CA2334187C - Mechanical wedge connector with inner screw assembly - Google Patents
Mechanical wedge connector with inner screw assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2334187C CA2334187C CA 2334187 CA2334187A CA2334187C CA 2334187 C CA2334187 C CA 2334187C CA 2334187 CA2334187 CA 2334187 CA 2334187 A CA2334187 A CA 2334187A CA 2334187 C CA2334187 C CA 2334187C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- wedge
- ear
- sleeve member
- axially
- hole
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
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Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
- H01R4/28—Clamped connections, spring connections
- H01R4/50—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a cam, wedge, cone or ball also combined with a screw
- H01R4/5083—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a cam, wedge, cone or ball also combined with a screw using a wedge
- H01R4/5091—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a cam, wedge, cone or ball also combined with a screw using a wedge combined with a screw
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R11/00—Individual connecting elements providing two or more spaced connecting locations for conductive members which are, or may be, thereby interconnected, e.g. end pieces for wires or cables supported by the wire or cable and having means for facilitating electrical connection to some other wire, terminal, or conductive member, blocks of binding posts
- H01R11/11—End pieces or tapping pieces for wires, supported by the wire and for facilitating electrical connection to some other wire, terminal or conductive member
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- Mutual Connection Of Rods And Tubes (AREA)
- Clamps And Clips (AREA)
Abstract
The wedge connector for interconnecting first and second bare wires comprises axially mating sleeve and wedge members. The sleeve member is provided with an inner transversally extending first ear at the end of larger width. The wedge member is formed with an axially extending hollow section positioned to receive the first ear and provide room for axial displacement of the first ear about the wedge member as this wedge member axially moves within the sleeve member. The wedge member also comprises a second ear extending transversally of the axially extending hollow section at the end of larger width. The wedge connector further comprises first and second elongated and axially convergent wire-receiving receptacles formed in between the sleeve and wedge members. Finally a screw assembly extends between the first and second ears to force the wedge member in the sleeve member until the first and second bare wires are tightened in the first and second receptacles, respectively. This screw assembly comprises a bolt with a head and a threaded shank, a first axial threaded hole in the first ear and a second hole, substantially coaxial with the first hole, in the second ear.
In operation, the threaded shank of the bold extends through the second hole and is screwed in the first threaded hole with the head of the bolt situated on the side of the second ear opposite to the first ear. The second hole can be oblong to provide for transversal adjustment of the position of the wedge member in the sleeve member.
In operation, the threaded shank of the bold extends through the second hole and is screwed in the first threaded hole with the head of the bolt situated on the side of the second ear opposite to the first ear. The second hole can be oblong to provide for transversal adjustment of the position of the wedge member in the sleeve member.
Description
MECHANICAL WEDGE CONNECTOR
WITH INNER SCREW ASSEMBLY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the invention:
The present invention relates to wedge connectors currently used for interconnecting bare wires.
In the present disclosure and the appended claims, terms such as "axial" and "axially extending" are intended to mean: "located on, around or in the direction" of the longitudinal geometrical axis of the wedge connector.
WITH INNER SCREW ASSEMBLY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the invention:
The present invention relates to wedge connectors currently used for interconnecting bare wires.
In the present disclosure and the appended claims, terms such as "axial" and "axially extending" are intended to mean: "located on, around or in the direction" of the longitudinal geometrical axis of the wedge connector.
2. Brief description of the prior art:
Wedge connectors are currently used for interconnecting pairs of bare wires, in particular electric wires. Prior art wedge connectors comprise a sleeve member C-shaped in cross section. This sleeve member receives the two wires and a wedge member introduced between these wires. The wedge member is forced axially in the sleeve member, i.e. in a direction substantially parallel to the wires for example by means of (a) pliers, (b) an impact device or (c) a tightening screw assembly. According to this technique, an electrical connection is established through a sleeve member made of electrically conductive material, or preferably through a wedge member made of electrically conductive material.
A prior art wedge connector is described in document US 4 863 403 (Shannon) dated September 5, 1989.
In the wedge connector of Figures 7-12 of document US 4 863 403, the C-shaped sleeve is formed with an outwardly extending ear provided with an oblong hole. Regarding the wedge member, it comprises a wedge portion for insertion in the sleeve member, this wedge portion being coupled via a U-shaped section to an elongated axial element. This elongated axial element includes a longitudinal threaded bore which is aligned with the oblong hole when the wedge portion is fitted in the sleeve member. In this position, a bolt can be inserted through the oblong hole, screwed in the threaded bore and finally tightened to secure the wires in respective receptacles formed between the wedge and sleeve members.
