CA1292294C - Electrical connector - Google Patents
Electrical connectorInfo
- Publication number
- CA1292294C CA1292294C CA000552828A CA552828A CA1292294C CA 1292294 C CA1292294 C CA 1292294C CA 000552828 A CA000552828 A CA 000552828A CA 552828 A CA552828 A CA 552828A CA 1292294 C CA1292294 C CA 1292294C
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- electrical connector
- toggle block
- conductors
- pin
- blocks
- Prior art date
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Abstract
ABSTRACT:
An electrical connector for electrically connecting two conductors. More particularly, the conductor includes a C-shaped body member having parallel, inwardly facing channels for receiving conductors therein and a pair of toggle blocks pivotally engaging each other and each having outwardly facing channels along one side. The toggle blocks, having a combined width greater than the space between conductors positioned in the channels in the C-shaped body member, compress the conductors therein when forced into the body member.
An electrical connector for electrically connecting two conductors. More particularly, the conductor includes a C-shaped body member having parallel, inwardly facing channels for receiving conductors therein and a pair of toggle blocks pivotally engaging each other and each having outwardly facing channels along one side. The toggle blocks, having a combined width greater than the space between conductors positioned in the channels in the C-shaped body member, compress the conductors therein when forced into the body member.
Description
ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
This invention relates to an electrical connector for electrically and mechanically connecting two conductors together. More particularly, the connector is of the type including a C-shaped member and toggle blocks which compress the conductors into parallel channels in the C-shaped member.
Electrical connectors of the type having a C-shaped body member having converging channels and a complementary wedge member have been known from at least as early as -April 21, 1931 when U.S. Patent 1,801,277 issued to W. G.Kelley on an application filed May 18, 1926. Subsequent thereto a large number of patents disclosing different and improved embodiments have issued, including more recently U.S. Patents 4,415,222 and 4,600,264. In each of the disclosures, the basic Kelley concept was followed; i.e., two conductors are electrically and mechanically connected by being pressed into and against interior curved surfaces or channels provided in a C-shaped body member by a wedge being driven longitudinally into the body member between the conductors.
It is now proposed to provide an electrical connector wherein the conductors are forced into parallel channels in a C-shaped body member by a pair of toggle blocks beiny pressed into the body member in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis.
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According to the invention, an electrical connector is provid0d which includes an elongated, C-shaped body member having parallel, inwardly fa~ing, conductor-receiving channels along each longitudinal side and a pair of to-ggle blocks pivotally engaging each other along one side which have a combined width greater than the space between conductors positioned in the channels so that upon forcing the toggle blocks into the body member, the conductors are mechanically gripped and electrically interconnected.
Figure 1 is an exploded, perspective view of the electrical connector of the present invention showing the components thereof;
Figures 2 and 3 are sectional views taken normal to the connector axis illustrating the connection of electrical conductors therein;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a tool used in conjunction with the electrical connector;
Figure 5 is an exploded, perspective view of another embodiment of the electrical connector of the present ; invention showing the components thereof;
Figures 6 and 7 are perspective views showing a tool and the connecting of two conductors in the electrical : connector of Figure 5;
This invention relates to an electrical connector for electrically and mechanically connecting two conductors together. More particularly, the connector is of the type including a C-shaped member and toggle blocks which compress the conductors into parallel channels in the C-shaped member.
Electrical connectors of the type having a C-shaped body member having converging channels and a complementary wedge member have been known from at least as early as -April 21, 1931 when U.S. Patent 1,801,277 issued to W. G.Kelley on an application filed May 18, 1926. Subsequent thereto a large number of patents disclosing different and improved embodiments have issued, including more recently U.S. Patents 4,415,222 and 4,600,264. In each of the disclosures, the basic Kelley concept was followed; i.e., two conductors are electrically and mechanically connected by being pressed into and against interior curved surfaces or channels provided in a C-shaped body member by a wedge being driven longitudinally into the body member between the conductors.
It is now proposed to provide an electrical connector wherein the conductors are forced into parallel channels in a C-shaped body member by a pair of toggle blocks beiny pressed into the body member in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis.
