Terminal block structure and terminal block

Abstract

To provide a terminal block structure and terminal block that can maintain insulation even when using materials that are prone to carbonization at high temperatures. [Solution] The terminal block structure 1 comprises a first terminal block 3 which is a box-shaped insulating resin in which a conductive first terminal 11 is housed, a second terminal block 5 which is a box-shaped insulating resin in which a conductive second terminal 13 is housed and is superimposed on the first terminal block 3, a conductive part 9 which is held by the second terminal block 5 and provided between the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 13 to electrically connect the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 13, and a connecting part 7 which presses the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 13 toward the conductive part 9 to bring them into contact, and at least one of the first terminal block 3 and the second terminal block 5 has fire-resistant insulating tape 61 attached to the inner surface of the box.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a terminal block structure and a terminal block.

Background Art

[0002] One of the problems in the spread of electric vehicles is the reduction of the risk of vehicle fires. For example, due to thermal runaway of cells (single cells) constituting a battery pack or deformation of cells due to impact during a vehicle collision accident, when the cells emit smoke (burn) and carbonize the surrounding insulating members and cause a short circuit with the surrounding members, there is a risk that the thermal runaway of the cells will chain and increase the risk of vehicle fires. As a widely used countermeasure for reducing such a risk of vehicle fires, when the cells emit smoke, in order to prevent a short circuit due to carbonization of members in the high-voltage path in the battery pack, there is a method of arranging a member (fire-resistant insulating member) that can guarantee an insulating function even at high temperatures on the surface of the high-voltage path. However, since the fire-resistant insulating member needs to withstand high temperatures, it is composed of an inorganic material such as glass or mica, and it is difficult to process it into a complex product shape. In addition, the terminal block that fixes the terminals of the conductive member may also short-circuit due to carbonization when the cells emit smoke. Therefore, there is also a structure for preventing a short circuit in the terminal block by forming the terminal block with a flame-retardant resin and preventing the resin from carbonizing at high temperatures (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, since the flame-retardant resin as described in Patent Document 1 contains an inorganic material, it has problems such as a higher cost than a non-flame-retardant resin, poor moldability, and physical properties that are harder and more brittle than a non-flame-retardant resin, making it difficult to form a complex product shape.

[0005] The present invention was made to solve these problems, and its objective is to provide a terminal block structure and terminal block that can maintain insulation even when using materials that are prone to carbonization at high temperatures. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The terminal block structure of the present invention comprises a first terminal block which is a box-shaped insulating resin in which a conductive first terminal is housed, a second terminal block which is a box-shaped insulating resin in which a conductive second terminal is housed and is superimposed on the first terminal block, a conductive part which is held by the second terminal block and provided between the first terminal and the second terminal to electrically connect the first terminal and the second terminal, and a connecting part which presses the first terminal and the second terminal toward the conductive part to bring them into contact, wherein at least one of the first terminal block and the second terminal block has fire-resistant insulating tape attached to the inner surface of the box.

[0007] Furthermore, the terminal block of the present invention is a box-shaped terminal block made of insulating resin that houses conductive terminals, and fire-resistant insulating tape is attached to the inner surface of the box. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a terminal block structure and a terminal block that can maintain insulation even when using materials that are prone to carbonization at high temperatures. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a plan view showing the structure of a battery equipped with a terminal block structure according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the terminal block structure, with the hatched area showing a cross-section. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the terminal block structure from a different angle than Figure 2, and the hatched area shows a cross-section. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view AA in Figure 2. [Figure 5] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view, and the fire-resistant insulating tape is omitted from the description. [Figure 6] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing only the first terminal block and the components held by the first terminal block. [Figure 7] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating only the second terminal block and the components held by the second terminal block. [Figure 8] This is a plan view showing a modified example of the structure of a battery equipped with a terminal block structure according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The present invention will be described below in accordance with preferred embodiments. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, in the embodiments shown below, some illustrations and descriptions of certain components are omitted. It goes without saying that, regarding the details of the omitted technologies, publicly known or well-known technologies are applied as appropriate, to the extent that they do not contradict the content described below.

