ADAPTER PLATE WITH INSERTED PINS

Abstract

A connector assembly comprises a housing and a terminal assembly contained within the housing. The terminal assembly includes an adapter plate and one or more terminals. The adapter plate includes a plurality of slots and is configurable in a first and a second configuration. The one or more terminals can be positioned in the plurality of slots of the adapter plate. The one or more terminals include a blade extending from a first side of the adapter plate and one or more pins extending outward from a second side of the adapter plate, opposite the first side.The one or more connections can be positioned in a first subset of the plurality of slots to provide the first configuration, and can be positioned in a second subset of the plurality of slots to provide the second configuration.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority over preliminary US patent application No. 63 / 339,872, filed on May 9, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND

[0002] This application relates generally to electrical wire connector assemblies and in particular to connectors for installation in a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0003] Motor vehicles can contain a large number of wires for connecting various electrical components. These wires are generally connected to wiring harnesses, which use electrical connectors to allow the operator to quickly and easily connect the components electrically during vehicle assembly (e.g., by making wire connections with a male and a female connector assembly). Each component may have a different number of wires that need to be inserted into corresponding cavities in a multi-pole connector or connectors. SUMMARY

[0004] An exemplary embodiment relates to a connector assembly. The connector assembly comprises a housing and a terminal assembly received in the housing. The terminal assembly comprises an adapter plate and one or more terminals. The adapter plate has a plurality of slots and is configurable in a first configuration and a second configuration. The one or more terminals can be positioned in the plurality of slots of the adapter plate. The one or more terminals comprise a blade extending from a first side of the adapter plate and one or more pins extending outward from a second side of the adapter plate, opposite the second side.The one or more connections can be positioned in a first subset of the plurality of slots to provide the first configuration, and in a second subset of the plurality of slots to provide the second configuration.

[0005] In some embodiments, the adapter plate is configurable in the first configuration and in the second configuration, based on an electrical load limit of the connector assembly.

[0006] In some embodiments, the connection assembly is selectively coupled between a connected position and a non-connected position. The connection assembly rests against an inner wall of the housing when it is in the connected position.

[0007] In some embodiments, the adapter plate is configured to secure the one or more ports in a fixed orientation to prevent rotation of the one or more ports in the adapter plate.

[0008] In some embodiments, the connector assembly comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) that is mounted in the housing opposite the terminal assembly. The PCB has one or more openings arranged therein. The one or more pins are connected to the PCB through the one or more openings to allow energy flow from the blade through the one or more pins to the PCB. The terminal assembly is mounted in a first side of the housing, and the PCB is mounted in a second side of the housing. The first side faces the second side. The one or more pins are spaced apart by a first distance. The one or more openings are spaced apart by a first distance.The one or more pins and the one or more openings are aligned along a contact plane.

[0009] In some embodiments, the one or more terminals comprise at least one of a first terminal with a single pin, a second terminal with four pins, or a third terminal with eight pins.

[0010] In some embodiments, one or more slots are arranged in a grid pattern.

[0011] Another exemplary embodiment relates to a connection assembly for a connector assembly. The connection assembly comprises an adapter plate and one or more terminals. The adapter plate has a plurality of slots and is configurable in a first and a second configuration. The one or more terminals can be positioned in the plurality of slots of the adapter plate. The one or more terminals can be positioned in a first subset of the plurality of slots to provide the first configuration, and in a second subset of the plurality of slots to provide the second configuration.

[0012] In some embodiments, the adapter plate is configured to secure the one or more ports in a fixed configuration to prevent rotation of the one or more ports in the adapter plate.

[0013] In some embodiments, the connector assembly comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) mounted in the housing opposite the terminal assembly, and one or more openings arranged therein. The one or more pins are coupled to the PCB through the one or more openings to allow energy flow from the blade through the one or more pins to the PCB. The one or more openings are spaced apart from each other by a first distance, and the one or more pins are spaced apart from each other by the first distance. The one or more pins and the one or more openings are aligned along a contact plane.

