Terminal block

Abstract

To achieve both sufficient contact pressure and improved assembly workability. [Solution] The first terminal 10 of the first terminal block 1 comprises a first terminal fitting 20, a second terminal fitting 30 that is physically and electrically connected to the second terminal 110 of the second terminal block at the completed assembly position of the first terminal block and the second terminal block 101, and a spring member 40 on which a compressive load along the mating connection direction of the first terminal block and the second terminal block is applied from both ends by the first terminal fitting and the second terminal fitting. The spring member is compressed by the force that the second terminal fitting receives from the second terminal at the completed assembly position, and the reaction force accompanying this compression is applied from the second terminal fitting to the second terminal, thereby physically and electrically connecting the second terminal fitting and the second terminal.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a terminal block, one composed of a first terminal block and a second terminal block that are fitted and connected to each other is known. The first terminal block includes a first bus bar electrically connected to one electrical device and a first case that houses the first bus bar. The second terminal block includes a second bus bar electrically connected to the other electrical device and a second case that houses the second bus bar. In this terminal block, the first bus bar and the second bus bar are physically and electrically connected by fitting and connecting the first terminal block and the second terminal block. And, in this terminal block, the first terminal block includes an elastic member, and contact pressure is generated between the first bus bar and the second bus bar by utilizing the elastic force of this elastic member. For example, this type of terminal block is disclosed in Patent Document 1 below.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, the conventional terminal block has a structure in which the elastic member is supported by the first bus bar and the first case. Therefore, in the conventional terminal block, in order to ensure the contact pressure, the assembly work of various parts of the first terminal block has to be sacrificed.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a terminal block that can achieve both ensuring the contact pressure and improving the assembly workability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention comprises a first terminal block comprising a first terminal and a first case housing the first terminal, and a second terminal block comprising a second terminal and a second case housing the second terminal, which is mated and connected to the first terminal block until the assembly is complete, wherein the first terminal comprises a first terminal fitting on the first electrical equipment side, a second terminal fitting that is physically and electrically connected to the second terminal at the assembly completion position, and a spring member on which a compressive load along the mating connection direction of the first terminal block and the second terminal block is applied from both ends by the first terminal fitting and the second terminal fitting, wherein the spring member is compressed by the force that the second terminal fitting receives from the second terminal at the assembly completion position, and the reaction force accompanying the compression is applied from the second terminal fitting to the second terminal, thereby physically and electrically connecting the second terminal fitting and the second terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] In the terminal block according to the present invention, when the first and second terminal blocks are assembled, the force acting from the second terminal to the second terminal fitting of the first terminal compresses a spring member, and the reaction force resulting from this compression acts from the second terminal fitting to the second terminal. Therefore, this terminal block generates contact pressure between the second terminal fitting of the first terminal and the second terminal by its spring member, enabling a stable physical and electrical connection between the second terminal fitting and the second terminal. Furthermore, in the terminal block according to the present invention, the spring member is supported between the first and second terminal fittings by assembling the first and second terminal fittings with the spring member. Therefore, this terminal block can improve the assembly workability of the first terminal block compared to conventional terminal blocks. Thus, the terminal block according to the present invention can achieve both securing contact pressure and improving assembly workability. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the terminal block after mating connection in the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view along line XX in Figure 1. [Figure 3]Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the terminal block of the embodiment before mating connection. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the terminal block of the embodiment before mating connection, seen from a different angle. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in Figure 3. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the first terminal block of the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view illustrating the first terminal of the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view illustrating the first terminal of the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the first terminal of the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the terminal block after mating connection in Modification 1. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in Figure 10. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing the terminal block of Modification 1 before mating connection. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the terminal block of Modification 1 before mating, seen from a different angle. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in Figure 12. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a perspective view showing the first terminal of Modified Example 1. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a perspective view illustrating the first terminal of Modification 1. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the first terminal of Modification 1. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is an exploded perspective view showing the first case of Modification 1. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a perspective view showing the terminal block after mating connection in Modification Example 2. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in Figure 19. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is a perspective view showing the terminal block of Modified Example 2 before mating connection. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the terminal block before fitting connection in Modification 2 as seen from another angle. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view showing the first terminal block in Modification 2. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing the first terminal in Modification 2. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view showing the first terminal in Modification 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the terminal block according to the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited by this embodiment.

[0010] [Embodiment] One embodiment of the terminal block according to the present invention will be described based on FIGS. 1 to 9.

[0011] Reference numeral TB1 in FIGS. 1 to 5 indicates the terminal block of this embodiment. This terminal block TB1 includes a first terminal block 1 and a second terminal block 101 that are electrically connected by being fitted and connected to each other up to the assembled completion position. In this terminal block TB1, the first terminal block 1 is assembled to a first housing (not shown) on the first electrical device side and is electrically connected to this first electrical device. The second terminal block 101 is assembled to a second housing (not shown) on the second electrical device side and is electrically connected to this second electrical device. By assembling the first housing and the second housing, the first terminal block 1 and the second terminal block 101 are fitted and connected, thereby electrically connecting the first electrical device and the second electrical device.

[0012] The first terminal block 1 includes terminals (hereinafter referred to as "first terminals") 10 (FIGS. 1 to 9). The second terminal block 101 includes terminals (hereinafter referred to as "second terminals") 110 (FIGS. 1 to 5).

[0013] The first terminal 10 comprises a first terminal fitting 20 on the first electrical equipment side, a second terminal fitting 30 that is physically and electrically connected to the second terminal 110 at the completed assembly position of the first terminal block 1 and the second terminal block 101, and a spring member 40 on which a compressive load along the mating connection direction of the first terminal block 1 and the second terminal block 101 is applied from both ends by the first terminal fitting 20 and the second terminal fitting 30 (Figures 1 to 9).

[0014] The first terminal fitting 20 and the second terminal fitting 30 are press-formed using a metal plate as the base material.

[0015] The first terminal fitting 20 has a terminal connection portion (hereinafter referred to as the "first terminal connection portion") 21 that physically and electrically connects to the terminal fitting (not shown) of the first electrical equipment (Figures 1 to 9). This first terminal connection portion 21 is formed in a flat plate shape having a plane aligned with the mating connection direction of the first terminal block 1 and the second terminal block 101. The first terminal connection portion 21 shown here is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape with its mating connection direction as the longitudinal direction. A circular through hole (hereinafter referred to as the "male screw insertion hole") 21a is formed in this first terminal connection portion 21 (Figures 1 to 6), and the terminal fitting of the first electrical equipment is fastened together with a male screw member (not shown) and a female screw member (not shown) that are passed through this male screw insertion hole 21a.

