Other

Molex Corporation

Allen J Bury

Eugene J Mysiak

William D Gruhn

A connector assembly for electrically connecting a first wire to a second insulation clad wire. A connector assembly generally comprises a unitary terminal including a relatively rigid portion having a wire trap means for receiving a conductive part of the first wire and a wire piercing side with a first insulation cutting edge formed thereon. The terminal also includes a resilient portion spaced from the wire piercing side having a second insulation cutting edge thereon facing the first cutting edge. The space between the first and second cutting edges defines an insulation displacement slot for receiving the second wire. The cutting edges are spaced a distance not less than the diameter of the conductive part of the first wire. The assembly also comprises a housing with an opening through which the terminal is receivable. The housing generally includes a first compartment for receiving the rigid portion of the terminal and the first wire. The housing also includes a second compartment spaced from the first compartment for receiving the resilient portion of the terminal. A wire loading slot is defined between the first and second compartments for receiving the second wire prior to engagement with the terminal. The compartments have means allowing communication with the loading slot. The second compartment has a cam surface formed thereon for engagement with the resilient portion for moving the second cutting edge toward the first cutting edge as the terminal is inserted into the housing. In this manner the cutting edge displaces the insulation of the second wire at the loading slot and engages the conductive part thereof.

Connector assembly

Electrical connectors include an insulating housing having terminal-receiving cavities in which conductive terminals are inserted and retained. When a terminal is inserted to a home position in a cavity, a primary lock structure formed on the terminal and on the wall of the cavity is effective to retain the terminal in place. A secondary lock structure is provided by a hinged door of the housing. In order to prevent inadvertent incomplete terminal insertion, the door cannot be closed until the terminal is fully inserted into the home position. If the terminal is spaced substantially from the home position, the terminal blocks movement of the door to its closed position. If the terminal is near the home position, the door advances the terminal into the home position.

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Prospect Heights, IL, United States of America

Allen J Bury