[0014] In some embodiments, the connector assembly comprises a blade and one or more pins. The blade extends from a first side of the adapter plate. The one or more pins extend outwards from a second side of the adapter plate, opposite the first side.

[0015] In some embodiments, the connection assembly is selectively coupled between a connected position and a non-connected position. The connection assembly rests against an inner wall of a housing when it is in the connected position.

[0016] In some embodiments, the adapter plate is configurable in the first configuration and in the second configuration based on an electrical load limit of the connection assembly.

[0017] Another exemplary embodiment relates to a connector assembly. The connector assembly comprises a housing, a terminal assembly, and a printed circuit board. The terminal assembly is housed in the housing. The terminal assembly comprises an adapter plate and one or more terminals. The adapter plate is configurable in a first configuration and a second configuration. The one or more terminals are housed in the adapter plate. The one or more terminals comprise a blade extending from a first side of the adapter plate and one or more pins extending outward from a second side of the adapter plate, opposite the first side. The printed circuit board is housed in the housing opposite the terminal assembly and has one or more openings arranged therein.The one or more pins are spaced apart from each other by a first distance. The one or more openings are spaced apart from each other by a first distance.

[0018] In some embodiments, the adapter plate has one or more slots. The one or more connectors can be positioned in the one or more slots. The one or more connectors can be positioned in a first subset of the plurality of slots to provide the first configuration, and in a second subset of the plurality of slots to provide the second configuration.

[0019] This summary serves only for illustration and is in no way intended to be limiting. Further aspects, features, and advantages of the devices or methods described herein will become apparent from the detailed description presented here in conjunction with the accompanying figures, where identical reference numbers refer to identical elements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0020] The invention will be better understood from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying figures, in which the same reference numerals refer to the same elements, wherein: Fig. Figure 1 is a detailed view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 2 is a detailed perspective view of a connection assembly of the connector assembly from Fig. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 3 is a detailed view of the connection assembly, which is housed in a connector assembly casing. Fig. 1 is installed, according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a connection that is in an adapter plate of the connector assembly made of Fig. 1 is installed, according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a connector that is in an adapter plate of the connector assembly made of Fig. 1 is installed, according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective view of a connector located in an adapter plate of the connector assembly. Fig. 1 is installed, according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 7A - Fig. Figure 7C shows views of various examples of adapter plates according to exemplary embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Before referring to the figures, which illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be noted that the present application is not limited to the details or methods set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is used for descriptive purposes only and is not intended to be restrictive.

[0022] With general reference to the figures, the various exemplary embodiments disclosed herein relate to a connector assembly that may include a housing, a terminal assembly, and a printed circuit board (PCB). The terminal assembly may be contained within the housing and comprises an adapter plate and one or more terminals, the one or more terminals being contained within the adapter plate. The terminals may have a first end extending outward from a first end of the adapter plate and a second end extending outward from a second end of the adapter plate. The printed circuit board (PCB) may be contained within the housing opposite the terminal assembly and includes one or more openings arranged therein. The second end of the terminal is coupled to the printed circuit board through the one or more openings.The one or more openings are spaced apart by a first distance, and the second end of the one or more connections is spaced apart by a second distance. The first distance is equivalent to the second distance.

[0023] With reference to Fig. Figure 1 shows a connector assembly 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The connector assembly 100 can be configured for use in automotive applications, allowing energy to flow through them. In other embodiments, the connector assembly 100 is configured for use in applications other than the automotive industry. Although not shown, the connector assembly 100 can include both a male and a female section, the male and female sections being coupled together to complete an electrical circuit. The connector assembly 100 includes a housing 110. The housing 110 can be configured to accommodate components of the connector assembly 100. In some embodiments, the housing 110 can accommodate additional components other than those shown in Figure 1. Fig. The components shown in Figure 1, such as additional wiring, insulation, or other components, may be included. The housing 110 can have a geometry that is substantially similar to the geometry of the components arranged in the housing 110. According to one exemplary embodiment, the housing 110 can be a substantially rectangular housing. In other embodiments, the housing 110 can have any other geometric configuration (e.g., circular, frustoconical, prismatic, and / or a combination thereof).

[0024] With further reference to Fig. 1. The connector assembly 100 can include a terminal assembly 120. The terminal assembly 120 can be arranged within the housing 110, with the terminal assembly 120 being received by a first end 112 of the housing 110. The terminal assembly 120 can be configured to transmit a power flow to, through, or over a printed circuit board (PCB) 125 to a load. In other examples, the terminal assembly 120 can be configured to transmit a power flow to one or more electrical connections, the electrical connections being electrically coupled to one or more systems (e.g., vehicle systems, etc.). The terminal assembly 120 can include one or more terminals, shown as terminals 130, and an adapter plate 140. The terminals 130 can be rigidly coupled to the adapter plate 140 (e.g.,The adapter plate 140 can be at least partially formed around the ports 130, the ports 130 can have an interference fit in the adapter plate 140, etc. In other embodiments, the ports 130 can be selectively coupled to the adapter plate 140. In such an embodiment, the ports 130 can have a loose engagement in the adapter plate 140, allowing a user to engage or disengage the ports 130 from the adapter plate 140.

[0025] The terminal assembly 120 can be selectively coupled between a connected position and a non-connected position. When the terminal assembly 120 is in the connected position, it can abut an inner wall of the housing 110. Conversely, when the terminal assembly 120 is in the non-connected position, it cannot abut the inner wall of the housing 110. As discussed in more detail here, when the terminal assembly 120 is in the connected position, one or more pins (e.g., pins 196) can be accommodated in one or more openings (e.g., openings 150) formed in a printed circuit board (e.g., PCB 125).

[0026] The terminal assembly 120 can have any configuration of terminals 130. The configuration of the terminals 130 in the adapter plate 140 can be based on an electrical load limit. The electrical load limit can be a maximum load limit of the application. In other embodiments, the electrical load limit can be a percentage (e.g., 10%, 50%, 60%, 75%, 80%, 90%, etc.) of the electrical load limit. For example, the terminal assembly 120 can include a configuration of terminals of different sizes 130 (e.g., maximum load terminals, etc.), each terminal 130 configured to accommodate a corresponding wire gauge. In another example, the terminal assembly 120 can include a different configuration of terminals of different sizes 130.It is evident that the terminal assembly 120 can comprise any number of configurations, with each configuration having a different number, orientation and / or size of terminals 130.

[0027] For example, smaller terminals 130 can accommodate wires of smaller gauge, and larger terminals 130 can accommodate wires of larger gauge. In other examples, the smaller and larger terminals can have a maximum load limit, with the respective wire gauges being coupled to the corresponding terminals 130. The terminals 130 can be made of a conductive material (e.g., copper, gold, aluminum, etc.) and, as such, transmit the energy flow through them. In other embodiments, the terminals 130 can be made of any material that allows the energy flow through them.

[0028] The adapter plate 140 can be arranged around the terminals 130 and can also isolate the terminals 130 from each other. Furthermore, the adapter plate 140 can be configured to hold the terminals 130 securely within it (e.g., to prevent rotation of the terminals 130, etc.). For example, the terminals 130 can protrude from both ends of the adapter plate 140. In other embodiments, the terminals 130 can protrude from one end of the adapter plate 140. In still other embodiments, the terminals 130 can not protrude from the adapter plate 140. As explained in greater detail below, the terminals 130 and the adapter plate 140 together can form the terminal assembly 120. When the adapter plate 140 is arranged in the housing 110, the adapter plate 140 can abut an inner surface 160 of the housing 160.The inner surface 160 of the housing can be provided along an inner circumference of the housing 110 and can have a predetermined distance against which the adapter plate 140 can be positioned.