[0011] First, the structure of a battery equipped with a terminal block structure according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a plan view showing the structure of a battery equipped with a terminal block structure according to this embodiment. The battery 100 shown in Figure 1 is, for example, a power source for an electric vehicle, and comprises a battery pack 101, a junction box 102, and a connection part 103.

[0012] The battery pack 101 is a container that houses a rechargeable battery, and it contains multiple individual cells 105, also called cells, connected to each other. The junction box 102 is a terminal box that aggregates the wiring inside the battery 100 and distributes it to the input and output terminals, and it houses relays, fuses, etc. (not shown) inside. The connection part 103 is the part that connects the output terminal 113a of the battery pack 101 to the input terminal 102a of the junction box 102. The connection part 103 comprises a first terminal 11 (terminal), a second terminal 13 (terminal), and a terminal block structure 1. The first terminal 11 is a conductive live part such as a busbar that is connected to the output terminal 113a of the battery pack 101. The second terminal 13 is a conductive live part such as a busbar that is connected to the input terminal 102a of the junction box 102. The terminal block structure 1 is a component that electrically connects the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 13. The above is a description of the structure of the battery 100.

[0013] Next, the configuration of terminal block structure 1 will be explained with reference to Figures 2 to 7. Figure 2 is a perspective view of terminal block structure 1 in Figure 1, with the hatched area showing a cross-section. Figure 3 is a perspective view of terminal block structure 1 in Figure 1, viewed from a different angle than in Figure 2, with the hatched area showing a cross-section. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of AA in Figure 2. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 2, with the fire-resistant insulating tape omitted from the description. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 4, showing only the first terminal block and the members held by the first terminal block. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 4, showing only the second terminal block and the members held by the second terminal block.

[0014] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the terminal block structure 1 comprises a first terminal block 3 and a second terminal block 5, with the second terminal block 5 superimposed on the first terminal block 3. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the terminal block structure 1 also comprises a connecting portion 7 and a conductive portion 9.

[0015] The first terminal block 3 is a box-shaped insulating resin box in which the first terminal 11 is housed. In this case, the inner surface is flat and the box is made of insulating resin. It comprises a first inner case 3a (inner case) and a first outer case 3b (outer case). As shown in Figure 5, the first inner case 3a is a box-shaped insulating resin with an open top surface 21 (open surface). One of the sides of the first inner case 3a is also open to allow the first terminal 11 to be pulled out to the outside. A plate-shaped projection 47 is provided on one of the outer sides of the first inner case 3a. The projection 47 is a part for fixing the first terminal block 3 to another device such as a junction box 102 (see Figure 1), and its thickness direction is oriented vertically. A through hole 49 is formed in the projection 47, penetrating in the thickness direction. A cylindrical sleeve 51 is fitted into the through hole 49, and the first terminal block 3 can be fixed to the junction box 102 by passing a screw (not shown) through the sleeve 51 and screwing it to the junction box 102.

[0016] The first inner case 3a is provided with claw portions 25 that protrude from three outer sides (only two are shown in Figure 5). The claw portions 25 are wedge-shaped, with the tip of the wedge pointing upward, and the thickness in the protruding direction decreasing from bottom to top. In addition, a cylindrical storage portion 43 for housing the connecting portion 7 is provided on the inner bottom surface of the first inner case 3a.

[0017] The first outer case 3b is a box-shaped insulating resin with an open bottom surface 19, and covers the first inner case 3a from the outside so as to close the top surface 21 of the first inner case 3a. The first outer case 3b also has one open side to allow the first terminal 11 to be pulled out to the outside, and this open side overlaps with the open side of the first inner case 3a. The first outer case 3b has holes 27 (engaging parts) that penetrate in the thickness direction through three sides (only two are shown in Figure 5). The holes 27 are rectangular in shape and fix the first outer case 3b to the first inner case 3a by engaging with the claws 25. The first outer case 3b also has a first cylindrical part 23 (opening) on ​​its top surface, which is the surface that overlaps with the second terminal block 5. The first cylindrical part 23 is an opening with its upper and lower ends open.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, in a state where the first outer case 3b is fixed to the first inner case 3a, a fire-resistant insulating tape 61 is attached to the surface on the inner side of the first terminal block 3. The fire-resistant insulating tape 61 is a tape including an insulating layer made of a flame-retardant inorganic material such as glass or mica, and is a tape that can be bent up to about 90°, and is attached manually by, for example, an operator when manufacturing the terminal block structure 1.

