| 摘要 |
An electrical power connector is disclosed, configured as either a plug connector or a receptacle connector, which includes at least one retractable lever that provides a mechanical advantage to the user to facilitate the coupling and uncoupling of a plug connector to a receptacle connector. In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, the retractable lever is suitable for applications in which space is relatively limited. The plug connector and the receptacle connector may be formed with a generally circular cross section. The plug connector and the receptacle connector are each connected to an electrical cable on one end. The opposing ends of the plug connector and the receptacle connector are configured to mate with each other so that there is a continuous electrical current path from the cable connected to the plug connector to the cable connected to the receptacle connector. In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, the retractable lever is rotatably connected to one or the other of the plug connector or the receptacle connector. The lever is configured to rotate about a pivot axis generally parallel to the axial axis of the connector. The connector is further configured to be rotatable from a storage position in which the lever rests against a coupling ring and an extended position in which the lever is extended radially outwardly from the coupling ring In the extended position, the lever provides a mechanical advantage to facilitate the coupling or uncoupling of the plug connector with respect to the receptacle connector. In one embodiment of the invention, a retractable lever for assisting in both the coupling and uncoupling directions. The retractable levers may be spring biased to return to the storage positions.
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