Solder-in-place connector

A method for permanently attaching a multi-strand automotive-type cable to a battery connector comprising:

• providing a battery connector having (1) a connecting portion for engagement with an automotive-type battery terminal, (2) a rigid cable-attachment portion with a non-deformable neck extending from the connecting portion, the neck defining a cavity with a closed inner end, an open outer end and a cross-sectional area that is substantially equal along substantially the entire depth between the inner end and the outer end as well as substantially equal to the diameter of the cable, (3) solder secured within the cavity and (4) flux secured within the cavity in contact with the solder and in contact with the inner end of the cavity, the solder and flux being of amounts suitable for soldering engagement of the cable to the cable-attachment portion;
• inserting the multi-strand cable into the cavity;
• applying heat to the neck to melt the flux and the solder;
• further inserting the cable into the cavity to facilitate movement of the solder and flux along the strands and the surface of the cavity;
• and
• removing the heat to allow solidification of the solder.

A method for permanently attaching a multi-strand cable having a diameter to a connector comprising:

• providing a connector having (1) a connecting portion for engagement with a terminal, (2) a rigid cable-attachment portion with a non-deformable neck extending from the connecting portion, the neck defining a cavity with a closed inner end, an open outer end and a cross-sectional area that is substantially equal along substantially the entire depth between the inner end and the outer end as well as substantially equal to the diameter of the cable, (3) solder secured within the cavity and (4) flux secured within the cavity in contact with the solder and in contact with the inner end of the cavity, the solder and flux being of amounts suitable for soldering engagement of the cable to the cable-attachment portion;
• applying heat to the neck to melt the flux and the solder;
• inserting the cable into the cavity to facilitate movement of the solder and flux along the strands and the surface of the cavity;
• and
• removing the heat to allow solidification of the solder.

A combination connector and attached multi-strand cable made by the process comprising the steps of:

• providing a connector having (1) a connecting portion for engagement with a terminal, (2) a rigid cable-attachment portion with a non-deformable neck extending from the connecting portion, the neck defining a cavity with a closed inner end, an open outer end and a cross-sectional area that is substantially equal along substantially the entire depth between the inner end and the outer end as well as substantially equal to the diameter of the cable, (3) solder secured within the cavity and (4) flux secured within the cavity in contact with the solder and in contact with the inner end of the cavity, the solder and flux being of amounts suitable for soldering engagement of the cable to the cable-attachment portion;
• inserting the multi-strand cable into the cavity;
• applying heat to the neck to melt the flux and the solder;
• further inserting the cable into the cavity to facilitate movement of the solder and flux along the strands and the surface of the cavity and beyond the cavity between the strands;
• and
• removing the heat to allow solidification of the solder.

A battery connector for electrically connecting a multi-strand cable having a diameter to a battery terminal, the battery connector comprising:

• a connecting portion for engagement with a battery terminal;
• and
• a rigid cable-attachment portion including:
• a non-deformable neck extending from the connecting portion and defining a cavity having a depth, a closed inner end, an open outer end and a cross-sectional area that is substantially equal along substantially the entire depth between the inner end and the outer end as well as substantially equal to the diameter of the cable;
• solder secured within the cavity;
• and
• flux secured within the cavity in contact with the solder, and in contact with the inner end of the cavity, the solder and flux being of amounts suitable for soldering engagement of the cable to the cable-attachment portion, thereby facilitating soldering of the cable to the battery connector.