased. Thus, the same number of boards or cards cannot be used as terminal rows at the rear because of the large dimensioned components, such as transformer and/or capacitors.

In order to improve the foregoing situation, it was proposed that the cards be connected to terminal rows and be disposed parallel to a card on which components were densely mounted using studs and that the electrical connections be made with connectors. However, the space problem was not entirely solved because the studs and connectors required added space, and such added space requirement raised more problems than solved, because size still could not be reduced.

Furthermore, since crimp-on terminal lugs are connected to the terminals of the panel instruments, clearance must be provided between the terminal rows to prevent the terminal lugs from touching the terminal screws. For this reason, reducing the size of the panel instruments in the prior art, required a limit on the number of terminals, which itself again produced more problems than solved.

In addition, since wiring, or the like, may sometimes be performed at the rear of a panel, as a safety measure, it is necessary to attach a cover which does not touch the terminals of the panel instruments. Mounting a terminal cover on the rear of the panel instrument with screws decreases the space for the mounting terminals. In turn, this prevents use of the required number of terminals for a large panel instrument, which factor impedes the reduction of the size of the panel instrument.

Heat Dissipation

Reduction of size of the panel instrument increases correspondingly, the heat dissipation per unit area. This necessitates the provision of heat radiation holes on the top surface of the panel instrument. However, the air surrounding the panel instrument may be surrounded with dust or the like. Thus, use of air holes may cause more problems, such as contamination of the inside with the dust, electrical short circuiting and fire, clogged air holes from the dust, degradation of heat dissipation,and reduced life of the electronic components.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, an object of the invention is to overcome the aforementioned and other deficiencies and disadvantages of the prior art.

Another object is to provide a panel instrument which can be reduced in size without sacrificing any of the desired characteristics of the panel instrument.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an illustrative first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view depicting details of the panel cover of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view depicting details of the panel cover of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front view depicting a panel sheet.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view depicting details of the panel cover of an illustrative second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view depicting details of the panel cover of an illustrative third embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a view depicting assembly of the instrument of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a view depicting details of a part of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a view depicting a panel sheet.

FIG. 10 is a side view depicting the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a view depicting an enlarged part of the instrument of FIG. 10.

FIGS. 12(a)-12(c) are enlarged views depicting a knob cover.

FIG. 13 is a view depicting removal of the case and panel cover.

FIG. 14 is a view depicting the removal of the case and panel cover.

FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view depicting details of a part of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 16(a)-16(c) are views depicting details of the nut.

FIGS. 17(a)-17(c) are views depicting details of the spring contact.

FIG. 18 is a view depicting assembly of the card and holder.

FIGS. 19(a)-19(e) are views depicting details of the holder.

FIG. 20 is a view depicting the card and the holder as assembled.

FIG. 21 is a view depicting another example of a terminal.

FIG. 22 is a cross sectional view depicting details of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 23(a)-23(d) are views depicting details of the first plate and the second plate.

FIGS. 24(a)-24(c) are views depicting details of the contact.

FIG. 25 is a cross sectional view depicting details of a part of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 26 is a rear view depicting the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 27 is a side view depicting details of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 28 is a front view depicting details of a part of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 29(a) and 29(b) are views depicting details of the cover.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view depicting the assembly of the embodiment.

FIG. 31 is an exploded perspective view depicting the embodiment of FIG. 1 with the cover removed.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view depicting the embodiment of FIG. 1 with the cover in place.

FIG. 33 is a cross sectional view depicting details of the bracket.

FIG. 34 is a plan view depicting the configuration of the bracket.

FIG. 35 is a bottom view depicting details of the bracket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a panel instrument apparatus comprising a case 10, a printed circuit board 20 (also called "card"), a panel cover 30, a panel sheet 40, a card 50, a connector 60, terminals 70, bracket 80, and a cover 90. Although two cards 50 are shown herein, in the actual embodiment, four cards 50 are used. The invention will now be described in further details with reference to the different components thereof, namely (1) Display, (2) Panel sheet, (3) Packing, (4) Terminal board (A), (5) Terminal board (B), (6) Terminal board (C), (7) Terminal cover, and (8) Brackets.

Display

FIGS. 2 and 3 show details of parts of the embodiment of FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 2 is a perspective view and FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view. In FIGS. 2 and 3, light emitting diodes ("LED") 21 and switch 22 are mounted on display card 20, which is mounted on the rear of panel cover 30 so that the front face thereof is opposite the rear face of panel cover 30 and fixed with latch 30a. Panel cover 30 is provided with reflecting holes 31 which are arranged in locations corresponding to the LEDs 21 on display card 20 and which guide light from the LEDs 21. Panel cover 30 also forms keys 32 in positions corresponding to switches 22 on card 20 and also forms resilient links 33 connected to keys, respectively. Panel sheet 40 is adhered to the front face of panel cover 30. An example of the panel sheet 40 is shown in FIG. 4. However, the panel sheet 40 shown in FIG. 4, which is one actually used in the product, does not correspond exactly to the panel cover 30 in FIGS. 2 or 3.

The apparatus is assembled as follows: LEDs 21 and switches 22 are mounted on display card 20 (note that we interchangibly use "display card" for "printed circuit board"). Display card 20 is attached to the rear face of panel cover 30. Thus, display card 20 is fixed to panel cover 30 with latch 30a. Finally, panel sheet 40 is adhered to the front surface of panel cover 30.

