Abstract:
Power connector modules are provided that can be plug connectors, receptacle connectors, or a system of plug and receptacle connector modules and optionally other modules, that mate together. Each connector has an uncoupled contact feature. The uncoupled contacts have exposed surfaces to dissipate heat resulting from Joule effects. The uncoupled contacts for the plug connector converge to form a blade structure at one side. The uncoupled contacts for the receptacle connector form a receiving section that engages the blade structure of the plug connector when the plug connector and receptacle connector are used together.
Abstract:
An electrical receptacle terminal is provided for receiving a mating terminal pin. The terminal includes a front mating end, a rear terminating end and a generally U-shaped base portion between the ends. The base portion includes a base wall, a pair of continuous and solid side walls projecting upwardly from the base wall and a pair of contact arms projecting upwardly from each side wall. The contact arms have opposing contact portions defining multiple contact points on each side of the U-shaped base portion for engaging the terminal pin inserted between the pairs of contact arms.
Abstract:
A high power electrical connector is provided for transmitting electrical signals from a pair of cables, such as high current capable cables, to an associated member, such as a dash panel. The high power electrical connector includes an insulative housing and a pair of contact path assemblies therethrough for transmission of the electrical signals. The cables can be rotated relative to the housing and rotated relative to each other via the contact path assemblies. Ground path assemblies are also provided for grounding the cables. The cables can each be rotatable relative to a portion of the respective ground path assembly.
Abstract:
A female terminal with a mating end suited for receiving a male pin with flat surfaces and a circuit-connecting end for connection to a wire. A terminal-receiving passageway at the mating end has two spaced apart sidewalls, which may be in the form of U-shaped channels, extending lengthwise along the passageway with one or more slots separating the U-shaped channels. Enlarged flat contacting surfaces are formed in the opposing sidewalls and are disposed at an angle to the sidewalls. The sidewalls resiliently flex apart from each other as the male pin is inserted into the passageway such that the angled contacting surfaces become coplanar with the flat surfaces of the male pin and electrically contact the male pin over a greater area than that provided by dimples. One or more notches may be disposed at selected points in the sidewalls of the female terminal to better define and control the flexing characteristics of the spaced apart sidewalls.
Abstract:
A female terminal with a mating end suited for receiving a male pin with flat surfaces and a circuit-connecting end for connection to a wire. A terminal-receiving passageway at the mating end has two spaced apart sidewalls, which may be in the form of U-shaped channels, extending lengthwise along the passageway with one or more slots separating the U-shaped channels. Enlarged flat contacting surfaces are formed in the opposing sidewalls and are disposed at an angle to the sidewalls. The sidewalls resiliently flex apart from each other as the male pin is inserted into the passageway such that the angled contacting surfaces become coplanar with the flat surfaces of the male pin and electrically contact the male pin over a greater area than that provided by dimples. One or more notches may be disposed at selected points in the sidewalls of the female terminal to better define and control the flexing characteristics of the spaced apart sidewalls.
Abstract:
A female terminal with a passageway in a mating end is defined by generally spaced apart sidewalls for receiving a male terminal with at least one flat surface. The mating end may be configured from two spaced apart U-shaped channels, with a primary contact defined in each sidewall of the U-shaped channels and a sacrificial contact defined in each sidewall forwardly in the passageway of the primary contact. As the male terminal is inserted into the female terminal, it first comes into contact with the sacrificial contact to discharge any arcs between the terminals before coming into contact with the primary contacts. The sacrificial contacts may be in the form of an elongated bar that is integrally formed with the sidewalls, and that is curved or inwardly arcuate into the passageway to engage the male terminal. The sacrificial contacts are disposed in the direction of insertion of the male terminal into the passageway, and are separated from the sidewall by apertures above and below the elongated bar. Any residue from arcing that would interfere with the electrical contacting performance of the primary contacts is thus mostly contained at the sacrificial contacts.