Terminal housing

Abstract

To provide an improved or alternative terminal housing, thereby removing the cover of the terminal housing and refitting the cover multiple times while reducing the risk of damage to the cover resulting in inadequate sealing of a terminal contact from the environment.SOLUTION: There is provided a terminal housing (1) for housing a power terminal (2) and a cable shoe (3) connected to the power terminal (2). The terminal housing (1) has a clamp section (4) having a clamp section wall (37) which delimits a clamp volume (6) for housing the power terminal (2) and the cable shoe (3). The clamp section (4) includes a screw opening (12) which is open in an axial direction (5). A cover (14) removably covers the screw opening (12), and the cover (14) is attached to the clamp section (4) via at least one snap fit connection (20). The snap fit connection (20) is provided by at least one resilient cantilever arm (22).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a terminal housing for receiving a power terminal and a cable shoe.The present invention also relates to a motor controller system comprising a power terminal, a cable with a cable shoe and such a terminal housing. [Background technology]

[0002] A known prior art terminal housing is disclosed in EP 3940907. It discloses a terminal housing with a terminal opening for inserting a power terminal and further with an outer opening for inserting a cable shoe. The housing has a screw opening for inserting a screw, and the terminal housing further comprises a corresponding receptacle for receiving a sealing element for the outer opening and the screw opening. The terminal housing further comprises a cover, which removably covers the screw opening. The cover is attached to the clamping part by a form-fit connection. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 3940907 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The terminal housing according to the present invention as set forth in claim 1 aims to provide an improved or alternative terminal housing whereby the cover of the terminal housing can be removed and reinstalled multiple times whilst reducing the risk of the cover becoming damaged resulting in inadequate sealing of the terminal contacts from the environment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This object is achieved by a first aspect of the invention, which comprises a terminal housing for accommodating a power terminal and a cable shoe connected to the power terminal. The terminal housing comprises a clamping part extending in an axial and circumferential direction and comprising a clamping part wall defining a clamping volume for accommodating the power terminal and the cable shoe, and a cable part for inserting a cable connected to the cable shoe. The cable part projects from the clamping part in a direction transverse to the axial direction or in a direction inclined to the axial direction and defines the cable volume. The cable part comprises an inner opening for inserting the cable shoe into the clamping volume and an outer opening opposite the inner opening for inserting the cable into the cable part. The clamping part comprises a screw opening spaced apart from the cable part and opening in the axial direction for inserting a screw into the clamping volume, and a cover removably covering the screw opening. The clamping part further comprises a terminal opening opposite the screw opening for inserting the power terminal into the clamping volume. The terminal housing comprises a cover sealing receptacle for receiving a cover sealing element for sealing the clamping volume against the outside, the cover sealing receptacle being defined by the clamping part and the cover. The cover is attached to the clamp part via at least one snap-fit ​​connection provided by at least one resilient cantilever arm extending from the cover and having a protrusion at a free end thereof that extends into a complementary recess or opening in the clamp part or the cable part, or alternatively, the snap-fit ​​connection may be provided by at least one resilient cantilever arm extending from the clamp part or the cable part and extending into a complementary recess or opening in the cover.

[0006] By using a snap-fit ​​connection, the connection of the cover to the clamping part is not only achieved by a form-fit connection. In fact, the cover can also be attached to the clamping part without a form-fit connection. All that matters is that there is a sufficient seal between the cover and the clamping part. By having a snap-fit ​​connection, the cover can be attached to the clamping part by pressing axially and can be removed by releasing the snap-fit, for example using a tool. By using at least one elastic cantilever arm in the snap-fit ​​connection, the cover can be opened and closed multiple times, reducing the risk of damaging the cover.

[0007] The recess or opening is preferably positioned away from the clamp portion wall so that release of the snap-fit ​​connection can be achieved without damaging critical sealing portions of the cover, thereby achieving secure attachment of the cover while allowing repeated attachment and removal of the cover.

[0008] The directions indicated in this specification refer in particular to the axial direction, which may correspond to the projection direction of the power terminals. Thus, the term radial or "radial" means transverse to the axial direction. The circumferential direction extends around the axial direction.

