Lever connector for electrical conductor

Abstract

A lever connector for contacting an electrical conductor has numerous 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 on a proximal side of the busbar bridge and a lift mechanism on a distal side of the busbar bridge opposite the proximal side of the busbar bridge. When the lever is actuated and lifted upward away from the housing, the lift mechanism moves the resilient member to release away from the busbar. When the lever is closed and pushed downward toward the housing, the lift mechanism moves the resilient member downward to urge the electrical conductor against the busbar, thereby enabling electrical contact between the electrical conductor and the busbar.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 383,855, filed on November 15, 2022, the content of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety for any and all non - limiting purposes, and this application is also a continuation - in - part of U.S. Application No. 18 / 195,661, filed on May 10, 2023. Technical Field

[0003] Aspects described herein generally relate to electrical conductors. More specifically, aspects of the present disclosure relate to lever connectors for electrical conductors and methods of 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 the lever open, and / or lever connectors with reduced dimensions (e.g., height and / or width). Background Art

[0004] Lever connectors can be used to electrically connect electrical wires, such as electrical stranded wires. While there are other types of electrical connectors for wires and conductors (e.g., twist - on connectors, crimp - on connectors, and / or push - in connectors), lever connectors are generally considered to have several advantages over these other wire - connection methods. However, current lever connectors have various drawbacks, which one or more embodiments disclosed herein will address. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0005] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments, can be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the claimed invention.

[0006] Figure 1 A perspective view of a lever connector according to one embodiment is shown.

[0007] Figures 2A - 2C Shows Figure 1 various views of an exemplary lever connector with a wire inserted into the lever connector according to an embodiment.

[0008] Figures 3A - 3C Shows various views of the lever connector according to one embodiment in Figure 1 ...

[0009] Figures 4A - 4C And Figures 5A - 5B Shows various views of the housing of the lever connector according to one embodiment in Figure 1 ...

[0010] Figure 6A AndFigure 6B Shows various views of the lifting mechanism of the lever connector in Figure 1 accordance with one embodiment.

[0011] Figure 7A and Figure 7B Shows various views of the elastic member of the lever connector in Figure 1 accordance with one embodiment.

[0012] Figure 7C and Figure 7D Shows various views of another elastic member of the lever connector in accordance with one embodiment.

[0013] Figures 8A - 8D Shows various views of the bus bar of the lever connector in Figure 1 accordance with one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 8E and Figure 8F Shows various views of another bus bar of the lever connector in accordance with one embodiment.

[0015] Figures 9A - 9D Shows various views of another lever connector in the open configuration in accordance with one embodiment.

[0016] Figures 10A - 10D Shows various views of the lever connector in the closed configuration in Figures 9A - 9D accordance with one embodiment.

[0017] Figures 11A - 11D Shows cross-sectional views of the lever connector in various configurations in Figures 9A - 9D and Figures 10A - 10D accordance with one embodiment.

[0018] Figures 12A - 12C Shows various views of the first housing part of the lever connector in Figures 9A - 9D and Figures 10A - 10D accordance with one embodiment.

[0019] Figures 12D - 12F Shows various views of the second housing part of the lever connector in Figures 9A - 9D and Figures 10A - 10D accordance with one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 13 Shows the first housing part and the second housing part in accordance with one embodiment. Figures 12A - 12F

[0021] Figures 14A - 14D Shows in accordance with one embodiment Figures 9A - 9D and​Figures 10A - 10D Various views of the lifting mechanism of the lever connector in

[0022] Figure 15A and Figure 15B show various views of a bus bar for a lever connector according to one embodiment.

[0023] Figure 16A and Figure 16B show various views of another bus bar for a lever connector according to one embodiment.

[0024] Figure 17A and Figure 17B show according to one embodiment Figures 9A - 9D and Figures 10A - 10D various views of the elastic member of the lever connector in

[0025] Figure 18A and Figure 18B show according to one embodiment Figures 9A - 9D and Figures 10A - 10D various views of the bus bar and the elastic member of the lever connector of

[0026] Figures 19A - 19C show various views of another lever connector according to one embodiment.

[0027] Figure 20A and Figure 20B show according to one embodiment for Figures 19A - 19C the bus bar of the lever connector in

[0028] Figures 21A - 21E show various views of another lever connector according to one embodiment.

[0029] Figure 22 is a flowchart showing an example method for assembling a lever connector configured to contact an electrical conductor terminal according to one embodiment.

[0030] Figures 23A - 23C show various views of the lever connector of an example method for assembling a lever connector configured to contact an electrical conductor terminal according to one embodiment.

[0031] Figures 24A - 24F show various views of another lever mechanism, a housing, and a cover portion having a snap-fit interface according to one embodiment. Detailed Description

[0032] In the following description of various examples of a lever connector for contacting electrical conductor terminals and components according to the present technology, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings that form a part of the present technology, and various example structures and environments in which aspects of the present technology may be practiced are shown by way of example in the drawings. It should be understood that other structures and environments may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, and structural and functional improvements may be made to the specifically described structures, functions, and methods.

[0033] According to one aspect of an embodiment, a lever connector for contacting electrical conductor terminals may include features and improvements over other lever connectors. For example, features of the lever connector may include an enhanced lever opening force. In another example, features of the lever connector may include a lever connector that can be shipped with the lever in an open configuration when required by an original equipment manufacturer (OEM). Additionally, in another example, features of the lever connector may allow the lever connector to be smaller and / or shorter in height.

[0034] Figure 1 An exemplary lever connector 100 configured to contact electrical conductors and / or electrical terminals is shown. The lever connector 100 can be used in various electrical connection applications. Types of electrical connectors for wires and conductors can include lever connectors, twist-on connectors, crimp connectors, and / or push-on connectors. It is well known that the lever connector 100 has various advantages over other wire connection methods. For example, the lever connector 100 can provide a beneficial and advantageous connection method for higher gauge and / or smaller diameter wires. Additionally, the lever connector 100 can also provide an application connection mechanism when removing the wire from the connection mechanism. The lever connector 100 can be used to articulate any wire, such as 10 to 20 gauge (AWG) wire (or equivalent dimensions in mm 2 ), as well as wires of other dimensions, without departing from the present invention.

[0035] Figures 2A - 2C An illustration of how the exemplary lever connector 100 operates and functions is shown. As Figure 2A shown, the lever connector 100 can be used with a lever 152 to allow a wire 10 containing a bare conductor 12 to be inserted into the lever connector 100. The conductor 12 can be a copper conductor or other types of conductors without departing from the present invention. As Figure 2BAs shown, the lever 152 can be flipped downward and / or pressed. Flipping the lever 152, which is in the closed position and in which the wire 10 is located, will allow the elastic member or spring 170 to firmly push the wire 10 against the bottom surface 132 of the bus bar 130. When the elastic member 170 pushes the conductor 12 of the wire 10 against the bottom 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 elastic member 170 can also "bite" and grip the conductor 12 of the wire 10, thereby holding the wire 10 in the lever connector 100. Figure 2C Two conductors 12 of two wires 10 in contact with each other through the bus bar 130 are shown (with the housing and lever hidden). When repeating the steps described for Figure 2B the additional wires in the other ports of the lever connector 100, the conductors 12 of the wires 10 are in electrical contact with the bus bar 130 and thus in electrical contact with each other because the bus bar 130 carries current. Figure 2C The multiple elastic members 170 in [reference] are shown as not being connected to each other and without any lateral connecting members. It should be noted that the elastic members 170 can be connected to each other without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0036] The lever connector 100 can present different types of devices and configurations, including but not limited to 2-port connectors, 3-port connectors, 5-port connectors, etc. Figures 3A - 3C Shown is Figure 1 various other views of the lever connector 100 in [reference]. Figure 1 and Figures 3A - 3C The lever connector 100 in [reference] can be a side-by-side lever connector, where two or more different ports are next to and / or adjacent to each other.

[0037] As Figure 1 and Figures 3A - 3C shown, the lever connector 100 can include various components. For example, the lever connector 100 can include a housing 110, a bus bar 130 located within the housing 110, one or more lever mechanisms 150, and one or more elastic members 170 located within the housing 110 for connecting the lever mechanism 150 to the bus bar 130. Figures 4A - 4C , Figures 5A - 5B , Figures 6A - 6B , Figures 7A - 7B and Figures 8A - 8D show various views of these components of the lever connector 100. Specifically, Figures 4A - 4C and Figures 5A - 5B show various views of the housing 110 of the lever connector 100. Figure 6A and Figure 6B show various views of the lever mechanism 150 of the lever connector 100.

[0038] Figure 7A and Figure 7B show various views of the elastic member 170 of the lever connector 100. Figures 8A - 8D show various views of the bus bar 130 of the lever connector 100.

[0039] Figure 3C show Figure 3A a cross-sectional view of the lever connector 100 in Figure 3C show various components within the lever connector 100. As shown, the lever connector 100 includes a housing 110. The housing 110 can be made of an insulating material to insulate the housing 110 and the electrical connections within the lever connector 100. The housing 110 can contain various components. The housing 110 can contain various housing portions, such as a top housing portion 110A and a bottom housing portion 110B. Without departing from the present invention, there can be multiple housing portions that are part of the housing 110. The housing 110 can contain lateral housing portions, top housing portions, and bottom housing portions or various other types of housing portions. The housing portions 110A and 110B can be mechanically connected together by various methods known and used in the art (such as snapping, welding, fastening, gluing, etc.). In another embodiment, the housing portions 110A, 110B can be welded together. The housing 110 can also include one or more conductor openings 116 in which wires 10 can be placed to electrically connect the wires 10. The housing 110 can also include a housing support surface 114. The housing support surface 114 can engage a portion of the lever mechanism 150. As will be explained in more detail below, the housing support surface 114 can facilitate guiding the lever mechanism 150 along the bus bar 130 to ensure that when the lever 152 on the lever mechanism 150 is actuated, the lever mechanism 150 follows a path along the bus bar 130.

[0040] The bus bar 130 can be located within the housing 110. The bus bar 130 can include a base surface 132 and one or more bus bar bridging portions 134 extending from the base surface 132. Additionally, the bus bar bridging portions 134 can include one or more arm portions 136 extending from the base surface 132. The bus bar 130 can be made of a highly conductive material to transmit current between the conductors 12 of the wires 10. For example, the bus bar 130 can be made of copper.

[0041] The lever mechanism 150 can also be at least partially located within the housing 110. The lever mechanism 150 can include a lever 152 and a lifting mechanism 154. When the lever mechanism 150 is in a closed configuration, the lever 152 can lie flat on the top portion of the housing 110. The lever 152 can be actuated and lifted upward away from the housing 110, thereby moving the lever connector 100 and the lever mechanism 150 to an open configuration. As Figure 3CAs shown, the lever 152 can be located proximal to the bus bar bridging portion 134, while the lifting mechanism 154 can be located distal to the bus bar bridging portion 134 on the opposite side of the bus bar bridging portion 134.

[0042] The elastic member 170 can also be positioned within the housing 110. The elastic member 170 can be a spring, such as a leaf spring. Without departing from the present invention, the elastic member 170 can also be other elastic structures. The elastic member 170 can include a fixed portion 172 and a clamping portion 174. The fixed portion 172 can be connected to the bus bar bridging portion 134 through a bending tab 176 of the elastic member 170. The clamping portion 174 can be connected to the lifting mechanism 154 of the lever mechanism 150 through the second end 178 of the elastic member 170. The lifting mechanism 154 connected to the clamping portion 174 of the elastic member 170 can be located distal to the bus bar bridging portion 134 opposite to the proximal side of the bus bar bridging portion 134. When the lever 152 is actuated and lifted upward away from the housing 110, the lifting mechanism 154 can move the clamping portion 174 of the elastic member 170 to release it away from the bus bar base surface 132. When the lever 152 is closed and pushed downward, the clamping portion 174 of the elastic member 170 moves downward to push the conductor 12 of the wire 10 firmly against the bus bar 130, thereby achieving electrical contact between the conductor 12 of the wire 10 and the bus bar 130.

[0043] The elastic member 170 or the spring can be made of a high-strength material, which enables the elastic member 170 to bend significantly without permanent deformation. The spring material can also be harder than the copper conductor 12 in the wire 10, which will enable the elastic member 170 and the second end 178 of the elastic member 170 to "bite" the copper conductor 12 of the wire 10. The spring material may not be good at conducting electric current.

[0044] Reference Figures 4A - 4C and Figures 5A - 5B , the lever connector 100 can include a housing 110 for holding the components of the lever connector 100. The housing 110 can be made of various insulating materials known and used in the art. As Figures 4A - 4C shown, the housing 110 can include a top portion 110A or a lid. As Figure 5A and Figure 5B shown, the housing 110 can include a bottom portion 110B. The housing 110 can include a conductor opening 116 in which the wire is placed to electrically connect the wire. The housing 110 can also include one or more housing support surfaces 114. The housing support surfaces 114 can engage a part of the lever mechanism 150 (e.g., with the rear support surface 158), thereby guiding the lifting mechanism 154 to ensure that the lifting mechanism 154 follows a path along the distal side of the bus bar bridging portion 134.

[0045] ReferenceFigure 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 and toward the housing 110 to establish an electrical connection for the lever connector 100. The lever mechanism 150 may also include one or more spring-loaded lever arm portions 156. The spring-loaded lever arm portions 156 may extend away from the lever 152 and into the housing 110. At the end of the spring-loaded lever arm portions 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 abut and be adjacent to a 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 distal to the busbar bridging portion 134.

[0046] In addition, in some embodiments, the lever mechanism 150 may be made of a rigid material such that the actuating element can be positioned to be only on one side of the resilient member 170 (e.g., a spring). At least one advantage of this positioning is that it can allow for a smaller / shorter size of the lever connector. For example, when the actuating portion of the lever mechanism 150 is on more than one side of the spring (e.g., above, below, left, and / or right), this may result in an increase in the size of the lever connector 100. For a variety of reasons, a smaller / shorter-sized lever connector 100 is desirable, including but not limited to the ability to be installed in a smaller space and the ability to install multiple lever connectors into one space.

[0047] Figures 24A - 24F Another embodiment of the lever connector 100 is shown, which includes one or more snap interfaces (also referred to herein as snap features) 151, 153 for holding and snapping the lever mechanism 150 in an open configuration or a closed configuration. Figures 24A - 24F The lever connector shown in shows one or more snap interfaces that utilize the inherent directional flexibility of the lever mechanism 150 in the spring-loaded lever arm portions 156 and the plasticity of other components. One of these snap interfaces 151 may be used for the "closed position" of the lever mechanism 150, and another snap interface 153 may be used for the "open position" of the lever mechanism 150. Figure 24A A lever connector 100 is shown that includes a housing 110, a cover portion 111 located in the rear region of the housing 110, and one or more lever mechanisms 150. Figure 24ASpecifically shown are one lever mechanism 150 in an open configuration and two lever mechanisms 150 in a closed configuration. In some embodiments, multiple snap interfaces may be provided on the same surface of the lever and / or the housing, such as an open snap interface and a closed snap interface on the same surface.

[0048] The lever connector 100 may include an open snap interface 151 and a closed snap interface 153. The open snap interface 151 and the closed snap interface 153 may include female snap interfaces 151F, 153F and male snap interfaces 151M, 153M. For the open snap interface 151, the lever connector 150 may include one or more male snap interfaces 151M that engage with one or more female snap interfaces 151F. The male snap interfaces 151M, 153M may be shallow recesses, bumps, or other types of protrusions or extrusion structures for engaging with the female snap interfaces 151F, 153F. The female snap interfaces 151F, 153F may be pockets, holes, or other types of recessed structures or depressions for engaging with the male snap interfaces 151M, 153M. The male snap interfaces 151M, 153M may be positioned along the lever mechanism 150, the housing 110, or the lid portion 111. The female snap interfaces 151F, 153F may also be positioned along the lever mechanism 150, the housing 110, or the lid portion 111. The engagement between the female snap interfaces 151F, 153F and the male snap interfaces 151M, 153M may snap and hold the lever mechanism 150 in various configurations on the housing 110. The lever mechanism 150 may be snapped and held in an open or closed position. Other interfaces between the lever mechanism 150 and the housing 110 may be used to hold the lever mechanism 150 in an open or closed position.

[0049] Figure 24B An exemplary lever mechanism 150 with snap interfaces is shown. The lever mechanism 150 may include an open male snap interface 151M and a closed female snap interface 153F located on two symmetric inner walls (one inner wall is shown) of the lever mechanism 150. The open snap interface 151 may be a male snap interface or a female snap interface. The closed snap interface 153 may be a male snap interface or a female snap interface.

[0050] Figure 24C An exemplary housing 110 with snap interfaces is shown. The housing 110 may include a closed snap interface 153. As Figure 24C shown, the housing 110 includes a closed male snap interface 153M. The closed male snap interface 153M on the housing 110 is positioned to engage and snap with the closed female snap interface 153F on the lever mechanism 150, thereby snapping and holding the lever mechanism 150 in a closed configuration. Figure 24DShows a cross-section of a snap interface in a closed configuration between a closed male snap interface 153M on the housing 110 positioned to engage and snap with a closed female snap interface 153F on the lever mechanism 150.

[0051] Figure 24E Shows an exemplary cover portion 111 with a snap interface. The cover portion 111 may include an open snap interface 151. As Figure 24E shown, the cover portion 111 includes an open female snap interface 151F. The open female snap interface 151F on the cover portion 111 is positioned to engage and snap with an open male snap interface 151M on the lever mechanism 150, thereby snapping and holding the lever mechanism 150 in an open configuration. Figure 24F Shows a cross-section of the snap interface in an open configuration between the open female snap interfaces 151F on the cover portion 111, which is positioned to engage and snap with the open male snap interfaces 151M on the lever mechanism 150.

[0052] As described above, the snap interfaces 151, 153 can adopt various configurations without departing from the present invention. The male and female parts of the snap interfaces 151, 153 can be located on any one of the lever mechanism 150, the housing 110, or the cover portion 111 to engage with the other of the male or female parts of the snap interfaces 151, 153 on the corresponding component, and to snap and hold the lever mechanism 150 in an open configuration or a closed configuration. In addition, the snap interfaces 151, 153 can be used with any of the lever connectors described and detailed.

[0053] Referring Figure 7A and Figure 7B , the lever connector 100 may include an elastic member 170. As described above, the elastic member 170 can be a spring, such as a flat spring or a leaf spring. The elastic member 170 can be one or more metal strips, metal rods, or metal segments (or other elastic materials), or a combination thereof, formed to produce a repeatable reaction force when compressed or displaced, and for positioning or contacting. The elastic member 170 can provide a repeatable reaction force by making contact and applying force to control movement or load. The elastic member 170 can have various sizes, types, materials, and mounting types or shapes. The elastic member 170 may include a fixed portion 172 and a clamping portion 174. The fixed portion 172 may include a bent tab 176 of an arm portion 136 connected to the bus bar bridging portion 134. The clamping portion 174 may include a bent end 178 connected to the lifting mechanism 154. As Figure 7AAs shown, the clamping portion 174 may further include a pair of gaps 180 located between the clamping portion 174 and the bent end 178. The size and shape of the gaps 180 may allow them to pass through the bus bar bridging portion 134. The clamping portion 174 and the bent end 178 may be configured to bite the conductor 12 of the wire and hold the conductor 12 of the wire against the base surface 132 of the bus bar 130.

[0054] Reference Figure 7C and Figure 7D , the elastic member 170 may include a cut bead or open edge 179 on the bent end 178 of the clamping portion 174. The open edge 179 may extend along the length of the bent end 178. Without departing from the present invention, the open edge 179 may extend along different lengths of the bent end 178. The open edge 179 may be defined with a chamfered or cut bead along the bent end 178. The open edge 179 may facilitate the connection between the clamping portion 174 and the lifting mechanism 154.

[0055] Reference 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 be flatly placed within the housing 110. The base surface 132 may include one or more bus bar bridging portions 134 extending away from the base surface 132. The bus bar bridging portions 134 may extend perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the base surface 132. As Figures 8A - 8D shown, the bus bar 130 includes two bus bar bridging portions 134 both located on one side of the base surface 132, and the two bus bar bridging portions 134 extend away from the base surface 132 in the same direction. The bus bar bridging portion 134 may include one or more arm portions separated by a gap 138. The bent tabs 176 of the fixed portion 172 of the elastic member 170 may be hooked on the one or more arm portions. The size of the gap 138 is designed such that the narrow portion of the clamping portion 174 of the elastic member 170 can pass through the gap 138.

[0056] Reference Figure 8E and Figure 8F , the bus bar 130 may include one or more bus bar bridging portions 134 extending away from the base surface 132. The bus bar bridging portions 134 may extend in a bent or arcuate direction as Figure 8E and Figure 8F shown. Without departing from the present invention, the bus bar bridging portions 134 may adopt various curves and arcs. The bus bar bridging portion 134 may include one or more arm portions, and these arm portions may include gaps (as Figures 8A - 8D and Figure 8F shown) or may not include gaps (as Figure 8E shown). In addition, as Figure 8E shown, the base surface 132 may be curved, or asFigure 8F As shown, it can be flat. When the base surface 132 is curved, the base surface forming the clamping connection (e.g., Figure 8E the upward-facing surface in ) can be convex. In other words, in some embodiments, the bus bar bridging portion 134 can extend away from the protruding base surface 132.

[0057] Figures 9A - 9D and Figures 10A - 10D show various views of a second embodiment of a lever connector 200 configured to contact an electrical conductor and / or an electrical terminal. Specifically, Figures 9A - 9D shows the lever connector 200 in an open configuration, Figures 10A - 10D shows the lever connector 200 in a closed configuration. Figures 9A - 9D and Figures 10A - 10D The lever connector 200 in can be a double-sided staggered lever connector with a lever mechanism 250 on each of the opposite sides of the bus bar 230.

[0058] As Figures 9A - 9D and Figures 10A - 10D shown, the lever connector 200 can include various components. For example, the lever connector 200 can include a housing 210 composed of a first housing part 210A and a second housing part 210B, a bus bar 230 located within the housing 210, two lever mechanisms 250A, 250B, and two elastic members 270A, 270B located within the housing 210 that connect the lever mechanisms 250A, 250B to the bus bar 230. Figures 11A - 11D shows a cross-sectional view of the lever connector 200 in various configurations (from the fully open configuration in Figure 11A to the fully closed configuration in Figure 11D ). Figures 12A - 12F , Figures 14A - 14D , Figures 15A - 15B , Figures 16A - 16B , Figures 17A - 17B and Figures 18A - 18B show various views and embodiments of these components of the lever connector 200. Specifically, Figures 12A - 12C shows various views of the first housing part 210A of the lever connector 200. Figures 12D - 12F shows various views of the second housing part 210B of the lever connector 200. Figure 13 shows the first housing part 210A and the second housing part 210B that constitute the housing 210 of the lever connector 200. Figures 14A - 14D shows various views of the lever mechanism 250 of the lever connector 200. Figure 15A and Figure 15B show various views of a first embodiment of the bus bar 230A for the lever connector 200. Figure 16A andFigure 16B Shows various views of a second embodiment of the bus bar 230B for the lever connector 200. Figure 17A And Figure 17B Shows various views of the elastic member 270 of the lever connector 200. Figure 18A And Figure 18B Shows various views of the bus bar 230 and the elastic member 270 of the lever connector 200.

[0059] For Figures 9A - 18B the embodiment shown, like reference numerals in the "2XX" series are used to refer to the features and components of the lever connector 200, rather than the "1XX" used for the lever connector 100 in the Figures 1 - 8D embodiment. The "1XX" features may be similar to the "2XX" features. Thus, for certain features of the lever connector 200 that have been described above for the Figures 1 - 8D lever connector 100, they may be described less detail or not at all. Additionally, 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.

[0060] Referring to Figures 9A - 9D , the lever connector 200 may be in a fully open configuration. Referring to Figures 10A - 10D , the lever connector 200 may be in a fully closed configuration. Figure 9C Shows Figure 9A a cross-sectional view of the lever connector 200 in Figure 9D Shows Figure 9B a cross-sectional view of the lever connector 200 in Figure 10C where the lever connector 200 is in an open configuration. Figure 10A Shows Figure 10D a cross-sectional view of the lever connector 200 in Figure 10BCross-sectional view of the lever connector 200 in , where the lever connector is in a closed configuration. As shown, the lever connector 200 includes a housing 210. The housing 210 can be made of an insulating material to isolate the electrical connections within the housing 210 and the lever connector 200. The housing 210 can include various components. The housing 210 can include a plurality of housing parts, such as a top-side part 210A and a bottom-side part 210B. Without departing from the present invention, there can be a plurality of housing parts that are part of the housing 210. The housing parts 210A, 210B can be mechanically connected together by various methods known and used in the art, such as snap-fit, welding, gluing, fastening, etc. In another embodiment, the housing parts 210A, 210B can be welded together. The housing 210 can also include conductor openings 216A and 216B in which wires 10 can be placed to electrically connect the wires 10. The housing 210 can also include housing support surfaces 214A, 214B. The housing support surfaces 214A, 214B can engage a portion of the lever mechanisms 250A, 250B. As will be explained in more detail below, the housing support surfaces 214A, 214B can help guide the lever mechanisms 250A, 250B along the bus bar 230 to ensure that when the levers 252A, 252B on the lever mechanisms 250A, 250B are actuated, the lever mechanisms 250A, 250B follow a path along the bus bar 230.

[0061] The bus bar 230 can be located within the housing 210. The bus bar 230 can include a base surface 232 and two bus bar bridging portions 234A, 234B. The first bus bar bridging portion 234A can be located at the first end of the base surface 232, while the second bus bar bridging portion 234B can be located at the second end of the base surface 232 opposite the first end. The first bus bar bridging portion 234A can extend towards the top-side part 210A of the housing 210 and away from the base surface 232. The second bus bar bridging portion 234B can extend towards the bottom-side part 210B of the housing 210 and away from the base surface 232. In addition, the bus bar bridging portions 234A, 234B can include two arm portions 236 extending from the base surface 232.

[0062] The first lever mechanism 250A can be at least partially located within the top-side part 210A of the housing 210. The second lever mechanism 250B can be at least partially located within the bottom-side part 210B of the housing 210. The lever mechanisms 250A, 250B can include levers 252A, 252B and lifting mechanisms 254A, 254B. As Figure 9C and Figure 9D shown, when the first lever mechanism 250A is in an open configuration, the first lever 252A can be fully raised from the top-side part 210A of the housing 210. As Figure 9C and Figure 9DAs 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 and toward the housing 210 to move the lever mechanisms 250A, 250B to the closed configuration, as Figure 10C and Figure 10D shown. The first lever 252A can be located proximal to the first busbar bridging portion 234A, while the first lifting mechanism 254A can be located distal to the first busbar bridging portion 234A on the opposite side of the first busbar bridging portion 234A. The second lever 252B can be located proximal to the second busbar bridging portion 234B, while the second lifting mechanism 254B can be located distal to the second busbar bridging portion 234B on the opposite side of the second busbar bridging portion 234B. The lifting mechanisms 254A, 254B can also include one or more sliding pins 260. The sliding pins 260 can project outward in a direction opposite to the lifting mechanisms 254A, 254B. The sliding pins 260 can be horizontal sliding pins. The sliding pins 260 can be connected to and slide within the housing 210. When the lever mechanisms 250A, 250B are actuated, the sliding pins 260 can slide within the housing 210. The sliding pins 260 can slide within channels 218A, 218B within the housing 210 for engagement with the sliding pins 260.

