Terminal block

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to improve the conductivity of a terminal while ensuring misalignment absorption performance, and to suppress deformation of the terminal inside a block body. This terminal block is provided with: a terminal that includes a plurality of laminated terminal plates; and a block body that is fixed to a device while holding the terminal. The terminal is formed in an elongate shape. The terminal includes: an intermediate joint portion in which adjacent terminal plates are joined to each other in an intermediate section in the longitudinal direction of the terminal; a joint connection portion in which adjacent terminal plates are joined to each other in a position separated from the intermediate joint portion in the longitudinal direction of the terminal; and a non-joint portion in which adjacent terminal plates are laminated in a non-joined state between the intermediate joint portion and the joint connection portion. At least a part of the intermediate joint portion is positioned inside the block body, the joint connection portion is positioned outside the block body, and at least a part of the non-joint portion is positioned outside the block body.

Description

terminal block

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration comprising a laminated bus bar formed in an elongated shape and a base body that is fixed to equipment while holding the laminated bus bar, wherein the laminated bus bar includes a plurality of stacked bus bars, and the plurality of bus bars are held in a stacked state in one partial stack holding area in the longitudinal direction of the laminated bus bar so that they cannot move relative to each other.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-169095

[0004] It is desirable to improve the conductivity of the terminals and suppress deformation of the terminals within the base body while ensuring the ability to absorb misalignment.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to improve the conductivity of the terminals while ensuring the ability to absorb misalignment, and to suppress deformation of the terminals within the base body.

[0006] The terminal block of the present disclosure comprises a terminal including a plurality of stacked terminal plates, and a base body that is fixed to a device while holding the terminal, wherein the terminal is formed in an elongated shape and includes an intermediate joint portion at a longitudinal middle portion of the terminal where adjacent terminal plates are joined, a joint connection portion at a position spaced apart from the intermediate joint in the longitudinal direction of the terminal where adjacent terminal plates are joined, and a non-joint portion between the intermediate joint portion and the joint connection portion where adjacent terminal plates are stacked in a non-jointed state, wherein at least a portion of the intermediate joint portion is located within the base body, the joint connection portion is located outside the base body, and at least a portion of the non-joint portion is located outside the base body.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the conductivity of the terminals and suppress deformation of the terminals within the base body while ensuring the ability to absorb positional misalignment.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an electromechanical integrated unit including a terminal block according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the terminal block. FIG. 3 is a front view showing a terminal. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a manufacturing method for the terminal block. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a terminal block according to a first modified example. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a terminal block according to a second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a side view showing a non-joined intermediate path portion of a terminal block. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a non-joined intermediate path portion 210 according to a second modified example. FIG. 11 is a side view showing the non-joined intermediate path portion 210 according to the second modified example. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a non-joined intermediate path portion according to a third modified example. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a non-joined intermediate path portion according to a fourth modified example. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a non-joined intermediate path portion according to a fifth modified example. FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a terminal block according to the third embodiment.

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

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

[0011] (1) A terminal block comprising: a terminal including a plurality of stacked terminal plates; and a base body fixed to a device while holding the terminal, wherein the terminal is formed in an elongated shape, and the terminal includes an intermediate joint portion at a longitudinal middle portion of the terminal where adjacent terminal plates are joined together; a joint connection portion at a position spaced apart from the intermediate joint portion in the longitudinal direction of the terminal where adjacent terminal plates are joined together; and a non-joint portion between the intermediate joint portion and the joint connection portion where adjacent terminal plates are stacked in a non-jointed state, wherein at least a portion of the intermediate joint portion is located within the base body, the joint connection portion is located outside the base body, and at least a portion of the non-joint portion is located outside the base body.

[0012] This terminal block allows a mating connection portion to be connected to the joint connection portion. Because adjacent terminal plates are joined at the joint connection portion, contact resistance between the terminal plates can be reduced. This improves conductivity from the joint connection portion to another connection portion. Furthermore, because at least a portion of the intermediate joint portion is located within the base body, the intermediate joint portion is less likely to deform when the base body is molded using at least a portion of the intermediate joint portion as an insert portion. This reduces deformation of the terminal within the base body. Furthermore, because at least a portion of the non-joint portion is located outside the base body, even if the position of the mating component to which the joint connection portion is connected is misaligned relative to the base body, the non-joint portion can easily deform and absorb the misalignment.

[0013] (2) In the terminal block of (1), the joint connection portion may have a first joint connection portion located away from the intermediate joint portion on one side of the longitudinal direction of the terminal, and a second joint connection portion located away from the intermediate joint portion on the other side of the longitudinal direction of the terminal, and the non-joint portion may have a first non-joint portion located between the intermediate joint portion and the first joint connection portion, and a second non-joint portion located between the intermediate joint portion and the second joint connection portion.

[0014] In this way, by connecting the first mating connection portion to the first joint connection portion and the second mating connection portion to the second joint connection portion, the first mating connection portion and the second mating connection portion can be connected via the terminals. In this case, the conductivity of the first joint connection portion and the first joint connection portion can be improved. Furthermore, since the first non-joint portion is located between the intermediate joint portion and the first joint connection portion, and the second non-joint portion is located between the intermediate joint portion and the second joint connection portion, misalignment of the first mating connection portion and the second joint connection portion can be absorbed.

[0015] (3) In the terminal block of (1) or (2), 80% or more of the portion of the terminal located inside the block body may be the intermediate joint portion.

[0016] In this case, since 80% or more of the portion of the terminal located inside the base body is the intermediate joint portion, the terminal is less likely to deform inside the base body.

[0017] (4) In the terminal block of any one of (1) to (3), the intermediate joint portion may extend from the base body.

[0018] In this way, if the intermediate joint portion protrudes from the base body, the terminal is less likely to deform within the base body.

[0019] (5) The terminal block according to any one of (1) to (4) may further include an annular seal portion interposed between the intermediate joint portion and the base body.

[0020] In this case, it is difficult for liquid to pass between the terminal plates at the intermediate joint. By sealing the area between the intermediate joint and the base body with an annular seal, the passage of liquid along the outer periphery of the terminal is also suppressed. Therefore, the passage of liquid along the terminal is effectively suppressed.

[0021] (6) In the terminal block of any one of (1) to (5), adjacent terminal plates may be fusion-welded, pressure-welded, or brazed at each of the intermediate joint portion and the joint connection portion.

[0022] This allows adjacent terminal plates to be integrated together, thereby reducing contact resistance.

[0023] (7) In the terminal block of any one of (1) to (6), the non-jointed portion may include a non-jointed intermediate path portion that is bent so as to eliminate path differences between the multiple terminal boards.

[0024] In this case, the terminal block can be easily bent around the bent portion, improving the ability to absorb positional errors.

[0025] (8) In the terminal block of (7), the non-jointed intermediate path portion may include a first bend portion and a second bend portion, and the first bend portion and the second bend portion may be bent in opposite directions to each other in the stacking direction of the terminal board.

[0026] In this case, the difference in path length is easily cancelled out by the first bent portion and the second bent portion that are bent in opposite directions.

[0027] (9) A terminal block according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein a laminated bus bar is connected to the terminal, the laminated bus bar has a plurality of stacked bus bars, and the laminated bus bar may include a non-jointed intermediate path portion that is bent so as to eliminate path differences between the plurality of bus bars.

[0028] In this case, the non-jointed intermediate path portion of the laminated bus bar joined to the terminal improves the ability to absorb positional errors.

[0029] (10) In the terminal block of (9), the non-jointed intermediate path portion may include a first bent portion and a second bent portion, and the first bent portion and the second bent portion may be bent in opposite directions to each other in the stacking direction of the bus bar.

[0030] In this case, the difference in path length is easily cancelled out by the first bent portion and the second bent portion that are bent in opposite directions.

[0031] [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.

[0032] [First Embodiment] A terminal block according to a first embodiment will be described below. The terminal block is a component that is fixed to a device and electrically connects the device to other electrical devices. Terminals are components for making electrical connections and are a type of wiring component. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the device is a rotating electric machine and the other electrical device is an inverter that drives and controls the rotating electric machine. The device and the other electrical device do not necessarily have to be rotating electric machines or inverters, and may be other devices, such as a battery, a DC-DC converter, or a junction box.

[0033] <Overall Configuration of an Electrical and Mechanical Integrated Unit with a Terminal Block Built-in> An example of the overall configuration of an electrical and mechanical integrated unit with a terminal block built-in will be described.

[0034] The electromechanical integrated unit 10 includes a rotating electric machine 20 and an inverter 12 .

[0035] The rotating electric machine 20 is a rotating electric machine including a case 22, an armature 24, and a field magnet 28. FIG. 1 shows an example in which the armature 24 serving as a stator is fixed inside the cylindrical case 22. The field magnet 28 is disposed inside the armature 24 as a rotor. The field magnet 28 rotates due to a magnetic field generated by the armature 24, or the armature 24 generates an electromotive force due to the rotation of the field magnet 28. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the rotating electric machine 20 is a rotating electric machine that can be used as a three-phase AC motor. The rotating electric machine may be capable of operating as a generator in addition to or instead of operating as a motor.

[0036] The armature 24 includes a stator core and a plurality of coil wires. The stator core includes a plurality of teeth that are arranged to surround the rotation axis. Each coil wire is wound around one or more teeth. At least some of the ends of the coil wires are drawn out from between the teeth to one axial end of the armature.

[0037] The armature 24 includes coil connection ends 26. The coil connection ends 26 are, for example, elongated conductive plate-like portions. The coil connection ends 26 are arranged on one axial end side of the armature 24. Screw insertion holes for screw fastening are formed in the coil connection ends 26. The coil connection ends 26 may be the ends of the coil wires themselves, or may be metal plates connected to the coil wires by welding, screw fastening, or the like. In this embodiment, three coil connection ends 26 corresponding to the three phases are arranged in parallel at intervals on one end side of the armature 24.

[0038] The inverter 12 is a device having an inverter circuit. It is assumed that the inverter 12 is integrated with the rotating electric machine 20. For example, the inverter 12 is integrated with a case 22 of the rotating electric machine 20 by bolting or the like.

[0039] The inverter 12 includes bus bars 18 connected to the output terminals of the inverter circuit. The bus bars 18 are elongated plate-like members formed of a metal plate material such as copper or a copper alloy. Screw insertion holes 18h for fastening the bus bars 18 are formed in the bus bars 18. In this embodiment, three bus bars 18 corresponding to the three phases extend from the inverter 12 in parallel with a gap between them toward the rotating electric machine 20.

[0040] The terminal block 30 is a component that is fixed to the case 22 of the rotating electrical machine 20 and connects the rotating electrical machine 20 and the inverter 12. The terminal block 30 includes terminals 40 and a block body 32.

[0041] The base body 32 is fixed to the case 22 by screws or the like in a state where the mounting holes 22h formed in the case 22 are closed.

[0042] The terminal 40 penetrates the base body 32 and is held in a fixed position and orientation relative to the base body 32 .

[0043] When the terminal 40 is fixed to the case 22, one end of the terminal 40 faces inside the case 22 and is connected to the end of the coil connection end 26 as a first joint connection part 42. When the terminal block 30 is fixed to the case 22, the first joint connection part 42 is positioned so as to overlap the coil connection end 26.

[0044] A first screw insertion hole 42h is formed in the first joint connection portion 42. With the coil connection end 26 overlapping the first joint connection portion 42, the first joint connection portion 42 and the coil connection end 26 are fixed together with screws, thereby electrically connecting the coil connection end 26 and the terminal 40.

[0045] When the terminals 40 are fixed to the case 22, the other ends of the terminals 40 face outward from the case 22 and are supported at positions connectable to ends of the bus bars 18 of the inverter 12 as second joint connection parts 46. When the inverter 12 is integrated with the rotating electric machine 20, the second joint connection parts 46 are arranged at positions overlapping the bus bars 18. In this embodiment, three terminals 40 corresponding to the three phases are arranged in parallel with a gap between them.

[0046] A second screw insertion hole 46h is formed in the second joint connection portion 46. With the bus bar 18 overlapped on the second joint connection portion 46, the second joint connection portion 46 and the bus bar 18 are fixed together with screws, thereby electrically connecting the second joint connection portion 46 and the bus bar 18.

[0047] The armature 24 in the rotating electric machine 20 is electrically connected to a circuit in the inverter 12 via a terminal 40 .

[0048] In this embodiment, the terminal block 30 includes three terminals 40. The terminal block 30 may include at least one terminal 40.

[0049] The connection between the terminal 40 and the coil connection end 26 or the bus bar 18 does not have to be made by screw fastening. For example, the terminal 40 and the coil connection end 26 or the bus bar 18 may be electrically connected by a fitting structure, a spring-biased structure, or the like.

[0050] The terminal 40 passes through the base body 32 and is held in a fixed position by the base body 32. The position of the coil connection end 26 or the bus bar 18 relative to the terminal 40 may deviate within a tolerance range.

[0051] Therefore, if the terminal is configured to include a plurality of stacked terminal plates, the terminal can easily deform in the thickness direction, and any positional deviation of the coil connection end 26 or bus bar 18 relative to the terminal can be absorbed.

[0052] If the terminal is simply configured to include multiple stacked terminal plates, contact resistance may occur between the terminal plates. If the current is not distributed among the multiple terminal plates at the portion where the terminal is connected to the coil connection end 26 or the bus bar 18, the resistance value of the terminal may increase. Furthermore, when the base body is molded using the terminal as an insert part, the terminal may be deformed due to the flow of resin used to mold the base body. If the terminal is deformed, the positional deviation of the coil connection end 26 or the bus bar 18 relative to the terminal 40 may become even greater.

[0053] The present disclosure relates to a technique for improving the conductivity of the terminals 40 while ensuring the ability to absorb misalignment of the terminals 40 and suppressing deformation of the terminals 40 within the base body 32.

[0054] <Regarding Terminals> Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the terminal block 30. Fig. 3 is a front view showing the terminal 40. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is a partially enlarged view of Fig. 4.

[0055] As described above, the terminal block 30 includes the terminals 40 and the block body 32 .

[0056] The terminal 40 includes a plurality of stacked terminal plates. The terminal 40 may be understood as a type of laminated bus bar in which a plurality of bus bars are stacked.

[0057] The terminal 40 is formed in an elongated shape. A first screw insertion hole 42h is formed at one end of the terminal 40. With the coil connection end 26 overlapping one end of the terminal 40, a screw is inserted through the hole in the coil connection end 26 and the first screw insertion hole 42h. The screw is then threadedly fastened to a nut. As a result, the one end of the terminal 40 and the coil connection end 26 are sandwiched between the head of the screw and the nut N, and are fixed in an electrically connected state.

[0058] The first screw insertion hole 42h is preferably larger than the diameter of the screw shank. The hole in the coil connection end 26 is also preferably larger than the diameter of the screw shank. By making at least one of the hole in the coil connection end 26 and the first screw insertion hole 42h larger than the diameter of the screw shank, misalignment between one end of the terminal 40 and the coil connection end 26 within the tolerance range in the direction along the mating surfaces of the two is absorbed.

[0059] A second screw insertion hole 46h is formed in the other end of the terminal 40. With the bus bar 18 placed on top of the other end of the terminal 40, a screw S is inserted through the hole in the bus bar 18 and the second screw insertion hole 46h (see FIG. 5 ). The screw S is then threadedly fastened to a nut N. This causes the other end of the terminal 40 and the bus bar 18 to be sandwiched between the head of the screw S and the nut N, and they are fixed in an electrically connected state.

[0060] At least one of the second screw insertion hole 46h and the hole of the bus bar 18 is preferably larger in diameter than the threaded shank of the screw S. This allows misalignment between the other end of the terminal 40 and the bus bar 18 to be absorbed in the direction along the overlapping surface between them.

[0061] In this embodiment, the terminal block 30 includes three terminals 40. The terminal block 30 may include at least one terminal 40.

[0062] The terminal 40 is formed by stacking elongated terminal plates 48. The terminal plates 48 are metal plates that are thinner than the overall thickness of the terminal 40. The terminal plates 48 are made of metal plates such as copper, copper alloy, aluminum, and aluminum alloy. The terminal plates 48 are formed in the shape of elongated metal plates. In this embodiment, the terminal plates 48 are formed in the shape of a rectangle that is long in one direction. It is also possible that the ends of the terminal plates 48 are rounded, or that the middle portion of the terminal plates 48 is formed in a shape that is curved in the width direction or thickness direction.

[0063] The terminal plate 48 has holes formed at both ends for forming the screw insertion holes 42h and 46h.

[0064] The multiple terminal plates 48 are formed to have the same shape. The multiple terminal plates 48 are stacked to form the terminal 40. At both ends of the terminal 40, the holes of the multiple terminal plates 48 overlap to form the first screw insertion hole 42h or the second screw insertion hole 46h.

[0065] The thickness of the terminal 40, the thickness of the terminal plate 48, and the number of terminal plates 48 are arbitrary. These thicknesses and numbers are set taking into consideration the allowable current value required for the terminal 40, ease of deformation, workability, and the like.

[0066] For example, the terminal 40 may be formed by stacking three to six terminal plates 48 each having a thickness of 0.3 mm to 1 mm. Alternatively, the terminal 40 may be formed by stacking four to five terminal plates 48 each having a thickness of 0.4 mm to 0.6 mm. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which four terminal plates 48 of the same shape are stacked.

[0067] It is not essential that the plurality of terminal plates 48 be formed in the same shape. For example, a terminal may be formed by stacking a plurality of terminal plates having different thicknesses.

[0068] The terminal 40 includes a first joint connection portion 42 , a first non-joining portion 43 , an intermediate joint portion 44 , a second non-joining portion 45 , and a second joint connection portion 46 .

[0069] The intermediate joint portion 44 is a portion at the longitudinal middle of the terminal 40 where adjacent terminal plates 48 are joined together.

[0070] The first joint connection portion 42 is a portion where adjacent terminal plates 48 are joined together at a position spaced apart from the intermediate joint portion 44 in the longitudinal direction of the terminal 40. In the present embodiment, one end of the terminal 40 is the first joint connection portion 42. In other words, the first joint connection portion 42 is located on one side of the terminal 40 in the longitudinal direction, spaced apart from the intermediate joint portion 44. The first screw insertion hole 42h is formed in the first joint connection portion 42.

[0071] The first non-joint portion 43 is a portion between the intermediate joint portion 44 and the first joint connection portion 42 where adjacent terminal plates 48 are stacked in a non-jointed state.

[0072] The second joint connection portion 46 is a portion where adjacent terminal plates 48 are joined together at a position spaced apart from the intermediate joint portion 44 in the longitudinal direction of the terminal 40. In the present embodiment, the other end of the terminal 40 is the second joint connection portion 46. That is, the second joint connection portion 46 is located on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the terminal 40, spaced apart from the intermediate joint portion 44. The intermediate joint portion 44 is located between the first joint connection portion 42 and the second joint connection portion 46. The second screw insertion hole 46h is formed in the second joint connection portion 46.

[0073] The second non-joint portion 45 is a portion between the intermediate joint portion 44 and the second joint connection portion 46 where adjacent terminal plates 48 are stacked in a non-jointed state.

[0074] In this embodiment, an example is described in which the joint connection portion includes a first joint connection portion 42 and a second joint connection portion 46, and the non-joint portion includes a first non-joint portion 43 and a second non-joint portion 45. However, it is also possible that the terminal has a single joint connection portion. For example, it is also possible that a joint connection portion and a non-joint portion are formed on one end of the terminal, and the terminal plate is kept in a non-joint state on the other end of the terminal.

[0075] Adjacent terminal plates 48 are joined together at the intermediate joint portion 44, the first joint connection portion 42, and the second joint connection portion 46. Joining the terminal plates 48 together means that the terminal plates 48 are integrated so as to be continuously connected to each other.

[0076] For example, adjacent terminal plates 48 may be fusion welded, pressure welded, or brazed. Fusion welding is welding performed while the joining surfaces are melted, and examples thereof include laser welding. Pressure welding is welding performed while applying a force that causes plastic deformation to the joining surfaces, and examples thereof include diffusion welding (for example, heat pressing), resistance welding, and ultrasonic welding. Brazing is a method of joining using solder or wax while minimizing melting of the base materials. Fusion welding, pressure welding, and brazing are joining methods specified, for example, in JIS Z3001-1:2018.

[0077] By joining adjacent terminal plates 48 together, the multiple terminal plates 48 are integrated in a state where they cannot move relative to each other. Therefore, the intermediate joint portion 44, the first joint connection portion 42, and the second joint connection portion 46 of the terminal 40 are less likely to bend in the thickness direction than the first non-joining portion 43 and the second non-joining portion 45. By joining adjacent terminal plates 48 together, the contact resistance between the terminal plates 48 becomes zero or close to zero.

[0078] In the first non-joined portion 43 and the second non-joined portion 45, adjacent terminal plates 48 are not joined to each other, so the terminal plates 48 can be displaced past each other. Therefore, the first non-joined portion 43 and the second non-joined portion 45 can deform in the thickness direction more easily than the intermediate joint portion 44, the first joint-connection portion 42, and the second joint-connection portion 46.

[0079] The first joint connection portion 42, the first non-joint portion 43, the intermediate joint portion 44, the second non-joint portion 45 and the second joint connection portion 46 are set relative to the base body 32 as follows.

[0080] At least a portion of the intermediate joint 44 is located within the base body 32. By having at least a portion of the intermediate joint 44 located within the base body 32, deformation of the terminal 40 within the base body 32 is suppressed when the base body 32 is molded.

[0081] In order to suppress deformation of the terminals 40 in the base body 32, it is preferable that the intermediate joint portion 44 is long enough to suppress deformation due to resin pressure.

[0082] For example, in the longitudinal direction of the terminal 40, 80% or more of the portion of the terminal 40 located within the base body 32 may be the intermediate joint 44. In this embodiment, the entire portion of the terminal 40 located within the base body 32 is the intermediate joint 44, and therefore, in the longitudinal direction of the terminal 40, 80% or more of the portion of the terminal 40 located within the base body 32 is the intermediate joint 44.

[0083] Also, for example, it is preferable that the intermediate joint 44 protrudes from the base body 32. In this case, both ends of the intermediate joint 44 may protrude from the base body 32, or one end may protrude from the base body 32. In this embodiment, both ends of the intermediate joint 44 protrude from the base body 32. If both ends of the intermediate joint 44 protrude from the base body 32, it is ensured that the entire portion of the terminal 40 located within the base body 32 is the intermediate joint 44.

[0084] The first joint connection portion 42 and the second joint connection portion 46 are located outside the base body 32. This makes it easy to connect the coil connection end 26 or the bus bar 18 to the first joint connection portion 42 and the second joint connection portion 46.

[0085] Furthermore, if the first joint connection portion 42 and the second joint connection portion 46 are located outside the base body 32, it is easy to connect the coil connection end 26 or the bus bar 18 to the first joint connection portion 42 and the second joint connection portion 46. Then, if the coil connection end 26 or the bus bar 18 is connected to the first joint connection portion 42 and the second joint connection portion 46, current easily flows through the entire plurality of terminal plates 48 near the connection points of the terminals 40.

[0086] For example, suppose bus bars 18 are stacked and connected to the second joint connection portion 46 (see FIG. 5 ). Current supplied from the bus bars 18 flows to the terminals 40 mainly through the contact points of the second joint connection portion 46 with the bus bars 18. If the terminal plates were not joined at the second joint connection portion, the contact resistance of the terminal plates would cause the current to flow mainly through the terminal plates near the surface. This would prevent the formation of a conductive path that effectively utilizes the entire stack of terminal plates, potentially resulting in poor overall conductivity.

[0087] Therefore, when adjacent terminal plates 48 are joined together at second joint connection portions 46, the current flows dispersedly to all of the terminal plates 48 at second joint connection portions 46, which are the connection points to bus bars 18. This makes it possible to configure a conductive path that makes effective use of the entire stacked terminal plates, thereby improving overall conductivity.

[0088] Furthermore, at least a portion of the first non-joint portion 43 and at least a portion of the second non-joint portion 45 are located outside the base body 32. As a result, the portion of the first non-joint portion 43 located outside the base body 32 is located between the intermediate joint portion 44 and the first joint connection portion 42. The first non-joint portion 43 can be easily displaced in the thickness direction depending on the position of the first joint connection portion 42 that is overlapped with the coil connection end 26. The portion of the second non-joint portion 45 located outside the base body 32 is located between the intermediate joint portion 44 and the second joint connection portion 46. The second non-joint portion 45 can be easily displaced in the thickness direction depending on the position of the second joint connection portion 46 that is overlapped with the bus bar 18. This makes it possible to easily absorb misalignment of the mating member, the coil connection end 26 or the bus bar 18.

[0089] <Regarding the Base Main Body> The base main body 32 is a part that is fixed to the rotating electric machine 20, which is an example of a device, while holding the terminals 40. Here, a mounting hole 22h is formed in the case 22 of the rotating electric machine 20. The mounting hole 22h is a hole that penetrates the inside and outside of the case 22. In this embodiment, the mounting hole 22h is a long, thin through-hole. A flat portion is formed in the case 22, and the mounting hole 22h is formed in this flat portion. A screw hole is formed in this flat portion around the outer periphery of the mounting hole 22h. With a portion of the base main body 32 inserted into the mounting hole 22h, the base main body 32 is fixed to the case 22 with screws using the screw hole.

[0090] The base body 32 is assumed to be an insulating material such as resin. The resin forming the base body 32 is, for example, polyamide 6T (PA6T), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), with PA6T being more preferable. When the rotating electric machine 20 is oil-cooled, the resin forming the base body 32 is preferably PA6T or PPS. When the rotating electric machine 20 is water-cooled, the resin forming the base body 32 may be PBT. The multiple terminals 40 are supported at fixed positions relative to the rotating electric machine 20 by the base body 32. The constituent material of the base body 32 may contain additives such as antioxidants.

[0091] The table body 32 includes a base 34 , a screw fastening portion 35 , extension holding portions 36 and 37 , and a partition portion 38 .

[0092] The base portion 34 is formed in a flat shape that is wider than the mounting hole 22h.

[0093] The screw fastening portion 35 is a portion that protrudes from the outer periphery of the base portion 34. In this embodiment, the base body 32 includes two screw fastening portions 35. The two screw fastening portions 35 protrude outward from both longitudinal ends of the base portion 34. A screw insertion hole 35h is formed in the screw fastening portion 35.

[0094] The extension holding portion 36 protrudes from the base portion 34 while partially covering each terminal 40. Therefore, the portion of each terminal 40 that is closer to the first joint connection portion 42 is exposed from the base body 32 at the portion that protrudes from the tip side of the extension holding portion 36.

[0095] The extension holding portion 37 protrudes from the base portion 34 while partially covering each terminal 40. Therefore, the portion of the terminal 40 closer to the second joint connection portion 46 is exposed from the base body 32 at the portion extending from the tip side of the extension holding portion 37.

[0096] The partition portion 38 is a plate-like portion that extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the terminals 40 are arranged, on the tip side of the extension holding portion 36 and between the terminals 40. The partition portion 38 can separate the portions of the terminals 40 that are closer to the first joint connection portion 42.

[0097] The extension holding portions 36 and 37 may be omitted. The partition portion 38 may be omitted.

[0098] With the extension holding portion 36 inserted into the mounting hole 22h, the base portion 34 can contact the outer surface of the case 22 around the mounting hole 22h. In this state, the pair of screw fastening portions 35 are positioned over the pair of screw holes in the case 22. Screws S are inserted into the screw insertion holes 35h and threadedly fastened to the screw holes in the case 22, thereby fixing the base body 32 to the case 22.

[0099] The terminals 40 are held by the base 34 so as to penetrate the inside and outside of the case 22. In this embodiment, a plurality of (three) terminals 40 are held by the base 34 in a parallel state with spaces between them. The plurality of (three) terminals 40 are kept insulated from one another by the base 34.

[0100] A longitudinally intermediate portion of the terminal 40 is embedded within the base 34 and the extended holding portions 36, 37. The portion of the terminal 40 on the first joint connection portion 42 side protrudes from the tip side of the extended holding portion 36. The portion of the terminal 40 on the second joint connection portion 46 side protrudes from the extended holding portion 37 on the side opposite to the extended holding portion 36.

[0101] With the base body 32 fixed to the case 22 as described above, the first joint connection portion 42 of the terminal 40 is positioned so as to be superimposed on the coil connection end 26. Also, the second joint connection portion 46 of the terminal 40 is positioned so as to be superimposed on the bus bar 18. At this time, the first non-joint portion 43 and the second non-joint portion 45 can deform in the thickness direction to match the position of the coil connection end 26 or the bus bar 18, which are the mating members.

[0102] An annular sealing member 39 such as a rubber packing may be interposed between the base body 32 and the mounting hole 22h. The annular sealing member 39 seals water between the case 22 and the base body 32. For example, the annular sealing member 39 may be interposed in a portion of the base 34 that surrounds the extension holding portion 36.

[0103] <Example of Manufacturing Method> An example of a method for manufacturing a terminal block will be described.

[0104] First, as shown in Fig. 6, the terminal 40 is set in a mold 60. The mold 60 has a mold surface 61 for molding the base body 32. The mold 60 has setting sections 62 and 63 into which the portion of the terminal 40 that protrudes from the base body 32 can be set. With both ends of the terminal 40 set in the setting sections 62 and 63, the mold 60 is closed. The middle portion of the terminal 40 crosses the space surrounded by the mold surface 61.

[0105] An injection port 60h is formed in the mold 60. The injection port 60h reaches the mold surface 61. A fluid resin 68 for forming the base body 32 is supplied through the injection port 60h into the space surrounded by the mold surface 61. The fluid resin may be a resin softened or melted by heat. The resin is filled into the space within the mold and molded into a shape defined by the mold surface 61. In other words, the base body 32 is molded using the terminals 40 as insert parts.

[0106] When resin 68 is injected into mold 60, resin pressure is applied to terminal 40. The resin pressure acts on terminal 40 as a force that deforms terminal 40. The middle portion of terminal 40 forms middle joint 44 where adjacent terminal plates 48 are joined. Therefore, even when resin pressure is applied, terminal 40 is less likely to deform and tends to maintain its initial shape. Base body 32 is molded so that the middle portion of terminal 40 is embedded in base body 32 while terminal 40 maintains its initial shape.

[0107] <Effects, etc.> With the terminal block 30 configured as described above, the coil connection end 26 or the bus bar 18 can be connected as a mating connection to the first joint connection portion 42 or the second joint connection portion 46. Because adjacent terminal plates 48 are joined together at the first joint connection portion 42 or the second joint connection portion 46, contact resistance between the terminal plates 48 can be reduced. This improves conductivity between the first joint connection portion 42 and the second joint connection portion 46. Furthermore, because at least a portion of the intermediate joint portion 44 is located within the base body 32, the intermediate joint portion 44 is less likely to deform when the base body 32 is molded using at least a portion of the intermediate joint portion 44 as an insert portion. This reduces deformation of the terminal 40 within the base body 32. Furthermore, since at least a portion of the first non-joint portion 43 or the second non-joint portion 45 is located outside the base body 32, even if the position of the connection destination of the first joint connection portion 42 or the second joint connection portion 46 is misaligned relative to the base body 32, the first non-joint portion 43 or the second non-joint portion 45 can easily deform to absorb the misalignment.

[0108] Furthermore, a first joint connection portion 42 and a first non-joint portion 43 are formed on one end of the terminal 40, and a second joint connection portion 46 and a second non-joint portion 45 are formed on the other end. Therefore, the coil connection end 26 as the first mating connection portion and the bus bar 18 as the second mating connection portion can be connected via the terminal 40. In this case, the conductivity of each of the first joint connection portion 42 and the second joint connection portion 46 can be improved. Furthermore, because the first non-joint portion 43 is located between the intermediate joint portion 44 and the first joint connection portion 42, and the second non-joint portion 45 is located between the intermediate joint portion 44 and the second joint connection portion 46, misalignment of both the coil connection end 26 and the bus bar 18 can be absorbed.

[0109] Furthermore, since 80% or more of the portion of the terminal 40 located inside the base body 32 is the intermediate joint portion 44, the terminal 40 is less likely to deform inside the base body 32.

[0110] Furthermore, if the intermediate joint 44 extends from the base body 32, most of the portion of the terminal 40 located within the base body 32 can be the intermediate joint 44, making it less likely that the terminal 40 will deform within the base body 32.

[0111] Furthermore, if the adjacent terminal plates 48 are fusion-welded, pressure-welded or brazed at the intermediate joint portion 44 and the joint connection portions 42, 46, respectively, the adjacent terminal plates 48 can be integrated together to easily reduce contact resistance.

[0112] 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a terminal block 30B according to a first modification. The terminal block 30B further includes an annular seal 58 interposed between the intermediate joint 44 and the block body 32.

[0113] The annular seal 58 may be made of an adhesive that has good adhesion to the base body 32 and the terminal 40, or a resin that is softer than the base body 32. The annular seal 58 may be applied to the terminal 40 so as to surround the middle portion of the terminal 40, may be a molded portion of the terminal 40, or may be a component fitted onto the terminal 40. A groove for maintaining the position of the annular seal 58 may be formed in the portion of the terminal 40 where the annular seal 58 is located. The annular seal 58 preferably surrounds the middle joint portion 44.

[0114] According to this modification, at the intermediate joint 44, liquid is less likely to pass between the terminal plates 48. Furthermore, by sealing the area between the intermediate joint and the base body 32 with the annular seal 58, the passage of liquid along the outer periphery of the terminal 40 is also suppressed. Therefore, the passage of liquid along the terminal 40 is effectively suppressed.

[0115] [Embodiment 2] A terminal block 130 according to embodiment 2 will be described. Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the terminal block 130. Fig. 9 is a side view showing the non-jointed intermediate path portion 110 of the terminal block 130. In the description of this embodiment, components similar to those described in embodiment 1 are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0116] The terminal 140 in the terminal block 130 includes a non-bonded intermediate path portion 110 instead of the first non-bonded portion 43 in the first embodiment. The non-bonded intermediate path portion 110 is a portion that is bent so as to eliminate path differences between the multiple terminal boards 48.

[0117] The non-joint intermediate path portion 110 is located between the intermediate joint portion 44 and the first joint connection portion 42. The non-joint intermediate path portion 110 is bent so as to eliminate path differences between the plurality of terminal boards 48 between the intermediate joint portion 44 and the first joint connection portion 42. Note that being bent so as to eliminate path differences between the plurality of terminal boards 48 includes both a case where the terminal boards are bent so that even if path differences occur, the path differences are canceled out as a whole, and a case where the terminal boards are bent so that path differences do not occur in the first place.

[0118] In other words, when the multiple terminal plates 48 are bent in either direction in the stacking direction, a path difference may occur between the multiple terminal plates 48 depending on whether they pass near the outer periphery or the inner periphery of the bent portion. Therefore, the multiple terminal plates 48 are bent in at least one location toward one side in the stacking direction and at least one location toward the other side in the stacking direction. The path difference between the terminal plates 48 is canceled out by at least one bent portion toward one side in the stacking direction and at least one bent portion toward the other side in the stacking direction, thereby eliminating the path difference.

[0119] In this case, the path difference at the bent portion may be affected by the length, bend radius, angle, etc. Therefore, the path difference of the terminal board 48 is cancelled out by taking into consideration the length, bend radius, angle, etc. of each bent portion, the number of bent portions on one side of the stacking direction, and the number of bent portions on the other side of the stacking direction as a whole.

[0120] A specific example of the bending configuration is as follows.

[0121] That is, the non-joint intermediate path portion 110 includes a first bent portion 114 and a second bent portion 116. The first bent portion 114 is bent to one side in the stacking direction of the terminal boards 48. The second bent portion 116 is bent to the other side in the stacking direction of the terminal boards 48. In other words, the first bent portion 114 and the second bent portion 116 are bent to opposite sides in the stacking direction of the terminal boards 48. Note that the stacking direction of the terminal boards 48 is also the thickness direction of the terminals 140.

[0122] Furthermore, since one first bent portion 114 and one second bent portion 116 cancel out the path difference, the first bent portion 114 and the second bent portion 116 may be bent in the same shape. Note that when the first bent portion 114 and the second bent portion 116 bend in the same shape, this includes shapes within the error range, and for example, the first bent portion 114 and the second bent portion 116 may be evaluated as being bent in the same shape if the angle difference of the second bent portion 116 relative to the angle of the first bent portion 114 is the same within a range of ±10%, preferably ±5%.

[0123] The unjoined intermediate path portion 110 may have a first end side laminate portion 113 , a laminate intermediate portion 115 , and a second end side laminate portion 117 .

[0124] The first end side laminated portion 113 is a portion that is linearly connected to the intermediate joint portion 44. In other words, the first end side laminated portion 113 and the intermediate joint portion 44 extend linearly.

[0125] The laminated intermediate portion 115 is connected to the first end laminated portion 113 via a first bent portion 114. The first bent portion 114 may have an obtuse angle or an acute angle. In this embodiment, the first bent portion 114 has an obtuse angle. The laminated intermediate portion 115 itself extends linearly.

[0126] The second end side laminated portion 117 is a portion that is linearly connected to the first joint connection portion 42. In other words, the second end side laminated portion 117 and the first joint connection portion 42 extend linearly. The second end side laminated portion 117 is also connected to the laminated intermediate portion 115 via a second bent portion 116. The second bent portion 116 may be at an obtuse angle or an acute angle. In this embodiment, the second bent portion 116 is at an obtuse angle.

[0127] In this embodiment, the first bent portion 114 and the second bent portion 116 are bent at the same angle, so the intermediate joint portion 44 and the first joint-connecting portion 42 are parallel to each other. Furthermore, the intermediate joint portion 44 and the first joint-connecting portion 42 are disposed at different positions in the thickness direction by the length of the stacked intermediate portion 115 that extends while crossing the intermediate joint portion 44 and the first joint-connecting portion 42.

[0128] The cancellation of the path difference in the non-jointed intermediate path portion 110 will be described in more detail below.

[0129] In Figure 9, attention is focused on the terminal board 48 (which may be distinguished from terminal board 48a) that is arranged on one side of the stacking direction in the non-jointed intermediate path section 110, and the terminal board 48 (which may be distinguished from terminal board 48b) that is arranged on the other side.

[0130] First, there is no path difference between terminal board 48a and terminal board 48b among first end laminated portion 113, laminated intermediate portion 115, and second end laminated portion 117. Therefore, attention will be focused on first bent portion 114 and second bent portion 116.

[0131] At first bent portion 114, terminal board 48a passes through the inner periphery and terminal board 48b passes through the outer periphery. Therefore, path L1(out) of terminal board 48b at first bent portion 114 is greater than path L1(in) of terminal board 48a at first bent portion 114.

[0132] At second bent portion 116, terminal board 48a passes along the outer periphery and terminal board 48b passes along the inner periphery. Therefore, path L2(in) of terminal board 48a at second bent portion 116 is smaller than path L2(out) of terminal board 48b at second bent portion 116.

[0133] If the bending shapes of first bent portion 114 and second bent portion 116 are the same, path L1(in) can be made the same as path L2(in), and path L1(out) can be made the same as path L2(out). The sum of paths L1(in) and L2(out) for terminal board 48b is the same as the sum of paths L1(out) and L2(in) for terminal board 48a, and the path difference is canceled out.

[0134] Similarly, the path difference is canceled out between the terminal board 48 located inside one outermost terminal board in the stacking direction and the terminal board 48 located inside the other outermost terminal board in the non-joint intermediate path portion 110. Furthermore, when an odd number of terminal boards are stacked, the path difference does not pose a problem for the bus bar located in the center of the stacking direction, regardless of the bending direction.

[0135] The configuration including the non-joint intermediate path portion 110 allows the multiple terminal plates 48 to bend so as to cancel out path differences between them. This allows the terminal 140 to easily bend around the first and second bent portions 114, 116, which are the multiple bent portions, improving its ability to absorb positional errors. For example, the first and second bent portions 114, 116 can be easily bent to increase or decrease their bending angles. This allows the first joint connection portions 42 to easily move toward or away from each other in their extension direction and to easily fluctuate in their thickness direction. This allows for easy accommodation of positional errors in both the longitudinal and thickness directions of the first joint connection portions 42.

[0136] Furthermore, the non-joint intermediate path portion 110 includes a first bent portion 114 and a second bent portion 116 that bend in opposite directions in the stacking direction. With respect to any terminal board 48, the first bent portion 114 and the second bent portion 116 have opposite positions toward the inner periphery and the outer periphery, respectively, and therefore the path difference is easily canceled out. Therefore, the path difference of a plurality of terminal boards 48 can be easily canceled out by the first bent portion 114 and the second bent portion 116 that bend in opposite directions.

[0137] In this case, if the first bent portion 114 and the second bent portion 116 are bent in the same shape, the path differences among the plurality of terminal boards 48 can be more reliably cancelled out.

[0138] The non-joint intermediate path section 110 includes a first end-side laminated section 113, a laminated intermediate section 115, and a second end-side laminated section 117. In this case, the laminated intermediate section 115 is connected to the first end-side laminated section 113 and the second end-side laminated section 117 via bent sections 114 and 116, so that the first joint connection section 42 can be positioned at different positions in the thickness direction. Furthermore, the first bent section 114 and the second bent section 116 bend and deform, allowing the first joint connection section 42 to be easily displaced in the extension direction and thickness direction. This makes it easy to absorb positional errors.

[0139] Furthermore, when manufacturing a terminal 140 having the above-mentioned non-jointed intermediate path portion 110, a stack of multiple terminal plates 48 is prepared, and the terminal plates 48 are joined together to form the first joint connection portion 42, the intermediate joint portion 44, and the second joint connection portion 46, and then the multiple terminals are bent to cancel out the path differences between them, thereby forming the non-jointed intermediate path portion 110.

[0140] Therefore, after forming the first joint connection portion 42, the intermediate joint portion 44, and the second joint connection portion 46, the plurality of terminal plates 48 can be easily bent. This allows the first joint connection portion 42, the intermediate joint portion 44, and the second joint connection portion 46 to be processed simultaneously or consecutively, facilitating the manufacture of the terminal 140. The ease of processing also shortens the manufacturing time. The simplification of the manufacturing process and the shortened manufacturing time also reduce manufacturing costs.

[0141] <Modifications> Various modifications will be described based on the above-described embodiment 2. Differences from embodiment 2 will be mainly described below.

[0142] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a non-jointed intermediate path section 210 according to a second modified example, and FIG. 11 is a side view showing the non-jointed intermediate path section 210. As shown in FIG.

[0143] The non-joint intermediate path section 210 includes a large bend section 215, a first small bend section 214, and a second small bend section 216 instead of the first bend section 114 and the second bend section 116 in the second embodiment.

[0144] The bending path of each of the first small bend portion 214 and the second small bend portion 216 is shorter than the bending path of the large bend portion 215. In this modified example, the first small bend portion 214 and the second small bend portion 216, as well as the large bend portion 215, are bent in an arc. The bending radius and central angle of the first small bend portion 214 and the second small bend portion 216 are the same. The curvature radius and central angle of the large bend portion 215 are larger than the bending radius and central angle of the first small bend portion 214 and the second small bend portion 216. As a result, the bending path of the large bend portion 215 is longer than the bending paths of the first small bend portion 214 and the second small bend portion 216.

[0145] In this modification, the large bent portion 215 has an arc shape, more specifically, a semicircular arc shape. For example, the first small bent portion 214 and the second small bent portion 216 have a quarter arc shape.

[0146] The first small bend 214 is a portion that is connected to one end of the large bend 215 and bends toward the outer periphery of the large bend 215. The second small bend 216 is a portion that is connected to the other end of the large bend 215 and bends toward the outer periphery of the large bend 215 in the opposite direction from the first small bend 214. For example, the central angle between the first small bend 214 and the second small bend 216 is 90 degrees. The first small bend 214 and the second small bend 216 bend in opposite directions radially around the center of curvature of the large bend 215. The large bend 215 is located between the first small bend 214 and the second small bend 216.

[0147] The first end laminated portion 213 is connected to the outer end of the first small bent portion 214, and the first joint connection portion 42 is connected in a straight line to the outer end of the first end laminated portion 213. The second end laminated portion 217 is connected to the outer end of the second small bent portion 216, and the intermediate joint portion 44 is connected in a straight line to the outer end of the second end laminated portion 217.

[0148] In Figure 11, attention is focused on the terminal board 48 (sometimes referred to as 48a) arranged on one side of the stacking direction in the non-jointed intermediate path section 210, and the terminal board 48 (sometimes referred to as 48b) arranged on the other side.

[0149] First, there is no difference in the path between terminal board 48a and terminal board 48b for first end laminate portion 213 and second end laminate portion 217. Therefore, attention will be focused on large bend portion 215, first small bend portion 214, and second small bend portion 216.

[0150] At the first small bend 214 and the second small bend 216, terminal plate 48a passes through the inner periphery and terminal plate 48b passes through the outer periphery. Therefore, at each of the first small bend 214 and the second small bend 216, the path M1(out) of terminal plate 48b is longer than the path M1(in) of terminal plate 48a.

[0151] At large bend 215, terminal plate 48a passes on the outer periphery side, and terminal plate 48b passes on the inner periphery side. Therefore, at large bend 215, path M2(in) of terminal plate 48b is smaller than path M2(out) of terminal plate 48a.

[0152] The large bend 215 has a longer path than the first small bend 214 and the second small bend 216, and therefore has a greater effect on the path difference.

[0153] Therefore, the path difference is cancelled out by providing a larger number (two in this case) of first small bends 214 and second small bends 216 in comparison with a smaller number (one in this case) of large bends 215 .

[0154] In other words, the path difference is canceled out by making the sum of the two paths M1 (in) and one path M2 (out) for terminal board 48a the same as the sum of the two paths M1 (out) and one path M2 (in) for terminal board 48b.

[0155] For the other terminal boards 48, the path differences are cancelled out in the same manner as above.

[0156] According to this modification, it is possible to achieve the same effect as in the second embodiment in terms of canceling out the path difference.

[0157] The combination of the first small bent portion 214 and the second small bent portion 216 with the large bent portion 215 can cancel out the path differences between the multiple terminal boards 48 .

[0158] The large bent portion 215 is arc-shaped, and the first small bent portion 214 and the second small bent portion 216 are connected to each end of the large bent portion 215 and bent so as to extend out in opposite directions. Therefore, by deformation of the large bent portion 215, the first small bent portion 214, and the second small bent portion 216, the positions of both end portions can be easily and predictably changed.

[0159] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a non-jointed intermediate path portion 310 according to a third modification.

[0160] The non-jointed intermediate path portion 310 includes a first bent portion 313, a second bent portion 315, a third bent portion 317, and a fourth bent portion 319, instead of the first bent portion 114 and the second bent portion 116 in the second embodiment.

[0161] The first bent portion 313 is connected to the first joint connection portion 42, and the fourth bent portion 319 is connected to the intermediate joint portion 44. The first bent portion 313 and the fourth bent portion 319 are bent in opposite directions in the stacking direction. Furthermore, the first bent portion 313 and the fourth bent portion 319 are bent at the same angle.

[0162] The second bent portion 315 is connected to the first bent portion 313 via a first intermediate portion 314 that extends linearly. The third bent portion 317 is connected to the fourth bent portion 319 via a third intermediate portion 318 that extends linearly. The second bent portion 315 and the third bent portion 317 are bent in opposite directions in the stacking direction. The second bent portion 315 and the third bent portion 317 are bent at the same angle. The second bent portion 315 and the third bent portion 317 are connected to each other via a second intermediate portion 316 that extends linearly.

[0163] This non-jointed intermediate path section 310 can achieve the same effect as in embodiment 2 in terms of canceling out path differences. In addition, since it is bent at more locations than in embodiment 2, it is expected to improve the ability to absorb position errors.

[0164] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a non-jointed intermediate path portion 410 according to a fourth modification.

[0165] The non-joint intermediate path portion 410 includes a twisted portion 414 that is bent in a twisting manner, instead of the first bent portion 114 and the second bent portion 116 in embodiment 2. The twisted portion 414 is a portion that has a shape that is twisted into a spiral screw shape centered at the center in the width direction and the center in the stacking direction of the stacked terminal boards 48.

[0166] The number of turns of the twisted portion 414 that form the spiral is arbitrary, but may be, for example, 1 / 2 a turn. In other words, the twisted portion 414 may be twisted so that the first joint connection portion 42 and the intermediate joint portion 44 are reversed from each other. The twisted portion 414 may be twisted less than 1 / 2 a turn or more than 1 / 2 a turn.

[0167] According to this non-jointed intermediate path portion 410, all of the terminal plates 48 are twisted into the same shape, so that there is no path difference. Therefore, in that there is no path difference, the same effect as in the second embodiment can be obtained.

[0168] Furthermore, the non-jointed intermediate path portion 410 having the twisted bent portion 414 formed therein can be easily deformed in the stacking direction at each portion in the extending direction thereof.

[0169] For example, the portion of the twisted portion 414 close to the intermediate joint 44 can be easily bent in the thickness direction (P1) of the intermediate joint 44. Furthermore, for example, the central portion of the twisted portion 414 in the extension direction can be easily bent in the thickness direction (P2) of the central portion. Furthermore, the portion of the twisted portion 414 between the intermediate joint 44 and the central portion can be easily bent in a direction (P3) that intersects both P1 and P2. Therefore, the first joint connection portion 42 can be easily displaced relatively in its width direction and thickness direction, directions that intersect these directions.

[0170] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a terminal 540 according to a fifth modification.

[0171] The terminal 540 includes a joining bent portion 530 in addition to a non-jointed intermediate path portion 510 that is bent to eliminate path differences between the terminal plates 48 .

[0172] The bent joint portion 530 is a portion where a plurality of terminal plates 48 are joined together and are bent in the stacking direction.

[0173] That is, the non-joint intermediate path portion 510 must be bent so as to eliminate path differences between the plurality of terminal boards 48. In addition to this, it may be required to satisfy a condition that the first joint connection portion 42 can be positioned at a position where it can be connected to a connection target. It may be difficult to satisfy both conditions.

[0174] Therefore, in this modification, a joint bending portion 530 is formed separately from the non-joint intermediate path portion 510. Similar to the intermediate joint portion 44, the joint bending portion 530 is a portion where the terminal boards 48 are joined and bent. When this portion is bent, the terminal boards 48 are bent integrally without passing each other. Therefore, the influence of the path length difference caused by the difference between the inner and outer peripheries of the bent portion 530a is unlikely to extend beyond the bent portion 530a. Therefore, outside the bent portion 530a, misalignment of the ends is unlikely to occur, and the bus bars are unlikely to separate from each other due to the path difference.

[0175] More specifically, the non-joint intermediate path section 510 that eliminates the path difference in this embodiment may have the same configuration as the non-joint intermediate path section 210 in the modified example shown in FIGS.

[0176] The joint bent portion 530 is bent so as to be continuous with one end of the non-joint intermediate path portion 510. Here, the joint bent portion 530 is a portion where the joint portion of the terminal board 48 is bent at a right angle.

[0177] The intermediate joint portion 44 is connected to the non-joint intermediate path portion 510 , and the first joint connection portion 42 is connected to the joint bent portion 530 .

[0178] According to this modification, the bent portions that do not contribute to eliminating the path difference can be formed as bent joint portions 530 where the terminal boards 48 are joined and the terminal boards 48 are bent in the stacking direction. This makes it easy to realize a configuration in which the non-jointed portions of the terminal boards 48 are bent to eliminate the path difference between the terminal boards 48. In other words, the degree of freedom in the path of the terminals 540 can be improved.

[0179] [Embodiment 3] A terminal block 630 according to embodiment 3 will be described. Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing the terminal block 630. In the description of this embodiment, the same components as those described in embodiments 1 and 2 will be assigned the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

[0180] In the terminal block 630, the laminated bus bar 610 is connected to the first joint connection portion 42 of the terminal 40 described in the first embodiment. The connection of the laminated bus bar 610 to the first joint connection portion 42 may be performed using a structure similar to that of joining terminal plates together, or may be performed using a screw fastening or fitting structure, etc.

[0181] The laminated bus bar 610 includes a plurality of laminated bus bars 612 .

[0182] The laminated bus bar 610 includes a non-jointed intermediate path portion 620 that is bent so as to eliminate path differences between the multiple bus bars 612. A bus bar end portion 622 is provided on one end side of the non-jointed intermediate path portion 620, and a bus bar end portion 624 is provided on the other end side. The bus bar end portion 622 is connected to the first joint connection portion 42, and the bus bar end portion 624 is connected to a mating connection member.

[0183] The bus bar 612 is a plate-like member similar to the terminal board 48. At the bus bar end portions 622, 624, adjacent bus bars are joined to each other in the same manner as the terminal boards 48 are joined to each other.

[0184] In the non-joint intermediate path section 620, the bus bars 612 are bent at a first bent section 628 and a second bent section 629 so as to eliminate path differences between the bus bars 612. In this embodiment, the non-joint intermediate path section 620 is bent in the same manner as the non-joint intermediate path section 110. The non-joint intermediate path section 620 may have the same configuration as the non-joint intermediate path sections 210, 310, 410, and 510.

[0185] According to the third embodiment, by adding a relay laminated bus bar 610 to the terminal 40, the position error absorption performance can be further improved.

[0186] By configuring the non-joint intermediate path section 620 in the same manner as the non-joint intermediate path sections 110, 210, 310, 410, and 510, the same effects as those of the non-joint intermediate path sections 110, 210, 310, 410, and 510 can be obtained.

[0187] [Modifications] The configurations described in the above embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate as long as they are not mutually contradictory.

[0188] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Electromechanical integrated unit 12 Inverter 18 Bus bar 18h Screw insertion hole 20 Rotating electric machine 22 Case 22h Mounting hole 24 Armature 26 Coil connection end 28 Field magnet 30, 30B, 130, 630 Terminal block 32 Base body 34 Base 35 Screw fastening portion 35h Screw insertion hole 36, 37 Extended holding portion 38 Partition portion 39 Annular seal member 40, 140, 540 Terminal 42 First joint connection portion 42h First screw insertion hole 43 First non-joint portion 44 Intermediate joint portion 45 Second non-joint portion 46 Second joint connection portion 46h Second screw insertion hole 48, 48a, 48b Terminal board 58 Annular seal portion 60 Mold 60h Injection port 61 Mold surface 62, 63 Set portion 110, 210, 310, 410, 510 Non-jointed intermediate path portion 113, 213 First end side laminated portion 114, 313, 628 First bent portion 115 Laminated intermediate portion 116, 315, 629 Second bent portion 117, 217 Second end side laminated portion 214 First small bent portion 215 Large bent portion 216 Second small bent portion 314 First intermediate portion 316 Second intermediate portion 317 Third bent portion 318 Third intermediate portion 319 Fourth bent portion 414 Twist bent portion 530 Joint bent portion 530a Bent portion 610 Laminated bus bar 612 Bus bar 620 Non-jointed intermediate path portion 622, 624 Bus bar end portion N Nut S Screw

Claims

1. A terminal block comprising: a terminal including a plurality of stacked terminal plates; and a base body fixed to equipment while holding the terminal, wherein the terminal is formed in an elongated shape, and the terminal includes: an intermediate joint portion at a longitudinal middle portion of the terminal where adjacent terminal plates are joined; a joint connection portion where adjacent terminal plates are joined at a position spaced apart from the intermediate joint portion in the longitudinal direction of the terminal; and a non-joined portion where adjacent terminal plates are stacked in a non-joined state between the intermediate joint portion and the joint connection portion, wherein at least a portion of the intermediate joint portion is located within the base body, the joint connection portion is located outside the base body, and at least a portion of the non-joined portion is located outside the base body.

2. A terminal block as claimed in claim 1, wherein the joint connection portion has a first joint connection portion located away from the intermediate joint portion on one side of the longitudinal direction of the terminal, and a second joint connection portion located away from the intermediate joint portion on the other side of the longitudinal direction of the terminal, and the non-joint portion has a first non-joint portion located between the intermediate joint portion and the first joint connection portion, and a second non-joint portion located between the intermediate joint portion and the second joint connection portion.

3. A terminal block according to claim 1 or 2, wherein 80% or more of the portion of the terminal located within the base body is the intermediate joint portion.

4. A terminal block according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the intermediate joint portion protrudes from the base body.

5. A terminal block according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an annular seal portion interposed between the intermediate joint portion and the block body.

6. A terminal block according to claim 1 or 2, wherein adjacent terminal plates are fusion-welded, pressure-welded or brazed at each of the intermediate joint portion and the joint connection portion.

7. A terminal block according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the non-jointed portion includes a non-jointed intermediate path portion that is bent so as to eliminate path differences between the plurality of terminal boards.

8. A terminal block according to claim 7, wherein the non-jointed intermediate path portion includes a first bent portion and a second bent portion, and the first bent portion and the second bent portion are bent in opposite directions in the stacking direction of the terminal board.

9. A terminal block as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein a laminated bus bar is connected to the terminal, the laminated bus bar has a plurality of stacked bus bars, and the laminated bus bar includes a non-jointed intermediate path portion that is bent so as to eliminate path differences between the plurality of bus bars.

10. A terminal block according to claim 9, wherein the non-jointed intermediate path portion includes a first bent portion and a second bent portion, and the first bent portion and the second bent portion are bent in opposite directions in the stacking direction of the bus bars.

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