Terminal block and method for manufacturing terminal block

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a terminal block and a method for manufacturing the terminal block capable of improving the assemblability of a housing. A terminal block (1) is provided with: a bus bar (10); a housing (20) provided with an insertion space portion (21) into which the second connection portion (12) of the bus bar (10) is inserted in the axial direction (X); a gasket (30) that is inserted into the insertion space section (21) together with the second connection section (12) and seals an annular space between the outer surface of the second connection section (12) and the inner surface of the insertion space section (21); and a pad holder (40) that has a bus bar insertion section (41) through which the second connection section (12) is inserted in the axial direction (X), and that is inserted into the insertion space section (21) in a state in which the second connection section (12) is inserted into the bus bar insertion section (41), the other end surface (40a) in the axial direction (X) is in contact with the pad (30), and the one end surface (40b) in the axial direction (X) is in contact with the planar section (13a).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to terminal blocks and a method for manufacturing terminal blocks. Background Technology

[0002] As a technology related to conventional terminal blocks, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a terminal block comprising: a busbar having a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion; a housing having an insertion space for inserting the second connecting portion of the busbar; a gasket inserted into the insertion space together with the second connecting portion of the busbar to seal the annular space between the outer surface of the second connecting portion and the inner surface of the insertion space; and a gasket retainer having a busbar insertion portion through which the second connecting portion is inserted in the axial direction, the gasket retainer being inserted into the insertion space with the second connecting portion inserted through the busbar insertion portion and the other end face in the axial direction abutting against the gasket.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-211933 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, in the terminal block described in the aforementioned Patent Document 1, there is room for further improvement, for example, in terms of improving the assemblability of the busbar, gasket, and gasket retainer to the housing.

[0008] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a terminal block and a method for manufacturing the terminal block that can improve the assemblability of the housing.

[0009] Technical means for solving problems

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the terminal block of the present invention comprises: a busbar having: a first connecting portion extending along an axial direction and connected to a first connecting terminal; a second connecting portion extending along the axial direction and located offset from the first connecting portion in the axial direction and in a plate thickness direction intersecting the axial direction, and connected to a second connecting terminal; and an intermediate portion connecting the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, and including a planar portion extending along the plate thickness direction; and a housing having a spacer for the second connecting portion of the busbar to extend along the plate thickness direction. The insertion space portion is inserted in the axial direction; a gasket, which is inserted into the insertion space portion together with the second connecting portion and seals the annular space between the outer surface of the second connecting portion and the inner surface of the insertion space portion; and a gasket retainer, which has a busbar insertion portion through which the second connecting portion is inserted in the axial direction, wherein the gasket retainer is inserted into the insertion space portion with the second connecting portion inserted in the busbar insertion portion and the other end face of the gasket retainer in the axial direction abutting the gasket and one end face in the axial direction abutting the planar portion.

[0011] In addition, to achieve the above objectives, the manufacturing method of the terminal block according to the present invention includes: a first step of assembling a pad retainer having a busbar insertion portion through which a second connecting portion is inserted along the axial direction onto a busbar, the busbar having: a first connecting portion extending along the axial direction and connected to a first connecting terminal; a second connecting portion extending along the axial direction and located at a position offset from the first connecting portion in the axial direction and in a plate thickness direction intersecting the axial direction, and connected to a second connecting terminal; and an intermediate portion connecting between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion and including a planar portion extending along the plate thickness direction; a second step of assembling a pad from the other side of the axial direction onto the busbar insertion portion through which the second connecting portion is inserted. In the connecting part state, the busbar abuts the other end face of the pad holder in the axial direction with the pad and abuts the other end face of the pad holder in the axial direction with the planar portion; in the third step, the busbar integrated with the pad holder and the pad is assembled into the housing having an insertion space for the second connecting part of the busbar to be inserted in the axial direction, and the pad is temporarily fixed to the large diameter portion of the insertion space; and in the fourth step, the pad holder is pressed into the insertion space relative to the insertion space on the other side of the axial direction through the planar portion, thereby pressing the pad into the small diameter portion of the insertion space located on the other side of the axial direction of the large diameter portion, and the pad is formally fixed to the small diameter portion.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] In the terminal block and its manufacturing method of the present invention, the gasket retainer is inserted into the insertion space of the housing with its second connecting portion inserted through the busbar insertion portion, its other end face in the axial direction abutting against the gasket, and its other end face in the axial direction abutting against the planar portion of the busbar. According to this structure, the terminal block and its manufacturing method, for example, by pressing the gasket retainer toward the other side in the axial direction using the planar portion, can press the gasket retainer down while simultaneously pressing the gasket into a predetermined position within the insertion space. As a result, the terminal block and its manufacturing method improve the assemblability of the housing. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is an exemplary perspective view of the terminal block involved in the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 This is an exemplary exploded perspective view of the terminal block involved in the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 This is an exemplary perspective view of the padding of the terminal block according to the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 This is an exemplary perspective view of the pad holder of the terminal block according to the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 This is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the terminal block involved in the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 This is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the terminal block involved in the embodiment, and is a diagram illustrating the first step.

