Terminal assembly with terminal inspection port and method of assembling same

Abstract

A terminal assembly (100, 1100) includes: an insulator (304) having a terminal cavity (410) formed therein; a connector (100) includes a terminal cavity (410), a first terminal (302, 1104) disposed within the terminal cavity (410), and a second terminal (702, 1108) having an interface configured to connect with the first terminal (302, 1104) within the terminal cavity (410). The insulator 304 defines an opening 408 extending from an outer surface of the insulator 304 to the terminal cavity 410. The size, shape, and arrangement of the opening (408) provides visual access to verify a connection between the first and second terminals (302, 702, 1104, 1108). Several methods of assembling such a terminal assembly (100, 1100) are also disclosed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 18 / 383,334, filed on October 24, 2023, entitled “Terminal Assembly with Terminal Inspection Port and Assembly Method Thereof,” which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 526,220, filed on July 12, 2023, entitled “Right-Angle Coaxial Terminal with Visual Entrance,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a terminal assembly, and more particularly to a terminal assembly having one or more terminal inspection ports that allow visual confirmation of proper positioning and / or connection of electrical terminals within a connector. Background Art

[0003] The terminal assembly may have a blind plug and socket connection between the male plug terminal and the female receptacle terminal within the insulator or connector housing. The blind plug and socket connection may present a risk of quality degradation due to partial or improper insertion of the male terminal within the female receptacle terminal, which may result in poor or intermittent performance of the connector. Some previous connector designs have slots configured for viewing the interface between the male and female terminals along the terminal axis. However, this results in a long sight path that obscures the view of the plug and socket connection, making it difficult to clearly inspect the connection. Summary of the invention

[0004] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a terminal assembly comprising: an insulator having a terminal cavity formed therein; a first terminal disposed within the terminal cavity; and a second terminal having an interface configured to connect to the first terminal within the terminal cavity, wherein the insulator defines a connection verification opening extending from an outer surface of the insulator to the terminal cavity, and wherein the size, shape, and arrangement of the connection verification opening provide visual access to verify a connection between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0005] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method of assembling a terminal assembly, comprising: forming a terminal cavity within an insulator; inserting and securing a first terminal within the terminal cavity; mating a second terminal with the first terminal within the terminal cavity, wherein the insulator defines a connection verification opening extending from an outer surface of the insulator to the terminal cavity, and wherein the size, shape, and arrangement of the connection verification opening provide visual access to verify a connection between the first terminal and the second terminal; and inspecting the terminal assembly through the connection verification opening to verify that the first terminal and the second terminal are properly mated by observing an end of the second terminal in the connection verification opening.

[0006] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method of assembling a terminal assembly, comprising: forming a terminal cavity in an insulator via an injection molding process using a core stabilized by at least two guide pins, wherein the at least two guide pins form a terminal viewing opening extending from an outer surface of the insulator into the terminal cavity; inserting and securing a first terminal in the terminal cavity, wherein the first terminal has a first connection portion configured to connect to a second terminal and a second connection portion configured to connect to a third terminal; and inspecting the terminal assembly to verify that the second connection portion is visible through the terminal viewing opening. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] Figure 1 An isometric view of a terminal assembly according to some embodiments is shown.

[0009] Figure 2A According to some embodiments Figure 1 Side views of two variations of terminal assemblies.

[0010] Figure 2B A schematic diagram of a connector housing according to some embodiments is shown. Figure 2A Side view of the terminal assembly.

[0011] Figures 3A to 3D According to some embodiments, the central terminal is inserted into the Figure 1 The order in which the terminal assembly is contained within the insulator body to form the connector subassembly.

[0012] Figure 4A According to some embodiments Figure 1 A side view of the insulator of a terminal assembly showing the center terminal in place.

[0013] Figure 4B According to some embodiments Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the insulator of a terminal assembly showing the center terminal in place.

[0014] Figure 5A According to some embodiments Figure 1 0014] Figure 2 is a side view of the insulator of a terminal assembly showing the center terminal in an improper position.

[0015] Figure 5B According to some embodiments Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the insulator of a terminal assembly showing the center terminal in an improper position.

[0016] Figure 6 According to some embodiments, Figure 3DThe connector subassembly is inserted into Figure 1 An assembly step within the shield terminal portion of the terminal assembly.

[0017] Figure 7 , 8A 8B shows the insertion of a male plug terminal into a Figure 1 The assembly order of the center terminal in the insulator of the terminal assembly.

[0018] Fig. 9A yes Figure 1 0026] A side view of a terminal assembly showing a male plug terminal in position according to some embodiments.

[0019] Fig. 9B yes Figure 1 sectional view of a terminal assembly showing a male plug terminal in position according to some embodiments.

[0020] Fig. 10A yes Figure 1 0026] A side view of a terminal assembly showing a center terminal and a male plug terminal in position according to some embodiments.

[0021] Fig. 10B yes Figure 1 sectional view of a terminal assembly showing a center terminal and a male plug terminal in position according to some embodiments.

[0022] Fig.11A A top view of another terminal assembly having two female terminals and two male plug terminals is shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0023] Fig. 11B yes Fig.11A 0014] A top view of a terminal assembly of FIG. 10 is shown showing one of the male plug terminals properly mated with one of the female terminals according to some embodiments.

[0024] Fig. 11C yes Fig.11A 0014] A top view of a terminal assembly of FIG. 10 is shown showing one of the male plug terminals properly mated with one of the female terminals according to some embodiments.

[0025] Fig.12 yes Fig.11A A top view of a terminal assembly of , illustrating acceptable offset between two male terminals when the two male terminals mate with two female terminals according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Figure 1 , 2A2B show non-limiting examples of embodiments of the terminal assembly 100. In these examples, the embodiment is a right-angle coaxial terminal assembly. Each of these terminal assemblies 100 has an attachment portion 102 that is connected to a coaxial cable 104 via a ferrule 106 that is crimped around the attachment portion 102. The terminal assembly 100 also has a connection portion 108 that is arranged substantially perpendicular to the attachment portion 102 and is configured to interconnect with a corresponding coaxial mating connector (not shown). Figure 2A and 2B As shown, the length of the connecting portion 108 can be varied to allow multiple terminal assemblies 100 to be accommodated in a single connector housing 202, such as Figure 2B The attachment portion 102 and the connection portion 108 are electrically interconnected and connected to the shielded conductor 704 of the coaxial cable 104 (see Figure 7 ), to provide a central conductor 706 (see FIG. 1 ) connected to the coaxial cable 104 in the terminal assembly 100. Figure 7 ) provides electromagnetic shielding for the center conductor terminal 702. The housing 202 has a plurality of cavities configured to accommodate the terminal assembly 100 and retention features 204 configured to secure the terminal assembly 100 within the cavities of the housing 202. The housing 202 may also be configured to accommodate corresponding coaxial mating connectors and secure them to the terminal assembly 100.

[0027] Figures 3A to 3D According to some embodiments, by inserting the center terminal 302 into Figure 1 The order of forming the connector subassembly 300 is formed within the insulator 304 of the terminal assembly 100. In the example shown, the center terminal 302 is a double-ended female socket terminal, however, alternative embodiments using different types of center terminals can be envisioned. The insulator 304 is contained within the attachment portion 102 and the connection portion 108. Figure 3A An L-shaped insulator 304 is shown having a first end 306, a second end 308, and an opening 310 configured to receive the center terminal 302 into an L-shaped chamber 410 (see FIG. 4 ) within the insulator 304. Figure 4B ). Figure 3B As shown, the structure is configured to terminate the center conductor 706 of the coaxial cable 104 (see Figure 7 ) is inserted into the opening 310 in the insulating housing 304. Figure 3C As shown, the center terminal 302 can be secured within the housing 304 via the recess 312 using a cold forming process as described in US Pat. No. 10,680,358 B2. Figure 3DThe attachment portion 102 is shown placed on a portion of a connector subassembly 300. The attachment portion shown here is configured to open and clamp around the connector subassembly 300. Alternative embodiments are envisioned in which the attachment portion slides over the connector subassembly 300.

[0028] Figure 4A and 4B The center terminal 302 is shown properly placed in the L-shaped terminal cavity 310. The center terminal 302 has a second connection portion 402 and a first connection portion 404, the second connection portion 402 being configured to connect to the center terminal attached to the center conductor of the coaxial cable, and the first connection portion 404 being configured to connect to the mating terminal of the corresponding coaxial connector (not shown). When the center terminal 302 is fully inserted into the L-shaped terminal cavity 310, the second connection portion 402 is visible within the terminal viewing opening 406, which extends from the outer surface on one side of the insulator 304 through the insulator 304 to the outer surface on the other side of the insulator 304. The terminal viewing opening 406 allows for visual inspection and verification of the proper positioning of the second connection portion 402 within the insulator 304 by an inspector or a machine vision inspection system. By extending the terminal viewing opening 406 through the insulator 304, the terminal viewing opening 406 can be backlit to provide a better view of the second connection portion 402 during the inspection process. The insulator 304 also defines a connection verification opening 408, which will be discussed later. Figure 5A and 5B The center terminal 302 is shown only partially inserted into the L-shaped terminal cavity 310 , and is therefore improperly positioned within the L-shaped terminal cavity 310 .

[0029] like Figure 6 As shown, after inspecting the center terminal 302 through the terminal viewing opening 406, Figure 3D The terminal assembly subassembly 602 is shown positioned within the connecting portion outer shield 604 so as to cover the terminal viewing opening 406 .

[0030] like Figure 7 As shown, the center conductor terminal 702 attached to the coaxial cable is inserted into the terminal assembly 100. The center conductor terminal 702 is a male pin terminal received in the first connection portion 404 of the center terminal 302, such as Fig. 8A The outer shield 704 of the coaxial cable 104 is attached to the connecting portion outer shield 604. Figure 8BAs highlighted in the figure, the insulator 304 defines a connection verification opening 408, and the attached portion outer shield 310 defines first and second shield openings 802 aligned with the connection verification opening 408, which allows an inspector or a machine vision inspection system to verify proper connection between the pin end 708 of the center conductor terminal 702 of the center conductor 706 attached to the coaxial cable 104 and the center terminal 302. Fig. 9A and 9B The center conductor terminal 702 is shown properly positioned within the first connection portion 404 of the center terminal 302. Fig. 9A As shown, the center conductor terminal 702 is properly positioned within the first connection portion 404 of the center terminal 302 when the pin end 708 of the center conductor terminal 702 is visible within the connection verification opening 408 . Fig. 10A and 10B The center conductor terminal 702 is shown improperly positioned within the first connection portion 404 of the center terminal 302. The size and position of the connection verification opening 408 relative to the first connection portion 404 of the center terminal 302 allows verification that the pin end of the center conductor terminal 702 is properly positioned. If any portion of the pin end 708 of the center conductor terminal 702 is visible in the connection verification opening 408 above the dielectric body 304 and the first and second shield openings 802, then a minimum acceptable connection interface between the center conductor terminal 702 and the center terminal 302 has been established. Fig. 10A As shown, when the center conductor terminal 702 is improperly positioned within the first connection portion 404 of the center terminal 302 , the pin end 708 of the center conductor terminal 702 is not visible within the connection verification opening 408 .

[0031] Having the connection verification opening 408 define a through hole allows the connection verification opening 408 to be backlit when inspecting engagement of the center conductor terminal 702 for the pin end in the first connection portion 404 of the center terminal 302, which simplifies the inspection process.

[0032] The connection verification opening 408 may be formed by punching into the attachment portion outer shield 310 and molding the insulator 304 without requiring an additional manufacturing process to close the connection verification opening after inspection, for example, without requiring an additional cover sheet or auxiliary cover.

[0033] Although the double ended center terminal 302 is described herein as having a female socket on each end, other embodiments of double ended terminals are contemplated having male pins or blades on each end, or a combination of male and female features on each end of the double ended terminal.

[0034] Fig.11AAnother non-limiting example of an embodiment of a terminal assembly 1100 is shown. In this example, the embodiment is a straight two-pin connector for a shielded two-conductor cable 1102 having parallel pairs or twisted pairs.

[0035] like Fig. 11B As shown, when the pin terminal 1104 is visible within the connection verification opening 1110 in the terminal shield 1112, the pin terminal 1104 attached to the conductor of the shielded two-conductor cable 1102 is properly positioned within the female receptacle 1106 of the connector terminal 1108. The size and position of the connection verification opening 1110 relative to the female receptacle 1106 of the connector terminal 1108 allow for verification of proper pin end placement of the pin terminal 1104. If any portion of the pin terminal 1104 is visible within the connection verification opening 1110, a minimum acceptable connection interface between the pin terminal 1104 and the connector terminal 1108 has been established. Fig. 11C As shown, when the pin terminal 1104 is not properly located in the female socket 1106 of the connector terminal 1108, the pin terminal 1104 is not visible in the connection verification opening 1110. Fig.12 As shown, the connection verification opening 1110 also allows inspection and / or measurement of the pin terminal 1104 that is fully inserted into the female receptacle 1106 of the connector terminal 1108 .

[0036] Although the terminal assembly 1100 described therein has a connector terminal 1108 with a female receptacle 1106, other embodiments of connector terminals are contemplated having male pins or blades.

[0037] Although right-angle coaxial connector assemblies and straight pin connector assemblies for shielded two-conductor cables have been described herein, other embodiments may be different connector configurations, such as connectors having different angles between the cable and the connector, or connectors that can be used with other cable types, such as two-axial or unshielded conductor cables are also contemplated.

[0038] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a terminal assembly comprising: an insulator having a terminal cavity formed therein; a first terminal disposed within the terminal cavity; and a second terminal having an interface configured to connect to the first terminal within the terminal cavity, wherein the insulator defines a connection verification opening extending from an outer surface of the insulator to the terminal cavity, and wherein the size, shape, and arrangement of the connection verification opening provide visual access to verify a connection between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0039] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a terminal assembly in which a connection verification opening extends through the terminal cavity in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the terminal cavity to exterior surfaces on opposite sides of an insulator.

[0040] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a terminal assembly in which a first terminal has a first connection portion configured to connect to a second terminal and a second connection portion configured to connect to a third corresponding mating terminal, and wherein a distal end of the second terminal is received in the first connection portion and is visible through a connection verification opening.

[0041] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a terminal assembly wherein the insulator further defines a terminal viewing opening distinct from a connection verification opening extending from an outer surface of the insulator to a terminal cavity, wherein the size, shape, and arrangement of the terminal viewing opening provides visual access to a second connection portion.

[0042] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a terminal assembly in which a terminal viewing opening is covered by a conductive shield when the terminal assembly is fully assembled.

[0043] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a terminal assembly wherein an insulator is disposed within a conductive shield, a first shield opening is defined by the conductive shield, the first shield opening is aligned with a connection verification opening, and is sized, shaped, and arranged to provide visual access to verify a connection between a first terminal and a second terminal.

[0044] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a terminal assembly wherein a conductive shield defines a second shield opening through the conductive shield located opposite a first shield opening, and wherein the second shield opening is aligned with a connection verification opening and the first shield opening and is sized, shaped, and arranged to provide visual access to verify a connection between a first terminal and a second terminal.

[0045] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a terminal assembly in which a first connection portion and a second connection portion each include a female socket.

[0046] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a terminal assembly in which a first mating axis of a first connecting portion is substantially perpendicular to a second mating axis of a second connecting portion.

[0047] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a terminal assembly in which a first mating axis of a first connection portion is substantially parallel to a second mating axis of a second connection portion.

[0048] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a terminal assembly, wherein the terminal assembly is configured to terminate a coaxial cable.

[0049] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a terminal assembly, wherein the terminal assembly is configured to terminate a shielded twisted pair cable.

[0050] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method of assembling a terminal assembly, comprising: forming a terminal cavity within an insulator; inserting and securing a first terminal within the terminal cavity; mating a second terminal with the first terminal within the terminal cavity, wherein the insulator defines a connection verification opening extending from an outer surface of the insulator to the terminal cavity, and wherein the size, shape, and arrangement of the connection verification opening provide visual access to verify a connection between the first terminal and the second terminal; and inspecting the terminal assembly through the connection verification opening to verify that the first terminal and the second terminal are properly mated by observing an end of the second terminal in the connection verification opening.

[0051] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method in which a first terminal has a first connection portion configured to mate with a second terminal and a second connection portion configured to connect to a third corresponding mating terminal, wherein an insulator defines a terminal viewing opening that is different from a connection verification opening extending from an outer surface of the insulator to a terminal cavity, and whose size, shape, and arrangement provide visual access to the second connection portion, and wherein the method further includes: before the second terminal mates with the first terminal, inspecting the terminal assembly to verify that the second connection portion is visible in the terminal viewing opening; and covering the terminal viewing opening with a conductive shield.

[0052] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method in which a first mating axis of a first connection portion is substantially perpendicular to a second mating axis of a second connection portion.

[0053] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method in which a first mating axis of a first connection portion is substantially parallel to a second mating axis of a second connection portion.

[0054] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method, wherein the method further includes: inserting an insulator into a conductive shield, the conductive shield defining a first shield opening through the conductive shield, the first shield opening aligned with the connection verification opening, and having a size, shape and arrangement that provides visual access to an end of a second terminal to verify the connection between the first terminal and the second terminal and also defining a second shield opening through the conductive shield, the second shield opening positioned opposite the first shield opening, wherein the second shield opening is aligned with the connection verification opening and the first shield opening, and having a size, shape and arrangement that provides visual access to an end of the second terminal to verify the connection between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0055] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method for assembling a terminal assembly, comprising: forming a terminal cavity in an insulator through an injection molding process using a core stabilized by at least two guide pins, wherein the at least two guide pins form a terminal viewing opening extending from an outer surface of the insulator into the terminal cavity; inserting and securing a first terminal in the terminal cavity, wherein the first terminal has a first connection portion configured to connect to a second terminal and a second connection portion configured to connect to a third terminal; and inspecting the terminal assembly to verify that the second connection portion is visible through the terminal viewing opening.

[0056] In some aspects, the technology described herein is directed to a method in which at least two guide pins form a terminal viewing opening such that the opening extends through the terminal cavity to an exterior surface on opposite sides of an insulator.

[0057] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method in which a core is stabilized by four or more guide pins, forming four or more openings extending through a terminal cavity to an outer surface on opposite sides of an insulator.

[0058] Although the present invention is described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made and that equivalents may be substituted for the elements of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt specific circumstances or materials to the teachings of the present invention without departing from the basic scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the disclosed (one or more) embodiments, but includes all embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.

[0059] As used herein, “one or more” includes a function performed by one element, a function performed by more than one element, such as in a distributed fashion, several functions performed by one element, several functions performed by several elements, or any combination of the above.

[0060] It should also be understood that, although in some cases, the terms first, second, etc. are used to describe various elements in this article, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, without departing from the scope of the various described embodiments, the first contact can be referred to as the second contact, and similarly, the second contact can be referred to as the first contact. Both the first contact and the second contact are contacts, but they are not identical contacts.

[0061] The terms used in the description of the various embodiments herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting. As used in the description of the various described embodiments and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" used herein refers to and includes any and all possible combinations of one or more associated listed items. "It should also be understood that the terms "comprising", "containing", "including" and / or "comprising" used in this specification specifically refer to the presence of the stated features, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or groups thereof.

[0062] As used herein, the term "if" may alternatively be interpreted as "when" or "upon" or "in response to determining" or "in response to detecting," depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase "if it is determined" or "if [the state or event] is detected" may alternatively be interpreted as meaning "upon determining" or "in response to determining" or "upon detecting [the condition or event]" or "in response to detecting [the condition or event]," depending on the context.

[0063] In addition, although the terms of regulations or directions may be used herein, these elements should not be limited by these terms. Unless otherwise specified, all regulations or directions are used to distinguish one element from another element, and unless otherwise specified, do not represent any particular order, order of operation, direction or orientation.

Claims

1. A terminal assembly (100, 1100), comprising: an insulator (304) having a terminal cavity (410) formed therein; A first terminal (302, 1104) disposed in the terminal cavity (410); as well as A second terminal (702, 1108), the second terminal (702, 1108) having an interface configured to connect to the first terminal (302) within the terminal cavity (410), wherein the insulator (304) defines a connection verification opening (408) extending from an outer surface of the insulator (304) to the terminal cavity (410), and wherein the size, shape and arrangement of the connection verification opening (408) provide visual access to verify the connection between the first terminal and the second terminal (302, 702, 1104, 1108).

2. The terminal assembly (100, 1100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connection verification opening (408, 1110) extends through the terminal cavity (410) in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the terminal cavity (410) to an outer surface on opposite sides of the insulator (304).

3. The terminal assembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first terminal (302) has a first connection portion (404) configured to connect to the second terminal (702) and a second connection portion (402) configured to connect to a third corresponding mating terminal, and wherein an end (708) of the second terminal (702) is received in the first connection portion (404) and is visible through the connection verification opening (408).

4. The terminal assembly (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The insulator (304) also defines a terminal viewing opening (406) that is distinct from the connection verification opening (408) extending from an outer surface of the insulator (304) to the terminal cavity (410), wherein the size, shape, and arrangement of the terminal viewing opening (406) provides visual access to the second connection portion (402).

5. The terminal assembly (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that: When the terminal assembly (100) is fully assembled, the terminal viewing opening (406) is covered by a conductive shield (604).

6. The terminal assembly (100, 1100) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The insulator (304) is disposed within a conductive shield (310, 1112), the conductive shield (310, 1112) defining a first shield opening (802, 1110) passing through the conductive shield (310, 1112), the first shield opening (802, 1110) being aligned with the connection verification opening (408) and having a size, shape and arrangement that provides visual access to verify a connection between the first terminal and the second terminal (302, 702, 1104, 1108).

7. The terminal assembly (100, 1100) according to claim 6, characterized in that: The conductive shield (310) defines a second shield opening (802, 1110) through the conductive shield (310), the second shield opening (802, 1110) being located opposite the first shield opening (802, 1110), and wherein the second shield opening (802, 1110) is aligned with the connection verification opening (408) and the first shield opening and is sized, shaped and arranged to provide visual access to verify the connection between the first terminal and the second terminal (302, 702, 1104, 1108).

8. The terminal assembly (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first connection portion (404) and the second connection portion (402) both include female sockets.

9. The terminal assembly (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first mating axis of the first connecting portion (404) is substantially perpendicular to the second mating axis of the second connecting portion (402).

10. The terminal assembly (1100) according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first mating axis of the first connecting portion (1108) is substantially parallel to the second mating axis of the second connecting portion (1104).

11. The terminal assembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The terminal assembly (100) is configured to terminate a coaxial cable (104).

12. The terminal assembly (1100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The terminal assembly (1100) is configured to terminate a shielded twisted pair cable (1102).

13. A method of assembling a terminal assembly (100, 1100), comprising: forming a terminal cavity (410) in the insulator (304); Inserting and fixing the first terminal (302, 1104) in the terminal cavity (410); mating a second terminal (702, 1108) with the first terminal (302, 1104) within the terminal cavity (410), wherein the insulator (304) defines a connection verification opening (408) extending from an outer surface of the insulator to the terminal cavity, and wherein the connection verification opening (408) is sized, shaped, and arranged to provide visual access to verify a connection between the first and second terminals (302, 702, 1104, 1108); and The terminal assembly (100, 1100) is inspected through the connection verification opening (408) to verify that the first and second terminals (302, 702, 1104, 1108) are properly mated by viewing the end of the second terminal (702, 1108) in the connection verification opening (408).

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The first terminal (302) has a first connection portion (404) configured to mate with the second terminal (702) and a second connection portion (402) configured to connect with a third corresponding mating terminal, wherein the insulator (304) defines a terminal viewing opening (406) that is different from the connection verification opening (408), the terminal viewing opening (406) extending from an outer surface of the insulator (304) to the terminal cavity (410) and having a size, shape and arrangement that provides visual access to the second connection portion (402), and wherein the method further comprises: inspecting the terminal assembly (100) to verify that the second connection portion (402) is visible in the terminal viewing opening (406) before the second terminal (702) is mated with the first terminal (302); and The terminal viewing opening (406) is covered with a conductive shield (310).

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The first mating axis of the first connecting portion (404) is substantially perpendicular to the second mating axis of the second connecting portion (402).

16. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The first mating axis of the first connecting portion (1108) is substantially parallel to the second mating axis of the second connecting portion (1104).

17. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The method further comprises: The insulator (304) is inserted into a conductive shield (310, 1112), the conductive shield (310, 1112) defining a first shield opening (802, 1110) therethrough, the first shield opening (802, 1110) being aligned with the connection verification opening (408) and being sized, shaped and arranged to provide visual access to an end (708) of the second terminal (702, 1108) to verify connection between the first terminal and the second terminal (302, 702, 1104, 1108). A connection is defined by a second shield opening (802, 1110) through a conductive shield (310, 1112) located opposite the first shield opening (802, 1110), wherein the second shield opening (802, 1110) is aligned with the connection verification opening (408) and the first shield opening (802, 1110) and is sized, shaped and arranged to provide visual access to an end of the second terminal (702, 1108) to verify the connection between the first terminal and the second terminal (302, 702, 1104, 1108).

18. A method of assembling a terminal assembly (100), comprising: forming a terminal cavity (410) within an insulator (304) via an injection molding process using a core stabilized by at least two guide pins, wherein the at least two guide pins form a terminal viewing opening (406) extending from an outer surface of the insulator (304) to the terminal cavity (410); Inserting and fixing a first terminal (302) in the terminal cavity (410), wherein the first terminal has a first connection portion (404) configured to be connected to a second terminal (702) and a second connection portion (402) configured to be connected to a third terminal; as well as The terminal assembly (100) is inspected to verify that the second connection portion (402) is visible through the terminal viewing opening (406).

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that The at least two guide pins form the terminal viewing opening (406) such that the viewing opening (406) extends through the terminal cavity (410) to the outer surface on opposite sides of the insulator (304).

20. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that The core is stabilized by four or more guide pins extending through the terminal cavity (410) to form four or more openings on the outer surface on opposite sides of the insulator (304).

Images