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According to the invention, an electrical connector is provid0d which includes an elongated, C-shaped body member having parallel, inwardly fa~ing, conductor-receiving channels along each longitudinal side and a pair of to-ggle blocks pivotally engaging each other along one side which have a combined width greater than the space between conductors positioned in the channels so that upon forcing the toggle blocks into the body member, the conductors are mechanically gripped and electrically interconnected.
Figure 1 is an exploded, perspective view of the electrical connector of the present invention showing the components thereof;
Figures 2 and 3 are sectional views taken normal to the connector axis illustrating the connection of electrical conductors therein;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a tool used in conjunction with the electrical connector;
Figure 5 is an exploded, perspective view of another embodiment of the electrical connector of the present ; invention showing the components thereof;
Figures 6 and 7 are perspective views showing a tool and the connecting of two conductors in the electrical : connector of Figure 5;
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Figure 8 is an exploded, perspective view of still another embodiment of the electrical connector of the present invention showing the components thereof;
Figure 9 is a parspective view of an assembled 5 electrical connector of Figure 8 preparatory to electrically connecting a pair of conductors; and Figures 10 and 11 are perspective views of opposing sides of the electrical connector of Figure 7 subsequent to electrically connecting the pair of conductors.
With reference to Figure 1, the components of electrical connector 10 include C-shaped bo~y member 12 and a pair of toggle blocks 14,16~ Preferably, body member 12 and toggle blocks 14,16 are made from 6061-T-6 aluminum.
C-shaped body member 12 is preferably extruded with the longitudinal edges rolled over to define channel portions ~8 and to provide parallel, interior curved channels 20~ Channels 20 face each other across surface 22 of wall 24 which join channel portions 18. Channels 20 are dimensioned to conformably receive a range of conductor sizes; e.g~, from 795 26/7 ACSR to 536-37 AAC.
Wall 24 of body member 12 is thickest along a longitudinally extending middle portion 26 relative to parallel side portions 28 which are between and joins middle portion 26 and channel portions 18. As shown, the thickness of side portions 28 decreases outwardly from 2~
middle portion 26. The outward thinning of side portion 28 facilitates outward flexing of channel portions 18.
Pin 30 is mounted in wall 24 in the center of body member 12 and projects outwardly from wall surface 22.
Toggle block 14 includes an exterior curved or convex pivoting surface 32 extending along one longitudinal side and an outwardly facing, conductor-receiving channel 34 extending along the opposite longitudinal side. Hole 36 is provided in block 14 adjacent surface 32 and intermediate the ends.
Toggle block 16 includes an int~rior curved or concave pivoting surface 38 extending along one longitudinal side and an interior curved, or outwardly facing, conductor receiving channel 40 extending along the opposite longitudinal side.
Channels 34,40 on toggle blocks 14,16 respectively are dimensioned to cooperate with channels 20 in body member 12 in confining and compressing conductors therebetween.
As indicated in the drawings, pivoting surfaces 32,38 on blocks 14,16 respectively conformably engage each other in the same manner as a ball and socXet joint.
Toggle blocks 14,16 are sized so that their combined width is greater than the space between conductors positioned in respective channels 20 in body member 12.
The excess width is such that upon pushing blocks 14r16 ;Z 9~
into that space, the conductors are compressed and mechanically gripped and, by reason of the conductivity of body member 12 and toggle blocks 14,16 are electrically interconnected.
Blocks 14,16 are preferably made by well known casting techniques.
Pin 30 is preferably made from a malleable material such as aluminum.
In use, bared sections of conductors 42,44 are positioned in respective channels 20 in body member 12 as shown in Figure 2. Toggle blocks 14,16 are added as shown; i.e., channels 34,40 are abutting conductors 42,44 respectively, pivoting surfaces 32,38 are in engagement with each other and pin 30 extends through hole 36 in block 14. Toggle blocks 14,16 are then pressed in towards surface 22 of wall 24 of body ~ember 12. As blocks 14,16 move down into the space between conductors 42,44 as shown in Figure 3, conductors 42,44 are compressed between respective channels 20 and channels 34,40 to complete the mechanical gripping and electrically interconnection. Pin 30 may be mushroomed over toggle blocks 14,16 as shown to secure the blocks 14,16 in body member 12 although this is not necessary since toggle blocks 14,16 are pushed over center and are locked in position. To the extent required by the dimensions of conductors 42,44 channel portions 22 are resiliently spread apart which insures continued ;2 29~
compressive forces on conductors 42,4~ even in the event of conductor creep, a well known phenomenon experienced by aluminum cables and wires.
