EP2662932A2 - A power line coupler - Google Patents
A power line coupler Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2662932A2 EP2662932A2 EP13167332.9A EP13167332A EP2662932A2 EP 2662932 A2 EP2662932 A2 EP 2662932A2 EP 13167332 A EP13167332 A EP 13167332A EP 2662932 A2 EP2662932 A2 EP 2662932A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- power line
- cables
- coupler
- clamp
- line coupler
- 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
Links
- 230000001012 protector Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 46
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 9
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 9
- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0.000 claims description 9
- 238000010008 shearing Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000002708 enhancing effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229910001369 Brass Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 241000008225 Pogonichthys macrolepidotus Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000010951 brass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004519 grease Substances 0.000 description 1
- 231100001261 hazardous Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000314 lubricant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007665 sagging Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910010271 silicon carbide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
Images
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
- H01R4/30—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a screw or nut clamping member
- H01R4/36—Conductive members located under tip of screw
-
- 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
- H01R11/03—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 characterised by the relationship between the connecting locations
- H01R11/09—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 characterised by the relationship between the connecting locations the connecting locations being identical
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to a power line coupler, such as an overhead power line coupler for example.
- An overhead power line is an electric power transmission line suspended by towers or poles.
- Overhead power lines are generally the lowest-cost method of transmission for large quantities of electric power in the range 1 kV to 800kV. In practice, many overhead power line cables are bare conductors which make them hazardous.
- a known power line coupler for coupling a pair of cables together includes a helical conductor which is tightly wound from one cable onto the other.
- the repaired and sagging power line can swing in the wind (e.g. during subsequent storms) and the helical conductor can slip from a cable about which it is wound.
- Another power line coupler includes a compressible conductor tube for receiving the cables. Once the cables are inserted, the tube can be compressed and deformed so as to clamp the cables therein.
- the cable thicknesses are prone to variation owing to different manufacturer's specifications. Accordingly, it may be difficult to insert some thicker cables into the tube whereas the tube may be inadequately clamped to other thinner cables which can make the joint susceptible to breakage once again.
- a power line coupler for coupling a pair of cables together, the coupler including:
- Each protector may include a protection member for protecting a cable from a fastener.
- the protection member may be formed from deformable aluminum and/or the inner coupler may be coated with a friction enhancing compound to impede extraction of the cables.
- the coupler may include one or more inner protrusions about which said cables can be bent. The protrusions may be located on one side of the coupler and fasteners may be located on the other side of the coupler.
- each cable may be corrugated and resist extraction from the clamp.
- the clamp may include alternately disposed fasteners.
- the fasteners may be alternately disposed on the same side of the clamp.
- the clamp may include fasteners, each fastener including a head from which a threaded shaft extends, the head defining a recess such that a tip of the head can be separated from the fastener by shearing.
- the tip may include a base shelf for impeding tool slippage when separating the tip.
- the power line coupler may further include a locator extending through the protector and against which the cables inserted from opposite sides of the coupler can be located.
- the clamp may include a tube and one or more endcaps for capping the tube.
- a clamp for a power line coupler including:
- the clamp may further include a protector for locating between the fasteners and the cables.
- the cables may engage with the protrusions.
- the fasteners and protrusions may be alternately arranged along the clamp.
- the fasteners may be alternately arranged from side to side along the clamp.
- a power line coupler for coupling a pair of cables together, the coupler including:
- a power line coupling method for coupling a pair of cables together including the step of:
- the step of clamping may involve separating a tip of fasteners by shearing.
- the power line coupler 2 is suitable for electrically coupling a pair of cables 4a, 4b together as shown in Figure 4 .
- the coupler 2 includes a tubular protector 6 for receiving and protecting the cables 4 from damage by the base of clamp fasteners 10.
- a tubular clamp 8 can be used to clamp the protector 6 and cables 4 together so that the cables 4 are coupled together and resist slipping from the protector 6.
- the protector 6 is in the form of an inner tube in which the cables 4a, 4b can be inserted from opposite sides ( Fig. 4 ). To facilitate insertion of the cables 4, the protector 6 includes an inner lubricant in the form of grease. As can best be seen in Figure 2 , the protector 6 widens at both ends so as to be retained within the clamp 8.
- the protector 6 is formed from deformable aluminum and becomes corrugated (or undulates) when clamped so as to further resist extraction from the clamp 8.
- the clamp 8 includes an outer tube 12 in which the protector 6 is located.