[0063] Two elastic members 270A and 270B may also be provided within the housing 210. The elastic members 270A and 270B may be springs, such as leaf springs. The elastic members 270A and 270B may be other elastic structures without departing from the present invention. The elastic members 270A and 270B may include fixed portions 272A and 272B and clamping portions 274A and 274B. The fixed portions 272A and 274B may be connected to the bus bar bridging portions 234A and 234B through the bending tabs 276A and 276B of the elastic members 270A and 270B. The clamping portions 274A and 274B may be connected to the lifting mechanisms 254A and 254B of the lever mechanisms 250A and 250B through the second ends 278A and 278B of the elastic members 270A and 270B. The lifting mechanisms 254A and 254B connected to the clamping portions 274A and 274B of the elastic members 270A and 270B may be located on the far sides of the bus bar bridging portions 234A and 234B opposite to the near sides of the bus bar bridging portions 234A and 234B. When the levers 252A and 252B are actuated and lifted upward and away from the housing 210, the lifting mechanisms 254A and 254B may move the clamping portions 274A and 274B of the elastic members 270A and 270B to release away from the bus bar base surface 232. When the levers 252A and 252B are closed and pushed downward, the clamping portions 274A and 274B of the elastic members 270A and 270B move downward, pushing the conductor 12 of the wire 10 firmly against the bus bar 230, thereby making electrical contact between the conductor 12 of the wire 10 and the bus bar 230.

[0064] Figures 11A - 11D Shows the lever connector 200 in various configurations from Figure 11A the fully open configuration in Figure 11D to the fully closed configuration in Figures 11A - 11D A cross-sectional view of. Figure 11A Shows the movement of the lever 252 from Figure 11D the fully open configuration in

[0065] As Figure 11A shown, the lever connector 200 is in the fully open configuration. The lever 252 may be positioned substantially perpendicular to the housing 210. In the fully open configuration, the lifting mechanism 254 and the clamping portion 274 of the elastic member 250 may be located near the ends of the bus bar bridging portion 234. In addition, in the fully open configuration, the clamping portion 274 of the elastic member 270 may be released and away from the base surface 232 of the bus bar 230.

[0066] Figure 11BShows the lever connector 200 and the lever 252 being pushed towards the fully closed configuration and away from the open configuration. The lever 252 can be actuated downward, pushed downward, and rotated towards the housing 210. As Figure 11B shown, the lifting mechanism 254 and the clamping portion 274 of the elastic member 270 can begin to slide downward and parallel against the bus bar bridging portion 234 towards the base surface 232 of the bus bar 230. In Figure 11B it, the rear support surface 258 rotates against and 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 distal side of the bus bar bridging portion 234. As the lifting mechanism 254 moves and slides along the bus bar bridging portion 234, the clamping portion 274 of the elastic member 270 moves towards the base surface 232 of the bus bar 230.

[0067] Figure 11C Shows the lever connector 200 and the lever 252 continuing to be pushed towards the fully closed configuration and away from the open configuration. The lever 252 can continue to be actuated downward, pushed downward, and rotated towards the housing 210. As Figure 11C shown, the lifting mechanism 254 and the clamping portion 274 of the elastic member 270 can continue to slide downward and parallel against the bus bar bridging portion 234 closer towards the base surface 232 of the bus bar 230. In Figure 11C it, the rear support surface 258 continues to rotate and abuts against and 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 distal side of the bus bar bridging portion 234. As the lifting mechanism 254 moves and slides along the bus bar bridging portion 234, the clamping portion 274 of the elastic member 270 moves closer to the base surface 232 of the bus bar 230.

[0068] As Figure 11D shown, the lever connector 200 is in the fully closed configuration. The lever 252 can lie flat against 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 the conductor of the wire, and push the conductor of the wire firmly against the bus bar 230, thereby making 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 against and be adjacent to the housing support surface 214 of the housing 210. In addition, in the fully closed configuration, the fixed portion 272 and the clamping portion 274 of the elastic member 270 can be completely separated.

[0069] Refer to Figures 12A - 12F, the lever connector 200 may include a top-side housing portion 210A and a bottom-side housing portion 210B. Additionally referring to Figure 13 , the lever connector 200 may include a housing 210 formed by the top-side housing portion 210A and the bottom-side housing portion 210B. The housing 210 may include conductor openings 216A, 216B in which the conductors of the wire 10 may be placed to electrically connect the wire 10. The housing 210 may further include housing support surfaces 214A, 214B. The housing support surfaces 214A, 214B may engage a portion of the lever mechanisms 250A, 250B (e.g., with the rear support surfaces 258A, 258B), thereby guiding the lifting mechanisms 254A, 254B to ensure that the lifting mechanisms 254A, 254B follow a path along the distal side of the busbar bridging portions 234A, 234B. Additionally, the housing 210 may include a channel 218A for engaging the sliding pin 260A. When the lever mechanism 250A is actuated, the sliding pin 260A may slide within the channel 218A. The channel 218A may be a straight channel.

[0070] Referring 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 and away from the housing 210 to establish an electrical connection for the lever connector 200. The lever mechanisms 250A, 250B may also include two spring-lifting lever arm portions 256A, 256B. The spring-lifting lever arm portions 256A, 256B may extend away from the levers 252A, 252B and into the housing 210. At the ends of the spring-lifting lever arm portions 256A, 256B, the lever mechanisms 250A, 250B include lifting mechanisms 254A, 254B. As explained 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 mechanisms 250A, 250B are actuated, the sliding pins 260A, 260B may slide within the housing 210. The sliding pins 260A, 260B may slide within the channels 218A, 218B in the housing 210 to engage with the sliding pins 260A, 260B. Finally, the lever mechanisms 250A, 250B and the lifting mechanisms 254A, 254B may include rear support surfaces 258A, 258B. The rear support surfaces 258A, 258B may be placed against and adjacent to the housing support surfaces 214A, 214B in the housing 210 to support the lever mechanisms 250A, 250B and help ensure that the lifting mechanisms 254A, 254B follow a path along the far side of the busbar bridging portions 234A, 234B.

[0071] Reference Figure 15A and Figure 15B , the lever connector 200 may include a busbar 230. The busbar 230 may include a base surface 232. The base surface 232 may lie flat within the housing 210. The base surface 232 may include two busbar bridging portions 234A, 234B extending away from the base surface 232. The busbar bridging portions 234A, 234B may extend perpendicularly or approximately perpendicularly from the base surface 232. As Figure 15A and Figure 15B shown, the busbar 230 includes two busbar bridging portions 234A, 234B. The first busbar bridging portion 234A may be located at the first end of the base surface 232 and extend toward the top side portion 210A of the housing 210. The second busbar bridging portion 234B may be located at the second end of the base surface 232 and extend toward the bottom side portion 210B of the housing. The busbar bridging portions 234A, 234B may include one or more arm portions 236A, 236B.

[0072] Reference Figure 16A and Figure 16B In reference to Figure 16A and Figure 16B , another embodiment of the bus bar 230B may be included in the lever connector 200. The bus bar bridging portions 234A, 234B of the bus bar 230B may include one or more arm portions 236A, 236B separated by gaps 238A, 238B. The bending tabs 276A, 276B of the fixed portions 272A, 272B of the elastic members 270A, 270B may be hooked onto the one or more arm portions 236A, 236B. The sizes of the gaps 238A, 238B may be designed such that the narrow portions of the clamping portions 274A, 274B of the elastic members 270A, 270B may pass through the gaps 238A, 238B.

[0073] Reference Figure 17A and Figure 17B In reference to Figure 17A and Figure 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 metal strips, metal rods, or metal segments (or other elastic materials), or a combination thereof, formed to generate a repeatable reaction force when compressed or displaced and used for positioning or contacting. The elastic members 270A, 270B may provide a repeatable reaction force by making contact and applying a force to control movement or load. The elastic members 270A, 270B may have 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 fixed portions 272A, 272B may include bending tabs 276A, 276B connected to the arm portions 236A, 236B of the bus bar bridging portions 234A, 234B. The clamping portions 274A, 274B may include bending ends 278A, 278B connected to the lifting mechanisms 254A, 254B. As Figure 17A shown, the clamping portions 274A, 274B may also include a pair of gaps 280A, 280B located between the clamping portions 274A, 274B and the bending ends 278A, 278B. The sizes and shapes of the gaps 280A, 280B may be designed to pass through the bus bar bridging portions 234A, 234B. Reference Figure 18A and Figure 18B In reference to Figure 18A and Figure 18B , the bus bar 230 and the elastic members 270A, 270B may be interconnected and engaged with each other within the housing 210.

[0074] Figures 19A - 19C Various views are shown of another embodiment of a lever connector 300 configured to contact an electrical conductor and / or an electrical terminal. Figures 19A - 19CThe lever connector 300 therein may be an in-line lever connector having one or more ports in a straight line with each other, e.g., one port in a straight line with another port.

[0075] As Figures 19A - 19C 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 within the housing 310, a lever mechanism 350, and an elastic member 370 located within the housing 310 that connects the lever mechanism 350 to the bus bar 330. Figure 20A and Figure 20B illustrates various views of the bus bar 330 that may be used with the lever connector 300.

[0076] For Figures 19A - 20B the embodiments, like reference numerals under the "3XX" series are used to refer to features and components of the lever connector 300, rather than the "1XX" or "2XX" used for the lever connector 100 in Figures 1 - 8D the embodiments or the lever connector 200 in Figures 9A - 18B the embodiments. The "1XX" or "2XX" features may be similar to the "3XX" features. Thus, certain features of the lever connector 300 that have been described above for the lever connector 100 in Figure 1-8D or the lever connector 200 in Figures 9A-18B will not be described in as much detail, or not at all. Additionally, any combination of features of the lever connector 100 or the lever connector 200 may be used with the lever connector 300. Vice versa, any combination of features of the lever connector 300 may be used with the lever connector 100 or the lever connector 200.

