Terminal strip

Abstract

To increase insulating distances between terminals and a mounting object, and to reduce inclination of an terminal strip when inserted into a through-hole.SOLUTION: A terminal strip 20 includes terminals 22 each including a connection end 24 having a connection surface 24f, and a housing 30 covering the terminals while exposing at least the connection surface. The housing includes an insertion part 33 arranged in the through-hole and a wall part 36 positioned closer to the connection end part side than the insertion part. The wall portion protrudes from the connection surface. A wall surface 36f of the wall portion on the connection surface side is curved so as to be convex toward the insertion portion side when viewed along a direction orthogonal to the connection surface, and an outer edge 36fe of the wall surface has a shape that is high in the middle of the connection end portion in the widthwise direction and is low on both sides in the widthwise direction when viewed from the connection end portion toward the insertion portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a terminal block including a terminal unit having a resin housing and terminal fittings held by the housing. The housing has a fixing portion and a nut holding portion, and a sealing material attachment portion is recessed in the fixing portion, and a sealing material is disposed in the attachment portion. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-157923 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a terminal block, there is a demand for a larger insulation distance between the terminal fitting and the case, and for the housing to tilt less when inserted into the through-hole of the case.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure aims to provide a terminal block that is fixed to a through hole of an attachment object, which can increase the insulation distance between the terminal and the attachment object, and can reduce the tilt of the terminal block when inserted into the through hole. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The terminal block of the present disclosure is a terminal block that is fixed to an attachment object having a through hole, and comprises: a terminal including a connection end having a connection surface; and a housing that covers the terminal with at least the connection surface exposed, wherein the housing includes an insertion portion that is placed within the through hole; and a wall portion that is located on the connection end side of the insertion portion, the wall portion protruding beyond the connection surface, the wall surface of the wall portion on the connection surface side curves so as to be convex toward the insertion portion when viewed along a direction perpendicular to the connection surface, and the outer edge of the wall surface is shaped so that it is higher at the middle of the width of the connection end and lower on both sides in the width direction when viewed from the connection end toward the insertion portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, in a terminal block fixed to a through hole of an attachment target, the insulation distance between the terminal and the attachment target can be increased, and the tilt of the terminal block when inserted into the through hole can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a terminal block according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the terminal block. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the terminal block. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view showing the terminal block. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the insertion portion is being inserted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0010] The terminal block of the present disclosure is as follows.

[0011] (1) A terminal block to be fixed to an attachment object having a through hole, comprising: a terminal including a connection end having a connection surface; and a housing covering the terminal with at least the connection surface exposed, wherein the housing includes an insertion portion disposed within the through hole; and a wall portion located closer to the connection end than the insertion portion, the wall portion protruding beyond the connection surface, the wall surface of the wall portion on the connection surface side curves so as to be convex toward the insertion portion when viewed along a direction perpendicular to the connection surface, and the outer edge of the wall surface is shaped so that it is higher at the middle of the width of the connection end and lower on both sides in the width direction when viewed from the connection end toward the insertion portion.

[0012] According to the present disclosure, the wall surface is elevated in the widthwise middle of the connection end, ensuring an insulation distance between the connection end and the attachment object. Furthermore, the wall surfaces on both sides of the connection end in the widthwise direction are curved so as to be convex toward the insertion portion when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the connection surface, ensuring an insulation distance between the connection end and the attachment object. This allows for a larger insulation distance between the terminal and the attachment object. Furthermore, the wall surfaces on both sides of the connection end in the widthwise direction are curved so as to be convex toward the insertion portion when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the connection surface, allowing the wall surfaces to be positioned away from the insertion portion. The wall surface portions positioned away from the insertion portion reduce tilt of the terminal block when inserted into the through-hole.

[0013] (2) In the terminal block of (1), the wall surface may be curved in an arc shape so as to be convex toward the insertion portion when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the connection surface.

[0014] In this case, the wall surface is curved in an arc, so it is easy to position the wall surface away from the insertion part, taking into consideration the shape of the mating terminal or the rotation trajectory of the connecting screw head. This allows for a larger insulation distance between the terminal and the attachment object, and also reduces the tilt of the terminal block when inserted into the through hole.

[0015] (3) In the terminal block of (1) or (2), the insertion portion may be cylindrical, and the outer edge of the wall surface may be arc-shaped along the outer edge of the insertion portion when viewed from the connection end toward the insertion portion.

