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(11) | EP 1 089 387 A3 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | A modular female electrical terminal |
| (57) A modular female electrical terminal (10) includes a receptacle portion (12) for
receiving a male electrical terminal. A first module comprises a base member (16)
formed of a first material and having a first thickness. The base member (16) preferably
provides the principal current flowpath through the female terminal (10). A second
module comprises a cover member (18) which is formed of a second material having a
second thickness. The cover member (18) is secured to the base member (16) in a overlying
relationship so as to define in cooperation with the base member (16) a cavity (20)
suitable for receiving the desired male terminal shape. At least one of the first
module or the second module includes means for biasing the male electrical terminal
into electrical and frictional contact with the receptacle portion (12) of the terminal
(10). A process comprises selecting one of the second module types and securing in
to the base member (16). The base member (16) material is preferably selected to provide
a higher conductivity and/or a greater thickness than used for the cover member (18).
The base member (16) and the cover member (18) may be joined by welding although mechanical
interlocking can be employed. |