Electrical connector

US4529256A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• C. A. Weidmuller GmbH & Co. · DE

Inventors

• Wolfgang Kretzschmar · Detmold, DE
• Peter E. Murray · Detmold, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 29, 1982
• Grant date: Jul 16, 1985
• Expiry date: Nov 29, 2002

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H01R9/2675
• WIPO field: Electrical machinery, apparatus, energy
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A connector for electrically connecting a row of electrical clamps with one another includes an electrically conductive connecting strip which is designed to span the clamps and to define gaps with the electrical contacts of the clamps. The connecting strip is of one piece with a plurality of bridging members which are designed to bridge the gaps between the connecting strip and the contacts of the clamps. The bridging members are L-shaped and include long legs which project from the connecting strip and short legs which extend from the long legs and are arranged to engage the contacts of the clamps. The short legs have openings which receive screws for connecting the short legs with the contacts. The heads of the screws are embraced by retaining sleeves which prevent displacement or loss of the screws. The retaining sleeves have openings to permit insertion of a screwdriver for tightening and loosening the screws. The diameters of these openings are smaller than the diameters of the heads of the screws. The retaining sleeves are of one piece with an insulating jacket which surrounds the connecting strip. The connector is simple to manufacture and assemble.