CA2253391A1 - Quick tee-joint for power take-off busway system - Google Patents
Quick tee-joint for power take-off busway system Download PDFInfo
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- CA2253391A1 CA2253391A1 CA 2253391 CA2253391A CA2253391A1 CA 2253391 A1 CA2253391 A1 CA 2253391A1 CA 2253391 CA2253391 CA 2253391 CA 2253391 A CA2253391 A CA 2253391A CA 2253391 A1 CA2253391 A1 CA 2253391A1
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Abstract
A busway joint construction for electrically connecting existing sections of busway duct together and permitting additional busway joint constructions to be electrically connected to the existing busway sections for expanding an electrical busway system. The busway joint construction includes a tee-joint which is removably insertable between the existing busway sections without the need for modifying or disassembling the existing busway sections. The existing sections of busway duct each have a plurality of bus bars supported therein and each bus bar includes an end portion extending from an end of the existing busway sections with each bus bar being spaced from an end portion of a corresponding opposed bus bar. The tee-joint includes an assembly of conductor plates and insulator plates, the conductor plates being spaced apart for receiving each pair of corresponding bus bars and electrically connecting the spaced bus bar end portions.
The tee-joint further includes a transition unit which extends generally transversely to the existing busway sections. The transition unit includes a plurality of transition bus bars where the transition bus bars include a first end portion extending from one end of the transition unit and being received in the series of conductor plates so as to be electrically connected to the spaced bus bar end portions of the existing busway sections. The transition bus bars contained within the transition unit also include a second end portion extending from the opposing end of the transition unit for adapting to additional busway joint constructions. Additionally, the tee-joint is interchangeable with a bridge joint which is also removably insertable between the existing busway sections.
The tee-joint further includes a transition unit which extends generally transversely to the existing busway sections. The transition unit includes a plurality of transition bus bars where the transition bus bars include a first end portion extending from one end of the transition unit and being received in the series of conductor plates so as to be electrically connected to the spaced bus bar end portions of the existing busway sections. The transition bus bars contained within the transition unit also include a second end portion extending from the opposing end of the transition unit for adapting to additional busway joint constructions. Additionally, the tee-joint is interchangeable with a bridge joint which is also removably insertable between the existing busway sections.
Description
CA 022~3391 1998-11-10 QUICK TEE-JOINT FOR POWER TAKE-OFF BUSWAY SYSTEM
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to electrical power busway systems and, more particularly, to a tee-joint for connecting existing sections of busway duct for expanding a busway system.
Backqround Information As is known, electrical power may be readily transmitted within a building from a power source to load apparatus by an electrical busway system. Generally, such a system includes elongated sections of busway duct connected end-to-end so that a plurality of electrically conductive bus bars may be interconnected. Typically, several parallel bus bars forming phase conductors, and in some cases ground and/or neutral conductors, are stacked on top of each other or spaced-apart relative to each other within the section of busway duct.
Previous busway systems were constructed for end-to-end assembly of the sections of busway duct with the ends of the bus bars overlapping for providing direct connection therebetween. A busway system employing this type of joint was found to have several disadvantages, such as, difficulty in removing a section of busway duct from the middle of a busway run or isolating parts of a bus duct run when a section of busway duct needed to be removed. In addition, this type busway system was found to be inconvenient for expanding a bus duct run, such as by adding a tee-joint between two existing busway sections. For example, to install a tee-joint it was necessary to de-energize the busway system, remove the busway sections CA 022~3391 1998-11-10 where the tee-joint was to be installed, and then insert the tee-joint along with specially made lengths of busway duct to make up for the lengths of busway duct which were removed. Such a busway expansion was labor intensive and costly due to the need for making and installing special lengths of busway duct to connect to the tee-joint.
Many present busway systems typically utilize bridging joints in order to overcome many of the disadvantages associated with previous busway systems. For example, Weimer et al. U.S. Patent No. 4,627,680 sets forth a bridging joint for connecting and disconnecting busway sections. This particular type of bridging joint is removable in order to provide for removal of a section of busway or isolating sections of a busway run. However, expansion of a busway system employing such a joint, such as by adding a tee-joint, is still a difficult task. For example, to expand a busway system incorporating the Weimer et al. bridging joint it is necessary, as in previous busway systems, to remove an existing section of bus duct and insert the tee-joint along with a special length of busway duct to make up the remaining length of the removed duct section. In addition, it is usually necessary to install bridging joints on all ends of the tee-joint for connecting to the busway sections. Thus, the installation of the tee-joint, as with the installation of a tee-joint in the previous busway systems, remains a labor intensive and costly project.
There remains a need, therefore, for an electrical busway system having a busway joint construction which conveniently provides for expansion of the busway system.
There is also a need for a busway joint construction which allows for electrically connecting existing sections of busway duct together and permitting additional busway joint constructions to be electrically connected to the existing busway sections without the need for modifying or disassembling the existing busway sections.
CA 022~3391 1998-11-10 There is a further need for a tee-joint which can be removably inserted between existing sections of busway duct without having to modify or otherwise disturb the existing busway sections.
There is yet a further need for a tee-joint which is interchangeable with a bridging joint that electrically connects busway sections, so that the bridging joint can be removed and replaced by the tee-joint for expansion of the busway system.