[0016] This allows the outer edge of the wall to be as large as possible while still allowing the wall to be shaped so that it can be inserted into the through-hole, thereby increasing the insulation distance between the terminal and the object to which it is attached and reducing the tilt of the terminal block when inserted into the through-hole.

[0017] (4) In the terminal block of any one of (1) to (3), a protrusion that protrudes toward the connection surface may be formed along a base portion of the wall surface on the connection surface side.

[0018] This allows the protrusions to reinforce the base of the wall, particularly the ends on both sides in the width direction.

[0019] (5) In the terminal block of (4), a recess may be formed in a part of the extending direction of the protrusion to reduce the height from the connection surface.

[0020] This allows the recess to increase the distance between the head of the screw that connects the mating terminal to the terminal and the protrusion, making it easier to ensure an insulating distance in the area where the recess is formed.

[0021] (6) In the terminal block of (5), a rib portion is interposed between the insertion portion and the wall portion, an intermediate recess is formed between the insertion portion and the wall portion next to the rib portion, and the rib portion may be located within the range of the recess in the width direction of the connection end.

[0022] This allows the rib portion to firmly connect the insertion portion and the wall portion. In the width direction of the connection end, in the range where the intermediate recess exists, the intermediate recess tends to ensure an insulating distance. In the range where the rib portion exists, the recess tends to ensure an insulating distance.

[0023] (7) The terminal block according to any one of (1) to (6) may further include an annular groove formed on the outer periphery of the insertion portion, and an annular seal fitted into the annular groove.

[0024] The terminal block is inserted into the through-hole by the wall surface portion located away from the insertion portion, so that the terminal block is less likely to tilt when inserted into the through-hole.

[0025] (8) The terminal block may be any one of (1) to (7), further comprising a nut located on the opposite side of the connection surface from the connection end, and a lower cover portion covering the nut on the opposite side of the connection end from the nut.

[0026] This lower cover portion prevents debris generated when the nut and the screw are fastened together from being discharged to the outside.

[0027] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] Specific examples of terminal blocks according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0028] [Embodiment] <Overall structure of terminal block> Terminal blocks according to embodiments will now be described. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing terminal block 20. Fig. 1 shows the terminal block 20 fixed to an attachment target. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing terminal block 20. Fig. 3 is a plan view showing terminal block 20. Fig. 4 is a front view showing terminal block 20. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in Fig. 4, and Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in Fig. 4.

[0029] The terminal block 20 is fixed to an attachment target 10 having a through hole 10h. The attachment target 10 is, for example, the case of a device such as a motor or inverter mounted on a hybrid vehicle or electric vehicle. The case is considered to be formed of a conductive material, for example, metal. In FIG. 1 and other figures, a portion of the case is shown as the attachment target 10.

[0030] The attachment target 10 has a through hole 10h formed therethrough in its thickness direction. The through hole 10h may have a shape in which the same diameter is continuous in the through direction, or may have a shape in which the diameter changes in a tapered or stepped manner. In this embodiment, the through hole 10h is a circular hole. The through hole 10h may also have another shape, for example, an elliptical shape.

[0031] The terminal block 20 is held through the through-hole 10h and exposed to the spaces on both sides separated by the attachment target 10. This allows electrical connection between the mating terminals 12 and 13 located on both sides of the attachment target 10.

[0032] The terminal block 20 includes a terminal 22 and a housing 30 .

[0033] The terminals 22 are formed by, for example, pressing a conductive plate material and are made of metal such as copper, a copper alloy, aluminum, or an aluminum alloy.

[0034] Terminal 22 comprises a connecting end 24, an opposite connecting end 26, and an intermediate portion 28. Connecting end 24 is the portion that is connected to one mating terminal 12. Connecting end 24 has a connecting surface 24f. The surface of connecting end 24 on which mating terminal 12 is placed is connecting surface 24f. Opposite connecting end 26 is the portion that is connected to the other mating terminal 13. Intermediate portion 28 is located between connecting end 24 and opposite connecting end 26, and is the portion that connects connecting end 24 and opposite connecting end 26.

[0035] Specifically, the connection end 24 is a rectangular plate, and the opposite connection end 26 is also a rectangular plate. A screw insertion hole 24h is formed in the connection end 24. A screw insertion hole is also formed in the opposite connection end 26. The middle portion 28 is configured such that a narrow plate portion is bent into an L shape. The terminal 22 as a whole is also L-shaped.

[0036] The terminal 22 may be bent at any angle. The terminal 22 may be bent in the width direction. The terminal 22 does not need to be bent, and may be linear, more specifically, in the form of a linear plate.

[0037] The housing 30 is made of an insulating material such as resin. For example, the housing 30 is a molded part with the terminals 22 as insert parts. The housing 30 covers the terminals 22 with at least the connection surface 24f exposed. One of the main surfaces of the opposite connection end portion 26, that is, the connection surface, is also exposed from the housing 30.

[0038] With the housing 30 inserted into the through-hole 10h, the terminal block 20 is fixed to the attachment object 10. In this state, the mating terminal 12 located in the space extending on one main surface side of the attachment object 10 is connected to the connection end 24. Also, the mating terminal 13 located in the space extending on the other main surface side of the attachment object 10 is connected to the opposite connection end 26.

[0039] <Housing> The housing 30 will now be described in more detail.

[0040] The housing 30 includes an insertion portion 33 and a wall portion 36. The insertion portion 33 is a portion that is disposed within the through hole 10h. The wall portion 36 is a portion that is disposed closer to the connection end portion 24 than the insertion portion 33. The wall portion 36 protrudes beyond the connection surface 24f. The wall portion 36 ensures an insulation distance and prevents the terminal block 20 from tilting when inserted into the through hole 10h.

[0041] In this embodiment, the housing 30 includes a first body portion 32, a first receiving portion 40, a second body portion 42, and a second receiving portion 44.

[0042] The first receiving portion 40 is linearly connected to one end of the first body portion 32. The first receiving portion 40 is formed in the shape of a cylinder split vertically, for example, a cylinder split vertically into a shape larger than a semi-cylinder. The first receiving portion 40 is located on the opposite side of the connection end portion 24 from the connection surface 24f. In other words, the connection end portion 24 is located on the opposite side of the first receiving portion 40 from the arc-shaped peripheral surface, and the connection surface 24f is exposed on the opposite side of the first receiving portion 40.

[0043] A cover holding recess 40g is formed in the first receiving portion 40. The cover holding recess 40g is a portion that houses and holds the lower cover portion 50. The lower cover portion 50 has a nut holding recess 50g that holds a nut 52. With the nut 52 held in the nut holding recess 50g, one main surface of the nut 52 is exposed to the outside, and the other main surface is covered by the bottom of the lower cover portion 50.

[0044] With the nut 52 held, the lower cover part 50 is inserted and held in the cover holding recess 40g. In this state, the nut 52 is positioned on the side of the connection end 24 opposite the connection surface 24f. Furthermore, the screw hole 52h of the nut 52 is positioned on an extension of the screw insertion hole 24h of the connection end 24. The screw S can pass through the screw insertion hole 24h and be threaded into the screw hole 52h. The side of the nut 52 opposite the connection end 24 is covered by the lower cover part 50. Preferably, the lower cover part 50 may have a space, on an extension of the screw hole 52h, in which the tip of the screw S can be placed. By covering the nut 52 with the lower cover part 50, it is less likely that debris will be discharged to the outside when the screw S is being threaded, etc.

[0045] The portion that functions as the lower cover may be formed integrally with the housing. In this case, the housing may have a recess into which the nut can be inserted and held. Alternatively, the housing may be molded with the nut as an insert.

[0046] The second body 42 is connected to the first body 32 on the side opposite to the first receiving portion 40. The second body 42 protrudes in a direction intersecting the first body 32, in this case, in a direction perpendicular to the first body 32. The second receiving portion 44 is connected to the second body 42 at the end opposite to the first body 32.

[0047] The second receiving portion 44 may have the same configuration as the first receiving portion 40. In the second receiving portion 44, the lower cover portion 50 that holds the nut 52 may be inserted and held, similar to the above.

[0048] The L-shaped bent middle portion 28 of the terminal 22 is embedded in the first body portion 32 and the second body portion 42, the connection end portion 24 is held by the first receiving portion 40, and the opposite connection end portion 26 is held by the second receiving portion 44.

[0049] <About the insertion section and wall section> The first body portion 32 including the insertion portion 33 and the wall portion 36 will now be described in more detail.

[0050] The insertion portion 33 is a portion that is inserted into the through hole 10h. The outer shape of the insertion portion 33 is similar to the inner circumferential shape of the through hole 10h, but is smaller than the inner circumferential shape to an extent that is suitable for inserting an annular seal therein. In this embodiment, the insertion portion 33 is a cylindrical portion, more specifically, a short cylindrical portion, located between the first receiving portion 40 and the second body portion 42.

[0051] An annular groove 33g is formed on the outer periphery of the insertion portion 33. An annular seal 60 made of rubber or the like is fitted into the annular groove 33g. The annular seal 60 may be a seal called an O-ring. When the insertion portion 33 is inserted into the through hole 10h, the annular seal 60 is compressed between the bottom of the annular groove 33g and the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 10h, thereby preventing liquid from passing between the insertion portion 33 and the through hole 10h.

[0052] When the insertion portion 33 is inserted into the through hole 10h, it is preferable to make the inclination of the insertion portion 33 relative to the through hole 10h as small as possible so that the annular seal 60 can smoothly enter between the insertion portion 33 and the through hole 10h.

[0053] Furthermore, the connection surface 24f is exposed at the first receiving portion 40. It is also necessary to ensure an insulating distance between the connection surface 24f and the attachment object 10.

[0054] The wall portion 36 prevents the terminal block 20 from tilting and ensures an insulating distance.

[0055] The wall portion 36 is located closer to the connection end portion 24 than the insertion portion 33. The wall portion 36 is located on the opposite side of the first receiving portion 40 and protrudes beyond the connection surface 24f. A wall surface 36f of the wall portion 36 is located on the connection surface 24f side. The wall surface 36f faces the space extending above the connection surface 24f. When the insertion portion 33 is inserted into the through hole 10h, the wall surface 36f is preferably located outside the through hole 10h.

[0056] When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the connecting surface 24f, the wall surface 36f is curved so as to convex toward the insertion portion 33. Preferably, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the connecting surface 24f, the wall surface 36f is curved in an arcuate shape so as to convex toward the insertion portion 33. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the connecting surface 24f, the center of curvature of the connecting surface 24f preferably coincides with the center of the screw insertion hole 24h. When the center of curvature of the connecting surface 24f coincides with the center of the screw insertion hole 24h, a deviation within the intersection range, for example, within ±3 mm, preferably within ±1 mm, may be present. Similarly, the following positional relationship agreement and dimensional relationship may also include a deviation within the intersection range, for example, within ±3 mm, preferably within ±1 mm. Note that the direction perpendicular to the connecting surface 24f is also the penetration direction of the screw insertion hole 24h.

[0057] When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the connection surface 24f, if the wall surface 36f is curved so as to convex toward the insertion portion 33, both widthwise sides of the connection surface 24f are covered by the wall portion 36, i.e., the insulating portion, at a position away from the insertion portion 33. This allows the exposed portions on both widthwise sides of the connection surface 24f to be spaced apart from the attachment object 10. This makes it easy to increase the insulation distance, particularly the creepage distance, between the exposed portions on both widthwise sides of the connection surface 24f and the attachment object 10.

[0058] Furthermore, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the connection surface 24f, if the wall surface 36f is curved so as to be convex toward the insertion portion 33, the wall surface 36f can be easily positioned near the mating terminal 12 and the screw head SH of the screw S while avoiding contact with the mating terminal 12 and the screw head SH.

[0059] For example, if the peripheral edge of the end of the mating terminal 12 describes a partial arc, it is easy to set the wall surface 36f to a shape that follows the arc. If the screw head SH is circular (or polygonal) in a plan view, it is easy to set the wall surface 36f to a shape that follows the outer peripheral edge of the screw head SH (or the rotation trajectory of the corners of the polygon).

[0060] Furthermore, when viewed from the connection end 24 toward the insertion portion 33, the outer edge 36fe of the wall surface 36f on the opposite side to the connection end 24 may be shaped so that it is higher at the middle in the width direction of the connection end 24 and lower on both sides in the width direction. Preferably, the outer edge 36fe may be shaped like an arc that follows the outer edge of the insertion portion 33 when viewed from the connection end 24 toward the insertion portion 33. In other words, the center of curvature of the outer edge 36fe may coincide with an extension of the central axis of the insertion portion 33, and the radius of curvature of the outer edge 36fe may coincide with the radius of the insertion portion 33.

[0061] In this way, when viewed from the connection end 24 toward the insertion portion 33, if the outer edge 36fe of the wall surface 36f is higher at the middle of the width of the connection end 24, it is easier to increase the insulation distance, particularly the creepage distance, of the housing 30 between the middle of the width of the connection surface 24f and the insertion portion 33.

[0062] Furthermore, if the outer edge 36fe of the wall surface 36f is shaped so as to be lower on both sides in the width direction when viewed from the connection end 24 toward the insertion portion 33, the wall portion 36 can be easily formed into a shape that allows it to be inserted into the through-hole 10h.

[0063] Moreover, both widthwise side portions of the outer edge 36fe of the wall surface 36f are formed in a shape that gradually decreases in height as it moves outward in the widthwise direction and toward the tip side of the connection end 22. In other words, in a side view, the outer edge 36fe of the wall surface 36f gradually decreases in height as it moves toward the tip side of the connection end 22. Therefore, when the terminal block 20 is inserted into the through hole 10h, the outer edge 36fS comes into contact with the opening edge of the through hole 10h, so that the terminal block 20 is smoothly guided into the through hole 10h.

[0064] Furthermore, both widthwise side portions of the wall portion 36 are lowered to match the shape of the through-hole 10h and are positioned away from the insertion portion 33. Therefore, both widthwise side portions of the wall portion 36 can restrict the tilt of the terminal block 20 at positions away from the insertion portion 33. This prevents the terminal block 20 from tilting when inserted into the through-hole 10h.

[0065] Furthermore, a protrusion 38 that protrudes toward the connection surface 24f is formed along the base of the wall surface 36f on the connection surface 24f side. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the connection surface 24f, the protrusion 38 is formed in an arc shape that protrudes toward the connection surface 24f from the entire width of the wall surface 36f. Both ends of the protrusion 38 are formed on a surface that is perpendicular to the central axis of the insertion portion 33. In other words, both ends of the protrusion 38 are thick and not pointed.

[0066] If we were to assume a shape in which the protrusion 38 was omitted, it would be conceivable that both ends of the base of the wall portion 36 would taper at both ends of the arc-shaped wall surface 36f. By forming the protrusion 38 at the base end of the wall surface 36f, both ends of the base end of the wall portion 36 can be formed as thick portions. This reinforces both ends of the base end of the wall portion 36. Furthermore, by forming the protrusion 38 along the base end of the wall surface 36f, resin can easily flow smoothly over the entire wall portion 36 and the protrusion 38 during molding.

[0067] The inner circumferential portion of the protrusion 38 is preferably located outside the outer circumferential edge of the mating terminal 12. The screw head SH is located away from the connecting surface 24f by the thickness of the mating terminal 12. As long as the thickness of the mating terminal 12 is equal to or greater than the thickness of the protrusion 38, the inner circumferential portion of the protrusion 38 may be located inside the outer circumferential edge of the mating terminal 12.

[0068] A recess 38g that reduces the height from the connection surface 24f may be formed in a part of the extension direction of the protrusion 38. In this embodiment, the recess 38g is formed in the middle part, here the center part, in the extension direction of the protrusion 38. The recess 38g is a surface of the protrusion 38 on the opposite side from the connection end 24 that is recessed toward the connection end 24.

[0069] When the screw head SH protrudes from the connection end 24 toward the outer periphery and is positioned on the protrusion 38, the screw head SH is disposed immediately adjacent to the protrusion 38. Here, to ensure the creepage distance, it is preferable that the creepage surface be secured as a surface that is at least a predetermined reference distance away from the conductor portion. Therefore, if a recess 38g is formed in the protrusion 38, the distance between the screw head SH and the protrusion 38 can be increased in the portion where the recess 38g is formed. This allows the surface of the recess 38g to be used as a surface for ensuring the creepage distance.

[0070] However, if the entire protrusion 38 is made lower, the reinforcing function of both side portions of the wall portion 36 will be reduced. For this reason, the recess 38g is preferably formed partially in the protrusion 38. For example, the recess 38g is preferably formed at the center position of the connecting end 24 in the width direction.

[0071] The wall portion 36 may be positioned away from the insertion portion 33, and the rib portion 35 may be interposed between the insertion portion 33 and the wall portion 36. The rib portion 35 is a plate-shaped portion that extends from the insertion portion 33 toward the wall portion 36 between the insertion portion 33 and the wall portion 36.

[0072] More specifically, a flat portion 34 is interposed between the insertion portion 33 and the wall portion 36, surrounding a portion of the intermediate portion 28 of the terminal 22. Both surfaces of the flat portion 34 are flat, and both side surfaces are formed into an arc-shaped surface that follows the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 33. A rib portion 35 protrudes from the flat portion 34 on the side from which the wall portion 36 protrudes. The rib portion 35 is located on an extension of the center of the width direction of the connection end portion 24. In this embodiment, an opposite rib portion 35a is provided on the flat portion 34 on the side opposite the rib portion 35. A rib portion may also be formed between the insertion portion 33 and the second body portion 42.

[0073] An intermediate recess 35g is formed between the insertion portion 33 and the wall portion 36 and adjacent to the rib portion 35. The intermediate recess 35g is a recess for removing material, and the rib portion 35 is a protrusion for reinforcement.

[0074] In the width direction of the connection end portion 24, the rib portion 35 is preferably located within the range in which the recessed portion 38g exists.

[0075] In this embodiment, the rib portion 35 and the recessed portion 38g are located on an extension of the widthwise center of the connection end portion 24. In the widthwise direction of the connection end portion 24, the size of the recessed portion 38g is larger than the size (width) of the rib portion 35. Therefore, when both sides of the rib portion 35 are extended toward the recessed portion 38g, the extended surfaces are located within both side surfaces of the recessed portion 38g.

[0076] Based on the above, the insulation distance between the exposed connection surface 24f and the attachment object 10 will be described.

[0077] 3 and 5, the creepage surface between the widthwise central portion of the connection surface 24f and the attachment object 10 is a surface that passes from the recess 38g of the protrusion 38 to the center of the wall surface 36f and the outer peripheral surface of the rib portion 35. As described above, the recess 38g ensures the distance between the screw head SH and the protrusion 38, so the surface of the portion of the protrusion 38 where the recess 38g is formed can be considered as the creepage surface.

[0078] 3, the distance between the widthwise central portion of the connection surface 24f and the attachment object 10 is shorter than the distance between either widthwise portion of the connection surface 24f and the attachment object 10. However, as shown in FIG. 5, the wall surface 36f is higher at the widthwise central portion of the connection surface 24f, and therefore the creepage distance can be increased by that height.

[0079] As shown in Figures 3 and 6, the creeping surface between the portion of the connection surface 24f near either side in the width direction and the attachment object 10 is a surface that runs from the protrusion 38 to the portion of the wall surface 36f near one side, and further along the inner surface of the intermediate recess 35g.

[0080] 3, the distance between the portion of the connecting surface 24f closer to either side in the width direction and the attachment object 10 is greater than the distance between the central portion of the connecting surface 24f in the width direction and the attachment object 10. This allows the creepage distance to be increased accordingly.

[0081] Moreover, an intermediate recess 35g is formed at a position off the center in the width direction of the connecting surface 24f. The creepage distance can be increased by the amount of detour around the inner circumferential surface of the intermediate recess 35g.

[0082] Therefore, the creepage distance is easily ensured both at the widthwise center of the connection surface 24f and at a portion away from the widthwise center.

[0083] The wall portion 36 can play a role in smoothly guiding the terminal block 20 into the through hole 10h when the terminal block 20 is inserted into the through hole 10h.

[0084] That is, when inserting the terminal block 20 into the through-hole 10h, if the terminal block 20 is misaligned or tilted relative to the through-hole 10h, the outer edge 36fe of the wall surface 36f may contact the opening edge of the through-hole 10h. The outer edge 36fe is inclined so that its height gradually decreases toward the tip of the connection end 22. Therefore, as the terminal block 20 is pushed into the through-hole 10h, the inclined outer edge 36fe slides along the opening edge and is guided toward the inside of the through-hole 10h. As a result, the insertion portion 33 is guided into the through-hole 10h. Furthermore, if the terminal block 20 is tilted, the wall portion 36 is guided into the through-hole 10h, correcting the tilt. Therefore, the terminal block 20 can be easily inserted into the through-hole 10h.

[0085] Furthermore, the wall portion 36 also serves to reduce the inclination of the terminal block 20 relative to the through hole 10h even when the terminal block 20 is inserted into the through hole 10h to some extent.

[0086] FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing the state of the insertion portion 33 during insertion, taken along the same cross section as FIG.

[0087] For example, suppose that the terminal block 20 is tilted with respect to the through hole 10h with the insertion portion 33 partially inserted into the through hole 10h. In this embodiment, a portion of the wall portion 36 away from the center of the connection surface 24f in the width direction (the portion marked with "P" in FIG. 7) is farther from the insertion portion 33 than the center of the wall portion 36 in the width direction. Therefore, the portion P can contact the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 10h at a position away from the wall portion 36. This allows the tilt angle θ of the terminal block 20 with respect to the through hole 10h to be small.

[0088] If the opening of the through-hole 10h is chamfered to make the corners beveled, the terminal block 20 may be prone to tilting, but even in such a case, the tilting of the terminal block 20 is suppressed.

[0089] If the wall surface 36f were not curved in an arc but were perpendicular to the central axis of the insertion portion 33, both sides of the wall surface would be located close to the insertion portion so as not to interfere with the mating terminal, screw head, etc. In this case, it is considered that reducing the inclination would have little effect.

[0090] In this way, the insertion portion 33 is inserted into the through hole 10h while reducing the inclination angle θ of the terminal block 20 with respect to the through hole 10h, which allows the annular seal 60 to smoothly enter the through hole 10h and be interposed between the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 10h and the bottom surface of the annular groove 33g.

[0091] <Effects, etc.> In the terminal block 20 configured as described above, the wall surface 36f is higher at the widthwise middle of the connection end 24, ensuring an insulation distance between the connection end 24 and the attachment object 10. Furthermore, the wall surfaces 36f on both sides of the connection end 24 in the widthwise direction are curved so as to convex toward the insertion portion 33 when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the connection surface 24f, ensuring an insulation distance between the connection end 24 and the attachment object 10. This increases the insulation distance between the terminal 22 and the attachment object 10. Furthermore, the wall surfaces 36f on both sides of the connection end 24 in the widthwise direction are curved so as to convex toward the insertion portion 33 when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the connection surface 24f, allowing the wall surfaces 36f to be positioned away from the insertion portion 33. In this way, the portions of the wall surfaces 36f positioned away from the insertion portion 33 reduce tilt of the terminal block 20 when inserted into the through-hole 10h.

[0092] Furthermore, because the wall surface 36f is curved in an arc, it is easy to position the wall surface 36f at a position away from the insertion portion 33, taking into consideration the shape of the mating terminal 12 or the rotation trajectory of the connecting screw head SH. This also makes it easy to ensure space for arranging tools. This allows for a larger insulation distance between the terminal 22 and the attachment target 10, and also reduces the tilt of the terminal block 20 when inserted into the through hole 10h.

[0093] If the insertion portion 33 is cylindrical and the outer edge 36fe of the wall surface 36f is arc-shaped along the outer edge of the insertion portion 33, the outer edge 36fe of the wall surface 36f can be made as large as possible while allowing the wall surface 36f to be inserted into the through-hole 10h. This increases the insulation distance between the terminal 22 and the attachment target 10 and reduces the tilt of the terminal block 20 when inserted into the through-hole 10h.

[0094] Furthermore, a protrusion 38 is formed along the base of the connecting surface 24f of the wall surface 36f, so that the protrusion 38 can reinforce the base of the wall portion 36, particularly the ends on both sides in the width direction.

[0095] Furthermore, recesses 38g that reduce the height from the connection surface 24f are formed in parts of the extension direction of the protrusions 38, and these recesses 38g can increase the distance between the screw head SH and the protrusions 38. This makes it easier to use the parts where the recesses 38g are formed as surfaces for ensuring the creepage distance, making it easier to ensure the insulation distance.

[0096] Furthermore, the rib portion 35 can firmly connect the insertion portion 33 and the wall portion 36. Furthermore, an intermediate recess 35g is present next to the rib portion 35. The intermediate recess 35g makes it easy to ensure an insulation distance in the width direction of the connection end portion 24. In the range where the rib portion is present, the recess makes it easy to ensure an insulation distance.

[0097] Furthermore, since the annular seal 60 is fitted into the annular groove 33g of the insertion portion 33, the gap between the insertion portion 33 and the through hole 10h is sealed by the annular seal 60. The portion of the wall surface 36f located away from the insertion portion 33 reduces the inclination of the terminal block 20 when inserted into the through hole 10h, making it easier to position the annular seal 60 between the insertion portion and the through hole in the normal state.

[0098] The housing 30 also includes a lower cover part 50 that covers the nut 52 on the side opposite to the connection end part 24. Therefore, the lower cover part 50 prevents debris generated when the nut 52 and the screw S are screwed together from being discharged to the outside.

[0099] The terminal block may be used not only for motors or inverters but also for other electrical components, such as a junction box in which relays or fuses inserted in an electrical circuit are collectively incorporated, or a terminal block for supporting terminals in the case of a device for distributing electrical circuits.

[0100] In the above embodiment, a plurality of the terminal blocks may be connected in series. For example, the plurality of terminal blocks may be connected in series on the side of the second body portion 42. Furthermore, for example, the terminal blocks may be configured as three-pole or six-pole terminal blocks.

[0101] In the above embodiment, the intermediate recess 35g may be omitted, and the wall portion 36 and the insertion portion 33 may be connected without a recess therebetween.

[0102] Furthermore, the surface of the wall portion 36 on the side of the insertion portion 33 does not have to be formed in a shape that curves in accordance with the wall surface 36f, and may be formed, for example, as a flat surface.

[0103] The configurations described in the above embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate as long as they are not mutually contradictory. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 10 Installation target 10h through hole 12, 13 Mating terminal 20 Terminal block 22 terminals 24 Connection end 24f connection surface 24h screw insertion hole 26 Opposite connection end 28 Middle section 30 Housing 32 First body 33 Insertion section 33g Annular groove 34 Flat part 35 Rib section 35a Opposite rib section 35g Middle recess 36 Wall 36th floor wall 36fe outer edge 38 protrusion 38g recess 40 First Receiving Section 40g Cover retention recess 42 Second body 44 Second Receiving Section 50 Lower cover 50g Nut Retaining Recess 52 Nut 52h screw hole 60 Annular seal S screw SH screw head

Claims

1. A terminal block to be fixed to an attachment object having a through hole, a terminal including a connection end having a connection surface; a housing that covers the terminals while leaving at least the connection surfaces exposed; Equipped with the housing includes an insertion portion disposed in the through hole and a wall portion located closer to the connection end portion than the insertion portion, The wall portion protrudes beyond the connection surface, A terminal block in which the wall surface of the wall portion on the connection surface side is curved so as to be convex toward the insertion portion when viewed along a direction perpendicular to the connection surface, and the outer edge of the wall surface is shaped so that it is higher at the middle of the width of the connection end and lower on both sides in the width direction when viewed from the connection end toward the insertion portion.

2. 2. The terminal block according to claim 1, The wall surface is curved in an arc shape so as to be convex toward the insertion portion when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the connection surface.

3. The terminal block according to claim 1 or 2, The insertion portion is cylindrical, The terminal block has an outer edge of the wall surface that is arc-shaped along the outer edge of the insertion portion when viewed from the connection end toward the insertion portion.

4. The terminal block according to claim 1 or 2, The terminal block has a protrusion that protrudes toward the connection surface along a base portion of the wall surface on the connection surface side.

5. 5. The terminal block according to claim 4, The terminal block has a recess formed in a part of the extension direction of the protrusion, which reduces the height from the connection surface.

6. 6. The terminal block according to claim 5, a rib portion is interposed between the insertion portion and the wall portion, an intermediate recess is formed between the insertion portion and the wall portion and adjacent to the rib portion; The terminal block has a rib portion located within a range where the recess exists in a width direction of the connection end portion.

7. The terminal block according to claim 1 or 2, An annular groove is formed on the outer periphery of the insertion portion, The terminal block further comprises an annular seal fitted in the annular groove.

8. The terminal block according to claim 1 or 2, a nut located on the opposite side of the connection surface with respect to the connection end, The terminal block further includes a lower cover portion that covers the nut on the opposite side of the nut from the connection end portion.

Images