Wire-to-wire connector with splice contact portion

Abstract

A contact for a wire-to-wire electrical connector includes a first contact portion defining a first wire-receiving opening to receive a first wire and a second wire-receiving opening to receive a second wire. The contact also includes a splice contact portion that is contiguous with the first contact portion and defines a third wire-receiving opening to receive a third wire. The first contact portion also includes a first plurality of contact tines that electrically connect the first wire and the second wire, and the splice contact portion includes a second plurality of contact tines that electrically connect the third wire to the first wire and the second wire.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 972,416, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates generally to the field of electrical connectors, and more specifically to a connector for electrically connecting a wire to at least one other wire. Background Technology

[0004] The following description is provided to aid reader comprehension. No information provided or referenced is to be considered prior art.

[0005] Various types of connectors are used to form electrical connections between wires and any form of electronic or electrical component. These connectors are typically supplied in the form of sockets, plugs, and shielded connectors, with various sizes, pitches, and plating options. Normally, to connect two wires together, the user must strip the first and second wires, hinge the ends together, and then secure them to each other. This process can be tedious, inefficient, and undesirable. Furthermore, wire-to-wire connections can accidentally break or short-circuit, which can be dangerous or even fatal. Therefore, there is a need for fast, efficient, and reliable methods for connecting and disconnecting wires. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The systems, methods, and apparatuses disclosed herein each have several innovative aspects, none of which are solely responsible for the desired properties disclosed herein.

[0007] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a contact for a wire-to-wire connector is disclosed. The contact includes a first contact portion defining a first wire receiving opening for receiving a first wire and a second wire receiving opening for receiving a second wire. The contact also includes a splicing contact portion adjacent to the first contact portion and defining a third wire receiving opening for receiving a third wire. The first contact portion includes a first set of multiple contact teeth electrically connecting the first and second wires, and the splicing contact portion includes a second set of multiple contact teeth electrically connecting the third wire to the first and second wires.

[0008] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a contact for a wire-to-wire connector is disclosed. The contact includes a first contact portion having a first wire receiving opening for receiving a first wire, a second wire receiving opening for receiving a second wire, a first tab on a first wall of the first contact portion, and a first recess on a second wall of the first contact portion. The first tab is configured to engage with the first recess to define the first and second wire receiving openings. The contact also includes a splicing contact portion adjacent to the first contact portion and having a third wire receiving opening for receiving a third wire, a second tab on a third wall of the splicing contact portion, and a second recess on a fourth wall of the splicing contact portion. The second tab is configured to engage with the second recess to define the third wire receiving opening.

[0009] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a contact for a wire-to-wire connector is disclosed. The contact includes a first contact portion having a first tab on a first wall of the first contact portion and a first recess on a second wall of the first contact portion. The first tab is configured to engage with the first recess to define a first wire receiving opening for receiving a first wire and a second wire receiving opening for receiving a second wire, and a plurality of contact forks for electrically connecting the first and second wires. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electrical connector with multiple wires inserted, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2 Insertable into some embodiments of this disclosure Figure 1 An example of one of the multiple wires in an electrical connector.

[0012] Figure 3A and Figure 3B This refers to embodiments of the present disclosure where multiple wires are not inserted. Figure 1 A perspective view of the electrical connector.

[0013] Figure 3C These are some embodiments based on the present disclosure. Figure 3A and Figure 3B Exploded view of the electrical connector.

[0014] Figure 4A and Figure 4B These are some embodiments based on the present disclosure. Figure 3A and Figure 3B A perspective view of the contacts of an electrical connector.

[0015] Figures 5A-5CThese are some embodiments based on the present disclosure. Figure 4A and 4B Cross-sectional view of the first contact part and the splicing contact part of the contact element.

[0016] Figure 6A and Figure 6B The following are separate illustrations of some embodiments based on the present disclosure. Figure 4A and Figure 4B A cross-sectional view of the first contact portion and the splicing contact portion of the contact element.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a summary of some embodiments based on the present disclosure for manufacturing Figure 1 An exemplary flowchart of the operation of the electrical connector. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Reference will now be made to various embodiments, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are provided as illustrative of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention. For example, features shown or described as part of one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to form yet another embodiment. This application is intended to include these modifications and variations, as well as other modifications and variations, that fall within the scope and concept of the invention.

[0019] This document discloses a wire-to-wire connector comprising a housing and a contact having a first contact portion and a splicing contact portion. This contact can be used to electrically connect multiple wires. Specifically, the contact provides high current carrying capacity to efficiently and reliably, mechanically and electrically, connect multiple wires to each other through a single integral connector. By utilizing a unique tab / recess construction, this contact provides additional rigidity and mechanical strength to the connector and the connection between the multiple wires. Furthermore, the contact provides multiple electrical contact points with the wires, thereby increasing the current flowing through the contact. Therefore, the contact allows for efficient and rapid formation of electrical and mechanical connections between the conductive portions of the wires without soldering or crimping. Moreover, the unique design of the contact allows it to be constructed from a single piece of conductive material. This construction minimizes the number of components that must be manufactured and interconnected to form the contact, thus simplifying the manufacturing process.

[0020] Reference Figure 1This document illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary electrical connector 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The electrical connector 100 is a wire-to-wire connector configured to mechanically and electrically connect a first wire 105 to a second wire 110 and a third wire 115 via conductive contacts disposed within a housing 120. The housing 120 of the electrical connector 100 can be formed of any suitable non-conductive material. The shape and size of the housing 120 can vary depending on the shape and size of the contacts therein and the number and type of wires to be connected. Although the electrical connector 100 is shown connecting three wires (e.g., the first wire 105, the second wire 110, and the third wire 115), in some embodiments, depending on the contact configuration, the electrical connector can be used to connect two or more wires. In some embodiments, the first wire 105, the second wire 110, and the third wire 115 may each have similar shapes and sizes, while in other embodiments, one or more of these wires may have different shapes and / or sizes.

[0021] In addition, the first conductor 105, the second conductor 110 and the third conductor 115 may each include an outer insulation layer 125 and a conductive core or strand 130. Figure 2Examples of wires that can be used for the first wire 105, the second wire 110, and the third wire 115 are shown. In some embodiments, the end portions of the outer insulation layer 125 of the first wire 105, the second wire 110, and the third wire 115 may be removed to expose the conductive core or strand 130, and an insertion portion 133 may be inserted into the exposed conductive core or strand of each wire. The insertion portion 133 may be made of a conductive material and may be inserted into the electrical connector 100 to provide electrical connection with other wires. As a result of stripping the outer insulation layer 125 and covering the exposed conductive core or strand 130 of the first wire 105, the second wire 110, and the third wire 115 with the insertion portion 133, such that the conductive core or strand of these wires presses against or otherwise contacts the conductive wall of the corresponding insertion portion, and the insertion of the insertion portions of these wires into the electrical connector 100, the conductive walls of the various insertion portions may form an electrical / mechanical connection between these wires. In some embodiments, the outer insulation layer (e.g., outer insulation layer 125) of portions of the first conductor 105, second conductor 110, and third conductor 115 extending outward from the housing 120 may not be completely stripped to minimize safety hazards caused by exposed conductive cores (e.g., conductive cores or strands 130). In some embodiments, the insertion portion 133 is not required to cover the exposed ends of the first conductor 105, second conductor 110, and third conductor 115. Instead, in this embodiment, the exposed ends of the first conductor 105, second conductor 110, and third conductor 115 can be directly inserted into the electrical connector 100. Furthermore, in some embodiments, one or more of the first conductor 105, second conductor 110, and third conductor 115 may use the insertion portion 133, while the remaining conductors may be directly inserted into the electrical connector 100 through their exposed ends. Furthermore, although a portion of the insertion portion 133 is in... Figure 1 The insertion portion is shown as extending to the outside of the housing 120, but in some embodiments, the insertion portion may be completely surrounded (enclosed) within the housing.

[0022] Turn now Figures 3A-3C The image shows another view of the electrical connector 100 in which the first wire 105, the second wire 110, and the third wire 115 are not inserted. Figure 3A and Figure 3B A perspective view of the electrical connector 100 is shown, while Figure 3CAn exploded view of an electrical connector is shown. The housing 120 of the electrical connector 100 may include a first portion 135 and a second portion 140. In some embodiments, both the first portion 135 and the second portion 140 may be made of an electrically insulating material. In some embodiments, the first portion 135 and the second portion 140 may be made of the same material, while in other embodiments, different materials may be used. The first portion 135 may interlock with the second portion 140 to define a volume 145 within which conductive contacts are disposed. After interlocking, the first portion 135 and the second portion 140 also define a plurality of openings. For example, once interlocked, the first portion 135 and the second portion 140 define a first opening 150 at a first end of the housing 120 to receive a first wire 105, a second opening 155 at a second end of the housing to receive a second wire 110, and a third opening 160 at a first end of the housing to receive a third wire 115. Each of the first opening 150, the second opening 155, and the third opening 160 may be sized and shaped according to the size and shape of the wire to be inserted through the opening. Although three wire receiving openings (e.g., first opening 150, second opening 155, and third opening 160) are shown herein for receiving three wires (e.g., first wire 105, second wire 110, and third wire 115), in other embodiments, more or fewer openings may be provided based on the number of wires to be connected within the electrical connector 100.

[0023] To interlock the first portion 135 with the second portion 140, the first portion may include one or more latch forks surrounding its periphery, and the second portion may include one or more cutouts surrounding its periphery. For example, the first portion 135 may include a first set of latch forks 165 on a first side 170 of the first portion and a second set of latch forks 175 on a second side 180 of the first portion. In some embodiments, the number of forks in the first set of latch forks 165 may be the same as the number of forks in the second set of latch forks. In other embodiments, the number of forks in the first set of latch forks 165 may be different from the number of forks in the second set of latch forks 175. Furthermore, in some embodiments, each fork in the first set of latch forks 165 may be spaced apart from the other forks in the first set. Similarly, in some embodiments, each fork in the second set of latch forks 175 may be spaced apart from the other forks in the second set. The positioning of the forks in the first set of latch forks 165 on the first side 170 and the forks in the second set of latch forks 175 on the second side 180 may differ in one embodiment from another. In some embodiments, each fork in the first set of latching forks 165 may be diametrically or substantially diametrically opposed to one fork in the second set of latching forks 175, while in some embodiments, each fork in the first set of latching forks may be offset from the forks in the second set of latching forks. Furthermore, the shape and size of each fork in the first set of latching forks 165 and the second set of latching forks 175 may be identical in some embodiments, while in other embodiments, the shape and size of at least one fork may differ from the shape and size of the other forks in the first set of latching forks and / or the second set of latching forks.

[0024] Each fork in the first set of latch forks 165 may extend outward from the sidewall 185 of the first side 170. Similarly, each fork in the second set of latch forks 175 may extend outward from the sidewall 190 of the second side 180. The sidewalls 185 and 190 may further extend outward from the base 195 of the first portion 135 to define a chamber (e.g., a portion of volume 145) in which the contact 200 is disposed. In some embodiments, the various elements of the first portion 135 (e.g., the first set of latch forks 165, the second set of latch forks 175, the sidewalls 185, 190, etc.) may be molded or formed as a single piece. In other embodiments, one or more elements of the first portion 135 may be formed separately and connected together in an operably associated manner. Furthermore, each fork in the first set of latch forks 165 and the second set of latch forks 175 may include a connecting ridge 205 that forms a hook-shaped portion extending toward the chamber of the first portion 135. When the first set of latch forks 165 and the second set of latch forks 175 of the first part are engaged with the second part, the connecting spine 205 can be used to interlock the first part 135 to the second part 140.

[0025] The second portion 140 may include cutouts or recesses for receiving the first set of latch forks 165 and the second set of latch forks 175. For example, the second portion 140 may include a first set of cutouts 210 for receiving the first set of latch forks 165. The number of cutouts in the first set of cutouts 210 is equal to the number of forks in the first set of latch forks 165. Thus, each fork of the first set of latch forks 165 is used to engage with one cutout in the first set of cutouts 210. The positioning of the cutouts in the first set of cutouts 210 on the second portion 140 corresponds to the positioning of the first set of latch forks 165 on the first portion 135. The second portion 140 may also include a second set of cutouts 215 for receiving the second set of latch forks 175. The number of cutouts in the second set of cutouts 215 is equal to the number of forks in the second set of latch forks 175. Thus, each fork of the second set of latch forks 175 is used to engage with one cutout in the second set of cutouts 215. The position of the cut in the second set of cuts 215 on the second part 140 corresponds to the position of the second set of latch forks 175 on the first part 135.

[0026] Furthermore, each incision in the first group of incisions 210 and the second group of incisions 215 may include a ridge 220 (in Figure 3C (Only the ridge of the first set of cuts is visible), and the connecting ridge 205 of the first set of latch forks 165 and the second set of latch forks 175 is positioned on the ridge 220 when engaged. In some embodiments, a particular cut in the first set of cuts 210 and the second set of cuts 215 may have a height H, which is substantially similar to the height h of the fork on the first portion 135 to which the particular cut will engage, such that after assembly, the bottom edge 225 of the second portion 140 is positioned on the top edge 230 of the first portion 135. Specifically, for assembling the electrical connector 100, a contact 200 may be disposed within the cavity of the first portion 135. Thus, after assembly, the contact 200 may be positioned between the first portion 135 and the second portion 140. After the contact 200 is disposed within the cavity of the first portion 135, the first portion may be vertically aligned with the second portion 140, such that the first set of latch forks 165 is aligned with the first set of cuts 210, and the second set of latch forks 175 is aligned with the second set of cuts 215. Then, the first part 135 and the second part 140 can be pressed together until the connecting ridge 205 of each of the first set of latch forks 165 and the second set of latch forks 175 engages with the corresponding ridge in the ridge 220, thereby engaging and interlocking the first part 135 and the second part 140 together.

[0027] To disassemble housing 120, the connecting ridge 205 of the first set of latch forks 165 and the second set of latch forks 175 can be separated from the corresponding ridge 220 of the first set of cuts 210 and the second set of cuts 215 by, for example, applying an outward force (e.g., by pulling the first portion 135 away from the second portion 140). Therefore, the unique design of housing 120 disclosed herein enables quick and easy assembly and disassembly. It should be noted that although housing 120 has been described with a specific configuration having the first portion 135 and the second portion 140, alternative housing configurations are contemplated. For example, in some embodiments, another housing may comprise a first portion substantially surrounding a volume and a second portion at an end of the first portion. The second portion may be connected to the first portion at the end (e.g., via a hinge) such that the housing substantially surrounds the volume. In this way, the contact 200 can be inserted into the first portion and then covered by the second portion. Other configurations of housing 120 are also contemplated. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the configuration of the first portion 135 and the second portion 140 can be modified to utilize other locking mechanisms connecting the first portion to the second portion. Generally, the housing 120, including the first part 135 and the second part 140, can be provided in various suitable forms that allow the contact 200 to be disposed within the housing in a suitable manner.

[0028] Additionally, although housing 120 is shown to include a single contact (e.g., contact 200), in other embodiments, the housing may accommodate multiple contacts, thereby enabling the formation of any number of electrical connections (e.g., two, four, six, etc.) between any number of wires. Therefore, the electrical connector 100 is not limited by the wire location, the maximum number of contacts, or wire stops. Furthermore, in some embodiments, insulating material may be disposed within volume 145 between contact 200 and the wall of housing 120. Any additional components or elements desired or contemplated for placement within housing 120 may be inserted into volume 145.

[0029] Turn now Figure 4A and Figure 4B The document shows a perspective view of a contact 200 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 4A A top perspective view of the contact element 200 is shown, while Figure 4BA bottom perspective view of the contact element is shown. In some embodiments, the contact element 200 may be a “single-element” conductive portion formed from a single conductive element (e.g., a single stamped metal sheet) having specifications and other physical characteristics suitable for applications using the electrical connector 100. In some embodiments, the contact element 200 may be formed by deforming, bending, or otherwise folding the single piece of conductive material into a closed structure having openings for receiving a first conductor 105, a second conductor 110, and a third conductor 115. The contact element 200 may include a first contact portion 240 and a splicing contact portion 245. The first contact portion 240 and the splicing contact portion 245 may be formed from a single conductive element. In other words, a single conductive material (e.g., a metal sheet) may be molded or deformed to form the first contact portion 240 and the splicing contact portion 245.

[0030] The first contact portion 240 includes a top wall 260 connected to a bottom wall 265 via sidewalls 270A and 270B. Sidewalls 270A and 270B define a first wire receiving opening 275 at a first end of the first contact portion to receive a first wire 105, and a second wire receiving opening 280 at a second end of the first contact portion to receive a second wire 110. Although the second wire receiving opening 280 is not fully visible, in some embodiments, the second wire receiving opening may be the same as or substantially the same as the first wire receiving opening 275. In some embodiments, the shape and size of the first wire receiving opening 275 and the second wire receiving opening 280 may depend on the size and shape of the wire inserted through these openings. Thus, for example, in some embodiments, the first wire receiving opening 275 may be configured in shape and size to accommodate the shape and size of the first wire 105, while the second wire receiving opening 280 may be configured in shape and size to accommodate the second wire 110. Similarly, the splice contact portion 245 may include a top wall 285 connected to the bottom wall 290 via sidewalls 295A and 295B, which define a third wire receiving opening 300 at a first end of the splice contact portion to receive a third wire 115, and a fourth wire receiving opening 305 at a second end of the splice contact portion to receive a fourth wire. Although the fourth wire receiving opening 305 is not fully visible, in some embodiments, the fourth wire receiving opening may be the same as or substantially the same as the third wire receiving opening 300. In some embodiments, the shape and size of the third wire receiving opening 300 and the fourth wire receiving opening 305 may depend on the size and shape of the wire inserted through these openings. Thus, for example, in some embodiments, the third wire receiving opening 300 may be configured in shape and size to accommodate the shape and size of the third wire 115. In some embodiments, the fourth wire receiving opening 305 may be closed (closed) when the fourth wire is not inserted into the splice contact portion 245.

[0031] Although the first contact portion 240 and the splicing contact portion 245 are shown as having a rectangular configuration, in other embodiments, one or more walls of the first contact portion (e.g., top wall 260, bottom wall 265, side walls 270A, 270B) and one or more walls of the splicing contact portion (e.g., top wall 285, bottom wall 290, side walls 295A, 295B) may have different shapes to provide other configurations of the first contact portion and / or the splicing contact portion (e.g., circular, semi-circular, etc.). Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first contact portion 240 may extend further in the first direction 310 than the splicing contact portion 245. In other embodiments, the first contact portion 240 may have a similar length in the first direction 310 as the splicing contact portion 245. Similarly, the first contact portion 240 may have the same or different width in the second direction 315 as the splicing contact portion 245. The first contact portion 240 and the splicing contact portion 245 may be formed of a single conductive material, as described in more detail below. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the sidewalls 270A of the first contact portion 240 and 295A of the splicing contact portion 245 may be adjacent to each other, or in other words, abut against each other. By being adjacent to each other or abutting against each other, the sidewalls 270A and 295A can provide support to each other during wire insertion. Moreover, by being adjacent to each other or abutting against each other, the sidewalls 270A and 295A can maintain the mating force between them, thereby ensuring electrical continuity between the first contact portion 240 and the splicing contact portion 245.