[0019] In this configuration, even when the insulating resin constituting the first terminal block 3 is heated and carbonized due to thermal runaway of the battery pack 101 or deformation of the single cell 105 due to a vehicle collision accident, etc., and loses its insulating property, the fire-resistant insulating tape 61 maintains the insulating property of the first terminal block 3. Therefore, even when the first terminal block 3 is made of a material that easily carbonizes at high temperatures, the insulating property of the first terminal block 3 can be maintained.

[0020] Also, in this configuration, the first outer case 3b covers the first inner case 3a, and the claw portion 25 provided on the outside of the first inner case 3a engages with the hole portion 27 of the second outer case 5b. Thereby, the first outer case 3b is fixed to the first inner case 3a to form the first terminal block 3. In this configuration, since the claw portion 25 and the hole portion 27 for fixing the first outer case 3b to the first inner case 3a are provided on the surfaces facing each other in a state where the first inner case 3a is covered with the first outer case 3b, the claw portion 25 and the hole portion 27 are not arranged on the inner surface of the box. Therefore, the inner surface of the box can be made flat, and it becomes easier to attach the fire-resistant insulating tape 61 to the inner surface of the box.

[0021] The second terminal block 5 is a box type in which the second terminal 13 is housed, and here it is an insulating resin in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with a flat inner surface, and in FIGS. 2 and 3, it is stacked on the first terminal block 3. The second terminal block 5 includes a second inner case 5a (inner case) and a second outer case 5b (outer case). As shown in FIG. 5, the second inner case 5a is an insulating resin in the shape of a box with an open upper surface 17 (open surface). One of the side surfaces of the second inner case 5a is also open to draw out the second terminal 13 to the outside.

[0022] The second inner case 5a is provided with claw portions 33 that protrude from three (only one is shown in Figure 5) outer sides. The claw portions 33 are wedge-shaped, similar to the claw portions 25, with the tip of the wedge pointing upward and an outer shape in which the thickness in the protruding direction decreases from bottom to top. A second cylindrical portion 29 is provided on the bottom surface of the second inner case 5a. The second cylindrical portion 29 is a cylindrical member with both ends open, and the outer diameter of the portion that protrudes from the bottom surface of the second inner case 5a is smaller than the outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion 23. The second cylindrical portion 29 is the part that is inserted into the first cylindrical portion 23 when the second terminal block 5 is placed on top of the first terminal block 3.

[0023] The second outer case 5b is a box-shaped insulating resin with an open bottom surface 15, and covers the second inner case 5a from the outside so as to close the top surface 17 of the second inner case 5a. The second outer case 5b also has one open side to allow the second terminal 13 to be pulled out to the outside, and this open side overlaps with the open side of the second inner case 5a. The second outer case 5b has three holes 45 (engaging parts) that penetrate through the thickness direction of its sides. The holes 45 are rectangular in shape in plan, similar to the holes 27, and the second outer case 5b is fixed to the second inner case 5a by engaging with the claws 33. In addition, a third cylindrical part 31 for holding the connecting part 7 is provided on the outer top surface of the second outer case 5b. The upper and lower ends of the third cylindrical part 31 are open.

[0024] As shown in Figures 4 and 7, the second terminal block 5 has the second outer case 5b fixed to the second inner case 5a, and fire-resistant insulating tape 61 is attached to the inner surface.

[0025] In this configuration, even if the insulating resin constituting the second terminal block 5 is heated and carbonized, losing its insulating properties due to thermal runaway of the battery pack 101 or deformation of the single cell 105 due to a vehicle collision, the fire-resistant insulating tape 61 maintains the insulating properties of the second terminal block 5. Therefore, even when the second terminal block 5 is constructed from a material that easily carbonizes at high temperatures, the insulating properties of the second terminal block 5 can be maintained.

[0026] Furthermore, in this configuration, the second outer case 5b covers the second inner case 5a, and the claw portion 33 provided on the outside of the second inner case 5a engages with the hole portion 45 of the second outer case 5b. As a result, the second outer case 5b is fixed to the second inner case 5a, forming the second terminal block 5. In this configuration, the claw portion 33 and the hole portion 45 for fixing the second outer case 5b to the second inner case 5a are provided on opposing surfaces when the second inner case 5a is covered by the second outer case 5b, so the claw portion 33 and the hole portion 45 are not located on the inner surface of the box. Therefore, the inner surface of the box can be made flat, making it easier to attach the fire-resistant insulating tape 61 to the inner surface of the box.

[0027] In Figure 4, a structure is shown in which fire-resistant insulating tape 61 is attached to both the first terminal block 3 and the second terminal block 5. However, the fire-resistant insulating tape 61 may be attached to at least one of the first terminal block 3 and the second terminal block 5. In this case, the choice of which terminal block to attach the fire-resistant insulating tape 61 to should be made appropriately, taking into consideration the advantages of each.

[0028] For example, the first terminal block 3 houses the first terminal 11, but as shown in Figure 1, the first terminal 11 is directly connected to the battery pack 101 and is located upstream of the second terminal 13 in the voltage path. Therefore, if an operational abnormality such as thermal runaway occurs while the battery pack 101 is stationary, the first terminal block 3 will become hotter than the second terminal 13. Consequently, if an operational abnormality occurs in the battery pack 101, the first terminal block 3 is more prone to carbonization than the second terminal block 5. Therefore, applying fire-resistant insulating tape 61 to the first terminal block 3 is advantageous because it can maintain its insulating properties even if the first terminal block 3 smokes and carbonizes due to an operational abnormality while the battery pack 101 is stationary.

[0029] On the other hand, the second terminal block 5 is superimposed on the first terminal block 3, and when a vehicle equipped with the battery pack 101 is involved in a collision, it absorbs the impact before the first terminal block 3 and deforms, making it more susceptible to short circuits and smoke due to deformation. Therefore, applying fire-resistant insulating tape 61 to the second terminal block 5 is advantageous because it can maintain its insulating properties even if the second terminal block 5 smokes and carbonizes due to a collision with a vehicle equipped with the battery pack 101.

[0030] Furthermore, if fire-resistant insulating tape 61 is provided on the first terminal block 3, the fire-resistant insulating tape 61 only needs to be thick enough to maintain its insulating properties when the first terminal block 3 is carbonized. Similarly, if fire-resistant insulating tape 61 is provided on the second terminal block 5, the fire-resistant insulating tape 61 only needs to be thick enough to maintain its insulating properties when the second terminal block 5 is carbonized.

[0031] The conductive part 9 shown in Figures 4 and 5 is a conductive material such as copper that electrically connects the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 13, and is held by the second terminal block 5. As shown in Figures 5 and 7, the conductive part 9 comprises a cylindrical part 9a and a flange part 9b. The cylindrical part 9a is a conductive cylindrical body, and its outer diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the second cylindrical part 29. The flange part 9b is an annular portion provided around the outer circumference of the upper end of the cylindrical part 9a, and its outer diameter is larger than the inner diameter of the portion of the second cylindrical part 29 that protrudes from the bottom surface of the second inner case 5a. The conductive part 9 is also provided between the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 13, and electrically connects the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 13 by being sandwiched between them.

[0032] As shown in Figure 7, the conductive part 9 is inserted into the second cylindrical part 29 such that the flange part 9b is positioned inside the second terminal block 5 and the first terminal 11 is positioned above it. In this state, even if the conductive part 9 tries to move downward, the outer diameter of the flange part 9b is larger than the inner diameter of the part of the second cylindrical part 29 that protrudes from the bottom surface of the second inner case 5a, so the flange part 9b comes into contact with the bottom surface of the second inner case 5a. Therefore, the downward movement of the flange part 9b is restricted by the bottom surface of the second inner case 5a and it is held in place by the second terminal block 5. Also, as shown in Figure 4, the conductive part 9 is inserted into the first cylindrical part 23 of the first terminal block 3 with its lower end in contact with the first terminal 11, with its upper end in contact with the second terminal 13, so that it is sandwiched between the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 13, and electrically connects the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 13.

[0033] The connecting portion 7 electrically connects the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 13, and also connects the first terminal block 3 and the second terminal block 5. It comprises a nut 7b (connecting portion), a bolt 7a (connecting portion), and an insulating projection 7c (connecting portion). The nut 7b is a conductive material such as steel, cylindrical with an internal thread on its inner circumference 41. It is oriented axially upward, passes through the through hole 11a of the first terminal 11 shown in Figure 5, and is housed in the storage portion 43 of the first inner case 3a, with its tip exposed from the first cylindrical portion 23. Furthermore, a ring groove 39a is provided on the outer circumference near the tip (upper end) of the nut 7b, formed along the circumferential direction. The portion above the ring groove 39a constitutes a flange-shaped annular portion 39b. The outer diameter of the nut 7b is smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 9a of the conductive portion 9.

[0034] The bolt 7a is a conductive member made of steel or the like that electrically connects the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 13 by screwing it onto the nut 7b, and further connects the first terminal block 3 and the second terminal block 5. As shown in Figure 4, the bolt 7a comprises a threaded rod 53, a bolt head 57, a washer 55, and an insulating coating 59. The threaded rod 53 is a round bar with a male thread cut into its outer circumference that screws onto the female thread on the inner circumference 41 of the nut 7b. The bolt head 57 is the part that engages with the tool used to rotate the bolt 7a when screwing the threaded rod 53 onto the female thread on the inner circumference 41 of the nut 7b, and is a hexagonal prism provided at the upper end of the threaded rod 53. The washer 55 is a flange-shaped member that increases the seating area of ​​the bolt 7a and is provided between the threaded rod 53 and the bolt head 57. The insulating coating 59 is a coating that prevents leakage current through the bolt 7a and is provided so as to cover the top and side surfaces of the bolt head 57 and the washer 55.

[0035] The procedure for electrically connecting the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 13 using a bolt 7a and a nut 7b, and for connecting the first terminal block 3 and the second terminal block 5, is as follows. First, the first terminal block 3 is assembled. Specifically, with the first inner case 3a and the first outer case 3b separated, the nut 7b is placed in the storage section 43 of the first inner case 3a shown in Figure 5, and the nut 7b is passed through the through hole 13a of the second terminal 13 from below and brought into contact with the first terminal 11. Next, the insulating projection 7c, which will be described later, is engaged with the tip of the nut 7b.

[0036] Furthermore, the first terminal block 3 is assembled by fixing the first outer case 3b to the first inner case 3a. Specifically, the first outer case 3b is placed over the first inner case 3a, and the inner surface of the first outer case 3b is pressed against the claw portion 25 of the first inner case 3a. As a result, the claw portion 25 comes into contact with the inner surface of the first outer case 3b and pushes against it, causing the side of the first inner case 3a to elastically deform inward, or the side of the first outer case 3b to elastically deform outward, while the first outer case 3b covers the first inner case 3a. When the first outer case 3b is placed over the first inner case 3a until the claw portion 25 reaches a position where it overlaps with the hole portion 27, the claw portion 25 no longer comes into contact with the inner surface of the first outer case 3b, and the elastically deformed first inner case 3a or first outer case 3b returns to its original shape. In this state, the claw portion 25 and the hole portion 27 engage with each other, fixing the first outer case 3b to the first inner case 3a.

[0037] Next, the second terminal block 5 is assembled. Specifically, with the second inner case 5a and the second outer case 5b separated, the conductive part 9 is inserted into the second cylindrical part 29 of the second inner case 5a with the flange part 9b facing upwards. Furthermore, the second terminal 13 is inserted into the second inner case 5a and placed on the upper end of the second cylindrical part 29, thereby positioning the second terminal 13 above the flange part 9b.

[0038] Next, the second outer case 5b is fixed to the second inner case 5a. Specifically, the second outer case 5b is placed over the second inner case 5a, and the inner surface of the second outer case 5b is pressed against the claw portion 33 of the second inner case 5a. As a result, the claw portion 33 comes into contact with the inner surface of the second outer case 5b and pushes against it, causing the side of the second inner case 5a to elastically deform inward, or the side of the second outer case 5b to elastically deform outward, while the second outer case 5b covers the second inner case 5a. Furthermore, when the second outer case 5b is placed over the second inner case 5a until the claw portion 33 reaches a position where it overlaps with the hole portion 45, the claw portion 33 will no longer come into contact with the inner surface of the second outer case 5b, and the elastically deformed second inner case 5a or second outer case 5b will return to its original shape. In this state, the claw portion 33 and the hole portion 45 engage with each other, fixing the second outer case 5b to the second inner case 5a.

[0039] Furthermore, the second terminal block 5 is assembled by inserting the bolt 7a into the third cylindrical portion 31 with the threaded rod 53 facing downwards, and passing the threaded rod 53 through the through hole 13a and conductive part 9 of the second terminal 13. Alternatively, the threaded rod 53 of the bolt 7a may be passed through the through hole 13a and conductive part 9 before fixing the second outer case 5b to the second inner case 5a.

[0040] Next, the threaded rod 53 of the bolt 7a is screwed into the female thread on the inner circumference 41 of the nut 7b and tightened, thereby pressing the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 13 toward the conductive part 9 and bringing them into contact with the conductive part 9, sandwiching the conductive part 9 between them, and electrically connecting the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 13. This state is shown in Figure 4. If one attempts to separate the first terminal block 3 and the second terminal block 5 in the state shown in Figure 4, the first terminal 11 will come into contact with the lower end of the first cylindrical part 23 and the second terminal 13 will come into contact with the upper end of the second cylindrical part 29, thus preventing separation. Therefore, by screwing the bolt 7a into the nut 7b and tightening it, the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 13 are electrically connected, and the first terminal block 3 and the second terminal block 5 are connected to each other. Furthermore, in this state, even if an attempt is made to pull out the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 13 from the open sides of the first terminal block 3 and the second terminal block 5, their movement is prevented by the nut 7b and the bolt 7a. In addition, although the first terminal 11 is electrically connected to the bolt 7a, the bolt head 57 and the washer 55 are provided with insulating coating 59. Therefore, even if a worker such as an electric vehicle mechanic accidentally touches the bolt head 57 or washer 55 while the first terminal 11 is energized, the insulating coating 59 will insulate the worker from the bolt head 57 or washer 55, thus preventing the worker from being electrocuted.

[0041] The insulating projection 7c shown in Figures 4 and 5 is a component that prevents leakage current through the nut 7b, and is a cylindrical insulator made of resin or the like that covers the tip of the nut 7b and engages with the nut 7b. More specifically, the diameter of the inner circumference 35 of the insulating projection 7c, as shown in Figure 5, is smaller than the outer diameter of the annular portion 39b at the tip of the nut 7b. On the other hand, the insulating projection 7c has a ring groove 37 formed along the circumferential direction on its inner circumference 35. The inner diameter of the ring groove 37 is larger than the outer diameter of the annular portion 39b. In this configuration, the insulating projection 7c can be engaged with the tip of the nut 7b by press-fitting the annular portion 39b of the nut 7b into the inner circumference 35 of the insulating projection 7c and engaging it with the ring groove 37. In this state, the nut 7b is placed in the storage section 43 of the first inner case 3a of the first terminal block 3, passed through the through hole 11a of the first terminal 11, and the first inner case 3a is covered with the first outer case 3b to assemble the first terminal block 3, as shown in Figure 6.

[0042] For example, when assembling or disassembling the battery 100, the first terminal block 3 may be separated from the second terminal block 5, as shown in Figure 6. In this state, the tip of the nut 7b is exposed from the first cylindrical portion 23. Also, if the first terminal 11 is electrically connected to the battery pack 101 (see Figure 1), the nut 7b is also electrically connected to the first terminal 11, so the nut 7b and the battery pack 101 are electrically connected. However, since the insulating projection 7c of the first terminal block 3 is fixed to the tip of the nut 7b, when a worker brings their finger 71 close to the nut 7b, the finger 71 will make contact with the insulating projection 7c before the nut 7b. In this state, the nut 7b and the finger 71 are insulated by the insulating projection 7c, so even if the first terminal block 3 and the second terminal block 5 are separated and the nut 7b is exposed, it is possible to prevent electric shock if a worker accidentally touches the nut 7b. In addition, it is possible to prevent other conductive members from accidentally coming into contact with the nut 7b and causing a short circuit during the assembly of the battery 100. Furthermore, since the diameter of the inner circumference 35 of the insulating projection 7c shown in Figure 5 is larger than the thread diameter of the threaded rod 53 of the bolt 7a, the threaded rod 53 can be inserted into the inner circumference 35 of the insulating projection 7c when the bolt 7a is screwed onto the nut 7b. Therefore, the insulating projection 7c does not hinder screwing. This concludes the explanation of the configuration of the terminal block structure 1.

[0043] Next, a modified example of the terminal block structure according to this embodiment will be briefly described. Figure 8 is a plan view showing a modified example of the structure of a battery equipped with a terminal block structure according to this embodiment.

[0044] Terminal block structure 1 can be applied not only to the connection part 103 that connects the battery pack 101 and the junction box 102, but also to other connection parts that need to be electrically connected via a terminal block. For example, terminal block structure 1a shown in Figure 8 is applied to connection part 103a that electrically connects the output terminal 113a of battery pack 101a and the input terminal 113b of battery pack 101b. Terminal block structure 1b is also applied to connection part 103b that connects the junction box 102 and the external terminal 111a of an external device. The above is a description of modified examples of terminal block structure 1.

[0045] As described above, the terminal block structures 1, 1a, and 1b of this embodiment include a first terminal block 3, a second terminal block 5, a conductive part 9, and a connecting part 7, and at least one of the first terminal block 3 and the second terminal block 5 has fire-resistant insulating tape 61 attached to the inner surface of the box. In this configuration, if the insulating resin constituting the first terminal block 3 or the second terminal block 5 carbonizes due to heating and loses its insulating properties, the fire-resistant insulating tape 61 maintains the insulating properties. Therefore, even if the first terminal block 3 or the second terminal block 5 is made of a material that easily carbonizes at high temperatures, the insulating properties of the first terminal block 3 or the second terminal block 5 can be maintained.

[0046] Furthermore, in the terminal block structures 1, 1a, and 1b of this embodiment, the first terminal block 3 to which the fire-resistant insulating tape 61 is attached comprises a first inner case 3a, a first outer case 3b, a claw portion 25 provided on the outer side surface of the first inner case 3a, and a hole portion 27 provided in the first outer case 3b. In this configuration, the claw portion 25 and the hole portion 27 for fixing the first outer case 3b to the first inner case 3a are not located on the inner surface of the box of the first terminal block 3, so the inner surface can be made flat, making it easier to attach the fire-resistant insulating tape 61.

[0047] Furthermore, in the terminal block structures 1, 1a, and 1b of this embodiment, the second terminal block 5 to which the fire-resistant insulating tape 61 is attached comprises a second inner case 5a, a second outer case 5b, a claw portion 33 provided on the outer side surface of the second inner case 5a, and a hole portion 45 provided in the second outer case 5b. In this configuration, the claw portion 33 and the hole portion 45 for fixing the second outer case 5b to the second inner case 5a are not located on the inner surface of the box of the second terminal block 5, so the inner surface can be made flat, making it easier to attach the fire-resistant insulating tape 61.

