terminal block

Abstract

The present invention provides a terminal block that enables a retainer to be properly engaged with a housing with a simple structure. The terminal block (1) comprises: a housing (3) which holds a plurality of terminals (2); a retainer (4) which is pressed into and assembled to the housing (3); and a nut (6) which is held in the retainer (4) and screwed into a bolt that passes through the terminal (2). The retainer (4) has a press-in portion (43) that is pressed into the housing (3). The press-in portion (43) has a rib (431) protruding from the outer surface. The press-in portion (43) is configured to be pressed in such a way that the rib (431) abuts against the housing (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to terminal blocks. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, as a structure involving terminal blocks, for example as described in Patent Document 1, there are known terminal blocks that include a housing for holding terminals, a seal arranged to cover the periphery of the terminals, and a retainer for holding the seal.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-79560 Summary of the Invention

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

[0007] In such terminal blocks, there is room for improvement in terms of the potential for structural complexity if a strong engagement between the retainer and the housing is desired. For example, in the terminal blocks described above, the retainer is pressed into the housing via a seal, but sometimes a stronger engagement between the retainer and the housing is required. In such cases, a spear-shaped design or similar feature could be considered to allow the retainer to engage with the housing, but this could complicate the engagement structure.

[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a terminal block that enables proper engagement of the retainer with respect to the housing in a simple structure.

[0009] means for solving problems

[0010] That is, the terminal block according to the present invention is configured to include: a housing holding a plurality of terminals; a retainer pressed into and assembled to the housing; and a nut held in the retainer and screwed into a bolt that passes through the terminals, the retainer having a press-in portion pressed into the housing, the press-in portion having ribs protruding from the outer surface and being pressed in such a way that the ribs abut against the housing.

[0011] Invention Effects

[0012] According to the terminal block of the present invention, the cage can be properly engaged with the housing in a simple structure. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the terminal block involved in the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the terminal block of the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the holder of the terminal block in the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the terminal block at point IV-IV.

[0017] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of the terminal block of the second embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a side view of the terminal block in the second embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a front view of the terminal block in the second embodiment.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the nut retainer of the terminal block in the second embodiment.

[0021] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram showing the gap between the nut retainer and the nut in the terminal block of the second embodiment.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0023] 1, 1A: Terminal block

[0024] 2: Terminal

[0025] 3: Casing

[0026] 4: Cage

[0027] 6: Nuts

[0028] 7: Water-stopping components

[0029] 9: Nut component

[0030] 22: Curved section

[0031] 82: Concave

[0032] 43: Press-in section

[0033] 413: Containment Department

[0034] 431: Ribs

[0035] C: Gap Detailed Implementation

[0036] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, the constituent elements in the following embodiments include elements that can and are easily substituted by those skilled in the art, or substantially the same elements.

[0037] [Example]

[0038] This embodiment relates to a terminal block. In the following description, the first direction among the intersecting first, second, and third directions is referred to as the "connection direction X," the second direction as the "width direction Y," and the third direction as the "height direction Z." Here, the connection direction X, width direction Y, and height direction Z are orthogonal to each other. Furthermore, orthogonality here includes approximately orthogonality. The connection direction X corresponds to the connection direction between the terminal block and the connected object, as well as the connection direction of the terminal. Additionally, unless otherwise specified, all directions used in the following description refer to the directions in the assembled state of the components.

[0039] The terminal block 1 of the first embodiment will be described.

[0040] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the terminal block 1 in the first embodiment is a component for holding the terminal 2, for example, mounted on an object (not shown) and used in a vehicle. The terminal block 1 includes the terminal 2, housing 3, retainer 4, and nut 6. The terminal 2 is a terminal accessory for making electrical connections, for example, constructed by forming a conductive metal into a plate shape. Multiple terminals 2 are provided and arranged in the width direction Y, which intersects the connection direction X. The terminal 2 extends in the connection direction X and is arranged in an orientation intersecting the height direction Z. For example, three terminals 2 are provided, but the number of terminals 2 is not limited to this. A through hole 21 is formed at one end of the terminal 2 in the connection direction X. The through hole 21 is a hole for inserting a fastening member to fix the terminal 2 relative to the retainer 4. The terminal 2 is formed in a straight line, but for example, it can be bent from the connection direction X to the height direction Z, and can also be bent back from the height direction Z to the connection direction X to form a crank shape.

[0041] The housing 3 is a component that holds the terminals 2 and mounts them to the object to be mounted. It is formed of an insulating material, such as resin. The housing 3 has a main body portion 31 and a terminal support portion 32. The main body portion 31 is formed in a plate or block shape and is oriented to intersect the connection direction X. The main body portion 31 is longer in the width direction Y than in the height direction Z, so that a plurality of terminals 2 arranged in the width direction Y pass through in the connection direction X and hold the plurality of terminals 2. The main body portion 31 has a flange portion 311. The flange portion 311 is a part for fixing the housing 3 to the object to be mounted, and is respectively provided at both ends of the main body portion 31 in the width direction Y. A fixing hole 311A ​​is formed in the flange portion 311, which passes through in the connection direction X.

[0042] The terminal support portion 32 is a part that supports or fixes the terminal 2, for example, via the retainer 4. The terminal support portion 32 is provided connected to the main body portion 31 and extends from the main body portion 31 in the connection direction X. The terminal support portion 32 is integrally formed with the main body portion 31, for example, and its cross-sectional shape in the direction intersecting the connection direction X is elliptical or oval. The terminal support portion 32, for example, is formed to be longer in the width direction Y than in the height direction Z, similar to the main body portion 31.

[0043] The terminal support portion 32 forms a retaining groove 321 and an assembly portion 322. The retaining groove 321 is a groove for retaining the seal 5, and is formed as an annular groove along the outer periphery of the terminal support portion 32. The retaining groove 321 is formed on the base end side of the terminal support portion 32 compared to the assembly portion 322. The outer peripheral surface 32A of the terminal support portion 32 becomes a water-stopping surface. The size and depth of the retaining groove 321 are formed such that the seal 5 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface 32A when it is housed. Thus, water is properly stopped between the housing 3 and the object to be installed by the seal 5. The assembly portion 322 is a recess for assembling the retainer 4, and is formed by recessing the portion of the terminal support portion 32 that is further from the end of the retaining groove 321 along the outline of the retainer 4. A plurality of terminals 2 protruding through the main body portion 31 protrude from the assembly portion 322. The assembly portion 322 is formed, for example, by recessing more than half of the portion of the terminal support portion 32.

[0044] The retainer 4 is a component assembled to the terminal support portion 32 and supporting the end of the terminal 2. The retainer 4 is formed of an insulating material, such as resin. The retainer 4 is assembled in the terminal support portion 32 at a position further to the end than the assembly position of the seal 5. That is, the retainer 4 is assembled to the assembly portion 322 of the terminal support portion 32. As described above, the assembly portion 322 is formed at the end of the terminal support portion 32 compared to the retaining groove 321 that accommodates the seal 5, therefore the retainer 4 assembled to the assembly portion 322 is positioned further to the end than the seal 5.

[0045] The retainer 4 forms a configuration space 41 for arranging multiple terminals 2 respectively, and supports the ends of the multiple terminals 2. The configuration space 41 is a space for arranging terminals 2 that extend through the main body 31, and is divided in the retainer 4 for each terminal 2. The main body 31 side of the configuration space 41 in the connection direction X is divided by a side wall 411. An insertion hole 412 is formed in the side wall 411. The insertion hole 412 is a hole for inserting the terminal 2. The terminal 2 extending from the main body 31 passes through the insertion hole 412 and enters the configuration space 41.

[0046] Adjacent configuration spaces 41 are separated by a partition 42. The partition 42 is a plate-shaped portion extending along the connection direction X and rising along the height direction Z, and is provided between configuration spaces 41. The partition 42 improves the insulation of the terminal 2 by separating the configuration spaces 41 of the terminal 2. The partition 42 is formed rising from the side where the terminal 2 is installed toward the water-stopping surface side of the terminal support 32. In addition, the partition 42 is not only provided between configuration spaces 41, 41, but also on the outside of the configuration space 41 formed at the end position in the width direction Y. By providing the partition 42 in this way, the assembly of the seal 5 can be improved.

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown, a receiving portion 413 is formed in the arrangement space 41 of the cage 4. The receiving portion 413 is a space for receiving the nut 6, and is formed by recessing the bottom plate of the arrangement space 41. The nut 6 has a threaded hole 61 with threaded teeth formed on its inner circumferential surface. The receiving portion 413 is formed in the connection direction X and the width direction Y at the position where the through hole 21 of the terminal 2 is located. The receiving portion 413 is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the nut 6, for example, it is formed as a rectangular cross-section. In addition, the shape of the nut 6 and the shape of the receiving portion 413 are not limited to a rectangular cross-section. With the nut 6 received in the receiving portion 413, a bolt (not shown) is inserted through the through hole 21 of the terminal 2 and screwed into the nut 6, thereby fastening and fixing the terminal 2 to the cage 4 by the fastening of the bolt and the nut 6.

[0048] The receiving portion 413 has a gap between itself and the nut 6. This gap is formed to allow the nut 6 to move so that the bolt can be screwed into it. That is, by receiving the nut 6 with a gap relative to the retainer 4, the nut 6 is able to move within the receiving portion 413. Therefore, when a bolt is inserted into the through hole 21 of the terminal 2, the position of the nut 6 can be controlled to allow the bolt to be screwed into the nut 6 to secure the terminal 2.

[0049] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the retainer 4 has a press-in portion 43 that is pressed into the housing 3. The press-in portion 43 is, for example, a portion that protrudes from the side wall 411 in the connection direction X, and is formed into a tapered shape towards the protruding end. An insertion hole 412 is formed in the press-in portion 43 along the connection direction X. That is, the press-in portion 43 is provided in such a way that it covers the area around the terminal 2 inserted into the insertion hole 412. The press-in portion 43 is inserted into and pressed into the engagement hole 33 of the housing 3. The engagement hole 33 is formed according to the shape of the press-in portion 43, and is set to become narrower towards the inside. For example, the engagement hole 33 has a tapered portion 33A that is tapered and has a straight portion 33B with a constant diameter from the tapered portion 33A, and extends through the housing 3. The straight portion 33B functions as a receiving space for accommodating the water-stopping component 7.

[0050] The press-in portion 43 has a rib 431 protruding from its outer peripheral surface. The rib 431, for example, is provided at the end of the press-in portion 43 and is elongated in the connection direction X. The rib 431 functions as a compression rib. That is, when the press-in portion 43 is pressed into the engagement hole 33, the rib 431 abuts against the inner surface of the engagement hole 33 and is flattened, filling the gap between the press-in portion 43 and the engagement hole 33, thus ensuring a tight fit between the press-in portion 43 and the engagement hole 33. Therefore, the rib 431 prevents the press-in portion 43 from falling out of the engagement hole 33, allowing the retainer 4 to be properly engaged with the housing 3 with a simple structure.

[0051] Water-stopping components 7 are assembled on each of the terminals 2. The water-stopping components 7 are arranged and installed on the housing 3 to cover the periphery of the terminal 2. That is, the water-stopping components 7 are annular components that prevent water from entering between the terminal 2 and the housing 3, and are made of elastic members. The water-stopping components 7 are installed around the terminal 2 at the end of the press-in portion 43 and are inserted into the engagement hole 33 together with the press-in portion 43 of the retainer 4. In this case, the retainer 4 functions as a front retainer for holding the water-stopping components 7.

[0052] The seal 5 is a component that prevents water from flowing between the housing 3 and the object to be installed, and is assembled into the retaining groove 321 of the housing 3. The seal 5 is an annular water-stopping component, for example, made of an elastic member. The seal 5 is assembled into the terminal support 32, on the other hand, by surrounding the terminal support 32 from the end side.

[0053] Next, the assembly of the terminal block 1 in this embodiment will be described.

[0054] The terminal block 1 is assembled, for example, by sequentially assembling the terminal 2, the retainer 4, and the seal 5 into the housing 3.

[0055] like Figure 2 As shown, first, terminal 2 is assembled to housing 3. Terminal 2 is assembled to housing 3 in a manner that passes through the main body 31. At this time, terminal 2 is assembled such that the end with the through hole 21 is located on the side of terminal support 32.

[0056] Then, the retainer 4 is assembled to the housing 3. First, the water-stopping component 7 is installed on each terminal 2. That is, the water-stopping component 7 is installed on each terminal 2 in such a way that it covers the outer periphery of the terminal 2. And, the nut 6 is received in the receiving portion 413 of the retainer 4, and the retainer 4 is assembled to the assembly portion 322 of the terminal support portion 32 with the nut 6 received. Specifically, the terminal 2 extending from the main body portion 31 is inserted through the through hole 412, and the pressing portion 43 is inserted into the engagement hole 33. The water-stopping component 7 is pressed by the end portion of the pressing portion 43 and slides into the depth of the engagement hole 33. The pressing portion 43 is firmly fitted into the engagement hole 33 and pressed in.

[0057] Therefore, as Figure 4 As shown, the rib 431 abuts against the inner surface of the engagement hole 33 and is flattened, filling the gap between the press-in portion 43 and the engagement hole 33. Therefore, the press-in portion 43 fits tightly against the engagement hole 33, securing it firmly. That is, the rib 431 prevents the press-in portion 43 from falling out of the engagement hole 33, allowing the retainer 4 to be properly engaged with the housing 3 with a simple structure. Furthermore, by pressing the press-in portion 43 of the retainer 4 in a manner that prevents it from falling out of the engagement hole 33, the waterproofing member 7 can be reliably held in place, ensuring the waterproofing of the terminal 2 and the housing 3.

[0058] Then, the bolt is inserted into the through hole 21 of the terminal 2 and screwed into the threaded hole 61 of the nut 6, fixing the terminal 2 to the retainer 4 and the housing 3. At this time, the nut 6 is movably housed in the receiving part 413 with a gap, so that when the bolt is inserted into the through hole 21, it can be screwed into the nut 6. In other words, the bolt and nut 6 can be screwed into each other without precise position management of the nut 6.

[0059] Then, the seal 5 is assembled to the housing 3. For example, the seal 5 is assembled into the retaining groove 321 with its diameter expanded to surround the retainer 4 and the terminal support 32. After the seal 5 is assembled to the housing 3, the assembly of the terminal block 1 is completed. Alternatively, the assembly of the seal 5 can also be performed before the terminal 2 and the retainer 4 are assembled to the housing 3.

[0060] As explained above, the terminal block 1 of this embodiment, by forming ribs 431 in the press-in portion 43 of the retainer 4, enables the press-in portion 43 to reliably engage with the housing 3. Therefore, the terminal block 1 of this embodiment can properly engage the retainer 4 with the housing 3 through a simple structure.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the terminal block 1 allows the retainer 4 to engage with the housing 3 via the ribs 431 of the press-in portion 43, thus eliminating the need for locking mechanisms with spear-shaped components. Therefore, the terminal block 1 of this embodiment can suppress situations where yield decreases due to damage to the spear-shaped components, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency. Additionally, the terminal block 1 of this embodiment achieves miniaturization and weight reduction.

[0062] Furthermore, the terminal block 1 of this embodiment has a gap in the receiving portion 413 of the retainer 4 to receive the nut 6, so that the bolt can be screwed into the nut 6 to fasten the terminal 2 without the need for position management of the nut 6. Therefore, the terminal block 1 of this embodiment can be manufactured with improved manufacturing efficiency.

[0063] Furthermore, the terminal block 1 of this embodiment includes a water-stopping member 7 arranged and assembled to the housing 3 in a manner that covers the periphery of the terminal 2, and a retainer 4 holds the water-stopping member 7. In the terminal block 1 of this embodiment, the retainer 4 is properly engaged with the housing 3, so the water-stopping member 7 can be reliably held relative to the retainer 4, and the water-stopping of the terminal 2 and the housing 3 can be ensured.

[0064] Next, the terminal block 1A according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0065] like Figures 5-7 As shown, the terminal block 1A in the second embodiment is constructed in a substantially similar manner to the terminal block 1 in the first embodiment. The difference between the terminal block 1 in the first embodiment and the terminal block 1 is that a bent portion 22 is provided at one end of the terminal 2, and the bent portion 22 is fastened to the housing 3.

[0066] In terminal block 1A, terminal 2 penetrates the main body 31 of housing 3, and has a bent portion 22 in the portion protruding from the main body 31 toward the side opposite to terminal support 32. That is, terminal 2 has a bent portion 22 in the portion penetrating the main body 31 of housing 3 and extending from the main body 31 toward the side opposite to retainer 4. The bent portion 22 is the portion that bends and extends from the connection direction X toward the height direction Z. The bent portion 22 forms a through portion (not shown) through which a bolt component passes. Housing 3, for example, has a protrusion 34 protruding from the main body 31 toward the connection direction X. A nut retainer 8 is disposed in the protrusion 34.

[0067] like Figure 8As shown, the nut retainer 8 is a component that connects multiple nut retaining portions 81 into one piece, for example, having three nut retaining portions 81. The nut retaining portions 81 are arranged in the width direction Y within the nut retainer 8. Each nut retaining portion 81 is a part that receives and retains a nut component 9. The nut component 9 has a threaded hole 91 with threaded teeth formed on its inner circumferential surface. A recess 82 is formed in each nut retaining portion 81. The recess 82 is a space for receiving the nut component 9, formed by recessing the nut retaining portion 81. The nut retaining portion 81 is arranged such that the opening of the recess 82 faces the bent portion 22 of the terminal 2.

[0068] The recess 82 is formed in a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the nut component 9, for example, it is formed as a rectangular cross-section. In addition, the outer shape of the nut component 9 and the shape of the recess 82 are not limited to a rectangular cross-section. With the nut component 9 housed in the recess 82, the bolt component is inserted through the through portion of the terminal 2 and screwed into the nut component 9, thereby fastening the terminal 2 and installing it into the housing 3 by fastening the bolt component and the nut component 9.

[0069] like Figure 9 As shown, there is a gap C between the recess 82 and the nut component 9. The gap C is the distance between the recess 82 and the nut component 9, and this gap is formed to allow the nut component 9 to move so that the bolt component and the nut component 9 can be screwed together. That is, by receiving the nut component 9 with a gap C relative to the recess 82 of the nut holder 8, the nut component 9 is positioned to be able to move within the recess 82. Therefore, when the bolt component is inserted through the bent portion 22 of the terminal 2, the bolt component and the nut component 9 can be screwed together to fasten the terminal 2 without requiring position management of the nut component 9.

[0070] exist Figure 8 In the nut retainer 81, a protrusion 83 is provided. The protrusion 83 is a portion that protrudes from the outer surface of the nut retainer 81. Ribs 84 are formed on the side of the protrusion 83. Ribs 84 are crushing ribs, used for supporting or temporarily supporting the nut retainer 8 and the nut retainer 81.

[0071] For example, in Figure 6 In the case where the nut retainer 8 is inserted from below and installed on the protrusion 34 of the housing 3, the protrusion 83 is inserted into the hole formed in the housing 3, and the rib 84 is flattened, thereby enabling the nut retainer 81 to engage with the housing 3.

[0072] As explained above, the terminal block 1A of this embodiment can achieve the same functional effect as the terminal block 1 of the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, by receiving the nut component 9 with a gap relative to the recess 82 of the nut retainer 8, the bolt component can be threadedly engaged with the nut component 9 to fasten the terminal 2 without the need for position management of the nut component 9. Therefore, the terminal block 1A of this embodiment can be manufactured with improved manufacturing efficiency.

[0073] Furthermore, the terminal blocks involved in this invention are not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. The terminal blocks 1 and 1A of the embodiments can also be constructed by appropriately combining the constituent elements of the various embodiments and modifications described above.

Claims

1. A terminal block, characterized in that, have: A housing that holds multiple terminals; A retainer, which is pressed into and assembled into the housing; and A nut, which is held in the retainer and engages with a bolt that passes through the terminal. The cage has a press-in portion that presses into the housing. The press-in portion has ribs protruding from the outer surface and is pressed in such a way that the ribs abut against the housing.

2. The terminal block according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cage forms a receiving portion to house the nut. The receiving portion is formed as a recess capable of receiving the nut, and a gap exists between the receiving portion and the nut. The gap is formed to allow the nut to move so that the bolt can be screwed into the nut.

3. The terminal block according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The terminal block also includes a water-stopping component, which is configured and mounted on the housing to cover the periphery of the terminal. The retainer functions as a front retainer for holding the water-stopping component.

4. The terminal block according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The terminal block also includes a nut component, which is held in the housing and engages with a bolt component installed through a bend in the terminal. The bending portion is formed by bending the terminal protruding from the housing. The housing forms a recess for receiving the nut component. The recess is formed to accommodate the nut component, and a gap exists between the recess and the nut component. The gap is formed to allow the nut component to move so that the bolt component can be screwed onto the nut component.

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