EP2301114A2 - Connecteur pour cables - Google Patents
Connecteur pour cablesInfo
- Publication number
- EP2301114A2 EP2301114A2 EP09761337A EP09761337A EP2301114A2 EP 2301114 A2 EP2301114 A2 EP 2301114A2 EP 09761337 A EP09761337 A EP 09761337A EP 09761337 A EP09761337 A EP 09761337A EP 2301114 A2 EP2301114 A2 EP 2301114A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- cable
- connector
- contact means
- electrical conductors
- electrical
- 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.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
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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
- 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
- H01R4/70—Insulation of connections
- H01R4/72—Insulation of connections using a heat shrinking insulating sleeve
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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
- 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
- H01R4/30—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a screw or nut clamping member
- H01R4/36—Conductive members located under tip of 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
- H01R9/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, e.g. terminal strips or terminal blocks; Terminals or binding posts mounted upon a base or in a case; Bases therefor
- H01R9/03—Connectors arranged to contact a plurality of the conductors of a multiconductor cable, e.g. tapping connections
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a connector for connecting cables. More particularly, the invention relates to a connector comprising a guideway that provides access to electrical conductors of the cables from outside the connector, thereby allowing a user to connect the cables within a few minutes.
- a connector for connecting a first cable to a second cable includes a first end with a first cable insertion portion to receive the first cable and a second end with a second cable insertion portion to receive the second cable; at least one guideway adapted to bring a first electrical conductor of the first cable in close proximity with a first electrical conductor of the second cable and to bring a second electrical conductor of the first cable in close proximity with a second electrical conductor of the second cable; and a first contact means and a second contact means arranged in the at least one guideway, the first contact means providing electrical contact between the first electrical conductors of the first cable and the second cable and the second contact means providing electrical contact between the second electrical conductors of the first cable and the second cable.
- the contact means and the at least one guideway allow for visual determination of the position of the first electrical conductors and the second electrical conductors of the first cable and the second cable in the at least one guideway; accessing the first electrical conductors and the second electrical conductors of the first cable and the second cable from outside the connector; and positioning the first electrical conductors of the first cable and the second cable in relation to the first contact means and positioning the second electrical conductors of the first cable and second cable in relation to said second contact means.
- a method for connecting a first cable to a second cable is disclosed.
- a first electrical conductor of said first cable is connected to a first electrical conductor of said second cable, and a second electrical conductor of said first cable is connected to a second electrical conductor of said second cable, said first and second cables both includes at least two electrical conductors, said at least two electrical conductors both include at least one conducting core surrounded by at least one insulating layer, and said first and second cables both include an outer jacket.
- the method includes providing the connector as described in the earlier section, removing said outer jacket in a first section extending from an open end of said first cable, and removing said outer jacket in a second section extending from an open end of said second cable; arranging said open end of said first cable in said first cable insertion portion and said open end of said second cable in said second cable insertion portion of said connector; arranging said first electrical conductors of said first and second cables in a first contact means that is arranged in said at least one guideway, and arranging said second electrical conductors of said first and second cables in a second contact means that is arranged in said at least one guideway; and establishing an electrical contact between said first electrical conductors of said first and said second cables and between said second electrical conductors of said first and said second cables using the first contact means and the second contact means.
- a kit for connecting a first cable to a second cable is disclosed.
- a first electrical conductor of said first cable is connected to a first electrical conductor of said second cable, and a second electrical conductor of said first cable is connected to a second electrical conductor of said second cable, said first and second cables both comprising at least two electrical conductors, said at least two electrical conductors both comprising at least one conducting core surrounded by at least one insulating layer, and said first and second cables both comprising an outer jacket.
- the kit includes a connector as described in the earlier section; means for forcing a first insulation displacement means and a second insulation displacement means through said at least one insulating layer surrounding said first and second electrical conductors of said first and second cables respectively; means for indicating a first indicator length that is to be cut from the part of said first conductor of said first cable that extends into a first section where said jacket has been removed and from the part of said second conductor of said second cable that extends into a second section where said jacket has been removed; means for indicating a second indicator length that is to be cut from the part of said second conductor of said first cable that extends into the first section where said jacket has been removed and from the part of said first conductor of said second cable that extends into a second section where said jacket has been removed; and wherein the first indicator length is different from the second indicator length.
- a sleeve for protecting a connection includes a removable core wherein said removable core includes at least two expansion members, said at least two expansion members having a coiled part, wherein the combined length of the expansion members is substantially the same length as the sleeve and being arranged inside the sleeve, wherein each core is removable by pulling one end of the expansion member.
- a knife in a further embodiment of the invention, comprises a body having an at least one blade and an at least one protective guard covering the at least blade, wherein the at least one protective guard is removable before the knife is used for removing an outer jacket and insulation layer of a cable.
- FIGURES Figure 1 show a two-part connector according to an embodiment of the invention.
- Figures 2 is a close up of the means for assembling an interlocking the two parts of the connector of the connector of Figure 1 , according to an embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of the connector according to the invention, wherein mounting lugs are positioned on the inside of the connector, according to an embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 4 shows a close-up of the mounting lugs according to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, according to an embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 5 shows a third embodiment of the connector according to the invention, wherein the mounting lugs are placed on the exterior of the connector, according to an embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 6 shows the connector according to Figure 5 when assembled according to an embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 7 shows the parts of one embodiment of the connector according to an embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 8a shows the sleeve in a temporary position on one cable which is connected to another cable according to an embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 8b shows the sleeve in its final position over the assembled connector according to an embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 9 shows the sleeve according to an embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 10 shows a closed structure connector according to an embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 1 1 shows a front and side views of the connector according to an embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 12 shows a schematic presentation of a sleeve according to an embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 13 shows a hex-key according to an embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 14 shows a knife according to an embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 15 shows a front and side view of the knife according to an embodiment of the invention.
- axially means along a straight line extending between the centre of said first end of the connector and the centre of said second end of the connector.
- first cable and second cables relates to both the situation where two distinct cables are to be connected and the situation where a single cable is broken and the connector according to the invention is used to repair the cable.
- first cable is used to designate one part of the broken single cable
- second cable is used to designate the other part of the broken single cable.
- guideway includes grooves, channel, duct, track, and other shapes, which may provide same functionality, such as receiving the cables, placing the contact means, and positioning of the conductors from outside the connector, as the guideway.
- a connector for connecting a first cable to a second cable or for repairing broken cables includes a first end with a first cable insertion portion to receive the first cable and a second end with a second cable insertion portion to receive the second cable; at least one guideway adapted to bring a first electrical conductor of the first cable in close proximity with a first electrical conductor of the second cable and to bring a second electrical conductor of the first cable in close proximity with a second electrical conductor of the second cable; and a first contact means and a second contact means arranged in the at least one guideway, the first contact means providing electrical contact between the first electrical conductors of the first cable and the second cable and the second contact means providing electrical contact between the second electrical conductors of the first cable and the second cable.
- the contact means and the at least one guideway allow for visual determination of the position of the first electrical conductors and the second electrical conductors of the first cable and the second cable in the at least one guideway; accessing the first electrical conductors and the second electrical conductors of the first cable and the second cable from outside the connector; and positioning the first electrical conductors of the first cable and the second cable in relation to the first contact means and positioning the second electrical conductors of the first cable and second cable in relation to said second contact means.
- the guideways receives the electrical conductors of the cables and the contact means are placed in the guideway.
- the guideways are open to the surroundings and a user may access the electrical conductors and position said electrical conductors quickly in respective correct/ desired positions, thus allowing electrical contact to be established between the two cables within a few minutes.
- the connector may be used at for instance at a harbor where it is essential to minimize the delay caused by a broken cable.
- the connector according to the invention provides several advantages over prior art connectors such as requiring less time for connecting two cables or for repairing a broken cable and a compact connector with a circumference which is in the order of the circumference of the cables that the connector connects. This is made possible by positioning the contact means at different axial positions.
- the connector according to the present invention may have at least one of the following features:
- the connector is suitable for connecting a first cable to a second cable.
- the first cable comprises at least two electrical conductors, such as a first electrical conductor and a second electrical conductor, and an outer jacket that has been removed in a first section extending from an open end of the first cable.
- the second cable comprises at least two electrical conductors, such as a first electrical conductor and a second electrical conductor, and an outer jacket that has been removed in a second section extending from an open end of the second cable.
- the first and second electrical conductors of the first cable and the second cable comprise at least one conducting core surrounded by at least one insulating layer.
- the first contact means is positioned at a first distance from the first end of the connector and the second contact means is positioned at a second distance from the first end of the connector. In one embodiment, said first distance and second distance being different from each other.
- the connector in another embodiment, includes a first part and a second part.
- the first part comprises means for arranging the first part to an open end of said first cable and said second part comprises means for arranging the second part to an open end of said second cable.
- Each part includes assembling means for allowing the first part and the second part to be assembled in a manner such that the at least one guideway of the first part and the second part extend along the length of the connector and are aligned in a manner as to bring corresponding conductors of the first cable and the second cable in close proximity.
- the assembling means comprises a mounting lug-recess assembly, wherein the mounting lug and the recess are comprised in the first part and the second part respectively and the mounting lug is adapted to b pressed and placed in the recess for interlocking the first part with the second part.
- said first part of the connector is identical to said second part of the connector.
- said first part and said second part comprises means for locking to each other when being assembled.
- said first part and said second part can be releasably interlocked.
- the connector is fabricated as a one part unit still providing essentially all the features of a two-part connector.
- the connector includes a first guideway receiving the first electrical conductors of the first cable and the second cable; and a second guideway receives the second electrical conductors of the first cable and the second cable.
- said first and said second ends of said connector are axially tapered towards the ends of said connector, thus avoiding any sharp edges.
- the radial dimension of the connector perpendicular to the axial direction of the first cable and the second cable is less than 2 times the diameter of said cables, preferably less that 1.5 times the diameter of said cables, preferably less than 1.25 times the diameter of said cables, preferably less than 1.15 times the diameter of said cables.
- the connector is elongated, preferably substantially cylindrical, preferably tapered towards the ends.
- the length of the connector in the axial direction is in the range 25mm to 150mm, preferably in the range 40mm to 125mm, preferably in the range 50mm to 100mm.
- the contact means may also be elongated along and within the length of the connector.
- the connector is fabricated in a robust non-conducting material.
- the connector is preferably fabricated in a plastic material such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), a polymer material such as polyamide 66 (PA66) or rubber, a metals, an insulator or combinations thereof.
- ABS acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
- PA66 polyamide 66
- rubber a metals, an insulator or combinations thereof.
- said first and second cable insertion portions of said connector accepts cables of different cross sections, and said first and second contact means accepts electrical conductors of different cross sections.
- said first and second cable insertion portions of said connector accepts cables of different diameters, and said first and second contact means accepts electrical conductors of different diameters.
- said first and second cable insertion portions accepts cables with a diameter in the range 10mm to 40mm, preferably in the range 15mm to 35mm, preferably in the range 20mm to 30mm.
- said first and second contact means accepts electrical conductors with a diameter in the range 1 mm to 10mm, preferably in the range 3mm to 8mm, preferably in the range 4mm to 6 mm.
- said first cable insertion portion and said second cable insertion portion are oriented in such a manner so as to maintain said first cable and said second cable substantially in parallel.
- the connector comprises at least one guideway for bringing said electrical conductors of said cables into contact.
- one guideway may hold at least one electrical conductor of each cable, preferably all the electrical conductors of the cable.
- the connector provides a first guideway for said first electrical conductors of said first and second cables and a second guideway for said second electrical conductors of said first and second cables.
- the guideways include smooth edges along the length of the connector to avoid damaging the cables and electrical conductors.
- said at least one guideway extends from said first end of said connector to said second end of said connector in a substantially straight manner. In other embodiments said at least one guideway is not straight. In one such embodiment, said at least one guideway extends from said first end of said connector to said second end of said connector in a substantially helical manner, whereby the at least one guideway is twisted around the axis of the connector. In embodiments, guideway comprise at least two helical shaped guideways, said at least two helical shaped guideways are intertwined and translated along the axis of the connector. In other such embodiments, said at least one guideway comprises at least one bend.
- the guideway comprises stopping means that defines how far a contact means that slides into the guideway get. This can be a notch somewhere along length of the guideway, said notch preventing the contact means from getting further inside the groove. Contact means that enters their respective guideways from opposite ends will then automatically be axially displaced in the connector.
- the guideways are arranged in a manner allowing a user to visually determine the position of the electrical conductors in the grooves and to access the electrical conductors from the outside allowing the user to assist in positioning the electrical conductors in relation to the contact means.
- said at least first contact means and second contact means comprises a first insulation displacement means and a second insulation displacement means respectively for penetrating said insulating layer to engage and electrically connect to said conductive cores of first and second electrical conductors of said first and second cables, so that an electrical contact is established between said first electrical conductors of said first and second cables and between said second electrical conductors of said first and second cables.
- the two contact means are axially displaced along the connector.
- said first contact means comprises at least one lumen being sized to accept and surround said first electrical conductors of said first and second cables
- said second contact means comprises at least one lumen being sized to accept and surround said second electrical conductors of said first and second cables.
- the first and second insulation displacement means of said first and second contact means comprises pointed members, such as a slotted screw, a crosshead screw and/or a hex screw.
- the first and second insulation displacement means may also comprise sharp members, such as a razor blade.
- said first contact means comprise at least two engagement recesses providing access to said at least one lumen of said first contact means whereby said insulation displacement means can engage said conducting core of said first electrical conductors of said first and second cables from the outside and said second contact means comprises at least two engagement recesses providing access to said at least one lumen of said second contact means whereby said insulation displacement means can engage said conducting core of said second electrical conductors of said first and second cables from the outside.
- the difference between said first and second distances exceeds the size of the contact means so that there is no overlap in the axial direction between said first and second contact means.
- the first distance and the second distance are such that there is no overlap between the first contact means and the second contact means.
- said difference between said first and second distances is so that there is only a partial overlap between said first and second contact means along the axial direction of the connector.
- the first distance and second distance are such that there is only a partial overlap between the first contact means and the second contact means.
- the position of said first and second contact means in said at least one guideway may be adjusted individually. In another preferred embodiment of the connector, the position of said first and second contact means in said at least one guideway is fixed. Preferably, the distance of said first contact means from said first end of said connector equals the distance of said second contact means from said second end of said connector and the distance of said first contact means from said second end of said connector equals the distance of said second contact means from said first end of said connector.
- said first distance is so that said first electrical conductor of said first cable can reach into said first contact means and be engaged by said insulation displacement means when the length of said first conductor of said first cable in the first section, where said jacket has been removed is substantially equal to the short arm of a hex key
- said second distance is so that said second electrical conductor of said first cable can reach into said second contact means and be engaged by said insulation displacement means when the length of said second conductor of said first cable in said first section where said jacket has been removed is substantially equal to the long arm of a hex key.
- the shapes of said first and second contact means are so that the contact means can be arranged in said at least one guideway of the connector.
- said first and second contact means are elongated with a cylindrical shape, where the axis of said cylinder is substantially parallel with the axial direction of the connector when said first and second contact means are arranged in said at least one guideway.
- the electrical contact between the first electrical conductors of the first cable and the second cable is established by a means that engages the first electrical conductors of which the insulating layers have been stripped off; and the electrical contact between the second electrical conductors of the first cable and the second cable is established by a means that engages the second electrical conductors of which the insulating layers have been stripped off.
- the contact means comprises at least one inspection hole/ display recess that allows the user to determine when the electrical conductors placed in said contact means has reached a specific position inside the contact means.
- the inspection hole/ display recess is positioned in between the two engagement recesses for driving insulation displacement means into the electrical conductors.
- the display recess allows for visual determination of the position of the first electrical conductors and the second electrical conductors of the first cable and the second cable in the at least one guideway.
- the connector kit according to the present invention comprises preferably a third contact means for connecting a third electrical conductor of said first cable to a third electrical conductor of said second cable, preferably a fourth contact means for connecting a third electrical conductor of said first cable to a fourth electrical conductor of said second cable, preferably at least a fifth contact means for connecting at least a fifth electrical conductor of said first cable to at least a fifth electrical conductor of said second cable.
- the connector comprises a sleeve, which can be arranged temporarily on one of said first and second cables prior to connecting said first and second cables and said sleeve can be arranged over the connector when said first and second cables have been connected, said sleeve electrically insulating at least said first and second contact means from the surroundings and providing mechanical protection of the contact means by forming a closed structure connector.
- the closed structure connecter provides a closed guideway, which is covered by the sleeve.
- the closed guideway provides higher mechanical strength as well as protection against external weather conditions such as moisture, temperature, etc.
- the sleeve comprises a removable core with at least one expansion member keeping the sleeve expanded.
- the expansion member comprises a strip-like member, which in one end is arranged in a coiled manner and in the other end is substantially straight.
- the coiled part of the expansion member has substantially the same length as the sleeve and is arranged inside the sleeve. The substantially straight end of the expansion means is arranged so that it is travels through the coiled part and points out of the sleeve at the end opposite to where it starts.
- the sleeve comprise at least two expansion members, such as two expansion members wherein the expansion members have a length substantially comparable to half the length of the sleeve.
- the expansion means are arranged so that their coiled ends are positioned substantially at the centre of the sleeve.
- the substantially straight ends of each of the expansion members are arranged so that they are going back through their coiled parts and points out of the opposite sleeve end. When pulling these freely extending ends, the expansion means collapses and the sleeve shrinks to fit an item placed inside the sleeve.
- the sleeve includes a substantially straight part extending from the most inner part of an expansion member and traveling through the coiled part and points out of the sleeve, said substantially straight part being used for pulling said expansion member out of the sleeve.
- the sleeve is capable of shrinking to a smaller cross section when the core is removed.
- the sleeve may be produced from any suitable material, wherein said material is resilient and capable of shrinking when said core is removed, so that is fits tightly around the connection.
- elastomeric materials may be used.
- the sleeve may also be made up of a combination of materials, such as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene M-class) rubber and silicon rubber to improve shrinkable properties, especially at cold temperature.
- EPDM ethylene propylene diene M-class
- silicon rubber silicon rubber to improve shrinkable properties, especially at cold temperature.
- the combination materials provide a wider operating temperature range such as between -40 deg C to 50 deg C. Cables
- the connector according to the present invention and the method for using this connector provides means for connecting a first cable to a second cable.
- the cables may have different number of electrical conductors and the electrical conductors may be arranged in various manners in the cable. It is a requirement for the method to be applicable, that the electrical conductors can be accessed independently by the contact means used for establishing a connection between the electrical conductors of the first and second cables.
- the said first and second cables both comprise at least two electrical conductors, said at least two electrical conductors comprising at least one conducting core being surrounded by at least one insulating layer.
- the first and second cables further comprise an outer jacket for supporting and protecting the electrical conductors of the first and second cables.
- the connector according the present invention comprises means for connecting cables comprising a plurality of electrical conductor, such as when said first and second cables comprises 2 electrical conductors, preferably at least 3 electrical conductors, preferably at least 4 electrical conductors.
- the connector is suitable for connecting high power cables.
- the connector is suitable for connecting cables used at harbors when loading and unloading a ship.
- a method for connecting a first cable to a second cable is disclosed.
- a first electrical conductor of said first cable is connected to a first electrical conductor of said second cable, and a second electrical conductor of said first cable is connected to a second electrical conductor of said second cable, said first and second cables both includes at least two electrical conductors, said at least two electrical conductors both include at least one conducting core surrounded by at least one insulating layer, and said first and second cables both include an outer jacket.
- the first and second cables are connected using the connector according to the present invention.
- the method includes removing said outer jacket in a first section extending from an open end of said first cable, and removing said outer jacket in a second section extending from an open end of said second cable; arranging said open end of said first cable in said first cable insertion portion and said open end of said second cable in said second cable insertion portion of said connector; arranging said first electrical conductors of said first and second cables in a first contact means that is arranged in said at least one guideway, and arranging said second electrical conductors of said first and second cables in a second contact means that is arranged in said at least one guideway; and establishing an electrical contact between said first electrical conductors of said first and said second cables and between said second electrical conductors of said first and said second cables using the first contact means and the second contact means.
- the first and second cables are connected using the connector according to the present invention.
- An open end of said first cable is arranged in said first cable insertion portion and the open end of said second cable is arranged in said second cable insertion portion of said connector.
- the first electrical conductors of said first and second cables is arranged in said first contact means arranged in said at least one groove, and said second electrical conductors of said first and second cables is arranged in said second contact means in said at least one groove.
- the part of said first conductor of said first cable that extends into said first section and the part of said second conductor of said second cable that extends into said second section are cut to substantially equal lengths, and the part of said second conductor of said first cable that extends into said first section and the part of said first conductor of said second cable that extends into said second section are cut to substantially equal lengths.
- a hex key is used for determining the lengths to which the first and second electrical conductors of said first and second cables are cut.
- the part of said first conductor of said first cable that extends into said first section and the part of said second conductor of said second cable that extends into said second section are cut to a length substantially equal to the short arm of a hex key, and the part of said second conductor of said first cable that extends into said first section and the part of said first conductor of said second cable that extends into said second section are cut to lengths substantially equal to the long arm of a hex key.
- the connector according to the present invention comprises a first part and a second part. Said first part is arranged to an open end of said first cable and said second part is arranged to an open end of said second cable. Said first part and said second part are joined in a manner whereby said at least one guideway extends along the length of the connector.
- a sleeve is used in order to protect the current carrying parts of said connector and said first and seconds cables.
- the sleeve Prior to joining the first and second ends of said connector, the sleeve is arranged temporarily on one of said first and second cables.
- the sleeve is arranged over said connector whereby said first and second contact means are shielded from the surroundings.
- said sleeve is pre-stretched on a removable core, where said core comprises means for removing it from one end of the sleeve, preferably from both ends of the sleeve.
- the sleeve comprises a cold-shrink removable core.
- the removable core comprises a means for removing the removable core from one end of the sleeve, preferably from both ends of the sleeve.
- the method according to the present invention comprises connecting a third electrical conductor of said first cable to a third electrical conductor of said second cable.
- the method comprises connecting a fourth electrical conductor of said first cable to a fourth electrical conductor of said second cable, preferably at least a fifth electrical conductor of said first cable to at least a fifth electrical conductor of said second cable.
- the first contact means is positioned at a first distance from said first end of the connector and said second contact means is positioned at a second distance from said first end of the connector, said first and second distances being different from each other.
- the method further includes cutting the part of said first conductor of said first cable that extends into said first section and the part of said second conductor of said second cable that extends into said second section to lengths substantially equal to the short arm of a hex key, and cutting the part of said second conductor of said first cable that extends into said first section and the part of said first conductor of said second cable that extends into said second section to lengths substantially equal to the long arm of a hex key.
- a sleeve is temporarily arranged on one of said first and second cables prior to connecting said first and second cables, and further comprising arranging said sleeve over said connector when the electrical contact between said first and said second cable has been established, said sleeve protecting the contact means from the surroundings and forming a closed structure connector.
- the method comprises connecting a plurality of electrical conductors of the first cable to a plurality of conductors of the second cable, such as connecting a third electrical conductor of the first cable to a third electrical conductor of the second cable, or connecting a fourth electrical conductor of the first cable to a fourth electrical conductor of the second cable; or connecting a fifth electrical conductor of the first cable to at least a fifth electrical conductor of the second cable.
- a kit for connecting a first cable to a second cable is disclosed.
- a first electrical conductor of said first cable is connected to a first electrical conductor of said second cable, and a second electrical conductor of said first cable is connected to a second electrical conductor of said second cable, said first and second cables both comprising at least two electrical conductors, said at least two electrical conductors both comprising at least one conducting core surrounded by at least one insulating layer, and said first and second cables both comprising an outer jacket.
- the kit includes the connector and a hex key.
- the hexkey may be used to measure the lengths of the electrical conductors in a manner ensuring that the contact means in the guideways are axially displaced.
- the kit includes a connector as described in the earlier section; means for forcing a first insulation displacement means and a second insulation displacement means through said at least one insulating layer surrounding said first and second electrical conductors of said first and second cables respectively; means for indicating a first indicator length that is to be cut from the part of said first conductor of said first cable that extends into a first section where said jacket has been removed and from the part of said second conductor of said second cable that extends into a second section where said jacket has been removed; means for indicating a second indicator length that is to be cut from the part of said second conductor of said first cable that extends into the first section where said jacket has been removed and from the part of said first conductor of said second cable that extends into a second section where said jacket has been removed; and wherein the first indicator length
- the means for indicating said first and second indicator lengths comprises a hex key with a first arm with a length according to said first indicator length, and a second arm with a length according to said second indicator length.
- the distance between two flat edges of said hex key is so that the hex key can be used to force the insulation displacement means through said at least one insulating layer surrounding each electrical conductor.
- the distance between two flat edges of the hex key equals 0.7 mm, 0.9 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.25 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.5 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.5 mm, 5.0 mm, 5.5 mm, 6.0 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 1 1 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm, 16 mm, 17 mm, 18 mm, 19 mm, 20 mm, 21 mm, 22 mm, 24 mm, 25 mm, 27 mm, 30 mm, 32 mm, 36 mm, 42 mm, 46 mm or any distance in between 0.7 mm and 46mm.
- the hex key matches a socket size equal to 7/64 inches, 9/64 inches, 5/32 inches, 3/16 inches, % inches, 5/16 inches, 3/8 inches, ⁇ A inches, 5/8 inches, 3 A inches, or any socket size in between 7/64 inches and 3 A inches.
- the kit in order to be able to access said first and second electrical conductors of said first and second cables, preferably comprises means for removing said outer jacket in a first section extending from the open end of said first cable, and for removing said outer jacket in a second section extending from the open end of said second cable.
- the kit includes a sleeve for protecting the contact means from the surroundings and forming a closed structure connector.
- the sleeve includes a removable core and an insulating layer that fits tightly to said connector when said removable core is removed.
- the removable core includes an expansion member with a coiled part having substantially the same length as the sleeve and being arranged inside the sleeve and a substantially straight part that is arranged so that it is travels through the coiled part and points out of the sleeve.
- the removable core comprises two expansion members, the expansion members have a length substantially comparable to half the length of the sleeve.
- the distance between two flat edges of said hex key is so that it matches the hex screw, so that the hex key is adapted to be used to force the insulation displacement means through said at least one insulating layer.
- the kit also includes a knife.
- the knife includes a body having at least one blade and at least one protective guard covering the at least one blade, wherein the at least one protective guard is removable before the knife is used for removing an outer jacket and insulation layer of a cable.
- the protective guard prevents a user from getting injured while handling the knife.
- the knife includes a first end of the body that forms support and position surface for a user of the knife, when the knife is in use.
- the edge of the at least one blade is directed perpendicularly inwards towards the longitudinal axis of the knife.
- the at least one protective guard is made up of a breakable material, wherein the at least one protective guard is broken, thereby removing the protective guard and exposing the blade for use.
- the at least one protective guard is secured to the knife body by an at least one attaching means such as a screw, wherein the at least one protective guard is removed by removing the at least one attaching means, thereby removing the at least one protective guard and exposing the blade for use.
- FIG. 1-6 the connector according to various embodiments of the invention is described.
- the Figures show embodiments with a total of four gateways (4) extending along the axis of the connector (1 ), but any number from one and upwards can in principle be realized.
- Figures 1 and 2 show a 2-part version, a first part (6) and a second part (7), of the connector (1 ) according to an embodiment of the invention.
- the first and second parts may be named differently, such as a front part and a back part and the two parts may be called in reversed order as well.
- a person skilled in the art would appreciate that such modifications are still within the spirit of the invention.
- the two parts seen in Figures 1-2 are identical and provides assembling means (5) for locking the parts together.
- ribs (10) providing additional support are also seen.
- Figures 3 and 4 shows an embodiment where said first part (6) and second part (7) of the connector (1 ) comprises assembling members (5) with mounting lugs (1 1 ) positioned on the inside.
- the mounting lugs (11 ) are pressed into corresponding recesses (12) on the opposite part of the connector, and the two parts of the assembled connector are interlocked.
- Figure 5 show another embodiment of the connector.
- the mounting lugs (11 ) and the corresponding recesses (12) that interacts with said mounting lugs (1 1 ) when the connector (1 ) is assembled are placed on the outside of the connector (1 ).
- Figure 6 shows the connector (1 ) according to Figure 5 when the first part and the second part are assembled using the assembling means.
- Figure 7 shows the parts of a connector according to an embodiment of the invention suitable for connecting two cables each carrying a current in four electrical conductors.
- the connector comprises a first cable insertion portion (2), a second cable insertion portion (3) and a body comprising four gateways (4), one for each electrical conductor of the two cables that are connected using the connector.
