AU2013263807B2

AU2013263807B2 - Cable connection device

Info

Publication number: AU2013263807B2
Application number: AU2013263807A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Bruce James Ogden
Original assignee: Legend Corp Services Pty Ltd
Current assignee: LEGEND CORPORATE SERVICES Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2012-12-20
Filing date: 2013-11-29
Publication date: 2015-01-15
Anticipated expiration: 2033-11-29
Also published as: AU2013263807A1

Abstract

CABLE CONNECTION DEVICE An electrical cable connection device has an electrically conductive body (100) having a plurality of tunnels (110) longitudinally extending at least partly through the body (100). For each tunnel (180), the device has a first cable engagement member (120) adapted to be retained in the tunnel (110) adjacent a first tunnel end wall (112) with a first cable engagement face (121) facing an opposing second tunnel end wall (113). A second cable engagement member (130) is adapted to be retained in each tunnel (110) in a first position adjacent the second tunnel end wall (113) with a second cable engagement face (131) facing the first cable engagement face (121) and a gap defined therebetween for receipt of an electrical cable. For each tunnel, a detent means is adapted to retain the second cable engagement member in the first position, (116, 134) and to allow displacement of the second cable engagement member (130) towards the first cable engagement member (120) upon application of a predetermined force. For each tunnel (110) an aperture (114) extends from an exterior of the body (100) through the second tunnel end wall (113). A fastener (140) extends through each aperture (114) and is engageable with the second cable engagement member (130) to apply the predetermined force thereto. At least one of the first and second cable engagement members (120, 130) is electrically conductive. Nly C)

Description

1 CABLE CONNECTION DEVICE Field [0001] The present invention relates to the field of electrical cable connection devices. Background [0002] Underground electrical distribution services generally comprise electrical mains cables that form underground networks that are terminated by way of various connection devices, electrically connecting the electrical mains cables to electrical consumer cables which distribute electrical power to individual consumers. These connections are typically formed in aboveground pillar installations. Many available connectors are typically single connectors that terminate individual cables and invariably require the cable to be stripped of any insulation prior to termination. Many current forms of connector are also unsuitable for formation of connections in underground pit systems. Both mains and consumer cables may also be of varying sizes, requiring connectors to have a range taking ability. Summary of Invention [0003] The present invention provides an electrical cable connection device comprising: a unitarily formed electrically conductive body having a plurality of tunnels each longitudinally extending from a first face of said body at least partly through said body, each of said tunnels having a pair of opposing tunnel side walls separated by a pair of opposing tunnel end walls; wherein, for each said tunnel, said device further comprises: a first cable engagement member having a first cable engagement face, said first cable engagement member being adapted to be retained in said tunnel adjacent a first said tunnel end wall, said first cable engagement face facing an opposing second said tunnel end wall; a second cable engagement member having a second cable engagement face, said second cable engagement member being adapted to be retained in said tunnel in a first position adjacent said second tunnel wall with said second cable engagement face facing said first cable engagement face and a gap defined therebetween for receipt of an electrical cable; detent means adapted to retain said second cable engagement member in said first position, said detent means being configured to allow displacement of said second cable engagement member towards said first cable engagement member upon application of a predetermined force; 2 an aperture extending from an exterior of said body through said second tunnel end wall; and a fastener extending through said aperture and engageable with said second cable engagement member to apply said predetermined force to said second cable engagement member; wherein at least one of said first and second cable engagement members is electrically conductive; further wherein, for each said tunnel, said first cable engagement member is adapted to be removably retained in said tunnel by way of a pair of first nodes longitudinally extending along opposing sides of said first cable engagement member and a pair of opposing first slots longitudinally extending along said tunnel side walls, with said nodes engaging said first slots. [0004] Typically, for each said tunnel, said first and second cable engagement members are adapted to be removably retained in said tunnel. [0005] Typically, for each said tunnel, each of said first and second cable engagement members and said fasteners are electrically conductive. [0006] In a preferred form, each of said tunnels extends through a thickness of said body from a first body face of said body to an opposing second body face of said body. [0007] [Paragraph left intentionally blank] [0008] In a preferred form, for each said tunnel, said detent means comprises a pair of opposing second slots longitudinally extending along said tunnel side walls and a pair of frangible second nodes longitudinally extending along opposing sides of said second cable engagement member and engaging said second slots, said frangible second nodes being frangible upon application of said predetermined force. [0009] Typically, each said fastener is a shear head fastener. [0010] In a preferred form, for each said tunnel, said device includes two said apertures and two said fasteners.

3 [0011] In a preferred form, said tunnels comprise a first set of said tunnels each sized to receive an electrical mains cable and a second set of said tunnels each smaller than said tunnels of said first set and sized to receive an electrical service cable. [0012] In a preferred form, said device further comprises a water proof housing assembly within which said body and fasteners are housed. [0013] Typically, said housing assembly comprises a housing within which said body is received with said fasteners extending therethrough and a plurality of covers mountable on said housing to cover said fasteners, said housing defining a plurality of cable entry ports communicating with each of said tunnels for passage of electrical cable into each of said tunnels. [0014] In a preferred form, a plurality of viewing windows are defined in said housing, each of said viewing windows providing visibility of one of said tunnels from an opposing end of said tunnel to the associated said cable entry port. Brief Description of Drawings [0015] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of an example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: [0016] Fig. 1 is an end elevation view of a sub-assembly of a cable connection device; [0017] Fig. 2 is an isometric view of the sub-assembly of Fig. 1; [0018] Fig. 3 is an exploded isometric view of a cable connection device according to a first embodiment, incorporating the sub-assembly of Fig. 1; [0019] Fig. 4 is a front isometric view of the cable connection device of Fig. 3 in a fully assembled state; [0020] Fig. 5 is a rear isometric view of the cable connection device of Fig. 3 in a fully assembled state; 4 [0021] Fig. 6 is an exploded isometric view of a cable connection device according to a second embodiment, incorporating the sub-assembly of Fig. 1; [0022] Fig. 7 is a front isometric view of the front perspective view of the cable connection device of Fig. 6; and [0023] Fig. 8 is a rear isometric view of the cable connection device of Fig. 6. Description of Embodiments [0024] Figures 1 and 2 depict a sub-assembly of an electrical cable connection device, including an electrically conductive body 100 that forms the core of the device. The body 100 is here in the form of an aluminium extrusion. The body 100 has a plurality of tunnels 110, 110' that extend at least partly through the body 100. In the arrangement depicted, each of the tunnels 110, 110' extends through the full thickness of the body 100 from a first body face 101 to an opposing second body face 102. Each of the tunnels 110, 110' has a pair of opposing tunnel side walls 111 separated by a pair of opposing tunnel end walls 112, 113 being a first tunnel end wall 112 and a second tunnel end wall 113. The tunnels 110, 110' here comprise a first set of two mains tunnels 110 that are each sized to receive an electrical mains cable, which may have a 2 cross-sectional area up to about 150 mm , and a second set of four smaller consumer tunnels 110' that are each sized to receive an electrical consumer cable, which may typically vary in 2 cross-sectional area up to about 25 mm [0025] Associated with each of the tunnels 110, 110' there is provided at least one, and here two, threaded apertures 114 extending from the exterior of the body 100 through the second tunnel end wall 113. In the embodiment depicted, the mains tunnels 110 are arranged towards the top of the body 100 and each of the mains tunnels 110 is oriented with the second tunnel end wall 113 forming the tunnel upper wall, located adjacent the upper body face 103, such that the apertures 114 extend through the upper body face 103 through the second tunnel end wall 113 into the respective mains tunnel 110. [0026] Conversely, with each of the consumer tunnels 110' being arranged towards the bottom of the body 100, each of the tunnels 110' is oriented with the second tunnel end wall 113 forming the tunnel lower wall, forming the tunnel upper wall, arranged adjacent the lower body 5 face 104. The apertures 114 extend through the lower body face 104 through the second tunnel end wall 113 and into the respective consumer tunnel 110'. [0027] For each tunnel 110, 110', the device further comprises a first cable engagement member 120 and a second cable engagement member 130. At least one, and preferably both, of the first and second cable engagement members 120, 130 are formed of an electrically conductive material, such as tin-plated aluminium. [0028] The first cable engagement member 120 has a first cable engagement face 121. In the arrangement depicted the first cable engagement face 121 of each of the first cable engagement members 120 is provided with a plurality of insulation piercing teeth 122. Each first cable engagement member 120 is interchangeable, being adapted to be removably retained in the respective tunnel 110, 10' adjacent the first tunnel end wall 112, as particularly shown in Figures 1 and 2. In the arrangement depicted, the rear face 123 of each first cable engagement member 120 is planar and engages the planar first tunnel end wall 112 of the respective tunnels 110, 110'. The first cable engagement face 121 faces the opposing second tunnel end wall 113 of the respective tunnel 110, 110'. The first cable engagement member 120 is removeably retained within the tunnel 110, 110' by way of a pair of first nodes 124 that longitudinally extend along opposing sides of the first cable engagement member 120 and which are received in a pair of opposing first slots 115 longitudinally extending along the length of the tunnel side walls 111. In the arrangement depicted, the first slots 115 are located immediately adjacent the first end wall 112. With this arrangement, different forms of the first engagement member 120 may be selected and fitted into each tunnel 110, 110' to suit the specific application. For example, a form of the first cable engagement member 120 with insulation piercing teeth 122 being provided on the cable engagement face 121 will be particularly suitable for applications where the relevant electrical mains cable or electrical service cable has insulation that has not been stripped. For electrical cables that either have insulation stripped from the end region being connected, or are bare cables without insulation, a smooth or lightly serrated first cable engagement face 121 would typically be more appropriate. [0029] Associated with each of the tunnels 110, 110', the device is also provided with a second cable engagement member 130 that is adapted to be removably retained in the respective tunnel 110, 110' in a first position adjacent the second tunnel end wall 113, as depicted in Figures 1 and 6 2. Each of the second engagement members 130 has a second cable engagement face 131 that faces the opposing first cable engagement face 121 with a gap defined therebetween for receipt of an electrical cable, specifically a electrical mains cable in the mains tunnels 110 and an electrical consumer cable in the consumer tunnels 110'. The rear face 133 of each of the second cable engagement members 130 is here planar, and engages the planar second tunnel wall 113 of the respective tunnel 110, 110'. [0030] In the arrangement depicted, the second cable engagement face 122 is serrated for gripping of an electrical cable, however, the relatively small serrations are not sufficient for piercing insulation. The second cable engagement member 130 may again replaced with an alternate form of second cable engagement member 130 as desired, typically with an alternate form of second cable engagement face 132. It is thus envisaged that the second cable engagement face 131 might be provided with insulation piercing teeth, and the first cable engagement face 121 might be smooth or lightly serrated. [0031] Associated with each tunnel 110, 110' there is also a detent means adapted to retain the associated cable engagement member 130 in the first position adjacent the second tunnel end wall 113. The detent means is configured to allow displacement of the second cable engagement member 130 towards the first cable engagement member 120 on application of a predetermined force. In the arrangement depicted, the detent means, for each tunnel 110, 110', is in the form of a pair of opposing second slots 116 longitudinally extending along the length of each of the side walls 111 and a pair of frangible second nodes 134 longitudinally extending along opposing sides of the second cable engagement member 130 and engaging the second slots 116. The frangible second nodes 134 are frangible upon application of the predetermined force such that, when the predetermined force is applied to the second cable engagement member 130, the frangible second nodes 134 break away and allow the second cable engagement member 130 to be displaced towards the first cable engagement member 120. This results in clamping of any electrical cable located in the gap between the first and second engagement members 120, 130 and piercing any insulation by way of the insulation piercing teeth 122, so as to form an electrical connection between the conductor of the electrical cable and the electrically conductive body 110 via at least the first cable engagement member 120 and, where an electrical contact is established between the conductor on the electrical cable and the second cable engagement face 7 131, via the second cable engagement member 130 and the fasteners 140 that extend through the apertures 114 into engagement with the second cable engagement member 130. [0032] A fastener 140 extends through each of the apertures 114 and is engageable with the rear face 133 of the second cable engagement member 130 of the associated tunnel 110, 110' so as to apply a force to the second cable engagement member 130 as further torque is applied to each fastener 140. With two apertures 114 being provided for each tunnel 110, 110', there are also two fasteners 140 associated with each tunnel 110, 110'. Once the force applied to the second cable engagement member 130 exceeds the predetermined force, the frangible second nodes 134 fail and application of further torque to the fasteners 140 results in the second cable engagement member 130 being driven towards the first cable engagement member 120, clamping any electrical cable located in the gap between the first and second cable engagement members 120, 130. In the arrangement depicted, each of the fasteners 140 is a shearhead bolt, configured to fail upon application of a predetermined torque. This predetermined torque equates to a force applied to the second cable engagement member 130 that exceeds the predetermined force at which the frangible second nodes 134 fail, such that the frangible second nodes 134 will always fail before the fasteners 140. The predetermined torque is selected to equate to a desired compressive force to be applied to a cable located within the tunnel 110, 110' that ensures a reliable electrical connection. Provision of two fasteners 140 for each tunnel 110, 110' provides further reliability to the connection. [0033] Referring to Figures 3 to 5, the electrical cable connection device further comprises a housing 150 within which the body 100 is received. The housing 150 will typically be formed of a waterproofing material, which may be silicone rubber that is overmoulded onto the body 100. The housing 150 has a series of openings 151 extending through a first housing wall 152 covering the first body face 101. The openings 151 are aligned with each of the tunnels 110, 110'. A transparent element 160 is located between the first body face 101 and first housing wall 152. The transparent element 160 has a plurality of projections 161 on one face thereof that each extend through and have a substantially identical size to one of the openings 151. Each of these projections 161 thus forms a separate viewing window through which a user may view the interior of each tunnel 110, 110' to obtain a visual confirmation that an adequate electrical connection has been formed with an electrical cable located within the respective tunnels 110, 110'. The projections 161 also seal the openings 151. The transparent element 160, covering the 8 first body face 101, also assists in retaining the first and second cable engagement members 120, 130 with their respective tunnels 110, 110'. [0034] On the opposing second housing wall 153 of the housing 150, a plurality of cable entry ports 154 is formed. These cable entry ports 154 are again aligned with each of the tunnels 110, 110' and allow for electrical cables to be passed through the cable entry ports 154 and into each tunnel 110, 110' between the first and second cable engagement members 120, 130. Each of the cable entry ports 154 is configured to form a seal with the electrical cable as it passes therethrough. Covers 170 are provided for each of the cable entry ports 154 associated with the consumer tunnels 110', allowing any unused consumer tunnels 110' to be sealed. The second housing wall 153 also assists in retaining the first and second cable engagement members 120, 130 within the respective tunnels 110, 110'. [0035] The upper wall 155 of the housing 150 is provided with fastener access ports 156 for providing access to each of the fasteners 140. The fasteners 140 will typically project beyond the fastener access ports 156 for ease of application of a socket to the drivehead of each fastener 140. The shearhead fasteners 140 will then typically fail such that no remaining portion of the fastener 140 projects beyond the fastener access port 156. Removeable covers 171 are provided for sealing the fastener access ports 156. Further fastener access ports 157 are provided in the lower face 158 of the housing 150, for accessing the fasteners 140 passing into each of the consumer tunnels 110'. Again, a removeable cover 172 is provided for covering and sealing the further fastener access ports 157. The housing 150, transparent element 160 and covers 170, 171, 172 together form a waterproof housing assembly that ensures that the body 100 and associated electrical connections are fully waterproofed, such that the electrical connection device may be located within a below-ground pit and fully submerged in the event of flooding of the pit. [0036] Figures 6 to 8 depict an electrical cable connection device according to a second embodiment which is generally identical to the electrical cable connection device of the first embodiment described above, except that the housing 150' is arranged with the fastener access ports 154 associated with the mains tunnels 110 being located on the first housing wall 152 with the cable entry ports 154 associated with the consumer tunnels 110' located on the opposing second housing wall 153. As a result of the opposing orientations of the cable entry ports 154, 9 the openings 151 providing inspection windows associated with the tunnels 110, 110' are also provided on opposing walls of the housing 150. Accordingly, first and second transparent elements 160', 160" are provided. The first transparent element 160' is provided with apertures 162 aligned with the mains tunnels 110, for passage of electrical cables through the cable entry ports 154 into the mains tunnels 110. Projections 161 are also provided on the first transparent element 160' for forming the inspection windows associated with each of the mains tunnels 110'. The second transparent element 160" has projections 161 forming inspection windows for each of the consumer tunnels 110 and apertures 162 aligned with each of the consumer tunnels 110' to allow passage of cables through the cable entry ports 154 into the consumer tunnels 110'. [0037] A person skilled in the art will appreciate various other possible modifications and additions to the cable connection device described.

Claims

1. An electrical cable connection device comprising: a unitarily formed electrically conductive body having a plurality of tunnels each longitudinally extending from a first face of said body at least partly through said body, each of said tunnels having a pair of opposing tunnel side walls separated by a pair of opposing tunnel end walls; wherein, for each said tunnel, said device further comprises: a first cable engagement member having a first cable engagement face, said first cable engagement member being adapted to be retained in said tunnel adjacent a first said tunnel end wall, said first cable engagement face facing an opposing second said tunnel end wall; a second cable engagement member having a second cable engagement face, said second cable engagement member being adapted to be retained in said tunnel in a first position adjacent said second tunnel wall with said second cable engagement face facing said first cable engagement face and a gap defined therebetween for receipt of an electrical cable; detent means adapted to retain said second cable engagement member in said first position, said detent means being configured to allow displacement of said second cable engagement member towards said first cable engagement member upon application of a predetermined force; an aperture extending from an exterior of said body through said second tunnel end wall; and a fastener extending through said aperture and engageable with said second cable engagement member to apply said predetermined force to said second cable engagement member; wherein at least one of said first and second cable engagement members is electrically conductive; further wherein, for each said tunnel, said first cable engagement member is adapted to be removably retained in said tunnel by way of a pair of first nodes longitudinally extending along opposing sides of said first cable engagement member and a pair of opposing first slots longitudinally extending along said tunnel side walls, with said nodes engaging said first slots.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein, for each said tunnel, said first and second cable engagement members are adapted to be removably retained in said tunnel. 11

3. The device of either one of claims 1 and 2 wherein, for each said tunnel, each of said first and second cable engagement members and said fasteners are electrically conductive.

4. The device of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein each of said tunnels extends through a thickness of said body from a first body face of said body to an opposing second body face of said body.

5. The device of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein said detent means comprises a pair of opposing second slots longitudinally extending along said tunnel side walls and a pair of frangible second nodes longitudinally extending along opposing sides of said second cable engagement member and engaging said second slots, said frangible second nodes being frangible upon application of said predetermined force.

6. The device of any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein each said fastener is a shear head fastener.

7. The device of any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein, for each said tunnel, said device includes two said apertures and two said fasteners.

8. The device of any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein said tunnels comprise a first set of said tunnels each sized to receive an electrical mains cable and a second set of said tunnels each smaller than said tunnels of said first set and sized to receive an electrical service cable.

9. The device of any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein said device further comprises a water proof housing assembly within which said body and said fasteners are housed.

10. The device of any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein said housing assembly comprises a housing within which said body is received with said fasteners extending therethrough and a plurality of covers mountable on said housing to cover said fasteners, said housing defining a plurality of cable entry ports communicating with each of said tunnels for passage of electrical cable into each of said tunnels. 12

11. The device of any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein a plurality of viewing windows are defined in said housing, each of said viewing windows providing visibility of one of said tunnels from an opposing end of said tunnel to the associated said cable entry port. Legend Corporate Services Pty Ltd Patent Attorneys for the Applicant/Nominated Person SPRUSON & FERGUSON