# Patent

## Title
Current input converter

## Abstract

According to one embodiment, a current input converter includes a first metal plate having a solid shape, which has one end attached to the terminal table and one other end attached to one end of a primary-side coil of the transformer, and connects the terminal table and the one end of the primary-side coil of the transformer to each other, and a second metal plate having a solid shape, which has one end attached to the terminal table and one other end attached to one other end of the primary-side coil of the transformer, and connects the terminal table and the other end of the primary-side coil of the transformer to each other.

## Background
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a Continuation Application of PCT Application No. PCT/JP2010/071261, filed Nov. 29, 2010 and based upon and claiming the benefit of priority from prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-271458, filed Nov. 30, 2009, the entire contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference.


FIELD
Embodiments described herein relate generally to a current input converter which internally handles a current input from outside.
BACKGROUND
For example, a protective relay apparatus performs an accident determination calculation depending on a size or a phase condition of an input current to an electric power system. When an accident occurs in a protective block, a gate is instructed to remove the block causing the accident, to protect the safe power system. In this protective relay apparatus, a current input converter is provided to convert an external input current into a predetermined analog amount. Through the current input converter, the external input current is taken into a terminal table in the protective relay apparatus by an instrument transformer. The input current is electrically isolated and converted into a predetermined analog amount by an internal transformer. The analog amount is further converted into a digital amount to perform a calculation processing for an accident determination.
Generally, when a current is taken in from an electric power system into a protective relay apparatus, connection from a terminal table as an input unit of the protective relay apparatus to a primary side of a transformer inside the protective relay apparatus is formed by wiring based on direct conduction or by a patterned conductor on a printed circuit board built in the protective relay apparatus.
In this case, there is a need to reduce resistance from the input unit of the protective relay apparatus to a primary side of the transformer inside the protective relay apparatus, in order to ensure an excessive current tolerance for the input unit. Hence, a thick lead such as a copper wire which has a sufficient line diameter is used when wiring is employed. A pattern width is increased when a patterned conductor is used.
Then, when wiring is employed, spaces for terminal connection and for wiring work are required to connect the terminal table as the input unit of the protective relay apparatus and the lead wire inside the protective relay apparatus, and consequently limit the size of the protective relay apparatus. On the other side, when a pattern on the printed circuit board is used for connection from the terminal table as the input unit of the protective relay apparatus to the primary side of the transformer, double-sided patterning is required or a sufficient pattern width is required in order to suppress increase in temperature of a pattern. Upon necessity, consideration is required to increase a pattern film thickness and consequently limits pattern designing and the size of the printed circuit board. In case of wiring a lead, wiring work is required and therefore causes a possibility of a wiring error when the protective relay apparatus is assembled.
In a structure of mounting a transformer aiming at downsizing/thinning and weight reduction, a transformer is inserted into a through hole formed in a printed circuit board, and a secondary coil is wound about a coil bobbin of the transformer. Support legs extending in mutually opposite directions are formed integrally on the coil bobbin. The support legs are bridged over an open end surface of the through hole on a surface side of the printed circuit board. The transformer is configured to suspend from the printed circuit board and is thereby fixed to the printed circuit board (for example, see Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2004-296471 (hereinafter referred to as “Patent Document 1”)).
In Patent Document 1, however, downsizing/thinning is achieved by modifying the structure of the transformer to simplify assembly of the transformer, and reduction in resistance of a wire or a patterned conductor from a terminal table to a primary side of a transformer inside a protective relay apparatus is not intended. That is, the structure disclosed in Patent Document 1 needs to ensure a sufficient size for the printed circuit board in order to maintain a wiring space or a pattern space on the printed circuit board. Therefore, an input unit of the protective relay apparatus cannot be downsized. In addition, neither wiring work between the terminal table and the primary side of the transformer inside the protective relay apparatus nor wiring check work for preventing wiring errors can be easily carried out.
Under the circumstances, it is desired to provide a current input converter which can shorten connection from a terminal table as an input unit to a primary side of an internal transformer, to satisfy an excessive current tolerance, and can improve work efficiency by preventing wiring errors.



BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a block diagram in which a current input converter according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a plan view of a connection part between a terminal table and an X-phase transformer in the current input converter according to the embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 3 is a side view of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a structural view of a first metal plate which connects a terminal table and an X-phase transformer according to the embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 5 is a structural view of a second metal plate which connects the terminal table and the X-phase transformer according to the embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 6 is a plan view of a connection part between a terminal table and a Y-phase transformer according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 7 is a side view of FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a structural view of a first metal plate which connects the terminal table and the Y-phase transformer according to the embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 9 is a structural view of a second metal plate which connects the terminal table and the Y-phase transformer according to the embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 10 is a plan view of a connection part between the terminal table of the current input converter and a Z-phase transformer according to the embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 11 is a side view of FIG. 10;
FIG. 12 is a structural view of a first metal plate which connects the terminal table and the Z-phase transformer according to the embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 13 is a structural view of a second metal plate which connects the terminal table and the Z-phase transformer according to the embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 14 is a plan view of Example 1 of a connection part between the terminal table of the current input converter and the X-, Y-, and Z-phase transformers according to the embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 15 is a side view of FIG. 14;
FIG. 16 is a plan view of Example 2 of a connection part between the terminal table of the current input converter and the X-, Y-, and Z-phase transformers according to the embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 17 is a partially-cutaway plan view of FIG. 16 where a transformer in the embodiment of the invention is a transformer using an EI core;
FIG. 18 is a side view of FIG. 17;
FIG. 19 is a plan view of Example 3 of the connection part between the terminal table of the current input converter and the X-, Y-, and Z-phase transformers according to the embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of FIG. 19 where the transformer in the embodiment of the invention is a transformer using an EI core; and
FIG. 21 is a plan view of Example 4 of the connection part between the terminal table of the current input converter and the X-, Y-, and Z-phase transformers according to the embodiment of the invention.



DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.
In general, according to one embodiment, there is provided a current input converter. The current input converter includes: a terminal table which takes in an input current from outside; a transformer which electrically isolates the input current taken in by the terminal table and converts the input current into a predetermined analog signal; an analog-to-digital conversion circuit which converts the analog signal obtained by the transformer into a digital signal; a first metal plate having a solid shape, which has one end attached to the terminal table and one other end attached to one end of a primary-side coil of the transformer, and connects the terminal table and the one end of the primary-side coil of the transformer to each other; and a second metal plate having a solid shape, which has one end attached to the terminal table and one other end attached to one other end of the primary-side coil of the transformer, and connects the terminal table and the other end of the primary-side coil of the transformer to each other.
Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram in which a current input converter according to an embodiment of the invention is applied to an input unit of a protective relay apparatus. In the following, descriptions will be given of a case of application as an apparatus to a protective relay apparatus. In FIG. 1, an external input current is input to a terminal table 11 of the current input converter. The input current input to the terminal table 11 is input to a transformer 14 of a current input converter 13 through a metal plate 12 having a solid shape. In the embodiment of the invention, the terminal table 11 and the transformer 14 are connected to each other by the metal plate 12 having a solid shape. Details of the metal plate 12 having a solid shape will be described later.
That is, an input current as an external analog amount to the current input converter is input to the terminal table 11, and is then input to a primary side 15 of a transformer 14 through a metal plate 12 having a solid shape. The metal plate 12 having the solid shape is formed of a copper plate having a small electrical resistance and a solid shape, and transfers the input current to a primary side 15 of the transformer.
The primary side 15 of the transformer is electrically isolated from a secondary side 16 of the transformer. The input current transferred to the primary side 15 of the transformer is transferred as a predetermined analog amount, and is input to an analog input circuit 17. The analog input circuit 17 converts the input analog amount into a predetermined analog amount, and outputs the amount to an analog-to-digital conversion circuit 18.
The analog-to-digital converter 18 is input with the analog signal which is output from an analog input circuit 17 and converts the analog signal into a predetermined digital signal. This digital signal is taken into a calculation processing circuit 19, and performs a predetermined calculation processing. A calculation result of the calculation processing circuit 19 is output as an accident determination result for the electric power system to a relay output circuit 20. When an accident occurs in a protective block in the protective relay apparatus, the relay output circuit 20 outputs an instruction to the outside through a contact output 21.
