Terminal Block

Abstract

To prevent deformation of a busbar when a terminal is fixed even if there is positional deviation between a mating-side terminal and the busbar.SOLUTION: A terminal block 1 is attached to a motor housing 50 capable of storing oil therein. The terminal block 1 includes a base portion 3, busbars 31, 32, 33, and a sealing portion 25. Through-holes 20 are formed in the base portion 3. The busbars 31, 32, 33 are inserted into the through-holes 20. A part of each of the busbars 31, 32, 33 is located inside the motor housing 50, and another part is located outside the motor housing 50. Gaps are formed between the inner wall surfaces of the through-holes 20 and the busbars 31, 32, 33. The sealing portion 25 has heat resistance, and is in liquid-tight contact with the base portion 3 and the busbars 31, 32, 33. The elastic deformation of the sealing portion 25 allows relative movement of the busbars 31, 32, 33 with respect to the base portion 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a terminal block for electrically connecting electrical components outside a housing to a motor disposed inside the housing of a vehicle such as an automobile. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, in an electric vehicle in which the wheels are driven by an electric motor, a configuration is sometimes used in which the motor is housed inside a housing and the inverter is disposed outside the housing. Patent Document 1 discloses a terminal block that is attached to the housing in order to electrically connect the motor and the inverter in this case.

[0003] The motor unit of Patent Document 1 has a housing. A motor and a gear unit are accommodated in the accommodation space of the housing. An oil reservoir for collecting oil is provided in the accommodation space of the housing. An opening is formed in the housing, and a bus bar serving as a wiring member is passed through the opening. The bus bar extends from the inside to the outside of the housing through the opening. The bus bar is fixed to a bus bar fixing portion of a connecting member that functions as a terminal block. The connecting member blocks communication between the openings.

[0004] In Patent Document 1, the busbar is embedded and fixed in the busbar fixing portion by insert molding using the busbar as an insert member. Patent Document 1 claims that this configuration ensures sealing between the busbar and the busbar fixing portion. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-193453 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In general, in terminal blocks, gaps (gaps) may occur between the conductive terminal and the mating terminal due to various tolerances of the terminal block and the mating terminal to be connected. In such cases, the conductive terminal and the mating terminal are usually tightened with a screw or the like to eliminate the gap, thereby bringing them into contact with each other and realizing an electrical connection. However, in a configuration in which the bus bar is insert molded as in Patent Document 1, the bus bar or the mating terminal may unintentionally undergo plastic deformation as a result of tightening, and an improvement was desired.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to prevent deformation of the conductive terminal when the terminal is fixed to the mating terminal even if there is a positional misalignment between the mating terminal and the conductive terminal.

[0008] The problem to be solved by the present invention has been described above. Next, the means for solving this problem and the effects thereof will be described.

[0009] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a terminal block having the following configuration. That is, the terminal block is attached to a motor housing capable of storing oil therein. The terminal block includes a base portion, a conductive terminal, and a sealing portion. A through hole is formed in the base portion. The conductive terminal is inserted into the through hole. A portion of the conductive terminal is located inside the motor housing, and another portion is located outside the motor housing. The sealing portion is heat resistant, and is in liquid-tight contact with the base portion and the conductive terminal. A gap is formed between an inner wall surface of the through hole and the conductive terminal. The sealing portion elastically deforms to allow relative movement of the conductive terminal with respect to the base portion.

[0010] A gap may occur between the conductive terminal and the mating terminal due to some reason such as tolerance. According to the above configuration, when the conductive terminal and the mating terminal are fastened by the fastening means, the conductive terminal can move within the range of the size of the gap with the through hole. Therefore, plastic deformation of the conductive terminal can be prevented. In addition, the sealing portion appropriately elastically deforms in response to the movement of the conductive terminal, so that the sealing performance can be maintained.

[0011] The terminal block may have the following configuration: the conductive terminal is plate-shaped, and the gap includes at least a gap in a thickness direction of the conductive terminal.

[0012] In this case, even if a gap occurs between the conductive terminal and the mating terminal in the thickness direction of the conductive terminal, the conductive terminal can be prevented from being plastically deformed so as to bend.

[0013] In the above-mentioned terminal block, the conductive terminal may be configured to be rod-shaped.

[0014] In this case, a terminal block with a simple configuration can be realized.

[0015] In the terminal block, the sealing portion may be configured to be located at an end of the through hole that is farther from the internal space of the motor housing.

[0016] In the terminal block, the sealing portion may be configured to be located at an end of the through hole that is closer to the internal space of the motor housing.

[0017] In the terminal block, the sealing portion may be configured to be located at a front end of the through hole in a direction in which the conductive terminal is inserted into the through hole.

[0018] In the terminal block, the sealing portion may be configured to be located at a rear end of the through hole in a direction in which the conductive terminal is inserted into the through hole.

[0019] By disposing the sealing portion at the end of the through hole, a simple configuration can be realized to prevent oil leakage.

[0020] The terminal block is preferably configured as follows. That is, the through hole includes a passing recess and a sealing recess. The passing recess allows the conductive terminal to pass through. The sealing recess allows the conductive terminal to pass through. The distance between the inner wall surface of the sealing recess and the conductive terminal is greater than the distance between the inner wall surface of the passing recess and the conductive terminal. The sealing portion is in liquid-tight contact with the inner wall of the sealing recess and the conductive terminal.

[0021] This makes it possible to realize a sealing portion whose sealing performance is less likely to deteriorate due to movement of the conductive terminals.

[0022] In the terminal block, it is preferable that the sealing portion is filled in at least a part of the sealing recess in a fluid state and then solidified.

[0023] This reliably ensures that the sealing portion is tightly attached to the sealing recess and the conductive terminal without any gaps, effectively preventing oil leakage.

[0024] The terminal block is preferably configured as follows: A partition seal member is disposed in the sealing recess. The interior of the sealing recess is divided by the partition seal member into a region where the sealing portion is disposed and a region where the sealing portion is not disposed. The sealing portion is in contact with the partition seal member.

[0025] This eliminates the need to configure the sealing portion so as to fill the entire sealing recess, thereby reducing parts costs or material costs.

[0026] The terminal block preferably includes a restricting portion for restricting movement of the compartment seal member.

[0027] This makes it possible to hold the compartment seal member in the correct position, thereby preventing leakage of liquid resin when forming the sealing portion.

[0028] In the terminal block, it is preferable that the restricting portion is formed integrally with the conductive terminal.

[0029] This allows for a simple configuration.

[0030] In the above terminal block, it is preferable that the restricting portion includes a relatively concave portion, and at least a part of the sealing portion is within the concave portion.

[0031] This makes it possible to achieve a strong bond between the sealing portion and the conductive terminals.

[0032] In the terminal block, it is preferable that a plurality of the conductive terminals are arranged side by side at intervals.

[0033] This makes it possible to realize a terminal block with a simple configuration that can be applied to a plurality of current paths.

[0034] In the terminal block, it is preferable that the sealing portion is provided for each of the plurality of conductive terminals.

[0035] This makes it possible to reliably prevent oil leakage.

[0036] The terminal block is preferably configured as follows: the conductive terminal has a bent portion, and the sealing portion is disposed in the vicinity of the bent portion so as to be in liquid-tight contact with the conductive terminal.

[0037] This makes it possible to easily seal parts of the bus bar that have complex shapes. In the terminal block, it is preferable that, during the relative movement, the portion of the conductive terminal located inside the motor housing and the other portion located outside the motor housing move in opposite directions to each other. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between a terminal block, a motor housing, an electric motor, and an inverter according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the terminal block fixed in a mounting hole of the motor housing. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] 13 is a perspective view illustrating a process of injecting a resin into a sealing recess formed in the base portion in order to form a sealing portion. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a portion where resin is filled to form a sealing portion. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the effect of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0039] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between a terminal block 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, a motor housing 50, an electric motor 51, and an inverter 52. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the terminal block 1 in a state where it is fixed in a mounting hole 55 of the motor housing 50. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the terminal block 1.

[0040] 1, the terminal block 1 of this embodiment is fixed to a motor housing (housing) 50. An electric motor 51 is disposed inside the motor housing 50. An inverter 52 is disposed outside the motor housing 50. The terminal block 1 is disposed in a current path between the inverter 52 and the electric motor 51, and functions as a current relay device.

[0041] The inverter 52 converts direct current from a battery (not shown) into alternating current and supplies the alternating current to the electric motor 51. The inverter 52 can control the rotation speed of the electric motor 51 by changing the frequency of the alternating current that it outputs, for example.

[0042] The terminal block 1, the motor housing 50, the electric motor 51, and the inverter 52 are provided in a vehicle. The vehicle runs using the electric motor 51 as a drive source. Examples of such vehicles include hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, and electric vehicles.

[0043] The motor housing 50 is hollow. Although not shown, the motor housing 50 accommodates a power transmission structure including gears, a transmission shaft, and the like, in addition to the electric motor 51 described above. The rotational power of the electric motor 51 is taken out of the motor housing 50 via this power transmission structure. This power is transmitted to the wheels via a drive train (not shown). As a result, the vehicle can be driven.

[0044] An appropriate amount of oil 53 is stored in the internal space of the motor housing 50. This makes it possible to lubricate and cool power transmission parts such as gears and transmission shafts. As the oil 53, for example, automatic transmission lubricating oil (ATF) can be used.

[0045] A mounting hole 55 for mounting the terminal block 1 is formed in a penetrating shape at an appropriate position (for example, the upper wall) of the motor housing 50. When viewed along the axial direction of the mounting hole 55, as shown in FIG. 2, the mounting hole 55 is formed in an elliptical shape. In FIG. 2, only the upper wall 50a of the motor housing 50 is shown diagrammatically as a plate-like member. In FIG. 2, the side below the upper wall 50a is the inside of the motor housing 50, and the side above the upper wall 50a is the outside of the motor housing 50.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal block 1 includes a base portion 3 and three bus bars (conductive terminals) 31, 32, and 33.

[0047] The base portion 3 is formed in a block shape. The base portion 3 is made of, for example, an electrically insulating synthetic resin. The base portion 3 is configured such that a plug portion 4, a mounting boss portion 5, and a nut holding portion 6 are integrally formed.

[0048] When the base portion 3 is attached to the motor housing 50, a part of the plug portion 4 is inserted into the mounting hole 55. Hereinafter, a direction parallel to the direction in which the plug portion 4 is inserted into the mounting hole 55 may be referred to as the axial direction of the plug portion 4.

[0049] When viewed along the axial direction, plug portion 4 is formed in an elliptical shape corresponding to the shape of mounting hole 55. Three bus bars 31, 32, 33 are arranged to be aligned in the longitudinal direction of elliptical plug portion 4. Plug portion 4 holds mid-way portions of three bus bars 31, 32, 33 formed to be elongated.

[0050] An oval loop-shaped groove 11 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the plug portion 4. An elastically deformable plug seal 12 is disposed in this groove 11. The plug seal 12 is in liquid-tight contact with both the groove 11 of the plug portion 4 and the inner wall of the mounting hole 55. This makes it possible to seal the gap between the plug portion 4 and the mounting hole 55 so that oil 53 does not leak.

[0051] The plug portion 4 has through holes 20 arranged therein, the same number as the bus bars 31, 32, and 33. Each through hole 20 is formed to penetrate the plug portion 4 in the axial direction. The bus bars 31, 32, and 33 are inserted into each through hole 20. The direction in which the bus bars 31, 32, and 33 are inserted into the plug portion 4 (base portion 3) for assembling the terminal block 1 is from top to bottom in FIGS. 2 and 3 .

[0052] An accommodating recess 13 is formed at one axial end of the plug portion 4. The accommodating recess 13 has an open side facing the outside of the motor housing 50 when the terminal block 1 is attached to the motor housing 50. The through holes 20 for holding the bus bars 31, 32, and 33 in the base portion 3 are each connected to the accommodating recess 13. The bus bars 31, 32, and 33 are each arranged to pass through the accommodating recess 13.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 3 and other figures, each through hole 20 has a passage recess 21 and a sealing recess 22 connected to each other.

[0054] Passing recess 21 is disposed at the end of through hole 20 that is farther from accommodating recess 13. Gaps (particularly, gaps in the thickness direction of busbars 31, 32, 33) are formed between the inner wall surface of passing recess 21 and busbars 31, 32, 33 inserted into passing recess 21.

[0055] The sealing recess 22 is disposed near a portion where the through hole 20 is connected to the accommodating recess 13. The sealing recess 22 opens to the accommodating recess 13 side. Gaps are formed between the inner wall surface of the sealing recess 22 and the bus bars 31, 32, and 33.

[0056] When considering a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of plug portion 4, the cross-sectional area of ​​sealing recess 22 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​passing recess 21. Therefore, the gaps formed around busbars 31, 32, and 33 in sealing recess 22 are larger than the gaps formed around busbars 31, 32, and 33 in passing recess 21.

[0057] A sealing portion 25 and a partition seal member 26, which will be described later, are disposed in this sealing recess 22. In order to improve sealing performance, a cross section of the sealing recess 22 taken perpendicular to the axial direction of the plug portion 4 has rounded corners.

[0058] The mounting boss portions 5 are disposed on both ends of the longitudinal direction of the plug portion 4, which is formed in an oval shape when viewed in the axial direction. A cylindrical member 14 is insert-molded into each mounting boss portion 5. The axial hole of the cylindrical member 14 is oriented parallel to the axis of the plug portion 4. The base portion 3 can be fixed to the motor housing 50 by inserting a bolt into the axial hole of the cylindrical member 14 and screwing it into a female threaded hole (not shown) of the motor housing 50.

[0059] The nut holding portion 6 is disposed at the end of the plug portion 4 opposite to the accommodating recess 13 in the axial direction. The nut holding portion 6 is formed in a rectangular plate shape, and its thickness direction is parallel to the thickness direction of the bus bars 31, 32, and 33. The nut holding portion 6 extends from an end face of the plug portion 4 in the axial direction along the axial direction. When the terminal block 1 is attached to the motor housing 50, the nut holding portion 6 is inserted into the internal space of the motor housing 50.

[0060] Although details will be described later, one longitudinal end of each of the bus bars 31, 32, and 33 protrudes from the plug portion 4 toward the internal space of the motor housing 50. The nut holding portion 6 is disposed so as to face one side in the thickness direction to the protruding portions of these bus bars 31, 32, and 33. The width of the nut holding portion 6 is determined so as to be able to face all of the three lined up bus bars 31, 32, and 33.

[0061] 3, a rectangular recess 44 is formed in each of the portions of nut holding portion 6 facing the ends of bus bars 31, 32, and 33. A rectangular nut 43 is disposed in each recess 44. Nut 43 cannot rotate relative to nut holding portion 6. The position of a screw hole of nut 43 corresponds to a second fixing hole 42 (described later) formed in bus bars 31, 32, and 33.

[0062] A connecting hole 45 is formed in the nut holding portion 6 so as to penetrate therethrough in correspondence with each of the recesses 44. The connecting hole 45 forms an opening in the center of the recess 44. When a screw member is inserted into the screw hole of the nut 43, the shaft portion of the screw member can pass through the connecting hole 45.

[0063] Two partition walls 15 are formed integrally with the nut holding portion 6 so as to separate the bus bars 31, 32, and 33 arranged side by side, thereby making it possible to prevent an electrical short circuit.

[0064] The bus bars 31, 32, and 33 are all plate-shaped members. Each of the bus bars 31, 32, and 33 is made of a metal that is a good conductor of electricity. The bus bars 31, 32, and 33 are formed by punching a metal plate of uniform thickness into an appropriate elongated shape.

[0065] A through-hole first fixing hole 41 is formed in each of the bus bars 31, 32, 33 at an end portion closer to the accommodating recess 13 in the longitudinal direction. A through-hole second fixing hole 42 is formed in each of the bus bars 31, 32, 33 at an end portion closer to the nut holding portion 6 in the longitudinal direction. The first fixing hole 41 and the second fixing hole 42 are configured as circular holes.

[0066] A member (e.g., a screw member) serving as a fastening means can be inserted into the first fixing hole 41 and the second fixing hole 42. Via this fastening member, a terminal (not shown) located at the end of the electric wire can be fixed to the bus bars 31, 32, 33. Hereinafter, the terminal attached to the bus bars 31, 32, 33 may be referred to as a mating terminal.

