Illinois Tool Works Inc.

Kevin L Russelburg

Kenneth G Irish

James A Turek

Electrical connectors that contain a flexible region are provided. In one embodiment, a connector has a first portion that includes several channels and a second portion that has one or more channels. One or more of the channels may include conductors for electrical connections. The connector further comprises a flexible region that is configured to flexibly connect the first portion with the second portion. Further aspects of the invention relate to connection systems that include a connector having a flexible region. The connection system comprises a connector and an element, such as a connecting block, having one or more mounting surfaces. An alignment feature may be used to align the connector block with a connector.

Connector with flexible region

A connector block is provided with a plurality of channels. Separating the channels are ribs and conductors are mounted in the channels. The conductors may each include a soldering region for joining with a surface conductor and a contact region for joining with conductors on a mating connector block. The contact region may include a conductor that is bifurcated. The rib positioned between adjacent channels acts as a shield and may extend below the soldering region of the conductors so as to prevent solder from adjacent conductors from inadvertently forming a short.

Connector with bifurcated conductor

Embodiments of the present invention provide an electrical contact assembly that includes a main body, contact legs, and an interlocking member. The main body is configured to receive and retain a wire. The contact legs are configured to mate with a mating structure, and the interlocking member limits spreading of the contact legs.

Electrical contact assembly

An electrical terminal configured to electrically mate with a conductive blade may include a base integrally formed with lateral walls, at least one spring member, and at least one contact rib. The spring member extends from at least one of the lateral walls, and is configured to contact a first surface of the conductive blade. The contact rib extends from an upper surface of the base, and is configured to contact a second surface of the conductive blade. The spring member may include an extension beam angled toward the base, with a tip of the extension beam being canted away from the base, so as not to snag the conductive blade.

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Lemont, IL, United States of America

Kevin L Russelburg