Connector assembly

Abstract

Disclosed is a connector assembly including a socket connector with a socket connector housing and at least one socket contact, the at least one socket contact including at least one socket wire terminal, and a blade connector including blade connector housing and at least one blade contact, the at least one blade contact including at least one blade wire terminal, wherein the at least one socket contact of the socket connector is positionable into and out of electrical contact with the at least one blade contact of the blade connector via movement of at least one of the socket connector and the blade connector, and wherein at least one of the at least one socket wire terminal and the at least one blade wire terminal is a fasternerless terminal.

Description

CONNECTOR ASSEMBLYCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONSThis application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 63 / 603,830, filed on November 29, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0001] The present disclosure is related generally to electrical connectors, and more particularly, to a connector assembly configured to establish an electrical connection via movement of at least one of two connectors.

[0002] A knife switch connector assembly (sometimes referred to as a “knife switch connector”) is a type of electrical connection used to control the flow of electricity in a circuit. A knife switch connector assembly includes an opposing pair of electrically conductive connectors that are movably connected (directly or indirectly) to one another. The connectors may be moved relative to each other to an open position to break an electrical connection between the opposing connectors and to a closed position to establish the electrical connection and allow electrical current to flow through the knife switch connector assembly.SUMMARY

[0003] According to an embodiment, a connector assembly includes a socket connector including a socket connector housing and at least one socket contact, the at least one socket contact including at least one socket wire terminal, and a blade connector including blade connector housing and at least one blade contact, the at least one blade contact including at least one blade wire terminal, wherein the at least one socket contact of the socket connector is positionable into and out of electrical contact with the at least one blade contact of the blade connector via movement of at least one of the socket connector and the blade connector, and wherein at least one of the at least one socket wire terminal and the at least one blade wire terminal is a fasternerless terminal.

[0004] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments both of the at least one socket wire terminal and the at least one blade wire terminal are fastenerless terminals.

[0005] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one socket wire terminal includes at least one socket wire plateand at least one socket wire clip, wherein at least one socket wire is insertable into the at least one socket wire terminal between the at least one socket wire plate and the at least one socket wire clip, and wherein the at least one socket wire clip is positioned to bias the at least one socket wire against the at least one socket wire plate.

[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one blade wire terminal includes at least one blade wire plate and at least one blade wire clip, wherein at least one blade wire is insertable into the at least one blade wire terminal between the at least one blade wire plate and the at least one blade wire clip, and wherein the at least one blade wire clip is positioned to bias the at least one blade wire against the at least one blade wire plate.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the connector assembly further includes at least one socket wire actuator associated with the socket connector housing, said at least one socket wire actuator being positioned with the at least one socket wire terminal to facilitate fastenerless insertion and removal of at least one socket wire into and from the at least one socket wire terminal.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one socket wire actuator is a push button actuator including a head and a pair of opposing legs, wherein the at least one socket wire terminal includes at least one socket wire plate and at least one socket wire clip, wherein the at least one socket wire is insertable into the at least one socket wire terminal between the at least one socket wire plate and the at least one socket wire clip, wherein the at least one socket wire clip is positioned to bias the at least one socket wire against the at least one socket wire plate, and wherein the pair of opposing legs of the at least one socket wire actuator extend around the at least one socket wire plate to contact the at least one socket wire clip.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the socket wire actuator is positioned with the socket wire terminal such that a pushing of the head of the at least one socket wire actuator causes the pair of opposing legs of the at least one socket wire actuator to push the at least one socket wire clip against a bias of the at least one socket wire clip towards the at least one socket wire plate, the pushing of the head of the at least one socket wire actuator creating a space between the at least one socket wire plate and the at least one socket wire clip that facilitates fasternerless insertion and removal of the at least one socket wire into and from the at least one socket wire terminal.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the connector assembly further includes at least one blade wire actuatorassociated with the blade connector housing, said at least one blade wire actuator being positioned with the at least one blade wire terminal to facilitate fastenerless insertion and removal of at least one blade wire into and from the at least one blade wire terminal.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one blade wire actuator is a push button actuator including a head and a pair of opposing legs, wherein the at least one blade wire terminal includes at least one blade wire plate and at least one blade wire clip, wherein the at least one blade wire is insertable into the at least one blade wire terminal between the at least one blade wire plate and the at least one blade wire clip, wherein the at least one blade wire clip is positioned to bias the at least one blade wire against the at least one blade wire plate, and wherein the pair of opposing legs of the at least one blade wire actuator extend around the at least one blade wire plate to contact the at least one blade wire clip.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the blade wire actuator is positioned with the blade wire terminal such that a pushing of the head of the at least one blade wire actuator causes the pair of opposing legs of the at least one blade wire actuator to push the at least one blade wire clip against a bias of the at least one blade wire clip towards the at least one blade wire plate, the pushing of the head of the at least one blade wire actuator creating a space between the at least one blade wire plate and the at least one blade wire clip that facilitates fastemerless insertion and removal of the at least one blade wire into and from the at least one blade wire terminal.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the socket connector is associated with a first shell housing portion, and the blade connector is associated with a second shell housing portion, the first shell housing portion being hinged to the second shell housing portion.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one socket contact of the socket connector and the at least one blade contact of the blade connector are movable into and out of electrical contact with each other via relative movement of the first shell housing portion towards and away from the second shell housing portion.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the first shell housing portion is a fixed housing base of a luminaire system, and the second shell housing portion is a housing cover of the luminaire system.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one socket contact includes a socket contact tab and the atleast one blade contact includes a blade contact tab, wherein the socket contact tab of the at least one socket contact is positionable into and out of electrical contact with the blade contact tab of the at least one blade contact via movement of at least one of the socket connector from the blade connector.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one socket wire terminal is a first socket wire terminal and a second socket wire terminal, the first socket wire terminal and the second socket wire terminal being positioned on opposing sides of the at least one socket contact.

[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the first socket wire terminal and the second socket wire terminal are electrically isolated from each other.

[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one blade wire terminal is a first blade wire terminal and a second blade wire terminal, the first blade wire terminal and the second blade wire terminal being positioned on opposing sides of the at least one socket contact.

[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the first blade wire terminal and the second blade wire terminal are electrically isolated from each other.

[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments at least one of the at least one socket wire terminal and the at least one blade wire terminal is a non-exposed terminal.

[0022] According to another embodiment, a connector assembly includes a socket connector including a socket connector housing and at least one socket contact, the at least one socket contact including at least one socket wire terminal, and a blade connector including blade connector housing and at least one blade contact, the at least one blade contact including at least one blade wire terminal, wherein the at least one socket contact of the socket connector is positionable into and out of electrical contact with the at least one blade contact of the blade connector via movement of at least one of the socket connector and the blade connector, and wherein at least one of the at least one socket wire terminal and the at least one blade wire terminal is a non-exposed terminal.

[0023] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments both of the at least one socket wire terminal and the at least one blade wire terminal are non-exposed terminals.

[0024] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one socket wire terminal includes at least one socket wire plate and at least one socket wire clip, wherein at least one socket wire is insertable into the at least one socket wire terminal between the at least one socket wire plate and the at least one socket wire clip, and wherein the at least one socket wire clip is positioned to bias the at least one socket wire against the at least one socket wire plate.

[0025] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one blade wire terminal includes at least one blade wire plate and at least one blade wire clip, wherein at least one blade wire is insertable into the at least one blade wire terminal between the at least one blade wire plate and the at least one blade wire clip, and wherein the at least one blade wire clip is positioned to bias the at least one blade wire against the at least one blade wire plate.

[0026] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the connector assembly further includes at least one socket wire actuator associated with the socket connector housing, said at least one socket wire actuator being positioned with the at least one socket wire terminal to facilitate insertion and removal of at least one socket wire into and from the at least one socket wire terminal.

[0027] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one socket wire actuator is a push button actuator including a head and a pair of opposing legs, wherein the at least one socket wire terminal includes at least one socket wire plate and at least one socket wire clip, wherein the at least one socket wire is insertable into the at least one socket wire terminal between the at least one socket wire plate and the at least one socket wire clip, wherein the at least one socket wire clip is positioned to bias the at least one socket wire against the at least one socket wire plate, and wherein the pair of opposing legs of the at least one socket wire actuator extend around the at least one socket wire plate to contact the at least one socket wire clip.

[0028] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the socket wire actuator is positioned with the socket wire terminal such that a pushing of the head of the at least one socket wire actuator causes the pair of opposing legs of the at least one socket wire actuator to push the at least one socket wire clip against a bias of the at least one socket wire clip towards the at least one socket wire plate, the pushing of the head of the at least one socket wire actuator creating a space between the at least one socket wire plate and the at least one socket wire clip that facilitates insertion and removal of the at least one socket wire into and from the at least one socket wire terminal.

[0029] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the connector assembly further includes at least one blade wire actuator associated with the blade connector housing, said at least one blade wire actuator being positioned with the at least one blade wire terminal to facilitate insertion and removal of at least one blade wire into and from the at least one blade wire terminal.

[0030] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one blade wire actuator is a push button actuator including a head and a pair of opposing legs, wherein the at least one blade wire terminal includes at least one blade wire plate and at least one blade wire clip, wherein the at least one blade wire is insertable into the at least one blade wire terminal between the at least one blade wire plate and the at least one blade wire clip, wherein the at least one blade wire clip is positioned to bias the at least one blade wire against the at least one blade wire plate, and wherein the pair of opposing legs of the at least one blade wire actuator extend around the at least one blade wire plate to contact the at least one blade wire clip.

[0031] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the blade wire actuator is positioned with the blade wire terminal such that a pushing of the head of the at least one blade wire actuator causes the pair of opposing legs of the at least one blade wire actuator to push the at least one blade wire clip against a bias of the at least one blade wire clip towards the at least one blade wire plate, the pushing of the head of the at least one blade wire actuator creating space between the at least one blade wire plate and the at least one blade wire clip that facilitates fastemerless insertion and removal of the at least one blade wire into and from the at least one blade wire terminal.

[0032] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the socket connector is associated with a first shell housing portion, and the blade connector is associated with a second shell housing portion, the first shell housing portion being hinged to the second shell housing portion.

[0033] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one socket contact of the socket connector and the at least one blade contact of the blade connector are movable into and out of electrical contact with each other via relative movement of the first shell housing portion towards and away from the second shell housing portion.

[0034] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the first shell housing portion is a fixed housing base of a luminaire system, and the second shell housing portion is a housing cover of the luminaire system.

[0035] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one socket contact includes a socket contact tab and the at least one blade contact includes a blade contact tab, wherein the socket contact tab of the at least one socket contact is positionable into and out of electrical contact with the blade contact tab of the at least one blade contact via movement of at least one of the socket connector and the blade connector.

[0036] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one socket wire terminal is a first socket wire terminal and a second socket wire terminal, the first socket wire terminal and the second socket wire terminal being positioned on opposing sides of the at least one socket contact.

[0037] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the first socket wire terminal and the second socket wire terminal are electrically isolated from each other.

[0038] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one blade wire terminal is a first blade wire terminal and a second blade wire terminal, the first blade wire terminal and the second blade wire terminal being positioned on opposing sides of the at least one blade contact.

[0039] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the first blade wire terminal and the second blade wire terminal are electrically isolated from each other.

[0040] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments at least one of the at least one socket wire terminal and the at least one blade wire terminal is a fastenerless terminal.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] The foregoing and other features of the embodiments are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0042] FIG. 1 A is a perspective view of a connector assembly in a disconnected state according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] FIG. IB is a perspective view of the connector assembly shown in FIG. 1 A in a connected state according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a socket connector included in the connector assembly shown in FIGS. 1 A and IB according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] FIG. 2B is a front view of the socket connector shown in FIG. 2A according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the socket connector shown in FIG. 2A taken along line 2-2 according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] FIG. 3 A is a perspective view of a socket connector included in the connector assembly shown in FIGS. 1 A and IB according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] FIG. 3B is a front view of the socket connector shown in FIG. 3 A according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the socket connector shown in FIG. 3A taken along line 3-3 according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a closed-circuit contact assembly in a disconnected state according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0051] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a closed-circuit contact assembly shown in FIG. 4A in a connected state according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an open-circuit contact assembly in a disconnected state according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0053] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of an open-circuit contact assembly shown in FIG. 5A in a connected state according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0054] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly shown in FIG. IB in a first orientation taken along line 1-1 according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0055] FIG. 6B is a partial cross-sectional view of the connector assembly shown in FIG. IB in a second orientation taken along line 1-1 according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0056] FIG. 6C is a partial cross-sectional view of the connector assembly shown in FIG. IB in a second orientation taken along line 1-1 according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0057] FIG. 7 depicts a luminaire system including a clam shell housing implementing a knife switch connector assembly according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] Knife switch connector assemblies such as the exemplary embodiments discussed herein are implementable in electrical circuits to provide a safety measure by serving to disconnect electrical current flow while performing maintenance on the electrical circuit. For example, a movable portion of the knife switch connector assembly may be coupled to a movable cover of an electrical system while the fixed portion is coupled to the main electrical circuit (e.g., the main circuit board). When maintenance on the electrical system is required, the cover can be moved (e.g., lifted), which in turn breaks the electrical connection (e.g., power to the electrical circuit) and allows a technician to perform maintenance without electrical current flowing through the knife switch connector assembly. Once maintenance is completed, the cover can be closed to re-establish the electrical connection and allow current to flow through the knife switch connector assembly.

[0059] However, knife switch connector assemblies may include complex wiring schemes and connector installation schemes that may add costs to the overall electrical system. For instance, when implementing a knife switch connector assembly as a safety measure, a separate initial terminal point for the electrical system’s main power may be required, which may increase costs due to an increase in the number of wires and wire connections of the overall electrical system. In addition, although knife switch connector assemblies often improve safety by disconnecting electrical current flow through the electrical system, the wires may be fixed to the metal contacts using a combination of the screws and bolts, with the metal contacts being exposable and susceptible to inadvertent short circuiting.

[0060] One or more of the non-limiting embodiments of a connector assembly as discussed herein may function as both a safety switch and the initial termination point for the electrical system main power. Such embodiments may reduce the overall number of wires and wire connections required by the overall electrical system. In addition, non-limiting embodiments of the connector assembly described herein may implement actuatable, poke-in wire terminals that facilitate convenient wire insertion and removal, while surrounding the terminals and metal contacts in general with a dielectric connector housing that reduces susceptibility to inadvertent short-circuiting.

[0061] With reference now to FIGS. 1 A and IB, a connector assembly 100 is illustrated according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure. The connector assembly 100, which in an exemplary embodiment may be a knife switch connector assembly as discussed above, includes a socket connector 102 with a socket housing 104 and a blade connector 150 with a blade housing 152. The socket housing 104 and the blade housing 152may be formed from a polymer or plastic material. For example, the socket housing 104 and the blade housing 152 may each be formed via a plastic injection molding process that employs various polymer materials known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0062] The socket connector 102 is illustrated in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C. The socket connector housing 104 surrounds the plurality of socket contacts 202 (see FIG. 2B) of the socket connector 102. These socket contacts 202 establish electrical contact with the blade contacts 250 of the blade connector 150 (the blade contacts 250 and blade connector 150 are shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B). The socket contact housing 104 also includes and defines a first group of socket wire openings 106 and a second group of socket wire openings 107. In an exemplary embodiment as shown, the first group of socket wire openings 106 receive individual socket wires 108, while the second group of socket wire openings 107 receive a pair of socket wires 109a and 109b. In some embodiments, the socket wires 108, 109a and 109b can range from about 20 gauge to about 10 gauge.

[0063] The first group of socket wire openings 106 is located on a first side of the socket connector housing 104 of the socket connector 102, while the second group of socket wire openings 107 is located on a second and opposite side of the socket connector housing 104 of the socket connector 102. Although three socket wire openings 106 are shown in the first group and three socket wire openings 107 are shown in the second group, it should be appreciated that the first group of socket wire openings 106 and / or the second group of socket wire openings 107 may include more or less socket wire openings without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. Indeed, the socket connector housing 104 of the socket connector 102 may include a single socket wire opening 106 and / or a single socket wire opening 107, or the socket connector housing 104 of the socket connector 102 may include a plurality of socket wire openings 106 and / or socket wire openings 107 up to any desirable number. In addition, although each of socket wire openings 106 are shown as receiving a single socket wire 108, it should be appreciated that one or more of the socket wire openings 106 may receive multiple socket wires 108 without departing from the scope of the invention. Similarly, although each of socket wire openings 107 are shown as receiving a multiple socket wires 109a, 109b, it should be appreciated that one or more of the socket wire openings 107 may receive a single socket wires 109a or 109b (or a wire like socket wire 108) without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0064] It should be noted that, according to a non-limiting embodiment, the first group of socket wire openings 106 may serve as a main power input, while the second group of socketwire openings 107 may serve as a power output. In this manner, the socket connector 102 can provide a double-sided wire termination.

[0065] The socket housing 104 further includes a socket face 110 that supports one or more socket flanges 111, 113. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, the first socket flange 111 extends laterally at one side of the socket face 110 and a second socket flange 113 that extends laterally at an opposing side of the socket face 110. The first socket flange 111 includes a first mounting opening 115 and the second socket flange 113 includes a second mounting opening 117. The first mounting opening 115 and the second mounting opening 117 can have various shapes or designs such as a completely encircled hole (e.g., opening 115) or a partially encircled or “slot” (e.g., opening 117). The first and second mounting openings 115 and 117 are each positioned to receive a respective fastener such as, for example, a screw or bolt (not shown), which couple the socket connector 102 to a first surface or first object (such as the first shell housing portion discussed below).

[0066] With continued reference to FIGS. 2 A, 2B and 2C, the socket connector housing 104 includes socket housing extensions 116 that extend perpendicularly from the socket face 110, with each at least partially surrounding at least a portion of respective socket contacts 202 (in an exemplary embodiment, the portion is a socket contact tab or tabs as discussed below). In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 2A and 2B, each of the socket housing extensions 116 houses a portion of an individual socket contact 202, though multiple socket contacts 202 could also be housed in each socket housing extension 116. When the socket connector 102 and the blade connector 150 are separated from one another (i.e., disconnected - see e.g., FIG. 1 A), the socket housing extensions provide a level of physical barrier type protection to the socket contacts 202. Indeed, absent barriers like socket housing extensions 116, the socket contacts 202 would be exposed when disconnected in a manner that could potentially create a safety hazard or allow for unnecessary damage to occur. Similarly, when the socket connector 102 and the blade connector 150 are connected to one another (see e.g., FIG. IB), the socket housing extensions 116 again provide a level of physical barrier type protection to the socket contacts 202. Indeed, absent barriers like socket housing extensions 116, the socket contacts 202 would be exposed when connected in a manner that could potentially create a safety hazard or allow for unnecessary damage to occur.

[0067] In addition to partially surrounding the socket contacts 202, the socket housing extensions 116 also define a plurality of socket contact openings 112 that allow access to the socket contacts 202 therein. These openings 112 allow physical access to the socket contacts 202 so that the blade contacts 250 may electrically connect therewith (this connection will bediscussed in greater detail below). One or more slots 114 may also be present between the socket housing extensions 116, whereby these slots 114 may receive a portion of the blade connector housing 152 when connecting the socket connector 102 to the blade connector 150 (this will also be described in greater detail below).

[0068] The socket connector 102 further includes a plurality of first socket wire actuators 118 and a plurality of second socket wire actuators 121. The first socket wire actuators 118 facilitate insertion and removal of the socket wires 108 with respect to the first group of socket wire openings 106, while the second socket wire actuators 121 facilitate insertion and removal of the socket wire, 109a, and 109b with respect to the second group of socket wire openings 107. The first and second socket wire actuators 118 and 121 can be implemented in various manners. In a non-limiting embodiment, the first and second socket wire actuators 118 and 121 are push-button actuators that may be elastically biased (e.g., spring-loaded) to operate in a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the first and second socket wire actuators 118, 121 may be manually manipulated (e.g., pushed down) to allow for insertion and removal of a wire (such as socket wires 108, 109a, 109b). Once a wire (such as socket wires 108, 109a, 109b) is inserted into a respective socket wire opening 106 or 107, the pushbutton actuators 118, 121 may be manually manipulated into a second mode (e.g., released) to secure the inserted wire in place. Additional details pertaining to the first and second socket wire actuators 118, 121 are discussed below.

[0069] Turning now to FIGS. 3 A, 3B and 3C, the blade connector 150 is illustrated in greater detail. The blade connector 150 contains a plurality of blade contacts 250 (see FIGS. 3 A and 3B), which physically contact the socket contacts 202 of the socket connector 102 when the blade connector 150 and socket connector 102 are connected or engaged. The blade connector housing 152 of the blade connector 150 includes a plurality of blade wire openings 154, each being configured to receive a plurality of blade wires 156. The blade wires 156 can range from about 20 gauge to about 10 gauge. Although the blade connector 150 is shown as including three blade wire openings 154, it should be appreciated that more or less blade wire openings 154 may be included without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. Indeed, the blade connector housing 152 of the blade connector 150 may include a single blade wire opening 154, or the blade connector housing 152 of the blade connector 150 may include a plurality of blade wire openings 154 up to any desirable number. Although each of blade wire openings 154 are shown as receiving a single blade wire 156, it should be appreciated that one or more of the blade wire openings 154 may receive multiple blade wires 156 without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0070] The blade connector 150 further includes a blade face 160 that supports one or more blade flanges 161, 163. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, a first blade flange 161 extends laterally at a first side of the blade face 160 and a second blade flange 163 extends laterally at an opposing second side of the blade face 160. The first blade flange 161 includes a first mounting opening 165 and the second blade flange 163 includes a second mounting opening 167. The first and second mounting openings 165 and 167 are each positioned to receive a respective fastener such as, for example, a screw or bolt (not shown in FIGS. 3 A, 3B and 3C), which couple the blade connector 150 to a second surface or second object (such as the second shell housing portion discussed below) located opposite the first surface or first object to which the socket connector 102 is coupled. The first and second mounting holes 165 and 167 can have various shapes or designs such as a completely encircled hole (e.g., opening 165) or a partially encircled or “slot” (e.g., opening 167).

[0071] With continued reference to FIGS. 3 A, 3B and 3C, the blade connector housing 152 includes a housing extension 169 that extends perpendicularly from the blade face 160, and at least partially surrounds at least a portion of each of the blade contacts 250 (in an exemplary embodiment, the portions are blade contact tabs as discussed below). When the blade connector 150 is separated (i.e., disconnected - see FIG. 1A) from socket connector 102, the blade housing extension 169 provides a level of physical barrier type protection for the blade contacts 250. Indeed, absent barriers like blade housing extensions 169, the blade contacts 250 would be exposed when disconnected in a manner that could potentially create a safety hazard or allow for unnecessary damage to occur. Similarly, when the blade connector 150 and the socket connector 102 are connected to one another (see e.g., FIG. IB), the blade housing extensions 169 again provide a level of physical barrier type protection for the blade contacts 250. Indeed, absent barriers like the blade housing extensions 169, the blade contacts 250 would be exposed when connected in a manner that could potentially create a safety hazard or allow for unnecessary damage to occur.

[0072] In addition to partially surrounding the blade contacts 250, the blade housing extension 169 includes a blade contact opening 171 with a plurality of blade contact sections 162. The blade contact opening 171 allows physical access to the blade contacts 250 so that the socket contacts 202 may electrically connect therewith (this will be discussed in greater detail below). One or more ribs 164 may also be disposed in the blade housing extension 169, with these ribs 164 delimiting the blade contact sections 162 and being insertable into respective slots 114 formed between the socket housing extensions 116 when connecting the blade connector 150 to the socket connector 102.

[0073] Of course, while the socket connector housing 104 is shown with multiple socket contact extensions 116 and slots 114 therebetween, it is within the scope of the invention that the socket connector housing 104 include a single socket contact extension with socket contact sections delimited by ribs within the single socket contact extension. Similarly, while the blade connector housing 152 is shown with a single blade contact extension 169 and ribs 164 therein, it is within the scope of the invention that the blade connector housing 152 include multiple blade contact extensions with slots therebetween.

[0074] The blade connector housing 152 further includes a plurality of blade wire actuators 168. The blade wire actuators 168 facilitate insertion and / or removal of a blade wire 156 in or out of a respective blade wire opening 154. The blade wire actuators 168 may be implemented in various manners. In a non-limiting embodiment, the blade wire actuators 168 are push-button actuators 168 that may be elastically biased (e.g., spring-loaded) to operate in a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the blade wire actuators 168 may be manually manipulated (e.g., pushed down) to allow for insertion and / or removal of a wire (such as blade wire 156). Once a wire (such as blade wire 156) is inserted into a blade wire opening 154, the push-button 168 may be manually manipulated into a second mode (e.g., released) to secure the inserted wire in place. Additional details of the blade wire actuators 168 are provided below.

[0075] As described herein, the connector assembly 100 can implement one or more contact assemblies that provides an initial termination point for an electrical system main power, while also allowing the connector assembly 100 to operate as a safety switch. In this manner, the connector assembly 100 can utilize a reduced number of wires and wire connections.

[0076] With reference to FIGS. 4 A and 4B, an exemplary embodiment of a contact assembly 300 implementable in the connector assembly 100 is illustrated. The contact assembly 300 as shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 4A and 4B includes one of the socket contacts 202 and one of the blade contacts 250 as discussed above. Each of the socket contact 202 and the blade contact 250 are formed from an electrically conductive material such as, for example, metal. The metal can include, but is not limited to, copper (Cu), tin (Sn), silver (Ag), gold (Au), platinum (Pt), and aluminum (Al). The contact assembly 300 depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B operates according to an open-circuit configuration, which prevents current flow through the socket contact 202 when it is disconnected from the blade contact 250. In such a configuration, current is allowed to flowthrough contact assembly 300 when the socket contact 202 and the blade contact 250 are connected together.

[0077] As described herein, the socket contact 202 is at least partially contained in the socket connector housing 104 of the socket connector 102 (such as that shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B), while the blade contact 250 is at least partially contained in the blade connector housing 152 of the blade connector 150 (such as that shown FIGS. 3 A and 3B). The socket contact 202 as shown in FIGS 4A and 4B includes a first socket wire terminal 204, a first socket contact tab 210, a second socket wire terminal 205 and a second socket contact tab 212. According to a non-limiting embodiment, the first socket wire terminal 204 and the second socket wire terminal 205 are each implemented as a poke-in wire terminal that facilitates “fastenerless” termination of an inserted wire or wires. “Fastenerless” termination as described herein refers to the ability of a socket wire terminal (such as the first socket wire terminal 204 and / or the second socket wire terminal 205) to exert a force that suitably secures an inserted wire (such as socket wires 108 and 109a / 109b respectively) to the socket contact 202, while establishing mechanically secure electrical contact between the inserted wire and the socket contact, without requiring (i.e. absent) any additional mechanical fasteners such as a screw, latch, pin, clamp, etc.

[0078] In addition, according to a non-limiting embodiment the first socket wire terminal 204 and the second socket wire terminal 205 are surrounded by the socket connector housing 104 to facilitate “non-exposed” termination of an inserted wire. A “non-exposed” socket wire terminal as described herein refers to a socket wire terminal (such as the first socket wire terminal 204 and / or the second socket wire terminal 205) that is surrounded by socket connector housing (such as the socket connector housing 104) and accessible for receiving inserted wires (such as socket wires 108 and 109a / 109b respectively) only via openings in the socket connector housing (such as respective openings 106 and 107). In an exemplary embodiment, the first socket wire terminal 204 and second socket wire terminal 205 are both fastenerless and non-exposed.

[0079] In an exemplary embodiment as shown, the first socket wire terminal 204 is integrally formed with the first socket contact tab 210, though these parts could be affixed to each other via metal to metal bonding procedures such as but not limited to welding, brazing and soldering. The first socket wire terminal 204 receives the socket wire 108. As described herein, the first socket wire terminal 204 can be constructed as a fastenerless and nonexposed terminal that secures the socket wire 108 and establishes electrical contact without requiring any additional mechanical fasteners such as a screw, latch, pin, clamp, etc.

[0080] In an exemplary embodiment, the first socket wire terminal 204 includes a first terminal socket wire plate 206 and a first terminal socket wire clip 208. The first terminal socket wire plate 206 extends from the first socket contact tab 210 and includes a relatively lower surface that contacts the socket wire 108. The first terminal socket wire clip 208 is elastically biased towards the first terminal socket wire plate 206 to contact and exert a force that presses the socket wire 108 against the first terminal socket wire plate 206. In this manner, the socket wire 108 is secured in the first socket wire terminal 204 via fastenerless and non-exposed termination. Of course, and as is noted above, some or all of the socket wire openings 106 may receive more than one wire, and in such instances, the first socket wire terminal 204 as discussed above may include multiple respective socket plates and socket clips to accommodate the number of wires that may be received in the first socket wire opening(s).

[0081] The second socket wire terminal 205 is integrally formed with the second socket contact 212, though hereagain these parts could be affixed to each other via metal to metal bonding procedures such as but not limited to welding, brazing and soldering. The second socket wire terminal 205 is separated and electrically isolated from the first socket wire terminal 204 by an air gap 215. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, the air gap 215 can receive therein an insulation partition 119 (see FIGS. 6A-6B) included with the blade connector housing 152. The insulation partition 119 can be completely interposed between the first socket wire terminal 204 and the second socket wire terminal 205 to facilitate electrical isolation therebetween. As described herein, the second socket wire terminal 205 (like the first socket wire terminal 204) can be constructed as a fastenerless and non-exposed terminal that secures the socket wires 109a and 109b and establishes electrical contact without requiring any additional mechanical fasteners such as a screw, latch, pin, clamp, etc.

[0082] In an exemplary embodiment, the second socket wire terminal 205 receives a pair of socket wires 109a and 109b, and includes a pair of second terminal socket plates 207a, 207b, as well as a pair of second terminal socket wire clips 209a, 209b. The pair of second terminal socket plates 207a, 207b extend from the second socket contact tab 212, and each include a relatively lower surface that contacts the respective socket wires 109a, 109b. The pair of second socket wire clips 209a, 209b are each elastically biased towards the pair or second terminal socket wire plates 207a, 207b to contact and exert a force that individually presses the socket wires 109a, 109b against respective second terminal socket plates 207a, 207b. In this manner, the socket wires 109a, 109b are secured in the second socket wire terminal 205 via fastenerless and non-exposed termination. Of course, and as is noted above, some or all of thesocket wire openings 107 may receive a single wire, and in such instances, the second socket wire terminal 205 as discussed above may include a single socket plate and single socket clip. Alternatively, a single socket plate of multiple plates, and a single socket clip of multiple clips, may be the only socket plate and clip combination used to accommodate the single / individual wire.

[0083] With continued reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the blade contact 250 includes a blade wire terminal 252, a first blade contact tab 258, and a second blade contact tab 260. The blade wire terminal 252 receives the blade wire 156. In an exemplary embodiment, the first blade contact tab 258 and second blade contact tab 260 are integrally formed with the blade wire terminal 252, though the first blade contact tab 258 and / or the second blade contact tab 260 could also be affixed to the blade wire terminal 252 via metal to metal bonding procedures such as but not limited to welding, brazing and soldering. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the first blade contact tab 258 is positioned to contact the first socket contact tab 210, and the second blade contact tab 260 is positioned to contact the second socket contact tab 212 when the blade contact 250 and the socket contact 202 are moved into connecting position (see FIG. 4B). According to a non-limiting embodiment, the blade wire terminal 252 is implemented as a poke-in wire terminal which includes a blade plate 254 and a blade clip 256 operable together to facilitate a “fastenerless” and “non-exposed” termination of an inserted wire or wires. As is noted above with regards to the first and second socket wire terminals 204, 205, “fastenerless” termination as described herein refers to the ability of a blade wire terminal (such as the blade wire terminal 252) to exert a force that suitably secures an inserted wire (such as blade wire 156) to the blade contact 250, while establishing mechanically secure electrical contact between the inserted wire and the blade contact, without requiring (i.e. absent) any additional mechanical fasteners such as a screw, latch, pin, clamp, etc.

[0084] In addition, according to a non-limiting embodiment the blade wire terminal 252 is surrounded by the socket connector housing 152 to facilitate “non-exposed” termination of an inserted wire. A “non-exposed” blade wire terminal as described herein refers to a blade wire terminal, such as the blade wire terminal 252, that is surrounded by blade connector housing (such as the blade connector housing 152) and accessible for receiving inserted wires (such as blade wire 156) only via openings in the blade connector housing (such as openings 154). In an exemplary embodiment, the blade wire terminal 252 is fastenerless and non-exposed.

[0085] The blade plate 254 extends from the first and second blade contact tabs 258 and 260 and includes a relatively upper surface that contacts the blade wire 156. The blade clip 256 is elastically biased towards the blade plate to contact and exert a force that presses the blade wire156 against the blade plate 254. In this manner, the blade wire 156 is secured in the blade wire terminal 252 via fastenerless and non-exposed termination. Of course, and as is noted above, some or all of the blade wire openings 154 may receive more than one wire, and in such instances, the blade wire terminal 252 as discussed above may include multiple respective blade plates and blade clips to accommodate the number of wires that may be received in the blade wire opening(s).

[0086] The contact assembly 300 selectively establishes an electrical current (I) via connection (e.g. physical contact) between the blade contact 250 and the socket contact 202, such as shown in FIG. 4B. The electrical current (I) enters the socket contact 202 via contact between an exposed conductive portion of the socket wire 108 and the first socket wire terminal 204. The current (I) then travels to first socket contact tab 210 from the components of the first socket wire terminal 204 and / or via direct contact with the exposed conductive portion of the socket wire 108. From the first socket contact tab 210 the electrical current (I) travels to the blade contact 250 via the first blade contact tab 258. After entering the blade contact 250, the electric current (I) travels through the assembly in multiple current paths, including a first electrical current path (II) and a second electrical current path (12). Along the first electrical current path (II) the electrical current (I) travels to an exposed conductive portion of the blade wire 156 at least partially received in the blade wire terminal 252. The electrical current (I) is conducted along the first electrical current path (II) directly from the first blade contact tab 258 to the exposed conductive portion of the blade wire 156, and / or is conducted from the first blade contact tab 258 to the exposed conductive portion of the blade wire 156 via the components of the blade wire terminal 252. The electrical current (I) ultimately exits the blade contact 250 along the first electrical current path (II) via the blade wire 156. Along the second electrical current path (12), the electrical current (I) travels to exposed conductive portions of the pair of socket wires 109a and 109b at least partially received in the second socket wire terminal 205.

[0087] The electrical current (I) is conducted along the second electrical current path (12) from the first blade contact tab 258 to the second blade contact tab 260. In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical current (I) is conducted from the first blade contact tab 258 to the second blade contact tab 260 via connecting portion 259, and along this second electrical current path (12) travels back from the blade contact 250 to the socket contact 202. The electrical current (I) is further conducted along the second electrical current path (12) directly from the second blade contact tab 260 to the exposed conductive portions of the pair of socket wires 109a and 109b, and / or is conducted from the second blade contact 260 to theexposed conductive portions of the pair of socket wires 109a and 109b via components of the second socket wire terminal 205. The electrical current (I) ultimately exits the socket contact 202 along the second electrical current path (12) via the pair of socket wires 109a and 109b.

[0088] As is noted above, the electrical current contact paths (II) and (12) between the socket contact 202 and the blade contact 250 are interrupted (e.g., opened) in response to disconnecting the blade contact 250 and the socket contact 202. This disconnected condition is shown in FIG. 4A. As is also discussed above, the insulation partition 119 (best shown in FIGS. 6 A and 6B) ensures that current (I) does not flow through the socket contact 202 from the first socket wire terminal 204 to the second socket wire terminal 205 (e.g., from the socket wire 108 to the pair of socket wires 109a and 109b) even when the blade contact 250 is in a connected condition with the socket contact 202. It should be appreciated that while the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 4A and 4B is shown with a single blade wire terminal 252 and first and second socket wire terminals 204 and 205, it is contemplated herein that the blade contact 250 could include two electrically isolated blade wire terminals, while the socket contact 202 could include a single socket wire terminal.

[0089] Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, another contact assembly 300’ that is implementable in the connector assembly 100 is illustrated according to a non-limiting embodiment. The contact assembly 300’ includes a socket contact 302 and a blade contact 350. In this non-limiting embodiment, the contact assembly 300 operates according to an open-circuit configuration, which allows current (I) to flow through the socket contact 302 when it is disconnected from the blade contact 350.

[0090] Each of the socket contact 302 and the blade contact 350 are formed from an electrically conductive material such as, for example, metal. The metal can include, but is not limited to, copper (Cu), tin (Sn), silver (Ag), gold (Au), platinum (Pt), and aluminum (Al). As described herein, the socket contact 302 would be at least partially contained in the socket connector 102 (such as that shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B), while the blade contact 350 would be at least partially contained in the blade connector 150 (such as that shown FIGS. 3 A and 3B).

[0091] The socket contact 302, as shown in FIGS. 5 A and 5B includes a first socket wire terminal 304, a second socket wire terminal 305, and a socket contact tab 310. According to a non-limiting embodiment, the first socket wire terminal 304 and / or the second socket wire terminal 305 are each implemented as poke-in wire terminals capable of facilitating “fastenerless” and non-exposed termination of an inserted wire or wires. As is noted with regards to other wire terminals above, “fastenerless” termination as described herein refers tothe ability of a socket wire terminal (such as the first socket wire terminal 304 and / or the second socket wire terminal 305) to exert a force that suitably secures an inserted wire (such as socket wires 108’ and 109’ respectively) to the socket contact 302, while establishing mechanically secure electrical contact between the inserted wire and the socket contact, without requiring (i.e. absent) any additional mechanical fasteners such as a screw, latch, pin, clamp, etc.

[0092] In addition, according to a non-limiting embodiment the first socket wire terminal 304 and the second socket wire terminal 305 are surrounded by the socket connector housing 104 to facilitate “non-exposed” termination of an inserted wire. A “non-exposed” socket wire terminal as described herein refers to a socket wire terminal (such as the first socket wire terminal 304 and / or the second socket wire terminal 305) that is surrounded by socket connector housing (such as the socket connector housing 104) and accessible for receiving inserted wires (such as socket wires 108’ and 109’ respectively) only via openings in the housing (such as respective openings 106 and 107). In an exemplary embodiment, the first socket wire terminal 304 and second socket wire terminal 305 are both fastenerless and nonexposed.

[0093] In an exemplary embodiment as shown, the first socket wire terminal 304 is integrally formed with the first socket contact tab 310, though these parts could be affixed to each other via metal to metal bonding procedures such as but not limited to welding, brazing and soldering. The first socket wire terminal 304 receives the socket wire 108’. As described herein, the first socket wire terminal 304 may be constructed as a fastenerless and non-exposed terminal that secures the socket wire 108’ and establishes electrical contact without requiring any additional mechanical fasteners such as a screw, latch, pin, clamp, etc.

[0094] In an exemplary embodiment, the first socket wire terminal 304 includes a first terminal socket wire plate 306 and a first terminal socket wire clip 308. The first terminal socket wire plate extends from the socket contact tab 310 and includes a relatively lower surface that contacts the socket wire 108’ . The first terminal socket wire clip 308 is elastically biased towards the first terminal socket wire plate 306 to contact and exert a force that presses the socket wire 108’ against the first terminal socket plate 306. In this manner, the first socket wire 108’ is secured in the first socket wire terminal 304 via fastenerless and non-exposed termination. Of course, and as is noted above, some or all of the socket wire openings 106 may receive more than one wire, and in such instances, the first socket wire terminal 304 as discussed above may include multiple respective socket plates and socket clips to accommodate the number of wires that may be received in the first socket wire opening(s).

[0095] In an exemplary embodiment as shown, the second socket wire terminal 305 is also integrally formed with the first socket contact tab 310, though these parts could be affixed to each other via metal to metal bonding procedures such as but not limited to welding, brazing and soldering. The second socket wire terminal 305 receives the socket wire 109’ . As described herein, the second socket wire terminal 305 may be constructed as a fastenerless and nonexposed terminal that secures the socket wire 109’ and establishes electrical contact without requiring any additional mechanical fasteners such as a screw, latch, pin, clamp, etc.

[0096] In an exemplary embodiment, the second socket wire terminal 305 receives a socket wire 109’. The second socket wire terminal 305 includes a second terminal socket wire plate 307 and a second terminal socket wire clip 309. The second terminal socket wire plate 307 extends from the socket contact tab 310 and includes a relatively lower surface that contacts the socket wire 109’. The second terminal socket wire clip 309 is elastically biased towards the second terminal socket wire plate 307 to contact and exert a force that presses the socket wire 109’ against the second terminal socket wire plate 307. In this manner, the socket wire 109’ is secured in the second socket wire terminal 305 via fastenerless and non-exposed termination. Of course, and as is noted above, some or all of the socket wire openings 107 may receive more than one wire, and in such instances, the second socket wire terminal 305 as discussed above may include multiple respective socket plates and socket clips to accommodate the number of wires that may be received in the second socket wire opening(s).

[0097] With continued reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the blade contact 350 includes a blade wire terminal 352 and a blade contact tab 358. The blade wire terminal 352 receives a blade wire 156’. In an exemplary embodiment, the blade contact tab 358 is integrally formed with the blade wire terminal 352, though the blade contact tab 358 could also be affixed to the blade wire terminal 352 via metal to metal bonding procedures such as but not limited to welding, brazing and soldering. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the blade contact tab 358 is positioned to contact the socket contact tab 310 when the blade contact 350 with the socket contact 302 are moved into connecting position (see FIG. 5B). According to a non-limiting embodiment, the blade wire terminal 352 is implemented as a poke-in wire terminal, which includes a blade plate 354 and a blade clip 356 operable together to facilitate a “fastenerless” and non-exposed termination of an inserted wire or wires. “Fastenerless” termination as described herein refers to the ability of a blade wire terminal (such as the blade wire terminal 352) to exert a force that suitably secures an inserted wire (such as blade wire 156’) to the blade contact 359, while establishing mechanically secure electrical contact between the insertedwire and the blade contact, without requiring (i.e. absent) any additional mechanical fasteners such as a screw, latch, pin, clamp, etc.

[0098] In addition, according to a non-limiting embodiment the blade wire terminal 352 is surrounded by the socket connector housing 352 to facilitate “non-exposed” termination of an inserted wire. A “non-exposed” blade wire terminal as described herein refers to a blade wire terminal (such as the blade wire terminal 352) that is surrounded by blade connector housing (such as the blade connector housing 152) and accessible for receiving inserted wires (such as blade wire 156’) only via openings in the blade connector housing (such as openings 154). In an exemplary embodiment, the blade wire terminal 352 is fastenerless and non-exposed.

[0099] The blade plate 354 extends from the blade contact tab 358 and includes a relatively upper surface that contacts the blade wire 156’. The blade clip 356 is elastically biased towards the blade plate 354 to contact and exert a force that presses the blade wire 156’ against the blade plate 354. Of course, and as is noted above, some or all of the socket wire openings 154 may receive more than one wire, and in such instances, the blade wire terminal 352 as discussed above may include multiple respective blade plates and blade clips to accommodate the number of wires that may be received in the blade wire opening(s).

[0100] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the socket contact tab 310 includes a frame 312 and a prong 314, which serve to stabilize the connection between the socket contact tab 310 and the blade contact tab 358. The prong 314 and the frame 312 are spaced apart from each other to define an insertion space 316, which is dimensioned to receive the blade contact tab 358. The prong 314 may be elastically biased to exert a force that presses the blade contact tab 358 against the fame 312 to secure the blade contact tab 358 in place. Of course, while frame and tab features are included on the socket contact tab 310 in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 A and 5B, such features could instead be included on the blade contact tab 358, which would then receive the socket contact tab 310 in a space formed between the frame and tab features.

[0101] The contact assembly 300 selectively establishes an electrical current (I’) via connection (e.g. physical contact) between the blade contact 350 and the socket contact 302, as shown in FIG. 5B. The electrical current (F) enters the socket contact 302 via contact between an exposed conductive portion of the socket wire 109’ and the second socket wire terminal 305. The current (I’) then travels to the socket contact tab 310 from components of the second socket wire terminal 305 and / or via direct contact with the exposed conductive portion of the socket wire 109’. From the socket contact tab 310 the electrical current (F) travels to the blade contact 350 via the blade contact tab 358. After entering the blade contact350 the electrical current (I’) travels to an exposed conductive portion of the blade wire 156’ at least partially received in the blade wire terminal 352. The electrical current (I’) is conducted directly from the blade contact tab 358 to the exposed conductive portion of the blade wire 156’, and / or is conducted from the blade contact tab 358 to the exposed conductive portion of the blade wire 156’ via the components of the blade wire terminal 352. The electrical current ultimately exits the blade contact 350 via the blade wire 156’. Though the electrical current (I) is shown to enter from the socket wire 108 side of the socket contact 202 in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 4A and 4B, and the electrical current (F) is shown to enter from the socket wire 109’ side of the socket contact 302 in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 5A and 5B, it should be appreciated that the electrical current (I) and the electrical current (I’) could enter from either side of the socket contact 202 / 302 in either embodiment as shown and described.

[0102] As is noted above, in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 5 A and 5B the electrical contact path between the socket contact 302 and blade contact 350 is interrupted (e.g., opened) in response to disconnecting the blade contact 350 and the socket contact 302. This disconnection is shown in FIG. 5A, and prevents electrical current (F) from flowing from either the socket wire 108 or the socket wire 109 to the blade wire 156. However, current is able to flow from socket wire 109 to socket wire 108 when the blade contact 350 is disconnected from the socket contact 302 due to the physical, non-interrupted connection between the second socket wire terminal 305 is and the first socket wire terminal 304. Similarly to the embodiment discussed above, it should again be appreciated that while the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 5A and 5B is shown with a single blade wire terminal 352 and first and second socket wire terminals 304 and 305, it is contemplated herein that the blade contact 350 could include two blade wire terminals in non-interrupted connection, while the socket contact 302 could include a single socket wire terminal.

[0103] With reference now to FIGS. 6A-6C, a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly 100 shown in FIG. IB taken along line 1-1 is illustrated according to a non-limiting embodiment. As is noted above, in an exemplary embodiment the connector assembly 100 as shown may be a knife switch connector assembly. Although the connector assembly 100 is shown to include elements of the contact assembly 200 illustrated as in FIGS. 4 A and 4B, it should be appreciated that the connector assembly 100 can implement the contact assembly 300 illustrated in FIGS. 5 A and 5B without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0104] As described herein, the socket connector 102 includes a plurality of first and second socket wire actuators 118 and 121 disposed in cavities defined by the socket connector housing 104, while the blade connector 150 includes a plurality of blade wire actuators 168 disposed in cavities defined by the blade connector housing 152. The first and second socket wire actuators 118, 121 and the blade wire actuators 168 are respectively positioned on the socket connector 102 and the blade connector 150, so as to secure and / or release respective socket and blade wires 108 / 109 (in pairs 109a and 109b in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS 4A and 4B) and 156. For example, the first socket wire actuators 118 are positioned on the socket connector housing 104 to interact with the first socket wire terminal 204, 304 in a manner that allows the socket wire 108 to be secured and released in the socket wire terminal 204, 304 when the socket wire 108 is inserted and removed from the socket wire openings 106.

[0105] In an exemplary embodiment, the first socket wire actuators 118 interact with the first socket wire terminals 204, 304 to facilitate securing and releasing of the socket wires 108, 108’. While the first socket wire actuators 118 are shown in the exemplary embedment of FIGS. 6A-6C with socket wire terminals 204 and the parts thereof, it should be appreciated that use the first socket wire actuators 118 is also applicable to socket wire terminals 304 and the parts thereof in the same manner as shown with respect to socket wire terminals 204.

[0106] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the first socket wire actuators 118 are push-button actuators. As is best shown in FIG. 6B each of the first socket wire actuators 118 may include a head 120 and a pair of opposing legs 122 coupled to the head 120. In the exemplary embodiment as discussed and shown, the legs 122 are separated from one another to define a wire spacing. The wire spacing between the legs 122 provides a clearance for the socket wire 108, 108’ when inserted into the socket wire openings 106 to contact and be held in between the first terminal socket wire clip 208, 308 and first terminal socket wire plate 206, 306 (the first terminal socket wire clip 208 biasing the socket wire 108, 108’ against the first terminal socket wire plate 206, 306 as discussed above). The spacing also allows the legs 122 to extend downward around the first terminal socket wire plate 206, 306, and into contact with the first terminal socket wire clip 208, 308 at areas of the first terminal socket wire clip 208, 308 that extend laterally beyond the lateral extents of the first terminal socket wire plate 206, 306 (flange parts 223, 323 in an exemplary embodiment). This is why only one of pair of legs 122 of the first socket wire actuator 118 as shown in FIG. 6B is visible in FIG. 6B (the other has been removed in the cross-section, and, if present, would extend downin front of the first terminal socket wire plate 206 due to the presence of first terminal socket wire plate 206 between the pair of legs 122).

[0107] When the head 120 is pressed relatively downward, the pair of legs 122 move downward (again, around the first terminal socket wire plate 206, 306) to force the first terminal socket wire clip 208 away from the first terminal socket wire plate 206, 306. Upon insertion into the opening 106, the socket wire 108, 108’ may slide freely through the spacing between the legs 122. As the socket wire 108, 108’ passes through the spacing between the pair of legs 122, the socket wire 108, 108’ may also fully and freely slide into the first socket wire terminal 204, 304 due to vertical clearance provided by a depression of the first terminal socket wire clip 208, 308 away from the first terminal socket wire plate 206, 306 via the downward movement of the pair legs 122 of the depressed first socket wire actuator 118. Upon release or discontinuation of the downward force on the head 120 of any of the first socket wire actuators 118, the downward force applied by the legs 122 to the first terminal socket wire clip 208, 308 is also discontinued. This allows the resilient first terminal socket wire clip 208, 308 to return to its rest state, whereby the first terminal socket wire clip 208, 308 moves relatively upward, for example in a spring or detent fashion, to bias the socket wire 108 against the first terminal socket wire plate 206, 306, and secure the socket wire 108, 108’ in the first socket wire terminal 204, 304. When a user wishes to release the socket wire 108, 108’, the head 120 of the desired first socket wire actuator 118 may again be depressed, which again creates a downward movement of the first terminal socket wire clip 208, 308 away from the first terminal socket wire plate 206, 306 to release the socket wire 108, 108’ from its secured state in the first socket wire terminal 204, 304 and allow the socket wire 108, 108’ to be removed from the opening 106. It should be noted that the first terminal socket wire clip 208, 308 may include flange parts such as 223, 323, which extend a surface of the first terminal socket wire clip 208, 308 a relatively horizontal distance beyond the horizontal extent of the first terminal socket wire plate 206, 306 in order to allow the pair of legs to contact the first terminal socket wire clip 208, 308 while allowing a wide enough wire spacing to fit around the first terminal socket wire plate 206, 306.

[0108] Similarly to the first socket wire actuators 118, in an exemplary embodiment the second socket wire actuators 121 interact with the second socket wire terminals 205, 305 to facilitate securing and releasing of one or more socket wires, such as socket wires 109a and 109b, and socket wire 109’. While the second socket wire actuators 121 are shown in the exemplary embedment of FIGS. 6A-6C with socket wire terminals 205 and the parts thereof, it should be appreciated that use the second socket wire actuators 121 are also applicable tosocket wire terminals 305 and the parts thereof in the same manner as shown with respect to socket wire terminals 205.

[0109] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the second socket wire actuators 121 are also push-button actuators. As is best shown in FIG. 6B each of the second socket wire actuators 121 may include a head 120’ and a pair of opposing legs 122’ coupled to the head 120’. In the exemplary embodiment as discussed and shown, the legs 122’ are separated from one another to define a wire spacing. The wire spacing between the legs 122’ provides a clearance for the socket wires 109a, 109b, 109’ that have been inserted in the socket wire openings 107 to contact and be held in between the second terminal socket clips 209a, 209b, 309 and second terminal socket wire plates 207a, 207b, 307 (the second terminal socket clips 209a, 209b, 309 biasing each of the socket wires 109a, 109b, 109’ against respective socket wire plates 207a, 207b, 307). The spacing also allows the legs 122’ to extend downward around the second terminal socket wire plates 207a, 207b, 307 and into contact with the second terminal socket wire clips 209a, 209b, 309 at areas of the second terminal socket wire clips 209a, 209b, 309 that extend laterally beyond the lateral extents of the second terminal socket wire plates 207a, 207b, 307 (such as flanges 225, 325). With reference to FIG. 6B, the second socket wire actuators 121 as shown is one of the only parts not shown in cross-section. Because it is not shown in cross-section, one of the pair of legs 122’ is shown extending down in front of and around the socket wire plate 207a (the other leg being behind the visible leg and second terminal wire plates 207a and 207b).

[0110] When the head 120’ is pressed relatively downward, the legs 122’ move downward to force the second terminal socket wire clips 209a, 209b, 309 away from the second terminal socket plates 207a, 207b, 307. Upon insertion into the opening 107, the socket wires 109a, 109b, 109’ may slide freely through the wire spacing between the legs 122’. As the socket wires 109a, 109b, 109’ pass through the spacing between the legs 122’, the socket wires 109a, 109b, 109’ may also fully and freely slide into the second socket wire terminal 205, 305 due to vertical clearance provided by a depression of the second terminal socket wire clips 209a, 209b, 309 away from the second terminal socket wire plates 207a, 207b, 307 via the downward movement of the legs 122’ of the depressed second socket wire actuators 121. Upon release or discontinuation of the downward force on the head 120’ of any of the second socket wire actuators 121, the downward force applied by the legs 122’ to the second terminal socket wire clips 209a, 209b, 309 is also discontinued. This allows the resilient second terminal socket wire clips 209a, 209b, 309 to return to their rest state, whereby the second terminal socket wire clips 209a, 209b, 309 move relatively upward, for example in a spring or detent fashion, to biasthe socket wires 109a, 109b, 109’ against the second terminal socket wire plates 207a, 207b, 307 and secure the wires 109a, 109b, 109’ in the second socket wire terminal 205, 305. When a user wishes to release the socket wires 109a, 109b, 109’ the head 120’ of the desired actuator 121 may again be depressed, which again creates a downward movement of the second terminal socket wire clips 209a, 209b, 309 away from the second terminal socket wire plates 207a, 207b, 307 to release the socket wires 109a, 109b, 109’ from their secured state in the second terminal socket wire terminal 205,305, and allow the wires 109a, 109b, 109’ to be removed from the opening 107. It should be noted that the second terminal socket wire clip 209a, 209b, 309 may include flange parts such as 225, 325, which extend a surface of the second terminal socket wire clip 209a, 209b, 309 a relatively horizontal distance beyond the horizontal extent of the second terminal socket wire plate 207a, 207b, 307 in order to allow the pair of legs to contact the second terminal socket wire clip 209a, 209b, 309 while allowing a wide enough wire spacing to fit around the second terminal socket wire plate 207a, 207b, 307.

[0111] Similarly to the first socket wire actuators 118 and second socket wire actuators 121, in an exemplary embodiment the blade wire actuators 168 interact with the blade wire terminals 252 or 352 to facilitate securing and releasing of one or more blade wires, such as blade wire 156, 156’. While the blade wire actuators 168 are shown in the exemplary embedment of FIGS. 6A-6C with blade wire terminals 252 and the parts thereof, it should be appreciated that use the blade wire actuators 168 is also applicable to blade wire terminals 352 and the parts thereof in the same manner as shown with respect to blade wire terminals 252.

[0112] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the blade wire actuators 168 are also pushbutton actuators. As is best shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C each of the blade wire actuators 168 may include a head 120” and a pair of opposing legs 122” coupled to the head 120”. In the exemplary embodiment as discussed and shown, the legs 122” are again separated from one another to define a wire spacing. The wire spacing between the legs 122’ ’ provides a clearance for the blade wires 156, 156’ that have been inserted in the socket wire openings 154 to contact and be held in between the blade wire clip 256, 356 and blade wire plate 254, 354 (the blade wire clip 256, 356 biasing the wire 156 against the blade wire plate 254, 354 as discussed above). The spacing also allows the legs 122” to extend downward around the blade wire plate 254, 354, and into contact with the blade wire clip 256, 356 at areas of the blade wire clip 256, 356 that extend laterally beyond the lateral extents of the blade wire plate 254, 354 (such as flanges 257, 357). In FIG. 6B the blade wire actuator 168 is shown in cross-section, while in FIG. 6C the blade wire actuator 168 is one of the only parts not shown in cross-section. Because the blade wire actuator 168 is shown in cross-section in FIG. 6B, only the relativelyrear leg of the pair of legs 122” is shown extending up, behind, and around the blade wire plate 254. In addition, because the blade wire actuator 168 is not shown in cross-section in FIG. 6C, only the relatively front leg of the pair of legs 122” is shown extending up in front of and around the blade wire plate 254.

[0113] When the head 120” is pressed relatively upward (upward as shown in FIGS 6A-6C - all of actuators 118, 121, and 168 can be oriented and biased in any direction), the legs 122” move upwards to force the blade wire clip 256, 356 away from the blade plate 254, 354. Upon insertion into the opening 154, the blade wire 156, 156’ may slide freely through the spacing between the legs 122”. As the blade wire 156, 156’ passes through the spacing between the legs 122”, the blade wire 156, 156’ may also fully and freely slide into the blade wire terminal 352 due to vertical clearance provided by a depression of the blade wire clip 256, 356 away from the blade wire plate 254, 354 via the upward movement of the legs 122”. Upon release or discontinuation of the upward force on the head 120’ ’ of any of the first socket wire actuators 168, the upward force applied by the legs 122” to the blade wire clip 256, 356 is also discontinued. This allows the resilient blade wire clip 256, 356 to return to its rest state, whereby the blade wire clip 256, 356 moves relatively downward, for example in a spring or detent fashion, to bias the blade wire 156, 156’ against the blade wire plate 254, 354, and secure the blade wire 156, 156’ in the blade wire terminal 252, 352. When a user wishes to release the blade wire 156, 156’, the head 120” of the desired blade actuator 168 may again be depressed, which again creates an upward movement of the blade wire clip 256, 356 away from the blade wire plate 254, 354 to release the blade wire 156, 156’ from its secured state in the blade wire terminal 252, 352, and allow the blade wire 156, 156’ to be removed from the opening 154. It should be noted that the blade wire clip 256, 356 may include flange parts such as 227, 327, which extend a surface of the blade wire clip 256, 356 a relatively horizontal distance beyond the horizontal extent of the blade wire plate 254, 354 in order to allow the pair of legs to contact the blade wire clip 256, 356 while allowing a wide enough wire spacing to fit around the blade wire plate 254, 354.

[0114] Although the above actuators 118, 121, and 168 are all described as a push-button actuators, different types of actuators can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the actuators 118, 121, and 168 may be implemented as pull-tab actuators, each or which including pull-tabs (not shown) that are mechanically coupled to respective socket or blade wire plates 206, 207a, 207b, 306, 307, 254 or 354, which themselves are resilient (along with or opposed to respective socket or blade clips 208, 209, 308, 309, 254 or 356). In such an alternative embodiment, the pull-tabs may bemanually manipulated into a position (e.g., pulled up or pulled down) to pull the respective socket or blade wire plates 206, 207a, or 207b, 306, 307, 254 or 354 away from the socket or blade clips 208, 209, 308, 309, 256 or 356, allowing respective socket or blade wires 108, 108’, 109a, 109b, 109’, 156, or 156 to be inserted into the respective socket or blade wire terminals 204, 205, 304, 305, 252, or 352. Once inserted, the pull-tab may be manually manipulated into a second position (e.g., released) such that respective socket or blade wire plates 206, 207a, or 207b, 306, 307, 254 or 354 are biased against respective inserted wires 108, 108’, 109a, 109b, 109’, 156, or 156, securing the wires in place. A further pull of the tab would release the wires 108, 108’, 109a, 109b, 109’, 156, or 156 from this secured arrangement for removal.

[0115] As described herein, the socket connector 102 and / or socket connector housing 104 may be associated with a first shell housing portion, while the blade connector 150 and / or blade connector housing 152 may be associated with a second shell housing portion located opposite and hinged to the first housing portion. Turning to FIG. 7, for example, the socket connector 102 and the blade connector 150 may be implemented in a moveable clam shell housing 702 of a luminaire system 700. The clam shell housing 702 includes a fixed housing base 704 (e.g. the first shell housing portion) and a housing cover 706 (e.g. the second shell housing portion) pivotably coupled to the fixed housing base 704 via a hinge 708. Via this hinge 708, the housing cover 706 may pivot upward and downward with respect to the fixed housing base 704 (or the housing base 704 may pivot upward and downward with respect to the housing cover 706, which in this case would be itself fixed) to open and close the clam shell housing 702.

[0116] As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7, the socket connector 102 and / or socket connector housing 104 are coupled to the fixed housing base 704, while the blade connector 150 and / or blade connector housing 152 are coupled to the housing cover 706. Of course, the socket connector 102 and / or socket connector housing 104 may be alternatively coupled to the housing cover 706, while the blade connector 150 and / or blade connector housing 152 may be coupled to the fixed housing base 704. In this manner, a connector assembly 100 may be implemented as a knife switch connector assembly in the luminaire system 700. When the housing cover 702 is opened relative to the fixed housing base, the blade connector 150 is separated from the socket connector 102 thereby placing the knife switch connector assembly 100 in a disconnected state (e.g., an open circuit state). Accordingly, electrical current flow is disconnected from the luminaire system 700 and halted from flowing through the knife switch connector assembly 100. When the housingcover 702 is closed relative to the fixed housing base, the blade connector 150 is then once again connected (physically and electrically) to the socket connector 102, thereby placing the knife switch connector assembly 100 in a connected state (e.g., a closed circuit state). In this connected state, the knife switch connector assembly 100 conducts electrical current powering the luminaire system 700.

[0117] As described herein, various non-limiting embodiments provide a knife switch connector assembly that may function as both the initial termination point for the electrical system main power and a safety switch is discussed herein. Such embodiments may reduce the overall number of wires and wire connections required by the overall electrical system. In addition, non-limiting embodiments of the knife switch connector assembly described herein may implement actuator, poke-in wire terminals that facilitate convenient wire insertion and removal, while surrounding the metal contacts by a dielectric connector housing that reduces susceptibility to inadvertent short-circuiting.

[0118] The descriptions of the various embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments described. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments described herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A connector assembly comprising: a socket connector including a socket connector housing and at least one socket contact, the at least one socket contact including at least one socket wire terminal; and a blade connector including blade connector housing and at least one blade contact, the at least one blade contact including at least one blade wire terminal, wherein the at least one socket contact of the socket connector is positionable into and out of electrical contact with the at least one blade contact of the blade connector via movement of at least one of the socket connector and the blade connector, and wherein at least one of the at least one socket wire terminal and the at least one blade wire terminal is a fasternerless terminal.

2. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein both of the at least one socket wire terminal and the at least one blade wire terminal are fastenerless terminals.

3. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one socket wire terminal includes at least one socket wire plate and at least one socket wire clip, wherein at least one socket wire is insertable into the at least one socket wire terminal between the at least one socket wire plate and the at least one socket wire clip, and wherein the at least one socket wire clip is positioned to bias the at least one socket wire against the at least one socket wire plate.

4. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one blade wire terminal includes at least one blade wire plate and at least one blade wire clip, wherein at least one blade wire is insertable into the at least one blade wire terminal between the at least one blade wire plate and the at least one blade wire clip, and wherein the at least one blade wire clip is positioned to bias the at least one blade wire against the at least one blade wire plate.

5. The connector assembly of claim 1, further including at least one socket wire actuator associated with the socket connector housing, said at least one socket wire actuator being positioned with the at least one socket wire terminal to facilitate fastenerless insertion and removal of at least one socket wire into and from the at least one socket wire terminal.

