CA1235762A - Electrical connector kit - Google Patents
Electrical connector kitInfo
- Publication number
- CA1235762A CA1235762A CA000455337A CA455337A CA1235762A CA 1235762 A CA1235762 A CA 1235762A CA 000455337 A CA000455337 A CA 000455337A CA 455337 A CA455337 A CA 455337A CA 1235762 A CA1235762 A CA 1235762A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- contact
- conductors
- bus
- locating means
- contact part
- 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
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R12/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, specially adapted for printed circuits, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB], flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, e.g. terminal strips, terminal blocks; Coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures; Terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures
- H01R12/50—Fixed connections
- H01R12/59—Fixed connections for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures
- H01R12/65—Fixed connections for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures characterised by the terminal
- H01R12/67—Fixed connections for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures characterised by the terminal insulation penetrating terminals
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R25/00—Coupling parts adapted for simultaneous co-operation with two or more identical counterparts, e.g. for distributing energy to two or more circuits
- H01R25/006—Coupling parts adapted for simultaneous co-operation with two or more identical counterparts, e.g. for distributing energy to two or more circuits the coupling part being secured to apparatus or structure, e.g. duplex wall receptacle
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
- H01R4/24—Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands
Landscapes
- Multi-Conductor Connections (AREA)
- Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT:
Electrical Connector Kit A kit for making a connector permitting alternative interconnections between individual conductors of two parallel, planar arrays of conductors includes an insulating body with locating means to locate contact parts on opposite faces for alignment with chosen conductors to provide the alternative interconnections. The contacts are of three basic types each comprising a conductor engaging portion integrally joined respectively to either a bus portion, a bus gripping portion or another conductor engaging portion. The locating means includes recesses on opposite faces communicating by contact receiving sockets extending between the faces and bus receiving channels extending between recesses on the same face.
Electrical Connector Kit A kit for making a connector permitting alternative interconnections between individual conductors of two parallel, planar arrays of conductors includes an insulating body with locating means to locate contact parts on opposite faces for alignment with chosen conductors to provide the alternative interconnections. The contacts are of three basic types each comprising a conductor engaging portion integrally joined respectively to either a bus portion, a bus gripping portion or another conductor engaging portion. The locating means includes recesses on opposite faces communicating by contact receiving sockets extending between the faces and bus receiving channels extending between recesses on the same face.
Description
~'f~35762 ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR KIT
The invention reiates to a connector for connecting individual conductors of a first planar array of conductors to preselected alternative individual conductors of a second, S parallel, planar array, at least some of the individual conductors of the second array being laterally spaced from individual conductors of the first array. In particular, the invention relates to a kit for making such connector.
As a result of the increasing demand for complex electrical 10 wiring, there is frequently a requirement to interconnect individual conductors of planar arrays of conductors, for example, of two flat cables, which conductors are in parallel planes but displaced laterally from each other. In the interests of minimizing inventories and capital expenditure, it is also 15 desirable to avoid a requirement for a different connector for each different combination of interconnections. At the same time, the connector should desirably be designed to facilitate fabrication by mass production techniques and relatively simple to assemble and use in the field, minimizing applied costs. In 20 addition, the connector should be of relatively small size consistent with a requirement for compact and unobtrusive equipment, particularly in undercarpet cable applications where a low profile is important.
According to the invention, there is provided a kit for 25 making a connector for connecting individual conductors of a first planar array of conductors to preselected alternative ~3S ~ 2 individual conductors of a second, parallel, planar array, at ieast some of the individual conductors of the second array being laterally spaced from individual conductors of the first array, the kit comprising a plate-like Ensulating body formed with S contact locating means to locate a plurality of first and second contact parts respectively on first and second opposite faces of the body for alignment with respective conductors of the first and second array, predetermined of the contact locating means including through sockets extending between the faces, first and 10 second contact parts for location in respective locating means, the first and second contact parts for location by the predetermined locating means being integrally joined together by body portions receivable in the through sockets, bus receiving channels extending laterally across the body between locating 15 means for the second contact parts and the predetermined locating means, a bus portion adapted for location in preselected alternative channels electrically to connect preselected second contact parts with laterally spaced first contact parts associated with the through sockets whereby on interposing the connector 20 erected from the kit between the first and second array of conductors preselected individual conductors of the second array can be connected to laterally spaced conductors of the first array .
Thus, a single kit is suitable for establishing alternative 25 interconnections.
1~357~Z
The connector may constitute an adaptor for use, for example, with a connector of the kind disclosed in our European Patent No. 0,090,494 published on December 4, 1985 in which con-ductor engaging contact elements are located on a cable engaging face of an insulating housing body at the same pitch as the con-ductors of a flat cable so that clamping the face against the cable effects connection between the aligned contact elements and the cable conductors. In use, the adaptor is inserted between the cable engaging face and the cable with the first and second con-tact parts aligned with the contact elements and cable conductors,respectively and one or more bus portions located in preselected channels to interconnect individual connecting elements of the flat cable connector with chosen conductors of the cable.
The contact elements of the flat cable connector com-prise tabs having surfaces formed with outstanding knife edges adapted to penetrate conductor insulation of the cable and estab-lish electrical connection with the core. The first contact parts may be tabs with recesses complementary to the knife edges and the second contact parts may comprise tabs having insulation penetrat-ing knife edges.
In a convenient more specific form, a contact part isintegrally formed with means to grip a bus portion which is integrally joined to the contact part by a body portion receivable in a through socket with the bus gripping portion in a bus .. ~,...
~57~i2 receiving channel on one face and the contact part on the opposite face, This facilitates the provision of a compact and stable structure that can readily be assembled in various combinations.
The kit may be designed particularly to enable the contact elements of a connector constructed for a single phase wiring array to be connected to preselected, alternative conductors of a three phase wiring array. In such case, there are three laterally spaced first and second aligned contact part locating means each including common through sockets and two further second contact part locating means respectively laterally spaced to opposite sides of the second contact part locating means, the further second contact part locating means including through sockets common to locating means for bus gripping portions on the first face, the bus receiving channels respectively extending between the bus gripping portion locating means and distal and adjacent first contact part locating means, third bus receiving channels also extending between a bus gripping portion locating means and the central first contact part locating means.
In the interests of simplicity of structure and body strength, the third channel includes a portion common with an adjacent channel.
Desirably, a first contact part is integrally formed with a bus strip of sufficient length to provide the precursor of any of the bus portions, and the bus gripping portion includes a tab formed to extend transversely of the body portion and provided 5~7si~
at a free end with spaced bus gripping fingers returned for receipt in the bus receiving channel.
Excess lengths of the bus portions may quickly be removed in the field and the bus portion bent to the desired configuration. Each contact part and the bus gripping parts may be stamped and formed from blanks of identical size minimizing capital equipment costs, the small structural differences readily being made by substituting alternative die i nserts .
An example of a kit according to the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIGURE 1 is an exploded perspective view of a flat cable connector assembly incorporating a connector adaptor erected from the kit;
FIGURE 2 is an exploded perspective showing, in particular, the adaptor body and base plate;
FIGURES 3A and 3B are perspective views of the connector body partly in cross-section before and after assembly with contacts;
FIGURES 4A to 4F are perspective views of the individual contacts; and FIGURES 5A to 5E are perspective views of alternative connector and contact combinations to provide alternative interconnections between conductors located for single and three-phase suppliers.
1.~3571f~f~
Referring to Figure 1, the kit comprises a plate-like insulating body 11 formed with laterally spaced contact locating means 1 2a-3 and a series of contacts 1 3a-f ( Figures 4A to 4F~
partly formed for assembly with the body by location in preselected of the locating means.
The body 11 is molded in one piece of suitable plastic material and the contact locating means 1 2a-3 comprise first and second pairs of recesses 1 4a-e and 1 5a-e respectively on first and second opposite faces 16 and 17 of the body respectively the rec~sses of respective pairs intercommunicating by through sockets 1 9a-e respectively extending between the faces. The three central recesses 1 4b, c and d on the first face 16 and each of the recesses 1 5a-e on the second face 17 have flat base walls for reception of contact parts, but the two outer recesses 1 4a and e communicate at ends remote from the through sockets with bus receiving channels 22 and 24 which extend laterally across the first face 16 and communicate with contact receiving recesses 14d and 14c respectively. A third bus receiving channel 25 extends between recess 1 4d and the approximate mid-point of channel 24. Locating posts 26a and 26b upstancl from diagonally opposite corners of the second face 17 and a series of sockets 28 for the receipt of self-tappiny clamping screws 29 (Figure 1 ) extend in symmetrically spaced relation across the centerline of the body. Locating sockets 30 are formed in the first, upper face 16 adjacent opposite edges of the body on respective opposite sides of the centerline. Two ~576'~
further sockets 31 for the receipt of clamping screws 32 extend through the body on opposite sides of the centerline. Cavities 20, 20' are formed adjacent opposite edges of the body in the interests of economy of material.
