Terminal with insulation displacement contact

Abstract

A terminal (100) includes a terminal body (102) extending between a mating end (104) and a terminating end (106). The mating end has a mating interface (108). The terminal has an insulation displacement contact (120). The insulation displacement contact includes a first contact element (130) having a first blade (136) and a second contact element (140) having a second blade (146). The first blade faces the second blade across a cable trough (122), the cable trough (122) configured to receive a cable (20). The terminal includes a contact support (200) extending along the insulation displacement contact. The contact support holds the first contact element relative to the second contact element.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 515,442, filed on July 25, 2023, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The subject matter herein relates generally to terminals for electrical connectors. Background Art

[0004] Electrical connectors typically hold terminals that are connected to the ends of cables. The terminals may be connected to the cables by welding, crimping connections or other types of connections (e.g., insulation displacement terminations). The insulation displacement contacts are electrically connected to the conductors of the cables by piercing the insulation surrounding the conductors. The insulation displacement contacts have opposing blades, each blade having a cutting edge that pierces the insulation and is electrically connected to the conductors. However, known insulation displacement contacts are not without disadvantages. For example, when the cable is inserted into the cable slot between the blades, the blades may splay, resulting in a poor electrical connection. In addition, when the blades splay, the width of the terminals increases, which may make it difficult to assemble the terminals to the housing of the electrical connector. For example, the terminals may be too wide to fit in an opening or passage in the housing.

[0005] A reliable insulation displacement contact is needed. Summary of the invention

[0006] In one embodiment, a terminal is provided, which includes a terminal body extending between a mating end and a terminating end. The mating end has a mating interface. The terminating end has an insulation displacement contact. The insulation displacement contact includes a first contact element having a first blade and a second contact element having a second blade. The first blade faces the second blade across a cable trough, and the cable trough is configured to receive a cable. The terminal includes a contact support extending along the insulation displacement contact. The contact support holds the first contact element relative to the second contact element. 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 is a rear perspective view of an electrical connector and a plurality of terminals according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a terminal showing a terminating end according to an exemplary embodiment terminated to a cable.

[0010] Figure 3 is an exploded view of a portion of a terminal showing a terminating end according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a portion of a terminal according to an exemplary embodiment showing a cable ready to be loaded into a terminating end.

[0012] Figure 5 is an exploded view of a portion of a terminal showing a terminating end according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a portion of a terminal according to an exemplary embodiment showing a cable ready to be loaded into a terminating end.

[0014] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a portion of a terminal according to an exemplary embodiment showing a terminating end terminated to a cable.

[0015] Figure 8 is an exploded view of a portion of a terminal showing a terminating end according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0016] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of a terminal according to an exemplary embodiment showing a cable ready to be loaded into a terminating end.

[0017] Fig.10 is a perspective view of a portion of a terminal according to an exemplary embodiment showing a terminating end terminated to a cable.

[0018] Fig.11 is an exploded view of a portion of a terminal showing a terminating end according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0019] Fig.12 is an assembled view of a portion of a terminal according to an exemplary embodiment showing a terminating end.

[0020] Fig.13 is a perspective view of a portion of a terminal showing a terminating end according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of the electrical connector 10 and a plurality of terminals 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 One of the terminals 100 is shown ready to be loaded into the housing 12 of the electrical connector 10. The terminal 100 is terminated to the end of the cable 20. In an exemplary embodiment, the terminal 100 includes an insulation displacement termination portion that is terminated to the cable 20. The electrical connector 10 is provided as a non-limiting example of a connector type that utilizes the terminal 100 with the insulation displacement termination portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the cable 20 can be a large diameter cable. The terminal 100 includes a support element for supporting the insulation displacement termination portion to ensure a reliable electrical connection with the cable 20.