[0077] Referring 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 a straight line with the first portion 310A. The bus bar 330 may be located within the housing 310 and may include a base surface 332, a first bus bar bridging portion 334A, and a second bus bar bridging portion 334B. The first bus bar bridging 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 bridging portion 334B may be located on a second end of the base surface 332 opposite the first end of the base surface 332 and extend away from the base surface 332 in the same direction as the first bus bar bridging portion 334A.

[0078] The lever connector 300 may include a first lever mechanism 350A located on a first portion 310A of the housing 310. The first lever mechanism 350A may include a first lever 352A located proximal to a first busbar bridging portion 334A and a first lifting mechanism 354A located distal to the first busbar bridging portion 334A opposite the proximal side of the first busbar bridging 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 includes a fixed portion 372A connected to the first busbar bridging 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 busbar 330, thereby achieving electrical contact between the conductor 12 of the wire 10 and the busbar 330.

[0079] The lever connector 300 may further include a second lever mechanism 350B located on a second portion 310B of the housing 310, which is in an in-line position with the first lever mechanism 350A. The second lever mechanism 350B includes a second lever 352B located proximal to a second busbar bridging portion 334B and a second lifting mechanism 354B located distal to the second busbar bridging portion 334B opposite the proximal side of the second busbar bridging portion 334B. The second lever mechanism 350B may be connected to a second elastic member 370B located within the second portion 310B of the housing 310. The second elastic member 370B includes a fixed portion 372B connected to the second busbar bridging 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 busbar 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 busbar 330, thereby achieving electrical contact between the conductor 12 of the wire 10 and the busbar 330.

[0080] Figures 21A-21EShows various views of another embodiment of a lever connector 400 configured for use with a printed circuit board (PCB) and configured to bring electrical conductors and / or electrical terminals into contact with the PCB. The lever connector 400 can take on 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 wires 10 to a PCB assembly. Figures 21A-21E The lever connector 400 in

[0081] such as Figures 21A-21E shown, can be a lever connector that allows a product manufacturer or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to use lever technology to connect and remove wires 10 used with a PCB assembly for OEM applications. Figures 21A-21E As Figures 21A-21E shown, the lever connector 400 and the housing 410 can include one or more PCB connection terminals 420. The PCB connection terminals 420 can be in the form of pins as

[0082] shown, or can be other configurations, such as flat plates, spring tabs, or other connections used with a PCB assembly. The lever connector 400 can be used with various PCB connection mechanisms, such as through-hole PCB mounting mechanisms, surface-mount PCB mechanisms, card-edge connector PCB mechanisms, etc. The PCB connection terminals 420 can project from a portion of the housing 410. The PCB connection terminals 420 can be connected to the bus bar 430 and / or be part of the bus bar 430. The PCB connection terminals 420 can be used to connect the wires 10 to the lever connector 400 and then connect these wires 10 to the PCB assembly using the PCB connection terminals 420.

[0082] For Figures 21A-21E the embodiments of Figure 1-8D the lever connector 100 in Figures 9A-18B the embodiments of Figures 19A-20B the lever connector 200 in Figure 1-8D the lever connector 100 in Figures 9A-18B the lever connector 200 in Figures 19A-20BCertain features of the lever connector 400 that have been described for the lever connector 300 will be described less fully or not at all. Additionally, any combination of features of the lever connector 100, the lever connector 200, or the lever connector 300 may be used with the lever connector 400. Conversely, any combination of features of the lever connector 400 may be used with the lever connector 100, the lever connector 200, or the lever connector 300.

[0083] Figure 22 is a flow chart showing an exemplary method 500 for assembling a lever connector configured to contact an electrical conductor and / or an electrical terminal. Figure 22 The method can be used for any of the lever connectors 100, 200, 300, or 400. The steps of method 500 can include, for example, combining Figures 1-21E the steps described for the lever connectors 100, 200, 300, or 400 in Figure 22 Although the various operations shown in Figure 22 are described as being performed for the lever connectors 100, 200, 300, or 400, one, some, or all (or portions thereof) of these operations can be performed by one or more additional components and / or systems. Figures 23A-23C The order of the steps shown in Figures 23A-23C can be changed, and / or one or more steps can be omitted, and / or one or more steps can be added. Figures 23A-23C shows various views of the lever connector during the assembly process.

[0084] In step 510, the method of assembling the lever connector can include sliding the clamping portion 174 of the elastic member 170 into the top end of the bus bar bridging portion 134 of the bus bar 130. In step 520, the method of assembling the lever connector can include hooking the fixing portion 172 of the elastic member 170 onto the top end of the bus bar bridging portion 134 of the bus bar 130. The fixing portion 172 can be hooked through the gap in the bus bar bridging portion 134. In step 530, the method of assembling the lever connector can include lifting the clamping portion 174 of the elastic member 170 upward and sliding the lifting mechanism 154 of the lever mechanism 150 under the clamping portion 174 of the elastic member 170 (as Figure 23A shown). In step 540, the method of assembling the lever connector can include placing the 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 Figure 23B shown). In step 550, the method of assembling the lever connector can include lifting the lever 152 of the lever mechanism 150. In step 560, the method of assembling the lever connector can include inserting the cover portion 110B of the housing into the first housing portion 110A (as Figure 23Cas shown). This step may also include inserting two different parts of the housing or combining two different parts of the housing as described and detailed above.

[0085] In step 560, the method of assembling the lever connector may include fastening the first housing part 110A to the cover part 110B of the housing by one of the following means: welding, snap fitting, heat melting, gluing, or other fastening means known in the industry. This step may also include welding together two or more housing parts or housing segments of the housing as described and detailed above. Other methods of connecting two or more housing parts or housing segments of the housing may be used, such as by snap fitting, heat melting, welding, or gluing.

[0086] In accordance with one or more aspects disclosed herein, a number of exemplary embodiments are listed below. Many of the embodiments listed below are described as depending on various embodiments, and these dependencies are not limiting and may depend on any of the embodiments described and contemplated by the present disclosure. In addition, the present disclosure contemplates incorporating any one or more of the listed embodiments into one or more other embodiments.

[0087] The present technology has been disclosed above and in the drawings with reference to various embodiments. However, the purpose of the present disclosure is to provide examples of various features and concepts related to the present technology, rather than to limit its scope. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that various changes and improvements can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0088] In some embodiments, a lever connector is provided that includes: a housing comprising an insulating material, the housing defining a housing snap feature that includes one of a protrusion or a recess; a bus bar located within the housing; a lever mechanism that includes a lever and a lifting mechanism, the lever defining a lever snap feature that includes the other of the protrusion or the recess; and an elastic member located within the housing, the elastic member including a fixed portion connected to the bus bar and a clamping portion connected to the lifting mechanism, wherein the housing snap feature cooperates with the lever snap structure to fix the lever in a closed position. In some embodiments, the lever is movable between a closed position in which the clamping portion moves towards the bus bar and an open position in which the clamping portion moves away from the bus bar. In some embodiments, the housing snap feature includes a protrusion and the lever snap feature includes a recess. In some embodiments, the housing snap feature includes a recess and the lever snap feature includes a protrusion. In some embodiments, the lever defines a plurality of lever snap features and the housing defines a plurality of housing snap features, each housing snap feature being configured to match a corresponding one of the plurality of lever snap features to fix the lever in the closed position. In some embodiments, the lever includes two parallel lever walls, each lever wall defining a lever snap feature, and the housing includes two parallel housing walls, each housing wall defining a housing snap feature that matches a corresponding one of the two lever snap features. In some embodiments, the two parallel lever walls are inner walls facing each other and the two parallel housing walls are outer walls facing away from each other. In some embodiments, the bus bar includes a base surface configured to form a clamping point for a conductor together with the clamping portion, wherein the base surface is convex. In some embodiments, the housing snap feature is a first housing snap feature, the lever snap feature is a first lever snap feature, the housing defines a second housing snap feature that includes the second of the protrusion or the recess, the lever defines a second lever snap feature that includes the other second of the protrusion or the recess, wherein the second housing snap feature cooperates with the second lever snap feature to fix the lever in the open position. In some embodiments, the first and second lever snap features are provided on the same surface of the lever. In some embodiments, the first and second housing snap features are provided on the same surface of the housing. In some embodiments, the bus bar includes a base surface and a bus bar arm portion extending away from the base surface, the lever is located proximal to the bus bar arm portion, the mechanism is located distal to the bus bar arm portion opposite the proximal side of the bus bar arm portion and opposite the lever position, and the lifting mechanism connected to the clamping portion of the elastic member is located distal to the bus bar arm portion opposite the proximal side of the bus bar arm portion.

[0089] In some embodiments, a lever connector is provided that includes: a housing comprising an insulating material; a bus bar located within the housing, the bus bar including a raised base surface and a bus bar arm extending from the base surface; a lever mechanism including a lever located proximal to the bus bar arm and a lifting mechanism located distal to the bus bar arm opposite the proximal side of the bus bar arm and opposite the position of the lever; an elastic member located within the housing, the elastic member including a fixed portion connected to the bus bar arm and a clamping portion connected to the lifting mechanism, wherein the lifting mechanism connected to the clamping portion of the elastic member is located distal to the bus bar arm opposite the proximal side of the bus bar arm. In some embodiments, the housing defines a housing snap feature that includes one of a protrusion or a recess, and the lever defines a lever snap feature that includes the other of the protrusion or the recess, wherein the housing snap feature mates with the lever snap feature to fix the lever in a closed or open position. In some embodiments, the lever is movable between a closed position and an open position, in the closed position, the clamping portion moves towards the raised base surface, and in the open position, the clamping portion moves away from the raised base surface.