SU~IARY OF THE INVENTION
These and other needs are satisfied by the present invention which provides a busway joint construction including a pair of existing, longitudinally aligned sections of busway duct each having a plurality of bus bars supported therein. Preferably, each bus bar includes an end portion extending from an end of the existing busway sections with each bus bar being spaced from an end portion of a corresponding opposed bus bar. The busway joint construction further includes a tee-joint having an assembly of conductor plates and insulator plates, the conductor plates being spaced apart for receiving each pair of corresponding bus bars and electrically connecting the spaced bus bar end portions. The tee-joint further includes a transition unit which extends generally transversely to the existing busway sections. The transition unit includes a plurality of bus bars where the bus bars include a first end portion extending from one end of the transition unit and being received in the series of conductor plates so as to be electrically connected to the spaced bus bar end portions of the existing busway sections. The bus bars contained within the transition unit also include a second end portion extending from the opposing end of the transition unit for adapting to additional busway joint constructions. Also provided are means for compressing the spaced bus bar end portions of the existing busway sections and the first end portion of the transition bus bars into electrical contact with the conductor plates.
CA 022~3391 1998-11-10 Preferably, the tee-joint is removably insertable between the existing busway sections without modifying or disassembling the existing busway sections. More preferably, the tee-joint is interchangeable with a bridge joint which is also removably insertable between busway sections for connecting the same. Advantageously, the ability to removably insert both the bridge joint and the tee-joint, as well as the interchangeability therebetween, allows for expansion of an existing busway system without the need for modifying or otherwise disturbing the busway sections already in place.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the following description of the preferred embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a top plan view showing the tee-joint of the present invention as positioned between existing sections of busway duct;
Figure 2 is a sectional view of the tee-joint taken along line 2-2 of Figure l;
Figure 3 is a sectional view of the tee-joint taken along line 3-3 of Figure l;
Figure 4 is a top plan view showing the tee-joint of the present invention as positioned between existing sections of busway duct, similar to Figure 1, and including a bridge joint as connected to the end of the tee-joint and extending generally transversely to the existing busway sections;
Figure 5 is a top plan view showing a bridge joint as positioned between existing sections of busway duct; and Figure 6 is a sectional view of the bridge joint, taken along line 6-6 of Figure 5, and shown as positioned between the existing busway sections.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a busway CA 022~3391 1998-11-10 joint construction of the present invention which allows for expansion of an existing electrical busway system. The busway joint construction includes a tee-joint 10 for electrically connecting existing, longitudinally aligned sections of busway duct 12, 14 together and allowing for additional busway joint constructions to be electrically connected to the existing busway sections. In accordance with an important aspect of the present invention, the tee-joint 10 is removably insertable between the existing sections of busway duct 12, 14 to provide for expansion of the busway system without the need for modifying or disassembling the existing busway sections, as will be described in more detail herein. In accordance with another important aspect of the present invention, the tee-joint 10 is preferably interchangeable with a bridge joint, as will also be described in more detail herein, which is typically utilized for connecting existing sections of busway duct in an electrical busway system.
As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the sections of busway duct 12, 14 are substantially identical and each include a plurality of flat elongated, electrically conductive bus bars 16, 18, 20 and 22 extending longitudinally through an elongated extruded aluminum housing 24, constructed in a manner as shown or otherwise as is well known in the art. The end portions of the bus bars 16, 18, 20 and 22 extend from the end of the housing 24 and are contained within a housing ground assembly 26. The end portions of the bus bars 16, 18, 20 and 22 of busway section 12 are spaced apart from the end portions of corresponding bus bars 16, 18, 20 and 22 of busway section 14.
As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the tee-joint 10 is comprised of an assembly of spaced plates 30 and a transition unit 112. The assembly of spaced plates 30 includes a plurality of pairs of conductor plates 32 evenly spaced apart for receiving the bus bars 16, 18, 20 and 22 therebetween, a plurality of insulator plates 34 between the pairs of conductor plates 32, and pair of assembly bolts 36.
CA 022~3391 1998-11-10 The insulator plates 34 contain annular flanges 35 disposed about bolts 36 for holding the conductor plates 32 apart.
The assembly of spaced plates 30 may also include belleville washers 38. Aligned apertures through the several parts 32, 34 and 38 are retained in alignment by the bolts 36 extending therethrough. Tightening nuts 40 are provided at the threaded ends of the bolts 36 for providing and maintaining a compressed or clamping relationship between the several conductors 32, insulators 34 and washers 38, as well as, between the end portions of the bus bars 16, 18, 20 and 22. The assembly of spaced plates 30 also includes end plates 42 against which the Belleville washers 38 are compressed for providing the clamping action. The end plates 42 may also include reinforcing ribs 44 for strengthening the end plates during the compression or clamping of the assembly of spaced plates 30.
The transition unit 112 is basically a section of busway duct of reduced or predetermined length. The transition unit 112 comprises an extruded aluminum housing 124 for supporting therein a plurality of flat elongated, electrically conductive bus bars 116, 118, 120 and 122 which preferably extend from both ends of the housing 124. A
housing ground assembly 126 is also provided as extending from the ends of the housing 124. As best shown in Figure 1, the transition unit 112 extends generally transversely from the existing sections of busway duct 12, 14 in order to allow for expansion of the existing busway system in a direction generally transverse to the otherwise longitudinal busway sections.
As shown in Figure 2, the bus bars 116, 118, 120 and 122 extending from a first end portion of the housing 124 are engaged in the assembly of spaced plates 30. More specifically, the bus bars 116, 118, 120 and 122 are received between the pairs of spaced conductor plates 32.
Advantageously, this allows for the transition unit 112 to be electrically connected to the existing sections of busway duct 12, 14 as a result of the bus bars 16, 18, 20 and 22 CA 022~3391 1998-11-10 also being received between the pairs of spaced conductor plates 32. It will be appreciated that the bus bar configuration of the tee-joint 10 should be substantially identical to the bus bar configuration of the existing busway sections 12, 14 to provide for proper electrical connection therebetween.
In addition, the opposing second end portion of the transition unit 112 provides for the bus bars 116, 118, 120 and 122 to extend from the end of the housing 124 so as to be adaptable to additional busway joint constructions.
For example, as shown in Figure 4, bridge joint 110 (which will be discussed in more detail herein) may be connected to the end of the transition unit 112. Sections of busway duct may then be connected to the bridge joint for expansion of the busway system.
As shown in Figure 2, the ends of the bus bars 116, 118, 120 and 122 which are received between the pairs of spaced conductor plates 32 may be fixedly attached to the respective pairs of spaced conductor plates 32 by extending, for example, rivets 46 through at least one of the pair of spaced conductor plates and the corresponding bus bar.
Preferably, more than one rivet 46 is provided through each conductor plate 32 and corresponding bus bar 116, 118, 120 and 122 to ensure that the transition unit 112 extends generally transversely from the assembly of spaced plates 30 and to further ensure that the transition unit 112 may not be rotated or pivoted with respect to the assembly of spaced plates 30. Advantageously, this provides for the tee-joint 10 to be connected to the existing sections of busway duct 12, 14 in a manner so that the tee-joint will remain substantially transverse with respect thereto and will not move from a desired position during installation or once installed.
In accordance with an important aspect of the present invention, as best shown in Figures 1 and 3, the tee-joint 10 may be inserted or removed from between the existing sections of busway duct 12, 14 without the need for CA 022~3391 1998-11-10 modifying or disassembling the busway sections.
Specifically, the tee-joint 10 may be inserted between the sections of busway duct 12, 14 by transversely sliding the tee-joint into position, as indicated by arrow A. The transverse sliding of the tee-joint 10, and more specifically of the assembly of spaced plates 30, is facilitated by the end portions of the bus bars 16, 18, 20 and 22 of busway section 12 and the end portions of the opposing bus bars 16, 18, 20 and 22 of busway section 14 extending from the end of the respective housings 24 and being spaced accordingly for sliding receipt in between the pairs of spaced conductor plates 32. In addition, the housing ground assemblies 26 are slidably received between the end plates 42 and an adjacent conductor plate 32.
Removal of the tee-joint 10 from between the busway sections 12, 14 is completed in a similar manner by sliding the tee-joint assembly in the direction of arrow B.
It will be appreciated that in order for the tee-joint assembly 10 to be either inserted or removed from between the existing sections of busway duct 12, 14 the assembly bolts 36 and corresponding belleville washers 38 and tightening nuts 40 need to be loosened so that the pairs of spaced conductor plates 30 are in an uncompressed state.
Then once the corresponding bus bars 116, 118, 120 and 122 are received between the pairs of space conductor plates 32, if inserting the tee-joint 10, the appropriate compression or clamping action may be provided in order to securely position and maintain the bus bars 16, 18, 20 and 22 and 116, 118, 118 and 120 in electrical contact with the several conductor plates.
Once the tee-joint 10 is secured in position between the existing sections of busway duct 12, 14, front cover 48 and side covers 50 (see Figure 1) are installed for completing the ground path between the existing sections of busway duct 12, 14 and the tee-joint 10, as well as, for preventing outside contact with the busway joint construction once electrically energized.
CA 022~3391 1998-11-10 In accordance with another important aspect of the present invention, the tee-joint 10 is preferably interchangeable with a bridge joint 110, such a bridge joint being, for example, as shown in Figures 5 and 6.
Preferably, the bridge joint 110 is also removably insertable between the existing sections of busway duct 12, 14. Advantageously, this allows for the bridge joint 110 to be easily removed without the need for modifying or disassembling the existing sections of busway duct for expansion of the electrical busway system. As will be appreciated, such expansion can then be easily provided by inserting the tee-joint 10 in between the existing sections of busway duct 12, 14 once the bridge joint 110 is removed.
As best shown in Figure 6, the bridge joint 110 comprises an assembly of spaced plates 130 which is similar to the assembly of spaced plates 30 of the tee-joint 10 as shown in Figure 3. It will be appreciated that the similar construction of the assembly of spaced plates 130 and the assembly of spaced plates 30 easily accommodates the interchangeability between the bridge joint 110 and the tee-joint 10. As shown, the assembly of spaced plates 130 includes a plurality of pairs of spaced conductor plates 132 evenly spaced apart for receiving the bus bars 16, 18, 20 and 22 therebetween, a plurality of insulator plates 134, and at least one assembly bolt 136. The insulator plates 134 contain annular flanges 135 disposed about bolts 136 for holding the conductor plates 132 apart. The assembly of spaced plates 130 may also include a belleville washer 138 and aligned apertures through the several parts 132, 134 and 138 which are retained in alignment by the assembly bolt 136 extending therethrough. Tightening nut 140 is also provided at the end of assembly bolt 136 for providing and maintaining a compressed or clamping relationship between the several conductors 132, insulators 134 and washers 138, as well as, between the end portions of the bus bars 16, 18, 20 and 22.
As best shown in Figure 5, the bridge joint 110 CA 022~3391 1998-11-10 may either be removed or inserted between the existing sections of busway duct 12, 14 by transversely sliding the bridge joint assembly with respect to the existing sections of busway duct as indicated by arrow C. Similar to the tee-joint 10 as described hereinabove, the transverse sliding of the bridge joint 110, and more specifically of the assembly of spaced plates 130, is facilitated by the end portions of the bus bars 16, 18, 20 and 22 of busway section 12 and the end portions of the opposing bus bars 16, 18, 20 and 22 of busway section 14 extending from the end of the respective housings 24 and being spaced accordingly for sliding receipt in between the pairs of spaced conductor plates 132. In addition, the housing ground assemblies 26 are similarly slidably received between the end plates 42 and an adjacent insulator plate 34. Removal of the tee-joint 10 from between the busway sections 12, 14 is completed in a similar manner. Front cover 148 and rear cover 150 are provided for completing the ground path between the existing sections of busway duct 12, 14 and for preventing access to the bus bars 16, 18, 20 and 22 once the busway system is energized.
It will be appreciated that while the embodiment disclosed herein provides for a three-phase electrical system having a four wire configuration with external ground wherein, for example, bus bar 16 is the "A" phase conductor, bus bar 18 is the "B" phase conductor, bus bar 20 is the "C"
phase conductor, and bus bar 22 is neutral conductor, other configurations may be provided for use in conjunction with the present invention. As noted, it is important that the tee-joint assembly 10 have the same wire configuration as the existing sections of busway duct 12, 14 to which the tee-joint assembly is to be connected and that the assembly of spaced plates 30, 130 be appropriately configured for receiving the bus bars 16, 18, 20 and 22 of the busway sections 12,14 that are being connected.
While a specific embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail, it will be CA 022~3391 1998-11-10 appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention which is to be given the full breath of the appended claims and to any and all equivalence thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to electrical power busway systems and, more particularly, to a tee-joint for connecting existing sections of busway duct for expanding a busway system.
Backqround Information As is known, electrical power may be readily transmitted within a building from a power source to load apparatus by an electrical busway system. Generally, such a system includes elongated sections of busway duct connected end-to-end so that a plurality of electrically conductive bus bars may be interconnected. Typically, several parallel bus bars forming phase conductors, and in some cases ground and/or neutral conductors, are stacked on top of each other or spaced-apart relative to each other within the section of busway duct.
Previous busway systems were constructed for end-to-end assembly of the sections of busway duct with the ends of the bus bars overlapping for providing direct connection therebetween. A busway system employing this type of joint was found to have several disadvantages, such as, difficulty in removing a section of busway duct from the middle of a busway run or isolating parts of a bus duct run when a section of busway duct needed to be removed. In addition, this type busway system was found to be inconvenient for expanding a bus duct run, such as by adding a tee-joint between two existing busway sections. For example, to install a tee-joint it was necessary to de-energize the busway system, remove the busway sections CA 022~3391 1998-11-10 where the tee-joint was to be installed, and then insert the tee-joint along with specially made lengths of busway duct to make up for the lengths of busway duct which were removed. Such a busway expansion was labor intensive and costly due to the need for making and installing special lengths of busway duct to connect to the tee-joint.
Many present busway systems typically utilize bridging joints in order to overcome many of the disadvantages associated with previous busway systems. For example, Weimer et al. U.S. Patent No. 4,627,680 sets forth a bridging joint for connecting and disconnecting busway sections. This particular type of bridging joint is removable in order to provide for removal of a section of busway or isolating sections of a busway run. However, expansion of a busway system employing such a joint, such as by adding a tee-joint, is still a difficult task. For example, to expand a busway system incorporating the Weimer et al. bridging joint it is necessary, as in previous busway systems, to remove an existing section of bus duct and insert the tee-joint along with a special length of busway duct to make up the remaining length of the removed duct section. In addition, it is usually necessary to install bridging joints on all ends of the tee-joint for connecting to the busway sections. Thus, the installation of the tee-joint, as with the installation of a tee-joint in the previous busway systems, remains a labor intensive and costly project.
There remains a need, therefore, for an electrical busway system having a busway joint construction which conveniently provides for expansion of the busway system.
There is also a need for a busway joint construction which allows for electrically connecting existing sections of busway duct together and permitting additional busway joint constructions to be electrically connected to the existing busway sections without the need for modifying or disassembling the existing busway sections.
CA 022~3391 1998-11-10 There is a further need for a tee-joint which can be removably inserted between existing sections of busway duct without having to modify or otherwise disturb the existing busway sections.
There is yet a further need for a tee-joint which is interchangeable with a bridging joint that electrically connects busway sections, so that the bridging joint can be removed and replaced by the tee-joint for expansion of the busway system.
SU~IARY OF THE INVENTION
These and other needs are satisfied by the present invention which provides a busway joint construction including a pair of existing, longitudinally aligned sections of busway duct each having a plurality of bus bars supported therein. Preferably, each bus bar includes an end portion extending from an end of the existing busway sections with each bus bar being spaced from an end portion of a corresponding opposed bus bar. The busway joint construction further includes a tee-joint having an assembly of conductor plates and insulator plates, the conductor plates being spaced apart for receiving each pair of corresponding bus bars and electrically connecting the spaced bus bar end portions. The tee-joint further includes a transition unit which extends generally transversely to the existing busway sections. The transition unit includes a plurality of bus bars where the bus bars include a first end portion extending from one end of the transition unit and being received in the series of conductor plates so as to be electrically connected to the spaced bus bar end portions of the existing busway sections. The bus bars contained within the transition unit also include a second end portion extending from the opposing end of the transition unit for adapting to additional busway joint constructions. Also provided are means for compressing the spaced bus bar end portions of the existing busway sections and the first end portion of the transition bus bars into electrical contact with the conductor plates.
CA 022~3391 1998-11-10 Preferably, the tee-joint is removably insertable between the existing busway sections without modifying or disassembling the existing busway sections. More preferably, the tee-joint is interchangeable with a bridge joint which is also removably insertable between busway sections for connecting the same. Advantageously, the ability to removably insert both the bridge joint and the tee-joint, as well as the interchangeability therebetween, allows for expansion of an existing busway system without the need for modifying or otherwise disturbing the busway sections already in place.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the following description of the preferred embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a top plan view showing the tee-joint of the present invention as positioned between existing sections of busway duct;
Figure 2 is a sectional view of the tee-joint taken along line 2-2 of Figure l;
Figure 3 is a sectional view of the tee-joint taken along line 3-3 of Figure l;
Figure 4 is a top plan view showing the tee-joint of the present invention as positioned between existing sections of busway duct, similar to Figure 1, and including a bridge joint as connected to the end of the tee-joint and extending generally transversely to the existing busway sections;
Figure 5 is a top plan view showing a bridge joint as positioned between existing sections of busway duct; and Figure 6 is a sectional view of the bridge joint, taken along line 6-6 of Figure 5, and shown as positioned between the existing busway sections.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a busway CA 022~3391 1998-11-10 joint construction of the present invention which allows for expansion of an existing electrical busway system. The busway joint construction includes a tee-joint 10 for electrically connecting existing, longitudinally aligned sections of busway duct 12, 14 together and allowing for additional busway joint constructions to be electrically connected to the existing busway sections. In accordance with an important aspect of the present invention, the tee-joint 10 is removably insertable between the existing sections of busway duct 12, 14 to provide for expansion of the busway system without the need for modifying or disassembling the existing busway sections, as will be described in more detail herein. In accordance with another important aspect of the present invention, the tee-joint 10 is preferably interchangeable with a bridge joint, as will also be described in more detail herein, which is typically utilized for connecting existing sections of busway duct in an electrical busway system.
As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the sections of busway duct 12, 14 are substantially identical and each include a plurality of flat elongated, electrically conductive bus bars 16, 18, 20 and 22 extending longitudinally through an elongated extruded aluminum housing 24, constructed in a manner as shown or otherwise as is well known in the art. The end portions of the bus bars 16, 18, 20 and 22 extend from the end of the housing 24 and are contained within a housing ground assembly 26. The end portions of the bus bars 16, 18, 20 and 22 of busway section 12 are spaced apart from the end portions of corresponding bus bars 16, 18, 20 and 22 of busway section 14.
As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the tee-joint 10 is comprised of an assembly of spaced plates 30 and a transition unit 112. The assembly of spaced plates 30 includes a plurality of pairs of conductor plates 32 evenly spaced apart for receiving the bus bars 16, 18, 20 and 22 therebetween, a plurality of insulator plates 34 between the pairs of conductor plates 32, and pair of assembly bolts 36.
CA 022~3391 1998-11-10 The insulator plates 34 contain annular flanges 35 disposed about bolts 36 for holding the conductor plates 32 apart.
The assembly of spaced plates 30 may also include belleville washers 38. Aligned apertures through the several parts 32, 34 and 38 are retained in alignment by the bolts 36 extending therethrough. Tightening nuts 40 are provided at the threaded ends of the bolts 36 for providing and maintaining a compressed or clamping relationship between the several conductors 32, insulators 34 and washers 38, as well as, between the end portions of the bus bars 16, 18, 20 and 22. The assembly of spaced plates 30 also includes end plates 42 against which the Belleville washers 38 are compressed for providing the clamping action. The end plates 42 may also include reinforcing ribs 44 for strengthening the end plates during the compression or clamping of the assembly of spaced plates 30.
The transition unit 112 is basically a section of busway duct of reduced or predetermined length. The transition unit 112 comprises an extruded aluminum housing 124 for supporting therein a plurality of flat elongated, electrically conductive bus bars 116, 118, 120 and 122 which preferably extend from both ends of the housing 124. A
housing ground assembly 126 is also provided as extending from the ends of the housing 124. As best shown in Figure 1, the transition unit 112 extends generally transversely from the existing sections of busway duct 12, 14 in order to allow for expansion of the existing busway system in a direction generally transverse to the otherwise longitudinal busway sections.
As shown in Figure 2, the bus bars 116, 118, 120 and 122 extending from a first end portion of the housing 124 are engaged in the assembly of spaced plates 30. More specifically, the bus bars 116, 118, 120 and 122 are received between the pairs of spaced conductor plates 32.
Advantageously, this allows for the transition unit 112 to be electrically connected to the existing sections of busway duct 12, 14 as a result of the bus bars 16, 18, 20 and 22 CA 022~3391 1998-11-10 also being received between the pairs of spaced conductor plates 32. It will be appreciated that the bus bar configuration of the tee-joint 10 should be substantially identical to the bus bar configuration of the existing busway sections 12, 14 to provide for proper electrical connection therebetween.
In addition, the opposing second end portion of the transition unit 112 provides for the bus bars 116, 118, 120 and 122 to extend from the end of the housing 124 so as to be adaptable to additional busway joint constructions.
For example, as shown in Figure 4, bridge joint 110 (which will be discussed in more detail herein) may be connected to the end of the transition unit 112. Sections of busway duct may then be connected to the bridge joint for expansion of the busway system.
As shown in Figure 2, the ends of the bus bars 116, 118, 120 and 122 which are received between the pairs of spaced conductor plates 32 may be fixedly attached to the respective pairs of spaced conductor plates 32 by extending, for example, rivets 46 through at least one of the pair of spaced conductor plates and the corresponding bus bar.
Preferably, more than one rivet 46 is provided through each conductor plate 32 and corresponding bus bar 116, 118, 120 and 122 to ensure that the transition unit 112 extends generally transversely from the assembly of spaced plates 30 and to further ensure that the transition unit 112 may not be rotated or pivoted with respect to the assembly of spaced plates 30. Advantageously, this provides for the tee-joint 10 to be connected to the existing sections of busway duct 12, 14 in a manner so that the tee-joint will remain substantially transverse with respect thereto and will not move from a desired position during installation or once installed.
In accordance with an important aspect of the present invention, as best shown in Figures 1 and 3, the tee-joint 10 may be inserted or removed from between the existing sections of busway duct 12, 14 without the need for CA 022~3391 1998-11-10 modifying or disassembling the busway sections.
Specifically, the tee-joint 10 may be inserted between the sections of busway duct 12, 14 by transversely sliding the tee-joint into position, as indicated by arrow A. The transverse sliding of the tee-joint 10, and more specifically of the assembly of spaced plates 30, is facilitated by the end portions of the bus bars 16, 18, 20 and 22 of busway section 12 and the end portions of the opposing bus bars 16, 18, 20 and 22 of busway section 14 extending from the end of the respective housings 24 and being spaced accordingly for sliding receipt in between the pairs of spaced conductor plates 32. In addition, the housing ground assemblies 26 are slidably received between the end plates 42 and an adjacent conductor plate 32.
Removal of the tee-joint 10 from between the busway sections 12, 14 is completed in a similar manner by sliding the tee-joint assembly in the direction of arrow B.
It will be appreciated that in order for the tee-joint assembly 10 to be either inserted or removed from between the existing sections of busway duct 12, 14 the assembly bolts 36 and corresponding belleville washers 38 and tightening nuts 40 need to be loosened so that the pairs of spaced conductor plates 30 are in an uncompressed state.
Then once the corresponding bus bars 116, 118, 120 and 122 are received between the pairs of space conductor plates 32, if inserting the tee-joint 10, the appropriate compression or clamping action may be provided in order to securely position and maintain the bus bars 16, 18, 20 and 22 and 116, 118, 118 and 120 in electrical contact with the several conductor plates.
Once the tee-joint 10 is secured in position between the existing sections of busway duct 12, 14, front cover 48 and side covers 50 (see Figure 1) are installed for completing the ground path between the existing sections of busway duct 12, 14 and the tee-joint 10, as well as, for preventing outside contact with the busway joint construction once electrically energized.
CA 022~3391 1998-11-10 In accordance with another important aspect of the present invention, the tee-joint 10 is preferably interchangeable with a bridge joint 110, such a bridge joint being, for example, as shown in Figures 5 and 6.
Preferably, the bridge joint 110 is also removably insertable between the existing sections of busway duct 12, 14. Advantageously, this allows for the bridge joint 110 to be easily removed without the need for modifying or disassembling the existing sections of busway duct for expansion of the electrical busway system. As will be appreciated, such expansion can then be easily provided by inserting the tee-joint 10 in between the existing sections of busway duct 12, 14 once the bridge joint 110 is removed.
As best shown in Figure 6, the bridge joint 110 comprises an assembly of spaced plates 130 which is similar to the assembly of spaced plates 30 of the tee-joint 10 as shown in Figure 3. It will be appreciated that the similar construction of the assembly of spaced plates 130 and the assembly of spaced plates 30 easily accommodates the interchangeability between the bridge joint 110 and the tee-joint 10. As shown, the assembly of spaced plates 130 includes a plurality of pairs of spaced conductor plates 132 evenly spaced apart for receiving the bus bars 16, 18, 20 and 22 therebetween, a plurality of insulator plates 134, and at least one assembly bolt 136. The insulator plates 134 contain annular flanges 135 disposed about bolts 136 for holding the conductor plates 132 apart. The assembly of spaced plates 130 may also include a belleville washer 138 and aligned apertures through the several parts 132, 134 and 138 which are retained in alignment by the assembly bolt 136 extending therethrough. Tightening nut 140 is also provided at the end of assembly bolt 136 for providing and maintaining a compressed or clamping relationship between the several conductors 132, insulators 134 and washers 138, as well as, between the end portions of the bus bars 16, 18, 20 and 22.
As best shown in Figure 5, the bridge joint 110 CA 022~3391 1998-11-10 may either be removed or inserted between the existing sections of busway duct 12, 14 by transversely sliding the bridge joint assembly with respect to the existing sections of busway duct as indicated by arrow C. Similar to the tee-joint 10 as described hereinabove, the transverse sliding of the bridge joint 110, and more specifically of the assembly of spaced plates 130, is facilitated by the end portions of the bus bars 16, 18, 20 and 22 of busway section 12 and the end portions of the opposing bus bars 16, 18, 20 and 22 of busway section 14 extending from the end of the respective housings 24 and being spaced accordingly for sliding receipt in between the pairs of spaced conductor plates 132. In addition, the housing ground assemblies 26 are similarly slidably received between the end plates 42 and an adjacent insulator plate 34. Removal of the tee-joint 10 from between the busway sections 12, 14 is completed in a similar manner. Front cover 148 and rear cover 150 are provided for completing the ground path between the existing sections of busway duct 12, 14 and for preventing access to the bus bars 16, 18, 20 and 22 once the busway system is energized.
