Terminal block

Abstract

The purpose of this invention is to provide a terminal block with which it is possible to achieve size reduction and facilitate assembly of the terminal block to a mount. The terminal block is attached to the mount having a mounting hole. The terminal block includes: a terminal block body including a terminal, a base part through which the terminal penetrates, and an enclosure part extending from the base part so as to surround the terminal; and a packing including a seal part interposed between the base part and the mount in the penetration direction of the mounting hole so as to surround the enclosure part, and a hold part held by the enclosure 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, which may increase 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 that is attached to an attachment object having an attachment hole, and comprises: a terminal block main body that includes a terminal, a base through which the terminal passes, and an enclosing portion that surrounds the terminal and extends from the base; and a gasket that includes a sealing portion that surrounds the enclosing portion and is interposed between the base and the attachment object in the direction of penetration of the attachment hole, and a retaining portion that is held by the enclosing portion.

[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 cross-sectional view showing a state in which a terminal block according to a first embodiment is attached to an attachment target. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the terminal block. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the terminal block. FIG. 4 is a bottom view showing the terminal block. FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a packing in the middle of being attached. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a terminal block according to a second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a bottom view showing the terminal block. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the terminal block. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the packing. FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG. 9. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a deformed shape of the packing.

[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 an attachment hole, the terminal block comprising: a terminal block body including a terminal, a base through which the terminal passes, and an enclosing portion extending from the base while surrounding the terminal; and a packing including a sealing portion surrounding the enclosing portion and interposed between the base and the attachment object in the direction of penetration of the attachment hole, and a retaining portion held by the enclosing portion.

[0013] According to the present disclosure, the retaining portion is held by the surrounding portion inside the seal portion, allowing the packing to be made smaller. Because the packing is made smaller, the terminal block is also made smaller. Furthermore, because water is blocked by the seal portion interposed between the base and the mounting object in the direction of penetration of the mounting hole, the terminal block can be assembled more easily to the mounting object than when a shaft seal structure is provided. This allows for easy assembly of the packing and provides a more compact terminal block.

[0014] (2) In the terminal block of (1), the surrounding portion may have a positioning recess, and the holding portion may have a positioning protrusion that fits into the positioning recess.

[0015] As a result, the positioning protrusion fits into the positioning recess, making it difficult for the packing to fall off from the terminal block body.

[0016] (3) In the terminal block of (2), the holding portion may have an annular portion surrounding the enclosing portion, and the positioning protrusion may be a portion that protrudes from the annular portion and fits into the positioning recess.

[0017] In this case, since the positioning protrusions protrude from the annular portion surrounding the surrounding portion and fit into the positioning recesses, the positioning protrusions are unlikely to come off the positioning recesses.

[0018] (4) In the terminal block of (3), the positioning protrusion may be formed partially in the circumferential direction of the annular portion.

[0019] This allows the positioning protrusions and the locations where the positioning protrusions are formed to be limited, and the terminal block body and the packing can be easily molded using a die.

[0020] (5) In the terminal block of (4), the surrounding portion may be formed in an elongated shape, the annular portion may be formed in an annular shape having a pair of long side portions according to the shape of the surrounding portion, the positioning protrusion may be formed on each of the pair of long side portions, and the positioning recess may be formed at a position of the surrounding portion corresponding to the pair of long side portions.

[0021] In this case, the positioning recesses are formed at positions corresponding to the pair of long side portions of the surrounding portion, so that the surrounding portion having the positioning recesses can be easily molded with a die.

[0022] (6) In the terminal block according to any one of (3) to (5), the packing may have a slit located between the sealing portion and the holding portion.

[0023] In this case, since the slit is located between the seal portion and the holding portion, the fitting structure between the positioning protrusion and the positioning recess is less likely to affect the seal portion, and therefore the seal portion is more likely to exhibit its sealing properties.

[0024] (7) In the terminal block of (6), the positioning protrusion may be formed partially in the circumferential direction of the annular portion, and the slit may be located between the seal portion and the positioning protrusion.

[0025] In this case, since the slit is located between the seal portion and the positioning protrusion, the fitting structure between the positioning protrusion and the positioning recess is less likely to affect the seal portion, and therefore the seal portion is more likely to exhibit its sealing properties.

[0026] (8) In any one of the terminal blocks (3) to (7), the positioning protrusion protrudes from a position opposite the sealing portion relative to the annular portion, an end face gap is provided between the end face of the annular portion on the sealing portion side and the terminal block main body, and an inner peripheral gap is provided between the inner peripheral portion of the portion of the annular portion on the sealing portion side and the terminal block main body.

[0027] This allows the annular portion to be easily displaced, allowing the seal portion to deform naturally, making it easier for the seal portion to exhibit its sealing properties.

[0028] (9) In the terminal block of any one of (2) to (8), a gap for allowing movement may be present between the positioning protrusion and the positioning recess.

[0029] In this case, since there is a gap between the positioning protrusion and the positioning recess to allow movement, the seal portion can naturally deform while the positioning protrusion moves within the positioning recess, making it easier for the seal portion to exhibit its sealing properties.

[0030] (10) In the terminal block of (9), the positioning protrusion and the positioning recess may be in contact with each other on the side opposite the seal portion, and the movement allowance gap may be located on the seal portion side.

[0031] This allows the positioning protrusion and the positioning recess to contact each other on the side opposite the seal portion, making it easier to maintain the seal portion in a position close to the base portion.

[0032] (11) In the terminal block according to any one of (1) to (10), the holding portion may be held by the surrounding portion in contact with an outer peripheral surface of the surrounding portion.

[0033] This makes it easier for the surrounding portion to hold the holding portion in a fixed position, and also makes it easier for the face seal portion to be held in a fixed position relative to the base portion.

[0034] (12) In the terminal block according to any one of (1) to (11), the holding portion may have an opening guide surface that gradually widens toward the base portion side.

[0035] In this way, if the holding portion has an opening guide surface, it becomes easy to insert the enclosing portion into the holding portion, and the packing can be easily attached to the terminal block body.

[0036] (13) In the terminal block of any one of (1) to (12), a gap may exist between at least one of the inner and outer circumferential sides of the seal portion and the terminal block body.

[0037] In this case, the surrounding portion can be easily inserted into the sealing portion, which makes it easy to attach the packing to the terminal block body.

[0038] (14) In the terminal block according to any one of (1) to (13), the seal portion may have a plurality of protrusions that protrude toward the base portion.

[0039] In this way, if the sealing portion has a plurality of protrusions, it is easier to ensure that water is stopped from entering.

[0040] (15) In the terminal block according to any one of (1) to (14), the outer peripheral surface of the holding portion may be spaced apart from the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole.

[0041] In this case, the outer peripheral surface of the holding portion is positioned away from the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole, so the force required to attach the terminal block to the mounting object can be reduced, making it easier to assemble the terminal block.

[0042] [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.

[0043] [Embodiment 1] A terminal block according to embodiment 1 will be described below. Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a terminal block 20 attached to an attachment object 10. Figs. 2 and 3 are perspective views showing the terminal block 20. The terminal block 20 in Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II in Fig. 2. Fig. 2 shows a screw S as a fastener for attaching the terminal block 20 to the attachment object 10. Fig. 4 is a bottom view showing the terminal block 20. Fig. 5 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of Fig. 1.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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 circular hole.

[0046] 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 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 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.

[0047] <Regarding Terminal Block> The terminal block 20 will be described in more detail.

[0048] 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 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] The terminal block body 30 is an insulating member formed of resin or the like. The terminal block body 30 includes a base portion 32 and an enclosure portion 34. The terminal block body 30 is, for example, a part integrally molded from the same resin. For example, the terminal block body 30 may be molded with the terminals 22 as insert portions.

[0051] The base 32 is the portion through which the terminal 22 passes. The base 32 is formed in a shape that is wider than the mounting hole in a plan view. In this embodiment, the base 32 is formed in an oval plate shape. An oval shape is a rectangle that is long in one direction and has semicircular portions connected to both short sides. The shape of the base is not particularly limited, and the base may be a rectangular plate shape, a square plate shape, or a disk shape.

[0052] The terminals 22 penetrate the base 32. More specifically, the terminals 22 penetrate the base 32 while being arranged in parallel with a gap between them. The direction in which the terminals 22 are arranged is along the longitudinal direction of the base 32.

[0053] The base 32 is a portion that is fastened to the attachment target 10. In this embodiment, an insertion hole 33 is formed in the base 32. Here, a pair of insertion holes 33 are formed at both longitudinal end portions of the base 32. Screw holes are formed on both longitudinal outer sides of the attachment hole 12 in the attachment target 10. The pair of insertion holes 33 are formed at positions that overlap the screw holes. With the base 32 placed on the main surface of the attachment target 10 so as to cover the attachment hole 12, the insertion holes 33 are positioned outside the screw holes. A screw S as a fastener is passed through the insertion hole 33 and threadedly fastened into the screw hole. In this way, the base 32 is fastened to the attachment target 10. The positions and numbers of the screw holes and insertion holes are not limited to the above example and are arbitrary.

[0054] A first end 23 of the terminal 22 that penetrates the base 32 protrudes outward from one main surface of the base 32. A second end 24 of the terminal 22 that penetrates the base 32 protrudes outward from the other main surface of the base 32.

[0055] The portion of the other main surface of the base 32 that surrounds the base of the second end 24 may be recessed in an annular shape. In this embodiment, the portion of the other main surface of the base 32 that surrounds the base of the second end 24 is formed as a seal placement recess 32g that is recessed in the shape of an oval groove.

[0056] The surrounding portion 34 is a portion that extends from the base portion 32 while surrounding the terminal 22. The surrounding portion 34 extends toward the mounting hole 12 side relative to the base portion 32.

[0057] More specifically, the surrounding portion 34 is smaller than the base portion 32 in a plan view and is formed into a shape that allows it to be inserted into the mounting hole 12. For example, the surrounding portion 34 is formed into a small shape that is similar to the shape of the mounting hole 12 in a plan view. The surrounding portion 34 may be shorter or longer than the length of the mounting hole 12.

[0058] The configuration in which the surrounding portion 34 surrounds the terminal 22 may be a configuration in which the surrounding portion 34 surrounds the terminal 22 with a gap therebetween, or a configuration in which the surrounding portion 34 contacts the terminal and surrounds the terminal. In this embodiment, the surrounding portion 34 collectively surrounds the multiple terminals 22 with a gap therebetween.

[0059] More specifically, the surrounding portion 34 is formed in an elongated cylindrical shape that is smaller than the mounting hole 12. Therefore, the surrounding portion 34 collectively surrounds the base end portions of the second ends 24 that are arranged in parallel, with a gap between them. Furthermore, a gap is provided between the outer periphery of the surrounding portion 34 and the mounting hole 12, over the entire circumferential direction of the surrounding portion 34. The inside of the surrounding portion may be filled.

[0060] The surrounding portion 34 includes a retaining projection 36 that projects outward from the surrounding portion 34 at a position away from the base portion 32. In this embodiment, the retaining projection 36 projects outward in an annular shape at the tip of the surrounding portion 34. The retaining projection may be located more inward than the tip of the surrounding portion 34. The retaining projection may also project partially in the circumferential direction of the surrounding portion.

[0061] The retaining projection 36 has a guide surface 36g. The guide surface 36g is a guide surface that extends inward toward the tip of the surrounding portion 34. In the present embodiment, the guide surface 36g is a tapered surface that gradually becomes smaller toward the tip of the surrounding portion 34, on the portion of the retaining projection 36 that is on the tip and outer periphery of the surrounding portion 34. The guide surface 36g 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 surrounding portion 34.

[0062] The retaining projection 36 may be omitted. Also, the guide surface 36g may be omitted.

[0063] The packing 50 is made of an elastic material such as rubber, and serves to seal between the attachment target 10 and the terminal block body 30. The packing 50 includes an annular surface seal portion 52 and a retaining portion 54.

[0064] The annular face seal 52 is an example of a seal that surrounds the surrounding portion 34 and is interposed between the base 32 and the mounting target 10 in the penetration direction of the mounting hole 12. The annular shape of the annular face seal 52 allows it to surround the surrounding portion 34. The annular face seal 52 is interposed between the base 32 and the mounting target 10 in the penetration direction of the mounting hole 12, allowing it to seal as a face seal. Note that the face seal is a seal that uses the opposing surfaces of the mounting target 10 and the terminal block main body 30 that press against each other in the insertion direction when the terminal block 20 is inserted into the mounting hole 12. The annular face seal 52 does not rub when pressed firmly against the mounting target 10, which has the advantage of making it easier to ensure the desired sealing performance.

[0065] More specifically, the annular face seal portion 52 is formed in a ring shape that is an oval larger than the surrounding portion 34 in a plan view. The annular face seal portion 52 is flattened in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the mounting hole 12 penetrates.

[0066] The surface of the annular face seal portion 52 facing the mounting object 10 may be flat. This allows the annular face seal portion 52 to easily make surface contact with the mounting object 10. For example, the surface of the mounting object 10 may be more prone to partial depressions than the surface of the terminal block 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 partial depressions are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole 12, as long as the annular face seal portion 52 is in surface contact with the mounting object 10, good sealing can be achieved between the packing 50 and the mounting object 10.

[0067] The portion of the annular face seal 52 facing the base 32 may have a plurality of annular protrusions 53 as an example of a plurality of protrusions protruding toward the base. In this embodiment, the annular face seal 52 has two annular protrusions 53 of different sizes. The annular protrusions 53 may have a seal structure called a lip. The protrusions may be present partially in the circumferential direction of the annular face seal 52.

[0068] If the annular face seal portion 52 has multiple annular protrusions 53, even if the terminal block 20 is tilted relative to the mounting object 10, one of the annular protrusions 53 is pressed against the base 32 in the desired compressed state, making it easier to ensure the desired sealing performance. Also, even if a foreign object is present between one of the annular protrusions 53 and the base 32, the foreign object is unlikely to affect the other annular protrusions 53, making it easier to ensure the desired sealing performance. Furthermore, if there are multiple annular protrusions, the stress on the base 32 is distributed to multiple locations, making it easier for the base 32 to maintain the desired initial shape and easier to maintain the desired sealing performance over the long term.

[0069] A gap S1 may exist between the inner periphery of the annular face seal 52 and the surrounding portion 34. Because the annular face seal 52 is flat in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the surrounding portion 34, it may be difficult for the inner periphery to deform so as to expand. By providing the gap S1 between the inner periphery of the annular face seal 52 and the surrounding portion 34, the surrounding portion 34 can be easily inserted into the annular face seal 52, and the packing 50 can be easily attached to the terminal block body 30.

[0070] Furthermore, even when the retaining projection 36 is provided on the surrounding portion 34 as described above, the annular face seal 52 can easily pass over the retaining projection 36 and reach the base end side of the surrounding portion 34. It is preferable that the inner peripheral opening of the annular face seal 52 be wider than the outer peripheral edge of the retaining projection 36.

[0071] Furthermore, the existence of a gap S1 between the inner periphery of the annular face seal portion 52 and the surrounding portion 34 ensures that a gap can be secured for escape when the annular face seal portion 52 is compressed in a sealed state.

[0072] The outer periphery of the annular face seal 52 is preferably located inside the outer periphery of the seal placement recess 32g, so that the compressed annular face seal 52 can deform inside the outer periphery of the seal placement recess 32g.

[0073] The holding portion 54 is a portion that is held by the surrounding portion 34 .

[0074] For example, the retaining portion 54 is held by the surrounding portion 34 in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the surrounding portion 34. This makes it easier to maintain the retaining portion 54 in a constant position in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the surrounding portion 34. This makes it easier to maintain the annular face seal portion 52 connected to the retaining portion 54 in a constant position relative to the base 32. The annular face seal portion 52 is easier to compress at a constant position between the base 32 and the attachment object 10, making it easier to maintain constant sealing performance by the annular face seal portion 52.

[0075] The retaining portion 54 is preferably in a state in which it clamps the surrounding portion 34. For example, it is preferable that the inner periphery of the retaining portion 54 is smaller than the outer periphery of the surrounding portion 34, the retaining portion 54 is elastically deformed so as to expand, and the retaining portion 54 is fitted onto the surrounding portion 34 in a state in which it clamps the surrounding portion 34 by the elastic restoring force of the retaining portion 54. This makes it easier to maintain the retaining portion 54 in a constant position in the axial direction of the surrounding portion 34, and to maintain the annular face seal portion 52 in contact with the base portion 32.

[0076] Furthermore, the retaining portion 54 may be positioned on the outer periphery of the surrounding portion 34 between the base portion 32 and the retaining projection 36, thereby being held in a state where it is prevented from falling off from the surrounding portion 34. In this way, the retaining portion 54 is held in a position between the base portion 32 and the retaining projection 36, and is unlikely to fall off from the surrounding portion 34.

[0077] The retaining portion 54 may or may not be in contact with the retaining projection 36. If there is a gap S2 between the retaining portion 54 and the retaining projection 36, the retaining portion 54 can easily move over the retaining projection 36 when fitting the retaining portion 54 onto the surrounding portion 34, making it easier to attach the packing 50.

[0078] The portion of the holding portion 54 on the base 32 side may have an opening guide surface 54g that gradually widens toward the base 32. In this embodiment, the inner periphery of the opening of the holding portion 54 on the base 32 side is formed as a tapered opening guide surface 54g that gradually widens toward the base 32. The opening guide surface 54g may be a so-called C-surface or a so-called R-surface.

[0079] Therefore, when the holding portion 54 is fitted onto the surrounding portion 34, the retaining projection 36 comes into contact with the opening guide surface 54g, so that the holding portion 54 can be easily deformed to expand.

[0080] The retaining portion 54 may be configured to be held in a fixed position relative to the terminal block body 30 by the surrounding portion 34 and to be able to hold the annular face seal portion 52 relative to the terminal block body 30. In this embodiment, the retaining portion 54 is formed as a cylindrical portion that extends from the annular face seal portion 52 to the side opposite the base portion 32 and is fitted onto the surrounding portion 34.

[0081] The retaining portion 54 extends from the annular face seal portion 52 on the side opposite the base 32 and is retained by the surrounding portion 34, which makes it easier to keep the annular face seal portion 52 in contact with the base 32. Furthermore, because the retaining portion 54 extends from the annular face seal portion 52 on the side opposite the base 32, a gap S2 can be provided between the inner periphery of the annular face seal portion 52 and the surrounding portion 34. This makes it easier to insert the surrounding portion 34 into the annular face seal portion 52 and ensures a space in which the annular face seal portion 52 can be compressed and deformed.

[0082] The outer periphery of the retaining portion 54 is smaller than the outer periphery of the annular face seal portion 52 in a plan view. The outer periphery of the retaining portion 54 is smaller than the inner periphery of the mounting hole 12 in a plan view. Therefore, when the terminal block 20 is attached to the attachment object 10, the outer periphery of the retaining portion 54 is spaced apart from the inner periphery of the mounting hole 12. In other words, the retaining portion 54 is not a portion that is interposed in a compressed state between the terminal block main body 30 and the attachment object 10. It can be said that the retaining portion 54 is not a seal portion that is compressed in the radial direction between the inner and outer peripheries of two objects to be sealed, that is, a so-called axial seal portion.

[0083] 6 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 leading end of the surrounding portion 34 is inserted into the retaining portion 54 with the annular face seal portion 52 facing the base portion 32. At this time, because the inner periphery of the annular face seal portion 52 is formed with an opening that is larger than the surrounding portion 34, the surrounding portion 34 can be easily inserted into the annular face seal portion 52 without significantly deforming the annular face seal portion 52.

[0084] The tip of the surrounding portion 34 contacts the end of the retaining portion 54 on the annular face seal portion 52 side. At this time, the guide surface 36g of the retaining projection 36 contacts the opening guide surface 54g of the retaining portion 54. This guides the surrounding portion 34 and the retaining portion 54 so that their central axes are aligned. When the retaining portion 54 is further pressed, the contact between the guide surface 36g and the opening guide surface 54g causes the retaining portion 54 to elastically deform and smoothly expand, allowing the retaining portion 54 to easily clear the retaining projection 36. When the retaining portion 54 clears the retaining projection 36, the retaining portion 54 is positioned between the base 32 and the retaining projection 36, and the annular face seal 52 is positioned on the surface of the base 32 from which the surrounding portion 34 extends.

[0085] 1 , when the terminal block 20 configured in this manner is attached to the attachment target 10, the second end 24, the surrounding portion 34, and the retaining portion 54 are inserted into the attachment hole 12. At this time, the retaining portion 54 is not pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the attachment hole 12, so the second end 24, the surrounding portion 34, and the retaining portion 54 can be easily inserted into the attachment hole 12.