- the outer tube 12 includes threaded holes 14 in which respective fasteners 10 can be engaged.
- the clamp 8 includes the fasteners which each take the form of a bolt.
- the outer tube 12 is formed from comparatively durable aluminum and has chamfered or beveled inner edges 13 which engage with the widened ends of the protector 6.
- the coupler 2 further includes a pin 16 extending through the protector 6 and clamp 8.
- the pin 16 holds the protector 6 within the clamp 8 and further provides a stop against which the cables 4 can be positioned when fully inserted in the coupler 2.
- the cables 4a, 4b are inserted within opposite ends of the protector 6.
- the clamp 8 is clamped onto the protector 6 so that the protector 6 and cables 4a, 4b are clamped together. Elaborating further, the fasteners 10 are tightened which, in turn, deforms the protector 6. As previously explained, the protector 6 protects the strands of each cable 4 from damage during tightening of the fasteners 10.
- the cables 4 can be firmly held within the protector 6, irrespective of their diameter.
- Each of the aluminum protector 6, clamp 8 and fasteners 10 are electrically conductive so that the cables 4a, 4b are electrically coupled together.
- the cables 4a, 4b are bare (i.e. not insulated). In one embodiment, insulation can instead be stripped from the ends of the cables 4a, 4b prior to coupling them together.
- an overhead power line coupler 102 shown in Figures 5 to 7 for coupling a pair of cables 104a, 104b together.
- the coupler 102 includes an inner protector 106 for receiving and protecting the cables 104.
- the protector 106 includes a pair of protection members 107a, 107b, in the form of aluminum plates, between which the cables 104 can be received.
- the coupler 102 further includes an outer clamp 108 for clamping the protector 106 and cables 104 together.
- the protection members 107a, 107b are coated on their inwardly faces with a friction enhancing compound (e.g. carborundum) to impede extraction of the cables 104.
- a friction enhancing compound e.g. carborundum
- the friction enhancing compound reduces the clamping torque required to hold the cables 104.
- the clamp 108 includes an outer tube 112 in which the protector 106 is located.
- the clamp 108 further includes a plurality of inner protrusions 113 force-fitted by sliding into a slot in the bottom of the tube 112.
- the protrusions 113 are formed from aluminum or brass, and located on a lower side of the coupler 102.
- Fasteners 110 in the form of shear bolts are located on the upper side of the coupler 102. As can best be seen in Figure 8 , the protrusions 113 and fasteners 110 are alternatingly disposed so that, in use, the protector 106 and cables 104 are corrugated and resist extraction from the clamp 108.
- each aluminum fastener 110 includes a head 150 from which a threaded shaft 152 extends.
- the head 150 defines a recess 154 such that a hexagonal tip 156 of the head 150 can be separated from the fastener 110 by shearing with a spanner.
- the tip 156 includes a base shelf 158 for impeding spanner (wrench, shifter or other tool) slippage to the hexagonal base 160 of the head 150 when separating the tip 156.
- the spanner is used to preliminarily tighten each fastener 110 until each tip 156 separates so that the cables 104 are held under preliminary pressure in an undulating or corrugated manner. Thereafter, the spanner is used to further tighten each base 160 (and place the cables 104 under greater pressure) until each base 160 separates from its threaded shaft 152 so that no part of the fastener 110 remains protruding from the clamp 108.
- This two-step tightening approach impedes excessive stresses on the cables 104.
- the power line coupler further includes a plastic pin locator 116 extending through the center of the tube 112 and protector 106, and against which the cables 104 inserted from opposite sides of the coupler 102 can be located.
- the locator 116 clips or snap-fits into the tube 112 and has a split tail with projections to impede removal.
- the clamp 108 also includes a pair of plastic endcaps 180a, 180b for capping the tube 112.
- Each cap 180 defines an internal rib or tongue for snap engaging within an endless outer groove defined in the tube 112.
- an overhead power line coupler 202 shown in Figures 9 to 12 for coupling a pair of cables 104a, 104b together.
- Like reference numerals refer to like features previously described.
- the coupler 202 includes a clamp 204 including alternatingly disposed fasteners 110 that longitudinally alternate between left and right sides of the clamp 204.
- the clamp 204 includes an outer tube 208 through which the threaded fasteners 110 pass.
- An upper curved cable protector 205 is provided along the ceiling of the tube 208 for receiving and protecting the cables 104 from the fasteners 110.
- the protector 205 includes a pair of protection members 206 in tube 208 in the form of aluminum plates, for receiving respective cables 104 on either side of the central cable stop pins 16.
- Each extruded protection member 206 fits into the ceiling of the tube 208 with a dove-tail joint 210.
- each extruded protection member 206 has a plurality of longitudinally extending cable engaging teeth 212.
- the coupler 202 further includes a pair of curved floor plates 214 for receiving respective cables 104 on either side of the central cable stop pins 16.
- Each floor plate 214 is fitted in position within a respective alcove defined in the internal floor of the tube 208.
- Each floor plate 214 includes inwardly extending spaced apart transverse rib protrusions 216 which engage directly with the cable 104.
- the fasteners 110 and protrusions 216 are alternately arranged along the top and bottom of the coupler 202 so that the fasteners 110 impact upon protection members 206 to push the cable 104 into space between adjacent protrusions 216. Furthermore, as can best be seen in Figures 11 and 12 , the fasteners 110 are alternately arranged from side to side along the coupler 202. In this manner, the tightened fasteners 110 clamp the upper deformed protector members 206 and cables 104 together so that the cables 104 become corrugated in two dimensions, when viewed from both above ( Fig. 11 ) and the side ( Fig. 12 ), which effectively impedes withdrawal of the cables 104 from the coupler 202.
- the coupler 2 above included a single protector 6 and a single clamp 8.
- the coupler may instead include a protector means including two or more protectors.
- the coupler may instead include a clamp means including two or more clamps.
- the dimensions of the protector 6 and clamp 8 can be varied to suit the dimensions of the cables 4. Furthermore, the number of fasteners 10 for the clamp 8 can be varied and increase with increasing cable diameter.
Landscapes
- Suspension Of Electric Lines Or Cables (AREA)
- Emergency Protection Circuit Devices (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention generally relates to a power line coupler, such as an overhead power line coupler for example.
- The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.
- An overhead power line is an electric power transmission line suspended by towers or poles. Overhead power lines are generally the lowest-cost method of transmission for large quantities of electric power in the range 1 kV to 800kV. In practice, many overhead power line cables are bare conductors which make them hazardous.
- During storms, trees or branches can fall over power lines causing them to break. It is desirable to quickly couple the two separate cables of a broken power line back together so as to remove the hazard, rather than go to the trouble and expense of re-installing a complete power line.
- A known power line coupler for coupling a pair of cables together includes a helical conductor which is tightly wound from one cable onto the other. In practice, the repaired and sagging power line can swing in the wind (e.g. during subsequent storms) and the helical conductor can slip from a cable about which it is wound.
- Another power line coupler includes a compressible conductor tube for receiving the cables. Once the cables are inserted, the tube can be compressed and deformed so as to clamp the cables therein. However, in practice, the cable thicknesses are prone to variation owing to different manufacturer's specifications. Accordingly, it may be difficult to insert some thicker cables into the tube whereas the tube may be inadequately clamped to other thinner cables which can make the joint susceptible to breakage once again.
- According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power line coupler for coupling a pair of cables together, the coupler including:
- at least one protector for protecting the cables; and
- a clamp for clamping the protector and cables together.
- Each protector may include a protection member for protecting a cable from a fastener. The protection member may be formed from deformable aluminum and/or the inner coupler may be coated with a friction enhancing compound to impede extraction of the cables. The coupler may include one or more inner protrusions about which said cables can be bent. The protrusions may be located on one side of the coupler and fasteners may be located on the other side of the coupler.
- In use, each cable may be corrugated and resist extraction from the clamp. The clamp may include alternately disposed fasteners. The fasteners may be alternately disposed on the same side of the clamp. The clamp may include fasteners, each fastener including a head from which a threaded shaft extends, the head defining a recess such that a tip of the head can be separated from the fastener by shearing. The tip may include a base shelf for impeding tool slippage when separating the tip.
- The power line coupler may further include a locator extending through the protector and against which the cables inserted from opposite sides of the coupler can be located. The clamp may include a tube and one or more endcaps for capping the tube.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a clamp for a power line coupler, the clamp including:
- protrusions; and
- fasteners for fastening to electrically couple a pair of cables together and bend the cables about the protrusions to impede extraction of the cables.
- The clamp may further include a protector for locating between the fasteners and the cables. The cables may engage with the protrusions. The fasteners and protrusions may be alternately arranged along the clamp. The fasteners may be alternately arranged from side to side along the clamp.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power line coupler for coupling a pair of cables together, the coupler including:
- protector means for protecting the cables; and
- clamp means for clamping the protector means and cables together.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power line coupling method for coupling a pair of cables together, the method including the step of:
- clamping at least one protector and cables together..