[0016] Furthermore, the first terminal fitting 20 extends in the mating connection direction between the first terminal block 1 and the second terminal block 101, and has a male terminal portion 22 that is inserted and fitted into the second terminal fitting 30 along that mating connection direction (Figures 2, 5, and 7 to 9).

[0017] The second terminal fitting 30 has a terminal connection portion (hereinafter referred to as the "first terminal connection portion") 31 that is physically and electrically connected to the second terminal 110 (Figures 2 and 4 to 9). This first terminal connection portion 31 is brought into contact with the second terminal 110 at the completed assembly position of the first terminal block 1 and the second terminal block 101, thereby physically and electrically connecting them. This first terminal connection portion 31 is formed in a flat plate shape having a plane orthogonal to the mating connection direction of the first terminal block 1 and the second terminal block 101. For example, the first terminal connection portion 31 shown here is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape.

[0018] Furthermore, the second terminal fitting 30 has a female terminal portion 32 into which the male terminal portion 22 of the first terminal fitting 20 is inserted and fitted along the mating connection direction of the first terminal block 1 and the second terminal block 101 (Figures 2 and 5 to 9). This female terminal portion 32 is formed in a rectangular tube shape with its mating connection direction as the axial direction of the tube, and the male terminal portion 22 is inserted and fitted through an opening at one end in the axial direction of the tube, thereby physically and electrically connecting them to each other.

[0019] The female terminal portion 32 has multiple contact portions 32a that bulge out toward the male terminal portion 22 inside its cylinder (Figures 7 and 9). In this female terminal portion 32, the male terminal portion 22 inside the cylinder is clamped by multiple contact portions 32a in a direction perpendicular to the mating connection direction of the first terminal block 1 and the second terminal block 101.

[0020] Furthermore, the second terminal fitting 30 has a connecting portion 33 that connects the first terminal connection portion 31 and the female terminal portion 32 (Figures 2 and 5 to 9). This connecting portion 33 has a plane that is aligned with the mating connection direction of the first terminal block 1 and the second terminal block 101. The connecting portion 33 shown here has a flat plate portion on which this plane is provided. The first terminal connection portion 31 protrudes from this connecting portion 33 in a direction perpendicular to the mating connection direction of the first terminal block 1 and the second terminal block 101.

[0021] The spring member 40 has one end 41 fixed at the first terminal connection portion 31 side of its connecting portion 33 (Figures 2, 5, and 7 to 9). The spring member 40 then brings the tip of the male terminal portion 22, which is inserted and fitted into the female terminal portion 32, into contact with the other end 42, which is on the female terminal portion 32 side of the one end 41 (Figures 2, 7, and 8). This spring member 40 is press-formed using a metal plate as the base material.

[0022] The spring member 40 is a cantilever beam with one end 41 fixed, and can be compressed between its one end 41 and the other end 42 by, for example, pushing the other end 42 with the tip of the male terminal portion 22. The spring member 40 shown here has a corrugated shape between its one end 41 and the other end 42, with alternating peaks and valleys in the mating connection direction of the first terminal block 1 and the second terminal block 101 (Figures 2, 5, and 7 to 9). This spring member 40 expands and contracts its corrugated portion in the mating connection direction within its elastic range. In order to give the spring member 40 such spring properties, it is formed from a plate material that is thinner than the second terminal fitting 30, for example.

[0023] In the spring member 40 shown here, one end 41 is crimped and pressed onto the flat plate portion of the connecting portion 33. The other end 42 of the spring member 40 shown here is provided with a rectangular flat plate portion having a plane perpendicular to the mating connection direction of the first terminal block 1 and the second terminal block 101 (Figures 2, 5, and 7 to 9). The tip of the male terminal portion 22 of this spring member 40 abuts against the plane on the female terminal portion 32 side of the other end 42.

[0024] The second terminal 110 has a terminal connection portion (hereinafter referred to as the "second terminal connection portion") 111 for physically and electrically connecting the terminal fitting (not shown) of the second electrical equipment (Figures 1 to 5). This second terminal connection portion 111 is formed in a flat plate shape having a plane aligned with the mating connection direction of the first terminal block 1 and the second terminal block 101. The second terminal connection portion 111 shown here is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape with its mating connection direction as the longitudinal direction. A circular through hole (hereinafter referred to as the "male screw insertion hole") 111a is formed in this second terminal connection portion 111 (Figures 2, 4 and 5), and the terminal fitting of the second electrical equipment is fastened together with a male screw member (not shown) and a female screw member (not shown) that pass through this male screw insertion hole 111a.

[0025] Furthermore, the second terminal 110 has a terminal connection portion (hereinafter referred to as the "second terminal connection portion") 112 that is physically and electrically connected to the first terminal 10 (Figures 2, 3, and 5). This second terminal connection portion 112 is brought into contact with the first terminal connection portion 31 of the second terminal fitting 30 on the first terminal 10 when the assembly of the first terminal block 1 and the second terminal block 101 is complete, thereby physically and electrically connecting them. This second terminal connection portion 112 is formed in a flat plate shape having a plane orthogonal to the mating connection direction of the first terminal block 1 and the second terminal block 101. For example, the second terminal connection portion 112 shown here is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape.

[0026] The first terminal connection section 31 and the second terminal connection section 112 are physically and electrically connected to each other by bringing their planes into surface contact at the completed assembly position of the first terminal block 1 and the second terminal block 101 (Figure 2).

[0027] The second terminal 110 shown here is a plate-shaped conductive member press-formed from a metal plate as the base material, and is formed in an L-shape with the second terminal connection portion 111 and the second terminal interconnection portion 112 perpendicular to each other (Figures 2 and 5).

[0028] The first terminal block 1 includes a case (hereinafter referred to as the "first case") 50 that houses the first terminal 10 (Figures 1 to 6). This first case 50 includes a first housing 60 and a second housing 70 molded from an insulating material such as synthetic resin (Figures 1 to 6).

