Lever connector for electrical conductor

Abstract

Lever connectors for contacting electrical conductors may include features and improvements over other lever connectors. The lever connector includes a housing, a busbar within the housing, one or more lever mechanisms, and one or more resilient members connecting the lever mechanisms to the busbar. The lever mechanism includes a lever located proximal to the busbar bridge and a lift mechanism located distal to the busbar bridge opposite the proximal side of the busbar bridge. The resilient member includes a fixing portion connected to the busbar bridge and a clamping portion connected to the lifting mechanism. When the lever is actuated and lifted upward away from the housing, the lifting mechanism moves the pinched portion of the resilient member to release away from the busbar base surface. When the lever is closed and pushed downward toward the housing, the lifting mechanism moves the clamping portion of the resilient member downward to urge the electrical conductor against the busbar base surface to establish an electrical contact between the electrical conductor and the busbar.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects described herein generally relate to electrical conductors. More specifically, aspects of the present disclosure relate to lever connectors for electrical conductors and methods for assembling lever connectors for electrical conductors. One or more aspects of the present disclosure describe lever connectors with improved lever opening force, lever connectors that can be transported with opening, and / or lever connectors with smaller dimensions (e.g., height and / or width). Background Art

[0002] Lever connectors can be used to electrically connect wires, such as for twisting wires. Although there are other types of electrical connectors for wires and conductors, such as twist-on connectors, crimp connectors, and / or push-on connectors, lever connectors are generally considered to have various advantages over these other methods for connecting wires. However, the current state of lever connectors has various disadvantages that are addressed by one or more embodiments disclosed herein. Summary of the invention

[0003] In a first aspect, a lever connector may be configured with a lever mechanism positioned to improve the lever connector. The lever connector may contact an electrical conductor and / or an electrical terminal. The lever connector may include: a housing, a busbar located in the housing, a lever mechanism, and an elastic member located in the housing. The housing may include an insulating material. The busbar may include a base surface and a busbar bridge extending away from the base surface. The lever mechanism may include a lever located near the busbar bridge and a lifting mechanism located far from the busbar bridge, the far side of the busbar bridge being opposite to the near side of the busbar bridge and opposite to the lever position. The elastic member may include a fixed portion connected to the busbar bridge and a clamping portion connected to the lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism may be connected to a clamping portion of the elastic member, which is located far from the busbar bridge opposite to the near side of the busbar bridge. When the lever is actuated and lifted upward and away from the housing, the lifting mechanism may move the clamping portion of the elastic member to release away from the busbar base surface. When the lever is closed and pushed downward toward the housing, the lifting mechanism can move the clamping portion of the resilient member downward to push the electrical conductor against the busbar base surface, thereby achieving electrical contact between the electrical conductor and the busbar.

[0004] On the other hand, the lever connector can be configured with a lever mechanism positioned to improve the lever connector. The lever connector can contact the electrical conductor and / or the electrical terminal. The lever connector can include a housing, a bus bar located in the housing, a lever mechanism, and an elastic member. The housing can include an insulating material. The bus bar can include a base surface and a bus bar bridge extending away from the base surface. The lever mechanism can include a lever and a lifting mechanism. When the lever is actuated, the lifting mechanism can slide in parallel along the bus bar bridge, wherein the lifting mechanism is guided along the bus bar bridge by the rear support surface of the lever mechanism. The lever mechanism can engage with a housing support surface on the housing, and when the lever is actuated and lifted upward away from the housing, the housing support surface supports the lever mechanism. The elastic member can include a fixed portion connected to the bus bar bridge and a clamping portion connected to the lifting mechanism. When the lever is actuated and lifted upward away from the housing, the lifting mechanism can slide upward along the bus bar bridge, thereby moving the clamping portion of the elastic member to release away from the bus bar base surface. When the lever is closed and pushed downwardly toward the housing, the lifting mechanism may move the clamping portion of the resilient member downwardly to push the electrical conductor against the busbar base surface, thereby establishing electrical contact between the electrical conductor and the busbar.

[0005] On the other hand, a method for assembling a lever connector configured to contact an electrical conductor and / or an electrical terminal may include: sliding the clamping portion of an elastic member into the top end of a busbar bridging portion; hooking the fixing portion of the elastic member through a gap in the busbar bridging portion; lifting the clamping portion of the elastic member upward and sliding a lifting mechanism of a lever mechanism under the clamping portion of the elastic member; placing a subassembly unit including an elastic member, a busbar and a lever mechanism into a first shell portion; lifting the lever of the lever mechanism; inserting a cover portion of the shell into the first shell portion; and fastening the first shell portion to the cover portion of the shell by one of the following methods: welding, snapping, hot melting, gluing or some other fastening method. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, may be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are included by way of illustration only and not limitation of the claimed invention.

[0007] Figure 1 A perspective view of a lever connector according to one embodiment is shown.

[0008] Figures 2A-2C A schematic diagram of a device with wires inserted into a lever connector according to one embodiment is shown. Figure 1 Various views of an exemplary lever connector in FIG.

[0009] Figures 3A-3C According to one embodiment, Figure 1 Various views of the lever connector in .

[0010] Figures 4A-4C and Figure 5A-5B A method according to an embodiment is shown Figure 1 Various views of the housing of the lever connector.

[0011] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B According to one embodiment, Figure 1 Various views of the lifting mechanism of the lever connector in FIG.

[0012] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B According to one embodiment, Figure 1 Various views of the elastic member of the lever connector.

[0013] Figures 8A-8D According to one embodiment, Figure 1 Various views of the busbar with the lever connector in Figure 1.

[0014] Figures 9A-9D Various views of another lever connector are shown in an open configuration according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figures 10A-10D shows a closed configuration according to one embodiment Figures 9A-9D Various views of the lever connector in .

[0016] Figures 11A-11D shows various configurations according to one embodiment. Figures 9A-9D and Figures 10A-10D Cross-sectional view of the lever connector in FIG.

[0017] Figures 12A-12C According to one embodiment, Figures 9A-9D and Figures 10A-10D Various views of the first housing portion of the lever connector.

[0018] Figures 12D-12F According to one embodiment, Figures 9A-9D and Figures 10A-10D Various views of the second housing portion of the lever connector.

[0019] Fig.13 According to one embodiment, Figures 12A-12F A first shell part and a second shell part.

[0020] Figures 14A-14D According to one embodiment, Figures 9A-9D and Figures 10A-10DVarious views of the lifting mechanism of the lever connector in FIG.

[0021] Fig.15A and Fig. 15B Various views of a bus bar of a lever connector are shown according to one embodiment.

[0022] Fig.16A and Fig. 16B Various views of another bus bar for a lever connector are shown according to one embodiment.

[0023] Fig.17A and Fig. 17B According to one embodiment, Figures 9A-9D and Figures 10A-10D Various views of the elastic member of the lever connector.

[0024] Fig.18A and Fig.18B According to one embodiment, Figures 9A-9D and Figures 10A-10D Various views of the busbar and spring member of the lever connector.

[0025] Figures 19A-19C Various views of another lever connector are shown according to one embodiment.

[0026] Fig. 20A and Fig. 20B According to one embodiment, Figures 19A-19C Various views of the busbars for the lever connectors in .

