GB2183405A - Strain relief bushing for clamping an electrical cable - Google Patents
Strain relief bushing for clamping an electrical cable Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2183405A GB2183405A GB08528998A GB8528998A GB2183405A GB 2183405 A GB2183405 A GB 2183405A GB 08528998 A GB08528998 A GB 08528998A GB 8528998 A GB8528998 A GB 8528998A GB 2183405 A GB2183405 A GB 2183405A
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- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- pillars
- portions
- ofthe
- teeth
- movement
- Prior art date
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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
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/58—Means for relieving strain on wire connection, e.g. cord grip, for avoiding loosening of connections between wires and terminals within a coupling device terminating a cable
- H01R13/582—Means for relieving strain on wire connection, e.g. cord grip, for avoiding loosening of connections between wires and terminals within a coupling device terminating a cable the cable being clamped between assembled parts of the housing
- H01R13/5829—Means for relieving strain on wire connection, e.g. cord grip, for avoiding loosening of connections between wires and terminals within a coupling device terminating a cable the cable being clamped between assembled parts of the housing the clamping part being flexibly or hingedly connected to the housing
Abstract
The bushing comprises a pair of pillars (7) and a key piece (2) incorporating ratchet-like ribs or teeth (8, 11) which cooperate to permit the key piece (2) to be pressed and snapped down between the pillars to clamp a cable, but lock the key piece against separation from the pillars in an upward direction. The teeth (8,11) permit the key piece (2) to be slid rearwardly, out from between the pillars upon inward deflection of resilient locking fingers (13) to release the cable. A terminal block 24 may be mounted on the bushing by engagement of teeth 20a on a yoke attached to the block with recesses 7b formed on the outer surface of the bushing. <IMAGE>
Description
SPECIFICATION
Improvements in or relating to clamping devices for electrical conductors and the like
The present invention relates to a device which is capable of clamping or securing an elongate element such as an electrical conductororcable, relative to a surface or member.
More particularly, the present invention relates to a clamping or securing device of the type which comprises first and second element-locating portions molded from a synthetic plastics material and movable from a mutually open position, to a mutually closed position in which they define therebetween an element-receiving passage extending through the device, the first and second portions being provided with respectivefirstand second locking means which are mutually cooperable to retain the portions in said closed position, and which are mutually adjustable to provide adjustment ofthe cross-sectional dimensions of the element-receiving passage by relative bodily movement between the portions when in their closed position, thereby to accommodate, grip and restrain against longitudinal movement re lative to the device, elongate elements of differing cross-sectional dimensions when trapped in said passage, the first element-iocating portion comprising a base formed integrally with two mutually spaced, generally parallel pillars defining, with the region of the base therebetween, a part ofthe element-receiving passage, the pillars having regions extending lengthwise thereof provided with first locking means directed in a direction generally transverse to the element-receiving passage, the second element-locating portion having transversely directed second locking means and, in the closed position of the portions, extending between the pillars and being bodily slidabletherealong, along a generally linear path,towards the base ofthe first portion.Such a device will hereinafter be referred to as "a clamping orsecuring device ofthetype specified".
Applicants' U.K. Patent No: 1596751 discloses a device of the type specified in which the second element-locating portion comprises a closed loop which surrounds, and slides bodily along, the pillars.
Thefirstand second locking means comprise respective sets of selectively resiliently cooperable rachet-l ike teeth, the teeth on the pillars being directed transversely outwardly awayfrom the elementreceiving passage, and the teeth on the closed loop being directed transversely inwardly. This device possesses the advantage that the elongate element, such as a cable, clamped in the device may be released if required by resiliently deflecting the pillars towards each othertodisengage the inter-engaging sets of teeth.However, when the device comprises a combined cable clamp and electrically insulating bushing or grommet, i.e. a strain relief bushing which is intended to be mounted in an apeture in a mounting plate, chassis or casing of an electrical appliance, the minimum transverse dimension ofthe aperture into which the bushing could be fitted was limited by the thickness of the closed loop extending around the pillars.
U.K. Patent No. 1291003 discloses a clamping device in which a bushing portion, equivalent to the second element-locating portion, fits between a pair of pillars of arms, the pillars being formed with transversely inwardly directed teeth which cooperate with transversely outwardly directed teeth on the bushing portion. Whilst, with such a construction, the thickness of the bushing portion does not restrict the minimum transverse dimension ofthe mounting aperture, the pillars must be relatively rigid, otherwise there is a tendencyforthem to bow apart and unintentionally release the bushing portion, and thereforethe clamped cable.The rigidityofthe pillars makes it difficult if not impossibleto spring them apart if it is desired to release the bushing portion to unclamp the cable.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a clamping or secu ring device ofthetype specified which does not suffer from the aforementioned disadvantages.
According to the present invention,there is provided a clamping or securing device of the type specified, wherein the pillars have regions extending lengthwise thereof provided, in a direction generally transverse to the element receiving passage, with inwardly directed first locking means, the second element locating portion having transversely outwardly directed locking means and, in the closed position ofthe portions, fitting between the pillars and being bodilyslidabletherealong, along a generally linear path, toward the base ofthe first portion, to interlock the first and second locking means, the first and second element-locating portions, when interlocked, being displaceable relative to each other in a direction generally lengthwise ofthe elementreceiving passage to unlockthe first and second por tions, the first and second portions being releasably lockable against said generally lengthwise relative movement.
In one embodiment, each of the pillars ofthefirst element-locating portion is provided with first locking elements comprising inwardly projecting rachetliketeeth distributed along itslength.The second element-receiving portion is provided with second locking elements comprising transversely outwardly projecting teeth selectively resiliently cooperable with the inwardly directed first locking elements orteeth on the two pillars during sliding movement of the second portion into the first portion towards the base of the latter, to lock the second portion against separational movement thereof relative to the pillars in a direction away from the base, with a snap action, in one of a number of different adjusted positions.
The first and/or second locking elements or teeth are elongated in the lengthwise direction of the element-receiving passage so that, when interlocked, they are nevertheless slidable relative to each other in the said lengthwise direction, enabling the second portion to be bodily slid lengthwise outfrom betweenthepillars,to disengagethefirstandsecond locking elements. One of the first and second portions is provided with third locking means, releasably cooperable with the other of the first and second por tionswhen said portions are interlocked, to releasably lock said portions against lengthwise separational movement.The third locking means may, for example, comprise resilient fingers integral with the second portion, releasably cooperable with associated slots, recesses orshoulders in oron thefirst portion.
Itwould be advantageous, in certain applications, to provide an electrically insulating bushing or grommet, for example a strain relief bushing emb odying the invention, with a terminal block for con- nection to a cable clamped or otherwise mounted in the bushing. However, this has not hitherto been practicable, sinceterminal blocks are relatively bulky, and to enable the block to pass through the bushing mounting aperture in a mounting plate or the like would, in general, unacceptably limitthe minimum dimensions ofthe mounting aperture.
It is another object of the present invention to overcomethis problem.
Thus, from another aspect, the present invention provides an attachment for an electrically insulating bushing o r g rom met wh ich comprises a terminal block mounting device moulded from a synthetic plastics material which is adapted to be releasably secured to the bushing afterthe latter has been inserted into its mounting aperture, and which is provided with, or releasably attachable to, a terminal block.
In one embodiment, as applied to a clamping device ofthe type specified, the terminal block mounting device is provided with a pair of resilientfingers which are engageable around thefirstelementlocating portion and resiliently and releaseablysnap lock into slots or recesses in the latter, for example in the pillars. The terminal block mounting device is also provided with a further pair of resilient fingers which engage around and snap lock onto a terminal block of conventional design.
In order that the invention may be more readily understood, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure lisa perspective view of an electrical cable clamp according to one embodiment ofthe invention, with the first and second element-or cablelocating portions shown in their open position;
Figure2 is a perspective view, on an enlarged scale, of the second element-or cable-locating portion shown in Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the clamp shown in Figure 1, with the first and second element-or cable-locating portions shown in their closed position;
Figures4 and 5are rear and front views, re spectively, oftheclamp shown in Figures 1 and 3;; Figure6isa longitudinal section onthe lineA-Aof Figure 5; Figure 7is a plan view oftheclampshown in in Figurges 1 to6,withthefirstand second element-or cable - locating portions shown in their open position;
Figure 8 is a plan view showing the first and second element- or cable - locating portions in their closed position, corresponding to Figure 3;
Figure 9 is a fragmentary transverse section, on an enlarged scale, through the first and second element-or-cable locating portions, on the line B-B of
Figure 7;
Figure 10 is a transverse section, on an enlarged scale, through the second element-orcable-locating portion, on the line C-C of Figure 5;; Figures 11 to 19 are views, corresponding re spectivelyto Figures 1 to 7,9 and 10, of a second embodiment of cable clamp;
Figure 20 is a perspective view showing a terminal block attached to the clamp of Figure 11 by means of a mounting device embodying the invention; and Figures21,22 and 23 are rear, side and plan views, respectively, of the mounting device shown in Figure 20.
The adjustable cable clamp shown in Figures 1 to 10 is a strain relief bushing our grommet primarily but not exclusively intended to be used for clamping, and electrically insulating, an electrical cable or flex with respect to a mounting plate orthe like th rough which the cable or flex is to pass. This bushing, which is moulded from an electrically insulating, resilient, synthetic plastics material, such as Nylon, Ac- etal resin such as "Delrin" (Registered Trade Mark), or polypropylene, comprises first and second element-orcable-locating portions, namely first and second clamp portions 1 and 2, interconnected by an integral flexible hinge, web orstrap3.The first clamp portion 1 forms the main body of the bushing, whilst the second clamp portion 2 forms a key piece which fits into the clamp portion 1 to clamp the cable.
The clamp portion 1 comprises a base 4 formed integrally with a longitudinally extending sleeve or bush 5. As described in our aforementioned Patent
No: 1596751,the sleeve 5 comprises a reduced- diameter body portion 5a formed with a pair of diametrically opposed flats 5b, terminating in an enlarged diameter annularflange 5c, through which extends a cable-receiving aperture 5d. The reduced diameter body portion 5a is formed with diametrically opposed upper and lower recesses Sewithin each of which is located a pair of locking arms 6.
These locking arms are integrally connected to t; body portion 5a, and are resiliently depressable from their position shown intotheirassociated recesses 5e.
Also formed integrally with the base 4 of the first clamp portion 1 are a pair of upstanding pillars 7. The opposed inner surfaces of the pillars 7 are each provided with first locking elements comprising a row of superimposed rachet teeth 8. As will be apparent from Figure 8, the upwardly directed surfaces 8a of the teeth, i.e.those directed awayfromthe base 4, are inclined downwardly towards the base from their juncturewiththeinnersurfacesofthepillars,whilst the downwardly directed surfaces 8b, i.e. those directed towards the base, extend generally normal to the planes ofthe inner surfaces ofthe pillar (although they may alternatively be undercut). The opposed inner surfaces of the pillars, -n the i nrei mediate region ofthe part-cylindrical upper surface of the base 4form the base and two sides of a cablereceiving passage extending in the longitudinal dir ectionofthefirstclampportion 1,andcommunicat- ing with, and forming an extension of, the longitudinally extending cable-receiving aperture 5d in the sleeve 5. The pillars 7 are provided with ribs 7a joined to fillets 4a and a transverse rib 4b on the base 4,which project into the cable-receiving passage.
The rib 4b is provided with upstanding teeth or spikes 4c. The outer surfaces of the free ends of the pillars 7 are formed with recesses 76.
The pillars 7 are spaced longitudinally from the rear of the sleeve 5, and are integrally connected to the sleeve by side walls 9 which rigidifythe bushing.
The height of the side walls 9 is less than that of the pillars 7, whereby lateral slots 10 are defined between the pillars and the sleeve 5. In addition, the base 4 is recessed at 4d between the sleeve 5 and pillars 7, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, to form a pair of opposed shoulders or steps.
The second clamp portion 2 includes a generally rectangulartubular body 2a having side walls 2bathe outwardly directed surfaces of which are each provided with second locking elements comprising a row of superimposed teeth 11.The profileoftheteeth 11 is similarto that of the teeth 8 as will be apparent from Figure 8. The transverse distance between the tips ofthe external teeth lion the opposed side walls 2b ofthe clamp portion 2 approximates, or is slightly greaterthan, the transverse distance be- tween the roots of the internal teeth 8 on the opposed pillars 7. The edges ofthe longitudinally opposed transversely extending end walls of the tubular body 2a are curved, and each provided with a transverse tooth or rib 2c.
The second clamp portion 2 is also provided with a
longitudinally projecting stepped spine or boss 12 including a root portion having a part cylindrical surface 1 2a, and an outer or end portion having a transverse step 126. When the clamp portion 2 is inverted and inserted downwardly between the pillars 7 ofthe first clamp portion 1, the spine 12 and curved ribs2c form the top of the cable-receiving passage. A pair of resilient, divergent, lateral locking wings orfingers 13 are integrally connected to the root portion ofthe spine 12, and extend along opposite sides of the end portion of the spine.Each finger 13 is spaced longitudinallyfrom the tubular body2a so as, in effect, to define an upright channel 14, the side l2cofthe root portion of the spine forming the base ofthe channel.
In the free condition ofthe fingers as shown in Fig ures2, 5,7 and 8,thefree orouterend portions 13,b therefore project laterally outwardly of the teeth 11.
However, duetotheir resilience,thefingers are cable of being flexed towards each other to position their free end portions 13b laterallyinwardlyoftheteeth 11, and to position the outer surfaces ofthefingers generally flush with the sides 1 2e of the root portion of the spine. The fingers 13 are dimensioned to be received in, or projecttowards, the slots lOin the first clamp portion 1, and the channels 14 are dimensioned to slidably receive the ribs 7a on the pillars 7, when the second clamp portion 2 is inverted and inserted between the pillars7.
In use ofthe strain relief bushing or grommet, with the clamp portions 1 and 2 in their open position as shown,forexample in Figure 1, a cable is threaded th roug h the cable-receiving apertu re 5d i n the sleeve 5 and is laid on the base 4, overthe fillets 4a and spiked rib 4,0, and passing between the pillars 7.By flexing the strap 3, the clamp portion 2 is moved from the position shown in Figure 1,to an inverted position in which it is above the pillars, and it isthen pressed downwardly and slides down between the pillars until the inclined surfaces of the teeth 11 and 8 camminglycooperate. Further downward sliding movementoftheclamp portion 2cuasesthepillars to be resiliently flexed apart, and/orthe side walls 2b of the clamp portion 2 to be resilientlyflexed towards each other, until the bottom pair of teeth 11 on the clamp portion 2 pass belowthetop pair of teeth 8 on the pillars, whereafterthe pillars 7 and/orsidewalls 2b snap resiliently backto ortowardstheiroriginal position, and the clamp portion 2 is locked against upwards separational movement by inter engagement ofthe generally normal surfaces of the teeth 11 and teeth 8. The clamp portion 2 is pressed bodily further down between the pillars 7, with suc- cessive pairs of teeth 11 resiliently cooperating, with a ratchet-like snap action, with successive pairs of lowerteeth 8 on the pillars 7, until the cable is securely gripped and pinched between the pillars 7 and the clamp portion 2. in this closed position, the cable is indented and gripped by the spiked rib 4,0 and teeth or ribs 2c ofthe first and second clamp portions respectively. In addition, the cable may be bent or kinked into the recess 4dofthe first clamp portion 1.
Thus, the part-circulartransverse ribs 2cand 46, and spikes 4c, serve to restrain the cable against longitudinal movement relative to the bushing.
Duetotheconfiguration ofthepillar7,clamppor- tion 2 and teeth 8 and 11, and also due to the cooperation ofthe ribs 7a with the fingers 13 and channels 14, the clamp portion 2, during closing movement, slides bodily down between the pillars along a straight line path, with the plane ofthe lower edges ofthe clamp portion remaining generally parallel to the base 4. Furthermore, duetothe provision of plural pairs of ratchet teeth on the pillars7 and clamp portion 2, the adjusted position ofthe latter relative to the base 4 may be positively adjusted to accommodate and clamp cables of varied cross sectional dimensions, for example differentdiameters.
As will beapparentfrom Figure 8, unintentional longitudinal movement the clamp portion 2 relative to the clamp portion 1,forexamplewhen a clamped cable C is longitudinally pulled forwardly relative to the bushing, is positively prevented bythecoopera- tion ofthe ribs 7a with the rearwalls ofthe channels 14 opposite the fingers 13. This movement may also be prevented by abutment between the front face of the end portion of the spine 12 and the rearface of the sleeve body portion 5a. If the cable is pulled or pushed rearwardly relative to the bushing, relative movement between the clamp portions 1 and 2 is positively prevented by the cooperation ofthe root regions of the fingers 13 with the ribs 7a, thus pre venting theteeth 11 from sliding longitudinally out of engagement with the teeth 8. Furthermore, the relative rigidity of the pillars 7 and side walls 2b ofthe tubular body 2a, and the configuration of the teeth 8 and 11, prevent unintentional upwardseparational movement ofthe clamp portion 2 relative to the pillars 7.
