Electrical connector for hot melt hose unit and gun

Abstract

An electrical connector for connecting a hot melt applicator to a source of electrical power in a system where molten adhesive is delivered to the applicator through a hose from a remote source of adhesive and where the hose carries wires connected to a remote electrical power source. The connector includes a one piece molded plastic cuff having a through opening such that the cuff can be slid on the end of the hose remote from the source of adhesive, and a plug block housing integral with the cuff including an integral internal plug block having a number of through openings for receiving and retaining the electrical leads which pass radially through the side of the hose. The housing further includes a plug block cavity adapted to be disposed at the outboard end of the hose such that the electrical leads can be easily inserted into the openings in the plug block from the outboard end of the hose in a direction generally along the long axis of the hose. An end cover covers the plug block cavity and keeps the connector from rotating on the end of the hose. The end of the plug block opposite the plug block cavity receives a quick connect-disconnect plug attached to the electrical wiring from the hot melt applicator such that the applicator can be quickly and easily connected to the power source.