Terminal block

Abstract

To provide a terminal block with a simple structure that allows the holder to be properly joined to the housing. [Solution] The terminal block 1 comprises a housing 3 that holds a plurality of terminals 2, a holder 4 that is press-fitted into the housing 3 and assembled, and a bolt held by the holder 4 and a nut 6 that screws onto the bolt and is attached through the terminals 2. The holder 4 has a press-fit portion 43 that is press-fitted into the housing 2, and the press-fit portion 43 has a rib 431 that protrudes from the outer surface, and is configured to be press-fitted by bringing the rib 431 into contact with the housing 3.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as for a terminal block, for example, as described in Patent Document 1, a terminal block including a housing that holds terminals, a packing arranged to cover the periphery of the terminals, and a holder that holds the packing is known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In such a terminal block, there is room for improvement in that the structure may become complicated when trying to strongly join the holder to the housing. For example, in the above-described terminal block, the holder is press-fitted into the housing via the packing, but there may be a case where it is required to more strongly join the holder to the housing. In this case, it is conceivable to engage the holder with the housing by providing a lance shape on the holder, etc., but there is a risk that the joining structure may become complicated.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a terminal block capable of appropriately joining a holder to a housing with a simple structure.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In other words, the terminal block according to the present invention comprises a housing that holds a plurality of terminals, a holder that is press-fitted into the housing and assembled, and a bolt held by the holder and attached through the terminals, and a nut that screws onto the bolt. The holder has a press-fit portion that is press-fitted into the housing, and the press-fit portion has ribs protruding from its outer surface, and is configured to be press-fitted by bringing the ribs into contact with the housing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the terminal block of the present invention, the holder can be properly joined to the housing with a simple structure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a terminal block according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the terminal block according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the terminal block holder according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the terminal block at IV-IV in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the terminal block according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a side view of the terminal block according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a front view of the terminal block according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the nut holder of the terminal block according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram of the clearance between the nut holder and the nut in the terminal block according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. Furthermore, some of the components in the following embodiments may be easily substituted or substantially identical to those that are easily substituted by those skilled in the art.

[0010] [Embodiment] This embodiment relates to a terminal block. In the following description, of the three intersecting directions, the first direction is referred to as the "connection direction X," the second direction as the "width direction Y," and the third direction as the "height direction Z." Here, the connection direction X, the width direction Y, and the height direction Z are mutually orthogonal. Note that "orthogonal" here includes approximately orthogonal. The connection direction X corresponds to the connection direction between the terminal block and the object to be connected, and the connection direction of the terminals. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the directions used in the following description refer to the directions when the parts are assembled together.

[0011] A terminal block 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the terminal block 1 according to the first embodiment is a component that holds terminals 2, and is used by being attached to, for example, an object to be mounted (not shown) and mounted on a vehicle. The terminal block 1 comprises terminals 2, a housing 3, a holder 4, and a nut 6. Terminals 2 are terminal fittings that make electrical connections, and are constructed, for example, by forming a conductive metal into a plate shape. Multiple terminals 2 are provided and are arranged in a line in the width direction Y that intersects the connection direction X. Terminals 2 are arranged in a direction that extends in the connection direction X and intersects the height direction Z. For example, three terminals 2 are provided, but the number of terminals 2 installed is not limited to this. A through hole 21 is formed at one end of terminal 2 in the connection direction X. The through hole 21 is a hole for inserting a fastening member and fixing terminal 2 to the holder 4. Terminals 2 are formed to extend in a straight line, but for example, they may bend from the connection direction X to the height direction Z, or they may be bent back from the height direction Z to the connection direction X to be formed in a crank shape.

[0013] The housing 3 is a component that holds the terminals 2 and is attached to the object to be mounted, and is made of an insulating material, for example, resin. The housing 3 has a main body portion 31 and a terminal support portion 32. The main body portion 31 is formed in a plate-like or block-like shape and is provided in a direction intersecting the connection direction X. The main body portion 31 is formed to be longer in the width direction Y than in the height direction Z, and holds a plurality of terminals 2 arranged in the width direction Y, passing through in the connection direction X. The main body portion 31 has a flange portion 311. The flange portion 311 is a part for fixing the housing 3 to the object to be mounted, and is provided at both ends of the main body portion 31 in the width direction Y. The flange portion 311 has a fixing hole 311A ​​that penetrates in the connection direction X.

[0014] The terminal support portion 32 is a part that supports or fixes the terminal 2, and for example, the terminal 2 is supported or fixed via the holder 4. The terminal support portion 32 is provided in connection with the main body portion 31 and extends from the main body portion 31 in the connection direction X. The terminal support portion 32 is formed integrally with the main body portion 31, and its cross-sectional shape in the direction intersecting the connection direction X is elliptical or oval. The terminal support portion 32 is formed to be longer in the width direction Y than in the height direction Z, for example, similar to the main body portion 31.

[0015] The terminal support portion 32 forms a retaining groove 321 and an assembly portion 322. The retaining groove 321 is a groove for holding the packing 5 and is formed as an annular groove along the outer circumference of the terminal support portion 32. The retaining groove 321 is formed on the base end side of the terminal support portion 32 compared to the assembly portion 322. The outer circumferential surface 32A of the terminal support portion 32 is a watertight surface. The retaining groove 321 is formed to a size and depth such that the packing 5 protrudes from the outer circumferential surface 32A when the packing 5 is housed in it. This ensures that the packing 5 properly seals the space between the housing 3 and the object to be mounted. The assembly portion 322 is a recess for assembling the holder 4 and is formed by recessing the tip side of the terminal support portion 32 relative to the retaining groove 321, following the outer shape of the holder 4. Multiple terminals 2 protrude from the assembly portion 322, penetrating the main body portion 31. The assembly portion 322 is formed, for example, by recessing more than half of the terminal support portion 32.

[0016] The holder 4 is a member that is assembled to the terminal support portion 32 and supports the end portion of the terminal 2. The holder 4 is formed of an insulating material, for example, formed of resin. The holder 4 is assembled on the distal end side of the mounting position of the packing 5 in the terminal support portion 32. That is, the holder 4 is assembled to the assembling portion 322 of the terminal support portion 32. As described above, since the assembling portion 322 is formed on the distal end side of the terminal support portion 32 as compared with the holding groove 321 that houses the packing 5, the holder 4 assembled to the assembling portion 322 is installed on the distal end side of the packing 5.

[0017] The holder 4 forms an arrangement space 41 for arranging each of the plurality of terminals 2 and supports the end portions of the plurality of terminals 2. The arrangement space 41 is a space for arranging the terminals 2 that extend through the main body portion 31, and is formed by being partitioned for each terminal 2 in the holder 4. The main body portion 31 side in the connection direction X of the arrangement space 41 is partitioned by a side wall 411. An insertion hole 412 is formed in the side wall 411. The insertion hole 412 is a hole for inserting the terminal 2. The terminal 2 extending from the main body portion 31 enters the arrangement space 41 through the insertion hole 412.

[0018] Adjacent arrangement spaces 41 are partitioned by a partition portion 42. The partition portion 42 is a plate-like portion that extends in the connection direction X and is raised in the height direction Z, and is provided between the arrangement space 41 and the arrangement space 41. The partition portion 42 enhances the insulation of the terminal 2 by partitioning the arrangement space 41 of the terminal 2. The partition portion 42 is formed by being raised from the installation position side of the terminal 2 to the water stop surface side of the terminal support portion 32. Further, the partition portion 42 is provided not only between the arrangement spaces 41, 41 but also outside the arrangement space 41 formed at the end position in the width direction Y. By providing the partition portion 42 in this way, the assembling property of the packing 5 can be made better.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, a housing portion 413 is formed in the arrangement space 41 of the holder 4. The housing portion 413 is a space for housing the nut 6 and is formed by recessing the floor of the arrangement space 41. The nut 6 has a screw hole 61 with threads on its inner circumference. The housing portion 413 is formed at the position where the through hole 21 of the terminal 2 is located in the connection direction X and the width direction Y. The housing portion 413 is formed in a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the nut 6, for example, in a rectangular cross-section. However, the outer shape of the nut 6 and the shape of the housing portion 413 are not limited to a rectangular cross-section. With the nut 6 housed in the housing portion 413, a bolt (not shown) is inserted through the through hole 21 of the terminal 2 and screwed into the nut 6, thereby fastening the terminal 2 to the holder 4 by the fastening of the bolt and the nut 6.

[0020] The housing portion 413 has a clearance between it and the nut 6. The clearance is the gap between the housing portion 413 and the nut 6, and is formed to be large enough to allow the nut 6 to move so that the bolt and nut 6 can be screwed together. In other words, the nut 6 is housed in the housing portion 413 of the holder 4 with a clearance, allowing the nut 6 to move within the housing portion 413. Therefore, when a bolt is inserted through the through hole 21 of the terminal 2, the bolt and nut 6 can be screwed together and the terminal 2 fastened without having to control the position of the nut 6.

[0021] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the holder 4 has a press-fit portion 43 that is press-fitted into the housing 3. The press-fit portion 43 is, for example, a portion that protrudes from the side wall 411 in the connection direction X, and is formed in a tapered shape toward the protruding tip. An insertion hole 412 is formed in the press-fit portion 43 along the connection direction X. That is, the press-fit portion 43 is provided so as to cover the area around the terminal 2 that is inserted through the insertion hole 412. The press-fit portion 43 is inserted into the joining hole 33 of the housing 3 and press-fitted. The joining hole 33 is formed according to the shape of the press-fit portion 43 and is provided so as to become narrower towards the back. For example, the joining hole 33 has a tapered portion 33A that tapers toward the end and a straight portion 33B from the tapered portion 33A to a straight portion with a constant hole diameter, and penetrates the housing 3. The straight portion 33B functions as a housing space for accommodating the water-stopping member 7.

[0022] The press-fit portion 43 has a rib 431 that protrudes from its outer circumferential surface. The rib 431 is provided, for example, on the tip side of the press-fit portion 43 and is formed to be long in the connection direction X. The rib 431 functions as a crush rib. That is, when the press-fit portion 43 is press-fitted into the joint hole 33, the rib 431 abuts against the inner surface of the joint hole 33 and collapses, filling the gap between the press-fit portion 43 and the joint hole 33 and making the press-fit portion 43 and the joint hole 33 tightly fitted together. As a result, the rib 431 prevents the press-fit portion 43 from coming loose from the joint hole 33, and allows the holder 4 to be properly joined to the housing 3 despite its simple structure.

[0023] Each terminal 2 is fitted with a water-sealing member 7. The water-sealing member 7 is positioned to surround the terminal 2 and is attached to the housing 3. In other words, the water-sealing member 7 is a member that seals the space between the terminal 2 and the housing 3, and is annular in shape and made of an elastic material. The water-sealing member 7 is attached around the terminal 2 on the tip side of the press-fit portion 43 and is inserted into the joint hole 33 together with the press-fit portion 43 of the holder 4. In this case, the holder 4 functions as a front holder that holds the water-sealing member 7.

[0024] The packing 5 is a component that seals the gap between the housing 3 and the object to be attached, and is assembled into the retaining groove 321 of the housing 3. The packing 5 is an annular water-sealing component and is made of, for example, an elastic material. The packing 5 is assembled, for example, to the terminal support portion 32 to which the holder 4 is assembled, so as to surround the terminal support portion 32 from the tip side.

[0025] Next, the assembly of the terminal block 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0026] The terminal block 1 is assembled, for example, by sequentially assembling the terminals 2, holder 4, and packing 5 to the housing 3.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, first, the terminal 2 is assembled to the housing 3. The terminal 2 is assembled to the housing 3 so as to pass through the main body 31. At this time, the terminal 2 is assembled so that the end with the through hole 21 is located on the terminal support portion 32 side.

[0028] Next, the holder 4 is assembled to the housing 3. First, a water-sealing member 7 is attached to each terminal 2. That is, the water-sealing member 7 is attached to each terminal 2 so as to cover the outer circumference of the terminal 2. Then, a nut 6 is housed in the housing portion 413 of the holder 4, and with the nuts 6 housed, the holder 4 is assembled to the assembly portion 322 of the terminal support portion 32. Specifically, the terminal 2 extending from the main body portion 31 is inserted through the insertion hole 412, and the press-fit portion 43 is inserted into the joining hole 33. The water-sealing member 7 is pressed against the tip of the press-fit portion 43 and slides into the depths of the joining hole 33. The press-fit portion 43 is firmly fitted into the joining hole 33 and press-fitted.

[0029] As a result, as shown in Figure 4, the rib 431 abuts against the inner surface of the joint hole 33 and collapses, filling the gap between the press-fit portion 43 and the joint hole 33. Therefore, the press-fit portion 43 and the joint hole 33 are in close contact and strongly joined. In other words, the rib 431 prevents the press-fit portion 43 from coming loose from the joint hole 33, allowing the holder 4 to be properly joined to the housing 3 despite its simple structure. Furthermore, because the press-fit portion 43 of the holder 4 is press-fitted into the joint hole 33 in a way that prevents it from coming loose, the watertight member 7 can be securely held, ensuring watertightness between the terminal 2 and the housing 3.

[0030] Then, the bolt is inserted into the through hole 21 of the terminal 2 and screwed into the threaded hole 61 of the nut 6, fixing the terminal 2 to the holder 4 and housing 3. At this time, since the nut 6 is housed within the housing 413 with a clearance so that it can move, once the bolt is inserted into the through hole 21, it becomes possible to screw it with the nut 6. In other words, the bolt and nut 6 can be screwed together without having to precisely control the position of the nut 6.

[0031] Then, the packing 5 is assembled to the housing 3. For example, the packing 5 is enlarged in diameter to surround the holder 4 and the terminal support portion 32 and assembled to the retaining groove 321. Once the packing 5 is assembled to the housing 3, the assembly of the terminal block 1 is complete. Note that the packing 5 may be assembled before the terminals 2 and holder 4 are assembled to the housing 3.

[0032] As described above, the terminal block 1 according to this embodiment allows the press-fit portion 43 of the holder 4 to be accurately joined to the housing 3 by forming a rib 431 on the press-fit portion 43. Therefore, the terminal block 1 according to this embodiment allows the holder 4 to be appropriately joined to the housing 3 with a simple structure.

[0033] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the terminal block 1 can join the holder 4 to the housing 3 by the rib 431 of the press-fit portion 43, thus eliminating the need for a locking mechanism such as a lance shape. Therefore, the terminal block 1 in this embodiment can suppress a decrease in yield due to damage to the lance shape, and can improve manufacturing efficiency. In addition, the terminal block 1 in this embodiment can be made smaller and lighter.

[0034] Furthermore, in the terminal block 1 according to this embodiment, the nut 6 is housed with clearance in the housing portion 413 of the holder 4, so that the terminal 2 can be fastened by screwing the bolt into the nut 6 without having to manage the position of the nut 6. Therefore, the terminal block 1 according to this embodiment can be manufactured with increased manufacturing efficiency.

[0035] Furthermore, the terminal block 1 according to this embodiment includes a water-sealing member 7 that is arranged to cover the area around the terminal 2 and assembled to the housing 3, and the holder 4 holds the water-sealing member 7. In the terminal block 1 according to this embodiment, since the holder 4 is properly joined to the housing 3, the water-sealing member 7 can be reliably held by the holder 4, and water-sealing between the terminal 2 and the housing 3 can be ensured.

[0036] Next, terminal block 1A according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0037] As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the terminal block 1A according to the second embodiment is configured in substantially the same way as the terminal block 1 according to the first embodiment, but differs from the terminal block 1 according to the first embodiment in that it has a bent portion 22 at one end of the terminal 2, and the bent portion 22 is fastened to the housing 3.

[0038] In terminal block 1A, terminal 2 has a bent portion 22 that penetrates the main body portion 31 of housing 3 and protrudes from the main body portion 31 on the opposite side of the terminal support portion 32. In other words, terminal 2 has a bent portion 22 that penetrates the main body portion 31 of housing 3 and extends from the main body portion 31 on the opposite side of the holder 4. The bent portion 22 is a portion that bends and extends from the connection direction X to the height direction Z. The bent portion 22 has a through portion (not shown) through which a bolt member passes. Housing 3 has, for example, a protruding portion 34 that protrudes from the main body portion 31 in the connection direction X. A nut holder 8 is arranged on the protruding portion 34.