[0086] The base 32 is then placed on the outward surface of the attachment target 10, and the base 32 is attached to the attachment target 10 with the screw S. The tightening force of the screw S compresses the annular face seal 52 between the outward surface of the attachment target 10 and the base 32. The elastically compressed annular face seal 52 forms a seal between the attachment target 10 and the base 32. The tightening force of the screw S allows the annular face seal 52 to be easily compressed.

[0087] 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.

[0088] <Effects, etc.> With the terminal block 20 configured as described above, in a plan view, the surrounding portion 34 is located inside the annular face seal portion 52, and the retaining portion 54 is retained by the surrounding portion 34. This allows for a more compact packing 50 compared to a case where a positioning structure is provided extending outside the seal portion. Furthermore, the smaller packing 50 also allows for a more compact terminal block 20. Furthermore, the annular face seal portion 52, interposed between the base 32 and the attachment target 10 in the penetration direction of the mounting hole 12, seals the gap between the attachment target 10 and the terminal block 20. This facilitates the insertion and assembly of the terminal block 20 into the attachment target 10 compared to a case where an axial seal structure is provided. This allows for easier assembly of the packing 50, and provides a more compact terminal block 20.

[0089] Furthermore, since the retaining portion 54 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the surrounding portion 34 and is held by the surrounding portion 34, the annular surface seal portion 52 is also likely to be held in a fixed position relative to the base portion 32 using the surrounding portion 34 as a reference.

[0090] Furthermore, since the surrounding portion includes the retaining projection 36 , the retaining projection 36 makes it difficult for the holding portion 54 to come off the surrounding portion 34 , and the packing 50 becomes difficult to fall off from the terminal block body 30 .

[0091] Furthermore, the presence of the gap S2 between the holding portion 54 and the retaining projection 36 makes it easier to assemble the packing 50 compared to when the two are in contact with each other.

[0092] Furthermore, since the retaining projection 36 has the guide surface 36g, the holding portion 54 can contact the guide surface 36g and easily move over the retaining projection 36. This allows the packing 50 to be easily attached to the terminal block body 30.

[0093] Furthermore, since the holding portion 54 has the opening guide surface 54g, the surrounding portion 34 can be easily inserted into the holding portion 54, and the packing 50 can be easily attached to the terminal block body 30.

[0094] Furthermore, if the retaining portion 54 is a cylindrical portion extending from the annular face seal portion 52 toward the opposite side from the base portion 32, the retaining portion 54 can be easily deformed to expand. This allows the retaining portion 54 to be easily fitted onto the surrounding portion 34. Furthermore, with the retaining portion 54 fitted onto the surrounding portion 34, the annular face seal portion 52 can be easily pressed against the base portion 32, making it easier to maintain a constant state in which the annular face seal portion 52 is in contact with the base 32.

[0095] Furthermore, the gap S1 between the annular face seal portion 52 and the surrounding portion 34 allows the surrounding portion 34 to be easily inserted into the annular face seal portion 52. This allows the packing 50 to be easily attached to the terminal block body 30.

[0096] Furthermore, since the annular face seal portion 52 has a plurality of annular protrusions 53, water can be more reliably stopped between the annular face seal portion 52 and the base portion 32.

[0097] Furthermore, because the outer peripheral surface of the holding portion 54 is positioned away from the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole 12, contact between the holding portion 54 and the mounting hole 12 is suppressed when inserting the terminal block 20 into the mounting hole 12, thereby reducing the insertion force required to insert the terminal block 20. This makes it easier to assemble the terminal block 20.

[0098] [Embodiment 2] A terminal block according to embodiment 2 will be described. Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a terminal block 120 according to embodiment 2. Fig. 8 is a bottom view showing the terminal block 120. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in Fig. 8. Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the terminal block 120. Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing the packing 50. Fig. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of Fig. 9.

[0099] Similar to the terminal block 20, the terminal block 120 is attached to an attachment object 10 having an attachment hole 12. The attachment object 10 may have the same configuration as the attachment object 10 described in the first embodiment.

[0100] The terminal block 120 includes a terminal 122, a terminal block body 130, and a packing 150. The functions of the terminal 122, the terminal block body 130, and the packing 150 are similar to those of the terminal 22, the terminal block body 30, and the packing 50 in the first embodiment.

[0101] The configuration of each part of the terminal block 120 will now be described in more detail.

[0102] Similar to the terminal 22, the terminal 122 is a conductive member including a first end 123, a second end 124, and a terminal intermediate portion 125 between the first end 123 and the second end 124.

[0103] The first end 123 corresponds to the first end 23 , the second end 124 corresponds to the second end 24 , and the terminal intermediate portion 125 corresponds to the terminal intermediate portion 25 .

[0104] In the second embodiment, the first end 123 is curved in the thickness direction. Alternatively, the first end 123 may be a straight portion.

[0105] In this embodiment, the terminal block 120 includes three terminals 122. However, the number of terminals included in the terminal block is not limited to this example, and any number of terminals may be included.

[0106] The terminal block body 130 is an insulating member formed of resin or the like. The terminal block body 130 includes a base portion 132 and an enclosure portion 134. The terminal block body 130 is, for example, a part that is integrally molded from the same resin as the terminal block body 30. For example, the terminal block body 130 may be molded with the terminals 122 as insert portions.

[0107] The base 132 is the portion through which the terminal 122 passes. The base 132 is formed in a shape that is wider than the mounting hole in a plan view. In this embodiment, the base 132 is formed in a long, narrow plate shape. More specifically, the base 132 has a shape in which triangular plate-shaped portions with rounded corners are connected to both longitudinal ends of a rectangular plate-shaped portion that is long in one direction.

[0108] The triangular plate-shaped portions at both ends have insertion holes 133. Positioning protrusions 133P protrude from the base ends of the triangular plate-shaped portions. The positioning protrusions 133P are positioned offset in the short-side direction of the base portion 132.

[0109] The shape of the base is not particularly limited, and the base may be oval, rectangular plate-like, square plate-like, or disc-like.

[0110] The multiple terminals 122 are arranged in parallel with gaps between them and penetrate the base 132. The direction in which the multiple terminals 122 are arranged is along the longitudinal direction of the base 132. The width direction of each terminal 122 is also along the longitudinal direction of the base 132.

[0111] The base 132 is a portion that is fastened to the attachment target 10. In this embodiment, screws are inserted into insertion holes 133 at both ends of the base 132, and the screws are threadedly fastened to screw holes in the attachment target 10. In this way, the base 132 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.

[0112] During installation, the positioning protrusions 133P are inserted into the positioning recesses of the installation target 10. This prevents the terminal block 120 from being positioned incorrectly relative to the installation target 10. Furthermore, with the terminal block body 130 positioned and prevented from rotating by the positioning protrusions 133P, screw fastening work can be easily performed.

[0113] A first end 123 of the terminal 122 that penetrates the base 132 protrudes outward from one main surface of the base 132. A second end 124 of the terminal 122 that penetrates the base 132 protrudes outward from the other main surface of the base 132.

[0114] The portion of the other main surface of the base 132 that surrounds the base of the second end 124 (the portion that surrounds the base end of the surrounding portion 134) is formed as an annular seal placement recess 132g. The seal placement recess 132g is formed in the shape of a rectangle that is long in one direction and has rounded corners. The seal placement recess 132g is located away from the base end of the surrounding portion 134 on the outer periphery. The bottom of the seal placement recess 132g may be a plane that is perpendicular to the extension direction of the terminal intermediate portion 125.

[0115] The surrounding portion 134 is a portion that extends from the base portion 132 while surrounding the terminal 122. The surrounding portion 134 extends toward the mounting hole 12 side relative to the base portion 132.

[0116] More specifically, the surrounding portion 134 is smaller than the base portion 132 in a plan view and is formed into a shape that allows it to be inserted into the mounting hole 12. For example, the surrounding portion 134 is formed into a rectangular parallelepiped shape with rounded corners in a plan view. The surrounding portion 134 is formed into an elongated shape that is long in the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the base portion 132. The surrounding portion 134 collectively surrounds the base end portions of the second ends 124 of the multiple terminals 122.

[0117] The distal end portions of the second ends 124 extend from the distal end of the surrounding portion 134 .

[0118] An extension portion 136 extends from the tip of the surrounding portion 134. The extension portion 136 is located on one side of the second end 124 at the tip side of the surrounding portion 134. A space 136S for accommodating a nut may be formed within the extension portion 136. The extension portion 136 may have a partition located between the second ends 124.

[0119] For example, the other surface of the tip portion of second end 124 is exposed to extension portion 136 at the tip side of surrounding portion 134. With another terminal placed on the tip portion of second end 124, a bolt passes through the other terminal and the hole in second end 124 and is screwed into a nut in space 136S. This allows second end 124 and the other terminal to be screwed together.

[0120] In a plan view, the tip portion of the surrounding portion 134 and the extension portion 136 do not have any portions that protrude outward from the outer peripheral surface of the base end of the surrounding portion 134. Therefore, when the tip portion of the surrounding portion 134 and the extension portion 136 are molded in a mold release direction along the extension direction of the second end 124, it is possible to eliminate any undercut portions. Therefore, the tip portion of the surrounding portion 134 and the extension portion 136 can be easily molded with a mold.

[0121] The packing 150 is made of an elastic material such as rubber, and serves to seal between the attachment target 10 and the terminal block body 130. The packing 150 includes an annular surface seal portion 152 and a retaining portion 154.

[0122] The annular surface seal portion 152 is an example of a seal portion that surrounds the surrounding portion 134 and is interposed between the base portion 132 and the attachment object 10 in the penetration direction of the attachment hole 12 .

[0123] The annular face seal portion 152 is formed in a shape that allows it to be placed in the seal placement recess 132g.

[0124] A gap may exist between at least one of the inner and outer peripheries of the annular face seal 152 and the terminal block main body 130. In this embodiment, the inner periphery of the annular face seal 152 is larger than the inner periphery of the seal placement recess 132g. The outer periphery of the annular face seal 152 is smaller than the outer periphery of the seal placement recess 132g. Therefore, when the annular face seal 152 is placed in the seal placement recess 132g, a gap SP1 is formed between the inner periphery of the annular face seal 152 and the inner circumferential side surface of the seal placement recess 132g. A gap SP2 is also formed between the outer periphery of the annular face seal 152 and the outer circumferential side surface of the seal placement recess 132g.

[0125] When the annular face seal portion 152 is compressed between the bottom surface of the seal placement recess 132g and the object 10, the annular face seal portion 152 can be compressed into a flat shape by utilizing the gaps SP1 and SP2.

[0126] Similar to the annular face seal portion 52 , the annular face seal portion 152 may have a plurality of annular protrusions 153 as an example of a plurality of protrusions protruding toward the base portion 132 .

[0127] As in the second embodiment, a gap S1 may exist between the inner periphery of the annular face seal portion 152 and the surrounding portion 134 .

[0128] In addition, the annular face seal portion 152 may have the same configuration as the annular face seal portion 52 in the first embodiment.

[0129] The holding portion 154 is a portion that is held by the surrounding portion 134. In the first embodiment, the positioning protrusion 156 of the holding portion 154 fits into the positioning recess 134g of the surrounding portion 134, thereby holding the holding portion 154 to the surrounding portion 134.

[0130] More specifically, the surrounding portion 134 has a positioning recess 134g. The positioning recess 134g is a recess that opens to the outer periphery of the surrounding portion 134. In this embodiment, the positioning recess 134g is formed in a portion of the surrounding portion 134 closer to the base end.

[0131] The retaining portion 154 has a positioning protrusion 156 that fits into the positioning recess 134g. In this embodiment, the retaining portion 154 has an annular portion 155 that surrounds the surrounding portion 134. The annular portion 155 is formed in an elongated ring shape, in this case, an annular shape having a pair of long side portions 155a, in accordance with the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the surrounding portion 134. The pair of long side portions 155a are arranged on the outward surfaces of a pair of opposing long sides of the outer peripheral surface of the surrounding portion 134.

[0132] The annular portion 155 may be set to a shape and size that allows it to tighten the surrounding portion 134. The annular portion 155 may be set to a shape and size that allows a gap to be formed between the annular portion 155 and the surrounding portion 134.

[0133] The positioning protrusions 156 protrude inward from the annular portion 155 and can fit into the positioning recesses 134g. The positioning protrusions may be formed over the entire circumference of the annular portion, or may be formed only partially in the circumference of the annular portion. When the positioning protrusions are formed over the entire circumference of the annular portion, it is preferable that the positioning recesses are formed over the entire circumference of the holding portion.

[0134] In the present embodiment, the positioning protrusions 156 are formed partially in the circumferential direction of the annular portion 155. In this case, the positioning recesses 134g may be formed entirely or partially in the circumferential direction of the holding portion 154. In the present embodiment, the positioning recesses 134g are formed in a shape that is partially recessed at positions corresponding to the positioning protrusions 156.

[0135] The positioning protrusions 156 may be positioned arbitrarily on the annular portion 155. In this embodiment, the positioning protrusions 156 are formed on each of the pair of long side portions 155a.

[0136] In this embodiment, the positioning protrusion 156 is formed in a short shape in the circumferential direction of the annular portion 155, for example, in a protruding shape with a length of about 2 to 10 mm. A plurality of positioning protrusions 156 may be formed at intervals on the long side portion 155a. In this embodiment, three positioning protrusions 156 are formed at intervals on the long side portion 155a.

[0137] The positioning recesses 134g are formed at positions corresponding to the pair of long side portions 155a of the surrounding portion 134. In other words, no positioning recesses are formed at either end portion of the surrounding portion 134 in the longitudinal direction, but the positioning recesses are formed on the main surface portion parallel to the longitudinal direction.

[0138] For example, when molding the enclosing portion 134, which has an elongated shape in the direction in which the multiple terminals 122 are arranged, from the viewpoint of molding, such as facilitating mold release, it is conceivable that the faces parallel to the longitudinal direction of the molded portion are set as the mold joints, and the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the molded portion is set as the mold release direction (opening direction). In this case, if the positioning recesses 134g are formed in positions corresponding to the pair of long side portions 155a of the enclosing portion 134, the positioning recesses 134g can be easily molded.

[0139] In this embodiment, the holding portion 154 is held by the surrounding portion 134 mainly by fitting the positioning protrusion 156 into the positioning recess 134g. Also in this embodiment, the holding portion 154 may be held by the surrounding portion 134 by contacting the outer peripheral surface of the surrounding portion 134.

[0140] The positioning protrusion 156 may be smaller than the positioning recess 134g and may fit into the positioning recess 134g in a state where it can move within the positioning recess 134g. In other words, a movement allowance gap Sa that allows movement of the positioning protrusion 156 may exist between the positioning protrusion 156 and the positioning recess 134g.

[0141] The movement allowance gap Sa may be located on the annular face seal portion 152 side, and the positioning protrusion 156 and the positioning recess 134 g may be in contact with each other on the side opposite the annular face seal portion 152 .

[0142] The positioning protrusion 156 and the positioning recess 134g contact each other on the side opposite the annular face seal 152, thereby preventing the annular portion 155 from moving too far away from the base 132. This makes it easier for the annular face seal 152 to be kept in contact with the base 132.

[0143] Furthermore, since the movement allowance gap Sa is located on the annular face seal portion 152 side, when the annular face seal portion 152 is compressed, the annular portion 155 can easily move toward the base portion 132 side.

[0144] The corners of the positioning protrusions 156 on the base 132 side may be rounded or chamfered to form guide surfaces 156f. If the positioning protrusions 156 have the guide surfaces 156f, the positioning protrusions 156 are less likely to get caught on the enclosing portion 134 or the extension portion 136 when the holding portion 154 is fitted onto the enclosing portion 134, and the holding portion 154 can be easily attached to the enclosing portion 134.

[0145] The positioning protrusion 156 may protrude from a position on the opposite side of the annular portion 155 from the annular face seal portion 152 .

[0146] In this case, an end face gap Sb1 may be provided between an end face 155f1 of the annular portion 155 on the annular face seal portion 152 side and the terminal block main body 130. Also, an inner circumferential gap Sb2 may be provided between an inner circumferential portion 155f2 of the portion of the annular portion 155 on the annular face seal portion 152 side and the terminal block main body 130.

[0147] In this embodiment, with the annular face seal portion 152 in contact with the bottom surface of the seal placement recess 132g, the end face 155f1 of the annular portion 155 on the annular face seal portion 152 side is positioned away from the surface of the base portion 132. This forms an end face gap Sb1.

[0148] Furthermore, an inner peripheral portion 155f2 of the annular portion 155 on the annular face seal portion 152 side is formed larger than the surrounding portion 134. Furthermore, the protrusion length of the positioning convex portion 156 from the inner peripheral portion 155f2 is larger than the depth of the positioning recess 134g. As a result, when the positioning convex portion 156 is in contact with the bottom surface of the positioning recess 134g and fitted into the positioning recess 134g, an inner peripheral gap Sb2 is formed between the inner peripheral portion 155f2 and the outer peripheral surface of the base end of the surrounding portion 134.

[0149] Since the end face gap Sb1 and the inner peripheral gap Sb2 are formed, when the annular face seal portion 152 is compressed and deformed, the annular portion 155 can be easily displaced by utilizing the end face gap Sb1 and the inner peripheral gap Sb2.

[0150] The holding portion 154 may have an opening guide surface 154f that gradually widens toward the base side of the base 132. In this embodiment, the boundary portion between the end surface 155f1 and the inner peripheral portion 155f2 of the annular portion 155 is rounded or chamfered to form the opening guide surface 154f.

[0151] The packing 150 is a component integrally formed by a mold, and the annular face seal portion 152 and the holding portion 154 are integrally connected.

[0152] The annular face seal portion 152 and the retaining portion 154 may be connected over the entire circumferential direction, or may be connected partially over the circumferential direction.

[0153] In this embodiment, the packing 150 has a slit 157 located between the annular face seal portion 152 and the retaining portion 154. The slit 157 is a long, narrow slit that extends along the circumferential direction of the annular face seal portion 152 or the retaining portion 154.

[0154] The packing 150 has a plurality of slits 157, and connecting portions 158 are formed between the slits 157. The connecting portions 158 are located partially in the circumferential direction of the annular face seal portion 152. The connecting portions 158 extend inward from the portion of the annular portion 155 that faces the annular face seal portion 152, and are connected to the inner portion of the annular face seal portion 152.

[0155] The positions of the slit 157 and the connecting portion 158 are arbitrary. The slit 157 may be located between the annular face seal portion 152 and the positioning protrusion 156. In other words, the slit 157 may be located in the portion of the annular portion 155 in the circumferential direction where the positioning protrusion 156 is located.

[0156] In this embodiment, three slits 157 are formed at locations corresponding to the long side portion 155a of the annular portion 155, and one slit 157 is formed at a location corresponding to the short side portion 155b. Connecting portions 158 are formed between the slits 157, i.e., at two locations that equally divide the long side portion 155a in the longitudinal direction, and at a location that connects the long side portion 155a and the short side portion 155b.

[0157] The positioning protrusion 156 may be formed in the longitudinal intermediate portion of the slit 157 formed at a position corresponding to the long side portion 155 a, for example, in the longitudinal center of the slit 157 .

[0158] By positioning the slit 157 between the annular face seal portion 152 and the retaining portion 154, the restraining force of the retaining portion 154 is less likely to be exerted on the annular face seal portion 152. As a result, the annular face seal portion 152 is more likely to be naturally compressed and deformed.

[0159] By providing the slit 157 at a position corresponding to the positioning protrusion 156 , the restraining force of the positioning protrusion 156 is less likely to be exerted on the annular face seal portion 152 .

[0160] In FIG. 13, the deformed shape of the packing 150 when the terminal block body 130 is attached to the attachment object 10 is shown by a two-dot chain line.

[0161] That is, the positioning protrusion 156 fits into the positioning recess 134g, thereby attaching the packing 150 to the terminal block body 130. In this state, the annular face seal 152 is maintained in a state where it is disposed in the seal disposing recess 132g.

[0162] The second end 124 and the surrounding portion 134 are inserted into the mounting hole 12, and the base portion 132 is placed on the mounting object 10 around the mounting hole 12. In this state, the annular face seal portion 152 is placed between the mounting object 10 and the seal placement recess 132g.

[0163] As described above, the positioning protrusion 156 contacts the side surface of the positioning recess 134g on the side opposite the base 132, thereby stably contacting the annular face seal 152 with the bottom surface of the seal placement recess 132g. This prevents the annular face seal 152 from being positioned in an unexpected position or deforming into an unexpected shape. Therefore, the annular face seal 152 is sandwiched between the attachment object 10 and the seal placement recess 132g in a stable position and shape.

[0164] Then, the screw is inserted into the insertion hole 133 of the base 132 and threadedly fastened to the threaded hole of the attachment target 10. Then, the annular face seal portion 152 is compressed between the main surface of the attachment target 10 and the bottom surface of the seal arrangement recess 132g.

[0165] At this time, the annular face seal portion 152 is compressed so that the dimension in the longitudinal direction of the terminal intermediate portion 125 becomes smaller, and also expands inward and outward along the bottom surface of the seal placement recess 132g.

[0166] If the thickness of the annular face seal portion 152 decreases in the longitudinal direction of the terminal intermediate portion 125 , the retaining portion 154 may be pulled toward the base portion 132 .

[0167] In this embodiment, a movement allowance gap Sa exists between the positioning protrusion 156 and the positioning recess 134g. Also, an end face gap Sb1 exists between the end face 155f1 of the annular portion 155 on the annular face seal portion 152 side and the terminal block main body 130. This allows the holding portion 154 to move smoothly toward the base portion 132.

[0168] As a result, the portion of the annular face seal 152 that is connected to the positioning protrusion 156 is restrained in position, making it less likely to deform unduly. Therefore, the annular face seal 152 can deform naturally as the distance between the main surface of the attachment object 10 and the bottom surface of the seal placement recess 132g decreases.

[0169] Furthermore, since the annular surface seal portion 152 extends inward and outward along the bottom surface of the seal placement recess 132g, the portion of the retaining portion 154 that is connected to the annular surface seal portion 152 may be pushed inward.

[0170] In this embodiment, an inner peripheral gap Sb2 exists between the inner peripheral portion 155f2 of the annular portion 155 and the terminal block main body 130. Therefore, the holding portion 154 can move smoothly toward the inner peripheral side.

[0171] For this reason, the portion of the annular face seal 152 that is connected to the positioning protrusion 156 is restrained in position, making it less likely to deform unduly. Therefore, the annular face seal 152 can deform more naturally as the distance between the main surface of the attachment object 10 and the bottom surface of the seal placement recess 132g decreases.

[0172] Furthermore, the slit 157 between the retaining portion 154 and the annular face seal portion 152 also prevents the fitting structure between the positioning protrusion 156 and the positioning recess 134g from affecting the annular face seal portion 152. For example, even if a position error occurs between the positioning protrusion 156 and the positioning recess 134g, the position error is unlikely to affect the annular face seal portion 152, and for example, the annular face seal portion 152 is unlikely to bend or wrinkle.

[0173] Therefore, the annular face seal portion 152 is naturally positioned in the seal placement recess 132g, and can naturally deform from this state.

[0174] In addition, when the terminal block 120 is attached, the outer peripheral surface of the holding portion 154 may be positioned away from the inner peripheral surface of the attachment hole 12.

[0175] <Effects, etc.> According to the terminal block 120 configured as described above, similar to the first embodiment, the surrounding portion 134 is positioned inside the annular face seal portion 152, and the retaining portion 154 is retained by the surrounding portion 134. Therefore, the packing 150 can be made smaller than when a positioning structure extending outward from the seal portion is provided. Furthermore, the smaller packing 150 also reduces the size of the terminal block 120. Furthermore, the annular face seal portion 152, which is interposed between the base 132 and the attachment target 10 in the penetration direction of the mounting hole 12, seals the gap between the attachment target 10 and the terminal block 120. Therefore, compared to when an axial seal structure is provided, the insertion and assembly of the terminal block 120 into the attachment target 10 can be made easier. This allows for easier assembly of the packing 150, and provides a more compact terminal block 120.

[0176] Furthermore, since the positioning protrusions 156 fit into the positioning recesses 134g, the packing 150 is less likely to fall off from the terminal block body 130.

[0177] The surrounding portion 134 having the positioning recesses 134g may be easier to mold with a die so as to be less likely to develop undercuts than the surrounding portion 34 having the retaining protrusions 73P in the first embodiment.

[0178] Furthermore, since the positioning protrusions 156 protrude from the annular portion 155 that surrounds the surrounding portion 134 and fit into the positioning recesses 134g, the positioning protrusions 156 tend to remain fitted into the positioning recesses 134g by the annular portion 155. Therefore, the positioning protrusions 156 are unlikely to come off the positioning recesses 134g.

[0179] Furthermore, if the positioning protrusions 156 are formed partially in the circumferential direction of the annular portion 155, the positions at which the positioning protrusions 156 and the positioning recesses 134g are formed can be limited. For example, the positioning recesses 134g can be formed at partial positions rather than being formed over the entire circumferential direction of the holding portion 154. This allows the terminal block body 130 and the packing 150 to be easily molded with a die.

[0180] Furthermore, the locations of positional constraints due to the fit between the positioning protrusions 156 and the positioning recesses 134g can be limited, thereby narrowing the range of influence that this positional constraint has on the annular face seal portion 152. Therefore, the annular face seal portion 152 is more likely to be naturally compressed into the intended shape and position, and the annular face seal portion 152 is more likely to exhibit its sealing properties.

[0181] Furthermore, since the positioning recesses 134g are formed in the surrounding portion 134 at positions corresponding to the pair of long side portions 155a, the surrounding portion 134 having the positioning recesses 134g can be easily molded with a die.

[0182] Furthermore, because slit 157 is located between annular face seal portion 152 and retaining portion 154, the fitting structure between positioning protrusion 156 and positioning recess 134g is less likely to affect annular face seal portion 152. Annular face seal portion 152 is likely to be naturally compressed into the intended shape and position, and the sealing properties of annular face seal portion 152 are likely to be exhibited.

[0183] Furthermore, because the end face gap Sb1 and the inner peripheral gap Sb2 exist in the portion of the annular portion 155 that faces the annular face seal portion 152, the annular portion 155 can be easily displaced or deformed by utilizing the gaps Sb1 and Sb2. This allows the annular face seal portion 152 to deform naturally without being restricted by the annular portion 155, making it easier for the annular face seal portion 152 to exhibit its sealing properties.

[0184] Furthermore, since there is a movement allowance gap Sa between the positioning protrusion 156 and the positioning recess 134g, the annular surface seal portion 152 can naturally deform while the positioning protrusion 156 is moved within the positioning recess 134g, making it easier for the sealing properties of the annular surface seal portion 152 to be exhibited.

[0185] Furthermore, the positioning protrusion 156 and the positioning recess 134g are in contact with each other on the side opposite the annular face seal 152, and the movement allowance gap Sa is located on the annular face seal 152 side. Therefore, the contact between the positioning protrusion 156 and the positioning recess 134g makes it easy to keep the annular face seal 152 close to the base 132. This makes it easy to keep the annular face seal 152 in stable contact with the base 132.

[0186] In addition, except for the positioning configuration using the positioning protrusion 156 and the positioning recess 134g, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0187] The present disclosure discloses the following terminal block.

[0188] The first aspect is a terminal block that is attached to an attachment object having an attachment hole, and includes a terminal block main body that includes a terminal, a base through which the terminal passes, and an enclosing portion that extends from the base and surrounds the terminal, and a gasket that includes a sealing portion that surrounds the enclosing portion and is interposed between the base and the attachment object in the direction of penetration of the attachment hole, and a retaining portion that is held by the enclosing portion.

[0189] According to the present disclosure, the retaining portion is held by the surrounding portion inside the seal portion, allowing the packing to be made smaller. Because the packing is made smaller, the terminal block is also made smaller. Furthermore, because water is blocked by the seal portion interposed between the base and the mounting object in the direction of penetration of the mounting hole, the terminal block can be assembled more easily to the mounting object than when a shaft seal structure is provided. This allows for easy assembly of the packing and provides a more compact terminal block.

[0190] As in a second aspect, in the terminal block according to the first aspect, the holding portion may be held by the surrounding portion in contact with an outer peripheral surface of the surrounding portion.

[0191] This allows the enclosing portion to hold the retaining portion in a fixed position, and also the face seal portion to be held in a fixed position relative to the base portion.

[0192] As in a third aspect, in a terminal block according to the first or second aspect, the enclosing portion may include a stopper protrusion that protrudes from the outer periphery of the enclosing portion at a position away from the base, and the retaining portion may be located between the base and the stopper protrusion.

[0193] In this case, the retaining projection makes it difficult for the holding portion to come off the surrounding portion, and the packing is difficult to fall off from the terminal block body.

[0194] As in a fourth aspect, in the terminal block according to the third aspect, a gap may exist between the holding portion and the retaining projection.

[0195] As a result, a gap exists between the holding portion and the retaining projection, making it easier to assemble the packing compared to when the two are in contact with each other.

[0196] As in a fifth aspect, in the terminal block according to the third or fourth aspect, the anti-pullout protrusion may have a guide surface that extends inwardly toward the tip of the enclosing portion.

[0197] In this case, the holding portion can easily move over the retaining projection by contacting the guide surface, which allows the packing to be easily attached to the terminal block body.

[0198] As in a sixth aspect, in the terminal block according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the holding portion may have an opening guide surface that gradually widens toward the base portion side.

[0199] In this way, if the holding portion has an opening guide surface, it becomes easy to insert the enclosing portion into the holding portion, and the packing can be easily attached to the terminal block body.

[0200] As in the seventh aspect, in a terminal block according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the retaining portion may be a cylindrical portion that extends from the sealing portion on the opposite side to the base and is fitted onto the surrounding portion.

[0201] In this case, the retaining portion is a cylindrical portion extending from the sealing portion, and so it can easily deform and expand. This allows the retaining portion to be easily fitted onto the surrounding portion. Furthermore, with the retaining portion fitted onto the surrounding portion, it is easy to press the sealing portion against the base, making it easy to maintain a constant state of contact between the sealing portion and the base.

[0202] As in an eighth aspect, in the terminal block according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, a gap may exist between the sealing portion and the surrounding portion.

[0203] In this case, the surrounding portion can be easily inserted into the sealing portion, which makes it easy to attach the packing to the terminal block body.

[0204] As in a ninth aspect, in the terminal block according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the seal portion may have a plurality of protrusions that protrude toward the base portion.

[0205] In this way, if the sealing portion has a plurality of protrusions, it is easier to ensure that water is stopped from entering.

[0206] As in a tenth aspect, in a terminal block according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, the outer peripheral surface of the holding portion may be positioned away from the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole.

[0207] In this case, the outer peripheral surface of the holding portion is positioned away from the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole, so the force required to attach the terminal block to the mounting object can be reduced, making it easier to assemble the terminal block.

[0208] The configurations described in the above embodiment and modifications can be combined as appropriate as long as they are not mutually inconsistent.

[0209] 10 Mounting object 12 Mounting hole 13, 14, 22, 122 Terminal 20, 120 Terminal block 23, 123 First end 24, 124 Second end 25, 125 Terminal intermediate portion 30, 130 Terminal block body 32, 132 Base portion 32g, 132g Seal placement recess 33, 133 Insertion hole 34, 134 Surrounding portion 36 Retaining protrusion 36g Guide surface 50, 150 Packing 52, 152 Annular surface seal portion 53, 153 Annular protrusion 54, 154 Holding portion 54g, 154f Opening guide surface 133P Positioning protrusion 134g Positioning recess 136 Extension portion 136S Space 154f Opening guide surface 155 Annular portion 155a Long side portion 155b Short side portion 155f1 End face 155f2 Inner circumference portion 156 Positioning protrusion 156f Guide surface 157 Slit 158 ​​Connecting portion S1, S2, SP1, SP2 Gap Sa Allowable movement gap Sb1 End face side gap Sb2 Inner circumference side gap S Screw

Claims

1. A terminal block to be attached to an attachment object having a mounting hole, comprising: a terminal; a terminal block main body including a base through which the terminal passes and an enclosing portion extending from the base while surrounding the terminal; and a gasket including a seal portion surrounding the enclosing portion and interposed between the base and the attachment object in the direction in which the mounting hole passes, and a retaining portion held by the enclosing portion.

2. A terminal block as claimed in claim 1, wherein the surrounding portion has a positioning recess, and the holding portion has a positioning protrusion that fits into the positioning recess.

3. A terminal block as claimed in claim 2, wherein the retaining portion has an annular portion surrounding the surrounding portion, and the positioning protrusion is a portion that protrudes from the annular portion and fits into the positioning recess.

4. A terminal block as claimed in claim 3, wherein the positioning protrusion is formed partially in the circumferential direction of the annular portion.

5. A terminal block as claimed in claim 4, wherein the surrounding portion is formed in an elongated shape, the annular portion is formed in an annular shape having a pair of long side portions in accordance with the shape of the surrounding portion, the positioning protrusions are formed on each of the pair of long side portions, and the positioning recesses are formed in the surrounding portion at positions corresponding to the pair of long side portions.

6. A terminal block according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the packing has a slit located between the sealing portion and the retaining portion.

7. A terminal block as claimed in claim 6, wherein the positioning protrusion is formed partially in the circumferential direction of the annular portion, and the slit is located between the seal portion and the positioning protrusion.

8. A terminal block as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the positioning protrusion protrudes from a position on the opposite side of the seal portion with respect to the annular portion, an end face gap is provided between the end face of the annular portion facing the seal portion and the terminal block body, and an inner peripheral gap is provided between the inner peripheral portion of the portion of the annular portion facing the seal portion and the terminal block body.

9. A terminal block according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein a gap for allowing movement exists between the positioning protrusion and the positioning recess.

10. A terminal block as claimed in claim 9, wherein the positioning protrusion and the positioning recess are in contact on the side opposite the seal portion, and the movement allowance gap is located on the seal portion side.

11. A terminal block as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the retaining portion is held by the enclosing portion in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the enclosing portion.

12. A terminal block according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the holding portion has an opening guide surface which gradually widens towards the base portion.

13. A terminal block according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a gap exists between at least one of the inner and outer circumferential sides of the seal portion and the terminal block body.

14. A terminal block according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sealing portion has a plurality of protrusions protruding toward the base portion.

15. A terminal block as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the outer peripheral surface of the retaining portion is positioned away from the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole.

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