Therefore, the screw assembly of document US 4 863 403 has a complex design. Also, it is disposed externally of the wedge connector to increase the overall dimension and of this wedge connector.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a wedge connector for interconnecting a pair of first and second bare wires, comprising axially mating sleeve member and a wedge member. The sleeve member comprises an inner transversally extending first ear. The wedge member defines an axially extending hollow section that receives the first ear of the sleeve member and provides room for axial displacement of the first ear about the wedge member as the wedge member axially moves in the sleeve member, and a second ear extending transversally of the axially extending hollow section defined by the wedge member. The wedge connector further comprises first and second elongated and axially convergent wire-receiving receptacles defined between the sleeve and wedge members, and a screw assembly positioned between the first and second ears wherein, in operation, the wedge member is forced into the sleeve member until the first and second wires are tightened in the first and second receptacles, 1 o respectively.
This design is not only simple but disposes the screw assembly inside the wedge connector to thereby reduce the overall dimension of the connector.
In accordance with preferred embodiments of the wedge connector:
- the sleeve member is an axially tapered sleeve having a C-shaped cross section defining an axial opening;
the first and second wire-receiving receptacles comprise first and second opposite and axially convergent wire-receiving inner channels of the sleeve member, respectively;
the sleeve member comprise an inner wall between the first and second inner channels, and the first ear projects from this inner wall;
- the wedge member comprises first and second opposite and axially convergent wire-receiving seats forming with the first and second inner channels of the sleeve member the first and second wire-receiving receptacles, respectively;
- the sleeve member has an end of larger dimension, and the first ear is located at this end of larger dimension;
- the wedge member has an end of larger dimension and the second ear is formed by a wall extending across the axial hollow section at this end of larger dimension;
- the screw assembly comprises a first ear that defines a first generally axial hole, and a second ear that defines a second generally axial hole, wherein the first generally axial hole and the second generally axial hole are substantially coaxial when the wedge member is positioned in the sleeve member;
- the screw assembly further comprises a bolt having a shank for extending through both the first and second holes;
- the bolt comprises a head, the shank of the bolt is threaded, and the first hole is threaded so that, in operation, the shank of the bolt extends through the second hole with the threaded shank screwed into the threaded first hole and the head of the bolt located on the side of the second ear opposite to the first ear, the axially extending hollow section also providing room for passage of the shank of the bolt; and - the first and second wire-receiving receptacles have different diameters to receive respective wires of different diameters, and one of the first and second holes is oblong to allow for transversal adjustment of the position of the wedge member in the sleeve member.
The objects, advantages and other features of the present 5 invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non restrictive description of a preferred embodiment thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the appended drawings:
Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the wedge connector according to the present invention, for interconnecting two bare wires of different diameters;
Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the wedge connector of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a top plan view of the wedge connector of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a rear elevational view of the wedge connector of Figure 1; and Figure 5 is a side elevational view of the wedge connector of Figure 1.
Wedge connectors are currently used for interconnecting pairs of bare wires, in particular electric wires. Prior art wedge connectors comprise a sleeve member C-shaped in cross section. This sleeve member receives the two wires and a wedge member introduced between these wires. The wedge member is forced axially in the sleeve member, i.e. in a direction substantially parallel to the wires for example by means of (a) pliers, (b) an impact device or (c) a tightening screw assembly. According to this technique, an electrical connection is established through a sleeve member made of electrically conductive material, or preferably through a wedge member made of electrically conductive material.
A prior art wedge connector is described in document US 4 863 403 (Shannon) dated September 5, 1989.
In the wedge connector of Figures 7-12 of document US 4 863 403, the C-shaped sleeve is formed with an outwardly extending ear provided with an oblong hole. Regarding the wedge member, it comprises a wedge portion for insertion in the sleeve member, this wedge portion being coupled via a U-shaped section to an elongated axial element. This elongated axial element includes a longitudinal threaded bore which is aligned with the oblong hole when the wedge portion is fitted in the sleeve member. In this position, a bolt can be inserted through the oblong hole, screwed in the threaded bore and finally tightened to secure the wires in respective receptacles formed between the wedge and sleeve members.
Therefore, the screw assembly of document US 4 863 403 has a complex design. Also, it is disposed externally of the wedge connector to increase the overall dimension and of this wedge connector.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a wedge connector for interconnecting a pair of first and second bare wires, comprising axially mating sleeve member and a wedge member. The sleeve member comprises an inner transversally extending first ear. The wedge member defines an axially extending hollow section that receives the first ear of the sleeve member and provides room for axial displacement of the first ear about the wedge member as the wedge member axially moves in the sleeve member, and a second ear extending transversally of the axially extending hollow section defined by the wedge member. The wedge connector further comprises first and second elongated and axially convergent wire-receiving receptacles defined between the sleeve and wedge members, and a screw assembly positioned between the first and second ears wherein, in operation, the wedge member is forced into the sleeve member until the first and second wires are tightened in the first and second receptacles, 1 o respectively.
This design is not only simple but disposes the screw assembly inside the wedge connector to thereby reduce the overall dimension of the connector.
In accordance with preferred embodiments of the wedge connector:
- the sleeve member is an axially tapered sleeve having a C-shaped cross section defining an axial opening;
the first and second wire-receiving receptacles comprise first and second opposite and axially convergent wire-receiving inner channels of the sleeve member, respectively;
the sleeve member comprise an inner wall between the first and second inner channels, and the first ear projects from this inner wall;
- the wedge member comprises first and second opposite and axially convergent wire-receiving seats forming with the first and second inner channels of the sleeve member the first and second wire-receiving receptacles, respectively;
- the sleeve member has an end of larger dimension, and the first ear is located at this end of larger dimension;
- the wedge member has an end of larger dimension and the second ear is formed by a wall extending across the axial hollow section at this end of larger dimension;
- the screw assembly comprises a first ear that defines a first generally axial hole, and a second ear that defines a second generally axial hole, wherein the first generally axial hole and the second generally axial hole are substantially coaxial when the wedge member is positioned in the sleeve member;
- the screw assembly further comprises a bolt having a shank for extending through both the first and second holes;
- the bolt comprises a head, the shank of the bolt is threaded, and the first hole is threaded so that, in operation, the shank of the bolt extends through the second hole with the threaded shank screwed into the threaded first hole and the head of the bolt located on the side of the second ear opposite to the first ear, the axially extending hollow section also providing room for passage of the shank of the bolt; and - the first and second wire-receiving receptacles have different diameters to receive respective wires of different diameters, and one of the first and second holes is oblong to allow for transversal adjustment of the position of the wedge member in the sleeve member.
The objects, advantages and other features of the present 5 invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non restrictive description of a preferred embodiment thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the appended drawings:
Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the wedge connector according to the present invention, for interconnecting two bare wires of different diameters;
Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the wedge connector of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a top plan view of the wedge connector of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a rear elevational view of the wedge connector of Figure 1; and Figure 5 is a side elevational view of the wedge connector of Figure 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The preferred embodiment of the wedge connector according to the invention, for interconnecting first and second bare wires is generally identified by the reference 1 in Figures1-5 of the appended drawings.
Again, just a word to mention that, in the present disclosure and the appended claims, terms such as "axial" and "axially extending" are intended to mean "located on, around or in the direction" of the longitudinal geometrical axis 12 (Figure 1) of the wedge connector 1.
As illustrated in Figures 1-5, the wedge connector 1 comprises axially mating sleeve member 2 and wedge member 3 interconnected through a screw assembly.
Sleeve member 2 The sleeve member 2 is axially tapered and has a C-shaped cross section to define an axial opening 4. Sleeve member 2 also defines a pair of elongated, opposite, mutually facing, axially convergent and semi-cylindrical wire-receiving inner channels 5 and 6. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-5, channels 5 and 6 have different diameters to receive bare wires of different diameters. Of course, it is within the scope of the present invention to provide channels 5 and 6 of same dimension to receive wires of same diameter. Although channel 5 is shown as having a diameter larger than the diameter of channel 6, it is also within the scope of the present invention to provide channel 6 with a diameter larger than the diameter of channel 5.
The preferred embodiment of the wedge connector according to the invention, for interconnecting first and second bare wires is generally identified by the reference 1 in Figures1-5 of the appended drawings.
Again, just a word to mention that, in the present disclosure and the appended claims, terms such as "axial" and "axially extending" are intended to mean "located on, around or in the direction" of the longitudinal geometrical axis 12 (Figure 1) of the wedge connector 1.