[0029] The first housing 60 has a cylindrical portion 61 whose cylindrical axis direction is aligned with the mating connection direction of the first terminal block 1 and the second terminal block 101, and a closing portion 62 that closes the opening at one end of the cylindrical portion 61 in the cylindrical axis direction (Figures 1 to 6). The second housing 70 has a cylindrical portion 71 whose cylindrical axis direction is aligned with the mating connection direction of the first terminal block 1 and the second terminal block 101, and which is inserted and fitted into the cylinder of the cylindrical portion 61 from the opening at the other end of the cylindrical portion 61 in the cylindrical axis direction (Figures 1 to 6). This cylindrical portion 71 is broadly divided into a housing portion 71a that is housed inside the cylinder of the cylindrical portion 61, and a protruding portion 71b that protrudes outside the cylinder of the cylindrical portion 61 from the opening at the other end of the cylindrical portion 61 (Figures 2, 5 and 6). The housing portion 71a is housed inside the cylinder of the cylindrical portion 61 with a gap between it and the closing portion 62.

[0030] In the first case 50, the male terminal portion 22 side of the first terminal connection portion 21 of the first terminal fitting 20 is housed inside the cylinder portion 61 of the first housing 60, and the male screw insertion hole 21a side of the first terminal connection portion 21 protrudes outside the cylinder portion 61 through the through hole (hereinafter referred to as "terminal insertion hole") 63 of the closing portion 62 of the first housing 60 (Figures 2, 5, and 6). The male terminal portion 22 side of the first terminal connection portion 21 is housed in the gap between the closing portion 62 and the housing portion 71a inside the cylinder portion 61 (Figures 2 and 5).

[0031] The first terminal fitting 20 is held in the first housing 60. For example, the first housing 60 is insert-molded by pouring liquid synthetic resin material into a mold in which the first terminal fitting 20 is placed. In the first terminal fitting 20 shown here, the first terminal connection portion 21 is held in the closing portion 62 of the first housing 60 at the periphery of the terminal insertion hole 63.

[0032] Furthermore, in the first case 50, the male terminal portion 22 of the first terminal fitting 20, the second terminal fitting 30, and the spring member 40 are housed within the cylindrical portion 71 of the second housing 70 (Figures 2 and 5). In this cylindrical portion 71, the male terminal portion 22 of the first terminal fitting 20 and the female terminal portion 32 of the second terminal fitting 30 are fitted and connected within the cylindrical portion 71a of the housing 71a.

[0033] The second terminal fitting 30 is held in the cylindrical portion 71 of the second housing 70 with some play in the mating connection direction between the first terminal block 1 and the second terminal block 101. In other words, the second terminal fitting 30 is held in a state in which it can move relative to the cylindrical portion 71 in the mating connection direction. Here, a protruding claw portion 72 is provided on the inner wall surface of the housing portion 71a of the cylindrical portion 71, and this claw portion 72 is inserted into the through hole 32b of the female terminal portion 32 of the second terminal fitting 30 (Figures 2 and 5). A gap is provided between this claw portion 72 and the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 32b in the mating connection direction between the first terminal block 1 and the second terminal block 101.

[0034] In the first housing 60 shown here, three cylindrical sections 61 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the cylindrical axis, and the opening of each of these cylindrical sections 61 is closed by a closing section 62 (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 6). In the second housing 70 shown here, three cylindrical sections 71 from each of the cylindrical sections 61 of the first housing 60 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the cylindrical axis (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 6).

[0035] The first terminal block 1 includes a metal annular plate member 81 that connects the outer surfaces of the three cylindrical portions 61 (Figures 1 to 6). The first terminal block 1 is attached to the first housing by screwing the outer edge of the plate member 81 to the first housing with a male screw member (not shown). For example, the first housing 60 is insert-molded by pouring liquid synthetic resin material into a mold in which the first terminal fittings 20 are placed together with the plate member 81.

[0036] In this first terminal block 1, for example, the female terminal portion 32 of the second terminal fitting 30, to which the spring member 40 is fixed, is fitted and connected to the male terminal portion 22 of the first terminal fitting 20, which is insert-molded into the first housing 60. Then, in this first terminal block 1, the first housing 60 and the second housing 70 are assembled by inserting and fitting the cylindrical portion 71 of the second housing 70 through the opening at the other end of the cylindrical portion 61 of the first housing 60, and housing the male terminal portion 22 of the first terminal fitting 20, the second terminal fitting 30, and the spring member 40 inside the cylindrical portion 71.

[0037] The second terminal block 101 includes a case (hereinafter referred to as the "second case") 120 that houses the second terminal 110 (Figures 1 to 5). This second case 120 is molded from an insulating material such as synthetic resin.

[0038] The second case 120 has a terminal holding portion 121 that holds the second terminal 110 with the male screw insertion hole 111a side of the second terminal connection portion 111 and the second terminal connection portion 112 exposed (Figures 1 to 3 and 5). In the second case 120, three of these terminal holding portions 121 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the mating connection direction of the first terminal block 1 and the second terminal block 101, and a second terminal 110 is provided for each of these terminal holding portions 121.

[0039] The second case 120 has an oval-shaped flange portion 122 provided to hold the three terminal holding portions 121 (Figures 1 to 5). The second terminal block 101 includes a metal annular plate member 131 that protrudes in an annular shape from the outer circumferential surface of the flange portion 122 (Figures 1 to 5). The second terminal block 101 is attached to the second housing by screwing the outer circumferential edge of the plate member 131 to the second housing with a male screw member (not shown). For example, the second case 120 is insert-molded by pouring liquid synthetic resin material into a mold in which the plate member 131 is placed.

[0040] The first housing 60 and the second housing 70 are provided with a locking mechanism 51 that holds them together by hooking the locking portion of the other onto the claw portion of the other (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 6).

[0041] In this terminal block TB1, as the first terminal block 1 and the second terminal block 101 are assembled, the second terminal connection portion 112 of the second terminal 110 comes into contact with the first terminal connection portion 31 of the second terminal fitting 30 on the first terminal 10. Then, in this terminal block TB1, as the first terminal block 1 and the second terminal block 101 are assembled to the completed position, the second terminal connection portion 112 pushes the second terminal fitting 30 within the gap between the claw portion 72 of the housing portion 71a of the second housing 70 and the through hole 32b of the female terminal portion 32 on the second terminal fitting 30. As a result, at the first terminal 10, the second terminal fitting 30 moves relative to the first terminal fitting 20 and compresses the spring member 40. At the first terminal 10, the reaction force due to this compression is applied from the spring member 40 to the second terminal connection portion 112 via the first terminal connection portion 31. In other words, the spring member 40 is compressed by the force acting from the second terminal 110 to the second terminal fitting 30 of the first terminal 10 at the completed assembly position of the first terminal block 1 and the second terminal block 101, and the reaction force resulting from this compression is applied from the second terminal fitting 30 to the second terminal 110. Therefore, the terminal block TB1 generates contact pressure between the first terminal connection part 31 and the second terminal connection part 112 by this spring member 40, enabling a stable physical and electrical connection between the second terminal fitting 30 of the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 110.

[0042] As described above, in the terminal block TB1 of this embodiment, the spring member 40 is supported between the first terminal fitting 20 and the second terminal fitting 30 by assembling the first terminal fitting 20, the second terminal fitting 30 and the spring member 40. Therefore, this terminal block TB1 can improve the assembly workability of the first terminal block 1 compared to conventional terminal blocks. Thus, the terminal block TB1 of this embodiment can achieve both the assurance of contact pressure and improved assembly workability.

[0043] [Example 1] In Figures 10 to 14, reference numeral TB2 indicates the terminal block of this modified example. This terminal block TB2 is the same as the terminal block TB1 of the previously described embodiment, but with the first terminal block 1 replaced by the first terminal block 201 described below. Furthermore, the first terminal block 201 of this modified example is the same as the first terminal block 1 of the previously described embodiment, but with the first terminal 10 and the first case 50 replaced by the first terminal 210 and the first case 250 described below. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts and components as in the terminal block TB1 of the embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0044] The first terminal 210 of this modified example comprises, similar to the first terminal 10 of the embodiment described above, a first terminal fitting 220 on the first electrical equipment side, a second terminal fitting 230 that is physically and electrically connected to the second terminal 110 at the completed assembly position of the first terminal block 201 and the second terminal block 101, and a spring member 240 on which a compressive load along the mating connection direction of the first terminal block 201 and the second terminal block 101 is applied from both ends by the first terminal fitting 220 and the second terminal fitting 230 (Figures 10 to 17).

[0045] The first terminal fitting 220 of this modified example has a first terminal connection portion 221 with a male screw insertion hole 221a, similar to the first terminal fitting 20 of the embodiment described above (Figures 10 to 17). However, the first terminal connection portion 221 of this modified example is formed in an L-shape, with one piece on the periphery of the male screw insertion hole 221a having a plane aligned with the mating connection direction of the first terminal block 201 and the second terminal block 101, and the other piece intersecting this one piece on the second terminal fitting 230 side (Figures 11 and 14 to 17).

[0046] Furthermore, the first terminal fitting 220 of this modified example has a male terminal portion 222 whose axial direction is the mating connection direction of the first terminal block 201 and the second terminal block 101 (Figures 11 and 14 to 17). This male terminal portion 222 is formed in a cylindrical shape. This male terminal portion 222 is inserted and fitted into the second terminal fitting 30 from one end in the axial direction of the cylinder, along the mating connection direction of the first terminal block 201 and the second terminal block 101. In the first terminal fitting 220, the other L-shaped part of the first terminal connection portion 221 is connected to the base side of the other end of the male terminal portion 222 in the axial direction of the cylinder.

[0047] In this modified example, the first terminal fitting 220 has a finger-prevention portion 223 provided at the tip of the male terminal portion 222 and an annular flange portion 224 provided concentrically at the base of the male terminal portion 222 (Figures 11 and 14 to 17). The finger-prevention portion 223 is a part that prevents fingers from coming into contact with the tip of the male terminal portion 222 and is made of an insulating material such as synthetic resin. Here, the annular flange portion 224 is formed together with the finger-prevention portion 223 by pouring a liquid synthetic resin material into a mold in which the first terminal fitting 220 is placed.

[0048] The second terminal fitting 230 in this modified example has the same first terminal connection portion 231 as the second terminal fitting 30 in the embodiment described above (Figures 11 and 13 to 17).

[0049] Furthermore, the second terminal fitting 230 of this modified example has a cylindrical female terminal portion 232 that is inserted and fitted into the male terminal portion 222 of the first terminal fitting 220 along the mating connection direction of the first terminal block 201 and the second terminal block 101, similar to the second terminal fitting 30 of the embodiment described above (Figures 11 and 14 to 17). This female terminal portion 232 is formed in a cylindrical shape with its mating connection direction as the axis of the cylinder, and the male terminal portion 222 is inserted and fitted into the cylinder from an opening at one end in the axis of the cylinder, thereby physically and electrically connecting them to each other.

[0050] In this modified example, the first terminal 210 includes a spring contact member 245 installed inside the cylinder of the female terminal portion 232 and interposed between the male terminal portion 222 and the female terminal portion 232 (Figures 11, 14, 16, and 17). When the male terminal portion 222 and the female terminal portion 232 are mated together, the spring contact member 245 elastically deforms between the outer circumferential surface of the male terminal portion 222 and the inner circumferential surface of the female terminal portion 232, and this reaction force acts between the outer circumferential surface of the male terminal portion 222 and the inner circumferential surface of the female terminal portion 232. Therefore, in this modified example, the first terminal fitting 220 and the second terminal fitting 230 are connected in such a state that they can move relative to each other in the direction of elastic deformation of the spring contact member 245 (in other words, in a direction perpendicular to the mating connection direction of the first terminal block 201 and the second terminal block 101).

[0051] In this modified example, the first terminal 210 has a spring member 240 positioned between the flange portion 224 of the first terminal fitting 220 and the female terminal portion 232 of the second terminal fitting 230, with the spring member 240 sandwiched from both ends by the flange portion 224 and the female terminal portion 232 (Figures 11 and 14 to 17). The spring member 240 in this modified example is a coil spring, which is inserted into the male terminal portion 222 all the way to its base and interposed between the annular surface of the flange portion 224 at its base and the annular end surface on one end of the female terminal portion 232 in the direction of the cylindrical axis.

