CA1145426A - Liquid-tight connector for flexible electrical conduit - Google Patents
Liquid-tight connector for flexible electrical conduitInfo
- Publication number
- CA1145426A CA1145426A CA000346624A CA346624A CA1145426A CA 1145426 A CA1145426 A CA 1145426A CA 000346624 A CA000346624 A CA 000346624A CA 346624 A CA346624 A CA 346624A CA 1145426 A CA1145426 A CA 1145426A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- conduit
- connector
- radially
- body member
- gripping
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Landscapes
- Quick-Acting Or Multi-Walled Pipe Joints (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
A reusable liquid-tight connector for flexible liquid-tight electri-cal conduit comprises a body member and a compression member which cooperate to simultaneously grip the conduit radially by means of an eccentric action and compress the conduit axially into a sealing seat by means of an axial camming action.
A reusable liquid-tight connector for flexible liquid-tight electri-cal conduit comprises a body member and a compression member which cooperate to simultaneously grip the conduit radially by means of an eccentric action and compress the conduit axially into a sealing seat by means of an axial camming action.
Description
* * * * * * ~ * * * * * * * * ~ * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This invention relates in general to electrical conduit fittings for making liquid-tight connections between electrical conduit of the liquid-tight type and an associated fixture such as a junction box, switchboard panel, piping or the like. Such conduit generally is provided with an external pro-tective sheath which is resilient or yieldable.
Prior fittings have employed ferr~les and/or glands and the like to achieve liquid-tight connections, as in U.S. patents 2,782,060 and 3,055,683 and in the fittings of Raco, a C.I.T. CDmpany, Bridgeport Fittings Inc., and 0. Z. Gedney unit of General Signal.
The need for products which will better meet the combined goals of simplicity, low manufacturing cost, ease of use, and reliability has been and is continually felt in the industry. The present invention represents a significant advance in these respects. It is simple, consisting of only two parts, with no ferrules, glands or the like. It can be manufactured by con-ventional high-volume manufacturing methods. It is easy and convenient to use and provides a firm and effective conduit seating and~ seallng action.
~ A particular advantage of the invention is that it may be reused ; without replacement of any parts. Liquid-tight connectors of the prior art ;~
generally cannot be reused without replacement of~ferrules, glands or the like.
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~45~Z6 The objects and advantages of the invention wi]l be more fully appreciated from the following description of a specific example.
In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is an isometric view of a connector exemplifying the invention shown in unassembled condition and in association with the end of a conduit shown in phantom lines.
Figure 2 is a side elevation of the same connection, partly broken away, showing the conduit seated in the body member but with the compression member withdrawn from the body member.
Figure 3 is a side elevation of the same connection, partly broken away, showing the compression member tightened on the body member and in gripping engagement with the conduit.
Figures 4 and 5 are views, partly broken away, taken respectively on the planes of lines 4-4 and 5-5 in Figures 2 and 3.
Figure 6 is a cross section similar to Figure 2 but on a smaller scale and with the conduit omitted.
Figures 7, 8, and 9 are views taken respectively on the planes of lines 7-7, รด-8, and 9-9 in Figures 6 and 7.
Figure 10 is a development of the cammlng~flanges and lugs shown in;~ , the other views. ~
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This invention relates in general to electrical conduit fittings for making liquid-tight connections between electrical conduit of the liquid-tight type and an associated fixture such as a junction box, switchboard panel, piping or the like. Such conduit generally is provided with an external pro-tective sheath which is resilient or yieldable.
Prior fittings have employed ferr~les and/or glands and the like to achieve liquid-tight connections, as in U.S. patents 2,782,060 and 3,055,683 and in the fittings of Raco, a C.I.T. CDmpany, Bridgeport Fittings Inc., and 0. Z. Gedney unit of General Signal.
The need for products which will better meet the combined goals of simplicity, low manufacturing cost, ease of use, and reliability has been and is continually felt in the industry. The present invention represents a significant advance in these respects. It is simple, consisting of only two parts, with no ferrules, glands or the like. It can be manufactured by con-ventional high-volume manufacturing methods. It is easy and convenient to use and provides a firm and effective conduit seating and~ seallng action.
~ A particular advantage of the invention is that it may be reused ; without replacement of any parts. Liquid-tight connectors of the prior art ;~
generally cannot be reused without replacement of~ferrules, glands or the like.
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~45~Z6 The objects and advantages of the invention wi]l be more fully appreciated from the following description of a specific example.
In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is an isometric view of a connector exemplifying the invention shown in unassembled condition and in association with the end of a conduit shown in phantom lines.
Figure 2 is a side elevation of the same connection, partly broken away, showing the conduit seated in the body member but with the compression member withdrawn from the body member.
Figure 3 is a side elevation of the same connection, partly broken away, showing the compression member tightened on the body member and in gripping engagement with the conduit.
Figures 4 and 5 are views, partly broken away, taken respectively on the planes of lines 4-4 and 5-5 in Figures 2 and 3.
Figure 6 is a cross section similar to Figure 2 but on a smaller scale and with the conduit omitted.
Figures 7, 8, and 9 are views taken respectively on the planes of lines 7-7, รด-8, and 9-9 in Figures 6 and 7.
Figure 10 is a development of the cammlng~flanges and lugs shown in;~ , the other views. ~
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45~26 I
The illustrated connector includes a body member 10 and a compression member 12 adapted to receive a conduit 14. The body member 10 includes an annular seat which in the illustrated device is in the form of an annular groove 16 (Figs. 2,3,6) which has tapered walls and which faces axially to receive the end of the conduit 14 as indicated in Figure 2. The conduit may include an internal flexible metal wall 18 and an external protective sheath of elastomeric material 20. Axial compression of the end of the conduit 14 wedges the end into the groove 16 in liquid-tight relationship, as illustrated in Figure 3.
Cooperating arcuate surfaces 22 and 24 are provided respectively on the body member and compression member. In the illustrated device these arcuate surfaces are cylindrical walls, the surface 22 forming a cylindrical boss and the surface 24 a cylindrical bore. The radial center or axis 26 (Figure 2) of rotation of each of these surfaces is offset from the radial center or axis 28 of the annular seat 16. Accordingly, when the conduit 14 is received in the seat 16, the compression member 12 moves eccentrically with respect to the conduit when the compression member and body member are en8aged , and rotated relatively to each other. Two different relative positions of the ;
parts are shown in Figures 2 and 3.
The compression member 12 includes a radially im~ardly projecting;
circular flange 30. With ~the parts in the position shown in Figure 2, the flange 30 freely receives the conduit 14. In the position of the parts shown~
in Figure 3, one side of the flange 30 has moved radially inwardly with respect~
to the conduit to thereby grip the conduit wall against the conduit-supporting annulus 32, which forms an extension of the inner side of the annular seat or groove 16. As shown most clearly in Figure 6, the annulus 32 extends axially beyond the outer part 34 of the body member 10 so that, as shown in Figure 3,~
the support of the conduit 14 by the annulus 32 may extend to locations directly opposite the flange 30 whereby the flange 30 may firmly grip the conduit against the ann~lus 32.
45~26 I
The illustrated connector includes a body member 10 and a compression member 12 adapted to receive a conduit 14. The body member 10 includes an annular seat which in the illustrated device is in the form of an annular groove 16 (Figs. 2,3,6) which has tapered walls and which faces axially to receive the end of the conduit 14 as indicated in Figure 2. The conduit may include an internal flexible metal wall 18 and an external protective sheath of elastomeric material 20. Axial compression of the end of the conduit 14 wedges the end into the groove 16 in liquid-tight relationship, as illustrated in Figure 3.
Cooperating arcuate surfaces 22 and 24 are provided respectively on the body member and compression member. In the illustrated device these arcuate surfaces are cylindrical walls, the surface 22 forming a cylindrical boss and the surface 24 a cylindrical bore. The radial center or axis 26 (Figure 2) of rotation of each of these surfaces is offset from the radial center or axis 28 of the annular seat 16. Accordingly, when the conduit 14 is received in the seat 16, the compression member 12 moves eccentrically with respect to the conduit when the compression member and body member are en8aged , and rotated relatively to each other. Two different relative positions of the ;
parts are shown in Figures 2 and 3.
The compression member 12 includes a radially im~ardly projecting;
circular flange 30. With ~the parts in the position shown in Figure 2, the flange 30 freely receives the conduit 14. In the position of the parts shown~
in Figure 3, one side of the flange 30 has moved radially inwardly with respect~
to the conduit to thereby grip the conduit wall against the conduit-supporting annulus 32, which forms an extension of the inner side of the annular seat or groove 16. As shown most clearly in Figure 6, the annulus 32 extends axially beyond the outer part 34 of the body member 10 so that, as shown in Figure 3,~
the support of the conduit 14 by the annulus 32 may extend to locations directly opposite the flange 30 whereby the flange 30 may firmly grip the conduit against the ann~lus 32.
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-~ i ~45426 Camming members are provided on one of the principal parts and cooperating cam followers on the other. In the illustrated embodiment, camming flanges 36 are provided on the body member lO and cam lugs 38 on the compression member 12. The lugs 38 are accepted into engagement with the flanges 36 through gates 40 (Figs. 1,7,10) in the manner of a bayonet connec- 1 tion. Travel of the lugs along the flanges 36 is limited by stops 42 (Fig. lO).
Total relative angular movement between the body and compression members may be about 150 degrees, or slightly less than half a turn.
The development of the camming members is seen in Figure lO. As the lugs 38 move up the sloped intermediate portions or ramps 44 of the camming, flanges, the conduit 14 is urged from a loosely seated condition such as seen in Figure 2 to the tightly seated condition shown in Figure 3. The camming flanges and lugs together constitute a ramped bayonet connection which draws the members axially together as the connection is tightened.
The radial exterior of the compression member is preferably formed as the exterior envelope of a hexagonal unit, as shown. The cam lugs extend `
axially from one side of the exterior o the compression member and are within ;,~
the exterior envelope of the hex nut shape, as shown. This helps protect the lugs against damage from sideward impacts. The radial exterior of the body member also includes a hex nut shape so that the two principal parts may be ;
conveniently tightened down with wrenches.
The body member lO includes a suitable means for engag~ng itself in~
liquid-tight relation with an associated fixture such as a junction box, panel, piping, or the like.~ This may comprise simply a threaded boss or end~
46.
11hile a straight connector is shown, angled connectors may be pro~
vided. For example, the boss 46 may be replaced by a 45 degree or 90 degree threaded elbow. Appropriate commercial sizes of conduit with which~the invention is usable include 3/8, 1/2, 3/4, l, l-1/4, 1-1/2 and 2 inch sizes.
-~ i ~45426 Camming members are provided on one of the principal parts and cooperating cam followers on the other. In the illustrated embodiment, camming flanges 36 are provided on the body member lO and cam lugs 38 on the compression member 12. The lugs 38 are accepted into engagement with the flanges 36 through gates 40 (Figs. 1,7,10) in the manner of a bayonet connec- 1 tion. Travel of the lugs along the flanges 36 is limited by stops 42 (Fig. lO).
Total relative angular movement between the body and compression members may be about 150 degrees, or slightly less than half a turn.
The development of the camming members is seen in Figure lO. As the lugs 38 move up the sloped intermediate portions or ramps 44 of the camming, flanges, the conduit 14 is urged from a loosely seated condition such as seen in Figure 2 to the tightly seated condition shown in Figure 3. The camming flanges and lugs together constitute a ramped bayonet connection which draws the members axially together as the connection is tightened.
The radial exterior of the compression member is preferably formed as the exterior envelope of a hexagonal unit, as shown. The cam lugs extend `
axially from one side of the exterior o the compression member and are within ;,~
the exterior envelope of the hex nut shape, as shown. This helps protect the lugs against damage from sideward impacts. The radial exterior of the body member also includes a hex nut shape so that the two principal parts may be ;
conveniently tightened down with wrenches.
The body member lO includes a suitable means for engag~ng itself in~
liquid-tight relation with an associated fixture such as a junction box, panel, piping, or the like.~ This may comprise simply a threaded boss or end~
46.
11hile a straight connector is shown, angled connectors may be pro~
vided. For example, the boss 46 may be replaced by a 45 degree or 90 degree threaded elbow. Appropriate commercial sizes of conduit with which~the invention is usable include 3/8, 1/2, 3/4, l, l-1/4, 1-1/2 and 2 inch sizes.
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~4~426 , The invention is not limited to the precise details of the constructlon shown, but covers all variants based on the invention. For example, in a less preferred version of the invention, a camming flange may be provided on the compression member and cooperating lugs on the body member. The invention is defined by the following claims.
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~4~426 , The invention is not limited to the precise details of the constructlon shown, but covers all variants based on the invention. For example, in a less preferred version of the invention, a camming flange may be provided on the compression member and cooperating lugs on the body member. The invention is defined by the following claims.