[0022] The housing 12 extends between the mating end 14 and the cable end 16. Optionally, the mating end 14 can be located at the front of the housing, and the cable 16 can be located at the rear of the housing. However, in an alternative embodiment, the electrical connector 10 can be a right-angle connector having a cable end 16 oriented perpendicular to the mating end 14. The housing 12 includes a terminal channel 18 for receiving the terminal 100. The terminal 100 can be loaded into the terminal channel 18 through the rear of the housing 12. The cable 20 extends from the cable 16. The housing 12 may include a latch for holding the terminal 100 in the terminal channel 18. In various other embodiments, a clip or other fixing feature may be used to hold the terminal 100 in the terminal channel 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 12 includes a partition wall between the terminal channels 18, which is used to position the terminal 100 in the terminal channel 18. The size and shape of the terminal channel 18 are designed to receive the terminal 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the terminal channel 18 is rectangular in shape with a height and width to accommodate the terminal 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the terminal 100 is low profile to allow the use of a small terminal passage 18, thereby reducing the overall size of the housing 12. For example, the terminal 100 can have a height and width approximately equal to (e.g., only slightly greater than) the diameter of the cable 20. Thus, the terminal passage 18 has a height and width approximately equal to the diameter of the cable 20.

[0023] Each terminal 100 has a terminal body 102 extending longitudinally between a mating end 104 and a termination end 106. The mating end 104 has a mating interface 108, which is configured to mate with a mating electrical connector. For example, the mating end 104 can be located at the mating end 14 of the housing 12 for electrical connection with the mating electrical connector. Various types of mating interfaces 108 can be provided at the mating end 104. For example, the terminal 100 can include a pin or a slot at the mating end 104. In various other embodiments, the terminal 100 can include a blade, a spring beam, a tuning fork contact, a box contact, or another type of mating interface.

[0024] The terminal 100 is terminated to the cable 20 at the termination end 106. For example, the terminal 100 includes an insulation displacement contact at the termination end 106, which is configured to be mechanically and electrically connected to the cable 20 through an insulation displacement termination. For example, the cable 20 is pressed into a cable groove in the terminal 100, where the blade pierces the insulation 22 of the cable 20 to electrically connect to the conductor 24 of the cable 20. The conductor 24 can be a stranded wire or a solid conductor. The insulator 22 can be a jacket or other insulating material surrounding the conductor 24.

[0025] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a terminal 100 showing a terminating end 106 terminated to a cable 20 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 3is an exploded view of a portion of the terminal 100 illustrating the terminating end 106 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a portion of a terminal 100 showing a cable ready to be loaded into the terminating end 106 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0026] The terminal body 102 includes a base wall 110 having an upper surface 112 and a lower surface 114. The base wall 110 extends between opposite edges 116, 118. In an exemplary embodiment, the base wall 110 is generally planar. Figure 1 ) can extend from the base wall 110 at the front of the terminal 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the terminal body 102 is stamped and formed with a component, which is a portion of the terminal 100 made of a flat metal sheet. In various embodiments, the terminal body 102 is made of a highly conductive metal to create an electrical path between the cable 20 and the mating electrical component. For example, the terminal body 102 can be made of copper or a copper alloy material. However, in alternative embodiments, the terminal body 12 can be made of other metal materials.

[0027] The terminal 100 includes an insulation displacement contact 120 at the termination end 106. The terminal 100 is mechanically and electrically connected to the cable 20 at the insulation displacement contact 120. In an exemplary embodiment, the insulation displacement contact 120 includes a cable slot 122 that receives the cable 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the insulation displacement contact 120 is box-shaped with an elongated cable slot 122 that receives the cable 20. The insulation displacement contact 120 is mechanically and electrically connected to the cable 20 at different longitudinal points along the cable 20, such as at a front portion 124 and a rear portion 126 of the insulation displacement contact 120. In an exemplary embodiment, the insulation displacement contact 120 includes an opening 128 at a top portion of the insulation displacement contact 120, the opening 128 being generally opposite the base wall 110. The cable 20 is loaded into the cable slot 122 through the opening 128.

[0028] The insulation displacement contact 120 includes a first contact element 130 and a second contact element 140. The first contact element 130 is disposed on a first side of the cable trough 122, and the second contact element 140 is disposed on a second side of the cable trough 122. The cable 20 is captured between the first contact element 130 and the second contact element 140. In an exemplary embodiment, the first contact element 130 and the second contact element 140 are configured to pierce the insulation 22 of the cable 20 to engage with the conductor 24.

[0029] The first contact element 130 includes a first lateral wall 132 and a first connecting wall 134 connecting the first lateral wall 132 to the base wall 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the first connecting wall 134 is bent 90° to orient the first lateral wall 132 perpendicular to the base wall 110. The first lateral wall 132 extends along the cable slot 122, such as parallel to the longitudinal axis / mating axis of the terminal 100. In other various embodiments, the cable slot 122 can be oriented in other orientations, such as perpendicular to the mating axis of the terminal 100. The first lateral wall 132 extends between the front 124 and the rear 126 of the insulation displacement contact 120. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more first blades 136 extend inwardly from the first side wall 132 toward the second contact element 140. The blades 136 can be oriented perpendicular to the lateral wall 132. The blades 136 can be disposed at the front 124 and / or the rear 126. The blade 136 is configured to pierce the insulation 22 of the cable 20 to electrically connect to the conductor 24. The blade 136 may be shaved or thinned to more easily pierce the insulation 22. The blade 136 may include a lead-in surface 138 at an upper edge to guide the cable 20 into the cable trough 122.

[0030] The second contact element 140 includes a second lateral wall 142 and a second connecting wall 144 connecting the second lateral wall 142 to the base wall 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the second connecting wall 144 is bent 90° to orient the second lateral wall 142 perpendicular to the base wall 110. The second lateral wall 142 extends along the cable slot 122, such as parallel to the longitudinal axis / mating axis of the terminal 100. In other various embodiments, the cable slot 122 can be oriented in other orientations, such as perpendicular to the mating axis of the terminal 100. The second lateral wall 142 extends between the front 124 and the rear 126 of the insulation displacement contact 120. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more second blades 146 extend inwardly from the second lateral wall 142 toward the second contact element 140. The blades 146 can be oriented perpendicular to the lateral wall 142. The blades 146 can be disposed at the front 124 and / or the rear 126. The blade 146 is configured to pierce the insulation 22 of the cable 20 to electrically connect to the conductor 24. The blade 146 may be shaved or thinned to more easily pierce the insulation 22. The blade 146 may include an introduction surface 148 at an upper edge to guide the cable 20 into the cable trough 122. In an exemplary embodiment, the blade 146 of the second contact element 140 is aligned with the corresponding blade 136 of the first contact element 130 on the opposite side of the cable trough 122.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, the insulation displacement contact 120 is generally box-shaped, defined by a base wall 110 at the bottom, lateral walls 132, 142 at opposite sides, blades 136, 146 at the front and rear, and an opening 128 at the top. The cable 20 is configured to be received in the cable trough 122 through the opening 128 between the contact elements 130, 140. The blades 136, 146 at the front 124 and rear 126 displace the insulator 22 to engage the conductor 24, thereby electrically connecting the terminal 100 to the cable 20.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the terminal 100 includes a crimp arm 150 extending from the base wall 110. The crimp arm 150 is configured to be folded or crimped to the insulation 22 of the cable 20 to hold the cable 20 relative to the insulation displacement contact 120. The crimp arm 150 can be located in front of the insulation displacement contact 120 and / or behind the insulation displacement contact 120, and the crimp arm 150 can be located on a first side and / or a second side of the cable 20.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, the terminal 100 includes a contact support 200. The contact support 200 is used to support the contact elements 130, 140. In an exemplary embodiment, when the cable 20 is inserted into the cable slot 122, the contact support 200 resists the widening of the cable slot 122. For example, the contact support 200 resists the outward pressure of the cable 20 on the contact elements 130, 140. The contact support 200 maintains the natural (e.g., parallel) orientation of the contact elements 130, 140 to maintain the profile of the terminal 100 for properly loading the terminal 100 into the terminal channel 18 in the housing 12 of the electrical connector 10.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, the contact support 200 is a rigid component. For example, the contact support 200 is made of a material having a high elastic modulus (e.g., a higher elastic modulus than the material of the terminal body 102). In various embodiments, the contact support 200 is made of a steel material, such as stainless steel, carbon steel, nickel steel, chrome-molybdenum steel, or another steel alloy. The contact support may be made of another high-strength material. In various embodiments, the contact support 200 may be made of a thicker material than the terminal body 102 to increase the strength, rigidity, and hardness of the contact support 200 compared to the terminal body 102, thereby providing the necessary support for the insulation displacement contact 120.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, the contact support 200 includes a cover wall 210 extending between a first support element 230 and a second support element 240. The cover wall 210 positions the support elements 230, 240 relative to each other. The cover wall 210 includes an inner surface 212 and an outer surface 214. The inner surface 212 faces a cable cavity 216 configured to receive the cable 20. The support elements 230, 240 are disposed on opposite sides of the cable cavity 216. The contact support 200 is configured to be located outside the insulation displacement contact 120. For example, the insulation displacement contact 120 can be received in the cable cavity 216 of the contact support 200.

[0036] The first support element 230 includes a first outer support 232 having an inner surface 234 facing the cable cavity 216. In various embodiments, the first outer support 232 can be a support wall. The first outer support 232 is configured to extend along the first lateral wall 132 of the first contact element 130. When the cable 20 is inserted into the cable groove 122, the first outer support 232 is used to maintain the position of the first lateral wall 132. In an exemplary embodiment, the first support element 230 includes a support finger 236 extending from the outer support 232. The support finger 236 is configured to extend along the first blade 136 of the first contact element 130. The support finger 236 can support the first blade 136. The support finger 236 can engage the cable 20 to mechanically and / or electrically connect to the cable 20.

[0037] The second support element 240 includes a second outer support 242 having an inner surface 244 facing the cable cavity 216. In various embodiments, the second outer support 242 can be a support wall. The second outer support 242 can extend parallel to the first outer support 232. The second outer support 242 is configured to extend along the second lateral wall 142 of the second contact element 140. When the cable 20 is inserted into the cable groove 122, the second outer support 242 is used to maintain the position of the second lateral wall 142. In an exemplary embodiment, the second support element 240 includes a support finger 246 extending from the outer support 242. The support finger 246 is configured to extend along the second blade 146 of the second contact element 140. The support finger 246 can support the second blade 146. The support finger 246 can engage the cable 20 to mechanically and / or electrically connect to the cable 20.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, the contact support 200 is a stamped and formed component having a body 202, which may be a plate-like body. The contact support 200 is stamped and formed into a specific shape from a metal material, such as a steel material. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact support 200 is U-shaped, having a covering wall 210 and support elements 230, 240 extending from opposite sides of the covering wall 210. In alternative embodiments, the contact support 200 may have other shapes. In an exemplary embodiment, the contact 200 has a thickness based on the thickness of the metal material from which the contact support 200 is stamped.

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, the contact support 200 is separate and discrete from the terminal body 102. The contact support 200 is coupled to the insulation displacement contact 120 of the terminal body 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the contact support 200 is coupled to the bottom of the terminal 100. For example, the contact support 200 is coupled to the terminal body 102 from below so that the cover wall 210 covers the lower surface 114 of the base wall 110. The support elements 230, 240 cover the outer surfaces of the lateral walls 132, 142. In various embodiments, the contact support 200 is preassembled to the insulation displacement contact 120 before the cable 20 is loaded into the cable trough 122. As the cable 20 is loaded into the cable trough 122, the support elements 230, 240 support the contact elements 130, 140, respectively. When the cable 20 is inserted into the cable trough 122, the contact support 200 resists the expansion of the contact elements 130, 140. For example, the support members 230, 240 rigidly hold the contact members 130, 140 to maintain the slot width of the cable slot 122 as the cable 20 is inserted into the cable slot 122. In an alternative embodiment, the contact support 200 is assembled to the insulation displacement contact 120 after the cable 20 is inserted into the cable slot 122. For example, the contact support 200 is inserted onto the terminal body 102 to press the contact members 130, 140 inwardly toward the cable 20 to maintain the mechanical and electrical connection between the contact members 130, 140 and the conductors 24 of the cable 20.

[0040] When assembled, the contact support 200 increases the overall profile of the terminal 100. For example, the covering wall 210 increases the overall height of the terminal 100. However, the overall height of the terminal 100 is only increased by the thickness of the material of the contact support 200, which is relatively thin to have a very small effect on the overall height. For example, the contact support 200 increases the overall height by less than 10%. The support elements 230, 240 increase the overall width of the terminal 100. However, the overall width of the terminal 100 is only increased by twice the thickness of the material of the contact support 200, which has a small effect on the overall width. For example, the contact support 200 increases the overall width by less than 10%.

[0041] Figure 5 is an exploded view of a portion of the terminal 100 illustrating the terminating end 106 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 6 is a perspective view of a portion of a terminal 100 showing a cable ready to be loaded into the terminating end 106 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 7 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a terminal 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the terminating end 106 terminated to the cable 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact support 200 is coupled to the top of the insulation displacement contact 120. For example, the contact support 200 is loaded onto the top of the insulation displacement contact 120 to cover the opening 128. The cover wall 210 covers the opening 128, and the support elements 230, 240 extend along the contact elements 130, 140.

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, the cover wall 210 includes a protrusion 218 extending into the cable cavity 216. The protrusion 218 is configured to engage the cable 20 to position the cable 20 in the cable trough 122. The protrusion 218 located above the cable 20 presses the cable 20 into the cable trough 122 toward the base wall 110.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, the contact support 200 is used as a stuffer to load the cable 20 into the cable trough 122. For example, the cable 20 can initially be loaded into the cable cavity 216 of the contact support 200 between the support fingers 236, 246. In various embodiments, the support fingers 236, 246 can pierce the insulator 22 and engage the conductor 24. Optionally, the width of the gap between the support fingers 236, 246 can be approximately equal to the diameter of the conductor 24. In various embodiments, the width of the gap between the support fingers 236, 246 can be slightly narrower than the diameter of the conductor 24, so that the conductor 24 is slightly compressed or deformed between the support fingers 236, 246. In other various embodiments, the width of the gap between the support fingers 236, 246 can be slightly wider than the diameter of the conductor 24, so that the support fingers 236, 246 do not compress the conductor 24. In an alternative embodiment, the width of the gap between the support fingers 236, 246 may be approximately equal to the diameter of the insulator 22 so that the support fingers 236, 246 do not pierce the insulator 22. During assembly, as the contact support 200 is coupled to the insulation displacement contact 120, the contact support 200 loads the cable 20 into the insulation displacement contact 120. The cable 20 is loaded into the cable trough 122 to engage the contact elements 130, 140. The blades 136, 146 pierce the insulator 22 and engage the conductors 24, causing the contact support 200 to load the cable 20 into the cable trough 122. As the contact support 200 is coupled to the insulation displacement contact 120, the support elements 230, 240 support the contact elements 130, 140 and prevent the expansion door opening of the cable trough 122 from opening as the cable 20 is loaded into the cable trough 122. In an alternative embodiment, the contact support 200 is assembled to the insulation displacement contact 120 after the cable 20 is inserted into the cable slot 122. For example, the contact support 200 is inserted onto the terminal body 102 to press the contact elements 130, 140 inwardly toward the cable 20 to maintain mechanical and electrical connection between the contact elements 130, 140 and the conductors 24 of the cable 20.

[0044] Figure 8 is an exploded view of a portion of the terminal 100 illustrating the terminating end 106 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of a terminal 100 showing a cable ready to be loaded into the terminating end 106 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig.10 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a terminal 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the terminating end 106 terminated to the cable 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact support 200 is a spring wire. The contact support 200 includes a wire body 204, such as a round wire formed into a predetermined shape.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, the cover portion of the contact support 200 forms a cable bracket 250 that receives the cable 20. The cable bracket 250 may be rounded to follow the curvature of the cable 20. The contact support 200 includes a first support element 230 and a second support element 240 extending on opposite sides of the contact support 200. The cable bracket 250 connects the first support element 230 and the second support element 240. The support elements 230, 240 are configured to extend along the lateral walls 132, 142 of the contact elements 130, 140. When the cable 20 is inserted into the cable trough 122, the support elements 230, 240 are used to maintain the position of the lateral walls 132, 142. In an exemplary embodiment, the support elements 230, 240 include latch recesses 238, 248, respectively. The latch recesses 238, 248 receive latches 160 extending from the lateral walls 132, 142. The latches 160 secure the contact support 200 to the insulation displacement contact 120. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of latches 160 are disposed on each lateral wall 132, 142 at different vertical positions to hold the contact support 200 in different vertical positions, such as in a raised or preset position and in a lowered or fixed position. The contact support 200 can be used to load the cable 20 into the cable trough 122. For example, the contact support 200 is pressed downward to load the cable 20 into the cable trough 122. When the cable 20 is inserted into the cable trough 122, the support elements 230, 240 resist the expansion of the contact elements 130, 140. For example, the support elements 230, 240 rigidly hold the contact elements 130, 140 to maintain the slot width of the cable trough 122 as the cable 20 is inserted into the cable trough 122.

[0046] Fig.11 is an exploded view of a portion of the terminal 100 illustrating the terminating end 106 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig.12 1 is an assembly view of a portion of the terminal 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the terminating end 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact support 200 is a spring wire that forms a wire body 204 into a predetermined shape. The contact support 200 includes a cable bracket 250 that receives the cable 20. The contact support 200 includes a first support element 230 and a second support element 240 extending on opposite sides of the contact support 200. The support elements 230, 240 are configured to extend along the lateral walls 132, 142 of the contact elements 130, 140. When the cable 20 is inserted into the cable trough 122, the support elements 230, 240 are used to maintain the position of the lateral walls 132, 142. When the cable 20 is inserted into the cable trough 122, the support elements 230, 240 resist the expansion of the contact elements 130, 140. For example, the support members 230 , 240 rigidly hold the contact members 130 , 140 to maintain the slot width of the cable slot 122 as the cable 20 is inserted into the cable slot 122 .

[0047] Fig.13 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a terminal 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the terminating end 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact support 200 is a covering on the insulation displacement contact 120. The contact support 200 includes a coating 206. The coating 206 provides rigidity to the insulation displacement contact 120. When the cable 20 is inserted into the cable trough 122, the coating 206 prevents the contact elements 130, 140 of the insulation displacement contact 120 from spreading.

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, the coating 206 is directly coated onto the outer surface of the insulation displacement contact 120. The coating 206 is a different material from the terminal body 102. For example, the terminal body 102 may be a copper or copper alloy material, and the coating 206 may be a steel material, such as stainless steel. The coating 206 may be bonded to the terminal body 102, for example, by pressing or rolling metal sheets together under high pressure. The coating 206 may be selectively applied to the terminal body 102, such as along the base wall 110, the first contact element 130, and the second contact element 140. In an exemplary embodiment, the coating 206 may be applied to the lateral walls 132, 142. Alternatively, the coating 206 may be applied to the blades 136, 146.

Claims

1. A terminal (100), comprising: A terminal body (102) extending between a mating end (104) and a terminating end (106), the mating end having a mating interface (108), and the terminating end having an insulation displacement contact (120); The insulation displacement contact includes a first contact element (130) having a first blade (136) and a second contact element (140) having a second blade (146), the first blade facing the second blade across a cable trough (122) configured to receive a cable (20); and A contact support (200) extends along the insulation displacement contact, the contact support holding the first contact element relative to the second contact element.

2. The terminal (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The terminal body (102) is made of a first material, and the contact support (200) is made of a second material having a higher elastic modulus than the first material.

3. The terminal (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The contact support (200) is separate and discrete from the insulation displacement contact (120), and the contact support is coupled to the insulation displacement contact.

4. The terminal (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The contact support (200) resists widening of the cable trough (122).

5. The terminal (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The contact support (200) extends along an outer surface (214) of the first contact element (130) and an outer surface of the second contact element (140).

6. The terminal (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The first contact element (130) includes a third blade and a first lateral wall (132) between the first blade (136) and the third blade, the second contact element (140) includes a fourth blade and a second lateral wall (142) between the second blade (146) and the fourth blade, and the contact support (200) extends along the first lateral wall and the second lateral wall.

7. The terminal (100) according to claim 6, wherein: The contact support (200) extends along the first blade (136), the second blade (146), the third blade, and the fourth blade.

8. The terminal (100) according to claim 6, wherein: The insulation displacement contact (120) comprises a base wall (110) between the first lateral wall (132) and the second lateral wall (142), the insulation displacement contact comprising an opening (128) between the first lateral wall and the second lateral wall at a top opposite to the base wall, the contact support extending along the base wall.

9. The terminal (100) according to claim 6, wherein: The insulation displacement contact (120) comprises a base wall (110) between the first lateral wall (132) and the second lateral wall (142), the insulation displacement contact comprising an opening (128) between the first lateral wall and the second lateral wall at a top opposite to the base wall, the contact support (200) extending along the opening.

10. The terminal (100) according to claim 6, wherein: The terminal body (102) extends along a longitudinal axis between a mating end (104) and a terminating end (106), the first lateral wall (132) and the second lateral wall (142) extend parallel to the longitudinal axis, the first blade (136) and the second blade (146) are longitudinally aligned with each other along the longitudinal axis and extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the third blade and the fourth blade are longitudinally aligned with each other along the longitudinal axis and extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

11. The terminal (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The contact support (200) is U-shaped and has a first support element (230) extending along the first contact element (130), a second support element (240) extending along the second contact element (140), and a cover element extending between the first support element and the second support element, the cover element extending along one of the top or the bottom of the insulation displacement contact (120).

12. The terminal (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The contact support (200) includes a thickness that, when the contact support is coupled to the insulation displacement contact (120), does not add more height to the terminal than the thickness.

13. The terminal (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The contact support (200) includes support fingers (246) that engage the cable (20) to support the cable relative to the terminal body (102).

14. The terminal (100) according to claim 13, wherein: The support fingers (246) pierce the insulation of the cable (20).

15. The terminal (100) according to claim 13, wherein: The support fingers (246) are separated by a distance greater than a width of the cable trough (122) between the first blade (136) and the second blade (146).

16. The terminal (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The terminal body (102) includes a crimp arm (150) that is crimped to the cable (20) to retain the cable relative to the insulation displacement contact (120).

17. The terminal (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The contact support (200) is a cladding on an outer surface (214) of the insulation displacement contact (120).

18. The terminal (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The contact support (200) is formed as a wire including a cable bracket (250) configured to receive the cable (20).

19. The terminal (100) according to claim 18, wherein: The line includes a first support element (230) extending along the first contact element (130) and a second support element (240) extending along the second contact element (140).

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