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 120 is fitted to a fitting object having a fitting hole. The terminal block comprises: a terminal 122; a terminal block body 130 including a base part 132 through which the terminal penetrates and a surrounding part 134 which extends from the base part while surrounding the terminal; and a packing 150 including a sealing part 152 which is interposed between the base part and the fitting object in a penetration direction of the fitting hole while surrounding the surrounding part, and a holding part 154 held by the surrounding part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

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. Locking protrusions are formed on the outer peripheral side of the packing, and the locking protrusions are inserted into and locked to the engaging holes of the 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, the packing may be enlarged by the locking protrusions, 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 attached to an object to be attached having a mounting hole, and includes a terminal block body including a terminal, a base through which the terminal passes, and a surrounding portion extending from the base while surrounding the terminal, a seal portion interposed between the base and the object to be attached in the penetrating direction of the mounting hole while surrounding the surrounding portion, and a packing including a holding portion held by the surrounding portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to easily assemble a terminal block to an object to be attached, and to 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

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

[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] 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 terminal, a base portion through which the terminal passes, and an enclosure portion that extends from the base portion while surrounding the terminal, a seal portion that is interposed between the base portion and the object to be attached in the penetration direction of the mounting hole while surrounding the enclosure portion, and a packing including a holding portion held by the enclosure portion.

[0013] According to the present disclosure, since the holding portion is held by the enclosure portion inside the seal portion, the packing can be miniaturized. Since the packing is miniaturized, the terminal block is also miniaturized. Further, since water is blocked by the seal portion interposed between the base portion and the object to be attached in the penetration 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 enclosure portion has a positioning recess, and the holding portion may have a positioning protrusion that fits into the positioning recess.

[0015] Thereby, when the positioning protrusion fits into the positioning recess, it becomes difficult for the packing to fall off from the terminal block body.

[0016] (3) The terminal block according to (2), wherein the holding portion has an annular portion that surrounds the enclosure portion, and the positioning protrusion may be a portion that protrudes from the annular portion and fits into the positioning recess.

[0017] In this case, since the positioning protrusion protrudes from the annular portion surrounding the enclosure portion and fits into the positioning recess, it is difficult for the positioning protrusion to come off from the positioning recess.

[0018] (4) The terminal block according to (3), wherein the positioning protrusion may be partially formed in the circumferential direction of the annular portion.

[0019] As a result, the positioning convex portions and the formation locations of the positioning convex portions can be limited, and the terminal block body and the packing can be easily die-molded.

[0020] (5) The terminal block of (4), wherein the surrounding portion is formed in a long shape, the annular portion is formed in an annular shape having a pair of long side portions according to the shape of the surrounding portion, the positioning convex portions are formed on each of the pair of long side portions, and the positioning concave portions may be formed at positions corresponding to the pair of long side portions in the surrounding portion.

[0021] In this case, since the positioning concave portions are formed at positions corresponding to the pair of long side portions in the surrounding portion, the surrounding portion having the positioning concave portions can be easily die-molded.

[0022] (6) The terminal block according to any one of (3) to (5), wherein the packing may have a slit located between the seal portion and the holding portion.

[0023] In this case, since the slit is located between the seal portion and the holding portion, the fitting structure between the positioning convex portion and the positioning concave portion is less likely to affect the seal portion. Therefore, the sealing performance by the seal portion is easily exhibited.

[0024] (7) The terminal block of (6), wherein the positioning convex portion is partially formed in the circumferential direction of the annular portion, and the slit may be located between the seal portion and the positioning convex portion.

[0025] In this case, since the slit is located between the seal portion and the positioning convex portion, the fitting structure between the positioning convex portion and the positioning concave portion is less likely to be affected by the seal portion. Therefore, the sealing performance by the seal portion is more easily exhibited.

[0026] (8) Any one of the terminal blocks from (3) to (7), wherein the positioning convex portion protrudes from a position on the opposite side of the sealing portion with respect to the annular portion, and an end face side gap is provided between the end face on the sealing portion side of the annular portion and the terminal block body, and an inner peripheral side gap may be provided between the inner peripheral portion of the portion of the annular portion on the sealing portion side and the terminal block body.

[0027] As a result, the annular portion can be easily displaced, so that the sealing portion can be naturally deformed, and the sealing property by the sealing portion is more easily exhibited.

[0028] (9) Any one of the terminal blocks from (2) to (8), wherein a movement allowance gap may exist between the positioning convex portion and the positioning concave portion.

[0029] In this case, since there is a movement allowance gap between the positioning convex portion and the positioning concave portion, the sealing portion can be naturally deformed while moving the positioning convex portion within the positioning concave portion, and the sealing property by the sealing portion is more easily exhibited.

[0030] (10) The terminal block of (9), wherein the positioning convex portion and the positioning concave portion are in contact with each other on the side opposite to the sealing portion, and the movement allowance gap may be located on the sealing portion side.

[0031] As a result, since the positioning convex portion and the positioning concave portion are in contact with each other on the side opposite to the sealing portion, it is easy to keep the sealing portion close to the base portion.

[0032] (11) Any one of the terminal blocks from (1) to (10), wherein the holding portion may be in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the surrounding portion and held by the surrounding portion.

[0033] As a result, the holding portion is easily held in a fixed position by the surrounding portion, and the surface sealing portion is also easily held in a fixed position with respect to the base portion.

[0034] (12) Any one of the terminal blocks from (1) to (11), wherein the holding portion may have an opening guide surface that gradually expands toward the base portion side.

[0035] Thus, if the holding portion has the opening guide surface, it becomes easy to insert the surrounding portion into the holding portion, and the packing can be easily attached to the terminal block body.

[0036] (13) Any one of the terminal blocks from (1) to (12), and a gap may exist between at least one of the inner peripheral side and the outer peripheral side of the sealing portion and the terminal block body.

[0037] In this case, the surrounding portion can be easily inserted into the sealing portion. Thereby, the packing can be easily attached to the terminal block body.

[0038] (14) Any one of the terminal blocks from (1) to (13), and the sealing portion may have a plurality of protrusions protruding toward the base portion side.

[0039] Thus, if the sealing portion has a plurality of protrusions, it is easy to ensure water stoppage.

[0040] (15) Any one of the terminal blocks from (1) to (14), and the outer peripheral surface of the holding portion may be arranged apart from the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole.

[0041] In this case, since the outer peripheral surface of the holding portion is arranged apart from the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole, the force required when mounting the terminal block to the mounting target can be reduced, and the assembly work of the terminal block can be easily performed.

[0042] [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. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, and is shown by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0043] [Embodiment 1] Hereinafter, the terminal block according to Embodiment 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the terminal block 20 attached to the attachment target 10. FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views showing the terminal block 20. Note that the terminal block 20 in FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I in FIG. 2. In FIG. 2, a screw S as a fastener for attaching the terminal block 20 to the attachment target 10 is shown. FIG. 4 is a bottom view showing the terminal block 20. FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG. 1.

[0044] The terminal block 20 is attached to the attachment target 10 having the attachment hole 12. The attachment target 10 is, for example, a part of a case that houses electrical components. 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, electrical components in a state of sealing them from the external atmosphere. Therefore, it is desirable to seal also between the attachment hole 12 and the terminal block 20.

[0045] The attachment target 10 is formed in a plate shape. The attachment hole 12 is formed so as to penetrate the attachment target 10. In the present embodiment, the attachment hole 12 is formed in an elongated hole shape. An elongated hole is an elongated circular hole. For example, it has 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 attachment 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 attachment hole 12 is an outer opening of the case. The attachment target 10 may be a metal member formed by casting. The attachment hole does not have to be in an elongated hole shape, and may be a polygonal hole such as a quadrangle or a circular hole.

[0046] 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 attachment target 10. In this state, the terminal 22 protrudes on both sides of the attachment hole 12. Electrical components on one side of the attachment target 10 and electrical components on the other side can be electrically connected via the terminal 22. The packing 50 is interposed between the terminal block body 30 and the attachment target 10. The packing 50 seals the gap between the terminal block body 30 and the attachment hole 12.

[0047] <Regarding the terminal block> The terminal block 20 will be described in more detail.

[0048] 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 composed of, 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 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 mounting 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.

[0049] In the present embodiment, an example in which the terminal block 20 includes three terminals 22 will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the number of terminals included in the terminal block is arbitrary.

[0050] The terminal block body 30 is an insulating member formed of resin or the like. The terminal block body 30 includes a base portion 32 and an enclosing portion 34. The terminal block body 30 is, for example, a portion integrally formed by die molding with the same resin. For example, the terminal 22 may be used as an insert portion, and the terminal block body 30 may be die molded.

[0051] The base portion 32 is a portion through which the terminal 22 passes. The base portion 32 is formed in a shape that spreads wider than the mounting holes in a plan view. In the present embodiment, the base portion 32 is formed in an oval plate shape. The oval shape is a shape in which semi-circular portions are continuous with both short side portions of a rectangle that is long in one direction. The shape of the base portion is not particularly limited, and the base portion may be in a rectangular plate shape, a square plate shape, or a disc shape.

[0052] The terminal 22 penetrates the base 32. More specifically, a plurality of terminals 22 penetrate the base 32 while being arranged in parallel at intervals from each other. The direction in which the plurality of terminals 22 are arranged is along the longitudinal direction of the base 32.

[0053] The base 32 is a portion that is fastened and fixed to the attachment target 10. In the present embodiment, an insertion hole 33 is formed in the base 32. Here, a pair of insertion holes 33 are formed at both longitudinal ends of the base 32. Threaded holes are formed on both outer sides in the longitudinal direction of the mounting hole 12 of the attachment target 10. The pair of insertion holes 33 are formed at positions overlapping the threaded holes. With the base 32 closing the mounting hole 12, in a state of being arranged on the main surface of the attachment target 10, the insertion holes 33 are arranged outside the threaded holes. A screw S as a fastener passes through the insertion hole 33 and is screwed and fastened to the threaded hole. Thereby, the base 32 is fastened and fixed to the attachment target 10. Note that the positions and numbers of the threaded holes and insertion holes are not limited to the above examples and are arbitrary.

[0054] The first end 23 of the terminal 22 penetrating the base 32 protrudes outward from one main surface of the base 32. The second end 24 of the terminal 22 penetrating the base 32 protrudes outward from the other main surface of the base 32.

[0055] A portion of the other main surface of the base 32 surrounding the base of the second end 24 may be recessed in an annular shape. In the present embodiment, a portion of the other main surface of the base 32 surrounding the base of the second end 24 is formed in a seal arrangement recess 32g that is recessed in an oval groove shape.

[0056] The surrounding portion 34 is a portion that extends from the base 32 while surrounding the terminal 22. The surrounding portion 34 extends toward the mounting hole 12 side with respect to the base 32.

[0057] More specifically, the surrounding portion 34 is formed in a shape that is smaller than the base 32 in plan view and can be inserted into the mounting hole 12. For example, the surrounding portion 34 is formed in a shape that is similar to and smaller than the mounting hole 12 in plan view. The surrounding portion 34 may be shorter or longer than the length of the mounting hole 12.

[0058] As for the configuration in which the surrounding portion 34 surrounds the terminal 22, the terminal 22 may be surrounded with a gap therebetween, or may be in contact with the terminal and surround the terminal. In the present embodiment, the surrounding portion 34 collectively surrounds a plurality of terminals 22 with a gap therebetween.

[0059] More specifically, the surrounding portion 34 is formed in an oval cylindrical shape smaller than the mounting hole 12. Therefore, the surrounding portion 34 collectively surrounds the base end side portions of the second ends 24 arranged in parallel with a gap therebetween. Further, a gap is provided between the outer peripheral portion of the surrounding portion 34 and the mounting hole 12 over the entire circumferential direction of the surrounding portion 34. The inside of the surrounding portion may be filled.

[0060] The surrounding portion 34 includes a retaining projection 36 that projects to the outer peripheral side of the surrounding portion 34 at a position away from the base portion 32. In the present embodiment, the retaining projection 36 projects annularly to the outer peripheral side at the tip of the surrounding portion 34. The retaining projection may be located inside the tip of the surrounding portion 34. The retaining projection may project partially in the circumferential direction of the surrounding portion.

[0061] The retaining projection 36 has a guide surface 36g. The guide surface 36g is a guide surface that faces the inside of the surrounding portion 34 as it goes toward the tip side of the surrounding portion 34. In the present embodiment, the guide surface 36g is a tapered surface that gradually becomes smaller as it goes toward the tip side of the surrounding portion 34 at the tip side and outer peripheral side portion of the retaining projection 36 with respect to the surrounding portion 34. The guide surface 36g 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 surrounding portion 34.

[0062] Note that the retaining projection 36 may be omitted. Also, the guide surface 36g may be omitted.

[0063] 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 main body 30. The packing 50 includes an annular surface seal portion 52 and a holding portion 54.

[0064] The annular surface seal portion 52 is an example of a seal portion that intervenes between the base portion 32 and the object to be attached 10 in the penetrating direction of the attachment hole 12 while surrounding the surrounding portion 34. Since the annular surface seal portion 52 is annular, it can surround the surrounding portion 34. Since the annular surface seal portion 52 intervenes between the base portion 32 and the object to be attached 10 in the penetrating direction of the attachment hole 12, it can be sealed as a surface seal portion. The surface seal portion is a seal portion that seals using the opposing surface where the object to be attached 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 attachment hole 12. Since the annular surface seal portion 52 does not rub in a state of being strongly pressed against the object to be attached 10, there is also an advantage that it is easy for the annular surface seal portion 52 to ensure a desired sealing property.

[0065] More specifically, the annular surface seal portion 52 is formed in an annular shape that forms an ellipse larger than the surrounding portion 34 in a plan view. The annular surface seal portion 52 is flat in a direction orthogonal to the penetrating direction of the attachment hole 12.

[0066] The surface of the annular surface seal portion 52 facing the object to be attached 10 may be formed in a flat surface. Thereby, the annular surface seal portion 52 can easily make surface contact with the object to be attached 10. For example, the surface of the object to be attached 10 may be easily formed with partial recesses compared to the surface of the terminal block body 30. For example, when the object to be attached 10 is a metal casting, it is conceivable that casting nests are easily formed on the surface of the object to be attached 10. Thus, even if partial recesses are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the attachment hole 12, if the annular surface seal portion 52 is in surface contact with the object to be attached 10, the sealing property between the packing 50 and the object to be attached 10 can be improved.

[0067] The portion of the annular surface seal portion 52 facing the base portion 32 may have a plurality of annular protrusions 53 as an example of a plurality of protrusions protruding toward the base portion side. In the present embodiment, the annular surface seal portion 52 has two annular protrusions 53 having different sizes. The annular protrusion 53 may be a seal structure called a lip. The protrusion may be partially present in the circumferential direction of the annular surface seal portion 52.

[0068] If the annular surface seal portion 52 has a plurality of annular protrusions 53, even if the terminal block 20 is tilted with respect to the mounting target 10, any one of the annular protrusions 53 is pressed against the base portion 32 in a desired compressed state, and the desired sealing performance is easily ensured. Further, even if there is a foreign object between any one of the annular protrusions 53 and the base portion 32, it is difficult for the influence of the foreign object to reach the other annular protrusions 53, and from this point as well, the desired sealing performance is easily ensured. Further, when there are a plurality of annular protrusions, the stress on the base portion 32 is dispersed at a plurality of locations, and the base portion 32 easily maintains a desired initial shape, and the desired sealing performance is easily maintained in the long term.

[0069] A gap S1 may exist between the inner peripheral portion of the annular surface seal portion 52 and the surrounding portion 34. Since the annular surface seal portion 52 is flat in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the surrounding portion 34, it may be difficult to deform so as to expand the inner peripheral portion. By setting a gap S1 between the inner peripheral portion of the annular surface seal portion 52 and the surrounding portion 34, the surrounding portion 34 can be easily inserted into the annular surface seal portion 52, and the packing 50 can be easily attached to the terminal block body 30.

[0070] Further, as described above, even when the retaining projection 36 is provided on the surrounding portion 34, the annular surface seal portion 52 can easily pass over the retaining projection 36 and reach the proximal end side of the surrounding portion 34. The inner peripheral side opening of the annular surface seal portion 52 preferably extends wider than the outer peripheral edge of the retaining projection 36.

[0071] Further, since a gap S1 exists between the inner peripheral portion of the annular surface seal portion 52 and the surrounding portion 34, a gap can be secured through which the annular surface seal portion 52 can escape when it is compressed in the sealed state.

[0072] The outer peripheral portion of the annular surface seal portion 52 is preferably located inside the outer peripheral surface of the seal arrangement recess 32g. Thereby, the compressed annular surface seal portion 52 can be deformed inside the outer peripheral surface of the seal arrangement recess 32g.

[0073] The holding portion 54 is a portion held by the surrounding portion 34.

[0074] For example, the holding portion 54 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the surrounding portion 34 and is held by the surrounding portion 34. Thereby, the holding portion 54 is easily maintained at a fixed position in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the surrounding portion 34. Then, the annular surface seal portion 52 connected to the holding portion 54 is easily maintained at a fixed position with respect to the base portion 32. The annular surface seal portion 52 is easily compressed at a fixed position between the base portion 32 and the mounting object 10, and the sealing performance by the annular surface seal portion 52 is easily maintained constant.

[0075] It is preferable that the holding portion 54 is in a state of clamping the surrounding portion 34. For example, it is preferable that the inner peripheral portion of the holding portion 54 is smaller than the outer peripheral portion of the surrounding portion 34, and the holding portion 54 is externally fitted to the surrounding portion 34 in a state of being elastically deformed so as to expand, and the holding portion 54 clamps the surrounding portion 34 by the elastic restoring force thereof. Thereby, in the axial direction of the surrounding portion 34, the holding portion 54 is easily maintained at a fixed position, and the annular surface seal portion 52 is easily kept in contact with the base portion 32.

[0076] Further, the holding portion 54 may be held in a non-removable state from the surrounding portion 34 by being located between the base portion 32 and the retaining projection 36 on the outer periphery of the surrounding portion 34. Thereby, the holding portion 54 is held at a position between the base portion 32 and the retaining projection 36 and is difficult to fall off from the surrounding portion 34.

[0077] The holding portion 54 and the retaining projection 36 may or may not be in contact. If there is a gap S2 between the holding portion 54 and the retaining projection 36, when the holding portion 54 is externally fitted to the surrounding portion 34, the holding portion 54 can easily cross the retaining projection 36, and the packing 50 can be easily mounted.

[0078] The portion of the holding portion 54 on the base portion 32 side may have an opening guide surface 54g that sequentially expands toward the base portion 32 side. In the present embodiment, the inner peripheral portion of the opening on the base portion 32 side of the holding portion 54 is formed on a tapered opening guide surface 54g that sequentially expands toward the base portion 32. The opening guide surface 54g may be a so-called C surface or a so-called R surface.

[0079] Therefore, when the holding portion 54 is externally fitted to the surrounding portion 34, the retaining projection 36 contacts the opening guide surface 54g, so that the holding portion 54 can be deformed so as to easily expand.

[0080] The holding portion 54 only needs to be configured to be held at a fixed position with respect to the terminal block main body 30 by the surrounding portion 34 and to hold the annular surface seal portion 52 with respect to the terminal block main body 30. In the present embodiment, the holding portion 54 is formed in a cylindrical portion that extends from the annular surface seal portion 52 to the side opposite to the base portion 32 and is externally fitted to the surrounding portion 34.

[0081] Since the holding portion 54 extends to the side opposite to the base portion 32 with respect to the annular surface seal portion 52 and is held by the surrounding portion 34, it is easy to keep the annular surface seal portion 52 in contact with the base portion 32. Further, since the holding portion 54 extends to the side opposite to the base portion 32 with respect to the annular surface seal portion 52, a gap S2 can be provided between the inner peripheral portion of the annular surface seal portion 52 and the surrounding portion 34. Thereby, it is easy to insert the surrounding portion 34 into the annular surface seal portion 52, and it is easy to secure a space in which the annular surface seal portion 52 can be compressed and deformed.

[0082] The outer peripheral portion of the holding portion 54 is smaller than the outer peripheral portion of the annular surface seal portion 52 in plan view. The outer peripheral portion of the holding portion 54 is smaller than the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole 12 in plan view. Therefore, in a state where the terminal block 20 is attached to the attachment target 10, the outer peripheral surface of the holding portion 54 is arranged apart from the inner peripheral surface of the attachment hole 12. That is, the holding portion 54 is not a portion that intervenes in a compressed state between the terminal block main body 30 and the attachment target 10. It can be said that the holding portion 54 is not a seal portion that is compressed in the radial direction between the inner peripheral portion and the outer peripheral portion between two seal objects, that is, an axial seal portion.

[0083] FIG. 6 shows a packing 50 in the process of being attached to the terminal block body 30, indicated by a two-dot chain line. As shown in this figure, with the annular surface seal portion 52 facing the base portion 32 side, the tip portion of the surrounding portion 34 is inserted into the holding portion 54. At this time, since the inner peripheral portion of the annular surface seal portion 52 is formed into an opening larger than the surrounding portion 34, the surrounding portion 34 can be easily inserted into the annular surface seal portion 52 without greatly deforming the annular surface seal portion 52.

[0084] The tip portion of the surrounding portion 34 contacts the end portion of the holding portion 54 on the annular surface seal portion 52 side. At this time, the guide surface 36g of the retaining projection 36 contacts the opening guide surface 54g of the holding portion 54. Thereby, both are guided so that the central axis of the surrounding portion 34 and the central axis of the holding portion 54 are aligned. Then, when the holding portion 54 is further pushed, due to the contact between the guide surface 36g and the opening guide surface 54g, the holding portion 54 elastically deforms so as to smoothly expand, and the holding portion 54 easily crosses over the retaining projection 36. When the holding portion 54 crosses over the retaining projection 36, the holding portion 54 is disposed between the base portion 32 and the retaining projection 36, and the annular surface seal portion 52 is disposed on the surface of the base portion 32 on the side where the surrounding portion 34 extends.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 1, when attaching the terminal block 20 configured in this way to the attachment target 10, the second end 24, the surrounding portion 34, and the holding portion 54 are inserted into the attachment hole 12. At this time, since the holding portion 54 is not pressed against the inner peripheral surface of the attachment hole 12, the second end 24, the surrounding portion 34, and the holding portion 54 can be easily inserted into the attachment hole 12.

[0086] Then, the base portion 32 is disposed on the outer-facing surface of the attachment target 10, and the base portion 32 is attached to the attachment target 10 with screws S. Due to the tightening force of the screws S, the annular surface seal portion 52 is compressed between the outer-facing surface of the attachment target 10 and the base portion 32. The elastically compressed annular surface seal portion 52 seals between the attachment target 10 and the base portion 32. The tightening force of the screws S can easily compress the annular surface seal portion 52.

[0087] With the terminal block 20 fixed to the object to be attached 10, the first end 23 protrudes to one surface side (outside the case) of the object to be attached 10, and the second end 24 protrudes to the other surface side (inside the case) of the object to be attached 10. It is assumed that the first end 23 is connected to the terminal 13 on the electrical component side on one surface side (outside the case) of the object to be attached 10, and the second end 24 is connected to the terminal 14 of the electrical component on the other surface side (inside the case) of the object to be attached 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-like portion inserted into the mating terminal, or may be a cylindrical or clip-like portion into which the mating terminal is inserted.

[0088] <Effects, etc.> According to the terminal block 20 configured as described above, in a plan view, the surrounding portion 34 is located inside the annular surface seal portion 52, and the holding portion 54 is held by the surrounding portion 34. For this reason, compared with the case where a positioning structure is provided outside the seal portion, the packing 50 can be downsized. Also, since the packing 50 is downsized, the terminal block 20 is also downsized. Further, the annular surface seal portion 52 interposed between the base portion 32 and the object to be attached 10 in the penetrating direction of the mounting hole 12 seals the space between the object to be attached 10 and the terminal block 20. For this reason, compared with the case where a shaft seal structure is provided, the insertion operation and the assembly operation of the terminal block 20 with respect to the object to be attached 10 can be facilitated. Thereby, the assembly of the packing 50 is easy, and a further downsized terminal block 20 can be provided.

[0089] Also, since the holding portion 54 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the surrounding portion 34 and is held by the surrounding portion 34, the annular surface seal portion 52 is also easily held at a fixed position with respect to the base portion 32 with the surrounding portion 34 as a reference.

[0090] Also, since the surrounding portion includes the retaining protrusion 36, the retaining protrusion 36 makes it difficult for the holding portion 54 to come off from the surrounding portion 34, and it becomes difficult for the packing 50 to fall off from the terminal block body 30.

[0091] In addition, since there is a gap S2 between the holding portion 54 and the retaining projection 36, the packing 50 can be more easily assembled as compared with the case where the two are brought into contact with each other.

[0092] In addition, since the retaining projection 36 has a guide surface 36g, the holding portion 54 can come into contact with the guide surface 36g and easily pass over the retaining projection 36. Thereby, the packing 50 can be easily attached to the terminal block main body 30.

[0093] In addition, since the holding portion 54 has an opening guide surface 54g, the surrounding portion 34 can be easily inserted into the holding portion 54, and the packing 50 can be easily attached to the terminal block main body 30.

[0094] In addition, if the holding portion 54 is a cylindrical portion extending from the annular surface sealing portion 52 to the side opposite to the base portion 32, the holding portion 54 can be easily deformed so as to expand. Therefore, the holding portion 54 can be easily externally fitted to the surrounding portion 34. Further, in a state where the holding portion 54 is externally fitted to the surrounding portion 34, the annular surface sealing portion 52 can be easily pressed against the base portion 32, and a fixed state where the annular surface sealing portion 52 is in contact with the base portion 32 is easily maintained.

[0095] In addition, since there is a gap S1 between the annular surface sealing portion 52 and the surrounding portion 34, the surrounding portion 34 can be easily inserted into the annular surface sealing portion 52. Thereby, the packing 50 can be easily attached to the terminal block main body 30.

[0096] In addition, since the annular surface sealing portion 52 has a plurality of annular projections 53, it is easy to ensure water stoppage between the annular surface sealing portion 52 and the base portion 32.

[0097] In addition, since the outer peripheral surface of the holding portion 54 is arranged apart from the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole 12, when the terminal block 20 is inserted into the mounting hole 12, the contact between the holding portion 54 and the mounting hole 12 is suppressed, and the insertion force of the terminal block 20 can be reduced. Thereby, the assembly work of the terminal block 20 can be easily performed.

[0098] [Embodiment 2] A terminal block according to Embodiment 2 will be described. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the terminal block 120 according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 8 is a bottom view showing the terminal block 120. FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line IX-IX of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the terminal block 120. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the packing 50. FIG. 12 is an enlarged sectional view of FIG. 9.

[0099] Similar to the terminal block 20, the terminal block 120 is attached to an attachment target 10 having attachment holes 12. The attachment target 10 may have the same configuration as the attachment target 10 described in Embodiment 1.

[0100] The terminal block 120 includes a terminal 122, a terminal block body 130, and a packing 150. The roles of the terminal 122, the terminal block body 130, and the packing 150 are the same as those of the terminal 22, the terminal block body 30, and the packing 50 in Embodiment 1.

[0101] Each component configuration of the terminal block 120 will be described in more detail.

[0102] Similar to the terminal 22, the terminal 122 is a conductive member including a first end 123, a second end 124, and a terminal intermediate portion 125 between the first end 123 and the second end 124.

[0103] The first end 123 corresponds to the first end 23, the second end 124 corresponds to the second end 24, and the terminal intermediate portion 125 corresponds to the terminal intermediate portion 25.

[0104] In Embodiment 2, the first end 123 is bent in the thickness direction. The first end 123 may be a straight extending portion.

[0105] In this embodiment, the terminal block 120 includes three terminals 122. The number of terminals provided in the terminal block is not limited to this example and is arbitrary.

[0106] The terminal block body 130 is an insulating member formed of resin or the like. The terminal block body 130 includes a base portion 132 and an enclosing portion 134. The terminal block body 130 is, for example, a portion integrally die-molded from the same resin, just like the terminal block body 30. For example, the terminal block body 130 may be die-molded with the terminal 122 as an insert portion.

[0107] The base portion 132 is a portion through which the terminal 122 passes. The base portion 132 is formed in a shape that spreads wider than the mounting hole in a plan view. In the present embodiment, the base portion 132 is formed in an elongated plate shape. More specifically, the base portion 132 has a shape in which triangular plate-shaped portions with rounded corners are continuous at both longitudinal ends of a rectangular plate-shaped portion that is long in one direction.

[0108] Insertion holes 133 are formed in the triangular plate-shaped portions at both ends. A positioning convex portion 133P protrudes from the base end portion of the triangular plate-shaped portion. The positioning convex portion 133P is offset in the short side direction of the base portion 132.

[0109] The shape of the base portion is not particularly limited, and the base portion may be oval, rectangular plate-shaped, square plate-shaped, or disc-shaped.

[0110] A plurality of terminals 122 penetrate the base portion 132 in a state of being arranged in parallel with a space therebetween. The direction in which the plurality of terminals 122 are arranged is along the longitudinal direction of the base portion 132. Also, the width direction of each terminal 122 is along the longitudinal direction of the base portion 132.

[0111] The base portion 132 is a portion that is fastened and fixed to the mounting object 10. In the present embodiment, screws are inserted into the insertion holes 133 at both ends of the base portion 132, and the screws are screwed and fastened to the screw holes of the mounting object 10. Thereby, the base portion 132 is fastened and fixed to the mounting object 10. Note that the positions and numbers of the screw holes and insertion holes are not limited to the above examples and are arbitrary.

[0112] When attaching, the positioning convex portion 133P is inserted into the positioning concave portion of the attachment target 10. Thereby, the posture error of the terminal block 120 with respect to the attachment target 10 is suppressed. Further, with the terminal block main body 130 positioned and rotationally stopped by the positioning convex portion 133P, the screw fastening operation can be easily performed.

[0113] The first end 123 of the terminal 122 passing through the base portion 132 projects outward from one main surface of the base portion 132. The second end 124 of the terminal 122 passing through the base portion 132 projects outward from the other main surface of the base portion 132.

[0114] A portion of the other main surface of the base portion 132 that surrounds the base of the second end 124 (a portion that surrounds the base end of the surrounding portion 134) is formed in a seal arrangement concave portion 132g that is recessed in an annular shape. The seal arrangement concave portion 132g is formed in a shape obtained by rounding the corner of a rectangle that is long in one direction. The seal arrangement concave portion 132g is located away from the outer peripheral side with respect to the base end of the surrounding portion 134. The bottom of the seal arrangement concave portion 132g may be a plane orthogonal to the extending direction of the terminal intermediate portion 125.

[0115] The surrounding portion 134 is a portion that extends from the base portion 132 while surrounding the terminal 122. The surrounding portion 134 extends toward the attachment hole 12 side with respect to the base portion 132.

[0116] More specifically, the surrounding portion 134 is smaller than the base portion 132 in plan view and is formed in a shape that can be inserted into the attachment hole 12. For example, the surrounding portion 134 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape with rounded corners in plan view. The surrounding portion 134 is formed in an elongated shape that is long in the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the base portion 132. The surrounding portion 134 collectively surrounds the base end side portions of the second ends 124 of the plurality of terminals 122.

[0117] The tip side portions of the plurality of second ends 124 extend from the tip of the surrounding portion 134.

[0118] An extension part 136 extends from the tip of the surrounding part 134. The extension part 136 is located on one side surface of the second end 124 on the tip side of the surrounding part 134. A space 136S for accommodating a nut may be formed in the extension part 136. The extension part 136 may have a partition located between the second ends 124.

[0119] For example, the other surface of the tip side portion of the second end 124 is exposed to the extension part 136 on the tip side of the surrounding part 134. With another terminal stacked on the tip side portion of the second end 124, a bolt penetrates through the holes of the other terminal and the second end 124 and is screwed into the nut in the space 136S. Thereby, the second end 124 and the other terminal can be fixed by screwing.

[0120] In a plan view, the tip side portion of the surrounding part 134 and the extension part 136 do not have a portion protruding outward from the outer peripheral surface of the base end portion of the surrounding part 134. For this reason, when the tip side portion of the surrounding part 134 and the extension part 136 are die-molded in the mold release direction along the extending direction of the second end 124, the undercut portion can be eliminated. For this reason, the tip side portion of the surrounding part 134 and the extension part 136 can be easily die-molded.

[0121] The packing 150 is formed of an elastic material such as rubber and is a portion for sealing between the mounting object 10 and the terminal block main body 130. The packing 150 includes an annular surface seal portion 152 and a holding portion 154.

[0122] The annular surface seal portion 152 is an example of a seal portion interposed between the base portion 132 and the mounting object 10 in the penetrating direction of the mounting hole 12 while surrounding the surrounding part 134.

[0123] The annular surface seal portion 152 is formed in a shape that can be arranged in the seal arrangement recess 132g.

[0124] A gap may exist between at least one of the inner peripheral side and the outer peripheral side of the annular surface seal portion 152 and the terminal block body 130. In the present embodiment, the inner peripheral portion of the annular surface seal portion 152 is larger than the inner peripheral portion of the seal arrangement recess 132g. Also, the outer peripheral portion of the annular surface seal portion 152 is smaller than the outer peripheral portion of the seal arrangement recess 132g. For this reason, when the annular surface seal portion 152 is disposed in the seal arrangement recess 132g, a gap SP1 is formed between the inner peripheral portion of the annular surface seal portion 152 and the inner peripheral side surface of the seal arrangement recess 132g. Also, a gap SP2 is formed between the outer peripheral portion of the annular surface seal portion 152 and the outer peripheral side surface of the seal arrangement recess 132g.

[0125] When the annular surface seal portion 152 is compressed between the bottom surface of the seal arrangement recess 132g and the mounting object 10, the annular surface seal portion 152 can be compressed into a flat shape by utilizing the gaps SP1 and SP2.

[0126] The annular surface seal portion 152 may have a plurality of annular protrusions 153 as an example of a plurality of protrusions protruding toward the base portion 132, similar to the annular surface seal portion 52.

[0127] Similar to Embodiment 2, a gap S1 may exist between the inner peripheral portion of the annular surface seal portion 152 and the surrounding portion 134.

[0128] In addition, the annular surface seal portion 152 may have the same configuration as the annular surface seal portion 52 in Embodiment 1.

[0129] The holding portion 154 is a portion held by the surrounding portion 134. In Embodiment 1, the positioning convex portion 156 of the holding portion 154 fits into the positioning concave portion 134g of the surrounding portion 134, whereby the holding portion 154 is held by the surrounding portion 134.

[0130] More specifically, the surrounding portion 134 has a positioning concave portion 134g. The positioning concave portion 134g is a recess that opens to the outer peripheral side of the surrounding portion 134. In the present embodiment, the positioning concave portion 134g is formed in a portion of the surrounding portion 134 closer to the base end.

[0131] The holding portion 154 has a positioning convex portion 156 that fits into the positioning concave portion 134g. In the present embodiment, the holding portion 154 has an annular portion 155 that surrounds the surrounding portion 134. The annular portion 155 is formed in an elongated annular shape, here an annular shape having a pair of long side portions 155a, according to the outer peripheral surface shape of the surrounding portion 134. The pair of long side portions 155a are disposed on the outer facing surfaces of a pair of opposite long side sides of the outer peripheral surface of the surrounding portion 134.

[0132] The annular portion 155 may be set to a shape and size that can clamp the surrounding portion 134. The annular portion 155 may be set to a shape and size in which a gap is formed between the annular portion 155 and the surrounding portion 134.

[0133] The positioning convex portion 156 can project from the annular portion 155 toward the inner peripheral side and fit into the positioning concave portion 134g. The positioning convex portion may be formed over the entire circumferential direction of the annular portion, or may be partially formed in the circumferential direction of the annular portion. When the positioning convex portion is formed over the entire circumferential direction of the annular portion, the positioning concave portion may be formed over the entire circumferential direction of the holding portion.

[0134] In the present embodiment, the positioning convex portion 156 is partially formed in the circumferential direction of the annular portion 155. In this case, the positioning concave portion 134g may be formed over the entire circumferential direction of the holding portion 154, or may be partially formed. In the present embodiment, the positioning concave portion 134g is formed in a shape that is partially recessed at a position corresponding to the positioning convex portion 156.

[0135] The position of the positioning convex portion 156 in the annular portion 155 is arbitrary. In the present embodiment, the positioning convex portion 156 is formed on each of the pair of long side portions 155a.

[0136] In the present embodiment, the positioning convex portion 156 is formed in a short shape in the circumferential direction of the annular portion 155, for example, a protruding shape having a length of about 2 to 10 mm. A plurality of positioning convex portions 156 may be formed at intervals on the long side portion 155a. In the present embodiment, three positioning convex portions 156 are formed at intervals on the long side portion 155a.

[0137] The positioning recess 134g is formed at a position corresponding to a pair of long side portions 155a of the surrounding portion 134. That is, positioning recesses are not formed at both end portions in the longitudinal direction of the surrounding portion 134, and positioning recesses are formed in the main surface portion parallel to the longitudinal direction.

[0138] For example, when die-molding a surrounding portion 134 having a long shape in the direction in which a plurality of terminals 122 are arranged, from the viewpoint of die molding such as facilitating mold release, a surface parallel to the longitudinal direction of the die-molded portion is used as the mold joint surface, and a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the die-molded portion is considered as the mold release direction (opening direction). In this case, if the positioning recess 134g is formed at a position corresponding to a pair of long side portions 155a of the surrounding portion 134, the positioning recess 134g can be easily die-molded.

[0139] In the present embodiment, mainly by fitting the positioning protrusion 156 into the positioning recess 134g, the holding portion 154 is held by the surrounding portion 134. Also in the present embodiment, the holding portion 154 may be held by the surrounding portion 134 in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the surrounding portion 134.

[0140] The positioning protrusion 156 may be smaller than the positioning recess 134g and may fit into the positioning recess 134g in a state where it can move within the positioning recess 134g. That is, a movement allowance gap Sa for allowing the movement of the positioning protrusion 156 may exist between the positioning protrusion 156 and the positioning recess 134g.

[0141] The movement allowance gap Sa is located on the side of the annular surface seal portion 152, and the positioning protrusion 156 and the positioning recess 134g may be in contact with each other on the side opposite to the annular surface seal portion 152.

[0142] By the positioning protrusion 156 and the positioning recess 134g being in contact with each other on the side opposite to the annular surface seal portion 152, the annular portion 155 can be prevented from separating greatly from the base portion 132. Thereby, the annular surface seal portion 152 is easily kept in contact with the base portion 132.

[0143] Further, since the allowable movement gap Sa is located on the annular surface seal portion 152 side, when the annular surface seal portion 152 is compressed, the annular portion 155 can easily move toward the base portion 132 side.

[0144] The corner portion on the base portion 132 side of the positioning convex portion 156 may be formed on a guide surface 156f that has been rounded or chamfered. If the positioning convex portion 156 has the guide surface 156f, when the holding portion 154 is externally fitted to the surrounding portion 134, the positioning convex portion 156 is less likely to be caught by the surrounding portion 134 or the extension portion 136, and the holding portion 154 can be easily attached to the surrounding portion 134.

[0145] The positioning convex portion 156 may protrude from a position on the side of the annular surface seal portion 152 opposite to the annular portion 155.

[0146] In this case, an end face side gap Sb1 may be provided between the end face 155f1 on the annular surface seal portion 152 side of the annular portion 155 and the terminal block body 130. Also, an inner peripheral side gap Sb2 may be provided between the inner peripheral portion 155f2 of the portion of the annular portion 155 on the annular surface seal portion 152 side and the terminal block body 130.

[0147] In the present embodiment, with the annular surface seal portion 152 in contact with the bottom surface of the seal arrangement recess 132g, the end face 155f1 on the annular surface seal portion 152 side of the annular portion 155 is disposed at a position away from the surface of the base portion 132. Thereby, the end face side gap Sb1 is formed.

[0148] Also, the inner peripheral portion 155f2 of the portion of the annular portion 155 on the annular surface seal portion 152 side is formed larger than the surrounding portion 134. Also, the protruding length of the positioning convex portion 156 with respect to the inner peripheral portion 155f2 is larger than the depth of the positioning recess 134g. Thereby, with the positioning convex portion 156 in contact with the bottom surface of the positioning recess 134g and fitted into the positioning recess 134g, an inner peripheral side gap Sb2 is formed between the inner peripheral portion 155f2 and the outer peripheral surface of the base end portion of the surrounding portion 134.

[0149] Since the above-mentioned end face side gap Sb1 and inner peripheral side gap Sb2 are formed, when the annular surface seal portion 152 is compressed and deformed, the annular portion 155 can be easily displaced by using the above-mentioned end face side gap Sb1 and inner peripheral side gap Sb2.

[0150] The holding portion 154 may have an opening guide surface 154f that sequentially expands toward the base portion side of the base portion 132. In the present embodiment, the boundary portion between the end face 155f1 and the inner peripheral portion 155f2 of the annular portion 155 is rounded or chamfered and is formed on the opening guide surface 154f.

[0151] The packing 150 is a component integrally formed by a mold, and the annular surface seal portion 152 and the holding portion 154 are integrally connected.

[0152] The annular surface seal portion 152 and the holding portion 154 may be connected throughout the circumferential direction, or may be partially connected in the circumferential direction.

[0153] In the present embodiment, the packing 150 has a slit 157 located between the annular surface seal portion 152 and the holding portion 154. The slit 157 is an elongated slit extending along the circumferential direction of the annular surface seal portion 152 or the holding portion 154.

[0154] The packing 150 has a plurality of slits 157, and a connecting portion 158 is formed between the slits 157. The connecting portion 158 is partially located in the circumferential direction of the annular surface seal portion 152. The connecting portion 158 extends from the portion of the annular portion 155 on the annular surface seal portion 152 side toward the inner peripheral side and is connected to the inner peripheral side portion of the annular surface seal portion 152.

[0155] The positions of the slit 157 and the connecting portion 158 are arbitrary. The slit 157 may be located between the annular surface seal portion 152 and the positioning convex portion 156. That is, in the circumferential direction of the annular portion 155, the slit 157 may exist in the portion where the positioning convex portion 156 exists.

[0156] In this embodiment, three slits 157 are formed at positions corresponding to the long-side portion 155a of the annular portion 155, and one slit 157 is formed at a position corresponding to the short-side portion 155b. Connection portions 158 are formed between the respective slits 157, that is, at two positions that equally divide the long-side portion 155a in the longitudinal direction and at a position connecting the long-side portion 155a and the short-side portion 155b.

[0157] The positioning convex portion 156 may be formed at the longitudinal middle portion of the slit 157 formed at a position corresponding to the long-side portion 155a, for example, at the center in the longitudinal direction of the slit 157.

[0158] Since the slit 157 is positioned between the annular surface seal portion 152 and the holding portion 154, it is difficult for the restraining force of the holding portion 154 to reach the annular surface seal portion 152. As a result, the annular surface seal portion 152 is easily compressed and deformed naturally.

[0159] Since the slit 157 exists at a position corresponding to the positioning convex portion 156, it becomes difficult for the restraining force by the positioning convex portion 156 to reach the annular surface seal portion 152.

[0160] FIG. 13 shows, by a two-dot chain line, the deformed shape of the packing 150 in a state where the terminal block body 130 is attached to the attachment target 10.

[0161] That is, when the positioning convex portion 156 fits into the positioning concave portion 134g, the packing 150 is attached to the terminal block body 130. In this state, the annular surface seal portion 152 is kept in a state of being disposed in the seal arrangement concave portion 132g.

[0162] The second end 124 and the surrounding portion 134 are inserted into the mounting hole 12, and the base portion 132 is disposed on the attachment target 10 around the mounting hole 12. In this state, the annular surface seal portion 152 is disposed between the attachment target 10 and the seal arrangement concave portion 132g.

[0163] As described above, the positioning convex portion 156 contacts the side surface of the positioning concave portion 134g on the side opposite to the base portion 132, so that the annular surface seal portion 152 stably contacts the bottom surface of the seal arrangement concave portion 132g. Therefore, the annular surface seal portion 152 is prevented from being located at an unexpected position or being deformed into an unexpected shape. Thus, the annular surface seal portion 152 is sandwiched between the mounting target 10 and the seal arrangement concave portion 132g in a stable position and shape.

[0164] Then, the screw is inserted through the insertion hole 133 of the base portion 132 and screwed and fastened to the screw hole of the mounting target 10. Then, the annular surface seal portion 152 is compressed between the main surface of the mounting target 10 and the bottom surface of the seal arrangement concave portion 132g.

[0165] At this time, the annular surface seal portion 152 is compressed so that the dimension in the longitudinal direction of the terminal intermediate portion 125 becomes smaller, and expands in the inner and outer directions along the bottom surface of the seal arrangement concave portion 132g.

[0166] When the thickness of the annular surface seal portion 152 becomes smaller in the longitudinal direction of the terminal intermediate portion 125, the holding portion 154 may be attracted toward the base portion 132 side.

[0167] In the present embodiment, a movement allowance gap Sa exists between the positioning convex portion 156 and the positioning concave portion 134g. Also, an end surface side gap Sb1 exists between the end surface 155f1 on the annular surface seal portion 152 side of the annular portion 155 and the terminal block main body 130. Therefore, the holding portion 154 can smoothly move toward the base portion 132 side.

[0168] Therefore, the portion of the annular surface seal portion 152 that is continuous with the positioning convex portion 156 is positionally constrained, making it difficult to cause unreasonable deformation. Thus, the annular surface seal portion 152 can be deformed naturally as the distance between the main surface of the mounting target 10 and the bottom surface of the seal arrangement concave portion 132g becomes smaller.

[0169] In addition, since the annular surface seal portion 152 extends in the inner and outer directions along the bottom surface of the seal arrangement recess 132g, the portion of the holding portion 154 that is continuous with the annular surface seal portion 152 may be pushed toward the inner peripheral side.

[0170] In the present embodiment, an inner peripheral side gap Sb2 exists between the inner peripheral portion 155f2 of the annular portion 155 and the terminal block main body 130. Therefore, the holding portion 154 can move smoothly toward the inner peripheral side.

[0171] Also from this point, the portion of the annular surface seal portion 152 that is continuous with the positioning convex portion 156 is positionally constrained, making it difficult for unreasonable deformation to occur. Therefore, as the distance between the main surface of the mounting target 10 and the bottom surface of the seal arrangement recess 132g decreases, the annular surface seal portion 152 can deform more naturally.

[0172] In addition, the fitting structure between the positioning convex portion 156 and the positioning concave portion 134g is also suppressed from affecting the annular surface seal portion 152 by the slit 157 between the holding portion 154 and the annular surface seal portion 152. For example, even if a positional error occurs between the positioning convex portion 156 and the positioning concave portion 134g, the positional error is less likely to affect the annular surface seal portion 152. For example, it is difficult for the annular surface seal portion 152 to bend or wrinkle.

[0173] Therefore, the annular surface seal portion 152 is positioned in the seal arrangement recess 132g in a natural state and can deform naturally from this state.

[0174] Note that in the mounted state of the terminal block 120, the outer peripheral surface of the holding portion 154 may be arranged away from the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole 12.

[0175] <Effects, etc.> According to the terminal block 120 configured as described above, similar to Embodiment 1, the surrounding portion 134 is located inside the annular surface seal portion 152, and the holding portion 154 is held by the surrounding portion 134. Therefore, the packing 150 can be miniaturized as compared with the case where a structure for positioning outside the seal portion is provided. Further, since the packing 150 is miniaturized, the terminal block 120 is also miniaturized. Further, the annular surface seal portion 152 interposed between the base portion 132 and the mounting target 10 in the penetrating direction of the mounting hole 12 seals the space between the mounting target 10 and the terminal block 120. Therefore, the insertion operation and the assembly operation of the terminal block 120 with respect to the mounting target 10 can be facilitated as compared with the case where a shaft seal structure is provided. Thereby, the assembly of the packing 150 is easy, and a further miniaturized terminal block 120 can be provided.

[0176] Further, when the positioning convex portion 156 fits into the positioning concave portion 134g, the packing 150 is less likely to fall off from the terminal block body 130.

[0177] The surrounding portion 134 having the positioning concave portion 134g may be more easily die-molded so that undercut is less likely to occur than the surrounding portion 34 having the retaining convex portion 73P in Embodiment 1.

[0178] Further, since the positioning convex portion 156 protrudes from the annular portion 155 surrounding the surrounding portion 134 and fits into the positioning concave portion 134g, the annular portion 155 easily maintains the state in which the positioning convex portion 156 fits into the positioning concave portion 134g. Therefore, it is difficult for the positioning convex portion 156 to come off from the positioning concave portion 134g.

[0179] Further, if the positioning convex portion 156 is partially formed in the circumferential direction of the annular portion 155, the forming positions of the positioning convex portion 156 and the positioning concave portion 134g can be limited. For example, the positioning concave portion 134g can be formed at a partial position instead of being formed over the entire circumferential direction of the holding portion 154. Therefore, the terminal block body 130 and the packing 150 can be easily die-molded.

[0180] In addition, the position constraint point due to the fitting between the positioning convex portion 156 and the positioning concave portion 134g can be limited, and the influence range of the position constraint on the annular surface seal portion 152 can be narrowed. Therefore, the annular surface seal portion 152 is easily compressed naturally in the assumed shape and at the assumed position, and the sealing performance by the annular surface seal portion 152 is easily exhibited.

[0181] In addition, since the positioning concave portion 134g is formed at a position corresponding to the pair of long side portions 155a in the surrounding portion 134, the surrounding portion 134 having the positioning concave portion 134g is easily die-formed.

[0182] In addition, since the slit 157 is located between the annular surface seal portion 152 and the holding portion 154, the fitting structure between the positioning convex portion 156 and the positioning concave portion 134g hardly affects the annular surface seal portion 152. The annular surface seal portion 152 is easily compressed naturally in the assumed shape and at the assumed position, and the sealing performance by the annular surface seal portion 152 is easily exhibited.

[0183] In addition, since the end face side gap Sb1 and the inner peripheral side gap Sb2 exist in the portion of the annular portion 155 on the annular surface seal portion 152 side, the annular portion 155 can be easily displaced or deformed using the gaps Sb1 and Sb2. For this reason, the annular surface seal portion 152 can be deformed naturally without being restricted by the annular portion 155, and the sealing performance by the annular surface seal portion 152 is more easily exhibited.

[0184] In addition, since a movement allowance gap Sa exists between the positioning convex portion 156 and the positioning concave portion 134g, the annular surface seal portion 152 can be deformed naturally while moving the positioning convex portion 156 within the positioning concave portion 134g, and the sealing performance by the annular surface seal portion 152 is more easily exhibited.

[0185] Further, the positioning convex portion 156 and the positioning concave portion 134g are in contact with each other on the side opposite to the annular surface sealing portion 152, and the movement allowance gap Sa is located on the annular surface sealing portion 152 side. Therefore, due to the contact between the positioning convex portion 156 and the positioning concave portion 134g, it is easy to keep the annular surface sealing portion 152 close to the base portion 132. As a result, the annular surface sealing portion 152 is easily kept in a stable state of contacting the base portion 132.

[0186] In addition, except for the positioning configuration by the positioning convex portion 156 and the positioning concave portion 134g, the same operational effects as those in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0187] The present disclosure discloses the following terminal block.

[0188] A first aspect is a terminal block that is attached to an attachment target having an attachment hole, the terminal block including a terminal block body including a terminal, a base portion through which the terminal passes, and an enclosure portion that extends from the base portion while surrounding the terminal, a seal portion that intervenes between the base portion and the attachment target in the penetrating direction of the attachment hole while surrounding the enclosure portion, and a packing including a holding portion held by the enclosure portion.

[0189] According to the present disclosure, since the holding portion is held by the enclosure portion inside the seal portion, the packing can be miniaturized. Since the packing is miniaturized, the terminal block is also miniaturized. Further, since water is blocked by the seal portion that intervenes between the base portion and the attachment target in the penetrating direction of the attachment hole, the assembly of the terminal block to the attachment target can be facilitated as compared with the case where a shaft seal structure is provided. As a result, the packing can be easily assembled, and a further miniaturized terminal block can be provided.

[0190] As in the second aspect, the terminal block according to the first aspect, wherein the holding portion may be held by the enclosure portion in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the enclosure portion.

[0191] Thereby, the holding portion is held at a fixed position by the enclosure portion, and the surface seal portion is also held at a fixed position with respect to the base portion.

[0192] Like the third aspect, a terminal block according to the first or second aspect, wherein the surrounding portion includes a retaining projection protruding to the outer peripheral side of the surrounding portion at a position away from the base portion, and the holding portion may be located between the base portion and the retaining projection.

[0193] In this case, the retaining projection makes it difficult for the holding portion to come out of the surrounding portion, and it becomes difficult for the packing to fall off from the terminal block body.

[0194] Like the fourth aspect, a terminal block according to the third aspect, wherein a gap may exist between the holding portion and the retaining projection.

[0195] As a result, since there is a gap between the holding portion and the retaining projection, it is easier to assemble the packing compared to the case where both are in contact.

[0196] Like the fifth aspect, a terminal block according to the third or fourth aspect, wherein the retaining projection may have a guide surface that faces the inside of the surrounding portion as it goes toward the tip side of the surrounding portion.

[0197] In this case, the holding portion can easily cross the retaining projection by contacting the guide surface. As a result, the packing can be easily attached to the terminal block body.

[0198] Like the sixth aspect, a terminal block according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the holding portion may have an opening guide surface that sequentially expands toward the base portion side.

[0199] In this way, if the holding portion has an opening guide surface, it becomes easy to insert the surrounding portion into the holding portion, and the packing can be easily attached to the terminal block body.

[0200] Like the seventh aspect, a terminal block according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the holding portion may be a cylindrical portion that extends from the seal portion to the side opposite to the base portion and is externally fitted to the surrounding portion.

[0201] In this case, since the holding portion is a cylindrical portion extending from the sealing portion, it is easy to deform in a spreading manner. Therefore, the holding portion can be easily externally fitted to the surrounding portion. Further, in a state where the holding portion is externally fitted to the surrounding portion, it is easy to press the sealing portion against the base portion, and a constant state in which the sealing portion contacts the base portion is easily maintained.

[0202] As in the eighth aspect, a terminal block according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein a gap may exist between the sealing portion and the surrounding portion.

[0203] In this case, the surrounding portion can be easily inserted into the sealing portion. Thereby, the packing can be easily attached to the terminal block body.

[0204] As in the ninth aspect, a terminal block according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the sealing portion may have a plurality of protrusions protruding toward the base portion side.

[0205] In this way, if the sealing portion has a plurality of protrusions, it is easy to ensure water stoppage.

[0206] As in the tenth aspect, a terminal block according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the outer peripheral surface of the holding portion may be arranged apart from the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole.

[0207] In this case, since the outer peripheral surface of the holding portion is arranged apart from the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole, the force required when mounting the terminal block to the mounting target can be reduced, and the assembly work of the terminal block can be easily performed.

[0208] Note that the respective configurations described in the above embodiments and each modification can be appropriately combined as long as they do not conflict with each other.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0209] 10 Mounting target 12 Mounting hole 13, 14, 22, 122 Terminals 20, 120 Terminal blocks 23, 123 First end 24, 124 Second terminal 25, 125 Middle part of terminal 30, 130 Terminal block body 32, 132 Base part 32g, 132g Seal placement recess 33, 133 Insertion hole 34, 134 Enclosing part 36 Retaining projection 36g Guide surface 50, 150 Packing 52, 152 Annular surface seal part 53, 153 Annular projection 54, 154 Holding part 54g, 154f Opening guide surface 133P Positioning convex part 134g Positioning recess 136 Extension part 136S Space 154f Opening guide surface 155 Annular part 155a Long side part 155b Short side part 155f1 End face 155f2 Inner peripheral part 156 Positioning convex part 156f Guide surface 157 Slit 158 Connecting part S1, S2, SP1, SP2 Clearance Sa Movement allowance clearance Sb1 End face side clearance Sb2 Inner peripheral side clearance S Screw

Claims

1. A terminal block to be attached to an object having a mounting hole, The terminals and a terminal block body including a base portion through which the terminal passes and an enclosing portion extending from the base portion while surrounding the terminal; a packing including a seal portion that surrounds the surrounding portion and is interposed between the base portion and the attachment object in the penetration direction of the attachment hole, and a holding portion that is held by the surrounding portion; A terminal block comprising:

2. 2. The terminal block according to claim 1, The surrounding portion has a positioning recess, The holding portion has a positioning protrusion that fits into the positioning recess.

3. 3. The terminal block according to claim 2, The holding portion has an annular portion surrounding the surrounding portion, The positioning protrusion is a portion that protrudes from the annular portion and fits into the positioning recess.

4. 4. The terminal block according to claim 3, The positioning protrusion is formed partially in a circumferential direction of the annular portion.

5. The terminal block according to claim 4, The surrounding portion is formed in an elongated shape, the annular portion is formed in an annular shape having a pair of long side portions in accordance with the shape of the surrounding portion, the positioning protrusions are formed on each of the pair of long side portions, The positioning recess is formed in the surrounding portion at a position corresponding to the pair of long side portions of the terminal block.

6. The terminal block according to any one of claims 3 to 5, The packing has a slit located between the seal portion and the retaining portion.

7. 7. The terminal block according to claim 6, The positioning protrusion is formed partially in a circumferential direction of the annular portion, The slit is located between the seal portion and the positioning protrusion.

8. The terminal block according to any one of claims 3 to 5, the positioning protrusion protrudes from a position on the opposite side of the seal portion with respect to the annular portion, an end face gap is provided between an end face of the annular portion on the side of the seal portion and the terminal block body; A terminal block having an inner peripheral gap provided between an inner peripheral portion of the portion of the annular portion on the seal portion side and the terminal block main body.

9. The terminal block according to any one of claims 2 to 5, A terminal block having a gap for allowing movement between the positioning protrusion and the positioning recess.

10. 10. The terminal block according to claim 9, the positioning protrusion and the positioning recess are in contact with each other on the side opposite to the seal portion, The movement allowance gap is located on the seal portion side of the terminal block.

11. The terminal block according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The holding portion is in contact with an outer peripheral surface of the surrounding portion and is held by the surrounding portion.

12. The terminal block according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The holding portion has an opening guide surface that gradually widens toward the base portion.

13. The terminal block according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A terminal block in which a gap exists between at least one of an inner circumferential side and an outer circumferential side of the seal portion and the terminal block main body.

14. The terminal block according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The sealing portion has a plurality of protrusions protruding toward the base portion.

15. The terminal block according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A terminal block, wherein an outer peripheral surface of the holding portion is positioned away from an inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole.

Images