US 12,444,883 B2
Snap-in terminal for conductor
Xuefeng Ge, Henrico, VA (US)
Assigned to Weidmüller Interface GmbH & Co. KG, (DE)
Filed by Weidmüller Interface GmbH & Co. KG, Detmold (DE)
Filed on Jan. 26, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/160,157.
Prior Publication US 2024/0258744 A1, Aug. 1, 2024
Int. Cl. H01R 13/62 (2006.01); H01R 4/40 (2006.01); H01R 4/48 (2006.01); H01R 13/629 (2006.01); H01R 13/639 (2006.01)
CPC H01R 13/62955 (2013.01) [H01R 4/40 (2013.01); H01R 4/48 (2013.01); H01R 13/639 (2013.01)] 12 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A snap-in connector for a conductor, comprising
(a) a housing containing a chamber, a first opening for receiving a conductor, and a second opening arranged at an angle relative to said first opening;
(b) a busbar arranged in said housing chamber;
(c) a clamping spring arranged in said housing and operable between a latching position in which said first opening is configured to receive the conductor and a clamping position in which said clamping spring presses the conductor against the busbar and retains the conductor within said housing, said clamping spring having a support leg including a retaining element which retains said clamping spring in the latching position and a clamping leg which is pivotable in a first direction from the latching position to the clamping position, said retaining element being actuated by the conductor as the conductor is inserted into said first housing opening to release said clamping leg from the latching position for movement in said first direction to the clamping position; and
(d) a rotatable lever arranged in said housing chamber and operable to pivot said clamping leg in a second direction opposite the first direction into engagement with said retaining element to return said clamping spring to the latching position.