[0032] Each of the first contact portion 240 and the splicing contact portion 245 may include a plurality of contact forks deflected into the first contact portion and the splicing contact portion. Specifically, the first contact portion 240 may include a first set of contact forks 320 adjacent to a first end 325 of the first contact portion and a second set of contact forks 330 adjacent to a second end 335 of the first contact portion. The splicing contact portion 245 may include a third set of contact forks 340 and a set of wire guides 345. In some embodiments, each of the first set of contact forks 320, the second set of contact forks 330, and the third set of contact forks 340, as well as the set of wire guides 345, may be defined by a segment or cut in a monolithic conductive material forming the first contact portion 240 and the splicing contact portion 245.

[0033] The first set of contact teeth 320 on the first contact portion 240 may include four contact teeth, one on each of the top wall 260, bottom wall 265, side wall 270A, and side wall 270B. Therefore, the first set of contact teeth 320 may include contact teeth 350 on the top wall 260, contact teeth 355 on the bottom wall 265 (see...). Figure 4B ), the contact fork tooth 360 on the side wall 270A (see Figure 6A ) and the contact fork tooth 365 on the side wall 270B (see Figure 4B The contact teeth 350 on the top wall 260 and the contact teeth 355 on the bottom wall 265 can be aligned such that these contact teeth are formed at a first distance D1 from the edge 370 of the first end 325. The contact teeth 360 on the side wall 270A and the contact teeth 365 on the side wall 270B can also be aligned with each other such that these contact teeth are formed at a distance D2 from the edge 370 of the first end 325. The contact teeth 350 / 355 are offset from the contact teeth 360 / 365. In some embodiments, the distance D2 is greater than the distance D1. In other embodiments, the distance D2 may be less than the distance D1, and in some embodiments, the distances D1 and D2 may be the same or substantially similar. By forming a pair of contact forks at an offset location, the first wire 105 can be guided and held in two positions, one defined by contact forks 350 / 355 and the other by contact forks 360 / 365, thereby improving the alignment of the first wire with the first contact portion 240, reducing movement of the first wire within the first contact portion, and reducing the total force applied to the first wire at a particular location. For example, the force applied to the first wire 105 at a particular location by a pair of contact forks (e.g., a first pair formed by contact forks 350 / 355 and a second pair formed by contact forks 360 / 365) is less than the force applied to the first wire at that location by the combination of two pairs of contact forks, thereby preventing the first wire from being coiled and damaged. Furthermore, the offset between contact forks 350 / 355 and contact forks 360 / 365 can reduce the amount (magnitude) of force required to insert a wire inserted through a particular pair of contact forks.

[0034] The second set of contact teeth 330 on the first contact portion 240 may also include four contact teeth, one on each of the top wall 260, bottom wall 265, side wall 270A, and side wall 270B. Therefore, the second set of contact teeth 330 may include contact teeth 375 on the top wall 260, contact teeth 380 on the bottom wall 265 (see...). Figure 4B ), the contact fork tooth 385 on side wall 270A and the contact fork tooth 390 on side wall 270B (see Figure 4BThe contact teeth 375 on the top wall 260 and the contact teeth 380 on the bottom wall 265 can be aligned such that these contact teeth are formed at a first distance D3 from the edge 395 of the second end 335. The contact teeth 385 on the side wall 270A and the contact teeth 390 on the side wall 270B can also be aligned with each other such that these contact teeth are formed at a distance D4 from the edge 395 of the second end 335. Therefore, the contact teeth 375 / 380 are offset from the contact teeth 385 / 390. In some embodiments, the distance D4 is greater than the distance D3. In other embodiments, the distance D4 may be less than the distance D3, and in some embodiments, the distances D3 and D4 may be the same or substantially similar. By forming contact fork pairs 375 / 380 and 385 / 390 at offset positions, the second conductor 110 can be guided and held in both positions, thereby improving the alignment of the second conductor with the first contact portion 240, reducing movement of the second conductor within the first contact portion, and reducing the total force applied to the second conductor at a particular position. In some embodiments, distance D1 may be the same as or similar to distance D3, and distance D2 may be the same as or similar to distance D4. In other embodiments, distance D1 may be different from distance D3 and / or distance D2 may be different from distance D4.

[0035] Although each of the first set of contact fork teeth 320 and the second set of contact fork teeth 330 has been described as having four contact fork teeth, in some embodiments, either or both of the first set of contact fork teeth and the second set of contact fork teeth may have fewer than four or more than four contact fork teeth. Furthermore, although each of the first set of contact fork teeth 320 and the second set of contact fork teeth 330 has been described as having the same number of contact fork teeth, in some embodiments, the number of contact fork teeth in the first set of contact fork teeth may differ from the number of contact fork teeth in the second set of contact fork teeth. Additionally, although a single contact fork tooth has been shown on each of the top wall 260, bottom wall 265, and side walls 270A, 270B for each of the first set of contact fork teeth 320 and the second set of contact fork teeth 330, in some embodiments, no contact fork tooth or more than one contact fork tooth may be provided on a particular wall for the first set of contact fork teeth and / or the second set of contact fork teeth. In addition, in some embodiments, an additional set of contact fork teeth with one or more contact fork teeth may be provided between the first set of contact fork teeth 320 and the second set of contact fork teeth 330.

[0036] The third set of contact teeth 340 may include contact teeth 400 on sidewall 295A and contact teeth 405 on sidewall 295B. Therefore, unlike the first set of contact teeth 320 and the second set of contact teeth 330, each comprising four contact teeth, the third set of contact teeth 340 includes two contact teeth, one on each sidewall of the splicing contact portion 245. Contact teeth 400 and 405 are aligned with each other such that both contact teeth are formed at a distance D5 from the edge 370 of the first end 325. In some embodiments, distance D5 is the same as distance D1 or distance D2, while in other embodiments, distance D5 is greater than or less than distance D1 or distance D2. Although two contact teeth are described in the third set of contact teeth 340, in some embodiments, the third set of contact teeth may include more than two or less than two contact teeth. In some embodiments, one or more contact teeth may also be provided on either or both of the top wall 285 and the bottom wall 290. When disposed on the top wall 285 and the bottom wall 290, in some embodiments these contact fork teeth may be offset relative to the contact fork teeth of the side walls 295A, 295B, in a manner similar to the offset described above with respect to the first set of contact fork teeth 320 and the second set of contact fork teeth 330.

[0037] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the size and shape of each contact tooth in the first group of contact teeth 320, the second group of contact teeth 330, and the third group of contact teeth 340 may be the same or similar. In other embodiments, the shape and / or size of the contact teeth in the first group of contact teeth 320, the second group of contact teeth 330, and the third group of contact teeth 340 may differ from that of another contact tooth in these groups of contact teeth. In some embodiments, contact teeth aligned with each other may have similar sizes and shapes. For example, in some embodiments, the size and shape of contact tooth 350 may be similar to that of contact tooth 355. Similarly, in some embodiments, contact teeth 360 and 365 may have similar sizes and shapes, contact teeth 375 and 380 may have similar sizes and shapes, contact teeth 385 and 390 may have similar sizes and shapes, and contact teeth 400 and 405 may have similar sizes and shapes. In some embodiments, the size of a contact tooth may depend on the size of the wall on which the contact tooth is formed. For example, in some embodiments, the contact fork teeth on a wider wall may be wider than the contact fork teeth on a relatively narrower wall.

[0038] The set of wire guides 345 may include a first wire guide 410 on the top wall 285 of the splice contact portion 245 and a second wire guide 415 on the bottom wall 290 of the splice contact portion (see...). Figure 4BThe first wire guide 410 and the second wire guide 415 may be configured to physically guide and align the third wire 115 away from the top wall 285 and the bottom wall 290 within the splice contact portion 245 and through the first set of contact forks 340. In some embodiments, the size and shape of the first wire guide 410 may be similar to that of the second wire guide 415, while in other embodiments, the shape and / or size of these wire guides may differ. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the shape of the set of wire guides 345 may be similar to the contact forks in the first set of contact forks 320, the second set of contact forks 330, and / or the third set of contact forks 340, but smaller. In other embodiments, the set of wire guides 345 may have a different shape and / or similar size to the contact forks in the first set of contact forks 320, the second set of contact forks 330, and / or the third set of contact forks 340. Additionally, in some embodiments, the first wire guide 410 and the second wire guide 415 may each be formed at a distance D5 from the edge 370. In other embodiments, the first wire guide 410 and / or the second wire guide 415 may be formed at a distance greater or less than the distance D5, such that these wire guides are offset from the contact fork teeth 400, 405.

[0039] By reference Figures 5A-5C This allows for a better understanding of the structure of the wire guides in the set of wire guides 345, as well as the structure of the contact forks in the first set of contact forks 320, the second set of contact forks 330, and the third set of contact forks 340. Therefore, referring to... Figures 5A-5C and combined Figures 4A-4B Various cross-sectional views of a contact 200 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Figure 5A It shows along Figure 4A Cross-sectional view of contact 200 of line 5A-5A. Basically, Figure 5A The cross-sectional view is a view with top walls 260 and 285 removed. Figure 5B It shows along Figure 4A The cross-sectional view of line 5B-5B, and Figure 5C It shows along Figure 4A Cross-sectional view of line 5C-5C.

[0040] like Figures 5A-5CAs shown, each of the contact teeth in the first set of contact teeth 320, the second set of contact teeth 330, and the third set of contact teeth 340 can be defined by cutouts in the walls (e.g., top wall 260, bottom wall 265, side walls 270A, 270B, top wall 285, bottom wall 290, side walls 295A, 295B) of the first contact portion 240 and the splicing contact portion 245. The cutouts can be bent or inclined inward toward the cavity formed by the first contact portion 240 and the splicing contact portion 245 for the insertion of the first wire 105, the second wire 110, and the third wire 115. Furthermore, as shown, the aligned pairs of contact teeth can be deflected toward each other to define a clamping point 420. Therefore, for example, contact teeth 350 and 355 may be deflected toward each other to define a clamp point 420, contact teeth 360 and 365 may be deflected toward each other to define a clamp point, contact teeth 375 and 380 may be deflected toward each other to define a clamp point, contact teeth 385 and 390 may be deflected toward each other to define a clamp point, and contact teeth 400 and 405 may be deflected toward each other to define a clamp point. When a conductor (e.g., first conductor 105, second conductor 110, third conductor 115) is inserted through the contact teeth, the deflected contact teeth separate and engage the conductor cores or strands 130. The clamp point 420 may perform a clamping mechanism to prevent the conductor (e.g., first conductor 105, second conductor 110, third conductor 115) from being accidentally removed or unnecessarily moved after insertion into the contact 200.

[0041] Each of the contact forks in the first set of contact forks 320, the second set of contact forks 330, and the third set of contact forks 340 may further define a contact point 425 toward the end portion of the contact fork near the pinch point 420. The contact point 425 provides a location for electrical contact between the conductor (e.g., the first conductor 105, the second conductor 110, and the third conductor 115) and the associated contact forks through which the conductor insertion passes. Although the contact point 425 is shown to have a specific shape and size, in other embodiments, the configuration of the contact point may be varied. In some embodiments, the contact point 425 of each of the contact forks in the first set of contact forks 320, the second set of contact forks 330, and the third set of contact forks 340 may have a distal end that opens toward the sidewalls of the contact member 200 (e.g., sidewalls 270A, 270B, 295A, 295B). For example, the distal ends of contact forks 385 and 390 near the contact point 425 may be moved away from each other and deflected outward toward sidewalls 270A and 270B. The distal ends of other contact fork pairs can similarly deviate from the path of wire insertion. The aforementioned configuration of each contact fork in the first set of contact forks 320, the second set of contact forks 330, and the third set of contact forks 340 prevents accidental removal of the wire (e.g., first wire 105, second wire 110, third wire 115) after insertion, while providing a tighter electrical contact with the wire through the contact point (e.g., contact point 425).

[0042] Furthermore, although not shown, in some embodiments, the first contact portion 240 and the splice contact portion 245 may include wire stops to provide surfaces abutting the core or strand 130 of the wires (e.g., first wire 105, second wire 110, third wire 115) in the fully inserted position of the wires. The wire stops can take various configurations as needed. In some embodiments, the wire stops may be formed from a single sheet defining the first contact portion 240 and the splice contact portion 245. For example, in some embodiments, the wire stops may be formed from upwardly curved portions of the bottom walls 265, 290, such that the wire stops extend upward from the bottom walls into the cavities of the first contact portion 240 and the splice contact portion 245. In other embodiments, the wire stops may be formed from cutouts in the top walls 260, 285 or the side walls 270A, 270B, 295A and / or 295B. In some embodiments, a single wire stop may be provided, while in other embodiments, multiple wire stops may be provided.

[0043] The wire guides in the set of wire guides 345 may have a similar construction to contact fork teeth. Therefore, the first wire guide 410 and the second wire guide 415 may be formed by cutouts in the top wall 285 and bottom wall 290, respectively. The cutouts may be bent inwards or angled into the cavity of the splicing contact portion 245. The first wire guide 410 and the second wire guide 415 may be offset towards each other. In some embodiments, the first wire guide 410 and the second wire guide 415 may be close enough to define a pinch point similar to pinch point 420. In other embodiments, the first wire guide 410 and the second wire guide 415 may be offset towards each other but spaced far apart so as not to define a pinch point. In some embodiments, the first wire guide 410 and the second wire guide 415 may also include contact points similar to contact point 425.

[0044] Therefore, the contact fork teeth in the first set of contact fork teeth 320, the second set of contact fork teeth 330 and the third set of contact fork teeth 340, as well as the first wire guide 410 and the second wire guide 415, facilitate the easy insertion and guidance of wires (e.g., the first wire 105, the second wire 110, the third wire 115) into the contact 200 to secure the wires in place, and facilitate the easy removal of the wires when needed.

[0045] Back Figure 4A and 4B As discussed above, the first contact portion 240 and the splicing contact portion 245 can be formed from a single conductive material. In some embodiments, a tab and recess configuration can be used to form the first contact portion 240 and the splicing contact portion 245. For example, to form the first contact portion 240, the conductive material may include one or more tabs at its longer edges, such that the edges form sidewalls 270A after bending. For example, the first contact portion 240 includes a first tab 430 (see...). Figure 6A The first tab 430 may be formed closer to the first end 325 of the first contact portion 240, and the second tab 435 may be formed closer to the second end 335 of the first contact portion. Although two tabs (e.g., the first tab 430 and the second tab 435) are shown in the first contact portion 240, in some embodiments, a single tab or more than two tabs may be provided. Each of the first tab 430 and the second tab 435 may be formed by defining a protrusion in a conductive material. The protrusion may be sized to fit into a recess. For example, the protrusion of the first tab 430 may be sized to fit into a first recess 440 (see...). Figure 4B Furthermore, the size of the protrusion of the second tab 435 can be set to fit into the second recess 445 (see...). Figure 4B ).

[0046] The first recess 440 and the second recess 445 may be respectively formed as cutouts in the bottom wall 265. In some embodiments, such as Figure 4A As shown, a first recess 440 may be formed on a bottom wall 265 such that the first recess is completely surrounded and the bottom wall extends beyond the side wall 270. Therefore, the bottom wall 265 may include an extension 250 that extends beyond the first recess 440 and beyond the side wall 270a. Although not visible, a second recess 445 may similarly be completely surrounded by a bottom wall 265 extending beyond the side wall 270a. Therefore, in some embodiments, the extension 250 may extend from a first end 325 to a second end 335 and surround both the first and second recesses 445. By engaging a first tab 430 into the first recess 440 and a second tab 435 into the second recess 445, and by having the bottom wall 265 extend as the extension 250 beyond the side wall 270a, the rigidity and stability of the formed first contact portion 240 can be improved. In other embodiments, the extension 250 is not required, and the first recess 440 and / or the second recess 445 may be formed substantially at the edge of the bottom wall 265.

[0047] Similarly, the construction of tabs and recesses can be used to form the splicing contact portion 245. For example, conductive material can define a third tab 450 on the opposite edges defining the edges of the first tab 430 and the second tab 435 (see...). Figure 6B The third tab 450 may include a protrusion configured to engage with the third recess 455 (see [link]). Figure 4B The third recess 455 may be defined by a cutout on the bottom wall 290. In some embodiments, the third recess 455 may be completely surrounded by the bottom wall 290 and have an extension 250. It should be understood that although the bottom wall 265 of the first contact portion 240 and the bottom wall 290 of the splicing contact portion 245 are described as separate bottom walls, these two bottom walls are a contiguous bottom wall formed of the same conductive material. Similarly, although the top walls 260, 285 are described as separate top walls, these top walls are defined by the same conductive material forming the first contact portion 240 and the splicing contact portion 245. Likewise, the side walls 270A, 270B, 295A, 295B are defined by the same conductive material.

[0048] Although the third tab 450 on the splice contact portion 245 is shown as a single tab, in some embodiments, more than one tab may be used on the splice contact portion. The third tab 450 improves the rigidity and stability of the splice contact portion 245 after engaging with the third recess 455. In some embodiments, the first recess 440 and the third recess 455 may be formed as a single wide recess into which both the first tab 430 and the third tab 450 can be inserted. In some embodiments, the first recess 440 and the third recess 455 may be formed as separate recesses. Furthermore, although the first recess 440 and the third recess 455 are shown as adjacent to each other or at least close to each other and aligned, in some embodiments, these recesses may be separated from each other and offset. Furthermore, the shape and size of the third tab 450 and the third recess 455 may be the same as or different from the shape and size of the first tab 430 / first recess 440 and / or the second tab 435 / second recess 445. Figure 7 The discussion focuses on bending conductive materials to form a first contact portion 240 and a splicing contact portion 245 using a first tab 430, a second tab 435, and a third tab 450, as well as a first recess 440, a second recess 445, and a third recess 455.

[0049] Furthermore, although in some embodiments the first contact portion 240 and the splicing contact portion 245 are formed of a single conductive material, in other embodiments the first contact portion and the splicing contact portion may be formed of separate conductive materials and connected together in an operably associated manner.

[0050] Turn now Figure 6A and 6B Perspective views of a first contact portion 240 and a spliced ​​contact portion 245, respectively, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, are shown. Although the contact 200 has been described herein as having a first contact portion 240 defined by the first contact portion 240 and a spliced ​​contact portion 245 defined by the spliced ​​contact portion 245, in some embodiments, the contact portion may include either the first contact portion or the spliced ​​contact portion, such as... Figure 6A and 6B As shown in the figure. Even when the contact 200 includes either the first contact portion 240 or the splice contact portion 245, the first contact portion 240 and the splice contact portion 245 can still be formed in this tab / recess configuration as discussed above.

[0051] refer to Figure 7This document illustrates an exemplary flowchart outlining the operation of process 460 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Process 460 can be used to manufacture or otherwise assemble contact 200. Process 460 can be used to manufacture contact 200 using conventional manufacturing techniques or by using 3D printing. Thus, after operation 465 begins, a first contact portion 240 is formed in operation 470. Contact 200 can be formed starting with a single conductive material. For example, a single sheet of metal can be used to form contact 200. In other embodiments, other types of conductive materials can be used. In some embodiments, an L-shaped or substantially L-shaped metal plate can be used to form contact 200. The L-shaped metal plate can be molded, bent, or otherwise deformed to form the first contact portion 240. One or more tabs and corresponding recesses can be formed on the metal plate to form the first contact portion 240.

[0052] Specifically, in some embodiments, protrusions for one or more tabs (e.g., first tab 430, second tab 435) may be defined on the edge of the metal plate that forms sidewall 270A after folding. For each tab, a corresponding recess may be defined on the metal plate. For example, the recess may be defined on the surface of the metal plate that forms bottom wall 265 after folding. The shape and size of each recess may be based on the shape and size of the tab designed to engage with the recess. After forming one or more tabs and corresponding recesses for each tab, the metal plate can be folded, bent, or deformed into a box-like structure by engaging the respective tabs into the corresponding recesses. Specifically, in some embodiments, the end of the metal plate with the tab protrusions may be folded to form a first fold defining bottom wall 265 and sidewall 270B, a second fold defining top wall 260, and a third fold defining sidewall 270A. Through the third fold, the tab protrusions may extend to engage the corresponding recesses, thereby defining a first contact portion 240. In other embodiments, the folds may be formed in a different order to form the first contact portion 240. In some other embodiments, the recessed end of the metal plate may be folded multiple times to form the first contact portion 240 after engagement with the corresponding tab. After the first contact portion 240 is formed, the L-shaped metal plate may still have an L-shaped configuration, wherein the first contact portion extends along the longer length of the L-shape.

[0053] In operation 475, a splicing contact portion 245 is formed. The splicing contact portion 245 is formed from the same metal plate that forms the first contact portion 240. In some embodiments, the splicing contact portion 245 may be formed prior to the first contact portion 240. Furthermore, the splicing contact portion 245 can be formed similarly to the first contact portion 240 by forming one or more tabs and corresponding recesses for each tab. Thus, a third tab 450 is formed by forming a protrusion on the edge of the metal plate opposite to the edge of the tab forming the first contact portion 240. A corresponding recess (e.g., a third recess 455) is formed on the surface of the metal plate to engage with the tab. Then, after engaging the tab with the third recess 455, the end of the metal plate having the third tab 450 for the splicing contact portion 245 can be folded several times to form the splicing contact portion 245. In some embodiments, the third recess 455 for splicing the contact portion 245 may be adjacent to (e.g., adjacent to) the first recess 440 formed in the first contact portion 240 (e.g., such as...). Figure 4B (As shown). Therefore, after the metal plate is folded to form the splicing contact portion 245, the sidewall 295A of the splicing contact portion 245 can be adjacent to the sidewall 270A of the first contact portion 240.

[0054] Therefore, the first contact portion 240 and the splicing contact portion 245 can be formed by folding, deforming, and / or bending a single metal sheet. In operations 480 and 485, contact forks for the first contact portion 240 and the splicing contact portion 245 can be formed in the metal sheet, respectively. In some embodiments, the contact forks can be formed in the metal sheet before folding the metal sheet to form the first contact portion 240 and the splicing contact portion 245. In other embodiments, the contact forks can be formed after folding the metal sheet to form the first contact portion 240 and the splicing contact portion 245. To form the contact forks, a cut can be defined in the metal sheet having the desired shape and size. Although the cut is shown as rectangular in the figures, the cut can take any desired shape. Furthermore, as shown, the cut is formed such that the cut portion of the metal sheet is not completely separated from the metal sheet. For example, when the cut is rectangular, three sides of the rectangle can be cut in the metal sheet to form the contact forks. The cut metal plate can then be deformed and bent toward the cavity where the first contact portion 240 and the splicing contact portion 245 are formed, and enter the cavity. In this way, the first set of contact fork teeth 320, the second set of contact fork teeth 330 and the third set of contact fork teeth 340 can be formed.

[0055] Furthermore, the set of wire guides 345 can be formed for the splicing contact portion 245 in a manner similar to that used for contact fork teeth. In some embodiments, any sharp edges of the contact 200 can be covered with a sealing member to improve grip. Process 460 ends at operation 495.

[0056] When using 3D printing to manufacture the contact 200, the process 460 can be used in a modified manner. For example, in some embodiments, it may not be necessary to form tabs and recesses. Therefore, each of the first contact portion 240 and the splicing contact portion 245 can be formed as a box-shaped portion so that the first contact portion 240 and the splicing contact portion 245 are formed in the integral part. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the contact fork teeth and wire guides can be 3D printed simultaneously with the printing of the first contact portion 240 and the splicing contact portion 245.

[0057] Therefore, the contacts of this disclosure provide a mechanism for easily and reliably connecting a wire to one or more other wires electrically and mechanically.

[0058] Regarding virtually any plural and / or singular terminology used herein, those skilled in the art may appropriately convert it from plural to singular and / or from singular to plural depending on the context and / or this application. Various singular / plural substitutions may be explicitly stated herein for clarity of illustration.

[0059] Those skilled in the art will understand that, generally, the terms used herein, particularly in the appended claims (e.g., the body of the appended claims), are generally intended to be understood as “open-ended” terms (e.g., the term “comprising” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “at least having,” the term “comprising” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” etc.). Those skilled in the art will also understand that if such enumeration of a particular number of claims is intentional, then such intention is explicitly stated in the claims, and without such statement, such intention does not exist. For example, to aid understanding, the appended claims may contain the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce a reference to the claims. However, the use of such phrases should not be interpreted as implying that a claim introduced by the indefinite article "a" or "an" limits any particular claim enumerated in that enumerated claim to containing only one such enumerated invention, even if the same claim includes the phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and / or "an" should generally be interpreted as meaning "at least one" or "one or more"). The same understanding applies to the use of definite articles used to introduce the statement of a claim.

[0060] Furthermore, even when a specific number of the contents of the introduced claims are explicitly described, those skilled in the art will recognize that such a description should generally be interpreted as implying the presence of at least the described number (e.g., "two objects or contents of the narrative" generally means at least two objects of the narrative, or two or more objects of the narrative, in the absence of other modifiers). Additionally, in cases where expressions such as "at least one of A, B, and C" are used, generally, such a structure is intended to convey the meaning as would be understood by those skilled in the art (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" includes, but is not limited to: systems having only A, only B, only C, having A and B, having A and C, having only B and C, and / or systems having only A, B, and C, etc.). In cases where expressions such as "at least one of A, B, or C" are used, generally, such a structure is intended to be understood from the meaning that would be understood by those skilled in the art (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" includes, but is not limited to: systems having only A, only B, only C, having A and B, having A and C, having only B and C, and / or systems having only A, B, and C, etc.). Those skilled in the art will also understand that any antonymous conjunction and / or phrase that actually represents two or more alternative terms, whether in the specification, claims, or drawings, should be understood to include the possibility of including one or more of the two or more terms, or any one or both of them. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibility of “A” or “B” or “A and B”.

[0061] For descriptive and illustrative purposes, the illustrative embodiments have been described above. The precise forms disclosed are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting, but rather modifications and variations can be made in light of the foregoing teachings, or modifications and variations can arise from practice of the disclosed embodiments. The scope of the invention is intended to be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A contact for a wire-to-wire electrical connector, the contact comprising: a first contact portion defining: a first wire-receiving opening to receive a first wire; and a second wire-receiving opening to receive a second wire; and a splice contact portion abutting the first contact portion and defining a third wire-receiving opening to receive a third wire, wherein the first contact portion and the splice contact portion extend parallel to each other in a first direction, and wherein the first contact portion is longer than the splice contact portion in the first direction; wherein the first contact portion includes a first plurality of contact prongs to electrically connect the first wire and the second wire; wherein the splice contact portion includes a second plurality of contact prongs to electrically connect the third wire to the first wire and the second wire; wherein the first plurality of contact prongs of the first contact portion includes a first set of contact prongs proximate to a first end of the first contact portion and a second set of contact prongs proximate to a second end of the first contact portion; wherein each of the first set of contact prongs and the second set of contact prongs includes: a first contact prong on a first wall of the first contact portion; a second contact prong on a second wall of the first contact portion, wherein the second wall is opposite the first wall; a third contact prong on a third wall of the first contact portion; and a fourth contact prong on a fourth wall of the first contact portion, wherein the first wall and the second wall form a top wall and a bottom wall, respectively, and wherein the third wall and the fourth wall form a first side wall and a second side wall, respectively, wherein the fourth wall is opposite the third wall, wherein the first contact prong and the second contact prong are offset relative to the third contact prong and the fourth contact prong. the contact is disposed within a housing, the housing comprising: a first portion including a plurality of latch prongs disposed about a perimeter of the first portion; and 2. The contact of claim 1, wherein, a second portion including a plurality of cutouts disposed about a perimeter of the second portion; wherein each of the plurality of latch prongs is configured to engage with one of the plurality of cutouts to define a volume; wherein the contact is disposed within the volume; and wherein the first portion and the second portion, when interlocked, define: a first opening to receive the first wire; a second opening to receive the second wire; and a third opening to receive the third wire. the first contact portion and the splice contact portion are formed from a single piece of conductive material. the second plurality of contact prongs of the splice contact portion includes a third set of contact prongs proximate to the first end of the first contact portion.

3. The contact of claim 1, wherein, 5. The contact of claim 1, wherein:

4. The contact of claim 1, wherein, the first contact prong and the second contact prong are disposed at a first distance from the first end of the first contact portion; the third contact prong and the fourth contact prong are disposed at a second distance from the first end of the first contact portion; and the second distance is greater than the first distance. ​ ​ 6. The contact of claim 4, wherein, The third set of contact tines includes first contact tines on a first wall of the splice contact portion and second contact tines on a second wall of the splice contact portion, and wherein the second wall is opposite the first wall.

7. The contact of claim 1, wherein, The first contact portion further includes a tab on the first wall of the first contact portion and a recess on the second wall of the first contact portion, wherein the tab is configured to engage with the recess to define the first wire receiving opening and the second wire receiving opening.

8. The contact of claim 1, wherein, The splice contact portion further includes a tab on the first wall of the splice contact portion and a recess on the second wall of the splice contact portion, wherein the tab is configured to engage with the recess to define the third wire receiving opening.

9. The contact of claim 1, wherein, The splice contact portion further includes a wire guide to guide a third wire through the second plurality of contact tines.

10. A contact for a wire-to-wire connector, the contact comprising: a first contact portion, the first contact portion comprising: a first wire receiving opening to receive a first wire; a second wire receiving opening to receive a second wire; a first tab on a first wall of the first contact portion and a first recess on a second wall of the first contact portion, wherein the first tab is configured to engage with the first recess to define the first wire receiving opening and the second wire receiving opening; and a splice contact portion abutting the first contact portion, wherein the first contact portion and the splice contact portion extend parallel to each other in a first direction, and wherein the first contact portion is longer than the splice contact portion in the first direction, and the splice contact portion comprises: a third wire receiving opening to receive a third wire; a second tab on a third wall of the splice contact portion and a second recess on a fourth wall of the splice contact portion, wherein the second tab is configured to engage with the second recess to define the third wire receiving opening; and a plurality of contact tines configured to electrically connect the first wire and the second wire; wherein the first contact portion further comprises a first set of contact tines adjacent to a first end of the first contact portion and a second set of contact tines adjacent to a second end of the first contact portion; and wherein each of the first set of contact tines and the second set of contact tines comprises: first contact tines on a first wall of the first contact portion; second contact tines on a second wall of the first contact portion, wherein the second wall is opposite the first wall; third contact tines on a third wall of the first contact portion; and fourth contact tines on a fourth wall of the first contact portion, wherein the first wall and the second wall form a top wall and a bottom wall, respectively, and wherein the third wall and the fourth wall form a first side wall and a second side wall, respectively, wherein the fourth wall is opposite the third wall, and wherein the first contact prong and the second contact prong are offset relative to the third contact prong and the fourth contact prong.

11. The contact of claim 10, wherein, The first contact portion further includes a third tab on the first wall and a third recess on the second wall, wherein the third tab is configured to engage with the third recess, and wherein the first tab and the second tab are adjacent a first end of the first contact portion and the third tab is adjacent a second end of the first contact portion.

12. The contact of claim 10, wherein, The first recess and the second recess are abutted against each other.

13. The contact of claim 10, wherein, The splice contact portion includes a third set of contact prongs adjacent the first end to electrically connect the third wire to the first wire and the second wire.

14. The contact of claim 13, wherein, The splice contact portion further includes a set of wire guides adjacent the first end to guide the third wire between the third set of contact prongs.

15. A contact for a wire-to-wire connector, the contact comprising: a first contact portion comprising: a first tab on a first wall of the first contact portion; a first recess on a second wall of the first contact portion, wherein the first tab is configured to engage with the first recess to define a first wire receiving opening to receive a first wire and a second wire receiving opening to receive a second wire; and a plurality of contact prongs to electrically connect the first wire and the second wire; wherein the first contact portion further comprises a first set of contact prongs adjacent a first end of the first contact portion and a second set of contact prongs adjacent a second end of the first contact portion; and wherein each of the first set of contact prongs and the second set of contact prongs comprises: a first contact prong on a first wall of the first contact portion; a second contact prong on a second wall of the first contact portion, wherein the second wall is opposite the first wall; a third contact prong on a third wall of the first contact portion; and a fourth contact prong on a fourth wall of the first contact portion, wherein the first wall and the second wall form a top wall and a bottom wall, respectively, and wherein the third wall and the fourth wall form a first side wall and a second side wall, respectively, wherein the fourth wall is opposite the third wall, and wherein the first contact prong and the second contact prong are offset relative to the third contact prong and the fourth contact prong.

16. The contact of claim 15, further comprising a splice contact portion abutting the first contact portion.

17. The contact of claim 16, wherein, The first contact portion and the splice contact portion are formed from a single piece of metal.

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