Terminal block

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to further enhance heat resistance and oil resistance of a terminal block at low cost. This terminal block is held by a case having a through hole. The terminal block comprises: a bus bar that includes a first connection end, a second connection end, and an intermediate portion between the first connection end and the second connection end; a block body that surrounds the intermediate portion; and an annular seal member that seals an inner space and an outer space of the case. The annular seal member includes: an annular main body part made of silicone rubber; and a cover part made of fluororubber and covering at least a part of the surface of the annular main body part.

Description

Terminal block

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a terminal block for a motor including a bus bar, a bar case, an annular O-ring as an inner airtight member, an annular O-ring as an outer airtight member, and a bracket.

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

[0004] Regarding a terminal block used in an environment exposed to oil, it is desired to further enhance heat resistance and oil resistance at a low cost.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to further enhance heat resistance and oil resistance at a low cost for a terminal block.

[0006] The terminal block of the present disclosure is a terminal block held in a case having a through hole, and includes a bus bar including a first connection end, a second connection end, and an intermediate portion between the first connection end and the second connection end, a base body surrounding the intermediate portion, and an annular seal member that seals an inner space and an outer space of the case. The annular seal member includes an annular main body portion made of silicone rubber and a covering portion made of fluororubber covering at least a part of the surface of the annular main body portion.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, heat resistance and oil resistance can be further enhanced at a low cost.

[0008] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an electromechanical integrated unit incorporating the terminal block according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the terminal block before being attached to the case. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the terminal block according to Modification 1. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the terminal block according to Modification 2.

[0009] [Description of Embodiment of the Present Disclosure] First, the 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 held in a case having a through hole, comprising a busbar including a first connection end, a second connection end, and an intermediate portion between the first and second connection ends, a base body surrounding the intermediate portion, and an annular sealing member that seals the inner and outer spaces of the case, wherein the annular sealing member comprises an annular body made of silicone rubber and a covering portion made of fluororubber that covers at least a part of the surface of the annular body.

[0012] According to this terminal block, the annular sealing member includes an annular body made of silicone rubber and a covering made of fluororubber that covers at least a portion of the outer circumference of the annular body. Since both silicone rubber and fluororubber have excellent heat resistance, the heat resistance of the annular sealing member as a whole is enhanced. Furthermore, since silicone rubber is less expensive than fluororubber, it is possible to reduce costs compared to manufacturing the entire annular sealing member from fluororubber. In addition, since fluororubber has better oil resistance than silicone rubber, the oil resistance of the annular sealing member is enhanced by covering at least a portion of the surface of the annular body with the covering made of fluororubber. As a result, it is possible to further enhance the heat resistance and oil resistance of terminal blocks used in environments exposed to oil at a low cost.

[0013] (2) The terminal block according to (1), wherein the annular sealing member may include an annular sealing member for busbars that seals the gap between the busbar and the main body of the terminal block.

[0014] This ensures that the gap between the busbar and the base body is sealed by the annular sealing member for the busbar.

[0015] (3) A terminal block according to (1) or (2), wherein the annular sealing member may include an annular sealing member for the case that seals the gap between the case and the main body of the terminal block.

[0016] This ensures that the gap between the case and the base body is sealed by the annular sealing member for the case.

[0017] (4) Any one of the terminal blocks from (1) to (3), wherein the covering portion may partially cover the surface of the annular main body portion.

[0018] The covering portion partially covers the surface of the annular main body, preventing the annular sealing member from becoming too rigid.

[0019] (5) The terminal block of (4), wherein the annular body portion and the cover portion may be formed as separate parts.

[0020] This allows the annular main body and the cover to be easily formed as separate parts.

[0021] (6) Any one of (2) to (5) terminal blocks, wherein the block body has a through hole in the block body through which the busbar passes, and an opening peripheral portion that extends outward from the opening of the through hole in the block body, the annular sealing member for the busbar surrounds the busbar on the opening peripheral portion, and the annular sealing member for the busbar may be a member in which the covering portion has a cylindrical portion sandwiched between the busbar and the annular body portion, and a flange-shaped portion sandwiched between the annular body portion and the opening peripheral portion.

[0022] Oil from inside the case may travel along the busbar. The cover has a cylindrical portion sandwiched between the busbar and the annular main body, and a flange-like portion sandwiched between the annular main body and the opening periphery, thereby preventing the annular main body from being exposed to oil traveling along the busbar.

[0023] (7) A terminal block of any one of (3) to (6), wherein the main body of the terminal block has a through-hole for the main body through which the bus bar passes, and a case-facing peripheral edge that faces the case on the outer circumference of the opening of the main body through-hole, the annular sealing member for the case surrounds the bus bar with a gap between the case-facing peripheral edge and the case, and the annular sealing member for the case may be a member in which the covering portion has a first flange-shaped portion sandwiched between the case-facing peripheral edge and the annular main body portion, a second flange-shaped portion sandwiched between the annular main body portion and the case, and an inner cylindrical portion interposed between the bus bar and the annular main body portion.

[0024] This prevents the annular body from being exposed to oil traveling along the busbar or oil leaking from the through-hole.

[0025] (8) Any one of the terminal blocks from (1) to (7), wherein the cover portion may cover the entire surface of the annular main body portion.

[0026] The covering portion covers the entire surface of the annular main body, making the annular sealing member easier to handle as a single component.

[0027] (9) A terminal block according to any one of (3) to (8), wherein the terminal block body has a through-hole for the busbar and a case-facing peripheral edge that faces the case on the outer circumference of the opening of the through-hole, the case annular sealing member surrounds the busbar with a gap between the case-facing peripheral edge and the case, and the case annular sealing member may be a member whose covering portion covers the entire surface of the annular main body portion.

[0028] The covering portion covers the entire surface of the annular main body, making the annular sealing member easier to handle as a single component.

[0029] [Details of Embodiments of the Disclosure] Specific examples of terminal blocks of the Disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings. However, the Disclosure is not limited to these examples and is intended to include all changes within the meaning and scope of the claims, as indicated by the claims.

[0030] [Embodiment] The following describes a terminal block according to an embodiment.

[0031] <About the Integrated Electromechanical Unit> Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an integrated electromechanical unit 10 incorporating a terminal block 20 according to an embodiment. The integrated electromechanical unit 10 is, for example, a unit in which a rotating electric machine 12 and a control device 16 that controls the rotating electric machine 12 are integrated.

[0032] The rotating electric machine 12 is a rotating electric machine in which the armature and field are housed in a case 13. The rotating electric machine 12 may be an electric motor or a generator.

[0033] The case 13 comprises a bottomed cylindrical case body 14a and a case base portion 14b. The armature, which serves as a stator, is housed inside the case body 14a. The field is arranged inside the armature as a rotor. The magnetic field generated by the armature causes the field to rotate, or the rotation of the field generates an electromotive force in the armature. The case base portion 14b has a mounting plate portion 15. A through hole 15h is formed in the mounting plate portion 15. The through hole 15h is an opening that connects the inner and outer spaces of the case 13.

[0034] The armature includes coil wires. Coil wires are linear conductive members made of copper wire or the like.

[0035] The control device 16 is, for example, an inverter device that drives and controls the rotating electric machine 12. The control device 16 is configured such that, for example, a control board 16B is housed in a case 17. The control device 16 is expected to be integrated with the case base portion 14b of the rotating electric machine 12 by screw fixing or the like.

[0036] The terminal block 20 is mounted on the case base 14b. The terminal block 20 includes a busbar 30. The busbar 30 penetrates the case base 14b. Inside the case 13, the busbar 30 is connected to the coil wires of the armature. Inside the control device 16, the busbar 30 is connected to conductors extending from the circuit of the control board 16B. In other words, the terminal block 20 serves as an intermediary connection between the conductors inside the rotating electric machine 12 and the conductors inside the control device 16.

[0037] To prevent oil from leaking out of a rotating electrical machine, the terminal block is required to have an oil seal function. To provide this oil seal function to the terminal block, O-rings can be used, or the seal can be applied with adhesive.

[0038] Here, the increased current of the rotating electric machine 12 makes the terminal block 20 more susceptible to exposure to high-temperature environments. Furthermore, the integration of the rotating electric machine 12 with the control equipment 16 also makes the terminal block 20 more susceptible to exposure to high-temperature environments. For these reasons, high heat resistance of the terminal block 20 is required.

[0039] For example, it may be difficult to achieve heat resistance of 180 degrees Celsius with adhesive seals.

[0040] When an acrylic rubber O-ring is used, it may be difficult to provide heat resistance exceeding 150 degrees.

[0041] When a silicone rubber or fluorine rubber O-ring is used, it is easy to provide heat resistance of 180 degrees. However, the silicone rubber O-ring absorbs oil and swells. Also, the raw material cost of the fluorine rubber O-ring is high.

[0042] Therefore, for a terminal block used in an environment exposed to oil, a configuration of the terminal block 20 that is low-cost and easy to further enhance heat resistance and oil resistance will be described below.

[0043] <Regarding the terminal block> FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the terminal block 20 before being attached to the case 13.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the terminal block 20 is held in the case 13 having the through-hole 15h. The terminal block 20 includes a bus bar 30, a base body 40, and annular seal members 50 and 60. With the bus bar 30 held by the base body 40, the base body 40 is fixed to the case 13. In this state, the bus bar 30 protrudes from both openings of the through-hole 15h. The portion of the bus bar 30 extending into the case 13 is connected to a conductor in the case 13, for example, a coil wire. The portion of the bus bar 30 extending outside the case 13 is connected to a conductor in the case 13, for example, a conductor on the control device 16 side. The connection between the bus bar and other conductors may be made by screwing, or by soldering or welding.

[0045] The annular seal members 50 and 60 seal the inner space and the outer space of the case 13. Thereby, the oil in the case 13 is less likely to leak to the outside.

[0046] More specifically, the bus bar 30 is a conductive member including a first connection end 31, a second connection end 32, and an intermediate portion 33. The bus bar 30 is, for example, constituted by an elongated bar-shaped member. The bus bar may be constituted by an elongated metal plate member. When the bus bar is constituted by a square bar or an elongated metal plate member, corners may be rounded at portions where the annular seal member is externally fitted. The intermediate portion 33 is located between the first connection end 31 and the second connection end 32. The first connection end 31, the intermediate portion 33, and the second connection end 32 are linearly connected in this order. The first connection end 31 or the second connection end 32 may be bent midway.

[0047] The bus bar 30 penetrates the base body 40. The base body 40 surrounds the intermediate portion 33. The first connection end 31 and the second connection end 32 are portions extending outward from the base body 40. The first connection end 31, for example, extends into the case 13. The first connection end 31 is a portion connected to a conductor within the case 13. The second connection end 32 extends outside the case 13. The second connection end 32 is a portion connected to a conductor outside the case 13.

[0048] In this embodiment, an example in which the terminal block 20 includes three bus bars 30 will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the number of terminals included in the terminal block is arbitrary. For example, the terminal block may include only one bus bar. The terminal block may include two or four or more bus bars.

[0049] The base body 40 is an insulating member formed of resin or the like. The base body 40 is, for example, a resin portion integrally formed by die molding with resin. For example, with the bus bar 30 as an insert portion, the base body 40 may be die molded. Alternatively, the bus bar 30 may be penetrated and held by the base body 40 having a base body through hole formed separately from the bus bar 30.

[0050] The busbar 30 passes through the base body 40. In a plan view, the base body 40 is formed in a shape that is wider than the through hole 15h. In this embodiment, the base body 40 is formed in an elongated shape, for example, an oval plate or a rectangular plate. An oval shape is a shape in which semicircular portions are connected to both short sides of a rectangle that is long in one direction. The shape of the base body 40 is not particularly limited; the base body 40 may be a square plate or a circular plate.

[0051] The base body 40 has a through hole 40h. The through hole 40h opens on both sides of the base body 40. The bus bar 30 passes through the through hole 40h.

[0052] The portion of the base body 40 opposite to the case 13, which extends outward from the base body through-hole 40h, is the opening periphery portion 41. The opening periphery portion 41 is provided corresponding to each of the three base body through-holes 40h.

[0053] The portion of the base body 40 facing the case 13 that extends outward from the opening of the base body through hole 40h is the case-facing peripheral edge 42. In this embodiment, the case-facing peripheral edge 42 is the elongated annular portion of the base body 40 on the case 13 side that collectively surrounds the openings of the multiple base body through holes 40h.

[0054] An annular groove 41g is formed on the case-facing peripheral edge 42. The annular groove 41g is formed as an elongated annular groove that collectively surrounds the openings of multiple through holes 40h in the base body.

[0055] The case-facing peripheral edge and the annular groove may have an annular shape surrounding the opening of a single through-hole in the base body.

[0056] When the terminal block 20 is attached to the case 13, a gap may occur between the case 13 and the terminal block body 40. Also, a gap may occur between the busbar 30 and the case 13.

[0057] The annular sealing members 50 and 60 seal each of the above-mentioned gaps. This makes it difficult for oil inside the case 13 to leak to the outside.

[0058] Furthermore, each of the annular sealing members 50 and 60 includes an annular body portion 52 and 62 made of silicone rubber, and a covering portion 54 and 64 made of fluororubber that covers at least a part of the surface of the annular body portion 52 and 62.

[0059] Both silicone rubber and fluororubber have excellent heat resistance, for example, they can withstand temperatures up to 180 degrees Celsius. Therefore, the annular sealing members 50 and 60 as a whole also have excellent heat resistance, for example, they can withstand temperatures up to 180 degrees Celsius.

[0060] Furthermore, silicone rubber is less expensive than fluororubber. Therefore, the material cost of the annular sealing members 50 and 60 can be reduced compared to when the entire annular sealing member is made of fluororubber.

[0061] Furthermore, fluororubber absorbs less oil than silicone rubber and has superior oil resistance. Therefore, by covering at least a portion of the surface of the silicone rubber annular body portions 52 and 62 with the fluororubber covering portions 54 and 64, it is easy to impart oil resistance to the annular sealing members 50 and 60.

[0062] The covering portions 54 and 64 may partially cover the surface of the annular main body portions 52 and 62, or they may cover the entire surface of the annular main body portions 52 and 62. The covering portions 54 and 64 should be positioned in areas where oil is likely to adhere.

[0063] If the covering portions 54 and 64 partially cover the surfaces of the annular main body portions 52 and 62, the covering portions 54 and 64 may be set in locations that are easily exposed to oil.

[0064] In this embodiment, the annular sealing member 50 is an annular sealing member 50 for the bus bar that seals the gap between the bus bar 30 and the base body 40. The annular sealing member 60 is an annular sealing member 60 for the case that seals the gap between the case 13 and the base body 40.

[0065] Specific examples of the annular sealing member 50 for the busbar and the annular sealing member 60 for the case will be described.

[0066] <About the annular sealing member for busbars> The annular sealing member 50 for busbars is provided corresponding to each of the multiple busbars 30. The annular sealing member 50 for busbars includes an annular main body portion 52 and a covering portion 54. The covering portion 54 partially covers the surface of the annular main body portion 52.

[0067] The annular main body portion 52 and the covering portion 54 may be formed as separate parts. For example, the annular main body portion 52 may be molded as an annular part, and the covering portion 54 may be molded separately as another annular part.

[0068] The annular main body and the partial covering portion may be constructed as a single integrated part. For example, the covering portion may be a coated portion that covers a part of the annular main body. Alternatively, the covering portion may be placed as an insert part in a position that covers a part of the surface of the annular main body, and the annular main body may be molded using a mold.

[0069] The annular sealing member 50 for the busbar is arranged, for example, on the opening periphery 41 so as to surround the busbar 30.

[0070] The annular body portion 52 is a component made of silicone rubber and is formed in an annular shape that surrounds the bus bar 30. The inner circumference of the annular body portion 52 may be formed to be the size and shape that closely fits the bus bar 30. The inner circumference of the annular body portion 52 may be formed to be the size and shape that surrounds the bus bar 30 with some space between them.

[0071] The covering portion 54 has a cylindrical portion 54a and a flange-shaped portion 54b. The covering portion 54 may be a part integrally molded from, for example, fluororubber.

[0072] The cylindrical portion 54a is formed in a cylindrical shape that is sandwiched between the bus bar 30 and the annular main body portion 52. The cylindrical portion 54a may be formed to be of a size and shape that allows it to be in close contact with the outer surface of the bus bar 30, for example.

[0073] The cylindrical portion 54a may be in close contact with the busbar 30 and the annular body portion 52 due to the clamping force of the annular body portion 52. Alternatively, the cylindrical portion 54a may be in close contact with the busbar 30 and the annular body portion 52 by a separate component.

[0074] The flange portion 54b is formed in a flange shape, sandwiched between the annular main body portion 52 and the opening peripheral edge portion 41. For example, the flange portion 54b is formed in a shape that widens outward from the opening on the opening peripheral edge portion 41 side of the cylindrical portion 54a. The outer shape of the flange portion 54b may be circular, elliptical, or polygonal.

[0075] The flange portion 54b may be kept in close contact with the opening periphery 41 and the annular body portion 52 by the force exerted by the cylindrical portion 54a tightening the busbar 30 and the annular body portion 52 tightening the flange portion 54b and the busbar 30. The flange portion 54b may be kept in close contact with the opening periphery 41 and the annular body portion 52 by a separate component.

[0076] The thickness of the cylindrical portion 54a and the flange portion 54b is arbitrary. For example, the thickness of the cylindrical portion 54a and the flange portion 54b may be 0.04 mm to 3 mm.

[0077] The cylindrical portion 54a covers the portion of the annular main body 52 that faces the bus bar 30. The flange portion 54b covers the portion of the annular main body 52 that faces the base body 40. The annular main body 52 is not covered on the side opposite to the bus bar 30 and the side opposite to the base body 40, and is exposed from the covering portion 54.

[0078] The cover portion 54 and the annular main body portion 52 may be assembled to the terminal block 20 separately, or they may be assembled to the terminal block 20 together. If the cover portion 54 is assembled separately from the annular main body portion 52, the cover portion 54 can be elastically deformed without being affected by the annular main body portion 52, and can be easily fitted onto the busbar 30.

[0079] The annular sealing member 50 for the busbar may be pressed against the busbar 30 and the opening periphery 41 by a separate pressing component.

[0080] The pressing component may be, for example, a pressing portion 18 provided in the part of the case 17 of the control device 16 that faces the terminal block 20.

[0081] The pressing portion 18 protrudes from the case 17 toward the terminal block 20. The pressing portion 18 has a tapered pressing surface 18f that progressively widens toward the base body 40 at a position opposite the bus bar 30. The far side of the pressing surface 18f penetrates into the case 17. The second connection end 32 of the bus bar 30 extends toward the inside of the case 17 through the pressing surface 18f.

[0082] The annular sealing member 50 for the busbar is positioned on the opening periphery 41 so as to be able to contact the pressing surface 18f. The control device 16 is fixed to the rotating electric machine 12 with screws S or the like. When the control device 16 is fixed to the rotating electric machine 12, the busbar 30 is passed through the pressing surface 18f and the annular sealing member 50 for the busbar is pressed against the pressing surface 18f. As the screws S are tightened, the pressing surface 18f approaches the base body 40, and the pressing surface 18f presses the annular sealing member 50 for the busbar against the opening periphery 41 of the base body 40 and the outer circumferential surface of the busbar 30. In other words, the annular sealing member 50 for the busbar is pressed against the opening periphery 41 of the base body 40 and the outer circumferential surface of the busbar 30 using the tightening force of the screws S.

[0083] As a result, the cylindrical portion 54a is kept in close contact with the busbar 30 and the annular main body portion 52, while the flange portion 54b is kept in close contact with the opening peripheral portion 41 and the annular main body portion 52.

[0084] In this case, since the annular body portion 52 made of silicone rubber is expected to be more flexible than the covering portion 54 made of fluororubber, the annular body portion 52 is primarily more susceptible to compression deformation. Because the annular body portion 52 is easily compressed and deformed, the above-mentioned tight-fitting state can be easily maintained by the elastic restoring force of the annular body portion 52 without applying a large force to the base body 40.

[0085] Oil from inside the case may leak out through the gap between the busbar 30 and the base body 40. The cover portion 54 is pressed against the surface of the busbar 30 and the opening periphery 41 of the base body 40. Therefore, any oil that would otherwise leak out is sealed by the cover portion 54. As a result, leakage is suppressed even outside. In addition, the oil is less likely to reach the annular body portion 52.

[0086] The pressing component does not necessarily have to be provided on the control device 16. For example, the pressing component may be a component assembled to the case separately from the control device 16.

[0087] <About the annular sealing member for the case> The annular sealing member 60 for the case is a part common to multiple busbars 30. The annular sealing member 60 for the case includes an annular main body portion 62 and a covering portion 64. The covering portion 64 covers the entire surface of the annular main body portion 62.

[0088] The annular body portion 62 and the cover portion 64 may be constructed as a single integrated part. For example, the cover portion 64 may be a coated portion that covers the entire surface of the annular body portion 62. Alternatively, the annular sealing member 60 for the case may be a two-color molded (double molded) member in which the annular body portion 62 and the cover portion 64 are molded in separate processes. Furthermore, the annular sealing member 60 for the case may be a part in which one of the annular body portion 62 and the cover portion 64 is an insert portion and the other is molded.

[0089] Furthermore, if the covering portion 64 covers the entire surface of the annular main body portion 62, this includes cases where the annular main body portion is exposed to an extent that is unavoidable during manufacturing, such as at the positioning points during mold molding.

[0090] The annular sealing member 60 for the case is arranged, for example, on the opening periphery 41 so as to surround the bus bar 30.

[0091] The annular sealing member 60 for the case surrounds the busbar 30 with a gap between the case's opposing peripheral edge 42 and the case 13. In other words, the annular sealing member 60 for the case is located outside the opening of the through hole 15h and is not in close contact with the busbar 30.

[0092] In this embodiment, the annular sealing member 60 for the case is arranged along the annular groove 41g and is located between the inner side surface of the annular groove 41g and the outward-facing surface of the case base portion 14b.

[0093] The annular body portion 62 described above is a component made of silicone rubber and is formed in an annular shape that encloses multiple busbars 30 together. For example, the annular body portion 62 is formed in an elongated annular shape.

[0094] The covering portion 64 covers the entire surface of the annular main body portion 62. The covering portion 64 may have a uniform thickness. The thickness of the covering portion 64 is arbitrary. If the covering portion 64 is a coating layer formed by coating, the thickness of the covering portion 64 may be, for example, 0.02 mm to 1 mm. If the covering portion 64 is a layer formed by double molding, the thickness of the covering portion 64 may be, for example, 0.5 mm to 3 mm.

[0095] The base body 40 is fixed to the outward-facing portion of the case base 14b by screws S or the like. The screws S, for example, press the base body 40 against the outward-facing portion of the case base 14b.

[0096] When the base body 40 is pressed against the case base portion 14b by the fastening force of the screw S, the annular sealing member 60 for the case is compressed between the case base portion 14b and the base body 40, and pressed against the case-facing peripheral edge 42 of the base body 40 and the outward-facing portion of the case base portion 14b. As a result, the cover portion 64 is kept in close contact with the case-facing peripheral edge 42 and the outward-facing portion of the case base portion 14b. In addition, the portion of the annular body portion 62 facing the opening side of the through hole 15h is covered by the cover portion 64.

[0097] In this case, since the annular body portion 62 made of silicone rubber is expected to be more flexible than the covering portion 64 made of fluororubber, the annular body portion 62 is primarily more susceptible to compression deformation. Because the annular body portion 62 is easily compressed and deformed, the above-mentioned tight-fitting state can be easily maintained by the elastic restoring force of the annular body portion 62 without applying a large force to the base body 40.

[0098] Oil from inside the case 13 may leak out through the through-hole 15h and through the gap between the case 13 and the base body 40 to the outside. Since the annular sealing member 60 for the case is interposed between the case 13 and the base body 40, any oil that would otherwise leak out is sealed by the annular sealing member 60 for the case. Since the cover portion 64 covers the entire surface of the annular body portion 62, it is difficult for the oil to reach the annular body portion 62.

[0099] The annular sealing member 60 for the case may be pre-assembled to the base body 40. For example, the annular sealing member 60 for the case may be pre-assembled to the base body 40 by a recessed interlocking structure.

[0100] <Effects, etc.> With the terminal block 20 configured as described above, the annular sealing members 50, 60 include annular body portions 52, 62 made of silicone rubber and covering portions 54, 64 made of fluororubber that cover at least a part of the outer circumference of the annular body portions 52, 62. Since both silicone rubber and fluororubber have excellent heat resistance, the heat resistance of the annular sealing members 50, 60 as a whole is also enhanced. Furthermore, since silicone rubber is cheaper than fluororubber, it is possible to reduce costs compared to manufacturing the entire annular sealing member from fluororubber. In addition, since fluororubber has better oil resistance than silicone rubber, the oil resistance of the annular sealing members 50, 60 is enhanced by covering at least a part of the surface of the annular body portions 52, 62 with the covering portions 54, 64 made of fluororubber. As a result, the heat resistance and oil resistance of the terminal block 20 used in environments exposed to oil can be further enhanced at a low cost.

[0101] The annular body portions 52 and 62 made of silicone rubber deform more elastically than the covering portions 54 and 64, thereby ensuring a compression margin necessary for maintaining adhesion. Furthermore, the easily elastically deformable annular body portions 52 and 62 readily absorb component errors and assembly errors. This makes it easier to maintain sealing performance.

[0102] Furthermore, the terminal block 20 includes an annular sealing member 50 for busbars that seals the gap between the busbars 30 and the terminal block body 40. Therefore, the gap between the busbars 30 and the terminal block body 40 is sealed by the annular sealing member 50 for busbars.