- a total of four contact means (13) each comprising an inspection hole/ display recess (16), a lumen (14), and two recesses (15) providing access for the insulation displacement means to any electrical conductors positioned in the lumen (15).
- Figures 8a and 8b show a schematic presentation of how a sleeve is arranged on a connector according to an embodiment of the invention.
- the sleeve (16) with a removable core (17) comprising means (18, 19) for removing the core from both ends of the sleeve is temporarily arranged on a first cable (20).
- the first cable (20) is connected to a second cable (21 ) using the connector (1 ).
- the sleeve (16) has been moved to the position of the connector (1 ) and the removable core has been removed, whereby the sleeve (16) has shrunk to fit tightly around the connector (1 ).
- FIG 9 shows the sleeve (16) according to an embodiment of the invention.
- the sleeve with the removable core (17) includes means (18, 19) for removing the core in both ends of the sleeve.
- the removable core (17) comprises two expansion members (20), which in this embodiment are terminated just outside the ends of the sleeve (16). Near the centre of the sleeve, the otherwise coiled strip of the expansion members is not coiled but instead extends freely to an end of the sleeve (16). When pulling these freely extending ends (18, 19), the expansion means collapses and the sleeve shrinks to fit an item placed inside the sleeve.
- FIG. 10 shows a closed structure connector (1 ), according to an embodiment of the invention, having closed guideway (4) and the contact means (13).
- the closed structure connecter provides a closed guideway, which is covered by the sleeve.
- the closed guideway provides higher mechanical strength as well as protection against external weather conditions such as moisture, temperature, etc.
- the engagement recess includes an insulation display means, such as a piercing screw (21 ) for penetrating the insulating layer to engage and electrically connect to the conductive cores of respective cables.
- the first end is shown as numeral 8 and the distance of the first contact means (28) from the first end, i.e. first distance, is represented by T, whereas the distance of the second contact means (29) from the first end, i.e. second distance, is represented by 's', and in the represented embodiment, the first distance and the second distance is such that the first contact means and the second contact means are not overlapping.
- FIG 11 shows a front and side views of the connector (1 ) according to an embodiment of the invention.
- the connector includes a first end (8) with a first cable insertion portion (2) to receive the first cable and a second end (9) with a second cable insertion (3) portion to receive the second cable; at least one guideway adapted to bring an electrical conductor (22) of the first cable in close proximity with an electrical conductor (23) of the second cable.
- a contact means (13) is arranged in the at least one guideway, the contact means (13) providing electrical contact between the electrical conductors of the first cable and the second cable using an insulation displacement means (21 ), which are placed in the engagement recesses (15).
- the contact means and the at least one guideway allow for visual determination of the position of the electrical conductors of the first cable and the second cable in the at least one guideway through a display recess/ inspection hole (16); accessing the electrical conductors of the first cable and the second cable from outside the connector; and positioning the electrical conductors of the first cable and the second cable in relation to the contact.
- a display recess/ inspection hole (16) accessing the electrical conductors of the first cable and the second cable from outside the connector
- positioning the electrical conductors of the first cable and the second cable in relation to the contact a skilled person would appreciate that although the description is referring only to one of the two shown conductors and implementation for one of the conductors, contact means, recesses, etc., however, similar explanation applies for the other set of the conductors, contact means, recesses (shown in the figure) of the first and second cable as well.
- the axial axis along the length of the conductor is displayed by numeral 24.
- Figure 12 shows a schematic presentation of a sleeve according to an embodiment of the invention.
- the sleeve (16) which is made up of EPDM, with a removable core (17) includes means (18, 19) for removing the removable core (17) from both ends of the sleeve, which in application is temporarily arranged on a first cable.
- Figure 13 shows a hexkey (25) according to an embodiment of the invention.
- the hexkey represented in Figure 13 and usually made of carbon steel, shows short arm (26) with a length of 'd', and a long arm (27) having a length of 'D'.
- the hexkey has a distance between two flat edges, represented by F, such that the hex key may be used to force the insulation displacement means through said at least one insulating layer surrounding each electrical conductor.
- FIG 14 shows a knife according to an embodiment of the invention.
- the knife (30) comprises a body (31 ) having at least one blade (32) with edge (35) and at least one protective guard (33) covering the at least one blade, wherein the at least one protective guard is removable before the knife is used for removing an outer jacket and insulation layer of a cable.
- the knife includes a first end (34) of the body that forms support and position surface for a user of the knife, when the knife is in use.
- Figure 15 shows a front and side view of the knife according to an embodiment of the invention.
- Reference numerals 30, 31 , 32, 33, 34, and 35 represent the knife, body, blade, protective guard, first end, and edge of the knife respectively, as shown in Figure 14 above.
- the edge (35) is directed perpendicularly inwards towards the longitudinal axis (36) of the knife.
- the at least one protective guard (33) is made up of a breakable material, wherein the at least one protective guard (33) is broken along the line (37), thereby removing the protective guard and exposing the blade for use.