Next, a second illustrative embodiment is shown in FIG. 5 and comprises panel cover 140 provided with reflecting holes 141 which guide light from the rear to the front and forms keys 142 together with resilient links 143 connected to the keys 142, respectively, and also forms connecting circuits (not shown). Panel cover 140 has holes 144 in positions corresponding to keys 142, respectively. LEDs 150 are mounted from the rear in positions corresponding to the reflecting holes 141. Contacts 160 are attached to holes 144, respectively, from the rear of panel cover 140 and act as contacts when corresponding keys 142 are pressed. Panel sheet 170 is adhered to the front face of panel cover 140. Connecting circuits are formed on panel cover 140 for the same purpose as those of the connecting circuits on display card 20 of FIGS. 2 and 3.

The embodiment of FIG. 5 is assembled as follows: LEDs 150 and contacts 160 are mounted on reflecting holes 141 and holes 144, respectively, from the rear of panel cover 140. Panel sheet 170 is then adhered to the front face of panel cover 140.

The foregoing embodiments and components thereof have the following effects and advantages:

(1) Since the reflecting holes 31 of FIGS. 1,2,3 (shown as 141 in FIG. 5) [the same type of designation is applied hereinafter], keys 32 (142), links 33 (143) are formed on panel cover 30 (140), the time required to mount spacers and the like and keys as separate elements is eliminated. Also, the time required to mount the parts on the display card 20 of FIGS. 1,2,3, is reduced.

(2) Conventional LED modules usually have unutilized space at positions other than where the display symbols are located. In the invention, the reflecting holes 31 (141)are formed through panel cover 30 (140), so that under-utilized space is eliminated and so that consequently,the display symbols can be enlarged for same sized panel as compared to the prior art. This increases considerably the visibility of the display.

(3) Since spaces can be provided around the LEDs 21 (150), because light is guided from the LEDs 21(150) through reflecting holes 31 (141) of panel cover 30 (140), temperature increase of the LEDs 21 (150) can be prevented. This enables the service life of the LEDs 21(150) to be increased considerably.

The invention is not limited to the foregoing range; e.g., although the resilience of the links is the same in the foregoing description, the operating force may be changed for each switch by changing the resiliency by varying the width of the links. In such configuration, since the switches cannot be easily pressed by increasing the resiliency of the links, such as for an emergency stop switch, misoperation can be easily prevented.

Also, advantageously, contact 160 of FIG. 5 may be of any material at the contact part, or may be of a pattern provided on the keys or the panel cover. Moreover, the reflecting holes of FIG. 2, may be provided separately from the panel cover. For example, the configurations shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 may be used.

In FIGS. 6 and 7,holes 31a are provided through panel cover 30 at locations opposite to LEDs 21. Reflecting part 34 comprises plate part 34a, projection parts 34b, projection parts 34c, and positioning parts 34d. Projection parts 34b are attached to plate part 34a, have reflecting holes 34e to guide light from LEDs 21 to the front of panel cover 30, and are inserted into holes 31a. Projection parts 34c are provided on projection parts 34b along the direction of penetration. Positioning parts 34d determine the position of reflecting part 34 to panel cover 30. The positioning parts 34d are not shown in FIG. 7 for sake of clarity.

The embodiment of FIG. 6 is assembled as follows, with reference to FIG. 7. Projection parts 34b of reflecting part 34 are inserted into holes 31a. Each projection part 34c is deformed as it is inserted into each hole 31a and, hence, reflecting part 34 is fixed to holes 31a. Other assembly procedures are omitted since they are similar to those for the embodiment of FIG. 2.

If the reflecting holes 31a are made to be separable, as described above, the color of panel cover 30 can be selected in a manner different from the color of the holes. In other words, even if the color of panel cover 30 is selected to be of a certain color, for example, to be a color whose reflectance of light is low, such as black, the display does not become illegible or unreadable by selecting the color of the reflecting part 34 to be of a color whose reflectance is high, such as white, because it does not reduce the reflectance of light from the LEDs 21. Also, if the reflecting part 34 is made, for example of NORYL (trademark of a material of modified polyphenylene oxide), the shielding effect of light is enhanced.

Panel Sheet

In FIG. 8 a display card 20 has incorporated therein LEDs 21, switches 22 and liquid crystal display (LCD) 23. Display card 20 is mounted on the rear of panel cover 30 so that the front face of display card 20 is opposite the rear face of panel cover 30 which has reflecting holes 31, keys 32, links 33 and LCD hole 35. Reflecting holes 31 are formed at locations where the light from LEDs 21 are guided therethrough from the rear to the front. Keys 32 are formed at locations opposite switches 22. Links 33 are resilient and form links with keys 32. LCD hole 35 is formed at a position where the display face of LCD 23 is guided to the front face of panel cover 30.