In the logic input circuit 22, the calculation processing circuit 19 is input with a logic input signal which is used in a calculation processing for an accident determination, when an external contact point which controls a logic input signal voltage input to the logic input circuit 22 closes and the logic input signal voltage is input to a logic input circuit 22 of the protective relay apparatus.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of a connection part between the terminal table 11 and an X-phase transformer 14x in the current input converter according to the embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 is a side view of FIG. 2. FIGS. 2 and 3 show a case where a mono-phase transformer 14x among mono-phase transformers 14x to 14z is connected to connection parts 23x1 and 23x2 among connection parts 23x1, 23x2 to 23z1, and 23z2 of the terminal table 11.
In FIGS. 2 and 3, an end of a first metal plate 25x1 is fixed by a screw 26x1 to the connection part 23x1 of the terminal table 11 mounted on the printed circuit board 24, and an end 27x1 of a primary-side coil 27x of the transformer 14x is connected to the other end of the first metal plate 25x1. Similarly, an end of a second metal plate 25x2 is fixed by a screw to the connection part 23x2 of the terminal table 11 mounted on the printed circuit board 24, and an end 27x2 of the primary-side coil 27x of the transformer 14x is connected to the other end of a second metal plate 25x2. The second metal plate 25x2 is shown, as an example, where an end thereof is attached at a position with a gap maintained from an attachment position thereof to the first metal plate 25x1.
Thus, an end of the first metal plate 25x1 is attached to an upper connection part 23x1 of the terminal table 11 and extends over the second metal plate 25x2. The other end thereof is connected to an end 27x1 of the primary-side coil 27x of the transformer 14x. On the other side, an end of the second metal plate 25x2 is attached to a lower connection part 23x2 of the terminal table 11 and extends below the first metal plate 25x1. The other end thereof is connected to the other end 27x2 of the primary-side coil 27x of the transformer 14x. 
FIG. 4 is a structural view of the first metal plate 25x1 which forms connection between the terminal table 11 and the X-phase transformer 14x. FIG. 4(a) is a plan view and FIG. 4(b) is a side view. Further, FIG. 5 is a structural view of the second metal plate 25x2 which forms connection between the terminal table 11 and the X-phase transformer 14x. FIG. 5(a) is a plan view and FIG. 5(b) is a side view.
The first metal plate 25x1 is connected from the upper connection part 23x1 of the terminal table 11 to an end 27x1 of the primary-side coil 27x of the transformer 14x, and is therefore formed to be laterally greater and longitudinally smaller than the second metal plate 25x2. Further, the second metal plate 25x2 is connected from the lower connection part 23x2 of the terminal table 11 to the other end 27x2 of a secondary coil 27x of the transformer 14x, and is therefore formed to be laterally smaller and longitudinally greater than the first metal plate 25x1. Still further, holes 28x1 and 28x2 for inserting the screws 26x1 and 26x2 to connect with the terminal table 11 are provided.
The first metal plate 25x1 and second metal plate 25x2 each are formed of a copper plate having a solid shape and a low electrical resistance. This is because, if once layout positions of the terminal table 11 and transformers 14 are determined, distances between the connection parts 23 of the terminal table 11 and the primary-side coils 27 of the transformers 14 are determined. Accordingly, the first metal plate 25x1 and second metal plate 25x2 can be formed in solid shapes as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.
FIG. 6 is a plan view of a connection part between the terminal table 11 and a Y-phase transformer 14y in the current input converter according to the embodiment of the invention. FIG. 7 is a side view of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a structural view of a first metal plate 25y1 which forms connection between the terminal table 11 and Y-phase transformer 14y. FIG. 8(b) is a plan view of FIG. 8(a). FIG. 9 is a structural view of a second metal plate 25y2 which forms connection between the terminal table 11 and Y-phase transformer 14y. FIG. 9(a) is a plan view and FIG. 9(b) is a side view.