During the compression of conductors 42,44, the individual strands rub against each other and oxides and dirt are wiped therefrom to enhance the electrical connection. Further, the connection is gas tight, which reduces the incident of corrosion.
Plier-type tool 46 shown in Figure 4 illustrates a suitable means for pressing toggle blocks 14,16 into the-position shown in Figures 3 and also for mushrooming pin30. Tool 46 includes two members 48,50 with each having handle 52 at one end (only a segment thereof being shown) and jaws 54,56 respectively at the other end. Members 48,50 are pivotally pinned together so that by closing handles 52, jaws 54,56 move in towards each other. Jaw 54 has a flat surface 58 which abuts surface 60 on wall 24 of body member 12. Jaw 56 is T-shaped and includes notch 62 therein. The depth of notch 62 is such that the free end of pin 30 abuts the floor thereof ~ust before toggle blocks 14,1~ are completely pressed into body member 12.
During the final travel, pin 30 is mushroomed as shown in Figure 3 to secure blocks 14,16.
The second embodiment of the electrical connector of the present invention, indicated by reference numeral 110 ; -6~
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includes C-shaped body member 112, toggle blocks 114 and hinge pin 116.
With respect to member 112, it is identical to member 12 except for the absence of pin 30. The several structural features of member 112 are accordingly referenced with like numerals.
With respect to toggle blocks 114, hinge sections 13Q
are provided on one longitudinal side and outwardly facing channels 132 are provided on the opposing side. Blocks 114 are identical with channels 132 being dimensioned tQ
cooperate with channels 20 in body member 1~2. In this respect, channel 132 on one block 114 and a respective channel 20 may be of a different arcuate dimension relative to channel 132 on the other block 114 and other channel 20.
Hinge sections 130 include a pair of spaced apart ears 134 projecting outwardly from side surface 136.
Pin-receiving holes 138 are provided in each ear 134.
Toggle blocks 114 are sized so that their combined width is greater than the space between conductors positioned in respective channels 20 in body member 112.
The excess width is such that upon pushing blocks 114 into that space, the conductors are compressed and mechanically gripped and, by reason of the conductivity of body member 112, toggle blocks 114 and pin 116 are electrically interconnected.
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Blocks 114 are preferably made by well known casting techniques.
Pin 116 includes shaft 140 which is dimensioned to be snugly received in holes 138 in ears 134. Pin 116 may include an upset or head on one end as shown but such is not necessary.
Toygle blocks 114 are pivotally joined together by interfingering ears 134 on respective blocks 114, as shown in Figure 1, and sliding sha~t 140 of pin 116 through aligned holes 138.
Figures 6 and 7 illustrate how conductors 42,44 are electrically interconnected and mechanically gripped in connector 110. Tool 146, which is used to force hlocks 114 into body member 112, includes tool head 148 mounted on handle 150. U~shaped head 148 includes back arm 152 against which connector 110 is positioned. Front arm 154 : includes housing 156, bolt 158 threadedly mounted in housing 156 and T-shaped bar 160, located between arms 152,154 and moved therebetween by bolt 158 to which it is attached.
: Portions of conductors 42,44 with their insulation jacket removed are placed in respective channels 20 in : body member 112. Toggle blocks 114, joined together as described above, are positioned in body member 112 with respective channels 132 abutting conductors 42,44 and hinge sections 130 projecting outwardly as shown in Figure : :
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6. With the back of connector 110 against back arm 152 of tool 146, bar 160 is advanced against blocks 114 by turning bolt 158 clockwise to force toggle blocks 114 in between conductors 42,44 and against surface 22 of wall 24 as shown in Figure 6. In accommodating the width of blocks 114, conductors 42,44 are compressed tightly between respective channels 20 in body member 112 and respective channels 132 in blocks 114 and are accordingly electrically interconnected and mechanically gripped. To the extend required by the dimensions of conductors 42,447 channel portions 18 are resiliently spread apart which insures continued compressive forces on conductors ~2,44 even in the event of conductor creep, a well known phenomenon experienced by aluminum cables and wires.
As shown in Figure 7, toggle blocks 114 are pushed over center which locks them in position and insures integrity of connector 110.
During the aforementioned compression of conductors 42,44, the individual strands rub against each other and oxides and dirt are wiped therefrom to enhance the electrical connection. Further, the connection is very tight which reduces the incident of corrosion.
; Another feature of the present invention is that connector 110 may be used repeatedly.
The third embodiment of the electrical connector of the present invention, indicated by reference numeral 210, _g_ : ~ :
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is shown in Figures 8-11. Connector 210 includes C-shaped body~ member 212, toggle blocks 214, hinge pin 216, eye bolt 218 and nut 220.
C-shaped body member 212 is identical to body member 112 except for the presence of hole 234 extending through wall 24. Accordingly, the several structural features of member 212 are referenced with the same numerals as used with members 12 and 112.
With respect to toggle blocks 214, hinge sections 2 3 6 are provided on one longitudinal side and outwardly facing channels 238 are provided on the opposing sides. Blocks 214 are identical with channels 238 dimensioned to cooperate with channels 20 in body member 212.
Hinge sections 23 6 include three, spaced apart ears 240 projecting outwardly from side surface 2A2 with ears 240a being wider than ears 240b and 240c. Pin receiving holes 244 extend through each ear 240. Notches 246 in side surfaces 242 of blocks 214 adjacent ears 240b, cooperatively form a passage for bolt 218 when blocks 214 are joined together.
Toggle blocks 214 are sized so that their combined width is greater than the space between conductors positioned in respective channels 20 in body member 212.
The excess width is such that upon pushing blocks 214 into space, the conductors are compressed and mechanically gripped, and by reason of the conductivity of body member ~229~
212 and toggle blocks 214, are electrically interconnected.
Blocks 214 may be made by well known casting techniques or by extrusion coupled with machining.
Pin 216 includes shaft 248 which is dimensioned to be snugly received in holes 244 in ears 240 and hole 250 in eye bolt 218. Pin 216 may include an upset or head on one end of shaft 248 as shown but such is not necessary.
Eye bolt 218 includes the aforementioned hole 250 and threaded shaft 252 which receives nut 220.
Toggle blocks 214 are pivotally joined together by interfingering ears 240 on respective blocks 214 and sliding shaft 248 of pin 216 through aligned holes 244.
Bolt 218 is positioned so that shaft 248 of pin 216 passes through hole 250 and threaded shaft 252 passes through notches 246 and extends outwardly from blocks 214.
Figure 9 illustrates a step in electrically ~: connecting and mechanically gripping conductors 42,44.
Bared sections of conductors 42,44 are placed in respective channels 20 of C-shaped body member 212 and toggle blocks 214, joined as described above, ara positioned so that respective channels 238 abut against respective conductors 42, 44 and threaded shaft 252 o~ bolt 218 passes through hole 234 in wall 24 of member 212. As shown, blocks~214 angle out of member 212 due to their combined width being greater than the space between ~ :
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conductors 42,44 in channels 20 of member 212. Nut 220 holds the assembly together by being threaded on shaft 252 until it engages wall 24.
The final step takes place by further rotating nut 220 to draw blocks 214 down to surface 22 of member 212.
In so doing, blocks 214 push against conductors 42,44 to compress them and accordingly are mechanically gripped and electrically interconnected. To the extend required by the dimensions of conductors 42,44, channel portions 20 are resiliently spread apart which insures continued compressive forces on conductors 42,44 even in the event of conductor creep, a well known phenomenon experienced by aluminum cables and wires.
As conductors 42,44 are being compressed, the individual strands move and rub against each other, thereby scrubbing oxides and the like away to enhance current flow therebetween.
The connec~ion is complete with blocks 214 flat or, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, slightly cammed over center whlch locks them in position. To break the connection, bolt 218 must be backed out to withdraw blocks 214 from body member 212. Connector 210 can be re-used within reason.
As can be discerned, an electrical connector for electrically connecting two conductors has been disclosed.
The connector includes a C-shaped body member having 2~
parallel, facing conductor receiving channels and a pair of pivotally engaging toggle blocks which are received in the body member between the channels. The combined width of the toggle blocks exceed the space between conductors positioned in the channels so that they are compressed and mechanically gripped upon forcing the toggle blocks therebetween. The conductivity of the body member and toggle blocks provide an electrical interconnection between the conductors.
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Figure 8 is an exploded, perspective view of still another embodiment of the electrical connector of the present invention showing the components thereof;
Figure 9 is a parspective view of an assembled 5 electrical connector of Figure 8 preparatory to electrically connecting a pair of conductors; and Figures 10 and 11 are perspective views of opposing sides of the electrical connector of Figure 7 subsequent to electrically connecting the pair of conductors.
With reference to Figure 1, the components of electrical connector 10 include C-shaped bo~y member 12 and a pair of toggle blocks 14,16~ Preferably, body member 12 and toggle blocks 14,16 are made from 6061-T-6 aluminum.
C-shaped body member 12 is preferably extruded with the longitudinal edges rolled over to define channel portions ~8 and to provide parallel, interior curved channels 20~ Channels 20 face each other across surface 22 of wall 24 which join channel portions 18. Channels 20 are dimensioned to conformably receive a range of conductor sizes; e.g~, from 795 26/7 ACSR to 536-37 AAC.
Wall 24 of body member 12 is thickest along a longitudinally extending middle portion 26 relative to parallel side portions 28 which are between and joins middle portion 26 and channel portions 18. As shown, the thickness of side portions 28 decreases outwardly from 2~
middle portion 26. The outward thinning of side portion 28 facilitates outward flexing of channel portions 18.
Pin 30 is mounted in wall 24 in the center of body member 12 and projects outwardly from wall surface 22.
Toggle block 14 includes an exterior curved or convex pivoting surface 32 extending along one longitudinal side and an outwardly facing, conductor-receiving channel 34 extending along the opposite longitudinal side. Hole 36 is provided in block 14 adjacent surface 32 and intermediate the ends.
Toggle block 16 includes an int~rior curved or concave pivoting surface 38 extending along one longitudinal side and an interior curved, or outwardly facing, conductor receiving channel 40 extending along the opposite longitudinal side.
Channels 34,40 on toggle blocks 14,16 respectively are dimensioned to cooperate with channels 20 in body member 12 in confining and compressing conductors therebetween.
As indicated in the drawings, pivoting surfaces 32,38 on blocks 14,16 respectively conformably engage each other in the same manner as a ball and socXet joint.
Toggle blocks 14,16 are sized so that their combined width is greater than the space between conductors positioned in respective channels 20 in body member 12.
The excess width is such that upon pushing blocks 14r16 ;Z 9~
into that space, the conductors are compressed and mechanically gripped and, by reason of the conductivity of body member 12 and toggle blocks 14,16 are electrically interconnected.
Blocks 14,16 are preferably made by well known casting techniques.
Pin 30 is preferably made from a malleable material such as aluminum.
In use, bared sections of conductors 42,44 are positioned in respective channels 20 in body member 12 as shown in Figure 2. Toggle blocks 14,16 are added as shown; i.e., channels 34,40 are abutting conductors 42,44 respectively, pivoting surfaces 32,38 are in engagement with each other and pin 30 extends through hole 36 in block 14. Toggle blocks 14,16 are then pressed in towards surface 22 of wall 24 of body ~ember 12. As blocks 14,16 move down into the space between conductors 42,44 as shown in Figure 3, conductors 42,44 are compressed between respective channels 20 and channels 34,40 to complete the mechanical gripping and electrically interconnection. Pin 30 may be mushroomed over toggle blocks 14,16 as shown to secure the blocks 14,16 in body member 12 although this is not necessary since toggle blocks 14,16 are pushed over center and are locked in position. To the extent required by the dimensions of conductors 42,44 channel portions 22 are resiliently spread apart which insures continued ;2 29~
compressive forces on conductors 42,4~ even in the event of conductor creep, a well known phenomenon experienced by aluminum cables and wires.