[0103] Furthermore, the terminal block 20 includes an annular sealing member 60 for the case that seals the gap between the case 13 and the base body 40. Therefore, the gap between the case 13 and the base body 40 is sealed by the annular sealing member 60 for the case.

[0104] The covering portion 54 partially covers the surface of the annular main body portion 52, preventing the annular sealing member 50 from becoming too rigid. This makes the annular sealing member 50 more easily deformable, allowing it to be easily assembled to the terminal block 20 while being deformed. Furthermore, reducing the area of ​​the covering portion 54 reduces the amount of fluororubber used. This makes it possible to reduce the cost of the annular sealing member 50.

[0105] Furthermore, if the annular body portion 52 and the cover portion 54 are formed as separate parts, then the annular body portion 52 and the cover portion 54 can be easily formed as separate parts. Also, since the annular body portion 52 and the cover portion 54 can be assembled to the terminal block 20 separately, or can be deformed separately and assembled to the terminal block 20, the annular sealing member 50 can be easily assembled to the terminal block 20.

[0106] Furthermore, the annular sealing member 50 for the busbar has a covering portion 54 which has a cylindrical portion 54a sandwiched between the busbar 30 and the annular main body portion 52, and a flange-shaped portion 54b sandwiched between the annular main body portion 52 and the opening peripheral edge portion 41. As a result, the annular sealing member 50 for the busbar is in close contact with the busbar 30 and the base body 40 outside the through hole 40h of the base body. This prevents the annular main body portion 52 from being exposed to oil flowing along the busbar 30.

[0107] Furthermore, since the cover portion 64 covers the entire surface of the annular main body portion 62, the annular sealing member 60 is easy to handle as a single part. This makes it easier to assemble the annular sealing member 60 to the terminal block 20 or to interpose it between the terminal block 20 and the case 13.

[0108] If the covering portion 64 covers the entire surface of the annular main body portion 62, the annular sealing member 60 for the case may become stiff. The annular sealing member 60 for the case does not need to be fitted onto the busbar 30. The force used when screwing the terminal block 20 to the case 13 can compress the annular sealing member 60 for the case. This makes it easier to install the annular sealing member 60 for the case, which covers the entire surface of the annular main body portion 62, into the mounting location between the terminal block 20 and the case 13.

[0109] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a terminal block 120 according to Modification 1. The terminal block 120 is equipped with an annular sealing member 150 for busbars instead of an annular sealing member 50 for busbars.

[0110] The busbar annular sealing member 150 comprises an annular main body portion 152 and a covering portion 154. The covering portion 154 covers the entire surface of the annular main body portion 152, similar to the case annular sealing member 60.

[0111] The annular sealing member 150 for the busbar can be manufactured in the same manner as the annular sealing member 60 for the case.

[0112] According to this modified example 1, the same effects and advantages as in the above embodiment can be obtained, except for the effects based on the configuration specific to the annular sealing member 50 for the busbar.

[0113] Furthermore, the use of the annular sealing member 150 for the busbar reduces the number of parts.

[0114] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a terminal block 220 according to modified example 2. The terminal block 220 is equipped with an annular sealing member 260 for the case instead of the annular sealing member 60 for the case.

[0115] The annular sealing member 260 for the case comprises an annular main body portion 262 and a covering portion 264. The covering portion 264 covers a part of the surface of the annular main body portion 262.

[0116] For example, the annular main body portion 262 is an elongated annular member that encloses multiple busbars 30 together.

[0117] The covering portion 264 has a first flange-shaped portion 264a, a second flange-shaped portion 264c, and an inner cylindrical portion 264b. The covering portion 264 may be a part molded as a single integrated part.

[0118] The first flange portion 264a is the portion sandwiched between the case-facing peripheral edge portion 42 and the annular main body portion 262. The second flange portion 264c is the portion sandwiched between the annular main body portion 262 and the case 13. The inner cylindrical portion 264b is a cylindrical portion interposed between the busbar 30 and the annular main body portion 262. The thickness of the flange portions 264a, 264c and the inner cylindrical portion 264b is arbitrary, but may be, for example, 0.04 mm to 3 mm.

[0119] For example, the inner cylindrical portion 264b is formed in a flat cylindrical shape that covers multiple busbars 30 together. A first flange-shaped portion 264a extends outwards from one opening of the inner cylindrical portion 264b toward the outer circumference. A second flange-shaped portion 264c extends outwards from the other opening of the inner cylindrical portion 264b toward the outer circumference. The covering portion 264 may also have a bobbin shape.

[0120] The annular main body portion 262 is positioned on the outer circumference side of the inner cylindrical portion 264b, between the first flange portion 264a and the second flange portion 264c.

[0121] The annular sealing member 260 for the case is positioned along the annular groove 41g, similar to the annular sealing member 60 for the case, and is compressed between the case 13 and the bottom of the annular groove 41g.

[0122] In this state, the cover portion 264 is in close contact with the case 13 and the base body 40. The cover portion 264 also covers the annular body portion 262 from the inside. As a result, any oil that would otherwise leak out from the through hole 15h is sealed by the annular sealing member 260 for the case. Furthermore, since the annular body portion 262 is covered by the cover portion 264 from the inner circumference, exposure of the annular body portion 262 to oil is suppressed.

[0123] According to this modified example 2, the same effects and advantages as in the above embodiment can be obtained, except for the effects based on the configuration specific to the annular sealing member 60 for the case.

[0124] Furthermore, the use of the annular sealing member 260 for the case makes it easier to deform. This makes it easier to keep the annular sealing member 260 pressed against the case 13 and the base body 40 while suppressing excessive compressive force on the base body 40.

[0125] [Modifications] The components described in the above embodiments and each modification can be combined as appropriate, as long as they do not contradict each other.

[0126] 10 Mechatronics unit 12 Rotating electric machine 13 Case 14a Case body 14b Case base 15 Mounting plate 15h Through hole 16 Control equipment 16B Control board 17 Case 18 Pressing part 18f Pressing surface 20, 120, 220 Terminal block 30 Bus bar 31 First connection end 32 Second connection end 33 Intermediate part 40 Base body 40h Through hole in base body 41 Opening periphery 41g Annular groove 42 Case opposing periphery 50, 150 Annular sealing member for bus bar 52, 62, 152, 262 Annular body part 54, 64, 154, 264 Cover part 54a Cylindrical part 54b Flange-shaped part 60, 260 Annular sealing member for case 264a First flange portion 264b Inner cylinder portion 264c Second flange portion S Screw

Claims

1. A terminal block held in a case having a through hole, comprising: a busbar including a first connection end, a second connection end, and an intermediate portion between the first and second connection ends; a base body surrounding the intermediate portion; and an annular sealing member sealing the inner and outer spaces of the case, wherein the annular sealing member includes an annular body made of silicone rubber and a covering portion made of fluororubber that covers at least a part of the surface of the annular body.

2. A terminal block according to claim 1, wherein the annular sealing member includes an annular sealing member for busbars that seals the gap between the busbar and the terminal block body.

3. A terminal block according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the annular sealing member includes an annular sealing member for the case that seals the gap between the case and the base body.

4. A terminal block according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the cover portion partially covers the surface of the annular main body portion.

5. A terminal block according to claim 4, wherein the annular body portion and the cover portion are formed as separate parts.

6. A terminal block according to claim 2, wherein the block body has a through-hole in the block body through which the busbar passes, and an opening peripheral portion that extends outward from the opening of the through-hole in the block body, the annular sealing member for the busbar surrounds the busbar on the opening peripheral portion, and the annular sealing member for the busbar is a member whose covering portion has a cylindrical portion sandwiched between the busbar and the annular body portion, and a flange-shaped portion sandwiched between the annular body portion and the opening peripheral portion.

7. A terminal block according to claim 3, wherein the base body has a through hole in the base body through which the bus bar passes, and a case-facing peripheral edge portion that faces the case on the outer circumference side of the opening of the base body through hole, the case annular sealing member surrounds the bus bar with a gap between the case-facing peripheral edge portion and the case, and the case annular sealing member is a member in which the covering portion has a first flange-shaped portion sandwiched between the case-facing peripheral edge portion and the annular body portion, a second flange-shaped portion sandwiched between the annular body portion and the case, and an inner cylindrical portion interposed between the bus bar and the annular body portion.

8. A terminal block according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the cover portion covers the entire surface of the annular main body portion.

9. A terminal block according to claim 3, wherein the base body has a through-hole for the busbar and a case-facing peripheral edge that faces the case on the outer circumference of the opening of the through-hole, the case annular sealing member surrounds the busbar with a gap between the case-facing peripheral edge and the case, and the case annular sealing member is a member whose covering portion covers the entire surface of the annular base.

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