Terminal block

Abstract

To provide a terminal block capable of more reliably suppressing a short circuit between screw members during the attaching / detaching work of the screw members.SOLUTION: A terminal block 1 includes a housing 2, a first terminal fitting 3, a second terminal fitting 4, a first screw member 33 and a second screw member 43. In addition, the housing 2 includes a housing body 5 in which a first screw member accommodating part 56 and a second screw member accommodating part 57 are arranged in parallel in a first direction. The housing 2 also includes a first cover 6 which covers the first screw member accommodating part 56 in an openable / closable manner and a second cover 7 which covers the second screw member accommodating part 57 in the openable / closable manner. The terminal block 1 further includes a slide restriction part 9 which is provided in the housing body 5 while being allowed to slide in the first direction and can selectively restrict an opening operation of either the first cover 6 or the second cover 7.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 19

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 conventional technology, the multiple screw members are covered with one cover, and the cover is removed from the terminal block body to attach and detach the electric wires (external connection terminals) using the individual screw members. Therefore, when the cover is removed from the terminal block body, tools such as sockets can be inserted into each screw member at the same time. In this way, in the above conventional technology, when the cover is removed from the terminal block body, simultaneous contact with the multiple screw members is possible.

[0006] Therefore, when attaching or detaching the screw members, the worker needs to be careful not to cause a short circuit between the screw members.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the problems inherent in the conventional art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a terminal block capable of more reliably preventing short circuits between screw members when attaching or detaching the screw members. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A terminal block according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises 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, wherein the housing comprises 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 in a first direction, a first cover that covers the first screw member accommodating portion in an openable and closable manner, and a second cover that covers the second screw member accommodating portion in an openable and closable manner, and further comprises a slide regulating portion that is arranged on the housing main body in a state permitted to slide in the first direction and is capable of selectively regulating the opening operation of either the first cover or the second cover. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a terminal block capable of more reliably preventing short circuits between screw members when the screw members are attached or detached. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [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. 13 is a perspective view showing an example of an insulating cover member according to one embodiment, in which a slide restricting portion is attached to a cover holding portion to which a first cover and a second cover are attached, viewed from one direction. [Figure 14]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an insulating cover member according to one embodiment, and is an oblique view seen from one direction of a state in which a slide member of a slide regulating portion is attached to a cover holding portion to which a first cover and a second cover are attached. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a slide restricting portion according to an embodiment, illustrating a state in which a locking member is attached to a slide member. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a terminal block according to an embodiment, in which a slide restricting portion is slid toward a second cover side, as viewed from one direction. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a terminal block according to an embodiment, and is a front view illustrating a state in which a slide restricting portion is slid toward a second cover. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a terminal block according to an embodiment, in which a first cover is rotated to an open position as viewed from one direction. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a terminal block according to an embodiment, and is a front view illustrating a state in which a first cover has been rotated to an open position. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of a terminal block according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a first cover is rotated to an open position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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: 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: first direction). The direction intersecting the X direction (front-rear direction: second direction) and the Y direction (width 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] In this embodiment, the first terminal portion 31 is formed in a generally rod-like shape extending in the X direction (front-rear 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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 is 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.

[0020] 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: 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] In this embodiment, the first terminal metal fitting 3 and the second terminal metal fitting 4 are held in the housing body 5 in a state in which they extend in the X direction (front-rear direction: second direction) and are arranged side by side in the Y direction (width direction: first direction). The first terminal metal fitting 3 and the second terminal metal fitting 4 are terminals of opposite polarities. That is, when one of the first terminal metal fitting 3 and the second terminal metal fitting 4 is a positive terminal, the other terminal is a negative terminal.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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: 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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 when it is open to the rear in the X direction (front-rear direction: second direction). The connector fitting portion 51 has a substantially cylindrical first connector fitting portion 511 that covers the first terminal portion 31 when it is open to the rear in the X direction (front-rear 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 when it is open to the rear in the X direction (front-rear 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] The housing main body 5 also includes a base portion 52 formed on the front side of the connector fitting portion 51 in the X direction (front-rear 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 includes a base main body 521, and the base main body 521 is formed with a first insertion space 5211 into which the nut 332 can be inserted and held in a non-rotating state. The base main body 521 is also formed with a second insertion space 5212 into which the nut 432 can be inserted and held in a non-rotating state.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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: 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.

[0039] The cover holding part 55 also includes a pair of side walls 551 arranged on both sides in the Y direction (width 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: first direction) in a state in which the lock piece 5511 can be flexibly deformed (elastically deformed) in the Y direction (width direction: first direction). Also, on both sides in the Y direction (width 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 lock protrusion 5221 protruding outward in the Y direction (width 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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. 11 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.

[0043] 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: 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: 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: 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: 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.

[0044] 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).

[0045] In addition, in this embodiment, the first rotating shaft 558 and the second rotating shaft 559 are formed in a slightly misaligned state in the Y direction (width direction: first direction), so that the rotational center axis of the first cover 6 and the rotational center axis of the second cover 7 are not positioned on the same straight line.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] The first cover 6 includes a 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 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).

[0049] 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.

[0050] The 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, an 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] The second cover 7 includes a cover body 71 capable of covering the second screw member accommodating portion 57 in an openable and closable manner, and a bearing portion 72 for rotatably holding the second rotating shaft 559. In this embodiment, the bearing portion 72 is formed at a tip portion of the rear half of the cover body 71 protruding 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).

[0054] 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.

[0055] The 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, an 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a 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 second cover 7 abuts against an abutment surface 641 of the rotation restricting protrusion 64. This restricts further rotation of the second cover 7 in the opening direction.

[0059] Similarly, a 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 first cover 6 abuts against an abutment surface 741 of the rotation restricting protrusion 74. This restricts further rotation of the first cover 6 in the opening direction.

[0060] Thus, in this embodiment, the first cover 6 is configured to be rotatable between a state in which the engagement protrusion 631 is engaged with the engagement protrusion 5512 (closed state: closed position) and a state in which the first cover 6 is abutted against the abutment surface 741 of the rotation restricting projection 74 (open state: open position). The second cover 7 is configured to be rotatable between a state in which the engagement protrusion 731 is engaged with the engagement protrusion 5512 (closed state: closed position) and a state in which the second cover 7 is abutted against the abutment surface 641 of the rotation restricting projection 64 (open state: open position).

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rotation angle of the first cover 6 is set to an angle at which the first cover 6 can be opened to an extent that a tool such as a socket can be inserted and work can be performed, but is set to an angle smaller than 90 degrees. That is, the first cover 6, which is in a horizontal state at the closed position, is set to abut against the abutment surface 741 of the rotation restriction protrusion 74 before the first cover 6 is set to a vertical state. Similarly, the rotation angle of the second cover 7 is set to an angle at which the second cover 7 can be opened to an extent that a tool such as a socket can be inserted and work can be performed, but is set to an angle smaller than 90 degrees. That is, the second cover 7, which is in a horizontal state at the closed position, is set to abut against the abutment surface 641 of the rotation restriction protrusion 64 before the second cover 7 is set to a vertical state.

[0062] In this way, when the cover that has been rotated to the open position is released, the cover moves in the closing direction (to the closed position) due to its own weight. This prevents the cover from remaining in the open state, making it possible to more reliably prevent a short circuit between the first screw member 33 and the second screw member 43 caused by a tool or the like.

[0063] As described above, in this embodiment, the first terminal fitting 3 and the second terminal fitting 4 are terminals of opposite polarities. Therefore, if the first screw member 33 and the second screw member 43 are touched at the same time during installation or removal of the screw members, a short circuit may occur between the first screw member 33 and the second screw member 43.

[0064] Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to more reliably prevent short circuits between the screw members (between the first screw member 33 and the second screw member 43) during operations such as attaching or removing the screw members (the first screw member 33 or the second screw member 43).

[0065] Specifically, the terminal block 1 is slidably mounted on the housing main body 5 and is provided with a slide regulating portion 9 that can selectively regulate the opening operation of either the first cover 6 or the second cover 7.

[0066] In this embodiment, an extension wall 5522 that protrudes above the first cover 6 and the second cover 7 is provided on the connecting wall 552 of the cover holding portion 55, and a slit 55221 is formed in a portion of the extension wall 5522 that is located above the first cover 6 and the second cover 7. In addition, the slide restricting portion 9 is provided with a slide member 91 that is capable of sliding along the slit 55221 when inserted into the slit 55221. In this manner, in this embodiment, the slit 55221 functions as a slide space 93.

[0067] With slide member 91 inserted in slit 55221, slide member 91 can be slid along the extending direction of slit 55221.

[0068] Specifically, the slide regulating portion 9 is provided with a locking member 92 that is attached to the slide member 91 and prevents the slide member 91 from slipping out of the slit 55221. In this manner, the slide member 91 can be prevented from coming off the slit 55221.

[0069] 13, the sliding member 91 includes a substantially rectangular plate-shaped main body 911 and an insertion portion 912 that is connected to the main body 911 and inserted into the slit 55221. The locking member 92 includes a substantially rectangular plate-shaped main body 921 and a plurality of lock pieces 922 that protrude downward from the lower surface of the main body 921.

[0070] The lock member 92 is attached to the slide member 91 by inserting a plurality of lock pieces 922 into through holes 9121 formed in the insertion portion 912 .

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a retaining projection 9221 that projects radially outward is formed at the tip of each of the locking pieces 922, and each locking piece 922 is provided on the main body 921 in a state in which it can be flexibly deformed (elastically deformed) in the radial direction. This allows the retaining projection 9221 to be hooked onto the periphery of the through hole 9121 when the locking member 92 is attached to the slide member 91, preventing the locking member 92 from coming off the slide member 91.

[0072] Furthermore, by providing the slide regulating portion 9 having such a configuration on the extension wall 5522 that forms part of the housing main body 5, it is possible to selectively regulate the opening operation of either the first cover 6 or the second cover 7.

[0073] In this embodiment, first, the insertion portion 912 of the slide member 91 is inserted into the slit 55221 from the front to achieve the state shown in Fig. 14. Then, with the insertion portion 912 inserted into the slit 55221 from the front, a plurality of lock pieces 922 are inserted from above into the through holes 9121 formed in the insertion portion 912 to achieve the state shown in Fig. 15. In this manner, the slide member 91 is slidably provided on the extension wall 5522 in a state in which the slide member 91 is prevented from slipping out of the slit 55221 by the lock members 92.

[0074] In this embodiment, the slit 55221 is formed to extend in the Y direction (first direction) in which the first screw member accommodating portion 56 and the second screw member accommodating portion 57 are arranged side by side. Therefore, the slide member 91 is provided in the housing main body 5 in a state in which the slide member 91 is allowed to slide in the direction in which the first screw member accommodating portion 56 and the second screw member accommodating portion 57 are arranged side by side.

[0075] When the slide member 91 is slid to one side in the Y direction (width direction: first direction), the main body 911 of the slide member 91 is positioned above the cover arranged on one side in the Y direction (width direction: first direction). In this way, when an attempt is made to open the cover arranged on one side in the Y direction (width direction: first direction), the cover arranged on the one side interferes with the main body 911 of the slide member 91 and cannot be opened.

[0076] Furthermore, when the slide member 91 is slid to the other side in the Y direction (width direction: first direction), the main body 911 of the slide member 91 is positioned above the cover arranged on the other side in the Y direction (width direction: first direction). In this way, when an attempt is made to open the cover arranged on the other side in the Y direction (width direction: first direction), the cover arranged on the other side interferes with the main body 911 of the slide member 91 and cannot be opened.

[0077] In this manner, in this embodiment, the opening operation (lid opening) of either the first cover 6 or the second cover 7 is permitted, while the opening operation (lid opening) of the other cover is restricted.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the main body portion 911 of the slide member 91 is provided with a first slide restricting portion side protrusion 9111 .

[0079] Specifically, a first slide regulating part side protrusion 9111 protruding downward is formed at an end of one side (right side in FIG. 17) in the Y direction (width direction: first direction) of the main body part 911. When the main body part 911 is slid to one side (right side in FIG. 17) in the Y direction (width direction: first direction), the first slide regulating part side protrusion 9111 is engaged with a first cover side protrusion 61131 formed on the top wall 611 of the first cover 6 so as to protrude upward. In this way, when the main body part 911 is slid to one side (right side in FIG. 17) in the Y direction (width direction: first direction), the first cover side protrusion 61131 and the first slide regulating part side protrusion 9111 are engaged with each other so that the first cover 6 cannot be opened. That is, the first cover 6 is maintained in a closed state.

[0080] In this embodiment, the main body 911 of the slide member 91 is provided with the second slide restricting portion side projection 9112 .

[0081] Specifically, a second slide regulating part side protrusion 9112 protruding downward is formed at the end of the other side (left side in FIG. 17) in the Y direction (width direction: first direction) of the main body part 911. When the main body part 911 is slid to the other side (left side in FIG. 17) in the Y direction (width direction: first direction), the second slide regulating part side protrusion 9112 is engaged with a second cover side protrusion 71131 formed on the top wall 711 of the second cover 7 so as to protrude upward. In this way, when the main body part 911 is slid to the other side (left side in FIG. 17) in the Y direction (width direction: first direction), the second cover side protrusion 71131 and the second slide regulating part side protrusion 9112 are engaged with each other so that the second cover 7 cannot be opened. That is, the second cover 7 is maintained in a closed state.

[0082] This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the cover from being opened from both sides, and more reliably prevents a short circuit between the first screw member 33 and the second screw member 43 due to a tool or the like.

[0083] Also, the sliding completion state of the slide restricting part 9 can be recognized by the engagement between the first cover side projection 61131 and the first slide restricting part side projection 9111, or the engagement between the second cover side projection 71131 and the second slide restricting part side projection 9112. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the screw member from being attached or detached without the slide restricting part 9 being slid to the sliding completion state. Therefore, it becomes possible to more easily and reliably prevent the slide restricting part 9 from opening one of the covers when attaching or detaching the screw member.

[0084] When attaching or detaching the screw members (the first screw members 33 and the second screw members 43) using the terminal block 1 configured as above, the following operations are carried out.

[0085] For example, when the first cover 6 is rotated to the open position to perform the attachment / detachment work of the first screw member 33, first, as shown in FIG. 16, the slide member 91 (slide regulating portion 9) is slid to the other side (left side in FIG. 17) in the Y direction (width direction: first direction). At this time, the slide member 91 (slide regulating portion 9) is slid to the other side (left side in FIG. 17) in the Y direction (width direction: first direction) until the second slide regulating portion side projection 9112 engages with the second cover side projection 71131. In this way, the second cover 7 is maintained in the closed state by the slide regulating portion 9, but the first cover 6 is in a state where it can be rotated to the open position without interfering with the slide regulating portion 9. Note that if the second slide regulating portion side projection 9112 is already engaged with the second cover side projection 71131, the above operation is omitted.

[0086] Then, the first cover 6 is opened in a state in which the second cover 7 cannot be opened, and the first screw member 33 is attached and detached.

[0087] In addition, when the terminal block 1 of this embodiment is used, when the first cover 6 that has been rotated to the open position is released after the attachment / detachment operation is completed, the first cover 6 moves in the closing direction (to the closed position) due to its own weight.

[0088] Moreover, 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.

[0089] [Actions and Effects] The characteristic configuration of the terminal block shown in the above embodiment and the effects obtained thereby will be described below.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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 to be aligned in the Y direction (first direction). The housing 2 also includes a first cover 6 for opening and closing the first screw member accommodating portion 56, and a second cover 7 for opening and closing the second screw member accommodating portion 57.

[0092] The terminal block 1 is arranged in a state where it is permitted to slide in the Y direction (first direction) in the housing main body 5, and further includes a slide control portion 9 that can selectively control the opening operation of either the first cover 6 or the second cover 7.

[0093] In this manner, in the terminal block 1 shown in the above embodiment, the slide restricting portion 9 is capable of selectively restricting the opening operation of either the first cover 6 or the second cover 7. This makes it possible to prevent both the first cover 6 and the second cover 7 from opening (double-opening of the covers).

[0094] In this way, while restricting the opening operation of either one of the first cover 6 and the second cover 7, the other cover can be opened to perform the installation and removal of the screw members on the other cover side. In other words, the installation and removal of the first screw member 33 or the second screw member 43 can be performed 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 prevent a short circuit between the screw members (the first screw member 33 or the second screw member 43) during the installation and removal 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] Furthermore, the slide restricting portion 9 may include a first slide restricting portion side protrusion 9111 that engages with a first cover side protrusion 61131 formed on the first cover 6 to maintain the first cover 6 in the closed state. The slide restricting portion 9 may include a second slide restricting portion side protrusion 9112 that engages with a second cover side protrusion 71131 formed on the second cover 7 to maintain the second cover 7 in the closed state.

[0097] This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the cover from being opened from both sides, and therefore makes it possible to more reliably prevent a short circuit between the first screw member 33 and the second screw member 43 due to a tool or the like.

[0098] Furthermore, the sliding completion state of the slide restricting part 9 can be recognized by the engagement between the first cover side projection 61131 and the first slide restricting part side projection 9111, or the engagement between the second cover side projection 71131 and the second slide restricting part side projection 9112. As a result, it is possible to more reliably prevent the screw member from being attached or detached without the slide restricting part 9 being slid to the sliding completion state. Therefore, it is possible to more easily and reliably prevent the slide restricting part 9 from opening one of the covers when attaching or detaching the screw member.

[0099] [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.

[0100] For example, in the above embodiment, the first cover 6 is illustrated as being 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. Also, it is also possible to configure the first cover 6 to be removably attached to the housing main body 5.

[0101] 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 may be rotated about a second rotation shaft extending in the Y direction. The second cover 7 may be removably attached to the housing main body 5.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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]

[0105] 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 56 First screw member receiving portion 57 Second screw member receiving portion 6 First Cover 61131 First cover side protrusion 7 Second Cover 71131 Second cover side protrusion 9 Slide control part 9111 First slide restriction part side protrusion 9112 Second slide restriction part side protrusion

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 in a first direction; a first cover that covers the first screw member accommodating portion in an openable and closable manner; a second cover that covers the second screw member accommodating portion in an openable and closable manner; Equipped with The housing body further includes a slide restricting portion that is provided in a state in which sliding in the first direction is permitted and that is capable of selectively restricting an opening operation of either the first cover or the second cover. terminal block.

2. The slide regulating portion is a first slide restricting portion side protrusion that engages with a first cover side protrusion formed on the first cover to maintain the first cover in a closed state; a second slide restricting portion side protrusion that engages with a second cover side protrusion formed on the second cover to maintain the second cover in a closed state; Equipped with The terminal block according to claim 1 .

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