Electrical connector comprising plurality of terminals

Abstract

An electrical connector including a plurality of terminals is described. An example electrical connector has a housing, a cover releasably attached to the housing, a first tab, and a second tab. The housing has a housing first end, a housing second end, a connector portion, and defines a shoulder, a first channel, a second channel, and a protrusion. A first channel and a second channel are defined on the connector portion. The first tab is partially disposed within the first channel and attached to the housing. The first tab has a first tab second end disposed at a first distance from the protrusion. The second tab is partially disposed within the second channel and attached to the housing. The second tab has a second tab second end disposed at a second distance from the protrusion, the second distance being different from the first distance.

Description

Overview

[0002] Various examples of electrical connectors are described.

[0003] An example electrical connector has a housing, a cover, a first plug and a second plug. The housing has a housing first end, a housing second end, a connector portion, and defines a shoulder, a first channel, a second channel, and a protrusion. The connector portion extends from the housing first end to the shoulder. The protrusion extends from the shoulder to the housing second end. The first channel and the second channel are defined on the connector portion. The cover is releasably attached to the housing. The first plug is partially disposed in the first channel and attached to the housing. The first plug has a first plug end and a first plug second end. The first plug second end is disposed at a first distance from the protrusion. The second plug is partially disposed in the second channel and attached to the housing. The second plug has a second plug first end and a second plug second end. The second plug second end is disposed at a second distance from the protrusion, the second distance being different from the first distance.

[0004] A further understanding of these examples can be gained by reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an electrical connector.

[0007] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the electrical connector shown in FIG.

[0008] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the electrical connector shown in FIG. 5 is taken along line 3 - 3 .

[0009] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the electrical connector shown in FIG. 4 is taken along line 4 - 4 . The first conductive structure and the second conductive structure are shown as being disposed between the housing and the cover.

[0010] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A top view of the housing, the first plug blade and the second plug blade of the electrical connector shown in FIG.

[0011] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 00140 - 00141 - 00142 - 00143 ...

[0012] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A front view of a housing of an electrical connector shown in FIG.

[0013] Figure 8 yes Figure 1A rear view of the housing, the first plug blade and the second plug blade of the electrical connector shown in FIG.

[0014] Fig. 9 yes Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the housing, the first insert and the second insert shown in FIG. 1 is taken along line 9 - 9 .

[0015] Fig.10 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a cover of an electrical connector shown in FIG.

[0016] Fig.11 yes Figure 1 Another perspective view of the cover of the electrical connector shown in .

[0017] Fig.12 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an electrical connector.

[0018] Fig.13 yes Fig.12 An exploded view of the electrical connector shown in FIG.

[0019] Fig.14 yes Fig.12 The electrical connector shown in FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14 - 14 .

[0020] Fig.15 yes Fig.12 A cross-sectional view of the electrical connector shown in FIG. 1 is taken along line 15 - 15 . The first conductive structure and the second conductive structure are shown as being disposed between the housing and the cover.

[0021] Fig.16 yes Fig.12 A top view of the housing, the first plug blade and the second plug blade of the electrical connector shown in FIG.

[0022] Fig.17 yes Fig.12 00140 - 00141 - 00142 - 00143 ...

[0023] Fig.18 yes Fig.12 A front view of a housing of an electrical connector shown in FIG.

[0024] Fig.19 yes Fig.12 A rear view of the housing, the first plug blade and the second plug blade of the electrical connector shown in FIG.

[0025] Fig. 20 yes Fig.12 A side view of the housing, the first blade and the second blade of the electrical connector shown in FIG.

[0026] Fig.21 yes Fig.160 is a cross-sectional view of the housing, the first blade and the second blade of the electrical connector shown in , taken along line 21 - 21 .

[0027] Fig. 22 yes Fig.12 A perspective view of a cover of an electrical connector shown in FIG.

[0028] Fig.23 yes Fig.12 Another perspective view of the cover of the electrical connector shown in . Detailed Description

[0030] The following detailed description and accompanying drawings describe and illustrate various example embodiments of an electrical connector including multiple terminals. The description and illustration of these examples are provided to enable those skilled in the art to make and use an electrical connector including multiple terminals according to the present invention. These examples are not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any way.

[0031] Figures 1 to 11 A first example electrical connector 10 is shown that includes a housing 12 , a cover 14 , a first blade 16 , and a second blade 18 .

[0032] The housing 12 has a housing longitudinal axis 13, a housing first end 20, a housing second end 22, a connector portion 24, and defines a shoulder 26, a first channel 28, a second channel 30, a protrusion 32, a first recess 34, a second recess 36, a third channel 38, a first protrusion 40, a second protrusion 42, and a third protrusion 44. The housing longitudinal axis 13 extends from the housing first end 20 to the housing second end 22.

[0033] The connector portion 24 extends from the housing first end 20 toward the housing second end 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector portion 24 extends from the housing first end 20 to a shoulder 26. Each of the first passage 28 and the second passage 30 is defined on the connector portion 24. The shoulder 26 is disposed between the housing first end 20 and the housing second end 22 and provides a mechanical stop to the advancement of the cover 14.

[0034] The first channel 28 extends from the housing first end 20 to the shoulder 26, has a first channel center axis 29 disposed parallel to the housing longitudinal axis 13, a first channel length 31, and is sized and configured to receive a portion of the first tab 16. The first channel 28 has a first interior width 21 and a second interior width 23 that is less than the first interior width 21. The first interior width 21 is disposed between the housing first end 20 and the shoulder 26, and the second interior width 23 is disposed along the shoulder 26. The second channel 30 extends from the housing first end 20 to the shoulder 26, has a second channel center axis 33 disposed parallel to the housing longitudinal axis 13 and the first channel center axis 29, a second channel length 35, and is sized and configured to receive a portion of the second tab 18. The second channel 30 has a first interior width 25 and a second interior width 27 that is less than the first interior width 25. The first interior width 25 is disposed between the housing first end 20 and the shoulder 26, and the second interior width 27 is disposed along the shoulder 26.

[0035] Although the first channel central axis 29 and the second channel central axis 33 have been shown as being parallel to the housing longitudinal axis 13, alternative embodiments may include channels having central axes that are not arranged parallel to the housing longitudinal axis. Each of the first channel 28 and the second channel 30 facilitates the insertion and securing of other electrical connectors to the electrical connector 10. Figure 8 As shown, the housing 12 defines a first bonding track 46 within the first channel 28 and a second bonding track 48 within the second channel 30. The first bonding track 46 and the second bonding track 48 allow an electrical connector having a mating structural arrangement to be inserted into the first channel 28 or the second channel 30, which prevents the use of a connector that does not have a mating structure. In the illustrated embodiment, the first bonding track 46 and the second bonding track 48 have the same structural arrangement. However, in alternative embodiments, the first bonding track and the second bonding track may have different structural arrangements. For example, in an embodiment where the first electrical connector is used as a ground, the first channel may include a first bonding track that mates with the first electrical connector, thereby allowing a user to confirm that the first electrical connector is being used in the correct channel and, as described herein, connected to an appropriate flat flexible cable.

[0036] The protrusion 32 extends from the second end 22 of the housing toward the first end 20 of the housing. In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion 32 extends from the shoulder 26 to the second end 22 of the housing. The protrusion 32 provides a structure on which one or more flat flexible cables can be disposed. Each of the first recess 34 and the second recess 36 is defined on the protrusion 32, respectively. The first recess 34 extends from the shoulder 26 toward the second end 22 of the housing and into the protrusion 32. The second recess 36 extends from the shoulder 26 toward the second end 22 of the housing and into the protrusion 32. The first recess 34 is sized and configured to accommodate a portion of the first plug 16. The second recess 36 is sized and configured to accommodate a portion of the second plug 18. Although the first recess 34 and the second recess 36 have been shown, alternative embodiments may omit the inclusion of the first recess, the second recess, or both recesses.

[0037] The third channel 38 is disposed between the first recess 34 and the second recess 36 and extends through the protrusion 32. The third channel 38 is sized and configured to receive the first protrusion 62 of the cover 14, as described in more detail herein. The first protrusion 40 extends from the protrusion 32 and into the third channel 38. The second protrusion 42 is disposed on the housing second end 22 and extends from the protrusion 32 away from the housing first end 20. The third protrusion 44 is disposed on the housing second end 22 and extends from the protrusion 32 away from the housing first end 20.

[0038] Although the housing 12 has been illustrated as having a particular structural arrangement, the housing included in the electrical connector may have any suitable structural arrangement. The selection of a suitable structural arrangement for the housing included in the electrical connector may be based on various considerations, such as the type of component to which the electrical connector is attached. The housing may be formed of any suitable material, and the selection of a suitable material may be based on various considerations, such as the intended use of the electrical connector of which the housing is a component. Examples of materials considered suitable for forming the housing include non-conductive materials, plastics, and any other material considered suitable for a particular embodiment.

[0039] The cover 14 may be attached to the housing 12 and, when removed, may be Figure 2 When assembled, as shown Figure 1 As shown, the cover 14 is releasably attached to the housing 12, disposed on the protrusion 32, and disposed adjacent the shoulder 26. The cover 14 has a cover first end 50, a cover second end 52, a top 54, and a bottom 56, and defines a first recess 58, a second recess 60, a first protrusion 62, a second protrusion 64, and a third protrusion 66.

[0040] Each of the first recess 58 and the second recess 60 extends from the cover first end 50 toward the cover second end 52 and from the bottom 56 toward the top 54. The first recess 58 is sized and configured to accommodate a portion of the first plug 16. The second recess 60 is sized and configured to accommodate a portion of the second plug 18. Although the first recess 58 and the second recess 60 have been shown, alternative embodiments may omit including the first recess, the second recess, or both recesses. The first protrusion 62 is disposed between the first recess 58 and the second recess 60 and extends from the bottom 56 away from the top 54. When assembled, the first protrusion 62 is disposed within the third channel 38. The second protrusion 64 extends from the cover second end 52 away from the top 54. The third protrusion 66 extends from the cover second end 52 away from the top 54. The first protrusion 62 has an opening 68, which is sized and configured to receive the first protrusion 40 defined by the housing 12 to achieve a releasable attachment of the cover 14 to the housing 12. The second protrusion 64 has an opening 70 that is sized and configured to receive the second protrusion 42 defined by the housing 12 to enable releasable attachment of the cover 14 to the housing 12. The third protrusion 66 has an opening 72 that is sized and configured to receive the third protrusion 44 defined by the housing 12 to enable releasable attachment of the cover 14 to the housing 12.

[0041] Although the cover 14 has been illustrated as having a particular structural arrangement, the cover included in the electrical connector can have any suitable structural arrangement. The selection of a suitable structural arrangement for the cover included in the electrical connector can be based on various considerations, such as the type of component to which the electrical connector is attached. The cover can be formed of any suitable material, and the selection of a suitable material can be based on various considerations, such as the intended use of the electrical connector of which the cover is a component. Examples of materials considered suitable for forming the cover include non-conductive materials, plastics, and any other material considered suitable for a particular embodiment.

[0042] The first tab 16 is partially disposed within the first channel 28 and attached to the housing 12. The first tab 16 has a first tab first end 74, a first tab second end 76, a first tab length 71, a first tab first portion 78, a first tab second portion 80, and a first tab bend 82. When the cover 14 is releasably attached to the housing 12, the first tab 16 is partially disposed between the cover 14 and the housing 12 (e.g., the protrusion 32). The first tab length 71 extends from the first tab first end 74 to the first tab second end 76 and is less than the first channel length 31. The first tab first portion 78 extends from the first tab first end 74 to the first tab bend 82 and has a first width 75. The first tab second portion 80 extends from the first tab second end 76 to the first tab bend 82 and has a second width 77 greater than the first width 75. The first tab bend 82 is disposed between the first tab first portion 78 and the first tab second portion 80. The first tab first portion 78 has a first longitudinal axis 79, and the first tab second portion 80 has a second longitudinal axis 81. The first longitudinal axis 79 is parallel to and non-coaxial with the second longitudinal axis 81. In the illustrated embodiment, the first tab second end 76 is disposed a first distance 83 from the protrusion 32, and the first tab bend 82 is disposed between the shoulder 26 and the cap 14.

[0043] The second tab 18 is partially disposed in the second channel 30 and is attached to the housing 12. The second tab 18 has a second tab first end 88, a second tab second end 90, a second tab length 89, a second tab first portion 92, a second tab second portion 94, and a second tab bend 96. When the cover 14 is releasably attached to the housing 12, the second tab 18 is partially disposed between the cover 14 and the housing 12 (e.g., the protrusion 32). The second tab length 89 extends from the second tab first end 88 to the second tab second end 90 and is less than the second channel length 35. The second tab first portion 92 extends from the second tab first end 88 to the second tab bend 96 and has a first width 91. The second tab second portion 94 extends from the second tab second end 90 to the second tab bend 96 and has a second width 93 greater than the first width 91. The second tab bend 96 is disposed between the second tab first portion 92 and the second tab second portion 94. The second tab first portion 92 has a first longitudinal axis 95, and the second tab second portion 94 has a second longitudinal axis 97. The first longitudinal axis 95 is parallel to and non-coaxial with the second longitudinal axis 97. In the illustrated embodiment, the second tab second end 90 is disposed at a second distance 99 from the protrusion 32, and the second tab bend 96 is disposed between the shoulder 26 and the cap 14. The second distance 99 is different from the first distance 83. In the illustrated embodiment, the second distance 99 is less than the first distance 83.

[0044] Each of the first plug 16 and the second plug 18 can be any suitable electrical component having the features described herein, such as an electrical plug or an electrical terminal. Although each of the first plug 16 and the second plug 18 has been shown as having a specific structural arrangement, the plug included in the electrical connector can have any suitable structural arrangement. Selecting a suitable structural arrangement for the plug included in the electrical connector can be based on various considerations, such as the type of component to which the electrical connector is attached. The plug can be formed of any suitable material, and the selection of suitable materials can be based on various considerations, such as the intended use of the electrical connector of which the plug is a component. Examples of materials considered suitable for forming the plug include conductive materials, as well as any other materials considered suitable for a particular embodiment.

[0045] like Figure 4 As shown, during use, the first conductive structure 100 and the second conductive structure 102 can be positioned between the housing 12 and the cover 14 and (e.g., releasably) attached to the electrical connector 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the first conductive structure 100 is a flat flexible cable 104 having a first side 106, a second side 108, a conductive trace 110, and an outer non-conductive insulator 112 surrounding the conductive trace 110. The conductive trace 110 has a top 114 and a bottom 116. A portion of the non-conductive insulator 112 is removed along the first side 106 and adjacent to or near the first tab 16 so that an electrical connection is achieved between the first tab 16 and the conductive trace 110. As shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, the first tab 16 contacts the top 114 of the conductive trace 110 to complete the electrical connection.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the second conductive structure 102 is a flat flexible cable 118 having a first side 120, a second side 122, a conductive trace 124, and an outer non-conductive insulator 126 surrounding the conductive trace 124. The conductive trace 124 has a top 128 and a bottom 130. A portion of the non-conductive insulator 126 is removed along the second side 122 and adjacent or proximate to the second tab 18 so that an electrical connection is achieved between the second tab 18 and the conductive trace 124. Figure 4 As shown, the second tab 18 contacts the bottom 130 of the conductive trace 124 to complete the electrical connection.

[0047] The first tab 16 is attached to the conductive trace 110, and the second tab 18 is attached to the conductive trace 124. The attachment between the tab and the conductive trace can be accomplished using any suitable attachment technique or method, and the selection of a suitable type of attachment can be based on various considerations, such as the materials forming the tab and / or the conductive trace. Examples of attachment techniques and methods considered suitable for the tab and the conductive trace include the use of adhesives, ultrasonic welding, and any other techniques or methods considered suitable for a particular embodiment.

[0048] In use, and when the cover 14 is detached from the housing 12, the first conductive structure 100 and the second conductive structure 102 are positioned on the protrusion 32 of the housing 12 such that the first conductive structure 100 is electrically connected to the first plug 16 and the second conductive structure 102 is electrically connected to the second plug 18. Subsequently, the cover 14 is releasably attached to the housing 12 to attach the first conductive structure 100 and the second conductive structure 102 to the electrical connector 10.

[0049] Figures 12 to 23 A second example electrical connector 210 is shown that includes a housing 212 , a cover 214 , a first blade 216 , a second blade 218 , and a fuse 350 .

[0050] The housing 212 has a housing longitudinal axis 213, a housing first end 220, a housing second end 222, a connector portion 224, and defines a shoulder 226, a first channel 228, a second channel 230, a protrusion 232, a first recess 234, a third channel 238, a first protrusion 240, a second protrusion 242, a third protrusion 244, a fourth channel 352, and a fifth channel 354. The housing longitudinal axis 213 extends from the housing first end 220 to the housing second end 222.

[0051] The connector portion 224 extends from the housing first end 220 toward the housing second end 222. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector portion 224 extends from the housing first end 220 to the shoulder 226. Each of the first channel 228, the second channel 230, the fourth channel 352, and the fifth channel 354 is defined on the connector portion 224. The shoulder 226 is disposed between the housing first end 220 and the housing second end 222 and provides a mechanical stop to the advancement of the cover 214.

[0052] The first channel 228 extends from a position between the housing first end 220 and the housing second end 222 to the shoulder 226, has a first channel center axis 229 disposed substantially perpendicular to the housing longitudinal axis 213, a first channel length 231, and is sized and configured to receive a portion of the first tab 216. The first channel 228 has a first interior width 221 and a second interior width 223 greater than the first interior width 221. The first interior width 221 is disposed between the housing first end 220 and the shoulder 226, and the second interior width 223 is disposed along the shoulder 226. The second channel 230 extends from a position between the housing first end 220 and the housing second end 222 and toward the housing longitudinal axis 213. The second channel 230 has a second channel center axis 233 disposed substantially perpendicular to the housing longitudinal axis 213 and parallel to the first channel center axis 229, and the second channel length 235 is sized and configured to receive a portion of the fuse 350. The second channel 230 has a first interior width 225 and a second interior width 227 that is smaller than the first interior width 225. The first interior width 225 is disposed between the housing first end 220 and the housing second end 222, and the second interior width 227 is disposed between the housing first end 220 and the housing second end 222. The fourth channel 352 is disposed between the second channel 230 and the fifth channel 354 and is sized and configured to accommodate the fuse 350. The fourth channel 352 communicates with the second channel 230 and the fifth channel 354. The fifth channel 354 extends from the fourth channel 352 to the shoulder 226 and is sized and configured to accommodate a portion of the second tab 218.

[0053] Each of the first channel 228 and the second channel 230 facilitates the insertion and fixing of other electrical connectors to the electrical connector 210. Fig. 20 As shown, housing 212 defines a first bond track 246 within first channel 228 and a second bond track 248 within second channel 230. First bond track 246 and second bond track 248 allow an electrical connector having a mating structural arrangement to be inserted into first channel 228 or second channel 230, which prevents the use of a connector that does not have a mating configuration.

[0054] The projection 232 extends from the housing second end 222 toward the housing first end 220. In the illustrated embodiment, the projection 232 extends from the shoulder 226 to the housing second end 222. The projection 232 provides a structure on which one or more flat flexible cables can be disposed, as described in more detail herein. A first recess 234 is defined on the projection 232. The first recess 234 extends from the shoulder 226 toward the housing second end 222 and into the projection 232. The first recess 234 is sized and configured to accommodate a portion of the second tab 218.

[0055] The cover 214 can be attached to the housing 212 and when removed, as shown Fig.13 When assembled, as shown Fig.12 As shown, the cover 214 is releasably attached to the housing 212, disposed on the protrusion 232, and disposed adjacent the shoulder 226. The cover 214 has a cover first end 250, a cover second end 252, a top 254, and a bottom 256, and defines a first recess 258, a first protrusion 262, a second protrusion 264, and a third protrusion 266.

[0056] The first recess 258 extends from the cover first end 250 toward the cover second end 252 and from the bottom 256 toward the top 254. The first recess 258 is sized and configured to receive a portion of the second tab 218.

[0057] The first tab 216 is partially disposed within the first channel 228 and has a first tab first end 274, a first tab second end 276, a first tab length 271, a first tab first portion 278, a first tab second portion 280, a first tab arc 251, and a first tab bend 282. When the cover 214 is releasably attached to the housing 212, the first tab 216 is partially disposed between the cover 214 and the housing 212 (e.g., the protrusion 232). The first tab length 271 extends from the first tab first end 274 to the first tab second end 276 and is less than the first channel length 231. The first tab first portion 278 extends from the first tab first end 274 to the first tab arc 251 and has a first width 275. The first tab second portion 280 extends from the first tab second end 276 to the first tab bend 282 and has a second width 277 greater than the first width 275. The first tab bend 282 is disposed between the first tab first portion 278 and the first tab second portion 280. The first tab first portion 278 has a first longitudinal axis 279, and the first tab second portion 280 has a second longitudinal axis 281. The first longitudinal axis 279 is not parallel to the second longitudinal axis 281, and is disposed on an imaginary plane 269 disposed substantially perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis 281. In the illustrated embodiment, as shown Fig. 20As shown, the first tab second end 276 is disposed a first distance 283 from the protrusion 232 , and the first tab bend 282 is disposed between the protrusion 232 and the cover 214 .

[0058] The second tab 218 is partially disposed in the fifth channel 354, partially disposed in the first recess 234, and has a second tab first end 288, a second tab second end 290, a second tab length 289, a second tab first portion 292, a second tab second portion 294, and a second tab bend 296. The second tab first end 288 includes a retaining arm 267, which provides a structure for releasably or fixedly attaching the second tab 218 to the fuse 350. When the cover 214 is releasably attached to the housing 212, the second tab 218 is partially disposed between the cover 214 and the housing 212 (e.g., the protrusion 232). The second tab length 289 extends from the second tab first end 288 to the second tab second end 290 and is less than the second channel length 235. The second tab first portion 292 extends from the second tab first end 288 to the second tab bend 296 and has a first width 291. The second tab second portion 294 extends from the second tab second end 290 to the second tab bend 296 and has a second width 293 greater than the first width 291. The second tab bend 296 is disposed between the second tab first portion 292 and the second tab second portion 294. The second tab first portion 292 has a first longitudinal axis 295, and the second tab second portion 294 has a second longitudinal axis 297. The first longitudinal axis 295 is parallel to the second longitudinal axis 297 and is not coaxial with the second longitudinal axis 297. In the illustrated embodiment, the second tab second end 290 is disposed at a second distance 299 from the protrusion 232, and the second tab bend 296 is disposed between the shoulder 226 and the cover 214. The second distance 299 is different from the first distance 283. In the illustrated embodiment, the second distance 299 is less than the first distance 283.

[0059] Fuse 350 is disposed within fourth channel 352 and partially disposed within second channel 230 and fifth channel 354. Fuse 350 is electrically connected to second blade 218 and may include any suitable fuse. Selection of a suitable fuse to include in an electrical connector may be based on various considerations, such as the intended use of the electrical connector.

[0060] like Fig.15As shown, during use, the first conductive structure 300 and the second conductive structure 302 can be positioned between the housing 212 and the cover 214 and (e.g., releasably) attached to the electrical connector 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the first conductive structure 300 is a flat flexible cable 304 having a first side 306, a second side 308, a conductive trace 310, and an outer non-conductive insulator 312 surrounding the conductive trace 310. The conductive trace 310 has a top 314 and a bottom 316. A portion of the non-conductive insulator 312 is removed along the first side 306 and adjacent to or near the first tab 216 so that an electrical connection is achieved between the first tab 216 and the conductive trace 310. As shown in FIG. Fig.15 As shown, the first tab 216 contacts the top 314 of the conductive trace 310 to complete the electrical connection.

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, the second conductive structure 302 is a flat flexible cable 318 having a first side 320, a second side 322, a conductive trace 324, and an outer non-conductive insulator 326 surrounding the conductive trace 324. The conductive trace 324 has a top 328 and a bottom 330. A portion of the non-conductive insulator 326 is removed along the second side 322 and adjacent or proximate to the second tab 218 so that an electrical connection is achieved between the second tab 218 and the conductive trace 324. Fig.15 As shown, the second tab 218 contacts the bottom 330 of the conductive trace 324 to complete the electrical connection.

[0062] The first tab 216 is attached to the conductive trace 310, and the second tab 218 is attached to the conductive trace 324. The attachment between the tab and the conductive trace can be accomplished using any suitable attachment technique or method, and the selection of a suitable type of attachment can be based on various considerations, such as the materials forming the tab and / or the conductive trace. Examples of attachment techniques and methods considered suitable for the tab and the conductive trace include the use of adhesives, ultrasonic welding, and any other techniques or methods considered suitable for a particular embodiment.

[0063] In use, and when the cover 214 is detached from the housing 212, the first conductive structure 300 and the second conductive structure 302 are positioned on the protrusion 232 of the housing 212 such that the first conductive structure 300 is electrically connected to the first plug tab 216 and the second conductive structure 302 is electrically connected to the second plug tab 218. Subsequently, the cover 214 is releasably attached to the housing 212 to attach the first conductive structure 300 and the second conductive structure 302 to the electrical connector 210.

[0064] Any component, element or feature is illustrated as being disposed above, below, to the left or to the right of another component, element or feature merely to reference the relative positions of the components, elements and features as shown in the figure to help describe the electrical connector. Therefore, some components, elements or features illustrated and described herein may be oriented in any desired manner without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

[0065] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and alternatives to the described and illustrated embodiments may be developed in accordance with the overall teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present invention, and that various elements and features of one example described and illustrated herein may be combined with various elements and features of another example. Therefore, the specific examples disclosed herein have been selected by the inventors merely to describe and illustrate examples of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention or its protection, which will be given the full breadth of the attached claims and any and all equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. An electrical connector, comprising: a housing having a housing first end, a housing second end, a connector portion, and defining a shoulder, a first channel, a second channel, and a projection, the connector portion extending from the housing first end to the shoulder, the projection extending from the shoulder to the housing second end, the first channel and the second channel being defined on the connector portion; a cover releasably attached to the housing; a first tab partially disposed within the first passage, the first tab being attached to the housing and having a first tab first end and a first tab second end, the first tab second end being disposed a first distance from the protrusion; and A second tab is partially disposed within the second passage, the second tab being attached to the housing and having a second tab first end and a second tab second end, the second tab second end being disposed a second distance from the protrusion, the second distance being different from the first distance.

2. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein: The second distance is smaller than the first distance.

3. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein: The housing has a housing longitudinal axis extending from the housing first end to the housing second end; and Wherein, the first channel has a first central axis arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shell.

4. The electrical connector according to claim 3, wherein: The second passage has a second central axis disposed parallel to the housing longitudinal axis.

5. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein: The first channel has a first central axis; and Wherein, the second channel has a second central axis arranged parallel to the first central axis.

6. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein: The housing has a housing longitudinal axis extending from the housing first end to the housing second end; and Wherein, the first channel has a central axis arranged substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

7. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein: The cover is disposed on the protrusion; and Wherein, the cover defines a first protrusion disposed between the first insert piece and the second insert piece.

8. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the first tab and the second tab is partially disposed between the cover and the protrusion.

9. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein: The housing defines first and second recesses on the protrusion.

10. The electrical connector according to claim 9, wherein: Each of the first recess and the second recess extends from the shoulder toward the housing second end; wherein the first insert is partially disposed in the first recess; and Wherein, the second insert piece is partially disposed in the second recess.

11. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the first passage and the second passage extends from the housing first end to the shoulder.

12. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein: The first insert tab has a first insert tab first portion, a first insert tab second portion, and a first insert tab bent portion between the first insert tab first portion and the first insert tab second portion.

13. The electrical connector according to claim 12, wherein: The first portion of the first tab is partially disposed within the first channel.

14. The electrical connector according to claim 12, wherein: The first tab first portion has a first longitudinal axis; and Wherein, the second portion of the first insert has a second longitudinal axis which is not coaxial with the first longitudinal axis.

15. The electrical connector according to claim 12, wherein: The second plug-in sheet has a second plug-in sheet first portion, a second plug-in sheet second portion, and a second plug-in sheet bent portion between the second plug-in sheet first portion and the second plug-in sheet second portion.

16. The electrical connector according to claim 15, wherein: The second tab first portion is partially disposed within the second channel.

17. The electrical connector according to claim 15, wherein: The second tab first portion has a first longitudinal axis; and The second portion of the second insert has a second longitudinal axis that is not coaxial with the first longitudinal axis of the second insert.

18. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein: The housing and the cover are formed of a non-conductive material; and Wherein, the first plug-in sheet and the second plug-in sheet are formed of conductive material.

19. An electrical connector, comprising: a housing having a housing first end, a housing second end, a connector portion, and defining a shoulder, a first channel, a second channel, and a projection, the connector portion extending from the housing first end to the shoulder, the projection extending from the shoulder to the housing second end, the first channel and the second channel being defined on the connector portion; a cover releasably attached to the housing and disposed on the projection; a first tab partially disposed within the first passage and between the cover and the projection, the first tab being attached to the housing and having a first tab first end and a first tab second end, the first tab second end being disposed a first distance from the projection; and A second tab is partially disposed within the second channel and between the cover and the protrusion, the second tab is attached to the housing and has a second tab first end and a second tab second end, the second tab second end being disposed a second distance from the protrusion, the second distance being different from the first distance.

20. An electrical connector, comprising: a housing having a housing first end, a housing second end, a connector portion, and defining a shoulder, a first channel, a second channel, and a projection, the connector portion extending from the housing first end to the shoulder, the projection extending from the shoulder to the housing second end, the first channel and the second channel being defined on the connector portion; a cover releasably attached to the housing and disposed over the projection; a first tab partially disposed within the first passage and between the cover and the protrusion, the first tab being attached to the housing and having a first tab first end, a first tab second end, a first tab first portion, a first tab second portion, and a first tab bend between the first tab first portion and the first tab second portion, the first tab second end being disposed a first distance from the protrusion, the first tab first portion being partially disposed within the first passage; and A second tab, which is partially disposed in the second channel and between the cover and the protrusion, the second tab is attached to the housing and has a second tab first end, a second tab second end, a second tab first portion, a second tab second portion, and a second tab bend between the second tab first portion and the second tab second portion, the second tab second end being disposed at a second distance from the protrusion, the second distance being different from the first distance, and the second tab first portion being partially disposed in the second channel.

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