-5
Claims (14)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A liquid-tight connector for flexible liquid-tight electrical conduit, comprising a body member and a compression member, the body member having an annular seat for sealingly receiving the end of the conduit in liquid-tight relationship, the body member including means for engaging in liquid-tight relationship with an associated fixture, the body member and compression member together comprising both (1) means for radially gripping the conduit while the conduit end is positioned at the annular seat and (2) means for axially compressing the conduit to force the conduit end against the annular seat, said means for radially gripping and said means for axially compressing being simultaneously responsive to relative rotation between the compression member and the body member.
2. A connector as in claim 1, in which full axial compression and full radial gripping are accomplished in substantially less than one full turn of relative rotation between the body member and the compression member.
3. A connector as in claim 1, said means for radially gripping including cooperating arcuate surfaces on the body member and compression member having a common radial center which is offset from the radial center of the annular seat whereby the compression member moves eccentrically with respect to the conduit upon relative rotation between the body member and the compression member.
4. A connector as in claim 3, said means for radially gripping further includes a circular radially inwardly projecting flange on said compres-sion member movable from disengaged relationship to progressively tighter gripping relationship with the conduit during relative rotation in one direction.
5. A connector as in claim 3, said means for radially gripping further including a conduit-supporting annulus projecting as an extension of the radially inner side of said annular seat to a point axially beyond radially exterior portions of said body member.
6. A connector as in claim 5, said means for radially gripping further including a circular radially inwardly projecting flange on said compression member movable from nongripping relationship to progressively more tightly grip the conduit against the conduit-supporting annulus.
7. A connector as in claim 3, said means for axially compressing comprising external camming flanges on one of the members and cooperating external cam lugs on the other.
8. A connector as in claim 7, said camming flanges terminating in stops to limit relative rotation between the members to less than half a turn.
9. A connector as in claim 7, the radial exterior of said compression member being formed as the exterior envelope of a hexagonal nut with said cam lugs extending axially from one side of said radial exterior.
10. A connector as in claim 9, said lugs being generally within said exterior envelope and each extending along an apex of said envelope.
11. A connector as set forth in claim 1, said means for radially gripping further including a conduit-supporting annulus extending from the radially inner side of the seat and coaxially therewith to one end of the body member for receiving and supporting the portion of the conduit adjacent said end of the conduit, eccentric connection means between the body member and the compression member for moving the compression member from disengagement from the conduit to gripping engagement with the conduit against the conduit-supporting annulus upon relative twisting of the members with respect to each other, ramped bayonet connection means between the body member and the compression member for drawing the members axially together upon relative twisting of the members with respect to each other to thereby compress said conduit axially against the annular seat, whereby relative twisting of the members with respect to each other both grips the conduit and compresses it against said seat.
12. A connector as set forth in claims 1 or 11, in which said annular seat is disposed in the interior of said body member and is in the form of an axially presented smooth-sided groove having axially extending sides including a radially inner side and a radially outer side for engaging respectively the radially inner and outer sides of said conduit end.
13. A connector as set forth in claim 1, wherein the body member and the compression member cooperatively comprise the entire means for radially gripping and axially compressing the conduit, said radial gripping comprising eccentrically asymmetrically gripping the conduit to wedge the conduit end into liquid-tight engagement against the annular seat.
14. A connector as set forth in claim 1 or 11, in which said annular seat is disposed in the interior of said body member and is in the form of an axially presented smooth-sided groove having axially extending sides including a radially inner side and a radially outer side for engaging respectively the radially inner and outer sides of said conduit end, the body member and the compression member cooperatively comprising the entire means for radially gripping and axially compressing the conduit, said radial gripping comprising eccentrically asymmetrically gripping the conduit to wedge the conduit end into liquid tight engagement against the annular seat.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000346624A CA1145426A (en) | 1980-02-28 | 1980-02-28 | Liquid-tight connector for flexible electrical conduit |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000346624A CA1145426A (en) | 1980-02-28 | 1980-02-28 | Liquid-tight connector for flexible electrical conduit |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1145426A true CA1145426A (en) | 1983-04-26 |
Family
ID=4116350
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000346624A Expired CA1145426A (en) | 1980-02-28 | 1980-02-28 | Liquid-tight connector for flexible electrical conduit |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1145426A (en) |
-
1980
- 1980-02-28 CA CA000346624A patent/CA1145426A/en not_active Expired
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |