Terminal block

Abstract

The aim is to further improve the heat resistance and oil resistance of terminal blocks at a low cost. [Solution] The terminal block 20 is held in a case 13 having a through hole 15h. The terminal block 20 comprises a busbar 30 including a first connection end 31, a second connection end 32, and an intermediate portion 33 between the first and second connection ends, a base body 40 surrounding the intermediate portion 33, and annular sealing members 50, 60 that seal the inner and outer spaces of the case. The annular sealing members 50, 60 include annular body portions 52, 62 made of silicone rubber and covering portions 54, 64 made of fluororubber that cover at least a part of the surface of the annular body portions.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a terminal block for a motor including a bus bar, a bar case, an inner airtight member which is an annular O-ring, an outer airtight member which is an annular O-ring, and a bracket.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Regarding a terminal block used in an environment exposed to oil, it is desired to further enhance heat resistance and oil resistance at low cost.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to further enhance heat resistance and oil resistance of a terminal block at low cost.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The terminal block of the present disclosure is a terminal block held in a case having a through hole, including a bus bar including a first connection end, a second connection end, and an intermediate portion between the first connection end and the second connection end, a base body surrounding the intermediate portion, and an annular seal member for sealing an inner space and an outer space of the case. The annular seal member includes an annular main body portion made of silicone rubber and a covering portion made of fluororubber covering at least a part of the surface of the annular main body portion.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to this disclosure, heat resistance and oil resistance can be further improved at a low cost. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an integrated electromechanical unit incorporating a terminal block according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the terminal block before mounting it to the case. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a terminal block according to modified example 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a terminal block according to modified example 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [Description of Embodiments in this Disclosure] First, the embodiments of this disclosure will be listed and described.

[0010] The terminal block of this disclosure is as follows:

[0011] (1) A terminal block held in a case having a through hole, comprising a busbar including a first connection end, a second connection end, and an intermediate portion between the first and second connection ends, a base body surrounding the intermediate portion, and an annular sealing member that seals the inner and outer spaces of the case, wherein the annular sealing member comprises an annular body made of silicone rubber and a covering portion made of fluororubber that covers at least a part of the surface of the annular body.

[0012] According to this terminal block, the annular seal member includes an annular main body portion made of silicone rubber and a covering portion made of fluororubber that covers at least a part of the outer periphery of the annular main body portion. Since both silicone rubber and fluororubber have excellent heat resistance, the heat resistance of the entire annular seal member is enhanced. Also, since silicone rubber is less expensive than fluororubber, the cost can be reduced compared to the case where the entire annular seal member is made of fluororubber. Further, since fluororubber is more excellent in oil resistance than silicone rubber, the oil resistance of the annular seal member is enhanced by covering at least a part of the surface of the annular main body portion with the covering portion made of fluororubber. Thereby, for the terminal block used in an environment exposed to oil, the heat resistance and oil resistance can be further enhanced at a low cost.

[0013] (2) The terminal block according to (1), wherein the annular seal member may include an annular seal member for a bus bar that seals a gap between the bus bar and the base body.

[0014] Thereby, the gap between the bus bar and the base body is sealed by the annular seal member for the bus bar.

[0015] (3) The terminal block according to (1) or (2), wherein the annular seal member may include an annular seal member for a case that seals a gap between the case and the base body.

[0016] Thereby, the gap between the case and the base body is sealed by the annular seal member for the case.

[0017] (4) The terminal block according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the covering portion may partially cover the surface of the annular main body portion.

[0018] By the covering portion partially covering the surface of the annular main body portion, the annular seal member can be prevented from becoming too hard.

[0019] (5) The terminal block according to (4), wherein the annular main body portion and the covering portion may be formed as separate parts.

[0020] As a result, the annular main body portion and the covering portion can be easily formed as separate components.

[0021] (6) Any one of the terminal blocks from (2) to (5), wherein the base body has a base body through-hole through which the bus bar penetrates and an opening peripheral portion that extends to the outer peripheral side of the opening of the base body through-hole, and the annular seal member for the bus bar surrounds the bus bar on the opening peripheral portion, and the annular seal member for the bus bar may be a member having a cylindrical portion sandwiched between the bus bar and the annular main body portion and a flange portion sandwiched between the annular main body portion and the opening peripheral portion.

[0022] It is conceivable that the oil in the case travels through the bus bar. By the covering portion having a cylindrical portion sandwiched between the bus bar and the annular main body portion and a flange portion sandwiched between the annular main body portion and the opening peripheral portion, the annular main body portion is suppressed from being exposed to the oil traveling through the bus bar.

[0023] (7) Any one of the terminal blocks from (3) to (6), wherein the base body has a base body through-hole through which the bus bar penetrates and a case-facing peripheral portion that faces the case on the outer peripheral side of the opening of the base body through-hole, and the annular seal member for the case surrounds the bus bar with a gap between the case-facing peripheral portion and the case, and the annular seal member for the case may be a member having a first flange portion sandwiched between the case-facing peripheral portion and the annular main body portion, a second flange portion sandwiched between the annular main body portion and the case, and an inner cylindrical portion interposed between the bus bar and the annular main body portion.

[0024] As a result, the annular main body portion is suppressed from being exposed to the oil that travels through the bus bar or the oil that tries to leak from the through-hole.

[0025] (8) Any one of the terminal blocks from (1) to (7), wherein the covering portion may cover the entire surface of the annular main body portion.

[0026] The covering portion covers the entire surface of the annular main body, making the annular sealing member easier to handle as a single component.

[0027] (9) A terminal block according to any one of (3) to (8), wherein the terminal block body has a through-hole for the busbar through which the busbar passes, and a case-facing peripheral edge that faces the case on the outer circumference of the opening of the through-hole for the terminal block body, the case annular sealing member surrounds the busbar with a gap between the case-facing peripheral edge and the case, and the case annular sealing member may be a member whose covering portion covers the entire surface of the annular main body portion.

[0028] The covering portion covers the entire surface of the annular main body, making the annular sealing member easier to handle as a single component.

[0029] [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure] Specific examples of the terminal blocks of this disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to these examples, and all modifications are intended to be included in the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims as indicated by the claims.

[0030] [Embodiment] The terminal block according to the embodiment will be described below.

[0031] <About integrated electromechanical units> Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a mechatronic integrated unit 10 incorporating a terminal block 20 according to an embodiment. The mechatronic integrated unit 10 is, for example, a unit in which a rotating electric machine 12 and a control device 16 that controls the rotating electric machine 12 are integrated.

[0032] The rotating electric machine 12 is a rotating electric machine in which the armature and field are housed in a case 13. The rotating electric machine 12 may be an electric motor or a generator.

[0033] The case 13 comprises a bottomed cylindrical case body 14a and a case base portion 14b. The armature, which serves as a stator, is housed within the case body 14a. The field is arranged within the armature as a rotor. The magnetic field generated by the armature causes the field to rotate, or the rotation of the field generates an electromotive force in the armature. The case base portion 14b has a mounting plate portion 15. A through hole 15h is formed in the mounting plate portion 15. The through hole 15h is an opening that connects the inner and outer spaces of the case 13.

[0034] The armature includes coil wires. Coil wires are linear conductive members made of copper wire or the like.

[0035] The control device 16 is, for example, an inverter device that drives and controls the rotating electric machine 12. The control device 16 is configured such that, for example, a control board 16B is housed in a case 17. The control device 16 is expected to be integrated with the case base 14b of the rotating electric machine 12 by screw fixing or the like.

[0036] The terminal block 20 is mounted on the case base 14b. The terminal block 20 includes a busbar 30. The busbar 30 penetrates the case base 14b. Inside the case 13, the busbar 30 is connected to the coil wires of the armature. Inside the control device 16, the busbar 30 is connected to conductors extending from the circuit of the control board 16B. In other words, the terminal block 20 serves as an intermediary connection between the conductors inside the rotating electric machine 12 and the conductors inside the control device 16.

[0037] To prevent oil from leaking out of a rotating electrical machine, the terminal block is required to have an oil seal function. To provide this oil seal function to the terminal block, O-rings can be used, or the seal can be applied with adhesive.

[0038] Here, the increased current of the rotating electric machine 12 makes the terminal block 20 more susceptible to exposure to high-temperature environments. Furthermore, the integration of the rotating electric machine 12 with the control equipment 16 also makes the terminal block 20 more susceptible to exposure to high-temperature environments. For this reason, high heat resistance of the terminal block 20 is required.

[0039] For example, it may be difficult to achieve heat resistance of 180 degrees Celsius with adhesive seals.

[0040] If acrylic rubber is used as an O-ring, it may be difficult to achieve heat resistance exceeding 150 degrees Celsius.

