EP0499141A2 - Multipoint contact compression connector - Google Patents

Multipoint contact compression connector Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0499141A2
EP0499141A2 EP92101972A EP92101972A EP0499141A2 EP 0499141 A2 EP0499141 A2 EP 0499141A2 EP 92101972 A EP92101972 A EP 92101972A EP 92101972 A EP92101972 A EP 92101972A EP 0499141 A2 EP0499141 A2 EP 0499141A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
connector
conductors
connector body
recesses
compression
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP92101972A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0499141B1 (en
EP0499141A3 (en
Inventor
Gary E. Schrader
Robert K. Annan
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
FCI USA LLC
Original Assignee
Burndy Corp
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Burndy Corp filed Critical Burndy Corp
Publication of EP0499141A2 publication Critical patent/EP0499141A2/en
Publication of EP0499141A3 publication Critical patent/EP0499141A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0499141B1 publication Critical patent/EP0499141B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • H01R4/10—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 effected solely by twisting, wrapping, bending, crimping, or other permanent deformation
    • H01R4/18—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 effected solely by twisting, wrapping, bending, crimping, or other permanent deformation by crimping
    • H01R4/183—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 effected solely by twisting, wrapping, bending, crimping, or other permanent deformation by crimping for cylindrical elongated bodies, e.g. cables having circular cross-section
    • H01R4/186—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 effected solely by twisting, wrapping, bending, crimping, or other permanent deformation by crimping for cylindrical elongated bodies, e.g. cables having circular cross-section using a body comprising a plurality of cable-accommodating recesses or bores
    • 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
    • H01R4/10—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 effected solely by twisting, wrapping, bending, crimping, or other permanent deformation
    • H01R4/18—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 effected solely by twisting, wrapping, bending, crimping, or other permanent deformation by crimping

Definitions

  • This invention broadly pertains to electrical compression connectors for single strand or multistrand wire or cable conductors. More specifically, the present invention relates to compression-type electrical connectors for connecting at least three, and preferably four, conductors together in an electrical power distribution system.
  • U.S. Patent 3,322,888 issued to Zemels illustrates a compressible connector having four recesses extending the length of the connector. However, the two side recesses are not designed to receive conductors therein.
  • the present invention overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art by providing a compression connector having recesses for multiple independent conductors which can be crimped by a single tool stroke by standard crimping tools.
  • the particular geometry of the connectors of the present invention optimizes and localises the force output of the tool to efficiently close the connector, by providing distinct points of contact to the interior surfaces of the crimping dies.
  • FIGS. 1 and 4 illustrate a compressible connector 10 having a main body 12 and two substantially parallel arms 14,16 extending from this main body portion.
  • the distal portion of arm 14 is curved inwardly at 15.
  • both of the arms 14 and 16 could be provided without any curved portion.
  • a first recess 18 is formed between the arms 14,16 to allow placement of single strand or multistrand wire conductors or cables therein.
  • a throat portion 21 extends downwardly from the main body 12 and flares out in several directions to form arm portions 20, 22 and 24.
  • a second recess 26 is formed between the body portion 12 and the arm 20.
  • a third recess 28 is formed between the body portion 12 and arm 22, and a fourth recess portion 30 is formed between arm 22 and arm 24.
  • recesses 18 and 40 of Figures 1 and 2 must have appropriate conductors located within, while any one of recesses 26,28,30 of Figure 1 and 46,47,48 of Figure 2 must be filled.
  • Variously sized wires or conductors can be provided within each of these recess portions.
  • the connector 10 When placed in a standard crimping tool having die surfaces 64 and 66, the connector 10 would come into contact with the interior surfaces of the dies at points 68, 70, 72 and 74. As a compressive force is applied, these points will come into contact with the die surfaces, and the conductors provided in recesses 26, 28 and 30 will receive direct compressive loads due to the unique geometric relationship between the connector and the die. After the crimping process is terminated, conductors provided in these recesses would be secured in place.
  • FIGS. 2, 3 and 5 illustrate a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • This embodiment depicts a compressible connector 32 provided with a main body portion 34 and two upwardly extending, substantially parallel leg portions 36,38.
  • a first recess 40 is provided between the leg portions 36,38.
  • a second recess 46 is provided in the central portion 34 below the leg 38, thereby forming a ridge 44.
  • a third recess 48 is formed in the body portion 34 below the leg 36, thereby also creating a ridge portion 42.
  • a curved leg 45 extends from the body portion 34 to create a recess portion 47 below and between the recess portions 46 and 48. All of the recess portions 40, 46, 47 and 48 can receive various sized electrical conductors and cables therein.
  • the connector 32 When placed in a crimping device having die surfaces 50 and 52, the connector 32 would contact the interior surfaces of the dies at points 54, 56, 58, 60 and 62. When compressive force is applied to this connector, it will initially contact at these points 54, 56, 58, 60 and 62. The application of this force would then allow conductors 72, 74, 76 and 78 to be secured and encircled by the body of the connector as illustrated in FIG. 5.
  • the connector of the present invention can be manufactured from tin-plated copper, aluminum or similar metallic materials which would appropriately deform when pressure is applied in standard mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic crimping devices.

Abstract

A multipoint contact compression connector (10, 32) provided with a plurality of recesses (18, 26, 18, 30, 40, 46, 47, 48) to include a like number of electrical conductors or cables (72, 74, 76, 78) therein. When placed in an appropriate crimping device, the connector (10, 32) would contact the interior die surfaces in at least four points (54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 68, 70, 72, 74), in such a manner, so as to secure at least three conductors (72, 74, 76, 78) or cables in place.

Description

    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • This invention broadly pertains to electrical compression connectors for single strand or multistrand wire or cable conductors. More specifically, the present invention relates to compression-type electrical connectors for connecting at least three, and preferably four, conductors together in an electrical power distribution system.
  • Prior art compressible connectors are known in which more than three wires or cables are included in a single connector. For example, U.S. Patent 3,354,517 issued to Levinsky describes a compressible connector having the provision for connecting four conductors together. This patent includes closure devices 15,15' which would be difficult to use in a compression device.
  • U.S. Patent 3,322,888 issued to Zemels illustrates a compressible connector having four recesses extending the length of the connector. However, the two side recesses are not designed to receive conductors therein.
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art by providing a compression connector having recesses for multiple independent conductors which can be crimped by a single tool stroke by standard crimping tools. The particular geometry of the connectors of the present invention optimizes and localises the force output of the tool to efficiently close the connector, by providing distinct points of contact to the interior surfaces of the crimping dies.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood with reference to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, which are illustrated, by way of example, in the accompanying drawings, wherein:
    • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention;
    • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention;
    • FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the second embodiment of the present invention provided in a crimping tool;
    • FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the first embodiment of the present invention provided in a crimping tool; and
    • FIG. 5 is a perspective drawing of the second embodiment of the present invention after the crimping process has been completed.
    DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • A first embodiment of the present invention is shown with respect to FIGS. 1 and 4. These figures illustrate a compressible connector 10 having a main body 12 and two substantially parallel arms 14,16 extending from this main body portion. The distal portion of arm 14 is curved inwardly at 15. However, it should be noted that both of the arms 14 and 16 could be provided without any curved portion. A first recess 18 is formed between the arms 14,16 to allow placement of single strand or multistrand wire conductors or cables therein. A throat portion 21 extends downwardly from the main body 12 and flares out in several directions to form arm portions 20, 22 and 24. A second recess 26 is formed between the body portion 12 and the arm 20. A third recess 28 is formed between the body portion 12 and arm 22, and a fourth recess portion 30 is formed between arm 22 and arm 24. As a minimum, recesses 18 and 40 of Figures 1 and 2 must have appropriate conductors located within, while any one of recesses 26,28,30 of Figure 1 and 46,47,48 of Figure 2 must be filled. Variously sized wires or conductors can be provided within each of these recess portions.
  • When placed in a standard crimping tool having die surfaces 64 and 66, the connector 10 would come into contact with the interior surfaces of the dies at points 68, 70, 72 and 74. As a compressive force is applied, these points will come into contact with the die surfaces, and the conductors provided in recesses 26, 28 and 30 will receive direct compressive loads due to the unique geometric relationship between the connector and the die. After the crimping process is terminated, conductors provided in these recesses would be secured in place.
  • FIGS. 2, 3 and 5 illustrate a second embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment depicts a compressible connector 32 provided with a main body portion 34 and two upwardly extending, substantially parallel leg portions 36,38. A first recess 40 is provided between the leg portions 36,38. A second recess 46 is provided in the central portion 34 below the leg 38, thereby forming a ridge 44. Similarly, a third recess 48 is formed in the body portion 34 below the leg 36, thereby also creating a ridge portion 42. A curved leg 45 extends from the body portion 34 to create a recess portion 47 below and between the recess portions 46 and 48. All of the recess portions 40, 46, 47 and 48 can receive various sized electrical conductors and cables therein.
  • When placed in a crimping device having die surfaces 50 and 52, the connector 32 would contact the interior surfaces of the dies at points 54, 56, 58, 60 and 62. When compressive force is applied to this connector, it will initially contact at these points 54, 56, 58, 60 and 62. The application of this force would then allow conductors 72, 74, 76 and 78 to be secured and encircled by the body of the connector as illustrated in FIG. 5.
  • The connector of the present invention can be manufactured from tin-plated copper, aluminum or similar metallic materials which would appropriately deform when pressure is applied in standard mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic crimping devices.
  • While the present invention has been illustrated in connection with two preferred embodiments, it should be understood that many variations will occur to those skilled in the art, and that other types of compression connector geometries may be utilized.

Claims (3)

  1. An electrical compression connector (10, 32) for connecting a plurality of conductors or cables (72, 74, 76, 78) comprising:
    a connector body (12, 34) of compressible material adapted to be inserted into a crimping tool having two opposed curved die surfaces for the compression of the connector (10, 32), said connector body (12, 34) provided with a central web portion, said central web portion provided with at least three recesses (18, 26, 28, 30, 40, 46, 47, 48) extending through the entire length of said connector body (12, 34) to allow for the inclusion of conductors within each of the recesses, the periphery of said connector body provided with at least four distinct, non-continuous points of contact (54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 68, 70, 72, 74) with curved die surfaces of a crimping tool when said connector body (12, 34) is inserted within the crimping tool, prior to crimping; and
    wherein when force is applied to the crimping tool, said connector body (12, 34) would compress, thereby compressing said connector body around the electrical conductors (72, 74, 76, 78) to be provided in said recesses and securing the conductors therein.
  2. The compression connector (10, 32) in accordance with claim 1 wherein four recesses (18, 26, 28, 30, 40, 46, 47, 48) are provided through the entire length of said connector body (12, 34).
  3. The compression connector (32) in accordance with claim 2, wherein said connector body (34) is provided with five distinct, non-continuous points of contact (54, 56, 58, 60, 62) with the curved die surfaces.
EP92101972A 1991-02-15 1992-02-06 Multipoint contact compression connector Expired - Lifetime EP0499141B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US65598791A 1991-02-15 1991-02-15
US655987 1996-05-31

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0499141A2 true EP0499141A2 (en) 1992-08-19
EP0499141A3 EP0499141A3 (en) 1993-03-17
EP0499141B1 EP0499141B1 (en) 2000-08-02

Family

ID=24631191

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP92101972A Expired - Lifetime EP0499141B1 (en) 1991-02-15 1992-02-06 Multipoint contact compression connector

Country Status (9)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0499141B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH0562719A (en)
KR (1) KR100208305B1 (en)
AU (1) AU640074B2 (en)
BR (1) BR9200500A (en)
CA (1) CA2061180C (en)
DE (1) DE69231304T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2149762T3 (en)
PH (1) PH31141A (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6303861B1 (en) * 1999-10-21 2001-10-16 Fci Usa, Inc. Connector for connecting a conductor to a structural member
EP2110885A3 (en) * 2008-04-16 2013-01-23 Panduit Corporation Multi-port compression connector with single tap wire access port

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6846989B2 (en) * 2002-09-26 2005-01-25 Panduit Corp. Multi-tap compression connector
DE102004043776B3 (en) 2004-09-10 2006-06-14 Bernhard Schäfer Werkzeug- und Sondermaschinenbau GmbH Motor-driven crimping device

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3060258A (en) * 1961-02-02 1962-10-23 Anderson Electric Corp Compression connector cap
US3236938A (en) * 1962-03-26 1966-02-22 Jasper Blackburn Corp Compressible electrical connector
US3340352A (en) * 1965-09-11 1967-09-05 Amp Inc Sectional tap connector
US3354517A (en) * 1966-05-17 1967-11-28 Thomas And Betts Co Inc Compressible connector

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3022370A (en) * 1959-03-05 1962-02-20 Burndy Corp Run and tap connector
US3781459A (en) * 1972-07-20 1973-12-25 Anderson Electric Corp Compression connector for electrical conductors
US5013068A (en) * 1990-03-26 1991-05-07 Maldonado David J Stretchable, water repellant book cover

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3060258A (en) * 1961-02-02 1962-10-23 Anderson Electric Corp Compression connector cap
US3236938A (en) * 1962-03-26 1966-02-22 Jasper Blackburn Corp Compressible electrical connector
US3340352A (en) * 1965-09-11 1967-09-05 Amp Inc Sectional tap connector
US3354517A (en) * 1966-05-17 1967-11-28 Thomas And Betts Co Inc Compressible connector

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6303861B1 (en) * 1999-10-21 2001-10-16 Fci Usa, Inc. Connector for connecting a conductor to a structural member
EP2110885A3 (en) * 2008-04-16 2013-01-23 Panduit Corporation Multi-port compression connector with single tap wire access port

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPH0562719A (en) 1993-03-12
KR920017297A (en) 1992-09-26
BR9200500A (en) 1992-10-20
DE69231304T2 (en) 2001-01-25
EP0499141B1 (en) 2000-08-02
ES2149762T3 (en) 2000-11-16
CA2061180A1 (en) 1992-08-16
PH31141A (en) 1998-03-03
CA2061180C (en) 2001-08-14
AU1078992A (en) 1992-08-20
EP0499141A3 (en) 1993-03-17
DE69231304D1 (en) 2000-09-07
AU640074B2 (en) 1993-08-12
KR100208305B1 (en) 1999-07-15

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