| abstract |
An electrical connector unit comprising a molded dielectric insert having a plurality of conductive contact members mounted in longitudinal contact passages spaced around the periphery of the insert; each contact member includes an active contact element located at one end of the contact passage and an insulation-piercing self-connection terminal element that projects into a transverse terminal guide slot at the other end of the contact passage The dielectric insert further includes a corresponding plurality of blind-end conductor retainer apertures, each intersecting one of the terminal guide slots, into which insulated wire conductors are inserted. The terminal elements of the contact members are all simultaneously actuated into connection with the wires, either by mounting the insert in a housing which cams the terminals into the wires, or by rotating two parts of the insert relative to each other. In either case, a housing is provided which interlocks all of the contact terminal elements in actuated condition and hence in electrical connection with their respective conductors. |