Terminal block

Abstract

To provide a terminal block capable of closing a cover more easily.SOLUTION: A terminal block 1 includes a housing 2. The housing 2 includes: a housing body 5; a first cover 6 rotatably attached to the housing body 5; and a second cover 7 rotatably attached to the housing body 5. In addition, the terminal block 1 includes a first reaction force generation part 91 which, when the first cover 6 is rotated to be opened, is pressed by the first cover 6 to be elastically deformed and can energize the first cover 6 in a direction of closing. The terminal block 1 also includes a second reaction force generation part 92 which, when the second cover 7 is rotated to be opened, is pressed by the second cover 7 to be elastically deformed and can energize the second cover 7 in the direction of closing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 18

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] A conventional terminal block of this type is disclosed in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses a terminal block including a terminal block main body, a plurality of terminal fittings attached to the terminal block main body, and bolts and nuts (a plurality of screw members) for connecting and fixing electric wires (external connection terminals) to each of the plurality of terminal fittings.

[0003] Furthermore, in Patent Document 1, the terminal block is provided with a cover that is removably attached to the terminal block body for covering the screw members, and by attaching this cover to the terminal block body, it is possible to prevent external contact with each screw member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-185892 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, the cover must be removed from the terminal block body in order to attach or detach the electric wires (external connection terminals) using screw members, which makes the task of closing the cover after attaching or detaching the screw members cumbersome.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the problems inherent in the conventional technology, and an object of the present invention is to provide a terminal block that allows the cover to be closed more easily. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A terminal block according to an aspect of the present invention includes a housing, a first terminal fitting held in the housing, a second terminal fitting held in the housing, a first screw member electrically connected to a first connection portion of the first terminal fitting, and a second screw member electrically connected to a second connection portion of the second terminal fitting, the housing including a housing main body formed so that a first screw member accommodating portion in which the first screw member is accommodated and a second screw member accommodating portion in which the second screw member is accommodated are aligned, and a terminal block attached to the housing main body in a state in which it can rotate between a closed position and an open position around a first rotation axis extending in one direction, The housing includes a first cover that covers a first screw member accommodating portion in an openable and closable manner, and a second cover that is attached to the housing main body in a state in which it can rotate between a closed position and an open position around a second rotation axis extending in one direction and covers the second screw member accommodating portion in an openable and closable manner, and further includes a first reaction force generating portion that is pressed by the first cover and elastically deformed when the first cover is rotated to open, and can urge the first cover in a direction to close, and a second reaction force generating portion that is pressed by the second cover and elastically deformed when the second cover is rotated to open, and can urge the second cover in a direction to close. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a terminal block that allows the cover to be closed more easily. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a terminal block according to an embodiment, and is a perspective view of the example of the terminal block seen from one direction. [Diagram 2] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example of a terminal block according to an embodiment, the example of the terminal block being viewed from another direction. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a terminal block according to an embodiment, and is a perspective view seen from one direction in a state where the terminal block is disassembled into a housing, a first terminal fitting, a second terminal fitting, a first screw member, and a second screw member. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a housing according to one embodiment, in which a housing main body, a first cover, and a second cover are disassembled and viewed from one direction. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example of a housing according to one embodiment, in which the housing body, the first cover, and the second cover are disassembled and viewed from another direction. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a housing main body according to one embodiment, in which the example of the housing main body is disassembled into individual components, as viewed from one direction. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example of a housing main body according to one embodiment, in which the example of the housing main body is disassembled into individual components, as viewed from another direction. [Figure 8] 1 is a front view showing an example of a terminal metal holding housing included in an example of a housing main body according to an embodiment; FIG. [Figure 9] 1 is a plan view showing an example of a terminal metal fitting holding housing included in an example of a housing main body according to an embodiment; FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a terminal block according to an embodiment, in which the terminal block is disassembled into a terminal block main body and an insulating cover member, as viewed from one direction. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a terminal block main body according to one embodiment, and is a perspective view seen from one direction with a retaining cover and a bolt removed. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a terminal block main body according to an embodiment, in which a bolt is removed and the terminal block main body is viewed from one direction. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating an example of an insulating cover member according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating an example of an insulating cover member according to an embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation for opening a first cover according to an embodiment, showing a state in which the first cover has been rotated to an abutting position. [Figure 16]FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the operation of opening an example of a first cover according to one embodiment, and shows an enlarged view of the contact area between the first rotation restricting protrusion and the second flexible piece when the first cover is rotated to the contact position. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation for opening a first cover according to an embodiment, showing a state in which the first cover has been rotated toward an open position from a contact position. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the operation of opening an example of a first cover according to one embodiment, and shows an enlarged view of the contact area between the first rotation restricting protrusion and the second flexible piece when the first cover is rotated from the contact position to the open position side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The terminal block according to the present embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for the convenience of explanation and may differ from the actual ratios.

[0011] In the following description, the direction in which the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft extend is defined as the X direction (front-rear direction: one direction: second direction). The direction in which the first screw member accommodating portion and the second screw member accommodating portion are aligned is defined as the Y direction (width direction: intersecting direction: first direction). The direction intersecting the X direction (front-rear direction: one direction: second direction) and the Y direction (width direction: intersecting direction: first direction) is defined as the Z direction (up-down direction: third direction). In the following embodiment, the up-down direction of each member of the terminal block is defined in a state in which the first cover and the second cover cover the first screw member accommodating portion and the second screw member accommodating portion from above.

[0012] In addition, in the following embodiments, the side where the first insertion / removal opening of the first screw member accommodating portion and the second insertion / removal opening of the second screw member accommodating portion are opened is defined as the front side in the front-to-rear direction, and the side where the first connector fitting portion and the second connector fitting portion are opened is defined as the rear side in the front-to-rear direction.

[0013] 1 to 3, a terminal block 1 according to this embodiment includes a housing 2, a first terminal fitting 3 held in the housing 2, and a second terminal fitting 4 held in the housing 2. This terminal block 1 is a component that can be used to electrically connect, for example, a bus bar (external connection terminal) in an electric device (not shown) to a terminal connector of a wire harness.

[0014] 3, the first terminal fitting 3 includes a first terminal portion 31 and a first connection portion 32 that is electrically connected to the first terminal portion 31 and is capable of electrically connecting an external connection terminal (not shown). The first terminal portion 31 and the first connection portion 32 can be formed using a conductive material such as a metal.

[0015] In this embodiment, the first terminal portion 31 is formed in a generally rod-like shape extending in the X direction (front-rear direction: one direction: second direction) and functions as a connector terminal electrically connected to a mating terminal provided in a terminal connector of a wire harness, etc. The first connection portion 32 is connected to the front side of the first terminal portion 31.

[0016] The first connection portion 32 is formed in a flat plate shape whose plate thickness direction is approximately the same as the Z direction (vertical direction: third direction), and is capable of fastening a bus bar (external connection terminal) or the like in an electric device. In this embodiment, a first screw member 33 fastens a bus bar (external connection terminal) or the like in an electric device to the first connection portion 32. Specifically, a through hole 321 penetrating in the plate thickness direction is formed in the first connection portion 32. The first screw member 33 is also provided with a bolt 331 inserted into the through hole 321 and a nut 332 in which an insertion hole 3321 through which the bolt 331 is inserted is formed. Then, in a state in which an external connection terminal such as a bus bar is in contact with the first connection portion 32, the external connection terminal and the first connection portion 32 are fastened by the bolt 331 and the nut 332, so that the external connection terminal and the first connection portion 32 are electrically connected to each other.

[0017] In this embodiment, the bolt 331 includes a head 3311, a shaft portion 3312 connected to the head 3311, and a flange portion 3313 formed between the head 3311 and the shaft portion 3312 and having a larger diameter than the head 3311 and the shaft portion 3312. The nut 332 is disposed below the first connecting portion 32 with the insertion hole 3321 communicating with the through hole 321. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the external connection terminal and the first connecting portion 32 are electrically connected, the shaft portion 3312 of the bolt 331 is inserted from above into the through hole 321 and the insertion hole 3321. The bolt 331 and the nut 332 are fastened together by, for example, fitting a tool such as a socket into the head 3311 of the bolt 331 and screwing the bolt 331.

[0018] On the other hand, like the first terminal fitting 3, the second terminal fitting 4 includes a second terminal portion 41 and a second connection portion 42 that is electrically connected to the second terminal portion 41 and capable of electrically connecting an external connection terminal (not shown). The second terminal portion 41 and the second connection portion 42 can also be formed using a conductive material such as a metal.

[0019] In this embodiment, the second terminal portion 41 is also formed in a generally rod-like shape extending in the X direction (front-rear direction: one direction: second direction) and functions as a connector terminal electrically connected to a mating terminal provided in a terminal connector of a wire harness, etc. A second connection portion 42 is provided adjacent to the front side of the second terminal portion 41.

[0020] The second connection portion 42 is also formed in a flat plate shape with a plate thickness direction substantially coinciding with the Z direction (vertical direction: third direction), and is capable of fastening a bus bar (external connection terminal) or the like in an electric device. In this embodiment, the second screw member 43 fastens the bus bar (external connection terminal) or the like in an electric device to the second connection portion 42. Specifically, the second connection portion 42 is formed with a through hole 421 penetrating in the plate thickness direction. The second screw member 43 is also provided with a bolt 431 inserted into the through hole 421 and a nut 432 in which an insertion hole 4321 through which the bolt 431 is inserted is formed. Then, in a state in which an external connection terminal such as a bus bar is in contact with the second connection portion 42, the external connection terminal and the second connection portion 42 are fastened by the bolt 431 and the nut 432, so that the external connection terminal and the second connection portion 42 are electrically connected to each other.

[0021] In this embodiment, the bolt 431 also includes a head 4311, a shaft portion 4312 connected to the head 4311, and a flange portion 4313 formed between the head 4311 and the shaft portion 4312 and having a larger diameter than the head 4311 and the shaft portion 4312. The nut 432 is disposed below the second connection portion 42 with the insertion hole 4321 communicating with the through hole 421. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the external connection terminal and the second connection portion 42 are electrically connected, the shaft portion 4312 of the bolt 431 is inserted from above into the through hole 421 and the insertion hole 4321. The bolt 431 and the nut 432 are also fastened by, for example, fitting a tool such as a socket into the head 4311 of the bolt 431 and screwing the bolt 431.

[0022] Thus, in this embodiment, the terminal block 1 further includes a first screw member 33 electrically connected to the first connection portion 32 of the first terminal fitting 3, and a second screw member 43 electrically connected to the second connection portion 42 of the second terminal fitting 4.

[0023] In this embodiment, the first terminal fitting 3 and the second terminal fitting 4 are held in the housing body 5 in a state in which they extend in the X direction (front-rear direction: one direction: second direction) and are arranged side by side in the Y direction (width direction: intersecting direction: first direction). The first terminal fitting 3 and the second terminal fitting 4 are terminals of opposite polarities. That is, when one of the first terminal fitting 3 and the second terminal fitting 4 is a positive terminal, the other terminal is a negative terminal.

[0024] The housing 2, which holds the first terminal fittings 3 and the second terminal fittings 4, can be made of an electrically insulating material such as resin. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the housing 2 includes a housing body 5, a first cover 6, and a second cover 7.

[0025] In this embodiment, the housing main body 5 is formed with a first screw member accommodating portion 56 in which the first screw member 33 is accommodated and a second screw member accommodating portion 57 in which the second screw member 43 is accommodated, arranged side by side in the Y direction (width direction: transverse direction: first direction). The first screw member accommodating portion 56 is formed with a first upper opening 561 that opens upward, and the first screw member 33 can be attached and detached by inserting a tool such as a socket into the first screw member accommodating portion 56 from the first upper opening 561. The first screw member accommodating portion 56 is also formed with a first insertion / removal opening 562 that opens forward, and an external connection terminal such as a bus bar fastened to the first connection portion 32 is inserted and removed from the first insertion / removal opening 562.

[0026] Similarly, the second screw member accommodating portion 57 is formed with a second upper opening 571 that opens upward, and the second screw member 43 can be attached or detached by inserting a tool such as a socket into the second screw member accommodating portion 57 from the second upper opening 571. The second screw member accommodating portion 57 is also formed with a second insertion / removal opening 572 that opens forward, and an external connection terminal such as a bus bar fastened to the second connection portion 42 is inserted or removed from the second insertion / removal opening 572.

[0027] A first cover 6 is attached to the upper part of the housing body 5 so as to be able to open and close and cover the first upper opening 561 of the first screw member accommodating portion 56. A second cover 7 is attached to the upper part of the housing body 5 so as to be able to open and close and cover the second upper opening 571 of the second screw member accommodating portion 57.

[0028] As described above, in this embodiment, the housing 2 includes the first cover 6 that covers the first screw member accommodating portion 56 in an openable and closable manner, and the second cover 7 that covers the second screw member accommodating portion 57 in an openable and closable manner.

[0029] In this embodiment, the housing main body 5 has a connector fitting portion 51 that covers the first terminal portion 31 and the second terminal portion 41 in a state where it opens rearward in the X direction (front-rear direction: one direction: second direction). The connector fitting portion 51 has a substantially cylindrical first connector fitting portion 511 that covers the first terminal portion 31 in a state where it opens rearward in the X direction (front-rear direction: one direction: second direction). The connector fitting portion 51 also has a substantially cylindrical second connector fitting portion 512 that covers the second terminal portion 41 in a state where it opens rearward in the X direction (front-rear direction: one direction: second direction). That is, in this embodiment, the space in which the first terminal portion 31 is accommodated and the space in which the second terminal portion 41 is accommodated are partitioned by the housing main body 5. This makes it possible to more reliably maintain the insulation between the first terminal portion 31 and the second terminal portion 41.

[0030] A first finger-touch prevention member 341 is provided at the tip (rear end: end on the opening side of the first connector fitting portion 511) of the first terminal portion 31 to prevent fingers from directly touching the conductive portion of the first terminal portion 31. A sealing member 342 is provided at the base side (front end: connection portion with the first connection portion 32) of the first terminal portion 31 to seal the back side (front side) of the first connector fitting portion 511 with the sealing member 342.

[0031] Similarly, a second finger-touch prevention member 441 is provided at the tip (rear end: end on the opening side of the second connector fitting portion 512) of the second terminal portion 41 to prevent fingers from directly touching the conductive portion of the second terminal portion 41. A sealing member 442 is provided at the base side (front end: connection portion with the second connection portion 42) of the second terminal portion 41 to seal the back side (front side) of the second connector fitting portion 512 with the sealing member 442.

[0032] The housing main body 5 is provided with a base portion 52 formed on the front side of the connector fitting portion 51 in the X direction (front-rear direction: one direction: second direction) and above which the first screw member 33 and the second screw member 43 are disposed. In this embodiment, the base portion 52 is provided with a base main body 521, and the base main body 521 is provided with a first insertion space 5211 into which the nut 332 can be inserted and held in a non-rotating state. Similarly, the base main body 521 is provided with a second insertion space 5212 into which the nut 432 can be inserted and held in a non-rotating state.

[0033] Furthermore, the housing body 5 includes a fixing portion 53 that protrudes downward from the base portion 52 and is used to fix the terminal block 1 to a housing (wall portion) of an electric device, etc. In this embodiment, a pair of fitting holes 531 and a pair of fitting projections 532 are formed in the fixing portion 53, so that the terminal block 1 is fixed to the housing of the electric device, etc. in a positioned state.

[0034] In this embodiment, the connector fitting portion 51, the base portion 52, and the fixed portion 53 are integrally formed. In this manner, the connector fitting portion 51, the base portion 52, and the fixed portion 53 are integrally formed to form a terminal fitting holding housing 50 that holds the terminal fittings (the first terminal fittings 3 and the second terminal fittings 4). The terminal fittings (the first terminal fittings 3 and the second terminal fittings 4) can be held in the terminal fitting holding housing 50 by, for example, insert molding, press fitting, or the like.

[0035] Furthermore, the housing body 5 is provided with a retaining cover 54 that is detachably attached to the terminal metal holding housing 50 (base portion 52) from the front and prevents the nuts 332, 432 from falling off.

[0036] The housing body 5 is detachably attached to the terminal metal holding housing 50 (base portion 52) from the front, and includes a cover holding portion 55 to which the first cover 6 and the second cover 7 are attached.

[0037] In this embodiment, the retaining cover 54 includes a main body 541 that covers the nuts 332, 432 from the front while preventing the nuts 332, 432 from coming off. The main body 541 includes a first housing space 5411 that is inserted into the first insertion space 5211 and can house the shaft portion 3312 of the bolt 331. The main body 541 includes a second housing space 5412 that is inserted into the second insertion space 5212 and can house the shaft portion 4312 of the bolt 431. The retaining cover 54 includes a locking piece 542 that is provided on the main body 541 so as to be capable of bending (elastically deforming) in the Z direction (vertical direction: third direction) and has a locking protrusion 5421 that is releasably locked to the base main body 521. As shown in FIG. 8, the base portion 52 has a through hole 525 penetrating in the X direction (front-rear direction: one direction: second direction), and by inserting the locking piece 542 into this through hole 525 from the front, the anti-slip cover 54 is releasably locked to the base portion 52.

[0038] The cover holding part 55 also includes a pair of side walls 551 arranged on both sides in the Y direction (width direction: transverse direction: first direction) and a connecting wall 552 connecting the rear ends of the pair of side walls 551. As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the pair of side walls 551 are each formed with a lock piece 5511 extending downward from the outside in the Y direction (width direction: transverse direction: first direction) in a state in which the lock piece 5511 can be flexibly deformed (elastically deformed) in the Y direction (width direction: transverse direction: first direction). Also, on both sides in the Y direction (width direction: transverse direction: first direction) of the base main body 521, a lock piece 522 extending upward from the outside in the Y direction (width direction: first direction) is formed. Furthermore, each lock piece 522 is formed with a locking projection 5221 protruding outward in the Y direction (width direction: transverse direction: first direction). Then, the cover holding part 55 is moved downward to releasably lock the pair of lock pieces 5511 to the locking protrusions 5221 formed on both sides in the Y direction (width direction: first direction), thereby enabling the cover holding part 55 to be detachably attached to the base main body 521. In this embodiment, a fitting groove 523 is formed between the side part of the base main body 521 and the locking pieces 522, and when the cover holding part 55 is detachably attached to the base main body 521, the lower end of the side wall 551 is fitted into this fitting groove 523.

[0039] A locking piece 5521 is formed at the center of the connecting wall 552 in the Y direction (width direction: first direction) so as to extend downward and be capable of being flexibly deformed (elastically deformed) in the X direction (front-rear direction: second direction). A locking hole 55211 is formed in the locking piece 5521, penetrating in the X direction (front-rear direction: second direction). As shown in Fig. 9, a through hole 524 is formed at the center of the Y direction (width direction: first direction) at the rear of the base main body 521, penetrating in the Z direction (up-down direction: third direction), and a locking protrusion 5241 is formed in the through hole 524 so as to protrude rearward. Then, the cover holding portion 55 is moved downward, the locking piece 5521 is inserted into the insertion hole 524, and the locking protrusion 5241 is releasably locked into the locking hole 55211, so that the cover holding portion 55 is removably attached to the base body 521.

[0040] In this manner, in this embodiment, the retaining cover 54 and the cover holding portion 55 are attached to the base portion 52 of the terminal metal holding housing 50 to form the housing main body 5 having the first screw member accommodating portion 56 and the second screw member accommodating portion 57. The first cover 6 and the second cover 7 are attached to the cover holding portion 55 which constitutes a part of the housing main body 5 to form the housing 2.

[0041] In this way, the terminal block 1 can be assembled in various ways. For example, the first cover 6 and the second cover 7 can be attached to the cover holding portion 55 after the retaining cover 54 and the cover holding portion 55 are attached to the base portion 52. Also, as shown in Figs. 10 to 14, the terminal block 1 can be assembled by first attaching the first cover 6 and the second cover 7 to the cover holding portion 55 to form an insulating cover member 81, and then attaching the insulating cover member 81 to the terminal block main body 82. The terminal block main body 82 is a unit formed by attaching the retaining cover 54 to the base portion 52 while holding the first terminal fittings 3 and the second terminal fittings 4 in the terminal fitting holding housing 50.

[0042] In this embodiment, the cover holding part 55 includes a positioning wall 553 extending from the front end of the pair of side walls 551 toward the inside in the Y direction (width direction: transverse direction: first direction). The positioning wall 553 restricts the relative movement of the first cover 6 and the second cover 7 in the X direction (front-rear direction: one direction: second direction). The cover holding part 55 includes a front shaft holding wall 554 provided in the center of the front in the Y direction (width direction: transverse direction: first direction) and connected to the front end of the first rotating shaft 558. In this embodiment, the rear end of the first rotating shaft 558 is connected to an intermediate shaft holding wall 555 provided in the center of the X direction (front-rear direction: one direction: second direction). The first cover 6 is rotatably held by the first rotating shaft 558. Meanwhile, a second rotating shaft 559 is formed between the intermediate shaft holding wall 555 and the connecting wall 552, and has a front end connected to the intermediate shaft holding wall 555 and a rear end connected to the connecting wall 552, so that the second cover 7 is rotatably held on this second rotating shaft 559.

[0043] Thus, in this embodiment, the first cover 6 and the second cover 7 are configured to be rotatable around rotation axes (first rotation axis 558 and second rotation axis 559) extending in the X direction (front-rear direction: second direction) at the center in the Y direction (width direction: first direction).

[0044] In addition, in this embodiment, the first rotating shaft 558 and the second rotating shaft 559 are formed so as to be slightly offset in the Y direction (width direction: first direction) so that the rotation center axis of the first cover 6 and the rotation center axis of the second cover 7 are not positioned on the same straight line.

[0045] In this embodiment, the cover holding portion 55 is formed with a front reinforcing wall 556 that connects the front shaft holding wall 554 and the intermediate shaft holding wall 555 below the first rotating shaft 558. And, a rear reinforcing wall 557 that connects the intermediate shaft holding wall 555 and the connecting wall 552 below the second rotating shaft 559 is formed.

[0046] 9, in this embodiment, a holding groove 526 is formed in the center in the Y direction (width direction: first direction) at the front of the base part 52. When the cover holding part 55 is detachably attached to the base main body 521, the lower end of the side wall 551 is adapted to be fitted into this fitting groove 523.

[0047] The first cover 6 includes a first cover body 61 capable of covering the first screw member accommodating portion 56 in an openable and closable manner, and a bearing portion 62 for rotatably holding the first rotating shaft 558. In this embodiment, the bearing portion 62 is formed at a tip portion of the front half of the first cover body 61 protruding toward the center in the Y direction (width direction: first direction). The bearing portion 62 is attached to the first rotating shaft 558 formed in the front half of the cover holding portion 55, so that the first cover 6 can be rotated between a closed state (a state in a closed position) and an open state (a state in an open position).

[0048] This bearing portion 62 has a U-shaped portion 621 that convex downward when the first cover 6 is closed (in the closed position), and a slip-out prevention protrusion 622 formed on the U-shaped portion 621 that can prevent the U-shaped portion 621 from coming off the first rotating shaft 558.

[0049] The first cover body 61 includes a top wall 611 and a hanging wall 612 that is connected to the periphery of the top wall 611 and extends downward. In this embodiment, the top wall 611 includes a lower top wall 6111 formed on the inside in the Y direction (width direction: first direction) and an upper top wall 6113 formed on the outside in the Y direction (width direction: first direction). Furthermore, the top wall 611 includes a connecting wall 6112 that extends in the Z direction (up-down direction: third direction) and connects the lower top wall 6111 and the upper top wall 6113. Thus, in this embodiment, the first cover 6 has the top wall 611 that is one step higher on the outside in the Y direction (width direction: first direction). In addition, a first inclined surface 6114 that inclines forward and downward is formed on the front side of the upper top wall 6113. Furthermore, in this embodiment, an engagement piece 63 extending downward is formed on the outer side of the upper top wall 6113 in the Y direction (width direction: first direction) so as to be flexible (elastically deformable) in the Y direction (width direction: first direction). An engagement protrusion 631 protruding toward the inner side in the Y direction (width direction: first direction) is formed on the lower end of the engagement piece 63. When the first cover 6 is closed (set to the closed position), the engagement protrusion 631 is releasably engaged with an engagement protrusion 5512 formed on one side wall 551 of the cover holding portion 55. This prevents the first cover 6 from opening unexpectedly in the closed state.

[0050] In addition, the hanging wall 612 includes a front hanging wall 6121 extending downward from the front end of the top wall 611, a rear hanging wall 6122 extending downward from the rear end of the top wall 611, and a side hanging wall 6123 extending downward from the outer end of the top wall 611.

[0051] In this way, when the first cover 6 is closed (in the closed position), the first upper opening 561 of the first screw member accommodating portion 56 is covered by the top wall 611, while the front-rear opening of the first screw member accommodating portion 56 is covered by the hanging wall 612. Furthermore, when the first cover 6 is closed, it is not possible to insert a tool such as a socket into the first screw member accommodating portion 56.

[0052] The second cover 7 includes a second cover body 71 that can cover the second screw member accommodating portion 57 in an openable and closable manner, and a bearing portion 72 that rotatably holds the second rotating shaft 559. In this embodiment, the bearing portion 72 is formed at a tip portion that protrudes the rear half of the second cover body 71 toward the center in the Y direction (width direction: first direction). The bearing portion 72 is attached to the second rotating shaft 559 formed in the rear half of the cover holding portion 55, so that the second cover 7 can be rotated between a closed state (a state in a closed position) and an open state (a state in an open position).

[0053] This bearing portion 72 has a U-shaped portion 721 that convex downward when the second cover 7 is closed (in the closed position), and a slip-out prevention protrusion 722 formed on the U-shaped portion 721 that can prevent the U-shaped portion 721 from coming off the second rotating shaft 559.

[0054] The second cover body 71 includes a top wall 711 and a hanging wall 712 that is connected to the periphery of the top wall 711 and extends downward. In this embodiment, the top wall 711 includes a lower top wall 7111 formed on the inside in the Y direction (width direction: first direction) and an upper top wall 7113 formed on the outside in the Y direction (width direction: first direction). Furthermore, the top wall 711 includes a connecting wall 7112 that extends in the Z direction (up-down direction: third direction) and connects the lower top wall 7111 and the upper top wall 7113. Thus, in this embodiment, the second cover 7 has the top wall 711 that is one step higher on the outside in the Y direction (width direction: first direction). In addition, a second inclined surface 7114 that inclines backward and downward is formed on the rear side of the upper top wall 7113. Furthermore, in this embodiment, on the outer side of the upper top wall 7113 in the Y direction (width direction: first direction), an engagement piece 73 extending downward is formed so as to be capable of bending (elastically deforming) in the Y direction (width direction: first direction). Also, on the lower end of this engagement piece 73, an engagement protrusion 731 protruding toward the inner side in the Y direction (width direction: first direction) is formed. Then, when the second cover 7 is closed (when in the closed position), the engagement protrusion 731 is adapted to releasably engage with an engagement protrusion 5512 formed on the other side wall 551 of the cover holding portion 55. This prevents the second cover 7 from opening unexpectedly in the closed state.

[0055] In addition, the hanging wall 712 includes a front hanging wall 7121 extending downward from the front end of the top wall 711, a rear hanging wall 7122 extending downward from the rear end of the top wall 711, and a side hanging wall 7123 extending downward from the outer end of the top wall 711.

[0056] In this way, when the second cover 7 is closed (in the closed position), the second upper opening 571 of the second screw member accommodating portion 57 is covered by the top wall 711, while the front-rear opening of the second screw member accommodating portion 57 is covered by the hanging wall 712. Furthermore, when the second cover 7 is closed, it is not possible to insert a tool such as a socket into the second screw member accommodating portion 57.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a first rotation restricting protrusion 64 that protrudes inward and upward in the Y direction (width direction: first direction) is formed on the rear side of the lower top wall 6111. When the second cover 7 is rotated in the opening direction, the upper surface (outer surface) 7111a of the lower top wall 7111 of the second cover 7 abuts against the abutment surface 641 of the first rotation restricting protrusion 64. This restricts further rotation of the second cover 7 in the opening direction.

[0058] Similarly, a second rotation restricting protrusion 74 that protrudes inward and upward in the Y direction (width direction: first direction) is formed on the front side of the lower top wall 7111. When the first cover 6 is rotated in the opening direction, the upper surface (outer surface) 6111a of the lower top wall 6111 of the first cover 6 abuts against an abutment surface 741 of the second rotation restricting protrusion 74. This restricts further rotation of the first cover 6 in the opening direction.

[0059] Thus, in this embodiment, the first cover 6 is configured to be rotatable between a state (closed position) in which the engagement protrusion 631 is engaged with the engagement protrusion 5512, and a state (open position) in which the first cover 6 abuts against the abutment surface 741 of the second rotation restricting projection 74. The second cover 7 is configured to be rotatable between a state (closed position) in which the engagement protrusion 731 is engaged with the engagement protrusion 5512, and a state (open position) in which the second cover 7 abuts against the abutment surface 641 of the first rotation restricting projection 64.

[0060] As described above, in this embodiment, the first cover 6 is attached to the housing main body 5 in a state in which it can rotate between a closed position and an open position around the first rotation shaft 558 extending in the X direction (one direction). Also, the second cover 7 is attached to the housing main body 5 in a state in which it can rotate between a closed position and an open position around the second rotation shaft 559 extending in the X direction (one direction). This makes it easier to open and close the cover than when the cover is detached from the housing main body.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first cover 6 and the second cover 7 can be closed more easily.

[0062] Specifically, the terminal block 1 is provided with a cover closing assistance mechanism 9 that assists in closing the covers (the first cover 6 and the second cover 7).

[0063] In this embodiment, the closing assistance mechanism 9 includes a first reaction force generating part 91 that is pressed by the first cover 6 and elastically deforms when the first cover 6 is rotated to open, and can bias the first cover 6 in a direction to close it. The first reaction force generating part 91 generates a reaction force in the closing direction, thereby assisting the closing of the first cover 6.

[0064] Furthermore, the closing assistance mechanism 9 includes a second reaction force generating part 92 that is pressed by the second cover 7 and elastically deforms when the second cover 7 is rotated to open, and is capable of biasing the second cover 7 in a direction to close. The closing of the second cover 7 is assisted by causing the second reaction force generating part 92 to generate a reaction force in the closing direction.

[0065] This makes it possible to more easily close the first cover 6 and the second cover 7.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second reaction force generating portion 92 is formed on the first cover 6, and the first reaction force generating portion 91 is formed on the second cover .

[0067] Specifically, the first rotating shaft 558 and the second rotating shaft 559 are arranged in the X direction (front-rear direction: one direction: second direction) at the center in the Y direction (width direction: transverse direction: first direction). The first cover 6 is attached to the first rotating shaft 558, and the first cover 6 is rotated to open one end side in the Y direction (width direction: transverse direction: first direction), thereby opening the first upper opening 561 of the first screw member accommodating portion 56. The second cover 7 is attached to the second rotating shaft 559, and the second cover 7 is rotated to open the other end side in the Y direction (width direction: transverse direction: first direction), thereby opening the second upper opening 571 of the second screw member accommodating portion 57.

[0068] When the first cover 6 is rotated from the closed position to the open position, the first cover 6 presses a first reaction force generating portion 91 formed on the second cover 7 before reaching the open position, and the first cover 6 is urged in the closing direction by this first reaction force generating portion 91. Similarly, when the second cover 7 is rotated from the closed position to the open position, the second cover 7 presses a second reaction force generating portion 92 formed on the first cover 6 before reaching the open position, and the second cover 7 is urged in the closing direction by this second reaction force generating portion 92.

[0069] In this manner, in this embodiment, the first cover 6 and the second cover 7 are brought into contact with each other to generate a reaction force in the cover closing direction (first cover 6 or second cover 7). In this manner, the terminal block 1 is provided with a closing assistance mechanism 9, i.e., a first reaction force generating part 91 and a second reaction force generating part 92.

[0070] In this way, when one cover is open (rotated to the open position), the other cover is pressed by the other cover, making it possible to prevent the other cover from opening, and therefore it becomes possible to prevent both the first cover 6 and the second cover 7 from opening (double-opening of the covers).

[0071] If the covers are prevented from opening from both sides, it becomes possible to open either one of the first cover 6 and the second cover 7 while preventing the other cover from opening, and to perform the work of attaching or detaching the screw member on the other cover side. In other words, it becomes possible to perform the work of attaching or detaching the first screw member 33 or the second screw member 43 in a state in which a tool such as a socket cannot be inserted into each screw member at the same time. As a result, it becomes possible to more reliably prevent a short circuit between the screw members (the first screw member 33 or the second screw member 43) during the work of attaching or detaching the screw members, for example, a short circuit between the first screw member 33 and the second screw member 43 caused by a tool or the like.

[0072] In this way, with the terminal block 1 shown in the above embodiment, when attaching or detaching the screw members, the worker does not need to pay attention to short circuits between the screw members, so that the screw members can be attached or detached more safely.

[0073] In addition, when the first cover 6 and the second cover 7 are simultaneously opened beyond a predetermined angle, a reaction force in the closing direction is generated, making it difficult to open the first cover 6 and the second cover 7 to the maximum angle. Furthermore, since it is possible to configure the cover so that it is difficult to maintain the state opened to the maximum angle, it is possible to more reliably prevent both the first cover 6 and the second cover 7 from opening (double-opening of the covers) compared to a case in which the cover is not provided with a reaction force generating portion.

[0074] Here, in this embodiment, the first cover 6 is provided on the first cover main body 61 and includes a first flexible piece 65 which is flexible and deformable in the Z direction (vertical direction: third direction).

[0075] Specifically, a slit 61111 penetrating in the Z direction (up-down direction: third direction) is formed on the inside of the Y direction (width direction: transverse direction: first direction) of the lower top wall 6111 and on the front side of the X direction (front-rear direction: one direction: second direction). In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, this slit 61111 is substantially U-shaped in plan view protruding inward in the Y direction (width direction: transverse direction: first direction). Then, a first flexible piece 65 is formed inside this substantially U-shaped slit. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first cover 6 is formed with a cantilever-shaped first flexible piece 65 with the outside in the Y direction (one end 651a) connected to the first cover main body 61 and the inside in the Y direction (the other end 651b) as a free end, aligned with the first rotation restricting protrusion 64 in the X direction.

[0076] In this embodiment, the first flexible piece 65 includes a first arm portion 651 that extends elongatedly in the Y direction, and one end (root portion) 651a of the first arm portion 651 is connected to the lower top wall 6111. The first flexible piece 65 also includes a first protruding portion 652 formed to protrude upward from the other end (tip) 651b of the first arm portion 651, and the first protruding portion 652 protrudes upward (outward) from an upper surface (outer surface) 6111a of the lower top wall 6111 in a free state. An outer surface 6521 of the first protruding portion 652 includes a first horizontal outer surface (upper surface) 65211 located on the inside in the Y direction. In addition, the outer surface 6521 of the first protrusion 652 is connected to the outer edge in the Y direction of the first horizontal outer surface (upper surface) 65211 and has a first inclined outer surface (inclined surface) 65212 that slopes downward as it extends outward in the Y direction.

[0077] With this configuration, the first flexible piece 65 is deflected and deformed while rotating the other end (tip) 651b with one end (root portion) 651a as a base point.

[0078] Similarly, the second cover 7 is provided on a second cover main body 71 and includes a second flexible piece 75 that is flexible and deformable in the Z direction (vertical direction: third direction).

[0079] Specifically, a slit 71111 penetrating in the Z direction (up-down direction: third direction) is formed on the inside of the Y direction (width direction: transverse direction: first direction) of the lower top wall 7111 and on the rear side of the X direction (front-rear direction: one direction: second direction). In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, this slit 71111 has a substantially U-shape protruding inward in the Y direction (width direction: transverse direction: first direction) in a plan view. Then, a second flexible piece 75 is formed inside this substantially U-shaped slit. Therefore, in this embodiment, the second cover 7 has a cantilever-shaped second flexible piece 75 with the outside in the Y direction (one end 751a) connected to the second cover main body 71 and the inside in the Y direction (the other end 751b) as a free end, and is formed to be aligned with the second rotation restricting protrusion 74 in the X direction.

[0080] In this embodiment, the second flexible piece 75 includes a second arm portion 751 that extends elongatedly in the Y direction, and one end (root portion) 751a of this second arm portion 751 is connected to the lower top wall 7111. The second flexible piece 75 also includes a second protruding portion 752 formed to protrude upward from the other end (tip) 751b of the second arm portion 751, and this second protruding portion 752 protrudes upward (outward) from an upper surface (outer surface) 7111a of the lower top wall 7111 in a free state. An outer surface 7521 of this second protruding portion 752 includes a second horizontal outer surface (upper surface) 75211 located on the inside in the Y direction. In addition, the outer surface 7521 of the second protrusion 752 is connected to the outer edge in the Y direction of the second horizontal outer surface (upper surface) 75211 and has a second inclined outer surface (inclined surface) 75212 that slopes downward as it extends outward in the Y direction.

[0081] With this configuration, the second flexible piece 75 is deflected and deformed while rotating the other end (tip) 751b with one end (root portion) 751a as a base point.

[0082] When the first cover 6 is attached to the first rotating shaft 558 and the second cover 7 is attached to the second rotating shaft 559, the first flexible piece 65 and the second rotation restricting protrusion 74 face each other in the Y direction, and the second flexible piece 75 and the first rotation restricting protrusion 64 face each other in the Y direction.

[0083] In this embodiment, the first cover 6 and the second cover 7 have the same shape. That is, the first cover 6 and the second cover 7 are formed using the same cover member. Specifically, the cover member attached to the first rotating shaft 558 is the first cover 6, and the cover member attached to the second rotating shaft 559 is the second cover 7.

[0084] When the first cover 6 is rotated from the closed position to the open position, the first rotation restricting protrusion 64 formed on the first cover 6 presses the second flexible piece 75 formed on the second cover 7 before the first cover 6 reaches the open position. This allows the first cover 6 to be biased in the closing direction by the second flexible piece 75. Similarly, when the second cover 7 is rotated from the closed position to the open position, the second rotation restricting protrusion 74 formed on the second cover 7 presses the first flexible piece 65 formed on the first cover 6 before the first cover 6 reaches the open position. This allows the second cover 7 to be biased in the closing direction by the first flexible piece 65.

[0085] In this manner, in this embodiment, the first reaction force generating portion 91 has the second flexible piece 75 , and the second reaction force generating portion 92 has the first flexible piece 65 .

[0086] That is, when pressed by the first cover 6, the second flexible piece 75, which flexes and deforms while rotating the other end (tip) 751b about one end (root portion) 751a as a base point, is made to function as a first reaction force generating part 91. When pressed by the second cover 7, the first flexible piece 65, which flexes and deforms while rotating the other end (tip) 651b about one end (root portion) 651a as a base point, is made to function as a second reaction force generating part 92.

[0087] In this embodiment, the length of the first rotation restricting protrusion 64 in the X direction is longer than the length of the slit 71111 in the X direction, and the length of the second rotation restricting protrusion 74 in the X direction is longer than the length of the slit 61111 in the X direction. Therefore, when the first cover 6 is rotated to the open position, the abutting surface 641 of the first rotation restricting protrusion 64 abuts against the upper surface (outer surface) 7111a of the lower top wall 7111, and further rotation of the first cover 6 in the open direction is restricted. Similarly, when the second cover 7 is rotated to the open position, the abutting surface 741 of the second rotation restricting protrusion 74 abuts against the upper surface (outer surface) 6111a of the lower top wall 6111, and further rotation of the second cover 7 in the open direction is restricted.

[0088] With this configuration, when the cover (first cover 6 or second cover 7) is rotated to the open position, the flexible piece (first flexible piece 65 or second flexible piece 75) is rotated and flexibly deformed in accordance with the rotation of the cover (first cover 6 or second cover 7). By rotating and flexibly deforming the flexible piece in accordance with the rotation of the cover in this manner, it becomes possible to generate a reaction force in the tangent direction of the arc drawn by the part of the cover that presses the flexible piece, regardless of the rotation position of the cover. In other words, no matter what position the cover is in, it becomes possible for the flexible piece to generate a reaction force in the direction that rotates the cover toward the closed position.

[0089] Therefore, unlike a configuration in which the cover is simply elastically deformed in one direction, the direction of the reaction force and the rotation direction of the cover do not differ depending on the rotation position of the cover, so that the cover can be pushed back toward the closed position more efficiently. As a result, the rotation force of the cover required to obtain a predetermined reaction force in the rotation direction can be made relatively small, so that a configuration in which a reaction force generating portion is provided can be used while suppressing a decrease in the operability of rotating the cover to the open position.

[0090] In addition, in this embodiment, the first rotation regulating protrusion 64 presses the second flexible piece 75, thereby biasing the first cover 6 in the closing direction, and the second rotation regulating protrusion 74 presses the first flexible piece 65, thereby biasing the second cover 7 in the closing direction.

[0091] In other words, the first pivot restricting protrusion 64 protruding from the first cover body 61 causes the second flexible piece 75 to flexibly deform, and the second pivot restricting protrusion 74 protruding from the second cover body 71 causes the first flexible piece 65 to flexibly deform.

[0092] This makes it possible to obtain a predetermined reaction force in the rotation direction while reducing the rotation angle of the cover (first cover 6 or second cover 7) from the closed position to the open position compared to a case in which the rotation restricting protrusion is not provided. Also, by reducing the rotation angle of the cover from the closed position to the open position, it becomes possible to more reliably configure the cover to automatically rotate to the closed position by its own weight when the cover is rotated to a position where a rotation moment in the opening direction is applied.

[0093] Furthermore, if the terminal block 1 is provided with a closing assistance mechanism 9 that assists in closing the cover (first cover 6 or second cover 7), it is possible to increase the maximum rotation angle of the cover (first cover 6 or second cover 7) while configuring the cover to close by its own weight.

[0094] In other words, even if the rotation angle of the cover (first cover 6 or second cover 7) is large, the cover (first cover 6 or second cover 7) can be configured to close by its own weight.

[0095] Specifically, when the terminal block 1 is fixed with the first upper opening 561 of the first screw member accommodating portion 56 and the second upper opening 571 of the second screw member accommodating portion 57 open directly upward, it is possible to make the rotation angle from the closed position to the open position greater than 90 degrees.

[0096] In other words, if the closing assistance mechanism 9 is not provided, the cover can be opened and closed so that a rotational moment in the opening direction is applied to the cover in the open position, and the cover can be configured to close by its own weight.

[0097] In this embodiment, the first cover 6 is configured to press the first reaction force generating part 91 between an abutment position where it abuts against the first reaction force generating part 91 and an open position. The second cover 7 is configured to press the second reaction force generating part 92 between an abutment position where it abuts against the second reaction force generating part 92 and an open position.

[0098] The first cover 6 and the second cover 7 are arranged so that the rotation angle from the closed position to the abutting position is 90 degrees or less, and the rotation angle from the closed position to the open position is greater than 90 degrees.

[0099] That is, when the cover (first cover 6 or second cover 7) is rotated from the closed position by more than 90 degrees to reach the open position, it reaches the abutment position while rotated by an angle smaller than 90 degrees. During the rotation from the abutment position to the closed position, a reaction force is generated in the cover (first cover 6 or second cover 7).

[0100] By doing so, even if the rotation angle from the closed position to the open position is set to 90 degrees or more, when the cover is released in the open position, the cover is pushed back to a position where the angle is less than 90 degrees. This makes it possible to configure the cover (first cover 6 or second cover 7) to rotate to a position where a rotation moment in the opening direction is applied, while the cover (first cover 6 or second cover 7) automatically rotates to the closed position by its own weight.

[0101] By providing the closing assistance mechanism 9 in this manner, the rotation range within which the cover (first cover 6 and second cover 7) can be closed by its own weight can be further increased.

[0102] Furthermore, if the cover is configured to be pushed back to a position where the angle is less than 90 degrees when the cover is released from the open position, it becomes possible to further improve the freedom of installation of the terminal block 1 in a state where the cover (first cover 6 or second cover 7) can be closed by its own weight.

[0103] For example, even if the terminal block 1 of this embodiment is installed in a tilted state so that one side in the Y direction is positioned lower than the other, both the first cover 6 and the second cover 7 can be configured to close by their own weight.

[0104] Also, if the cover (the first cover 6 or the second cover 7) is rotated from the closed position by more than 90 degrees to reach the open position, the opening of the screw member accommodating portion (the first screw member accommodating portion 56 or the second screw member accommodating portion 57) can be fully opened. This makes it easier to attach and detach the screw member. Also, if the cover is rotated from the closed position by more than 90 degrees to reach the open position, the open position of the cover can be maintained by pushing the back side of the cover in the open direction with a hand. In this way, for example, in a configuration in which the screw member accommodating portion that opens upward is covered with a cover, the open position of the cover can be maintained by pushing the back side of the cover facing upward downward with a hand. Therefore, compared to the case in which the cover is pushed upward to maintain the open position of the cover, it is easier to maintain the open position of the cover with a hand, and therefore the work of attaching and detaching the screw member while holding the cover with a hand becomes easier.

[0105] When the thus configured terminal block 1 is used to attach or detach the screw members (the first screw members 33 and the second screw members 43), the following operations are carried out.

[0106] The following describes a case where the first cover 6 is rotated to the open position to attach and detach the first screw member 33. First, the first cover 6 is rotated. Then, as shown in Fig. 15 and Fig. 16, the abutment surface 641 of the first rotation restricting protrusion 64 of the first cover 6 abuts against the second horizontal outer surface (upper surface) 75211 of the second protruding portion 752 of the second flexible piece 75 (rotates to the abutment position).

[0107] When the first cover 6 is rotated from this contact position to the open position, the first cover 6 presses the second flexible piece 75, and the second flexible piece 75 is deflected and deformed while rotating the other end (tip) 751b from one end (root) 751a as a base point. This generates a reaction force in the second flexible piece 75, and the first cover 6 is biased in the closing direction.

[0108] At this time, the contact position of the abutment surface 641 of the first rotation restricting protrusion 64 of the first cover 6 with the second flexible piece 75 moves from the second horizontal outer surface (upper surface) 75211 to the second inclined outer surface (inclined surface) 75212, as shown in Figures 17 and 18.

[0109] By moving the position at which the abutment surface 641 abuts against the second flexible piece 75 in this way, a clicking sensation can be felt when moving from the second horizontal outer surface 75211 to the second inclined outer surface 75212, and this clicking sensation makes it possible to recognize the rotation to the closed position. Furthermore, by making the second flexible piece 75 abut against the second inclined outer surface 75212 when rotated to the open position, the force biasing the second flexible piece 75 to the closed position is resolved, so that it is possible to maintain the open state with a relatively small force.

[0110] Then, in a state in which the second cover 7 cannot be opened, the first cover 6 is manually opened and maintained in the open position, and the first screw member 33 is attached and detached.

[0111] Then, after the attachment / detachment work is completed, when the first cover 6 that has been rotated to the open position is released, the first cover 6 moves in the closing direction (to the closed position) due to its own weight.

[0112] When the second cover 7 is rotated to the open position to attach or detach the second screw member 43, the above-mentioned operations are performed in reverse.

[0113] [Actions and Effects] The characteristic configuration of the terminal block shown in the above embodiment and the effects obtained thereby will be described below.

[0114] The terminal block 1 shown in the above embodiment includes a housing 2, a first terminal fitting 3 held by the housing 2, and a second terminal fitting 4 held by the housing 2. The terminal block 1 also includes a first screw member 33 electrically connected to a first connection portion 32 of the first terminal fitting 3, and a second screw member 43 electrically connected to a second connection portion 42 of the second terminal fitting 4.

[0115] The housing 2 also includes a housing main body 5 in which a first screw member accommodating portion 56 for accommodating the first screw member 33 and a second screw member accommodating portion 57 for accommodating the second screw member 43 are formed side by side.

[0116] The housing 2 includes a first cover 6 attached to the housing main body 5 in a state in which the first cover 6 can rotate between a closed position and an open position about a first rotating shaft 558 extending in the X direction (one direction) and openably covers the first screw member accommodating portion 56. The housing 2 includes a second cover 7 attached to the housing main body 5 in a state in which the first cover 6 can rotate between a closed position and an open position about a second rotating shaft 559 extending in the X direction (one direction) and openably covers the second screw member accommodating portion 57.

[0117] Furthermore, the terminal block 1 includes a first reaction force generating portion 91 that is pressed by the first cover 6 and elastically deformed when the first cover 6 is rotated to open, and that can urge the first cover 6 in a direction to close it. The terminal block 1 also includes a second reaction force generating portion 92 that is pressed by the second cover 7 and elastically deformed when the second cover 7 is rotated to open, and that can urge the second cover 7 in a direction to close it.

[0118] In this manner, in the terminal block 1 shown in the above embodiment, the first cover 6 is attached to the housing main body 5 in a state in which it can rotate between a closed position and an open position around a first rotation shaft 558 extending in the X direction (one direction). Also, the second cover 7 is attached to the housing main body 5 in a state in which it can rotate between a closed position and an open position around a second rotation shaft 559 extending in the X direction (one direction). In this manner, the cover can be opened and closed more easily than when the cover is detached from the housing main body.

[0119] Furthermore, in the terminal block 1 shown in the above embodiment, when the first cover 6 is rotated from the closed position to the open position about the first rotation shaft 558, the first cover 6 is biased in the closing direction (closing direction) by the first reaction force generating part 91. Also, when the second cover 7 is rotated from the closed position to the open position about the second rotation shaft 559, the second cover 7 is biased in the closing direction (closing direction) by the second reaction force generating part 92. In this way, the closing of the first cover 6 and the second cover 7 is assisted by the first reaction force generating part 91 and the second reaction force generating part 92.

[0120] This makes it possible to more easily close the first cover 6 and the second cover 7.

[0121] Furthermore, even if the rotation angle of the cover (first cover 6 or second cover 7) is made large, it is possible to configure the cover (first cover 6 or second cover 7) to close by its own weight.

[0122] An example of a configuration in which the cover closes under its own weight is a configuration in which the cover is rotated to the open position and then held down by the hand of an operator, etc. to maintain the open state, and when the hand is released from the cover, the weight of the cover automatically rotates to the closed position. In this way, a configuration in which the cover can be closed under its own weight can be more reliably prevented from leaving the opening open by forgetting to close the cover after the screw member has been attached or detached, etc.

[0123] In order for the cover to automatically rotate to the closed position under its own weight, a rotational moment in the closing direction must be applied to the cover when it is rotated to the open position. For example, if the screw member accommodating portion that opens upward is covered by the cover, the cover will extend horizontally when in the closed position (the screw member accommodating portion is covered by the cover: closed state). In order for the cover to automatically rotate to the closed position under its own weight when the screw member accommodating portion that opens upward is covered by the cover, the rotation angle of the cover from the closed position, which is in a horizontal state, to the open position must be set to be less than 90 degrees.

[0124] In this way, simply rotating the cover would limit the maximum rotation angle of the cover so that it automatically rotates to the closed position under its own weight, which means that the maximum rotation angle of the cover needs to be equal to or less than a certain angle.

[0125] In contrast, if the closing of the first cover 6 and the second cover 7 is assisted by the first reaction force generating portion 91 and the second reaction force generating portion 92, it becomes possible to increase the maximum rotation angle of the covers (first cover 6 and second cover 7).

[0126] Specifically, even if the cover (first cover 6 or second cover 7) is rotated to a position where a rotation moment in the opening direction is applied, it can be pushed back to a position where a rotation moment in the closing direction is applied by first reaction force generating portion 91 and second reaction force generating portion 92. For example, in a configuration in which a screw member accommodating portion that opens upward is covered with a cover, even if the rotation angle from the closed position to the open position is set to 90 degrees or more, it is possible to configure the cover to be pushed back to a position where the angle is less than 90 degrees when the hand is released in the open position.

[0127] In this way, it is possible to rotate the cover (first cover 6 or second cover 7) to a position where a rotational moment in the opening direction is applied, while the cover (first cover 6 or second cover 7) automatically rotates to the closed position by its own weight.

[0128] In this manner, with the terminal block 1 according to the above embodiment, the rotation range within which the cover (the first cover 6 and the second cover 7) can be closed by its own weight can be further increased.

[0129] Furthermore, if the cover is configured to be pushed back to a position where the angle is less than 90 degrees when the cover is released from the open position, it becomes possible to further improve the freedom of installation of the terminal block 1 in a state where the cover (first cover 6 or second cover 7) can be closed by its own weight.

[0130] Furthermore, the first screw member accommodating portion 56 and the second screw member accommodating portion 57 may be formed in the housing body 5 so as to be aligned in the Y direction (intersecting direction) that is a direction intersecting the X direction (one direction). The second reaction force generating portion 92 may be formed in the first cover 6, and the first reaction force generating portion 91 may be formed in the second cover 7.

[0131] That is, the first cover 6 and the second cover 7 may be brought into contact with each other to generate a reaction force in the closing direction in the cover (first cover 6 or second cover 7).

[0132] In this way, since the opening of one cover is suppressed when the other cover is open, it is possible to suppress the opening of both the first cover 6 and the second cover 7 (opening of both covers). If the opening of both covers is suppressed, it is possible to open the other cover while restricting the opening of either one of the first cover 6 and the second cover 7, and perform the attachment / detachment work of the screw member on the other cover side. In other words, it is possible to perform the attachment / detachment work of the first screw member 33 or the second screw member 43 in a state in which a tool such as a socket cannot be inserted into each screw member at the same time. As a result, it is possible to more reliably suppress a short circuit between the screw members (the first screw member 33 or the second screw member 43) during the attachment / detachment work of the screw members, for example, a short circuit between the first screw member 33 and the second screw member 43 caused by a tool or the like.

[0133] In this way, with the terminal block 1 shown in the above embodiment, when attaching or detaching the screw members, the worker does not need to pay attention to short circuits between the screw members, so that the screw members can be attached or detached more safely.

[0134] Furthermore, since contact between the first cover 6 and the second cover 7 generates a reaction force in the closing direction, it is possible to make it difficult to open the first cover 6 and the second cover 7 to the maximum angle, and to make it difficult to maintain a state opened to the maximum angle. Therefore, compared to a case in which the cover is not provided with a reaction force generating portion, it is possible to more reliably prevent both the first cover 6 and the second cover 7 from opening (double-opening of the covers).

[0135] The first cover 6 may include a first cover main body 61 and a first flexible piece 65 provided on the first cover main body 61 and capable of flexibly deforming in a direction (Z direction) intersecting the X direction (one direction) and the Y direction (intersecting direction). The second cover 7 may include a second cover main body 71 and a second flexible piece 75 provided on the second cover main body 71 and capable of flexibly deforming in a direction (Z direction) intersecting the X direction (one direction) and the Y direction (intersecting direction). The first reaction force generating part 91 may include the second flexible piece 75, and the second reaction force generating part 92 may include the first flexible piece 65.

[0136] That is, the second flexible piece 75, which is pressed by the first cover 6 and flexibly deforms while rotating the other end (tip) 751b about one end (root portion) 751a as a base point, may be made to function as the first reaction force generating part 91. The first flexible piece 65, which is pressed by the second cover 7 and flexibly deforms while rotating the other end (tip) 651b about one end (root portion) 651a as a base point, may be made to function as the second reaction force generating part 92.

[0137] In this way, the flexible piece (the first flexible piece 65 or the second flexible piece 75) can be flexibly deformed while rotating in accordance with the rotation of the cover (the first cover 6 or the second cover 7). In this way, if the flexible piece is rotated and flexibly deformed in accordance with the rotation of the cover, it is possible to generate a reaction force in the tangent direction of the arc drawn by the part of the cover that presses the flexible piece, regardless of the rotation position of the cover. In other words, regardless of the position of the cover, the flexible piece can generate a reaction force in the direction that rotates the cover toward the closed position. In this way, unlike the case of a configuration in which the cover is simply elastically deformed in one direction, the direction of the reaction force and the rotation direction of the cover do not differ depending on the rotation position of the cover, so that the cover can be pushed back toward the closed position more efficiently. As a result, the rotation force of the cover required to obtain a predetermined reaction force in the rotation direction can be made relatively small, so that it is possible to suppress a decrease in the operability of rotating the cover to the open position while having a configuration with a reaction force generating part.

[0138] Furthermore, the first cover body 61 may be formed with a first rotation restricting protrusion 64 that abuts against the second cover body 71 to restrict rotation of the first cover 6 in the opening direction. Furthermore, the second cover body 71 may be formed with a second rotation restricting protrusion 74 that abuts against the first cover body 61 to restrict rotation of the second cover 7 in the opening direction. The first cover 6 may be biased in the closing direction by the first rotation restricting protrusion 64 pressing the second flexible piece 75. The second cover 7 may be biased in the closing direction by the second rotation restricting protrusion 74 pressing the first flexible piece 65.

[0139] In other words, the second flexible piece 75 may be flexibly deformed by the first rotation restricting protrusion 64 protruding from the first cover body 61, and the first flexible piece 65 may be flexibly deformed by the second rotation restricting protrusion 74 protruding from the second cover body 71.

[0140] This makes it possible to obtain a predetermined reaction force in the rotation direction while reducing the rotation angle of the cover (first cover 6 or second cover 7) from the closed position to the open position compared to a case in which the rotation restricting protrusion is not provided. Furthermore, by reducing the rotation angle of the cover from the closed position to the open position, it becomes possible to more reliably configure the cover to automatically rotate to the closed position by its own weight when the cover is rotated to a position where a rotation moment in the opening direction is applied.

[0141] The first cover 6 may be configured to press the first reaction force generating part 91 between an abutment position where it abuts against the first reaction force generating part 91 and the open position. The second cover 7 may be configured to press the second reaction force generating part 92 between an abutment position where it abuts against the second reaction force generating part 92 and the open position. The first cover 6 and the second cover 7 may have a rotation angle from the closed position to the abutment position of 90 degrees or less, and a rotation angle from the closed position to the open position of more than 90 degrees.

[0142] That is, when the cover (first cover 6 or second cover 7) is rotated from the closed position by more than 90 degrees to reach the open position, the cover may be rotated by an angle smaller than 90 degrees to reach the abutment position. Then, a reaction force may be generated in the cover (first cover 6 or second cover 7) while the cover is rotated from the abutment position to the closed position.

[0143] In this way, if the cover (the first cover 6 or the second cover 7) is rotated from the closed position by more than 90 degrees to reach the open position, the opening of the screw member accommodating portion (the first screw member accommodating portion 56 or the second screw member accommodating portion 57) can be fully opened. This makes it easier to attach and detach the screw member. Also, if the cover is rotated from the closed position by more than 90 degrees to reach the open position, the open position of the cover can be maintained by pushing the back side of the cover in the open direction with a hand. In this way, for example, in a configuration in which the screw member accommodating portion that opens upward is covered with a cover, the open position of the cover can be maintained by pushing the back side of the cover facing upward downward with a hand. Therefore, compared to the case in which the cover is pushed upward to maintain the open position of the cover, it is easier to maintain the open position of the cover with a hand, which is an advantage in that it is easier to attach and detach the screw member while holding the cover with a hand.

[0144] [others] Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present embodiment is not limited to this, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present embodiment.

[0145] For example, in the above embodiment, the first cover 6 is rotated about the first rotation shaft 558 extending in the X direction, but it is also possible to rotate the first cover 6 about a first rotation shaft extending in the Y direction. In this case, the first reaction force generating portion 91 is provided on at least one of the first cover 6 and the housing main body 5.

[0146] In the above embodiment, the second cover 7 is rotated about the second rotation shaft 559 extending in the X direction, but the second cover 7 can be rotated about a second rotation shaft extending in the Y direction. In this case, the second reaction force generating portion 92 is provided on at least one of the second cover 7 and the housing main body 5.

[0147] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was given of the second reaction force generating portion 92 being formed on the first cover 6 and the first reaction force generating portion 91 being formed on the second cover 7, but it is also possible to form the first reaction force generating portion 91 on the first cover 6 and the second reaction force generating portion 92 on the second cover 7.

[0148] In this way, the first reaction force generating part 91 can be provided in various locations as long as it can abut against the first cover 6 as the first cover 6 is rotated from the closed position to the open position and urge the first cover 6 in the direction of closing.

[0149] Similarly, the second reaction force generating part 92 can be provided in various locations as long as it is capable of abutting against the second cover 7 as the second cover 7 is rotated from the closed position to the open position and biasing the second cover 7 in the direction of closing.

[0150] Also, in the above embodiment, the cover holder 55 to which the first cover 6 and the second cover 7 are attached is detachably attached to the base 52 (capable of forming the insulating cover member 8). However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and it is also possible to use a configuration in which the first cover 6 and the second cover 7 are attached to an integrally formed housing main body.

[0151] In the above embodiment, the first rotating shaft 558 and the second rotating shaft 559 are provided on the housing main body 5, and the bearings 62, 72 are formed on the first cover 6 and the second cover 7, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and it is also possible to provide the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft on the first cover 6 and the second cover 7, respectively, and to provide the housing main body 5 with bearings that receive the respective rotating shafts.

[0152] It is also possible to arrange the first rotation shaft 558 and the second rotation shaft 559 so that they are aligned in a straight line. In other words, it is also possible to arrange the first rotation shaft 558 and the second rotation shaft 559 so that the first rotation shaft 558 is located on one side in the rotation axis direction and the second rotation shaft 559 is located on the other side.

[0153] In addition, the housing, the first and second terminal fittings, and other detailed specifications (shape, size, layout, etc.) can be changed as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0154] 1 Terminal block 2. Housing 3 First terminal metal fitting 32 First connection part 33 First screw member 4 Second terminal metal fitting 42 Second connection part 43 Second screw member 5 Housing body 5522 Second restriction protrusion 5523 Second rotation restriction protrusion 5531 First restriction protrusion 5541 First rotation restriction protrusion 56 First screw member receiving portion 57 Second screw member receiving portion 6 First Cover 61 First cover body 64 First rotation restriction protrusion 65 1st flexible piece 7 Second Cover 71 Second cover body 74 Second rotation restriction protrusion 75 Second flexible piece 91 First reaction force generating section 92 Second reaction force generating section

Claims

1. Housing and a first terminal metal fitting held by the housing; a second terminal metal fitting held by the housing; a first screw member electrically connected to a first connection portion of the first terminal fitting; a second screw member electrically connected to the second connection portion of the second terminal fitting; Equipped with The housing includes: a housing main body in which a first screw member accommodating portion in which the first screw member is accommodated and a second screw member accommodating portion in which the second screw member is accommodated are arranged side by side; a first cover attached to the housing body in a state in which the first cover can rotate between a closed position and an open position about a first rotation axis extending in one direction, and which opens and closes the first screw member accommodating portion; a second cover attached to the housing body in a state in which the second cover can rotate about a second rotation axis extending in one direction between a closed position and an open position, and which opens and closes the second screw member accommodating portion; Equipped with a first reaction force generating portion that is pressed by the first cover and elastically deformed when the first cover is rotated to open, and that is capable of biasing the first cover in a direction to close the first cover; a second reaction force generating portion that is pressed by the second cover and elastically deformed when the second cover is rotated to open, and that is capable of biasing the second cover in a direction to close the second cover; Further comprising: terminal block.

2. The housing main body is formed with the first screw member accommodating portion and the second screw member accommodating portion arranged in a cross direction that crosses the one direction, the second reaction force generating portion is formed on the first cover, The first reaction force generating portion is formed on the second cover. The terminal block according to claim 1 .

3. The first cover includes a first cover body and a first flexible piece provided on the first cover body and capable of being flexibly deformed in the one direction and in a direction intersecting the intersecting direction, the second cover includes a second cover body and a second flexible piece provided on the second cover body and flexible in the one direction and in a direction intersecting the intersecting direction, the first reaction force generating portion has the second flexible piece, and the second reaction force generating portion has the first flexible piece, The terminal block according to claim 2.

4. a first rotation restricting protrusion that abuts against the second cover body and restricts rotation of the first cover in an opening direction; a second rotation restricting protrusion that abuts against the first cover body and restricts rotation of the second cover in an opening direction; The first cover is biased in a closing direction by the first rotation restricting protrusion pressing the second flexible piece, The second cover is biased in a closing direction by the second rotation restricting protrusion pressing the first flexible piece. The terminal block according to claim 3.

5. the first cover is configured to press the first reaction force generating portion between a contact position where the first cover is in contact with the first reaction force generating portion and an open position, the second cover is configured to press the second reaction force generating portion between a contact position where the second cover is in contact with the second reaction force generating portion and an open position, The first cover and the second cover have a rotation angle of 90 degrees or less from a closed position to an abutting position, and a rotation angle of more than 90 degrees from a closed position to an open position. The terminal block according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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