[0052] The first case 250 of this modified example comprises a first housing 260 and a second housing 270 molded from an insulating material such as synthetic resin, similar to the first case 50 of the embodiment described above (Figures 10 to 14 and 18).

[0053] The first housing 260 has a cylindrical portion 261 and a closing portion 262 similar to the first housing 60 of the embodiment described above (Figures 10 to 14 and 18). However, the shape of the closing portion 262 has been changed to match the first terminal fitting 220 of this modified example. The second housing 270 has a cylindrical portion 271 which is broadly divided into a housing portion 271a and a protruding portion 271b similar to the second housing 70 of the embodiment described above (Figures 11, 13, 14 and 18).

[0054] In the first modified case 250, the male terminal portion 222 of the first terminal fitting 220 is housed inside the cylinder portion 261 of the first housing 260, and the male screw insertion hole 221a side of the first terminal connection portion 221 of the first terminal fitting 220 protrudes outside the cylinder portion 261 through the through hole (hereinafter referred to as the "terminal insertion hole") 263 of the closing portion 262 of the first housing 260 (Figures 11 and 14).

[0055] The first terminal fitting 220 is held in the first housing 260. For example, the first housing 260 is insert molded by placing the first terminal fitting 220, which has a finger-prevention portion 223 and a flange portion 224 formed thereon, in a mold and pouring liquid synthetic resin material into the mold. In the first terminal fitting 220 shown here, the male terminal portion 222 side of the first terminal connection portion 221, the first terminal connection portion 221 side of the male terminal portion 222, and the flange portion 224 are held in the closing portion 262 of the first housing 260. The closing portion 262 is provided with an annular portion 264 that coaxially covers the outer peripheral edge of the flange portion 224 from the inside of the cylindrical portion 261 (Figures 11 and 14). This annular portion 264 is formed in an annular shape and functions as part of the flange portion 224, in conjunction with the flange portion 224. Therefore, in this example, a spring member 240 is interposed between the annular portion 264 and the female terminal portion 232 of the second terminal fitting 230.

[0056] The male terminal portion 222 of the first terminal fitting 220 is housed in the gap between the closing portion 262 and the housing portion 271a within the cylinder portion 261, with the flange portion 224 on the first terminal connection portion 221 side being housed on the second terminal fitting 230 side, and the remainder housed within the cylinder portion 271a (Figures 11 and 14). The spring member 240 is housed in this gap. In the first case 250, the male terminal portion 222 of the first terminal fitting 220 and the female terminal portion 232 of the second terminal fitting 230 are fitted and connected within the cylinder portion 271a (Figures 11 and 14). One end of the female terminal portion 232 in the direction of the cylinder axis is housed within the cylinder portion 271a. Therefore, in this example, in relation to the spring member 240, the tip of the housing portion 271a in the direction of the cylinder axis functions as part of the female terminal portion 232. Therefore, in this example, a spring member 240 is interposed between the annular portion 264 and the tip of the housing portion 271a. In this way, the spring member 240 is indirectly sandwiched from both ends by the flange portion 224 and the female terminal portion 232 via its annular portion 264 and housing portion 271a (Figures 11 and 14).

[0057] The second terminal fitting 230 is held in the cylindrical portion 271 of the second housing 270. Here, a protruding claw portion 272 is provided on the inner wall surface of the housing portion 271a of the cylindrical portion 271, and this claw portion 272 is inserted into the through hole 232a of the female terminal portion 232 of the second terminal fitting 230 (Figures 11 and 14).

[0058] In this modified example, the second housing 270 can be moved relative to the first housing 260 in the direction of mating connection between the first terminal block 201 and the second terminal block 101 within the cylinder portion 261. As previously shown, the spring member 240 in this modified example is housed in the gap between the closing portion 262 and the housing portion 271a within the cylinder portion 261 and is sandwiched from both ends by the annular portion 264 and the tip of the housing portion 271a. Therefore, when the second terminal fitting 230 receives force from the second terminal 110, the spring member 240 can be compressed by moving the second housing 270 relative to the first housing 260 together with the second terminal fitting 230.

[0059] In the first housing 260 shown here, three combinations of cylindrical portions 261 and closing portions 262 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the cylindrical axis direction of the cylindrical portion 261 (Figures 10, 12, 13, and 18). In the second housing 270 shown here, three cylindrical portions 271 from each cylindrical portion 261 of the first housing 260 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the cylindrical axis direction (Figures 13 and 18).

[0060] The first housing 260 and the second housing 270 are provided with a locking mechanism 251 that holds each other together by hooking the locking portion of the other onto the claw portion of the other (Figures 10, 12, 13, and 18).

[0061] In this modified example, terminal block TB2 is assembled by connecting the first terminal block 201 and the second terminal block 101, causing the second terminal connection portion 112 of the second terminal 110 to contact the first terminal connection portion 231 of the second terminal fitting 230 on the first terminal 210. In this terminal block TB2, as the assembly of the first terminal block 201 and the second terminal block 101 continues, the second terminal connection portion 112 pushes the second terminal fitting 230, and the peripheral edge of the through hole 232a of the female terminal portion 232 of the second terminal fitting 230 is locked into the claw portion 272 of the housing portion 271a of the second housing 270. In this terminal block TB2, as the first terminal block 201 and the second terminal block 101 are assembled to the completed assembly position, the second terminal connection portion 112 of the second terminal 110 pushes the housing portion 271a together with the second terminal fitting 230, compressing the spring member 240. In the first terminal 210, the reaction force resulting from this compression is transmitted from the spring member 240 to the housing portion 271a and the second terminal fitting 230, and this force is then applied to the second terminal connection portion 112 of the second terminal 110 via the first terminal connection portion 231 of the second terminal fitting 230. In other words, the spring member 240 is compressed by the force acting from the second terminal 110 to the second terminal fitting 230 of the first terminal 210 at the completed assembly position of the first terminal block 201 and the second terminal block 101, and the reaction force resulting from this compression is applied from the second terminal fitting 230 to the second terminal 110. Therefore, in this modified example, the terminal block TB2 generates contact pressure between the first terminal connection portion 231 and the second terminal connection portion 112 by the spring member 240, thereby enabling a stable physical and electrical connection between the second terminal fitting 230 of the first terminal 210 and the second terminal 110.

[0062] In this modified example, the first terminal 210 has a spring contact member 245 interposed between the male terminal portion 222 and the female terminal portion 232, so that the male terminal portion 222 and the female terminal portion 232 can be moved relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the mating connection direction of the first terminal block 201 and the second terminal block 101. Therefore, in the terminal block TB2 of this modified example, when assembling the first terminal block 201 and the second terminal block 101, the first terminal connection portion 231 of the second terminal fitting 230 of the first terminal 210 can be aligned with the second terminal connection portion 112 of the second terminal 110. As a result, the terminal block TB2 can stably physically and electrically connect the second terminal fitting 230 of the first terminal 210 and the second terminal 110.

[0063] As described above, in the modified terminal block TB2, the spring member 240 is supported between the first terminal fitting 220 and the second terminal fitting 230 by assembling the first terminal fitting 220 and the second terminal fitting 230. Therefore, this modified terminal block TB2 can improve the assembly workability of the first terminal block 201 compared to the conventional one. Thus, the modified terminal block TB2 can achieve both ensuring contact pressure and improving assembly workability.

[0064] Furthermore, in this modified terminal block TB2, the first terminal fitting 220, the second terminal fitting 230, and the spring member 240 allow the first terminal 210 to have a centering function without using, for example, braided wire, thus enabling the centering function to be implemented inexpensively. Also, since this modified terminal block TB2 does not use such braided wire, it may lead to a smaller size. In addition, since this modified terminal block TB2 does not use expensive braided wire, it can lead to a reduction in manufacturing costs.

[0065] [Differentiation 2] In Figures 19 to 22, reference numeral TB3 indicates the terminal block of this modified example. This terminal block TB3 is the same as the terminal block TB1 of the previously described embodiment, but with the first terminal block 1 replaced by the first terminal block 301 described below. Furthermore, the first terminal block 301 of this modified example is the same as the first terminal block 1 of the previously described embodiment, but with the first terminal 10 and the first case 50 replaced by the first terminal 310 and the first case 350 described below. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts and materials as in the terminal block TB1 of the embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0066] The first terminal 310 in this modified example comprises, similar to the first terminal 10 in the embodiment described above, a first terminal fitting 320 on the first electrical equipment side, a second terminal fitting 330 that is physically and electrically connected to the second terminal 110 at the completed assembly position of the first terminal block 301 and the second terminal block 101, and a spring member 340 on which a compressive load along the mating connection direction of the first terminal block 301 and the second terminal block 101 is applied from both ends by the first terminal fitting 320 and the second terminal fitting 330 (Figures 19 to 25).

[0067] The first terminal fitting 320 in this modified example has a first terminal connection portion 321 with a male screw insertion hole 321a, similar to the first terminal fitting 20 in the embodiment described above (Figures 19 to 25). This first terminal connection portion 321 is formed to have the same shape as the first terminal connection portion 21 in the embodiment.

[0068] Furthermore, the first terminal fitting 320 in this modified example has a flat plate portion 322 that has a plane perpendicular to the mating connection direction of the first terminal block 301 and the second terminal block 101 (Figures 20 and 23 to 25). This flat plate portion 322 is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape.

[0069] In this modified example, the first terminal fitting 320 is formed in an L-shape with the first terminal connection portion 321 and the flat plate portion 322 perpendicular to each other (Figures 20 and 23 to 25).

[0070] The second terminal fitting 330 of this modified example has the same first terminal connection portion 331 as the second terminal fitting 30 of the embodiment described above (Figures 20, 22, 24, and 25).

[0071] Furthermore, the second terminal fitting 330 in this modified example is formed in a cylindrical shape with the mating connection direction of the first terminal block 301 and the second terminal block 101 as the cylindrical axis direction, and has a spring housing portion 332 that houses a spring member 340 inside the cylinder (Figures 20 and 23 to 25). The spring member 340 is housed inside the cylinder of the spring housing portion 332 with its expansion and contraction direction aligned with the cylindrical axis direction of the spring housing portion 332. The spring member 340 in this modified example is a coil spring. The spring housing portion 332 shown here is formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape.

[0072] The first terminal connection portion 331 is positioned on one end of the spring housing portion 332 in the cylindrical axis direction, covering the opening at that end. The first terminal connection portion 331 supports one end of the spring member 340, which is located inside the cylinder of the spring housing portion 332, in the direction of expansion and contraction.

[0073] Furthermore, the second terminal fitting 330 in this modified example has a guide portion 333 that holds the flat plate portion 322 of the first terminal fitting 320 in a state that allows relative movement along the mating connection direction of the first terminal block 301 and the second terminal block 101 (Figures 20, 24, and 25). This guide portion 333 is positioned on the other end side in the cylindrical axis direction relative to the spring housing portion 332. This guide portion 333 holds the flat plate portion 322 of the first terminal fitting 320 so that it can move relative to the spring housing portion 332, covering the opening at the other end of the spring housing portion 332.

[0074] Furthermore, the second terminal fitting 330 in this modified example has a locking wall portion 334 interposed between the opening at the other end of the spring housing portion 332 and the flat plate portion 322 of the first terminal fitting 320, which locks the flat plate portion 322, which has moved relative to the guide portion 333, at the position closest to the opening at the other end of the spring housing portion 332 (Figures 20 and 25). This locking wall portion 334 is formed in the shape of a flat plate having a plane perpendicular to the mating connection direction of the first terminal block 301 and the second terminal block 101, and is positioned opposite to the flat plate portion 322. The locking wall portion 334 shown here is formed in the shape of a rectangular flat plate.

[0075] The guide portion 333 shown here has a guide piece 333a that protrudes from the locking wall portion 334 toward the flat plate portion 322 in the mating connection direction of the first terminal block 301 and the second terminal block 101 (Figures 24 and 25). This guide piece 333a is inserted into a notch 322a formed on the periphery of the flat plate portion 322, and moves the flat plate portion 322 relative to the mating connection direction of the first terminal block 301 and the second terminal block 101 along this notch 322a.

