Terminal block

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a miniaturized terminal block capable of facilitating assembly of a terminal block to an attachment object. Provided is a terminal block attached to an attachment object having an attachment hole, the terminal block including: a terminal block body including an opposing surface facing the attachment object; a terminal penetrating the terminal block body; and a packing interposed between the opposing surface and the attachment object in a penetration direction of the attachment hole. The terminal includes an extension end part extending from the opposing surface. The packing surrounds the extension end part. The packing includes a first protrusion part and a second protrusion part that protrude to an opposing surface side, and a fixation protrusion part that protrudes to the opposing surface side. The first protrusion part is closer to the extension end part than the second protrusion part is, and the fixation protrusion part is located between the first protrusion part and the second protrusion part. The terminal block body includes a recessed part at a position facing the fixation protrusion part, and the packing is held by the terminal block body in a state in which the fixation protrusion part is fitted into the recessed part.

Description

terminal block

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a waterproof connector including a connector housing and an annular packing. The packing has a locking protrusion formed on the outer periphery, and the locking protrusion is inserted into an engagement hole in a hood portion to be locked.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-33857

[0004] According to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, the locking projections may increase the size of the packing, thereby increasing the size of the connector.

[0005] It is therefore desirable to provide a terminal block that can be easily assembled to an object and that is compact.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a terminal block that can be easily assembled to an attachment target and that is miniaturized.

[0007] The terminal block of the present disclosure is a terminal block to be attached to an attachment object having a mounting hole, and comprises a terminal block main body including an opposing surface facing the attachment object, terminals that penetrate the terminal block main body, and a gasket interposed between the opposing surface and the attachment object in the direction of penetration of the mounting hole, wherein the terminals include extending end portions extending from the opposing surface, the gasket surrounds the extending end portions, the gasket includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion that protrude toward the opposing surface, and a fixed protrusion that protrudes toward the opposing surface, the first protrusion is closer to the extending end portions than the second protrusion, the fixed protrusion is located between the first protrusion and the second protrusion, the terminal block main body includes a recess at a position facing the fixed protrusion, and the gasket is held by the terminal block main body with the fixed protrusion fitted in the recess.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a terminal block that can be easily assembled to an attachment target and that is miniaturized.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a terminal block according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the terminal block. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the terminal block. FIG. 7 is an exploded view showing a terminal block according to a first modified example. FIG. 8 is an exploded view showing a terminal block according to a second modified example.

[0010] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0011] The terminal block of the present disclosure is as follows.

[0012] (1) A terminal block to be attached to an attachment object having a mounting hole, comprising: a terminal block body including an opposing surface facing the attachment object; terminals penetrating the terminal block body; and a packing interposed between the opposing surface and the attachment object in the direction of penetration of the mounting hole, wherein the terminals include extending end portions extending from the opposing surface, the packing surrounds the extending end portions, the packing includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion protruding toward the opposing surface, and a fixed protrusion protruding toward the opposing surface, the first protrusion being closer to the extending end portions than the second protrusion, the fixed protrusion being located between the first protrusion and the second protrusion, the terminal block body including a recess at a position facing the fixed protrusion, and the packing is held by the terminal block body with the fixed protrusion fitted into the recess.

[0013] According to the present disclosure, the fixing protrusion is fitted into the recess, thereby holding the packing in the terminal block body, thereby reducing the size of the packing. Because the packing is reduced in size, the terminal block is also reduced in size. Furthermore, since the packing interposed between the opposing surface and the mounting object in the penetration direction of the mounting hole provides a watertight seal, the terminal block can be easily assembled to the mounting object compared to when a shaft seal structure is provided. This allows for easy assembly of the packing and provides a terminal block that is even more compact.

[0014] (2) In the terminal block of (1), the fixing protrusion may have a tip guide surface that gradually becomes thinner toward the tip side.

[0015] This allows the fixing protrusion to be easily fitted into the recess by utilizing the tip guide surface.

[0016] (3) In the terminal block of (1) or (2), the recess may have an opening guide surface that gradually widens outward.

