Terminal block

Abstract

To provide a terminal block which can facilitate the assembly of the terminal block to a fitting object, and which has a reduced size.SOLUTION: A terminal block 20 is fitted to a fitting object 10 having a fitting hole 12. The terminal block comprises: a terminal block body 30 which includes a facing surface 32 facing the fitting object; a terminal 22 which penetrates the terminal block body; and a packing 50 which is interposed between the facing surface and the fitting object in a penetration direction of the fitting hole. The terminal includes an extension end 24 extending from the facing surface. The packing surrounds the extension end. The packing includes: a first protrusion 54 and a second protrusion 56 which protrude to the facing surface side; and a fixed protrusion 58 which protrudes to the facing surface side. The first protrusion is closer to the extension end than the second protrusion. The fixed protrusion is located between the first protrusion and the second protrusion. The terminal block body includes a recess 33g at a position facing the fixed protrusion. The packing is held on the terminal block body with the fixed protrusion fitted into the recess.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a terminal block.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a waterproof connector including a connector housing and an annular packing. A locking projection is formed on the outer peripheral side of the packing, and the locking projection is inserted into and locked to an engagement hole of a hood portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] According to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, due to the locking projection, the packing may be enlarged, and the connector may be enlarged.

[0005] Here, it is desired to provide a terminal block that can be easily assembled to an object to be attached and is miniaturized.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a terminal block that can be easily assembled to an object to be attached and is miniaturized.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The terminal block of the present disclosure is a terminal block to be attached to an attachment target having an attachment hole, and includes a terminal block body including a facing surface facing the attachment target, a terminal penetrating the terminal block body, and a packing interposed between the facing surface and the attachment target in the penetrating direction of the attachment hole. The terminal includes an extending end portion extending from the facing surface, the packing surrounds the extending end portion, the packing includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion protruding toward the facing surface side, and a fixing protrusion protruding toward the facing surface side. The first protrusion is closer to the extending end portion than the second protrusion, the fixing protrusion is located between the first protrusion and the second protrusion, and the terminal block body includes a recess at a position facing the fixing protrusion. The packing is held by the terminal block body in a state where the fixing protrusion is fitted into the recess.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to easily assemble the terminal block to the attachment target and provide a downsized terminal block.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0011] The terminal block of the present disclosure is as follows.

[0012] (1) A terminal block that is attached to an object to be attached having a mounting hole, the terminal block including a terminal block body including a facing surface facing the object to be attached, a terminal penetrating the terminal block body, and a packing interposed between the facing surface and the object to be attached in the penetrating direction of the mounting hole, the terminal including an extending end portion extending from the facing surface, the packing surrounding the extending end portion, the packing including a first protrusion and a second protrusion protruding toward the facing surface side, and a fixing protrusion protruding toward the facing surface side, the first protrusion being closer to the extending end portion than the second protrusion, the fixing protrusion being located between the first protrusion and the second protrusion, the terminal block body including a recess at a position facing the fixing protrusion, and the packing being held by the terminal block body with the fixing protrusion fitted into the recess.

[0013] According to the present disclosure, since the packing is held by the terminal block body by fitting the fixing protrusion into the recess, the packing is miniaturized. Since the packing is miniaturized, the terminal block is also miniaturized. Further, since water is blocked by the packing interposed between the facing surface and the object to be attached in the penetrating direction of the mounting hole, the assembly of the terminal block to the object to be attached can be facilitated as compared with the case where a shaft seal structure is provided. Thereby, the packing can be easily assembled, and a further miniaturized terminal block can be provided.

[0014] (2) The terminal block according to (1), wherein the fixing protrusion may have a tip guide surface that gradually narrows toward the tip side.

[0015] Thereby, the fixing protrusion can be easily fitted into the recess using the tip guide surface.

[0016] (3) The terminal block according to (1) or (2), wherein the recess may have an opening guide surface that gradually expands outward.

[0017] As a result, the fixing protrusion can be easily fitted into the recess using the opening guide surface.

[0018] (4) Any one of the terminal blocks from (1) to (3), wherein the packing may include a plane facing the object to be attached.

[0019] As a result, the plane of the packing is in surface contact with the object to be attached. For example, even when the surface of the object to be attached has fine recesses due to casting cavities or the like, the space between the packing and the object to be attached is more reliably sealed.