FIGS. 6 and 7 show a case where the mono-phase transformer 14y among mono-phase transformers 14x to 14z is connected to the connection parts 23y1 and 23y2 among the connection parts 23x1, 23x2 to 23z1, and 23z2 of the terminal table 11. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, an end of the first metal plate 25y1 is attached to an upper connection part 23y1 of the terminal table 11 and extends over the second metal plate 25y2. The other end thereof is connected to an end 27y1 of the primary-side coil 27y of the transformer 14y. On the other side, an end of the second metal plate 25y2 is attached to a lower connection part 23y2 of the terminal table 11 and extends below the first metal plate 25y1. The other end thereof is connected to the other end 27y2 of the primary-side coil 27y of the transformer 14y. 
The first metal plate 25y1 is connected from the upper connection part 23y1 of the terminal table 11 to an end 27y1 of the primary-side coil 27y of the transformer 14y, and is therefore formed to be laterally greater and longitudinally smaller than the second metal plate 25y2, as shown in FIG. 8. The second metal plate 25y2 is connected from the lower connection part 23y2 of the terminal table 11 to the other end 27y2 of the secondary coil 27y of the transformer 14y, and is therefore formed to be laterally smaller and longitudinally greater than the first metal plate 25y1, as shown in FIG. 9. Still further, holes 28y1 and 28y2 for inserting screws 26y1 and 26y2 to connect with the terminal table 11 are provided.
The first metal plate 25y1 and second metal plate 25y2 each are formed of a copper plate having a solid shape and a low electrical resistance. This is because, if once layout positions of the terminal table 11 and transformers 14 are determined, distances between the connection parts 23 of the terminal table 11 and the primary-side coils 27 of the transformers 14 are determined. Accordingly, the first metal plate 25y1 and second metal plate 25y2 can be formed in solid shapes as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.
FIG. 10 is a plan view of a connection part between the terminal table 11 and a Z-phase transformer 14z in the current input converter according to the embodiment of the invention. FIG. 11 is a side view of FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a structural view of a first metal plate 25z1 which forms connection between the terminal table 11 and Z-phase transformer 14z. FIG. 12(a) is a plan view and FIG. 12(b) is a side view. FIG. 13 is a structural view of a second metal plate 25z2 which forms connection between the terminal table 11 and a Z-phase transformer 14z. FIG. 13(a) is a plan view and FIG. 13(b) is a side view.
FIGS. 10 and 11 show a case where the mono-phase transformer 14y among the mono-phase transformers 14x to 14z is connected to the connection parts 23z1 and 23z2 among the connection parts 23x1, 23x2 to 23z1, and 23z2 of the terminal table 11.
As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, an end of the first metal plate 25z1 is attached to an upper connection part 23z1 of the terminal table 11 and extends over the second metal plate 25z2. The other end thereof is connected to an end 27z1 of the primary-side coil 27z of the transformer 14z. On the other side, an end of the second metal plate 25z2 is attached to a lower connection part 23z2 of the terminal table 11 and extends below the first metal plate 25z1. The other end thereof is connected to the other end 27z2 of the primary-side coil 27z of the transformer 14z. 
The first metal plate 25z1 is connected from the upper connection part 23z1 of the terminal table 11 to an end 27z1 of the primary-side coil 27z on the primary side of the transformer 14z, and is therefore formed to be laterally greater and longitudinally smaller than the second metal plate 25z2. The second metal plate 25z2 is connected from the lower connection part 23z2 of the terminal table 11 to the other end 27z2 of the secondary coil 27z on the secondary side of the transformer 14z, and is therefore formed to be laterally smaller and longitudinally greater than the first metal plate 25z1, as shown in FIG. 9. Still further, holes 28z1 and 28z2 for inserting screws 26y1 and 26y2 to connect with the terminal table 11 are provided.
The first metal plate 25z1 and second metal plate 25z2 each are formed of a copper plate having a solid shape and a low electrical resistance. This is because, if once layout positions of the terminal table 11 and transformers 14 are determined, distances between the connection parts 23 of the terminal table 11 and the primary-side coils 27 of the primary side of the transformers 14 are determined. Accordingly, the first metal plate 25z1 and second metal plate 25z2 can be formed in solid shapes as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13.
FIG. 14 is a plan view of Example 1 of a connection part between the terminal table 11 and the X-, Y-, and Z-phase transformers 14x to 14z in the current input converter according to the embodiment of the invention. FIG. 15 is a side view of FIG. 14. In FIG. 14, a reference sign 29 denotes a pattern wiring space where the X-, Y-, and Z-phase transformers 14x to 14z are connected by a wiring pattern on the printed circuit board 24. A reference sign 30 in FIG. 15 denotes a lead wire space where the terminal table 11 and the X-, Y-, and Z-phase transformers 14x to 14z are connected by wiring.
When the terminal table 11 and the X-, Y-, and Z-phase transformers 14x to 14z are connected by a wiring pattern on the printed circuit board 24, double-sided patterning and a pattern width need to be ensured. Upon necessity, consideration is required to increase a pattern film thickness. Therefore, the pattern wiring space 29 of the printed circuit board 24 needs to be sufficiently wide. In the embodiment of the invention, the first metal plates 25x1 to 25z1 and second metal plates 25x2 to 25z2 are configured to have solid shapes, and therefore, connection can be made between the terminal table 11 and the transformers 14 with ensuring an excessive current tolerance and without depending on the size of the pattern wiring space 29 of the printed circuit board 24.
When the terminal table 11 and the X-, Y-, and Z-phase transformers 14x to 14z are connected by wiring leads, thick leads need to be used, and connection terminals for connecting the terminal table 11 to the leads also need to be used. Accordingly, the lead wiring space 30 needs to be sufficiently wide. In the embodiment of the invention, the first metal plates 25x1 to 25z1 and second metal plates 25x2 to 25z2 are configured to have solid shapes, and therefore, connection can be made between the terminal table 11 and the transformers 14 with ensuring an excessive current tolerance and without depending on the size of the pattern wiring space 29 of the printed circuit board 24. Since holes 28 for inserting screws 26 to connect with the terminal table 11 are provided in the first metal plates 25x1 to 25z1 and the second metal plates 25x2 to 25z2, no connection terminal is required any more, and the lead wiring space 30 can be reduced to minimum. Therefore, a current input converter of a small size can be provided.
The first metal plates 25x1 to 25z1 and the second metal plates 25x2 to 25z2 described above may be subjected to a plating process for corrosion prevention. Further, the first metal plates 25x1 to 25z1 and the second metal plates 25x2 to 25z2 have respectively different solid shapes to connect with corresponding ones of the transformers 14x to 14y, depending on locations of the transformers 14x to 14y mounted on the printed circuit board 24, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 8, 9, 12, and 13. Therefore, the metal plates are not erroneously connected but work efficiency can be improved in assembly according to FIG. 20.
Further, peripheries of the first metal plates 25x1 to 25z1 and the second metal plates 25x2 to 25z2 may be covered with an electrically insulating coating or an electrically insulating material. By subjecting the first metal plates 25x1 to 25z1 and the second metal plates 25x2 to 25z2 to an insulating process, the copper plates are not short-circuited to each other even if a foreign material is mixed in between the first metal plates 25x1 to 25z1 and the second metal plates 25x2 to 25z2. An input current as an external analog amount as shown in FIG. 20 can be correctly transferred to primary sides of the transformers, and reliability of the protective relay apparatus can be improved. Further, even if a person touches the first metal plates 25x1 to 25z1 and the second metal plates 25x2 to 25z2, electric shocks can be prevented and safety can be improved.
FIG. 16 is a plan view of Example 2 of a connection part between the terminal table 11 and the X-, Y-, and Z-phase transformers in the current input converter according to the embodiment of the invention. This Example 2 is achieved by modifying Example 1 shown in FIG. 14 in a manner that first metal plates 25x1 to 25z1 and second metal plates 25x2 to 25z2 are made to penetrate a printed circuit board 24 where the transformers 14x to 14y are mounted, the first metal plates 25x1 to 25z1 and the second metal plates 25x2 to 25z2 are connected by patterned wires 31 on the back of the printed circuit board 24, thereby to form primary-side coils of the transformers 14x to 14y. In this manner, stability improves against vibrations and impacts so that reliability in connection with the primary sides of the transformers 14 mounted on the printed circuit board 24 can be improved.
