Terminal block

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a terminal block that can be made compact in size. This terminal block includes a first component and a second component. The first component includes a bus bar and a first resin part that covers a portion of the bus bar. The second component includes a through nut and a second resin part having a covering portion that covers an opening. The first resin part has a recess into which the second component can be fitted. In a state where the second component is fitted into the recess, the through nut is held at a position adjacent to one main surface of a connecting end. The first resin part and / or the second resin part has a crushable rib portion that deforms in a state where the second component is fitted into the recess and that generates a force for holding the second component within the recess.

Description

terminal block

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

[0002] The device connector described in Patent Document 1 includes a fall prevention plate to prevent nuts from falling off. This device connector also has a lid formed to cover the back side of the relief hole in the fall prevention plate. When a bolt is fastened, the tip of the shank that escapes through the relief hole is covered by the lid, ensuring insulation between adjacent bolts. Foreign matter is prevented from entering the nut receiving hole through the relief hole. In Patent Document 1, the fall prevention plate is attached to the terminal block by fitting a locking hole in the fall prevention plate with a locking protrusion on the terminal block.

[0003] JP 2015-060680 A

[0004] Therefore, there is a demand for a terminal block that can be made even smaller.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a terminal block that can be miniaturized.

[0006] The terminal block of the present disclosure comprises a first component including a bus bar having a connection end portion with a screw through hole formed therein for a screw to pass through, and a first resin component covering a portion of the bus bar; a second component including a through nut having a screw hole arranged to be continuous with the screw through hole, and a second resin component having a cover component covering an opening of the screw hole on the side opposite the screw through hole, wherein the first resin component has a recess into which the second component can be fitted, and when the second component is fitted in the recess, the through nut is held in a position adjacent to one main surface of the connection end portion, and at least one of the first resin component and the second resin component has a crushing rib component that deforms when the second component is fitted in the recess, generating a force to hold the second component within the recess.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, a terminal block that can be made smaller can be provided.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the terminal block from the front side. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the terminal block from the rear side. FIG. 3 is a partial side cross-sectional view showing the terminal block attached to the housing and connected to a mating terminal. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the first component from the front side. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the recess and the first crushed rib portion. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the second component from the front side. FIG. 7 is an end view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a plan view of the second resin portion. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a step of engaging the second component with the first component. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-section of the first component and the second component engaged. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the second component according to a modified example.

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

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

[0011] (1) A terminal block includes: a first component including a bus bar having a connection end portion with a screw through hole formed therein through which a screw passes; and a first resin component covering a portion of the bus bar; a through nut having a screw hole arranged to be continuous with the screw through hole; and a second component including a second resin component having a cover component covering an opening of the screw hole on the opposite side to the screw through hole side; wherein the first resin component has a recess into which the second component can be fitted; when the second component is fitted in the recess, the through nut is held in a position adjacent to one main surface of the connection end portion; and at least one of the first resin component and the second resin component has a crushed rib component that deforms when the second component is fitted in the recess, generating a force to hold the second component within the recess.

[0012] According to this terminal block, the second resin portion holds the through nut adjacent to one of the main surfaces of the connection end and prevents debris from being discharged to the outside. When the second resin portion is attached to the first resin portion, a crushing rib formed on at least one of the first and second resin portions deforms with the second resin portion fitted in the recess, generating a force that holds the second component within the recess. This allows the second resin portion to be held within the recess with a compact configuration, enabling the terminal block to be miniaturized.

[0013] (2) In the terminal block of (1), the first resin portion may include an enclosing portion facing at least a portion of the periphery of the second component, and the crushed rib portion may include a first crushed rib portion protruding from at least one of the enclosing portion and the second resin portion facing the enclosing portion in a direction intersecting the threaded hole penetration direction. This allows the first crushed rib portion to be positioned in a deformed state so as to be smaller in size in the direction intersecting the threaded hole penetration direction. This allows the second component to be firmly held in the direction intersecting the threaded hole penetration direction.

[0014] (3) In the terminal block of (2), the enclosure may have a pair of side walls sandwiching the second component from both sides, the recess may be formed between the pair of side walls, and the crushing rib may have at least two of the first crushing ribs interposed between each of the pair of side walls and the second component, thereby firmly holding the second component between the pair of side walls.

[0015] (4) In the terminal block of (2) or (3), the recess may have an entrance portion for receiving the second component and a rear end portion located opposite the entrance portion, the second component is fitted into the recess from the entrance portion to the rear end portion, and the first crushed rib portion may be formed so as to extend from a position away from the entrance portion toward the rear end portion. This allows the second component to be easily fitted into the recess without being obstructed by the first crushed rib portion at the entrance portion, improving workability.

[0016] (5) In the terminal block according to any one of (2) to (4), the crushed rib portion may have at least two of the first crushed ribs positioned apart from each other in the direction of penetration of the screw hole, thereby further stabilizing the positional relationship between the first resin portion and the second resin portion.

[0017] (6) In the terminal block according to any one of (1) to (5), the second resin portion may include a through nut receiving portion that receives one surface of the through nut, and the through nut receiving portion may be formed with a second crushed rib that protrudes toward the through nut. This allows the second crushed rib to deform between the through nut and the through nut receiving portion when the second resin portion is fitted into the recess. This allows the through nut to be firmly held in place in the direction of penetration of the screw hole.

[0018] (7) In the terminal block of (6), the second crushed rib portion may be formed in a ring shape so as to surround the opening of the screw hole. This makes it difficult for debris to be discharged to the periphery.

[0019] (8) In the terminal block of (7), a crushing rib adjacent groove may be formed at a position radially adjacent to the second crushing rib portion. This allows the crushing rib adjacent groove to have a larger deformation allowance. When a rib is formed to ensure the desired deformation allowance, the terminal block can be made smaller in the direction of penetration of the screw hole than when the crushing rib adjacent groove is not formed.

[0020] [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.

[0021] [Embodiment] A terminal block according to an embodiment will be described below.

[0022] <Overall Configuration> Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the terminal block 10 from the front side. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the terminal block 10 from the rear side. Fig. 3 is a partial cross-sectional side view showing the terminal block 10 in a state where it is attached to a housing 1 and a mating terminal 2 is connected.

[0023] The terminal block 10 is applied to supply power to devices such as motors and inverters mounted on hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, etc. Therefore, the housing 1 may be a housing for a motor or a housing for an inverter.

[0024] The terminal block 10 has a first connecting end 22a connected to the first mating terminal 2 and a second connecting end 22b connected to a second mating terminal (not shown). In the terminal block 10, a body 13 located between the first connecting end 22a and the second connecting end 22b is fitted into a terminal block holding hole 1a formed in the housing 1. The body 13 is formed with a groove 14 into which an O-ring 15 (see FIG. 3) is fitted. With the O-ring 15 fitted into the groove 14, the body 13 is fitted into the terminal block holding hole 1a. As a result, the terminal block holding hole 1a, which communicates between the inside and outside of the housing 1, is sealed by the body 13 and the O-ring 15.

[0025] The terminal block 10 includes a first component 11 and a second component 12 .

[0026] <Regarding the first component 11> Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the first component 11 from the front side. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the recess 34 and the first crushed rib portion 37. Fig. 5 is a cross-section taken along a plane perpendicular to the fitting direction of the second component 12 into the recess 34 at a position on the rear side of the recess 34.

[0027] The first component 11 includes a bus bar 20 and a first resin portion 30. The bus bar 20 is formed of, for example, a metal plate such as copper. The bus bar 20 has connection end portions 22. In this embodiment, the bus bar 20 includes two connection end portions 22 (a first connection end portion 22a and a second connection end portion 22b). There are two screw through holes 21, two surrounding portions 31, two recesses 34, two sidewall portions 33, two second components 12, two second resin portions 50, and two through nuts 40 associated with the first connection end portion 22a and the second connection end portion 22b, respectively.

[0028] The following description will focus on the configuration of the first connection end 22a of the terminal block 10. The configuration of the second connection end 22b of the terminal block 10 may be the same as the configuration of the first connection end 22a. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the first connection end 22a and the second connection end 22b, they will be simply referred to as connection end 22.

[0029] A screw through hole 21 is formed in the connection end 22. A screw 60 passes through the screw through hole 21. In this embodiment, the screw through hole 21 is, for example, circular. The screw through hole 21 has a larger diameter than the screw hole 41. A bent portion 23 is formed in the bus bar 20 between the first connection end 22a and the second connection end 22b. In this embodiment, the bent portion 23 is bent at a right angle. For example, the bent portion 23 may be bent at 90 degrees within an error range (for example, ±5 degrees). The bent portion 23 may also be bent at another angle, for example, within a range of 70 degrees to 110 degrees.

[0030] The first resin portion 30 is formed of, for example, an insulating resin. Examples of the resin forming the first resin portion 30 include polyamide 6T (PA6T), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), with PA6T being more preferable. The first resin portion 30 covers a portion of the busbar 20. The screw through-holes 21 formed in the connection ends 22 of the busbar 20 are exposed through the first resin portion 30. The first resin portion 30 includes an enclosure 31 that faces at least a portion of the periphery of the second component 12. The first resin portion 30 includes a body portion 13. The body portion 13 has a shape in which a columnar portion 13a and a rectangular parallelepiped portion 13b are connected. The columnar portion 13a is fitted into the housing 1. The shape of the body portion 13 can be changed depending on the shape of the housing 1 to which the body portion 13 is attached, the shape and number of busbars 20 held by the body portion 13, etc. In this embodiment, the columnar portion 13a includes a cylindrical portion. A recess for lightening may be formed in the columnar portion 13a.

[0031] In the first resin portion 30, the enclosure 31 on the first connection end 22a side is formed continuously from the columnar portion 13a, and the enclosure 31 on the second connection end 22b side is formed continuously from the rectangular parallelepiped portion 13b. An inlet portion 35 is formed in the enclosure 31. The second component 12 is inserted into the enclosure 31 through the inlet portion 35. The enclosure 31 has a pair of side wall portions 33 that sandwich the second component 12 from both sides. The pair of side wall portions 33 are located on both widthwise sides of the second component 12 when viewed along the insertion direction of the second component 12.

[0032] The first resin part 30 has a recess 34 into which the second component 12 can be fitted. The recess 34 is formed between the pair of side wall parts 33. The recess 34 is surrounded by inner surfaces 33 f of the pair of side wall parts 33 and a surface of the first resin part 30 between the base ends of the pair of side wall parts 33.

[0033] More specifically, the pair of side wall portions 33 have inner surfaces 33f facing each other. Guide grooves 33g are formed on the inner surfaces 33f along the longitudinal direction of the side wall portions 33. The guide grooves 33g are formed at a central position on the inner surfaces 33f in the penetration direction of the screw holes 41. Therefore, the inner surfaces 33f have surfaces that are located on the same plane on both outer sides of the guide grooves 33g.

[0034] The recess 34 has an entrance portion 35 and a rear end portion 36. The entrance portion 35 is located between the tip ends of the pair of side wall portions 33 and receives the second component 12. The rear end portion 36 is located on the opposite side of the entrance portion 35, i.e., between the base ends of the pair of side wall portions 33.

[0035] The first resin portion 30 has a first crushed rib portion 37 within the surrounding portion 31. The first crushed rib portion 37 protrudes in a direction intersecting the penetration direction of the screw hole 41. In this embodiment, the first crushed rib portion 37 protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the penetration direction of the screw hole 41. The first crushed rib portion 37 is formed to taper in the protruding direction. The end of the first crushed rib portion 37 on the inlet portion 35 side may be formed so that its height gradually decreases toward the inlet portion 35. The first crushed rib portion 37 is formed from a position away from the inlet portion 35 toward the rear end portion 36. Preferably, the first crushed rib portion 37 is formed to have a length of two-thirds or less of the length between the inlet portion 35 and the rear end portion 36. In other words, preferably, the first crushed rib portion 37 is not formed in a portion extending from the inlet portion 35 to a length equal to or greater than one-third of the length between the inlet portion 35 and the rear end portion 36. The first crushed rib portion 37 includes at least two first crushed rib portions 37 that are positioned apart in the penetration direction of the screw hole 41. In this embodiment, a first crushed rib portion 37 is formed on each of the inner surfaces 33f of the pair of side wall portions 33. That is, the first resin portion 30 has a pair of left and right first crushed rib portions 37. Furthermore, on each inner surface 33f, two first crushed rib portions 37 are formed at both positions on either side of the guide groove 33g.

[0036] The first crushed rib portion 37 deforms when the second component 12 is fitted into the recess 34. For example, the distance between the vertices of the first crushed rib portion 37 on the inner surfaces 33f of the pair of sidewall portions 33 is smaller than the width of the lower portions of the protrusions 55 of the through nut 40 and the second resin portion 50. When the second component 12 is fitted into the recess 34, the first crushed rib portion 37 is pressed against both side surfaces of the through nut 40 or the second resin portion 50, deforming to reduce its protruding length. Note that the deformation of the first crushed rib portion 37 may be plastic deformation, elastic deformation, or both. In this way, the deformation of the first crushed rib portion 37 generates a force that causes the first resin portion 30 to hold the second component 12 in the recess 34.

[0037] <Regarding the Second Component> Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the second component 12 from the front side. Fig. 7 is an end view taken along line VII-VII in Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a plan view of the second resin portion 50.

[0038] The second part 12 is fitted into the recess 34 from the inlet portion 35 to the innermost end portion 36 , and the second part 12 includes a through nut 40 and a second resin part 50 .

[0039] The through nut 40 is made of, for example, copper, aluminum, stainless steel, or the like. The through nut 40 has a threaded hole 41 passing therethrough. In this embodiment, a through nut conforming to, for example, JIS standard M5 is used as the through nut 40. The threaded hole 41 is arranged so as to be continuous with the screw through hole 21. The through nut 40 is overlapped on the connecting end portion 22 so that the threaded hole 41 is adjacent to the screw through hole 21. With the second component 12 fitted in the recess 34, the through nut 40 is held in a position adjacent to one main surface of the connecting end portion 22.

[0040] The second resin portion 50 is formed, for example, from an insulating resin. Examples of resins that form the second resin portion 50 include polyamide 6T (PA6T), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), with PA6T being more preferred. The second resin portion 50 holds the through nut 40 while covering the opening 43 of the screw hole 41 of the through nut 40 opposite the connection end 22. The second resin portion 50 has a wall portion 54 that faces the side wall portion 33 of the first resin portion 30. The outer periphery of the through nut 40 may be exposed in part of the wall portion 54. When a through nut 40 having a rectangular prism-shaped outer shape is used, the outer periphery of the through nut 40 may engage with the side wall portion 33.

[0041] The second resin part 50 has a protrusion 55 that is inserted into and slidably guided by the guide groove 33g of the first resin part 30. The protrusion 55 is a thin and long protrusion that extends along the insertion direction of the second component 12.

[0042] The second resin part 50 has a cover part 57 that covers the opening 43 of the screw hole 41 on the side opposite the screw through hole 21. The cover part 57 has a through nut receiving part 51 and an extension hole 52. The through nut receiving part 51 of the second resin part 50 receives one surface of the through nut 40 (the opening 43 of the screw hole 41 on the side opposite the connection end 22 of the through nut 40). The extension hole 52 is a blind hole and is located on an extension of the screw hole 41 on the side opposite the screw through hole 21. This extension hole 52 provides space at the back of the screw hole 41 for positioning the tip of the screw 60 and for collecting debris. In particular, when the screw 60 is threaded into the through nut 40, friction between the screw 60 and the through nut 40 can generate metal powder. This powder can then be expelled from the opening 43 of the through nut 40. The second resin part 50 includes the extension hole 52, which allows metal powder generated by such friction to be contained within the extension hole 52 without leaking out. Therefore, the discharge of metal powder to the outside is suppressed.

[0043] The through nut receiving portion 51 holds the through nut 40 in a position where the screw hole 41 overlaps the screw through hole 21. The through nut receiving portion 51 covers the four sides of the periphery of the through nut 40 and the portion of the through nut 40 opposite the connection end portion 22. The four sides of the periphery of the through nut 40 and one axial side thereof are covered by the through nut receiving portion 51, and the other axial side of the through nut 40 contacts the connection end portion 22.

[0044] A second crushed rib portion 53 is formed on the through nut receiving portion 51. The second crushed rib portion 53 protrudes toward the through nut 40. The second crushed rib portion 53 is formed so as to taper in the protruding direction. The second crushed rib portion 53 is formed in an annular shape so as to surround the opening of the screw hole 41. In this embodiment, the second crushed rib portion 53 is formed in a circular shape concentric with the screw hole 41.

[0045] Furthermore, a crushed rib adjacent groove 56 is formed in the second resin portion 50 at a position radially adjacent to the second crushed rib portion 53. The bottom of the crushed rib adjacent groove 56 is formed lower by a depth H than the nut receiving surface 51a of the through-nut receiving portion 51. This increases the deformation allowance of the second crushed rib portion 53 by an amount corresponding to the depth H.

[0046] With the second component 12 fitted in the recess 34, the upper surface of the through nut 40 is pressed against the connection end 22. Furthermore, the projection 55 fits into the guide groove 33g, maintaining the second resin part 50 in a fixed position in the direction of penetration of the screw hole 41. Therefore, the through nut 40 is pressed toward the through nut receiving part 51. This causes the second crushed rib part 53 to deform so as to reduce its protrusion. The deformation of the second crushed rib part 53 may be plastic deformation, elastic deformation, or both. The deformation of the second crushed rib part 53 presses the second resin part 50 against the side surface of the guide groove 33g and presses the through nut 40 against the connection end 22. In this way, the deformation of the second crushed rib part 53 causes the first resin part 30 to generate a force that holds the second component 12 in the recess 34.

[0047] The first crushed rib portion 37 and the second crushed rib portion 53 as described above fix the bus bar 20, the first resin portion 30, the through nut 40, and the second resin portion 50 together.

[0048] <Step of Engaging First Component 11 and Second Component 12> Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a step of engaging the second component 12 with the first component 11. Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a cross section of the first component 11 and the second component 12 in an engaged state.

[0049] When the second part 12 is to be engaged with the first part 11, first, the second part 12 is inserted from the entrance portion 35 in the direction of arrow A.

[0050] At this time, because the first crushed rib portion 37 is formed so as to extend from a position away from the entrance portion 35 toward the rear end portion 36, the second component 12 can be easily inserted through the entrance portion 35. When the second component 12 is pushed into the recess 34 until it reaches the first crushed rib portion 37 while the protrusion 55 is slidably guided by the guide groove 33g, the first crushed rib portion 37 is pressed against the side surface of the through nut 40 or the second resin portion 50. This causes the first crushed rib portion 37 to deform so as to reduce its protrusion amount. As the second component 12 is pushed into the recess 34, the first crushed rib portion 37 gradually deforms from the entrance portion 35 toward the rear end portion 36.

[0051] Furthermore, when the second component 12 is inserted into the recess 34, it is pressed against the underside of the connection end 22. This presses the through nut 40 toward the second crushed rib portion 53, deforming the second crushed rib portion 53. A portion of the second crushed rib portion 53 enters the crushed rib adjacent groove 56, allowing the second crushed rib portion 53 to deform significantly. The deformation of the second crushed rib portion 53 causes the first resin portion 30 to generate a force that holds the second component 12 in the recess 34.

[0052] A connecting portion 33a may be formed on the outer side of the end face of the connecting end portion 22, connecting the tip ends of the pair of side wall portions 33. A guide surface 33ag that slopes outward as it approaches the outside of the inlet portion 35 may be formed on a portion of the connecting portion 33a that faces both outward and inward. When the second component 12 is fitted into the recess 34, the through nut 40 is pressed against the guide surface 33ag. Therefore, the through nut 40 is gradually pressed toward the second crushing rib portion 53, and the second crushing rib portion 53 can be easily deformed.

[0053] <Effects of the Embodiment> With the terminal block 10 configured as described above, when the second component 12 is fitted in the recess 34, the through nut 40 is held in a position adjacent to one of the main surfaces of the connection end 22. As a result, the second resin part 50 holds the through nut 40 in a position adjacent to one of the main surfaces of the connection end 22, and also makes it difficult for debris to be discharged to the outside. Furthermore, the first resin part 30 has the first crushed rib part 37 and the second crushed rib part 53 that deform when the second component 12 is fitted in the recess 34, thereby generating a force that holds the second component 12 in the recess 34. As a result, when the second resin part 50 is attached to the first resin part 30, the crushed ribs 37, 53 formed on the first resin part 30 deform when the second resin part 50 is fitted in the recess 34, thereby generating a force that holds the second resin part in the recess 34. Therefore, the second resin portion 50 can be held in the recess 34 with a small configuration and a small number of parts, and the terminal block 10 can be made smaller and simpler.

[0054] Furthermore, the first crushed rib portion 37 protrudes from the surrounding portion 31 in a direction intersecting the penetration direction of the screw hole 41. This causes the first crushed rib portion 37 to be interposed in a deformed state between the through nut 40 and the surrounding portion 31. This allows the through nut 40 to be firmly held in place in the direction intersecting the penetration direction of the screw hole 41.

[0055] In addition, there are at least two first crushing ribs 37 interposed between each of the pair of side wall portions 33 and the second component 12. This allows the through nut 40 to be firmly held between the pair of side wall portions 33.

[0056] Furthermore, the first crushed rib portion 37 is formed so as to extend from a position away from the entrance portion 35 toward the innermost end portion 36. This allows the second component 12 to be easily fitted into the recess 34 at the entrance portion 35 without being obstructed by the first crushed rib portion 37, improving workability.

[0057] The first crushed rib portion 37 includes two first crushed rib portions 37 positioned apart in the penetration direction of the screw hole 41. This further stabilizes the positional relationship between the first resin portion 30 and the second resin portion 50.

[0058] Furthermore, a second crushed rib portion 53 that protrudes toward the through nut 40 is formed on the through nut receiver 51. This allows the second crushed rib portion 53 to deform between the through nut 40 and the through nut receiver 51 when the second resin portion 50 is fitted into the recess 34. This allows the through nut 40 to be firmly held in place in the direction of penetration of the screw hole 41.

[0059] The second crushed rib portion 53 is formed in a ring shape so as to surround the opening of the screw hole 41. This makes it difficult for debris to be discharged to the periphery.

[0060] Furthermore, a crushed rib adjacent groove 56 is formed at a position radially adjacent to the second crushed rib portion 53. This allows a larger deformation margin for the second crushed rib portion 53. When forming second crushed rib portions 53 of the same height, the size in the penetration direction of the screw hole 41 can be reduced compared to when the crushed rib adjacent groove 56 is not provided.

[0061] <Modification 1> FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a second component 212 according to a modification.

[0062] In the embodiment, a larger through nut 240 may be used as the through nut 40 of the second component 12. For example, in the embodiment, a through nut conforming to the JIS M5 standard is used, but in a modified example, a through nut conforming to the JIS M6 standard may be used as the through nut 240 of the second component 212.

[0063] The through nut 40 in the embodiment has a flange that extends outward on the side that contacts the connection end 22, whereas the through nut 240 in this modification is formed so that it extends overall to the same size as the flange of the through nut 40. Therefore, the through nut 240 is also exposed below the protrusion 55.

[0064] According to the present disclosure, even if the size of the through nut changes, the second component 12, 212 is formed so that its overall external shape is the same, and by forming the first crushed rib portion 37 in the second resin portion 50, it is possible to fit the second component 12, 212 into the same first component 11. Note that the present disclosure is also applicable to nuts of sizes other than through nuts conforming to the JIS M5 or M6 standard.

[0065] <Modification 2> In the above-described embodiment, the first crushed rib portion 37 is employed, which protrudes from the surrounding portion 31 in a direction intersecting the penetration direction of the screw hole 41. However, this is not limiting. A first crushed rib portion may be employed that protrudes from a portion of the second resin portion 50 that faces the surrounding portion 31 (for example, the wall portion 54 or the protrusion 55) in a direction intersecting the penetration direction of the screw hole 41.

[0066] <Modification 3> In the above-described embodiment, a structure having two first crushed rib portions 37 positioned apart in the penetration direction of the screw hole 41 is employed, but this is not limited to this. A structure having one or three or more first crushed rib portions 37 positioned apart in the penetration direction of the screw hole 41 may also be employed. However, from the viewpoint of the stability of holding the through nut 40, a structure having only two first crushed rib portions 37 in the penetration direction of the screw hole 41 is preferable. By contacting the second component 12 at two separate locations in the penetration direction of the screw hole 41, the second component 12 is more likely to be supported without rattle.

[0067] In the above-described embodiment, a structure is adopted in which the crushed rib adjacent groove 56 is formed at a position adjacent to the second crushed rib portion 53 on the radially outer side, but this is not limiting. A structure may also be adopted in which the crushed rib adjacent groove is formed at a position adjacent to the second crushed rib portion 53 on the radially inner side.

[0068] <Other Modifications> In the above embodiment and each modification, the positions and numbers of the first crushed rib portions 37 and the second crushed rib portions 53 are merely examples. Part of the first crushed rib portions 37 and the second crushed rib portions 53 may be omitted. For example, the entire first crushed rib portion 37 may be omitted, or the second crushed rib portion 53 may be omitted.

[0069] In the above embodiment and each modification, the first resin portion may include a plurality of bus bars 20, and the second component may be incorporated into each of the plurality of bus bars. In other words, a plurality of the terminal blocks may be connected in series. For example, the terminal block may be configured as a three-pole or six-pole terminal block.

[0070] The terminal block may be used not only as a terminal block for a motor, an inverter, etc., but also as a terminal block for other electrical components, such as a junction box in which relays or fuses inserted in the middle of an electrical circuit are collectively incorporated, or as a terminal block for supporting terminals in equipment for distributing electrical circuits.

[0071] The configurations described in the above embodiment and modifications can be modified as appropriate as long as they are not mutually inconsistent.

[0072] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Housing 1a Terminal block holding hole 2 First mating terminal 10 Terminal block 11 First part 12, 212 Second part 13 Body 13a Columnar part 13b Rectangular parallelepiped part 14 Groove 15 O-ring 20 Bus bar 21 Screw through hole 22 Connection end 23 Bent part 30 First resin part 31 Enclosure part 33 Side wall part 34 Recessed part 35 Inlet part 36 Back end part 37 First crushed rib part 40, 240 Through nut 41 Screw hole 43 Opening 50 Second resin part 51 Through nut receiving part 51a Nut receiving surface 52 Extension hole 53 Second crushed rib part 54 Wall part 55 Convex part 56 Rib adjacent groove 57 Cover part 60 Screw A Arrow H Height

Claims

1. A terminal block comprising: a first component including a busbar having a connection end portion with a screw through hole formed therein for a screw to pass through, and a first resin component covering a portion of the busbar; and a second component including a through nut having a screw hole arranged to communicate with the screw through hole, and a second resin component having a cover component covering an opening of the screw hole on the side opposite to the screw through hole, wherein the first resin component has a recess into which the second component can be fitted, and when the second component is fitted in the recess, the through nut is held in a position adjacent to one main surface of the connection end portion, and at least one of the first resin component and the second resin component has a crushing rib component that deforms when the second component is fitted in the recess, generating a force to hold the second component within the recess.

2. A terminal block as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first resin portion includes an enclosure portion facing at least a part of the periphery of the second component, and the crushed rib portion includes a first crushed rib portion that protrudes from at least one of the portions of the enclosure portion and the second resin portion that face the enclosure portion in a direction intersecting the penetration direction of the screw hole.

3. A terminal block as claimed in claim 2, wherein the enclosure has a pair of side wall portions that sandwich the second component from both sides, the recess is formed between the pair of side wall portions, and the crushing rib portion has at least two of the first crushing ribs interposed between each of the pair of side wall portions and the second component.

4. A terminal block as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein the recess has an entrance portion for receiving the second component and a rear end portion located opposite the entrance portion, the second component is fitted into the recess from the entrance portion to the rear end portion, and the first crushed rib portion is formed so as to extend from a position away from the entrance portion toward the rear end portion.

5. A terminal block according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the crushed rib portion has at least two first crushed rib portions positioned apart in the direction in which the screw hole penetrates.

6. A terminal block as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second resin portion has a through nut receiving portion that receives one surface of the through nut, and the through nut receiving portion is formed with a second crushed rib portion that protrudes towards the through nut.

7. A terminal block according to claim 6, wherein the second crushed rib portion is formed in a ring shape so as to surround the opening of the screw hole.

8. A terminal block according to claim 7, wherein a crushed rib adjacent groove is formed at a position radially adjacent to the second crushed rib portion.

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