TERMINAL WITH CUTTING CLAMP CONTACT

Abstract

A terminal (100) comprises a terminal body (102) extending between a connecting end (104) and a termination end (106). The connecting end has an engagement interface (108). The termination end has an insulation displacement contact (120). The insulation displacement contact comprises 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 via a cable slot (122) designed to accommodate a cable (20). The terminal includes a contact holder (200) extending along the insulation displacement contact. The contact holder holds the first contact element relative to the second contact element.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Provisional U.S. Application No. 63 / 515,442, filed July 25, 2023, the subject matter of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present subject matter generally relates to terminals for electrical connectors.

[0003] Electrical connectors typically have terminals that connect to the ends of cables. The terminals can be connected to the cables by soldering, crimping, or other types of terminations, such as insulation displacement contacts. Insulation displacement contacts electrically connect to a cable conductor by piercing an insulating layer around the conductor. The insulation displacement contact has opposing blades, each with a cutting edge, that pierce the insulating layer and electrically connect to the conductor. However, the familiar insulation displacement contacts are not without drawbacks. For example, the blades can spread apart when the cable is inserted into the cable slot between the blades, resulting in a poor electrical connection. When the blades are spread, the width of the terminal also increases, which can lead to difficulties in mounting the terminal assembly to the electrical connector body.For example, the terminals may be too wide to fit into the openings or channels of the housing.

[0004] There is a need for a reliable insulation displacement contact.

[0005] In one embodiment, a terminal is provided that includes a terminal body extending between a terminal end and a terminating end. The terminal end has an engagement 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 opposes the second blade via a cable slot configured to receive a cable. The terminal includes a contact holder extending along the insulation displacement contact. The contact holder holds the first contact element relative to the second contact element.

[0006] The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures, of which: Fig. 1 is a rear perspective view of an electrical connector and a plurality of terminals according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the terminal showing the termination end connected to the cable according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 3 is an exploded view of a portion of the terminal showing the termination end in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the terminal showing the cable ready for insertion into the termination end according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 5 is an exploded view of a portion of the terminal showing the termination end in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the terminal showing the cable ready to be received into the termination end according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of the terminal showing the termination end connected to the cable according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 8 is an exploded view of a portion of the terminal showing the termination end according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of the terminal showing the cable ready for insertion into the termination end according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of the terminal showing the termination end connected to the cable according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 11 is an exploded view of a portion of the terminal showing the termination end in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 12 is an assembled view of a portion of the terminal showing the termination end in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a portion of the terminal showing the termination end according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0007] Fig. 1 is a rear perspective view of an electrical connector 10 and a plurality of terminals 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 1 shows one of the terminals 100 prepared for inclusion in a housing 12 of the electrical connector 10. The terminals 100 are connected to the ends of the cables 20. In an exemplary embodiment, the terminals 100 include insulation displacement connections to the cables 20. The electrical connector 10 is a non-limiting example of a type of connector that utilizes terminals 100 with insulation displacement connectors. In an exemplary embodiment, the cables 20 may be large-diameter cables. The terminals 100 include support elements for supporting the insulation displacement connectors to ensure a reliable electrical connection to the cables 20.

[0008] The housing 12 extends between a terminal end 14 and a cable end 16. Optionally, the terminal end 14 can be disposed at a front of the housing and the cable end 16 at a rear of the housing. However, in alternative embodiments, the electrical connector 10 can be a right-angle connector having the cable end 16 perpendicular to the terminal end 14. The housing 12 includes terminal channels 18 that receive the terminals 100. The terminals 100 can be received through the rear of the housing 12 into the terminal channels 18. The cables 20 extend from the cable end 16. The housing 12 can include locks to hold the terminals 100 in the terminal channels 18. In other embodiments, clips or other securing features can be used to hold the terminals 100 in the terminal channels 18.In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 12 includes dividers between the terminal channels 18 that serve to position the terminals 100 within the terminal channels 18. The terminal channels 18 are sized and shaped to accommodate the terminals 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the terminal channels 18 have a rectangular shape having a height and a width to accommodate the terminals 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the terminals 100 have a low profile to allow the use of small terminal channels 18 and thus reduce the overall size of the housing 12. For example, the terminals 100 may have a height and width that approximately corresponds to the diameter of the cable 20 (e.g., only slightly larger than it). Thus, the terminal channels 18 have a height and width that approximately corresponds to the diameter of the cable 20.