[0017] This allows the fixing protrusion to be easily fitted into the recess by utilizing the opening guide surface.

[0018] (4) In the terminal block according to any one of (1) to (3), the packing may include a flat surface facing the attachment object.

[0019] This allows the flat surface of the packing to come into surface contact with the object to which it is attached, thereby providing a more reliable seal between the packing and the object to which it is attached, even if the surface of the object to which it is attached has small depressions due to blowholes or the like.

[0020] (5) In a terminal block according to any one of (1) to (4), the base end of the fixed protrusion may be cylindrical, and at least one of the first protrusion and the second protrusion may have an arc-shaped portion that partially follows the outer periphery of the base end.

[0021] This allows at least one of the first protrusion and the second protrusion to extend so as to partially avoid the fixed protrusion due to the arc-shaped portion, thereby making it possible to make the formation area of ​​at least one of the first protrusion and the second protrusion as small as possible.

[0022] (6) In the terminal block of (5), both the first protrusion and the second protrusion may have the arc-shaped portion.

[0023] In this way, when both the first protrusion and the second protrusion have the arc-shaped portion, the shapes of the first protrusion and the second protrusion can be made symmetrical, which makes it easier to obtain a stable seal even when, for example, the terminal block is tilted relative to the mounting object.

[0024] (7) In the terminal block of any one of (1) to (6), the packing may include a plurality of the fixing protrusions, and the plurality of fixing protrusions may be positioned in a dispersed manner around the extending end portion.

[0025] In this way, by dispersing the plurality of fixing protrusions around the extending end portion, the packing is more likely to be held in a stable state against the opposing surface.

[0026] (8) In the terminal block of any one of (1) to (7), the plurality of fixing protrusions may have a shape that exhibits plane symmetry with two orthogonal planes through which the central axis of the mounting hole passes as planes of symmetry.

[0027] This makes it easier to hold the packing around the mounting hole under uniform conditions, making it easier to stabilize the sealing performance.

[0028] [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.

[0029] [Embodiment] A terminal block according to an embodiment will now be described. Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views showing a terminal block 20. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Figure 1. Figure 4 is a partially enlarged view of Figure 3. In Figure 4, the packing 50 before installation is shown by a two-dot chain line. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in Figure 1. Figure 6 is an exploded view of the terminal block 20. In Figure 6, the terminal block main body 30 is shown from the bottom side, and the packing 50 is shown from above.

[0030] 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. More specifically, the case may be the case of a drive motor for an automobile, or the case of an inverter device that drives the drive motor. 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.

[0031] 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 holes 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. The mounting hole does not have to be elongated, but may be a polygonal hole such as a square hole, or a perfect circle hole.

[0032] The terminal block 20 includes terminals 22, a terminal block body 30, and a packing 50. With the terminals 22 held by the terminal block body 30, the terminal block body 30 is fixed to the mounting object 10. In this state, the terminals 22 protrude from both openings 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 terminal block body 30 and the mounting object 10. The packing 50 seals the gap between the terminal block body 30 and the mounting hole 12.

[0033] <Regarding Terminal Block> The terminal block 20 will be described in more detail.

[0034] The terminal 22 is a conductive member including a first end 23, a second end 24, and a terminal intermediate portion 25 between the first end 23 and the second end 24. The terminal 22 is formed, for example, from an elongated 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. The terminal 22 penetrates the terminal block main body 30. The terminal intermediate portion 25 is a portion disposed within the terminal block main body 30. The first end 23 and the second end 24 extend outward from the terminal block main body 30. The first end 23 may be, for example, a portion extending outward from a case having an attachment target 10, and the second end 24 may be a portion extending inward from the case. 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 width direction. The terminal may also be an assembled component of multiple parts.

[0035] 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.

[0036] The terminal block body 30 is an insulating member formed of resin or the like. The terminal block body 30 is, for example, a resin part integrally molded from resin. For example, the terminal block body 30 may be molded with the terminals 22 as insert parts.