[0027] Figures 21A-21E Various views of another lever connector are shown according to one embodiment.

[0028] Fig. 22 is a flow chart illustrating an example method for assembling a lever connector configured to contact electrical conductor terminals according to one embodiment.

[0029] Figures 23A-23C Various views of a lever connector according to one embodiment are shown for use in an example method of assembling a lever connector configured to contact electrical conductor terminals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] In the following description of various examples of lever connectors and assemblies for contacting electrical conductor terminals according to the present technology, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the present technology, and in which various example structures and environments in which various aspects of the present technology can be practiced are shown by way of example. It should be understood that other structures and environments can be used, and that structural and functional modifications can be made to the specifically described structures, functions, and methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0031] According to one aspect of the embodiments, a lever connector for contacting an electrical conductor terminal may include features and improvements over other lever connectors. For example, the features of the lever connector may include an improved lever opening force. In another example, the features of the lever connector may include a lever connector that can be shipped with a lever in an open configuration when required by an OEM. Additionally, in another example, the features of the lever connector may allow the lever connector to be smaller and / or shorter in height.

[0032] Figure 1 An exemplary lever connector 100 configured to contact an electrical conductor and / or an electrical terminal is shown. The lever connector 100 can be used in a variety of electrical connection applications. The types of electrical connectors for wires and conductors may include lever connectors, twist-on connectors, crimp connectors, and / or push-on connectors. The lever connector 100 is generally considered to have various advantages over these other methods for connecting wires. For example, the lever connector 100 can provide a beneficial and advantageous connection method for higher gauge and / or smaller diameter wires. In addition, the lever connector 100 can provide a connection mechanism for the application when the wire is removed from the connection mechanism. The lever connector 100 can be used to twist any wire, such as 10 to 20 gauge (AWG) wire (or in mm 2 of equivalent sizes) and other sizes of wires without departing from the invention.

[0033] Figures 2A-2C 1 shows how the exemplary lever connector 100 operates and works. Figure 2A As shown, the lever connector 100 can be used with a lever 152 to allow the wire 10 including the bare conductor 12 to be inserted into the lever connector 100. The conductor 12 can be a copper conductor or other type of conductor without departing from the present invention. Figure 2BAs shown, the lever 152 can be flipped down and / or pressed. Flipping the lever 152 in the closed position with the wire 10 positioned on the lever 152 allows the resilient member or spring 170 to firmly push the wire 10 against the base surface 132 of the bus bar 130. When the resilient member 170 pushes the conductor 12 of the wire 10 against the base surface 132 of the bus bar 130, the conductor 12 of the wire 10 is in electrical contact with the bus bar 130. In addition, the resilient member 170 can also "bite" and capture the conductor 12 of the wire 10 to hold the wire 10 in the rod connector 100. Figure 2C The two conductors 12 of two wires 10 are shown in contact with each other through the bus bar 130 (the housing and the lever are hidden). When there are other wires in other ports of the lever connector 100, the reference is repeated. Figure 2B 1. During the described process, the conductors 12 of the electrical wire 10 are all in electrical contact with the bus bar 130 and thus with each other, because the bus bar 130 carries electrical current. Figure 2C The multiple elastic members 170 in the embodiment are shown as being unconnected to each other and without any transverse connectors. It should be noted that the elastic members 170 may be connected to each other without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0034] The lever connector 100 may be implemented in different types of devices and configurations, including but not limited to 2-port connectors, 3-port connectors, 5-port connectors, and the like. Figures 3A-3C Shows Figure 1 Various other views of the lever connector 100 in FIG. Figure 1 and Figures 3A-3C The lever connector 100 in the embodiment may be a side-by-side lever connector in which two or more different ports are immediately adjacent to and / or adjacent to each other.

[0035] like Figure 1 and Figures 3A-3C As shown, the lever connector 100 may include various components. For example, the lever connector 100 may include a housing 110, a bus bar 130 located in the housing 110, one or more lever mechanisms 150, and one or more elastic members 170 located in the housing 110 and connecting the lever mechanism 150 to the bus bar 130. Figures 4A-4C , Figure 5A-5B , Figure 6A-6B , Figure 7A-7B and Figures 8A-8D Various views of these components of the lever connector 100 are shown. Specifically, Figures 4A-4C and Figure 5A-5B Various views of the housing 110 of the lever connector 100 are shown. Fig. 6A and Figure 6B Various views of the lever mechanism 150 of the lever connector 100 are shown. Fig. 7A and Figure 7BVarious views of the elastic member 170 of the lever connector 100 are shown. Figures 8A-8D Various views of the bus bar 130 of the lever connector 100 are shown.

[0036] Figure 3C Shows Figure 3A 00 is a cross-sectional view of the lever connector 100 in FIG. Figure 3C Many of the various components within the lever connector 100 are shown. As shown, the lever connector 100 includes a housing 110. The housing 110 can be made of an insulating material to insulate the electrical connections within the housing 110 and the lever connector 100. The housing 110 can include various components. The housing 110 can include various housing parts, such as a top housing part 110A and a bottom housing part 110B. Without departing from the present invention, there can be multiple housing parts as a part of the housing 110. The housing 110 can include lateral side housing parts, top and bottom housing parts, or other various types of housing parts. The housing parts 110A, 110B can be mechanically connected together by various methods known and used in the art (e.g., snaps, welding, fastening, gluing, etc.). In another embodiment, the housing parts 110A, 110B can be welded together. The housing 110 can also include one or more conductor openings 116, and the wire 10 can be placed in the conductor opening 116 to electrically connect the wire 10. The housing 110 can also include a housing support surface 114. The housing support surface 114 can be connected to a portion of the lever mechanism 150. As will be explained in more detail below, the housing support surface 114 can help guide the lever mechanism 150 along the bus bar 130 to ensure that the lever mechanism 150 follows a path along the bus bar 130 when a lever 152 on the lever mechanism 150 is actuated.

[0037] The bus bar 130 may be located within the housing 110. The bus bar 130 may include a base surface 132 and one or more bus bar bridges 134 extending away from the base surface 132. Additionally, the bus bar bridges 134 may include one or more arms 136 extending away from the base surface 132. The bus bar 130 may be made of a highly conductive material to transmit current between the conductors 12 of the electrical wire 10. For example, the bus bar 130 may be made of copper.

[0038] The lever mechanism 150 may also be at least partially located within the housing 110. The lever mechanism 150 may include a lever 152 and a lifting mechanism 154. When the lever mechanism 150 is in the closed configuration, the lever 152 may lie flat on the top portion of the housing 110. The lever 152 may be actuated and lifted upward and away from the housing 110 to move the lever connector 100 and the lever mechanism 150 to the open configuration. Figure 3CAs shown, the lever 152 may be located proximal to the bus bar bridge 134 , while the lifting mechanism 154 may be located distal to the bus bar bridge 134 on an opposite side of the bus bar bridge 134 .

[0039] The elastic member 170 may also be located within the housing 110. The elastic member 170 may be a spring, such as a leaf spring. The elastic member 170 may be other elastic structures that do not depart from the present invention. The elastic member 170 may include a fixed portion 172 and a clamping portion 174. The fixed portion 172 may be connected to the busbar bridge 134 via a bent tab 176 of the elastic member 170. The clamping portion 174 may be connected to the lifting mechanism 154 of the lever mechanism 150 via a second end 178 of the elastic member 170. The lifting mechanism 154 connected to the clamping portion 174 of the elastic member 170 may be located on the far side of the busbar bridge 134 opposite to the near side of the busbar bridge 134. When the lever 152 is actuated and lifted upward and away from the housing 110, the lifting mechanism 154 may move the clamping portion 174 of the elastic member 170 to release away from the busbar base surface 132. When the lever 152 is closed and pushed downward, the clamping portion 174 of the resilient member 170 moves downward to firmly push the conductor 12 of the wire 10 against the bus bar 130 , thereby establishing electrical contact between the conductor 12 of the wire 10 and the bus bar 130 .

[0040] The resilient member 170 or spring may be made of a high strength material, which allows the resilient member 170 to bend significantly without permanent deformation. The spring material may also be stiffer than the copper conductors 12 in the electrical wire 10, which would allow the resilient member 170 and the second end 178 of the resilient member 170 to "bite" into the copper conductors 12 of the electrical wire 10. The spring material may not be very good at conducting electrical current.

[0041] refer to Figures 4A-4C and Figure 5A-5B The lever connector 100 may include a housing 110 for holding components of the lever connector 100. The housing 110 may be made of various insulating materials known and used in the art. Figures 4A-4C As shown, the housing 110 may include a top portion 110A or a cover. Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, the housing 110 may include a bottom portion 110B. The housing 110 may include a conductor opening 116 in which the wires may be placed to electrically connect the wires. The housing 110 may also include one or more housing support surfaces 114. The housing support surface 114 may engage with a portion of the lever mechanism 150 (e.g., with the rear support surface 158) to guide the lifting mechanism 154 to ensure that the lifting mechanism 154 follows a path along the far side of the busbar bridge 134.

[0042] refer to Fig. 6A and Figure 6B , the lever connector 100 may include a lever mechanism 150. The lever mechanism 150 may include a lever 152 that may be actuated and pushed downward toward the housing 110 to establish an electrical connection of the lever connector 100. The lever mechanism 150 may also include one or more spring-lift lever arm portions 156. The spring-lift lever arm portion 156 may extend away from the lever 152 and into the housing 110. At the end of the spring-lift lever arm portion 156, the lever mechanism includes a lifting mechanism 154. As described above, the lifting mechanism 154 is connected to the clamping portion 174 of the resilient member 170. Finally, the lever mechanism 150 and the lifting mechanism 154 may include a rear support surface 158. The rear support surface 158 may rest on and abut against the housing support surface 114 in the housing 110 to support the lever mechanism 150 and help ensure that the lifting mechanism 154 follows a path along the far side of the busbar bridge 134.

[0043] In addition, in some embodiments, the lever mechanism 150 can be constructed of a strong material so that the actuating element can be positioned only on one side of the resilient member 170 (e.g., a spring). At least one benefit of this positioning is that it can allow the lever connector to be smaller / shorter in size. For example, when the actuating portion of the lever mechanism 150 is located on more than one side of the spring (e.g., above, below, left, and / or right), this can result in a possible increase in the size of the lever connector 100. A smaller / shorter sized lever connector 100 is desirable for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to being able to fit into a smaller space and being able to fit multiple lever connectors into one space.

[0044] refer to Fig. 7A and Figure 7B , the lever connector 100 may include a resilient member 170. As described above, the resilient member 170 may be a spring, such as a flat spring or a leaf spring. The resilient member 170 may be one or more metal (or other elastic material) strips, rods or segments, or an assembly of these, formed to produce a repeatable reaction force when compressed or displaced and used for positioning or contact. The resilient member 170 can provide a repeatable reaction force through contact and application of force to control movement or load. The resilient member 170 may be of various sizes, types, materials, and mounting types or shapes. The resilient member 170 may include a fixing portion 172 and a clamping portion 174. The fixing portion 172 may include a bent tab 176 connected to the arm portion 136 of the busbar bridging portion 134. The clamping portion 174 may include a bent end portion 178 connected to the lifting mechanism 154. As Fig. 7AAs shown, the clamping portion 174 may also include a pair of gaps 180 between the clamping portion 174 and the bent end portion 178. The size and shape of the gaps 180 may be designed to pass through the busbar bridge 134. The clamping portion 174 and the bent end portion 178 may be configured to bite the conductor 12 of the electrical wire and hold it against the base surface 132 of the busbar 130.

[0045] refer to Figures 8A-8D , the lever connector 100 may include a bus bar 130. The bus bar 130 may include a base surface 132. The base surface 132 may lie flat within the housing 110. The base surface 132 may include one or more bus bar bridges 134 extending away from the base surface 132. The bus bar bridges 134 may extend vertically or approximately vertically from the base surface 132. Figures 8A-8D As shown, the busbar 130 includes two busbar bridges 134 both located on one side of the base surface 132, wherein the two busbar bridges 134 extend away from the base surface 132 in the same direction. The busbar bridge 134 may include one or more arms 136 separated by a gap 138. The bent tabs 176 of the fixing portion 172 of the elastic member 170 may be hooked on the one or more arms 136. The size of the gap 138 may be designed so that the narrow portion of the clamping portion 174 of the elastic member 170 can pass through the gap 138.

[0046] Figures 9A-9D and Figures 10A-10D Various views of a second embodiment of a lever connector 200 configured to contact electrical conductors and / or electrical terminals are shown. Specifically, Figures 9A-9D The lever connector 200 is shown in an open configuration, while Figures 10A-10D The lever connector 200 is shown in a closed configuration. Figures 9A-9D and Figures 10A-10D The lever connector 200 in the embodiment may be a double-sided staggered lever connector, wherein there is a lever mechanism 250 on each opposite side of the bus bar 230 .

[0047] like Figures 9A-9D and Figures 10A-10D As shown, the lever connector 200 may include various components. For example, the lever connector 200 may include a housing 210 consisting of a first housing portion 210A and a second housing portion 210B, a bus bar 230 located in the housing 210, two lever mechanisms 250A, 250B, and two elastic members 270A, 270B located in the housing 210 and connecting the lever mechanisms 250A, 250B to the bus bar 230. Figures 11A-11D The lever connector 200 is shown in various configurations (from Fig.11A The fully open configuration in Fig.11D Cross-sectional view of the fully closed configuration. Figures 12A-12F , Figures 14A-14D , Figures 15A-15B , Figures 16A-16B , Figures 17A-17B and Figures 18A-18B Various views and embodiments of these components of the lever connector 200 are shown. Specifically, Figures 12A-12C Various views of the first housing portion 210A of the lever connector 200 are shown. Figures 12D-12F Various views of the second housing portion 210B of the lever connector 200 are shown. Fig.13 A first housing portion 210A and a second housing portion 210B forming a housing 210 of the lever connector 200 are shown. Figures 14A-14D Various views of the lever mechanism 250 of the lever connector 200 are shown. Fig.15A and Fig. 15B Various views of a first embodiment of a bus bar 230A for a lever connector 200 are shown. Fig.16A and Fig. 16B Various views of a second embodiment of a bus bar 230B for a lever connector 200 are shown. Fig.17A and Fig. 17B Various views of the elastic member 270 of the lever connector 200 are shown. Fig.18A and Fig.18B Various views of the bus bar 230 and the elastic member 270 of the lever connector 200 are shown.