[0067] A compartment seal member 26 is attached to the middle portion of each of the bus bars 31, 32, 33 in the longitudinal direction. The compartment seal member 26 is formed in a loop shape so as to surround the bus bars 31, 32, 33. The compartment seal member 26 is in liquid-tight contact with both the surfaces of the bus bars 31, 32, 33 and the inner wall of the sealing recess 22. The compartment seal member 26 can seal the middle portion of the through hole 20 in the longitudinal direction.

[0068] 3, the busbars 31, 32, 33 have narrowed portions (restriction portions) 46 formed at the portions where the compartment seal member 26 is attached, so that the width of the busbars is narrowed. With the compartment seal member 26 attached to the narrowed portions 46, the busbars 31, 32, 33 are inserted into the through holes 20, respectively. The narrowed portions 46 restrict the movement of the compartment seal member 26 relative to the busbars 31, 32, 33. This makes it possible to prevent the compartment seal member 26 from shifting out of position.

[0069] 2, sealing portions 25 are disposed on one longitudinal side of busbars 31, 32, 33 with respect to compartment seal member 26. Sealing portions 25 are in liquid-tight contact with the surfaces of busbars 31, 32, 33, the inner wall of sealing recess 22, and compartment seal member 26. Sealing portions 25 can seal between busbars 31, 32, 33 and through holes 20 to prevent oil 53 from leaking.

[0070] The sealing portion 25 is made of, for example, an ultraviolet-curable elastomer. The bus bars 31, 32, and 33 are inserted into the sealing recess 22 together with the partition seal member 26, and the inside of the sealing recess 22 partitioned by the partition seal member 26 is filled with uncured resin from the accommodation recess 13 side. The positions where the resin is injected are shown by white arrows in Figs. 4 and 5. The resin is injected only into the region of the sealing recess 22 shown in Fig. 5 on one axial side of the partition seal member 26 (the upper side in Fig. 5). By curing the resin in this state, the sealing portion 25 shown in Fig. 2 can be formed.

[0071] Sealing portion 25 in a hardened state is configured to be elastically deformable. Even in passage recess 21 formed narrower than sealing recess 22, small gaps are formed between busbars 31, 32, 33 and the inner wall surface of through hole 20 in the busbar thickness direction. Busbars 31, 32, 33 are therefore held by base portion 3 with play corresponding to this gap (floating hold). Even if busbars 31, 32, 33 move, sealing portion 25 maintains the sealed state by deforming appropriately to follow the movement.

[0072] In the conventional configuration in which busbar 81 is insert molded into busbar fixing portion 80, as shown in FIG. 6(a), when a gap G1 exists between busbar 81 and mating terminal 92, and then screw 91 and nut 82 are tightened, busbar 81 may be significantly deformed, as if bent.

[0073] In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6(b), there is a gap between bus bar 31 and through hole 20, so that the entire bus bar 31 can move within the range of the gap in response to fastening with screw 91 and nut 43. This reduces bending of bus bar 31, thereby preventing plastic deformation. In addition, since sealing portion 25 is elastically deformed, oil leakage can be prevented.

[0074] When the terminal block 1 is used, a large current flows through the bus bars 31, 32, and 33. Therefore, the bus bars 31, 32, and 33 are likely to become hot. In this embodiment, the sealing portion 25 is made of a material that has a higher heat resistance than the partition seal member 26. Therefore, even when in contact with the hot bus bars 31, 32, and 33, the sealing portion 25 is less likely to deteriorate than the partition seal member 26.

[0075] The compartment seal member 26 divides the internal space of the sealing recess 22 and blocks the liquid resin that is filled to form the sealing portion 25. This allows the amount of resin in the sealing portion 25 to be reduced. Since the elastomer resin used in the sealing portion 25 is generally expensive, reducing the amount of resin can effectively reduce costs. It is sufficient that the sealing property of the compartment seal member 26 is exhibited only when the resin of the sealing portion 25 is filled. Therefore, an inexpensive compartment seal member with low heat resistance can be used as the compartment seal member 26.

[0076] With the bus bars 31, 32, and 33 inserted into the through holes 20, the constricted portions 46 and the partitioning seal member 26 are positioned in the sealing recess 22. In this state, when resin is filled into the sealing recess 22 from the accommodating recess 13 side as shown by the outline arrow in Fig. 5, the resin will be present above the portion where the partitioning seal member 26 is in close contact with the sealing recess 22, i.e., in the range of depth D1 in Fig. 5.

[0077] A part of constricted portion 46 is included in the range of depth D1. That is, in forming sealing portion 25, the liquid resin flows so as to penetrate into constricted portion 46 formed in busbars 31, 32, and 33, and solidifies in that state. Therefore, busbars 31, 32, and 33 can be firmly bonded to base portion 3 via sealing portion 25.

[0078] Of the three bus bars 31, 32, 33, two bus bars 31, 33 excluding the central one are formed with crank-shaped bent portions 47. As a result, the spacing between the bus bars 31, 32, 33 can be made different between the inside and the outside of the motor housing 50. In the bus bars 31, 33 having the bent portions 47 in this manner, the sealing portion 25 and the compartment seal member 26 are disposed so as to be in liquid-tight contact with the bent portions 47. As a result, the bus bars 31, 33 can be securely held in the base portion 3.

[0079] As described above, the terminal block 1 of the present embodiment is attached to the motor housing 50 capable of storing the oil 53 therein. The terminal block 1 includes the base portion 3, the bus bars 31, 32, and 33, and the sealing portion 25. The base portion 3 is formed with the through holes 20. The bus bars 31, 32, and 33 are inserted into the through holes 20. A part of each of the bus bars 31, 32, and 33 is located inside the motor housing 50, and another part is located outside the motor housing 50. The sealing portion 25 has heat resistance and is in liquid-tight contact with the base portion 3 and the bus bars 31, 32, and 33. A gap is formed between the inner wall surface of the through hole 20 and the bus bars 31, 32, and 33. The sealing portion 25 is elastically deformed to allow the bus bars 31, 32, and 33 to move relative to the base portion 3.

[0080] For some reason such as tolerance, a gap may occur between the busbars 31, 32, 33 and the mating terminals. In this embodiment, even in this case, when the busbars 31, 32, 33 are fastened to the mating terminals with screws or the like, the busbars 31, 32, 33 can move within the range of the size of the gap between the busbars 31, 32, 33 and the through-holes 20. This makes it possible to prevent the busbars 31, 32, 33 from being plastically deformed so as to bend. Even if the busbars 31, 32, 33 move, the sealing portions 25 are appropriately elastically deformed accordingly, so that the sealing performance can be maintained.

[0081] In the terminal block 1 of this embodiment, the bus bars 31, 32, and 33 are plate-shaped. The gaps between the inner wall surface of the through hole 20 and the bus bars 31, 32, and 33 include at least the gaps in the thickness direction of the bus bars 31, 32, and 33.

[0082] This makes it possible to prevent bus bars 31, 32, 33 from being plastically deformed so as to bend even if gaps G1 in the thickness direction of bus bars 31, 32, 33 are generated between bus bars 31, 32, 33 and the mating terminals.

[0083] In the terminal block 1 of this embodiment, the sealing portion 25 is located at the end of the through hole 20 that is farther from the internal space of the motor housing 50.

[0084] However, the sealing portion 25 may also be configured to be located at the end of the through-hole 20 that is closer to the internal space of the motor housing 50 .

[0085] Sealing portion 25 is located at the end of through hole 20 on the front side in the direction in which bus bars 31 , 32 , and 33 are inserted into through hole 20 .

[0086] However, sealing portion 25 may also be configured to be located at the end of through hole 20 on the far side in the direction in which bus bars 31 , 32 , and 33 are inserted into through hole 20 .

[0087] In either case, by sealing the end of the through hole 20, a simple structure for preventing oil leakage can be realized.

[0088] In the terminal block 1 of the present embodiment, the through hole 20 includes a passing recess 21 and a sealing recess 22. The passing recess 21 and the sealing recess 22 allow the bus bars 31, 32, and 33 to pass through. The distance between the inner wall surface of the sealing recess 22 and the bus bars 31, 32, and 33 is greater than the distance between the inner wall surface of the passing recess 21 and the bus bars 31, 32, and 33. The sealing portion 25 is in liquid-tight contact with the inner wall of the sealing recess 22 and the bus bars 31, 32, and 33.

[0089] This makes it possible to realize sealing portion 25 whose sealing performance is less likely to deteriorate due to movement of bus bars 31, 32, and 33.

[0090] In the terminal block 1 of this embodiment, the sealing portion 25 is filled into a part of the sealing recess 22 in a fluid state, and then solidifies.

[0091] This makes it possible to easily realize a state in which sealing portion 25 is in close contact with sealing recess 22 and bus bars 31, 32, and 33 without any gaps.

[0092] In the terminal block 1 of this embodiment, a partitioning seal member 26 is disposed in the sealing recess 22. The inside of the sealing recess 22 is divided by the partitioning seal member 26 into a place where the sealing portion 25 is disposed and a place where the sealing portion 25 is not disposed. The sealing portion 25 is in contact with the partitioning seal member 26.

[0093] This eliminates the need to dispose the sealing portion 25 so as to fill the entire sealing recess 22. This makes it possible to reduce the parts cost or material cost.

[0094] The terminal block 1 of this embodiment includes a constricted portion 46 that restricts the movement of the compartment seal member 26.

[0095] This makes it possible to hold the compartment seal member 26 in the correct position, and therefore makes it possible to prevent leakage of liquid resin when forming the sealing portion 25.

[0096] In the terminal block 1 of this embodiment, the constricted portion 46 is formed integrally with the bus bars 31, 32, and 33.

[0097] This allows for a simple configuration.

[0098] In the terminal block 1 of this embodiment, the constricted portion 46 includes a relatively concave portion. At least a part of the sealing portion 25 is contained within the concave portion.

[0099] This allows for strong bonding between sealing portion 25 and bus bars 31, 32, and 33.

[0100] In terminal block 1 of the present embodiment, bus bars 31, 32, and 33 are arranged side by side at intervals.

[0101] This makes it possible to realize a terminal block 1 with a simple configuration that can be applied to a plurality of current paths.

[0102] In the terminal block 1 of the present embodiment, the sealing portion 25 is provided for each of the plurality of bus bars 31, 32, and 33.

[0103] This makes it possible to reliably prevent leakage of the oil 53.

[0104] In the terminal block 1 of the present embodiment, two of the three bus bars 31, 32, and 33, excluding the central one, are formed with a bent portion 47. The sealing portion 25 is disposed in the vicinity of the bent portion 47 so as to be in liquid-tight contact with the bent portion 47.

[0105] This allows bus bars 31 and 33 to be attached to base portion 3 reliably.

[0106] Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the above configuration can be modified, for example, as follows.

[0107] Instead of the plate-shaped busbars 31, 32, and 33, a rod-shaped busbar may be used. The busbar may be formed, for example, in a round or square bar shape. A terminal block with a simple configuration can also be realized using a rod-shaped busbar. By forming an appropriate gap between the inner wall of the through-hole of the base portion into which the rod-shaped busbar is inserted and the surface of the busbar, plastic deformation of the busbar can be prevented.

[0108] The bus bars 31, 32, and 33 may be inserted into the base portion 3 from the accommodating recess 13 side or from the nut holding portion 6 side.

[0109] For example, a thermosetting resin may be used instead of an ultraviolet-curing resin as the material of the sealing portion 25. The sealing portion 25 may also be realized by disposing an elastically deformable seal member in the sealing recess 22 instead of injecting a liquid resin into the sealing recess 22 and curing it.

[0110] It is also possible to omit the partition seal member 26 and fill the entire sealing recess 22 with resin to form the sealing portion 25. It is also possible to fill the entire through hole 20 including the sealing recess 22 with resin.

[0111] It is possible to omit constricted portions 46 in busbars 31, 32, 33. Instead of constricted portions 46, one or more protrusions can be formed in busbars 31, 32, 33. The protrusions may protrude in the width direction of busbars 31, 32, 33, or may protrude in the thickness direction of busbars 31, 32, 33. Since the portions around the protrusions are relatively concave, disposing compartment seal member 26 in these portions can prevent the compartment seal member 26 from shifting out of position.

