Twist-lock terminal connection system
First Claim
1. An electrical connection comprising:
- a first terminal having deflectable elements with inclined parts and a locking edge near an outer perimeter of the first terminal;
a second terminal having members forming compartments for receiving and making electrical contact with the deflectable elements when the first terminal is placed on the second terminal and twisted a predetermined distance, the second terminal further including a latch for moving into position against the locking edge when the compartments receive the deflectable elements;
wherein the first terminal has a side arranged to abut against one of the members after the first terminal is twisted the predetermined distance, such that the side prevents further twisting while the latch and locking edge prevent reverse twisting.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
An electrical terminal connection system includes first and second terminals that are interlocked by placing the first terminal on top of the second terminal and rotating the first terminal. The first terminal has a planar ring section with an outer perimeter and a centrally located aperture. The perimeter has cut-out portions. Inclined spring elements extend from the ring section near the outer perimeter. The second terminal includes a semi-circular part with an outer periphery and a centrally located collar. Curved walls extend perpendicularly from the outer periphery. The walls have ledges projecting over the semi-circular part. Aligning the cut-out portions of the first terminal with the curved walls and ledges of the second terminal enables the planar ring section of the first terminal to be placed on the semi-circular part of the second terminal, with the aperture receiving the collar. Rotating or twisting the first terminal causes the spring elements to contact and slide under the ledges. Simultaneously, a catch extending from the second terminal moves behind a locking edge formed in one of the cut-out portions of the first terminal as a side of the first terminal abuts against one of the curved walls. This prevents further rotation in either direction, maintaining the spring elements in physical and electrical contact with the ledges and interlocking the terminals. Depressing the catch enables reverse rotation and separation of the terminals.
33 Citations
17 Claims
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1. An electrical connection comprising:
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a first terminal having deflectable elements with inclined parts and a locking edge near an outer perimeter of the first terminal; a second terminal having members forming compartments for receiving and making electrical contact with the deflectable elements when the first terminal is placed on the second terminal and twisted a predetermined distance, the second terminal further including a latch for moving into position against the locking edge when the compartments receive the deflectable elements; wherein the first terminal has a side arranged to abut against one of the members after the first terminal is twisted the predetermined distance, such that the side prevents further twisting while the latch and locking edge prevent reverse twisting. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. Interlocking electrical terminals comprising:
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a first terminal having an outer perimeter with at least one raised spring element with an inclined part near the perimeter; a second terminal having a surface with an outer periphery and at least one folded-over member extending from the outer periphery back over the surface to form a passage between the at least one folded-over member and the surface; and means for locking the terminals in an arrangement reached when the first terminal is placed on the surface of the second terminal and then rotated such that the at least one spring element is forced under the at least one-folded over member, the locking means comprising a resilient catch in the outer periphery of the second terminal and a locking edge extending inward from the perimeter of the first terminal; and an aperture centrally located on the first terminal and a collar centrally located on the surface of the second terminal, the aperture being sized to receive the collar to align the terminals prior to and during rotation. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. An electrical terminal connection system comprising:
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a first terminal having a substantially planar ring with an upper surface, an underside, and an outer perimeter; integral, deflectable elements extending from the upper surface of the first terminal near the perimeter of the first terminal, each of the deflectable elements having a part inclined relative to the upper surface of the first terminal; a second terminal having a semi-circular part with an upper surface and an outer circumferential periphery; and integral members extending from the upper surface of the second terminal on the periphery of the second terminal, each member comprising a curved wall following the periphery, the wall having a radially inward directed ledge spaced above the upper surface of the second terminal; wherein positioning the underside of the first terminal against the upper surface of the second terminal and rotating the terminals relative to each other slides the inclined parts of the deflectable elements on the first terminal under the ledges of the members on the second terminal to press the terminals together in electrical contact. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification