Pull-lock terminal connection system

Abstract

An electrical terminal connection system has a first terminal for attachment to a high-current cable. The first terminal is formed to include a wire-connect section for direct attachment to the wire and an intermediate stem section joining the wire-connect section to a contact section. The contact section has two opposite sides and deflectable arms extending along each side in parallel relation to each other. The arms are raised from the contact section and extend to free ends adjacent to an end of the contact section. A second terminal extends from a device-side of the connection, such as from a power distribution module (PDM). The second terminal has an initial seating section joined to a bus bar extending from within the PDM and a retaining section having two opposite edges. A short wall extends perpendicularly from each edge of the retaining section and a ledge extends from a top of each wall to overhang part of the retaining section. Each ledge has a portion slanted toward the seating section. When the contact section of the first terminal is placed on the initial seating section of the second terminal and pulled toward the retaining section of the second terminal, the deflectable arms flex and slide under the ledges until they interlock with the ledges behind the slanted portions. A releasable latch projection and stop tabs on the retaining section of the second terminal then prevent further movement of the first terminal in either direction.