[0076] Furthermore, the guide portion 333 shown here has a locking piece 333b that is perpendicular to the tip of the protruding direction of the guide piece 333a relative to the guide piece 333a and locks the peripheral edge of the flat plate portion 322 at the point furthest from the opening at the other end of the spring housing portion 332 (Figures 20, 24, and 25). This guide portion 333 moves the flat plate portion 322 relative to the locking wall portion 334 and the locking piece 333b in the direction of mating connection between the first terminal block 301 and the second terminal block 101.

[0077] This guide portion 333 is formed in an L-shape with the guide piece 333a and the locking piece 333b perpendicular to each other. The guide portion 333 shown here is formed in an L-shape with the rectangular guide piece 333a and the rectangular locking piece 333b perpendicular to each other.

[0078] In this modified example, the first terminal 310 is provided with four combinations of a pair of guide portion 333 and notch portion 322a (Figures 24 and 25). The flat plate portion 322 shown here has two rectangular notches 322a formed on each of the two sides along the direction of protrusion from the first terminal connection portion 321.

[0079] Here, the paired guide portion 333 and notch portion 322a suppress the sliding resistance between the guide piece 333a of the guide portion 333 and the peripheral edge of the notch portion 322a in the flat plate portion 322, thereby allowing the relative movement of the guide piece 333a within the notch portion 322a to proceed smoothly. To this end, the guide piece 333a of the guide portion 333 is inserted into the notch portion 322a with a gap between it and the peripheral edge of the notch portion 322a in the flat plate portion 322. Here, this gap is provided for each combination of guide portion 333 and notch portion 322a. Thus, the guide portion 333 can hold the flat plate portion 322 of the first terminal fitting 320 in the second terminal fitting 330 in a state that allows relative movement in a direction perpendicular to the mating connection direction of the first terminal block 301 and the second terminal block 101.

[0080] The first terminal 310 sandwiches the spring member 340 from both ends between the flat plate portion 322 of the first terminal fitting 320 and the first terminal connection portion 331 of the second terminal fitting 330. Therefore, in the first terminal 310, a through hole 334a for inserting the spring member 340 is formed in the locking wall portion 334 (Figures 20 and 25).

[0081] In the first terminal 310 shown here, the spring member 340 is compressed by an initial load and then clamped between the flat plate portion 322 of the first terminal fitting 320 and the first terminal connection portion 331 of the second terminal fitting 330. Therefore, in this first terminal 310, the flat plate portion 322 is locked to the locking piece 333b by a reaction force corresponding to the initial load of the spring member 340.

[0082] In this modified example, the first case 350 is provided with a housing chamber 351 for housing the first terminal 310 (Figures 20, 22, and 23). The first case 350 comprises a housing 360 in which the housing chamber 351 is formed (Figures 19 to 23). Furthermore, the first case 350 comprises a cover 370 that is assembled to the housing 360 (Figures 19 to 23). The housing 360 and the cover 370 are molded from an insulating material such as synthetic resin.

[0083] The housing 360 has a cylindrical section 361 in which the inside of the cylinder serves as a housing chamber 351, and the cylindrical axis direction is aligned with the mating connection direction of the first terminal block 301 and the second terminal block 101 (Figures 20 to 23). The first terminal 310 is housed in the housing chamber 351 of the cylindrical section 361. The cylindrical section 361 shown here is formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape. The second terminal fitting 330 is housed in the housing chamber 351 of this cylindrical section 361 with the guide portion 333 and the locking wall portion 334 protruding outward from the opening 361a at one end in the cylindrical axis direction (Figure 20).

[0084] In this cylindrical portion 361, when mating the first terminal block 301 and the second terminal block 101, the second terminal connection portion 112 is inserted into the housing chamber 351 from the opening 361b at the other end in the direction of the cylindrical axis (Figure 20). Then, in this cylindrical portion 361, the first terminal connection portion 331 and the second terminal connection portion 112 are brought into contact in the housing chamber 351 inside the cylinder.

[0085] The cover 370 is molded in a cap shape that encloses the cylindrical portion 361 from one end in the cylindrical axis direction. The cover 370 has a lid portion 371 that closes the opening 361a at one end of the cylindrical portion 361 (Figures 19 to 21 and 23). The lid portion 371 is provided with a through hole (hereinafter referred to as the "terminal insertion hole") 371a through which the first terminal connection portion 321 of the first terminal fitting 320 is inserted (Figures 20 and 23).

[0086] The first terminal fitting 320 is secured by its cover portion 371. For example, the cover 370 is insert-molded by pouring liquid synthetic resin material into a mold in which the first terminal fitting 320 is placed. As a result, the first terminal fitting 320 is held at the periphery of the terminal insertion hole 371a in the cover portion 371.

[0087] In the housing 360 shown here, three cylindrical portions 361 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the cylindrical axis. The housing 360 has an annular flange portion 362 provided to hold these three cylindrical portions 361 (Figures 20, 22, and 23). This flange portion 362 is provided on the outer wall surface of the cylindrical portions 361.

[0088] The cover 370 shown here is molded in a cap shape that encloses its three cylindrical portions 361 together from one end in the axial direction of each cylindrical portion (Figures 19 to 21 and 23). Therefore, the cover portion 371 is provided with terminal insertion holes 371a for each opening 361a of the cylindrical portion 361. The housing 360 and the cover 370 are provided with a locking mechanism 352 that holds each other in place by hooking a locking portion on one of them with a claw portion on the other (Figures 19 and 21 to 23).

[0089] The first terminal block 301 includes a metal plate member 380 positioned on the lid portion 371 of the cover 370 (Figures 19 to 23). This plate member 380 is a flat plate member molded into a rectangular flat plate shape, with the arrangement direction of the three cylindrical portions 361 being the longitudinal direction. The first terminal block 301 is attached to the first housing by screwing both longitudinal ends of the plate member 380 to the first housing with male screw members (not shown). In the first case 350, for example, the plate member 380 is placed in a mold, and the cover 370 is insert-molded using liquid synthetic resin material poured into the mold.

[0090] In this modified example, terminal block TB3 is assembled by connecting the first terminal block 301 and the second terminal block 101, causing the second terminal connection portion 112 of the second terminal 110 to contact the first terminal connection portion 331 of the second terminal fitting 330 on the first terminal 310. Then, in this terminal block TB3, as the first terminal block 301 and the second terminal block 101 are assembled to the completed assembly position, the second terminal connection portion 112 pushes the second terminal fitting 330, causing the second terminal fitting 330 to move relative to the first terminal fitting 320 along the guide portion 333, thereby compressing the spring member 340. At the first terminal 310, since the first terminal fitting 320 is locked by the cover 370, the reaction force resulting from its compression is applied from the spring member 240 to the first terminal connection portion 331 of the second terminal fitting 330, and this reaction force is applied from the first terminal connection portion 331 to the second terminal connection portion 112 of the second terminal 110. In other words, the spring member 340 is compressed by the force applied from the second terminal 110 to the second terminal fitting 330 of the first terminal 310 at the completed assembly position of the first terminal block 301 and the second terminal block 101, and the reaction force resulting from this compression is applied from the second terminal fitting 330 to the second terminal 110. Therefore, in this modified example, the terminal block TB3 generates contact pressure between the first terminal connection portion 331 and the second terminal connection portion 112 by this spring member 340, enabling a stable physical and electrical connection between the second terminal fitting 330 of the first terminal 310 and the second terminal 110.

[0091] As previously shown, in the first terminal 310 of this modified example, the guide piece 333a of the guide portion 333 of the second terminal fitting 330 is inserted into the notch 322a with a gap between it and the peripheral edge of the notch 322a in the flat plate portion 322 of the first terminal fitting 320 in order to suppress sliding resistance between the guide piece 333a and the peripheral edge of the notch 322a in the flat plate portion 322 of the first terminal fitting 320. Therefore, the first terminal fitting 320 and the second terminal fitting 330 can be moved relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the mating connection direction of the first terminal block 301 and the second terminal block 101. Thus, in the terminal block TB3 of this modified example, when assembling the first terminal block 301 and the second terminal block 101, the first terminal connection portion 331 of the second terminal fitting 330 of the first terminal 310 can be aligned with the second terminal connection portion 112 of the second terminal 110. As a result, the terminal block TB3 can stably physically and electrically connect the second terminal fitting 330 of the first terminal 310 to the second terminal 110. In this example, a gap of the size necessary for aligning the first terminal connection portion 331 and the second terminal connection portion 112 is provided between the guide piece 333a and the peripheral edge of the notch portion 322a in the flat plate portion 322 of the first terminal fitting 320.

[0092] As described above, in the modified terminal block TB3, the spring member 340 is supported between the first terminal fitting 320 and the second terminal fitting 330 by assembling the first terminal fitting 320 and the second terminal fitting 330. Therefore, compared to the conventional terminal block TB3, the assembly workability of the first terminal block 301 can be improved. Thus, the modified terminal block TB3 can achieve both securing contact pressure and improving assembly workability.

[0093] Furthermore, in this modified terminal block TB3, the first terminal fitting 320, the second terminal fitting 330, and the spring member 340 allow the first terminal 310 to have a centering function without using, for example, braided wire, thus enabling the centering function to be implemented at a low cost. Also, since this modified terminal block TB3 does not use such braided wire, it may lead to a smaller size. In addition, since this modified terminal block TB3 does not use expensive braided wire, it can lead to a reduction in cost. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0094] 1,201,301 1st terminal block 10,210,310 1st terminal 20,220,320 First terminal fitting 22,222 Male terminal section 30,230,330 Second terminal fitting 31,231,331 First terminal connection section (terminal connection section) 32 Female terminal part 33 Connecting part 40,240,340 Spring component 41 one end 42 Other end 50,250,350 Case 1 101 2nd terminal block 110 2nd terminal 120 Case 2 224 Flange section 232 Female terminal section 322 Flat plate part 332 Spring housing 333 Guide Section TB1,TB2,TB3 terminal block

Claims

1. A first terminal block comprising a first terminal and a first case housing the first terminal, A second terminal block comprising a second terminal and a second case housing the second terminal, which is mated and connected to the first terminal block until the assembly is complete, Equipped with, The first terminal comprises a first terminal fitting on the first electrical equipment side, a second terminal fitting that is physically and electrically connected to the second terminal at the assembly completion position, and a spring member on which a compressive load along the mating connection direction of the first terminal block and the second terminal block is applied from both ends by the first terminal fitting and the second terminal fitting. The terminal block is characterized in that the spring member is compressed by the force the second terminal fitting receives from the second terminal at the assembled position, and the reaction force resulting from this compression is applied from the second terminal fitting to the second terminal, thereby physically and electrically connecting the second terminal fitting and the second terminal.

2. The second terminal fitting has a terminal-to-terminal connection portion that contacts the second terminal at the completed assembly position, a female terminal portion into which the male terminal portion of the first terminal fitting is inserted and fitted along the mating connection direction, and a connecting portion that connects the terminal-to-terminal connection portion and the female terminal portion. The terminal block according to claim 1, characterized in that one end of the spring member is fixed on the terminal connection side of the connecting portion, and the tip of the male terminal portion inserted and fitted into the female terminal portion abuts against the other end on the female terminal portion side of the one end.

3. The first terminal fitting has a male terminal portion with the mating connection direction oriented axially, and an annular flange portion provided concentrically at the base of the male terminal portion. The second terminal fitting has a terminal-to-terminal connecting portion that contacts the second terminal at the completed assembly position, and a cylindrical female terminal portion into which the male terminal portion is inserted and fitted along the mating connection direction. The terminal block according to claim 1, characterized in that the first terminal sandwiches the spring member from both ends with the flange portion and the female terminal portion.

4. The first terminal fitting has a flat plate portion having a plane perpendicular to the mating connection direction, The second terminal fitting is formed in a flat plate shape having a plane perpendicular to the mating connection direction and has a terminal-to-terminal connection portion that contacts the second terminal at the completed assembly position, a spring housing portion formed in a cylindrical shape with the mating connection direction oriented in the cylindrical axis direction and housing the spring member inside the cylinder, and a guide portion that holds the flat plate portion in a state that allows relative movement along the mating connection direction, The terminal connection portion is positioned on one end of the spring housing portion in the cylindrical axis direction, covering the opening at that end. The guide portion is positioned on the other end side of the spring housing portion in the direction of its cylindrical axis, and holds the flat plate portion so as to be movable relative to the spring housing portion, covering the opening at the other end of the spring housing portion. The terminal block according to claim 1, characterized in that the first terminal sandwiches the spring member from both ends between the flat plate portion and the terminal connection portion.

Images