[0029] The connector assembly 100 can further comprise the printed circuit board (PCB) 125. The PCB 125 can be at least partially contained within the housing 110, wherein the PCB 125 can be inserted through an end opposite the connector assembly 120. In other embodiments, the PCB 125 can be inserted through the same end as the connector assembly 120. The PCB 125 can be configured to accommodate the connector assembly 120. In particular, the PCB 125 has one or more PCB openings or PCB slots, which are shown as openings 150, wherein the openings 150 are configured to accommodate the connectors 130. That is, the connectors 130 can be configured to accommodate a pin (e.g., pin 196 in [reference]). Fig. 4). As in Fig. 3 shown, in conjunction with the circuit board 125 in Fig. 1. A wire connection can be coupled to the terminals 130 (e.g., by soldering, a fastener, etc.) to allow electrical energy flow from the terminals 130 to the circuit board 125. Consequently, electrical energy also flows from the circuit board 125 to the associated vehicle system. It is evident that the connector assembly described here can also be used for applications other than vehicle systems (e.g., industrial applications, home applications, applications for individual components, etc.). The openings 150 can be arranged in a similar grid pattern to the one or more cavities of the adapter plate 140. Therefore, each of the openings 150 can be aligned with each of the one or more cavities, such that each opening defines a corresponding axis of alignment along which each of the one or more cavities is aligned.

[0030] The printed circuit board 125 can contain one or more layers of both insulating and conductive materials to provide controlled electrical connections for the terminals 130. In other embodiments, the printed circuit board 125 can contain a layer of either the insulating or the conductive material. The printed circuit board 125 can have an opening spacing, which is represented as the first spacing 162 and the second spacing 164. The first spacing 162 and the second spacing 164 can define either a vertical or a horizontal distance between the openings 150. For example, the first spacing 162 can be equal to or substantially equivalent to the second spacing 164, so that the printed circuit board 125 can have a substantially uniform opening design. In other embodiments, the first spacing 162 can differ substantially from the second spacing 164.

[0031] According to one exemplary embodiment, the first spacing 162 and the second spacing 164 can be 6.3 millimeters. In other embodiments, the first spacing 162 and the second spacing 164 can be larger or smaller than 6.3 millimeters. Additionally or alternatively, the size of the openings and the spacing of the openings 150 are the same in every printed circuit board 125, resulting in a universal printed circuit board 125. Although the printed circuit board 125 is shown as having an eight-by-five opening configuration, it can have any configuration that is sufficient for the application (e.g., four by six, seven by seven, etc.).

[0032] Although connector assembly 100 is shown as a male end connector (plug), the same configuration and system described here can also be used in a female end connector (socket). In such an example, the female connector may have one or more openings configured to secure the terminals of the male connector.

[0033] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the connection assembly 120. As shown, the connections 130 can be at least partially accommodated in the adapter plate 140, with each connection 130 having more than one pin (e.g., pin 196 in Fig. 4) may include. The adapter plate 140 may have one or more cavities (e.g., slots, etc.). The cavities may be arranged in the adapter plate 140, in which the connectors 130 may be positioned. That is, the connectors 130 may be inserted into the cavities and then connected therein by manufacturing processes (e.g., piercing, punching, forming, etc.). The one or more cavities may be arranged in a grid pattern. That is, the one or more cavities may be arranged along substantially horizontal and vertical planes, with the one or more cavities defining the grid pattern. In other embodiments, the one or more cavities may form a different structure or be arranged in a non-uniform configuration. For example, the number of cavities need not necessarily correspond to the number of connectors 130.For example, some applications may require a low amount of energy, so that only a small number and / or size of terminals 130 need to be arranged within the adapter plate 140. In another example, some applications may require a high amount of energy, so that a large number and / or size of terminals 130 can be arranged in the adapter plate 140. According to an exemplary embodiment, the terminal assembly 120 can be adapted for a specific application, with the number and / or size of the terminals 130 being tailored to the application.

[0034] The adapter plate 140 can further be configured to hold the terminals 130 in a specific orientation. For example, the adapter plate 140 can be configured to hold the terminals 130 in a suitable orientation (e.g., spacing, etc.) to ensure proper mounting between the terminals 130 and the circuit board 125.

[0035] Fig. Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the connection assembly 120, which is inserted into the housing 110. The connection assembly 120 can be inserted into the housing 110 after the terminals 130 have been installed in the adapter plate 140. In other embodiments, the adapter plate 140 can first be inserted into the housing 110, and then the terminals are inserted into the adapter plate 140. In still other embodiments, the terminals 130 can first be inserted into the housing 110, and then the adapter plate 140 can be inserted around and into the terminals 130. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the circuit board 125 can be positioned against one end of the housing 110, opposite the connection assembly 120, where the connection assembly 120 is inserted into the housing 110 and then coupled to the circuit board 125.