[0112] The number of bus bars is not limited to three, but may be changed to one, two, four or more.

[0113] The three bus bars 31 , 32 , 33 may be inserted into one common through hole 20 and held to the base portion 3 by one common sealing portion 25 .

[0114] Bus bars 31 and 33 may not be formed with bent portion 47 and may be formed straight like central bus bar 32 .

[0115] An electric component other than the inverter 52 may be electrically connected to the terminal block 1 . [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1 Terminal block 3 Base 20 Through hole 22 Sealing recess 25 Sealing part 26 Compartment seal member 31, 32, 33 Busbar (conductive terminal) 46 Narrowed part (restriction part) 50 Motor housing 53 Oil

Claims

1. A terminal block that is attached to a motor housing capable of storing oil therein, A base portion having a through hole formed therein; a conductive terminal that is inserted into the through hole, a portion of which is located inside the motor housing and another portion of which is located outside the motor housing; a sealing portion having heat resistance and in liquid-tight contact with the base portion and the conductive terminal; Equipped with a gap is formed between an inner wall surface of the through hole and the conductive terminal, The terminal block is characterized in that the sealing portion is elastically deformed to allow relative movement of the conductive terminal with respect to the base portion.

2. 2. The terminal block according to claim 1, The conductive terminal is plate-shaped, The terminal block is characterized in that the gap includes at least a gap in a thickness direction of the conductive terminal.

3. 2. The terminal block according to claim 1, The terminal block is characterized in that the conductive terminal is rod-shaped.

4. The terminal block according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The terminal block is characterized in that the sealing portion is located at an end of the through hole that is farther from the internal space of the motor housing.

5. The terminal block according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The terminal block is characterized in that the sealing portion is located at an end of the through hole that is closer to the internal space of the motor housing.

6. The terminal block according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The terminal block is characterized in that the sealing portion is located at a front end of the through hole in a direction in which the conductive terminal is inserted into the through hole.

7. The terminal block according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The terminal block is characterized in that the sealing portion is located at a rear end of the through hole in a direction in which the conductive terminal is inserted into the through hole.

8. The terminal block according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The through hole is a passage recess for allowing the conductive terminal to pass therethrough; a sealing recess through which the conductive terminal passes; Including, a distance between an inner wall surface of the sealing recess and the conductive terminal is greater than a distance between an inner wall surface of the passage recess and the conductive terminal; The terminal block is characterized in that the sealing portion is in liquid-tight contact with an inner wall of the sealing recess and the conductive terminal.

9. 9. The terminal block according to claim 8, The terminal block is characterized in that the sealing portion is filled in at least a portion of the sealing recess in a fluid state and then solidified.

10. The terminal block according to claim 8 or 9, A partition seal member is disposed in the sealing recess, The inside of the sealing recess is divided by the partition seal member into a space where the sealing portion is disposed and a space where the sealing portion is not disposed, The terminal block is characterized in that the sealing portion is in contact with the compartment seal member.

11. 11. The terminal block according to claim 10, The terminal block further comprises a restricting portion for restricting movement of the compartment seal member.

12. 12. The terminal block according to claim 11, The terminal block is characterized in that the restricting portion is integrally formed with the conductive terminal.

13. The terminal block according to claim 11 or 12, The restriction portion includes a relatively concave portion, A terminal block, characterized in that at least a portion of the sealing portion is within the concave portion.

14. A terminal block according to any one of claims 1 to 13, The terminal block is characterized in that the conductive terminals are arranged in a row at intervals.

15. 15. The terminal block according to claim 14, The terminal block is characterized in that the sealing portion is provided for each of the plurality of conductive terminals.

16. A terminal block according to any one of claims 1 to 15, The conductive terminal has a bent portion formed therein, The terminal block is characterized in that the sealing portion is disposed in a vicinity of the bent portion so as to be in liquid-tight contact therewith.

17. A terminal block according to any one of claims 1 to 16, A terminal block characterized in that, during the relative movement, the portion of the conductive terminal located inside the motor housing and the other portion located outside the motor housing move in opposite directions to each other.

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