However, the cable may be readily released if re quired bytemporarilydeflectingthefingers 13tow- ards each otherfrom the position shown in Figures 3 and 6. This is preferably achieved by inserting the blade of a screw driverorthe like into the slit defined bythe step 12b in the end portion of the spi ne 12, and turning or inclining the blade between the rearface ofthe sleeve body 5a and the spine to force the clamp portion 2 longitudinally rearwardly away from the sleeve 5.This causes the ribs 7a to cam and retractthefingers inwardly, allowing the clamp portion 2, and possibly also the cable, to be slid or drawn bodily rearwardlywhilstthe retracted fingers slide between the ribs 7a and pillars 7, thereby releasing the interengaging teeth 8 and 11. The resilientfingers 13 are sufficiently stiff to require a significant force to be initially applied to the clamp portion 2 before the fingers 13 will flex and retract, thus ensuring that the fingers are not unintentionally retracted, for example when the cable is subjected to a longitudinal force.
Whilsttheclamp portion 2 is preferablysimu
Itaneously released and displaced by a screw driver, in a single operation, as just described, alternatively, the fingers 13 could firstly be retracted, for example by pressing them inwardly by means of pliers orthe like, whereafterthe freed clamp portion 2 is drawn back and removed.
The strain relief bushing is intended to be releas ably assembled to a mounting plate (not shown) pro- vided with a mounting aperture having a diameter slightly largerthan that ofthe body portion 5a ofthe sleeve, and also having one ortwo flats corresponding to the flats 5b, basically as described in U.K.
Patent No: 1291003. The bushing is inserted generally longitudinally into the mounting aperture until the body portion 5a enters the mounting aperture, with theflatsofthe body portion and mounting aperture in alignment. The bushing is then pressed furtherthrough the mounting aperture until the locking arms 6, resiliently depressed by engagement with the edge ofthe mounting aperture, snap back behind the mounting plate, locking the bushing to theplatewiththeflange5cengagingthefrontofthe mounting plate. The provision ofthe pairs of locking arms 6, and the stepped free ends thereof, enablethe bushing to effectively be fitted to mounting plates of differing thicknesses.
The bushing embodying the invention may befit- ted into the mounting aperture either before or after
it has been clamped to a cable, and the second clamp
portion may be removed to release the cable by dep
ressing thefingers 13 as previously described, whilst the bushing is locked to the mounting plate.
Since the second clamp portion 2 fits between the
pillars 7, notaroundthe pillars as in the previously
mentioned patent,the clamp portion 2 does not limit the minimum dimensions of the mounting aperture in which the bushing isto be fitted. Forthe same reason, the clamp portion 2, and in particularthefingers 13, preferably do not project beyond the surfaces bounding the body portion 5a as viewed in
cross section, when the clamp portion 2 is depressed to a position in which it operatively clamps the cable.
In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 10, the fingers 13
are generally horizontal, i.e. they are disposed, and flex, in a transverse planewhich is generally parallel to the longitudinal direction in which the second clamp portion 2 slides during withdrawal. In the em embodiment of Figures 11 to 19, however, the equivalent fingers 13' are generally upright, i.e. they aredisposed, and flex, in a transverse plane which is generally perpendicularto said longitudinal direction, and are connected to the spine 12' by resilient webs 13a'. When the clamp portion 2' is inverted and pressed down between the pillars 7, the fingers 13' engage in the slots 10, and cooperate with the ribs 7a to prevent unintentional rearward withdrawal of the clamp portion 2'.
To release a clamped cable, thefingers 13' are def- lected towards each other from the position shown in Figure 13, for example by pressing the free or outer end portions 13b', either manually, or byatool such as pliers or a screw driver, to a position inwardly of, and disengaged from the ribs 7a. The clamp portion 2' and cable are then free to be slid or drawn bodily rearwardly away from the sleeve 5 to releasethe interengaging teeth 8 and 11.
