Abstract:
An electrical connection box includes a housing and a connector assembly coupled to the housing. The connector assembly includes sockets for receiving plugs from a motor vehicle. The housing is formed to include a cavity that is designed to house electronic circuity. The connector assembly includes at least one socket and at least one connector positioned within the socket. The connector is configured to create an electrical connection with an electrical plug that is received in the socket to electrically couple components of the vehicle with the electronic circuitry and minimize a voltage loss across the electrical connection.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
       [0001]    This application is a Divisional of co-pending U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 14/627,946, filed Feb. 20, 2015, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/942,653, filed Feb. 21, 2014, which are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to the field of electrical connectors and systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to electrical connection boxes that can be used with voltage regulators or other electrical components. Conventionally known electrical connection boxes are mounted in a vehicle, such as a car or motorcycle, and electrically connected between a battery and vehicle electrical components, such as a lamp and a horn. Electrical connections used to allow wires to be connected to electrical connection boxes are generally made up of male and female connectors. The power loss across these connections is a function of the current flowing through the connector and the connections inherent contact resistance. Giving higher currents, this loss can be significant. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    In accordance with the present disclosure, an electrical connection box is configured to accept multiple electrical connections in a vehicle. 
         [0004]    According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an electrical apparatus for use with a vehicle includes a housing, electronic circuitry, and a connector assembly. The housing may be formed to include a cavity and the electronic circuity may be positioned within the cavity of the housing. The electronic circuitry may include integrated components coupled to a circuit board. The connector assembly may be coupled to the housing to cover an opening into the cavity. 
         [0005]    The connector assembly may include at least one socket and at least one connector positioned within the at least one socket. The at least one connector may be electrically coupled with the electronic circuitry. The at least one connector is configured to provide means for creating an electrical connection with an electrical plug that is received in the at least one socket to electrically couple components of the vehicle with the electronic circuitry and minimize a voltage loss across the electrical connection by minimizing electrical resistivity between the at least one connector and the plug. 
         [0006]    In illustrative embodiments, the at least one connector may include at least a portion that is substantially square in cross-section. 
         [0007]    In illustrative embodiments, corners of the substantially square cross-section may be rounded. 
         [0008]    In illustrative embodiments, the at least one socket may include a first socket and a second socket spaced apart from the first socket. The at least one connector may include three input connectors positioned within the first socket and two output connectors positioned within the second socket to form a bus bar. Each of the input connectors and output connectors of the bus bar may be electrically coupled with the electronic circuitry. 
         [0009]    In illustrative embodiments, the integrated components may form a combined voltage regulator and voltage rectifier circuit. 
         [0010]    In illustrative embodiments, the input connectors may be configured to receive alternating current supplied by the vehicle. The electronic circuitry may be configured to convert the received alternating current into direct current within a predetermined voltage range. The output connectors may be configured to supply the direct current from the electronic circuitry to the vehicle. 
         [0011]    In illustrative embodiments, the at least one connector may be stamped from a sheet of electrically conductive material and shaped to form the substantially square cross-section. 
         [0012]    In illustrative embodiments, the connector assembly may further include a cover plate coupled to the at least one connector, the cover plate being formed to include the at least one socket. 
         [0013]    In illustrative embodiments, the cover plate and the at least one connector may be integral. 
         [0014]    In illustrative embodiments, the electrical apparatus may further include a lock member coupled to the connector assembly and associated with the at least one socket, the lock member being rotatable relative to the at least one socket. 
         [0015]    In illustrative embodiments, the lock member may include a pair of lock fingers configured to grip the plug positioned within the at least one socket to retain the plug within the at least one socket. 
         [0016]    In illustrative embodiments, the lock member may be coupled to the connector assembly by a living hinge. 
         [0017]    In illustrative embodiments, the lock member and associated living hinge may be integral with the connector assembly. 
         [0018]    In illustrative embodiments, the lock member may further include a pair of pivot arms, the pivot arms configured to pivotally attach the lock member with the connector assembly and allow rotation of the lock member about an axis of rotation. 
         [0019]    In illustrative embodiments, the lock member may further include a lock tab, the lock tab configured to engage with a portion of the connector assembly to maintain a rotational position of the lock member relative to the at least one socket. 
         [0020]    In illustrative embodiments, the pivot arms may be coupled to the lock fingers and extend in a first direction away from the lock fingers. The lock member may further include a wall coupled to the lock fingers and extends in a second direction away from the lock fingers opposite the first direction. 
         [0021]    According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, an electrical connection includes an electrically conductive tube and an electrically conductive sleeve sized to receive the electrically conductive tube. The electrically conductive tube may have a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end. The electrically conductive tube may be substantially square in cross-section. The electrically conductive sleeve may be substantially circular in cross-section. 
         [0022]    The first end of the electrically conductive tube may be configured to be inserted into the electrically conductive sleeve such that corners of the electrically conductive tube engage with the electrically conductive sleeve. The corners of the electrically conductive tube may be rounded to form a contact area between the electrically conductive tube and the electrically conductive sleeve. 
         [0023]    In illustrative embodiments, the electrically conductive tube may be formed from a sheet of electrically conductive material having ends that are bent toward one another such that a seam is formed along a length of the electrically conductive tube where the ends of the sheet meet. 
         [0024]    In illustrative embodiments, the electrically conductive sleeve may be formed from a sheet of electrically conductive material having ends that are bent toward one another such that a gap is formed along a length of the electrically conductive sleeve. 
         [0025]    In illustrative embodiments, the electrically conductive tube may be positioned within a socket of a connector assembly and the electrically conductive sleeve may be positioned within a plug that is sized to be received in the socket of the connector assembly. 
         [0026]    According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, an electrical apparatus for use with a vehicle includes a metallic housing, electronic circuity and a connector assembly. The metallic housing may be formed to include a cavity and a plurality of heat-sink fins configured to dissipate heat from the metallic housing. The electronic circuitry may be positioned within the cavity of the housing. The electronic circuitry may include integrated components coupled to a circuit board. The integrated components may form a combined voltage regulator and voltage rectifier circuit. 
         [0027]    The connector assembly may be positioned to cover an opening into the cavity and engage the metallic housing to seal the cavity. The connector assembly may include a first socket, a second socket spaced apart from the first socket, and a bus bar. The bus bar may include three input connectors positioned within the first socket and two output connectors positioned within the second socket. The input connectors and output connectors may be electrically coupled with the electronic circuitry. Each of the input connectors and output connectors may include at least a portion that is substantially square in cross-section and have corners that are rounded. 
         [0028]    Additional features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of illustrative embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the disclosure as presently perceived. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0029]    The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which: 
           [0030]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an electrical connection box in accordance with the present disclosure showing that the electrical connection box includes a connector unit coupled to a metallic heat-sink housing; 
           [0031]      FIG. 2  is a rear view of the connection box of  FIG. 1  showing that the connector unit includes a “D” shaped socket and a round shaped socket for receiving corresponding plugs from electrical components of a vehicle; 
           [0032]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of a connector plate assembly of the connector unit showing a pair of plugs aligned to be inserted into the round and “D” shaped sockets; 
           [0033]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the connector plate assembly of  FIG. 3  showing the pair of plugs inserted into the sockets and also showing that the connector plate assembly includes a pair of lock members connected to the connector plate assembly by living hinges for rotation to engage the plugs to secure them within the sockets; 
           [0034]      FIG. 5  is a rear view of a combined voltage regulator and voltage rectifier circuit (voltage regulator/rectifier circuit) positioned within the metallic heat-sink housing; 
           [0035]      FIG. 6  is a rear view of the connection box with a square access cover removed showing that contact points of the connector plate assembly engage with the voltage regulator/rectifier circuit to electrically connect the sockets with the voltage regulator/rectifier circuit; 
           [0036]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a bus bar showing that terminal connectors of the “D” shaped and round shaped sockets are coupled together by electronic links which are formed to include the contact points; 
           [0037]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the connector plate assembly showing that the bus bar is coupled with a cover plate to form the connector plate assembly; 
           [0038]      FIG. 9  is a partial perspective view of a square male terminal connector of the sockets inserted into a split cylinder female connector of the plugs; 
           [0039]      FIG. 10  is a sectional view taken along line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 4  showing three square male terminal connectors coupled with three split cylinder female connectors of the round shaped socket and plug, respectively; 
           [0040]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an electrical connection box in accordance with the present disclosure showing that the electrical connection box includes a connector unit coupled to a metallic heat-sink housing; 
           [0041]      FIG. 12  is a rear view of the connection box of  FIG. 11  showing that the connector unit includes a “D” shaped socket and a round shaped socket for receiving corresponding plugs from electrical components of a vehicle; 
           [0042]      FIG. 13  is an exploded view of a connector plate assembly of the connector unit showing a pair of plugs aligned to be inserted into the round and “D” shaped sockets; 
           [0043]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the connector plate assembly of  FIG. 13  showing the pair of plugs inserted into the sockets and also showing that the connector plate assembly includes a pair of lock members connected to the connector plate assembly for rotation to engage the plugs to secure them within the sockets; 
           [0044]      FIG. 15  is a rear view of a combined voltage regulator and voltage rectifier circuit (voltage regulator/rectifier circuit) positioned within the metallic heat-sink housing; 
           [0045]      FIG. 16  is a rear view of the connection box with a square access cover removed showing that contact points of the connector plate assembly engage with the voltage regulator/rectifier circuit to electrically connect the sockets with the voltage regulator/rectifier circuit; 
           [0046]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a bus bar showing that terminal connectors of the “D” shaped and round shaped sockets are coupled together by electronic links which are formed to include the contact points; 
           [0047]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the connector plate assembly showing that the bus bar is coupled with a cover plate to form the connector plate assembly; 
           [0048]      FIG. 19  is a sectional view taken along line  19 - 19  of  FIG. 14  showing three square male terminal connectors coupled with three split cylinder female connectors of the round shaped socket and plug, respectively; and 
           [0049]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of the round shaped socket showing that the lock member includes pivot pins which engage with pivot pin receivers formed in the socket to couple the lock member to the socket and allow rotation relative to the socket. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0050]    A first embodiment of an electrical connection box  10  in accordance with the present disclosure includes a connector unit  12  coupled to a metallic heat-sink housing  14  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Connector unit  12  includes a pair of sockets  16 ,  18  for connecting vehicle electronics with electronic circuitry  20  of connector unit  12  by way of plugs  17 ,  19  as shown in  FIGS. 3-5 . Sockets  16 ,  18  are electrically coupled to electronic circuitry  20  by a bus bar  30  as shown in  FIGS. 6-8 . Male terminal connectors  32 ,  34  of sockets  16 ,  18 , respectively, are substantially square in cross-section and engage with cylindrical female connectors  36 ,  38  of plugs  17 ,  19 , respectively, as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . 
         [0051]    In the illustrative embodiment, an electrical connection box  10  includes a connector unit  12  for electrically connecting with components of a motor vehicle and a metallic heat-sink housing  14  for securing connector unit  12  to the motor vehicle as shown in  FIG. 1 . The motor vehicle may be any type of motorized vehicle, including a motorcycle, automobile, truck, snowmobile, watercraft, or farm implement, for example. Alternatively, electrical connection box  10  may be coupled to any device requiring electrical connection to a circuit board. 
         [0052]    Connector unit  12  includes a “D” shaped socket  16  and a round shaped socket  18  as shown in  FIG. 1 . Sockets  16 ,  18 , however, may assume any shape, including round, square, or asymmetrical, for example. “D” shaped socket  16  includes a plug receiver  42  and a lock member  46  coupled to plug receiver  42  by a living hinge  43 . Similarly, round shaped socket  18  includes a plug receiver  44  and a lock member  48  coupled to plug receiver  44  by a living hinge  45 . 
         [0053]    Connector unit  12  also includes a connector plate assembly  40  and sockets  16 ,  18  are formed as part of connector plate assembly  40  as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . A bus bar  30  is coupled to a cover plate  41  to form connector plate assembly  40  as suggested in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . Cover plate  41  is formed from an electrically insulating material. In some embodiments, cover plate  41  is formed from plastic. The plastic may be glass filled for additional electrical and temperature resistance. However, other materials may be used to form cover plate  41 . In some embodiments, plug receivers  42 ,  44 , lock members  46 ,  48 , and living hinges  43 ,  45  are formed as part of cover plate  41 . 
         [0054]    In some embodiments, bus bar  30  is positioned within a mold cavity and material is injected into the mold cavity to surround bus bar  30  to form cover plate  41  such that bus bar  30  and cover plate  41  are integral. In other embodiments, bus bar  30  is positioned between cover plate  41  and a back plate  47  which engages with cover plate  41  to form connector plate assembly  40 . In some embodiments, bus bar  30  is formed as a unitary structure and portions are removed to form links  33 . Links  33  may be formed before or after connecting bus bar  30  with cover plate  41 . In other embodiments, links  33  of bus bar  30  are formed individually. Links  33  may then be placed within a mold cavity and material is injected into the mold cavity to surround links  33  to form cover plate  41  such that links  33  and cover plate  41  are integral. 
         [0055]    Sockets  16 ,  18  are arranged to receive plugs  17 ,  19  attached to components of the motor vehicle by wires  90  (only a portion of which are shown) as suggested in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . Plugs  17 ,  19  include female connectors  36 ,  38 , respectively, which engage with male terminal connectors  32 ,  34  to provide an electrical connection between bus bar  30  and wires  90 . Bus bar  30  engages with electronic circuitry  20  positioned within metallic heat-sink housing  14  as shown in  FIG. 6 . In some embodiments, plugs  17 ,  19  are part of a wiring harness of the motor vehicle and are molded onto ends of wires  90 , which are coupled to cylindrical female connectors  36 ,  38  embedded within plugs  17 ,  19 , respectively. 
         [0056]    In the illustrative embodiment, each of male terminal connectors  32 ,  34  are substantially square in cross-section, though only male terminal connectors  34  are shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . Female connectors  36 ,  38  are substantially cylindrical, though only female connectors  38  are shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . In some embodiments, the cylinders of female connectors  36 ,  38  are split along their length. The corners of male terminal connectors  32 ,  34  are rounded and sized to engage with inner surfaces  37  of female connectors  36 ,  38 . Male terminal connectors  32 ,  34  also extend into cylindrical female connectors  36 ,  38  to a distance D. 
         [0057]    The radius of the rounded corners of male terminal connectors  32 ,  34  and insertion distance D determine the amount of contact area between male terminal connectors  32 ,  34  and female connectors  36 ,  38 . Increasing the contact area assists in lowering an electrical resistivity between the connectors, which lowers an amount of voltage loss across the electrical connection. In the illustrative embodiment, male terminal connectors  32 ,  34  are preferably square in cross-section and provide four areas of contact with cylindrical female connectors  36 ,  38 . 
         [0058]    In the illustrative embodiment, ends of links  33  of bus bar  30  are bent upward and shaped to form male terminal connectors  32 ,  34  as suggested in  FIG. 7 . In some embodiments, bus bar  30  is stamped from a sheet of material and formed to include contact points  35  and male terminal connectors  32 ,  34 . For example, bus bar  30  may be formed in a progressive die machine including a plurality of stations, each station partially working the material until the bus bar  30  is formed. In some embodiments, bus bar  30  is stamped and formed from brass that is pre-plated with tin. However, other electrically conductive materials may be used, such as copper or aluminum, for example. Bus bar  30  may then be coupled with cover plate  41  to form connector plate assembly  40 . Similarly, female connectors  36 ,  38  may be stamped from a sheet of material, shaped into the desired form, and coupled to wires  90 . Female connectors  36 ,  38  may then be integrated into plugs  17 ,  19  through an injection molding process, for example. 
         [0059]    Two male terminal connectors  32  are positioned in plug receiver  42  of “D” shaped socket  16  as shown in  FIG. 6 . Plug receiver  42  is substantially asymmetrical across at least one axis of asymmetry. Male terminal connectors  32  are aligned with plug receiver  42  such that male terminal connectors  32  are positioned on opposing sides of an axis of asymmetry of plug receiver  42 . Three male terminal connectors  34  are positioned in plug receiver  44  of round shaped socket  18 . Male terminal connectors  34  are arranged in a triangular pattern. The triangular pattern may be in the form of a substantially equilateral triangle. However, other arrangements for male terminal connectors  32 ,  34  are possible. 
         [0060]    Plug  17  includes a shaft  56  and a plug end  52  coupled to shaft  56  and corresponding in shape with plug receiver  42  as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . The corresponding shapes of plug receiver  42  and plug end  52  aligns plug  17  with socket  16 . Shaft  56  is substantially oblong in shape, but other shapes are possible. Plug  19  includes a shaft  58  and a plug end  54  coupled to shaft  58  and corresponding in shape with plug receiver  44 . The corresponding shapes of plug receiver  44  and plug end  54  aligns plug  19  with socket  18 . Shaft  58  is substantially triangular in shape, but other shapes are possible. 
         [0061]    Plug  17  is formed to include one or more seal rings  51  at plug end  52  as shown in  FIG. 3 . Similarly, plug  19  is formed to include one or more seal rings  53  at plug end  54 . Seal rings  51 ,  53  are sized and shaped to engage with walls  92 ,  94  of plug receivers  42 ,  44 , respectively, to form seals with plug receivers  42 ,  44 . This creates a waterproof connection between plugs  17 ,  19  and sockets  16 ,  18 . 
         [0062]    After plugs  17 ,  19  have been inserted into sockets  16 ,  18 , respectively, lock members  46 ,  48  can be rotated upwards to engage with shafts  56 ,  58  as suggested in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . Lock members  46 ,  48  prevent unintentional disconnection of plugs  17 ,  19  from sockets  16 ,  18  due to vibration. Lock member  46  is formed to include lock fingers  57  which substantially match an outer profile of shaft  56  of plug  17 . Similarly, lock member  48  is formed to include lock fingers  59  which substantially match an outer profile of shaft  58  of plug  19 . Lock members  46 ,  48  engage with plugs  17 ,  19  to maintain engagement of cylindrical female connectors  36 ,  38  with male terminal connectors  32 ,  34 . 
         [0063]    Electronic circuitry  20  is positioned within a cavity  88  formed in metallic heat-sink housing  14  as shown in  FIG. 5 . Electronic circuitry  20  includes a plurality of integrated components  22  coupled to a circuit board  24 . In the illustrative embodiment, integrated components  22  include one or more diodes  26  and one or more transistors  28  coupled to circuit board  24  to form a combined voltage regulator and voltage rectifier circuit (voltage regulator/rectifier circuit). Contact receivers  25  are also coupled to circuit board  24  and positioned to engage with contact points  35  formed on bus bar  30  as shown in  FIG. 6 . Connector plate assembly  40  engages with a rim of cavity  88  to seal cavity  88 . An access panel  49  (shown in phantom in  FIG. 6 ) engages and seals with connector plate assembly  40  to cover electronic circuitry  20 . The seals provide a waterproof chamber to prevent damage to electronic circuitry  20 . 
         [0064]    In one illustrative embodiment, electronic circuitry  20  includes the voltage regulator/rectifier circuit, which operates to convert alternating current (AC) being produced by an alternator of the motor vehicle into direct current (DC) for charging a battery of the vehicle and operating electrical components, such as lights. The voltage regulator/rectifier circuit also operates to limit the voltage sent to the battery, such as between about 14 volts and about 15 volts. In some embodiments, plug  19  is connected to the alternator of the motor vehicle and three female connectors  38  form the active, neutral, and ground connections with three male terminal connectors  34 . The AC supplied by the alternator passes through plug  19  and socket  18  into bus bar  30  and electronic circuitry  20 . Electronic circuitry  20  converts the AC to DC at the appropriate voltage and supplies it to male terminal connectors  32  of socket  16 . Female connectors  36  of plug  17  connect with male terminal connectors  32  of socket  16  to send the DC to the battery and other electronic components of the vehicle. 
         [0065]    In the illustrative embodiment, metallic heat-sink housing  14  is formed to include arms  82  for coupling electrical connection box  10  to the motor vehicle and fins  86  for dissipating heat produced by electronic circuitry  20  as shown in  FIG. 1 . Arms  82  are formed to include apertures  84 . In some embodiments, apertures  84  are threaded to receive a fastener to permit coupling of electrical connection box  10  to the motor vehicle. In other embodiments, apertures  84  are smooth to allow a fastener to pass through apertures  84  to permit coupling of electrical connection box  10  to the motor vehicle. 
         [0066]    A second embodiment of an electrical connection box  210  in accordance with the present disclosure includes a connector unit  212  coupled to a metallic heat-sink housing  214  as shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . Connector unit  212  includes a pair of sockets  216 ,  218  for connecting vehicle electronics with electronic circuitry  220  of connector unit  212  by way of plugs  217 ,  219  as shown in  FIGS. 13-15 . Sockets  216 ,  218  are electrically coupled to electronic circuitry  220  by a bus bar  230  as shown in  FIGS. 16-18 . Male terminal connectors  232 ,  234  of sockets  216 ,  218 , respectively, are substantially square in cross-section and engage with cylindrical female connectors  236 ,  238  of plugs  217 ,  219 , respectively, as shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20 . 
         [0067]    In the illustrative embodiment, an electrical connection box  210  includes a connector unit  212  for electrically connecting with components of a motor vehicle and a metallic heat-sink housing  214  for securing connector unit  212  to the motor vehicle as shown in  FIG. 11 . The motor vehicle may be any type of motorized vehicle, including a motorcycle, automobile, truck, snowmobile, watercraft, or farm implement, for example. Alternatively, electrical connection box  210  may be coupled to any device requiring electrical connection to a circuit board. 
         [0068]    Connector unit  212  includes a “D” shaped socket  216  and a round shaped socket  218  as shown in  FIG. 11 . Sockets  216 ,  218 , however, may assume any shape, including round, square, or asymmetrical, for example. “D” shaped socket  216  includes a tower  272  extending from an upper surface of connector unit  212  and a lock member  246  coupled to tower  272 . Tower  272  is formed to include a plug receiver  242 . Similarly, round shaped socket  218  includes a tower  274  extending from the upper surface of connector unit  212  and a lock member  248  coupled to tower  274 . Tower  274  is formed to include a plug receiver  244 . 
         [0069]    Connector unit  212  also includes a connector plate assembly  240  and sockets  216 ,  218  are formed as part of connector plate assembly  240  as shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 . A bus bar  230  is coupled to a cover plate  241  to form connector plate assembly  240  as suggested in  FIGS. 17 and 18 . Cover plate  241  is formed from an electrically insulating material. In some embodiments, cover plate  241  is formed from plastic. The plastic may be glass filled for additional electrical and temperature resistance. However, other materials may be used to form cover plate  241 . 
         [0070]    Bus bar  230  is also formed to include hooks  239  for engaging with cover plate  241  as shown in  FIG. 17 . In some embodiments, bus bar  230  is positioned within a mold cavity and material is injected into the mold cavity to surround bus bar  230  to form cover plate  241  such that bus bar  230  and cover plate  241  are integral. In other embodiments, bus bar  230  is positioned between cover plate  241  and a back plate  247  which engages with cover plate  241  to form connector plate assembly  240 . In some embodiments, bus bar  230  is formed as a unitary structure and portions are removed to form links  233 . Links  233  may be formed before or after connecting bus bar  230  with cover plate  241 . In other embodiments, links  233  of bus bar  230  are formed individually. Links  233  may then be placed within a mold cavity and material is injected into the mold cavity to surround links  233  to form cover plate  241  such that links  233  and cover plate  241  are integral. 
         [0071]    Sockets  216 ,  218  are arranged to receive plugs  217 ,  219  attached to components of the motor vehicle by wires  290  (only a portion of which are shown) as suggested in  FIGS. 13 and 14 . Plugs  217 ,  219  include female connectors  236 ,  238 , respectively, which engage with male terminal connectors  232 ,  234  to provide an electrical connection between bus bar  230  and wires  290 . Bus bar  230  engages with electronic circuitry  220  positioned within metallic heat-sink housing  214  as shown in  FIG. 16 . In some embodiments, plugs  217 ,  219  are part of a wiring harness of the motor vehicle and are molded onto ends of wires  290 , which are coupled to cylindrical female connectors  236 ,  238  embedded within plugs  217 ,  219 , respectively. 
         [0072]    In the illustrative embodiment, each of male terminal connectors  232 ,  234  are substantially square in cross-section, though only male terminal connectors  234  are shown in  FIG. 19 . Female connectors  236 ,  238  are substantially cylindrical, though only female connectors  238  are shown in  FIG. 19 . In some embodiments, the cylinders of female connectors  236 ,  238  are split along their length. The corners of male terminal connectors  232 ,  234  are rounded and sized to engage with inner surfaces  237  of female connectors  236 ,  238  as male terminal connectors  232 ,  234  extend into cylindrical female connectors  236 ,  238 . 
         [0073]    The radius of the rounded corners of male terminal connectors  232 ,  234  and insertion distance determine the amount of contact area between male terminal connectors  232 ,  234  and female connectors  236 ,  238 . Increasing the contact area assists in lowering an electrical resistivity between the connectors, which lowers an amount of voltage loss across the electrical connection. In the illustrative embodiment, male terminal connectors  232 ,  234  are preferably square in cross-section and provide four areas of contact with cylindrical female connectors  236 ,  238 . 
         [0074]    In the illustrative embodiment, ends of links  233  of bus bar  230  are bent upward and shaped to form male terminal connectors  232 ,  234  as suggested in  FIG. 17 . In some embodiments, bus bar  230  is stamped from a sheet of material and formed to include contact points  235  and male terminal connectors  232 ,  234 . For example, bus bar  30  may be formed in a progressive die machine including a plurality of stations, each station partially working the material until the bus bar  230  is formed. In some embodiments, bus bar  230  is stamped and formed from brass that is pre-plated with tin. However, other electrically conductive materials may be used, such as copper or aluminum, for example. Bus bar  230  may then be coupled with cover plate  241  to form connector plate assembly  240 . Similarly, female connectors  236 ,  238  may be stamped from a sheet of material, shaped into the desired form, and coupled to wires  290 . Female connectors  236 ,  238  may then be integrated into plugs  217 ,  219  through an injection molding process, for example. 
         [0075]    Two male terminal connectors  232  are positioned in plug receiver  242  of “D” shaped socket  216  as shown in  FIG. 16 . Plug receiver  242  is substantially asymmetrical across at least one axis of asymmetry. Male terminal connectors  232  are aligned with plug receiver  242  such that male terminal connectors  232  are positioned on opposing sides of an axis of asymmetry of plug receiver  242 . Three male terminal connectors  234  are positioned in plug receiver  244  of round shaped socket  218 . Male terminal connectors  234  are arranged in a triangular pattern. The triangular pattern may be in the form of a substantially equilateral triangle. However, other arrangements for male terminal connectors  232 ,  234  are possible. 
         [0076]    Plug  217  includes a shaft  256  and a plug end  252  coupled to shaft  256  and corresponding in shape with plug receiver  242  as shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 . The corresponding shapes of plug receiver  242  and plug end  252  aligns plug  217  with socket  216 . Shaft  256  is substantially oblong in shape, but other shapes are possible. Plug  219  includes a shaft  258  and a plug end  254  coupled to shaft  258  and corresponding in shape with plug receiver  244 . The corresponding shapes of plug receiver  244  and plug end  254  aligns plug  219  with socket  218 . Shaft  258  is substantially triangular in shape, but other shapes are possible. 
         [0077]    Plug  217  is formed to include one or more seal rings  251  at plug end  252  as shown in  FIG. 13 . Similarly, plug  219  is formed to include one or more seal rings  253  at plug end  254 . Seal rings  251 ,  253  are sized and shaped to engage with plug receivers  242 ,  244 , respectively, to form seals with walls  292 ,  294  of plug receivers  242 ,  244 . This creates a waterproof connection between plugs  217 ,  219  and sockets  216 ,  218 . 
         [0078]    Lock member  248  includes a push panel  262 , a pair of lock fingers  259  extending from push panel  262 , and a pair of pivot arms  268  extending from lock fingers  259  as shown in  FIG. 20 . Push panel  262  provides a surface  264  for a user to apply force to lock member  248  to rotate lock member  248  about pivot axis  248 P. Push panel  262  includes a push-panel extension  261  and a lock tab  263  coupled to push-panel extension  261  to form surface  264 . Lock tab  263  is formed to include detents  265  on opposing sides of lock tab  263 . Pivot arms  268  each include an arm bar  267  extending from one of lock fingers  259  and a pivot pin  269  coupled at and end of arm bar  267 . Lock member  246  and lock member  248  are similar in construction. However, in the illustrative embodiment, lock member  246  includes lock fingers  257  which are a different size and shape than lock fingers  259  as shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . 
         [0079]    Tower  274  is formed to include pin ramps  271 , pivot-pin receivers  279 , a recess  273 , and detent receivers  275  as shown in  FIG. 20 . Pivot pins  269  are sized to be received in pivot-pin receivers  279  and allow rotation of lock member  248  about pivot axis  248 P. Pin ramps  271  guide pivot pins  269  of lock member  248  toward pivot-pin receivers  279  as lock member  248  is being attached to tower  274 . Pin ramps  271  also force pivot pins  269  outward to allow pivot pins  269  to pass into pivot-pin receivers  279 . Recess  273  is sized to receive lock tab  263  to allow detents  265  to engage with detent receivers  275 . Detents  265  and detent receivers  275  cooperate to maintain lock member  248  in an unlocked position, as shown in  FIG. 13 , until a user rotates lock member  248  toward a locked position, as shown in  FIG. 14 . Tower  272  and tower  274  are similar in construction. However, in the illustrative embodiment, plug receiver  242  and plug receiver  244  are positioned at different angles relative to the upper surface of connector unit  212  as shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . 
         [0080]    After plugs  217 ,  219  have been inserted into sockets  216 ,  218 , respectively, lock members  246 ,  248  can be rotated about pivot axes  246 P,  248 P, respectively, to engage with shafts  256 ,  258  of plugs  217 ,  219  as suggested in  FIGS. 13 and 14 . Lock members  246 ,  248  prevent unintentional disconnection of plugs  217 ,  219  from sockets  216 ,  218  due to vibration. Lock fingers  257  of lock member  246  substantially match an outer profile of shaft  256  of plug  217 . Similarly, lock fingers  259  of lock member  248  substantially match an outer profile of shaft  258  of plug  219 . Lock members  246 ,  248  engage with plugs  217 ,  219  to maintain engagement of cylindrical female connectors  236 ,  238  with male terminal connectors  232 ,  234 . 
         [0081]    Electronic circuitry  220  is positioned within a cavity  288  formed in metallic heat-sink housing  214  as shown in  FIG. 15 . Electronic circuitry  220  includes a plurality of integrated components  222  coupled to a circuit board  224 . In the illustrative embodiment, integrated components  222  include one or more diodes  226  and one or more transistors  228  coupled to circuit board  224  to form a combined voltage regulator and voltage rectifier circuit (voltage regulator/rectifier circuit). Contact receivers  225  are also coupled to circuit board  224  and positioned to engage with contact points  235  formed on bus bar  230  as shown in  FIG. 16 . Connector plate assembly  240  engages with a rim of cavity  288  to seal cavity  288 . An access panel  249  (shown in phantom in  FIG. 16 ) engages and seals with connector plate assembly  240  to cover electronic circuitry  220 . The seals provide a waterproof chamber to prevent damage to electronic circuitry  220 . 
         [0082]    In some embodiments, plug  219  is connected to the alternator of the motor vehicle and three female connectors  238  form the active, neutral, and ground connections with three male terminal connectors  234 . The AC supplied by the alternator passes through plug  219  and socket  218  into bus bar  230  and electronic circuitry  220 . Electronic circuitry  220  converts the AC to DC at the appropriate voltage and supplies it to male terminal connectors  232  of socket  216 . Female connectors  236  of plug  217  connect with male terminal connectors  232  of socket  216  to send the DC to the battery and other electronic components of the vehicle. 
         [0083]    Metallic heat-sink housing  214  is formed to include apertures  284  for coupling electrical connection box  210  to the motor vehicle and fins  286  for dissipating heat produced by electronic circuitry  220  as shown in  FIG. 11 . In some embodiments, apertures  284  are threaded to receive a fastener to permit coupling of electrical connection box  210  to the motor vehicle. In other embodiments, apertures  284  are smooth to allow a fastener to pass through apertures  284  to permit coupling of electrical connection box  210  to the motor vehicle. 
         [0084]    In the illustrative embodiment, plug receiver  244  and male terminal connectors  234  are positioned at substantially  45  degrees relative to the upper surface of the connector unit  212  as shown in  FIG. 11 . Plug receiver  242  and male terminal connectors  232  are positioned substantially parallel to the upper surface of the connector unit  212 . Plug receiver  244  is positioned at substantially  90  degrees relative to plug receiver  242 . However, other orientations of the plug receivers  242 ,  244  and male terminal connectors  232 ,  234  are possible. 
         [0085]    Various features of the invention have been particularly shown and described in connection with the illustrative embodiment of the invention, however, it must be understood that these particular arrangements may merely illustrate, and that the invention is to be given its fullest interpretation.