FIG. 17 is a partially-cutaway plan view where the transformer 14x uses an EI core 33. FIG. 18 is a side view of FIG. 17. FIG. 17 shows a case where the transformer 14 is an X-phase transformer 14x, and the same configuration also applies to the Y-phase transformer 14y and Z-phase transformer 14z. 
Through holes 32 are provided in a bobbin 34 of the transformer 14x using the EI core 33. In place of the primary-side coil of the transformer, the first metal plate 25x1 and second metal plate 25x2 are inserted into the through holes 32. The first metal plate 25x1 and the second metal plate 25x2 are connected to each other by a printed circuit board patterned wire 31. In FIGS. 17 and 18, a reference sign 35 denotes a secondary coil. In this manner, the same roll as the primary-side coil 27 of the transformer is satisfactorily played. Accordingly, application is possible to a toroidal core transformer using no bobbin 34 or a transformer of any other iron core type.
FIG. 19 is a plan view of Example 3 of a connection part between the terminal table 11 of the current input converter and the X-, Y-, and Z-phase transformers in the current input converter according to the embodiment of the invention. In this Example 3, in place of connecting the first metal plates 25x1 to 25z1 and second metal plates 25x2 to 25z2 by the patterned wires 31 on the back of the printed circuit board 24 in Example 2 shown in FIG. 16, the first metal plates 25x1 to 25z1 and the second metal plates 25x2 to 25z2 are connected by third metal plates 36 having solid shapes.
As shown in FIG. 16, where the first metal plates 25x1 to 25z1 and the second metal plates 25x2 to 25z2 are connected by the patterned wires 31 on the printed circuit board 24, there is a case that the patterned wires 31 on the printed circuit board 24 cannot ensure a pattern width or a pattern thickness which satisfies an aiming excessive current tolerance due to reasons of ensuring a mount area for surface components.
Hence, as shown in FIG. 19, the third embodiment utilizes a space 37 above a back of a printed circuit board 24 which first metal plates 25x1 to 25z1 and second metal plates 25x2 to 25z2 are made to penetrate, to connect the first metal plates 25x1 to 25z1 and the second metal plates 25x2 to 25z2 by third metal plates 36 having solid shapes and a low electrical resistance. In this manner, an aiming excessive current tolerance is satisfied.
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of FIG. 19 where a transformer 14x uses an EI core 33 and the printed circuit board 24 and a bobbin is are omitted herefrom. FIG. 20 shows a case where the transformer 14 is an X-phase transformer 14x, and the same configuration also applies to a Y-phase transformer 14y and a Z-phase transformer 14z. 
Through holes 32 are provided in a bobbin 34 of the transformer 14x using the EI core 33. In place of a primary-side coil of the transformer, the first metal plate 25x1 and second metal plate 25x2 are inserted into the through holes 32. The first metal plate 25x1 and the second metal plate 25x2 are connected to each other by a printed circuit board patterned wire 31. In FIG. 20, a reference sign 35 denotes a secondary coil. In this manner, the same roll as the coil 27 on the primary side of the transformer is satisfactorily played. Accordingly, application is possible to a toroidal core transformer using no bobbin 34 or a transformer of any other iron core type.
FIG. 21 is a plan view of Example 4 of the connection part between a terminal table 11 and X-, Y-, and Z-phase transformers of a current input converter. In this Example 4, in place of connecting first metal plates 25x1 to 25z1 and second metal plates 25x2 to 25z2 by patterned wires 31 on a back of a printed circuit board 24 in Example 2 shown in FIG. 16, at least the first metal plates 25x1 to 25z1 or the second metal plates 25x2 to 25z2 or both of the plates are folded to connect the first metal plates 25x1 to 25z1 and the second metal plates 25x2 to 25z2 to each other, on the back of the printed circuit board 24 which the first metal plates 25x1 to 25z1 and the second metal plates 25x2 to 25z2 are made to penetrate.
As shown in FIG. 16, where the first metal plates 25x1 to 25z1 and the second metal plates 25x2 to 25z2 are connected by the patterned wires 31 on the printed circuit board 24, there is a case that the patterned wires 31 on the printed circuit board 24 cannot ensure a pattern width or a pattern thickness which satisfies an aiming excessive current tolerance due to reasons of ensuring a mount area for surface components.
Hence, as shown in FIG. 21, Example 4 utilizes a space 37 above the back of the printed circuit board 24 which the first metal plates 25x1 to 25z1 and the second metal plates 25x2 to 25z2 are made to penetrate. The first metal plates 25x1 to 25z1 and the second metal plates 25x2 to 25z2 are made to penetrate primary sides of respectively corresponding transformers 14 mounted on the printed circuit board 24. Thereafter, for example, the first metal plates 25x1 to 25z1 are folded to connect the first metal plates 25x1 to 25z1 and the second metal plates 25x2 to 25z2 to each other. In this manner, an aiming excessive current tolerance can be satisfied, and no third metal plate 36 is required compared with Example 3. Therefore, the number of components is reduced, and cost reduction is achieved.
As described above, according to the embodiments of the invention, connection from a terminal table as an input unit to primary sides of internal transformers can be shortened, and an excessive current tolerance can be satisfied. In addition, work efficiency can be improved by preventing wiring errors.
The invention is not limited just to the embodiments described above but can be practiced by modifying components thereof without deviating from the subject matters of the invention in practical phases. Further, various inventions can be derived form appropriate combinations of a plurality of components disclosed in the foregoing embodiments. For example, several components may be deleted from all the components disclosed in the embodiments. Further, components of different embodiments may be appropriately combined with each other.
While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the inventions.

## Claims

1. A current input converter comprising:
a terminal table which takes in an input current from outside;
a transformer which electrically isolates the input current taken in by the terminal table and converts the input current into a predetermined analog signal;
an analog-to-digital conversion circuit which converts the analog signal obtained by the transformer into a digital signal;
a first metal plate having a solid shape, which has one end attached to the terminal table and one other end attached to one end of a primary-side coil of the transformer, and connects the terminal table and the one end of the primary-side coil of the transformer to each other; and
a second metal plate having a solid shape, which has one end attached to the terminal table and one other end attached to one other end of the primary-side coil of the transformer, and connects the terminal table and the other end of the primary-side coil of the transformer to each other;
wherein peripheries of the first metal plate and the second metal plate are covered with an electrically insulating coating or an electrically insulating material;
wherein the first metal plate and the second metal plate are made to penetrate a printed circuit board where the transformer is mounted, and the first metal plate and the second metal plate are connected to each other by a patterned wire on a back of the printed circuit board, thereby forming the primary-side coil of the transformer; and
wherein in place of connecting the first metal plate and the second metal plate to each other by the patterned wire on the back of the printed circuit board, the first metal plate and the second metal plate are connected to each other by a third metal plate having a solid shape.

2. A current input converter comprising:
a terminal table which takes in an input current from outside;
a transformer which electrically isolates the input current taken in by the terminal table and converts the input current into a predetermined analog signal;
an analog-to-digital conversion circuit which converts the analog signal obtained by the transformer into a digital signal;
a first metal plate having a solid shape, which has one end attached to the terminal table and one other end attached to one end of a primary-side coil of the transformer, and connects the terminal table and the one end of the primary-side coil of the transformer to each other; and
a second metal plate having a solid shape, which has one end attached to the terminal table and one other end attached to one other end of the primary-side coil of the transformer, and connects the terminal table and the other end of the primary-side coil of the transformer to each other;
wherein peripheries of the first metal plate and the second metal plate are covered with an electrically insulating coating or an electrically insulating material;
wherein the first metal plate and the second metal plate are made to penetrate a printed circuit board where the transformer is mounted, and the first metal plate and the second metal plate are connected to each other by a patterned wire on a back of the printed circuit board, thereby forming the primary-side coil of the transformer;
wherein in place of connecting the first metal plate and the second metal plate to each other by the patterned wire on the back of the printed circuit board, the first metal plate and the second metal plate are connected to each other by a third metal plate having a solid shape; and
wherein in place of connecting the first metal plate and the second metal plate by the patterned wire on the back of the printed circuit board, the first metal plate and the second metal plate are connected to each other by folding at least one of the first metal plate and the second metal plate, on the back of the printed circuit board through which the first metal plate and the second metal plate are made to penetrate.