Panel sheet 40 is made, for example, of a clear sheet 41 and is adhered to the front face of panel cover 30 with an adhesive 42 with the front face of panel cover 30 opposite the rear face of clear sheet 41. A smoke screen 43 is printed on the rear face of clear sheet 41 at a position opposite LEDs 21, and transmits light from the LEDs 21 while shielding the shape surrounding LEDs 21 from outside of the panel. A diffusion material 44, for example, of TiO.sub.2, is printed on smoke screen 43 and acts to diffuse light from the LEDs 21. Printing ink 45 prints the desired symbols on the rear face of clear sheet 41. An embossment 46 is provided in a position opposite keys 32.

FIG. 9 shows an actual panel sheet 40, wherein the broken lines indicate the contours of the reflecting holes 31. The figure frame 40a comprises smoke screen 43 and diffusion material 44 printed on the rear face of clear sheet 41. LCD frame 40b is an area of the display where none of the printing is applied to the clear sheet 41 and so the display of LCD 23 can be read. For indication frame 40c, only diffusion material 44 is printed on the rear face of clear sheet 41. For printing part 40d, operation and action symbols are printed on the rear face of sheet 41 and suitable embossment is provided.

Manufacturing and operation of the FIG. 9 embodiment will now be described with reference to FIG. 8. Smoke screen 43 and diffusion material 44 are printed on the rear face of sheet 41 at positions opposite LEDs 21. Printing ink 45 is printed on the rear face of sheet 41, that is, operational and action symbol are printed. Then, embosssment 46 is formed on panel sheet 40. Panel sheet 40 is adhered to panel cover 30 with adhesive 42, and then, display card 20 is mounted on panel cover 30.

Since diffusion material 44 is printed on sheet 41,advantageously, a separate diffusion sheet is not needed. This reduces assembly time and decreases the number of components needed in the embodiment. Also, the indication produced by the LCD can be clearly read because this part can be formed using the clear sheet 41 without any other sheets used therewith. The invention, however, is not limited to the the configurations above described. For example, the smoke screen 43 and diffusion material 44 can be mixed and then printed on panel sheet 40. Moreover, although the LCD is incorporated in the embodiment, such is not necessary and no LCD need be used.

Packing

FIGS. 10 and 11 show a part of the embodiment of FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 10 is a side view and FIG.11 is an enlarged view of the part comprising a case 10 of a panel instrument, formed in the shape of a barrel, accommodating circuit boards inside and having terminal boards to which crimp-on terminal lugs, or the like, are connected in the rear,and mounted on panel 100. A panel cover 30 having switches and displays thereon is mounted on an open end of case 10. The panel cover 30 also has latch 36 and knob 37 which is used to move latch 36 when pushed.

Case 10 comprises and enclosure 11 made of plastic and having flange 12 provided at its circumference and latch hole 13 into which latch 36 is inserted. A first gasket 14, made of an elastomer, is formed integrally with enclosure 11 by a two color molding and is provided between flange 12 and panel 100. A second gasket 15 made of an elastomer is formed integrally with enclosure 11 by a two color molding and is provided between enclosure 11 and panel cover 30 and having knob cover 16 that covers knob 37. Second gasket 15 is coupled to first gasket 14 at knob cover 16.

Knob cover 16 has switch 16a and spring part 16b as shown in FIGS. 12(a)-13(c), wherein FIG. 12(a) is a plan view, FIG. 12(b) is a front view, and FIG. 12(c) is a bottom view. Switch 16a forms channel 16c,into which a tool 200, e.g. a screwdriver, is inserted, together with panel cover 30. Knob 37 is pressed by screwdriver 200 and spring part 16b is coupled to switch 16a and first gasket 14 which is deformed resiliently when switch 16a is pressed.

The operation of the part is described in connection with FIGS. 13 and 14 which illustrate the removal of case 10 and panel cover 30. When screwdriver 200 is inserted into channel 16c and pushes switch 16a, spring part 16b is deformed and at the same time knob 37 is pressed and latch 36 is disengaged from latch hole 13 (see FIG. 13). When screwdriver 200 is turned, panel cover 30 is disengaged from enclosure 11 (see FIG. 14).

When panel cover 30 is to be engaged with enclosure 11, panel cover 30 is disposed in enclosure 11 and then latch 36 is moved. When panel cover 30 is further inserted, latch 36 falls into latch hole 13 and panel cover 30 is engaged with enclosure 11.

For mounting case 10 to panel 100, case 10 is inserted into a hole cut from the front of panel 100 and first gasket 14 is disposed between case 10 and panel 100 to provide waterproof and dustproof properties.

Since first gasket 14 and second gasket 15 are formed integral with enclosure 11 by a two color molding process, mounting of the gaskets is not necessary. Also, since the gaskets are molded integrally with enclosure 11, the gaskets cannot come off,hence, the gaskets provide waterproof and dustproof properties to the arrangement.

With this embodiment, since switch 16a, spring part 16b, and channel 16c can be used to separate panel cover 30 from case 10 by use of a tool, such as screwdriver 200, the waterproof and dustproof properties are readily maintained, and reduction of size combined with maintenance of such properties is enhanced.

Terminal Board (A)

FIG. 15 shows the terminals of the embodiment of FIG. 1, wherein more than one positioning hole 10a is provided through case 10, and opposite inner cases 10b and 10c, stopper 10d, and insert channel 10e are located in each positioning hole 10a. Terminal 70 comprises a nut 71, spring contact 72, washer 73, and screw 74, and is connected with terminal 75 (which may be a crimp-on lug). Terminal 70 is retained by stopper 10d when inserted into positioning hole 10a.

