Terminal block

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to maintain the sealing performance by a sealing member for a further long period of time, and to obtain good sealing performance even when a terminal block is inclined. The terminal block is fixed to a mounting object having a mounting hole, and includes: a terminal including a first end, a second end, and a terminal intermediate portion between the first end and the second end; a seat main body including an insertion portion inserted into the mounting hole, the seat main body being fixed to the mounting object in a state in which the insertion portion is inserted into the mounting hole; and a seal interposed between the insertion portion and the mounting hole in a state in which the seat main body is fixed to the mounting object, the seat main body holding the terminal in a state in which the terminal intermediate portion is covered, and an outer peripheral surface of the seal including a tapered outer peripheral surface that gradually becomes smaller in an insertion direction toward the mounting hole, the tapered outer peripheral surface has a curved surface protruding outward in a cross section along the insertion direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a terminal block. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a terminal block including: a housing that makes a terminal waterproof and is inserted into the housing; an annular seal provided on a surface of the housing that faces an attached body; and an upper cover that presses the seal to the attached body via the housing. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-211933 Summary of the invention Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] Here, it is desired to further maintain the sealing performance by the seal for a long time. In addition, it is desired to obtain good sealing performance even when the terminal block is tilted around the screw fastening portion.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to maintain the sealing performance by the sealing member for a longer period of time and to obtain good sealing performance even when the terminal base is tilted. Means for solving problems

[0006] The terminal block of the present invention is fixed to an installation object having a mounting hole, and the terminal block comprises: a terminal, including a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion of the terminal between the first end and the second end; a seat body, including an insertion portion inserted into the mounting hole, and fixed to the installation object in a state where the insertion portion is inserted into the mounting hole; and a sealing member, which is interposed between the insertion portion and the mounting hole when the seat body is fixed to the installation object, the seat body holds the terminal in a state of covering the intermediate portion of the terminal, and the outer peripheral surface of the sealing member includes a tapered outer peripheral surface that gradually becomes smaller toward an insertion direction into the mounting hole, and the tapered outer peripheral surface has a curved surface that bulges outward in a cross section along the insertion direction. Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, the sealing performance by the sealing member can be further maintained for a long period of time, and even when the terminal base is tilted, good sealing performance can be obtained. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing a terminal block and an object to be mounted according to an embodiment. Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the terminal block before being mounted on an object. Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing a terminal block. Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the terminal block. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a seal. Figure 6 yes Figure 1 VI-VI line cross-sectional view. Figure 7 It is a diagram showing the contact state between the curved surface of the seal and the tapered inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole. Figure 8 The figure shows the contact state between the curved surface of the seal and the tapered inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole when the terminal base is tilted. Fig. 9 It is a cross-sectional view showing a terminal block according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] [Description of Embodiments of the Invention] First, embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of examples.

[0010] The terminal block of the present invention is as follows.

[0011] (1) A terminal block fixed to an installation object having a mounting hole, the terminal block comprising: a terminal including a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion of the terminal between the first end and the second end; a block body including an insertion portion inserted into the mounting hole, the block body being fixed to the installation object in a state where the insertion portion is inserted into the mounting hole; and a sealing member interposed between the insertion portion and the mounting hole when the block body is fixed to the installation object, the block body holding the terminal in a state where the intermediate portion of the terminal is covered, the outer peripheral surface of the sealing member including a tapered outer peripheral surface that gradually becomes smaller in an insertion direction into the mounting hole, and the tapered outer peripheral surface having a curved surface that bulges outward in a cross section along the insertion direction.

[0012] According to the present invention, the outer peripheral surface of the seal includes a tapered outer peripheral surface that gradually becomes smaller toward the insertion direction of the inserting member into the mounting hole. Therefore, when the inserting portion and the seal are inserted into the mounting hole, the seal can be interposed between the inserting portion and the mounting hole in a state where it is also compressed in a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the inserting member into the mounting hole. The rebound force caused by the compression acts in a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the inserting member into the mounting hole, and can be blocked by the inserting portion and the terminal inside the inserting portion. As a result, the seat body is not easily deformed by creep, and the sealing performance based on the seal can be further maintained for a long time.

[0013] In addition, the tapered outer peripheral surface has a curved surface that bulges outward in a cross section along the insertion direction. Therefore, when installed to an installation object, even if the terminal seat is tilted, the curved surface can stably contact the inner peripheral surface of the installation hole to obtain good sealing performance.

[0014] (2) In the terminal seat of (1), the seal may include a pair of long sides arranged in parallel with a gap and a pair of short sides connecting the two ends of the pair of long sides, the length dimension of the seal in the extension direction of the pair of long sides is greater than the width dimension of the seal in the direction connecting the pair of long sides, and the curved surface is formed on the outward side of each of the pair of long sides.

[0015] In the case where the seal is a structure including a pair of long sides arranged in parallel at a distance and a pair of short sides connecting the two ends of the pair of long sides, the terminal seat may be easily tilted with the direction along the pair of long sides as the center. Therefore, by forming a curved surface on the outer peripheral surface of each of the pair of long sides, when the terminal seat is tilted in the direction that is easy to tilt, the curved surface can stably contact the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole.

[0016] (3) In the terminal block of (1) or (2), the curved surface may include a first curved surface and a second curved surface located on the opposite side of the first curved surface, and the first curved surface and the second curved surface are located on the same imaginary circle.