- The step of clamping may involve separating a tip of fasteners by shearing.
- Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:
-
Figure 1 is a perspective view of an overhead power line coupler; -
Figure 2 is a partial side sectional view of the power line coupler ofFigure 1 ; -
Figure 3 is an end view of the power line coupler ofFigure 1 ; -
Figure 4 is a side sectional view of the power line coupler ofFigure 1 coupling a pair of cables together; -
Figure 5 is a perspective view of an overhead power line coupler in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
Figure 6 is a partial side sectional view of the power line coupler ofFigure 5 ; -
Figure 7 is an end view of the power line coupler ofFigure 5 ; -
Figure 8 is a side sectional view of the power line coupler ofFigure 5 coupling a pair of cables together; -
Figure 9 is a perspective upper view of an overhead power line coupler in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
Figure 10 is an end view of the overhead power line coupler ofFigure 9 ; -
Figure 11 is a partial plan sectional view of the overhead power line coupler ofFigure 9 ; and -
Figure 12 is a partial perspective sectional view of the overhead power line coupler ofFigure 9 . - There is provided an overhead
power line coupler 2 as shown inFigures 1 to 3 . Thepower line coupler 2 is suitable for electrically coupling a pair of cables 4a, 4b together as shown inFigure 4 . - Turning firstly to
Figure 1 , thecoupler 2 includes atubular protector 6 for receiving and protecting the cables 4 from damage by the base ofclamp fasteners 10. Atubular clamp 8 can be used to clamp theprotector 6 and cables 4 together so that the cables 4 are coupled together and resist slipping from theprotector 6. - The
protector 6 is in the form of an inner tube in which the cables 4a, 4b can be inserted from opposite sides (Fig. 4 ). To facilitate insertion of the cables 4, theprotector 6 includes an inner lubricant in the form of grease. As can best be seen inFigure 2 , theprotector 6 widens at both ends so as to be retained within theclamp 8. Theprotector 6 is formed from deformable aluminum and becomes corrugated (or undulates) when clamped so as to further resist extraction from theclamp 8. - The
clamp 8 includes anouter tube 12 in which theprotector 6 is located. Theouter tube 12 includes threadedholes 14 in whichrespective fasteners 10 can be engaged. Theclamp 8 includes the fasteners which each take the form of a bolt. Theouter tube 12 is formed from comparatively durable aluminum and has chamfered or beveledinner edges 13 which engage with the widened ends of theprotector 6. - As can best be seen in
Figure 3 , thecoupler 2 further includes apin 16 extending through theprotector 6 andclamp 8. Thepin 16 holds theprotector 6 within theclamp 8 and further provides a stop against which the cables 4 can be positioned when fully inserted in thecoupler 2. - The method for coupling a pair of cables 4a, 4b of a broken power line together with the
coupler 2 is described in detail below. - Initially, the cables 4a, 4b are inserted within opposite ends of the
protector 6. - The
clamp 8 is clamped onto theprotector 6 so that theprotector 6 and cables 4a, 4b are clamped together. Elaborating further, thefasteners 10 are tightened which, in turn, deforms theprotector 6. As previously explained, theprotector 6 protects the strands of each cable 4 from damage during tightening of thefasteners 10. - The cables 4 can be firmly held within the
protector 6, irrespective of their diameter. Each of thealuminum protector 6,clamp 8 andfasteners 10 are electrically conductive so that the cables 4a, 4b are electrically coupled together. - Typically, the cables 4a, 4b are bare (i.e. not insulated). In one embodiment, insulation can instead be stripped from the ends of the cables 4a, 4b prior to coupling them together.