[0041] When using silicone rubber or fluororubber O-rings, it is easy to achieve heat resistance of 180 degrees Celsius. However, silicone rubber O-rings swell when they absorb oil. Also, the raw material cost for fluororubber O-rings is high.

[0042] Therefore, a terminal block configuration 20 that is low-cost and easily improves heat resistance and oil resistance for use in environments exposed to oil is described below.

[0043] <About terminal blocks> Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the terminal block 20 before mounting to case 13.

[0044] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the terminal block 20 is held in a case 13 having the through-hole 15h. The terminal block 20 comprises a busbar 30, a base body 40, and annular sealing members 50 and 60. With the busbar 30 held by the base body 40, the base body 40 is fixed to the case 13. In this state, the busbar 30 protrudes from both openings of the through-hole 15h. The portion of the busbar 30 extending into the case 13 is connected to a conductor inside the case 13, for example, a coil wire. The portion of the busbar 30 extending outside the case 13 is connected to a conductor inside the case 13, for example, a conductor on the control equipment 16 side. Connections between the busbar and other conductors may be made by screwing, soldering, or welding.

[0045] The annular sealing members 50 and 60 seal the inner and outer spaces of the case 13. This makes it difficult for oil inside the case 13 to leak to the outside.

[0046] More specifically, the busbar 30 is a conductive member including a first connecting end 31, a second connecting end 32, and an intermediate portion 33. The busbar 30 is made of, for example, an elongated rod-shaped member. The busbar may also be made of an elongated metal plate. If the busbar is made of a rectangular rod-shaped or elongated metal plate, the corners should be rounded in the portion to which the annular sealing member is fitted. The intermediate portion 33 is located between the first connecting end 31 and the second connecting end 32. The first connecting end 31, the intermediate portion 33, and the second connecting end 32 are connected in a straight line in this order. The first connecting end 31 or the second connecting end 32 may be bent in the middle.

[0047] The busbar 30 penetrates the base body 40. The base body 40 surrounds the intermediate portion 33. The first connection end 31 and the second connection end 32 are portions that extend outward from the base body 40. The first connection end 31 extends, for example, into the case 13. The portion of the first connection end 31 is connected to a conductor inside the case 13. The second connection end 32 extends outside the case 13. The portion of the second connection end 32 is connected to a conductor outside the case 13.

[0048] In this embodiment, an example is described in which the terminal block 20 has three busbars 30. However, the number of terminals that the terminal block has is arbitrary and is not limited to this example. For example, the terminal block may have only one busbar. The terminal block may have two or four or more busbars.

[0049] The base body 40 is an insulating member formed from resin or the like. The base body 40 is, for example, a resin part integrally molded from resin. For example, the base body 40 may be molded with the busbar 30 as an insert part. Alternatively, the busbar 30 may be held through a through-hole in the base body 40, which is formed separately from the busbar 30.

[0050] The busbar 30 passes through the base body 40. In a plan view, the base body 40 is formed in a shape that is wider than the through hole 15h. In this embodiment, the base body 40 is formed in an elongated shape, for example, an oval plate or a rectangular plate. An oval shape is a shape in which semicircular portions are connected to both short sides of a rectangle that is long in one direction. The shape of the base body 40 is not particularly limited; the base body 40 may be a square plate or a circular plate.

[0051] The base body 40 has a through hole 40h. The through hole 40h opens on both sides of the base body 40. The bus bar 30 passes through the through hole 40h.

[0052] The portion of the base body 40 opposite to the case 13, which extends outward from the base body through-hole 40h, is the opening periphery portion 41. The opening periphery portion 41 is provided corresponding to each of the three base body through-holes 40h.

[0053] The portion of the base body 40 facing the case 13, which extends outward from the opening of the base body through hole 40h, is the case-facing peripheral edge 42. In this embodiment, the case-facing peripheral edge 42 is the elongated annular portion of the base body 40 on the case 13 side that collectively surrounds the openings of multiple base body through holes 40h.

[0054] An annular groove 41g is formed on the case-facing peripheral edge 42. The annular groove 41g is formed as an elongated annular groove that collectively surrounds the openings of multiple through holes 40h in the base body.

[0055] The case-facing peripheral edge and the annular groove may have an annular shape surrounding the opening of a single through-hole in the base body.

[0056] When the terminal block 20 is attached to the case 13, a gap may occur between the case 13 and the terminal block body 40. Also, a gap may occur between the bus bar 30 and the case 13.

[0057] The annular sealing members 50 and 60 seal each of the above gaps. This makes it difficult for oil inside the case 13 to leak to the outside.

