Terminal block and terminal block unit

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to facilitate assembly of a terminal block that can ensure sealing performance. This terminal block comprises: a busbar including a busbar body having an in-resin mounted part and a protruding section connected to the in-resin mounted part; a resin part covering the in-resin mounted part; a retainer attached to the protruding section; a first annular sealing member externally fitted to the protruding section; and a second annular sealing member externally fitted to the resin part. The resin part has a cylindrical section with an opening, and an annular protrusion. The in-resin-mounted part is mounted within the cylindrical section, and the protruding section protrudes outside the cylindrical section through the opening. The retainer has a retainer body that surrounds the outer periphery of the protruding section, and a fixing piece. The distance of the retainer to the resin part is variable. The first annular sealing member is externally fitted to the protruding section between the resin part and the retainer, and the second annular sealing member is externally fitted to the cylindrical section at a position adjacent to the annular protrusion.

Description

Terminal blocks and terminal block units

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a terminal block for a motor that includes a plurality of annular inner airtight members respectively provided between the outer peripheral surfaces of a plurality of bus bars and the inner peripheral surfaces of a plurality of bar cases, and a plurality of annular outer airtight members respectively provided on the outer peripheral surfaces of the plurality of bar cases.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-116102

[0004] In Patent Document 1, it is assumed that the inner airtight member and the outer airtight member are each significantly compressed to ensure sealing performance, which may make it difficult to assemble the terminal block, since the inner airtight member and the outer airtight member are compressed.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to facilitate the assembly of a terminal block that can ensure sealing performance.

[0006] The terminal block of the present disclosure is a terminal block to be attached to an attachment target having a through hole, and includes: a bus bar including a bus bar main body having an in-resin-disposed portion and a protruding portion connected to the in-resin-disposed portion; a resin portion covering the in-resin-disposed portion; a retainer attached to the protruding portion; a first annular sealing member fitted onto the protruding portion; and a second annular sealing member fitted onto the resin portion, wherein the resin portion has a tubular portion having an opening and an annular protruding portion protruding outward from a periphery of the opening, and the in-resin-disposed portion is connected to the tubular portion. the protrusion protrudes outside the cylindrical portion through the opening, the retainer has a retainer body surrounding the outer periphery of the protrusion and a fixing piece fixed to the attachment object, the distance of the retainer to the resin portion in the protruding direction of the protrusion is variable, the first annular sealing member is fitted onto the protrusion between the resin portion and the retainer, and the second annular sealing member is fitted onto the cylindrical portion at a position adjacent to the annular protrusion.

[0007] Furthermore, the terminal block unit of the present disclosure is a terminal block unit comprising the above-mentioned terminal block and the mounting object having the through hole, wherein a second annular recess facing the second annular sealing member is formed in at least one of the mounting object and the annular protrusion, and the second annular recess has a second tapered peripheral surface that gradually expands toward the second annular sealing member.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to easily assemble a terminal block that ensures sealing properties.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a terminal block unit 20 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the terminal block unit. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the terminal block. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the terminal block. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state before a fastening operation taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a terminal block according to a first modified example. FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a terminal block according to a second modified example. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a terminal block according to a third modified example. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the same terminal block. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a terminal block according to a second embodiment. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the terminal block. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a state before a fastening operation taken along line XIV-XIV in FIG. 11. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV in FIG. 11.

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

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

[0012] (1) A terminal block to be attached to an attachment object having a through hole, the terminal block comprising: a busbar including a busbar body having a resin-disposed portion and a protruding portion connected to the resin-disposed portion; a resin portion covering the resin-disposed portion; a retainer attached to the protruding portion; a first annular sealing member fitted onto the protruding portion; and a second annular sealing member fitted onto the resin portion, wherein the resin portion has a tubular portion having an opening and a ring-shaped protruding portion protruding outward from a periphery of the opening, the resin-disposed portion being disposed within the tubular portion and the protruding portion protruding outside the tubular portion through the opening; the retainer has a retainer body surrounding the outer periphery of the protruding portion and a fixing piece fixed to the attachment object; the distance of the retainer from the resin portion in the protruding direction of the protruding portion is variable; the first annular sealing member is fitted onto the protruding portion between the resin portion and the retainer; and the second annular sealing member is fitted onto the tubular portion at a position adjacent to the ring-shaped protruding portion.

[0013] According to this terminal block, when the fixing piece is fixed to the mounting target, the retainer body is pressed toward the annular protrusion, and the annular protrusion is also pressed toward the mounting target. Here, the first annular seal member is fitted onto the protrusion between the resin portion and the retainer. Therefore, when the retainer body is pressed toward the annular protrusion, the first annular seal member is compressed between the resin portion and the retainer body, allowing the first annular seal member to seal the gap between the resin portion and the busbar body. Furthermore, the second annular seal member is fitted onto the tubular portion at a position adjacent to the annular protrusion. Therefore, when the annular protrusion is pressed toward the mounting target, the second annular seal member is compressed between the annular protrusion and a portion of the mounting target around the opening of the through hole, allowing the second annular seal member to seal the gap between the through hole of the mounting target and the resin portion. Therefore, when the retainer is fixed to the mounting target, the first annular seal member and the second annular seal member are compressed, sealing the gap between the resin portion and the busbar body and the gap between the through hole and the resin portion. Therefore, when assembling the terminal block, the work of significantly compressing each annular sealing member can be omitted, and the assembly of the terminal block can be facilitated while ensuring sealing performance.

[0014] (2) In the terminal block of (1), the fixing piece may have a screw insertion hole that penetrates in a direction along the central axis of the through hole.

[0015] In this case, when a screw is inserted into the screw insertion hole and threaded into the screw hole on the attachment target side, the retainer can be moved toward the attachment target by utilizing the screw fastening force. The first annular seal member and the second annular seal member are compressed by utilizing the screw fastening force, so that the compression can be easily achieved.

[0016] (3) In the terminal block according to (1) or (2), each of the first annular sealing member and the second annular sealing member may be an O-ring.

[0017] In this way, if the first annular sealing member and the second annular sealing member are each an O-ring, it is easy to use a general-purpose product.

[0018] (4) A terminal block according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein a first annular recess facing the first annular sealing member is formed in at least one of the resin portion and the retainer body, and the first annular recess may have a first tapered peripheral surface that gradually widens toward the first annular sealing member.

[0019] As a result, the first annular seal member is compressed between the resin portion and the retainer body by the first tapered peripheral surface and is pressed toward the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion, thereby enabling the first annular seal member to more reliably seal the gap between the busbar body and the resin portion.

[0020] (5) In the terminal block according to any one of (1) to (4), the bus bar body may be formed in a round bar shape.

[0021] If the busbar body is in the shape of a round bar, the cross-sectional area can be increased, making it easier to handle large currents. Also, sealing performance can be easily ensured by the O-ring.

[0022] (6) In the terminal block according to any one of (1) to (4), the bus bar may be a plate-shaped bus bar.

[0023] In this case, the bus bars can be easily processed by processing the plate material.

[0024] (7) In the terminal block of (6), the portion of the protruding portion onto which the first annular seal member is fitted may have rounded corners.

[0025] In this way, even if the bus bar is a long, thin, plate-shaped bus bar, if the portion of the protrusion onto which the first annular sealing member is fitted has rounded corners, sealing performance can easily be ensured by the first annular sealing member.

[0026] (8) In the terminal block according to any one of (1) to (7), the busbar body may have an annular base portion that protrudes in an annular shape between the resin portion and the retainer body, and the first annular sealing member may be externally fitted onto the annular base portion.

[0027] In this case, the size of the first annular seal member can be adjusted by the annular seat portion.

[0028] (9) In a terminal block according to any one of (1) to (8), the distance of the retainer from the resin portion in the protruding direction of the protrusion may be variable between an initial position where the first annular sealing member can be kept in its original shape between the retainer body and the resin portion, and a compressed position where the first annular sealing member can be compressed between the retainer body and the resin portion, and a press-fit rib that keeps the retainer body positioned in the initial position may be formed on the retainer or the resin portion.

[0029] This allows the retainer and the resin portion to be kept united together without the first annular seal member being compressed.

[0030] (10) In a terminal block according to any one of (1) to (9), the annular protrusion may have a rotation stopper protrusion that protrudes partially in the circumferential direction, and the retainer body may have a rotation stopper recess into which the rotation stopper protrusion fits.

[0031] In this case, the retainer is prevented from rotating while being fixed to the attachment object. The rotation preventing protrusion fits into the rotation preventing recess of the retainer body, which is prevented from rotating, thereby also preventing the resin portion from rotating.

[0032] (11) In the terminal block of any one of (1) to (10), the protrusion may have an end face facing away from the resin part, and a screw hole opening into the end face may be formed in the protrusion.

[0033] In this case, the mating terminal is connected to the protruding portion with a screw while facing the end face. This allows the mating terminal to press the retainer toward the resin portion. The screw fastening of the bus bar and the mating terminal also keeps the first annular seal member in a compressed state, making it easier to maintain sealing performance for a long period of time.

[0034] The terminal block unit of the present disclosure is as follows.

[0035] (12) A terminal block unit comprising any one of the terminal blocks (1) to (11) and the mounting object having the through hole, wherein a second annular recess facing the second annular sealing member is formed in at least one of the mounting object and the annular protrusion, and the second annular recess has a second tapered peripheral surface that gradually widens toward the second annular sealing member.

[0036] In this case, the second annular seal member is compressed between the attachment object and the annular protrusion by the second tapered peripheral surface and pressed toward the outer peripheral surface of the resin portion, thereby enabling the second annular seal member to more reliably seal the gap between the through hole and the resin portion.

[0037] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the terminal block and terminal block unit 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.

[0038] First Embodiment A terminal block and a terminal block unit according to a first embodiment will be described below.

[0039] <Terminal Block Unit> Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the terminal block unit 20. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the terminal block unit 20. A mating terminal 18 is shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

[0040] The terminal block unit 20 includes a terminal block 30 and an attachment target 10. The terminal block unit 20 is a unit in which the terminal block 30 is attached to the attachment target 10.

[0041] That is, the terminal block 30 is fixed to an attachment target 10 having a through hole 10h. The attachment target 10 is, for example, the case of a device such as a motor or inverter mounted on a hybrid vehicle or electric vehicle. The case may be formed of a conductive material, for example, metal, or may be formed of an insulating material such as resin. In Figures 1 and 2, a part of the case is shown as the attachment target 10.

[0042] A through hole 10h is formed in the attachment target 10 in the thickness direction thereof. The through hole 10h may have a shape in which the same diameter is continuous in the penetration direction, or may have a shape in which the diameter changes in a tapered or stepped manner.

[0043] The mounting object 10 has a second annular recess 10a. The second annular recess 10a is formed at one opening of the through hole 10h. The second annular recess 10a faces a second annular seal member 62 (described later) and accommodates at least a portion of the second annular seal member 62. The second annular recess 10a has a second tapered circumferential surface 10ad that gradually widens toward the second annular seal member 62.

[0044] The through-hole 10h may have any shape, but in this embodiment, the through-hole 10h is a circular hole. The through-hole 10h may have another shape, for example, an elliptical shape.

[0045] The attachment target 10 has an attachment hole 11h. The attachment hole 11h is a hole for fastening the terminal block 30, and is, for example, a screw hole with a threaded groove. The axial direction of the attachment hole 11h is parallel to the axial direction of the through-hole 10h. The terminal block 30 is attached to the attachment target 10 using the attachment hole 11h by screwing or the like.

[0046] The terminal block 30 is held through the through-hole 10h, so that it can be exposed to the spaces on both sides separated by the attachment object 10. The terminal block 30 is attached to the attachment object 10 while supporting the bus bars 32 as terminals. One end of the bus bars 32 can be exposed to the space on one side separated by the attachment object 10, and the other end of the bus bars 32 can be exposed to the space on the other side separated by the attachment object 10. This allows the terminal block 30 to electrically connect multiple mating terminals located on both sides of the attachment object 10.

[0047] The terminal block 30 has a resin portion 40 that holds the bus bar 32. When attached to the attachment target 10, the resin portion 40 fills the gap between the bus bar 32 and the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 10h. If a minute gap exists between the bus bar 32 and the resin portion 40, fluid can pass through the gap between the spaces on both sides of the attachment target 10. Furthermore, if a minute gap exists between the resin portion 40 and the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 10h, fluid can pass through the gap between the spaces on both sides of the attachment target 10. The present disclosure relates to a technology for facilitating the assembly of a terminal block 30 that can ensure sealing of the two gaps.

[0048] <Overall Configuration of Terminal Block> Figures 3 and 4 are exploded perspective views of the terminal block 30. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in Figure 1, showing the state before fastening work. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in Figure 1. The overall configuration of the terminal block 30 will now be described.

[0049] The terminal block 30 includes a bus bar 32 , a resin portion 40 , a retainer 50 , a first annular sealing member 60 , and a second annular sealing member 62 .

[0050] The busbar 32 includes a busbar body 33. The busbar body 33 has an in-resin portion 34 and a protruding portion 35 connected to the in-resin portion 34. In this embodiment, the busbar body 33 is formed in a round bar shape. Therefore, the in-resin portion 34 and the protruding portion 35 are connected linearly and have the same diameter. The in-resin portion 34 and the protruding portion 35 may have different thicknesses or different cross-sectional shapes.

[0051] The protruding portion 35 has an end face 35f located on the opposite side to the in-resin portion 34. The end face 35f faces the opposite side to the resin portion 40. A screw hole 35h is formed in the protruding portion 35. The screw hole 35h is a hole having a threaded groove, and in this embodiment, is a bottomed hole. The screw hole 35h opens at the end face 35f and extends along the axial direction of the busbar body 33. The end face 35f is perpendicular to the central axis of the screw hole 35h.

[0052] The mating terminal 18 to which the bus bar 32 is connected has a screw fastening portion 19 that is fastened to the protrusion 35 by screwing. The screw fastening portion 19 is wider than the end face 35f. For example, the mating terminal 18 includes an elongated plate-like portion. The disk-shaped screw fastening portion 19 is formed at the end of the elongated plate-like portion. In this embodiment, the end face 35f is circular, and the screw fastening portion 19 is a plate-like portion having a diameter larger than that of the end face 35f. The screw fastening portion 19 has a screw insertion hole 19h formed therein, through which a screw S can be inserted.

[0053] With the screw fastening portion 19 facing the end face 35f, the screw S can be threaded into the screw hole 35h through the screw insertion hole 19h. When the screw S is tightened, the screw head SH presses the screw fastening portion 19 toward the end face 35f. The screw fastening portion 19 is sandwiched between the end face 35f and the screw head SH, thereby maintaining the screw fastening portion 19 in contact with the end face 35f. This maintains the connection between the bus bar 32 and the mating terminal 18.

[0054] In this embodiment, the protrusion 35 may be understood as a connection end portion to which the mating terminal 18 is connected, for example, a first connection end portion.

[0055] In this embodiment, the busbar main body 33 has an opposite connection end 36. The opposite connection end 36 protrudes from the resin-disposed portion 34 on the opposite side to the protruding portion 35. The opposite connection end 36 is thinner than the busbar main body 33. In this embodiment, the opposite connection end 36 is formed in a rectangular plate shape. In this embodiment, the width of the opposite connection end 36 is smaller than the diameter of the busbar main body 33, and the thickness of the opposite connection end 36 is also smaller than the diameter of the busbar main body 33. Therefore, a surface facing the opposite connection end 36 is formed between the busbar main body 33 and the opposite connection end 36.

[0056] A screw insertion hole 36h is formed in the opposite connection end 36. A nut 36N is fixed to one main surface of the opposite connection end 36. With another mating terminal placed on the opposite connection end 36, a screw is threaded into the nut 36N, whereby the other mating terminal is fixed to the opposite connection end 36 with the screw.

[0057] The bus bar 32 may be formed by, for example, cutting, machining, or pressing a round metal base material. The bus bar 32 is made of a conductive material such as copper or aluminum.

[0058] The busbar body 33 may have an annular seat 37 that protrudes annularly between the resin portion 40 and the retainer body 52. ​​The annular seat 37 is an annular protrusion formed between the resin-disposed portion 34 and the protruding portion 35 and has a larger diameter than the resin-disposed portion 34 and the protruding portion 35. The outer peripheral surface of the annular seat 37 is a portion where a constant-diameter portion continues along its axial direction. A first annular seal member 60 is fitted onto the annular seat 37. The inner diameter of the first annular seal member 60 fitted onto the busbar body 33 can be adjusted by adjusting the protruding length of the annular seat 37. The annular seat 37 may be omitted.

[0059] In this embodiment, the annular seating portion 37 is partially recessed within the resin portion 40. The portion of the annular seating portion 37 that is recessed within the resin portion 40 may be understood to be part of the in-resin portion 34, and the remaining portion of the annular seating portion 37 that protrudes from the resin portion 40 may be understood to be part of the protruding portion 35.

[0060] The bus bar may have a bent portion at the middle portion in the longitudinal direction.

[0061] The resin portion 40 is a portion that covers the resin-disposed portion 34. The resin-disposed portion 34 is a portion that is disposed within the resin portion 40 when the terminal block 30 is attached to the attachment target 10. The resin portion 40 may be a portion that is molded using the bus bar 32 as an insert part. The resin portion 40 may also be a resin component that is molded separately from the bus bar 32. When the bus bar body 33 is embedded in the resin portion 40, it is preferable that the bus bar body 33 is restricted from moving toward the opposite connection end 36 relative to the resin portion 40. In this embodiment, an example is described in which the resin portion 40 is molded separately from the bus bar 32. The surface of the bus bar 32 that faces the opposite connection end 36 between the resin-disposed portion 34 and the opposite connection end 36 is in contact with the bottom portion of the resin portion 40. This restricts the bus bar body 33 from moving toward the opposite connection end 36 relative to the resin portion 40.

[0062] Note that a waterproof adhesive may be interposed between the bus bar 32 and the resin portion 40. Because the first annular sealing member 60 prevents water from passing between the bus bar 32 and the resin portion 40, the waterproof adhesive between the bus bar 32 and the resin portion 40 may be omitted.

[0063] More specifically, the resin part 40 has a tubular part 42 having an opening 42h, and an annular protrusion 44 that protrudes outward from the periphery of the opening 42h.

[0064] The tubular portion 42 is formed in a tubular shape, here a cylindrical shape, that covers the resin-disposed portion 34. The opening 42h is formed on one axial side of the tubular portion 42. The resin-disposed portion 34 is disposed within the tubular portion 42. The protruding portion 35 protrudes outside the tubular portion 42 through the opening 42h.

[0065] A bottom portion 43 is formed on the other axial side of the cylindrical portion 42. A through hole 43h is formed in the bottom portion 43, allowing the opposite connection end portion 36 to pass through. When the surface of the bus bar 32 facing the opposite connection end portion 36 between the bus bar main body 33 and the opposite connection end portion 36 is in contact with the bottom portion 43, the opposite connection end portion 36 can pass through the through hole 43h and protrude outside the bottom portion 43. By contacting the bottom portion 43, movement of the bus bar main body 33 toward the opposite connection end portion 36 is restricted.

[0066] The cylindrical portion 42 has an outer peripheral surface that can be inserted into the through hole 10h. The annular protrusion 44 is formed in an annular shape that protrudes significantly outward from the portion of the cylindrical portion 42 near the opening 42h. The annular protrusion 44 is wider than the through hole 10h. Therefore, when the cylindrical portion 42 is inserted into the through hole 10h, the annular protrusion 44 can face the portion of the attachment target 10 surrounding the through hole 10h from one axial side of the through hole 10h. This allows the second annular seal member 62 fitted onto the cylindrical portion 42 to be sandwiched between the annular protrusion 44 and the attachment target 10.

[0067] The annular protrusion 44 may have rotation stop projections 44p that partially project in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the rotation stop projections 44p are formed at two equally spaced locations around the annular protrusion 44. The rotation stop projections 44p fit into the rotation stop recesses 52g of the retainer 50, thereby restricting relative rotation between the retainer 50 and the resin part 40.

[0068] With the resin-mounted portion 34 covered by the resin portion 40, the protruding portion 35 protrudes from the resin portion 40. A retainer 50 is attached to the protruding portion 35 protruding from the resin portion 40.

[0069] The retainer 50 has a retainer body 52 and a fixing piece 55. The retainer 50 is, for example, a component molded from resin using a mold.

[0070] The retainer body 52 is formed in a shape that surrounds the outer periphery of the protrusion 35. More specifically, the retainer body 52 is formed in a short cylindrical shape. An insertion hole 52h into which the protrusion 35 can be inserted is formed in the retainer body 52. ​​The insertion hole 52h is a hole into which the protrusion 35 can be movably inserted, and is, for example, a circular hole.

[0071] With the protruding portion 35 inserted into the insertion hole 52h, the retainer 50 is movable in the protruding direction of the protruding portion 35. This allows the distance of the retainer 50 from the resin portion 40 to be changed. In other words, the size of the gap between the resin portion 40 and the retainer 50 can be changed.

[0072] The retainer body 52 may have rotation stop recesses 52g into which the rotation stop protrusions 44p fit. In the present embodiment, partial rotation stop recesses 52g are formed in portions of the retainer body 52 that face the rotation stop protrusions 44p. The rotation stop protrusions 44p fit into the rotation stop recesses 52g, thereby preventing the resin part 40 from rotating relative to the retainer body 52.

[0073] Press-fit ribs 40p may be formed on the retainer 50 or the resin part 40. In this embodiment, the press-fit ribs 40p having a partial protruding shape are formed on both sides of the rotation stop protrusion 44p of the resin part 40. The press-fit ribs 40p may have an elongated protruding shape extending in the protruding direction of the protrusion 35, for example.

[0074] With the rotation stop projection 44p positioned within the rotation stop recess 52g, the press-fit rib 40p is partially deformed and contacts both side surfaces of the rotation stop recess 52g. The deformation of the press-fit rib 40p creates a frictional force between the rotation stop recess 52g and the rotation stop projection 44p, making it difficult for the rotation stop projection 44p to come out of the rotation stop recess 52g. This prevents the retainer 50 from separating from the resin part 40.

[0075] The press-fit rib may be formed on the retainer side, for example, on the side surface of the rotation stop recess 52g.

[0076] The fixing pieces 55 are portions that are fixed to the attachment object 10. In this embodiment, a pair of fixing pieces 55 protrude from part of the outer periphery of the retainer body 52, here, from both side portions.

[0077] A screw insertion hole 55h that penetrates in a direction along the central axis of the through hole 10h is formed in the fixing piece 55. When a screw S is inserted into the screw insertion hole 55h and fastened to the mounting hole 11h of the mounting object 10, the fixing piece 55 is fixed to the mounting object 10, and thereby the terminal block 30 is fixed to the mounting object 10.

[0078] When the fixing piece 55 is fixed to the attachment object 10, the retainer body 52 is also pressed toward the attachment object 10. The surface of the fixing piece 55 facing the attachment object 10 and the surface of the retainer body 52 facing the attachment object 10 may be located on the same plane.

[0079] The first annular seal member 60 is an annular seal member fitted onto the protruding portion 35. The second annular seal member 62 is an annular seal member fitted onto the resin portion 40. The first annular seal member 60 and the second annular seal member 62 may be O-rings. The first annular seal member 60 and the second annular seal member 62 are made of, for example, fluororubber, acrylic rubber, or silicone rubber.

[0080] The first annular seal member 60 is fitted onto the protruding portion 35 between the resin portion 40 and the retainer 50. In this embodiment, the first annular seal member 60 is fitted onto the annular seat portion 37.

[0081] The second annular seal member 62 is fitted onto the tubular portion 42 at a position adjacent to the annular protrusion 44. Therefore, when the tubular portion 42 is inserted into the through hole 10h, the first annular seal member 60 can be interposed on the outer periphery of the tubular portion 42 between the resin portion 40 and the object 10. In this embodiment, an annular recess 42g is formed on the outer periphery of the tubular portion 42 at a position adjacent to the annular protrusion 44. The inner periphery of the second annular seal member 62 is fitted into the annular recess 42g. This makes it difficult for the second annular seal member 62 to fall off the tubular portion 42.

[0082] The inner diameter of the first annular seal member 60 is set to a size that matches the outer diameter of the annular seat portion 37, and the inner diameter of the second annular seal member 62 is set to a size that matches the outer diameter of the annular recess 42g. Therefore, by adjusting the outer diameter of the annular seat portion 37 (the protruding length of the seat portion) and the outer diameter of the annular recess 42g (the depth of the recess), it is easy to use parts with the same inner diameter for the first annular seal member 60 and the second annular seal member 62. This makes it easy to use parts of the same size for the first annular seal member 60 and the second annular seal member 62.

[0083] When the retainer 50 is attached to the attachment object 10 , the retainer 50 is pressed toward the resin portion 40 , and the resin portion 40 is pressed toward the attachment object 10 .

[0084] When the retainer 50 is pressed toward the resin portion 40, the first annular sealing member 60 is compressed between the retainer 50 and the resin portion 40. The compressed first annular sealing member 60 can seal the gap between the resin portion 40 and the busbar main body 33 on the protruding portion 35 side so that the gap is not opened to the external space.

[0085] When the resin part 40 is pressed toward the attachment target 10, the second annular seal member 62 is compressed between the resin part 40 and the attachment target 10. The compressed second annular seal member 62 can seal the gap between the resin part 40 and the attachment target 10 on the annular protrusion 44 side so that the gap does not open to the external space.

[0086] The configuration for sealing by the first annular seal member 60 and the second annular seal member 62 will now be described in more detail.

[0087] <Sealing configuration using first annular sealing member and second annular sealing member> A first annular recess 54 facing the first annular sealing member 60 is formed in a portion of at least one of the resin part 40 and the retainer body 52 that faces the first annular sealing member 60. The first annular recess 54 is an annular recess that is recessed both when viewed from the end face of the resin part 40 or the retainer 50 and when viewed from the inner circumferential side.

[0088] In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the first annular recess 54 is formed in a portion of the retainer body 52 that faces the annular protrusion 44 .

[0089] The first annular recess 54 is formed in a shape that compresses the first annular sealing member 60 housed in the first annular recess 54 between the resin portion 40 and the retainer body 52 and presses the first annular sealing member 60 against the busbar body 33.

[0090] More specifically, the first annular recess 54 has a first tapered circumferential surface 54d that gradually widens toward the first annular seal member 60. In other words, the first tapered circumferential surface 54d gradually widens from the periphery of the insertion hole 52h on the resin portion 40 side toward the resin portion 40. An annular end surface 52f of the retainer body 52 that faces the resin portion 40 widens outward from the outer circumferential edge of the first tapered circumferential surface 54d. It is also possible that the annular end surface 52f does not widen in a planar manner but simply describes an annular line.

[0091] In this embodiment, a pedestal accommodating space 52e is formed in the retainer body 52. ​​The pedestal accommodating space 52e is continuous with the first tapered circumferential surface 54d on the side opposite the annular end surface 52f. The outer diameter of the pedestal accommodating space 52e is larger than the inner diameter of the annular pedestal 37, so that the annular pedestal 37 can be accommodated in the pedestal accommodating space 52e.

[0092] The surface forming the first annular recess 54 may be entirely or partially tapered.

[0093] The outer diameter of the outer peripheral edge of the first tapered circumferential surface 54d is larger than the maximum diameter of the first annular seal member 60. Therefore, when viewed along the axial direction of the protrusion 35, the entire first annular seal member 60 is contained within the first tapered circumferential surface 54d.

[0094] The inner peripheral edge of the first tapered peripheral surface 54d is located farther from the resin portion 40. The farther the inner peripheral edge of the first tapered peripheral surface 54d is positioned from the annular end surface 52f, the smaller the inclination angle of the first tapered peripheral surface 54d with respect to the axis of the protrusion 35. The inclination angle of the first tapered peripheral surface 54d with respect to the axis of the protrusion 35 is arbitrary and may be set to, for example, 45 degrees.

[0095] The central axis X of the first annular recess 54 coincides with the central axis X of the busbar main body 33 including the protrusion 35. In a cross section taken along the central axis X, an inscribed circle C (see FIG. 6 ) of a boundary defining the internal space of the first annular recess 54 is preferably smaller than the cross-sectional portion (see the two-dot chain line in FIG. 6 ) of the first annular sealing member 60. In this case, the first annular sealing member 60 that has entered the first annular recess 54 does not fit completely within the first annular recess 54 and is likely to be pressed against the end face 42 f of the resin portion 40 and the outer peripheral surface of the busbar main body 33 (here, the outer peripheral surface of the annular seat portion 37).

[0096] A second annular recess 10a facing the second annular seal member 62 may be formed in at least one of the attachment object 10 and the annular protrusion 44. The second annular recess 10a may have a second tapered circumferential surface 10ad that gradually widens toward the second annular seal member 62.

[0097] In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the second annular recess 10 a is formed in a portion of the attachment object 10 that faces the annular protrusion 44 .

[0098] The second annular recess 10a is formed in a shape that compresses the second annular sealing member 62 housed in the second annular recess 10a between the resin portion 40 and the mounting object 10 and presses it against the tubular portion 42.

[0099] More specifically, the second annular recess 10a has a second tapered circumferential surface 10ad that gradually widens toward the second annular sealing member 62. In other words, the second tapered circumferential surface 10ad gradually widens from the periphery of the through hole 10h on the annular protrusion 44 side toward the annular protrusion 44.

[0100] The surface forming the second annular recess 10a may be entirely or partially tapered.

[0101] The outer diameter of the outer peripheral edge of the second tapered circumferential surface 10ad is larger than the maximum diameter of the second annular seal member 62. Therefore, when viewed along the axial direction of the through hole 10h, the entire second annular seal member 62 is contained within the second tapered circumferential surface 10ad.

[0102] The inner peripheral edge of the second tapered peripheral surface 10ad is located farther from the annular protrusion 44. The farther the inner peripheral edge of the second tapered peripheral surface 10ad is positioned from the annular protrusion 44, the smaller the inclination angle of the second tapered peripheral surface 10ad with respect to the axis of the through hole 10h. The inclination angle of the second tapered peripheral surface 10ad with respect to the axis of the through hole 10h is arbitrary and may be set to, for example, 45 degrees.

[0103] The central axis X of the second annular recess 10a coincides with the central axis of the tubular portion 42. Similar to the relationship between the first annular recess 54 and the first annular seal member 60, in a cross section taken along the central axis, it is preferable that the inscribed circle of the boundary defining the internal space of the second annular recess 10a is smaller than the cross-sectional portion of the second annular seal member 62. In this case, the second annular seal member 62 that has entered the second annular recess 10a does not fit completely within the second annular recess 10a and is likely to be pressed against the end face 44f of the annular protrusion 44, the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 42, and the inner peripheral surface of the second annular recess 10a.

[0104] <Example of Fastening Work> An example of work for fastening and attaching the terminal block 30 to the attachment target 10 will be described.

[0105] First, the terminal block 30 is prepared, in which the retainer 50 is combined with the resin portion 40. Before attachment to the attachment target 10, the first annular seal member 60 is fitted onto the annular seat portion 37. The retainer body 52 is positioned away from the annular protrusion 44. In this state, the first annular seal member 60 is not compressed between the retainer body 52 and the resin portion 40 and is maintained in its original shape. The position of the retainer body 52 relative to the resin portion 40 in this state is referred to as the initial position (see FIG. 5 ).

[0106] In this state, the protrusion 35 is inserted into the insertion hole 52h of the retainer body 52. ​​The rotation stop protrusion 44p is fitted into the rotation stop recess 52g while deforming the press-fit rib 40p. Therefore, the rotation stop protrusion 44p is press-fitted into the rotation stop recess 52g, and the retainer body 52 is maintained in its initial position without being separated from the resin part 40 and the bus bar 32.

[0107] Note that, in a configuration in which the bus bar 32 and the resin part 40 are formed separately and the bus bar 32 is inserted into the resin part 40, there is a possibility that the bus bar 32 is movable relative to the resin part 40. In this case, as described above, the retainer body 52 is maintained in its initial position relative to the resin part 40. The range of movement of the bus bar 32 relative to the resin part 40 is restricted within the range in which the annular seat part 37 can move within the first annular recess 54 (see the bus bar 32 indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 5 ). Therefore, the bus bar 32 is also prevented from falling off the resin part 40.

[0108] The cylindrical portion 42 of the resin part 40 is inserted into the through hole 10h of the attachment object 10, and the fixing piece 55 is placed facing the attachment object 10. The screw S is inserted into the screw insertion hole 55h of the fixing piece 55, and is screwed into the attachment hole 11h of the attachment object 10.

[0109] Then, as the screw S is tightened, the head of the screw S presses the retainer 50 toward the attachment target 10. This compresses the first annular seal member 60 between the retainer body 52 and the annular protrusion 44. The compressed first annular seal member 60 is pressed against the end face 42 f of the resin part 40 and the outer peripheral surface of the busbar body 33 (here, the outer peripheral surface of the annular seat part 37). Therefore, the gap between the busbar body 33 and the resin part 40 is sealed by the first annular seal member 60 on the retainer body 52 side so as not to communicate with the external space.

[0110] The position of the retainer 50 at which the first annular seal member 60 can be compressed between the retainer body 52 and the resin portion 40 as described above may be referred to as a compressed position. It can be said that the distance of the retainer 50 relative to the resin portion 40 in the protruding direction of the protruding portion 35 is variable.

[0111] The retainer 50 also presses the annular protrusion 44 toward the attachment target 10. This causes the second annular seal member 62 to be compressed between the annular protrusion 44 and the attachment target 10. The compressed second annular seal member 62 is pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 42 and the inner peripheral surface of the second annular recess 10a. Therefore, the gap between the through hole 10h and the resin portion 40 is sealed by the second annular seal member 62 on the annular protrusion 44 side so as not to communicate with the external space.

[0112] As described above, by attaching the retainer 50 to the attachment object 10 with the screws S, the bus bar 32 and the resin part 40 are held to the attachment object 10, and sealing properties are exhibited by the annular sealing members 60, 62. Because the sealing function is realized by the fixing structure, it is also possible to simplify the configuration and make it more compact.

[0113] The mating terminal 18 is fastened and fixed to the protrusion 35 of the terminal block 30 attached to the attachment object 10 .

[0114] That is, the mating terminal 18 is moved to a position facing the end face 35f of the bus bar 32, and the screw S is passed through the screw insertion hole 19h of the mating terminal 18 and screwed into the screw hole 35h of the bus bar 32. Then, the screw head SH of the screw S comes into contact with the screw fastening portion 19 and pushes the screw fastening portion 19 toward the end face 35f. The screw fastening portion 19 comes into contact with the retainer on the outer circumferential side of the end face 35f. As a result, the screw fastening portion 19 also pushes the retainer 50 toward the resin portion 40.

[0115] The force with which the screw fastening portion 19 presses the retainer 50 toward the resin portion 40 also acts as a force to keep the first annular sealing member 60 in a compressed state. This suppresses creep deformation of the retainer 50 due to, for example, the force that causes the first annular sealing member 60 to return to its original shape.

[0116] <Effects, etc.> With the terminal block 30 and terminal block unit 20 configured as described above, when the fixing piece 55 is fixed to the mounting target 10, the retainer body 52 is pressed toward the annular protrusion 44, and the annular protrusion 44 is pressed toward the mounting target 10. The first annular seal member 60 is fitted onto the protrusion 35 between the resin part 40 and the retainer 50. Therefore, when the retainer body 52 is pressed toward the annular protrusion 44, the first annular seal member 60 is compressed between the resin part 40 and the retainer body 52. ​​The compressed first annular seal member 60 can seal the gap between the resin part 40 and the busbar body 33. Furthermore, the second annular seal member 62 is fitted onto the tubular part 42 next to the annular protrusion 44. Therefore, when the annular protrusion 44 is pressed toward the mounting target 10, the second annular seal member 62 is compressed between the annular protrusion 44 and the portion of the mounting target 10 around the opening of the through hole 10h. The compressed second annular sealing member 62 can seal the gap between the through hole 10h of the attachment target 10 and the resin part 40. Therefore, by fixing the retainer 50 to the attachment target 10, the first annular sealing member 60 and the second annular sealing member 62 are compressed, sealing the gap between the resin part 40 and the busbar body 33 and the gap between the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 10h and the resin part 40. Therefore, when assembling the terminal block 30, the work of significantly compressing the annular sealing members 60, 62 can be omitted.

[0117] For example, in the case of Patent Document 1, it is conceivable to fit an inner airtight member onto the bus bar, and then insert the bus bar and the inner airtight member into a bar case. To ensure sealing, it is conceivable to significantly compress the inner airtight member. In this case, it is possible that a large force is required to insert the bus bar and the inner airtight member into the bar case. It is also conceivable to apply grease or the like to the inner airtight member to reduce friction. In this case, it is possible that a separate fluid application process is required. In this embodiment, the first annular seal member 60 and the second annular seal member 62 are compressed using the force used to attach the retainer 50 to the attachment target 10, thereby eliminating the need for force-intensive assembly work and the process of applying grease or the like.

[0118] Furthermore, when molding a resin part using a bus bar as an insert part, it is necessary to seal the minute gap between the bus bar and the resin part within the resin part. In this case, in order to ensure sealing, there may be restrictions on the compatibility of the resin and the sealing material, as well as restrictions on the melting point so that the resin will melt into the resin part during molding.

[0119] Furthermore, if the bus bar and the resin portion are sealed with an adhesive, it may be difficult to ensure heat resistance.

[0120] According to this embodiment, material restrictions on the annular seal members 60, 62 and the resin portion 40 from the viewpoint of sealing performance can be reduced. Therefore, for example, to improve heat resistance, the annular seal members 60, 62 can be formed from a material with excellent heat resistance, such as fluororubber, acrylic rubber, or silicone rubber. The resin portion 40 can also be formed from a material suited to the mounting position, mounting environment, etc., such as PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), PA6T (polyamide 6T), or PBT (polybutylene terephthalate). The retainer 50 may also be formed from one of these resins.

[0121] Furthermore, in order to seal within the resin portion, it is necessary to consider surface treatment of the bus bar to prevent the seal from shifting from the bus bar. However, in this embodiment, such surface treatment to prevent the seal from shifting is not required.

[0122] The fixing piece 55 also has a screw insertion hole 55h that penetrates in a direction along the central axis of the through hole 10h. Therefore, when a screw S is inserted into the screw insertion hole 55h and threaded into the mounting hole 11h, which is a threaded hole on the mounting object 10 side, the retainer 50 can be moved toward the mounting object 10 by utilizing the screw fastening force. The first annular seal member 60 and the second annular seal member 62 are compressed by utilizing the screw fastening force, so this compression can be easily achieved.

[0123] Furthermore, if the first annular seal member 60 and the second annular seal member 62 are each an O-ring, it is easy to use a general-purpose product.

[0124] Furthermore, a first annular recess 54 facing the first annular seal member 60 is formed in at least one of the resin portion 40 and the retainer body 52, and the first annular recess 54 has a first tapered circumferential surface 54d that gradually widens toward the first annular seal member 60. Therefore, the first tapered circumferential surface 54d compresses the first annular seal member 60 between the resin portion 40 and the retainer body 52 and presses it toward the outer circumferential surface of the protrusion 35. Therefore, the first annular seal member 60 can more reliably seal the gap between the busbar body 33 and the resin portion 40.

[0125] Furthermore, if the busbar body 33 is formed in a round bar shape, the cross-sectional area can be increased, making it easier to handle large currents. Furthermore, the width of the busbar 32 can be reduced, contributing to the miniaturization of the terminal block 30. Furthermore, using an O-ring as the first annular seal member 60 makes it easier to ensure sealing performance.

[0126] Furthermore, the busbar body 33 has the annular seat portion 37, and the first annular seal member 60 is fitted onto the annular seat portion 37. Therefore, the size of the first annular seal member 60 can be adjusted by the annular seat portion 37. For example, the inner diameters of the first annular seal member 60 and the second annular seal member 62 can be made the same.

[0127] Furthermore, if a press-fit rib 40p that keeps the retainer body 52 in its initial position is formed on the retainer 50 or the resin part 40, the retainer 50 and the resin part 40 can be kept in a combined state even before the terminal block 30 is attached, making it easier to handle the terminal block 30.

[0128] Furthermore, since the annular protrusion 44 has the rotation-stopping protrusion 44p and the retainer body 52 has the rotation-stopping recess 52g into which the rotation-stopping protrusion 44p fits, the retainer 50 is stopped from rotating by being fixed to the attachment object 10. The resin part 40 is also stopped from rotating relative to the stopped retainer 50. Therefore, rotation of the bus bar 32 held by the resin part 40 is also suppressed.

[0129] Furthermore, because the protruding portion 35 has a screw hole 35h, for example, the mating terminal 18 can be connected to the protruding portion 35 with a screw S while facing the end face 35f. This allows the mating terminal 18 to press the retainer 50 toward the resin portion 40. The first annular seal member 60 can be kept in a compressed state by screwing the bus bar 32 and the mating terminal 18 together. This suppresses creep deformation of the retainer 50. This makes it easier for the first annular seal member 60 to maintain its sealing performance for a long period of time.

[0130] Furthermore, if a second annular recess 10a is formed in at least one of the attachment target 10 and the annular protrusion 44, and the second annular recess 10a has a second tapered circumferential surface 10ad that gradually widens toward the second annular sealing member 62, the second tapered circumferential surface 10ad compresses the second annular sealing member 62 between the attachment target 10 and the annular protrusion 44 and presses it toward the outer circumferential surface of the tubular portion 42. Therefore, the second annular sealing member 62 can more reliably seal the gap between the through hole 10h and the resin portion 40.

[0131] <Modifications> The first annular recess 54 may have any shape as long as it can compress the first annular seal member 60 between the retainer body 52 and the resin portion 40 and press it against the busbar body 33 .

[0132] The second annular recess 10 a may have any shape as long as it can compress the second annular seal member 62 between the resin part 40 and the attachment object 10 and press it against the outer periphery of the resin part 40 .

[0133] For example, as in a first modified example shown in FIG. 7, a first annular recess 154 corresponding to the first annular recess 54 may be formed in an annular protrusion 144 corresponding to the annular protrusion 44 .

[0134] Also, a second annular recess 110a corresponding to the second annular recess 10a is formed in the annular protrusion 144.

[0135] In either annular recess 154, 110a, the first annular sealing member 60 and the second annular sealing member 62 are compressed, thereby sealing the gap between the busbar main body 33 and the retainer 50, and the gap between the resin portion 40 and the through hole 10h.

[0136] 8 , the first annular recess 254 corresponding to the first annular recess 54 may be a recess defined by an inward surface 254a centered on the central axis of the retainer 250 and a bottom surface 254b facing the resin portion 40. The inward surface 254a has a shape in which a portion of the same diameter continues along the central axis. The bottom surface 254b is an annular surface that continues from the inward surface 254a on the side opposite the resin portion 40 and is perpendicular to the central axis.

[0137] The depth F along the central axis and the width W along the radial direction of the first annular recess 254 are smaller than the diameter of the first annular seal member 60 in cross section.

[0138] In this case, before the screws S are fastened, the first annular sealing member 60 is positioned around the busbar body 33, between the resin part 40 and the retainer 250. The first annular sealing member 60 may be partially inserted into the first annular recess 254.

[0139] Then, as in the above embodiment, when the retainer 250 moves toward the resin part 40 by tightening the screw S, the first annular sealing member 60 comes into contact with the end face 42f of the resin part 40, and the first annular sealing member 60 is pushed into the first annular recess 254 by the reaction force.

[0140] If the depth F of the first annular recess 254 along the central axis is smaller than the diameter of the cross section of the first annular sealing member 60, the first annular sealing member 60 is compressed between the retainer 250 and the resin part 40. Furthermore, if the width W of the first annular recess 254 along the radial direction is smaller than the diameter of the cross section of the first annular sealing member 60, the first annular sealing member 60 is pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the busbar body 33.

[0141] Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, the first annular sealing member 60 is pressed against the end face 42f of the resin portion 40 and the outer peripheral surface of the busbar main body 33, and similar to the above, the gap between the resin portion 40 and the busbar 32 can be sealed.

[0142] The annular recess formed in the attachment target may also be formed to have a rectangular cross section, similar to the above-described modified example.

[0143] Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a terminal block 330 according to a third modified example, and Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the terminal block 330. Fig. 3 shows the terminal block 330 in a state before it is fixed to the attachment object 10 with screws.

[0144] In the third modified example, the resin part 40 is molded using the bus bar 32 as an insert part. Therefore, the bus bar 32 is held in a fixed position relative to the resin part 40. In order to more reliably hold the bus bar 32 in a fixed position in the resin part 40, a recess or a protrusion may be formed in the bus bar 32, and the protrusion or recess may be embedded in the resin part 40.

[0145] In the third modified example, the bus bar 32 and the resin portion 40 are integrated together. Therefore, a press-fit rib 340p is formed on the portion of the retainer 50 that is fitted onto the protrusion 35. In Fig. 10, the shape of the press-fit rib 340p before deformation is indicated by a dotted line.

[0146] Here, a plurality of (for example, four) press-fit ribs 340p are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole 52h of the retainer body 52. ​​Each press-fit rib 340p is formed in an elongated protruding shape in the central axis direction of the insertion hole 52h.

[0147] With the press-fit rib 340p partially deformed, the protrusion 35 is press-fit into the retainer body 52. ​​The press-fit rib 340p prevents the retainer 50 from falling off the protrusion 35, and keeps the retainer body 52 in its initial position.

[0148] [Embodiment 2] A terminal block 30 according to embodiment 2 will be described. Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing a terminal block 430 according to embodiment 2. Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing the same terminal block 430. In Fig. 12, a bus bar 432 is shown by an imaginary line. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV in Fig. 11, showing the state before the terminal block 430 is attached to the attachment object 10. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV in Fig. 11. The attachment object 10 is shown in Figs. 13 and 14.

[0149] In the description of the second embodiment, the same components as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0150] The terminal block 430 includes a plate-shaped bus bar 432 instead of the bus bar 32 .

[0151] The plate-shaped bus bar 432 is a bus bar formed by processing a metal plate. In this embodiment, the plate-shaped bus bar 432 includes a bus bar main body 433, a first connection end portion 432e, and a second connection end portion 436.

[0152] The bus bar main body 433 is a long, thin plate-shaped portion. The bus bar main body 433 includes an in-resin portion 434 and a protruding portion 435.

[0153] The in-resin portion 434 is a portion that is disposed within a resin portion 440 that corresponds to the resin portion 40 .

[0154] The protruding portion 435 is a portion that is continuous with the in-resin portion 434 and protrudes from the resin portion 440. The protruding portion 435 may be partially embedded in a retainer 450 that corresponds to the retainer 50 and held in a fixed position.

[0155] In this embodiment, an annular recess 452 having a tapered circumferential surface 452d is formed in a portion of the retainer 450 on the resin portion 440 side. A portion of the protruding portion 435 closer to the resin-disposed portion 434 is exposed in the annular recess 452, and a portion of the protruding portion 435 farther from the resin-disposed portion 434 is buried in the retainer 450.

[0156] A first annular seal member 460 corresponding to the first annular seal member 60 is fitted onto the portion of the protruding portion 435 closer to the resin-disposed portion 434. The first annular seal member 460 is preferably formed in a flat annular shape to match the cross-sectional shape of the protruding portion 435.

[0157] The portion of the protruding portion 435 onto which the first annular sealing member 460 is fitted may have rounded corners 435e. In this embodiment, the four corners of the protruding portion 435 are rounded. The other portions of the bus bar 432 do not have to be rounded. In this embodiment, the first connecting end 432e is not rounded.

[0158] The first connection end 432e is connected to the busbar main body 433 and extends outward from the retainer 450. In the present embodiment, the first connection end 432e is bent in an L-shape, but it may extend straight or be bent in another shape.

[0159] The first connecting end 432e is formed with a hole for screwing and fixing a mating terminal.

[0160] The second connecting end 436 is plate-shaped, and similar to the opposite connecting end 36, another mating terminal is connected thereto by means of screws or the like.

[0161] In this embodiment, the retainer 450 is molded using the bus bar 432 as an insert part, but this is not essential.

[0162] In the second embodiment, when the retainer 450 is fixed to the mounting target 10 with screws, the retainer 450 is pressed toward the resin portion 440. The first annular sealing member 460 is compressed between the annular recess 452 of the retainer 450 and the resin portion 440, and is pressed against the outer circumferential surface of the protruding portion 435. Therefore, similar to the second embodiment, the first annular sealing member 460 can seal the gap between the resin portion 440 and the busbar main body 433.

[0163] Therefore, except for the effect due to the bus bar 32 including the round bar-shaped portion, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0164] Furthermore, since a plate-shaped bus bar is used as the bus bar 432, the bus bar 432 can be easily processed by processing a plate material.

[0165] Furthermore, the portion of the protrusion 435 onto which the first annular sealing member 460 is fitted has rounded corners 435e, making it easy to position the first annular sealing member 460 on the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion 435 without any gaps, making it easy to ensure sealing performance.

[0166] Furthermore, since the rounding process only requires partial processing, the processing for ensuring the sealing property is easy.

[0167] [Modification] The terminal block may be used not only for motors or inverters but also for other electrical components, such as a junction box in which relays or fuses inserted in an electrical circuit are collectively incorporated, or a terminal block supporting terminals in the case of a device that distributes electrical circuits.

[0168] In each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, a plurality of the terminal blocks may be connected in series. For example, the plurality of terminal blocks may be connected in series on the fixing piece 55 side of the resin part 40. Furthermore, for example, the terminal blocks may be configured as three-pole or six-pole terminal blocks.

[0169] The configurations described in the above embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate as long as they are not mutually inconsistent. For example, the modification regarding the annular recess described in the first embodiment can be applied as a modification of the second embodiment.

[0170] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Mounting object 10a, 110a Second annular recess 10ad Second tapered peripheral surface 10h Through hole 11h Mounting hole 18 Counter terminal 19 Screw fastening portion 19h Screw insertion hole 20 Terminal block unit 30, 330, 430 Terminal block 32 Bus bar 33, 433 Bus bar body 34, 434 Portion disposed in resin 35, 435 Protruding portion 35f End face 35h Screw hole 36 Opposite connection end 36N Nut 36h Screw insertion hole 37 Annular base portion 40, 440 Resin portion 40p, 340p Press-fit rib 42 Cylindrical portion 42f End face 42g Annular recess 42h Opening 43 Bottom 43h Pass-through hole 44 Annular protrusion 44f End surface 44p Rotation stop protrusion 50, 250, 450 Retainer 52 Retainer body 52e Base portion accommodating space 52f Annular end surface 52g Rotation stop recess 52h Insertion hole 54, 154, 254 First annular recess 54d First tapered circumferential surface 55 Fixing piece 55h Screw insertion hole 60, 460 First annular sealing member 62 Second annular sealing member 144 Annular protrusion 254a Inward surface 254b Bottom surface 432 Plate-shaped bus bar 432e First connecting end 435e Rounded corner 436 Second connecting end 452 Annular recess 452d Tapered circumferential surface S Screw SH Screw head X Central axis

Claims

1. A terminal block to be attached to an attachment object having a through hole, comprising: a busbar including a busbar body having an in-resin disposed portion and a protruding portion continuous with the in-resin disposed portion; a resin portion covering the in-resin disposed portion; a retainer attached to the protruding portion; a first annular sealing member fitted onto the protruding portion; and a second annular sealing member fitted onto the resin portion, wherein the resin portion has a tubular portion having an opening and a ring-shaped protrusion protruding outward from the periphery of the opening, the in-resin disposed portion being disposed within the tubular portion, and the protruding portion protruding outside the tubular portion through the opening, the retainer having a retainer body surrounding the outer periphery of the protruding portion and a fixing piece fixed to the attachment object, the distance of the retainer from the resin portion in the protruding direction of the protruding portion being variable, and the first annular sealing member being fitted onto the protruding portion between the resin portion and the retainer, The second annular seal member is fitted onto the cylindrical portion at a position adjacent to the annular protrusion.

2. A terminal block according to claim 1, wherein the fixing piece has a screw insertion hole that penetrates in a direction along the central axis of the through hole.

3. A terminal block according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first annular sealing member and the second annular sealing member are each an O-ring.

4. A terminal block as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a first annular recess facing the first annular sealing member is formed in at least one of the resin portion and the retainer body, and the first annular recess has a first tapered peripheral surface that gradually widens towards the first annular sealing member.

5. The terminal block according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bus bar body is formed in a round bar shape.

6. The terminal block according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bus bar is a plate-shaped bus bar.

7. A terminal block according to claim 6, wherein the portion of said protrusion onto which said first annular sealing member is fitted has rounded corners.

8. A terminal block according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the busbar body has an annular seat portion that protrudes in an annular shape between the resin portion and the retainer body, and the first annular seal member is fitted onto the annular seat portion.

9. A terminal block as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the distance of the retainer from the resin part in the protruding direction of the protruding part is variable between an initial position where the first annular sealing member can be maintained in its original shape between the retainer body and the resin part, and a compressed position where the first annular sealing member can be compressed between the retainer body and the resin part, and a press-fit rib that keeps the retainer body positioned in the initial position is formed on the retainer or the resin part.

10. A terminal block as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the annular protrusion has a rotation-stopping convex portion that protrudes partially in the circumferential direction, and the retainer body has a rotation-stopping concave portion into which the rotation-stopping convex portion fits.

11. A terminal block according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the protruding portion has an end face facing away from the resin portion, and the protruding portion is formed with a screw hole opening into the end face.

12. A terminal block unit comprising the terminal block according to claim 1 or 2, and the attachment object having the through hole, wherein a second annular recess facing the second annular sealing member is formed in at least one of the attachment object and the annular protrusion, and the second annular recess has a second tapered peripheral surface that gradually widens towards the second annular sealing member.

Images