[0009] Each terminal 100 includes a terminal body 102 extending longitudinally between a terminal end 104 and a termination end 106. The terminal end 104 includes an engagement interface 108 configured to mate with a mating electrical connector. For example, the terminal end 104 may be disposed on the terminal end 14 of the housing 12 to establish an electrical connection with the mating electrical connector. Various types of engagement interfaces 108 may be provided on the terminal end 104. For example, the terminal 100 may include a stud or socket on the terminal end 104. In other embodiments, the terminal 100 may include a blade, a spring bar, a tuning fork contact, a socket contact, or another type of engagement interface.

[0010] Terminal 100 is connected to cable 20 at termination end 106. For example, terminal 100 includes an insulation displacement contact at termination end 106 that is configured to be mechanically and electrically connected to cable 20 by an insulation displacement connection. For example, cable 20 is pushed into a cable slot in terminal 100, where blades pierce insulation 22 of cable 20 to electrically connect a conductor 24 of cable 20. Conductor 24 may be a stranded wire or a solid conductor. Insulation 22 may be a jacket or other insulating material surrounding conductor 24.

[0011] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of terminal 100 showing termination end 106 connected to cable 20 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 3 is an exploded view of a portion of terminal 100 showing termination end 106 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of terminal 100 showing the cable ready to be received into termination end 106 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] The terminal body 102 includes a base wall 110 having a top surface 112 and a bottom surface 114. The base wall 110 extends between opposing edges 116, 118. In an exemplary embodiment, the base wall 110 is generally planar. The mating contact ( Fig. 1) may extend from the base wall 110 at a front side of the terminal 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the terminal body 102 is stamped and formed, with the components or portions of the terminal 100 being made from a flat sheet of metal. In various embodiments, the terminal body 102 is made from a highly conductive metal to provide an electrical path between the cable 20 and the associated electrical component. For example, the terminal body 102 may be made from a copper or copper alloy material. However, in alternative embodiments, the terminal body 102 may also be made from other metal materials.

[0013] The terminal 100 includes an insulation displacement contact 120 at the terminal 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 for receiving the cable 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the insulation displacement contact 120 is box-shaped and has 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 various longitudinal points along the cable 20, for example, at a front side 124 and a back side 126 of the insulation displacement contact 120. In an exemplary embodiment, the insulation displacement contact 120 includes an opening 128 at the top of the insulation displacement contact 120 generally opposite the base wall 110. The cable 20 is received into the cable slot 122 through the opening 128.

[0014] The insulation displacement contact 120 includes a first contact element 130 and a second contact element 140. The first contact element 130 is provided on a first side of the cable slot 122, and the second contact element 140 is provided on a second side of the cable slot 122. The cable 20 is clamped between the first contact element 130 and the second contact element 140. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second contact elements 130, 140 are configured to pierce the insulation 22 of the cable 20 to form an interface with the conductor 24.

[0015] The first contact element 130 includes a first side wall 132 and a first connecting wall 134 that connects the first side wall 132 to the base wall 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the first connecting wall 134 is bent 90° to align the first side wall 132 perpendicular to the base wall 110. The first sidewall 132 extends along the cable slot 122, for example, parallel to the longitudinal axis / plug-in axis of the terminal 100. In other embodiments, the cable slot 122 may be oriented in other directions, for example, perpendicular to the plug-in axis of the terminal 100. The first sidewall 132 extends between the front 124 and the back 126 of the insulation displacement contacts 120. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more first blades 136 extend inward from the first sidewall 132 toward the second contact element 140. The blades 136 may be oriented perpendicular to the sidewall 132.The blades 136 may be provided on the front 124 and / or the back 126. The blades 136 are configured to pierce the insulation 22 of the cable 20 to electrically connect to the conductor 24. The blades 136 may be shaved or thinned to more easily pierce the insulation 22. The blades 136 may include insertion surfaces 138 on their upper edges to guide the cable 20 into the cable slot 122.