S As shown more particularly in Figures 4A to 4F, the kit includes six different stamped and formed contacts 13a-f. The contact 13a comprises first contact part or tab 33a and second contact part or tab 34a joined by a neck 35a from respective opposite sides of which extend locating flanges 36a. The tabs 1 Q 33a and 34a each constitute conductor engaging contact parts, a pair of locating recesses 37a being stamped in $ab 33a on each side of a screw receiving aperture 38a. Insulation penetrating teeth 39a are pushed out of the tab 34a. For the convenience of the user to facilitate assembly with the body, the tab 33a may be bent to extencl transversely of the neck 35a and tab 34a and the flange 36a bent out of the plane of the neck as shown.
Referring to Figures 3A and 3B, the contact 13a is assembled with the body 11 by insertion from the first face 16 of the body 11, second tab 34a leading into the central through socket 19c so that the first tab 33a is received in a recess 14c on the first face of the body and the neck 35a is received as an interference in the through socket 19c. The second tab 34a is then bent to extend transversely of the neck under the first tab so that its inherent resiliency causes it to remain spaced from the body defining an obtuse angle with the neck 35a as shown in Figure 3B. Subsequent engagement with a cable will enable ~S7~2 sufficient resilient flexure of the tab towards the body with the teeth 39a remaining proud of the surface 17 to provide a permanent connection to the cable conductor.
The contact 13d shown in Figure 4D is similar to the 5 contact 13a of Figure 4A except that the aperture 38a is omitted, locating recesses 37d are more closely spaced, and the flanges 36d are bent to extend under the tab 33d. Assembly of contact 13d is similar to that of contact 13a except that tab 34d is bent to extend away from the tab 33d . Contact 13d is intended for 10 location by either contact locating means 12b or 12d (Figure 2).
Contacts 4b, c and e (Figures 4B, C and D) have tabs 33b, c and e constituting conductor engaging contact parts joined by short necks 41 b, c and e to bus bars 42b, c and e, which are bent, as necessary, to enable receipt in channels 25 and 24 15 (Figure 5C), channel 24 ((Figure 5D), channel 22 (Figure 5B), or channels 22 and 24 (Figure 5E). It is envisaged that only contacts with straight busses need be supplied, the busses being cut to length and severed in the field.
As shown in Figures 4F, 3A and 3B, tab 33f is bent to 20 extend transversely of neck 41 f and bifurcated at a free end to form bus gripping spring fingers 43 returned towards the tab 34f. Assembly of the contact with the base 11 and a bus bar is by inserting the contact 13f in locating means 12a (or 12e), tab 34f leading, with bus 42e preloaded in channel 22 so that the 25 fingers 43 grip the bus 42e between them. The tab 34f is then bent towards the base 11 to the position shown in Figure 3B.
~ ~3S ~i2 As shown particularly in Figures 1 and 2, a stamped and formed base olate 45 particularly adapted for use with the connector adaptor includes flanges 46 bent up from opposite sides to define a central cable receiving portion 47 having 5 downturned entry and exit surfaces 48 for the cable 67. A
raised land 49 is pushed out along a centerline in alignment with the connecting parts and formed with clamping screw receiving apertures 50. A recessed portion 51 is formed in the center land for receipt of a grounding contact 52 having locating tangs 10 53 struck from diametrically opposite corners for receipt in apertures 55 in the recess. Four further raised lands 57 are pushed out at symmetrical locations on the cable receiving portion, two of which are provided with apertures 58 for clamping screws. Two further apertures 59 are formed between 15 the flanges 46 for the receipt of clamping screws 60 for a cover 61 (Figure 1).
As stated above, the adaptor kit is designed to enable various combinations of connection between cable engaging contacts 63c, d and e of a known single phase duplex outlet 64 20 connector described in European Patent Application No.
83300934.3, and the individual conductors 66ape of a triple phase flat cable 67. The conductors 66a-e correspond respectively to the secondary, neutral, ground, primary and tertiary lines.
When the three phase supply is not connected to the cable, the 25 conductor 66e may be used as an alternative ground.
57~Z
Referring again to Figure 1, to assemble the cable 67 with the base plate 45, an upper metal shield 71 of the cable is turned back and secured by U-form clips 72 to the flanges 46 so that an exposed insulated cable portion extends across the cable receiving portion of the base plate. The base 11 assembled with a chosen combination of contacts is covered with fish paper 18 on surface 16 and surface 17 is clamped against the cable 67 which overlies a layer of fish paper 73 by screws 29 so that the contacts establish connection to the individual conductors as required. The duplex outlet 64 is then clamped by screws 32 against the body so that conductors 63c, d and e engage tabs of contacts 1 2b, c and d O The cover is then clamped to the base plate by screws 60.
The combinations of interconnections that can be obtained using the kit are illustrated in Figures 5A to 5E.
In Figure 5A, a standard ground primary phase connection is obtained by using contacts 1 3d in locating means 1 2a and 1 2d and contacts 1 3a in 1 2c .
In Figure 5B, a standard ground secondary phase connection is obtained by the use o~ contacts 1 3a in locating means 1 2c as above, contacts 1 3d in 1 2b, spring contact 1 3f in 1 2a, and contact 1 3e in 1 2d .
In Figure 5C, a standard ground tertiary connection is obtained by locating contacts 1 3a and 1 3d as above, spring contact 1 3f in 1 2e, and bus contact 1 3b in locating means 1 2d .
~'~35~7~:i2 In Figure 5D, an isolated ground primary phase connection is obtained by locating contacts 1 3d in locating means 1 2b and 1 2d, bus contact 1 3c in 1 2c, and spring contact 1 3f in 1 2e.
In Figure 5E, an isolated ground secondary phase 5 connection is obtained by locating contact 1 3d in locating means 1 2b, respective bus contacts 1 3c and 1 3e in 1 2c and 1 2d, and spring contacts 1 3f in 1 2a and 1 2e.
The isolated ground requirement is necessary to prevent a surge (spike) possibility when the usual ground is connected to 10 other equipment and is particularly sought in data applications.
It should be noted that in some other applicaticns, only three different contacts may be required to obtain all of the above combinations of interconnection, namely contacts 1 3b, d and e, the apertures 38a, c for grounding screws not being 15 required. Each tab may be of the same size minimizing die alterations when a series of different contacts are to be stamped and enabling the same press to be used.
The invention reiates to a connector for connecting individual conductors of a first planar array of conductors to preselected alternative individual conductors of a second, S parallel, planar array, at least some of the individual conductors of the second array being laterally spaced from individual conductors of the first array. In particular, the invention relates to a kit for making such connector.
As a result of the increasing demand for complex electrical 10 wiring, there is frequently a requirement to interconnect individual conductors of planar arrays of conductors, for example, of two flat cables, which conductors are in parallel planes but displaced laterally from each other. In the interests of minimizing inventories and capital expenditure, it is also 15 desirable to avoid a requirement for a different connector for each different combination of interconnections. At the same time, the connector should desirably be designed to facilitate fabrication by mass production techniques and relatively simple to assemble and use in the field, minimizing applied costs. In 20 addition, the connector should be of relatively small size consistent with a requirement for compact and unobtrusive equipment, particularly in undercarpet cable applications where a low profile is important.
According to the invention, there is provided a kit for 25 making a connector for connecting individual conductors of a first planar array of conductors to preselected alternative ~3S ~ 2 individual conductors of a second, parallel, planar array, at ieast some of the individual conductors of the second array being laterally spaced from individual conductors of the first array, the kit comprising a plate-like Ensulating body formed with S contact locating means to locate a plurality of first and second contact parts respectively on first and second opposite faces of the body for alignment with respective conductors of the first and second array, predetermined of the contact locating means including through sockets extending between the faces, first and 10 second contact parts for location in respective locating means, the first and second contact parts for location by the predetermined locating means being integrally joined together by body portions receivable in the through sockets, bus receiving channels extending laterally across the body between locating 15 means for the second contact parts and the predetermined locating means, a bus portion adapted for location in preselected alternative channels electrically to connect preselected second contact parts with laterally spaced first contact parts associated with the through sockets whereby on interposing the connector 20 erected from the kit between the first and second array of conductors preselected individual conductors of the second array can be connected to laterally spaced conductors of the first array .
Thus, a single kit is suitable for establishing alternative 25 interconnections.
1~357~Z
The connector may constitute an adaptor for use, for example, with a connector of the kind disclosed in our European Patent No. 0,090,494 published on December 4, 1985 in which con-ductor engaging contact elements are located on a cable engaging face of an insulating housing body at the same pitch as the con-ductors of a flat cable so that clamping the face against the cable effects connection between the aligned contact elements and the cable conductors. In use, the adaptor is inserted between the cable engaging face and the cable with the first and second con-tact parts aligned with the contact elements and cable conductors,respectively and one or more bus portions located in preselected channels to interconnect individual connecting elements of the flat cable connector with chosen conductors of the cable.
The contact elements of the flat cable connector com-prise tabs having surfaces formed with outstanding knife edges adapted to penetrate conductor insulation of the cable and estab-lish electrical connection with the core. The first contact parts may be tabs with recesses complementary to the knife edges and the second contact parts may comprise tabs having insulation penetrat-ing knife edges.
In a convenient more specific form, a contact part isintegrally formed with means to grip a bus portion which is integrally joined to the contact part by a body portion receivable in a through socket with the bus gripping portion in a bus .. ~,...
~57~i2 receiving channel on one face and the contact part on the opposite face, This facilitates the provision of a compact and stable structure that can readily be assembled in various combinations.
The kit may be designed particularly to enable the contact elements of a connector constructed for a single phase wiring array to be connected to preselected, alternative conductors of a three phase wiring array. In such case, there are three laterally spaced first and second aligned contact part locating means each including common through sockets and two further second contact part locating means respectively laterally spaced to opposite sides of the second contact part locating means, the further second contact part locating means including through sockets common to locating means for bus gripping portions on the first face, the bus receiving channels respectively extending between the bus gripping portion locating means and distal and adjacent first contact part locating means, third bus receiving channels also extending between a bus gripping portion locating means and the central first contact part locating means.
In the interests of simplicity of structure and body strength, the third channel includes a portion common with an adjacent channel.
Desirably, a first contact part is integrally formed with a bus strip of sufficient length to provide the precursor of any of the bus portions, and the bus gripping portion includes a tab formed to extend transversely of the body portion and provided 5~7si~
at a free end with spaced bus gripping fingers returned for receipt in the bus receiving channel.
Excess lengths of the bus portions may quickly be removed in the field and the bus portion bent to the desired configuration. Each contact part and the bus gripping parts may be stamped and formed from blanks of identical size minimizing capital equipment costs, the small structural differences readily being made by substituting alternative die i nserts .
An example of a kit according to the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIGURE 1 is an exploded perspective view of a flat cable connector assembly incorporating a connector adaptor erected from the kit;
FIGURE 2 is an exploded perspective showing, in particular, the adaptor body and base plate;
FIGURES 3A and 3B are perspective views of the connector body partly in cross-section before and after assembly with contacts;
FIGURES 4A to 4F are perspective views of the individual contacts; and FIGURES 5A to 5E are perspective views of alternative connector and contact combinations to provide alternative interconnections between conductors located for single and three-phase suppliers.
1.~3571f~f~
Referring to Figure 1, the kit comprises a plate-like insulating body 11 formed with laterally spaced contact locating means 1 2a-3 and a series of contacts 1 3a-f ( Figures 4A to 4F~
partly formed for assembly with the body by location in preselected of the locating means.
The body 11 is molded in one piece of suitable plastic material and the contact locating means 1 2a-3 comprise first and second pairs of recesses 1 4a-e and 1 5a-e respectively on first and second opposite faces 16 and 17 of the body respectively the rec~sses of respective pairs intercommunicating by through sockets 1 9a-e respectively extending between the faces. The three central recesses 1 4b, c and d on the first face 16 and each of the recesses 1 5a-e on the second face 17 have flat base walls for reception of contact parts, but the two outer recesses 1 4a and e communicate at ends remote from the through sockets with bus receiving channels 22 and 24 which extend laterally across the first face 16 and communicate with contact receiving recesses 14d and 14c respectively. A third bus receiving channel 25 extends between recess 1 4d and the approximate mid-point of channel 24. Locating posts 26a and 26b upstancl from diagonally opposite corners of the second face 17 and a series of sockets 28 for the receipt of self-tappiny clamping screws 29 (Figure 1 ) extend in symmetrically spaced relation across the centerline of the body. Locating sockets 30 are formed in the first, upper face 16 adjacent opposite edges of the body on respective opposite sides of the centerline. Two ~576'~
further sockets 31 for the receipt of clamping screws 32 extend through the body on opposite sides of the centerline. Cavities 20, 20' are formed adjacent opposite edges of the body in the interests of economy of material.
S As shown more particularly in Figures 4A to 4F, the kit includes six different stamped and formed contacts 13a-f. The contact 13a comprises first contact part or tab 33a and second contact part or tab 34a joined by a neck 35a from respective opposite sides of which extend locating flanges 36a. The tabs 1 Q 33a and 34a each constitute conductor engaging contact parts, a pair of locating recesses 37a being stamped in $ab 33a on each side of a screw receiving aperture 38a. Insulation penetrating teeth 39a are pushed out of the tab 34a. For the convenience of the user to facilitate assembly with the body, the tab 33a may be bent to extencl transversely of the neck 35a and tab 34a and the flange 36a bent out of the plane of the neck as shown.
Referring to Figures 3A and 3B, the contact 13a is assembled with the body 11 by insertion from the first face 16 of the body 11, second tab 34a leading into the central through socket 19c so that the first tab 33a is received in a recess 14c on the first face of the body and the neck 35a is received as an interference in the through socket 19c. The second tab 34a is then bent to extend transversely of the neck under the first tab so that its inherent resiliency causes it to remain spaced from the body defining an obtuse angle with the neck 35a as shown in Figure 3B. Subsequent engagement with a cable will enable ~S7~2 sufficient resilient flexure of the tab towards the body with the teeth 39a remaining proud of the surface 17 to provide a permanent connection to the cable conductor.
The contact 13d shown in Figure 4D is similar to the 5 contact 13a of Figure 4A except that the aperture 38a is omitted, locating recesses 37d are more closely spaced, and the flanges 36d are bent to extend under the tab 33d. Assembly of contact 13d is similar to that of contact 13a except that tab 34d is bent to extend away from the tab 33d . Contact 13d is intended for 10 location by either contact locating means 12b or 12d (Figure 2).
Contacts 4b, c and e (Figures 4B, C and D) have tabs 33b, c and e constituting conductor engaging contact parts joined by short necks 41 b, c and e to bus bars 42b, c and e, which are bent, as necessary, to enable receipt in channels 25 and 24 15 (Figure 5C), channel 24 ((Figure 5D), channel 22 (Figure 5B), or channels 22 and 24 (Figure 5E). It is envisaged that only contacts with straight busses need be supplied, the busses being cut to length and severed in the field.
As shown in Figures 4F, 3A and 3B, tab 33f is bent to 20 extend transversely of neck 41 f and bifurcated at a free end to form bus gripping spring fingers 43 returned towards the tab 34f. Assembly of the contact with the base 11 and a bus bar is by inserting the contact 13f in locating means 12a (or 12e), tab 34f leading, with bus 42e preloaded in channel 22 so that the 25 fingers 43 grip the bus 42e between them. The tab 34f is then bent towards the base 11 to the position shown in Figure 3B.
~ ~3S ~i2 As shown particularly in Figures 1 and 2, a stamped and formed base olate 45 particularly adapted for use with the connector adaptor includes flanges 46 bent up from opposite sides to define a central cable receiving portion 47 having 5 downturned entry and exit surfaces 48 for the cable 67. A
raised land 49 is pushed out along a centerline in alignment with the connecting parts and formed with clamping screw receiving apertures 50. A recessed portion 51 is formed in the center land for receipt of a grounding contact 52 having locating tangs 10 53 struck from diametrically opposite corners for receipt in apertures 55 in the recess. Four further raised lands 57 are pushed out at symmetrical locations on the cable receiving portion, two of which are provided with apertures 58 for clamping screws. Two further apertures 59 are formed between 15 the flanges 46 for the receipt of clamping screws 60 for a cover 61 (Figure 1).
As stated above, the adaptor kit is designed to enable various combinations of connection between cable engaging contacts 63c, d and e of a known single phase duplex outlet 64 20 connector described in European Patent Application No.
83300934.3, and the individual conductors 66ape of a triple phase flat cable 67. The conductors 66a-e correspond respectively to the secondary, neutral, ground, primary and tertiary lines.
When the three phase supply is not connected to the cable, the 25 conductor 66e may be used as an alternative ground.
57~Z
Referring again to Figure 1, to assemble the cable 67 with the base plate 45, an upper metal shield 71 of the cable is turned back and secured by U-form clips 72 to the flanges 46 so that an exposed insulated cable portion extends across the cable receiving portion of the base plate. The base 11 assembled with a chosen combination of contacts is covered with fish paper 18 on surface 16 and surface 17 is clamped against the cable 67 which overlies a layer of fish paper 73 by screws 29 so that the contacts establish connection to the individual conductors as required. The duplex outlet 64 is then clamped by screws 32 against the body so that conductors 63c, d and e engage tabs of contacts 1 2b, c and d O The cover is then clamped to the base plate by screws 60.
The combinations of interconnections that can be obtained using the kit are illustrated in Figures 5A to 5E.
In Figure 5A, a standard ground primary phase connection is obtained by using contacts 1 3d in locating means 1 2a and 1 2d and contacts 1 3a in 1 2c .
In Figure 5B, a standard ground secondary phase connection is obtained by the use o~ contacts 1 3a in locating means 1 2c as above, contacts 1 3d in 1 2b, spring contact 1 3f in 1 2a, and contact 1 3e in 1 2d .
In Figure 5C, a standard ground tertiary connection is obtained by locating contacts 1 3a and 1 3d as above, spring contact 1 3f in 1 2e, and bus contact 1 3b in locating means 1 2d .
~'~35~7~:i2 In Figure 5D, an isolated ground primary phase connection is obtained by locating contacts 1 3d in locating means 1 2b and 1 2d, bus contact 1 3c in 1 2c, and spring contact 1 3f in 1 2e.
In Figure 5E, an isolated ground secondary phase 5 connection is obtained by locating contact 1 3d in locating means 1 2b, respective bus contacts 1 3c and 1 3e in 1 2c and 1 2d, and spring contacts 1 3f in 1 2a and 1 2e.
The isolated ground requirement is necessary to prevent a surge (spike) possibility when the usual ground is connected to 10 other equipment and is particularly sought in data applications.
It should be noted that in some other applicaticns, only three different contacts may be required to obtain all of the above combinations of interconnection, namely contacts 1 3b, d and e, the apertures 38a, c for grounding screws not being 15 required. Each tab may be of the same size minimizing die alterations when a series of different contacts are to be stamped and enabling the same press to be used.
Claims (12)
1. A kit for making a connector for connecting individual conductors of a first planar array of conductors to preselected alternative individual conductors of a second, parallel, planar array, at least some of the individual conductors of the second array being laterally spaced from individual conductors of the first array, the kit comprising a plate-like insulating body formed with contact locating means to locate a plurality of first and second contact parts on first and second opposite faces of the body respectively for alignment with respective conductors of the first and second arrays predetermined of the contact locating means including through sockets extending between the faces, first and second contact parts for location in respective locating means, the first and second contact parts for location by the predetermined locating means being integrally joined together by necks receivable in the through sockets, bus receiving channels extending laterally across the body between locating means for the second contact parts and at least one of the predetermined locating means, a bus portion adapted for location in preselected channels electrically to connect preselected second contact parts with laterally spaced first contact parts associated with the through sockets whereby, on interposing the connector erected from the kit between the first and second array of conductors, preselected individual conductors of the second array can be connected to laterally spaced conductors of the first array.
2. A kit according to claim 1 in which a contact part is integrally formed with means to grip a bus portion.
3. A kit according to claim 2 in which the bus gripping means is integrally joined to the contact part by a body portion receivable in a through socket with the bus gripping means in a bus receiving channel on one face and the contact part on the opposite face.
4. A kit according to claim 3 in which the through socket for receiving the body portion is laterally spaced from the contact locating means on the first face across which the bus receiving channels extend.
5. A kit according to claim 4 in which there are three laterally spaced, first contact part locating means and second contact part locating means each including common through sockets and two further second contact part locating means laterally spaced to respective opposite sides of the three second contact part locating means, the further second contact part locating means including through sockets common to locating means for a bus gripping portion on the first face, the bus receiving channels respectively extending between the bus gripping portion locating means and a distal first contact part locating means and an adjacent first contact part locating means respectively, a third bus receiving channel also extending between a bus gripping portion locating means and the central first contact part locating means.
6. A kit according to claim 5 in which the third channel includes a portion common with an adjacent channel.
7. A kit according to claim 1 in which a first contact part is integrally formed with a bus strip of sufficient length to provide the precursor of any of the bus portions.
8. A kit according to claim 3 in which the bus gripping portion includes a tab formed to extend transversely of the body portion and provided at a free end with spaced bus gripping fingers returned for receipt in the bus receiving channel.
9. A connector for connecting individual conductors of a first planar array of conductors to preselected alternative individual conductors of a second, parallel, planar array, at least some of the individual conductors of the second array being laterally spaced from individual conductors of the first array, the connector comprising an insulating body formed with contact locating means to locate a plurality of first and second contact parts respectively on first and second opposite faces of the body for alignment with respective conductors of the first and second arrays, predetermined of the contact locating means including through sockets extending between the faces, first and second contact parts located in respective locating means, the first and second contact parts located in the predetermined locating means being integrally joined together by body portions received in the through sockets, bus receiving channels extending laterally across the body between locating means for the second contact parts and the predetermined locating means, a bus portion located in a preselected channel electrically to connect a pre-selected second contact part with a laterally spaced first contact part associated with the through sockets whereby, on interposing the connector between the first and a second array of conductors, preselected individual conductors of the second array can be con-nected to laterally spaced conductors of the first array.