Nut 71 is formed of an approximate horseshoe shape and is of a thick plate material and comprises joint part 71a and open parts 17b and 71c at both ends as shown in FIGS. 19(a)-16(c), wherein FIG. 16(a) is a left side view, FIG. 16(b) is a front view, and FIG.16(c) is a right side view. Cutting part 71d is formed in an open part 71b toward joint part 71a. Screw hole 71e is provided in joint part 71a.

Spring contact 72, of FIG. 15, for example, is formed of an approximate horseshoe shape with a copper spring sheet and has inserted therein nut 71. The spring contact 72 comprises a joint part 72a with open parts 72b and 72c at both ends as shown in FIGS. 17(a)-17(c), wherein FIG. 17(a) is a left side view, FIG. 17(b) is a front view, and FIG. 17(c) is a right side view. Joint part 72a is provided with a hole 72d through which screw 74 is disposed. Open parts 72b and 72c have latches 72e and 72f, respectively. Latches 72e and 72f are inserted into inner case 10b and 10c, respectively and prevent terminal 70 from coming off the positioning hole 10a. Open part 72c is bent into an approximate U-shape inside the horseshoe shaped spring contact 72 and its free end is further formed to be bent inwardly, as shown in FIG. 17(b).

Returning to FIG. 15, card 50 is accommodated in case 10 and guided toward terminal 70 by insert channel 10e and, as shown in FIG. 18, has pads 50a and 50b for connection to mounted circuits (not shown), slits 50c,and holes 50d and 50e. Pad 50a is electrically connected to open part 72c of spring contact 72.

Holder 300 is formed of a heat insulating material, such as polyphenylene sulfide, and holds temperature sensor 301 and comprises positioning pin 300a, projection part 300b, positioning pin 300c, latch 300d, hole 300e,and slit 300f, as shown in FIGS. 19(a)-19(e), wherein FIG. 19(a) is a plan view, FIG. 19(b) is a left side view, FIG. 19(c) is a front view, FIG. 19(d) is a right side view, and FIG. 19(e) is a bottom view. Positioning pin 300a and projection part 300b are inserted into hole 50d and slit 50c, respectively, to thereby position holder 300 onto card 50 (see FIG. 20). Latch 300d is inserted into hole 50e to fix holder 300 to card 50. Hole 300e guides wiring 301a of temperature sensor 301 from the top to the bottom.

Cover 302 (see FIG. 18) is formed of a heat conductive material, such as copper, and holds sensor 301 by covering the sensor with bend 302a formed by bending, and is inserted into slit 300f (see FIG. 19(d)) of holder 300 and then is fixed by positioning pin 300c into hole 302b. Cover 302 is guided by cutting part 71d of nut 71 (see FIGS. 15 and 16(a)) to be thermally connected to open part 72b (see FIG. 17(b)) of spring contact 72.

The assembly of the device is now described with reference to FIG. 18, wherein wiring 301a of sensor 301 is inserted into hole 300e of holder 300 and guided from the top to the bottom of holder 300. Cover 302 is inserted into slit 300f of holder 300 and positioning pin 300c is inserted into hole 302b. This fixes cover 302 to holder 300, and sensor 301 is fixed to holder 300. Sensor 301 is then fixed to cover 302 using silicone or the like. Positioning pin 300a, projection part 300b, and latch 300d are inserted into hole 50d, slit 50c and hole 50e of card 50, respectively. This allows latch 300d to fit into card 50, and holder 300 is fixed to card 50.

Wiring 301a of temperature sensor 301 is soldered to pad 50b of card 50. The completely assembly of holder 300 and card 50 is as shown in FIG. 20. Next, to complete the assembly shown in FIG. 5, card 50 is inserted along insert channel 10e from left to right in FIG. 15. This electrically connects pad 50a of card 50 with open part 72c of spring contact 72 and thermally connects cover 302 with open part 72b of spring contact 72 as guided by cutting part 71d. Then, the heat of terminal 70 is conducted to sensor 301 through cover 302. The thermocouple output can be compensated for temperature by using the temperature measured by sensor 301.

Since sensor 301 is heat insulated from card 50 by cover 302, the terminal temperature can be measured without being affected by the temperature of the card 50, and the thermocouple output can be accurately compensated for the terminal temperature. Also, since sensor 301 is fixed with holder 300 and cover 302, the combined unit can be attached to card 50 as one part, which facilitates assembly. Also,advantageously, since sensor 301 is provided in the space used for the mounting terminal 70,terminals can be provided effectively without impeding reduction of size.

Although the embodiment comprises a nut 71 and spring contact 72, the invention is not limited to such an arrangement. As shown in FIG. 21, the nut and spring arrangement may be made of one part. That is, the contact part 400 is formed of an approximate horseshoe shape with a thick plate and comprises joint part 400a and open parts 400b and 400c at the ends thereof. Joint part 400a is provided with a screw hole in which screw 401 is disposed. Open part 400c is bent into an approximate U-shape inside the horseshoe shaped portion with bend 400d bent after being thinned by forging and the free end bent further inwardly. This provides the spring force required to contact the pad on the card 50.

Terminal Board (B)

FIG. 22 shows case 10 formed in the shape of a barrel. Panel cover 30 is attached to an open end of case 10 and has displays and switches thereon. Terminals 70 are provided at the rear of case 10 with terminals 75, which may be crimp-on type lugs, attached thereto. Card 50 may have electronic components (not shown)mounted thereon, and is attached perpendicularly to panel cover 30, with a card edge connector or pad 50a formed thereon, electrically connected to terminals 70, and holes 51 and 52. Connector 60 is attached to card 50 and electrically connects card 50 to terminals 70.

At terminal 70, nut 71 is formed of an approximate horseshoe shape and has a screw hole. Spring contact 72 is formed of an approximate horseshoe shape with a hoel and one end bent into a horeshoe shape, and acts to contact pad 50a of card 50 as well as hold nut 71 thereunder. Screw 73, with washer 74, fits into the screw hole of nut 71 through the hole of spring contact 72.

In connector 60, first plate 51 is made of an insulating material and is provided perpendicular to card 50. Second plate 62 is made of an insulating material and is provided perpendicular to one end of first plate 61. Contact 63 is made of an electrically conductive material and is formed at right angles and mounted along first plate 61 and second plate 62, and electrically connects terminal 70 to card 50.

Details of the connector 60 are shown in FIGS.23(a)-23(d) and 24 (a)-24(c), wherein details of the first plate 61 and second plate 62 are shown in FIG. 23(a)-23(d), and details of the contact 63 are shown in FIGS. 24(a)-24(c), and wherein FIG. 23(a)is a plan view, FIG. 23(b) is a side view, FIG. 23(c) is a front view, and FIG. 23(d) is a bottom view, and wherein FIG. 24(a) is a plan view, FIG. 24(b) is a front view, and FIG. 24(c) is a side view.

In these figures, main supporter 610 is provided at the other end of first plate 61 and perpendicular thereto. Sub-supporter 611 is linked to main supporter 610 via joint 612. Joint 612 has a through hole 613 at its center. Positioning pin 614 is inserted into 51 of card 50. Channel 620 is provided in second plate 62 and contact 63 is fitted thereinto. Hole 621 comprises second plate 62 and third plate 64 and is guided to channel 620 through contact 63 and at the same time retains contact 63.

Contact part 630 is connected electrically to terminal 70. Latch 631 is provided on a side of contact part 630 to prevent it from coming out of hole 621. Insert pin 632 is inserted into hole 52 of card 50, soldered, and is electrically connected to card 50.

The device is assembled as follows. Contact 63 is press-fitted into hole 621. Press fitting is generally carried out automatically. Positioning pin 614 of connector 60 is inserted into hole 51 of card 50. At the same time, insert pin 632 is inserted into hole 52 of card 50. Connector 60 is mounted on card 50 with first plate 61 disposed perpendicular to card 50 by means of main supporter 610 and sub-supporter 611. Insert pin 632 is soldered to card 50. Sub-supporter is broken at joint 612 and removed from connector 60. Card 50 is mounted perpendicularly to panel cover 30 and together the two are inserted into the open end of case 10. This electrically connects terminal 70 to pad 50a of card 50 and electrically connects contact 63 to terminal 70.

Main supporter 610 prevents connector 60 from falling and thus prevents force from being applied to the soldered part of insert pin 632 by the reactive force to which connector 60 is subjected when connector 60 is inserted. This prevents poor contact from occurring between card 50 and insert pin 632. Card 50 can be connected to terminal 70 and still provide space for the first plate 61. Thus, since it is not necessary for card 50 to provide space for the connectors and studs, otherwise needed, advantageously, more electronic components can be mounted on card 50 of the instant invention.

Moreover, advantageously, since first plate 61 of connector 60 can be mounted perpendicular to card 50 by use of main supporter 610 and sub-supporter 611, connector 60 can be automatically mounted on card 50 and soldered. Also, since sub-supporter 611 is cut at joint 612, it is not necessary to always provide sub-supporter 611. That is to say, sub-supporter 611 does not interfere with the electrical connections when it is disposed between pad 50a of card 50 and the terminal 70.

Although in this embodiment, connector 60 is formed by press-fitting contact 63, the invention is not limited thereto and the conductive part may be made by plating first plate 61 and second plate 62. In this case,connector 60 is mounted on card 50 by linking a structure of the same material as the first plate 61 and equivalent to insert pin 632 with first plate 61 and providing a latch at the tip to avoid it coming out of the hole of the card 50. A conductive part is connected to the structure which is electrically connected to terminal 70 and soldered to card 50. Moreover, although the sub-supporter is shown attached to the main supporter via joint, the sub-supporter may instead be attached to the first plate via a joint.

Terminal Board (C)

FIG. 25 shows details of the embodiment of FIG. 1 and FIG. 26 shows in a rear view the embodiment of FIG. 1 without the connecting terminals or crimp-on lugs. In FIGS. 25 and 26, terminals 70 are provided in case 10 and a fastening plane on which terminals 75, which may be crimp-on lugs, are to be fastened, is formed oblique to the vertical rear plane of case 10. Card 50 has pads, which may be electrodes, not shown, on its surface and are electrically connected to terminals 70.

In case 10, more than one positioning hole 10a is provided through the rear thereof at an approximately square cross section and to which terminals 70 are inserted and attached. Inner cases 10b and 10c are provided counter to positioning hole 10a. A stopper 10d is provided in each positioning hole 10a to retain each terminal 70, respectively. Into each insert channel 10e, a card 50 is inserted and guided to each terminal 70 to be electrically connected.

First partitions 10f are provided at the extended area of the positioning hole 10a to isolate terminal 70 from adjacent terminal 70 and to control the direction of terminals 75 for attachment. Second partitions 10g are provided at the extended area of positioning hole 10a and are disposed perpendicular to the first partitions 10f between terminals 70 to separate adjacent terminals 70. The first and second partitions project from the fastening plane of terminal 70 by a distance of about 2 mm. This projection causes terminals 75 to become deformed toward a direction perpendicular to the fastening plane to prevent contact with adjacent terminals 75, and to maintain a definite clearance from adjacent terminal 70. The nut 71 and spring contact 72 arrangement was already discussed with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17 and no further discussion is needed hereat.

The attaching operation of terminals 75, or crimp-on lugs, in the embodiment, is performed as follows. A terminal 75 is tighened with a screw to nut 71 and spring contact 72 using screw 74. This causes terminal 75 to become deformed because of the second partition 10g, and the wiring direction of terminal 75 is changed when terminal 75 is electrically connected to be flat with spring contact 72 by washer 73. That is, the wiring direction of terminal 75 is changed to be perpendicular to the plane of terminals 70 when terminals 75 are tightened with screws 74. In this case, if terminals 70 are provided side by side, terminals 75 will not contact adjacent terminals 70. This enables certain clearance to be maintained between the terminals 70. Accordingly, no gaps need by definitely formed, which advantageously, enables greater reduction in the size of the panel instrument apparatus.

Moreover, since the first and second partitions 10f,10g, projecting from the fastening plane of terminals 75 can lengthen the creepage distance between adjacent terminals 70, terminals 70 can be provided side by side, which enables further reduction in size of the apparatus. However, the invention is not so limited. For example, although card 50 which is inserted into case 10 is directly connected to terminal 70,another intervening printed circuit board, or card, may be used. Furthermore, although an example of a terminal fitting device comprising nut 71 and spring contact 72 is shown, it may be an integrated fitting.

Terminal Cover

FIGS. 27 and 28 show the embodiment of FIG. 1, wherein case 10 is provided with terminals 70 at the rear and is mounted on panel 100. Positioning parts 81 are provided at the top and bottom of case 10 and have latches 81a and 81b, pins 81f and screws 82. Latches 81a or 81b are inserted into holes (not shown) provided at the top or bottom of case 10. Positioning parts 81 are the component elements of the upper bracket and lower bracket shown in FIG. 28. Pins 81f project toward case 10 and maintain the space between themselves and case 10. Screws 82 fix case 10 to panel 100 by pressing panel 100 against the flange of case 10.

Contact cover 90,formed for example of a polypropylene, comprises first plate 91, second plate 92, 93 and cover terminals 70. The details of contact cover 90 will be described with reference to FIGS. 29(a) and 29(b) wherein FIG. 29(a) is a side view and FIG. 29(b) is a plan view. First plate 91 has a surface which is larger than the rear surface of case 10 (see FIG. 27) and covers terminals 70 (see FIG. 27). Second plates 92,93 are provided at both ends of first plate 91 and are capable of being folded into a U-shape at channels 920,930 and have holes 921, 931, respectively, into which pins 81f are inserted.

Operation of the foregoing is as follows. FIG.30 shows the assembly of the parts shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, except that in these figures, the panel indication is omitted. With case 10 fixed to the pael, second plates 92,193 are folded at their channels 920,930, respectively, and form a U together with first plate 91. Pins 81f are inserted into holes 921,931, respectively. Since contact cover 90 is formed, for example of polypropylene, contact cover 90 is fixed to the panel instrument by utilizing the resilient force of first plate 91 and second plates 92,93, in the direction of the forming plane. When contact cover 90 is to be removed, second plates 92,93 are pressed inwardly from the top and bottom of the case and pins 81f are disengaged from holes 921 and 931.

Since it is not necessary to provide a space for the attaching screws at the rear of the case, a number of added terminals can be provided on the back end face of the case 10. In other words, reduction in size of the apparatus can be readily accomplished with the invention. Also, since screws are not necessary, the possibility of losing the screws can be eliminated and thereby make the removal of the cover more possible with easy.

Although the positioning parts 81 are provided at the top and bottom of case 10, the positioning parts 81 can be provided on both the right and left sides of case 10.

Bracket

FIGS. 31 and 32 show the embodiment of FIG. 1 with the brackets disassembled and assembled, respectively. The width at the front of the top and bottom surfaces of case 10 of the panel instrument are made wider than that at the rear, and also, the height at the front between the top and bottom surfaces is made higher than at the rear. Of course, other relative measurements can be used. The top and bottom surfaces are provided with multiple air holes 17, and have insert holes 18,respectively. Bracket parts 80 are attached to case 10 by inserting latches to insert holes 18 on the top and bottom surfaces of case 10. Thus, case 10 is mounted on a panel (not shown) with bracket parts 80.

FIG. 33 shows a cross section of bracket part 80. FIG. 34 shows a plan view thereof. FIG. 35 shows a bottom view thereof. In FIGS. 33,34,35, positioning part 81 forms an approximate rectangular shape comprising latches 81a and 81b, female screw 81c, supporter 81d, and a hole for tool 81e. The bottom surface of positioning part 81 has a slope at the same angle as that of the top surface of case 10 so that screw 82 is inserted perpendicular to the panel. Latches 81a and 81b are provided at the bottom of positioning part 81 and are inserted into holes 18 provided on case 10, and positioning part 81 is mounted on case 10. Female screw 8lc is provided at the front end of positioning part 81 to which screw 81 is attached. Supporter 81d is provided at the back end of female screw 81c, supports screw 82 screwed into female screw 81c, and, concurrently, prevents a shift of the propelling axis of screw 82 when screw 81 is tightened. A hole 81e for a tool, such as a screwdriver, is provided at the back end of positioning part 81 to insert a screwdriver, not shown,for tightening or loosening screw 82.

Cover 83 is linked with positioning part 81 and covering air holes 17 of case 10 and leaving a space between cover 83 and the air holes 17. Supports 83a support cover 83 so that a space is provided between the top of case 10 and cover 83.

Although not shown, a bracket is also provided under the bottom of case 10. The bracket may take the same configuration as above discussed, but, it is generally configured with positioning part 81 only, and without the cover 83.

Operation of the foregoing component is as follows. A panel instrument, for example a case 10, is inserted into a panel cut-out and latches 81a and 81b of bracket part 80 are inserted into insert holes 18 on the top surface of case 10 to latch the bracket. Then, screw 82 is tightened with a tool, such as screwdriver,inserted through hole 81e. Case 10 is fixed to the panel by securing the panel to the flange of case 10 using screw 82. In other words, the attachment is achieved by pressing screw 82 against the panel.

Heat generated by circuits inside of case 10 is dissipated through holes 17 provided on the top surface of case 10. Heat from the air holes 17 is diffused into the surrounding air through the space between the top of case 10 and the cover 83 of bracket part 80. Cover 83 of bracket part 80 acts to prevent air holes 17 of case 10 from becoming clogged with dust or other components, such as cables, and to prevent dust from getting inside the panel instrument apparatus. This ensures reliable heat dissipation.

The top and bottom surfaces of case 10 can be sloped from the front to the rear, respectively, to facilitate manufacture by injection molding, for example. If the positioning part does not have a slope at its bottom, and is attached to case 10, screw 82 cannot press on the panel perpendicularly. Hence, the force from the screw is distributed to weaken the fixing force, and a part of the force is applied to case 10. This may cause deformation of case 10 by warping of the inside of the case 10. If case 10 warps, printed circuit boards accommodated in case 10 may be difficult to remove. Hence, the bottom surface of positioning part 81 is also sloped. This causes screw 82 to press on the panel surface perpendicularly without distributing the force of screw 82 and thus insures that the case 10 can be fixed to the panel. Also, there is no possibility then of deformation of case 10 by warping toward the inside of the case 10.

Even if screw 82 is not pressed on the panel in a perpendicular manner, depending on the condition of the work, supporter 81d does not cause the propelling axis of screw 82 to become tilted toward the instrument. Thus, there is no possibility of deformation of the case 10 by warping.

Although the bracket part 80 is shown fixed to case 10 by inserting latches 81a and 81b into inserting holes 18, the invention in not so limited. For example, the bracket part 80 may be fixed to case 10 using screws.

In addition, supports 83 are shown to be provided to support cover 83. However, such supports are not necessary. The invention only requires that there be a space between the top of case 10 a cover 83.

The foregoing description is illustrative of the principles of the invention. Numerous extensions and modifications thereof would be apparent to the worker skilled in the art. All such extensions and modifications are to be considered to be within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A panel apparatus comprising:

a printed circuit board having a flat front face and mounted on a surface of said flat front face a plurality of light emitting elements and at separate locations therefrom a plurality of corresponding switches; and

a panel cover having a rear part, said flat front face of said printed circuit board being removably attached to said rear part of said panel cover; wherein

said panel cover comprises a flat surface incorporating therein a plurality of resilient links and a plurality of movable keys coupled to said plurality of resilient links and being disposed at positions corresponding to and movable against resilient force of said resilient links to selectively operate said plurality of said switches on said printed circuit board thereby to selectively operate corresponding ones of said plurality of light emitting elements; and wherein

said panel cover is provided with a plurality of reflecting holes therein arranged at positions corresponding to said plurality of light emitting elements on said printed circuit board so that light from said light emitting elements is emitted through said reflecting holes.

2. A panel apparatus comprising:

a panel cover comprising a plurality of reflecting holes for guiding light from a rear thereof to a front thereof, a plurality of resilient links, and a plurality of keys formed on said front and coupled to said resilient links to form connecting circuits;

a plurality of light emitting elements arranged at said rear of said panel cover at locations corresponding to said plurality of reflecting holes; and

a plurality of contact means operable upon pressing of said keys against resilient force of said resilient links to selectively connect with said contact means and thereby selectively operate ones of said plurality of light emitting elements and cause light to be emitted through the corresponding reflecting holes.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said plurality of reflecting holes are removable from said panel cover.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said plurality of reflecting holes are removable from said panel cover.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said panel cover comprises:

a panel sheet on which data is imprinted or embossed at locations corresponding to locations of said plurality of light emitting elements.