During the compression of conductors 42,44, the individual strands rub against each other and oxides and dirt are wiped therefrom to enhance the electrical connection. Further, the connection is gas tight, which reduces the incident of corrosion.
Plier-type tool 46 shown in Figure 4 illustrates a suitable means for pressing toggle blocks 14,16 into the-position shown in Figures 3 and also for mushrooming pin30. Tool 46 includes two members 48,50 with each having handle 52 at one end (only a segment thereof being shown) and jaws 54,56 respectively at the other end. Members 48,50 are pivotally pinned together so that by closing handles 52, jaws 54,56 move in towards each other. Jaw 54 has a flat surface 58 which abuts surface 60 on wall 24 of body member 12. Jaw 56 is T-shaped and includes notch 62 therein. The depth of notch 62 is such that the free end of pin 30 abuts the floor thereof ~ust before toggle blocks 14,1~ are completely pressed into body member 12.
During the final travel, pin 30 is mushroomed as shown in Figure 3 to secure blocks 14,16.
The second embodiment of the electrical connector of the present invention, indicated by reference numeral 110 ; -6~
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includes C-shaped body member 112, toggle blocks 114 and hinge pin 116.
With respect to member 112, it is identical to member 12 except for the absence of pin 30. The several structural features of member 112 are accordingly referenced with like numerals.
With respect to toggle blocks 114, hinge sections 13Q
are provided on one longitudinal side and outwardly facing channels 132 are provided on the opposing side. Blocks 114 are identical with channels 132 being dimensioned tQ
cooperate with channels 20 in body member 1~2. In this respect, channel 132 on one block 114 and a respective channel 20 may be of a different arcuate dimension relative to channel 132 on the other block 114 and other channel 20.
Hinge sections 130 include a pair of spaced apart ears 134 projecting outwardly from side surface 136.
Pin-receiving holes 138 are provided in each ear 134.
Toggle blocks 114 are sized so that their combined width is greater than the space between conductors positioned in respective channels 20 in body member 112.
The excess width is such that upon pushing blocks 114 into that space, the conductors are compressed and mechanically gripped and, by reason of the conductivity of body member 112, toggle blocks 114 and pin 116 are electrically interconnected.
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Blocks 114 are preferably made by well known casting techniques.
Pin 116 includes shaft 140 which is dimensioned to be snugly received in holes 138 in ears 134. Pin 116 may include an upset or head on one end as shown but such is not necessary.
Toygle blocks 114 are pivotally joined together by interfingering ears 134 on respective blocks 114, as shown in Figure 1, and sliding sha~t 140 of pin 116 through aligned holes 138.
Figures 6 and 7 illustrate how conductors 42,44 are electrically interconnected and mechanically gripped in connector 110. Tool 146, which is used to force hlocks 114 into body member 112, includes tool head 148 mounted on handle 150. U~shaped head 148 includes back arm 152 against which connector 110 is positioned. Front arm 154 : includes housing 156, bolt 158 threadedly mounted in housing 156 and T-shaped bar 160, located between arms 152,154 and moved therebetween by bolt 158 to which it is attached.
: Portions of conductors 42,44 with their insulation jacket removed are placed in respective channels 20 in : body member 112. Toggle blocks 114, joined together as described above, are positioned in body member 112 with respective channels 132 abutting conductors 42,44 and hinge sections 130 projecting outwardly as shown in Figure : :
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6. With the back of connector 110 against back arm 152 of tool 146, bar 160 is advanced against blocks 114 by turning bolt 158 clockwise to force toggle blocks 114 in between conductors 42,44 and against surface 22 of wall 24 as shown in Figure 6. In accommodating the width of blocks 114, conductors 42,44 are compressed tightly between respective channels 20 in body member 112 and respective channels 132 in blocks 114 and are accordingly electrically interconnected and mechanically gripped. To the extend required by the dimensions of conductors 42,447 channel portions 18 are resiliently spread apart which insures continued compressive forces on conductors ~2,44 even in the event of conductor creep, a well known phenomenon experienced by aluminum cables and wires.
