Double-locked subminiature terminal pin with opposed locking openings

Abstract

A terminal pin which can be used in a subminiature electrical connector system ('C') for use particularly in the automotive industry, which system includes a body (3) housing an exemplary three terminal pins (1), which are initially locked into place by resilient internal fingers (6) having outwardly directed locking tabs (6A), which lockingly engage inner openings (19) in the terminal pins. A resilient, exteriorly applied radial locking ring (4) is applied about the body, straddling it, providing a second, double lock for the terminal pins. The locking ring includes three inwardly directed, radial tabs (42A-C) which extend through body openings (3A) and which lockingly extend into outer, mating openings (18) in the terminal pins. The finger tabs and the radial ring tabs are oppositely positioned and conjunctively provide a double lock on each of the pins seated within the connector body. Circumferentially extending guide rails (11) properly locate the radical lock on the exterior of the body. The body (16) of the terminal pin in its central, mechanical load bearing area is rectangular in its lateral cross-section, with the open, outer and inner, female locking openings (18, 19) and mating male tabs (42, 6A) of appropriate geometry and includes polarizing darts (21) on the other, narrower planes of the main terminal body. An integral, resilient, leaf spring member (25) with clamped ends is included on the end portion of the terminal pin opposite the tip's seam (26) and has a dimple 27 at the middle to ensure a positive contact and to improve thereby the dynamic stability of the pin connection interface.