[0090] In some embodiments, the 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 bus bar located within the housing, a lever mechanism, and an elastic member located within the housing. The housing may comprise an insulating material. The bus bar may include a base surface and a bus bar bridging portion extending from the base surface. The lever mechanism may include a lever located proximal to the bus bar bridging portion and a lifting mechanism located distal to the bus bar bridging portion opposite the proximal side of the bus bar bridging portion and opposite the position of the lever. The elastic member may include a fixed portion connected to the bus bar bridging portion and a clamping portion connected to the lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism may be connected to the clamping portion of the elastic member located distal to the bus bar bridging portion opposite the proximal side of the bus bar bridging portion. When the lever is actuated and lifted upward away from the housing, the lifting mechanism may move the clamping portion of the elastic member to release it away from the bus bar base surface. When the lever is closed and pushed downward towards the housing, the lifting mechanism may move the clamping portion of the elastic member downward to push the electrical conductor against the bus bar base surface, thereby making electrical contact between the electrical conductor and the bus bar.

[0091] In some embodiments, the 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 bus bar located within the housing, a lever mechanism, and an elastic member. The housing may comprise an insulating material. The bus bar may include a base surface and a bus bar bridging portion extending from the base surface. The lever mechanism may include a lever and a lifting mechanism. When the lever is actuated, the lifting mechanism may slide parallel along the bus bar bridging portion, wherein the lifting mechanism is guided along the bus bar bridging portion by a rear support surface of the lever mechanism. The lever mechanism may engage 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 may include a fixed portion connected to the bus bar bridging 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 may slide upward along the bus bar bridging portion, thereby releasing the clamping portion of the elastic member away from the bus bar base surface. When the lever is closed and pushed downward toward the housing, the lifting mechanism may move the clamping portion of the elastic member downward, pushing the electrical conductor against the bus bar base surface, thereby forming an electrical contact between the electrical conductor and the bus bar.

[0092] In some embodiments, a method for assembling a lever connector configured to contact an electrical conductor and / or an electrical terminal may include: sliding a clamping portion of an elastic member into a top end of a bus bar bridging portion; hooking a fixed portion of the elastic member through a gap in the bus bar bridging portion; lifting the clamping portion of the elastic member upward and sliding a lifting mechanism of the lever mechanism under the clamping portion of the elastic member; placing a subassembly unit including the elastic member, the bus bar, and the lever mechanism in a first housing portion; lifting a lever of the lever mechanism; inserting a cover portion of the housing into the first housing portion; and fastening the first housing portion to the cover portion of the housing by one of welding, snapping, heat melting, gluing, or some other fastening method.

[0093] In some embodiments, a lever connector configured with a lever mechanism is provided, wherein the lever connector is for contacting an electrical conductor and / or an electrical terminal, and the lever connector includes: a housing containing an insulating material; a bus bar located within the housing, the bus bar including a base surface and a bus bar bridging portion extending from the base surface; the lever mechanism includes a lever located proximal to the bus bar bridging portion and a lifting mechanism located distal to the bus bar bridging portion opposite the proximal side of the bus bar bridging portion and opposite the position of the lever; and an elastic member located within the housing, the elastic member including a fixed portion connected to the bus bar bridging portion and a clamping portion connected to the lifting mechanism, wherein the lifting mechanism connected to the clamping portion of the elastic member is located distal to the bus bar bridging portion opposite the proximal side of the bus bar bridging portion, wherein 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 bus bar 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 bus bar base surface, thereby forming an electrical contact between the electrical conductor and the bus bar.

[0094] In some embodiments, a lever connector configured with a lever mechanism is provided, where the lever connector is for contacting an electrical conductor and / or an electrical terminal. The lever connector includes: a housing containing an insulating material; a bus bar located within the housing, which includes a base surface and a bus bar bridging portion extending from the base surface; a lever mechanism, which includes a lever and a lifting mechanism. When the lever is actuated, the lifting mechanism slides parallel along the bus bar bridging portion, where the lifting mechanism is guided along the bus bar bridging portion by a rear support surface of the lever mechanism, and this rear support surface engages with a housing support surface on the housing. When the lever is actuated and lifted upward away from the housing, the housing support surface supports the lever mechanism; and an elastic member located within the housing, which includes a fixed portion connected to the bus bar bridging 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 bus bar bridging portion, thereby moving the clamping portion of the elastic member to release away from the bus bar 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, pushing the electrical conductor against the bus bar base surface, thereby forming an electrical contact between the electrical conductor and the bus bar. In some embodiments, the lifting mechanism includes a spring lifting lever arm portion connected to the clamping portion of the elastic member. In some embodiments, the lifting mechanism includes a rear support surface that abuts and contacts a housing support surface within the housing to support the lever mechanism and help ensure that the lifting mechanism follows a path along the distal side of the bus bar bridging portion. In some embodiments, the elastic member is a leaf spring. In some embodiments, the lifting mechanism includes a horizontal sliding pin connected to the housing, where when the lever mechanism is actuated, the sliding pin slides within the housing. In some embodiments, the housing includes a channel for engaging with the sliding pin, where when the lever mechanism is actuated, the sliding pin slides within the channel. In some embodiments, the channel is a straight channel. In some embodiments, the housing includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion. In some embodiments, the first housing portion and the second housing portion are welded together. In some embodiments, the fixed portion of the elastic member includes a tab connected to the bus bar bridging portion. In some embodiments, the tab of the elastic member includes a bent portion that hooks and connects to the bus bar bridging portion. In some embodiments, the clamping portion of the elastic member includes an end portion passing through the bus bar bridging portion. In some embodiments, the end portion of the clamping portion of the elastic member is connected to the lifting mechanism. In some embodiments, the end portion of the clamping portion of the elastic member includes a bent portion that hooks and connects to the lifting mechanism. In some embodiments, the bus bar bridging portion includes two arm portions separated by a gap. In some embodiments, the fixed portion of the elastic member hooks the two arm portions in the bus bar bridging portion. In some embodiments, the clamping portion of the elastic member passes through the gap in the bus bar bridging portion. In some embodiments, the housing includes a conductor opening configured to accommodate one or more electrical wires.

[0095] In some embodiments, a method for assembling a lever connector is provided, the method comprising: sliding a clamping portion of an elastic member into a top end of a busbar bridging portion, hooking a fixing portion of the elastic member to the top end of 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 sub-assembly unit including the elastic member, the busbar, and the lever mechanism in a first housing portion, lifting a lever of the lever mechanism, inserting a cover portion of the housing into the first housing portion, and fastening the first housing portion to the cover portion of the housing by one of the following methods: welding, snap fitting, hot melting, or gluing.

[0096] In some embodiments, a lever connector configured to contact an electrical conductor and / or an electrical terminal is provided. The lever connector includes: a housing containing an insulating material; a bus bar located within the housing, the bus bar including a base surface, a first bus bar bridging portion, and a second bus bar bridging portion; a first lever mechanism, wherein the first lever mechanism includes a first lever located proximal to the first bus bar bridging portion and a first lifting mechanism located distal to the first bus bar bridging portion opposite the proximal side of the first bus bar bridging portion; a first elastic member located within the housing, the first elastic member including a fixed portion connected to the first bus bar bridging portion and a clamping portion connected to the first lifting mechanism, wherein when the first lever is actuated and lifted upward away from the housing, the first lifting mechanism moves the clamping portion of the first elastic member to release it away from the bus bar 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 elastic member downward to push the electrical conductor against the bus bar base surface, thereby making electrical contact between the electrical conductor and the bus bar; a second lever mechanism located on the housing, wherein the second lever mechanism includes a second lever located proximal to the second bus bar bridging portion and a second lifting mechanism located distal to the second bus bar bridging portion opposite the proximal side of the second bus bar bridging portion; and a second elastic member located within the housing, the second elastic member including a fixed portion connected to the second bus bar bridging portion and a clamping portion connected to the second lifting mechanism, wherein 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 it away from the bus bar 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 bus bar base surface, thereby achieving electrical contact between the electrical conductor and the bus bar. In some embodiments, the housing includes a top side portion and a bottom side portion. In some embodiments, the first bus bar bridging portion is located at a first end of the base surface and extends from the base surface toward the top side portion of the housing, and the second bus bar bridging portion is located at a second end of the base surface opposite the first end of the base surface and extends from the base surface toward the bottom side portion of the housing. In some embodiments, the first lever mechanism is located in the top side portion of the housing. In some embodiments, the second lever mechanism is located in the bottom side portion of the housing at a position staggered with the first lever mechanism. In some embodiments, the first elastic member is located within the top side portion of the housing. In some embodiments, the second elastic member is located within the bottom side portion of the housing.

[0097] In some embodiments, a method for assembling a lever connector is provided, the method comprising: sliding a clamping portion of a first elastic member into a top end of a first bus bar bridging portion of a bus bar; hooking a fixing portion of the first elastic member to the top end of the first bus bar bridging portion of the bus bar; sliding a clamping portion of a second elastic member into a bottom end of a second bus bar bridging portion of the bus bar; hooking a fixing portion of the second elastic member to the bottom end of the second bus bar bridging portion of the bus bar; lifting the clamping portion of the first elastic member and sliding a first lifting mechanism of a first lever mechanism under the clamping portion of the first elastic member; lifting the clamping portion of the second elastic member and sliding a second lifting mechanism of a second lever mechanism under the clamping portion of the second elastic member; placing a first portion of a sub-assembly unit including the first and second elastic members, the bus bar, and the first and second lever mechanisms in a top side portion of a housing; placing a second portion of the sub-assembly unit in a bottom side portion of the housing; and fastening the top side portion of the housing to the bottom side portion of the housing by one of welding, snapping, heat melting, or gluing. In some embodiments, the housing includes a first portion and a second portion in line with the first portion. In some embodiments, the first bus bar bridging portion is located at a first end of a base surface and extends away from the base surface, and the second bus bar bridging portion is located on a second end of the base surface opposite the first end of the base surface and extends away from the base surface. In some embodiments, the first lever mechanism is located on the first portion of the housing. In some embodiments, the second lever mechanism is located on the second portion of the housing in a position in line with the first lever mechanism. In some embodiments, the first elastic member is located within the first portion of the housing. In some embodiments, the second elastic member is located within the second portion of the housing.

[0098] In some embodiments, a method for assembling a lever connector is provided, the method comprising: sliding a clamping portion of a first elastic member into a top end of a first busbar bridging portion of a busbar; hooking a fixing portion of the first elastic member to the top end of the first busbar bridging portion of the busbar; sliding a clamping portion of a second elastic member into a top end of a second busbar bridging portion of the busbar; hooking a fixing portion of the second elastic member to the top end of the second busbar bridging portion of the busbar; lifting the clamping portion of the first elastic member and sliding a first lifting mechanism of a first lever mechanism under the clamping portion of the first elastic member; lifting the clamping portion of the second elastic member and sliding a second lifting mechanism of a second lever mechanism under the clamping portion of the second elastic member; placing a first portion of a sub-assembly unit including the first and second elastic members, the busbar, and the first and second lever mechanisms in a first portion of a housing; placing a second portion of the sub-assembly unit in a second portion of the housing; and fastening the first portion of the housing to the second portion of the housing by one of welding, snapping, heat melting, or gluing. In some embodiments, the housing includes a first portion and a cover portion located on top of the first portion. In some embodiments, the first busbar bridging portion is located on a first lateral side of a 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. In some embodiments, the first lever mechanism is located on the housing. In some embodiments, the second lever mechanism is located on the housing, adjacent to and side-by-side with the first lever mechanism. In some embodiments, the first elastic member is located inside the housing. In some embodiments, the second elastic member is located inside the housing. In some embodiments, the housing includes one or more PCB terminal connectors protruding from the housing. In some embodiments, the one or more PCB terminal connectors are electrically connected to a PCB assembly.

[0099] In some embodiments, a method for assembling a lever connector is provided, the method comprising: sliding a clamping portion of a first elastic member into a top end of a first busbar bridging portion of a busbar; hooking a fixing portion of the first elastic member to the top end of the first busbar bridging portion of the busbar; sliding a clamping portion of a second elastic member into a top end of a second busbar bridging portion of the busbar; hooking a fixing portion of the second elastic member to the top end of the second busbar bridging portion of the busbar; lifting the clamping portion of the first elastic member and sliding a first lifting mechanism of a first lever mechanism into the clamping portion of the first elastic member; lifting the clamping portion of the second elastic member and sliding a second lifting mechanism of a second lever mechanism into the clamping portion of the second elastic member; placing a sub-assembly unit including the first and second elastic members, the busbar, and the first and second lever mechanisms in a first portion of a housing; and fastening the cover portion to the first portion of the housing by one of welding, snapping, heat melting, or gluing.

[0100] In some embodiments, a lever connector configured with a lever mechanism is provided, wherein the lever connector is for contacting an electrical conductor and / or an electrical terminal, and the lever connector includes: a housing containing an insulating material; a bus bar located within the housing, which includes a base surface and a bus bar bridging portion extending from the base surface; the lever mechanism includes a lever located proximal to the bus bar bridging portion and a lifting mechanism located distal to the bus bar bridging portion opposite the proximal side of the bus bar bridging portion and opposite the position of the lever; and an elastic member located within the housing, the elastic member including a fixed portion connected to the bus bar bridging portion and a clamping portion connected to the lifting mechanism, wherein the lifting mechanism connected to the clamping portion of the elastic member is located distal to the bus bar bridging portion opposite the proximal side of the bus bar bridging portion. In some embodiments, 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 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 base surface, thereby forming an electrical contact between the electrical conductor and the bus bar. In some embodiments, the lifting mechanism includes a spring lifting lever arm portion connected to the clamping portion of the elastic member. In some embodiments, the fixed portion of the elastic member includes a tab connected to the bus bar bridging portion, and the tab includes a bent portion that hooks and connects to the bus bar bridging portion. In some embodiments, the clamping portion of the elastic member includes an end portion that passes through the bus bar bridging portion and is connected to the lifting mechanism. In some embodiments, the end portion of the clamping portion of the elastic member includes a bent portion that hooks and connects to the lifting mechanism. In some embodiments, the bus bar bridging portion includes two arm portions separated by a gap, and the fixed portion of the elastic member hooks on the two arm portions of the bus bar bridging portion. In some embodiments, the clamping portion of the elastic member passes through the gap in the bus bar bridging portion. In some embodiments, the housing includes a conductor opening configured to accommodate one or more electrical wires.

[0101] In some embodiments, a lever connector configured with a lever mechanism is provided, wherein the lever connector is for contacting an electrical conductor and / or an electrical terminal, and the lever connector includes: a housing containing an insulating material; a bus bar located within the housing, which includes a base surface and a bus bar bridging portion extending from the base surface; a lever mechanism including a lever and a lifting mechanism, when the lever is actuated, the lifting mechanism slides along the bus bar bridging portion, wherein the lifting mechanism is guided along the bus bar bridging portion by a rear support surface of the lever mechanism, and the rear support surface engages 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; and an elastic member located within the housing, the elastic member including a fixed portion connected to the bus bar bridging portion and a clamping portion connected to the lifting mechanism. In some embodiments, when the lever is actuated and lifted upward away from the housing, the lifting mechanism slides upward along the bus bar bridging portion, moving the clamping portion of the elastic member to release away from the 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 base surface, so as to form an electrical contact between the electrical conductor and the bus bar. In some embodiments, the lifting mechanism includes a spring lifting lever arm portion connected to the clamping portion of the elastic member. In some embodiments, the fixed portion of the elastic member includes a tab connected to the bus bar bridging portion, and the tab includes a bent portion that hooks and connects to the bus bar bridging portion. In some embodiments, the clamping portion of the elastic member includes an end portion that passes through the bus bar bridging portion and is connected to the lifting mechanism. In some embodiments, the end portion of the clamping portion of the elastic member includes a bent portion that hooks and connects to the lifting mechanism. In some embodiments, the bus bar bridging portion includes two arm portions separated by a gap, and the fixed portion of the elastic member hooks on the two arm portions of the bus bar bridging portion. In some embodiments, the clamping portion of the elastic member passes through the gap in the bus bar bridging portion. In some embodiments, the housing includes a conductor opening configured to accommodate one or more electrical wires.

[0102] In some embodiments, a lever connector is provided that is configured to contact an electrical conductor and / or an electrical terminal. The lever connector includes: a housing containing an insulating material; a bus bar located within the housing, the bus bar including a base surface, a first bus bar bridging portion, and a second bus bar bridging portion; a first lever mechanism, wherein the first lever mechanism includes a first lever located proximal to the first bus bar bridging portion and a first lifting mechanism located distal to the first bus bar bridging portion opposite the proximal side of the first bus bar bridging portion; a first elastic member located within the housing, the first elastic member including a fixed portion connected to the first bus bar bridging portion and a clamping portion connected to the first lifting mechanism; a second lever mechanism located on the housing, wherein the second lever mechanism includes a second lever located proximal to the second bus bar bridging portion and a second lifting mechanism located distal to the second bus bar bridging portion opposite the proximal side of the second bus bar bridging portion; and a second elastic member located within the housing, the second elastic member including a fixed portion connected to the second bus bar bridging portion and a clamping portion connected to the second lifting mechanism, wherein 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 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 base surface, thereby achieving electrical contact between the electrical conductor and the bus bar. In some embodiments, when the first lever is actuated and lifted upward away from the housing, the first lifting mechanism moves the clamping portion of the first elastic member to release away from the 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 elastic member downward to push the electrical conductor against the base surface, thereby achieving electrical contact between the electrical conductor and the bus bar. 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 base surface. 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 base surface, thereby achieving electrical contact between the electrical conductor and the bus bar.

[0103] In some embodiments, a lever connector configured with a lever mechanism is provided, wherein the lever connector is for contacting an electrical conductor and / or an electrical terminal. The lever connector includes: a housing containing an insulating material; a bus bar located within the housing, the bus bar including a base surface and a bus bar bridging portion extending from the base surface; the lever mechanism includes a lever located proximal to the bus bar bridging portion and a lifting mechanism located distal to the bus bar bridging portion opposite the proximal side of the bus bar bridging portion and opposite the position of the lever; and an elastic member located within the housing, the elastic member including a fixed portion connected to the bus bar bridging portion and a clamping portion connected to the lifting mechanism, wherein the lifting mechanism connected to the clamping portion of the elastic member is located distal to the bus bar bridging portion opposite the proximal side of the bus bar bridging portion. In some embodiments, 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 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 base surface, thereby forming an electrical contact between the electrical conductor and the bus bar. In some embodiments, the lifting mechanism includes a spring lifting lever arm portion connected to the clamping portion of the elastic member. In some embodiments, the fixed portion of the elastic member includes a tab connected to the bus bar bridging portion, the tab including a bent portion that hooks and connects to the bus bar bridging portion. In some embodiments, the clamping portion of the elastic member includes an end portion that passes through the bus bar bridging portion and connects to the lifting mechanism. In some embodiments, the end portion of the clamping portion of the elastic member includes a bent portion that hooks and connects to the lifting mechanism. In some embodiments, the bus bar bridging portion includes two arm portions separated by a gap, and the fixed portion of the elastic member hooks onto the two arm portions of the bus bar bridging portion. In some embodiments, the clamping portion of the elastic member passes through the gap in the bus bar bridging portion. In some embodiments, the housing includes a conductor opening configured to receive one or more electrical wires.

[0104] In some embodiments, a lever connector configured with a lever mechanism is provided, where the lever connector is for contacting an electrical conductor and / or an electrical terminal, and the lever connector includes: a housing containing an insulating material; a busbar located within the housing, which includes a base surface and a busbar bridging portion extending from the base surface; a lever mechanism, which includes a lever and a lifting mechanism, and when the lever is actuated, the lifting mechanism slides along the busbar bridging portion, wherein the lifting mechanism is guided along the busbar bridging portion by a rear support surface of the lever mechanism, and the rear support surface engages 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; and an elastic member located within the housing, the elastic member including a fixed portion connected to the busbar bridging portion and a clamping portion connected to the lifting mechanism. In some embodiments, when the lever is actuated and lifted upward away from the housing, the lifting mechanism slides upward along the busbar bridging portion, thereby moving the clamping portion of the elastic member to release away from the 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 base surface, thereby forming an electrical contact between the electrical conductor and the busbar. In some embodiments, the lifting mechanism includes a spring lifting lever arm portion connected to the clamping portion of the elastic member. In some embodiments, the fixed portion of the elastic member includes a tab connected to the busbar bridging portion, and the tab includes a bent portion that hooks and connects to the busbar bridging portion. In some embodiments, the clamping portion of the elastic member includes an end portion that passes through the busbar bridging portion and is connected to the lifting mechanism. In some embodiments, the end portion of the clamping portion of the elastic member includes a bent portion that hooks and connects to the lifting mechanism. In some embodiments, the busbar bridging portion includes two arm portions separated by a gap, and the fixed portion of the elastic member hooks on the two arm portions of the busbar bridging portion. In some embodiments, the clamping portion of the elastic member passes through the gap in the busbar bridging portion. In some embodiments, the housing includes a conductor opening configured to accommodate one or more electrical wires.

[0105] In some embodiments, a lever connector is provided that is configured to contact an electrical conductor and / or an electrical terminal. The lever connector includes: a housing comprising an insulating material; a bus bar located within the housing, the bus bar including a base surface, a first bus bar bridging portion, and a second bus bar bridging portion; a first lever mechanism, wherein the first lever mechanism includes a first lever located proximal to the first bus bar bridging portion and a first lifting mechanism located distal to the first bus bar bridging portion opposite the proximal side of the first bus bar bridging portion; a first elastic member located within the housing, the first elastic member including a fixed portion connected to the first bus bar bridging portion and a clamping portion connected to the first lifting mechanism; a second lever mechanism located on the housing, wherein the second lever mechanism includes a second lever located proximal to the second bus bar bridging portion and a second lifting mechanism located distal to the second bus bar bridging portion opposite the proximal side of the second bus bar bridging portion; and a second elastic member located within the housing, the second elastic member including a fixed portion connected to the second bus bar bridging portion and a clamping portion connected to the second lifting mechanism, wherein when the second lever is actuated and lifted upwardly away from the housing, the second lifting mechanism moves the clamping portion of the second elastic member to release away from the base surface, and when the second lever is closed and pushed downwardly toward the housing, the second lifting mechanism moves the clamping portion of the second elastic member downwardly to push the electrical conductor against the base surface, thereby achieving electrical contact between the electrical conductor and the bus bar. In some embodiments, when the first lever is actuated and lifted upwardly away from the housing, the first lifting mechanism moves the clamping portion of the first elastic member to release away from the base surface, when the first lever is closed and pushed downwardly toward the housing, the first lifting mechanism moves the clamping portion of the first elastic member downwardly to push the electrical conductor against the base surface, thereby achieving electrical contact between the electrical conductor and the bus bar, when the second lever is actuated and lifted upwardly away from the housing, the second lifting mechanism moves the clamping portion of the second elastic member to release away from the base surface, and when the second lever is closed and pushed downwardly toward the housing, the second lifting mechanism moves the clamping portion of the second elastic member downwardly, pushing the electrical conductor against the base surface, thereby achieving electrical contact between the electrical conductor and the bus bar. In some embodiments, the elastic member includes an open edge located on the clamping portion of the elastic member, wherein the open edge is a cut bite edge. In some embodiments, the bus bar bridging portion extends away from the base surface of the bus bar in a curved arc. In some embodiments, one or more snap interfaces are included for holding and engaging the lever mechanism in an open configuration or a closed configuration. In some embodiments, the one or more snap interfaces include a female snap interface and a male snap interface for mating engagement with each other. In some embodiments, the housing includes a male snap interface that is positioned to engage and snap with a female snap interface on the lever mechanism, thereby snapping and holding the lever mechanism in the closed configuration.In some embodiments, the cover portion on the housing includes a female snap interface positioned to engage and snap with a male snap interface on the lever mechanism to snap and hold the lever mechanism in the open configuration.

Claims

1. A lever connector, comprising: A housing containing an insulating material, the housing defining a housing snap feature, the housing snap feature including one of a protrusion or a recess; A bus bar located within the housing; A lever mechanism including a lever and a lifting mechanism, the lever defining a lever snap feature, the lever snap feature including the other of a protrusion or a recess; And An elastic member located within the housing, the elastic member including a fixed portion connected to the bus bar and a clamping portion connected to the lifting mechanism; Wherein the housing snap feature cooperates with the lever snap feature to fix the lever in a closed position.

2. The lever connector according to claim 1, wherein the lever is movable between a closed position and an open position, in the closed position, the clamping portion moves towards the bus bar, and in the open position, the clamping portion moves away from the bus bar.

3. The lever connector according to claim 1, wherein: The housing snap feature includes a protrusion; and The lever snap feature includes a recess.

4. The lever connector according to claim 1, wherein: The housing snap feature includes a recess; and The lever snap feature includes a protrusion.

5. The lever connector according to claim 1, wherein: The lever defines a plurality of lever snap features; and The housing defines a plurality of housing snap features, each housing snap feature being configured to match a corresponding one of the plurality of lever snap features to fix the lever in a closed position.

6. The lever connector according to claim 1, wherein: The lever includes two parallel lever walls, each lever wall defining a lever snap feature; and The housing includes two parallel housing walls, each housing wall defining a housing snap feature, the housing snap feature matching a corresponding one of the two lever snap features.

7. The lever connector according to claim 6, wherein the two parallel lever walls are inner walls facing each other, and the two parallel housing walls are outer walls facing away from each other.

8. The lever connector according to claim 1, wherein the bus bar includes a base surface configured to form a clamping point for a conductor together with the clamping portion, wherein the base surface is a convex surface.

9. The lever connector according to claim 1, wherein: The housing snap feature is a first housing snap feature, and the lever snap feature is a first lever snap feature; The housing defines a second housing snap feature, the second housing snap feature including a second protrusion or a recess; and The lever defines a second lever snap feature, which includes the other second protrusion or a recess; Wherein the second housing snap feature cooperates with the second lever snap feature to fix the lever in an open position.

10. The lever connector according to claim 9, wherein the first and second lever snap features are provided on the same surface of the lever.

11. The lever connector according to claim 10, wherein the first and second housing snap features are provided on the same surface of the housing.

12. The lever connector according to claim 1, wherein: The bus bar includes a base surface and a bus bar arm extending from the base surface; The lever is located proximal to the bus bar arm, and the mechanism is located distal to the bus bar arm opposite the proximal side of the bus bar arm and opposite the position of the lever; and The lifting mechanism connected to the clamping portion of the elastic member is located distal to the bus bar arm opposite the proximal side of the bus bar arm.

13. A lever connector, comprising: A housing containing an insulating material; A bus bar located within the housing, which includes a raised base surface and a bus bar arm extending from the base surface; The lever mechanism includes a lever located proximal to the bus bar arm and a distal side of the bus bar arm opposite the proximal side of the bus bar arm and opposite the position of the lever; And An elastic member located within the housing, the elastic member including a fixed portion connected to the bus bar arm and a clamping portion connected to the lifting mechanism, wherein the lifting mechanism connected to the clamping portion of the elastic member is located distal to the bus bar arm opposite the proximal side of the bus bar arm.

14. The lever connector according to claim 13, wherein: The housing defines a housing snap feature, the housing snap feature including one of a protrusion or a recess; and The lever defines a lever snap feature, which includes the other of a protrusion or a recess; Wherein, the housing snap feature cooperates with the lever snap feature to fix the lever in a closed or open position.

15. The lever connector according to claim 13, wherein the lever is movable between a closed position and an open position, in the closed position, the clamping portion moves towards the raised base surface, and in the open position, the clamping portion moves away from the raised base surface.

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