[0048] for Figures 9A-18B In the embodiment of the present invention, the features and components of the lever connector 200 are indicated by similar reference numerals under the "2XX" series of reference numerals, rather than Figure 1-8D The "1XX" features may be similar to the "2XX" features. Therefore, reference has been made to Figure 1-8D Certain features of the lever connector 200 described above will not be described in as much detail, or not described at all, in the lever connector 100. In addition, any combination of features of the lever connector 100 may be used with the lever connector 200. Vice versa, any combination of features of the lever connector 200 may be used with the lever connector 100.

[0049] refer to Figures 9A-9D , the lever connector 200 can be in a fully open configuration. Figures 10A-10D , the lever connector 200 can be in a fully closed configuration. Fig. 9C Shows Fig.9A A cross-sectional view of the lever connector 200, Fig.9D Shows Fig. 9B00 is a cross-sectional view of the lever connector 200 in which the lever connector 200 is in an open configuration. Fig. 10C Shows Fig. 10A A cross-sectional view of the lever connector 200, Fig. 10D Shows Fig. 10B 200, wherein the lever connector is in a closed configuration. As shown, the lever connector 200 includes a housing 210. The housing 210 may be made of an insulating material to insulate the electrical connection within the housing 210 and the lever connector 200. The housing 210 may include various components. The housing 210 may include various housing parts, such as a top side part 210A and a bottom side part 210B. Without departing from the present invention, there may be multiple housing parts as a part of the housing 210. The housing parts 210A, 210B may be mechanically connected together by various methods known and used in the art (e.g., snaps, welding, gluing, fastening, etc.). In another embodiment, the housing parts 210A, 210B may be welded together. The housing 210 may also include conductor openings 216A, 216B, and the wire 10 may be placed in the conductor opening to electrically connect the wire 10. The housing 210 may also include housing support surfaces 214A, 214B. The housing support surfaces 214A, 214B may engage a portion of the lever mechanisms 250A, 250B. As will be explained in greater detail below, the housing support surfaces 214A, 214B may help guide the lever mechanisms 250A, 250B along the busbar 230 to ensure that the lever mechanisms 250A, 250B follow a path along the busbar 230 when the levers 252A, 252B on the lever mechanisms 250A, 250B are actuated.

[0050] The bus bar 230 may be located within the housing 210. The bus bar 230 may include a base surface 232 and two bus bar bridges 234A, 234B. The first bus bar bridge 234A may be located at a first end of the base surface 232, and the second bus bar bridge 234B may be located at a second end of the base surface 232 opposite the first end. The first bus bar bridge 234A may extend toward the top side portion 210A of the housing 210 and away from the base surface 232. The second bus bar bridge 234B may extend toward the bottom side portion 210B of the housing 210 and away from the base surface 232. In addition, the bus bar bridges 234A, 234B may include two arms 236 extending from the base surface 232.

[0051] The first lever mechanism 250A may be at least partially located within the top portion 210A of the housing 210. The second lever mechanism 250B may be at least partially located within the bottom portion 210B of the housing 210. The lever mechanisms 250A, 250B may include levers 252A, 252B and lift mechanisms 254A, 254B. Fig. 9Cand Fig.9D As shown, when the first lever mechanism 250A is in the open configuration, the first lever 252A can be fully raised from the top side portion 210A of the housing 210. Fig. 9C and Fig.9D As shown, when the second lever mechanism 250B is in the open configuration, the second lever 252B can be fully raised from the bottom side portion 210B of the housing 210. The levers 252A, 252B can be actuated and pushed downward toward the housing 210 to move the lever mechanisms 250A, 250B to the closed configuration, as shown in FIG. Fig. 10C and Fig. 10D As shown. The first lever 252A may be located proximal to the first busbar bridge 234A, and the first lifting mechanism 254A may be located distal to the first busbar bridge 234A on the opposite side of the first busbar bridge 234A. The second lever 252B may be located proximal to the second busbar bridge 234B, and the second lifting mechanism 254B may be located distal to the second busbar bridge 234B on the opposite side of the second busbar bridge 234B. The lifting mechanisms 254A, 254B may also include one or more sliding pins 260. The sliding pins 260 may protrude outwardly from the lifting mechanisms 254A, 254B in opposite directions. The sliding pins 260 may be horizontal sliding pins. The sliding pins 260 may be connected to the housing 210 and slide therein. When the lever mechanisms 250A, 250B are actuated, the sliding pins 260 may slide within the housing 210. The sliding pin 260 is slidable within channels 218A, 218B within the housing 210 for engaging the sliding pin 260 .

[0052] Two elastic members 270A, 270B may also be located in the housing 210. The elastic members 270A, 270B may be springs, such as leaf springs. Without departing from the present invention, the elastic members 270A, 270B may be other elastic structures. The elastic members 270A, 270B may include fixed portions 272A, 272B and clamping portions 274A, 274B. The fixed portions 272A, 274B may be connected to the busbar bridge portions 234A, 234B through the bent tabs 276A, 276B of the elastic members 270A, 270B. The clamping portions 274A, 274B may be connected to the lifting mechanisms 254A, 254B of the lever mechanisms 250A, 250B through the second ends 278A, 278B of the elastic members 270A, 270B. The lifting mechanism 254A, 254B connected to the clamping portion 274A, 274B of the resilient member 270A, 270B may be located at the distal side of the busbar bridge portion 234A, 234B opposite to the proximal side of the busbar bridge portion 234A, 234B. When the lever 252A, 252B is actuated and lifted upward and away from the housing 210, the lifting mechanism 254A, 254B may move the clamping portion 274A, 274B of the resilient member 270A, 270B to release away from the busbar base surface 232. When the lever 252A, 252B is closed and pushed downward, the clamping portion 274A, 274B of the resilient member 270A, 270B moves downward to firmly push the conductor 12 of the electrical wire 10 against the busbar 230, thereby establishing electrical contact between the conductor 12 of the electrical wire 10 and the busbar 230.

[0053] Figures 11A-11D The lever connector 200 is shown in various configurations (from Fig.11A The fully open configuration in Fig.11D Cross-sectional view of the fully closed configuration. Figures 11A-11D The lever 252 is shown Fig.11A The fully open configuration in Fig.11D Movement in a fully closed configuration.

[0054] like Fig.11A 2, the lever connector 200 is shown in a fully open configuration. The lever 252 can be positioned substantially perpendicular to the housing 210. In the fully open configuration, the lifting mechanism 254 and the clamping portion 274 of the resilient member 250 can be located near the end of the busbar bridge 234. In addition, in the fully open configuration, the clamping portion 274 of the resilient member 270 can be released and away from the base surface 232 of the busbar 230.

[0055] Fig. 11BThe lever connector 200 and the lever 252 are shown pushed toward the fully closed configuration and away from the open configuration. The lever 252 can be actuated downward, pushed downward, and rotated toward the housing 210. Fig. 11B As shown, the lifting mechanism 254 and the clamping portion 274 of the resilient member 270 may begin to slide downwardly and parallel to the busbar bridge 234 toward the base surface 232 of the busbar 230. Fig. 11B 2, the rear support surface 258 abuts against and rotates adjacent to the housing support surface 214 of the housing 210, guiding the lifting mechanism 254 to ensure that the lifting mechanism 254 follows a path along the far side of the busbar bridge 234. As the lifting mechanism 254 moves and slides along the busbar bridge 234, the clamping portion 274 of the resilient member 270 moves toward the base surface 232 of the busbar 230.

[0056] Fig. 11C The lever connector 200 and the lever 252 are shown to continue to be pushed toward the fully closed configuration and away from the open configuration. The lever 252 can continue to be actuated downward, pushed downward and rotated toward the housing 210. Fig. 11C As shown, the lifting mechanism 254 and the clamping portion 274 of the elastic member 270 can continue to slide downward and parallel to the busbar bridge portion 234 closer to the base surface 232 of the busbar 230. Fig. 11C 234, the rear support surface 258 continues to rotate and abuts against and is adjacent to the housing support surface 214 of the housing 210, thereby continuing to guide the lifting mechanism 254 to ensure that the lifting mechanism 254 follows a path along the far side of the bus bar bridge 234. As the lifting mechanism 254 moves and slides along the bus bar bridge 234, the clamping portion 274 of the resilient member 270 moves closer to the base surface 232 of the bus bar 230.

[0057] like Fig.11D As shown, the lever connector 200 is in a fully closed configuration. The lever 252 can be placed flat on the housing 210. In the fully closed configuration, the lifting mechanism 254 and the clamping portion 274 of the elastic member 270 can be located near the base surface 232 of the bus bar 230. When the lever 252 is closed and pushed downward, the clamping portion 274 of the elastic member 270 moves downward to bite, capture and firmly push the conductor of the wire against the bus bar 230, thereby forming an electrical contact between the conductor 12 of the wire 10 and the bus bar 230. The rear support surface 258 on the lever mechanism 250 can abut and be adjacent to the housing support surface 214 of the housing 210. In addition, in the fully closed configuration, the fixing portion 272 and the clamping portion 274 of the elastic member 270 can be completely separated.

[0058] refer to Figures 12A-12F , the lever connector 200 may include a top housing portion 210A and a bottom housing portion 210B. Fig.13 , the lever connector 200 may include a housing 210 formed by a top housing portion 210A and a bottom housing portion 210B. The housing 210 may include conductor openings 216A, 216B, and the wire 10 may be placed in the conductor openings 216A, 216B to electrically connect the wire 10. The housing 210 may also include housing support surfaces 214A, 214B. The housing support surfaces 214A, 214B may engage with a portion of the lever mechanism 250A, 250B (e.g., with the rear support surfaces 258A, 258B) to guide the lifting mechanism 254A, 254B to ensure that the lifting mechanism 254A, 254B follows a path along the far side of the busbar bridge 234A, 234B. In addition, the housing 210 may include a channel 218A for engaging with the sliding pin 260A. When the lever mechanism 250A is actuated, the sliding pin 260A may slide within the channel 218A. The passage 218A may be a straight passage.

[0059] refer to Figures 14A-14D , the lever connector 200 may include two lever mechanisms 250A, 250B. The lever mechanisms 250A, 250B may include levers 252A, 252B, which may be actuated and lifted upward away from the housing 210 to establish an electrical connection of the lever connector 200. The lever mechanisms 250A, 250B may also include two spring lift lever arm portions 256A, 256B. The spring lift lever arm portions 256A, 256B may extend away from the levers 252A, 252B into the housing 210. At the ends of the spring lift lever arm portions 256A, 256B, the lever mechanisms 250A, 250B include lifting mechanisms 254A, 254B. As described above, the lifting mechanisms 254A, 254B are connected to the clamping portions 274A, 274B of the elastic members 270A, 270B. The sliding pins 260A, 260B may be horizontal sliding pins. The sliding pins 260A, 260B may be connected to the housing 210 and slide within the housing 210. When the lever mechanism 250A, 250B is actuated, the sliding pins 260A, 260B may slide within the housing 210. The sliding pins 260A, 260B may slide within the channels 218A, 218B within the housing 210 for engaging the sliding pins 260A, 260B. Finally, the lever mechanism 250A, 250B and the lifting mechanism 254A, 254B may include rear support surfaces 258A, 258B. The rear support surfaces 258A, 258B may rest on and abut against the housing support surfaces 214A, 214B in the housing 210 to support the lever mechanism 250A, 250B and help ensure that the lifting mechanism 254A, 254B follows a path along the far side of the busbar bridges 234A, 234B.

[0060] refer to Fig.15A and Fig. 15B , the lever connector 200 may include a bus bar 230. The bus bar 230 may include a base surface 232. The base surface 232 may be placed flat in the housing 210. The base surface 232 may include two bus bar bridges 234A, 234B extending away from the base surface 232. The bus bar bridges 234A, 234B may extend perpendicularly or approximately perpendicularly from the base surface 232. Fig.15A and Fig. 15B As shown, the busbar 230 includes two busbar bridges 234A, 234B. The first busbar bridge 234A can be located at a first end of the base surface 232 and extend toward the top side portion 210A of the housing 210. The second busbar bridge 234B can be located at a second end of the base surface 232 and extend toward the bottom side portion 210B of the housing. The busbar bridges 234A, 234B can include one or more arms 236A, 236B.

[0061] refer to Fig.16A and Fig. 16B , the lever connector 200 may include another embodiment of the busbar 230B. The busbar bridge portion 234A, 234B of the busbar 230B may include one or more arms 236A, 236B separated by gaps 238A, 238B. The bent tabs 276A, 276B of the fixed portion 272A, 272B of the resilient member 270A, 270B may be hooked on the one or more arms 236A, 236B. The size of the gap 238A, 238B is designed so that the narrow portion of the clamping portion 274A, 274B of the resilient member 270A, 270B can pass through the gap 238A, 238B.

[0062] refer to Fig.17A and Fig. 17B, the lever connector 200 may include two elastic members 270A, 270B. As described above, the elastic members 270A, 270B may be springs, such as flat springs or leaf springs. The elastic members 270A, 270B may be one or more bars, rods or segments of metal (or other elastic materials), or assemblies of these, which are formed to produce repeatable reaction forces when compressed or displaced and used for positioning or contacting. The elastic members 270A, 270B may provide repeatable reaction forces by contacting and applying forces to control motion or loads. The elastic members 270A, 270B may be of various sizes, types, materials, and mounting types or shapes. The elastic members 270A, 270B may include fixed portions 272A, 272B and clamping portions 274A, 274B. The fixing portions 272A, 272B may include bent tabs 276A, 276B connected to the arms 236A, 236B of the busbar bridges 234A, 234B. The clamping portions 274A, 274B may include bent ends 278A, 278B connected to the lifting mechanisms 254A, 254B. Fig.17A As shown, the clamping portions 274A, 274B may also include a pair of gaps 280A, 280B located between the clamping portions 274A, 274B and the bent ends 278A, 278B. The size and shape of the gaps 280A, 280B may be designed to pass through the busbar bridge portions 234A, 234B. Fig.18A and Fig.18B The busbar 230 and the elastic members 270A, 270B may be connected and engaged with each other within the housing 210 .