It will be appreciated that while the embodiment disclosed herein provides for a three-phase electrical system having a four wire configuration with external ground wherein, for example, bus bar 16 is the "A" phase conductor, bus bar 18 is the "B" phase conductor, bus bar 20 is the "C"
phase conductor, and bus bar 22 is neutral conductor, other configurations may be provided for use in conjunction with the present invention. As noted, it is important that the tee-joint assembly 10 have the same wire configuration as the existing sections of busway duct 12, 14 to which the tee-joint assembly is to be connected and that the assembly of spaced plates 30, 130 be appropriately configured for receiving the bus bars 16, 18, 20 and 22 of the busway sections 12,14 that are being connected.
While a specific embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail, it will be CA 022~3391 1998-11-10 appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention which is to be given the full breath of the appended claims and to any and all equivalence thereof.
Claims (12)
1. A busway joint construction comprising:
a pair of existing busway sections each having at least one elongated bus bar supported in each existing busway section with an end portion of said at least one bus bar extending from an end of one existing busway section and being spaced from an end portion of the at least one bus bar which extends from an end of the other existing busway section;
a tee-joint including an assembly of spaced plates with at least one plate being a conductor and at least one other plate being an insulator, said tee-joint being inserted between the existing busway sections for electrically connecting the spaced end portions which are received in the assembly of spaced plates;
said tee-joint further including transition connection means extending generally transversely to the existing busway sections, said transition connection means having at least one elongated transition bus bar supported therein with the at least one transition bus bar including a first end portion received in the assembly of spaced plates and a second end portion opposite thereto for adapting to an additional busway joint construction; and means for compressing the at least one bus bar end portions of the existing busway sections and the first end portion of the at least one transition bus bar into electrical contact with the at least one conductor plate, whereby said tee-joint is removably inserted between the existing busway sections without modifying the existing busway sections.
a pair of existing busway sections each having at least one elongated bus bar supported in each existing busway section with an end portion of said at least one bus bar extending from an end of one existing busway section and being spaced from an end portion of the at least one bus bar which extends from an end of the other existing busway section;
a tee-joint including an assembly of spaced plates with at least one plate being a conductor and at least one other plate being an insulator, said tee-joint being inserted between the existing busway sections for electrically connecting the spaced end portions which are received in the assembly of spaced plates;
said tee-joint further including transition connection means extending generally transversely to the existing busway sections, said transition connection means having at least one elongated transition bus bar supported therein with the at least one transition bus bar including a first end portion received in the assembly of spaced plates and a second end portion opposite thereto for adapting to an additional busway joint construction; and means for compressing the at least one bus bar end portions of the existing busway sections and the first end portion of the at least one transition bus bar into electrical contact with the at least one conductor plate, whereby said tee-joint is removably inserted between the existing busway sections without modifying the existing busway sections.
2. The busway joint construction of claim 1 wherein the first end portion of the at least one transition bus bar is fixedly attached to the at least one conductor plate.
3. The busway joint construction of claim 2 wherein said transition connection means includes a busway section of predetermined length for supporting the at least one transition bus bar.
4. The busway joint construction of claim 3 wherein the second end portion of the at least one transition bus bar extends from an end of said busway section of predetermined length.
5. The busway joint construction of claim 1 wherein said tee-joint includes housing means, said assembly of spaced plates being retained in said housing means.
6. The busway joint construction of claim 5 wherein said housing means and the assembly of spaced plates have at least one set of aligned apertures extending therethrough; and said means for compressing includes at least one compression assembly extending through said at least one set of aligned apertures.
7. The busway joint construction of claim 6 wherein said housing means includes reinforcement ribs.
8. The busway joint construction of claim 1 further including first cover means for enclosing at least a portion of said tee-joint, said first cover means in engagement with at least one of the existing busway sections and said tee-joint.
9. The busway joint construction of claim 8 further including second cover means for enclosing at least a portion of said tee-joint, said second cover means in engagement with both existing busway sections.
10. The busway joint construction of claim 1 wherein the additional busway joint constructions include a bridge joint.
11. An interchangeable busway joint assembly comprising:
a pair of existing busway sections each having a plurality of elongated bus bars supported in each existing busway section with an end portion of each bus bar extending from an end of one existing busway section being spaced from an end portion of a corresponding bus bar which extends from an end of the other existing busway section;
a bridge joint including a first assembly of spaced plates having a conductor plate and an insulator plate for each pair of corresponding bus bars, said bridge joint electrically connecting the spaced bus bar end portions which are receivable in the first assembly of spaced plates, said bridge joint being removably insertable between the existing busway sections without modifying the existing busway sections by transversely sliding said bridge joint;
first means for compressing the spaced bus bar end portions of the existing busway sections into electrical contact with the conductor plates of the first assembly of spaced plates;
a tee-joint including a second assembly of spaced plates having a conductor plate and an insulator plate for each pair of corresponding bus bars, said tee-joint electrically connecting the spaced bus bar end portions which are receivable in the second assembly of spaced plates, said tee-joint being interchangeable with the bridge joint and removably insertable between the existing busway sections without modifying the existing busway sections by transversely sliding said tee-joint;
said tee-joint further including transition connection means extending generally transversely to the existing busway sections, said transition connection means having a plurality of elongated transition bus bars supported therein with the transition bus bars including a first end portion received in the second assembly of spaced plates and a second end portion opposite thereto for adapting to an additional busway joint assembly; and second means for compressing the bus bar end portions of the existing busway sections and the first end portion of the transition bus bars into electrical contact with the conductor plates of the second assembly of spaced plates.
a pair of existing busway sections each having a plurality of elongated bus bars supported in each existing busway section with an end portion of each bus bar extending from an end of one existing busway section being spaced from an end portion of a corresponding bus bar which extends from an end of the other existing busway section;
a bridge joint including a first assembly of spaced plates having a conductor plate and an insulator plate for each pair of corresponding bus bars, said bridge joint electrically connecting the spaced bus bar end portions which are receivable in the first assembly of spaced plates, said bridge joint being removably insertable between the existing busway sections without modifying the existing busway sections by transversely sliding said bridge joint;
first means for compressing the spaced bus bar end portions of the existing busway sections into electrical contact with the conductor plates of the first assembly of spaced plates;
a tee-joint including a second assembly of spaced plates having a conductor plate and an insulator plate for each pair of corresponding bus bars, said tee-joint electrically connecting the spaced bus bar end portions which are receivable in the second assembly of spaced plates, said tee-joint being interchangeable with the bridge joint and removably insertable between the existing busway sections without modifying the existing busway sections by transversely sliding said tee-joint;
said tee-joint further including transition connection means extending generally transversely to the existing busway sections, said transition connection means having a plurality of elongated transition bus bars supported therein with the transition bus bars including a first end portion received in the second assembly of spaced plates and a second end portion opposite thereto for adapting to an additional busway joint assembly; and second means for compressing the bus bar end portions of the existing busway sections and the first end portion of the transition bus bars into electrical contact with the conductor plates of the second assembly of spaced plates.
12. The interchangeable busway joint construction of claim 11 wherein the second assembly of spaced plates extend generally transversely to the existing busway sections allowing for the transition bus bars to be inserted therein.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US96659697A | 1997-11-10 | 1997-11-10 | |
| US08/966,596 | 1997-11-10 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2253391A1 true CA2253391A1 (en) | 1999-05-10 |
Family
ID=29550564
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2253391 Abandoned CA2253391A1 (en) | 1997-11-10 | 1998-11-10 | Quick tee-joint for power take-off busway system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2253391A1 (en) |
Cited By (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US9590406B1 (en) | 2016-01-07 | 2017-03-07 | General Electric Company | Busway joint coupling having a splice plate with a longitudinal rib |
| US9590405B1 (en) | 2016-01-07 | 2017-03-07 | General Electric Company | Busway joint coupling having an adjustable assembly for joining two busway sections |
| US9705300B1 (en) | 2016-01-07 | 2017-07-11 | General Electric Company | Electrical busway joint with laminated bracing system |
| US9705299B1 (en) | 2016-01-07 | 2017-07-11 | General Electric Company | Electrical busway joint with external vise braces |
| US9882366B2 (en) | 2016-01-07 | 2018-01-30 | General Electric Company | Electrical busway joint with self-adjusting braces |
| CN107994525A (en) * | 2017-12-22 | 2018-05-04 | 江苏华强电力设备有限公司 | High-strength refractory bus duct |
| CN108390341A (en) * | 2018-05-30 | 2018-08-10 | 江苏荣威电气有限公司 | A kind of concentration bus duct of high-protection level |
| CN110323705A (en) * | 2019-06-10 | 2019-10-11 | 威腾电气集团股份有限公司 | A kind of connected structure of plug-in type bus duct |
| CN110518525A (en) * | 2019-09-16 | 2019-11-29 | 江苏亿能电气有限公司 | A kind of push-pull mechanism for busway inserting case |
| CN115693555A (en) * | 2021-07-29 | 2023-02-03 | 扬中市正大机电设备制造有限公司 | Air type bus duct and installation method thereof |
-
1998
- 1998-11-10 CA CA 2253391 patent/CA2253391A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (13)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US9590405B1 (en) | 2016-01-07 | 2017-03-07 | General Electric Company | Busway joint coupling having an adjustable assembly for joining two busway sections |
| US9705300B1 (en) | 2016-01-07 | 2017-07-11 | General Electric Company | Electrical busway joint with laminated bracing system |
| US9705299B1 (en) | 2016-01-07 | 2017-07-11 | General Electric Company | Electrical busway joint with external vise braces |
| US9882366B2 (en) | 2016-01-07 | 2018-01-30 | General Electric Company | Electrical busway joint with self-adjusting braces |
| US9590406B1 (en) | 2016-01-07 | 2017-03-07 | General Electric Company | Busway joint coupling having a splice plate with a longitudinal rib |
| CN107994525B (en) * | 2017-12-22 | 2023-10-31 | 江苏华强电力设备有限公司 | High-strength fire-resistant bus duct |
| CN107994525A (en) * | 2017-12-22 | 2018-05-04 | 江苏华强电力设备有限公司 | High-strength refractory bus duct |
| CN108390341A (en) * | 2018-05-30 | 2018-08-10 | 江苏荣威电气有限公司 | A kind of concentration bus duct of high-protection level |
| CN110323705A (en) * | 2019-06-10 | 2019-10-11 | 威腾电气集团股份有限公司 | A kind of connected structure of plug-in type bus duct |
| CN110323705B (en) * | 2019-06-10 | 2024-05-03 | 威腾电气集团股份有限公司 | Plug-in type bus duct's grafting structure |
| CN110518525A (en) * | 2019-09-16 | 2019-11-29 | 江苏亿能电气有限公司 | A kind of push-pull mechanism for busway inserting case |
| CN115693555A (en) * | 2021-07-29 | 2023-02-03 | 扬中市正大机电设备制造有限公司 | Air type bus duct and installation method thereof |
| CN115693555B (en) * | 2021-07-29 | 2024-07-23 | 扬中市正大机电设备制造有限公司 | Air type bus duct and installation method thereof |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| FZDE | Dead |