- According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an overhead
power line coupler 102 shown inFigures 5 to 7 for coupling a pair of cables 104a, 104b together. - As can best be seen in
Figures 6 and7 , thecoupler 102 includes aninner protector 106 for receiving and protecting thecables 104. Theprotector 106 includes a pair ofprotection members 107a, 107b, in the form of aluminum plates, between which thecables 104 can be received. Thecoupler 102 further includes anouter clamp 108 for clamping theprotector 106 andcables 104 together. - The
protection members 107a, 107b are coated on their inwardly faces with a friction enhancing compound (e.g. carborundum) to impede extraction of thecables 104. Advantageously, the friction enhancing compound reduces the clamping torque required to hold thecables 104. - The
clamp 108 includes anouter tube 112 in which theprotector 106 is located. Theclamp 108 further includes a plurality ofinner protrusions 113 force-fitted by sliding into a slot in the bottom of thetube 112. Theprotrusions 113 are formed from aluminum or brass, and located on a lower side of thecoupler 102.Fasteners 110 in the form of shear bolts are located on the upper side of thecoupler 102. As can best be seen inFigure 8 , theprotrusions 113 andfasteners 110 are alternatingly disposed so that, in use, theprotector 106 andcables 104 are corrugated and resist extraction from theclamp 108. - Turning to
Figure 7 , eachaluminum fastener 110 includes ahead 150 from which a threadedshaft 152 extends. Thehead 150 defines arecess 154 such that ahexagonal tip 156 of thehead 150 can be separated from thefastener 110 by shearing with a spanner. Thetip 156 includes abase shelf 158 for impeding spanner (wrench, shifter or other tool) slippage to the hexagonal base 160 of thehead 150 when separating thetip 156. - In use, the spanner is used to preliminarily tighten each
fastener 110 until eachtip 156 separates so that thecables 104 are held under preliminary pressure in an undulating or corrugated manner. Thereafter, the spanner is used to further tighten each base 160 (and place thecables 104 under greater pressure) until each base 160 separates from its threadedshaft 152 so that no part of thefastener 110 remains protruding from theclamp 108. This two-step tightening approach impedes excessive stresses on thecables 104. - The power line coupler further includes a
plastic pin locator 116 extending through the center of thetube 112 andprotector 106, and against which thecables 104 inserted from opposite sides of thecoupler 102 can be located. Thelocator 116 clips or snap-fits into thetube 112 and has a split tail with projections to impede removal. - The
clamp 108 also includes a pair ofplastic endcaps tube 112. Eachcap 180 defines an internal rib or tongue for snap engaging within an endless outer groove defined in thetube 112. - According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an overhead
power line coupler 202 shown inFigures 9 to 12 for coupling a pair of cables 104a, 104b together. Like reference numerals refer to like features previously described. - Turning to
Figure 9 , thecoupler 202 includes aclamp 204 including alternatingly disposedfasteners 110 that longitudinally alternate between left and right sides of theclamp 204. - As can best be seen in
Figure 10 , theclamp 204 includes anouter tube 208 through which the threadedfasteners 110 pass. An uppercurved cable protector 205 is provided along the ceiling of thetube 208 for receiving and protecting thecables 104 from thefasteners 110. Theprotector 205 includes a pair ofprotection members 206 intube 208 in the form of aluminum plates, for receivingrespective cables 104 on either side of the central cable stop pins 16. Each extrudedprotection member 206 fits into the ceiling of thetube 208 with a dove-tail joint 210. Furthermore, each extrudedprotection member 206 has a plurality of longitudinally extendingcable engaging teeth 212. - The
coupler 202 further includes a pair ofcurved floor plates 214 for receivingrespective cables 104 on either side of the central cable stop pins 16. Eachfloor plate 214 is fitted in position within a respective alcove defined in the internal floor of thetube 208. Eachfloor plate 214 includes inwardly extending spaced aparttransverse rib protrusions 216 which engage directly with thecable 104. - The
fasteners 110 andprotrusions 216 are alternately arranged along the top and bottom of thecoupler 202 so that thefasteners 110 impact uponprotection members 206 to push thecable 104 into space betweenadjacent protrusions 216. Furthermore, as can best be seen inFigures 11 and12 , thefasteners 110 are alternately arranged from side to side along thecoupler 202. In this manner, the tightenedfasteners 110 clamp the upperdeformed protector members 206 andcables 104 together so that thecables 104 become corrugated in two dimensions, when viewed from both above (Fig. 11 ) and the side (Fig. 12 ), which effectively impedes withdrawal of thecables 104 from thecoupler 202. - A person skilled in the art will appreciate that many embodiments and variations can be made without departing from the ambit of the present invention.
- The
coupler 2 above included asingle protector 6 and asingle clamp 8. Alternatively, the coupler may instead include a protector means including two or more protectors. In yet another scenario, the coupler may instead include a clamp means including two or more clamps. - The skilled person will appreciate that the dimensions of the
protector 6 andclamp 8 can be varied to suit the dimensions of the cables 4. Furthermore, the number offasteners 10 for theclamp 8 can be varied and increase with increasing cable diameter. - In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.
Claims (15)
- A power line coupler for coupling a pair of cables together, the coupler including:at least one protector for protecting the cables; anda clamp for clamping the protector and cables together.
- A power line coupler as claimed in claim 1, wherein each protector includes a protection member for protecting a cable from at least one fastener.
- A power line coupler as claimed in claim 2, wherein the protection member is formed from deformable aluminum and/or the inner coupler is coated with a friction enhancing compound to impede extraction of the cables.
- A power line coupler as claimed in claim 1, including one or more inner protrusions about which said cables can be bent.
- A power line coupler as claimed in claim 4, wherein the protrusions are located on one side of the coupler and fasteners are located on the other side of the coupler.
- A power line coupler as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in use, each cable is corrugated and resists extraction from the clamp.
- A power line coupler as claimed in claim 1, wherein the clamp includes alternately disposed fasteners.
- A power line coupler as claimed in claim 7, wherein the fasteners are alternately disposed on the same side of the clamp.
- A power line coupler as claimed in claim 1, wherein the clamp includes fasteners, each fastener including a head from which a threaded shaft extends, the head defining a recess such that a tip of the head can be separated from the fastener by shearing.
- A power line coupler as claimed in claim 9, wherein the tip includes a base shelf for impeding tool slippage when separating the tip
- A power line coupler as claimed in claim 1, further including at least one locator extending through the protector and against which the cables inserted from opposite sides of the coupler can be located.
- A power line coupler as claimed in claim 1, wherein the clamp includes a tube and one or more endcaps for capping the tube.
- A clamp for a power line coupler, the clamp including:protrusions; andfasteners for fastening to electrically couple a pair of cables together and bend the cables about the protrusions to impede extraction of the cables.
- A power line coupling method for coupling a pair of cables together, the method including the step of:clamping at least one protector and cables together.
- A power line coupling method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the step of clamping involves separating a tip of fasteners by shearing.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/467,154 US20120276789A1 (en) | 2009-10-21 | 2012-05-09 | Power line coupler |
AU2013205481A AU2013205481B2 (en) | 2009-10-21 | 2013-04-29 | A Power Line Coupler |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2662932A2 true EP2662932A2 (en) | 2013-11-13 |
EP2662932A3 EP2662932A3 (en) | 2014-05-07 |
EP2662932B1 EP2662932B1 (en) | 2021-04-07 |
Family
ID=48431848
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP13167332.9A Active EP2662932B1 (en) | 2012-05-09 | 2013-05-10 | A power line coupler |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2662932B1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2013205481B2 (en) |
ZA (1) | ZA201303355B (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP3246992A1 (en) * | 2016-05-20 | 2017-11-22 | Societe Industrielle de Construction d'Appareils et de Materiel Electriques | Connection device for a terminal section of an electric cable |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4079189A (en) * | 1976-02-26 | 1978-03-14 | Mac Products, Inc. | High voltage cable splice |
US4269465A (en) * | 1979-12-26 | 1981-05-26 | Amp Incorporated | Splice connector for aluminum wire |
GB9905505D0 (en) * | 1999-03-11 | 1999-05-05 | B & H Nottingham Ltd | Improvements in electrical connectors |
US7530840B2 (en) * | 2005-02-10 | 2009-05-12 | Zoll Medical Corporation | Medical system including a cable retainer |
US8202131B2 (en) * | 2009-10-21 | 2012-06-19 | Sicame Australia Pty Ltd | Power line coupler |
-
2013
- 2013-04-29 AU AU2013205481A patent/AU2013205481B2/en active Active
- 2013-05-09 ZA ZA2013/03355A patent/ZA201303355B/en unknown
- 2013-05-10 EP EP13167332.9A patent/EP2662932B1/en active Active
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
None |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP3246992A1 (en) * | 2016-05-20 | 2017-11-22 | Societe Industrielle de Construction d'Appareils et de Materiel Electriques | Connection device for a terminal section of an electric cable |
FR3051606A1 (en) * | 2016-05-20 | 2017-11-24 | Soc Ind De Construction D'appareils Et De Materiel Electriques | CONNECTING DEVICE FOR A TRUNK TERMINAL OF ELECTRIC CABLE |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU2013205481A1 (en) | 2013-05-23 |
EP2662932A3 (en) | 2014-05-07 |
ZA201303355B (en) | 2014-01-29 |
EP2662932B1 (en) | 2021-04-07 |
AU2013205481B2 (en) | 2015-12-10 |
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