Terminal block

Abstract

To provide a terminal block that has a simple configuration, ensures high waterproof performance, and allows for miniaturization.SOLUTION: A terminal block 10 includes a terminal block body 30 made of a resin material, a plate-shaped terminal 20 having an embedded portion 23 in the center of its elongated shape that is embedded in the terminal block body 30, and an adhesive 40 interposed between the embedded portion 23 and the terminal block body 30. The embedded portion 23 includes a first engaging claw portion 23a and a second engaging claw portion 23b that engage with the terminal block body 30 in the direction in which the terminal block body 30 moves away from the embedded portion 23.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a terminal block including a terminal block body made of a resin material, a plate-like terminal having an embedded portion embedded in the terminal block body, and an adhesive interposed between the embedded portion and the terminal block body (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such a terminal block, even if the gap between the embedded portion and the terminal block body slightly expands due to a high-temperature environment, it is possible to prevent liquid from passing between the embedded portion and the terminal block body by the adhesive. Further, as the adhesive, one that can maintain its viscosity even in a high-temperature environment by being heat-treated is adopted. Therefore, leakage of the adhesive from between the embedded portion and the terminal block body is suppressed. Therefore, it is stably prevented that liquid passes between the embedded portion and the terminal block body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the terminal block as described above, a special adhesive is required. Further, in order to prevent leakage of the adhesive from between the embedded portion and the terminal block body, it is necessary to oppose the terminal block body in a range long in the extending direction of the terminal. This causes the terminal block to become large-sized.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a terminal block that can be miniaturized while ensuring high waterproof performance with a simple configuration.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The terminal block of the present disclosure includes a terminal block body made of a resin material, a plate-shaped terminal having an embedded portion embedded in the center of the elongated shape in the terminal block body, and an adhesive interposed between the embedded portion and the terminal block body. The embedded portion has an engaging claw portion that engages with the terminal block body in a direction in which the terminal block body separates from the embedded portion.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the terminal block of the present disclosure, it can be miniaturized while ensuring high waterproof performance with a simple configuration.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

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Figure 5

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Figure 8

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. The terminal block of the present disclosure is [1] A terminal block comprising a terminal block body made of a resin material, a plate-shaped terminal having an embedded portion embedded in the terminal block body at the center of a long shape, and an adhesive interposed between the embedded portion and the terminal block body, wherein the embedded portion has an engaging claw portion that engages with the terminal block body in a direction in which the terminal block body separates from the embedded portion.

[0010] According to this configuration, since the embedded portion has an engaging claw portion that engages with the terminal block body in a direction in which the terminal block body separates from the embedded portion, peeling of the terminal block body from the embedded portion is suppressed. As a result, formation of a gap due to separation of the terminal block body from the embedded portion is suppressed, and thus passage of liquid between the embedded portion and the terminal block body is prevented. Further, since peeling of the terminal block body from the embedded portion is locally suppressed at the portion of the engaging claw portion, it is not necessary to oppose the terminal block body in a long range in the extending direction of the terminal. Therefore, miniaturization of the terminal block can be achieved.

[0011] [2] In the above [1], the engaging claw portion may include a first engaging claw portion that engages with the terminal block body in a direction in which the terminal block body separates from both ends in the width direction of the terminal. According to this configuration, since the engaging claw portion includes a first engaging claw portion that engages with the terminal block body in a direction in which the terminal block body separates from both ends in the width direction of the terminal, peeling of the terminal block body from both ends in the width direction of the terminal in the embedded portion is suppressed. Note that since the length in the width direction of the terminal is longer than the length in the plate thickness direction, peeling due to the difference in the linear expansion coefficient between the embedded portion and the terminal block body is likely to occur, but such peeling can be suppressed.

[0012] [3] In the above [1] or the above [2], the engaging claw portion may include a second engaging claw portion that engages with the terminal block body in a direction in which the terminal block body separates from both ends in the plate thickness direction of the terminal.

[0013] According to this configuration, since the engaging claw portion includes a second engaging claw portion that engages with the terminal block body in a direction in which the terminal block body separates from both ends in the plate thickness direction of the terminal, peeling of the terminal block body from both ends in the plate thickness direction of the terminal in the embedded portion is suppressed.

[0014] [4] In any one of the above [1] to [3], a pair of the engaging claw portions may be provided so as to protrude in directions facing each other. According to this configuration, since a pair of the engaging claw portions are provided so as to protrude in directions facing each other, the terminal block body is arranged so as to be held between the opposing engaging claw portions. Therefore, the separation of the terminal block body from the embedding portion is strongly suppressed.

[0015] [5] In the above [4], the adhesive may be arranged between the opposing engaging claw portions. According to this configuration, since the adhesive is arranged between the opposing engaging claw portions, it is difficult for the adhesive to leak to the outside from between the opposing engaging claw portions, and leakage from between the embedding portion and the terminal block body is further suppressed.

[0016] [Details of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] Specific examples of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, for convenience of explanation, a part of the configuration may be shown in an exaggerated or simplified manner. Also, the dimensional ratios of each part may be different in each drawing. Further, the present invention 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.

[0017] (Configuration of Terminal Block 10) As shown in FIG. 1, the terminal block 10 includes terminals 20, a terminal block body 30, and an adhesive 40 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). The terminal block 10 of the present embodiment includes four terminals 20. The terminal block 10 is fixed to an attachment object (not shown) such as a case that houses electrical components, for example.

[0018] (Configuration of Terminal 20) The terminal 20 is composed of a long metal plate material. The terminal 20 has a first end portion 21 and a second end portion 22 which are both ends of the long shape. Each of the first end portion 21 and the second end portion 22 has connection holes 21a and 22a, and will be connected to the connection terminals of other electrical components. Further, the terminal 20 has an embedded portion 23 embedded in the terminal block body 30 at the center of the long shape.

[0019] (Configuration of the terminal block body 30) The terminal block body 30 is made of a resin material. The terminal block body 30 has a holding portion 31 that covers and holds the embedded portion 23 of the terminal 20, and a flange portion 32 that protrudes from the outer periphery of the holding portion 31. The flange portion 32 has fixing holes 32a at both ends in the direction in which the terminals 20 are arranged side by side. The terminal block 10 will be fixed to the mounting object by, for example, bolts (not shown) that pass through the fixing holes 32a and are screwed into the mounting object.

[0020] (Detailed description of the terminal 20) As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the embedded portion 23 of the terminal 20 has a first engaging claw portion 23a and a second engaging claw portion 23b as engaging claw portions that engage with the terminal block body 30 in a direction in which the terminal block body 30 is separated from the embedded portion 23.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 5, the first engaging claw portion 23a engages with the terminal block body 30 in a direction in which the terminal block body 30 is separated from both ends in the width direction of the terminal 20. A pair of the first engaging claw portions 23a are provided so as to protrude in opposite directions. Specifically, the embedded portion 23 of the terminal 20 has width direction recesses 23c at both ends in the width direction. And the first engaging claw portion 23a is formed in a shape that protrudes in a direction approaching each other from both side portions of the width direction recess 23c.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 4, the second engaging claw portion 23b engages with the terminal block main body 30 in a direction in which the terminal block main body 30 separates from both ends of the terminal 20 in the plate thickness direction. A pair of second engaging claw portions 23b are provided so as to protrude in directions opposite to each other. Specifically, the embedded portion 23 of the terminal 20 has plate thickness direction recesses 23d at both ends in the plate thickness direction. And the second engaging claw portion 23b is formed in a shape that protrudes from both side portions of the plate thickness direction recess 23d in a direction approaching each other.

[0023] The manufacturing method of the terminal 20 of this embodiment includes, for example, the following steps. In other words, the first engaging claw portion 23a and the second engaging claw portion 23b are formed through, for example, the following steps.

[0024] For example, first, as shown in Fig. 6, in the first step, the first engaging claw portion 23a and the width direction recess 23c are formed by performing cutting or punching on a metal plate material 50 having a constant width that will later constitute the terminal 20.

[0025] Next, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8, in the second step, the plate thickness direction recess 23d is formed by performing pressing on the metal plate material 50 (see Fig. 6) having a constant plate thickness after the first step is completed. In this embodiment, the plate thickness direction recess 23d is formed at a portion corresponding to the width direction recess 23c.

[0026] Next, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, in the third step, the second engaging claw portion 23b is formed by performing tapping on the metal plate material 50 (see Figs. 7 and 8) after the second step is completed. That is, in the third step, the second engaging claw portion 23b is formed to protrude by tapping the corners of both side portions of the plate thickness direction recess 23d. In this way, the terminal 20 is manufactured.

[0027] (Configuration of the adhesive 40) As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the adhesive 40 is interposed between the embedded portion 23 and the terminal block body 30. The adhesive 40 in the present embodiment is a rubber-based adhesive. In FIGS. 4 and 5, the adhesive 40 is schematically illustrated by a thick line. The adhesive 40 is disposed between the opposing first engaging claw portions 23a (see FIG. 5). That is, the adhesive 40 is disposed at the bottom of the width direction recess 23c. Further, the adhesive 40 is disposed between the opposing second engaging claw portions 23b (see FIG. 4). That is, the adhesive 40 is disposed at the bottom of the plate thickness direction recess 23d.

[0028] (Operation of the Embodiment) Since the adhesive 40 is interposed between the embedded portion 23 and the terminal block body 30, it is possible to prevent liquid from passing between the embedded portion 23 and the terminal block body 30. Further, even when the terminal block body 30 tends to peel from the embedded portion 23 due to the difference in the linear expansion coefficients between the embedded portion 23 and the terminal block body 30 due to a high temperature environment, the peeling is suppressed by the engagement of the first engaging claw portion 23a and the second engaging claw portion 23b with the terminal block body 30. Thereby, for example, it is stably prevented that liquid passes inside and outside the case or the like to which the terminal block 10 is fixed.

[0029] (Effect of the Embodiment) Next, the effects of the above embodiment will be described below. (1) Since the embedded portion 23 has the first engaging claw portion 23a and the second engaging claw portion 23b as engaging claw portions that engage with the terminal block body 30 in the direction in which the terminal block body 30 separates from the embedded portion 23, peeling of the terminal block body 30 from the embedded portion 23 is suppressed. Thereby, the formation of voids due to the separation of the terminal block body 30 from the embedded portion 23 is suppressed, and as a result, it is possible to prevent liquid from passing between the embedded portion 23 and the terminal block body 30. Further, since the peeling of the terminal block body 30 from the embedded portion 23 is locally suppressed at the portions of the first engaging claw portion 23a and the second engaging claw portion 23b, it is not necessary to oppose the terminal block body 30 over a long range in the extending direction of the terminal 20. Therefore, the terminal block 10 can be downsized.

[0030] (2) Since the engaging claw portion includes a first engaging claw portion 23a that engages with the terminal block main body 30 in a direction in which the terminal block main body 30 separates from both ends in the width direction of the terminal 20, peeling of the terminal block main body 30 from both ends in the width direction of the terminal 20 is suppressed in the embedding portion 23. Note that since the length of the terminal 20 in the width direction is longer than the length in the plate thickness direction, peeling due to the difference in the linear expansion coefficients between the embedding portion 23 and the terminal block main body 30 is likely to occur, but such peeling can be suppressed.

[0031] (3) Since the engaging claw portion includes a second engaging claw portion 23b that engages with the terminal block main body 30 in a direction in which the terminal block main body 30 separates from both ends in the plate thickness direction of the terminal 20, peeling of the terminal block main body 30 from both ends in the plate thickness direction of the terminal 20 is suppressed in the embedding portion 23.

[0032] (4) Since a pair of the first engaging claw portions 23a are provided so as to project in directions facing each other, the terminal block main body 30 is arranged to be held between the opposing first engaging claw portions 23a. Since a pair of the second engaging claw portions 23b are provided so as to project in directions facing each other, the terminal block main body 30 is arranged to be held between the opposing second engaging claw portions 23b. Therefore, peeling of the terminal block main body 30 from the embedding portion 23 is strongly suppressed.

[0033] (5) Since the adhesive 40 is disposed between the opposing first engaging claw portions 23a, it is difficult for the adhesive 40 to leak to the outside from between the opposing first engaging claw portions 23a, and leakage from between the embedding portion 23 and the terminal block main body 30 is further suppressed. Also, since the adhesive 40 is disposed between the opposing second engaging claw portions 23b, it is difficult for the adhesive 40 to leak to the outside from between the opposing second engaging claw portions 23b, and leakage from between the embedding portion 23 and the terminal block main body 30 is further suppressed.

[0034] (Modification example) The above embodiment can be modified and implemented as follows. The above embodiment and the following modification examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a range where there is no technical contradiction.

[0035] · In the above-described embodiment, the engaging claw portion includes the first engaging claw portion 23a that engages with the terminal block main body 30 in a direction in which the terminal block main body 30 separates from both ends in the width direction of the terminal 20, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the terminal 20 may be changed to have only the second engaging claw portion 23b without having the first engaging claw portion 23a.

[0036] · In the above-described embodiment, the engaging claw portion includes the second engaging claw portion 23b that engages with the terminal block main body 30 in a direction in which the terminal block main body 30 separates from both ends in the thickness direction of the terminal 20, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the terminal 20 may be changed to have only the first engaging claw portion 23a without having the second engaging claw portion 23b.

[0037] · In the above-described embodiment, a pair of the first engaging claw portions 23a are provided so as to protrude in directions facing each other, but it is not limited thereto. For example, only one first engaging claw portion 23a may be provided in the extending direction of the terminal 20. Also, for example, a plurality of pairs of the first engaging claw portions 23a may be provided in the extending direction of the terminal 20.

[0038] · In the above-described embodiment, a pair of the second engaging claw portions 23b are provided so as to protrude in directions facing each other, but it is not limited thereto. For example, only one second engaging claw portion 23b may be provided in the extending direction of the terminal 20. Also, for example, a plurality of pairs of the second engaging claw portions 23b may be provided in the extending direction of the terminal 20.

[0039] · In the above-described embodiment, the adhesive 40 is disposed between the opposing first engaging claw portions 23a, but it is not limited thereto. For example, it may also be disposed outside the opposing first engaging claw portions 23a.

[0040] · In the above-described embodiment, the adhesive 40 is disposed between the opposing second engaging claw portions 23b, but it is not limited thereto. For example, it may also be disposed outside the opposing second engaging claw portions 23b.

[0041] ·In the above embodiment, the terminal block 10 is provided with four terminals 20, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be provided with two terminals 20, three terminals, or five or more terminals.

[0042] ·In the above embodiment, the terminal block body 30 has a holding portion 31 that covers and holds the embedding portion 23 of the terminal 20, and a flange portion 32 that protrudes from the outer periphery of the holding portion 31. However, as long as it has the holding portion 31, it may be changed to other shapes. For example, the terminal block body 30 may not have the flange portion 32.

[0043] ·In the above embodiment, the manufacturing method of the terminal 20 includes the first step, the second step, and the third step, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the terminal 20 may be manufactured by any manufacturing method.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0044] 10 Terminal block 20 Terminal 21 First end 21a Connection hole 22 Second end 22a Connection hole 23 Embedding portion 23a First engaging claw portion (engaging claw portion) 23b Second engaging claw portion (engaging claw portion) 23c Width direction recess 23d Plate thickness direction recess 30 Terminal block body 31 Holding portion 32 Flange portion 32a Fixing hole 40 Adhesive 50 Metal plate material

Claims

1. A terminal block body made of a resin material, A plate-shaped terminal having an embedded portion embedded in the terminal block body at the center of a long shape, An adhesive interposed between the embedded portion and the terminal block body, A terminal block comprising: The embedded portion has an engaging claw portion that engages with the terminal block body in a direction in which the terminal block body separates from the embedded portion, Terminal block.

2. The engaging claw portion includes a first engaging claw portion that engages with the terminal block body in a direction in which the terminal block body separates from both ends in the width direction of the terminal, The terminal block according to claim 1.

3. The engaging claw portion includes a second engaging claw portion that engages with the terminal block body in a direction in which the terminal block body separates from both ends in the plate thickness direction of the terminal, The terminal block according to claim 1.

4. A pair of the engaging claw portions are provided so as to protrude in directions facing each other, The terminal block according to claim 1.

5. The adhesive is disposed between the opposing engaging claw portions, The terminal block according to claim 4.

Images