[0009] The cover preferably comprises a first protrusion extending transversely from the clamping part in the axial direction or at an angle to the axial direction, and at least one resilient cantilever arm is connected at one end to the first protrusion, extends perpendicularly from the first protrusion in the axial direction and comprises a protrusion at its free end, which protrusion extends into a complementary recess or opening in the clamping part or the cable part. The resilient cantilever arm is elastically deformed when the snap-fit ​​is engaged or released. The snap-fit ​​connection is therefore located away from the sealing area of ​​the cover to avoid damage to the sealing area.

[0010] Two such resilient cantilever arms may be provided, with projections at the free ends of the cantilever arms facing each other and each extending into a respective complementary recess or opening in the clamp portion or cable portion. In this arrangement, the resilient arms must be pushed apart using a tool to release the snap fit, thus making the attachment more secure and preventing inadvertent removal of the cover.

[0011] The cover may further comprise at least one reinforcing rib extending along a surface of the first protrusion facing the cantilever arm, the rib reinforcing the cover and further reducing the risk of damage during removal of the cover.

[0012] The projection may have a first stop surface extending in a plane extending perpendicular to the axial direction and engaging an opposing parallel stop surface in the recess or opening. This arrangement of stop surfaces requires a lateral force to be applied to the cantilever arm to release the snap fit before the cover can be moved axially away from the clamping portion.

[0013] The cover may be provided with a second protrusion extending laterally away from the clamping portion or at an angle relative to the axial direction. The second protrusion is preferably located on the opposite side of the cover from the first protrusion, and the second protrusion extends into a complementary opening or recess in the clamping portion. The second protrusion aids in locating the cover within the clamping portion and provides a more secure attachment of the cover.

[0014] The second projection can snap into a complementary opening or recess in the clamp portion.

[0015] The terminal housing may further comprise a cable sealing receptacle within the cable volume for receiving a cable sealing element for sealing the cable volume from the outside, the cable sealing receptacle being defined by the cable portion and positioned within the area of ​​the outer opening.

[0016] The terminal housing may further comprise a terminal sealing receptacle arranged in the area of ​​the terminal opening for receiving a terminal sealing element for sealing the clamping volume against the outside. The terminal sealing receptacle may be delimited by a groove opening on a side facing away from the clamping volume.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the cover comprises a portion extending into the clamping volume, the portion having a groove defining a sealing receptacle for receiving the cover sealing element, the portion may be in the form of a collar, preferably a cylindrical collar.

[0018] The motor controller may comprise a terminal housing according to one of the above-mentioned embodiments of the invention described above. The motor controller comprises an axially projecting power terminal, which projects axially through a terminal opening into a clamping portion of the terminal housing. A cable with a cable shoe extends into the terminal housing through an outer opening such that the cable shoe is located in the clamping volume on the side facing the screw opening of the power terminal and the screw extends through the cable shoe into the power terminal, whereby the cable shoe is clamped between the screw and the power terminal.

[0019] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a terminal housing according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the terminal housing according to FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a terminal housing according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a motor controller according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] 1 to 5, a terminal housing 1 is provided for accommodating a power terminal 2 together with a cable shoe 3. The terminal housing 1 has a clamping section 4 extending in an axial direction 5 and a circumferential direction, and includes a clamping section wall 37 that defines a clamping volume 6 for accommodating the power terminal 2 and the cable shoe 3. The terminal housing 1 has a cable section 7 for inserting a cable 8 to be connected to the cable shoe 3. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the cable section 7 projects transversely to the axial direction from the clamping section 4 and defines a cable volume 9. The cable section 7 includes an inner opening 10 for inserting the cable shoe 3 into the clamping volume 6. The cable section 7 also includes an outer opening 11 opposite the inner opening 10 for inserting the cable 8 into the cable section 7.

[0022] The clamping part 4 comprises a threaded opening 12 spaced apart from the cable part 7 and opening in the axial direction 5. A screw 13 can be inserted through the opening 12 into the clamping volume 6. A cable 8 with a cable shoe 3 extends through an outer opening 11 into the terminal housing 1, whereby the cable shoe 3 is located in the clamping volume 6 on the side of the power terminal 2 facing the threaded opening 12. The screw 13 extends through the cable shoe 3 into the power terminal 2, whereby the cable shoe 3 is clamped between the screw 13 and the power terminal 2. A first cover 14 is provided covering the threaded opening 12. The first cover 14 is removably attached to the clamping part 4.

[0023] The clamping part 4 further comprises a terminal opening 15 opposite the screw opening 12 for inserting the power terminal 2 into the clamping volume 6. The terminal housing 1 comprises a cover sealing receptacle 16 for receiving a cover sealing element 17 for sealing the clamping volume 6 against the outside, the cover sealing receptacle 16 being delimited by the clamping part 4 and the first cover 14. For this purpose, the cover 14 comprises a portion 18 which extends into the clamping volume 6. The portion 18 may be in the form of a collar, preferably a cylindrical collar 18. The collar 18 has a groove 19 which delimits the sealing receptacle.

[0024] According to the invention, the cover 14 is attached to the clamping part 4 via a snap-fit ​​connection 20. A snap-fit ​​connection is a connection between the cover 14 and the clamping part 4 or the cable part 7 via an interlocking part. The snap-fit ​​connection 20 is in the form of a cantilever snap-fit, whereby in the present embodiment it is shown that an elastically deformable cantilever arm 22 is provided on the cover 14. However, the elastically deformable cantilever arm 22 can also be formed on the clamping part 4 or the cable part 7. By using the snap-fit ​​connection 20 with the cantilever arm 22, the connection of the cover to the clamping part is not only achieved by a form-fit connection, but the cantilever arm allows repeated mounting and dismounting of the cover with minimal damage to the sealing parts of the cover 14. The cover 14 can also be attached to the clamping part 4 without a form-fit connection. What is important is only that there is a sufficient seal between the cover 14 and the clamping part 4 to seal the clamping volume 6 from the outside. The cover 14 can be attached to the clamping part by pressing in the axial direction 5 and can be removed by releasing the snap-fit, for example using a tool.

[0025] In the embodiment shown, the snap-fit ​​connection 20 is provided by a first protrusion 21 on the cover 14, which extends laterally away from the clamping part 4 or at an angle to the axial direction 5, and which has two resilient cantilever arms 22 connected at one end to the first protrusion 21. The two resilient cantilever arms 22 extend perpendicularly from the first protrusion 21 in the axial direction 5 and each comprises a projection 23 at its free end, which projection extends into a complementary recess 24 or opening provided in the clamping part 4 or the cable part 7. The resilient cantilever arms 22 are elastically deformed when the snap-fit ​​is engaged or released. The snap-fit ​​connection 20 is therefore located away from the sealing area of ​​the cover so that damage to the sealing area is avoided.

[0026] The cover 14 may further include at least one reinforcing rib extending along a surface of the first projection 21 facing the cantilever arm 22 .

[0027] In the embodiment shown, the projections 23 at the free ends of the cantilever arms 22 face each other and each extend into a respective complementary recess or opening 24 provided in the clamp part 4 or cable part 7. The projections 23 extend in a plane extending perpendicular to the axial direction 5 and have a first stop surface 25 which engages an opposing parallel second stop surface 26 of the recess or opening 24. In this configuration, the resilient arms 22 must be pushed apart using a tool to release the snap-fit, thus making the attachment more secure and preventing inadvertent removal of the cover. The projections 23 can be tapered to aid in the deflection of the cantilever arms 22 when engaging the snap-fit.

[0028] The cover 14 is provided with a second protrusion 27 extending laterally away from the clamping part 4 or at an angle to the axial direction 5. The second protrusion 27 is preferably located on the opposite side of the cover 14 to the first protrusion 21, the second protrusion 27 extending into a complementary opening 28 or recess in the clamping part 4. The second protrusion 27 aids in locating the cover 14 in the clamping part 4 and provides a more secure attachment of the cover 14. The second protrusion 27 can snap into the complementary opening 28 or recess in the clamping part 4.

[0029] The terminal housing 1 further comprises a cable sealing receptacle 29 in the cable volume 9 for receiving a cable sealing element 30 for sealing the cable volume 9 against the outside. The cable sealing receptacle 29 is delimited by the cable part 7 and is arranged in the area of ​​the outer opening 11. In particular, the cable part 7 comprises a radial enlargement in the area of ​​the outer opening 11, which delimits the cable sealing receptacle 29. The cable sealing element 30 is a substantially cylindrical rubber part with sealing fins.

[0030] The terminal housing 1 may also further comprise a terminal sealing receptacle 31 (see FIG. 2) arranged in the area of ​​the terminal opening 15 for receiving a terminal sealing element 32 for sealing the clamping volume 6 against the outside. The terminal sealing receptacle 31 is delimited by a groove opening on the side facing away from the clamping volume 6.

[0031] The cable shoe comprises a base 35 and a sleeve 34. The sleeve 34 receives the end of the cable 8 and the base 35 extends from the sleeve 34 and has an opening for attachment to the power terminal 2 via a screw 13. The cable volume 9 narrows towards the inner opening 10 such that the base 35 of the cable shoe 3 is guided through the inner opening 10 into the clamping volume 6.

[0032] Terminal housing 1 further comprises a second cover 36 disposed in outer opening 11 for securing cable 8 to terminal housing 1. Second cover 36 is preferably snap-fitted to terminal housing 1 by engaging at least one protrusion of terminal housing 1 with an opening in a collar of second cover 36 such that second cover 36 is removably attached to cable portion 7.

[0033] 5 shows a motor controller 33 with a terminal housing 1 according to the invention. The motor controller 33 comprises five axially projecting power terminals 2, one of which projects axially into the clamping part 4 of the terminal housing 1 through a terminal opening 15. A cable 8 with a cable shoe 3 extends into the terminal housing 1 through an outer opening 11, whereby the cable shoe 3 is located in the clamping volume 6 on the side of the power terminal 2 facing the screw opening 12. A screw 13 extends through the cable shoe 3 into the power terminal, whereby the cable shoe 3 is clamped between the screw 13 and the power terminal 2. [Explanation of symbols]

[0034] 1 Terminal Housing 2 Power terminal 3 Cable shoe 4 Clamp section 5 Axial Direction 6 Clamp volume 7 Cable section 8 Cable 9 Cable volume 10 Inner opening 11 Outer opening 12 Screw opening 13 Screw 14 First Cover 15 Terminal opening 16 Cover Sealing Receptacle 17 Cover sealing element 18 Color 19 Groove 20 Snap-fit ​​connections 21 First protrusion 22 Cantilever Arm 23 Protrusion 24 Aperture 25 First Stop Surface 26 Second Stop Surface 27 Second protrusion 28 Aperture 29 Cable Sealing Receptacle 30 Cable sealing element 31 Terminal sealing receptacle 32 Terminal sealing element 33 Motor Controller 34 Sleeve 35 base 36 Second Cover 37 Clamp wall 38 Reinforcing rib

Claims

1. A terminal housing (1) that accommodates a power terminal (2) and a cable shoe (3) connected to the power terminal (2), a clamping part (4) comprising a clamping part wall (37) extending axially (5) and circumferentially and defining a clamping volume (6) for accommodating said power terminal (2) and said cable shoe (3), A cable portion (7) for inserting a cable (8) connected to the cable shoe (3), the cable portion (7) protrudes from the clamping portion (4) in a direction transverse to the axial direction (5) or inclined to the axial direction (5) and defines a cable volume (9); the cable section (7) comprises an inner opening (10) for inserting the cable shoe (3) into the clamping volume (6) and an outer opening (11) opposite the inner opening (10) for inserting the cable (8) into the cable section (7); the clamping part (4) comprises a screw opening (12) which is spaced from the cable part (7) and opens in the axial direction (5) for inserting a screw (13) into the clamping volume part (6); A clamp portion (4); A first cover (14) removably covering the screw opening (12), the clamping part (4) comprises a terminal opening (15) facing the screw opening (12) for inserting the power terminal (2) into the clamping volume part (6); The terminal housing (1) comprises a cover sealing receptacle (16) for receiving a cover sealing element (17) for sealing the clamping volume (6) against the outside, which is delimited by the clamping part (4) and the first cover (14); The first cover (14) is attached to the clamp part (4) via at least one snap-fit ​​connection (20); the snap-fit ​​connection (20) is provided by at least one resilient cantilever arm (22) extending from the cover (14) and provided at its free end with a protrusion (23) which extends into a complementary recess or opening (24) provided in the clamping part (4) or in the cable part (7); or the snap-fit ​​connection (20) is provided by at least one resilient cantilever arm (22) extending from the clamping part (4) or in the cable part (7) and extending into a complementary recess or opening (24) provided in the cover (14). A first cover (14); The terminal housing (1) comprises:

2. 2. The terminal housing (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the recess or opening (24) is arranged spaced apart from the clamping portion wall (37).

3. 2. The terminal housing (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first cover (14) comprises a first protrusion (21) extending from the clamping part (4) transversely in the axial direction or at an angle to the axial direction (5), one of the at least one resilient cantilever arm (22) being connected at one end to the first protrusion (21), extending perpendicularly from the first protrusion (21) in the axial direction (5) and comprising a projection (23) at its free end, the projection extending into a complementary recess or opening (24) provided in the clamping part (4) or the cable part (7).

4. 4. The terminal housing (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the cover (14) is provided with a second protrusion (27) extending laterally away from the clamping portion (4) or inclined with respect to the axial direction (5) and arranged opposite the first protrusion (21) of the cover (14), the second protrusion (27) extending into a complementary opening (28) or recess provided in the clamping portion (4).

5. 5. The terminal housing (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the second projection (27) is snap-fitted into the complementary opening or recess (28) provided in the clamping part (4).

6. A terminal housing (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that two such resilient cantilever arms (22) are provided, the projections (23) at the free ends of the cantilever arms (22) facing each other and each extending into a respective complementary recess or opening (24) provided in the clamping part (4) or the cable part (7).

7. 7. The terminal housing (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the projection (23) has a first stop surface (25) extending in a plane extending perpendicular to the axial direction (5) and engaging an opposing parallel second stop surface (26) of the recess or opening (24).

8. 8. The terminal housing (1) according to claim 1, wherein the terminal housing (1) comprises a cable sealing receptacle (29) in the cable volume (9) for receiving a cable sealing element (30) for sealing the cable volume (9) against the outside, the cable sealing receptacle (29) being delimited by the cable portion (7) and arranged in the area of ​​the outer opening (11).

9. The terminal housing (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the terminal housing (1) comprises a terminal sealing receptacle (31) arranged in the area of ​​the terminal opening (15) for receiving a terminal sealing element (32) for sealing the clamping volume (6) against the outside.

10. 10. The terminal housing (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the terminal housing (1) is provided with a groove (31) which is open on the side facing away from the clamping volume (6) and which defines the terminal sealing receptacle (31).

11. 11. The terminal housing (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first cover (14) comprises a cylindrical portion extending into the clamping volume (6) and having a groove (19) that defines the extent of the cover sealing receptacle (16).

12. 4. The terminal housing (1) of claim 3, wherein the first cover (14) comprises at least one reinforcing rib (38) extending along a surface of the first protrusion facing the cantilever arm (22).

13. A motor controller (33) having a terminal housing (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, The motor controller (33) includes a power terminal (2) protruding in the axial direction, The power terminal (2) protrudes axially into the clamping portion (4) of the terminal housing (1) through the terminal opening (15); a cable (8) having a cable shoe (3) extends through the outer opening (11) into the terminal housing (1), whereby the cable shoe (3) is located in the clamping volume (6) on the side of the power terminal (2) facing the threaded opening (12); A screw (13) extends through the cable shoe (3) into the power terminal (2), whereby the cable shoe (3) is clamped between the screw (13) and the power terminal (2), a motor controller (33).

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