[0063] Figures 19A-19C Various views of another embodiment of a lever connector 300 configured to contact electrical conductors and / or electrical terminals are shown. Figures 19A-19C The lever connector 300 in may be an in-line lever connector, wherein one or more ports are in line with each other, for example, one port is in line with another port.

[0064] like Figures 19A-19C As shown, the lever connector 300 may include various components. For example, the lever connector 300 may include a housing 310 , a bus bar 330 located in the housing 310 , a lever mechanism 350 , and an elastic member 370 located in the housing 310 , the elastic member connecting the lever mechanism 350 to the bus bar 330 . Fig. 20A and Fig. 20B Various views of a bus bar 330 that may be used with the lever connector 300 are shown.

[0065] for Figures 19A-20B In the embodiment of the present invention, the features and components of the lever connector 300 are indicated by similar reference numerals under the "3XX" series of reference numerals, rather than Figure 1-8D The lever connector 100 or Figures 9A-18B The "1XX" or "2XX" features of the lever connector 200 in the embodiment of the present invention may be similar to the "3XX" features. Figure 1-8D Lever connector 100 or Figures 9A-18B Certain features of lever connector 300 that were described with respect to lever connector 200 in the previous embodiment may be described in less detail, or may not be described at all. In addition, any combination of features of lever connector 100 or lever connector 200 may be used with lever connector 300. Vice versa, any combination of features of lever connector 300 may be used with lever connector 100 or lever connector 200.

[0066] refer to Figures 19A-19C , the in-line lever connector 300 may be configured to contact an electrical conductor and / or an electrical terminal. The lever connector 300 may include a housing 310 having an insulating material. The housing 310 may include a first portion 310A and a second portion 310B in line with the first portion 310A. A bus bar 330 may be located within the housing 310, which includes a base surface 332, a first bus bar bridge portion 334A, and a second bus bar bridge portion 334B. The first bus bar bridge portion 334A may be located at a first end of the base surface 332 and extend away from the base surface 332. The second bus bar bridge portion 334B may be located at a second end of the base surface 332, which is opposite to the first end of the base surface 332 and extends away from the base surface 332 in the same direction as the first bus bar bridge portion 334B.

[0067] The lever connector 300 may include a first lever mechanism 350A located on the first portion 310A of the housing 310. The first lever mechanism 350A may include a first lever 352A located proximal to the first busbar bridge portion 334A and a first lifting mechanism 354A located on the distal side of the first busbar bridge portion 334A opposite to the proximal side of the first busbar bridge portion 334A. The first lever mechanism 350A may be connected to a first elastic member 370A located within the first portion 310A of the housing 310, the first elastic member 370A including a fixed portion 372A connected to the first busbar bridge portion 334A and a clamping portion 374A connected to the first lifting mechanism 354A. When the first lever 352A is actuated and lifted upward away from the first portion 310A of the housing 310, the first lifting mechanism 354A moves the clamping portion 374A of the first elastic member 370A to release away from the busbar base surface 332. When the lever 352A is closed and pushed downward, the clamping portion 374A of the elastic member 370A moves downward to firmly push the conductor 12 of the wire 10 against the bus bar 330 , thereby establishing electrical contact between the conductor 12 of the wire 10 and the bus bar 330 .

[0068] The lever connector 300 may also include a second lever mechanism 350B located on the second portion 310B of the housing 310, which is located in a straight line with the first lever mechanism 350A. The second lever mechanism 350B includes a second lever 352B located on the proximal side of the second busbar bridge portion 334B and a second lifting mechanism 354B located on the distal side of the second busbar bridge portion 334B opposite to the proximal side of the second busbar bridge portion 334B. The second lever mechanism 350B may be connected to a second elastic member 370B located in the second portion 310B of the housing 310. The second elastic member 370B includes a fixing portion 372B connected to the second busbar bridge portion 334B and a clamping portion 374B connected to the second lifting mechanism 354B. When the second lever 352B is actuated and lifted upward away from the second portion 310B of the housing 310, the second lifting mechanism 354B moves the clamping portion 374B of the second elastic member 370B to release away from the bus bar base surface 332. When the lever 352B is closed and pushed downward, the clamping portion 374B of the elastic member 370B moves downward to firmly push the conductor 12 of the wire 10 against the bus bar 330, thereby establishing electrical contact between the conductor 12 of the wire 10 and the bus bar 330.

[0069] Figures 21A-21EVarious views of another embodiment of a lever connector 400 for a printed circuit board (PCB) and configured to contact electrical conductors and / or electrical terminals to the PCB are shown. The lever connector 400 can take different types of devices and configurations, including but not limited to 1-port connectors, 2-port connectors, 3-port connectors, 5-port connectors, etc. For example, the lever connector 400 can be used to connect the wire 10 to the PCB assembly. Figures 21A-21E The lever connector 400 in FIG. 4 may be a lever connector that allows a product manufacturer or OEM to use lever technology to attach and remove the wire 10 for OEM applications to and from a PCB assembly.

[0070] like Figures 21A-21E As shown, the lever connector 400 may include various components. For example, the lever connector 400 may include a housing 410, a bus bar 430 located in the housing 410, a lever mechanism 450, and an elastic member 470 located in the housing 410 and connecting the lever mechanism 450 to the bus bar 430. Figures 21A-21E As shown, the lever connector 400 and the housing 410 may include one or more PCB connection terminals 420. The PCB connection terminals 420 may be Figures 21A-21E The pin form shown may also be other configurations, such as a flat portion, a clip, or other connections used with a PCB assembly. The lever connector 400 can be used with various PCB connection mechanisms (e.g., a through-hole PCB mounting mechanism, a surface mount PCB mechanism, a card edge connector PCB mechanism, etc.). The PCB connection terminal 420 can extend from a portion of the housing 410. The PCB connection terminal 420 can be connected to the bus bar 430 and / or be a part of the bus bar 430. The PCB connection terminal 420 can be used to connect the wires 10 to the lever connector 400, and then use the PCB connection terminal 420 to connect these wires 10 to the PCB assembly.

[0071] for Figures 21A-21E In the embodiment of the present invention, the features and components of the lever connector 400 are indicated by similar reference numerals under the "4XX" series of reference numerals, rather than for Figure 1-8D In the embodiment of the lever connector 100, Figures 9A-18B The lever connector 200 or Figures 19A-20B The lever connector 300 in the embodiment of the present invention uses "1XX", "2XX" or "3XX". The "1XX", "2XX" or "3XX" features may be similar to the "4XX" features. Therefore, the above has been directed to Figure 1-8D The lever connector 100, Figures 9A-18B Lever connector 200 or Figures 19A-20BCertain features of lever connector 400 described with respect to lever connector 300 in the foregoing description may be described in less detail, or may not be described at all. Furthermore, any combination of features of lever connector 100, lever connector 200, or lever connector 300 may be used with lever connector 400. Vice versa, any combination of features of lever connector 400 may be used with lever connector 100, lever connector 200, or lever connector 300.

[0072] Fig. 22 is a flow chart showing an illustrative method 500 for assembling a lever connector configured to contact an electrical conductor and / or an electrical terminal. The method may be performed for any of the lever connectors 100, 200, 300, or 400. Fig. 22 The steps of method 500 may include, for example, Figure 1-21E The steps described in relation to the lever connector 100, 200, 300 or 400 are described in relation to the lever connector 100, 200, 300 or 400. Fig. 22 The various operations shown in are described as being performed with respect to the lever connector 100, 200, 300, or 400, but one or more additional components and / or systems may perform one, some, or all of such operations (or portions thereof). Fig. 22 The order of the steps shown in the drawings may be changed, and / or one or more steps may be omitted, and / or one or more steps may be added. Figures 23A-23C Various views of the lever connector during assembly are shown.