[0020] Figure 7 This is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the terminal block involved in the embodiment, and is a diagram illustrating the second step.

[0021] Figure 8 This is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the terminal block involved in the embodiment, and is a diagram illustrating the third step.

[0022] Figure 9 This is an exemplary flowchart of a method for manufacturing a terminal block according to an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 10 This is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the terminal block involved in the variation.

[0024] Figure 11 This is an exemplary perspective view of the busbar of the terminal block involved in the variation.

[0025] Figure 12This is an exemplary perspective view of a pad holder for a terminal block, as described in a variation.

[0026] Figure 13 This is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the terminal block involved in the variation, and is a diagram showing the first step.

[0027] Figure 14 This is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the terminal block involved in the variation, and is a diagram illustrating the second step.

[0028] Figure 15 This is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the terminal block involved in the variation, and is a diagram illustrating the third step.

[0029] Figure 16 This is an exemplary flowchart of a method for manufacturing a terminal block according to a variation.

[0030] Symbol Explanation

[0031] 1. 1A terminal block

[0032] 3 First connecting terminal

[0033] 4 Second connection terminal

[0034] 10 busbars

[0035] 11 First connecting part

[0036] 12 Second connecting part

[0037] 12b end portion

[0038] 13. Middle section

[0039] Planar sections 13a and 13b

[0040] 17 recess

[0041] 20. Housing

[0042] 21 Insertion Space Section

[0043] 21a Large diameter part

[0044] 21b Small diameter section

[0045] 25 Press-in section

[0046] 30 Padding

[0047] 40 Gasket retainer

[0048] 40a The other end face

[0049] 40b One end face

[0050] 41 Busbar Insertion Section

[0051] 43 convex part

[0052] 44 Locking section

[0053] X-axis direction

[0054] Z-thickness direction Detailed Implementation

[0055] Hereinafter, embodiments and modifications of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and modifications described below. Additionally, the constituent elements in the embodiments and modifications described below include elements that can be easily substituted by those skilled in the art, or elements that are substantially the same.

[0056] Furthermore, the same constituent elements are included in the embodiments and variations disclosed below. Therefore, these same constituent elements will be given common symbols below, and repeated descriptions will be omitted. In addition, in this specification, ordinal numbers are used only to distinguish parts, elements, locations, positions, directions, etc., and do not indicate order or priority.

[0057] [Example]

[0058] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the terminal block 1 involved in the embodiment. Figure 1 The terminal block 1 shown in this embodiment is mounted in vehicles such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles to relay the electrical connection between the first device D1 and the second device D2. The terminal block 1 in this embodiment is configured to include multiple busbars 10, and the first connection terminal 3 of the first device D1 (refer to...) Figure 5 The second connection terminal 4 of the second device D2 is electrically connected to the first connection portion 11 provided at one end of the plurality of busbars 10. Furthermore, in the terminal block 1 of this embodiment, the second connection terminal 4 of the second device D2 is electrically connected to the second connection portion 12 provided at the other end of the plurality of busbars 10. The first device D1 is, for example, one of a motor and an inverter, and the second device D2 is, for example, the other of a motor and an inverter. Moreover, the terminal block 1 is not limited to this example; for example, it can also be used for relaying the first device D1 or the second device D2 with a wiring component, or for relaying wiring components with each other, etc.

[0059] Furthermore, in the following description, the first direction among the intersecting first, second, and third directions will be referred to as "axial direction X", the second direction as "width direction Y", and the third direction as "thickness direction Z". Here, axial direction X, width direction Y, and thickness direction Z are approximately orthogonal to each other. Axial direction X typically corresponds to the extension direction of the plurality of busbars 10, the insertion direction of the plurality of busbars 10 relative to the housing 20, the depth direction (front-back direction) of the terminal block 1, etc. Width direction Y typically corresponds to the width direction of the plurality of busbars 10, the width direction (left-right direction) of the terminal block 1, etc. Thickness direction Z typically corresponds to the thickness direction of the plurality of busbars 10 (first connecting portion 11 and second connecting portion 12), the fastening direction of the plurality of busbars 10 to the first connecting terminal 3 and the second connecting terminal 4, the height direction (up-down direction) of the terminal block 1, etc. In addition, unless otherwise specified, the directions used in the following description are described in the state where the terminal block 1 is assembled with the first connecting terminal 3 and the second connecting terminal 4.