As shown in Figure 7, toggle blocks 114 are pushed over center which locks them in position and insures integrity of connector 110.
During the aforementioned compression of conductors 42,44, the individual strands rub against each other and oxides and dirt are wiped therefrom to enhance the electrical connection. Further, the connection is very tight which reduces the incident of corrosion.
; Another feature of the present invention is that connector 110 may be used repeatedly.
The third embodiment of the electrical connector of the present invention, indicated by reference numeral 210, _g_ : ~ :
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is shown in Figures 8-11. Connector 210 includes C-shaped body~ member 212, toggle blocks 214, hinge pin 216, eye bolt 218 and nut 220.
C-shaped body member 212 is identical to body member 112 except for the presence of hole 234 extending through wall 24. Accordingly, the several structural features of member 212 are referenced with the same numerals as used with members 12 and 112.
With respect to toggle blocks 214, hinge sections 2 3 6 are provided on one longitudinal side and outwardly facing channels 238 are provided on the opposing sides. Blocks 214 are identical with channels 238 dimensioned to cooperate with channels 20 in body member 212.
Hinge sections 23 6 include three, spaced apart ears 240 projecting outwardly from side surface 2A2 with ears 240a being wider than ears 240b and 240c. Pin receiving holes 244 extend through each ear 240. Notches 246 in side surfaces 242 of blocks 214 adjacent ears 240b, cooperatively form a passage for bolt 218 when blocks 214 are joined together.
Toggle blocks 214 are sized so that their combined width is greater than the space between conductors positioned in respective channels 20 in body member 212.
The excess width is such that upon pushing blocks 214 into space, the conductors are compressed and mechanically gripped, and by reason of the conductivity of body member ~229~
212 and toggle blocks 214, are electrically interconnected.
Blocks 214 may be made by well known casting techniques or by extrusion coupled with machining.
Pin 216 includes shaft 248 which is dimensioned to be snugly received in holes 244 in ears 240 and hole 250 in eye bolt 218. Pin 216 may include an upset or head on one end of shaft 248 as shown but such is not necessary.
Eye bolt 218 includes the aforementioned hole 250 and threaded shaft 252 which receives nut 220.
Toggle blocks 214 are pivotally joined together by interfingering ears 240 on respective blocks 214 and sliding shaft 248 of pin 216 through aligned holes 244.
Bolt 218 is positioned so that shaft 248 of pin 216 passes through hole 250 and threaded shaft 252 passes through notches 246 and extends outwardly from blocks 214.
Figure 9 illustrates a step in electrically ~: connecting and mechanically gripping conductors 42,44.
Bared sections of conductors 42,44 are placed in respective channels 20 of C-shaped body member 212 and toggle blocks 214, joined as described above, ara positioned so that respective channels 238 abut against respective conductors 42, 44 and threaded shaft 252 o~ bolt 218 passes through hole 234 in wall 24 of member 212. As shown, blocks~214 angle out of member 212 due to their combined width being greater than the space between ~ :
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conductors 42,44 in channels 20 of member 212. Nut 220 holds the assembly together by being threaded on shaft 252 until it engages wall 24.
The final step takes place by further rotating nut 220 to draw blocks 214 down to surface 22 of member 212.
In so doing, blocks 214 push against conductors 42,44 to compress them and accordingly are mechanically gripped and electrically interconnected. To the extend required by the dimensions of conductors 42,44, channel portions 20 are resiliently spread apart which insures continued compressive forces on conductors 42,44 even in the event of conductor creep, a well known phenomenon experienced by aluminum cables and wires.
As conductors 42,44 are being compressed, the individual strands move and rub against each other, thereby scrubbing oxides and the like away to enhance current flow therebetween.
The connec~ion is complete with blocks 214 flat or, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, slightly cammed over center whlch locks them in position. To break the connection, bolt 218 must be backed out to withdraw blocks 214 from body member 212. Connector 210 can be re-used within reason.
As can be discerned, an electrical connector for electrically connecting two conductors has been disclosed.
The connector includes a C-shaped body member having 2~
parallel, facing conductor receiving channels and a pair of pivotally engaging toggle blocks which are received in the body member between the channels. The combined width of the toggle blocks exceed the space between conductors positioned in the channels so that they are compressed and mechanically gripped upon forcing the toggle blocks therebetween. The conductivity of the body member and toggle blocks provide an electrical interconnection between the conductors.
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Claims (11)
1. An electrical connector for electrically connecting two electrical conductors, said connector comprising;
conductive, elongated, C-shaped body means having parallel, inwardly facing conductor-receiving channel means on each longitudinal side of and attached to intervening wall means; and a pair of conductive toggle block means pivotally engaging each other along one side and each having outwardly facing, conductor-receiving channel means on an opposite side, said toggle block means having a combined width greater than the space between conductors disposed in respective said channel means in said body means, said toggle block means adapted to be forced into body means with said outwardly facing channel means facing and cooperating with respective said channel means in said body means to grip and electrically interconnected conductors which may be disposed therebetween.
conductive, elongated, C-shaped body means having parallel, inwardly facing conductor-receiving channel means on each longitudinal side of and attached to intervening wall means; and a pair of conductive toggle block means pivotally engaging each other along one side and each having outwardly facing, conductor-receiving channel means on an opposite side, said toggle block means having a combined width greater than the space between conductors disposed in respective said channel means in said body means, said toggle block means adapted to be forced into body means with said outwardly facing channel means facing and cooperating with respective said channel means in said body means to grip and electrically interconnected conductors which may be disposed therebetween.
2. The electrical connector of claim 1 wherein one of said toggle block means includes a concave surface extending along one longitudinal side and the other of said toggle block means includes a convex surface extending along one longitudinal side and with said convex surface conformably and pivotally received in said concave surface.
3. The electrical connector of claim 1 further including securing means for securing said toggle block means in said C-shaped body means.
4. The electrical connector of claim 3 wherein said securing means includes a pin extending outwardly from said C-shaped body member intermediate said channel means and one of said toggle block means includes a hole extending therethrough for passage of said pin, said pin having a free end adapted to be mushroomed over at least one of said toggle block means.
5. The electrical connector of claim 1 wherein said pair of conductive toggle block means are pivotally joined together along one side.
6. The electrical connector of claim 5 wherein said toggle block means include spaced apart ears extending outwardly from said one side with holes therethrough for receiving hinge means.
7. The electrical connector of claim 6 wherein said hinge means includes a pin received in said holes in said ears.
8. The electrical connector of claim 5 further including first means attached to said toggle block means and wherein a hole extends through said intervening wall means of said C-shaped body means through which said first means may be pulled to thereby draw said toggle block means in between said inwardly facing channel means in said body means.
9. The electrical connector of claim 8 further including second means for being attached to said first means extending outwardly from said body means, said second means being adaptable to pull said first means through said hole.
10. The electrical connector of claim 9 wherein said first means include a bolt having a threaded shaft extending through said hole and further having a hole for receiving said pin.
11. The electrical connector of claim 10 wherein said second means include a nut threadedly received on said shaft on said bolt.
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US937,774 | 1986-12-04 | ||
| US937,775 | 1986-12-04 | ||
| US06/937,774 US4734062A (en) | 1986-12-04 | 1986-12-04 | Electrical connector |
| US937,773 | 1986-12-04 | ||
| US06/937,773 US4723920A (en) | 1986-12-04 | 1986-12-04 | Electrical connector |
| US06/937,775 US4723921A (en) | 1986-12-04 | 1986-12-04 | Electrical connector |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1292294C true CA1292294C (en) | 1991-11-19 |
Family
ID=27420685
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000552828A Expired - Fee Related CA1292294C (en) | 1986-12-04 | 1987-11-26 | Electrical connector |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1292294C (en) |
-
1987
- 1987-11-26 CA CA000552828A patent/CA1292294C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |