Connection system with terminal/cavity combination

摘要

The invention includes an electrical connection system utilizing a terminal/cavity combination. The system includes a connector housing having a bay for receiving a plurality of the terminal/cavity combination units in a stacked relationship. The terminal/cavity combination unit includes a metal terminal, preferably having a tuning fork configuration, that is received in an electrically insulative carrier. The insulative carrier has a terminal cavity defined in part by two spaced apart side walls and a floor extending between the side walls for supporting the terminal. The carrier also includes a front wall having an opening for receiving a portion of a second terminal therethrough and so that the second terminal makes electrical contact with the terminal in the carrier. At least one indexing rail extends downwardly from a portion of the floor. Carriers can be stacked one on top of the other wherein the rail or rails are received between the two spaced apart walls of the carrier below. A plurality of terminal/cavity combination units in the stacked relationship are then inserted into the bay of the connector housing. Simple mating lock features on the terminal/cavity combination unit and the housing keep the units in place.