[0048] Furthermore, in the terminal block structures 1, 1a, and 1b of this embodiment, the first terminal block 3 has a first cylindrical portion 23, and the connecting portion 7 includes a conductive nut 7b whose tip is exposed from the first cylindrical portion 23, a bolt 7a housed in the first terminal block 3 and screwed into the nut 7b, and an insulating projection 7c that covers the tip of the nut 7b. In this configuration, when the first terminal block 3 and the second terminal block 5 are separated from each other and a worker brings their finger 71 close to the nut 7b, the finger 71 will contact the insulating projection 7c before the nut 7b. Therefore, even when the first terminal block 3 and the second terminal block 5 are separated from each other and the nut 7b is exposed, it is possible to prevent a worker from accidentally touching the nut 7b and being electrocuted.

[0049] Although the present invention has been described above based on embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention, and other technologies may be combined as appropriate to the extent possible. Furthermore, publicly known or well-known technologies may be combined as appropriate to the extent possible.

[0050] For example, in the embodiment described above, the inner surface of the box is made flat by providing a claw portion 25 on the outer side surface of the first inner case 3a of the first terminal block 3 and a claw portion 33 on the outer side surface of the second inner case 5a of the second terminal block 5. However, the inner surface of the box may be made flat only on the terminal block 5 to which the fire-resistant insulating tape 61 is attached.

[0051] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, holes 27 and 45 were exemplified as engaging portions that engage with the claw portions 25 and 33. However, the engaging portions are not limited to holes 27 and 45 as long as they have a structure that engages with the claw portions 25 and 33; for example, recesses may also be used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 1, 1a, 1b: Terminal block structure 3: 1st terminal block (terminal block) 3a: First inner case (inner case) 3b: First outer case (outer case) 5:Second terminal block (terminal block) 5a: Second inner case (inner case) 5b: Second outer case (outer case) 7:Connection part 7a: Bolt (connecting part) 7b: Nut (connecting part) 7c: Insulating protrusion (connecting part) 9: Conductive parts 11: 1st terminal (terminal) 13: 2nd terminal (terminal) 17:Top surface (open surface) 21:Top surface (open surface) 23:First cylindrical part (opening) 25: Nail area 27: Hole (engaging part) 33: Nail area 45: Hole (engaging part) 61: Fire-resistant insulating tape

Claims

1. A terminal block structure comprising: a first terminal block which is a box-shaped insulating resin in which a conductive first terminal is housed; a second terminal block which is a box-shaped insulating resin in which a conductive second terminal is housed and is stacked on the first terminal block; a conductive part which is held by the second terminal block and provided between the first terminal and the second terminal to electrically connect the first terminal and the second terminal; and a connecting part which presses the first terminal and the second terminal toward the conductive part to bring them into contact, At least one of the first terminal block and the second terminal block has fire-resistant insulating tape attached to the inner surface of the box. A terminal block structure characterized by the following features.

2. Of the first terminal block and the second terminal block, the one to which the fire-resistant insulating tape is attached is: A box-shaped inner case with one side open as an open surface, A box-shaped outer case that covers the inner case from the outside so as to close the open surface, A claw portion provided on the outer side surface of the inner case, An engaging portion is provided on the outer case and, by engaging with the claw portion, fixes the outer case to the inner case, Equipped with, The terminal block structure according to claim 1, characterized in that...

3. The first terminal block has an opening on the side that overlaps with the second terminal block, The aforementioned connecting portion is A conductive nut, which passes through the first terminal and is housed in the first terminal block, with its tip exposed from the opening, A bolt that passes through the second terminal and the conductive part and is housed in the first terminal block, and that screws into the nut, An insulating projection, which is a cylindrical insulator that covers the tip of the nut and engages with the nut, Equipped with The terminal block structure according to claim 1, characterized in that...

4. A terminal block made of insulating resin in the shape of a box, which houses conductive terminals, has fire-resistant insulating tape attached to the inside surface of the box. A terminal block characterized by the following features.

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