[0060] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of terminal block 1. (See diagram below.) Figure 2 As shown, the terminal block 1 is configured, for example, to include a plurality of busbars 10, a housing 20, a gasket 30, a gasket retainer 40, and a sealing member 50. The plurality of busbars 10 are terminal fittings made of a conductive metal material and are electrically connected to the first connecting terminal 3 and the second connecting terminal 4 described above. In this embodiment, three busbars 10 are arranged in a Y-direction along the width of the terminal block 1. Furthermore, the number of busbars 10 is not limited to this example; for example, one, two, or four or more busbars 10 may be provided.

[0061] The busbar 10 is configured, for example, to include: a first connecting portion 11 provided at one end in the axial direction X, a second connecting portion 12 provided at the other end in the axial direction X, and an intermediate portion 13 provided between the first connecting portion 11 and the second connecting portion 12. The first connecting portion 11, the second connecting portion 12, and the intermediate portion 13 are integrally formed from a conductive metal material. That is, the busbar 10 is formed into a crank shape by performing various processes such as bending on a metal plate according to the shapes corresponding to each of the first connecting portion 11, the second connecting portion 12, and the intermediate portion 13.

[0062] The first connecting portion 11 is electrically and mechanically connected to the first connecting terminal 3. The first connecting portion 11 extends along the axial direction X. A mounting hole 11a is provided in the first connecting portion 11 for mounting fastening components such as bolts that fasten the busbar 10 and the first connecting terminal 3. The mounting hole 11a is a through hole that extends through the first connecting portion 11 along the thickness direction Z, and is configured, for example, as a circular hole with a diameter larger than the shaft portion of the bolt.

[0063] The second connecting portion 12 is electrically and mechanically connected to the second connecting terminal 4. The second connecting portion 12 extends along the axial direction X and is located on the opposite side of the first connecting portion 11 in the axial direction X and offset in the thickness direction Z. A mounting hole 12a is provided in the second connecting portion 12 for mounting fastening components such as bolts that secure the busbar 10 and the second connecting terminal 4. The mounting hole 12a is a through hole that extends through the second connecting portion 12 along the thickness direction Z, and is, for example, configured as a circular hole with approximately the same diameter as the shaft portion of the bolt.

[0064] The intermediate portion 13 is the part connecting the first connecting portion 11 and the second connecting portion 12. The intermediate portion 13 includes a planar portion 13a extending along the thickness direction Z and forms a step between the first connecting portion 11 and the second connecting portion 12. The intermediate portion 13 is formed, for example, by bending at a 90° angle relative to the first connecting portion 11 and the second connecting portion 12. That is, in this embodiment, the intermediate portion 13 is substantially entirely configured as a planar portion 13a extending along the thickness direction Z. The thickness direction of the planar portion 13a is along an axial direction X intersecting the thickness directions Z of the first connecting portion 11 and the second connecting portion.

[0065] The housing 20 holds the second connecting portions 12 of the three busbars 10 arranged in the width direction Y, and is formed of an insulating synthetic resin material. The housing 20, for example, has a housing body 22 and a housing protrusion 23 protruding from the housing body 22 in the axial direction X towards the side opposite to the busbars 10. The housing body 22 and the housing protrusion 23 are integrally formed in the housing 20.

[0066] An insertion space 21 is provided inside the housing body 22 and the housing protrusion 23 for the second connecting portion 12 of the busbar 10 to be inserted along the axial direction X. The insertion space 21 passes through the housing body 22 and the housing protrusion 23 along the axial direction X. In this embodiment, three insertion spaces 21 are provided in the housing 20 corresponding to the busbar 10, and these three insertion spaces 21 are separated from each other in the width direction Y.

[0067] Furthermore, the housing body 22 has an end face 22a on one side (the manifold 10 side) in the axial direction X and another end face 22b on the other side in the axial direction X. The end face 22a is the portion at the periphery of the insertion space 21 that faces the middle portion 13 of the manifold 10 in the axial direction X. The other end face 22b is the portion at the periphery of the housing protrusion 23 where a recess 24 for retaining the sealing member 50 is provided. The recess 24 is recessed from the other end face 22b toward the side in the axial direction X and opens toward the other side in the axial direction X. The recess 24 is, for example, formed as a generally elliptical ring following the outer shape of the sealing member 50.

[0068] The sealing member 50 prevents foreign matter such as moisture from entering the interior of the terminal block 1 through the annular gap between the housing 20 and the cylindrical portion (not shown) of the second device D2. The sealing member 50 is formed of a component capable of elastic deformation, such as rubber or resin. For example, the sealing member 50 is formed into a generally elliptical cylindrical shape and fits into the recess 24. When the terminal block 1 is connected to the second device D2, the sealing member 50 is sandwiched between the other end face 22b of the housing body 22 and the end face of the cylindrical portion (not shown) of the second device D2.