[0036] To assemble the connector assembly 100, the terminal assembly 120 can first be assembled. The terminal assembly 120 can comprise a desired and / or required number and / or configuration of terminals 130. The printed circuit board 125 can then be inserted into the housing 110 at one end. Subsequently, the terminal assembly 120 can be inserted into the housing 110 at the other end, where the terminals 130 are connected to the openings 150. In another embodiment, the connector assembly 100 may not require an adapter plate 140. In such an embodiment, the terminals 130 can be directly connected (e.g., joined, etc.) to the printed circuit board 125.

[0037] With general reference to Fig. Figures 4-6 show perspective views of various configurations of terminals 130. The terminals 130 can have a blade 192 and a pin 196, with the pin 196 being located opposite the blade 192. In some embodiments, the pin 196 can be located near the blade 192. The blade 192 can comprise a connector conforming to the USCAR standard between male and female connectors. The terminals 130 can also have a central region 194 located between the blade 192 and the pin 196. The central region 194 can be defined as a busbar through which energy can flow. Both the blade 192 and the pin 196 can extend from the central region 194. According to an exemplary embodiment, the regions 192, 194, and 196 can interact to form the terminal 130.

[0038] With particular reference to Fig. Figure 4 shows a terminal 130a which, according to an exemplary embodiment, has a single pin 196. As can be seen, the terminal 130a can be coupled to the adapter plate 140 at any desired location. For example, the terminal 130a can be installed in locations where the adapter plate 140 does not have cavities for terminals 130 with multiple pins in order to establish an electrical connection. In some embodiments, the adapter plate 140 may only have terminals 130a, each with a single pin.

[0039] With reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows a terminal 130 which is provided with several pins 196, which, according to an exemplary embodiment, are shown as terminal 130a and terminal 130b. In particular, it shows Fig. 5 a connection 130a with four pins 196, and Fig. Figure 6 shows a connector 130b with six pins 196. The connectors 130a and 130b can have an essentially similar profile to the one shown in Fig. 4. Connection 130 shown. The connection 130 can have several pins 196 (e.g., pins, etc.) extending from the central region 194. Connections 130b, 130c can have any number of pins 196. That is, connections 130b, 130c can have any number of pins 196 provided with a blade 192, the number of pins 196 not exceeding the number of openings 150. The pins 196 can be spaced apart from one another. In particular, the pins 196 can be spaced apart from one another by a third distance 180 and a fourth distance 190. The third distance 180 can be equal to or substantially equal to the fourth distance 190. In other embodiments, the third distance 180 can differ substantially from the fourth distance.As can be seen, the first spacing 162, the second spacing 164, the third spacing 180, and the fourth spacing 190 can be substantially similar to each other, so that a proper connection is ensured by installing the terminal assembly 120 into the printed circuit board 125. For example, the terminal assembly 120 can be oriented in any orientation, but as long as the terminal assembly 120 remains substantially parallel to the printed circuit board 125 during assembly, the pins 196 will almost always engage in the openings 150.

[0040] The adapter plate 140 can contain any combination of connectors 130a, 130b, 130c, with the pins 196 aligned with the openings 150. For example, each of the openings 150 can be spaced apart by a distance that is essentially equal to the distance between the pins 196 to allow the pins 196 to engage with the printed circuit board 125. Additionally or alternatively, each pin 196 can define a pin axis. Each pin axis can extend through a corresponding opening 150 when the adapter plate 140 is assembled. Although the connector assembly 120 is shown using the same printed circuit board 125, the printed circuit board 125 can be manufactured for a specific application. Consequently, the printed circuit board 125 can have any geometric configuration that can be designed for the specific application.In such an example, the adapter plate 140 can contain any number and / or combination of terminals 130a, 130b, 130c within the geometric configuration of the printed circuit board 125.