[0058] Furthermore, each of the annular sealing members 50 and 60 includes an annular body portion 52 and 62 made of silicone rubber, and a covering portion 54 and 64 made of fluororubber that covers at least a part of the surface of the annular body portion 52 and 62.

[0059] Both silicone rubber and fluororubber have excellent heat resistance, for example, they can withstand temperatures up to 180 degrees Celsius. Therefore, the annular sealing members 50 and 60 as a whole also have excellent heat resistance, for example, they can withstand temperatures up to 180 degrees Celsius.

[0060] Furthermore, silicone rubber is less expensive than fluororubber. Therefore, the material cost of the annular sealing members 50 and 60 can be reduced compared to when the entire annular sealing member is made of fluororubber.

[0061] Furthermore, fluororubber absorbs less oil than silicone rubber and has superior oil resistance. Therefore, by covering at least a portion of the surface of the silicone rubber annular body parts 52 and 62 with the fluororubber covering parts 54 and 64, it is easy to impart oil resistance to the annular sealing members 50 and 60.

[0062] The covering portions 54 and 64 may partially cover the surface of the annular main body portions 52 and 62, or they may cover the entire surface of the annular main body portions 52 and 62. The covering portions 54 and 64 should be positioned in areas where oil is likely to adhere.

[0063] If the covering portions 54 and 64 partially cover the surfaces of the annular main bodies 52 and 62, the covering portions 54 and 64 may be positioned in locations that are easily exposed to oil.

[0064] In this embodiment, the annular sealing member 50 is an annular sealing member 50 for the bus bar that seals the gap between the bus bar 30 and the base body 40. The annular sealing member 60 is an annular sealing member 60 for the case that seals the gap between the case 13 and the base body 40.

[0065] Specific examples of the annular sealing member 50 for the busbar and the annular sealing member 60 for the case will be described.

[0066] <Regarding annular sealing members for busbars> The annular sealing member 50 for the busbar is provided corresponding to each of the multiple busbars 30. The annular sealing member 50 for the busbar includes an annular main body portion 52 and a covering portion 54. The covering portion 54 partially covers the surface of the annular main body portion 52.

[0067] The annular main body portion 52 and the covering portion 54 may be formed as separate parts. For example, the annular main body portion 52 may be molded as an annular component, and the covering portion 54 may be molded separately as another annular component.

[0068] The annular main body and the partial covering portion may be constructed as a single integrated part. For example, the covering portion may be a coated portion that covers a part of the annular main body. Alternatively, the covering portion may be placed as an insert part in a position that covers a part of the surface of the annular main body, and the annular main body may be molded using a mold.

[0069] The annular sealing member 50 for the busbar is arranged, for example, on the opening periphery 41 so as to surround the busbar 30.

[0070] The annular body portion 52 is a component made of silicone rubber and is formed in an annular shape that surrounds the bus bar 30. The inner circumference of the annular body portion 52 may be formed to be the size and shape that closely fits the bus bar 30. The inner circumference of the annular body portion 52 may be formed to be the size and shape that surrounds the bus bar 30 with some space between them.

[0071] The covering portion 54 has a cylindrical portion 54a and a flange-shaped portion 54b. The covering portion 54 may be a part integrally molded from, for example, fluororubber.

[0072] The cylindrical portion 54a is formed in a cylindrical shape that is sandwiched between the bus bar 30 and the annular main body portion 52. The cylindrical portion 54a may be formed in a size and shape that allows it to be in close contact with the outer surface of the bus bar 30, for example.

[0073] The cylindrical portion 54a may be in close contact with the busbar 30 and the annular body portion 52 due to the clamping force of the annular body portion 52. Alternatively, the cylindrical portion 54a may be in close contact with the busbar 30 and the annular body portion 52 by a separate component.

[0074] The flange portion 54b is formed in a flange shape, sandwiched between the annular main body portion 52 and the opening peripheral edge portion 41. For example, the flange portion 54b is formed in a shape that widens outward from the opening on the opening peripheral edge portion 41 side of the cylindrical portion 54a. The outer shape of the flange portion 54b may be circular, elliptical, or polygonal.

[0075] The flange portion 54b may be kept in close contact with the opening periphery 41 and the annular body portion 52 by the force exerted by the cylindrical portion 54a tightening the busbar 30 and the annular body portion 52 tightening the flange portion 54b and the busbar 30. The flange portion 54b may be kept in close contact with the opening periphery 41 and the annular body portion 52 by a separate component.

[0076] The thickness of the cylindrical portion 54a and the flange portion 54b is arbitrary. The thickness of the cylindrical portion 54a and the flange portion 54b may be, for example, 0.04 mm to 3 mm.

[0077] The cylindrical portion 54a covers the portion of the annular main body 52 that faces the bus bar 30. The flange portion 54b covers the portion of the annular main body 52 that faces the base body 40. The annular main body 52 is not covered on the side opposite to the bus bar 30 and the side opposite to the base body 40, and is exposed from the covering portion 54.

[0078] The cover portion 54 and the annular main body portion 52 may be assembled to the terminal block 20 separately, or they may be assembled to the terminal block 20 together. If the cover portion 54 is assembled separately from the annular main body portion 52, the cover portion 54 can be elastically deformed without being affected by the annular main body portion 52, and can be easily fitted onto the busbar 30.

[0079] The annular sealing member 50 for the busbar may be pressed against the busbar 30 and the opening periphery 41 by a separate pressing component.

[0080] The pressing component may be, for example, a pressing portion 18 provided on the part of the case 17 of the control device 16 that faces the terminal block 20.

[0081] The pressing portion 18 protrudes from the case 17 toward the terminal block 20. The pressing portion 18 has a tapered pressing surface 18f that progressively widens toward the main body 40 at a position opposite the bus bar 30. The far side of the pressing surface 18f penetrates into the case 17. The second connection end 32 of the bus bar 30 extends toward the inside of the case 17 through the pressing surface 18f.

[0082] The annular sealing member 50 for the busbar is positioned on the opening periphery 41 so as to be able to contact the pressing surface 18f. The control device 16 is fixed to the rotating electric machine 12 with screws S or the like. When the control device 16 is fixed to the rotating electric machine 12, the busbar 30 is passed through the pressing surface 18f and the annular sealing member 50 for the busbar is pressed against the pressing surface 18f. As the screws S are tightened, the pressing surface 18f approaches the base body 40, and the pressing surface 18f presses the annular sealing member 50 for the busbar against the opening periphery 41 of the base body 40 and the outer circumferential surface of the busbar 30. In other words, the annular sealing member 50 for the busbar is pressed against the opening periphery 41 of the base body 40 and the outer circumferential surface of the busbar 30 using the tightening force of the screws S.

[0083] As a result, the cylindrical portion 54a is kept in close contact with the busbar 30 and the annular main body portion 52, while the flange-shaped portion 54b is kept in close contact with the opening peripheral portion 41 and the annular main body portion 52.

[0084] In this case, the annular body portion 52 made of silicone rubber is expected to be more flexible than the covering portion 54 made of fluororubber, so the annular body portion 52 is primarily more susceptible to compression deformation. Because the annular body portion 52 is easily compressed and deformed, the above-mentioned tight-fitting state can be easily maintained by the elastic restoring force of the annular body portion 52 without applying a large force to the base body 40.

[0085] Oil from inside the case may leak out through the gap between the busbar 30 and the base body 40. The cover portion 54 is pressed against the surface of the busbar 30 and the opening periphery 41 of the base body 40. Therefore, any oil that would otherwise leak out is sealed by the cover portion 54. As a result, leakage to the outside is suppressed. In addition, the oil is less likely to reach the annular body portion 52.

[0086] The pressing component does not necessarily have to be provided on the control device 16. For example, the pressing component may be a component assembled to the case separately from the control device 16.

[0087] <Regarding annular sealing members for cases> The case annular sealing member 60 is a component common to multiple busbars 30. The case annular sealing member 60 includes an annular main body portion 62 and a covering portion 64. The covering portion 64 covers the entire surface of the annular main body portion 62.

[0088] The annular body portion 62 and the cover portion 64 may be constructed as a single integrated part. For example, the cover portion 64 may be a coated portion that covers the entire surface of the annular body portion 62. Alternatively, the annular sealing member 60 for the case may be a two-color molded (double molded) member in which the annular body portion 62 and the cover portion 64 are molded in separate processes. Alternatively, the annular sealing member 60 for the case may be a part in which one of the annular body portion 62 and the cover portion 64 is an insert portion and the other is molded.

[0089] Furthermore, if the covering portion 64 covers the entire surface of the annular main body portion 62, this includes cases where the annular main body portion is exposed to an extent that is unavoidable during manufacturing, such as at the positioning points during mold molding.

[0090] The annular sealing member 60 for the case is arranged, for example, on the opening periphery 41 so as to surround the bus bar 30.

[0091] The annular sealing member 60 for the case surrounds the busbar 30 with a gap between the case's opposing peripheral edge 42 and the case 13. In other words, the annular sealing member 60 for the case is located outside the opening of the through hole 15h and is not in close contact with the busbar 30.

[0092] In this embodiment, the annular sealing member 60 for the case is positioned along the annular groove 41g, and is located between the inner side surface of the annular groove 41g and the outward-facing surface of the case base portion 14b.

[0093] The annular body portion 62 described above is a component made of silicone rubber and is formed in an annular shape that encloses multiple busbars 30 together. For example, the annular body portion 62 is formed in an elongated annular shape.

[0094] The covering portion 64 covers the entire surface of the annular main body portion 62. The covering portion 64 may have a uniform thickness. The thickness of the covering portion 64 is arbitrary. If the covering portion 64 is a coating layer formed by coating, the thickness of the covering portion 64 may be, for example, 0.02 mm to 1 mm. If the covering portion 64 is a layer formed by double molding, the thickness of the covering portion 64 may be, for example, 0.5 mm to 3 mm.

[0095] The base body 40 is fixed to the outward-facing portion of the case base 14b by screws S or the like. The screws S, for example, press the base body 40 against the outward-facing portion of the case base 14b.

[0096] When the base body 40 is pressed against the case base portion 14b by the fastening force of the screw S, the annular sealing member 60 for the case is compressed between the case base portion 14b and the base body 40, and pressed against the case-facing peripheral edge 42 of the base body 40 and the outward-facing portion of the case base portion 14b. As a result, the cover portion 64 is kept in close contact with the case-facing peripheral edge 42 and the outward-facing portion of the case base portion 14b. In addition, the portion of the annular body portion 62 facing the opening side of the through hole 15h is covered by the cover portion 64.

[0097] In this case, since the annular body portion 62 made of silicone rubber is expected to be more flexible than the covering portion 64 made of fluororubber, the annular body portion 62 is primarily more susceptible to compression deformation. Because the annular body portion 62 is easily compressed and deformed, the above-mentioned tight-fitting state can be easily maintained by the elastic restoring force of the annular body portion 62 without applying a large force to the base body 40.

[0098] Oil from inside the case 13 may leak out through the through-hole 15h and through the gap between the case 13 and the base body 40 to the outside. Since the annular sealing member 60 for the case is interposed between the case 13 and the base body 40, any oil that would otherwise leak out is sealed by the annular sealing member 60 for the case. Since the cover portion 64 covers the entire surface of the annular body portion 62, it is difficult for the oil to reach the annular body portion 62.

[0099] The annular sealing member 60 for the case may be pre-assembled to the base body 40. For example, the annular sealing member 60 for the case may be pre-assembled to the base body 40 by a recessed interlocking structure.

[0100] <Effects, etc.> As described above, the terminal block 20 comprises annular sealing members 50 and 60, each including annular body portions 52 and 62 made of silicone rubber and fluororubber covering portions 54 and 64 that cover at least a portion of the outer circumference of the annular body portions 52 and 62. Both silicone rubber and fluororubber have excellent heat resistance, thus increasing the overall heat resistance of the annular sealing members 50 and 60. Furthermore, since silicone rubber is less expensive than fluororubber, it is possible to reduce costs compared to manufacturing the entire annular sealing member from fluororubber. Additionally, since fluororubber has better oil resistance than silicone rubber, covering at least a portion of the surface of the annular body portions 52 and 62 with fluororubber covering portions 54 and 64 enhances the oil resistance of the annular sealing members 50 and 60. This makes it possible to further improve the heat resistance and oil resistance of the terminal block 20 used in environments exposed to oil, at a low cost.

[0101] The annular body portions 52 and 62 made of silicone rubber deform more elastically than the covering portions 54 and 64, thereby ensuring a compression margin necessary for maintaining adhesion. Furthermore, the easily elastically deformable annular body portions 52 and 62 readily absorb component errors and assembly errors. This makes it easier to maintain sealing performance.

[0102] Furthermore, the terminal block 20 includes an annular sealing member 50 for busbars that seals the gap between the busbars 30 and the terminal block body 40. Therefore, the gap between the busbars 30 and the terminal block body 40 is sealed by the annular sealing member 50 for busbars.

[0103] Furthermore, the terminal block 20 includes an annular sealing member 60 for the case that seals the gap between the case 13 and the base body 40. Therefore, the gap between the case 13 and the base body 40 is sealed by the annular sealing member 60 for the case.

[0104] The covering portion 54 partially covers the surface of the annular main body portion 52, preventing the annular sealing member 50 from becoming too rigid. This makes the annular sealing member 50 more easily deformable, allowing it to be easily assembled to the terminal block 20 while being deformed. Furthermore, reducing the surface area of ​​the covering portion 54 reduces the amount of fluororubber used. This makes it possible to reduce the cost of the annular sealing member 50.

[0105] Furthermore, if the annular body portion 52 and the cover portion 54 are formed as separate parts, then the annular body portion 52 and the cover portion 54 can be easily formed as separate parts. Also, since the annular body portion 52 and the cover portion 54 can be assembled to the terminal block 20 separately, or can be deformed separately and assembled to the terminal block 20, the annular sealing member 50 can be easily assembled to the terminal block 20.

[0106] Furthermore, the annular sealing member 50 for the busbar has a covering portion 54 which has a cylindrical portion 54a sandwiched between the busbar 30 and the annular main body portion 52, and a flange-shaped portion 54b sandwiched between the annular main body portion 52 and the opening peripheral edge portion 41. As a result, the annular sealing member 50 for the busbar is in close contact with the busbar 30 and the base body 40 outside the through hole 40h of the base body. This prevents the annular main body portion 52 from being exposed to oil flowing along the busbar 30.

[0107] Furthermore, since the cover portion 64 covers the entire surface of the annular main body portion 62, the annular sealing member 60 is easy to handle as a single part. This makes it easier to assemble the annular sealing member 60 to the terminal block 20 or to interpose it between the terminal block 20 and the case 13.

[0108] If the cover portion 64 covers the entire surface of the annular main body portion 62, the annular sealing member 60 for the case may become rigid. The annular sealing member 60 for the case does not need to be fitted onto the busbar 30. The force applied when screwing the terminal block 20 to the case 13 can compress the annular sealing member 60 for the case. This makes it easier to install the annular sealing member 60 for the case, which covers the entire surface of the annular main body portion 62, into the mounting location between the terminal block 20 and the case 13.

[0109] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a terminal block 120 according to Modification 1. The terminal block 120 is equipped with an annular sealing member 150 for busbars instead of the annular sealing member 50 for busbars.

[0110] The busbar annular sealing member 150 comprises an annular main body portion 152 and a covering portion 154. The covering portion 154 covers the entire surface of the annular main body portion 152, similar to the case annular sealing member 60.

[0111] The annular sealing member 150 for the busbar can be manufactured in the same manner as the annular sealing member 60 for the case.

[0112] According to this modified example 1, the same effects and advantages as in the above embodiment can be obtained, except for the effects based on the configuration specific to the annular sealing member 50 for the busbar.

[0113] Furthermore, the use of the annular sealing member 150 for the busbar reduces the number of parts.

[0114] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a terminal block 220 according to modified example 2. The terminal block 220 is equipped with an annular sealing member 260 for the case instead of the annular sealing member 60 for the case.

[0115] The annular sealing member 260 for the case comprises an annular main body portion 262 and a covering portion 264. The covering portion 264 covers a part of the surface of the annular main body portion 262.

[0116] For example, the annular main body portion 262 is an elongated annular member that encloses multiple busbars 30 together.

[0117] The cover portion 264 has a first flange-shaped portion 264a, a second flange-shaped portion 264c, and an inner cylindrical portion 264b. The cover portion 264 may be a part molded as a single unit.

[0118] The first flange portion 264a is the part sandwiched between the case-facing peripheral edge portion 42 and the annular body portion 262. The second flange portion 264c is the part sandwiched between the annular body portion 262 and the case 13. The inner cylindrical portion 264b is a cylindrical portion interposed between the bus bar 30 and the annular body portion 262. The thickness of the flange portions 264a, 264c and the inner cylindrical portion 264b is arbitrary, but may be, for example, 0.04 mm to 3 mm.

[0119] For example, the inner cylindrical portion 264b is formed in a flat cylindrical shape that covers multiple busbars 30 together. A first flange-shaped portion 264a extends outwards from one opening of the inner cylindrical portion 264b toward the outer circumference. A second flange-shaped portion 264c extends outwards from the other opening of the inner cylindrical portion 264b toward the outer circumference. The covering portion 264 may also have a bobbin-like shape.

[0120] The annular main body portion 262 is positioned on the outer circumference side of the inner cylindrical portion 264b, between the first flange portion 264a and the second flange portion 264c.

[0121] The annular sealing member 260 for the case is positioned along the annular groove 41g, similar to the annular sealing member 60 for the case, and is compressed between the case 13 and the bottom of the annular groove 41g.

[0122] In this state, the cover portion 264 is in close contact with the case 13 and the base body 40. The cover portion 264 also covers the annular body portion 262 from the inside. As a result, any oil that would otherwise leak out from the through hole 15h is sealed by the annular sealing member 260 for the case. Furthermore, since the annular body portion 262 is covered by the cover portion 264 from the inner circumference, exposure of the annular body portion 262 to oil is suppressed.

[0123] According to this modified example 2, the same effects and advantages as in the above embodiment can be obtained, except for the effects based on the configuration specific to the annular sealing member 60 for the case.

[0124] Furthermore, the use of the annular sealing member 260 for the case makes it easier to deform. This makes it easier to maintain the annular sealing member 260 pressed against the case 13 and the base body 40 while suppressing excessive compressive force on the base body 40.

[0125] [Differentiation] Furthermore, the configurations described in the above embodiments and each of the modified examples can be combined as appropriate, as long as they do not contradict each other. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0126] 10. Integrated electromechanical unit 12 Rotating Electric Machines 13 cases 14a Case body 14b Case base 15 Mounting plate section 15h through hole 16 Control equipment 16B Control Board 17 cases 18 Pressing part 18f Pressing surface 20, 120, 220 terminal block 30 Bus Bar 31 First connection end 32 Second connection end 33 Middle section 40 units 40h Stand body through hole 41 Periphery of the opening 41g annular groove 42 Case opposing peripheral edge 50, 150 Annular sealing member for busbars 52, 62, 152, 262 Annular main body 54, 64, 154, 264 Covering 54a Cylinder part 54b Flange 60, 260 Annular sealing member for case 264a First collar 264b Inner cylinder part 264c Second collar S screw

Claims

1. A terminal block held in a case having a through hole, A busbar including a first connection end, a second connection end, and an intermediate portion between the first connection end and the second connection end, The base body surrounding the aforementioned intermediate section, An annular sealing member that seals the inner space and outer space of the aforementioned case, Equipped with, The annular sealing member is a terminal block comprising an annular body made of silicone rubber and a covering portion made of fluororubber that covers at least a part of the surface of the annular body.

2. A terminal block according to claim 1, The terminal block includes an annular sealing member for a busbar that seals the gap between the busbar and the base body.

3. A terminal block according to claim 1 or claim 2, The terminal block includes an annular sealing member for the case that seals the gap between the case and the base body.

4. A terminal block according to claim 1 or claim 2, The covering portion is a terminal block that partially covers the surface of the annular main body portion.

5. A terminal block according to claim 4, The terminal block is formed by the annular main body and the cover being separate components.

6. A terminal block according to claim 2, The base body has a through-hole in the base body through which the busbar passes, and an opening periphery portion that extends outward from the opening of the through-hole in the base body. The annular sealing member for the busbar surrounds the busbar on the peripheral edge of the opening, The terminal block wherein the annular sealing member for the busbar is a member in which the covering portion has a cylindrical portion sandwiched between the busbar and the annular main body portion, and a flange-shaped portion sandwiched between the annular main body portion and the opening peripheral edge portion.

7. A terminal block according to claim 3, The base body has a through-hole in the base body through which the busbar passes, and a case-facing peripheral edge that faces the case on the outer circumference side of the opening of the through-hole in the base body, The annular sealing member for the case surrounds the busbar at intervals between the case's opposing peripheral edge and the case. The annular sealing member for the case is a terminal block in which the covering portion has a first flange-shaped portion sandwiched between the case's opposing peripheral edge and the annular main body portion, a second flange-shaped portion sandwiched between the annular main body portion and the case, and an inner cylindrical portion interposed between the busbar and the annular main body portion.

8. A terminal block according to claim 1 or claim 2, The covering portion is a terminal block that covers the entire surface of the annular main body portion.

9. A terminal block according to claim 3, The base body has a through-hole in the base body through which the busbar passes, and a case-facing peripheral edge that faces the case on the outer circumference side of the opening of the through-hole in the base body, The annular sealing member for the case surrounds the busbar at intervals between the case's opposing peripheral edge and the case. The annular sealing member for the case is a terminal block in which the covering portion is a member that covers the entire surface of the annular main body portion.

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