Terminal housing for an electrical lead

Abstract

The invention relates to a terminal housing for an electrical lead. A terminal housing for an electrical lead includes a plurality of housings having the same shape and separable, each of the plurality of housings including a plug hole, in which each two adjacently connected housings of the plurality of housings are adjacently positionable at a plurality of positions relative to each other to vary a distance between the plug holes of the two housings, and the plugging holes of the plurality of shells can be kept in a row or are adjacently staggered. The terminal shell provided by the invention has a modular structure, can be flexibly assembled so as to adjust the distance between the plugging holes at a plurality of positions, can be quickly applied to various electrical leads, and saves the cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to lead structures, and more particularly, to terminal housings for electrical leads. Background Art

[0002] Equipment such as refrigerators, air conditioners, automobiles, and vending machines require the application of compressor systems. Traditionally, the wiring terminals of compressors used in such equipment are round, and correspondingly, a terminal shell with a triangular plug hole is used (such as disclosed in the Chinese utility model patent entitled "Wire harness terminal molded shell adapted to compressor micro-sealed terminals" and publication number CN210106102U).

[0003] With the development of technology, straight-line terminals have begun to be used (such as disclosed in the Chinese invention patent entitled "Electric Compressor" and publication number CN102678558B), for example, in emerging markets such as electric vehicles (e.g., pure electric or hybrid vehicles). This type of terminal needs to be connected to a terminal shell. There are two types of terminal shells that are suitable for this type of terminal in the prior art, one is a straight-line type and the other is a stepped type (such as disclosed in the Chinese utility model patent entitled "A terminal shell for vehicle-mounted compressor motor leads" and publication number CN211981638U and the Chinese utility model patent entitled "A lead-out socket, lead-out socket assembly and compressor" and publication number CN207504204U).

[0004] However, the distance between the plug holes of these existing terminal shells for round or straight-row terminals is fixed, while the pins of the terminals of different devices may have different distances, so that for different terminals, it is necessary to re-mold and manufacture suitable terminal shells, which increases costs. Summary of the invention

[0005] Aiming at the problem that the existing terminal shell structure is fixed and difficult to adapt to different plug hole spacings, the present invention provides a terminal shell for electrical leads.

[0006] An aspect of the present invention proposes a terminal shell for electrical leads, the terminal shell comprising: a plurality of separable shells having the same shape, each of the plurality of shells comprising a plug-in hole; wherein two adjacently connected shells of the plurality of shells can be positioned adjacent to each other at a plurality of positions to change the distance between the plug-in holes of the two shells, and the plug-in holes of the plurality of shells can be kept in a row or staggered adjacently.

[0007] According to the aforementioned aspects, the terminal housing as outlined above may further include one or more of the following preferred forms.

[0008] In some preferred forms, each shell includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion; and the first connecting portion of the first shell of the two shells is capable of cooperating with the second connecting portion of the second shell so that the first shell can be positioned adjacent to the second shell at the multiple positions relative to the second shell.

[0009] In some preferred forms, each shell includes a first surface, a second surface relative to the first surface, and a third surface, wherein the second surface and the third surface are arranged at an angle relative to the first surface, and the plug hole is arranged at the first surface; wherein the first connecting portion of the first shell is capable of cooperating with the second connecting portion of the second shell so that the second surface of the first shell abuts against the third surface of the second shell.

[0010] In some preferred forms, the first connection portion of the first shell can be snap-fitted, snap-fitted, or plug-fitted with the second connection portion of the second shell so that the second surface of the first shell abuts against the third surface of the second shell.

[0011] In some preferred forms, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion of each shell are arranged on the first surface of each shell, the first connecting portion includes a snap-on piece and the second connecting portion includes a snap-on groove; and the snap-on piece of the first shell can be positioned at different positions in the snap-on groove of the second shell so that the second surface of the first shell abuts against the third surface of the second shell at corresponding positions among the multiple positions.

[0012] In some preferred forms, each shell further includes a positioning member arranged at the second surface and multiple groups of positioning holes arranged at the third surface; and the positioning member of the first shell is suitable for being positioned in a corresponding group of positioning holes among the multiple groups of positioning holes of the second shell, so that the second surface of the first shell abuts against the third surface of the second shell at a corresponding position among the multiple positions.

[0013] In some preferred forms, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion of each shell are arranged at the first surface of each shell, the first connecting portion includes a snap-fitting piece having an opening and the second connecting portion includes multiple groups of protrusions; and a corresponding group of protrusions among the multiple groups of protrusions of the second shell are suitable for positioning in the opening of the snap-fitting piece of the first shell so that the second surface of the first shell abuts against the third surface of the second shell at a corresponding position among the multiple positions.

[0014] In some preferred forms, each shell also includes a fourth surface opposite to the first surface, and a third connecting portion and a fourth connecting portion are provided on the fourth surface; the third connecting portion of the first shell can be snap-fitted or snap-fitted with the fourth connecting portion of the second shell so that the second surface of the first shell abuts against the third surface of the second shell.

[0015] In some preferred forms, the first connecting portion of each shell is arranged at the third surface of each shell and the second connecting portion is arranged at the second surface of each shell, the first connecting portion includes a raised plug block, the plug block is formed to gradually expand at least from the bottom to the top, the second connecting portion includes multiple groups of grooves, the shape of the grooves at least partially matches the plug block; and the plug block of the second shell is suitable for being accommodated in a corresponding group of grooves among the multiple groups of grooves of the first shell, so that the second surface of the first shell abuts against the third surface of the second shell at a corresponding position among the multiple positions.

[0016] In some preferred forms, each of the housings further includes a fourth surface opposite to the first surface, and the insert extends between the first surface and the fourth surface.

[0017] In some preferred forms, each groove in the plurality of groups of grooves is a blind hole.

[0018] In some preferred forms, the opening of each groove in the plurality of groups of grooves is larger than the tail.

[0019] In some preferred forms, each of the housings further comprises position indication marks associated with the distances between the plug holes to indicate the multiple positions.

[0020] In some preferred forms, the position indicator mark is provided on the surface of each housing.

[0021] In some preferred forms, the position indicator is provided on the surface adjacent to the second connection portion.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the terminal housing of the present invention has a modular structure, can be flexibly assembled to adjust the spacing of the plug holes at multiple positions, can be quickly applied to various electrical leads, and saves costs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The embodiments are shown and explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. These drawings are used to explain the basic principles, and only the aspects necessary for understanding the basic principles are shown. These drawings are not to scale. In the drawings, the same reference numerals represent the same or similar features.

[0024] Figure 1AAn exemplary terminal housing for electrical leads according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0025] Figure 1B Shown from an angle Figure 1A A single housing for the terminal housing.

[0026] Figure 1C Shown from another angle Figure 1A A single housing for the terminal housing.

[0027] Figure 1D Shown from another angle Figure 1A A single housing for the terminal housing.

[0028] Figure 2A An exemplary terminal housing for electrical leads according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0029] Figure 2B Shown from an angle Figure 2A A single housing for the terminal housing.

[0030] Figure 2C Shown from another angle Figure 2A A single housing for the terminal housing.

[0031] Figure 2D Shown from another angle Figure 2A A single housing for the terminal housing.

[0032] Figure 3A An exemplary terminal housing for electrical leads according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0033] Figure 3B Shown from an angle Figure 3A A single housing for the terminal housing.

[0034] Figure 3C Shown from another angle Figure 3A A single housing for the terminal housing.

[0035] Figure 3D Shown from another angle Figure 3A A single housing for the terminal housing.

[0036] Figure 4A Shows Figure 3B A cross-sectional view of a first connection portion of a single shell.

[0037] Figure 4B A cross-sectional view of a first connecting portion of a single housing according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] In the following specific description of the preferred embodiments, reference will be made to the attached drawings which constitute a part of the present invention. The attached drawings show by way of example specific embodiments that can implement the present invention. The illustrative embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive of all embodiments according to the present invention. It will be appreciated that other embodiments may be utilized, and structural or logical modifications may also be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following specific description is not restrictive, and the scope of the present invention is limited by the appended claims.

[0039] As mentioned above, the distance between the plug holes of the existing terminal shell is fixed, so that the terminal shell cannot be directly applied to the wiring terminals with different pin spacings. The terminal shell needs to be designed for different wiring terminals, which increases the manufacturing cost.

[0040] In view of the above defects of the existing terminal shells, the present invention provides a terminal shell for electrical leads of different structures. In at least some embodiments, the present invention provides a terminal shell with multiple shells that can be separated and offset relative to each other by various distances to assemble into a terminal shell supporting different plug hole spacings.

[0041] In the present application, the distance between the plug holes (or the spacing) refers to the distance between the centers of two plug holes.

[0042] refer to Figure 1A , shows an exemplary terminal housing 1 for electrical leads according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1A As shown, the terminal housing 1 includes a plurality of housings 10a, 10b, 10c (three are shown in the figure, which is only for illustration and not limitation) having the same shape and being separable or detachable. Figure 1B-Figure 1D Shows the view from different angles Figure 1A The terminal housing 1 is a single housing 10a.

[0043] like Figure 1A-Figure 1D As shown, each of the multiple shells 10a, 10b, 10c includes a plug-in hole 105, wherein each two adjacently connected shells (for example, the first shell 10a and the second shell 10b) can be positioned adjacent to each other at multiple positions to change the distance between the plug-in holes 105 of the two shells, and the plug-in holes 105 of the multiple shells can be kept in a row or staggered adjacently.

[0044] like Figure 1AAs shown, when multiple housings 10a, 10b, 10c are connected together successively, the plug holes 105 of each housing can be kept in a row, that is, located on a straight line L, to adapt to the straight-type terminal. The distance between the plug holes 105 of two adjacent housings is d, and the distance d can be calculated by the lateral distance x and the longitudinal distance y between the plug holes 105 of the two housings. And the lateral distance x between the plug holes 105 of the two housings is usually kept constant, and the longitudinal distance y is variable. In other examples, the plug holes 105 of the multiple housings 10a, 10b, and 10c can be kept adjacent and staggered, for example, the plug holes 105 of the first housing 10a and the second housing 10b are staggered by a distance y1 in the longitudinal direction, the plug holes 105 of the second housing 10b and the third housing 10d are staggered by a distance y2 in the longitudinal direction, and the plug holes 105 of the first housing 10a and the third housing 10c are staggered by a distance y3 in the longitudinal direction, so that the plug holes 105 of the multiple housings 10a, 10b, and 10c are not located in a straight line (for example, y1≠y2, or y1=y2 but y3=0, etc.), such as a triangular or herringbone arrangement (not shown) to adapt to the circular terminal. Since the two housings can be positioned adjacent to each other at multiple positions (i.e., staggered by different distances), the size of the spacing d can be changed to adapt to the terminal with different pin spacings. For example, the first position may correspond to the plug hole spacing d1, the second position may correspond to the plug hole spacing d2, and so on. Without loss of generality, the following uses the housings 10a and 10b as an example to illustrate two adjacently connected housings.

[0045] like Figure 1A-Figure 1D As shown, each shell includes a first connecting portion 106a and a second connecting portion 107a; the first connecting portion 106a of the first shell 10a in the two shells 10a and 10b can cooperate with the second connecting portion 107a of the second shell 10b so that the first shell 10a can be positioned adjacent to the second shell 10b at multiple positions relative to the second shell 10b.

[0046] Each housing includes a top surface or first surface 101, two opposite side surfaces 102, 103 or second surface 102 and a third surface 103, wherein the second surface 102 and the third surface 103 are arranged at an angle (e.g., perpendicular or non-perpendicular) relative to the first surface 101, and the plug hole 105 is arranged at the first surface 101. For example, the second surface 102 can be parallel to the third surface 103. The first connection portion 106a of the first housing 10a can be matched with the second connection portion 107a of the second housing 10b so that the second surface 102 of the first housing 10a abuts against the third surface 103 of the second housing 10b.

[0047] In this embodiment, the first connection portion 106a of the first shell 10a can be snap-fitted with the second connection portion 107a of the second shell 10b, so that the second surface 102 of the first shell 10a abuts against the third surface 103 of the second shell 10b. Specifically, the first connection portion 106a and the second connection portion 107a of each shell are arranged at the first surface 101 of each shell, the first connection portion 106a includes a snap-fit ​​piece, and the second connection portion 107a includes a snap-fit ​​groove. The snap-fit ​​piece of the first shell 10a can be positioned at different positions in the snap-fit ​​groove of the second shell 10b, so that the second surface 102 of the first shell 10a abuts against the third surface 103 of the second shell 10b at corresponding positions in a plurality of positions, thereby making the two shells 10a and 10b tightly connected together.

[0048] In order to accurately make the first shell 10a abut against the second shell 10b at a corresponding position among the plurality of positions, each shell may further include a positioning member 108 ( Figure 1C and Figure 1D ) and a plurality of positioning holes 109a, 109b ( Figure 1B ), the size of each positioning hole can be suitable for accommodating the positioning member 108. When the positioning member 108 of the first shell 10a is positioned in a corresponding group of positioning holes in the multiple groups of positioning holes 109a, 109b of the second shell 10b, the second surface 102 of the first shell 10a abuts against the third surface 103 of the second shell 10b at a corresponding position in the multiple positions, and prevents the movement of the clamping member 106a of the first shell 10a in the clamping groove 107a of the second shell 10b (for example, up and down movement along the length direction of the clamping groove). For example, when the positioning member 108 of the first shell 10a is positioned in the first group of positioning holes 109b of the second shell 10b, the plug-in hole spacing d is the first spacing d1, and when the positioning member 108 of the first shell 10a is positioned in the second group of positioning holes 109a of the second shell 10b, the plug-in hole spacing d is the second spacing d2, wherein d1<d2. It should be understood that the number of positioning members 108 can be one or more (two are shown in the figure, which is only for illustration and not limitation), and multiple positioning members 108 can provide a better positioning effect compared with one positioning member 108. In addition, the number of groups of positioning holes can be two or more groups (two are shown in the figure, which is only for illustration and not limitation), so as to achieve the adjustment of the spacing between more than two plug holes.

[0049] For example, each housing further includes a bottom surface or a fourth surface 104 opposite to the first surface 101, and a third connection portion 106b and a fourth connection portion 107b may be provided at the fourth surface 104. Similar to the first connection portion 106a and the second connection portion 107b, the third connection portion 106b of the first housing 10a can be similarly matched with the fourth connection portion 107b of the second housing 10b, so that the second surface 102 of the first housing 10a abuts against the third surface 103 of the second housing 10b, which will not be described in detail. By connecting the two housings from the first surface and the fourth surface, the two housings can be more firmly connected together.

[0050] exist Figure 1A-Figure 1D In the embodiment of the present invention, each housing may further include a position indicator mark related to the distance between the plug holes to indicate multiple positions. For example, the position indicator mark may be set on the first surface 101. Figure 1B and Figure 1C As shown, a position indicator mark (such as the characters d1, d2 indicated in the figure, or it can be a character, a symbol or a combination thereof, etc.) can be set on the first surface 101 adjacent to the second connection portion 107a to facilitate positioning the first connection portion 106a of the first shell 10a on the second connection portion 107a of the second shell 20b so that the user can know the plug hole spacing under the current setting according to the position indicator mark.

[0051] refer to Figure 2A , shows an exemplary terminal housing 2 for electrical leads according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2A As shown, the terminal housing 2 includes a plurality of housings 20a, 20b, 20c (three are shown in the figure, which is only for illustration and not limitation) having the same shape and being separable or detachable. Figure 2B-Figure 2D Shows the view from different angles Figure 2A The single housing 20a of the terminal housing 2.

[0052] like Figure 2A-2D As shown, each of the multiple shells 20a, 20b, and 20c includes a plug-in hole 205, wherein each two adjacently connected shells (for example, the first shell 20a and the second shell 20b) can be positioned adjacent to each other at multiple positions to change the distance between the plug-in holes 205 of the two shells, and the plug-in holes 205 of the multiple shells can be kept in a row or staggered adjacently.

[0053] like Figure 2AAs shown, when multiple housings 20a, 20b, and 20c are connected together in succession, the plug holes 205 of each housing can be kept in a row, that is, located on a straight line L, to adapt to the linear terminal. The distance between the plug holes 205 of two adjacent housings is d, and the distance d can be calculated by the lateral distance x and the longitudinal distance y between the plug holes 205 of the two housings. And the lateral distance x between the plug holes 205 of the two housings is usually kept constant, and the longitudinal distance y is variable. In other examples, the plug holes 205 of the multiple housings 20a, 20b, and 20c can be kept adjacent and staggered, for example, the plug holes 205 of the first housing 20a and the second housing 20b are staggered by a distance y1 in the longitudinal direction, the plug holes 205 of the second housing 20b and the third housing 20d are staggered by a distance y2 in the longitudinal direction, and the plug holes 205 of the first housing 20a and the third housing 20c are staggered by a distance y3 in the longitudinal direction, so that the plug holes 205 of the multiple housings 20a, 20b, and 20c are not located in a straight line (for example, y1≠y2, or y1=y2 but y3=0, etc.), such as a triangular or herringbone arrangement (not shown) to adapt to the circular terminal. Since the two housings can be positioned adjacent to each other at multiple positions (i.e., staggered by different distances), the size of the spacing d can be changed to adapt to the terminal with different pin spacings. For example, the first position may correspond to the plug hole spacing d1, the second position may correspond to the plug hole spacing d2, and so on. Without loss of generality, the following uses the housings 20a and 20b as an example to illustrate two adjacently connected housings.

[0054] like Figure 2A-2D As shown, each shell includes a first connection portion 206a and a second connection portion 207a, 207b; the first connection portion 206a of the first shell 20a of the two shells 20a, 20b can be matched with the second connection portion 207a, 207b of the second shell 20b, so that the first shell 20a can be positioned adjacent to the second shell 20b at multiple positions relative to the second shell 20b. For example, the second connection portion 207a, 207b includes multiple groups of connection members, and the first connection portion 206a of the first shell 20a can be matched with a corresponding group of connection members in the multiple groups of connection members of the second shell 20b, so that the first shell 20a can be positioned adjacent to the second shell 20b at corresponding positions in multiple positions relative to the second shell 20b.

[0055] Each housing includes a top surface or first surface 201, two opposite side surfaces 202, 203 or second surface 202 and a third surface 203, wherein the second surface 202 and the third surface 203 are arranged at an angle (e.g., perpendicular or non-perpendicular) relative to the first surface 201, and the plug hole 205 is arranged at the first surface 201. For example, the second surface 202 can be parallel to the third surface 203. The first connection portion 206a of the first housing 20a can be matched with the second connection portion 207a, 207b of the second housing 20b, so that the second surface 202 of the first housing 20a abuts against the third surface 203 of the second housing 20b.

[0056] In this embodiment, the first connection portion 206a of the first shell 20a can be snap-fitted with the second connection portions 207a, 207b of the second shell 10b, so that the second surface 102 of the first shell 10a abuts against the third surface 103 of the second shell 10b. Specifically, the first connection portion 206a and the second connection portion 207a, 207b of each shell are arranged at the first surface 201 of each shell, the first connection portion 206a includes a snap-fit ​​piece with an opening, and the second connection portion 207a, 207b includes multiple groups of protrusions. A corresponding group of protrusions in the multiple groups of protrusions 207a, 207b of the second shell 20b can be positioned in the opening of the snap-fit ​​piece of the first shell 20a, so that the second surface 202 of the first shell 20a abuts against the third surface 203 of the second shell 20b at a corresponding position in a plurality of positions, thereby making the two shells 20a and 20b tightly connected together. For example, when the first group of protrusions 207b among the multiple groups of protrusions 207a, 207b of the second shell 20b is positioned in the opening of the fastening member of the first shell 20a, the plug-in hole spacing d is the first spacing d1, and when the second group of protrusions 207a, 207b among the multiple groups of protrusions 207a, 207b of the second shell 20b is positioned in the opening of the fastening member of the first shell 20a, the plug-in hole spacing d is the second spacing d2, wherein d1<d2. It should be understood that the number of fastening members 206a can be one or more (shown as 2, for illustration only and not limitation), and multiple fastening members can provide a better fixing effect compared to one fastening member. In addition, the number of groups of protrusions can be two or more groups (shown as 2, for illustration only and not limitation) to achieve the adjustment of the spacing between more than two plug-in holes.

[0057] For example, each shell further includes a bottom surface or a fourth surface 204 opposite to the first surface 201, and a third connection portion 206b and a fourth connection portion 207c, 207d may be provided at the fourth surface 204. Similar to the first connection portion 206a and the second connection portion 207a, 207b, the third connection portion 206b of the first shell 20a can be similarly matched with the fourth connection portion 207c, 207d of the second shell 20b, so that the second surface 202 of the first shell 20a abuts against the third surface 203 of the second shell 20b, which will not be described in detail. By connecting the two shells from the first surface and the fourth surface, the two shells can be more firmly connected together.

[0058] It should be understood that in other embodiments different from the first and second embodiments, the cooperation between the first connection portion of the first shell and the second connection portion of the second shell may be different from the cooperation between the third connection portion of the first shell and the fourth connection portion of the second shell. For example, the cooperation between the first connection portion of the first shell and the second connection portion of the second shell may be a snap fit and the cooperation between the third connection portion of the first shell and the fourth connection portion of the second shell may be a snap fit, or the cooperation between the first connection portion of the first shell and the second connection portion of the second shell may be a snap fit and the cooperation between the third connection portion of the first shell and the fourth connection portion of the second shell may be a snap fit.

[0059] exist Figure 2A-2D In the embodiment of the present invention, each housing may further include a position indicator mark related to the distance between the plug holes to indicate multiple positions. For example, the position indicator mark may be set on the first surface 201. Figure 2B and Figure 2C As shown, a position indicator mark (such as the characters d1, d2 indicated in the figure, or it can be a character, a symbol or a combination thereof, etc.) can be set on the first surface 201 adjacent to the second connecting portions 207a, 207b to facilitate the user to know the current setting of the plug-in hole spacing based on the position indicator mark when the first connecting portion 206a of the first shell 20a is snapped into a corresponding group of protrusions among the multiple groups of protrusions of the second shell 20b.

[0060] refer to Figure 3A , shows an exemplary terminal housing 3 for electrical leads according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3A As shown, the terminal housing 3 includes a plurality of housings 30a, 30b, 30c (three are shown in the figure, which is only for illustration and not limitation) having the same shape and being separable or detachable. Figure 3B-Figure 3D Shows the view from different angles Figure 3A The single housing 30a of the terminal housing 3.

[0061] like Figure 3A-3DAs shown, each of the multiple shells 30a, 30b, and 30c includes a plug-in hole 305, wherein each two adjacently connected shells (for example, the first shell 30a and the second shell 30b) can be positioned adjacent to each other at multiple positions to change the distance between the plug-in holes 305 of the two shells, and the plug-in holes 305 of the multiple shells can be kept in a row or staggered adjacently.

[0062] like Figure 3A As shown, when multiple housings 30a, 30b, and 30c are connected together in succession, the plug holes 305 of each housing can be kept in a row, that is, located on a straight line L, to adapt to the linear terminal. The distance between the plug holes 305 of two adjacent housings is d, and the distance d can be calculated by the lateral distance x and the longitudinal distance y between the plug holes 305 of the two housings. And the lateral distance x between the plug holes 305 of the two housings is usually kept constant, and the longitudinal distance y is variable. In other examples, the plug holes 305 of the multiple housings 30a, 30b, and 30c can be kept adjacent and staggered, for example, the plug holes 305 of the first housing 30a and the second housing 30b are staggered by a distance y1 in the longitudinal direction, the plug holes 305 of the second housing 30b and the third housing 30d are staggered by a distance y2 in the longitudinal direction, and the plug holes 305 of the first housing 30a and the third housing 30c are staggered by a distance y3 in the longitudinal direction, so that the plug holes 305 of the multiple housings 30a, 30b, and 30c are not located in a straight line (for example, y1≠y2, or y1=y2 but y3=0, etc.), such as a triangular or herringbone arrangement (not shown) to adapt to the circular terminal. Since the two housings can be positioned adjacently at multiple positions relative to each other (i.e., staggered by different distances), the size of the spacing d can be changed to adapt to the terminal with different pin spacings. For example, the first position may correspond to the plug hole spacing d1, the second position may correspond to the plug hole spacing d2, and so on. Without loss of generality, the following uses the shells 30a and 30b as an example to illustrate two adjacently connected shells.

[0063] like Figure 3A-3DAs shown, each shell includes a first connection portion 307 and a second connection portion 306a, 306b; the second connection portion 306a, 306b of the first shell 30a of the two shells 30a, 30b can be matched with the first connection portion 307 of the second shell 30b, so that the first shell 30a can be positioned adjacent to the second shell 30b at multiple positions relative to the second shell 30b. For example, the second connection portion 306a, 306b includes multiple groups of connection members, and the first connection portion 307 of the second shell 30b can be matched with a corresponding group of connection members in the multiple groups of connection members of the first shell 30a, so that the first shell 30a can be positioned adjacent to the second shell 30b at corresponding positions in multiple positions relative to the second shell 30b.

[0064] Each housing includes a top surface or first surface 301, two opposing side surfaces 302, 303 or second surfaces 302 and a third surface 303, wherein the second surface 302 and the third surface 303 are arranged at an angle (e.g., perpendicular or non-perpendicular) relative to the first surface 301, and the plug hole 305 is arranged at the first surface 301. For example, the second surface 302 can be parallel to the third surface 303. The second connection portion 306a, 306b of the first housing 30a can be matched with the first connection portion 307 of the second housing 30b so that the second surface 302 of the first housing 30a abuts against the third surface 303 of the second housing 30b.

[0065] In this embodiment, the second connection parts 306a, 306b of the first shell 30a can be plugged and matched with the first connection part 307 of the second shell 30b, so that the second surface 302 of the first shell 30a abuts against the third surface 303 of the second shell 30b. Specifically, the second connection parts 306a, 306b of each shell are arranged at the second surface 302 of each shell and the first connection part 307 is arranged at the third surface 303 of each shell, the first connection part 307 includes a protruding plug block, which is formed to expand gradually from at least the lower part to the upper part, and the second connection parts 306a, 306b include multiple groups of grooves, and the shape of each groove at least partially matches the plug block; and the plug block of the second shell 30b is suitable for being accommodated in a corresponding group of grooves in the multiple groups of grooves of the first shell 30a, so that the second surface 302 of the first shell 30a abuts against the third surface 303 of the second shell 30b at corresponding positions in multiple positions, so that the two shells 30a and 30b are firmly connected together. For example, when the first connection portion 307 of the second shell 30b is positioned in the first group of grooves 306a of the first shell 30a, the plug-in hole spacing d is the first spacing d1, and when the first connection portion 307 of the second shell 30b is positioned in the second group of grooves 306b of the first shell 30a, the plug-in hole spacing d is the second spacing d2, wherein d1<d2. It should be understood that the number of plug-in blocks 307 can be one or more (two are shown in the figure, which is only for illustration and not limitation), and multiple plug-in blocks can provide a better fixing effect compared to one plug-in block. In addition, the number of groups of multiple groups of grooves can be two or more groups (two are shown in the figure, which is only for illustration and not limitation) to achieve the adjustment of the spacing between more than two plug-in holes.

[0066] For example, each housing further includes a fourth surface 304 opposite to the first surface 301, and the plug extends between the first surface 301 and the fourth surface 304. For example, the plug may extend transversely between the first surface 301 and the fourth surface 304 along a direction perpendicular to the length direction of each housing. The plug may extend from adjacent to the first surface 301 to the fourth surface 304, may extend from adjacent to the fourth surface 304 to the first surface 301, or may extend transversely between the first surface 301 and the fourth surface 304 in other ways.

[0067] like Figure 3C As shown, each groove in the plurality of grooves can be a blind hole to limit the movement of the plug in the groove. The opening 3061 of each groove can be larger than the tail 3062 to provide a reliable fastening force so that the plug is tightly accommodated in the groove, thereby firmly connecting the two housings together.

[0068] exist Figure 3A-3DIn the embodiment of the present invention, each housing may further include a position indicator mark related to the distance between the plug holes to indicate multiple positions. For example, the position indicator mark may be set on the first surface 301. Figure 3B and Figure 3C As shown, a position indicator mark (such as the characters d1, d2 indicated in the figure, or it can be a character, a symbol or a combination thereof, etc.) can be arranged on the first surface 301 adjacent to the second connection parts 306a, 306b to facilitate the user to know the current setting of the plug-in hole spacing according to the position indicator mark when the first connection part 307 of the second shell 30b is plugged into a corresponding group of grooves in the multiple groups of grooves of the second shell 20b.

[0069] It should be understood that, in addition to the above embodiments, the position indication mark may be provided on other surfaces of the housing adjacent to the second connection portion, as long as the user can observe the position indication mark.

[0070] Figure 4A Shows Figure 3B A cross-sectional view of the first connecting portion 307 of a single shell. Figure 4A and Figure 3A-3D As shown, the first connection portion 307 is in the form of a dovetail pin, formed to expand gradually upward from at least the lower portion 3072 (e.g., the upper portion 3071). In addition, the second connection portions 306a, 306b are in the form of a dovetail groove to at least partially match the dovetail pin, so that when the first connection portion 307 of the second housing 30b is accommodated in the second connection portion 306a or 306b of the first housing 30a, the two housings 30a and 30b are connected together.

[0071] Figure 4B A cross-sectional view of a first connection portion 307' of a single housing according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. The first connection portion 307' is in the form of a teardrop-shaped pin, formed to gradually expand from at least the lower portion 3072' upward (e.g., the upper portion 3071'). Moreover, the form of the first connection portion can at least partially match the teardrop-shaped pin, so that when the first connection portion 307' of the second housing 30b is accommodated in the first connection portion of the first housing 30a, the two housings 30a and 30b are connected together.

[0072] It should be understood that the first connection part and the second connection part that are plug-fitted may adopt plug blocks and grooves of various shapes known in the art, as long as the two housings 30a and 30b are connected together when the plug blocks are accommodated in the grooves.

[0073] The terminal shell for electrical leads described in the above embodiments has the following advantages compared with the terminal shell in the prior art: multiple shells can be flexibly assembled as needed to accommodate terminal blocks with different numbers of pins; the distance between the plug holes of adjacent shells can be adjusted at multiple positions, so that commonly used pin spacings can be easily integrated; it has a modular structure, does not require new mold design, and has low development costs; it can be quickly applied to various electrical leads, saving costs.

[0074] Therefore, although the present invention is described with reference to specific examples, these specific examples are intended to be illustrative only and not limiting of the present invention. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the disclosed embodiments may be changed, added or deleted without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A terminal housing for an electrical lead, characterized in that: The terminal housing comprises: A plurality of separable shells having the same shape, each of the plurality of shells comprising a plug-in hole; Among them, each two adjacently connected shells among the multiple shells can be positioned adjacent to each other at multiple positions to change the distance between the plug-in holes of the two adjacent shells, and the plug-in holes of the multiple shells can be kept in a row or staggered adjacently.

2. The terminal housing according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the housings comprises a first connection portion and a second connection portion; and The first connection portion of the first of the two shells can cooperate with the second connection portion of the second of the two shells so that the first shell can be positioned adjacent to the second shell at the plurality of positions relative to the second shell.

3. The terminal housing according to claim 2, characterized in that: Each of the housings comprises a first surface, an opposite second surface and a third surface, wherein the second surface and the third surface are arranged at an angle relative to the first surface, and the plug hole is arranged at the first surface; The first connection portion of the first shell can cooperate with the second connection portion of the second shell so that the second surface of the first shell abuts against the third surface of the second shell.

4. The terminal housing according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The first connection portion of the first shell can be snap-fitted, snap-fitted, or plug-fitted with the second connection portion of the second shell, so that the second surface of the first shell abuts against the third surface of the second shell.

5. The terminal housing according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first connection portion and the second connection portion of each housing are arranged at the first surface of each housing, the first connection portion includes a snap-fit ​​member and the second connection portion includes a snap-fit ​​groove; and TE-054647(I) The snap-fitting member of the first shell can be positioned at different positions in the snap-fitting groove of the second shell, so that the second surface of the first shell abuts against the third surface of the second shell at corresponding positions among the plurality of positions.

6. The terminal housing according to claim 5, characterized in that: Each of the housings further comprises a positioning member disposed on the second surface and a plurality of positioning holes disposed on the third surface; and The positioning member of the first shell is suitable for being positioned in a corresponding group of positioning holes among the plurality of groups of positioning holes of the second shell, so that the second surface of the first shell abuts against the third surface of the second shell at a corresponding position among the plurality of positions.

7. The terminal housing according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first connection portion and the second connection portion of each housing are disposed at the first surface of each housing, the first connection portion includes a snap-fit ​​member having an opening and the second connection portion includes a plurality of groups of protrusions; and A corresponding set of protrusions among the plurality of sets of protrusions of the second shell is adapted to be positioned in the opening of the snap-fit ​​member of the first shell so that the second surface of the first shell abuts against the third surface of the second shell at a corresponding position among the plurality of positions.

8. The terminal housing according to claim 5 or 7, characterized in that: Each of the shells further comprises a fourth surface opposite to the first surface, and a third connecting portion and a fourth connecting portion are disposed on the fourth surface; The third connection portion of the first shell can be snap-fitted or snap-fitted with the fourth connection portion of the second shell, so that the second surface of the first shell abuts against the third surface of the second shell.

9. The terminal housing according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first connection portion of each shell is arranged at the third surface of each shell and the second connection portion is arranged at the second surface of each shell, the first connection portion includes a protruding plug block, the plug block is formed to expand gradually from at least the bottom to the top, and the second connection portion includes TE-054647 (I) a plurality of sets of grooves, the shapes of the grooves at least partially matching the plug blocks; and The insert block of the second housing is adapted to be received in a corresponding set of grooves among the plurality of sets of grooves of the first housing so that the second surface of the first housing abuts against the third surface of the second housing at a corresponding position among the plurality of positions.

10. The terminal housing according to claim 9, characterized in that: Each of the housings further includes a fourth surface opposite to the first surface, and the insert extends between the first surface and the fourth surface.

11. The terminal housing according to claim 9, characterized in that: Each groove in the plurality of groups of grooves is a blind hole.

12. The terminal housing according to claim 9, characterized in that: The opening portion of each groove in the plurality of groups of grooves is larger than the tail portion.

13. The terminal housing according to claim 2, characterized in that: Each of the housings further includes position indication marks associated with the distances between the plug holes to indicate the multiple positions.

14. The terminal housing according to claim 13, characterized in that: The position indication mark is arranged on the surface of each housing.

15. The terminal housing according to claim 14, characterized in that The position indication mark is disposed on the surface adjacent to the second connection portion.

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