- the at least one protective guard is secured to the knife body by an at least one attaching means (38) such as a screw, wherein the at least one protective guard (33) is removed by removing the at least one attaching means (38), thereby removing the at least one protective guard and exposing the blade for use.
- the at least one protective guard may be individually and separately engaged with the knife over the edge with a strip (39 and 39').
- the at least one protective guard may be engaged with the knife with a shared continuous strip (39 and 39' connected via 40).
- Figures 1-15 illustrate specific applications and embodiments of the invention, and it is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure or claims to that which is presented therein.
- numerous specific details such as two cables having two electrical conductors each, circular shaped display recess, etc., were set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the invention may be practised without some of these specific details and by employing different embodiments in combination with one another. The underlying principles of the invention may be employed using a virtually unlimited number of different combinations.
Landscapes
- Cable Accessories (AREA)
- Multi-Conductor Connections (AREA)
- Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
Abstract
L’invention concerne, selon un mode de réalisation, un connecteur destiné à raccorder un premier câble à un second câble. Le connecteur comporte une première extrémité dotée d’une première partie d’insertion de câble destinée à recevoir le premier câble et une seconde extrémité dotée d’une seconde partie d’insertion de câble destinée à recevoir le second câble; au moins un guide conçu pour amener un premier conducteur électrique du premier câble à proximité immédiate d’un premier conducteur électrique du second câble et pour amener un second conducteur électrique du premier câble à proximité immédiate d’un second conducteur électrique du second câble; un premier moyen de contact et un second moyen de contact agencés dans le guide, le premier moyen de contact établissant un contact électrique entre les premiers conducteurs électriques du premier câble et du second câble et le second moyen de contact établissant un contact électrique entre les seconds conducteurs électriques du premier câble et du second câble. Les moyens de contact et le guide permettent d’identifier visuellement la position des premiers conducteurs électriques et des seconds conducteurs électriques du premier câble et du second câble dans le guide, d’accéder de l’extérieur du connecteur aux premiers conducteurs électriques et aux seconds conducteurs électriques du premier câble et du second câble, et de positionner les premiers conducteurs électriques du premier câble et du second câble vis-à-vis du premier moyen de contact et les seconds conducteurs électriques du premier câble et du second câble vis-à-vis du second moyen de contact.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DKPA200800832 | 2008-06-13 | ||
PCT/DK2009/050128 WO2009149718A2 (fr) | 2008-06-13 | 2009-06-12 | Connecteur pour câbles |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2301114A2 true EP2301114A2 (fr) | 2011-03-30 |
Family
ID=41010422
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP09761337A Withdrawn EP2301114A2 (fr) | 2008-06-13 | 2009-06-12 | Connecteur pour cables |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2301114A2 (fr) |
WO (1) | WO2009149718A2 (fr) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN102544775A (zh) * | 2012-02-28 | 2012-07-04 | 吴延书 | 一种多芯导线电连接方法及固定装置 |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5492740A (en) * | 1991-11-08 | 1996-02-20 | Pirelli Cavi S.P.A. | Enclosure assembly for use over elongate cylindrical objects such as electric cable splices |
DE29620614U1 (de) * | 1996-11-27 | 1997-04-10 | Höpfl, Robert, 97816 Lohr | Elektrokabelverbindung |
WO2007130811A2 (fr) * | 2006-05-05 | 2007-11-15 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Borne tubulaire d'un câble |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB353804A (en) * | 1930-02-19 | 1931-07-30 | Siemens Ag | Improvements in or relating to sleeves for cable and like conductors |
US2867680A (en) * | 1955-02-09 | 1959-01-06 | Henry D Stecher | Splice box |
JP3113132B2 (ja) * | 1993-10-20 | 2000-11-27 | ミネソタ マイニング アンド マニュファクチャリング カンパニー | 接続子 |
DE19850091A1 (de) * | 1998-10-30 | 2000-05-04 | Alcatel Sa | Verfahren zum Umhüllen einer Spleißverbindung von elektrischen oder optischen Kabeln |
DE102004009207A1 (de) * | 2004-02-25 | 2005-09-08 | Tyco Electronics Raychem Gmbh | Kabelverbinder-Block |
-
2009
- 2009-06-12 EP EP09761337A patent/EP2301114A2/fr not_active Withdrawn
- 2009-06-12 WO PCT/DK2009/050128 patent/WO2009149718A2/fr active Application Filing
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5492740A (en) * | 1991-11-08 | 1996-02-20 | Pirelli Cavi S.P.A. | Enclosure assembly for use over elongate cylindrical objects such as electric cable splices |
DE29620614U1 (de) * | 1996-11-27 | 1997-04-10 | Höpfl, Robert, 97816 Lohr | Elektrokabelverbindung |
WO2007130811A2 (fr) * | 2006-05-05 | 2007-11-15 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Borne tubulaire d'un câble |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2009149718A3 (fr) | 2010-03-11 |
WO2009149718A2 (fr) | 2009-12-17 |
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