AU617325B2 - Electrical connector - Google Patents

Description

4 v~ ~,z FORM F Ref: 29425 COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT 1c,62 COMPLETE SPECIFI(GATION

(ORIGINAL)

FOR OFFICE USE: Application Number: Lodged: Pr ior ity: Class Int. Class PI2660 24 June 1987 Accepted: Published: 4 a a a aa a q Related Art: a 4 Name and Address a Act~ual Inventc: Address for Service: Macey-Mini.ng.-Se~rvice~s- %ty -Ltd--- 2,6 .Medcalf Street A, W,-rners Bay-NewSouth Wales 2282

AUSTRALIA-

Laurence David Macey Spruson Ferguson, Patent Attorneys, Level 33 St Martins Tower, 31 Market Street, Sydney, New South Males, 2000, Australia Complete Specification for thla invention entitled: The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known *to me/us /1 0 6/00 SIDz is.-)D l%8 rh -2 This invention relates to electrical connectors and is more particularly concerned with such devices useful in three-phase electrical systems such as are used, for example, in mining operations.

In mining operations, the primary power circuit to supply a colliery is typically of three-phase 11000 volts. An electrical connector system for such circuitry includes an adaptor which is connectable to a machine which receives or supplies three-phase A/C supply, a plug connected to the adaptor and usually a plurality of lengths of cable, each length of cable having its ends incoporated i 1 respective plugs.

In mining operations cables are laid in regions of high humidity, mine gases may contain methane and other highly inflammable or explosive gases and inadequate sealing of cable connectors can result in shorting of electricity in one or more phases with the possibility of resultant explosion of mine gases. Such explosions are obviously dangerous to human life and are to be avoided where possible.

Explosions resulting from short circuiting of electrical equipment a 09 are not uncommon and have been knowr to cause heavy loss of life.

Sealing of electrical connectors hat been imperfect in conventional 20 equipment and It has been this failure to effectively seal such equipment at points of connection particularly of plugs to adaptors and of plugs to plugs which has contributed to the difficulties mentioned above.

It is an object of this invention to provide componentry for an electrical connector system and an electrical connector system which utilizes such componentry, which at least substantially ameliolates the aforementioned problems of conventional such systems.

The basic unit of such componentry is a sealed connector adapted to be incorporated in a plug or adaptor, the connector comprising a j conductive socket and thimble in end-to-end conta:t contained within a 30 shaped housing having open ends through which electrical contact is made with the socket and thimbe, said housing being adapted to electrically isolate said socket and thimble. It is preferred that the housing be moulded from a resilient dielectric material such as neoprene and include a ribbed surface to extend surface creepage distance over which any ed,.'ctrical leakage might travel when said system is operative. Each cable phase introduced to a plug or adaptor electrically connects with a socket of one of these sealed connector devices contained within the partlcular plug or adaptor.

(M A' RL ~8391 3 The invention provides in combination with the above described sealed connector, a shielder, pin device which fits over one end of and electrically conicts to the sealed connector, which sealed connector is adapted to be applied to and housed within an adaptor-plug or plug-to-plug connection, said shielded pin device comprising a pin housing having a central web portion thereacross and having an aperture therethrough locating a conductive pin, said pin housing being adapted to sealingly engage, at either end thereof the housing of the sealed connector.

Thus, this invention in one broad form provides a mu;ti-pole iconnector wherein each individual pole connector is insulated and sealed, each said connector comprising a first thimble and socket combination, said thimble incorporating an open end adapted to encompass and secure a cable end portion, said thimble being secured to said socket by a securing means, said thimble and socket being seal'"gly housed in a resilient dielectric moulding, said moulding having an outer S' circumferential ribbed portion adapted to extend the surface creepage j distance over which any electrical leakage must travel, a second thimble S* ,and socket combination and dielectric moulding located in mirror image relationship to said first thimble and socket combination, and a shielded pin device comprising a unitary moulded dielectric member having a central web portion with an electrical connecting pin disposed therethrough, said pin extending into the sockets of said first and second thimble and socket combinations and the moulded member being located in encompassing sealing engagement with respective end sections of said resilient dielectric mouldings housing respective said socket portions of said first and second thimble and socket combinations.

It is also important that when individual adaptors and plugs are disconnected from each other, steps are taken to ensure the prevention, to the extent possible, of internal componentry of the adaptors and plugs being fouled with moisture, dust or grit. To this end also disclosed is a cover member for an adaptor or plug, said cover member comprising a cast wall adapted for sealed connection to the open end of a plug or adaptor casing, said cover beini provided with one housing member for each cable phase, each said housing member extending from said wall to locate around and sealingly engage the outer surface of the individual connector member of the adaptor or plug to which the cover might be L connected.

'28391 I- -4 By way of example only certain componentry and embodiments of this invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:- Fig. 1 is a front view of an adaptor showing the portion thereof connectable to a plug; the corresponding front view of a plug according to this invention is a mirror image of Fig. 1; Fig. 2 is a rear view of an adaptor showing that portion of the adaptor connectable to any machine which receives or supplies three-phase A/C supply of between, say, 6000 to 15000 volts; Fig. 3 is a section of the line A-A of Fig. 2; Flg. 4 is a longitudinal section of the adaptor component of this invention; Fig. 5 is an end view of the clamping plate or wall member of the adaptor of Fig. 1: Fig. 6 is ection on the line B-B of Fig. Fig. 7 is a longitudinal section of unequal length guide pins useful in the connection of the end (Fig. 1) of the adaptor to the corresponding end of the plug of Fig. 17; Fig. 8 is a section of a pilot pin and thimble member incorporated 20 in the adaptor of Fig. 1; Fig. 9 is a section of a socket and thimble portion of the cable connector incorporated in the adaptor of Fig. 1 (an identical connector |i is incorporated In the plug of Fig. 11); j Fig. 10 is a section of ai moulded member adapted to house and j 25 insulate the socket and thimble of Fig. 9; Fig. 11 is a longitudinal section of a plug general assembly component of this invention showing gland grommet 40 suitable for TRS cable; Fig. 12 is a longitudinal section of the connection arrangement i 30 between a pliable wire armoured (PWA) cable and a plug component of this invention; Fig. 13 is a section of a steel washer and neoprene inner grommet assembly forming part of the gland of Fig. 11; Fig. 14 is a longitudinal section of a shielded pin assembly, to sealingly connect a combination of adaptor to plug or plug to plug combination in accordance with this invention; Fig. 15 is a section of a vertical centre line of an end cover showing one only (of three) shield members; /28391 I 11 )I i' ir~iiii i i i i Fig. 16 is a part section of an electrical connector according to this invention depicting a shielded pin in place showing interrelationship between seals.

In the drawings, adaptor 1 is provided with cast body 2 having end wall 3 provided with apertures therethrough 4, through which con.ctlng bolts (not shown) are located to effect sealing connection with a corresponding end wall of a plug (infra). Sealing between these two walls is effected by provision of an 0-ring 5 in end wall 3 and a corresponding 0-ring in the complementary end wall of the plug (infra).

Stepped back a small distance from wall 3 are portions 6 of adaptor 1 cast body 2, these portions 6 each incorporating guide pin apertures 7 (unthreaded) and 70 (threaded) through which guide pins 8, 9 nay be located to assist in the assembly of an adaptor id a plug.

Rear adaptor wall 10 is provided with wall section 11 through which is located a small aperture 12 for passage therethrough of pilot pin 13 and socket 14 assembly. This assembly is conventional and is provided such t'!at a lead electrical safety line might be connected between the °o various assemblies of a mining circuit. Phase barrier 15 is symmetrical o o and is cast integrally with adaptor body casting 2.

o 20 Further apertures 16 through end wall 10 locate and seal cable phase connector assemblies 16A.

S"Clamping plate 17 is adapted for securement to wall portion 10 o.

cast adaptor body 2.

a Socket 21 and thimble 22 are the inner portions of each sealed S 25 cable connector incorporated in adaptor 1. Each such socket 21 and thimble 22 assembly is housed in a moulded dielectric circular section moulding 23 provided with ribbed section 24 to enable sealing engagement o°o therewith of a partially surrounding shield. Ribbing (as shown) is provided in the surface of moulding 23 to extend the surface creepage distance over which any electrical leakage must extend.

Thimble 22 comprises a cable embracing open end 22A adapted to encompass and secure a cable end and to electrically connect a conducting cable section to socket 21. Thimble 22 and socket 21 are secured together by engagement of screw 21A into threaded end 22B of thimble 22.

Dielectric housing 23 (Fig. 10) sealingly encompasses thimble 22 and socket 21 combination as shown in Fig. 4. As will be apparent from Fil'. 10, housing 23 incorporates a reduced diameter end opening portion pLIA 23A (see also Fig. 4) adapted to sealingly engage a cable dielectric 28391

"O'A

ii 6 portion inserted therethrough. Socket 21 is of conductive material such as copper or brass 'as is thimble 22) to electrically connect thimble 22 through to conncting pin 35 (Fig. 14) of shielded pin assembly 32.

Electrical connection is thence effected through shielded pin assembly 32 to a further socket 21, thimble 22 and cable 29A arrangement which is a mirror image of the cable 29A, thimble 22 and socket 21 arrangement of Fig. 4, as best shown in Fig. 16.

Plug member 25 (Fig. 11) is provided with cast outer body 26 which at one end incorporates wall portion 27 adapted to complement and to sealingly connect to wall portion 3 of adaptor 1 or to wall 27 of a corresponding plug. To this end, wall portion 27 of plug 25 is provided with apertures 4A corresponding to apertures 4 in wall 3 of adaptor 1 and unthreaded and threaded guide pin apertures (not shown), to cooperate with guide pin apertures 70 and 7 (respectively) of adaptor 1.

At the other end of body 26 of plug 25 is provided end portion 28 adapted to receive three phase cable 29.

In Fig. 11 phase 29A is depicted extending from cable 29 into o u electrical connection with plug connector assembly 21, 22, 23. A o, iconventional sealing device (not shown) is located about the region where phase 29A enters moulding 23 to prevent entry of foreign matter to the a interior of this assembly.

oo o The plug 25 of this invention is adapted to receive and house all types of three-phase cable conventionally used in industry. Each type of cable requires a specialised gland 40 to cooperate with plug 25 end portion 28.

\0 Fig. 14 depicts shielded pin arrangement 32 which comprises unitary moulded member 33 having central web portion 34 through which is located 'o electrical connecting pin of silver plated copper 35, and interior rib portions 36, 36A adjacent the outer ends of moulded member 33 and sealing ribs 37, 37A adjacent web 34. Electrical connection between an individual cable phase located within plug 25 and a corresponding cable phase portion located within adaptor 1 (see Fig. 4) is achieved by virtue of electrical connection between plug connector assembly 21, 22, 23 and cable phase 29 as described above, corresponding electrical connection between the corresponding adaptor connector assembly and the phase portion contained within adaptor 1, and electrical connection between the connector assemblies of adaptor 1 and plug 25 through shielded pin /X assembly 32.

RF/28391 I r -7- Fig. 16 depicts a shielded pin (Fig. 14) sealed into engagement with, at either end thereof, a sealed connector 16A.

When the facing walls of an adaptor and a plug or of two plugs are joined as by bolting through apertures 4 so t:iat cooperating O-rings thereof come into pressured contact, internal ribs 36 and 36A of shielded pin moulded member 33 come into sealing contact, under pressure, with outer ribs of sealed connector rib portions 24. Inner sealing ribs 37, 37A of moulded member 33 exert sealing pressilre adjacent the extremities of the ends of circular section moulding 23 and further sealing is effected, as indicated by circles, at locations where the curved ends of moulding sections 23 of each cable connector are physically contacted, under pressure by the cut out portions of the centr,-! web 34 of moulded member 34.

Depicted in Fig. 15 is a cover member 50 comprising a metal wall 52 adapted for sealed connection to the open end of the plug or adaptor housing. The cover 50 is provided with one sealing member 51 for each cable phase, each sealing member 51 extending from the wall 52 to locate around and sealingly engage the outer surface of an individual connector member of the adaptor or plug to which the cover is connected.

B

1

Claims (10)

1. A multi-pole connector wherein each individual pole connector is insulated and sealed, each said connector comprising a first thimble and socket combination, said thimble incorporating an open end adapted to encompass and secure a cable end portion, said thimble being secured to said socket by a securing means, said thimble and socket being sealingly housed in a resilient dielectric moulding, said moulding having an outer circumferential ribbed portion adapted to extend the surface creepage distance over which any electrical leakage must travel, a second thimble and socket combination and dielectric moulding located in mirror image relationship to said first thimble and socket combination, and a shielded pin device comprising a unitary moulded dielectric member having a central web portion with an electrical connecting pin disposed therethrough, said pin extending into the sockets of said first and second thimble and socket combinations and the moulded member being located in encompassing sealing engagement with respective end sections of said resilient dielectric mouldings housing respective said socket A portions of said first and second thimble and socket combinations.

2. A multi-pole connector as defined in claim 1 wherein said securing means comprises a female threaded opening in said thimble and a ,threaded pin extending within said socket and secured in said female 9 4opening.

3. A multi-pole connector as defined in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein each said dielectric moulding includes a reduced diameter end portion adapted to sealingly engage a cable dielectric portion.

4. A multi-pole connector as defined in any one of the preceding claims wherein each said socket and thimble is of copper or brass.

A 'ltl-pole connector as defined in any one of the preceding claims wherein said shielded pin moulded member sealingly engages the ribbed portion of each respective said thimble and socket housing U moulding.

6. A multi-pole connector as defined in any one of the preceding claims wherein mutually contacting ends of each respective said thimble and socket are conically formed to provide a conical interface therebetween.

7. A multi-pole connector as defined in any one of the preceding claims wherein said first thimble and socket combination is incorporated in an adaptor, one end of the casting of which Is adapted for sealing _I _1 9 connection with a machine or other apparatus which receives or supplies three phase A/C supply, the adaptor incorporating three separate sealed connectors each incorporating a said thimble and socket combination, one respective said connector for eachi cable phase.

8. A multi-pole connector as defined in claim 7 wherein the other end of said adaptor casting is in sealing engagement with one end of a plug casting said plug casting housing three connectors each incorporating a said second thimble and socket combination respective said plug connectors corresponding with respective said adaptor connectors and being connected thereto by respective said shielded pins.

9. A multi-pole connector as defined in any one of claims i to 6 wherein three said first thimble and socket combinations are incorporated in a first plug and three said second thimble and socket combinations are incorporated in a second plug said first and second plugs having seallingly engaged castings and respective said first and second thimble and plug combinations being connected by three respective said hielded pins.

10. A multi-pole connector as defined in claim 1 and substantially o as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. DATED this TWELFTH day of SEPTEMBER 1991 Crouse-Hinds (Australia) Pty Ltd Patent Attorneys for the Applicant SPRUSON FERGUSON