6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said panel cover comprises:

a panel sheet on which data is imprinted or embossed at locations corresponding to locations of said plurality of light emitting elements.

7. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said panel cover comprises:

a panel sheet on which data is imprinted or embossed at locations corresponding to locations of said plurality of light emitting elements.

8. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said panel cover comprises:

a panel sheet on which data is imprinted or embossed at locations corresponding to locations of said plurality of light emitting elements.

9. A panel apparatus comprising:

a panel;

a case; and

a panel cover removable from said case; wherein

said panel cover comprises: an attaching part; a latching means; a knob means, said knob means for removing said panel cover from said case by pressing said latch means; and

said case comprises: an enclosure having an attaching means; a first gasket provided at said attaching means for attaching to said panel; and a second gasket provided at said attaching part of said panel cover for attaching to said enclosure and whereby said knob means is covered thereby.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said second gasket comprises:

switching means forming a channel means into which a tool is inserted; and

spring means coupled to said switching means; and wherein

said panel cover and said case are separated by inserting said tool into said channel means and by turning said tool while concurrently providing force thereto.

11. A panel apparatus comprising:

a plurality of terminals;

a case;

a printed circuit board comprising a card edge connector formed thereon and electrically connected to said plurality of terminals, said plurality of terminals being provided at a rear of said case;

a second plate;

a first plate having one end thereof formed perpendicular to said second plate, said first plate being mounted perpendicular to said printed circuit board;

a connector comprising a pad electrically connected to said printed circuit board and located in a position where said second plate is disposed in parallel to said card edge connector of said printed circuit board; and

said connector is connected to said plurality of terminals.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a main supporter means linked perpendicular to another end of said first plate in a direction opposite to said second plate; and

a subsupporter means linked perpendicular to said main supporter means or to said other end of said first plate in a same direction as said second plate.

13. A panel apparatus comprising:

a plurality of terminals having a fastening plane disposed at an angle to an array plane of said plurality of terminals and to which said plurality of terminals are fastened;

first partition means for separating said plurality of terminals and for controlling attaching direction of said plurality of terminals; and

second partition means for separating adjacent ones of said plurality of terminals, said second partition means being provided perpendicular to said first partition means; wherein

said second partition means projects from said terminal fastening plane, and said plurality of terminals are deformed in a direction perpendicular to said array plane, so that said plurality of terminals are prevented from contacting adjacent ones of said plurality of terminals and a predetermined clearance is maintained therebetween.

14. A panel apparatus comprising:

a panel;

a case having a top, a bottom two sides and a back end plane;

a plurality of terminals arranged on said back end plane;

a plurality of positioning means provided at said top and bottom or on both said sides of said case, and comprising: pins projecting toward said case and maintaining a predetermined spacing between said plurality of positioning means and said case, and screws for fixing said case by applying force to said case and thereby holding said case against said panel; and

a terminal cover means comprising a first plate means for covering said plurality of terminals, and a second plate means provided at both ends of said first plate, each said end having a hole into which said pins are inserted and each said end being formed in a U-shape by said first plate and second plate; and wherein said second plate means acts toward an outside so as to define a plane together with said first plate means and so as to fix said terminal cover.

15. A panel apparatus comprising:

a case having a top surface having a plurality of air holes therein;

a panel; and

bracket means attached to said case; wherein said bracket means comprises:

positioning means attached to said panel apparatus, said positioning means comprising screw means for holding said panel against said panel apparatus; and

cover means mounted on said positioning means for covering said air holes in said top surface and for maintaining a space between said cover means and said air holes.

16. A panel apparatus comprising:

a printed circuit board having a flat front face and mounted at a surface of said flat front face a plurality of light emitting elements and at separate locations on said surface of said flat face a plurality of corresponding switches; and

a panel cover having a rear part, said flat front face of said prined circuit board being removably attached to said rear part of said panel cover; wherein

said panel cover is provided with a plurality of reflecting holes arranged at positions corresponding to said plurality of light emitting elements on said printed circuit board for guiding light emitted by said light emitting element; and wherein

resilient key means are provided for selectively operating said switches to thereby cause selected ones of said plurality of light emitting elements to emit light through corresponding ones of said plurality of reflecting holes.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said plurality of reflecting holes are removable from said panel cover.

18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said panel cover comprises a panel sheet on which data is imprinted or embossed at locations corresponding to locations of said plurality of light emitting elements.

19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said panel cover comprises a panel sheet on which data is imprinted or embossed at locations corresponding to locations of said plurality of light emitting elements.

20. A panel apparatus comprising:

a case;

a plurality of terminals provided at a rear of said case;

a printed circuit board having a card edge connector formed thereon and electrically connected to said plurality of terminals;

a first plate;

a second plate;

said first plate having one end thereof formed perpendicular to said second plate;

said first plate being mounted perpendicular to said printed circuit board; and

a connector comprising a pad electrically connected to said printed circuit board and located in a position where said second plate is in parallel with said card edge connector of said printed circuit board; wherein

said connector is connected to said plurality of terminals.