[0073] In step 510, the method of assembling the lever connector may include sliding the clamping portion 174 of the resilient member 170 into the top end of the busbar bridging portion 134 of the busbar 130. In step 520, the method of assembling the lever connector may include hooking the fixing portion 172 of the resilient member 170 onto the top end of the busbar bridging portion 134 of the busbar 130. The fixing portion 172 may be hooked through a gap in the busbar bridging portion 134. In step 530, the method of assembling the lever connector may include lifting the clamping portion 174 of the resilient member 170 upward and sliding the lifting mechanism 154 of the lever mechanism 150 under the clamping portion 174 of the resilient member 170 (e.g., Fig.23A In step 540, the method of assembling the lever connector may include placing a subassembly including the elastic member 170, the bus bar 130 and the lever mechanism 150 in the first housing portion 110A of the housing (as shown). Fig. 23B ). In step 550, the method of assembling the lever connector may include lifting the lever 152 of the lever mechanism 150. In step 560, the method of assembling the lever connector may include inserting the cover portion 110B of the housing into the first housing portion 110A (as shown). Fig.23CThis step may also include inserting or assembling the two different parts of the housing, as described and detailed above.

[0074] In step 560, the method of assembling the lever connector may include fastening the first housing portion 110A to the cover portion 110B of the housing by one of the following means, or by some other fastening means known in the industry: welding, snap-fitting, heat-staking, gluing. This step may also include welding two or more housing portions of the housing together, as described and detailed above. Other methods of connecting two or more housing portions of the housing may be used, such as by snap-fitting, heat-staking, welding, or gluing, etc.

[0075] Many illustrative embodiments are listed below according to one or more aspects disclosed herein. Many of the embodiments listed below are described as being dependent on various embodiments, but the dependency is not limited and can be dependent on any embodiment described and contemplated by the present disclosure. In addition, the present disclosure contemplates that any one or more of the listed embodiments can be incorporated into one or more other embodiments.

[0076] The present technology is disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to various embodiments. However, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide examples of various features and concepts related to the technology, rather than to limit its scope. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A lever connector configured with a lever mechanism, wherein the lever connector is used to contact an electrical conductor and / or an electrical terminal, the lever connector comprising: A housing comprising insulating material; a bus bar located within the housing, comprising a base surface and a bus bar bridge portion extending away from the base surface; The lever mechanism includes a lever located on the proximal side of the busbar bridge portion and a lifting mechanism located on the distal side of the busbar bridge portion opposite to the proximal side of the busbar bridge portion and opposite to the lever position; and a resilient member located within the housing, comprising a fixing portion connected to the busbar bridge portion and a clamping portion connected to a lifting mechanism, wherein the lifting mechanism connected to the clamping portion of the resilient member is located on a distal side of the busbar bridge portion opposite to a proximal side of the busbar bridge portion, When the lever is actuated and lifted upward away from the housing, the lifting mechanism moves the clamping portion of the elastic member to release away from the busbar base surface, and when the lever is closed and pushed downward toward the housing, the lifting mechanism moves the clamping portion of the elastic member downward to push the electrical conductor against the busbar base surface, thereby establishing electrical contact between the electrical conductor and the busbar.

2. A lever connector configured with a lever mechanism, wherein the lever connector is used to contact an electrical conductor and / or an electrical terminal, the lever connector comprising: A housing comprising insulating material; a bus bar located within the housing, comprising a base surface and a bus bar bridge portion extending away from the base surface; A lever mechanism, comprising a lever and a lifting mechanism, wherein when the lever is actuated, the lifting mechanism slides in parallel along the busbar bridge portion, wherein the lifting mechanism is guided along the busbar bridge portion by a rear support surface of the lever mechanism, and when the lever is actuated and lifted upward away from the housing, the rear support surface engages with a housing support surface on the housing supporting the lever structure; and an elastic member located in the housing, comprising a fixing portion connected to the busbar bridge portion and a clamping portion connected to the lifting mechanism, When the lever is actuated and lifted upward away from the housing, the lifting mechanism slides upward along the busbar bridging portion, moving the clamping portion of the elastic member to release away from the busbar base surface, and when the lever is closed and pushed downward toward the housing, the lifting mechanism moves the clamping portion of the elastic member downward to push the electrical conductor against the busbar base surface, thereby establishing electrical contact between the electrical conductor and the busbar.

3. A lever connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lifting mechanism comprises a spring-lift lever arm portion connected to a clamping portion of the resilient member.

4. The lever connector of claim 1 , wherein the lifting mechanism includes a rear support surface that rests on and abuts a housing support surface in the housing to support the lever mechanism and help ensure that the lifting mechanism follows a path along the distal side of the busbar bridge.

5. The lever connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the elastic member is a leaf spring.

6. The lever connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lifting mechanism comprises a horizontal sliding pin connected to the housing, wherein the sliding pin slides within the housing when the lever mechanism is actuated.

7. The lever connector of claim 6, wherein the housing includes a channel for engaging the sliding pin, wherein the sliding pin slides within the channel when the lever mechanism is actuated.

8. The lever connector of claim 7, wherein the channel is a linear channel.

9. The lever connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing comprises a first housing portion and a second housing portion.

10. The lever connector of claim 9, wherein the first housing portion and the second housing portion are welded together.

11. The lever connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fixing portion of the elastic member comprises a tab connected to the busbar bridging portion. 12 . The lever connector according to claim 11 , wherein the tab of the elastic member includes a bent portion which is hooked and connected to the bus bar bridging portion.

13. The lever connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the clamping portion of the elastic member includes an end portion passing through the busbar bridge portion.

14. The lever connector according to claim 13, wherein an end of the clamping portion of the elastic member is connected to the lifting mechanism.

15. The lever connector according to claim 13, wherein an end portion of the clamping portion of the elastic member includes a bent portion which is hooked and connected to the lifting mechanism.

16. The lever connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the busbar bridge portion comprises two arms separated by a gap.

17. The lever connector according to claim 16, wherein the fixing portion of the elastic member is hooked on two arm portions in the bus bar bridge portion.

18. The lever connector of claim 16, wherein the clamping portion of the elastic member passes through a gap in the bus bar bridge portion.

19. The lever connector of claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing includes a conductor opening configured to receive one or more electrical wires.

20. A method for assembling the lever connector according to claim 1 or 2, the method comprising: Slide the clamping portion of the elastic member into the top end of the busbar bridge portion; Hooking the fixed part of the elastic member to the top of the busbar bridge portion; lifting the clamping portion of the elastic member upward and sliding the lifting mechanism of the lever mechanism under the clamping portion of the elastic member; placing a subassembly unit including a resilient member, a busbar, and a lever mechanism in the first housing portion; Lift the lever of the lever mechanism; inserting the cover portion of the housing into the first housing portion; as well as The first housing part is fastened to the cover part of the housing by one of the following means: welding, snapping, heat staking or gluing.

21. A lever connector configured to contact an electrical conductor and / or an electrical terminal, the lever connector comprising: A housing comprising insulating material; A busbar located within the housing, comprising a base surface, a first busbar bridge portion, and a second busbar bridge portion; a first lever mechanism, wherein the first lever mechanism includes a first lever located on a proximal side of the first busbar bridge portion and a first lifting mechanism located on a distal side of the first busbar bridge portion opposite to the proximal side of the first busbar bridge portion; a first resilient member located within the housing, comprising a fixed portion connected to the first busbar bridge portion and a clamping portion connected to a first lifting mechanism, wherein when the first lever is actuated and lifted upward and away from the housing, the first lifting mechanism moves the clamping portion of the first resilient member to release away from the busbar base surface, and when the first lever is closed and pushed downward toward the housing, the first lifting mechanism moves the clamping portion of the first resilient member downward to push the electrical conductor against the busbar base surface, thereby establishing electrical contact between the electrical conductor and the busbar; a second lever mechanism located on the housing, wherein the second lever mechanism includes a second lever located on a proximal side of the second busbar bridge portion and a second lifting mechanism located on a distal side of the second busbar bridge portion opposite to the proximal side of the second busbar bridge portion; and a second elastic member located in the housing, comprising a fixing portion connected to the second busbar bridge portion and a clamping portion connected to the second lifting mechanism, When the second lever is actuated and lifted upward away from the housing, the second lifting mechanism moves the clamping portion of the second elastic member to release away from the busbar base surface, and when the second lever is closed and pushed downward toward the housing, the second lifting mechanism moves the clamping portion of the second elastic member downward to push the electrical conductor against the busbar base surface, thereby establishing electrical contact between the electrical conductor and the busbar.

22. The lever connector of claim 21, wherein the housing includes a top side portion and a bottom side portion.

23. A lever connector according to claim 22, wherein the first busbar bridging portion is located at a first end of the base surface and extends from the base surface to the top side portion of the shell, and the second busbar bridging portion is located at a second end of the base surface opposite to the first end of the base surface and extends from the base surface to the bottom side portion of the shell.

24. The lever connector according to claim 22, wherein the first lever mechanism is located at a top side portion of the housing.

25. The lever connector according to claim 24, wherein the second lever mechanism is located at a bottom side portion of the housing at a position staggered with the first lever mechanism.

26. The lever connector of claim 22, wherein the first elastic member is located within a top side portion of the housing.

27. The lever connector according to claim 26, wherein the second elastic member is located in a bottom side portion of the housing.

28. A method for assembling a lever connector according to any one of claims 21 to 27, the method comprising: Sliding the clamping portion of the first elastic member into the top end of the first busbar bridge portion of the busbar; Hooking the fixing portion of the first elastic member onto the top end of the first busbar bridge portion of the busbar; Sliding the clamping portion of the second elastic member into the bottom end of the second busbar bridge portion of the busbar; Hooking the fixing portion of the second elastic member onto the bottom end of the second busbar bridge portion of the busbar; lifting the clamping portion of the first elastic member and sliding the first lifting mechanism of the first lever mechanism under the clamping portion of the first elastic member; lifting the clamping portion of the second elastic member and sliding the second lifting mechanism of the second lever mechanism under the clamping portion of the second elastic member; placing a first portion of a subassembly unit including first and second resilient members, a bus bar, and first and second lever mechanisms in a top side portion of the housing; placing a second portion of the subassembly unit in the bottom side portion of the housing; as well as The top side portion of the housing is fastened to the bottom side portion of the housing by one of the following means: welding, snapping, heat staking or gluing.

29. The lever connector of claim 21, wherein the housing includes a first portion and a second portion in line with the first portion.

30. The lever connector of claim 21, wherein the first busbar bridging portion is located on a first end of the base surface and extends away from the base surface, and the second busbar bridging portion is located on a second end of the base surface opposite to the first end of the base surface and extends away from the base surface.

31. The lever connector of claim 29, wherein the first lever mechanism is located on the first portion of the housing.

32. A lever connector according to claim 31, wherein the second lever mechanism is located on the second portion of the housing in line with the first lever mechanism.

33. The lever connector of claim 29, wherein the first resilient member is located within the first portion of the housing.

34. The lever connector of claim 33, wherein the second resilient member is located within the second portion of the housing.

35. A method for assembling a lever connector according to any one of claims 21 and 29 to 34, the method comprising: Sliding the clamping portion of the first elastic member into the top end of the first busbar bridge portion of the busbar; Hooking the fixing portion of the first elastic member to the top end of the first busbar bridge portion of the busbar; Sliding the clamping portion of the second elastic member into the top end of the second busbar bridge portion of the busbar; Hooking the fixing portion of the second elastic member to the top end of the second busbar bridge portion of the busbar; lifting the clamping portion of the first elastic member and sliding the first lifting mechanism of the first lever mechanism under the clamping portion of the first elastic member; lifting the clamping portion of the second elastic member and sliding the second lifting mechanism of the second lever mechanism under the clamping portion of the second elastic member; placing a first portion of a subassembly unit including first and second resilient members, a bus bar, and first and second lever mechanisms in a first portion of the housing; placing a second portion of the subassembly unit in the second portion of the housing; as well as The first part of the housing is fastened to the second part of the housing by one of the following means: welding, snapping, heat staking or gluing.

36. The lever connector of claim 21, wherein the housing includes a first portion and a cover portion placed on top of the first portion.

37. A lever connector according to claim 21, wherein the first busbar bridging portion is located on a first lateral side of the base surface and extends away from the base surface, and the second busbar bridging portion is located on a second lateral side of the base surface opposite to the first lateral side of the base surface and extends away from the base surface.

38. The lever connector of claim 36, wherein the first lever mechanism is located on the housing.

39. The lever connector according to claim 38, wherein the second lever mechanism is located on the housing, adjacent to and side by side with the first lever mechanism.

40. The lever connector of claim 36, wherein the first resilient member is located within the housing.

41. The lever connector according to claim 40, wherein the second elastic member is located within the housing.

42. The lever connector of claim 36, wherein the housing includes one or more PCB terminal connectors protruding from the housing.

43. The lever connector of claim 42, wherein one or more PCB terminal connectors form an electrical connection with the PCB assembly.

44. A method for assembling a lever connector according to any one of claims 21 and 36 to 43, the method comprising: Sliding the clamping portion of the first resilient member into the top end of the first busbar bridge portion of the busbar; Hooking the fixing portion of the first elastic member onto the top end of the first busbar bridge portion of the busbar; Sliding the clamping portion of the second resilient member into the top end of the second busbar bridge portion of the busbar; Hooking the fixing portion of the second elastic member onto the top end of the second busbar bridge portion of the busbar; lifting the clamping portion of the first elastic member and sliding the first lifting mechanism of the first lever mechanism under the clamping portion of the first elastic member; lifting the clamping portion of the second elastic member and sliding the second lifting mechanism of the second lever mechanism under the clamping portion of the second elastic member; placing a subassembly unit including first and second resilient members, a bus bar, and first and second lever mechanisms in the first portion of the housing; as well as The cover portion is fastened to the first portion of the housing by one of the following means: welding, snapping, heat staking or gluing.

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