As illustrated in Figures 1-5, the wedge connector 1 comprises axially mating sleeve member 2 and wedge member 3 interconnected through a screw assembly.
Sleeve member 2 The sleeve member 2 is axially tapered and has a C-shaped cross section to define an axial opening 4. Sleeve member 2 also defines a pair of elongated, opposite, mutually facing, axially convergent and semi-cylindrical wire-receiving inner channels 5 and 6. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-5, channels 5 and 6 have different diameters to receive bare wires of different diameters. Of course, it is within the scope of the present invention to provide channels 5 and 6 of same dimension to receive wires of same diameter. Although channel 5 is shown as having a diameter larger than the diameter of channel 6, it is also within the scope of the present invention to provide channel 6 with a diameter larger than the diameter of channel 5.
The sleeve member 2 further comprises an inner wall 7 between the two channels 5 and 6. Inner wall 7 is formed with a deviation 17 due to the smaller diameter of the semi-cyclindrical wire-receiving channel 6.
The sleeve member 2 is also formed with an end 9 of larger width and an end 10 of smaller width. An inner ear 8 extends transversally of the axis 12 and projects from the inner wall 7, preferably at the end 9 of larger width of the sleeve member 2.
Finally, the ear 8 is formed with a generally axial hole 11 (Figure 1 ). Axial hole 11 is threaded and forms part of the above mentioned screw assembly.
Wedge member 3 The wedge member 3 is axially tapered and formed with a pair of opposite, axially convergent, and semi-cylindrical wire-receiving seats 13 and 14. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-5, the semi-cylindrical seats 13 and 14 have different diameters to receive bare wires of different diameters. Of course, it is within the scope of the present invention to provide seats 13 and 14 of same dimension to receive wires of same diameter. Although seat 13 is shown as having a diameter larger than the diameter of seat 14, it is also within the scope of the present invention to provide seat 14 with a diameter larger than the diameter of seat 13.
As better shown in Figure 3, when the wedge member 3 is axially inserted in the sleeve member 2, seat 13 faces channel 5 to form a first elongated wire-receiving receptacle 15. In the same manner, seat 14 faces channel 6 to form a second elongated wire-receiving receptacle 16.
Therefore, the elongated wire-receiving receptacles 15 and 16 are axially convergent and formed in between the sleeve 2 and wedge 3 members.
The sleeve member 2 is also formed with an end 9 of larger width and an end 10 of smaller width. An inner ear 8 extends transversally of the axis 12 and projects from the inner wall 7, preferably at the end 9 of larger width of the sleeve member 2.
Finally, the ear 8 is formed with a generally axial hole 11 (Figure 1 ). Axial hole 11 is threaded and forms part of the above mentioned screw assembly.
Wedge member 3 The wedge member 3 is axially tapered and formed with a pair of opposite, axially convergent, and semi-cylindrical wire-receiving seats 13 and 14. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-5, the semi-cylindrical seats 13 and 14 have different diameters to receive bare wires of different diameters. Of course, it is within the scope of the present invention to provide seats 13 and 14 of same dimension to receive wires of same diameter. Although seat 13 is shown as having a diameter larger than the diameter of seat 14, it is also within the scope of the present invention to provide seat 14 with a diameter larger than the diameter of seat 13.
As better shown in Figure 3, when the wedge member 3 is axially inserted in the sleeve member 2, seat 13 faces channel 5 to form a first elongated wire-receiving receptacle 15. In the same manner, seat 14 faces channel 6 to form a second elongated wire-receiving receptacle 16.
Therefore, the elongated wire-receiving receptacles 15 and 16 are axially convergent and formed in between the sleeve 2 and wedge 3 members.
In the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-5, the first and second wire-receiving receptacles 15 and 16 have different diameters to receive bare wires of different diameters. Of course, it is within the scope of the present invention to provide receptacles 15 and 16 of same diameter to receive wires of same diameter. Although receptacle 15 is shown as having a diameter larger than receptacle 16, it is also within the scope of the present invention to provide channel 16 with a diameter larger than the diameter of channel 15.
The wedge member 3 is further formed with an axially extending hollow section 18 between the seats 13 and 14, on the side of the inner wall 7 when the wedge member 3 in axially inserted in the sleeve member 2. Hollow section 18 is positioned to receive the ear 8 and to provide room for axial displacement of this ear 8 about the wedge member 3 as this wedge member 3 axially moves in the sleeve member 2.
The wedge member 3 obviously comprises an end 19 of larger width and an end 20 of smaller width. A transversal wall extends across the axially extending hollow section 18, preferably at the end 19 of larger diameter. This transversal wall forms a second ear 21 extending transversally of the axially extending hollow section 18. Finally, a generally axial, oblong hole 22 is formed in the ear 21, this oblong hole 22 being substantially coaxial with the threaded hole 11 when the wedge member 3 is axially inserted in the sleeve member 2.
Screw assembly The screw assembly extends between the ears 8 and 21 and comprises, according to the illustrated preferred embodiment, the oblong hole 22, a bolt 23, a flat washer 24, a lock washer 25 and the threaded hole 11. The bolt 23 comprises a head 26 and a threaded shank 27.
To assemble the wedge connector 1, the wedge member 3 is first axially inserted in the sleeve member 2 with the hollow section 18 facing the inner wall 7. The lock washer 25 is positioned on the shank 27 of the bolt 23, followed by the flat washer 24. The shank 27 of the bolt 23 is then inserted through the oblong hole 22, and then screwed in the threaded hole 11. As shown in the attached Figures 1-5, the head 26 of the bolt 23 is then located on the side of the ear 21 opposite to the ear 8.
Also, it can be seen that the axially extending hollow section 18 provides room not only for axial displacement of the ear 8 but also for passage of the shank 27 of the bolt 23.
In operation, the bolt 23 is first loosened as required to insert a first bare wire 28 of larger diameter in receptacle 15, that is between channel 5 and seat 13, and a second bare wire 29 of smaller diameter in receptacle 16, that is between channel 6 and seat 14. The threaded shank 27 of the bolt 23 is then screwed into threaded hole 11 to force the wedge member 3 in the sleeve member 2 until the bare wires 28 and 29 are tightened in the receptacles 15 and 16, respectively. More specifically, bare wire 28 is tightened between seat 13 and channel 5 of receptacle 15. In the same manner, bare wire 29 is tightened between seat 14 and channel 6 of receptacle 16.
Obviously, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the oblong shape of the hole 22 provides for transversal adjustment of the position of the wedge member 3 in the sleeve member 2 to thereby adjust for the difFerence in diameter of the bare wires 28 and 29. Obviously, the receptables 15 and 16 are each capable of receiving bare wires in respective ranges of diameters so that transversal adjustment of the position of the wedge member 3 in the sleeve member 2 is required depending on the specific diameters of the wires 28 and 29.
5 Bolt 23 can be of the fail type breaking off under a given effort to ensure that bolt 23 is tightened at the proper pressure. This will prevent over-tightening or under-tightening of the bolt 23.
To establish an electrical connection between the bare wires 28 10 and 29, at least one of the sleeve member 2 and the wedge member 3 is made of material having a high electrical conductivity. When only one of the sleeve member 2 and the wedge member 3 is made of electrically conductive material, the wedge member 3 is preferred.
Although generally flat ears 8 and 21 are described and illustrated in the present specification, it should be kept in mind that these ears 8 and 21 can present any other suitable shape. The axial position of these ears 8 and 21 can also change without departing from the spirit and nature of the present invention.
Although the present invention has been described hereinabove by way of a preferred embodiment thereof, this embodiment can be modified at will, within the scope of the appended claims, without departing from the spirit and nature of the subject invention.
The wedge member 3 is further formed with an axially extending hollow section 18 between the seats 13 and 14, on the side of the inner wall 7 when the wedge member 3 in axially inserted in the sleeve member 2. Hollow section 18 is positioned to receive the ear 8 and to provide room for axial displacement of this ear 8 about the wedge member 3 as this wedge member 3 axially moves in the sleeve member 2.
The wedge member 3 obviously comprises an end 19 of larger width and an end 20 of smaller width. A transversal wall extends across the axially extending hollow section 18, preferably at the end 19 of larger diameter. This transversal wall forms a second ear 21 extending transversally of the axially extending hollow section 18. Finally, a generally axial, oblong hole 22 is formed in the ear 21, this oblong hole 22 being substantially coaxial with the threaded hole 11 when the wedge member 3 is axially inserted in the sleeve member 2.
Screw assembly The screw assembly extends between the ears 8 and 21 and comprises, according to the illustrated preferred embodiment, the oblong hole 22, a bolt 23, a flat washer 24, a lock washer 25 and the threaded hole 11. The bolt 23 comprises a head 26 and a threaded shank 27.
