Terminal block

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to make it possible to maintain the sealing properties of a gasket for a longer time, and obtain good sealing properties even in a case in which a terminal block is inclined. The terminal block is to be fixed to an attachment target including an attachment hole, the terminal block comprising: a terminal that includes a first end, a second end, and a terminal intermediate portion between the first and second ends; a block body that includes an insertion portion that is to be inserted into the attachment hole, the block body being fixed to the attachment target in a state in which the insertion portion is inserted into the attachment hole; and a gasket that is interposed between the insertion portion and the attachment hole in a state in which the block body is fixed to the attachment target, wherein the block body holds the terminal in a state of covering the terminal intermediate portion, an outer circumferential surface of the gasket includes a tapered outer circumferential surface that gradually becomes smaller with progression in an insertion direction into the attachment hole, and the tapered outer circumferential surface has a curved surface that is outwardly convex in a cross-section along the insertion direction.

Description

terminal block

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

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a terminal block comprising a housing through which a terminal is inserted while being waterproof, an annular gasket provided on the surface of the housing facing the object to be attached, and an upper cover that presses the gasket against the object to be attached via the housing.

[0003] JP 2010-211933 A

[0004] It is therefore desirable to be able to maintain the sealing performance of the packing for a longer period of time, and also to be able to obtain good sealing performance even when the terminal block is tilted around the screw fastening point.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to maintain the sealing performance of the packing for a longer period of time and to obtain good sealing performance even when the terminal block is tilted.

[0006] The terminal block of the present disclosure is a terminal block that is fixed to an attachment object having a mounting hole, and comprises: a terminal including a first end, a second end, and a terminal intermediate portion between the first end and the second end; an insertion portion that is inserted into the mounting hole, and a base body that is fixed to the attachment object when the insertion portion is inserted into the mounting hole; and a gasket that is interposed between the insertion portion and the mounting hole when the base body is fixed to the attachment object, wherein the base body holds the terminal while covering the terminal intermediate portion, and the outer surface of the gasket includes a tapered outer surface that gradually becomes smaller toward the direction of insertion into the mounting hole, and the tapered outer surface has a curved surface that is convex outward in a cross section along the insertion direction.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, the sealing performance of the packing can be maintained for a longer period of time, and good sealing performance can be obtained even when the terminal block is tilted.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a terminal block and an attachment target according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the terminal block before attachment to the attachment target. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the terminal block. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the terminal block. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a packing. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a view showing the contact state between the curved surface of the packing and the tapered inner peripheral surface of the attachment hole. FIG. 8 is a view showing the contact state between the curved surface of the packing and the tapered inner peripheral surface of the attachment hole when the terminal block is tilted. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a terminal block according to a modified example.

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

[0010] The terminal block of the present disclosure is as follows.

[0011] (1) A terminal block to be fixed to an attachment object having a mounting hole, the terminal including a terminal having a first end, a second end, and a terminal intermediate portion between the first end and the second end; an insertion portion to be inserted into the mounting hole, the base body being fixed to the attachment object with the insertion portion inserted into the mounting hole; and a packing interposed between the insertion portion and the mounting hole with the base body fixed to the attachment object, the base body holding the terminal while covering the terminal intermediate portion, the outer surface of the packing including a tapered outer surface that gradually becomes smaller in the direction of insertion into the mounting hole, and the tapered outer surface having a curved surface that is outwardly convex in a cross section along the insertion direction.

[0012] According to the present disclosure, the outer peripheral surface of the packing includes a tapered outer peripheral surface that gradually narrows in the direction of insertion into the mounting hole. Therefore, when the insertion portion and packing are inserted into the mounting hole, the packing can be positioned between the insertion portion and the mounting hole while being compressed in a direction intersecting the insertion direction into the mounting hole. The repulsive force caused by this compression acts in a direction intersecting the insertion direction into the mounting hole and can be absorbed by the insertion portion and the terminals therein. This makes the base body less susceptible to creep deformation, allowing the packing's sealing properties to be maintained for an even longer period of time.

[0013] The tapered outer surface has a curved surface that is convex outward in a cross section along the insertion direction, so that even if the terminal block is tilted when attached to the object, the curved surface can stably contact the inner surface of the mounting hole, ensuring good sealing.

[0014] (2) In the terminal block of (1), the packing includes a pair of long side portions arranged parallel to each other with a gap therebetween and a pair of short side portions connecting both ends of the pair of long side portions, and the length dimension of the packing in the direction in which the pair of long side portions extend is greater than the width dimension of the packing in the direction connecting the pair of long side portions, and the curved surface may be formed on the outward surface of each of the pair of long side portions.

[0015] When the packing includes a pair of long sides arranged parallel to each other with a gap between them and a pair of short sides connecting the ends of the pair of long sides, the terminal block may be prone to tilting around the direction along the pair of long sides. Therefore, by forming a curved surface on the outer peripheral surface of each of the pair of long sides, the curved surface can stably contact the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole even when the terminal block is tilted in the direction in which it is prone to tilt.

[0016] (3) In the terminal block of (1) or (2), the curved surface may have a first curved surface and a second curved surface located on the opposite side of the first curved surface, and the first curved surface and the second curved surface may be located on the same imaginary circumference.

[0017] In this way, when the first curved surface and the second curved surface are positioned on the same imaginary circumference, the contact state between the first curved surface and the second curved surface and the inner surface of the mounting hole becomes stable when the terminal block is tilted.

[0018] (4) In the terminal block of any one of (1) to (3), the curved surface may include an outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical portion having a center of curvature that is the axis of oscillation of the base body relative to the attachment object.

[0019] This allows the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion to stably contact the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole when the terminal block swings around the swing axis.

[0020] (5) In the terminal block of (4), the center of curvature of the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion may be located on a straight line passing through a first fixing point and a second fixing point with respect to the attachment object.

[0021] In this way, when the terminal block swings around a straight line passing through the fixed point of the first fixed part and the fixed point of the second fixed part as the swing axis, the outer surface of the cylindrical portion can stably contact the inner surface of the mounting hole.

[0022] (6) In the terminal block according to any one of (1) to (5), the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion may include a pressing tapered outer circumferential surface that gradually becomes smaller in size in the insertion direction.

[0023] In this case, by pushing the terminal block into the mounting hole and pressing the tapered outer surface of the insertion portion against the inner surface of the packing, the packing is easily compressed in a direction intersecting the insertion direction into the mounting hole.

[0024] (7) In the terminal block of (6), the outer surface of the insertion portion may include an end portion that continues from the tapered outer surface for pressing toward the tip side in the insertion direction and has the same shape along the insertion direction, and the inner surface of the packing may include an outer end portion that continues from the outer side of the end portion and has the same shape along the insertion direction, and the outer end portion of the packing may be in a state where it clamps the end portion by its own elastic force.

[0025] This makes it easier to hold the packing in place so that it does not fall off the insertion section.

[0026] (8) In the terminal block of any one of (1) to (7), the packing may include a plurality of annular ribs extending circumferentially on its inner periphery and aligned along the insertion direction.

[0027] In this case, the packing can be elastically deformed so as to crush the multiple annular ribs while the insertion portion is inserted into the mounting hole, thereby allowing the packing to be configured to be sufficiently elastically deformable even if there is a manufacturing error or assembly error.

[0028] (9) In the terminal block of (8), the curved surface may be gentler than an inner peripheral surface defined by the plurality of annular ribs.

[0029] In this case, the multiple annular ribs on the inner periphery of the packing allow the packing to undergo large elastic deformation. If the curved surface of the outer periphery of the packing is more gently curved than the inner periphery of the packing, the outer periphery of the packing can be easily pressed against the inner periphery of the mounting hole along the entire circumferential direction, even if a partial depression is formed in the inner periphery of the mounting hole. This allows for a good seal between the mounting hole and the packing.

[0030] (10) In a terminal block according to any one of (1) to (9), the base body may include a fixing portion that is connected to the base end side of the insertion portion and fastened to the attachment object outside the insertion portion.

[0031] By fastening the fixing portion to the mounting object, the insertion portion can be kept pressed into the mounting hole.

[0032] [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the terminal block of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0033] [Embodiment] A terminal block according to an embodiment will be described below.

[0034] <Regarding the overall configuration of the terminal block and the mounting object> Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the terminal block 20 mounted on the mounting object 10. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the terminal block 20 before mounting on the mounting object 10. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the terminal block 20, and Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the terminal block 20. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the packing 50. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in Fig. 1.

[0035] The terminal block 20 is attached to an attachment target 10 having an attachment hole 12. The attachment target 10 is, for example, a part of a case that houses an electrical component. The case, for example, covers the electrical component while sealing it from the external atmosphere. For this reason, it is desirable to also seal between the attachment hole 12 and the terminal block 20.

[0036] The mounting object 10 is formed in a plate shape. A mounting hole 12 is formed so as to penetrate the mounting object 10. In this embodiment, the mounting hole 12 is formed in an elongated hole shape. An elongated hole is a long, circular hole, for example, a rectangular hole with both longitudinal ends formed into semicircular hole shapes, or an elliptical hole shape. One side opening of the mounting hole 12 is an insertion side opening into which a portion of the terminal block 20 is inserted, and the opposite opening is a rear side opening. For example, the insertion side opening of the mounting hole 12 is an outer opening of the case. The mounting object 10 may be a metal member formed by casting.

[0037] The mounting hole 12 includes a portion formed with a tapered inner circumferential surface 13 that gradually narrows from the insertion-side opening toward the rear-side opening. In this embodiment, the portion of the mounting hole 12 closer to the insertion-side opening is formed with the tapered inner circumferential surface 13, and the portion of the mounting hole 12 closer to the rear-side opening is formed with a shape in which the same opening shape is continuous. The tapered inner circumferential surface 13 may be a portion of the mounting hole 12 where the edge of the insertion-side opening is chamfered.

[0038] A pair of screw holes 14 are formed in the attachment target 10 at positions on the longitudinal outer side of the attachment hole 12. A guide hole 15 is formed in the attachment target 10 at a position shifted in the lateral direction of the attachment hole 12 from the position on the longitudinal outer side of the attachment hole 12.

[0039] The terminal block 20 includes terminals 22, a base body 30, and a packing 50. With the terminals 22 held by the base body 30, the base body 30 is fixed to the mounting object 10. In this state, the terminals 22 protrude from both sides of the mounting hole 12. Electrical components on one side of the mounting object 10 can be electrically connected to electrical components on the other side via the terminals 22. The packing 50 is interposed between the base body 30 and the mounting hole 12. The packing 50 seals the gap between the base body 30 and the mounting hole 12.

[0040] <Regarding Terminal Block> The terminal block 20 will be described in more detail.

[0041] The terminal 22 is a conductive member including a first end 23, a second end 24, and a terminal intermediate portion 25 (see FIG. 6 ) between the first end 23 and the second end 24. The terminal 22 is formed, for example, from a long, narrow metal plate. The terminal intermediate portion 25 is formed in a rectangular plate shape. The first end 23 is connected to one end of the terminal intermediate portion 25, and the second end 24 is connected to the other end. Holes for fastening and fixing are formed in the first end 23 and the second end 24. The terminal may be curved in the thickness direction or the width direction. The terminal may also be an assembled component of multiple parts.

[0042] In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the terminal block 20 includes three terminals 22. However, the number of terminals included in the terminal block is not limited to this example, and any number of terminals may be included.

[0043] The base body 30 is an insulating member formed of resin or the like. The base body 30 includes an insertion portion 32 that is inserted into the mounting hole 12. In this embodiment, the base body 30 includes the insertion portion 32, a first terminal holding portion 36, a second terminal holding portion 38, and a fixing portion 40. The base body 30 is, for example, a part that is integrally molded from the same resin. For example, the base body 30 may be molded with the terminals as insert portions.

[0044] The insertion portion 32 is a portion of the mounting hole 12 that is inserted into the tapered inner peripheral surface 13. The insertion portion 32 is formed in a shape that gradually becomes smaller from the base end side toward the tip end side in accordance with the tapered shape of the tapered inner peripheral surface 13. When the insertion portion 32 is disposed within the tapered inner peripheral surface 13, an annular space is formed between the insertion portion 32 and the tapered inner peripheral surface 13 in which a packing 50 can be disposed.

[0045] The first terminal holding portion 36 is a portion that protrudes from the tip end of the insertion portion 32. In this embodiment, the first terminal holding portion 36 is formed in a thin rectangular parallelepiped shape. The second terminal holding portion 38 is a portion that protrudes from the base end of the insertion portion 32. In this embodiment, the second terminal holding portion 38 is formed in a thin rectangular parallelepiped shape. The base body 30 holds the terminal 22 while covering the terminal intermediate portion 25. In this embodiment, the terminal intermediate portion 25 penetrates from the first terminal holding portion 36 through the insertion portion 32 to the second terminal holding portion 38. The multiple terminal intermediate portions 25 are arranged in parallel with a gap between them within the base body 30. The multiple first ends 23 protrude in parallel from the first terminal holding portion 36. The multiple second ends 24 protrude in parallel from the second terminal holding portion 38. A partition wall 37 that separates the multiple first ends 23 extends from the tip end of the first terminal holding portion 36.

[0046] The fixing portion 40 is connected to the base end side of the insertion portion 32. The fixing portion 40 is formed in a plate shape that protrudes radially outward from the base end of the insertion portion 32. In the present embodiment, the fixing portion 40 is formed in an oval plate shape. The fixing portion 40 is a portion that is fastened to the attachment target 10 on the outside of the insertion portion 32. In the present embodiment, insertion holes 42 are formed in the fixing portion 40. Here, a pair of insertion holes 42 are formed at both longitudinal ends of the fixing portion 40. The pair of insertion holes 42 are formed at positions that overlap the screw holes 14 of the attachment target 10. With the insertion portion 32 inserted into the attachment hole 12, the fixing portion 40 is overlapped with the attachment hole 12. In this state, the insertion holes 42 are positioned outside the screw holes 14. A screw S serving as a fastener is passed through the insertion hole 42 and threadedly fastened to the screw hole 14. As a result, the fixing portion 40 is fastened to the attachment target 10 on the outside of the insertion portion 32.

[0047] In this embodiment, a guide pin 44 protrudes from the fixing portion 40. When the insertion portion 32 is inserted into the mounting hole 12, the guide pin 44 is inserted into the guide hole 15. This guides the base body 30 toward a predetermined design position relative to the mounting object 10. Furthermore, when the screw S is tightened, the base body 30 is less likely to tilt relative to the mounting hole 12. The guide pin 44 may be omitted.

[0048] When the terminal block 20 is fixed to the attachment target 10, the first end 23 protrudes from one side of the attachment target 10 (inside the case), and the second end 24 protrudes from the other side of the attachment target 10 (outside the case). It is assumed that the first end 23 is connected to an electrical component on one side of the attachment target 10 (inside the case), and the second end 24 is connected to an electrical component on the other side of the attachment target 10 (outside the case). The electrical component may be, for example, an electrical wiring member including a terminal or the like. For example, holes may be formed in the first end 23 and the second end 24, and the first end 23 and the second end 24 may be screwed to the electrical component using the holes. The first end 23 and the second end 24 may be inserted and fixed to the electrical component.

[0049] The packing 50 is made of an elastic material such as rubber. The packing 50 is formed in an annular shape that can be arranged along the annular gap between the insertion portion 32 and the tapered inner peripheral surface 13. When the base body 30 is fixed to the attachment target 10, the packing 50 is interposed between the insertion portion 32 and the tapered inner peripheral surface 13 of the attachment hole 12, and closes the gap between the insertion portion 32 and the tapered inner peripheral surface 13.

[0050] The outer peripheral surface of the packing 50 includes a tapered outer peripheral surface 52 that gradually becomes smaller in the insertion direction A into the mounting hole 12. Furthermore, the tapered outer peripheral surface 52 has curved surfaces 53a, 53b that are outwardly convex in a cross section along the insertion direction A (see FIGS. 3 to 6). In this embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 32 includes a pressing tapered outer peripheral surface 33 that gradually becomes smaller in the insertion direction A into the mounting hole 12.

[0051] <Regarding Insertion Portion and Packing> The insertion portion 32 and the packing 50 will be described in more detail.

[0052] The insertion portion 32 protrudes from the surface of the fixing portion 40 facing the mounting target 10. The outer periphery of the insertion portion 32 includes a tapered outer peripheral surface 33 for pressing. The base end of the tapered outer peripheral surface 33 is formed in an oval shape smaller than the outer opening of the tapered inner peripheral surface 13. The tip end of the tapered outer peripheral surface 33 for pressing is formed in an oval shape smaller than the rear opening of the tapered inner peripheral surface 13. The tapered outer peripheral surface 33 for pressing is formed in a shape that gradually becomes smaller from the base end toward the tip end. When the insertion portion 32 is inserted into the tapered inner peripheral surface 13, it is preferable that an equal-width gap be formed between the tapered outer peripheral surface 33 for pressing and the tapered inner peripheral surface 13. For example, the inclination angle of the tapered inner peripheral surface 13 relative to the axial direction of the mounting hole 12 and the inclination angle of the tapered outer peripheral surface 33 for pressing with respect to the axial direction of the mounting hole 12 may be the same. However, a gap may be formed between the pressing tapered outer peripheral surface 33 and the tapered inner peripheral surface 13 that gradually narrows toward the back side.

[0053] The outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 32 continues from the pressing tapered outer peripheral surface 33 toward the tip side in the insertion direction A, and includes an end portion 34 having the same shape continuing along the insertion direction A. In other words, the end portion 34 is a portion where the tip end of the pressing tapered outer peripheral surface 33 extends toward the tip side in the insertion direction A with its original shape.

[0054] An annular protrusion 35 is formed to protrude outward from the end of the end portion 34 on the side in the insertion direction A. The protruding dimension of the annular protrusion 35 is such that it can be accommodated within the mounting hole 12.

[0055] The packing 50 is formed in an annular shape that can be placed on the outer periphery of the insertion portion 32. The outer periphery of the packing 50 includes a tapered outer periphery 52 that gradually becomes smaller in the insertion direction A. The inner periphery of the packing 50 includes a tapered inner periphery 54 that gradually becomes smaller in the insertion direction A.

[0056] The tapered outer peripheral surface 52 has curved surfaces 53a, 53b that can be observed to be outwardly convex in a cross section along the insertion direction A. For example, in a cross section that passes through the center of the width of the terminal 22 and is perpendicular to the plate-shaped terminal 22, the curved surfaces 53a, 53b are curved so as to be convex downwardly inclined with respect to the insertion direction A (in FIG. 7 , the curved surface 53a before deformation is shown by a two-dot chain line).

[0057] The curved surfaces 53a and 53b are curved surfaces before the terminal block 20 is fixed to the attachment target 10. When the terminal block 20 is fixed to the attachment target 10, the curved surfaces 53a and 53b are pressed against the tapered inner peripheral surface 13. For this reason, it is considered that the outer peripheral surface of the packing 50 elastically deforms following the shape of the tapered inner peripheral surface 13, and becomes a tapered peripheral surface that gradually becomes smaller in size in the insertion direction A without being curved (see FIG. 6 ).

[0058] The curved surfaces 53 a and 53 b may be formed over the entire circumferential direction of the packing 50 or may be formed on a part of the circumferential direction of the packing 50 .

[0059] In this embodiment, the packing 50 is formed in an elongated shape corresponding to the shape of the insertion portion 32. More specifically, the packing 50 includes a pair of long sides 51A arranged in parallel with a gap between them, and a pair of short sides 51B connecting both ends of the pair of long sides 51A. The length dimension L of the packing 50 in the extension direction of the pair of long sides 51A is greater than the width dimension W of the packing 50 in the direction connecting the pair of long sides 51A. Therefore, the packing 50 has an elongated ring shape in the extension direction of the long sides 51A.

[0060] It is preferable that a curved surface 53a is formed on the outward surface of each of the pair of long side portions 51A, and it is also preferable that a curved surface 53b is formed on the outward surface of each of the pair of short side portions 51B.

[0061] The tapered inner peripheral surface 54 includes a plurality of annular ribs 55 extending in the circumferential direction thereof and aligned along the insertion direction A. When a plurality of annular ribs 55 are formed as in the tapered inner peripheral surface 54, it is sufficient to observe the positional relationship of the peaks of the annular ribs 55 or the positional relationship of the valleys between the annular ribs 55, and see that they gradually become smaller in size along the insertion direction A.

[0062] The curved surfaces 53a and 53b on the outer periphery of the packing 50 are formed more gently than the inner periphery formed by the multiple annular ribs 55. The smoothness may be evaluated based on the radius of curvature, with a larger radius of curvature being evaluated as being smoother. For example, in a cross section of the packing 50 observed along its central axis, the radius of curvature of the curved surface 53a or the curved surface 53b appearing in the cross section is larger than the radius of curvature of the inner annular rib 55 appearing in the cross section. The radius of curvature may be the radius of curvature of the apex (i.e., the most protruding part) of the convex shape appearing in the cross section, or it may be the maximum or average value of the radius of curvature of the convex shape. Furthermore, the smoothness may be evaluated based on the magnitude of the change in the unevenness, with a smaller change in the unevenness being evaluated as being smoother. For example, the change in the unevenness is a type of line roughness, and may be evaluated using an evaluation value applying the concept of arithmetic mean roughness defined in JIS B 0601-2001. For example, in a cross section of the packing 50 observed along its central axis, the concept of arithmetic mean roughness can be applied to the convex contour lines that appear on the cross section, and the average value of the absolute value of the difference between the average value of the contour line height and the contour line height can be used as the evaluation value.The smaller the evaluation value, the smoother the contour line will be.

[0063] An outer end portion 54a is formed on the tapered inner peripheral surface 54 of the packing 50 at the tip end in the insertion direction A, and the outer end portion 54a has the same shape as the tapered inner peripheral surface 54. In other words, the outer end portion 54a is the portion where the tip end of the tapered inner peripheral surface 54 continues to the tip end in the insertion direction A. The outer end portion 54a is set smaller than the end portion 34 of the insertion portion 32. Therefore, when the outer end portion 54a is positioned around the end portion 34, the outer end portion 54a is in an elastically stretched state. In this case, the outer end portion 54a tightens the end portion 34 by its own elastic force. This makes it difficult for the packing 50 to fall off the insertion portion 32.

[0064] In this embodiment, the tip end of the packing 50 abuts against the annular protrusion 35. The annular protrusion 35 also prevents the packing 50 from falling off the insertion portion 32.

[0065] When the packing 50 is attached to the insertion portion 32, the end of the packing 50 on the fixing portion 40 side is in contact with the fixing portion 40. As a result, when the fixing portion 40 is fixed so as to be pressed against the attachment target 10, the packing 50 can be pressed toward the attachment hole 12 by the pressing force.

[0066] <Examples of contact of curved surfaces and examples of shapes of curved surfaces> Figures 7 and 8 are explanatory diagrams showing a state in which the terminal block 20 is attached to the attachment target 10. In Figure 7, the terminals 22 are parallel to the central axis of the attachment hole 12, and in Figure 8, the terminals 22 are inclined with respect to the central axis of the attachment hole 12. In Figures 7 and 8, the initial shape of the packing 50, the position of the screw hole 14, and the head of the screw S are indicated by two-dot chain lines.

[0067] 7, the apex portions of the curved surfaces 53a, 53b that bulge outward most are pressed against the tapered inner peripheral surface 13. The portions of the curved surfaces 53a, 53b that are pressed against the tapered inner peripheral surface 13 are elastically deformed into a tapered outer peripheral surface shape following the shape of the tapered inner peripheral surface 13. In a cross section along the insertion direction A, the portions of the curved surfaces 53a, 53b that are pressed against the tapered inner peripheral surface 13 are linear.

[0068] As shown in Fig. 8 , it is possible that the terminal block 20 is tilted relative to the attachment target 10. In this case, it is possible that a portion of one of the pair of curved surfaces 53a (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the first curved surface 53a1) that is close to the fixing portion 40 is pressed against a portion of the tapered inner circumferential surface 13 that is close to the back (see the left side of Fig. 8 ), and a portion of the other curved surface (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the second curved surface 53a2) that is close to the first end 23 is pressed against a portion of the tapered inner circumferential surface 13 that is close to the opening (see the right side of Fig. 8 ).

[0069] Even in this case, the curved surface 53a is a curved surface 53a that is convex outward in a cross section along the insertion direction A, and therefore the contact manner of both curved surfaces 53a1, 53a2 with the tapered inner circumferential surface 13 is the same. In other words, although the contact positions are different, similarly curved portions of both curved surfaces 53a1, 53a2 are in contact with the tapered inner circumferential surface 13 at the same inclination angle.

[0070] Therefore, regardless of the inclination or angle of the terminal block 20 relative to the mounting object 10, the curved surfaces 53a1 and 53a2 can contact the tapered inner peripheral surface 13 in the same contact manner. For example, although the contact positions of the curved surfaces 53a1 and 53a2 relative to the tapered inner peripheral surface 13 may vary, the contact widths can be made as similar as possible. This stabilizes the sealing performance of the packing 50.

[0071] In particular, when the packing 50 is long and narrow, it is expected that the pair of long sides 51A are more likely to be displaced up and down than the pair of short sides 51B. For this reason, if the pair of long sides 51A are formed with curved surfaces 53a1, 53a2, sealing performance can be effectively maintained even if such a disposition occurs.

[0072] Of course, if the curved surfaces 53b are also formed on the pair of short sides 51B, the sealing performance can be effectively maintained even if the pair of short sides 51B are tilted and displaced up or down.

[0073] When the packing 50 has curved surfaces located opposite each other, the curved surfaces are preferably located on the same imaginary circumference C. For example, when a curved surface 53a1 is formed on one long side 51A and a curved surface 53a2 is formed on the other long side 51A, the curved surface 53a2 serving as the second curved surface can be understood as an example located on the opposite side of the curved surface 53a1 serving as the first curved surface. In other words, the curved surfaces 53a1 and 53a2 preferably have the same center of curvature and the same radius of curvature.

[0074] In this case, when the terminal block 20 tilts, the curved surfaces 53a1 and 53a2 are displaced so as to tilt at the same angle relative to the tapered inner peripheral surface 13. Therefore, if the curved surfaces 53a1 and 53a2 are positioned on the same imaginary circumference C, the curved surfaces 53a1 and 53a2 are likely to come into contact with the tapered inner peripheral surface 13 in the same contact manner when the terminal block 20 is tilted.

[0075] The curved surfaces 53a1 and 53a preferably include a cylindrical outer peripheral surface having a curvature center at the oscillation axis X of the base body 30 relative to the attachment object 10. The oscillation axis X of the base body 30 relative to the attachment object 10 is the center of rotation when tilting from a design reference posture to a posture that is likely to tilt, for example, when a posture that is likely to tilt due to the fixing structure of the base body 30 relative to the attachment object 10 is assumed. The cylindrical outer peripheral surface is a surface that forms part of the outer peripheral surface of a circumference.

[0076] For example, the center of curvature of the cylindrical outer surface of the curved surfaces 53a1, 53a2 may be located on a straight line L passing through the first fixing point P1 and the second fixing point P2 relative to the attachment object 10 (see Figures 1, 8 and 9).

[0077] The fixing points P1 and P2 are positions that serve as fixing references when the base body 30 is fixed to the attachment target 10. For example, in this embodiment, a screw S passes through the insertion hole 42 and is threadedly fastened into the screw hole 14. When the screw S is threadedly fastened into the screw hole 14, the screw S is likely to be maintained in a fixed position relative to the attachment target 10. Furthermore, because the head of the screw S presses downward against the upper opening edge of the insertion hole 42, the upper opening edge of the insertion hole 42 that is closest to the head of the screw S is likely to be maintained in a fixed position relative to the attachment target 10. Therefore, a straight line L passing through the centers of the upper opening edges of the two screw holes 14 can be understood to be the oscillation axis, and the centers of curvature of the outer circumferential surfaces of the cylindrical portions of the curved surfaces 53a1 and 53a2 can be set on this straight line L.

[0078] This allows the curved surface 53a to be effectively pressed against the tapered inner peripheral surface 13 even when the table body 30 is in a position where it is prone to tilting.

[0079] The outward surface of the short side portion 51B may be curved or not. For example, the outward surface of the short side portion 51B may be a curved surface 53b that is curved with the same curvature as the curved surface 53a.

[0080] <Effects, etc.> With the packing 50 attached to the insertion portion 32, the terminal block 20 is attached to the attachment target 10. That is, with the first end 23 facing the attachment hole 12, the insertion portion 32 and the packing 50 are inserted into the attachment hole 12. At this time, the guide pin 44 is inserted into the guide hole 15, thereby guiding the packing 50 and the insertion portion 32 toward a predetermined position relative to the tapered inner circumferential surface 13.

[0081] When the packing 50 is placed within the tapered inner peripheral surface 13 , the tapered outer peripheral surface 52 of the packing 50 is pressed against the tapered inner peripheral surface 13 of the mounting hole 12 .

[0082] The insertion portion 32 is pushed further into the mounting hole 12. For example, when a screw S is inserted into the insertion hole 42 of the fixing portion 40, the screw S is threadedly fastened into the screw hole 14 of the mounting object 10, pushing the fixing portion 40 toward the mounting object 10. This causes the insertion portion 32 connected to the fixing portion 40 to be pushed further into the mounting hole 12. Preferably, the fixing portion 40 directly pushes the packing 50 into the tapered inner circumferential surface 13.

[0083] Here, the outer peripheral surface of the packing 50 is formed into a tapered outer peripheral surface 52 that gradually becomes smaller in the insertion direction A. Therefore, when the insertion portion 32 and the packing 50 are pressed into the mounting hole 12, the gap between the insertion portion 32 and the mounting hole 12 in the insertion direction A narrows, and the packing 50 is compressed along the insertion direction A. The gap between the insertion portion 32 and the mounting hole 12 also narrows in a direction intersecting the insertion direction A, and the packing 50 is compressed in that direction. Therefore, the packing 50 can be interposed between the insertion portion 32 and the mounting hole 12 in a state compressed in the insertion direction A and in a direction intersecting the insertion direction A. The elastic restoring force of the compressed packing 50 can effectively seal the gap between the tapered inner peripheral surface 13 and the tapered outer peripheral surface 52.

[0084] That is, to obtain good sealing properties, it is preferable to generate a large surface pressure between the tapered inner peripheral surface 13 and the tapered outer peripheral surface 52. In order to generate a large surface pressure, it is conceivable to increase the amount of squeezing of the packing 50. In this embodiment, by compressing the packing 50 in the insertion direction A and in a direction intersecting the insertion direction A, the amount of squeezing of the packing 50 can be increased, thereby obtaining good sealing properties.

[0085] Furthermore, the packing 50 is compressed in the insertion direction A and in a direction intersecting the insertion direction A, and the repulsive force in the direction intersecting the insertion direction A is received by the insertion portion 32 and the terminals 22 inside the insertion portion 32. Therefore, the repulsive force received by the fixing portion 40 is smaller than the total amount of compression of the packing 50. This makes it difficult for the base body 30 to creep and allows the sealing performance of the packing 50 to be maintained for an even longer period of time.

[0086] Furthermore, there is no need to add reinforcing ribs or separate metal members to suppress creep deformation to the base body 30. This allows for a reduction in the amount of resin, size, height, weight, and cost.

[0087] Furthermore, since the contact point between the mounting object 10 and the packing 50 is inclined with respect to the insertion direction A, the installation area of ​​the packing 50 can be reduced in a plan view along the insertion direction A. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the terminal block 20 and the installation space therefor.

[0088] Furthermore, the tapered outer peripheral surface 52 has curved surfaces 53a, 53b that are outwardly convex in a cross section along the insertion direction A. Therefore, even if the terminal block 20 is tilted while attached to the mounting hole 12, the curved surfaces 53a, 53b can stably contact the tapered inner peripheral surface 13 of the mounting hole 12, thereby achieving good sealing.

[0089] Furthermore, since the curved surfaces 53a1 and 53a2 located on opposite sides of the packing 50 are located on the same imaginary circumference C, even if the terminal block 20 is tilted, the contact state of the curved surfaces 53a1 and 53a2 with the tapered inner surface 13 of the mounting hole 12 is stable.

[0090] Furthermore, since the curved surface 53a includes the outer surface of the cylindrical portion whose center of curvature is the swing axis X of the base body 30 relative to the mounting object 10, when the terminal block 20 swings around the swing axis X, the outer surface of the cylindrical portion can stably contact the inner surface of the mounting hole.

[0091] If the center of curvature of the outer surface of the cylindrical portion of the curved surface 53a is located on a straight line L passing through the first fixing point P1 and the second fixing point P2 relative to the mounting object 10, when the terminal block 20 swings around the straight line L as the swing axis, the outer surface of the cylindrical portion of the curved surface 53a can come into stable contact with the tapered inner surface 13 of the mounting hole 12.

[0092] Furthermore, the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 32 includes a pressing tapered outer peripheral surface 33 that gradually becomes smaller in size in the insertion direction A, and the inner peripheral surface of the packing 50 includes a tapered inner peripheral surface 54 that gradually becomes smaller in size in the insertion direction A. Therefore, by pressing the pressing tapered outer peripheral surface 33 of the insertion portion 32 against the tapered inner peripheral surface 54 of the packing 50, the packing 50 becomes more likely to be compressed in a direction intersecting the insertion direction A.

[0093] Furthermore, the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 32 and the inner peripheral surface of the packing 50 each include end portions 34, 54a that continue to the tip side in the insertion direction A from the pressing tapered outer peripheral surface 33 or the tapered inner peripheral surface 54 and have the same shape continuing along the insertion direction A. The outer end portion 54a of the packing 50 clamps the end portion of the insertion portion 32. This makes it easy to hold the packing 50 in place in the insertion portion 32 so that it does not fall off.

[0094] Furthermore, the packing 50 includes a plurality of annular ribs 55. Therefore, when the insertion portion 32 is inserted into the mounting hole 12, the packing 50 can be elastically deformed so as to crush the plurality of annular ribs 55. This allows the dimensions of each part to be designed so that the packing 50 can be sufficiently elastically deformed, taking into account manufacturing errors or assembly errors. This makes it possible to obtain good sealing performance regardless of manufacturing errors or assembly errors.

[0095] Furthermore, if the curved surfaces 53a, 53b are gentler than the inner peripheral surface defined by the annular rib 55, the packing 50 can be largely elastically deformed by the multiple annular ribs 55 on the inner circumference of the packing 50. If the curved surfaces 53a, 53b on the outer circumference of the packing 50 are formed more gently than the inner peripheral surface of the packing, even if a partial recess is formed on the tapered inner peripheral surface 13 of the mounting hole 12, it is easy to bring the tapered outer peripheral surface 52 into contact with the tapered inner peripheral surface 13 around the recess.

[0096] For example, the surface of the mounting object 10 may be more susceptible to partial depressions than the surface of the base body 30. For example, if the mounting object 10 is a metal casting, blowholes may be more likely to form on the surface of the mounting object 10. In this way, even if a partial depression is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole 12, the tapered outer peripheral surface 52 is more likely to come into contact with the tapered inner peripheral surface 13 around the depression. This allows for good sealing between the mounting hole 12 and the packing 50 around the entire circumferential direction of the mounting hole 12.

[0097] Furthermore, if the base body 30 includes a fixing portion 40 that is connected to the base end side of the insertion portion 32 and fastened to the attachment object 10 outside the insertion portion 32, the fixing portion 40 can keep the insertion portion 32 pressed into the attachment hole 12.

[0098] Furthermore, since the packing 50 is in contact with the fixing portion 40 , the fixing portion 40 can easily push the packing 50 into the mounting hole 12 .

[0099] [Modification] In this embodiment, the packing functions as a wedge, and as the packing is inserted into the mounting hole, a force that compresses the packing in a direction intersecting the insertion direction can be generated.

[0100] Therefore, for example, as in the modified terminal block 120 shown in Figure 9, the outer surface 151 of the packing 150 corresponding to the packing 50 may be a surface that gradually becomes smaller in size in the insertion direction A and may have a shape that includes a curved surface 152 (the initial shape is shown by a dotted line), and the outer surface 133 of the insertion portion 132 corresponding to the insertion portion 32 and the inner surface 153 of the packing 150 may be surfaces in which portions of the same shape are continuous in the insertion direction A.

[0101] 9 , the packing 150 is also compressed in a direction intersecting the insertion direction A. The repulsive force caused by this compression acts in a direction intersecting the insertion direction A and is received by the terminal 22. Furthermore, even if the terminal block 120 is tilted, the curved surface 152 ensures stable contact with the mounting hole 12. Therefore, similar to the above embodiment, the terminal block 120 is less susceptible to creep deformation, etc., and the sealing performance of the packing 150 can be maintained for an even longer period of time, and stable sealing performance can be obtained even if the terminal block 120 is tilted.

[0102] The configurations described in the above embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate as long as they are not mutually inconsistent.

[0103] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Mounting object 12 Mounting hole 13 Tapered inner peripheral surface 14 Screw hole 15 Guide hole 20, 120 Terminal block 22 Terminal 23 First end 24 Second end 25 Terminal intermediate portion 30 Base body 32, 132 Insertion portion 33 Tapered outer peripheral surface for pressing 34 End portion 35 Annular protrusion 36 First terminal holding portion 37 Partition wall 38 Second terminal holding portion 40 Fixing portion 42 Insertion hole 44 Guide pin 50, 150 Packing 51A Long side portion 51B Short side portion 52 Tapered outer peripheral surface 53a, 53b, 152 Curved surface 53a1 First curved surface 53a2 Second curved surface 54 Tapered inner peripheral surface 54a Outer end portion 55 Annular rib 133 Outer peripheral surface 151 Outer peripheral surface 153 Inner peripheral surface A Insertion direction C Virtual circumference P1 First fixing point P2 Second fixing point S Screw X Swing axis

Claims

1. A terminal block fixed to an object to be attached having a mounting hole, comprising: a terminal including a first end, a second end, and a terminal intermediate portion between the first end and the second end; a base body including an insertion portion inserted into the mounting hole, the base body being fixed to the object to be attached with the insertion portion inserted into the mounting hole; a packing interposed between the insertion portion and the mounting hole with the base body fixed to the object to be attached; and comprising: the base body holds the terminal in a state of covering the terminal intermediate portion; an outer peripheral surface of the packing includes a tapered outer peripheral surface that gradually decreases in a direction of insertion into the mounting hole, and the tapered outer peripheral surface has a curved surface that protrudes outward in a cross section along the insertion direction; the curved surface has a first curved surface and a second curved surface located on the side opposite to the first curved surface; each of the first curved surface and the second curved surface includes an outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical portion having a center of curvature at a rocking axis of the base body with respect to the object to be attached; a center of curvature of the outer peripheral surface of each of the cylindrical portions of the first curved surface and the second curved surface is the same rocking axis, and a radius of curvature of the outer peripheral surface of each of the cylindrical portions of the first curved surface and the second curved surface is the same, the terminal block.

2. The terminal block according to claim 1, wherein: the packing includes a pair of long side portions arranged in parallel with a gap therebetween, and a pair of short side portions connecting both ends of the pair of long side portions; a length dimension of the packing in an extending direction of the pair of long side portions is larger than a width dimension of the packing in a direction connecting the pair of long side portions; the curved surface is formed on each of the outer facing surfaces of the pair of long side portions, the terminal block.

3. (Deleted)

4. (Deleted)

5. The terminal block according to claim 1, wherein: a center of curvature of the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion is located on a straight line passing through a first fixed portion and a second fixed portion with respect to the object to be attached, the terminal block.

6. The terminal block according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: an outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion includes a tapered outer peripheral surface for pressing that gradually decreases in a direction of insertion, the terminal block.

7. The terminal block according to claim 6, wherein: an outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion includes an end portion in which the same shape is continuous along the insertion direction, continuously on a tip side in the insertion direction with respect to the tapered outer peripheral surface for pressing; an inner peripheral surface of the packing includes an outer end portion in which the same shape is continuous along the insertion direction, on an outer peripheral side of the end portion, the terminal block. A terminal block in which the outer end portion of the packing is in a state of clamping the end portion by its own elastic force.

8. The terminal block according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the packing includes a plurality of annular ribs extending along the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral side thereof and arranged along the insertion direction.

9. The terminal block according to claim 8, wherein the curved surface is smoother than the inner peripheral surface formed by the plurality of annular ribs.

10. The terminal block according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the base body includes a fixing portion that is continuous with the proximal end side of the insertion portion and is fastened and fixed to the mounting target outside the insertion portion.