[0037] The terminals 22 pass through the terminal block body 30. The terminal block body 30 is formed in a shape that is wider than the mounting hole 12 in a plan view. In this embodiment, the terminal block body 30 is formed in an oval plate shape. The oval shape is a rectangle that is long in one direction and has semicircular portions connected to both short sides. The shape of the terminal block body is not particularly limited, and the terminal block body 30 may be a rectangular plate shape, a square plate shape, or a disk shape.

[0038] The surface of the terminal block body 30 that faces the attachment target 10 is the facing surface 32. The facing surface 32 will be described in more detail later. The surface of the terminal block body 30 that faces away from the attachment target 10 is the outward surface. In this embodiment, the outward surface is flat, but this is not necessarily required. The outward surface of the terminal block body 30 may be formed with an uneven shape.

[0039] The terminals 22 penetrate the terminal block body 30. More specifically, the multiple terminals 22 are arranged in parallel with gaps between them and penetrate the terminal block body 30. The direction in which the multiple terminals 22 are arranged is along the longitudinal direction of the terminal block body 30.

[0040] The terminal block body 30 is a portion that is fastened to the attachment target 10. In this embodiment, insertion holes 30h are formed in the terminal block body 30. Here, a pair of insertion holes 30h are formed at both longitudinal end portions of the terminal block body 30. Screw holes are formed on both longitudinal outer sides of the attachment hole 12 in the attachment target 10. The pair of insertion holes 30h are formed at positions that overlap the screw holes. With the terminal block body 30 placed on the main surface of the attachment target 10 so as to cover the attachment hole 12, the insertion holes 30h are positioned outside the screw holes. Screws S as fasteners are passed through the insertion holes 30h and threadedly fastened to the screw holes. In this way, the terminal block body 30 is fastened to the attachment target 10. Note that the positions and numbers of the screw holes and insertion holes are not limited to the above example and are arbitrary.

[0041] A first end 23 of the terminal 22 that penetrates the terminal block body 30 protrudes outward from one main surface of the terminal block body 30. A second end 24 of the terminal 22 that penetrates the terminal block body 30 protrudes outward from the other main surface of the terminal block body 30. The second end 24 is an example of an extending end portion that extends from the opposing surface 32.

[0042] The opposing surface 32 extends from the base end of the second end 24 toward the outer periphery. The opposing surface 32 may be a flat surface, or may have a recess or a concave portion. In this embodiment, the opposing surface 32 has an annular recess 33 that surrounds the base ends of the second ends 24. The annular recess 33 is formed, for example, in the shape of an oval groove depending on the shape of the packing 50. In this embodiment, the bottom surface 34 of the annular recess 33 is a flat surface. The bottom surface 34 of the annular recess 33 is part of the opposing surface 32.

[0043] The packing 50 is made of an elastic material such as rubber, and is a part that seals between the attachment target 10 and the terminal block body 30. The packing 50 is interposed between the opposing surface 32 and the attachment target 10 in the penetration direction of the attachment hole 12. Note that the packing 50 may have a part that is not interposed between the opposing surface 32 and the attachment target 10 in the penetration direction of the attachment hole 12, for example, a part that is located on the inner periphery of the attachment hole 12.

[0044] The packing 50 surrounds the base ends of the second ends 24. In this embodiment, the packing 50 is formed in an annular shape surrounding the base ends of the second ends 24 arranged in a row, more specifically, in an elongated annular shape. The packing 50 is interposed between the terminal block body 30 and the attachment target 10 in the penetration direction of the attachment hole 12, thereby providing a seal as a face seal. Note that the face seal is a seal that utilizes the opposing surfaces of the attachment target 10 and the terminal block body 30 that press against each other in the insertion direction when the terminal block 20 is inserted into the attachment hole 12. The packing 50 does not rub when pressed firmly against the attachment target 10, which has the advantage of making it easier for the packing 50 to ensure the desired sealing properties.

[0045] More specifically, in a plan view, the packing 50 is formed in an annular shape that collectively surrounds the multiple second ends 24 at intervals. Even more specifically, the packing 50 is formed in an elliptical annular shape including two long side portions 50L and two semicircular portions 50A. Each of the two long side portions 50L extends straight. Each of the two semicircular portions 50A is semicircular. The two long side portions 50L are parallel to each other. One semicircular portion 50A is connected to one end of the two long side portions 50L, and the other semicircular portion 50A is connected to the other end of the two long side portions 50L. Each semicircular portion 50A is convex outward.

[0046] When the packing 50 is placed on the opposing surface 32, the two long side portions 50L, 50L are aligned along the direction in which the multiple second ends 24 are arranged, and the base ends of the multiple second ends 24 are aligned in a straight line between the two long side portions 50L, 50L. The two semicircular portions 50A, 50A are located on both outsides of the base ends of the multiple linearly aligned second ends 24. As a result, the packing 50 collectively surrounds the base ends of the multiple second ends 24.

[0047] The annular recess 33 is formed as an annular groove corresponding to the shape of the packing 50. Therefore, at least a portion of the packing 50 is accommodated in the annular recess 33. The width of the annular recess 33 may be larger than that of the packing 50, may be the same as that of the packing 50, or may be smaller. If the width of the annular recess 33 is larger than that of the packing 50, gaps can be formed between the inner circumferential surface of the packing 50 and the inner circumferential surface of the annular recess 33, and between the outer circumferential surface of the packing 50 and the outer circumferential surface of the annular recess 33. This ensures that gaps through which the packing 50 can escape can be secured when the packing 50 is compressed between the opposing surface 32 and the mounting object 10.

[0048] The packing 50 includes a packing body 52 , a first protrusion 54 , a second protrusion 56 , and a fixing protrusion 58 .

[0049] The packing body 52 is an annular portion that surrounds the second end 24. The packing body 52 may be a portion that forms the base shape of the packing 50.

[0050] A first protrusion 54 and a second protrusion 56 protrude from the packing body 52 toward the opposing surface 32. The first protrusion 54 is closer to the second end 24 than the second protrusion 56.

[0051] The first protrusion 54 may be annular, similar to the packing body 52. ​​For example, when the first protrusion 54 is observed in a cross section perpendicular to its extension direction, the first protrusion 54 may have a cross-sectional shape obtained by dividing an oval or ellipse by a line along the minor axis direction. The first protrusion 54 may have an annular cross-sectional shape that continues along the extension direction of the packing body 52.

[0052] The second protrusion 56 may also be annular, like the packing body 52. ​​For example, when the second protrusion 56 is observed in a cross section perpendicular to its extension direction, it may have a cross-sectional shape obtained by dividing an oval or ellipse by a line along the minor axis direction. The second protrusion 56 may have an annular cross-sectional shape that continues along the extension direction of the packing body 52. ​​Note that the portions of the packing body 52 where the protrusions 54, 56 are formed are partially wider.

[0053] When both the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56 are annular, the first protrusion 54 is an annular protrusion on the inner circumferential side, and the second protrusion 56 is an annular protrusion on the outer circumferential side.

[0054] The first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56 may be formed to the same protruding height relative to the packing body 52. ​​This makes it easier for the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56 to be pressed against the opposing surface 32 with the same degree of force.

[0055] A gap may be formed between the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56. In other words, a groove, for example, an annular groove, may be formed between the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56.

[0056] The first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56 may have a sealing structure called a lip. The packing 50 may have other protrusions in addition to the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56. In other words, the packing may have a structure that is sealed by a triple or more lip structure.

[0057] The fixing protrusion 58 protrudes toward the opposing surface 32 between the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56. The fixing protrusion 58 preferably protrudes more than the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56. This makes it easier for the fixing protrusion 58 to fit into the recess 33g on the opposing surface 32 side.

[0058] The fixing protrusion 58 is a portion that partially protrudes in the extension direction of the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56. The fixing protrusion 58 is formed, for example, in a columnar shape, and more specifically, may be formed in a cylindrical shape. A cylindrical shape includes not only a perfect cylinder but also a flat cylinder such as an elliptical cylinder. The fixing protrusion 58 may also be formed in a polygonal columnar shape such as a square columnar shape.

[0059] The fixed protrusion 58 has a distal end guide surface 58g that gradually narrows toward the distal end. The distal end guide surface 58g is, for example, a surface that tapers in diameter at the distal end of the fixed protrusion 58. The distal end guide surface 58g may be a sloped surface (a so-called C-surface) or a curved surface (a so-called R-surface) in a cross section taken along the central axis of the fixed protrusion 58. The portion of the fixed protrusion 58 that is closer to the base end than the distal end guide surface 58g may have a shape in which a continuous portion of the same diameter is formed.

[0060] The packing 50 includes a plurality of fixing protrusions 58. In the present embodiment, the packing 50 includes four fixing protrusions 58. The fixing protrusions 58 may be positioned in a dispersed manner around the second end 24. For example, the fixing protrusions 58 may be arranged at intervals in the extension direction of the packing 50.

[0061] Preferably, the fixing protrusions 58 have a shape that exhibits plane symmetry with respect to two orthogonal planes F1 and F2 that pass through the central axis X of the mounting hole 12 (see FIG. 6 ). The orthogonal plane F1 is, for example, a plane that passes through the central axis X and that extends along the longitudinal direction of the packing 50. The orthogonal plane F2 is, for example, a plane that passes through the central axis X and that extends along the lateral direction of the packing 50.

[0062] In this embodiment, four fixing protrusions 58 are located near both ends of each of the two long side portions 50L, 50L of the packing 50. Therefore, the two fixing protrusions 58 formed on one long side portion 50L and the two fixing protrusions 58 formed on the other long side portion 50L are in a plane-symmetrical relationship with respect to plane F1. Furthermore, the two fixing protrusions 58 formed near one end of each of the two long side portions 50L, 50L and the two fixing protrusions 58 formed near the other end of each of the two long side portions 50L, 50L are in a plane-symmetrical relationship with respect to plane F2. This makes it easier for the packing 50 to be held to the terminal block body 30 by the multiple fixing protrusions 58 in as uniform a manner as possible around the central axis X.

[0063] The portions of the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56 that pass beside the fixed protrusion 58 have arc-shaped portions 54a, 56a. The arc-shaped portions 54a, 56a are arc-shaped portions that partially follow the outer periphery of the base end of the fixed protrusion 58. In this embodiment, the arc-shaped portions 54a, 56a are arc-shaped portions that are shorter than a half arc. The arc-shaped portion 54a is curved so as to be convex toward the inner periphery of the first protrusion 54, while the arc-shaped portion 56a is curved so as to be convex toward the outer periphery of the second protrusion 56. Thus, a circular gap is formed between the arc-shaped portions 54a and 56a. The fixed protrusion 58 protrudes from the packing body 52 through this gap. Note that a uniform gap may be formed between the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56, excluding the arc-shaped portions 54a, 56a.

[0064] In this embodiment, the arc-shaped portions 54a, 56a are formed on both the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56, but the arc-shaped portion may be formed on one of the first protrusion and the second protrusion. It is not essential that the first protrusion and the second protrusion have the arc-shaped portion. Furthermore, the first protrusion and the second protrusion may have a shape other than the arc-shaped portion, for example, a V-shaped portion, as a partial shape that avoids the fixing protrusion.

[0065] The packing 50 may include a flat surface 53 facing the attachment target 10. In the present embodiment, the entire surface of the packing 50 that faces the attachment target 10 on the opposite side from the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56 is formed as the flat surface 53.

[0066] Therefore, when the packing 50 is compressed between the attachment object 10 and the terminal block body 30 , the flat surface 53 can come into surface contact with the outward surface of the attachment object 10 .

[0067] The terminal block body 30 includes recesses 33g at positions facing the fixing protrusions 58. In this embodiment, the packing 50 is disposed in the annular recess 33. For this reason, recesses 33g are formed in the bottom surface 34 of the annular recess 33 at positions facing the fixing protrusions 58.

[0068] More specifically, the annular recess 33 is formed in the shape of an oval groove, similar to the packing 50. The portions of the annular recess 33 corresponding to the arc-shaped portions 54a, 56a are formed as wide portions 33w that are widened in an arc shape in accordance with the arc-shaped portions 54a, 56a. A recess 33g is formed in the wide portions 33w.

[0069] The recesses 33g are recesses that are smaller than the fixing protrusions 58. For example, the recesses 33g are circular recesses with an inner diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the fixing protrusions 58. Therefore, the fixing protrusions 58 are fitted into the recesses 33g in a compressed state. The outer periphery of the fixing protrusions 58 is pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the recesses 33g, making it difficult for the fixing protrusions 58 to come out of the recesses 33g. As a result, each fixing protrusion 58 is press-fitted and held in the corresponding recess 33g, and the packing 50 is held in the terminal block body 30.

[0070] The recess 33 g is a bottomed protrusion, and preferably does not penetrate the terminal block body 30 .

[0071] The recess 33g preferably has an opening guide surface 33gf that gradually widens outward. The opening guide surface 33gf is a tapered surface at the opening of the recess 33g. The inner diameter of the widest portion of the opening guide surface 33gf may be larger than the outer diameter of the fixed protrusion 58. The opening guide surface 33gf may be a sloped surface (a so-called C-surface) or a curved surface (a so-called R-surface) in a cross section taken along the central axis of the recess 33g.

[0072] 4 shows the packing 50 in the process of being attached to the terminal block body 30, indicated by a two-dot chain line. As shown in the figure, the packing 50 is set in the annular recess 33 with the fixing protrusion 58 facing the recess 33g. At this time, the tip of the fixing protrusion 58 contacts the opening guide surface 33gf of the recess 33g. In addition, the opening edge of the recess 33g contacts the tip guide surface 58g on the tip side of the fixing protrusion 58. This allows the fixing protrusion 58 to be smoothly guided into the recess 33g.

[0073] When the packing 50 is further pressed in, the fixing protrusion 58 is compressed and pressed into the recess 33g. The elastic restoring force of the fixing protrusion 58 presses the outer peripheral surface of the fixing protrusion 58 against the inner peripheral surface of the recess 33g, so that the fixing protrusion 58 is held so as not to come out of the recess 33g. This holds the packing 50 to the terminal block body 30.

[0074] The fixing protrusions 58 are held against the recesses 33g at multiple locations spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the annular packing 50, making it difficult for the packing 50 to partially lift up or curl up from the terminal block main body 30.

[0075] 3 and 5 , when the terminal block 20 configured in this manner is attached to the attachment target 10, the second end 24 is inserted into the attachment hole 12. Because the packing 50 is not pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the attachment hole 12, the second end 24 can be easily inserted into the attachment hole 12.

[0076] The terminal block body 30 is then placed on the outward surface of the attachment object 10, and the terminal block body 30 is attached to the attachment object 10 with the screws S. The tightening force of the screws S compresses the packing 50 between the surrounding portion of the attachment hole 12 on the outward surface of the attachment object 10 and the opposing surface 32. The elastically compressed packing 50 seals the attachment object 10 and the terminal block body 30. The tightening force of the screws S easily compresses the packing 50.

[0077] 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 (outside the case), and the second end 24 protrudes from the other side of the attachment target 10 (inside the case). It is assumed that the first end 23 is connected to a terminal 13 of an electrical component on one side of the attachment target 10 (outside the case), and the second end 24 is connected to a terminal 14 of an electrical component on the other side of the attachment target 10 (inside the case). The electrical component may be, for example, an electrical wiring member including a terminal. For example, holes are formed in the first end 23 and the second end 24, and the first end 23 and the second end 24 are fixed to the terminals 13, 14 using screws S via the holes. The first end or the second end may be a tab- or pin-shaped portion that is inserted into a mating terminal, or a cylindrical or clip-shaped portion into which the mating terminal is inserted.

[0078] <Effects, etc.> According to the terminal block 20 configured as described above, the packing 50 is held in the terminal block body 30 by fitting the fixing protrusions 58 into the recesses 33g, so that the packing 50 can be made smaller.

[0079] For example, consider a case where a fixed protrusion on the inner or outer periphery of an annular packing is fitted into a recess on the terminal block body to hold the packing. In this case, the fixed protrusion may affect only the sealing performance of the inner lip or only the sealing performance of the outer lip. Here, the multi-seal structure formed by the inner and outer lips is expected to ensure a stable seal even if the packing is tilted. To prevent the fixed protrusion on the inner or outer periphery of the packing from affecting the sealing performance of the lip, it is possible to position the fixed protrusion away from the lip. Furthermore, insufficient fit of the fixed protrusion may affect the sealing performance of the lip. To avoid this, it is also possible to position the fixed protrusion away from the lip. In this case, the packing may become larger.

[0080] In this embodiment, the fixing protrusion 58 is located between the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56. Therefore, the effect of the fixing protrusion 58 on the sealing properties of the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56 can be made equal. Therefore, even if the fixing protrusion 58 is not located far away from the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56, a stable seal can be ensured by the first protrusion 54 or the second protrusion 56, even if the packing 50 is tilted. Furthermore, even if the fixing protrusion 58 is not fully fitted into the recess 33g, the fixing protrusion 58 located between the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56 is likely to be properly fitted into the recess 33g when the terminal block 20 is attached. This also eliminates the need to locate the fixing protrusion 58 far away from the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56, allowing the packing 50 to be made smaller.

[0081] As described above, the packing 50 is made smaller, which also reduces the size of the terminal block 20. As the terminal block 20 is made smaller, the device to which the terminal block 20 is attached is also made smaller.

[0082] Furthermore, since the fixing protrusion 58 is located between the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56, the fixing protrusion 58 can be fitted into the recess 33g while the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56 are positioned on the opposing surface 32, making it easier to install the gasket 50.

[0083] Furthermore, since the gasket 50 interposed between the opposing surface 32 and the mounting object 10 in the penetrating direction of the mounting hole 12 provides a watertight seal, the terminal block 20 can be easily assembled to the mounting object 10 compared to when an axial seal structure is provided.

[0084] As a result, the packing 50 can be easily assembled, and a more compact terminal block 20 can be provided.

[0085] Furthermore, since the fixed protrusion 58 has the tip guide surface 58g, the fixed protrusion 58 can be easily fitted into the recess 33g by utilizing the tip guide surface 58g.

[0086] Furthermore, since the recess 33g has the opening guide surface 33gf, the fixing protrusion 58 can be easily fitted into the recess 33g by utilizing the opening guide surface 33gf.

[0087] Furthermore, since the packing 50 includes a flat surface 53 facing the mounting object 10, the flat surface 53 of the packing 50 comes into surface contact with the mounting object 10. For example, even if the mounting object 10 is a cast product and the surface of the mounting object 10 has small depressions due to blowholes or the like, a more reliable seal is achieved between the packing 50 and the mounting object 10.

[0088] Furthermore, at least one of the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56 has an arc-shaped portion 54a, 56a that partially follows the outer periphery of the base end of the fixing protrusion 58, and thus the arc-shaped portion 54a, 56a allows at least one of the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56 to extend so as to partially avoid the fixing protrusion 58. Therefore, in the portions of the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56 where the fixing protrusion 58 is not present, the spacing can be made less than the thickness of the fixing protrusion 58, making it possible to minimize the formation area of ​​the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56. Furthermore, even in the portions where the fixing protrusion 58 is present, the arc-shaped portions 54a, 56a can bypass the fixing protrusion 58, making it possible to minimize the area where the fixing protrusion 58 has to be bypassed.

[0089] Furthermore, since both the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56 have the arc-shaped portions 54a, 56a, it is possible to impart symmetry to the shapes of the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56. This makes the sealing properties provided by the first protrusion 54 and the second protrusion 56 equivalent, and makes it easier to obtain stable sealing properties, for example, regardless of the direction in which the terminal block 20 is tilted relative to the attachment object 10.

[0090] Furthermore, if the packing 50 includes a plurality of fixing protrusions 58, and the plurality of fixing protrusions 58 are positioned in a dispersed manner around the second end 24, the packing 50 is more likely to be held in a stable state against the opposing surface 32. For example, the packing 50 is less likely to partially curl up.

[0091] Furthermore, if the multiple fixing protrusions 58 have a shape that exhibits plane symmetry with respect to the two orthogonal planes F1 and F2 through which the central axis X of the mounting hole 12 passes as the planes of symmetry, it will be easier to hold the packing 50 around the mounting hole 12 under similar conditions, and the sealing performance will be more stable.

[0092] [Modifications] The number of fixing protrusions is arbitrary. The packing may include only one fixing protrusion, or may include multiple fixing protrusions.

[0093] 7, the packing 150 may include two fixing protrusions 158. In this example, the fixing protrusions 158 are formed at the centers in the extension direction of the two semicircular portions 50A, 50A of the packing 150. The fixing protrusions 158 are plane-symmetric with respect to both the orthogonal planes F1 and F2.

[0094] 8, the packing 250 may include six fixing protrusions 58, 158. In this example, the packing 250 includes four fixing protrusions 58 at the positions described in the above embodiment and two fixing protrusions 158 at the positions described in the second modification. In this example, the fixing protrusions 58, 158 are also symmetrical with respect to both the orthogonal planes F1 and F2.

[0095] The configurations described in the above embodiment and modifications can be combined as appropriate as long as they are not mutually inconsistent.

[0096] 10 Mounting object 12 Mounting hole 13, 14 Terminal 20 Terminal block 22 Terminal 23 First end 24 Second end 25 Terminal intermediate portion 30 Terminal block body 30h Insertion hole 32 Opposing surface 33 Annular recess 33g Recess 33gf Opening guide surface 33w Wide portion 34 Bottom surface 50, 150 Packing 50A Semicircular portion 50L Long side portion 52, 250 Packing body 53 Flat surface 54 First protrusion 54a, 56a Arc-shaped portion 56 Second protrusion 58, 158 Fixing protrusion 58g Tip guide surface F1, F2 Orthogonal surface S Screw X Central axis

Claims

1. A terminal block to be attached to an attachment target having a mounting hole, comprising: a terminal block body including an opposing surface facing the attachment target; a terminal penetrating the terminal block body; and a gasket interposed between the opposing surface and the attachment target in the direction of penetration of the mounting hole, wherein the terminal includes an extending end extending from the opposing surface, the gasket surrounds the extending end, the gasket includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion protruding toward the opposing surface, and a fixed protrusion protruding toward the opposing surface, the first protrusion is closer to the extending end than the second protrusion, the fixed protrusion is located between the first protrusion and the second protrusion, the terminal block body includes a recess at a position facing the fixed protrusion, and the gasket is held by the terminal block body with the fixed protrusion fitted into the recess.

2. A terminal block as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fixed protrusion has a tip guide surface which gradually becomes thinner towards the tip side.

3. A terminal block as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the recess has an opening guide surface that gradually widens outward.

4. A terminal block as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the packing includes a flat surface facing the object to be attached.

5. A terminal block as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the base end of the fixed projection is cylindrical, and at least one of the first projection and the second projection has an arc-shaped portion that partially fits along the outer periphery of the base end.

6. A terminal block as claimed in claim 5, wherein both said first projection and said second projection have said arc-shaped portion.

7. A terminal block as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the packing includes a plurality of fixing protrusions, and the plurality of fixing protrusions are positioned in a distributed manner around the extending end portion.

8. A terminal block as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of fixing protrusions are shaped to exhibit plane symmetry with respect to two orthogonal planes through which the central axis of the mounting hole passes.

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