Electrical cable and molded protection cap assembly

Abstract

An electrical cable assembly having a connector termination with electrical contacts mounted therein and a molded protection cap for releasably fitting on the end of the connector to insulate and protect the contacts from damage or moisture. The connector includes a pair of two-terminal contacts mounted within a housing which includes forwardly projecting semi-circular ring elements and radially opposed projecting coupling lugs. The protection cap includes a one-piece body of a molded polymeric substance (preferably a Zytel nylon plastic) which body includes an outer wall and recesses for receiving the ring elements. The cap also includes a pair of cavities which are positioned to receive the individual two-terminal contacts of the electrical connector when the cap is fitted in place on the connector. The outer periphery of the body wall includes means for guiding the coupling lugs from the contact into a latch which is radially movable to releasably retain the lugs therein to prevent accidental separation therefrom. The lugs each include a lip and the latch has projections which latch behind the lip to provide a positive lock until released. The cap additionally includes sealing grommets in the regions of the semi-circular ring elements and the contact-receiving cavities.