[0017] In this way, when the first curved surface and the second curved surface are located on the same imaginary circumference, when the terminal block is inclined, the contact state of the first curved surface and the second curved surface with respect to the inner circumferential surface of the mounting hole is stable.

[0018] (4) In any one of the terminal blocks of (1) to (3), the curved surface may include an outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical portion having a center of curvature of a swing axis of the block body relative to the mounting object.

[0019] Thus, when the terminal base is rocked about the rocking axis, the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion can stably contact the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole.

[0020] (5) In the terminal block of (4), the center of curvature of the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion may be located on a straight line passing through a first fixing portion and a second fixing portion fixed to the mounting object.

[0021] Thus, when the terminal block is rocked about the straight line passing through the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion as the rocking axis, the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion can stably contact the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole.

[0022] (6) In any one of the terminal blocks described in (1) to (5), the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion may include a pressing tapered outer peripheral surface that gradually becomes smaller toward the insertion direction.

[0023] In this case, the terminal block is press-fitted into the mounting hole and the pressing tapered outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion is pressed against the inner peripheral surface of the seal, so that the seal is easily compressed in a direction intersecting the insertion direction into the mounting hole.

[0024] (7) In the terminal seat of (6), the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion may include an end portion that is continuous with the pressing conical outer peripheral surface at the end side of the insertion direction and is continuous in the same shape along the insertion direction, and the inner peripheral surface of the seal may include an outer end portion that is continuous in the same shape along the insertion direction on the outer peripheral side of the end portion, and the outer end portion in the seal is in a state where the end portion is tightened by its own elastic force.

[0025] This makes it easier to hold the seal relative to the insertion portion so as not to fall off.

[0026] (8) In any one of the terminal blocks described in (1) to (7), the seal may include a plurality of annular ribs extending in the circumferential direction on the inner circumference thereof and arranged in the insertion direction.

[0027] In this case, when the insertion portion is inserted into the mounting hole, the seal can be elastically deformed by crushing the plurality of annular ribs. Thus, even if there is a manufacturing error or an assembly error, the seal can be set in a manner that allows sufficient elastic deformation.

[0028] (9) In the terminal block of (8), the curved surface may be gentler than the inner peripheral surface of the plurality of annular ribs.

[0029] In this case, the seal can be elastically deformed to a large extent by utilizing the multiple annular ribs on the inner circumference of the seal. If the curved surface of the outer circumference of the seal is formed to be gentler than the inner circumference of the seal, even if a partial depression is formed on the inner circumference of the mounting hole, it is easy to push the outer circumference of the seal against the inner circumference of the mounting hole over the circumference of the mounting hole. Thus, the sealing performance between the mounting hole and the seal can be improved.

[0030] (10) In any one of the terminal blocks of (1) to (9), the block body may include a fixing portion connected to a base end side of the insertion portion and fastened to the installation object on the outside of the insertion portion.

[0031] If the fixing portion is fastened to the mounting object, the state in which the insertion portion is pressed into the mounting hole can be maintained.

[0032] [Details of Embodiments of the Invention] Specific examples of the terminal block of the present invention are described below with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to these examples, but is indicated by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0033] [Implementation Method] Hereinafter, the terminal block according to the embodiment will be described.

[0034] <About the overall structure of the terminal block and the mounting object> Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the terminal block 20 mounted on the mounting object 10 . Figure 2 1 is a perspective view showing the terminal block 20 before being mounted on the mounting object 10 . Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the terminal block 20, Figure 4 It is an exploded perspective view of the terminal block 20 . Figure 5 1 is a perspective view showing the sealing member 50 . Figure 6 yes Figure 1 VI-VI line cross-sectional view.

[0035] The terminal block 20 is mounted on an installation object 10 having a mounting hole 12. The installation object 10 is, for example, a part of a housing that houses an electrical component. The housing, for example, covers the electrical component in a sealed state from the external atmosphere. Therefore, it is desirable to also seal between the mounting hole 12 and the terminal block 20.

[0036] The installation object 10 is formed in a plate shape. The installation hole 12 is formed in a manner that penetrates the installation object 10. In the present embodiment, the installation hole 12 is formed in the shape of a long hole. The so-called long hole is an elongated circular hole, for example, a rectangular hole with both ends in the long side direction formed in the shape of a semicircular hole or an elliptical hole. One side opening in the installation hole 12 is an insertion side opening for inserting a part of the terminal block 20, and the opposite side opening is an inner side opening. For example, the insertion side opening of the installation hole 12 is an outer side opening of the shell. The installation object 10 may also be a metal component formed by casting.

[0037] The mounting hole 12 includes a portion formed as a tapered inner peripheral surface 13 that gradually narrows from the insertion side opening toward the inner side opening. In this embodiment, the portion of the mounting hole 12 near the insertion side opening is formed as the tapered inner peripheral surface 13, and the portion of the mounting hole 12 near the inner side opening is formed in a shape that is continuous with the same opening shape. The tapered inner peripheral surface 13 may also be a portion where the edge of the insertion side opening of the mounting hole 12 is chamfered.

[0038] A pair of screw holes 14 are formed on the mounting object 10 at positions outside the mounting hole 12 in the longitudinal direction. A guide hole 15 is formed on the mounting object 10 at positions offset from the positions outside the mounting hole 12 in the longitudinal direction in the mounting hole 12 in the transverse direction.

[0039] The terminal block 20 includes a terminal 22, a block body 30, and a seal 50. The block body 30 is fixed to the mounting object 10 in a state where the terminal 22 is held by the block body 30. In this state, the terminal 22 protrudes to both sides of the mounting hole 12. An electrical component on one side of the mounting object 10 and an electrical component on the other side of the mounting hole 12 can be electrically connected via the terminal 22. The seal 50 is interposed between the block body 30 and the mounting hole 12. The seal 50 seals the gap between the block body 30 and the mounting hole 12.

[0040] <About terminal block> The terminal block 20 will be described in more detail.

[0041] The terminal 22 includes a first end 23, a second end 24, and a terminal intermediate portion 25 between the first end 23 and the second end 24 (see Figure 6 ) conductive member. The terminal 22 is made of, for example, an elongated metal plate. The terminal middle portion 25 is formed in a rectangular plate shape. The first end 23 is connected to one end side of the terminal middle portion 25, and the second end 24 is connected to the other end of the terminal middle portion 25. Holes for fastening and fixing are formed at the first end 23 and the second end 24. The terminal can also be bent in the thickness direction or the width direction. The terminal can also be a combination of multiple components.

[0042] In this embodiment, an example is described in which the terminal block 20 includes three terminals 22. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the number of terminals included in the terminal block is arbitrary.

[0043] The seat body 30 is an insulating member formed of resin or the like. The seat body 30 includes an insertion portion 32 inserted into the mounting hole 12. In the present embodiment, the seat body 30 includes the insertion portion 32, a first terminal holding portion 36, a second terminal holding portion 38, and a fixing portion 40. The seat body 30 is, for example, a portion integrally molded with the same resin. For example, the terminal may be used as an embedded portion and the seat body 30 may be molded by a mold.

[0044] The insertion portion 32 is a portion inserted into the tapered inner peripheral surface 13 of the mounting hole 12. The insertion portion 32 is formed into a shape that gradually becomes smaller from the base end side toward the tip end side according to the tapered shape of the tapered inner peripheral surface 13. When the insertion portion 32 is arranged in the tapered inner peripheral surface 13, an annular space in which the seal 50 can be arranged is formed between the insertion portion 32 and the tapered inner peripheral surface 13.

[0045] The first terminal holding portion 36 is a portion protruding from the distal end of the insertion portion 32. In the present embodiment, the first terminal holding portion 36 is formed in a thin rectangular parallelepiped shape. The second terminal holding portion 38 is a portion protruding from the base end of the insertion portion 32. In the present embodiment, the second terminal holding portion 38 is formed in a thin rectangular parallelepiped shape. The seat body 30 holds the terminal 22 in a state of covering the terminal intermediate portion 25. In the present embodiment, the terminal intermediate portion 25 passes through the insertion portion 32 from the first terminal holding portion 36 to the second terminal holding portion 38. A plurality of terminal intermediate portions 25 are formed in a state of being arranged in parallel at intervals in the seat body 30. A plurality of first ends 23 protrude from the first terminal holding portion 36 in a parallel state. A plurality of second ends 24 protrude from the second terminal holding portion 38 in a parallel state. In addition, a partition wall 37 that partitions the plurality of first ends 23 extends from the distal end of the first terminal holding portion 36.

[0046] The fixing portion 40 is connected to the base end side of the insertion portion 32. The fixing portion 40 is formed in a plate shape protruding from the base end of the insertion portion 32 to the outer peripheral side. In the present embodiment, the fixing portion 40 is formed in an oblong plate shape. The fixing portion 40 is a portion that is fastened and fixed to the installation object 10 on the outside of the insertion portion 32. In the present embodiment, a through hole 42 is formed in the fixing portion 40. Here, a pair of through holes 42 are formed at both ends in the long side direction of the fixing portion 40. A pair of through holes 42 are formed at a position overlapping with the threaded hole 14 in the installation object 10. In a state where the insertion portion 32 is inserted into the installation hole 12, the fixing portion 40 overlaps with the installation hole 12. In this state, the through hole 42 is arranged on the outside of the threaded hole 14. The screw S as a fastener passes through the through hole 42 and is screwed and fastened to the threaded hole 14. Thus, the fixing portion 40 is fastened and fixed to the installation object 10 on the outside of the insertion portion 32.

[0047] In this embodiment, a guide pin 44 is protrudingly provided on the fixing portion 40. When the insertion portion 32 is inserted into the mounting hole 12, the guide pin 44 is inserted into the guide hole 15. Thus, the seat body 30 is guided toward a predetermined position in design relative to the mounting object 10. In addition, when the screw S is tightened, the seat body 30 is not easily tilted relative to the mounting hole 12. The guide pin 44 may also be omitted.

[0048] When the terminal holder 20 is fixed to the installation object 10, the first end 23 protrudes toward one side of the installation object 10 (inside the shell), and the second end 24 protrudes toward the other side of the installation object 10 (outside the shell). It is assumed that the first end 23 is connected to an electrical component on one side of the installation object 10 (inside the shell), and the second end 24 is connected to an electrical component on the other side of the installation object 10 (outside the shell). The electrical component may be, for example, an electrical wiring component including a terminal, etc. For example, holes are formed in the first end 23 and the second end 24, and the first end 23 and the second end 24 are fixed to the electrical component by screws using the holes. The first end 23 and the second end 24 may also be inserted and fixed to the electrical component.

[0049] The seal 50 is formed of an elastic material such as rubber. The seal 50 is formed into an annular shape that can be arranged along the annular gap between the insertion portion 32 and the tapered inner peripheral surface 13. When the seat body 30 is fixed to the installation object 10, the seal 50 is interposed between the insertion portion 32 and the tapered inner peripheral surface 13 of the installation hole 12, and blocks the gap between the insertion portion 32 and the tapered inner peripheral surface 13.

[0050] The outer peripheral surface of the seal 50 includes a tapered outer peripheral surface 52 that gradually tapers toward the insertion direction A of the mounting hole 12. It also has curved surfaces 53a and 53b that bulge outward on the cross section of the tapered outer peripheral surface 52 along the insertion direction A (see Figures 3 to 6 In the present embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 32 includes a pressing tapered outer peripheral surface 33 that gradually becomes smaller toward the insertion direction A into the mounting hole 12 .

[0051] <About Insertion Portion and Seal> The insertion portion 32 and the seal 50 will be described in more detail.

[0052] The insertion portion 32 protrudes from the surface of the fixing portion 40 facing the installation object 10. The outer peripheral portion of the insertion portion 32 includes a pressing tapered outer peripheral surface 33. The base end portion of the pressing tapered outer peripheral surface 33 is formed into an oblong shape smaller than the outer opening of the tapered inner peripheral surface 13. The terminal end portion of the pressing tapered outer peripheral surface 33 is formed into an oblong shape smaller than the inner opening of the tapered inner peripheral surface 13. The pressing tapered outer peripheral surface 33 is formed into a shape that gradually becomes smaller from the base end toward the terminal end. Preferably, when the insertion portion 32 is inserted into the tapered inner peripheral surface 13, a gap of equal width is formed between the pressing tapered outer peripheral surface 33 and the tapered inner peripheral surface 13. For example, the inclination angle of the tapered inner peripheral surface 13 relative to the axial direction of the mounting hole 12 and the inclination angle of the pressing tapered outer peripheral surface 33 may also be the same. However, a gap that gradually narrows toward the inner side may be formed between the pressing tapered outer peripheral surface 33 and the tapered inner peripheral surface 13.

[0053] The outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 32 includes an end portion 34 that is continuous with the above-mentioned pressing tapered outer peripheral surface 33 at the end side of the insertion direction A and continues in the same shape along the insertion direction A. That is, the end portion 34 is a portion of the end portion of the pressing tapered outer peripheral surface 33 extending toward the end side of the insertion direction A in the same shape.

[0054] An annular projection 35 is formed to project toward the outer circumference from the end portion of the end portion 34 on the side of the insertion direction A. The projecting dimension of the annular projection 35 is large enough to be accommodated in the mounting hole 12 .

[0055] The seal 50 is formed into an annular shape that can be arranged on the outer periphery of the insertion portion 32. The outer periphery of the seal 50 includes a tapered outer periphery 52 that gradually tapers toward the insertion direction A. The inner periphery of the seal 50 includes a tapered inner periphery 54 that gradually tapers toward the insertion direction A.

[0056] The tapered outer peripheral surface 52 has curved surfaces 53a and 53b, and the curved surfaces 53a and 53b can be observed to be convex outward in a cross section along the insertion direction A. For example, in a cross section passing through the center of the width direction of the terminal 22 and orthogonal to the plate-shaped terminal 22, the curved surfaces 53a and 53b are curved in a manner of convexly facing downwardly inclined relative to the insertion direction A (at Figure 7 In FIG. 5 , the curved surface 53a before deformation is shown by a double-dashed line.

[0057] The curved surfaces 53a and 53b are curved surfaces before the terminal base 20 is fixed to the installation object 10. When the terminal base 20 is fixed to the installation object 10, the curved surfaces 53a and 53b are pressed against the tapered inner peripheral surface 13. Therefore, it is also conceivable that the outer peripheral surface of the seal 50 is elastically deformed to imitate the shape of the tapered inner peripheral surface 13 and gradually becomes smaller toward the insertion direction A without bending (refer to Figure 6 ).

[0058] The curved surfaces 53 a and 53 b may be formed over the entire circumference of the seal 50 or may be formed in a portion of the circumference of the seal 50 .

[0059] In the present embodiment, the seal 50 is formed into an elongated shape according to the shape of the insertion portion 32. More specifically, the seal 50 includes a pair of long sides 51A arranged in parallel with a gap and a pair of short sides 51B connecting the two ends of the pair of long sides 51A. The length dimension L of the seal 50 in the extending direction of the pair of long sides 51A is greater than the width dimension W of the seal 50 in the direction connecting the pair of long sides 51A. Therefore, the seal 50 is annular and elongated in the extending direction of the long sides 51A.

[0060] Preferably, the pair of long sides 51A are each formed with a curved surface 53a facing outward, and preferably, the pair of short sides 51B are each formed with a curved surface 53b facing outward.