10. Apparatus for interconnecting flat cable insulated con-ductors associated with a multiphase electrical power supply to a three conductor single phase element in alternative single phase configurations, including a single phase connector having three separate insulation penetrating, conductor engageable connector contact elements located in an insulated housing; the apparatus comprising an adaptor assembly, disposable between the single phase connector and the flat cable conductors; and including three adaptor contacting means comprising an upper contact part and means for electrically interconnecting with the contact elements of the single phase connector, and at least one selectively laterally disposable lower insulation penetrating contact part engageable with a selected one of the flat cable conductors; corresponding upper and lower contact parts being joined in the adaptor assembly to form the alternative single phase configurations.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the adaptor assembly includes an insulative body having an upper and a lower face, through sockets passing between the two faces, and at least one bus receiving channel which communicates with one of the through sockets; and the adaptor contacting means includes upper contact parts disposed at the upper face for interconnection with the con-tact elements of the single phase connector, and lower contact portions for electrical interconnection with selected conductors of the multiphase flat cable, the said at least one selectively disposable lower insulation penetrating contact part including a bus portion which is disposed in the bus receiving channel of the adaptor body and is electrically connected to one of the upper contact parts, and a lower contact portion which is electrically connectable to the bus portion along a selected lateral position to align with the selected one of the flat cable conductors.
12. An assembly for distribution of electrical power, com-prising: a flat cable having a plurality of flat conductors dispos-ed side-by-side and surrounded by electrical insulation, the flat cable including sufficient electrical conductors for the transmis-sion of multiphase power; a connector having a plurality of con-tact elements, each having conductor engageable portions comprising means for penetrating flat cable insulation into a flat conductor therein, the number of contact elements being less than the number of flat conductors; an adaptor assembly disposed between the con-nector and the flat cable conductors and including three adaptor contact elements, each having an upper contact part electrically interconnected with a corresponding lower contact part, the lower contact parts of the adaptor contact elements being selectively laterally disposable and having a conductor engaging portion pene-trating flat cable insulation into a corresponding flat conductor;
and conductive portions in the adaptor assembly joining correspon-ding upper and lower contact parts to form alternative distribu-tion systems.
and conductive portions in the adaptor assembly joining correspon-ding upper and lower contact parts to form alternative distribu-tion systems.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US50159883A | 1983-06-06 | 1983-06-06 | |
| US501,598 | 1983-06-06 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1235762A true CA1235762A (en) | 1988-04-26 |
Family
ID=23994223
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000455337A Expired CA1235762A (en) | 1983-06-06 | 1984-05-29 | Electrical connector kit |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0127962B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS607079A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1235762A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3473697D1 (en) |
| MX (1) | MX154939A (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4563050A (en) * | 1984-07-13 | 1986-01-07 | Thomas & Betts Corporation | Device for flat multiconductor cable connection |
| AU565007B2 (en) * | 1984-07-13 | 1987-09-03 | Thomas & Betts Corporation | Electrical power distribution system |
| US4577920A (en) * | 1984-10-15 | 1986-03-25 | Amp Incorporated | Electrical assembly with cable guiding member |
| US4618203A (en) * | 1985-04-08 | 1986-10-21 | Thomas & Betts Corporation | Isolated ground device for flat undercarpet cable |
Family Cites Families (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR1292790A (en) * | 1960-06-23 | 1962-05-04 | Minnesota Mining & Mfg | Connector |
| US3860739A (en) * | 1971-08-03 | 1975-01-14 | Amp Inc | Method and apparatus for a wiring system utilizing wiring devices |
| CH583976A5 (en) * | 1974-08-15 | 1977-01-14 | Aumann Vital L |
-
1984
- 1984-05-09 EP EP19840303131 patent/EP0127962B1/en not_active Expired
- 1984-05-09 DE DE8484303131T patent/DE3473697D1/en not_active Expired
- 1984-05-29 CA CA000455337A patent/CA1235762A/en not_active Expired
- 1984-06-05 MX MX20154984A patent/MX154939A/en unknown
- 1984-06-06 JP JP59116344A patent/JPS607079A/en active Pending
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPS607079A (en) | 1985-01-14 |
| EP0127962B1 (en) | 1988-08-24 |
| MX154939A (en) | 1988-01-08 |
| DE3473697D1 (en) | 1988-09-29 |
| EP0127962A1 (en) | 1984-12-12 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |