Connecting clamp for electrical conductors

Claim 1

A connecting clamp for electrical conductors, comprising an insulating housing having a front portion that is formed with a first conductor guide channel for receiving a first conductor therein and a rear portion that is formed with a second conductor guide channel for receiving a second conductor therein, a clamping spring located in said housing formed of a flat, flexible material, said clamping spring including a first leg that is located adjacent to the front portion of said housing and having an opening formed therein defined by an upper edge and a lower edge, a second leg joined to said first leg and being bent relative thereto to form a spring loop having a closed face that is located adjacent to the rear portion of said housing, said second leg of said clamping spring including a free end that extends through said opening in said first leg, both said first and second conductors extending through said opening in the first leg of said clamping spring in parallel relation but in opposite directions relative thereto, said conductors being disposed one on top of the other in electrical engaging relation, said second guide channel including means for positively locating said second conductor therein, wherein said second conductor is exposed to said second leg along its upper surface thereof and is also exposed to said first conductor along its lower surface to form an electrical contact with the first conductor, the free end of said second leg of said clamping spring engaging the upper surface of said second conductor to secure said second conductor against pullout forces if applied to the second conductor, the lower edge of said opening in said first leg of said clamping spring urging said first conductor into direct and firm electrical contact with said second conductor.