EP0402451A1 - Electrical terminal which has means to provide a reliable electrical connection. - Google Patents

Electrical terminal which has means to provide a reliable electrical connection.

Info

Publication number
EP0402451A1
EP0402451A1 EP90901341A EP90901341A EP0402451A1 EP 0402451 A1 EP0402451 A1 EP 0402451A1 EP 90901341 A EP90901341 A EP 90901341A EP 90901341 A EP90901341 A EP 90901341A EP 0402451 A1 EP0402451 A1 EP 0402451A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
terminal assembly
conductor
electrical
insulating cover
electrical terminal
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP90901341A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0402451B1 (en
Inventor
Friedrich Alois Jose Kourimsky
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Whitaker LLC
Original Assignee
AMP Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by AMP Inc filed Critical AMP Inc
Publication of EP0402451A1 publication Critical patent/EP0402451A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0402451B1 publication Critical patent/EP0402451B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
    • H01R13/52—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof cases
    • H01R13/5205—Sealing means between cable and housing, e.g. grommet
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/10—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation effected solely by twisting, wrapping, bending, crimping, or other permanent deformation
    • H01R4/18—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation effected solely by twisting, wrapping, bending, crimping, or other permanent deformation by crimping
    • H01R4/20—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation effected solely by twisting, wrapping, bending, crimping, or other permanent deformation by crimping using a crimping sleeve
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R11/00—Individual connecting elements providing two or more spaced connecting locations for conductive members which are, or may be, thereby interconnected, e.g. end pieces for wires or cables supported by the wire or cable and having means for facilitating electrical connection to some other wire, terminal, or conductive member, blocks of binding posts
    • H01R11/11—End pieces or tapping pieces for wires, supported by the wire and for facilitating electrical connection to some other wire, terminal or conductive member
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R43/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors
    • H01R43/20—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors for assembling or disassembling contact members with insulating base, case or sleeve

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an electrical terminal which has a type of sealing means provided thereon.
  • the electrical terminal has a dielectric material which surrounds the electrical interconnection between the terminal and the cable, to prevent moisture from harming the electrical characteristics of the cable. in order to operate effectively, the dielectric material will cooperate with a terminal receiving cavity into which the terminal is inserted, thereby minimizing the air voids which are provided in the cavity.
  • Electrical connectors which receive in terminal receiving cavities thereof one or more electrical conductors having terminals terminated on ends thereof. Many of the terminals have wire seals which are disposed around each electrical conductor at the rearward end of the connector to provide a sealing arrangement between the conductor and the connector housing.
  • One such connector is disclosed in U.S Patent Number 4,643,506, in which the conductor is sealingly engaged at locations forwardly and rearwardly from the location where the wire seal sealingly engages the sidewalls of the rearward cavity portion. Sealing of the conductors is required when the terminals must be isolated from the surroundings. However, it is not required, nor is it practical in all situations to environmentally seal the conductors.
  • the air voids provided in the terminal receiving cavities can cause damage to the electrical connection which is effected between the terminals and the conductors. This is a particular problem when the connector is provided in an environment which has frequent temperature changes. As the temperature is reduced, the moisture provided in the air voids condenses onto the terminals and the conductors. The presence of moisture on the surfaces causes the deterioration of the terminals and the conductors, which results in an unreliable and essentially ineffective electrical connection between the respective terminal and conductors.
  • the invention is directed to an electrical terminal for use in the termination of an electrical conductor.
  • the electrical terminal has a first end and an opposed second end.
  • a mating portion of the terminal is positioned proximate the first end of the terminal, and a conductor engaging portion is provided proximate the second end of the terminal.
  • the conductor engaging portion has a conductor crimping means which cooperates with the conductor to provide the electrical interconnection between the conductor and the terminal.
  • the electrical terminal is characterized in that an insulating cover means is provided which extends over the conductor engaging portion of the terminal.
  • the insulating cover means has an opening provided therein which allows the electrical conductor and conductor crimping means to be positioned in the opening, such that moisture condensation is prevented from forming on the electrical conductor and the conductor crimping means.
  • Securing means are provided on the electrical terminal. The securing means cooperate with the insulating cover means to maintain the insulating cover means in cooperation with the conductor crimping means.
  • FIGURE 1 is an isometric view of an electrical connector of the present invention showing the electrical terminal exploded away from the wire and the sealing means;
  • FIGURE 2 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector, fully assembled, and positioned in a terminal receiving cavity of a housing means;
  • FIGURE 3 is a cross-sectional view, similar to that of Figure 2, showing an alternate embodiment of an electrical connector, fully assembled, and positioned in a terminal receiving cavity of a housing means;
  • FIGURE 4 is a side view of the wire with the sealing means provided thereon;
  • FIGURE 5 is a view similar to Figure 4, with the exception that the wire has a portion of the insulation removed to expose the conductors provided therein;
  • FIGURE 6 is a view similar to Figure 5, with the exception that the electrical terminal has been moved into electrical engagement with the exposed ends of the conductors;
  • FIGURE 7 is a view similar to Figure 6, with the exception that the sealing means, shown in cross-section, has been moved to cover a portion of the electrical terminal and the exposed ends of the conductors; and
  • FIGURE 8 is a view similar to Figure 7, with the exception that locking means of the electrical terminal have been moved into cooperation with the sealing means, to maintain the sealing means in position.
  • electrical connector 2 has an electrical terminal 4, a conductive cable 6, and a sealing sleeve 8.
  • the electrical terminal can have various mating areas, without departing from the scope of the invention.
  • Figure 2 illustrates the mating area of the electrical terminal comprising a pin 10
  • Figure 3 illustrates a pin receptacle 12 in the mating area.
  • terminal 4 with pin 10 provided thereon will be discussed in detail.
  • the operation and explanation of the terminal with the pin receptacle 12 is essentially identical.
  • terminal 4 has pin 10 provided at the mating end thereof.
  • a clamping portion 14 is provided adjacent the pin 10.
  • the clamping portion has resilient locking arms 16 which extend from the clamping portion at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the pin.
  • the resilient locking arms 16 are provided to cooperate with shoulders 18 of housing 20 to insure that the electrical connector 4 will be maintained in the proper position relative to the housing. This type of resilient locking feature is well known in the industry.
  • clamping arms 22 are also provided on clamping portion 14. As shown in Figures 1 and 6, clamping arms 22 are positioned proximate an end 24 of clamping portion 14 which is provided adjacent wire receiving member 26 of terminal 4. When clamping arms 22 are provided in their initial, unstressed position, intermediate portions 28 of the clamping arms extend from clamping portion 14 at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the pin. Free end portions 30 of clamping arms 22 are also bent at an angle relative to the intermediate portions of the clamping arms. The configuration of the clamping arms 22 allows the free end portions 30 to be bent around so that the free end portions 30 are positioned to extend toward the wire receiving member 26.
  • a collar 32 is provided proximate wire receiving member 26 and adjacent clamping arms 22. As is shown in Figure 1, the diameter of collar 32 is greater than the diameter of pin 10.
  • Wire receiving member 26 is positioned proximate clamping portion 14. The wire receiving member extends in the opposite direction from clamping portion 14 as does pin 10. As is shown in Figure 1, wire receiving member 26 has flanges 34 which extend in opposed directions, when the flanges are in their initial, unstressed positions. These flanges are deformed as cable 6 is terminated to the wire receiving member.
  • Sealing sleeve 8 is made from any material having the elastic and dielectric characteristics required. As is best shown in Figures 7 and 8, sealing sleeve 8 has an opening 36 which extends from end 38 to opposed end 40. The diameter of opening 36 is such to allow cable 6 to be inserted therethrough. However, as is best illustrated in Figure 2, the diameter of opening 36 is dimensioned to form a seal about cable 6. Therefore, after insertion of the cable in opening 36, the diameter of opening 36 may vary.
  • a first portion 42 of sealing sleeve 8 is provided with a relatively smooth outside surface, which has a generally consistent diameter.
  • a second portion 44 of sealing sleeve 8 is provided adjacent first portion 42 and opposed end 40.
  • Ridges 46 are provided on second portion 44 and extend circumferentially thereabout. Although three ridges 46 are provided in the embodiment shown, any number of ridges may be provided.
  • Housing 20 into which electrical connector 2 is provided has at least one terminal receiving cavity 48 which extends therethrough. As is shown in Figures 2 and 3, the diameter of the cavities varies according to the space requirements of the terminals inserted therein.
  • sealing sleeve 8 is positioned on cable 6 ( Figure 4) .
  • cable 6 extends through opening 36.
  • the resilient nature of the material of which sleeve 8 is comprised allows the diameter of opening 36 to adjust to the diameter of cable 6.
  • clamping arms 22 are moved from an open position, shown in Figure 7, to a closed position, shown in Figure 8. In this closed position free end portions 30 of arms 22 deform sleeve 8.
  • the configuration of free end portions 30 and the deformation of sleeve 8 insures that sleeve 8 will be retained in position.
  • terminal 4 Once terminal 4, cable 6, and sleeve 8 are secured together, the assembly is positioned in the terminal receiving cavity 48 of housing 20, as shown in Figure 2. As is shown, the walls of the cavity prevent arms 22 from returning to the open position.
  • sleeve 8 is configured to minimize the air volume provided in the cavity. Consequently, as the connector is exposed to temperature fluctuations, there is not enough air provided in each cavity to cause moisture to condense on the terminals. This is an important result because the condensation of moisture can cause corrosion of the terminals, as well as the exposed ends of the cable, which results in a very unstable electrical connection. Therefore, the present invention discloses a terminal assembly which has a much more reliable electrical connection.
  • the sleeve 8 provides a type of seal about crimping portion 14 and the exposed end of cable 6. This also helps to provide for a more reliable electrical connection. Changes in construction will occur to those skilled in the art and various apparently different modifications and embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only. It is therefore intended that the foregoing description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting.

Landscapes

  • Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)

Abstract

Un connecteur électrique (2) comporte des cavités (48) de réception de bornes, dans lesquelles sont logées des bornes (4). Chaque borne (4) comporte une extrémité de connexion (10, 12) et une extrémité (26) destinée à recevoir un conducteur (6). Les bornes possèdent des revêtements isolants (8) qui sont positionnés sur les extrémités de réception de conducteur (26). Ces revêtements isolants sont fixés sur les bornes par des moyens de fixation (22) qui sont solidaires des bornes. La configuration des revêtements isolants est telle qu'elle permet d'éliminer les vides d'air créés dans les cavités de réception de bornes (48) du connecteur (2), protégeant ainsi les bornes de la corrosion qui peut se produire par suite de l'humidité créée par la condensation dans les vides d'air lorsque le connecteur est exposé à des fluctuations de température.An electrical connector (2) has terminal receiving cavities (48) in which terminals (4) are housed. Each terminal (4) has a connection end (10, 12) and an end (26) intended to receive a conductor (6). The terminals have insulating coatings (8) which are positioned over the conductor receiving ends (26). These insulating coatings are fixed to the terminals by fixing means (22) which are integral with the terminals. The configuration of the insulating coatings is such as to eliminate the air voids created in the terminal receiving cavities (48) of the connector (2), thus protecting the terminals from corrosion which may occur as a result of Moisture created by condensation in air voids when the connector is exposed to temperature fluctuations.

Description

ELECTRICAL TERMINAL WHICH HAS MEANS TO PROVIDE A RELIABLE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
The invention relates to an electrical terminal which has a type of sealing means provided thereon. In particular, the electrical terminal has a dielectric material which surrounds the electrical interconnection between the terminal and the cable, to prevent moisture from harming the electrical characteristics of the cable. in order to operate effectively, the dielectric material will cooperate with a terminal receiving cavity into which the terminal is inserted, thereby minimizing the air voids which are provided in the cavity.
Electrical connectors are known which receive in terminal receiving cavities thereof one or more electrical conductors having terminals terminated on ends thereof. Many of the terminals have wire seals which are disposed around each electrical conductor at the rearward end of the connector to provide a sealing arrangement between the conductor and the connector housing. One such connector is disclosed in U.S Patent Number 4,643,506, in which the conductor is sealingly engaged at locations forwardly and rearwardly from the location where the wire seal sealingly engages the sidewalls of the rearward cavity portion. Sealing of the conductors is required when the terminals must be isolated from the surroundings. However, it is not required, nor is it practical in all situations to environmentally seal the conductors. In the alternative, if no type of sealing is provided, the air voids provided in the terminal receiving cavities can cause damage to the electrical connection which is effected between the terminals and the conductors. This is a particular problem when the connector is provided in an environment which has frequent temperature changes. As the temperature is reduced, the moisture provided in the air voids condenses onto the terminals and the conductors. The presence of moisture on the surfaces causes the deterioration of the terminals and the conductors, which results in an unreliable and essentially ineffective electrical connection between the respective terminal and conductors.
Consequently, in instances in which it is impractical or impossible to provide an effective wire seal, as was described, it would be beneficial to provide some type of protection to the area in which the electrical connection is effected. The protection should prevent the condensation of the moisture on the surfaces of the terminals and conductors, thereby insuring that the electrical connection between the terminals and the conductors is reliable over time.
The invention is directed to an electrical terminal for use in the termination of an electrical conductor. The electrical terminal has a first end and an opposed second end. A mating portion of the terminal is positioned proximate the first end of the terminal, and a conductor engaging portion is provided proximate the second end of the terminal. The conductor engaging portion has a conductor crimping means which cooperates with the conductor to provide the electrical interconnection between the conductor and the terminal.
The electrical terminal is characterized in that an insulating cover means is provided which extends over the conductor engaging portion of the terminal. The insulating cover means has an opening provided therein which allows the electrical conductor and conductor crimping means to be positioned in the opening, such that moisture condensation is prevented from forming on the electrical conductor and the conductor crimping means. Securing means are provided on the electrical terminal. The securing means cooperate with the insulating cover means to maintain the insulating cover means in cooperation with the conductor crimping means.
An object of the invention is to provide a means to protect the terminal from corrosion due to moisture condensation which can occur due to temperature fluctuation. In order to accomplish this, it is important that the volume of air, which is provided in terminal receiving cavities of known connectors, be replaced by some other material. Another object of the invention is to provide an easily installable and cost effective means to eliminate the air voids present in terminal receiving cavities. Utilizing the teaching of the present invention, the means to protect the terminals are installed on the terminals as the terminals are assembled to the conductors. This process allows for ease of handling and manipulation.
An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 is an isometric view of an electrical connector of the present invention showing the electrical terminal exploded away from the wire and the sealing means;
FIGURE 2 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector, fully assembled, and positioned in a terminal receiving cavity of a housing means;
FIGURE 3 is a cross-sectional view, similar to that of Figure 2, showing an alternate embodiment of an electrical connector, fully assembled, and positioned in a terminal receiving cavity of a housing means;
FIGURE 4 is a side view of the wire with the sealing means provided thereon;
FIGURE 5 is a view similar to Figure 4, with the exception that the wire has a portion of the insulation removed to expose the conductors provided therein; FIGURE 6 is a view similar to Figure 5, with the exception that the electrical terminal has been moved into electrical engagement with the exposed ends of the conductors; FIGURE 7 is a view similar to Figure 6, with the exception that the sealing means, shown in cross-section, has been moved to cover a portion of the electrical terminal and the exposed ends of the conductors; and
FIGURE 8 is a view similar to Figure 7, with the exception that locking means of the electrical terminal have been moved into cooperation with the sealing means, to maintain the sealing means in position.
As is best shown in Figure 1, electrical connector 2 has an electrical terminal 4, a conductive cable 6, and a sealing sleeve 8. As can be seen in Figures 2 and 3, the electrical terminal can have various mating areas, without departing from the scope of the invention. In fact. Figure 2 illustrates the mating area of the electrical terminal comprising a pin 10, while Figure 3 illustrates a pin receptacle 12 in the mating area. For ease of explanation and understanding, only terminal 4 with pin 10 provided thereon will be discussed in detail. However, it should be noted that the operation and explanation of the terminal with the pin receptacle 12 is essentially identical.
As best shown in Figures 1 and 2, terminal 4 has pin 10 provided at the mating end thereof. A clamping portion 14 is provided adjacent the pin 10. The clamping portion has resilient locking arms 16 which extend from the clamping portion at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the pin. As best shown in Figure 2, the resilient locking arms 16 are provided to cooperate with shoulders 18 of housing 20 to insure that the electrical connector 4 will be maintained in the proper position relative to the housing. This type of resilient locking feature is well known in the industry.
Also provided on clamping portion 14 are clamping arms 22. As shown in Figures 1 and 6, clamping arms 22 are positioned proximate an end 24 of clamping portion 14 which is provided adjacent wire receiving member 26 of terminal 4. When clamping arms 22 are provided in their initial, unstressed position, intermediate portions 28 of the clamping arms extend from clamping portion 14 at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the pin. Free end portions 30 of clamping arms 22 are also bent at an angle relative to the intermediate portions of the clamping arms. The configuration of the clamping arms 22 allows the free end portions 30 to be bent around so that the free end portions 30 are positioned to extend toward the wire receiving member 26.
A collar 32 is provided proximate wire receiving member 26 and adjacent clamping arms 22. As is shown in Figure 1, the diameter of collar 32 is greater than the diameter of pin 10.
Wire receiving member 26 is positioned proximate clamping portion 14. The wire receiving member extends in the opposite direction from clamping portion 14 as does pin 10. As is shown in Figure 1, wire receiving member 26 has flanges 34 which extend in opposed directions, when the flanges are in their initial, unstressed positions. These flanges are deformed as cable 6 is terminated to the wire receiving member.
Sealing sleeve 8 is made from any material having the elastic and dielectric characteristics required. As is best shown in Figures 7 and 8, sealing sleeve 8 has an opening 36 which extends from end 38 to opposed end 40. The diameter of opening 36 is such to allow cable 6 to be inserted therethrough. However, as is best illustrated in Figure 2, the diameter of opening 36 is dimensioned to form a seal about cable 6. Therefore, after insertion of the cable in opening 36, the diameter of opening 36 may vary.
Referring back to Figure 7, a first portion 42 of sealing sleeve 8 is provided with a relatively smooth outside surface, which has a generally consistent diameter. A second portion 44 of sealing sleeve 8 is provided adjacent first portion 42 and opposed end 40. Ridges 46 are provided on second portion 44 and extend circumferentially thereabout. Although three ridges 46 are provided in the embodiment shown, any number of ridges may be provided.
Housing 20, into which electrical connector 2 is provided has at least one terminal receiving cavity 48 which extends therethrough. As is shown in Figures 2 and 3, the diameter of the cavities varies according to the space requirements of the terminals inserted therein.
The assembly procedure for electrical connector is depicted in Figures 4 through 6. As only one terminal assembly is shown in the figures, the discussion provided will focus on one terminal. However, this procedure is applicable to all of the terminal assemblies.
Initially, sealing sleeve 8 is positioned on cable 6 (Figure 4) . In this position cable 6 extends through opening 36. The resilient nature of the material of which sleeve 8 is comprised allows the diameter of opening 36 to adjust to the diameter of cable 6.
With sleeve 8 is position on cable 6, an end of the cable is stripped of the insulation to expose the individual conductors provided therein (Figure 5) . Electrical terminal 4 is then positioned adjacent the exposed end of cable 6, as shown in Figure 6. Clamping portion 14 of terminal 4 is crimped to the exposed conductors in any well known manner, causing the terminal 4 to be electrically and mechanically engaged to cable 6. Once terminal 4 is mechanically and electrically engaged to cable 6, sleeve 8 is slid from the position shown in Figure 6 of the position shown in Figure 7. As this movement occurs, the diameter of opening 36 will change as portions of the opening is moved past the insulation of cable 6. This is due to the resilient nature of the material. In order to move sleeve 8, enough force must be applied to the sleeve in order to overcome the frictional engagement between the walls of opening 36 and the surface of cable 6. The amount of frictional force present is dependent upon the size of the opening and the material of which the sleeve is composed.
As is shown in Figure 7, the movement of sleeve 8 is stopped when end 38 of sleeve 8 engages collar 32 of terminal 4. Sleeve 8 is temporarily maintained in this position by the frictional engagement between sleeve 8 and cable 6.
To secure sleeve 8 in position relative to terminal 4, it is important to have a positive retention feature, as the frictional force will not be adequate to maintain the sleeve in position over time. Therefore, clamping arms 22 are moved from an open position, shown in Figure 7, to a closed position, shown in Figure 8. In this closed position free end portions 30 of arms 22 deform sleeve 8. The configuration of free end portions 30 and the deformation of sleeve 8 insures that sleeve 8 will be retained in position.
Once terminal 4, cable 6, and sleeve 8 are secured together, the assembly is positioned in the terminal receiving cavity 48 of housing 20, as shown in Figure 2. As is shown, the walls of the cavity prevent arms 22 from returning to the open position.
With the assembly positioned in housing 20, it is apparent that the air volume provided about the assembly is greatly reduced. In fact, sleeve 8 is configured to minimize the air volume provided in the cavity. Consequently, as the connector is exposed to temperature fluctuations, there is not enough air provided in each cavity to cause moisture to condense on the terminals. This is an important result because the condensation of moisture can cause corrosion of the terminals, as well as the exposed ends of the cable, which results in a very unstable electrical connection. Therefore, the present invention discloses a terminal assembly which has a much more reliable electrical connection.
It should be noted that the sleeve 8 provides a type of seal about crimping portion 14 and the exposed end of cable 6. This also helps to provide for a more reliable electrical connection. Changes in construction will occur to those skilled in the art and various apparently different modifications and embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only. It is therefore intended that the foregoing description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting.

Claims

CLAIMS:
1. An electrical terminal assembly (2) for use in the termination of an electrical conductor (6) , the electrical terminal assembly (2) having a first end and an 5 opposed second end, a mating portion (10) of the terminal assembly (2) is positioned proximate the first end of the terminal assembly, and a conductor engaging portion (26) is provided proximate the second end of the terminal assembly (2), the conductor engaging portion (26) having a ° conductor crimping means (34) which cooperates with the conductor (6) to provide the electrical interconnection between the conductor (6) and the terminal assembly (2) , the electrical terminal assembly (2) being characterized in that: insulating cover means (8) are provided which extend over the conductor engaging portion (26) , the insulating cover means (8) having an opening (36) provided therein which allows the electrical conductor (6) and conductor crimping means (34) to be positioned in the opening (36), such that moisture condensation is prevented on the electrical conductor (6) and the conductor crimping means (34); securing means (22) are provided on the electrical terminal assembly (2), the securing means (22) cooperate with the insulating cover means (8) to maintain the insulating cover means (8) in cooperation' with the conductor crimping means (34) .
2. An electrical terminal assembly (2) as set forth in claim 1 characterized in that the securing means (22) are clamp arms which are movable between a first position and a second position, the second position having free ends (30) of the clamp arms (22) in cooperation with the insulating cover means (8) .
3. An electrical terminal assembly (2) as set forth in claim 2 characterized in that the securing means (22) have fixed ends which are provided on the mating portion (10) of the terminal assembly (2), and free ends (30) which extend from the fixed ends toward the second end of the terminal assembly (2) .
4. An electrical terminal assembly (2) as set forth in claim 2 characterized in that the free ends (30) of the securing means (22) are bent at an angle relative to the fixed end, such that as the securing means (22) is moved to the second position, the free ends (30) of the securing means will engage the insulating cover means (8) .
5. An electrical terminal assembly (2) as set forth in claim 1 characterized in that insulating cover means (8) has a first end portion (38) and a second end portion (40) , the first end portion (38) provided adjacent the mating portion (10) of the terminal assembly (2) , the second end portion (40) having a ridge provided circumferentially about the outside diameter of the electrical conductor (6) .
6. An electrical terminal assembly (2) as set forth in claim 5 characterized in that the opening (36) provided in the insulating cover means (8) has a first diameter in the first end portion (38) , and a second diameter in the second end portion (4O) , the first diameter being essentially the same as the diameter of the conductor (6) with the insulation stripped away, and the second diameter being essentially the same as the diameter of the conductor with the insulation remaining, thereby insuring that only a minimal amount of air will be provided between the conductor and the insulating cover means (8) .
7. An electrical terminal assembly (2) as set forth in claim 1 characterized in that the wire crimping means
(34) is a U-shaped metal plate which is integrally attached and extends from the mating portion (10) of the terminal assembly.
8. An electrical terminal assembly (2) as set forth in claim 1 characterized in that the mating portion (10) has a pin contact section provided thereon.
9. An electrical terminal assembly (2) as set forth in claim 1 characterized in that the mating portion (10) has a pin receiving contact section provided therein.
10. An electrical terminal assembly (2) as set forth in claim 6 characterized in that the electrical terminal assembly (2) is provided in a dielectric housing (20) which has terminal receiving cavities (48) which extend therethrough, the configuration of the insulating cover means (8) being dimensioned such that the insulating cover means (8) will be positioned in the cavities (48) in manner so as to allow minimal air voids therein.
EP90901341A 1988-12-23 1989-12-15 Electrical terminal which has means to provide a reliable electrical connection Expired - Lifetime EP0402451B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB888830167A GB8830167D0 (en) 1988-12-23 1988-12-23 Electrical terminal which has means to provide a reliable electrical connection
GB8830167 1988-12-23
PCT/US1989/005529 WO1990007807A1 (en) 1988-12-23 1989-12-15 Electrical terminal which has means to provide a reliable electrical connection

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0402451A1 true EP0402451A1 (en) 1990-12-19
EP0402451B1 EP0402451B1 (en) 1996-06-05

Family

ID=10649117

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP90901341A Expired - Lifetime EP0402451B1 (en) 1988-12-23 1989-12-15 Electrical terminal which has means to provide a reliable electrical connection

Country Status (6)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0402451B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH03502853A (en)
DE (1) DE68926618T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2087904T3 (en)
GB (1) GB8830167D0 (en)
WO (1) WO1990007807A1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0402451B1 (en) 1996-06-05
JPH03502853A (en) 1991-06-27
WO1990007807A1 (en) 1990-07-12
DE68926618D1 (en) 1996-07-11
ES2087904T3 (en) 1996-08-01
DE68926618T2 (en) 1996-10-02
GB8830167D0 (en) 1989-02-22

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