Terminal block with current sensor

Abstract

A terminal block with a current sensor includes: a plate-shaped bus bar; a current sensor configured to detect a current flowing through the bus bar; a housing that holds the bus bar and the current sensor and is attached to an attachment hole of a housing of the electronic device; a first annular sealing member; and a second annular sealing member in which a first connection portion on one end side of the bus bar and a second connection portion on the other end side of the bus bar are exposed to the outside of the housing, and an intermediate portion of the bus bar is located inside the housing, the first annular sealing member being attached to an outer peripheral portion of the intermediate portion of the bus bar, and the second annular sealing member being attached to an outer peripheral portion of the intermediate portion of the bus bar. The first annular sealing member is attached to an outer peripheral portion of the housing to seal between the bus bar and the housing, and the second annular sealing member is attached to an outer peripheral portion of the housing to seal between the housing and the attachment hole.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a terminal block with a current sensor, in which the terminal block for connecting wiring and the current sensor are integrated. Background Art

[0002] Fig.10 The conventional terminal block 501 shown (see Patent Document 1) is fixed to a housing of a traction motor mounted on an automobile, and includes three bus bars 503, a collar 515, and a housing 502 that holds them.

[0003] Each bus bar 503 has a first connection portion 531 located at one end side and a second connection portion 532 located at the other end side. The first connection portion 531 has a bolt insertion hole 531a formed therein. The terminal of the motor is placed on the first connection portion 531, and the terminal is fastened to the first connection portion 531 by bolts and nuts so that the first connection portion 531 is electrically connected to the terminal of the motor. The second connection portion 532 is electrically connected to the terminal of the inverter.

[0004] The housing 502 includes a flange portion 521 that holds a collar 515 and a bus bar holding portion 522 that is connected to the flange portion 521 and holds the middle portion of the bus bar 503. The flange portion 521 is placed on the housing of the motor, and the bus bar holding portion 522 passes through the attachment hole in the housing. Bolts pass through the collar 515 and nuts are screwed onto the bolts, thereby fixing the terminal block 501 to the housing of the motor.

[0005] In this way, the terminal block 501 electrically connects the terminals of the motor with the terminals of the inverter. The current between the inverter and the motor is monitored by a current sensor and a control unit and is controlled to a predetermined current value. The current sensor is provided separately from the terminal block 501 and is provided in the inverter or the motor.

[0006] Related technologies

[0007] Patent Literature

[0008] [Patent Document 1] JP2022003619A Summary of the invention

[0009] Problems to be solved by the present invention

[0010] As described above, in the conventional technology, the terminal block and the current sensor are separately provided, and the inverter or the motor including the terminal block and the current sensor is enlarged.

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a terminal block with a current sensor which can reduce the size of an electronic device.

[0012] Solutions to the problem

[0013] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a terminal block with a current sensor includes: a plate-shaped busbar; a current sensor configured to detect current flowing through the busbar; a shell that holds the busbar and the current sensor and is attached to a mounting hole of a housing of an electronic device; a first annular sealing component; and a second annular sealing component, wherein a first connection portion on one end side of the busbar and a second connection portion on the other end side of the busbar are exposed to the outside of the shell, and a middle portion of the busbar is located inside the shell, the first annular sealing component is attached to the outer peripheral portion of the middle portion of the busbar to seal between the busbar and the shell, and the second annular sealing component is attached to the outer peripheral portion of the shell to seal between the shell and the mounting hole.

[0014] Beneficial effects of the present invention

[0015] Compared with a case where a terminal block and a current sensor are separately provided, a terminal block with a current sensor in which the terminal block and the current sensor are integrated according to one aspect of the present disclosure occupies less installation space, thereby enabling a reduction in size of an electronic device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a terminal block with a current sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 Seen from different angles Figure 1 A perspective view of the terminal block with current sensors.

[0018] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Plan view of the terminal block with current sensor.

[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Front view of the terminal block with current sensors.

[0020] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Rear view of the terminal block with current sensors.

[0021] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 Side view of the terminal block with current sensors.

[0022] Figure 7 is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA.

[0023] Figure 8 A diagram showing a mounting hole for mounting to a housing of an electronic device Figure 1 Terminal block with current sensor.

[0024] Fig. 9 Yes Description Figure 1 An explanatory diagram of the structure of the current sensor.

[0025] Fig.10 This is a three-dimensional diagram of a conventional terminal block.

[0026] Reference Mark List

[0027] 1 Terminal block with current sensor

[0028] 2 Housing

[0029] 3 Busbars

[0030] 7 Current sensor

[0031] 8. Housing

[0032] 13 first annular sealing member

[0033] 14 Second annular sealing member DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Reference Figures 1 to 9 A “terminal block with current sensor” 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0035] Figures 1 to 7 The terminal block 1 with current sensor shown is used as a component of "e-Axle" and is Figure 8 The e-Axle is an integrated unit of a motor, an inverter, and a transmission, and is installed in a car that uses a motor as a main power source. Figure 8 In the embodiment, one surface 8a of the housing 8 faces the motor room, while the other surface 8b faces the inverter room.

[0036] The terminal block 1 with current sensor includes: a bus bar 3, a current sensor 7, a circuit board 16, a connector part 4, a housing 2, a cover 20, a collar 15, a first nut 11, a first nut retainer 5, a second nut 12, a second nut retainer 6, a first annular sealing component 13 and a second annular sealing component 14.

[0037] The busbar 3 is obtained by stamping a metal plate. In this example, the busbar 3 is a long thin metal plate strip bent at a right angle at one position, forming an L-shape as a whole. The terminal block 1 with a current sensor includes three busbars 3 having the same structure and size.

[0038] One end of the bus bar 3 is a first connection portion 31, and the other end is a second connection portion 32. The middle portion 33 of the bus bar 3 is positioned inside the housing 2. The first connection portion 31 and the second connection portion 32 are exposed to the outside of the housing 2. The first connection portion 31 and the middle portion 33 are connected flush with each other. The boundary between the second connection portion 32 and the middle portion 33 is bent at a right angle. The first connection portion 31 and the second connection portion 32 have bolt insertion holes 31a and 32a formed therein, respectively.

[0039] like Figure 8 As shown, the first connection part 31 is provided in the inverter chamber, and the inverter terminal is placed thereon. The first connection part 31 and the inverter terminal placed thereon are electrically connected by fastening them together with a bolt and a first nut 11. Figure 7 As shown, the first nut 11 is placed on the first connection portion 31 in a state where the bolt hole of the first nut 11 overlaps with the bolt insertion hole 31a. A bolt insertion hole overlapping the bolt insertion hole 31a is formed on the terminal of the inverter, and a bolt is passed through the bolt insertion hole of the inverter and the bolt insertion hole 31a so that the bolt is screwed into the first nut 11.

[0040] like Figure 8 As shown, the second connection part 32 is disposed in the motor chamber, and the motor terminal is placed on the second connection part 32. The second connection part 32 and the motor terminal placed thereon are electrically connected by fastening them together with bolts and second nuts 12. Figure 7 As shown, the second nut 12 is placed on the second connection portion 32 in a state where the bolt hole of the second nut 12 overlaps the bolt insertion hole 32a. A bolt insertion hole overlapping the bolt insertion hole 32a is formed on the terminal of the motor, and a bolt is passed through the bolt insertion hole of the motor and the bolt insertion hole 32a so that the bolt is screwed into the second nut 12.

[0041] A total of three current sensors 7 are provided, and each current sensor 7 is provided for a corresponding bus bar 3 to detect the current flowing through the bus bar 3. Figure 7 and Fig. 9 As shown, each current sensor 7 includes a C-shaped magnetic core 71 surrounding the middle portion 33 of the bus bar 3 and a detection element 72 disposed in a gap portion of the magnetic core 71. The detection element 72 is mounted on the circuit board 16.

[0042] When current flows from the inverter to the motor via the bus bar 3, a magnetic flux proportional to the current is generated in the magnetic core 71. The detection element 72 converts the magnetic flux generated in the magnetic core 71 into a voltage. The output voltage of the detection element 72 is output to the control unit via the circuit board 16, the connector part 4, the wiring connected to the connector part 4, etc.

[0043] like Figure 4As shown, the connector portion 4 includes a plurality of terminals 42 and a housing portion 41 that holds the plurality of terminals 42. The plurality of terminals 42 are electrically connected to the circuit board 16.

[0044] The housing 2 is made of an insulating synthetic resin and integrally includes a flange portion 21 , a main body portion 22 , a first nut holder holding portion 23 , a partition wall 24 , and a second nut holder holding portion 25 .

[0045] The flange portion 21 is formed in a plate shape and holds the two collars 15. Figure 8 As shown, the flange portion 21 is placed on one surface 8a of the housing 8. Then, bolts are passed through the collars 15, and nuts are screwed onto the bolts, thereby fixing the terminal block 1 with a current sensor to the housing 8.

[0046] The main body 22 protrudes from one surface of the flange 21. The middle portion 33 of the bus bar 3 and the magnetic core 71 are embedded in the main body 22 and are integrated with the main body 22. The main body 22 is formed with: an accommodating space 28 for accommodating the detection element 72 and the circuit board 16; a recess 26 for accommodating the first annular sealing member 13; and an annular groove 27 for attaching the second annular sealing member 14. The main body 22 passes through the attachment hole of the housing 8.

[0047] The accommodation space 28 is open in one direction, and the detection element 72 and the circuit board 16 are accommodated in the accommodation space 28 through the opening. The opening is closed by the cover 20.

[0048] The recessed portion 26 is formed concavely from the end surface of the main body portion 22 away from the flange portion 21 toward the flange portion 21. Three recessed portions 26 are formed. One end of each bus bar 3 passes through the corresponding recessed portion 26 and is exposed to the outside of the main body portion 22 (the outside of the housing 2). The other end of each bus bar 3 passes through the flange portion 21 and is exposed to the outside of the housing 2.

[0049] A total of three first annular sealing members 13 are provided, and each first annular sealing member 13 is provided for a corresponding bus bar 3. The first annular sealing member 13 is attached to the outer periphery of the middle portion 33 of the bus bar 3 to seal between the outer periphery of the bus bar 3 and the inner periphery of the recess 26.

[0050] An annular groove 27 is formed at the outer periphery of the body portion 22. The annular groove 27 is also formed near the flange portion 21. The second annular seal member 14 attached to the annular groove 27 seals between the outer periphery of the body portion 22 and the inner periphery of the attachment hole of the housing 8.

[0051] Since the first annular seal member 13 and the second annular seal member 14 serve as an oil-proof structure, the terminal block with a current sensor 1 can be used in an environment exposed to oil.

[0052] Three first nut holder holding portions 23 are provided. The first nut holder holding portions 23 extend from the end surface of the main body portion 22 away from the flange portion 21 to the opposite side of the flange portion 21. Each first nut holder holding portion 23 is provided near a corresponding one of the recesses 26. The three first connection portions 31 are provided side by side, and the three first nut holder holding portions 23 position the first nut holder 5 between the first connection portions 31 and the first nut holder holding portions 23. The connector portion 4 and the three first connection portions 31 are provided side by side.

[0053] There are provided two partition walls 24. The partition wall 24 extends from the end surface of the body portion 22 which is remote from the flange portion 21 to the opposite side of the flange portion 21. Each partition wall 24 is provided between the first nut holder holding portions 23 adjacent to each other.

[0054] The second nut holder holding portion 25 is provided on a surface of the flange portion 21 on the opposite side from the main body portion 22 .

[0055] The first nut holder 5 is a component that holds the first nut 11 and is assembled to the housing 2, and is made of an insulating synthetic resin. A total of three first nut holders 5 are provided, and each first nut holder 5 is provided for a corresponding one of the bus bars 3. Figure 7 As shown, the first nut retainer 5 integrally includes: an annular attachment portion 51, which is attached to the outer peripheral portion of the middle portion 33 of the bus bar 3; a locking arm 52, which is locked to the first nut retainer holding portion 23; and a nut holding portion 53, which holds the first nut 11. The annular attachment portion 51 is inserted into the recess 26 to prevent the position of the first annular sealing member 13 from being shifted.

[0056] The second nut holder 6 is a component that holds three second nuts 12 and is assembled to the housing 2, and is made of an insulating synthetic resin. The second nut holder 6 integrally includes: three contact portions 61 that contact the flange portion 21; three holding plate portions 62 that are connected to each of the contact portions 61; two connecting portions 63 that connect adjacent holding plate portions 62; and two locking arms 64 that are connected to each of the connecting portions 63.

[0057] like Figure 7 As shown, the contact portion 61 positions the second nut 12 between the contact portion 61 and the second connecting portion 32. The retaining plate portion 62 positions the second nut 12 between the retaining plate portion 62 and the second nut holder retaining portion 25. The locking arm 64 is locked into the second nut holder retaining portion 25.

[0058] The terminal block 1 with current sensor in this example is constructed by molding the housing 2 with the bus bar 3, the magnetic core 71 and the collar 15 by insert molding, and then assembling the other components. However, as long as the first annular sealing member 13 and the second annular sealing member 14 are provided, the bus bar 3 and the magnetic core 71 may be assembled into the housing 2 by a fixing method other than insert molding.

[0059] Compared with the case where the terminal block and the current sensor 7 are separately provided, the terminal block 1 with the current sensor in which the terminal block and the current sensor 7 are integrated takes up less installation space, thereby enabling the size of the e-Axle to be reduced. In addition, due to the integration, the amount of resin used in the housing is less than the amount of resin used in the case of separation, which helps to reduce costs.

[0060] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are merely representative forms of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. In other words, the present invention can be implemented with various modifications within the scope of the gist of the present invention. As long as the configuration of the present invention is still included in such modifications, it should be understood that these modifications are all included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A terminal block with a current sensor, comprising: Plate-shaped busbars; a current sensor configured to detect a current flowing through the bus bar; a housing that holds the bus bar and the current sensor and is attached to an attachment hole of a housing of an electronic device; a first annular sealing member; as well as a second annular sealing member, The first connection portion at one end of the bus bar and the second connection portion at the other end of the bus bar are exposed to the outside of the housing, and the middle portion of the bus bar is located inside the housing. The first annular sealing member is attached to the outer periphery of the middle portion of the bus bar to seal between the bus bar and the housing, and The second annular sealing member is attached to the outer peripheral portion of the housing to seal between the housing and the attachment hole.

2. The terminal block with current sensor according to claim 1, wherein: The current sensor includes: a C-shaped magnetic core surrounding the middle portion of the bus bar; and a detection element provided in a gap portion of the magnetic core.

3. The terminal block with current sensor according to claim 2, further comprising: a circuit board on which the detection element is mounted, wherein the middle portion of the bus bar and the magnetic core are embedded in the housing to be integrated with the housing, The detection element and the circuit board are detachably accommodated in the accommodation space of the housing, and The terminal block with a current sensor further includes a cover for covering the accommodation space.

4. The terminal block with current sensor according to claim 1, wherein: A bolt insertion hole is provided on each of the first connection portion and the second connection portion, and The terminal block with current sensor also includes: a first nut, the first nut being placed on the first connecting portion; a first nut holder that holds the first nut and is assembled with the housing; a second nut placed on the second connecting portion; and A second nut holder holds the second nut and is assembled with the housing.

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