[0020] (5) Any one of the terminal blocks from (1) to (4), wherein a base end portion of the fixing protrusion is columnar, and at least one of the first protrusion and the second protrusion may have an arcuate portion that partially follows an outer peripheral portion of the base end portion.

[0021] As a result, at least one of the first protrusion and the second protrusion can extend so as to partially avoid the fixing protrusion by the arcuate portion. Therefore, the formation region of at least one of the first protrusion and the second protrusion can be made as small as possible.

[0022] (6) The terminal block of (5), wherein both the first protrusion and the second protrusion may have the arcuate portion.

[0023] In this way, when both the first protrusion and the second protrusion have the arcuate portion, symmetry can be imparted to the shapes of the first protrusion and the second protrusion. As a result, for example, even when the terminal block is tilted with respect to the object to be attached, a stable sealing property is easily obtained.

[0024] (7) Any one of the terminal blocks from (1) to (6), wherein the packing includes a plurality of the fixing protrusions, and the plurality of fixing protrusions may be distributed around the extending end portion.

[0025] In this way, since the plurality of fixing protrusions are distributed around the extending end portion, the packing is easily held in a stable state with respect to the opposing surface.

[0026] (8) Any one of the terminal blocks from (1) to (7), wherein the plurality of fixing protrusions may have a shape that exhibits plane symmetry with two orthogonal planes through which the central axis of the mounting hole passes as the planes of symmetry.

[0027] This makes it easy to hold the packing under similar conditions around the mounting hole, and the sealing property is likely to be stable.

[0028] [Details of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] Specific examples of the terminal block of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0029] [Embodiment] Hereinafter, the terminal block according to the embodiment will be described. FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views showing the terminal block 20. FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 3. In FIG. 4, the packing 50 before mounting is shown by a two-dot chain line. FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line V-V of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the terminal block 20. In FIG. 6, the terminal block body 30 is shown from the bottom side, and the packing 50 is shown from above.

[0030] The terminal block 20 is attached to an attachment target 10 having a mounting hole 12. The attachment target 10 is, for example, a part of a case that houses an electrical component. More specifically, the case may be a case of a driving motor of an automobile, or a case of an inverter device that drives the driving motor. The case covers, for example, an electrical component in a state of sealing it from the external atmosphere. For this reason, it is also desired to seal between the mounting hole 12 and the terminal block 20.

[0031] The mounting target 10 is formed in a plate shape. A mounting hole 12 is formed so as to penetrate the mounting target 10. In the present embodiment, the mounting hole 12 is formed in an elongated hole shape. An elongated hole is an elongated circular hole. For example, it is a shape in which both ends in the longitudinal direction of a rectangular hole are formed in a semi-circular hole shape or an elliptical hole shape. One side opening of the mounting hole 12 is an insertion side opening into which a part of the terminal block 20 is inserted, and the opposite side opening is a back side opening. For example, the insertion side opening of the mounting hole 12 is an outer opening of the case. The mounting target 10 may be a metal member formed by casting. The mounting hole does not have to be in an elongated hole shape, and may be a polygonal hole such as a quadrilateral or a circular hole.

[0032] The terminal block 20 includes a terminal 22, a terminal block body 30, and a packing 50. With the terminal 22 held by the terminal block body 30, the terminal block body 30 is fixed to the mounting target 10. In this state, the terminal 22 protrudes from both openings of the mounting hole 12. Electrical components on one surface side and the other surface side of the mounting target 10 can be electrically connected via the terminal 22. The packing 50 is interposed between the terminal block body 30 and the mounting target 10. The packing 50 seals the gap between the terminal block body 30 and the mounting hole 12.

[0033] <Regarding the terminal block> The terminal block 20 will be described in more detail.

[0034] The terminal 22 is a conductive member including a first end 23, a second end 24, and a terminal intermediate portion 25 between the first end 23 and the second end 24. The terminal 22 is constituted by, for example, an elongated metal plate material. The terminal intermediate portion 25 is formed in a rectangular plate shape. The first end 23 is continuous with one end side of the terminal intermediate portion 25, and the second end 24 is continuous with the other end portion. The terminal 22 penetrates the terminal block body 30. The terminal intermediate portion 25 is a portion disposed within the terminal block body 30. The first end 23 and the second end 24 are portions extending outward from the terminal block body 30. The first end 23 is, for example, a portion extending outside the case having the attachment target 10, and the second end 24 may be a portion extending inside the case. Holes for fastening and fixing are formed in the first end 23 and the second end 24. The terminal may be bent in the thickness direction or the width direction. The terminal may be a combined component of a plurality of components.

[0035] In the present embodiment, an example in which the terminal block 20 includes three terminals 22 will be described. The number of terminals included in the terminal block is not limited to this example and is arbitrary.

[0036] The terminal block body 30 is an insulating member formed of resin or the like. The terminal block body 30 is, for example, a resin portion integrally formed by die molding with resin. For example, the terminal block body 30 may be die molded with the terminal 22 as an insert portion.

[0037] The terminal 22 penetrates the terminal block body 30. The terminal block body 30 is formed in a shape that spreads wider than the mounting hole 12 in a plan view. In the present embodiment, the terminal block body 30 is formed in an oval plate shape. The oval shape is a shape in which semi-circular portions are continuous with both short sides of a rectangle that is long in one direction. The shape of the terminal block body is not particularly limited, and the terminal block body 30 may be in a rectangular plate shape, a square plate shape, or a disc shape.

[0038] Of the terminal block body 30, the surface facing the object to be attached 10 is the opposing surface 32. The opposing surface 32 will be described in more detail later. The surface of the terminal block body 30 facing away from the object to be attached 10 is the outward-facing surface. In the present embodiment, the outward-facing surface is a flat surface, but this is not necessarily required. The outward-facing surface of the terminal block body 30 may be formed in an uneven shape.

[0039] The terminals 22 penetrate the terminal block body 30. More specifically, a plurality of terminals 22 penetrate the terminal block body 30 in a state of being arranged in parallel with a space between them. The direction in which the plurality of terminals 22 are arranged is along the longitudinal direction of the terminal block body 30.

[0040] The terminal block body 30 is a portion that is fastened and fixed to the object to be attached 10. In the present embodiment, insertion holes 30h are formed in the terminal block body 30. Here, a pair of insertion holes 30h are formed at both longitudinal ends of the terminal block body 30. Threaded holes are formed on both outer sides in the longitudinal direction of the mounting holes 12 of the object to be attached 10. The pair of insertion holes 30h are formed at positions overlapping the threaded holes. With the terminal block body 30 arranged on the main surface of the object to be attached 10 so as to block the mounting holes 12, the insertion holes 30h are arranged outside the threaded holes. A screw S as a fastening tool passes through the insertion holes 30h and is screwed and fastened to the threaded holes. Thereby, the terminal block body 30 is fastened and fixed to the object to be attached 10. Note that the positions and numbers of the threaded holes and insertion holes are not limited to the above examples and are arbitrary.

[0041] The first end 23 of the terminal 22 penetrating the terminal block body 30 protrudes outward from one main surface of the terminal block body 30. The second end 24 of the terminal 22 penetrating the terminal block body 30 protrudes outward from the other main surface of the terminal block body 30. The second end 24 is an example of an extending end portion extending from the opposing surface 32.

[0042] The opposing surface 32 extends from the proximal end of the second end 24 toward the outer peripheral side. The opposing surface 32 may be a flat surface or a surface having a recess or a concave portion. In the present embodiment, the opposing surface 32 has an annular recess 33 surrounding the proximal ends of the plurality of second ends 24. The annular recess 33 is formed, for example, in a groove shape having an oval shape according to the shape of the packing 50. In the present embodiment, the bottom surface 34 of the annular recess 33 is a flat surface. The bottom surface 34 of the annular recess 33 is a part of the opposing surface 32.

[0043] The packing 50 is formed of an elastic material such as rubber and is a portion that seals between the mounting object 10 and the terminal block body 30. The packing 50 is interposed between the opposing surface 32 and the mounting object 10 in the penetrating direction of the mounting hole 12. Note that the packing 50 may have a portion that is not interposed between the opposing surface 32 and the mounting object 10 in the penetrating direction of the mounting hole 12, for example, a portion located on the inner peripheral side of the mounting hole 12.

[0044] The packing 50 surrounds the proximal end of the second end 24. In the present embodiment, it is formed in an annular shape surrounding the proximal ends of the plurality of second ends 24 arranged in a row, more specifically, in an elongated annular shape. By interposing the packing 50 between the terminal block body 30 and the mounting object 10 in the penetrating direction of the mounting hole 12, it can be sealed as a surface seal portion. Note that the surface seal portion is a seal portion that seals using the opposing surface where the mounting object 10 and the terminal block body 30 are pressed against each other in the insertion direction when the terminal block 20 is inserted into the mounting hole 12. Since the packing 50 does not rub while being strongly pressed against the mounting object 10, there is also an advantage that it is easy for the packing 50 to ensure a desired sealing property.

[0045] More specifically, the packing 50 is formed in an annular shape that collectively surrounds a plurality of second ends 24 with a gap therebetween in a plan view. Even more specifically, the packing 50 is formed in an oval ring shape including two long side portions 50L, 50L and two semi-circular portions 50A, 50A. The two long side portions 50L, 50L are portions that extend straight respectively. The two semi-circular portions 50A, 50A are each semi-circular. The two long side portions 50L, 50L are parallel to each other. One semi-circular portion 50A is connected to one end side of the two long side portions 50L, 50L, and the other semi-circular portion 50A is connected to the other end side of the two long side portions 50L, 50L. Each of the semi-circular portions 50A, 50A protrudes outward.

[0046] In a state where the packing 50 is disposed on the opposing surface 32, the two long side portions 50L, 50L are along the direction in which the plurality of second ends 24 are arranged, and the proximal ends of the plurality of second ends 24 are linearly arranged between the two long side portions 50L, 50L. The two semi-circular portions 50A, 50A are located on both outer sides of the proximal ends of the plurality of second ends 24 arranged linearly. Thereby, the packing 50 collectively surrounds the proximal ends of the plurality of second ends 24.

[0047] The annular recess 33 is formed as an annular groove corresponding to the shape of the packing 50. Therefore, at least a part of the packing 50 is accommodated in the annular recess 33. The width of the annular recess 33 may be larger than that of the packing 50, may be the same as the width of the packing 50, or may be smaller. If the width of the annular recess 33 is larger than that of the packing 50, a gap can be formed between the inner peripheral surface of the packing 50 and the inner peripheral surface of the annular recess 33, and between the outer peripheral surface of the packing 50 and the outer peripheral surface of the annular recess 33. Thereby, when the packing 50 is compressed between the opposing surface 32 and the mounting object 10, a gap for the packing 50 to escape can be secured.

[0048] The packing 50 includes a packing body 52, a first protrusion 54, a second protrusion 56, and a fixing protrusion 58.

[0049] The packing body 52 is an annular portion that surrounds the second end 24. The packing body 52 may be a portion that forms the base shape of the packing 50.

[0050] A first protrusion 54 and a second protrusion 56 protrude from the packing body 52 toward the opposing surface 32 side. The first protrusion 54 is closer to the second end 24 side than the second protrusion 56.

[0051] The first protrusion 54 may also be annular, similar to the packing body 52. For example, when the first protrusion 54 is observed in a cross-section orthogonal to its extending direction, it may have a cross-sectional shape obtained by dividing an oval or an ellipse by a line along the minor axis direction. The first protrusion 54 may have an annular shape in which the cross-sectional shape is continuous along the extending direction of the packing body 52.

[0052] The second protrusion 56 may also be annular, similar to the packing body 52. For example, when the second protrusion 56 is observed in a cross-section orthogonal to its extending direction, it may have a cross-sectional shape obtained by dividing an oval or an ellipse by a line along the minor axis direction. The second protrusion 56 may have an annular shape in which the cross-sectional shape is continuous along the extending direction of the packing body 52. Note that the portions of the packing body 52 where the protrusions 54 and 56 are formed are formed to be partially wider.

[0053] When both the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56 are annular, the first protrusion 54 is an annular protrusion on the inner peripheral side, and the second protrusion 56 is an annular protrusion on the outer peripheral side.

[0054] The first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56 may be formed at the same protruding height with respect to the packing body 52. Thereby, the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56 are likely to be pressed against the opposing surface 32 with the same degree of strength.

[0055] A gap may be formed between the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56. In other words, a groove, for example, an annular groove, may be formed between the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56.

[0056] The above-mentioned first protrusion 54 and second protrusion 56 may be a sealing structure called a lip. The packing 50 may have other protrusions in addition to the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56. That is, the packing may be a structure sealed by a triple or more lip structure.

[0057] The fixed protrusion 58 protrudes toward the opposing surface 32 side between the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56. The fixed protrusion 58 may protrude more greatly than the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56. Thereby, it is easy for the fixed protrusion 58 to fit into the recess 33g on the opposing surface 32 side.

[0058] The fixed protrusion 58 is a portion that partially protrudes in the extending direction of the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56. The fixed protrusion 58 is formed in a columnar shape, for example, and more specifically, may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The cylindrical shape includes not only a true cylinder but also a flat cylinder such as an elliptical cylinder. The fixed protrusion 58 may be formed in a polygonal columnar shape such as a square columnar shape.

[0059] The fixed protrusion 58 has a tip guide surface 58g that gradually narrows toward the tip side. The tip guide surface 58g is, for example, a surface whose diameter is reduced in a tapered shape at the tip of the fixed protrusion 58. The tip guide surface 58g may be a surface forming an inclined surface (so-called C surface) or a surface forming a curved surface (so-called R surface) in a cross section along the central axis of the fixed protrusion 58. The portion of the fixed protrusion 58 on the base end side rather than the tip guide surface 58g may have a shape in which the same diameter portions are continuous.

[0060] The packing 50 includes a plurality of fixed protrusions 58. In the present embodiment, the packing 50 includes four fixed protrusions 58. The plurality of fixed protrusions 58 are preferably distributed around the second end 24. For example, the plurality of fixed protrusions 58 are preferably arranged at intervals in the extending direction of the packing 50.

[0061] Preferably, the plurality of fixing protrusions 58 may have a shape that exhibits plane symmetry with two orthogonal planes F1 and F2 through which the central axis X of the mounting hole 12 passes as the planes of symmetry (see FIG. 6). The orthogonal plane F1 is, for example, a plane through which the central axis X passes and along the longitudinal direction of the packing 50. The orthogonal plane F2 is, for example, a plane through which the central axis X passes and along the short-side direction of the packing 50.

[0062] In the present embodiment, the four fixing protrusions 58 are located near both ends in each of the two long-side portions 50L, 50L of the packing 50. For this reason, the two fixing protrusions 58 formed in one long-side portion 50L and the two fixing protrusions 58 formed in the other long-side portion 50L are in a plane-symmetrical positional relationship with the plane F1 as the plane of symmetry. Also, the two fixing protrusions 58 formed near one end of the two long-side portions 50L, 50L and the two fixing protrusions 58 formed near the other end of the two long-side portions 50L, 50L are in a plane-symmetrical positional relationship with the plane F2 as the plane of symmetry. Thereby, around the central axis X, the packing 50 is easily held by the plurality of fixing protrusions 58 in a more uniform manner.

[0063] Portions of the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56 that pass beside the fixing protrusion 58 have arcuate portions 54a, 56a. The arcuate portions 54a, 56a are portions having an arcuate shape that partially follows the outer peripheral portion of the base end portion of the fixing protrusion 58. In the present embodiment, the arcuate portions 54a, 56a form an arc shorter than a semi-circle. The arcuate portion 54a is curved so as to be convex on the inner peripheral side in the first protrusion 54, and the arcuate portion 56a is curved so as to be convex on the outer peripheral side in the second protrusion 56. Thus, a circular gap is formed between the arcuate portion 54a and the arcuate portion 56a. The fixing protrusion 58 protrudes from the packing body 52 through the gap. Note that an equal gap may be formed between portions of the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56 excluding the arcuate portions 54a, 56a.

[0064] In this embodiment, the arcuate portions 54a and 56a are formed on both the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56. However, an arcuate portion may be formed on only one of the first protrusion and the second protrusion. It is not essential that the arcuate portions are formed on the first protrusion and the second protrusion. Further, on the first protrusion and the second protrusion, a shape other than the arcuate portion, for example, a portion protruding in a V shape, may be formed as a partial shape for avoiding the fixing protrusion.

[0065] The packing 50 may include a flat surface 53 facing the mounting object 10. In this embodiment, the entire surface facing the mounting object 10 on the side opposite to the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56 of the packing 50 is formed as the flat surface 53.

[0066] Therefore, in a state where the packing 50 is compressed between the mounting object 10 and the terminal block main body 30, the flat surface 53 can be in surface contact with the outward-facing surface of the mounting object 10.

[0067] The terminal block main body 30 includes a recess 33g at a position facing the fixing protrusion 58. In this embodiment, the packing 50 is disposed in the annular recess 33. Therefore, the recess 33g is formed at a position facing each fixing protrusion 58 on the bottom surface 34 of the annular recess 33.

[0068] More specifically, the annular recess 33 is formed in a groove shape having an oval shape similar to the packing 50. The portions of the annular recess 33 corresponding to the arcuate portions 54a and 56a are formed as widened portions 33w that are widened in an arcuate shape according to the arcuate portions 54a and 56a. The recess 33g is formed in the widened portion 33w.

[0069] The recess 33g is a recess smaller than the fixing protrusion 58. For example, the recess 33g is a circular recess having an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the fixing protrusion 58. Therefore, the fixing protrusion 58 is fitted into the recess 33g in a compressed state. By pressing the outer periphery of the fixing protrusion 58 against the inner peripheral surface of the recess 33g, it becomes difficult for the fixing protrusion 58 to come out of the recess 33g. As a result, each fixing protrusion 58 is press-fitted and held in the corresponding recess 33g, and the packing 50 is held by the terminal block main body 30.

[0070] The recessed portion 33g is a bottomed protrusion, and it is preferable that it does not penetrate the terminal block body 30.

[0071] The recessed portion 33g preferably has an opening guide surface 33gf that gradually expands outward. The opening guide surface 33gf is a tapered surface at the opening of the recessed portion 33g. The inner diameter of the most expanded portion of the opening guide surface 33gf may be larger than the outer diameter of the fixed protrusion 58. The opening guide surface 33gf may be a sloped surface (so-called C-surface) or a curved surface (so-called R-surface) in a cross-section along the central axis of the recessed portion 33g.

[0072] In FIG. 4, the packing 50 during the process of being attached to the terminal block body 30 is shown by a two-dot chain line. As shown in the figure, with the fixed protrusion 58 facing the recessed portion 33g, the packing 50 is set in the annular recess 33. At this time, the tip of the fixed protrusion 58 contacts the opening guide surface 33gf of the recessed portion 33g. Also, the opening edge of the recessed portion 33g contacts the tip guide surface 58g on the tip side of the fixed protrusion 58. Thereby, the fixed protrusion 58 is smoothly guided toward the inside of the recessed portion 33g.

[0073] When the packing 50 is further pushed in, the fixed protrusion 58 is press-fitted into the recessed portion 33g while being compressed. Due to the elastic restoring force of the fixed protrusion 58, the outer peripheral surface of the fixed protrusion 58 is pressed against the inner peripheral surface of the recessed portion 33g, so that the fixed protrusion 58 is held so as to be difficult to be pulled out from the recessed portion 33g. Thereby, the packing 50 is held with respect to the terminal block body 30.

[0074] At a plurality of locations with intervals in the circumferential direction of the annular packing 50, the fixed protrusion 58 is held with respect to the recessed portion 33g, so that the packing 50 is difficult to float or roll up partially from the terminal block body 30.

[0075] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, when attaching the terminal block 20 configured in this way to the attachment target 10, the second end 24 is inserted into the attachment hole 12. Since the packing 50 is not pressed against the inner peripheral surface of the attachment hole 12, the second end 24 can be easily inserted into the attachment hole 12.

[0076] Then, the terminal block body 30 is arranged on the outer surface of the mounting target 10, and the terminal block body 30 is attached to the mounting target 10 with screws S. Due to the tightening force of the screws S, the packing 50 is compressed between the peripheral portion of the mounting hole 12 and the opposing surface 32 on the outer surface of the mounting target 10. The elastically compressed packing 50 seals the space between the mounting target 10 and the terminal block body 30. The packing 50 is easily compressed by the tightening force of the screws S.

[0077] With the terminal block 20 fixed to the mounting target 10, the first end 23 protrudes to one side (outside the case) of the mounting target 10, and the second end 24 protrudes to the other side (inside the case) of the mounting target 10. It is assumed that the first end 23 is connected to the terminal 13 on the electrical component side on one side (outside the case) of the mounting target 10, and the second end 24 is connected to the terminal 14 of the electrical component on the other side (inside the case) of the mounting target 10. The electrical component may be, for example, an electrical wiring member including terminals and the like. For example, holes are formed in the first end 23 and the second end 24, and using these holes, the first end 23 and the second end 24 are fixed to the terminals 13 and 14 with screws S. The first end or the second end may be a tab or pin-shaped portion inserted into the mating terminal, or a cylindrical or clip-shaped portion into which the mating terminal is inserted.

[0078] <Effect, etc.> According to the terminal block 20 configured as described above, since the fixing protrusion 58 is fitted into the recess 33g, the packing 50 is held by the terminal block body 30, so that the packing 50 is miniaturized.

[0079] For example, consider a case where a fixing protrusion provided on the inner peripheral side or the outer peripheral side of an annular packing is fitted into a recess on the terminal block body side to hold the packing. In this case, the fixing protrusion may affect only the sealing performance by the lip on the inner peripheral side or only the sealing performance by the lip on the outer peripheral side. Here, with a multi-sealing structure by the lip on the inner peripheral side and the lip on the outer peripheral side, it is expected that even when the packing is tilted, a stable seal can be ensured by the lip on the inner peripheral side or the lip on the outer peripheral side. In order to suppress the fixing protrusion provided on the inner peripheral side or the outer peripheral side of the packing from affecting the sealing performance by the lip, it is conceivable to arrange the fixing protrusion away from the lip. Also, insufficient fitting of the fixing protrusion may affect the sealing performance by the lip. To avoid this, it is also conceivable to arrange the fixing protrusion away from the lip. In this case, the packing may become larger in size.

[0080] In this embodiment, the fixing protrusion 58 is located between the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56. Therefore, the influence of the fixing protrusion 58 on the sealing performance of the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56 can be made equal. For this reason, even if the packing 50 is tilted, a stable seal can be ensured by the first protrusion 54 or the second protrusion 56 without separating the fixing protrusion 58 greatly from the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56. Also, even if the fixing protrusion 58 is insufficiently fitted into the recess 33g, when the terminal block 20 is mounted, the fixing protrusion 58 located between the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56 is likely to be normally fitted into the recess 33g. From this point as well, the fixing protrusion 58 does not need to be separated greatly from the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56, and the packing 50 can be miniaturized.

[0081] As described above, by miniaturizing the packing 50, the terminal block 20 is also miniaturized. By miniaturizing the terminal block 20, the device to which the terminal block 20 is assembled is also miniaturized.

[0082] In addition, since the fixing protrusion 58 is located between the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56, the fixing protrusion 58 can be fitted into the recess 33g while the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56 are arranged on the facing surface 32, facilitating the mounting operation of the packing 50.

[0083] Also, since water is blocked by the packing 50 interposed between the facing surface 32 and the object to be attached 10 in the penetrating direction of the mounting hole 12, the assembly of the terminal block 20 to the object to be attached 10 can be facilitated as compared with the case where a shaft seal structure is provided.

[0084] Thus, it is possible to provide a terminal block 20 in which the packing 50 can be easily assembled and which is further miniaturized.

[0085] In addition, since the fixing protrusion 58 has the tip guide surface 58g, the fixing protrusion 58 can be easily fitted into the recess 33g by using the tip guide surface 58g.

[0086] In addition, since the recess 33g has the opening guide surface 33gf, the fixing protrusion 58 can be easily fitted into the recess 33g by using the opening guide surface 33gf.

[0087] Also, since the packing 50 includes the flat surface 53 facing the object to be attached 10, the flat surface 53 of the packing 50 is in surface contact with the object to be attached 10. For example, even when the object to be attached 10 is a casting and the surface of the object to be attached 10 has fine recesses due to casting cavities or the like, the space between the packing 50 and the object to be attached 10 is more reliably sealed.

[0088] Further, at least one of the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56 has arcuate portions 54a, 56a that partially follow the outer peripheral portion of the base end of the fixed protrusion 58. Thus, at least one of the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56 can extend so as to partially avoid the fixed protrusion 58 by the arcuate portions 54a, 56a. Therefore, in the portion where the fixed protrusion 58 is absent between the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56, the interval can be made less than the thickness of the fixed protrusion 58, and the formation regions of the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56 can be made as small as possible. Also, even in the portion where the fixed protrusion 58 exists, the fixed protrusion 58 can be bypassed by the arcuate portions 54a, 56a, and the portion for bypassing the fixed protrusion 58 can be made as small as possible.

[0089] Further, since both the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56 have the arcuate portions 54a, 56a, symmetry can be imparted to the shapes of the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56. Thereby, the sealing performance by the first protrusion 54 and the sealing performance by the second protrusion 56 become equivalent. For example, stable sealing performance is easily obtained regardless of the direction in which the terminal block 20 is tilted with respect to the mounting object 10.

[0090] Also, if the packing 50 includes a plurality of fixed protrusions 58 and the plurality of fixed protrusions 58 are distributed around the second end 24, the packing 50 is easily held in a stable state with respect to the opposing surface 32. For example, it is difficult for the packing 50 to be partially rolled up.

[0091] Also, if the plurality of fixed protrusions 58 have a shape that exhibits plane symmetry with two orthogonal planes F1, F2 through which the central axis X of the mounting hole 12 passes as the planes of symmetry, it is easy to hold the packing 50 around the mounting hole 12 under the same conditions, and the sealing performance is likely to be stable.

[0092] [Modification Example] Note that the number of fixed protrusions is arbitrary. The packing may include only one fixed protrusion or may include a plurality of fixed protrusions.

[0093] For example, as shown in the first modification example of FIG. 7, the packing 150 may include two fixing protrusions 158. In this example, the fixing protrusions 158 are formed at the center of the extending direction of each of the two semi-circular portions 50A, 50A of the packing 150. The fixing protrusion 158 has plane symmetry with respect to both of the orthogonal planes F1, F2.

[0094] Also, for example, as shown in the second modification example of FIG. 8, the packing 250 may include six fixing protrusions 58, 158. In this example, the packing 250 includes four fixing protrusions 58 at the positions described in the above embodiment and two fixing protrusions 158 at the positions described in the second modification example. Also in this example, the fixing protrusions 58, 158 have plane symmetry with respect to both of the orthogonal planes F1, F2.

[0095] Note that each configuration described in the above embodiment and each modification example can be appropriately combined as long as they do not conflict with each other.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0096] 10 Object to be attached 12 Attachment hole 13, 14 Terminals 20 Terminal block 22 Terminals 23 First end 24 Second end 25 Intermediate part of terminal 30 Terminal block body 30h Insertion hole 32 Opposing surface 33 Annular recess 33g Recess 33gf Opening guide surface 33w Wide part 34 Bottom surface 50, 150 Packings 50A Semi-circular part 50L Long side part 52, 250 Packing bodies 53 Plane 54 First protrusion 54a, 56a Arc-shaped parts 56 Second protrusion 58 and 158 fixed protrusions 58g tip guide surface F1 and F2 orthogonal planes S screw X central axis

Claims

1. A terminal block to be attached to an attachment target having an attachment hole, including a terminal block body including a facing surface facing the attachment target, terminals passing through the terminal block body, a packing interposed between the facing surface and the attachment target in the penetrating direction of the attachment hole, and comprising: the terminal includes an extending end portion extending from the facing surface, the packing surrounds the extending end portion, the packing includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion protruding toward the facing surface side, and a fixing protrusion protruding toward the facing surface side, the first protrusion is closer to the extending end portion than the second protrusion, the fixing protrusion is located between the first protrusion and the second protrusion, the terminal block body includes a recess at a position facing the fixing protrusion, A terminal block in which the packing is held by the terminal block body with the fixing protrusion fitted into the recess.

2. The terminal block according to claim 1, wherein the fixing protrusion has a tip guide surface that gradually narrows toward the tip side.

3. The terminal block according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the recess has an opening guide surface that gradually expands outward.

4. The terminal block according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the packing includes a plane facing the attachment target.

5. The terminal block according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a base end portion of the fixing protrusion is cylindrical, and at least one of the first protrusion and the second protrusion has an arc-shaped portion partially along an outer peripheral portion of the base end portion.

6. The terminal block according to claim 5, wherein both the first protrusion and the second protrusion have the arc-shaped portion, the terminal block.

7. The terminal block according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the packing includes a plurality of the fixing protrusions, and the plurality of the fixing protrusions are distributed around the extending end portion, the terminal block.

8. The terminal block according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the plurality of the fixing protrusions are in a shape showing plane symmetry with two orthogonal planes through which the central axis of the mounting hole passes as symmetry planes, the terminal block.

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