terminal block

Abstract

Provided is a terminal block that ensures safety of a worker while seeking to simplify an interlock portion. The terminal block is provided with: a case (10) that is provided to a battery pack (BP) that is an electrical device; a terminal portion (20) that is provided to the case (10) and has a terminal cover (22) that is fitted to a base (21) that houses a terminal; and an SD switch (40) that has: a female connector (41) that is provided to the case (10); and a lever portion (42) that is fitted to the female connector (41) and mechanically connects and disconnects between the battery pack (BP), the lever portion (42) constituting an interlock portion that restricts a fitting release operation of the terminal cover (22) in a state in which the female connector (41) is fitted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a terminal block. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 disclosed below discloses a terminal block mounted on a battery pack, which is formed by storing multiple battery cells (such as a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery like a lithium-ion secondary battery) in a storage base.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-133269 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, conventional terminal blocks, including the one disclosed in Patent Document 1, require the terminal cover to be removed for maintenance. Therefore, an engagement detection device is provided in the terminal cover to prevent accidental removal. Furthermore, since the terminal block carries a risk of electric shock when installed with, for example, a high-voltage battery pack, it is equipped with a high-voltage disconnection device such as a service / disconnect switch (SD switch) to mechanically switch the high-voltage circuit on and off.

[0008] However, these devices installed on the terminal block function as interlocking parts, thus becoming a necessary structure to ensure the safety of operators, but they have the following problems: the inclusion of multiple detection functions complicates the mechanism and increases manufacturing costs.

[0009] At least one embodiment of the present invention was made in view of the above-described situation, specifically with the aim of providing a terminal block that ensures the safety of operators while simplifying the interlocking mechanism.

[0010] Solution for solving the problem

[0011] A terminal block according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a housing disposed on an electrical device; a terminal portion disposed on the housing and having a terminal cover that engages with a base for storing terminals; and an SD switch having: a female connector disposed on the housing; and a lever portion that engages with the female connector to perform mechanical switching with the electrical device, the lever portion constituting an interlocking portion that restricts the engagement and disengagement of the terminal cover when engaged with the female connector. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the structure of the terminal block in this embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the terminal block of this embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a top view of the terminal block in this embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4A This is a side view showing the first terminal cover in the open state in the first terminal section of this embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4B This is a side view showing the state in which the first terminal cover of the first terminal portion of this embodiment is fitted and fastened.

[0017] Figure 5A This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the state in which the bracket of this embodiment is installed in the housing.

[0018] Figure 5B This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the state in which the support of this embodiment is tilted, restricting the contact between the member and a part of the base.

[0019] Figure 6A This is a side view of the mounting portion of the bracket in this embodiment.

[0020] Figure 6B This is a side view showing the state in which the mounting part of the bracket in this embodiment is equipped with wiring components.

[0021] Figure 7A It's enlarged. Figure 1 A rough 3D view of region C.

[0022] Figure 7B It's enlarged. Figure 1 A rough 3D diagram of region D.

[0023] Figure 8A This is an exploded perspective view showing the engagement / disengagement or engagement state of the terminal portion in this embodiment.

[0024] Figure 8B This is an exploded perspective view showing the engagement / disengagement or engagement state of the terminal portion in this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Hereinafter, one embodiment for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments shown are illustrative to embody the technical concept of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, all other embodiments, methods of use, and techniques that can be conceived by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention are included within the scope and spirit of the present invention, and are included within the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents.

[0026] In addition, there are cases where, for the convenience of illustration and understanding, the accompanying drawings are shown schematically with appropriate changes to the scale, aspect ratio, shape, etc., relative to the actual object, but they are merely examples and are not intended to limit the interpretation of the present invention.

[0027] In this specification, for ease of explanation, the XYZ coordinates are defined as shown in the diagram. That is, the "Z direction" is the direction along the vertical direction, the "X direction" is a direction orthogonal to the Z direction and parallel to the horizontal plane, and the "Y direction" is another direction orthogonal to the Z direction and parallel to the horizontal plane (the direction orthogonal to the X direction). Therefore, in, for example... Figure 1 In the terminal block 100 of this embodiment shown, the Z direction is consistent with the height (thickness) direction (vertical direction) of the terminal block 100, the X direction is consistent with the short side direction (width direction) of the rectangular terminal block 100 when viewed from above, and the Y direction is consistent with the long side direction (front-back direction) of the terminal block 100.

[0028] Furthermore, the use of ordinal numbers such as "1st" and "2nd" in the following descriptions is for convenience only, unless otherwise specified, and is not intended to establish any order.

[0029] The terminal block 100 of this embodiment is used for relaying internal wiring of various electrical devices and external wiring (wire harnesses, etc.) from the outside. Furthermore, as an example, the application of the terminal block 100 of this embodiment to a battery pack BP will be described. This battery pack BP is mounted on a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) or an electric vehicle (EV) that uses a battery-driven motor to drive the vehicle, combining an internal combustion engine and a battery-powered motor.

[0030] [structure]

[0031] The structure of the terminal block 100 in this embodiment will be described. For example... Figures 1-3 As shown in any one of them, as Figure 1 As shown, the terminal block 100 of this embodiment is provided at a predetermined position of the battery pack BP, and includes: a housing 10 and a terminal portion 20 composed of a first terminal portion 20a and a second terminal portion 20b provided on the housing 10.

[0032] <Box>

[0033] As an example, the housing 10 is generally rectangular in shape when viewed from above, and one or more terminal portions 20 are provided on its upper surface. A bracket 30 is installed in the central part of the housing 10, and the bracket 30 is configured to overlap at least a portion of the upper surface of the terminal cover 22, which is closably provided on the base 21 of the terminal portion 20.

[0034] The bracket 30 is mounted on the terminal cover 22 with reference to the positioning part (positioning pin) 12 for mounting components to the housing 10, and is fastened to the mounting part 11 of the housing 10. Furthermore, the bracket 30 will be discussed in detail later.

[0035] Terminal section

[0036] Terminal cover 22 is provided on terminal portion 20 in an openable and closable manner, and is fastened to base 21 by fixing screws 24 through mounting holes 23 that have passed through the upper surface of terminal cover 22. Terminal portion 20 includes: a first terminal portion 20a, which is provided at one end in the Y direction, separated from the central portion of housing 10; and a second terminal portion 20b, which is provided at the other end in the Y direction, separated from the central portion of housing 10. In this embodiment, two terminal portions 20 are provided on housing 10, but at least one is sufficient, and the number of them can be appropriately set.

[0037] The first terminal section 20a has a plurality of terminals provided within the first base 21a, and a terminal harness 200 (equivalent to a "wiring member" in the claims) that functions as a signal line or a power line is connected to the terminal. One end of the terminal harness 200 is connected to the terminal, and the other end is connected to an external electrical device (e.g., a motor for driving, an ECU (electronic control unit), etc., which is the target of power supply).

[0038] A first terminal cover 22a is closably mounted on one end of the first base 21a in such a way that it covers the upper surface of the first base 21a. A first mounting hole 23a is provided at a predetermined position on the upper surface of the first terminal cover 22a for a first fixing screw 24a to pass through.

[0039] The first terminal cover 22a is fitted into the first base 21a in such a way that it covers the inside of the first base 21a. In this state, it is fastened to the first base 21a using a fixing screw 24 (first fixing screw 24a) that has passed through the first mounting hole 23a.

[0040] The second terminal section 20b is provided with a plurality of terminals in the second base 21b. Similar to the first terminal section 20a, the terminals are connected to the terminals by a wire harness 200.

[0041] A second terminal cover 22b is closably mounted on one end of the second base 21b in a manner that covers the upper surface of the second base 21b. A second mounting hole 23b is provided at a predetermined location on the upper surface of the second terminal cover 22b for a second fixing screw 24b to pass through.

[0042] The second terminal cover 22b is fitted with the second base 21b in such a way that it covers the inside of the second base 21b. In this state, it is fastened to the second base 21b using a fixing screw 24 (second fixing screw 24b) that has passed through the second mounting hole 23b.

[0043] The terminal section 20 is structured such that, by fastening the first terminal cover 22a and the second terminal cover 22b, access to the terminals on the first base 21a and the second base 21b is impossible without removing the corresponding covers. Therefore, by setting the first terminal cover 22a and the second terminal cover 22b to a closed state (closed state), the terminal section 20 ensures worker safety by preventing electric shock caused by accidental contact with the terminals of the first terminal section 20a and the second terminal section 20b.

[0044] In addition, such as Figure 4A or Figure 4B As shown, the first base 21a and the second base 21b are respectively provided with openings 25 for guiding the terminal wire harness 200 for connection to the terminal to the outside.

[0045] like Figure 4A As shown, as an example, the opening shape of the opening 25 is approximately U-shaped, and its opening size is set smaller than the external dimensions of the terminal wire harness 200 on which the sealing material 210 is wound on at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface. This is to fully utilize the sealing function of the sealing material 210 to prevent water leakage from the opening 25.

[0046] The opening 25 is configured such that if the terminal wire harness 200 is guided outward from the opening 25, the sealing material 210 is squeezed out from the opening 25, making it impossible to maintain the engagement state of the first terminal cover 22a with respect to the first base 21a. However, the first terminal portion 20a in this embodiment is structured such that when the terminal wire harness 200 is pulled out from the opening 25, the first terminal cover 22a is kept engaged with the first base 21a and secured with the first fixing screw 24a, thus maintaining the engagement state of the first terminal cover 22a with the first base 21a.

[0047] Thus, the first base 21a becomes a structure where the first terminal cover 22a is difficult to engage when the terminal wire harness 200 is extruded from the opening 25. Therefore, the fastening secured by the first fixing screw 24a is essential to ensure the first terminal cover 22a is engaged. Consequently, the terminal block 100 of this embodiment prevents operators from forgetting to fasten the first terminal cover 22a with the first fixing screw 24a. Similarly, for the second terminal portion 20b, the fastening of the second terminal cover 22b with the second fixing screw 24b can also be prevented from being forgotten.

[0048] <Staff>

[0049] The bracket 30 is a component that overlaps with the upper surfaces of the first terminal cover 22a and the second terminal cover 22b in the height direction of the terminal block 100 and is located below the rod portion 42. The bracket 30 is installed in the housing 10 in such a way that it overlaps with at least a portion of the upper surface of the first terminal cover 22a and at least a portion of the upper surface of the second terminal cover 22b.

[0050] The bracket 30 has a through hole 31 through which the female connector 41 of the SD switch 40 passes when it is installed in the housing 10, and a mounting hole 32 corresponding to the position of the mounting part 11 of the housing 10.

[0051] The bracket 30 is configured in a temporary installation state with the female connector 41 passing through the through hole 31 and protruding from the through hole 31, based on the positioning part 12. Then, the mounting screw 33 is threaded into the mounting hole 32 and engaged with the mounting part 11, thereby fastening the bracket 30 in the temporary installation state to the housing 10.

[0052] The opening size of the through hole 31 of the bracket 30 is set to be smaller than the outer dimensions of the rod 42. As a result, at least a portion of the bracket 30, when fastened to the housing 10, overlaps with at least a portion of the rod 42 located above the bracket 30 in the Z direction (vertical direction). Therefore, if the rod 42 is not removed, the bracket 30 becomes a non-removable structure.

[0053] Additionally, a limiting member 34 is provided on the lower surface of the bracket 30. This limiting member 34 abuts against a part of the housing 10 (for example, the positioning part 12) to limit the tilt angle of the bracket 30 relative to the upper surfaces of the first terminal cover 22a and the second terminal cover 22b, relative to the mounting posture of the bracket 30 relative to the housing 10. This "mounting posture" refers to the posture of the bracket 30 when it is fastened and fixed to the housing 10, and it is a posture that is approximately parallel to the upper surfaces of the first terminal cover 22a and the second terminal cover 22b.