[0016] The second contact element 140 includes a second side wall 142 and a second connecting wall 144 that connects the second side wall 142 to the base wall 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the second connecting wall 144 is bent by 90° to align the second side wall 142 perpendicular to the base wall 110. The second sidewall 142 extends along the cable slot 122, for example, parallel to the longitudinal axis / plug-in axis of the terminal 100. In other embodiments, the cable slot 122 may be oriented in other directions, for example, perpendicular to the plug-in axis of the terminal 100. The second sidewall 142 extends between the front side 124 and the back side 126 of the insulation displacement contacts 120. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more second blades 146 extend inward from the second sidewall 142 toward the second contact element 140. The blades 146 may be oriented perpendicular to the sidewall 142.The blades 146 may be provided on the front side 124 and / or the back side 126. The blades 146 are configured to pierce the insulation 22 of the cable 20 to electrically connect to the conductor 24. The blades 146 may be ground or thinned to more easily pierce the insulation 22. The blades 146 may include insertion surfaces 148 on their upper edges to guide the cable 20 into the cable slot 122. In an exemplary embodiment, the blades 146 of the second contact element 140 are aligned with the corresponding blades 136 of the first contact element 130 on opposite sides of the cable slot 122.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the insulation displacement contact 120 is generally box-shaped, defined by the base wall 110 at the bottom, the side walls 132, 142 on opposite sides, the blades 136, 146 at the front and rear, and the opening 128 at the top. The cable 20 is configured to be received in the cable slot 122 through the opening 128 between the contact elements 130, 140. The blades 136, 146 at the front 124 and rear 126 displace the insulation 22 to interface with the conductor 24 and electrically connect the terminal 100 to the cable 20.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the terminal 100 includes crimp arms 150 extending from the base wall 110. The crimp arms 150 are configured to be folded or crimped onto the insulation 22 of the cable 20 to hold the cable 20 relative to the insulation displacement contact 120. The crimp arms 150 can be disposed in front of the insulation displacement contact 120 and / or behind the insulation displacement contact 120, wherein the crimp arms 150 can be disposed on the first side and / or the second side of the cable 20.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the terminal 100 includes a contact holder 200. The contact holder 200 serves to support the contact elements 130, 140. In an exemplary embodiment, the contact holder 200 resists expansion of the cable slot 122 when the cable 20 is inserted into the cable slot 122. The contact holder 200 resists, for example, the pressure that the cable 20 exerts externally on the contact elements 130, 140. The contact holder 200 maintains the natural (e.g., parallel) orientations of the contact elements 130, 140 to maintain the profile of the terminal 100 so that the terminal 100 can be properly received within the terminal channel 18 in the housing 12 of the electrical connector 10.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the contact holder 200 is a rigid component. For example, the contact holder 200 is made from a material that has a high modulus of elasticity (e.g., a higher modulus of elasticity than the material of the terminal body 102). In various embodiments, the contact holder 200 is made from a steel material, such as stainless steel, carbon steel, nickel steel, chromium-molybdenum steel, or another steel alloy. The contact holder may also be made from another high-strength material. In various embodiments, the contact holder 200 may be made from a thicker material than the terminal body 102 to increase the strength, stiffness, and rigidity of the contact holder 200 compared to the terminal body 102 to provide the necessary support for the insulation displacement contact 120.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the contact holder 200 includes a cover wall 210 extending between a first support member 230 and a second support member 240. The cover wall 210 positions the support members 230, 240 relative to one another. The cover 210 includes an inner surface 212 and an outer surface 214. The inner surface 212 faces a cable cavity 216 for receiving the cable 20. The support members 230, 240 are disposed on opposite sides of the cable cavity 216. The contact holder 200 is configured to be located outside the insulation displacement contact 120. For example, the insulation displacement contact 120 may be received within the cable cavity 216 of the contact holder 200.

[0022] The first support member 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 may be a support wall. The first outer support 232 is configured to extend along the first sidewall 132 of the first contact member 130. The first outer support 232 serves to maintain the position of the first sidewall 132 when the cable 20 is inserted into the cable slot 122. In an exemplary embodiment, the first support member 230 includes retaining fingers 236 extending from the outer support 232. The retaining fingers 236 are configured to extend along the first blades 136 of the first contact member 130. The retaining fingers 236 may support the first blades 136. The retaining fingers 236 can engage the cable 20 to mechanically and / or electrically connect it to the cable 20.

[0023] The second support member 240 includes a second outer bracket 242 having an inner surface 244 facing the cable cavity 216. In various embodiments, the second outer support 242 may be a support wall. The second outer support 242 may extend parallel to the first outer support 232. The second outer support 242 is configured to extend along the second sidewall 142 of the second contact member 140. The second outer support 242 serves to maintain the position of the second sidewall 142 when the cable 20 is inserted into the cable slot 122. In an exemplary embodiment, the second support member 240 includes retention fingers 246 extending from the outer bracket 242. The retention fingers 246 are configured to extend along the second blades 146 of the second contact member 140. The holding fingers 246 can support the second blades 146.The retaining fingers 246 can engage the cable 20 to mechanically and / or electrically connect to the cable 20.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the contact holder 200 is a stamped and formed part including a body 202, which may be a plate-shaped body. The contact holder 200 is stamped from a metallic material, such as steel, and formed into a specific shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact holder 200 is U-shaped and includes the cover wall 210 and the support members 230, 240 extending from opposite sides of the cover wall 210. In alternative embodiments, the contact holder 200 may also have other shapes. In an exemplary embodiment, the contact holder 200 has a thickness that is based on the thickness of the metallic material from which the contact holder 200 is stamped.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the contact holder 200 is separate and discrete from the terminal body 102. The contact holder 200 is connected to the insulation displacement contact 120 of the terminal body 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the contact holder 200 is coupled to the bottom of the terminal 100. For example, the contact holder 200 is coupled to the terminal body 102 from below, such that the cover wall 210 covers the underside 114 of the base wall 110. The support elements 230, 240 cover the outer surfaces of the side walls 132, 142. In various embodiments, the contact holder 200 is pre-assembled to the insulation displacement contact 120 before receiving the cable 20 into the cable slot 122. The support elements 230, 240 support the contact elements 130, 140, respectively, when the cable 20 is received in the cable slot 122. The contact holder 200 prevents the contact elements 130, 140 from spreading apart when the cable 20 is inserted into the cable slot 122.For example, the support members 230, 240 rigidly hold the contact members 130, 140 to maintain the contact width of the cable slot 122 when the cable 20 is inserted into the cable slot 122. In alternative embodiments, the contact holder 200 is mounted to the insulation displacement contact 120 after the cable 20 has been inserted into the cable slot 122. For example, the contact holder 200 is plugged onto the terminal body 102 to urge the contact members 130, 140 inward toward the cable 20 to maintain the mechanical and electrical connection between the contact members 130, 140 and the conductor 24 of the cable 20.

[0026] When assembled, the contact holder 200 increases the overall profile of the terminal 100. For example, the cover 210 increases the overall height of the terminal 100. However, the overall height of the terminal 100 is only increased by the material thickness of the contact holder 200, which is relatively thin and has only a very small impact on the overall height. For example, the contact holder 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 material thickness of the contact holder 200, which has a very small impact on the overall width. For example, the contact holder 200 increases the overall width by less than 10%.

[0027] Fig. 5 is an exploded view of a portion of terminal 100 showing termination end 106 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of terminal 100 showing the cable ready to be received into termination end 106, according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of terminal 100 showing termination end 106 connected to cable 20 according to an exemplary embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, contact holder 200 is connected to the top of insulation displacement contact 120. For example, contact holder 200 is received on top of insulation displacement contact 120 to cover opening 128. Cover wall 210 covers opening 128, while support members 230, 240 extend along contact members 130, 140.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, the cover wall 210 includes a protrusion 218 that extends into the cable cavity 216. The protrusion 218 is configured to engage the cable 20 to position the cable 20 in the cable slot 122. The protrusion 218, located above the cable 20, pushes the cable 20 into the cable slot 122 toward the base wall 110.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, the contact holder 200 is used as a stopper to receive the cable 20 in the cable slot 122. For example, the cable 20 may first be received in the cable cavity 216 of the contact holder 200 between the retention fingers 236, 246. In various embodiments, the retention fingers 236, 246 may pierce the insulation 22 and grasp the conductor 24. Optionally, the width of the gap between the retention fingers 236, 246 may approximately correspond to the diameter of the conductor 24. In various embodiments, the width of the gap between the retention fingers 236, 246 may be slightly narrower than the diameter of the conductor 24, such that the conductor 24 is slightly compressed or deformed between the retention fingers 236, 246.In other embodiments, the width of the gap between the retaining fingers 236, 246 may be slightly larger than the diameter of the conductor 24 so that the retaining fingers 236, 246 do not compress the conductor 24. In alternative embodiments, the width of the gap between the retaining fingers 236, 246 may approximately correspond to the diameter of the insulation 22 so that the retaining fingers 236, 246 do not pierce the insulation 22. During contact of the contact holder 200 with the insulation displacement contact 120, the contact holder 200 receives the cable 20 into the insulation displacement contact 120. The cable 20 is received in the cable slot 122 to contact the contact elements 130, 140. The blades 136, 146 pierce the insulation 22 and engage the conductor 24 when the contact holder 200 receives the cable 20 into the cable slot 122.Because the contact holder 200 is coupled to the insulation displacement contact 120, the support elements 230, 240 support the contact elements 130, 140 and resist the spreading of the opening of the cable slot 122 when the cable 20 is received in the cable slot 122. In alternative embodiments, the contact holder 200 is mounted to the insulation displacement contact 120 after the cable 20 has been inserted into the cable slot 122. For example, the contact holder 200 is clipped onto the terminal body 102 to urge the contact elements 130, 140 inward toward the cable 20 to maintain the mechanical and electrical connection between the contact elements 130, 140 and the conductor 24 of the cable 20.

[0030] Fig. 8 is an exploded view of a portion of terminal 100 showing termination end 106 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of terminal 100 showing the cable ready to be received into termination end 106, according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 10 is a perspective view of a portion of terminal 100, showing termination end 106 connected to cable 20 according to an exemplary embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, contact holder 200 is a spring wire. Contact holder 200 includes a wire body 204, such as a round wire, formed into a predetermined shape.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, the cover of the contact holder 200 forms a cable hanger 250 that receives the cable 20. The cable hanger 250 may be rounded to follow a curve of the cable 20. The contact holder 200 includes first and second support members 230, 240 extending on opposite sides of the contact holder 200. The cable hanger 250 connects the first and second support members 230, 240. The support members 230, 240 are configured to extend along the side walls 132, 142 of the contact members 130, 140. The support members 230, 240 serve to hold the side walls 132, 142 in position when the cable 20 is inserted into the cable slot 122. In an exemplary embodiment, the support members 230, 240 each include locking pockets 238, 248. The locking pockets 238, 248 receive locks 160 extending from the side walls 132, 142.The latches 160 secure the contact holder 200 to the insulation displacement contact 120. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of latches 160 are provided at different vertical positions on each side wall 132, 142 to hold the contact holder 200 in different vertical positions, such as a raised or pre-stage position and a lowered or securing position. The contact holder 200 can be used to receive the cable 20 in the cable slot 122. For example, the contact holder 200 is pushed downward to receive the cable 20 in the cable slot 122. The support elements 230, 240 resist the spreading apart of the contact elements 130, 140 when the cable 20 is inserted into the cable slot 122. For example, the support elements 230, 240 rigidly hold the contact elements 130, 140 to maintain the contact width of the cable slot 122 when the cable 20 is inserted into the cable slot 122.

[0032] Fig. 11 is an exploded view of a portion of terminal 100 showing termination end 106 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 12 is an assembled view of a portion of the terminal 100 showing the termination end 106 according to an exemplary embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact retainer 200 is a spring wire that forms the wire body 204 into a predetermined shape. The contact retainer 200 includes the cable hanger 250 that receives the cable 20. The contact retainer 200 includes first and second support members 230, 240 extending on opposite sides of the contact retainer 200. The support members 230, 240 are configured to extend along the sidewalls 132, 142 of the contact members 130, 140. The support members 230, 240 serve to hold the sidewalls 132, 142 in position when the cable 20 is inserted into the cable slot 122. The support elements 230, 240 resist the spreading apart of the contact elements 130, 140 when the cable 20 is inserted into the cable slot 122.For example, the support members 230, 240 rigidly hold the contact members 130, 140 to maintain the contact width of the cable slot 122 when the cable 20 is inserted into the cable slot 122.

[0033] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a portion of terminal 100 showing termination end 106 according to an exemplary embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, contact holder 200 is a cladding on insulation displacement contact 120. Contact holder 200 includes a cladding layer 206. Cladding layer 206 provides rigidity to insulation displacement contact 120. Cladding layer 206 prevents the contact elements 130, 140 of insulation displacement contact 120 from spreading apart when cable 20 is inserted into cable slot 122.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, the cladding layer 206 is bonded directly to the outer surface of the insulation displacement contact 120. The cladding layer 206 is made of a different material than the terminal body 102. For example, the terminal body 102 may be made of copper or a copper alloy, and the cladding layer 206 may be made of steel, such as stainless steel. The cladding layer 206 may be bonded to the terminal body 102, for example, by pressing or rolling the metal sheets together under high pressure. The cladding layer 206 may be selectively applied to the terminal body 102, for example, along the base wall 110, the first contact element 130, and the second contact element 140. In an exemplary embodiment, the cladding layer 206 may be attached to the side walls 132, 142. Optionally, the cladding layer 206 can also be applied to the blades 136, 146. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 63 / 515,442

[0001]

Claims

[1] Terminal (100), comprising: a terminal body (102) extending between a terminal end (104) and a terminating end (106), the terminal end having an engagement interface (108), the terminating end having an insulation displacement contact (120); the insulation displacement contact comprising a first contact element (130) having a first blade (136) and a second contact element (140) having a second blade (146), wherein the first blade is opposed to the second blade via a cable slot (122) configured to receive a cable (20); and a contact holder (200) extending along the insulation displacement contact, the contact holder holding the first contact element relative to the second contact element. [2] Terminal (100) according to claim 1, wherein the terminal body (102) is made of a first material and the contact holder (200) is made of a second material having a higher modulus of elasticity than the first material. [3] The terminal (100) of claim 1, wherein the contact holder (200) is separate and discrete from the insulation displacement contact (120), the contact holder being coupled to the insulation displacement contact. [4] Terminal (100) according to claim 1, wherein the contact holder (200) resists widening of the cable slot (122). [5] Terminal (100) according to claim 1, wherein the contact holder (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) of claim 1, wherein the first contact element (130) comprises a third blade and a first sidewall (132) between the first blade (136) and the third blade, wherein the second contact element (140) comprises a fourth blade and a second sidewall (142) between the second blade (146) and the fourth blade, wherein the contact holder (200) extends along the first sidewall and the second sidewall. [7] The terminal (100) of claim 6, wherein the contact holder (200) extends along the first blade (136), the second blade (146), the third blade, and the fourth blade. [8] The terminal (100) of claim 6, wherein the insulation displacement contact (120) comprises a base wall (110) between the first side wall (132) and the second side wall (142), the insulation displacement contact comprising an opening (128) at the top between the first side wall and the second side wall opposite the base wall, the contact holder extending along the base wall. [9] The terminal (100) of claim 6, wherein the insulation displacement contact (120) comprises a base wall (110) between the first side wall (132) and the second side wall (142), the insulation displacement contact comprising an opening (128) at the top between the first side wall and the second side wall opposite the base wall, the contact holder (200) extending along the opening. [10] The terminal (100) of claim 6, wherein the terminal body (102) extends along a longitudinal axis between the terminal end (104) and the termination end (106), the first and second side walls (132, 142) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, the first and second blades (136, 146) being longitudinally aligned with each other along the longitudinal axis and extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the third and fourth blades being longitudinally aligned with each other along the longitudinal axis and extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. [11] Terminal (100) according to claim 1, wherein the contact holder (200) is U-shaped and comprises 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, wherein the cover element extends along either a top or a bottom of the insulation displacement contact (120). [12] The terminal (100) of claim 1, wherein the contact holder (200) comprises a thickness, wherein the contact holder does not add more height to the terminal than the thickness when the contact holder is coupled to the insulation displacement contact (120). [13] The terminal (100) of claim 1, wherein the contact holder (200) includes retaining fingers (246) that engage the cable (20) to hold the cable relative to the terminal body (102). [14] Terminal (100) according to claim 13, wherein the retaining fingers (246) pierce an insulator of the cable (20). [15] The terminal (100) of claim 13, wherein the retaining fingers (246) are separated by a distance greater than the width of the cable slot (122) between the first and second blades (136, 146). [16] The terminal (100) of claim 1, wherein the terminal body (102) includes crimp arms (150) crimped to the cable (20) to hold the cable relative to the insulation displacement contact (120). [17] Terminal (100) according to claim 1, wherein the contact holder (200) is a covering on an outer surface (214) of the insulation displacement contact (120). [18] The terminal (100) of claim 1, wherein the contact holder (200) is a wire shaped to include a cable hanger (250) configured to receive the cable (20). [19] The terminal (100) of claim 18, wherein the wire comprises a first support member (230) extending along the first contact member (130) and a second support member (240) extending along the second contact member (140).

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