[0069] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the pad 30 of terminal block 1. (See diagram below.) Figure 3 As shown, the gasket 30, for example, has an insertion hole 31 through which the second connecting portion 12 of the busbar 10 is inserted in the axial direction X, and seals the area around the second connecting portion 12 inserted into the insertion hole 31. In this embodiment, three gaskets 30 are provided on the terminal block 1, corresponding to the busbar 10. The three gaskets 30 are connected to each other, for example, via a connecting portion 34 provided between two adjacent gaskets 30 in the width direction Y. The gasket 30 is formed, for example, of a component that can elastically deform, such as rubber. The gasket 30 is also referred to as a terminal gasket, rubber plug, bushing, etc.

[0070] The gasket 30 is provided with a plurality of outer peripheral lips 32 and a plurality of inner peripheral lips 33. The outer peripheral lips 32 are generally annular, pleated waterproofing portions formed along the outer peripheral surface of the gasket 30. In this embodiment, two outer peripheral lips 32 are provided on the gasket 30, arranged in the axial direction X. The gasket 30 is installed in the insertion space 21 of the housing 20 (see reference). Figure 5 In its internal state, the outer peripheral lip 32 contacts the inner surface of the insertion space 21 and seals the water between the outer peripheral lip 32 and the inner surface. The outer peripheral lip 32 is configured to fit tightly against the inner surface of the insertion space 21 through elastic deformation, sealing the annular space between the inner surface and the outer peripheral surface of the gasket 30.

[0071] The inner peripheral lip 33 is a generally annular, pleated waterproofing portion formed along the inner peripheral surface of the liner 30. In this embodiment, two inner peripheral lips 33 are respectively arranged along the axial direction X in the liner 30 (see reference). Figure 5 With the second connecting portion 12 of the manifold 10 inserted (pressed into) the through hole 31, the inner circumferential lip 33 contacts the outer surface of the second connecting portion 12 and seals the space between the inner circumferential lip 33 and the outer surface. The inner circumferential lip 33 is configured to fit tightly against the outer surface of the second connecting portion 12 through elastic deformation, sealing the annular space between the outer surface and the inner circumferential surface of the gasket 30.

[0072] Figure 4This is a perspective view of the gasket retainer 40 of terminal block 1. Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of terminal block 1. (See diagram below.) Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the gasket retainer 40 has, for example, a busbar insertion portion 41 through which the second connecting portion 12 of the busbar 10 is inserted along the axial direction X, and supports the second connecting portion 12 inserted into the busbar insertion portion 41, and supports the gasket 30 in the axial direction X. In this embodiment, three busbar insertion portions 41 are provided in the gasket retainer 40 corresponding to the busbar 10. The three busbar insertion portions 41 are separated from each other in the width direction Y, for example, by a partition wall 42 provided between two adjacent busbar insertion portions 41 in the width direction Y. The gasket retainer 40 is formed, for example, of an insulating synthetic resin material.

[0073] The pad holder 40, for example, has a protrusion 43, which is partially provided on one end face 40b in the axial direction X. In this embodiment, two protrusions 43 are provided at intervals in the width direction Y for each of the plurality of busbar insertion portions 41. The protrusions 43 protrude from the side of the pad holder 40 toward the axial direction X and extend over the planar portion 13a of the busbar 10 (see reference). Figure 5 The protrusion 43 supports the planar portion 13a in a state where it is separated from one end face 40b of the liner holder 40. In this embodiment, with the liner holder 40 assembled in the insertion space 21, gaps S are provided between the planar portion 13a and one end face 40b of the liner holder 40, and between the planar portion 13a and one end face 22a of the housing 20.

[0074] Additionally, the pad retainer 40 has another end face 40a in the axial direction X, which faces the pad 30. The other end face 40a is the portion that supports the pad 30 in the axial direction X. In this embodiment, the pad retainer 40 is inserted into the insertion space 21 with the second connecting portion 12 inserted into the busbar insertion portion 41, the other end face 40a of the pad retainer 40 abutting against the pad 30, and one end face 40b abutting against the flat portion 13a. When the pad retainer 40 is assembled into the insertion space 21, it functions as a portion that presses the pad 30 toward the other side (the inside of the insertion space 21) in the axial direction X.

[0075] In this embodiment, the insertion space 21 is configured to include a large-diameter portion 21a of a temporary fixing pad 30 and a small-diameter portion 21b of a permanent fixing pad 30. The large-diameter portion 21a is the part of the insertion space 21 located on one side in the axial direction X, and opens toward one end face 22a of the housing 20. The large-diameter portion 21a has an opening width with a diameter larger than that of the pad 30, and the pad 30 is in a free state (see reference). Figure 8 The small diameter portion 21b is the portion inserted into the space portion 21 on the other side of the axial direction X of the large diameter portion 21a, and communicates with the large diameter portion 21a along the axial direction X. The small diameter portion 21b has an opening width with a diameter smaller than that of the pad 30, and the pad 30 is pressed in (fitted) in an elastically compressed state to formally fix the pad 30.

[0076] In this embodiment, the housing 20 has a press-in portion 25 into which the end portion 12b of the second connecting portion 12 is pressed in along the axial direction X. The press-in portion 25 is located at the end of the aforementioned housing protrusion 23 within the housing 20. The press-in portion 25 is located on the other side of the small-diameter portion 21b along the axial direction X and communicates with the insertion space portion 21 along the axial direction. The press-in portion 25 has an opening width smaller than the small-diameter portion 21b, and presses and fixes the end portion 12b of the second connecting portion 12 along the axial direction X. That is, the opening width of the press-in portion 25 along the plate thickness direction Z is configured to be approximately the same as or slightly smaller than the thickness of the second connecting portion 12.

[0077] Additionally, the pad retainer 40 has a locking portion 44 that engages the second connecting portion 12 along the axial direction X. The locking portion 44 protrudes in a claw shape from the pad retainer 40 along the thickness direction Z. The locking portion 44 has a locking surface 44a that faces the edge of the opening 15 provided in the second connecting portion 12 in the axial direction X, and by engaging the locking surface 44a with the edge of the opening 15, the movement of the pad retainer 40 relative to the second connecting portion 12 in the axial direction X is restricted. The locking portion 44 is provided, for example, in the two protrusions 43 described above in each busbar insertion portion 41 of the pad retainer 40 (see reference). Figure 4 The middle position between ).

[0078] like Figure 5As shown, in this embodiment, for example, when the terminal block 1 is assembled to the first connecting terminal 3 and the second connecting terminal 4, the second connecting portion 12 of the busbar 10 and the second connecting terminal 4 of the second device D2 are first fastened and fixed using the fastening member 70. The fastening member 70 is configured, for example, to include a bolt and a nut 72 (not shown), with the nut 72 pre-installed and fixed to the end of the housing protrusion 23. The bolt has a shaft portion with an external thread on its outer circumferential surface and a head with a diameter larger than the shaft portion, the external thread portion engaging with the internal thread portion of the nut 72. Furthermore, with the second connecting terminal 4 and the second connecting portion 12 sandwiched between the head and the nut 72, the shaft portion of the bolt passes through the second connecting terminal 4 and the second connecting portion 12 along the plate thickness direction Z and is fastened to the nut 72.

[0079] Next, the first connecting portion 11 of the busbar 10 and the first connecting terminal 3 of the first device D1 are fastened and fixed by a fastening component. The fastening component, like the fastening component 70 described above, includes a bolt and a nut. With the first connecting terminal 3 and the first connecting portion 11 sandwiched between the head and the nut, the shaft of the bolt passes through the first connecting terminal 3 and the first connecting portion 11 along the plate thickness direction Z and is fastened to the nut. Thus, the terminal block 1 is assembled to the first connecting terminal 3 and the second connecting terminal 4.

[0080] Next, an example of a method for manufacturing a terminal block 1 having the above structure will be described. Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of terminal block 1, showing the first step S1. Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of terminal block 1, showing the second step S2. Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of terminal block 1, showing the third step S3. Additionally, Figure 9 This is a flowchart of the manufacturing method of terminal block 1.

[0081] First, in the first step S1 process, as Figure 6 , Figure 9 As shown, the pad retainer 40 is assembled to the busbar 10. In this case, the busbar insertion portion 41 of the pad retainer 40 is assembled to the second connecting portion 12 of the busbar 10 from the other side of the axial direction X, such that it is inserted along the axial direction X. Then, the locking portion 44 of the pad retainer 40 engages with the opening 15 of the second connecting portion 12, thus integrating (fixing) the second connecting portion 12 and the pad retainer 40.

[0082] Next, in the second step S2, as... Figure 7 , Figure 9As shown, the busbar 10 is further assembled with a gasket 30. In this case, the insertion hole 31 of the gasket 30 is inserted through along the axial direction X from the other side to the second connecting portion 12 of the busbar 10, which is in a state where the gasket retainer 40 is installed. Moreover, the other end face 40a of the gasket retainer 40 in the axial direction X abuts against the gasket 30, and one end face 40b of the gasket retainer 40 in the axial direction X abuts against the planar portion 13a of the busbar 10.

[0083] Next, in the third step S3, as... Figure 8 , Figure 9 As shown, the manifold 10, integrated with the gasket retainer 40 and the gasket 30, is assembled to the housing 20. In this case, the end portion 12b of the second connecting portion 12 is assembled to the insertion space portion 21 of the housing 20 from one side along the axial direction X. Then, the end portion 12b of the second connecting portion 12 is pressed into the pressing portion 25 of the housing 20, and the gasket 30 is temporarily fixed to the large diameter portion 21a of the insertion space portion 21.

[0084] Then, in the fourth step S4, as... Figure 5 , Figure 9 As shown, the gasket retainer 40 is pressed into the opposite side of the insertion space 21 in the axial direction X using the planar portion 13a. In this case, for example, the operator holds the first connecting portion 11 of the busbar 10 and presses down the gasket retainer 40, thereby pressing the gasket 30 into the small-diameter portion 21b of the insertion space 21, and the gasket 30 and the small-diameter portion 21b can be formally fixed. Through such first steps S1 to fourth steps S4, the busbar 10, the gasket 30, and the gasket retainer 40 can be assembled into the housing 20 to manufacture the terminal block 1.

[0085] As described above, in the terminal block 1 and its manufacturing method of this embodiment, the gasket retainer 40 is inserted into the insertion space 21 of the housing 20 with the second connecting portion 12 of the busbar 10 inserted through the busbar insertion portion 41, the other end face 40a in the axial direction X abutting against the gasket 30, and the other end face 40b in the axial direction X abutting against the planar portion 13a of the busbar 10. According to this structure, the terminal block 1 and its manufacturing method can, for example, press the gasket retainer 40 toward the other side in the axial direction X using the planar portion 13a, thereby enabling the gasket 30 to be pressed into a predetermined position within the insertion space 21 while the gasket retainer 40 is being pressed down. As a result, the terminal block 1 and its manufacturing method improve the assemblability of the housing 20.

[0086] Furthermore, in the terminal block 1 of this embodiment, the insertion space 21 is configured to include: a large-diameter portion 21a, which temporarily fixes the pad 30; and a small-diameter portion 21b, which is located on the other side of the axial direction X of the large-diameter portion 21a and formally fixes the pad 30. At least when the pad 30 is inserted into the small-diameter portion 21b, the pad retainer 40 abuts its other end face 40a against the pad 30 and its one end face 40b against the planar portion 13a. According to this structure, for example, when the pad 30 is inserted from the large-diameter portion 21a into the small-diameter portion 21b, the terminal block 1 can press the pad 30 into the small-diameter portion 21b of the insertion space 21 by pressing the pad retainer 40 toward the other side of the axial direction X using the planar portion 13a. As a result, the terminal block 1 can further improve the assemblability of the housing 20.

[0087] Furthermore, in the terminal block 1 of this embodiment, the housing 20 has a press-in portion 25, which communicates with the insertion space portion 21 along the axial direction X, and allows the end portion 12b of the second connecting portion 12 on the other side of the axial direction X to be pressed in. According to this structure, the terminal block 1 can, for example, press and fix the end portion 12b of the busbar 10 to the housing 20 by the press-in portion 25, thereby suppressing the movement (dislodgement) of the busbar 10, the gasket 30, and the gasket retainer 40 relative to the housing 20 in the axial direction X.

[0088] Furthermore, in the terminal block 1 of this embodiment, the pad retainer 40 has a locking portion 44 that protrudes along the thickness direction Z and locks the second connecting portion 12 along the axial direction X. According to this structure, the terminal block 1 can, for example, restrict the movement of the pad retainer 40 relative to the second connecting portion 12 in the axial direction X by means of the locking portion 44, thereby improving the assemblability of the pad retainer 40 to the busbar 10.

[0089] Furthermore, in the terminal block 1 of this embodiment, the gasket retainer 40 has a protrusion 43, which is partially provided on one end face 40b and abuts against the planar portion 13a. According to this structure, the terminal block 1 can, for example, ensure a gap S in the axial direction X between the planar portion 13a and one end face 40b of the gasket retainer 40, and further between the planar portion 13a and one end face 22a of the housing 20, through the protrusion 43, and can easily and reliably press the gasket 30 into the small-diameter portion 21b of the insertion space 21.

[0090] [Variation Example]

[0091] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the terminal block 1A involved in the modified example. Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the busbar 10 of terminal block 1A. Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the gasket retainer 40 of terminal block 1A.

[0092] Figures 10-12 The terminal block 1A shown has the same structure as the terminal block 1 in the above embodiment. Therefore, the terminal block 1A can achieve the same function and effect as the above embodiment based on the same structure.

[0093] However, in this variant example, as Figures 10-12 As shown, the difference from the above embodiment is that a planar portion 13b is partially provided in the middle portion 13 of the busbar 10. Specifically, in this modified example, the middle portion 13 is formed by bending at an angle of approximately 45° relative to the first connecting portion 11 and the second connecting portion 12. That is, in this modified example, the middle portion 13 is inclined (crossed) relative to the plate thickness direction Z. Furthermore, in this modified example, a recess 17 is provided in the middle portion 13, recessed on one side facing the axial direction X, and a planar portion 13b is provided at the bottom of the recess 17. The planar portion 13b extends along the plate thickness direction Z.

[0094] like Figure 11 As shown, in the central portion of the middle portion 13 along the width direction Y, the recess 17 is partially recessed. In this modified example, the opening width of the recess 17 along the width direction Y is the same as that of the protrusion 43 of the pad retainer 40 (see reference). Figure 12 The transverse width along the width direction Y of the recess 17 is approximately the same. That is, in this modified example, the recess 17 functions as a part that engages with the protrusion 43 of the pad holder 40. In this modified example, in the pad holder 40, for each of the plurality of busbar insertion portions 41, a protrusion 43 is provided at the center of the width direction Y in a manner corresponding to the recess 17. In addition, in this modified example, the pad holder 40 does not have the aforementioned locking portion 44 (see reference 12) that engages with the second connecting portion 12. Figure 4 In addition, the busbar 10 is provided with a through hole 16 adjacent to the recess 17.

[0095] Next, an example of a manufacturing method for a terminal block 1A having the above structure will be described. Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of terminal block 1A, showing the first step S11. Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of terminal block 1A, showing the second step S12. Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view of terminal block 1A, showing the third step S13. Additionally, Figure 16 This is a flowchart of the manufacturing method of terminal block 1A.

[0096] First, in the first step S11 process, as Figure 13 , Figure 16 As shown, the gasket 30 is assembled to the housing 20. In this case, the gasket 30 is inserted into the insertion space 21 of the housing 20 from the side in the axial direction X, and the gasket 30 is temporarily fixed to the large diameter portion 21a of the insertion space 21.

[0097] Next, in the second step S12, as... Figure 14 , Figure 16 As shown, the gasket retainer 40 is further assembled to the housing 20. In this case, the gasket retainer 40 is inserted from one side in the axial direction X into the large-diameter portion 21a of the insertion space 21 in which the gasket 30 is installed. Then, the other end face 40a of the gasket retainer 40 in the axial direction X abuts against the gasket 30.

[0098] Next, in the third step S13, as... Figure 15 , Figure 16 As shown, the busbar 10 is assembled to the gasket retainer 40 and the gasket 30. In this case, the second connecting portion 12 of the busbar 10 is assembled to the busbar insertion portion 41 of the gasket retainer 40 and the insertion hole 31 of the gasket 30 by inserting it from one side along the axial direction X. Then, the end portion 12b of the second connecting portion 12 is pressed into the pressing portion 25 of the housing 20, and the protrusion 43 of the gasket retainer 40 is engaged with the recess 17 of the middle portion 13, and one end face 40b abuts against the flat portion 13b.

[0099] Then, in the fourth step S4, as... Figure 10 , Figure 16 As shown, the gasket retainer 40 is pressed into the opposite side of the insertion space 21 in the axial direction X using the flat portion 13b. In this case, for example, the operator holds the first connecting portion 11 of the busbar 10 and presses down the gasket retainer 40, thereby pressing the gasket 30 into the small-diameter portion 21b of the insertion space 21, and the gasket 30 and the small-diameter portion 21b can be formally fixed. Through such first steps S11 to fourth steps S14, the busbar 10, the gasket 30, and the gasket retainer 40 can be assembled into the housing 20 to manufacture the terminal block 1A.

[0100] As described above, according to the terminal block 1A and its manufacturing method in this modified example, by pressing the gasket retainer 40 toward the side facing the axial direction X using the planar portion 13b, the gasket 30 can be pressed into the small-diameter portion 21b of the insertion space 21 while the gasket retainer 40 is being pressed down. As a result, the terminal block 1A and its manufacturing method improve the assemblability of the housing 20.

[0101] Furthermore, in the terminal block 1A of this modified example, the intermediate portion 13 has a recess 17 that engages with the protrusion 43, and a flat portion 13b is provided at the bottom of the recess 17. According to this structure, the terminal block 1A can, for example, restrict the movement of the gasket holder 40 relative to the busbar 10 by the engagement of the protrusion 43 and the recess 17, thereby improving the assemblability of the gasket holder 40 to the busbar 10. Additionally, for example, by engaging the protrusion 43 and the recess 17, the gasket 30 can be easily and reliably pressed into the small-diameter portion 21b of the insertion space 21 via the gasket holder 40.

[0102] Furthermore, in the above embodiments and modifications, the insertion space 21 is illustrated as comprising a large-diameter portion 21a of a temporary fixing pad 30 and a small-diameter portion 21b of a permanent fixing pad 30. However, this is not limited to this example; for instance, it may consist only of the small-diameter portion 21b of the permanent fixing pad 30. Additionally, in the above embodiments and modifications, the protrusion 43 of the pad holder 40 abuts against the planar portions 13a and 13b. However, this is not limited to this example; for instance, the protrusion 43 may not be provided, and instead, one end face 40b may abut against the planar portions 13a and 13b.

[0103] The above examples illustrate embodiments and modifications of the present invention. However, these embodiments and modifications are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above embodiments and modifications can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, combinations, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the specifications of various structures, shapes, etc. (construction, type, orientation, form, size, length, width, thickness, height, quantity, configuration, position, material, etc.) can be appropriately modified for implementation.

Claims

1. A terminal block, characterized in that, have: A busbar having: a first connecting portion extending along an axial direction and connected to a first connecting terminal; a second connecting portion extending along the axial direction and located offset from the first connecting portion in the axial direction and in a plate thickness direction intersecting the axial direction, and connected to a second connecting terminal; and an intermediate portion connecting the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, and including a planar portion extending along the plate thickness direction; The housing has an insertion space for the second connecting portion of the busbar to be inserted along the axial direction; A gasket, which, together with the second connecting portion, is inserted into the insertion space and seals the annular space between the outer surface of the second connecting portion and the inner surface of the insertion space; and A gasket retainer having a busbar insertion portion through which the second connecting portion passes along the axial direction, wherein the gasket retainer is inserted into the insertion space with the second connecting portion passing through the busbar insertion portion, and the other end face of the gasket retainer in the axial direction abutting against the gasket and one end face in the axial direction abutting against the planar portion.

2. The terminal block according to claim 1, wherein, The insertion space is configured to include: a large-diameter portion for temporary fixation of the pad; and a small-diameter portion located on the opposite side of the axial direction of the large-diameter portion for permanent fixation of the pad. At least when the pad is inserted into the small diameter portion, the other end face of the pad retainer abuts against the pad and the first end face abuts against the planar portion.

3. The terminal block according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The housing has a press-in portion that communicates with the insertion space portion along the axial direction, and the press-in portion is for pressing in the end portion of the second connecting portion on the other side of the axial direction.

4. The terminal block according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The gasket retainer has a locking part that protrudes along the thickness direction of the plate and locks the second connecting part along the axial direction.

5. The terminal block according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The gasket retainer has a protrusion partially disposed on one end face and abutting against the planar portion.

6. The terminal block according to claim 5, wherein, The middle portion has a recess that engages with the protrusion, and The planar portion is provided at the bottom of the recess.

7. A method for manufacturing a terminal block, characterized in that, include: The first step involves assembling a gasket retainer having a busbar insertion portion for the second connecting portion to pass through along the axial direction onto a busbar. The busbar includes: a first connecting portion extending along the axial direction and connected to a first connecting terminal; a second connecting portion extending along the axial direction and located offset from the first connecting portion in both the axial direction and the plate thickness direction intersecting the axial direction, and connected to a second connecting terminal; and an intermediate portion connecting the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion and including a planar portion extending along the plate thickness direction. The second step involves assembling the gasket onto the busbar in which the second connecting portion is inserted at the busbar insertion part from the other side of the axial direction, such that the other end face of the gasket holder in the axial direction abuts against the gasket, and one end face of the gasket holder in the axial direction abuts against the planar portion. The third step involves assembling the busbar, which is in an integrated state with the gasket retainer, onto the housing. The housing is provided with an insertion space for the second connecting portion of the busbar to be inserted along the axial direction, and the gasket is temporarily fixed to the large-diameter portion of the insertion space. as well as The fourth step involves pressing the pad retainer into the insertion space relative to the other side of the axial direction through the planar portion, thereby pressing the pad into the small diameter portion of the insertion space and formally fixing the pad to the small diameter portion, which is located on the other side of the axial direction of the large diameter portion.

8. A method for manufacturing a terminal block, characterized in that, include: The first step involves assembling a gasket onto a housing from one side along the axial direction. The housing has an insertion space for inserting a second connecting portion of the busbar along the axial direction. The gasket is temporarily fixed to the large-diameter portion of the insertion space. The busbar has: a first connecting portion extending along the axial direction and connected to a first connecting terminal; a second connecting portion extending along the axial direction and located offset from the first connecting portion in both the axial direction and the plate thickness direction intersecting the axial direction, and connected to a second connecting terminal; and an intermediate portion connecting the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion and including a planar portion extending along the plate thickness direction. The second step is to assemble a pad retainer having a busbar insertion portion for the second connection portion to be inserted along the axial direction into the insertion space portion of the housing, so that the other end face of the pad retainer in the axial direction abuts against the pad. In the third step, the second connecting portion of the busbar is assembled to the gasket and the gasket retainer in such a way that it is inserted into the busbar insertion portion along the axial direction, and one end face of the gasket retainer in the axial direction abuts against the planar portion. as well as The fourth step involves pressing the pad retainer into the insertion space relative to the other side of the axial direction through the planar portion, thereby pressing the pad into the small diameter portion of the insertion space and formally fixing the pad to the small diameter portion, which is located on the other side of the axial direction of the large diameter portion.

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