[0054] like Figure 5AAs shown, with the bracket 30 installed and securely fixed to the housing 10, the bracket 30 is in a roughly horizontal position, resulting in a slight gap between the limiting member 34 and the positioning part 12. Additionally, as... Figure 5B As shown, even if the bracket 30 is unfastened and is to be disassembled with the rod 42 installed, the limiting member 34 abuts against the side of the positioning part 12, which is part of the housing 10, to limit the tilt angle relative to the upper surfaces of the first terminal cover 22a and the second terminal cover 22b.

[0055] In the terminal block 100 of this embodiment, the opening size of the through hole 31 of the bracket 30 is set to be smaller than the outer dimensions of the rod member 42. Therefore, when manufactured according to the predetermined product dimensions, the rod 42 will not pass through the through hole 31. However, it is also possible that due to the degree of deviation in product dimensions, the opening size of the through hole 31 is similar to the outer dimensions of the rod 42, causing the bracket 30 to tilt or otherwise be forcibly removed from the terminal block 100.

[0056] As a countermeasure to prevent accidental disassembly in the event of deviations in product dimensions, this embodiment employs the following structure: a limiting member 34 is provided on the bracket 30 to limit the tilt angle relative to the upper surfaces of the first terminal cover 22a and the second terminal cover 22b, ensuring that a portion of the rod 42 necessarily abuts against a portion near the through hole 31 without disassembly. Therefore, the operator can disengage the engagement state of the first terminal cover 22a and the second terminal cover 22b by following only the correct machining steps, preventing errors in the machining process.

[0057] like Figure 6A or Figure 6B As shown, the bracket 30 is provided with a mounting and fixing part 35 for mounting other wiring components (vehicle wiring harness 300, etc.) besides the terminal wiring harness 200. These other wiring components are wired to other electrical equipment (driving motor, etc.) besides the battery pack BP mounted on the terminal block 100. Figure 6A In this embodiment, the mounting and fixing part 35 is a mounting hole formed at the part where the end of the bracket 30 is bent and erected.

[0058] like Figure 6BAs shown, the mounting and fixing part 35 is for mounting the fixing member 310, which is provided to the vehicle wiring harness 300 wound near the terminal block 100. In this embodiment, the vehicle wiring harness 300, which is the object to be mounted relative to the mounting and fixing part 35, is a member that is mounted and fixed to the mounting and fixing part 35. In the vehicle manufacturing process, if it is not installed in the predetermined mounting position, the assembly operation cannot be completed. Therefore, if the operator cannot install the vehicle wiring harness 300 in the mounting and fixing part 35, the assembly operation cannot be completed, and the operator can naturally notice that the bracket 30 has been forgotten to be installed.

[0059] Additionally, the bracket 30 includes a covering portion 36, which comprises: a first covering portion 36a, which, when the bracket 30 is mounted to the housing 10, is configured to overlap at least a portion of the head of the first fixing screw 24a that fixes the first terminal cover 22a; and a second covering portion 36b, which, when the bracket 30 is mounted to the housing 10, is configured to overlap at least a portion of the head of the second fixing screw 24b that fixes the second terminal cover 22b. The covering portion 36 is used to prevent fastening tools from accessing the first fixing screw 24a and the second fixing screw 24b when the bracket 30 is mounted to the housing 10.

[0060] exist Figure 7A The middle shows Figure 1 A magnified view of region C in the image. Figure 7B The middle shows Figure 1 A magnified view of region D in the image. (See image for example.) Figure 7A As shown, the first covering portion 36a is provided on the bracket 30 such that it covers at least a portion of the head of the first fixing screw 24a when the bracket 30 is installed onto the housing 10.

[0061] The first covering portion 36a is provided in such a way that it covers at least a portion of the head of the first fixing screw 24a. However, from the viewpoint of effectively preventing the fastening tool from accessing the first fixing screw 24a, it is preferable to provide it in such a way that it covers at least a portion of the tool hole that is provided to the head of the first fixing screw 24a. It is even more preferable to provide it in such a way that it completely covers the head of the first fixing screw 24a.

[0062] like Figure 7B As shown, the second covering portion 36b is provided on the bracket 30 such that it covers at least a portion of the head of the second fixing screw 24b when the bracket 30 is installed onto the housing 10.

[0063] The second covering portion 36b is provided in such a way that it covers at least a portion of the head of the second fixing screw 24b. However, from the viewpoint of effectively preventing the fastening tool from accessing the second fixing screw 24b, it is preferable to provide it in such a way that it covers at least a portion of the tool hole that is provided to the head of the second fixing screw 24b. It is even more preferable to provide it in such a way that it completely covers the head of the second fixing screw 24b.

[0064] Thus, with the bracket 30 installed, even if the first fixing screw 24a and the second fixing screw 24b are to be removed, the fastening tool cannot properly engage with the tool holes of the first fixing screw 24a and the second fixing screw 24b. Therefore, unnecessary removal of the first terminal cover 22a and the second terminal cover 22b can be prevented.

[0065] As described above, in the terminal block 100 of this embodiment, the bracket 30 is a component that must be disassembled to release the engagement state of the first terminal cover 22a and the second terminal cover 22b. Together with the lever portion 42 of the SD switch 40, it functions as an interlocking part between the first terminal portion 20a and the second terminal portion 20b. Furthermore, since the bracket 30 is installed in contact with the upper surfaces of the first terminal cover 22a and the second terminal cover 22b, it also prevents wobbling caused by displacement of the covers.

[0066] <SD Switch>

[0067] The SD switch 40 is a service disconnect switch (high-voltage disconnect switch) that functions as a terminal component for disconnecting the power circuit for the purpose of inspecting and maintaining the terminal block 100. The SD switch 40 includes: a female connector 41, which is disposed on the upper surface of the housing 10; and a lever 42, which is mounted on the female connector 41 by pressing it toward the female connector 41 (downward).

[0068] The SD switch 40 is a mechanical switch that functions as an interlocking part to disconnect the electrical connection between the electrical equipment and the terminal block 100 by manual operation. The SD switch 40 can mechanically switch the connection with the connected electrical equipment. When the lever 42 is installed in the female connector 41 and is in an engaged state, it is electrically connected to the battery pack BP. When the lever 42 is disengaged from the female connector 41, it disconnects the electrical connection with the battery pack BP.

[0069] The external dimensions of the rod portion 42 are set to be larger than the opening size of the through hole 31 of the bracket 30. If the rod portion 42 is installed on the female connector 41 with the bracket 30 installed, at least a portion of the rod portion 42 overlaps with a portion of the bracket 30 in the X direction.

[0070] In the terminal block 100 of this embodiment, the rod 42 is a component that is first removed in order to remove the bracket 30, and has the following structure: when the rod 42 is installed, even if the bracket 30 is to be removed, at least a part of the rod 42 will interfere with the upper surface of the bracket 30 and will not be removed.

[0071] Therefore, even if the operator performs the work in the wrong order, the first terminal cover 22a and the second terminal cover 22b cannot be disassembled. Thus, it is possible to prevent electric shock to the operator caused by accidentally accessing the interior of the first terminal part 20a and the second terminal part 20b.

[0072] As described above, the terminal block 100 of this embodiment has the following structure: if the rod 42 is not disassembled, the bracket 30 cannot be disassembled; in addition, if the bracket 30 is not disassembled, the engagement state of the first terminal cover 22a of the first terminal part 20a and the second terminal cover 22b of the second terminal part 20b cannot be released.

[0073] That is, in the terminal block 100 of this embodiment, the bracket 30 and the SD switch 40 with the lever 42 function as an interlocking part that restricts the movement of the other (the engagement and disengagement of the first terminal cover 22a and the second terminal cover 22b) based on the state of one (the installation state of the bracket 30 and the lever 42). Furthermore, the SD switch 40 also functions as an interlocking part that mechanically switches the electrical connection of the terminal block 100 on and off during maintenance by performing predetermined operations such as disassembling the lever 42. Therefore, the terminal block 100 of this embodiment ensures the safety of operators while simplifying the structure of the interlocking part.

[0074] [action]

[0075] Next, while referring to Figure 8A , Figure 8B The operation of the terminal block 100 in this embodiment will be explained. Among them, the "fitting operation" of setting the terminal cover 22 to the fitted state and the "fitting release operation" of a series of operations when the terminal cover 22 is released from the fitted state will be explained.

[0076] <Matching Actions>

[0077] The operation of setting the first terminal cover 22a and the second terminal cover 22b into an engaged state will be explained. First, as... Figure 8A As shown, in the fitting step 1, the first terminal cover 22a is fastened and fixed by the first fixing screw 24a while it is fitted with the first base 21a. Additionally, the second terminal cover 22b is fastened and fixed by the second fixing screw 24b while it is fitted with the second base 21b.

[0078] Next, as the second fitting step, the bracket 30 is temporarily installed, and the bracket 30 is fastened to the housing 10 using the mounting screws 33. After installing the bracket 30, the fixing member 310 for the vehicle wiring harness 300 is installed on the mounting and fixing part 35. Thus, the terminal part 20 is in an interlocked state where the head of the first fixing screw 24a is covered by the first covering part 36a, and the head of the second fixing screw 24b is covered by the second covering part 36b, thus restricting the fitting and releasing action of the first terminal cover 22a and the second terminal cover 22b.

[0079] And, as Figure 8B As shown, in the fitting step 3, the rod 42 is installed on the female connector 41. Thus, the terminal 20 is in an interlocked state where the disassembly of the bracket 30 is restricted due to the fitting state of the rod 42.

[0080] In addition, the terminal block 100 is in the state where the SD switch 40 is installed on the rod 42, and therefore, it is electrically connected to the battery pack BP.

[0081] <Interlocking and disengagement action>

[0082] Next, the operation of releasing the engagement state of the first terminal cover 22a and the second terminal cover 22b will be explained. The engagement release operation is performed when the terminal block 100 is being inspected, and is the opposite of the engagement operation described above. That is, as engagement release step 1, firstly, the lever 42 of the SD switch 40 is disassembled. As a result, the interlocking state of the lever 42 with the bracket 30 is released.

[0083] Next, as step 2 of the engagement release process, the mounting screws 33 are removed to release the fastening between the bracket and the housing 10, and the bracket 30 is then removed. Additionally, while removing the bracket 30, the fixing member 310 for the vehicle wiring harness 300 is removed from the mounting fixing part 35. This releases the interlocking state between the bracket 30 and the terminal part 20.

[0084] Furthermore, as step 3 of the engagement release process, the first fixing screw 24a of the first terminal portion 20a is removed to release the engagement state of the first terminal cover 22a, and the second fixing screw 24b of the second terminal portion 20b is removed to release the engagement state of the second terminal cover 22b. Thus, the terminals of the first terminal portion 20a and the terminals of the second terminal portion 20b can be accessed separately.

[0085] In addition, for the terminal block 100, with the first terminal cover 22a and the second terminal cover 22b disengaged, the lever 42 of the SD switch 40 can be removed, thereby disconnecting the electrical connection with the battery pack BP for safe maintenance.

[0086] [Effects]

[0087] As described above, the terminal block 100 of this embodiment includes: a housing 10, which is disposed on a battery pack BP as an electrical device; a first terminal portion 20a and a second terminal portion 20b, which are disposed on the housing 10 and have a first terminal cover 22a and a second terminal cover 22b that engage with a first base 21a and a second base 21b for storing terminals; and an SD switch 40, which has a female connector 41 disposed on the housing 10 and a lever portion 42 that engages with the female connector 41 to mechanically switch on and off with the battery pack BP, the lever portion 42 constituting an interlock portion that restricts the engagement and disengagement of the first terminal cover 22a and the second terminal cover 22b when engaged with the female connector 41.

[0088] With this structure, the engagement of the first terminal cover 22a of the first terminal portion 20a and the second terminal cover 22b of the second terminal portion 20b cannot be released without disassembling the lever 42. That is, the lever 42 functions as an interlocking part that restricts the engagement and disengagement of the first terminal cover 22a and the second terminal cover 22b according to the installation state. Therefore, unlike existing technologies, there is no need for a dedicated interlocking mechanism for the terminal portion 20 separate from the SD switch 40, ensuring operator safety and simplifying the interlocking mechanism. Furthermore, even when the terminal block 100 is installed in high-voltage electrical equipment such as a battery pack BP, the ability to switch between the terminal block and the high-voltage circuit via the SD switch ensures operator safety.

[0089] Alternatively, the terminal block 100 of this embodiment may preferably be configured as follows: the interlocking part includes a bracket 30, which has a through hole 31 for the female connector 41 to pass through when it is installed on the housing 10 in the following manner: it is provided on the first terminal cover 22a and the second terminal cover 22b in such a way that it overlaps with at least a portion of the first terminal cover 22a and at least a portion of the second terminal cover 22b, and the opening size of the through hole 31 is set to be smaller than the shape of the rod 42 in such a way that the bracket 30 overlaps with at least a portion of the rod 42.

[0090] With this structure, the bracket 30 cannot be disassembled without removing the rod 42, and the engagement state of the first terminal cover 22a of the first terminal 20a and the second terminal cover 22b of the second terminal 20b cannot be released without removing the bracket 30. In other words, the bracket 30 functions as an interlock that restricts the engagement and disengagement of the first terminal cover 22a and the second terminal cover 22b according to the installation state. Therefore, unlike existing technologies, there is no need to provide a dedicated interlock mechanism for the terminal 20 separate from the SD switch 40, ensuring operator safety and simplifying the interlock mechanism.

[0091] Alternatively, the terminal block 100 of this embodiment may preferably be configured such that the bracket 30 has a limiting member 34 that limits the tilt angle of the bracket 30 relative to the upper surfaces of the first terminal cover 22a and the second terminal cover 22b with respect to the mounting posture of the bracket 30 relative to the housing 10.

[0092] By configuring the structure in this way, even if the opening size of the through hole 31 is approximately the same as the outer dimensions of the rod 42 due to deviations in product dimensions, the inclination angle relative to the upper surfaces of the first terminal cover 22a and the second terminal cover 22b is limited, ensuring that a portion of the rod 42 will inevitably abut against a portion near the through hole 31 without disassembly. Therefore, the operator can disengage the engagement of the first terminal cover 22a and the second terminal cover 22b by following only the correct machining steps, preventing errors in the machining process.

[0093] Alternatively, the terminal block 100 of this embodiment may preferably be configured as follows: the bracket 30 is provided with a first covering portion 36a and a second covering portion 36b that overlap with at least a portion of the head of the first fixing screw 24a and at least a portion of the head of the second fixing screw 24b that fastens the first terminal cover 22a and the second terminal cover 22b to the housing 10.

[0094] With this structure, even when the bracket 30 is installed, the tightening of the first fixing screw 24a and the second fixing screw 24b is to be released, and the tightening tool cannot properly engage with the tool holes of the first fixing screw 24a and the second fixing screw 24b, thus preventing unnecessary disassembly of the first terminal cover 22a and the second terminal cover 22b.

[0095] Alternatively, the terminal block 100 in this embodiment may preferably be configured as follows: the bracket 30 has a mounting and fixing part 35 for fixing a fixing member 310 for mounting other wiring components such as the vehicle wiring harness 300, which is wired to other connected objects (such as a driving motor) other than the battery pack BP.

[0096] If the component such as the vehicle wiring harness 300, which is fixed to the mounting part 35, is not installed in the predetermined mounting position, the assembly operation cannot be completed. Therefore, if the operator cannot install the vehicle wiring harness 300 in the mounting part 35, the assembly operation cannot be completed, and the bracket 30 may be forgotten to be installed.

[0097] Alternatively, the terminal block 100 of this embodiment may preferably be configured as follows: the first base 21a and the second base 21b have openings 25 for guiding the terminal wire harness 200, which is a wiring member connected to the terminal, to the outside. The terminal wire harness 200 connected to the terminal is provided with a flexible sealing material 210 on at least a portion of its outer peripheral surface and its shape is larger than the openings 25.

[0098] By configuring the structure such that, for example, the first base 21a is designed to be difficult to fit the first terminal cover 22a when the terminal harness 200 is connected, it is possible to prevent the operator from forgetting to fasten the first terminal cover 22a by the first fixing screw 24a.

[0099] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0100] 10. Housing; 11. Mounting part; 12. Positioning part; 20. Terminal part (20a, first terminal part; 20b, second terminal part 20b); 21. Base (21a, first base; 21b, second base); 22. Terminal cover (22a, first terminal cover; 22b, second terminal cover); 23. Mounting hole (23a, first mounting hole; 23b, second mounting hole); 24. Fixing screw (24a, first fixing screw; 24b, second fixing screw); 25. Opening; 30. Bracket; 31. Through hole; 32. 33. Mounting hole; 34. Mounting screw; 35. Restricting member; 36. Mounting fixing part; 37. Covering part (36a, first covering part; 36b, second covering part); 40. SD switch; 41. Female connector; 42. Rod part; 100. Terminal block; 200. Terminal wire harness (wiring member between electrical equipment); 210. Sealing material; 300. Vehicle wire harness (wiring member between equipment other than electrical equipment); 310. Fixing member; BP. Battery pack (electrical equipment connected to the terminal block).

Claims

1. A terminal block, comprising: The enclosure, which is installed in electrical equipment; The terminal section includes a base disposed on the upper surface of the housing and for housing terminals, and a terminal cover fitted with the base; and An SD switch comprising: a female connector protruding from the upper surface of the housing; and a lever portion engaging with the female connector to mechanically switch on and off with the electrical equipment. The rod portion constitutes an interlocking part that restricts the engagement and disengagement of the terminal cover when it is engaged with the female connector.

2. The terminal block according to claim 1, wherein, The interlocking part includes a bracket having a through hole through which the female connector passes when installed in the housing such that it abuts against the upper surface of the terminal cover in a manner that overlaps with at least a portion of the terminal cover. The opening size of the through hole is set to be smaller than the shape of the rod such that at least a portion of the bracket overlaps with the rod.

3. The terminal block according to claim 2, wherein, The bracket has a limiting member that limits the tilt angle of the bracket relative to the upper surface of the terminal cover with respect to the mounting posture of the bracket relative to the housing.

4. The terminal block according to claim 3, wherein, The housing has a positioning part that extends outward from the outer surface and positions the bracket for installation. By abutting against the positioning part, the tilt angle of the bracket relative to the upper surface of the terminal cover is limited relative to the mounting posture of the bracket relative to the housing.

5. The terminal block according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The bracket is provided with a covering portion that overlaps at least a portion of the head of the fixing screw that secures the terminal cover to the housing.

6. The terminal block according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The bracket has a mounting and fixing part for mounting other wiring components that are wired to other connected objects besides the electrical equipment.

7. The terminal block according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The base has an opening for guiding wiring components connected to the terminals to the outside. The wiring component connected to the terminal has at least a portion of its outer peripheral surface provided with a flexible sealing material and is shaped to be larger than the opening.

8. The terminal block according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The electrical equipment is a battery pack that supplies power to the motor that drives at least the vehicle.

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