To assemble the wedge connector 1, the wedge member 3 is first axially inserted in the sleeve member 2 with the hollow section 18 facing the inner wall 7. The lock washer 25 is positioned on the shank 27 of the bolt 23, followed by the flat washer 24. The shank 27 of the bolt 23 is then inserted through the oblong hole 22, and then screwed in the threaded hole 11. As shown in the attached Figures 1-5, the head 26 of the bolt 23 is then located on the side of the ear 21 opposite to the ear 8.
Also, it can be seen that the axially extending hollow section 18 provides room not only for axial displacement of the ear 8 but also for passage of the shank 27 of the bolt 23.
In operation, the bolt 23 is first loosened as required to insert a first bare wire 28 of larger diameter in receptacle 15, that is between channel 5 and seat 13, and a second bare wire 29 of smaller diameter in receptacle 16, that is between channel 6 and seat 14. The threaded shank 27 of the bolt 23 is then screwed into threaded hole 11 to force the wedge member 3 in the sleeve member 2 until the bare wires 28 and 29 are tightened in the receptacles 15 and 16, respectively. More specifically, bare wire 28 is tightened between seat 13 and channel 5 of receptacle 15. In the same manner, bare wire 29 is tightened between seat 14 and channel 6 of receptacle 16.
Obviously, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the oblong shape of the hole 22 provides for transversal adjustment of the position of the wedge member 3 in the sleeve member 2 to thereby adjust for the difFerence in diameter of the bare wires 28 and 29. Obviously, the receptables 15 and 16 are each capable of receiving bare wires in respective ranges of diameters so that transversal adjustment of the position of the wedge member 3 in the sleeve member 2 is required depending on the specific diameters of the wires 28 and 29.
5 Bolt 23 can be of the fail type breaking off under a given effort to ensure that bolt 23 is tightened at the proper pressure. This will prevent over-tightening or under-tightening of the bolt 23.
To establish an electrical connection between the bare wires 28 10 and 29, at least one of the sleeve member 2 and the wedge member 3 is made of material having a high electrical conductivity. When only one of the sleeve member 2 and the wedge member 3 is made of electrically conductive material, the wedge member 3 is preferred.
Although generally flat ears 8 and 21 are described and illustrated in the present specification, it should be kept in mind that these ears 8 and 21 can present any other suitable shape. The axial position of these ears 8 and 21 can also change without departing from the spirit and nature of the present invention.
Although the present invention has been described hereinabove by way of a preferred embodiment thereof, this embodiment can be modified at will, within the scope of the appended claims, without departing from the spirit and nature of the subject invention.
Claims (11)
1. A wedge connector for interconnecting a pair of first and second bare wires, comprising:
axially mating sleeve member and a wedge member, wherein the sleeve member comprises:
an inner transversally extending first ear;
and the wedge member defines:
an axially extending hollow section that receives the first ear of the sleeve member and provides room for axial displacement of the first ear about the wedge member as said wedge member axially moves in said sleeve member;
a second ear extending transversally of the axially extending hollow section defined by the wedge member;
first and second elongated and axially convergent wire-receiving receptacles defined between the sleeve and wedge members; and a screw assembly positioned between the first and second ears wherein, in operation, the wedge member is forced into the sleeve member until the first and second wires are tightened in the first and second receptacles, respectively.
axially mating sleeve member and a wedge member, wherein the sleeve member comprises:
an inner transversally extending first ear;
and the wedge member defines:
an axially extending hollow section that receives the first ear of the sleeve member and provides room for axial displacement of the first ear about the wedge member as said wedge member axially moves in said sleeve member;
a second ear extending transversally of the axially extending hollow section defined by the wedge member;
first and second elongated and axially convergent wire-receiving receptacles defined between the sleeve and wedge members; and a screw assembly positioned between the first and second ears wherein, in operation, the wedge member is forced into the sleeve member until the first and second wires are tightened in the first and second receptacles, respectively.
2. A wedge connector as defined in claim 1, wherein the sleeve member is an axially tapered sleeve member having a C-shaped cross section defining an axial opening.
3. A wedge connector as defined in claim 1 or 2, wherein:
the first and second wire-receiving receptacles comprise first and second opposite and axially convergent wire-receiving inner channels of the sleeve member, respectively;
the sleeve member comprise an inner wall between the first and second inner channels; and the first ear projects from the inner wall of the sleeve member.
the first and second wire-receiving receptacles comprise first and second opposite and axially convergent wire-receiving inner channels of the sleeve member, respectively;
the sleeve member comprise an inner wall between the first and second inner channels; and the first ear projects from the inner wall of the sleeve member.
4. A wedge connector as defined in claim 3, wherein the wedge member comprises first and second opposite and axially convergent wire-receiving seats forming with said first and second inner channels of the sleeve member said first and second wire-receiving receptacles, respectively.
5. A wedge connector as defined in claim 1, wherein the sleeve member has an end of larger dimension, and wherein the first ear is located at said end of larger dimension of the sleeve member.
6. A wedge connector as defined in claim 1 or 5, wherein the wedge member has an end of larger dimension and wherein the second ear is formed by a wall extending across the axially extending hollow section at said end of larger dimension of the wedge member.
7. A wedge connector as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the screw assembly comprises:
a first ear that defines a first generally axial hole; and a second ear that defines a second generally axial hole;
wherein the first generally axial hole and the second generally axial hole are substantially coaxial when the wedge member is positioned in the sleeve member.
a first ear that defines a first generally axial hole; and a second ear that defines a second generally axial hole;
wherein the first generally axial hole and the second generally axial hole are substantially coaxial when the wedge member is positioned in the sleeve member.
8. A wedge member as defined in claim 7, wherein the screw assembly further comprises a bolt having a shank for extending through both the first and second holes.
9. A wedge connector as defined in claim 8, wherein:
the bolt comprises a head;
the shank of the bolt is threaded;
the first hole is threaded;
wherein, in operation, the shank of the bolt extends through the second hole with the threaded shank screwed into the threaded first hole and the head of the bolt located on the side of the second ear opposite to the first ear, said axially extending hollow section also providing room for passage of the shank of the bolt.
the bolt comprises a head;
the shank of the bolt is threaded;
the first hole is threaded;
wherein, in operation, the shank of the bolt extends through the second hole with the threaded shank screwed into the threaded first hole and the head of the bolt located on the side of the second ear opposite to the first ear, said axially extending hollow section also providing room for passage of the shank of the bolt.
10. A wedge connector as defined in claim 7, wherein the first and second wire-receiving receptacles have different diameters to receive respective wires of different diameters, and wherein one of said first and second holes is oblong to allow for transversal adjustment of the position of the wedge member in the sleeve member.
11. A wedge connector as defined in claim 9, wherein the first and second wire-receiving receptables have different diameters to receive respective wires of different diameters, and wherein the second hole is oblong to provide for transversal adjustment of the position of the wedge member in the sleeve member.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2334187 CA2334187C (en) | 2001-02-05 | 2001-02-05 | Mechanical wedge connector with inner screw assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2334187 CA2334187C (en) | 2001-02-05 | 2001-02-05 | Mechanical wedge connector with inner screw assembly |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2334187A1 CA2334187A1 (en) | 2002-08-05 |
| CA2334187C true CA2334187C (en) | 2005-09-20 |
Family
ID=4168286
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2334187 Expired - Fee Related CA2334187C (en) | 2001-02-05 | 2001-02-05 | Mechanical wedge connector with inner screw assembly |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2334187C (en) |
Families Citing this family (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN103124004B (en) * | 2013-03-04 | 2015-07-22 | 甘国强 | Conducting cable connector |
| US10594054B2 (en) | 2017-05-09 | 2020-03-17 | Tyco Electronics Canada Ulc | Wedge connector assemblies and methods and connections including same |
| US10680353B2 (en) | 2017-05-09 | 2020-06-09 | TE Connectivity Services Gmbh | Wedge connector assemblies and methods and connections including same |
| US10957994B2 (en) | 2017-05-26 | 2021-03-23 | Tyco Electronics Canada Ulc | Wedge connector assemblies and methods and connections including same |
| DE202018107404U1 (en) * | 2018-12-21 | 2019-01-17 | Fairchild Fasteners Europe - Camloc Gmbh | Electrical connection |
| US11329401B2 (en) | 2019-02-20 | 2022-05-10 | Tyco Electronics Canada Ulc | Electrical connection bails and stirrup systems and methods including same |
-
2001
- 2001-02-05 CA CA 2334187 patent/CA2334187C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2334187A1 (en) | 2002-08-05 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20160205 |