[0041] According to one exemplary embodiment, the connection assembly 120 can contain any combination of terminals 130a, 130b, 130c to form the connection assembly 120. That is, the adapter plate 140 can have any combination and / or orientation of terminals 130a, 130b, 130c, so that the adapter plate 140 can be defined as a universal adapter plate. In other embodiments, the connection assembly 120 can contain any combination of terminals that differ from terminals 130a, 130b, 130c. For example, the connection assembly 120, as in Fig. 7A - Fig.Figure 7C shows various combinations of connectors 130a, 130b, 130c, depending on a specific application or design requirement. However, according to the systems and procedures described here, the adapter plates 140 can be configured relatively easily to meet different design requirements without having to mass-produce each separately designed connector.

[0042] For example, the terminal assembly 120 for a specific application (e.g., based on an output limit, etc.) can have any combination of terminals 130a, 130b, 130c. The number and / or size of the terminals 130a, 130b, 130c can essentially correspond to the number and / or size of openings within the female connector. As can be seen, the terminal assembly 120 can be manufactured according to a design criterion of the female connector. In one example, the terminal assembly 120 can contain a small number of terminals 130a, 130b, 130c. In another example, the terminal assembly 120 can contain a large number of terminals 130a, 130b, 130c.In yet another example, the connection assembly 120 can contain any combination of terminals 130a, 130b, 130c to satisfy the output limit of the female connector in an arrangement that essentially corresponds to the geometric configuration of the printed circuit board 125.

[0043] Although this description discusses a specific sequence of process steps, the order of the steps may differ from the outlined sequence. Two or more steps may also be executed simultaneously or partially simultaneously. Such variations depend on the chosen software and hardware systems, as well as the developer's choices. All of these variations are within the scope of disclosure. Furthermore, software implementations based on standard programming techniques, using rule-based logic and other logic, may be carried out to perform the various connection, processing, comparison, and decision steps.

[0044] The terms “approximately”, “about”, “essentially”, and similar terms used herein have a broad meaning consistent with their usual and accepted use by the person skilled in the art to whom this disclosure relates. The person skilled in the art reading this disclosure should understand that these terms serve to enable a description of certain described and claimed features without limiting the scope of these features to the specified precise numerical ranges. Consequently, these terms should be interpreted to mean that inessential or inconsistent modifications or changes to the described and claimed subject matter are to be considered within the scope of the invention as claimed in the accompanying claims.

[0045] It should be noted that the term "exemplary", as used here to describe various embodiments, is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations and / or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such a term is not intended to imply that such embodiments are necessarily exceptional or superlative examples).

[0046] The terms "coupled," "connected," and the like, as used here, mean the direct or indirect connection of two elements. Such a connection can be stationary (e.g., permanent, etc.) or movable (e.g., removable, detachable, etc.). Such a connection can be achieved by joining the two elements, or the two elements and any additional intervening elements, as a single, unified body, or by fastening the two elements, or the two elements and any additional intervening elements, to one another.

[0047] References to the positions of elements (e.g., "above", "below", "above", "below", "between", etc.) are used here only to describe the orientation of various elements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be covered by the present disclosure.

[0048] It is important to note that the design and arrangement of the connector assembly, as shown in the exemplary embodiments, are for illustrative purposes only. Although only a few embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, those skilled in the art reading this disclosure will readily recognize that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes, and proportions of the various elements, values ​​of parameters, assembly arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter disclosed. For example, elements shown as being a single piece may be composed of several parts or elements.It should be noted that the elements and / or assemblies of the components described herein can be manufactured from a variety of materials that offer sufficient strength or durability, and in a variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are to be included within the scope of the present invention. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention or from the basic concept of the appended claims. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] US 63 / 339,872

[0001]

Claims

[1] Connector assembly comprising: a housing; and a connector assembly received in the housing, the connector assembly comprising: an adapter plate having a plurality of slots, the adapter plate being configurable in a first configuration and a second configuration; one or more terminals positionable in the plurality of slots of the adapter plate, the one or more terminals comprising: a blade extending from a first side of the adapter plate; and one or more pins extending from a second side of the adapter plate, opposite the first side, to extend outwards; wherein the one or more terminals are positionable in a first subset of the plurality of slots to provide the first configuration and are positionable in a second subset of the plurality of slots to provide the second configuration. [2] The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the adapter plate is configurable in the first configuration and the second configuration based on an electrical load limit of the connector assembly. [3] The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the terminal assembly is selectively coupled between a mated position and a non-mated position, and wherein the terminal assembly abuts against an inner wall of the housing when the terminal assembly is in the mated position. [4] The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the adapter plate is configured to secure the one or more terminals in a fixed orientation to prevent rotational movement of the one or more terminals in the adapter plate. [5] The connector assembly of claim 1, further comprising a printed circuit board received in the housing opposite the terminal assembly and having one or more apertures disposed therein; wherein the one or more pins are coupled to the printed circuit board through the one or more apertures to allow power to flow from the blade through the one or more pins to the printed circuit board. [6] The connector assembly of claim 5, wherein the terminal assembly is received in a first side of the housing, and wherein the printed circuit board is received in a second side of the housing, the first side being opposite the second side. [7] The connector assembly of claim 5, wherein the one or more pins are spaced apart from each other by a first distance, and wherein the one or more openings are spaced apart from each other by the first distance. [8] The connector assembly of claim 5, wherein the one or more pins and the one or more openings are aligned along a contact plane. [9] The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the one or more terminals comprise at least a first terminal having a single pin, a second terminal having four pins, or a third terminal having eight pins. [10] The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the one or more slots are arranged in a grid pattern. [11] Terminal assembly for a connector assembly, comprising: an adapter plate having a plurality of slots, the adapter plate being configurable in a first configuration and a second configuration; and one or more terminals positionable in the plurality of slots of the adapter plate; wherein the one or more terminals are positionable in a first subset of the plurality of slots to provide the first configuration and are positionable in a second subset of the plurality of slots to provide the second configuration. [12] The terminal assembly of claim 11, wherein the adapter plate is configured to secure the one or more terminals in a fixed orientation to prevent rotational movement of the one or more terminals in the adapter plate. [13] The terminal assembly of claim 11, wherein the connector assembly comprises a printed circuit board received in the housing opposite the terminal assembly and having one or more apertures disposed therein; wherein the one or more pins are coupled to the printed circuit board through the one or more apertures to allow power to flow from the blade through the one or more pins to the printed circuit board. [14] The terminal assembly of claim 13, wherein the one or more openings are spaced apart from each other by a first distance, and wherein the one or more pins are spaced apart from each other by the first distance. [15] The terminal assembly of claim 13, wherein the one or more pins and the one or more openings are aligned along a contact plane. [16] The terminal assembly of claim 11, further comprising: a blade extending from a first side of the adapter plate; and one or more pins extending outwardly from a second side of the adapter plate opposite the first side. [17] The terminal assembly of claim 11, wherein the terminal assembly is selectively coupled between a connected position and a non-connected position, and wherein the terminal assembly abuts against an inner wall of a housing when the terminal assembly is in the connected position. [18] The connector assembly of claim 11, wherein the adapter plate is configurable based on an electrical load limit of the connector assembly in the first configuration and in the second configuration. [19] Connector assembly comprising: a housing; a connector assembly received in the housing, the connector assembly comprising: an adapter plate configurable in a first configuration and a second configuration; and one or more connectors housed in the adapter plate, the one or more connectors comprising: a blade extending from a first side of the adapter plate; and one or more pins extending from a second side of the adapter plate, opposite the first side, to extend outside; and a printed circuit board received in the housing opposite the terminal assembly and having one or more openings disposed therein; wherein the one or more pins are spaced apart from each other by a first distance, and wherein the one or more openings are spaced apart from each other by the first distance. [20] The connector assembly of claim 19, wherein the adapter plate has one or more slots, wherein the one or more terminals are positionable in the one or more slots, and wherein the one or more terminals are positionable in a first subset of the plurality of slots to provide the first configuration and in a second subset of the plurality of slots to provide the second configuration.

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