6. The connector assembly of claim 5, wherein the at least one socket wire actuator is a push button actuator including a head and a pair of opposing legs, wherein the at least one socket wire terminal includes at least one socket wire plate and at least one socket wire clip,wherein the at least one socket wire is insertable into the at least one socket wire terminal between the at least one socket wire plate and the at least one socket wire clip, wherein the at least one socket wire clip is positioned to bias the at least one socket wire against the at least one socket wire plate, and wherein the pair of opposing legs of the at least one socket wire actuator extend around the at least one socket wire plate to contact the at least one socket wire clip.

7. The connector assembly of claim 6, wherein the socket wire actuator is positioned with the socket wire terminal such that a pushing of the head of the at least one socket wire actuator causes the pair of opposing legs of the at least one socket wire actuator to push the at least one socket wire clip against a bias of the at least one socket wire clip towards the at least one socket wire plate, the pushing of the head of the at least one socket wire actuator creating a space between the at least one socket wire plate and the at least one socket wire clip that facilitates fasternerless insertion and removal of the at least one socket wire into and from the at least one socket wire terminal.

8. The connector assembly of claim 1, further including at least one blade wire actuator associated with the blade connector housing, said at least one blade wire actuator being positioned with the at least one blade wire terminal to facilitate fastenerless insertion and removal of at least one blade wire into and from the at least one blade wire terminal.

9. The connector assembly of claim 8, wherein the at least one blade wire actuator is a push button actuator including a head and a pair of opposing legs, wherein the at least one blade wire terminal includes at least one blade wire plate and at least one blade wire clip, wherein the at least one blade wire is insertable into the at least one blade wire terminal between the at least one blade wire plate and the at least one blade wire clip, wherein the at least one blade wire clip is positioned to bias the at least one blade wire against the at least one blade wire plate, and wherein the pair of opposing legs of the at least one blade wire actuator extend around the at least one blade wire plate to contact the at least one blade wire clip.

10. The connector assembly of claim 9, wherein the blade wire actuator is positioned with the blade wire terminal such that a pushing of the head of the at least one blade wire actuator causes the pair of opposing legs of the at least one blade wire actuator to push the at least one blade wire clip against a bias of the at least one blade wire clip towards the at least one blade wire plate, the pushing of the head of the at least one blade wire actuator creating a space between the at least one blade wire plate and the at least one bladewire clip that facilitates fasternerless insertion and removal of the at least one blade wire into and from the at least one blade wire terminal.

11. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the socket connector is associated with a first shell housing portion, and the blade connector is associated with a second shell housing portion, the first shell housing portion being hinged to the second shell housing portion.

12. The connector assembly of claim 11, wherein the at least one socket contact of the socket connector and the at least one blade contact of the blade connector are movable into and out of electrical contact with each other via relative movement of the first shell housing portion towards and away from the second shell housing portion.

13. The connector assembly of claim 12, wherein the first shell housing portion is a fixed housing base of a luminaire system, and the second shell housing portion is a housing cover of the luminaire system.

14. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one socket contact includes a socket contact tab and the at least one blade contact includes a blade contact tab, and wherein the socket contact tab of the at least one socket contact is positionable into and out of electrical contact with the blade contact tab of the at least one blade contact via movement of at least one of the socket connector and the blade connector.

15. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one socket wire terminal is a first socket wire terminal and a second socket wire terminal, the first socket wire terminal and the second socket wire terminal being positioned on opposing sides of the at least one socket contact.

16. The connector assembly of claim 15, wherein the first socket wire terminal and the second socket wire terminal are electrically isolated from each other.

17. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one blade wire terminal is a first blade wire terminal and a second blade wire terminal, the first blade wire terminal and the second blade wire terminal being positioned on opposing sides of the at least one socket contact.

18. The connector assembly of claim 17, wherein the first blade wire terminal and the second blade wire terminal are electrically isolated from each other.

19. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the at least one socket wire terminal and the at least one blade wire terminal is a non-exposed terminal.

20. A connector assembly comprising:a socket connector including a socket connector housing and at least one socket contact, the at least one socket contact including at least one socket wire terminal; and a blade connector including blade connector housing and at least one blade contact, the at least one blade contact including at least one blade wire terminal, wherein the at least one socket contact of the socket connector is positionable into and out of electrical contact with the at least one blade contact of the blade connector via movement of at least one of the socket connector and the blade connector, and wherein at least one of the at least one socket wire terminal and the at least one blade wire terminal is a non-exposed terminal.

21. The connector assembly of claim 20, wherein both of the at least one socket wire terminal and the at least one blade wire terminal are non-exposed terminals.

22. The connector assembly of claim 20, wherein the at least one socket wire terminal includes at least one socket wire plate and at least one socket wire clip, wherein at least one socket wire is insertable into the at least one socket wire terminal between the at least one socket wire plate and the at least one socket wire clip, and wherein the at least one socket wire clip is positioned to bias the at least one socket wire against the at least one socket wire plate.

23. The connector assembly of claim 20, wherein the at least one blade wire terminal includes at least one blade wire plate and at least one blade wire clip, wherein at least one blade wire is insertable into the at least one blade wire terminal between the at least one blade wire plate and the at least one blade wire clip, and wherein the at least one blade wire clip is positioned to bias the at least one blade wire against the at least one blade wire plate.

24. The connector assembly of claim 20, further including at least one socket wire actuator associated with the socket connector housing, said at least one socket wire actuator being positioned with the at least one socket wire terminal to facilitate insertion and removal of at least one socket wire into and from the at least one socket wire terminal.

25. The connector assembly of claim 24, wherein the at least one socket wire actuator is a push button actuator including a head and a pair of opposing legs, wherein the at least one socket wire terminal includes at least one socket wire plate and at least one socket wire clip, wherein the at least one socket wire is insertable into the at least one socket wire terminal between the at least one socket wire plate and the at least one socket wire clip,wherein the at least one socket wire clip is positioned to bias the at least one socket wire against the at least one socket wire plate, and wherein the pair of opposing legs of the at least one socket wire actuator extend around the at least one socket wire plate to contact the at least one socket wire clip.

26. The connector assembly of claim 25, wherein the socket wire actuator is positioned with the socket wire terminal such that a pushing of the head of the at least one socket wire actuator causes the pair of opposing legs of the at least one socket wire actuator to push the at least one socket wire clip against a bias of the at least one socket wire clip towards the at least one socket wire plate, the pushing of the head of the at least one socket wire actuator creating a space between the at least one socket wire plate and the at least one socket wire clip that facilitates insertion and removal of the at least one socket wire into and from the at least one socket wire terminal.

27. The connector assembly of claim 20, further including at least one blade wire actuator associated with the blade connector housing, said at least one blade wire actuator being positioned with the at least one blade wire terminal to facilitate insertion and removal of at least one blade wire into and from the at least one blade wire terminal.

28. The connector assembly of claim 27, wherein the at least one blade wire actuator is a push button actuator including a head and a pair of opposing legs, wherein the at least one blade wire terminal includes at least one blade wire plate and at least one blade wire clip, wherein the at least one blade wire is insertable into the at least one blade wire terminal between the at least one blade wire plate and the at least one blade wire clip, wherein the at least one blade wire clip is positioned to bias the at least one blade wire against the at least one blade wire plate, and wherein the pair of opposing legs of the at least one blade wire actuator extend around the at least one blade wire plate to contact the at least one blade wire clip.

29. The connector assembly of claim 28, wherein the blade wire actuator is positioned with the blade wire terminal such that a pushing of the head of the at least one blade wire actuator causes the pair of opposing legs of the at least one blade wire actuator to push the at least one blade wire clip against a bias of the at least one blade wire clip towards the at least one blade wire plate, the pushing of the head of the at least one blade wire actuator creating a space between the at least one blade wire plate and the at least one blade wire clip that facilitates fasternerless insertion and removal of the at least one blade wire into and from the at least one blade wire terminal.

30. The connector assembly of claim 20, wherein the socket connector is associated with a first shell housing portion, and the blade connector is associated with a second shell housing portion, the first shell housing portion being hinged to the second shell housing portion.

31. The connector assembly of claim 30, wherein the at least one socket contact of the socket connector and the at least one blade contact of the blade connector are movable into and out of electrical contact with each other via relative movement of the first shell housing portion towards and away from the second shell housing portion.

32. The connector assembly of claim 31, wherein the first shell housing portion is a fixed housing base of a luminaire system, and the second shell housing portion is a housing cover of the luminaire system.

33. The connector assembly of claim 20, wherein the at least one socket contact includes a socket contact tab and the at least one blade contact includes a blade contact tab, and wherein the socket contact tab of the at least one socket contact is positionable into and out of electrical contact with the blade contact tab of the at least one blade contact via movement of at least one of the socket connector and the blade connector.

34. The connector assembly of claim 20, wherein the at least one socket wire terminal is a first socket wire terminal and a second socket wire terminal, the first socket wire terminal and the second socket wire terminal being positioned on opposing sides of the at least one socket contact.

35. The connector assembly of claim 34, wherein the first socket wire terminal and the second socket wire terminal are electrically isolated from each other.

36. The connector assembly of claim 20, wherein the at least one blade wire terminal is a first blade wire terminal and a second blade wire terminal, the first blade wire terminal and the second blade terminal being positioned on opposing sides of the at least one blade contact.

37. The connector assembly of claim 36, wherein the first blade wire terminal and the second blade wire terminal are electrically isolated from each other.

38. The connector assembly of claim 20, wherein at least one of the at least one socket wire terminal and the at least one blade wire terminal is a fastenerless terminal.

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