[0039] As shown in Figure 8, the nut holder 8 is a component formed by integrally connecting multiple nut holding parts 81, for example, having three nut holding parts 81. The nut holding parts 81 are arranged side by side in the width direction Y of the nut holder 8. The nut holding part 81 is the part that accommodates and holds the nut member 9. The nut member 9 has a screw hole 91 with threads on its inner circumferential surface. A recess 82 is formed in the nut holding part 81. The recess 82 is a space that accommodates the nut member 9 and is formed by recessing the nut holding part 81. The nut holding part 81 is positioned so that the opening of the recess 82 faces the bent portion 22 of the terminal 2.

[0040] The recess 82 is formed in a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the nut member 9, for example, in a rectangular cross-section. However, the outer shape of the nut member 9 and the shape of the recess 82 are not limited to a rectangular cross-section. With the nut member 9 housed in the recess 82, the bolt member is inserted through the through-hole of the terminal 2 and screwed into the nut member 9, thereby fastening the terminal 2 to the housing 3 through the fastening of the bolt member and the nut member 9.

[0041] As shown in Figure 9, the recess 82 has a clearance C between it and the nut member 9. The clearance C is the gap between the recess 82 and the nut member 9, and is formed to be large enough to allow the nut member 9 to move so that the bolt member and the nut member 9 can be screwed together. In other words, the nut member 9 is housed in the recess 82 of the nut holder 8 with a clearance C, allowing the nut member 9 to move within the recess 82. Therefore, when the bolt member is inserted through the bent portion 22 of the terminal 2, the terminal 2 can be fastened by screwing the bolt member and the nut member 9 together without having to control the position of the nut member 9.

[0042] In Figure 8, the nut holding portion 81 is provided with a projection 83. The projection 83 is a portion that protrudes from the outer surface of the nut holding portion 81. A rib portion 84 is formed on the side surface of the projection 83. The rib portion 84 is a crushed rib and is used to support or temporarily support the nut holder 8 and the nut holding portion 81.

[0043] For example, in Figure 6, when the nut holder 8 is inserted into the protrusion 34 of the housing 3 from below, the projection 83 is inserted into the hole formed in the housing 3 and the rib portion 84 is crushed, allowing the nut holding portion 81 to be joined to the housing 3.

[0044] As described above, the terminal block 1A according to this embodiment can obtain the same effects as the terminal block 1 according to the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, since the nut member 9 is housed in the recess 82 of the nut holder 8 with clearance, the bolt member can be screwed into the nut member 9 and the terminal 2 fastened without having to manage the position of the nut member 9. Therefore, the terminal block 1 according to this embodiment can be manufactured with increased manufacturing efficiency.

[0045] It should be noted that the terminal block according to the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Terminal blocks 1 and 1A according to the embodiments may be constructed by appropriately combining the components of each embodiment and modified example described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 1, 1A: Terminal block 2: Terminals 3: Housing 4: Holder 6: Nut 7: Water-stopping component 9: Nut component 22: Bending section 82: Recess 43: Press-fit section 413: Detention Unit 431: Rib C: Clearance

Claims

1. A housing that holds multiple terminals, A holder which is press-fitted into the housing and assembled, The holder is held by the aforementioned holder and includes a bolt that is attached through the terminal and a nut that screws onto it, The holder has a press-fit portion that is press-fitted into the housing, The press-fit portion has ribs protruding from its outer surface, and is press-fitted by bringing the ribs into contact with the housing. terminal block.

2. The holder has a housing portion for housing the nut, The receiving portion is formed as a recess capable of accommodating the nut, and has a clearance between the nuts. The clearance is formed to be such that it allows the nut to move so that the bolt and the nut can be screwed together. The terminal block according to claim 1.

3. The housing further comprises a water-sealing member that is arranged to cover the periphery of the terminal and is attached to the housing, The holder functions as a front holder for holding the water-stopping member. The terminal block according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The housing further comprises a bolt member that is held in the housing and attached by passing through the bent portion of the terminal, and a nut member that screws into the bolt member, The bent portion is formed by bending the terminal that protrudes from the housing, The housing has a recess for accommodating the nut member, The recess is formed as a recess capable of accommodating the nut member, and has a clearance between the nut members. The clearance is formed to be such that it allows the nut member to move so that the bolt member and the nut member can be screwed together. The terminal block according to claim 1 or 2.

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