[0061] The tapered inner peripheral surface 54 includes a plurality of annular ribs 55 extending along the circumference thereof and arranged along the insertion direction A. In addition, when a plurality of annular ribs 55 are formed as on the tapered inner peripheral surface 54, the positional relationship of the top group of the annular ribs 55 or the positional relationship of the valley group between the annular ribs 55 can be observed as long as they gradually become smaller toward the insertion direction A.

[0062] The curved surfaces 53a and 53b on the outer peripheral side of the seal 50 are formed more gently than the inner peripheral surface of the plurality of annular ribs 55. The smoothness can also be evaluated by the size of the radius of curvature, and it can be evaluated that the larger the radius of curvature, the smoother it is. For example, in a cross section of the seal 50 observed along the central axis of the seal 50, the radius of curvature of the curved surface 53a or the curved surface 53b appearing on the cross section is greater than the radius of curvature of the annular rib 55 on the inner peripheral side appearing on the cross section. The radius of curvature can be the radius of curvature of the top (i.e., the most protruding part) of the convex shape appearing on the above cross section, or the maximum value of the radius of curvature of the convex shape, or the average value. In addition, the smoothness can also be evaluated by the size of the change in the concave and convex, and it can be evaluated that the smaller the change in the concave and convex is, the smoother it is. For example, the change in the concave and convex is a type of line roughness, and it can also be evaluated by the evaluation value of the idea of ​​the arithmetic mean roughness defined in JISB0601-2001. For example, when observing the cross section of the seal 50 along the center axis of the seal 50, the idea of ​​arithmetic mean roughness can also be applied to the convex contour line appearing on the cross section, and the average value of the absolute value of the difference between the contour line and the average value of the height of the contour line is used as the evaluation value, and the smaller the evaluation value, the smoother it is.

[0063] An outer end portion 54a is formed which is continuous with the tapered inner circumferential surface 54 of the seal 50 at the end side of the insertion direction A and is continuous in the same shape toward the insertion direction A. That is, the outer end portion 54a is a portion where the end portion of the tapered inner circumferential surface 54 is continuous with the end side of the insertion direction A in the same shape. The outer end portion 54a is set to be smaller than the above-mentioned end portion 34 of the insertion portion 32. Therefore, when the outer end portion 54a is arranged around the end portion 34, the outer end portion 54a is in a state of elastic extension. In this case, the outer end portion 54a is in a state of tightening the end portion 34 by its own elastic force. As a result, the seal 50 is not easy to fall off from the insertion portion 32.

[0064] In the present embodiment, the tip end of the seal 50 abuts against the annular protrusion 35 . The annular protrusion 35 also prevents the seal 50 from falling off from the insertion portion 32 .

[0065] When the seal 50 is mounted on the insertion portion 32, the end of the seal 50 on the fixing portion 40 side contacts the fixing portion 40. Thus, when the fixing portion 40 is fixed by pressing against the mounting object 10, the seal 50 can be pressed toward the mounting hole 12 by the pressing force.

[0066] <Examples of contact of curved surfaces and shapes of curved surfaces> Figure 7 and Figure 8 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a state where the terminal block 20 is mounted on the mounting object 10. Figure 7 In the embodiment, the terminal 22 is parallel to the central axis of the mounting hole 12. Figure 8 In FIG. 1 , the terminal 22 is inclined relative to the central axis of the mounting hole 12. Figure 7 and Figure 8 In FIG. 5 , the initial shape of the seal 50 , the position of the threaded hole 14 , and the head of the screw S are shown by double-dashed lines.

[0067] exist Figure 7 In the state shown, the most outwardly bulging vertex portions of the curved surfaces 53a and 53b are pressed against the tapered inner peripheral surface 13. The portions of the curved surfaces 53a and 53b pressed against the tapered inner peripheral surface 13 are elastically deformed into a tapered outer peripheral surface shape imitating the shape of the tapered inner peripheral surface 13. In the cross section along the insertion direction A, the portions of the curved surfaces 53a and 53b pressed against the tapered inner peripheral surface 13 are in a straight line shape.

[0068] like Figure 8 As shown, it is conceivable that the terminal block 20 is in an inclined state relative to the mounting object 10. In this case, a portion of the curved surface on one side of the pair of curved surfaces 53a (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the first curved surface 53a1) close to the fixing portion 40 is pressed against a portion of the tapered inner peripheral surface 13 close to the inner side (refer to Figure 8 The portion of the curved surface on the other side (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the second curved surface 53a2) close to the first end 23 is pressed against the portion of the tapered inner peripheral surface 13 close to the opening (refer to Figure 8 on the left side of the ).

[0069] In this case, since the curved surface 53a is a curved surface 53a that bulges outward in the cross section along the insertion direction A, the curved surfaces 53a1 and 53a2 on both sides contact the tapered inner peripheral surface 13 in the same manner. That is, although the contact positions are different, the same curved portions of the curved surfaces 53a1 and 53a2 on both sides contact the tapered inner peripheral surface 13 forming the same inclination angle.

[0070] Therefore, regardless of whether the terminal base 20 is tilted relative to the installation object 10 or at what angle, the curved surfaces 53a1 and 53a2 can contact the tapered inner peripheral surface 13 in the same contact manner. For example, although the contact positions of the curved surfaces 53a1 and 53a2 relative to the tapered inner peripheral surface 13 are changed, the contact widths can be made as similar as possible. As a result, the sealing performance of the seal 50 is stabilized.

[0071] In particular, when the seal 50 is elongated, it is assumed that the inclination of the position of the pair of long sides 51A is offset up and down, which makes it easier to produce the inclination of the pair of short sides 51B offset up and down. Therefore, if the curved surfaces 53a1 and 53a2 are formed on the pair of long sides 51A, the sealing performance can be effectively maintained even if this inclination occurs.

[0072] Of course, if the curved surfaces 53 b are also formed on the pair of short sides 51B, even when the pair of short sides 51B are tilted in an up-and-down manner, the sealing performance can be effectively maintained.

[0073] When the seal 50 has curved surfaces located at opposite positions, it is preferable that the curved surfaces are located on the same imaginary circumference C. For example, when the curved surface 53a1 is formed on one long side 51A and the curved surface 53a2 is formed on the other long side 51A, it is possible to grasp an example in which the curved surface 53a2 as the second curved surface is located on the opposite side to the curved surface 53a1 as the first curved surface. That is, it is preferable that the curved surfaces 53a1 and 53a2 have the same center of curvature and the same radius of curvature.

[0074] In this case, when the terminal base 20 is tilted, the curved surfaces 53a1 and 53a2 are displaced in a manner inclined at the same angle relative to the tapered inner peripheral surface 13. Therefore, if the curved surfaces 53a1 and 53a2 are located on the same imaginary circle C, the curved surfaces 53a1 and 53a2 are easy to contact with the tapered inner peripheral surface 13 in the same contact manner when the terminal base 20 is tilted.

[0075] Preferably, the curved surfaces 53a1, 53a include a cylindrical portion outer peripheral surface with the swing axis X of the seat body 30 relative to the installation object 10 as the curvature center. The so-called swing axis X of the seat body 30 relative to the installation object 10 is, for example, the rotation center when the seat body 30 is tilted from the design reference posture to the tilted posture when it is assumed that the seat body 30 is in a tilted posture due to the fixed structure relative to the installation object 10. The cylindrical portion outer peripheral surface is a surface that forms a part of the outer peripheral surface of the circumference.

[0076] For example, the center of curvature of the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion of the curved surface 53a1, 53a2 may be located on a straight line L passing through the first fixing portion P1 and the second fixing portion P2 with respect to the installation object 10 (see Figure 1, Figure 8 and Fig. 9 ).

[0077] The fixing parts P1 and P2 are positions that serve as fixing references when the seat body 30 is fixed to the installation object 10. For example, in the present embodiment, the screw S is threadedly fastened to the threaded hole 14 through the insertion hole 42. When the screw S is threadedly fastened to the threaded hole 14, it is a place where the screw S is easily kept at a constant position relative to the installation object 10. In addition, since the head of the screw S presses downward on the upper opening edge of the insertion hole 42, the upper opening edge of the insertion hole 42 close to the head of the screw S is a portion that is easily kept at a constant position relative to the installation object 10. Therefore, it can be understood that the straight line L passing through the center of the upper opening edges of the two threaded holes 14 is the swing axis, and the center of curvature of the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion of the curved surfaces 53a1 and 53a2 is set on the straight line L.

[0078] Thus, the curved surface 53 a can be effectively pressed against the tapered inner peripheral surface 13 in a posture in which the seat body 30 can be easily tilted.

[0079] The outer surface of the short side 51B may be curved or not. For example, the outer surface of the short side 51B may be a curved surface 53b having the same curvature as the curved surface 53a.

[0080] <Effects, etc.> The terminal block 20 is mounted on the mounting object 10 in a state where the seal 50 is mounted on the insertion portion 32. That is, the insertion portion 32 and the seal 50 are inserted into the mounting hole 12 in a state where the first end 23 is directed toward the mounting hole 12. At this time, the seal 50 and the insertion portion 32 are guided toward a predetermined position relative to the tapered inner peripheral surface 13 by inserting the guide pin 44 into the guide hole 15.

[0081] When the seal 50 is disposed in the tapered inner circumferential surface 13 , the tapered outer circumferential surface 52 of the seal 50 is pressed against the tapered inner circumferential surface 13 of the mounting hole 12 .

[0082] The insertion portion 32 is further pressed into the mounting hole 12. For example, the fixing portion 40 is pressed toward the mounting object 10 by screwing and fastening the fixing portion 40 to the threaded hole 14 of the mounting object 10 while the screw S is inserted into the insertion hole 42 of the fixing portion 40. As a result, the insertion portion 32 connected to the fixing portion 40 is further pressed inward relative to the mounting hole 12. Preferably, the fixing portion 40 directly pushes the sealing member 50 to press it into the tapered inner peripheral surface 13.

[0083] Here, the outer peripheral surface of the seal 50 is formed as a tapered outer peripheral surface 52 that gradually becomes smaller toward the insertion direction A. Therefore, when the insertion portion 32 and the seal 50 are pressed into the mounting hole 12, the interval between the insertion portion 32 and the mounting hole 12 is narrowed in the insertion direction A, and the seal 50 is compressed along the insertion direction A. In addition, the interval between the insertion portion 32 and the mounting hole 12 is also narrowed in the direction intersecting the insertion direction A, and the seal 50 is compressed in this direction. Therefore, the seal 50 can be interposed between the insertion portion 32 and the mounting hole 12 in a state of being compressed in the insertion direction A and the direction intersecting the insertion direction A. The elastic restoring force of the seal 50 compressed in this way can well seal the gap between the tapered inner peripheral surface 13 and the tapered outer peripheral surface 52.

[0084] That is, in order to obtain good sealing performance, a large surface pressure can be generated between the tapered inner peripheral surface 13 and the tapered outer peripheral surface 52. In order to generate a large surface pressure, it is considered to increase the amount of crushing of the seal 50. In this embodiment, by compressing the seal 50 in the insertion direction A and the direction intersecting the insertion direction A, the amount of crushing of the seal 50 can be increased, thereby obtaining good sealing performance.

[0085] In addition, the seal 50 is compressed in the insertion direction A and the direction intersecting the insertion direction A, and the repulsive force in the direction intersecting the insertion direction A is blocked by the insertion portion 32 and the terminal 22 in the insertion portion 32. Therefore, the repulsive force blocked by the fixing portion 40 becomes smaller relative to the total crushing amount of the seal 50. As a result, the seat body 30 is not easily deformed by creep, and the sealing performance of the seal 50 can be further maintained for a long time.

[0086] Furthermore, in order to suppress creep deformation, it is not necessary to add a reinforcing rib or a separate metal member to the seat body 30. Therefore, the amount of resin can be reduced, and the size, thickness, weight, and cost can be reduced.

[0087] Furthermore, since the contact portion between the mounting object 10 and the seal 50 is inclined with respect to the insertion direction A, the installation area of ​​the seal 50 can be reduced in a plan view along the insertion direction A. Thus, the terminal block 20 and the installation space thereof can be miniaturized.

[0088] In addition, the tapered outer peripheral surface 52 has curved surfaces 53a, 53b that protrude outward in a cross section along the insertion direction A. Therefore, even if the terminal block 20 is tilted when installed in the mounting hole 12, the curved surfaces 53a, 53b can stably contact the tapered inner peripheral surface 13 of the mounting hole 12, thereby obtaining good sealing performance.

[0089] In addition, since the curved surfaces 53a1 and 53a2 located on opposite sides of the seal 50 are located on the same imaginary circle C, when the terminal base 20 is tilted, the contact state of the curved surfaces 53a1 and 53a2 with respect to the tapered inner peripheral surface 13 of the mounting hole 12 is stable.

[0090] In addition, since the curved surface 53a includes an outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical portion with the rocking axis X of the seat body 30 relative to the installation object 10 as the center of curvature, when the terminal seat 20 is rocked around the rocking axis X, the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion can stably contact the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole.

[0091] If the center of curvature of the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion of the curved surface 53a is located on a straight line L passing through the first fixed portion P1 and the second fixed portion P2 fixed to the installation object 10, then when the terminal base 20 is rocked with the straight line L as the rocking axis, the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion of the curved surface 53a can stably contact the conical inner circumference 13 of the mounting hole 12.

[0092] In addition, the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 32 includes a pressing tapered outer peripheral surface 33 that gradually decreases toward the insertion direction A, and the inner peripheral surface of the seal 50 includes a tapered inner peripheral surface 54 as a shape portion that gradually decreases toward the insertion direction A. Therefore, the seal 50 is easily compressed in a direction intersecting the insertion direction A by pressing the pressing tapered outer peripheral surface 33 of the insertion portion 32 against the tapered inner peripheral surface 54 of the seal 50.

[0093] In addition, the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 32 and the inner peripheral surface of the sealing member 50 respectively include end portions 34 and 54a which are continuous with the above-mentioned pressing tapered outer peripheral surface 33 or tapered inner peripheral surface 54 at the end side of the insertion direction A and are continuous in the same shape along the insertion direction A. In addition, the outer end portion 54a of the sealing member 50 is in a state of tightening the end portion of the insertion portion 32. Thus, it is easy to keep the sealing member 50 from falling off relative to the insertion portion 32.

[0094] In addition, the seal 50 includes a plurality of annular ribs 55. Therefore, when the insertion portion 32 is inserted into the mounting hole 12, the seal 50 can be elastically deformed in a manner that the plurality of annular ribs 55 are crushed. Thus, the dimensions of each part can be designed in consideration of manufacturing errors or assembly errors so that the seal 50 can be sufficiently elastically deformed. Thus, regardless of manufacturing errors or assembly errors, good sealing performance can be obtained.

[0095] In addition, if the curved surfaces 53a and 53b are gentler than the inner peripheral surface of the annular rib 55, the seal 50 can be elastically deformed to a large extent by the plurality of annular ribs 55 on the inner periphery of the seal 50. If the curved surfaces 53a and 53b on the outer periphery of the seal 50 are formed to be gentler than the inner peripheral surface of the seal, even if a partial depression is formed on the tapered inner peripheral surface 13 of the mounting hole 12, the tapered outer peripheral surface 52 and the tapered inner peripheral surface 13 can be easily contacted around the depression.

[0096] For example, the surface of the installation object 10 is sometimes more likely to be partially recessed than the surface of the seat body 30. For example, when the installation object 10 is a metal casting, it is considered that casting pores are easily formed on the surface of the installation object 10. In this way, even if a partial recess is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the installation hole 12, the tapered outer peripheral surface 52 and the tapered inner peripheral surface 13 are easily contacted around it. As a result, the sealing performance between the installation hole 12 and the sealing member 50 can be improved over the entire circumference of the installation hole 12.

[0097] In addition, if the seat body 30 includes a fixing portion 40 connected to the base end side of the insertion portion 32 and fastened to the installation object 10 on the outside of the insertion portion 32, the insertion portion 32 can be maintained in a state of being pressed into the installation hole 12 by the fixing portion 40.

[0098] Furthermore, since the seal 50 is in contact with the fixing portion 40 , it is easy to press-fit the seal 50 into the mounting hole 12 via the fixing portion 40 .

[0099] [Modifications] In the present embodiment, the seal functions as a wedge, and as the seal is inserted into the mounting hole, a force is generated that compresses the seal in a direction intersecting the insertion direction.

[0100] So, for example, Fig. 9 As shown in the terminal seat 120 of the modified example, the outer peripheral surface 151 of the seal 150 corresponding to the seal 50 can also be a surface that gradually becomes smaller toward the insertion direction A, and has a shape including a curved surface 152 (the initial shape is shown by a double dotted line), and the outer peripheral surface 133 of the insertion part 132 corresponding to the insertion part 32 and the inner peripheral surface 153 of the seal 150 can also be surfaces that are partially continuous in the same shape in the insertion direction A.

[0101] Even in Fig. 9In the case shown, the seal 150 is also compressed in the direction intersecting the insertion direction A. The rebound force caused by the compression acts in the direction intersecting the insertion direction A and is blocked by the terminal 22. In addition, even if the terminal base 120 is tilted due to the curved surface 152, the curved surface 152 is stably in contact with the mounting hole 12. Therefore, similar to the above-mentioned embodiment, the terminal base 120 is not prone to creep deformation, etc., and the sealing performance of the seal 150 can be further maintained for a long time, and even if the terminal base 120 is tilted, stable sealing performance can be obtained.

[0102] In addition, the respective configurations described in the above-mentioned embodiment and modified examples can be appropriately combined as long as they do not contradict each other. Description of Reference Numerals

[0103] 10 Installation Objects 12 Mounting holes 13 Conical inner surface 14 Threaded holes 15 Guide hole 20, 120 terminal block 22 terminals 23 End 1 24 End 2 25 Terminal center 30 seats main body 32, 132 Insertion 33 Tapered outer surface for pressing 34 end part 35 Annular protrusion 36 1st terminal holding portion 37 Partition wall 38 Second terminal holding portion 40 Fixed part 42 Insert hole 44 Guide pin 50, 150 seals 51A Long side 51B Short side 52 Conical outer surface 53a, 53b, 152 curved surface 53a1 First curved surface 53a2 Second curved surface 54 Conical inner surface 54a Outer end portion 55 Annular rib 133 Outer Surface 151 Outer Surface 153 Inner Surface A Insertion direction C Imaginary circle P1 1st fixed part P2 Second fixed part S screw X-axis

Claims

1. A terminal block fixed to an installation object having a mounting hole, The terminal block has: A terminal, comprising a first end, a second end, and a terminal middle portion between the first end and the second end; a seat body including an insertion portion inserted into the mounting hole, and fixed to the mounting object in a state where the insertion portion is inserted into the mounting hole; and a sealing member interposed between the insertion portion and the mounting hole in a state where the seat body is fixed to the mounting object, The seat body holds the terminal in a state of covering the middle portion of the terminal. The outer peripheral surface of the sealing member includes a tapered outer peripheral surface that gradually becomes smaller toward an insertion direction into the mounting hole, and the tapered outer peripheral surface has a curved surface that bulges outward in a cross section along the insertion direction.

2. The terminal block according to claim 1, wherein: The sealing member includes a pair of long sides arranged in parallel with a gap and a pair of short sides connecting both ends of the pair of long sides. The length dimension of the seal in the extending direction of the pair of long sides is greater than the width dimension of the seal in the direction connecting the pair of long sides. The curved surface is formed on the outer side of each of the pair of long sides.

3. The terminal block according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The curved surface includes a first curved surface and a second curved surface located on the opposite side of the first curved surface. The first curved surface and the second curved surface are located on the same imaginary circle.

4. The terminal block according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The curved surface includes an outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical portion having a center of curvature of a swing axis of the seat body relative to the mounting object.

5. The terminal block according to claim 4, wherein: The center of curvature of the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion is located on a straight line passing through a first fixing portion and a second fixing portion fixed to the installation object.

6. The terminal block according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion includes a pressing tapered outer peripheral surface that gradually becomes smaller toward the insertion direction.

7. The terminal block according to claim 6, wherein: The outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion includes an end portion which is continuous with the pressing tapered outer peripheral surface at the distal end side in the insertion direction and is continuous in the same shape along the insertion direction. The inner peripheral surface of the sealing member includes an outer end portion which is continuous in the same shape along the insertion direction on the outer peripheral side of the end portion. The outer end portion of the sealing member is in a state where the end portion is tightened by its own elastic force.

8. The terminal block according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The sealing member includes a plurality of annular ribs extending in the circumferential direction on an inner peripheral side thereof and arranged along the insertion direction.

9. The terminal block according to claim 8, wherein: The curved surface is gentler than the inner circumferential surfaces of the plurality of annular ribs.

10. The terminal block according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The seat body includes a fixing portion connected to a base end side of the insertion portion and fastened and fixed to the mounting object at an outer side of the insertion portion.

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