Multi-way connection box - has hinged walls with abutments which engage shoulders on spade connectors to retain these in position once inserted

摘要

The electrical connector comprises an insulator box divided into a number of through channels, e.g. upper and lower rows of three each (11, 12), in which male spade connectors (1) are received. A connector, or two back to back connectors (1), is received in each channel with its male end projecting through a slot in the channel end wall (16) and held by a resilient pair (18, 18a) engaging a pressed-out stud (3) on the contact (1). The upper wall (27) of the upper row (11) and lower wall (27a) of the lowe row (12) are hinged and have end recesses which snap over end lugs on the box body to be retained in place. The walls also have abutments (32) which engage side shoulders on the male contacts (1) to retain these in place when pressed into female contacts. The side walls of the channels (11, 12) are provided with funnel grooves to guide the male connectors (1) into the slots when the connectors are inserted into the box channels after previously being connected to their cables.