It would be advantageous, in certain applications, to provide a strain relief bushing with a terminal blockforconnectionto the conductors ofthe cable passingthroughthe bushing. However,this has not been practicable heretofore, since the relatively bulkyterminal blockwould, in general, unacceptably limitthe minimum dimensions ofthe mounting aperture. This problem is overcome by providing a terminal block mounting device or holderwhich is adapted to be releasably attached to the bushing, and which is also adapted to releasably mount a terminal block.
One embodiment ofterminal block mount for use with the bushing previously described will now be described with reference to Figures 20 to 23. Forthe purposes of illustration, the mount is shown attached to the clamp of Figures 1 to 10, although it could equally well be fitted to the clamp of Figures 11 to 19.
The mount is moulded from a resilient synthetic plastics material,forexamplefrom one ofthe mat erialsfromwhichthebushing may be moulded, and comprises a generally U-shaped yoke 20 provided with inwardly directed teeth 20a adjacent the free ends of its arms 20b. The yoke is dimensioned and configured so that it may be pressed up from below the base 4oftheclamp portion 1, springing the arms ofthe yoke apart on opposite sides of the pillars 7, until the teeth 20a snap into the recesses 7b in the pillars. In this condition,theyoke snugly fits around, and is positively locked to, the clamp portion 1.
As will be apparent from Figure 22, the yoke extends rearwardly of the teeth 20a, and therefore rearwardly ofthe clamp portion 1 when attached thereto, and a drop plate 21 is formed integrallywith the rearend oftheyoke. The drop plateisformed integrally with spaced pairs of superimposed locking fingers 22. The free ends ofthe locking fingers in each pair are formed with inwardly directed nubs 22a. The fingers are so arranged and dimensioned that a terminal block 24, for example of conventional design may be pressed between the fingers of the two pairs from right to left as.viewed in Figure 22,
springing the fingers 22 apart until the nubs 22a snap aroundtheterminal block.The terminal block 24 may,forexample, be a three-terminal block cut from
a 5 amp. commercially available "Niglon" connector
strip.
The terminal block mount and associated terminal blockare snap-lockedtothe clamp portion 1 afterthe
bushing has been inserted into its associated mount
ing aperture, and will be detached therefrom if it is
desired to remove the bushing. Thus, the minimum
dimensions of the mounting aperture are not limited bythe mountorterminal block. Furthermore,theter
minal block mou nt, when locked to the clam p por
tion 1, will not obstruct the clamp portion 2, i.e. the
latter may be fitted into and released from the clamp
portion 1 without hindrance.
It will be understood that various modifications
may be made without departing from the scope of
the present invention. For example, the inter engageableteethon one or both ofthe clamp port
ions 1 and 2 may be replaced otherforms or adjusted able locking elements. Instead of forming one or
both clamp portions with a pluralityofteeth orequi
valent, the clamp portions may be provided with
non-adjustable locking means, for example with singleteeth orthe like, so that the clamp will bedim
ensioned to accommodate a cable orthe like of a par
ticularcross-sectional dimension.
Similarly, the fingers 13 or 13' and ribs7a or sloths 10 may be replaced by other forms of interlocking
elements, and/orthe or each finger or equivalent
may be provided on the clamp portion 1 instead of
the clamp portion 2, so as to interlock with the clamp
portion 2.
In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 10,
the slots 10 may be partiallyorwholly eliminated by extendingthe reduced-thickness sidewall portions
9 upwardly. This will serve to increase the rigidity of
the pillars. Additionally or alternatively the clamp
portions 1 and/or 2, and in particularthe pillars, may
be stiffened by reinforcing the moulding, for ex
ample with carbon fibers orthe like.
In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 10, the pillars,
and in particularthe ribs 7a, are intended to be re relatively rigid, and to cam thefingers 13 inwardlydur
ing release and withdrawal ofthe clamp portion 2.
However,the pillarsthemselves may be designed to flexapartto release the clamp portion, in addition to
or instead ofthe fingers. The fingers may, in fact, be
relatively inflexible, or replaced by non-resilient
locking means such as shoulders or projections
which are operable to cam the pillars apart and re
lease the clamp portion 2 when a sufficiently large
longitudinal force is applied to the latter clamp por
tion.
Whilst, in the illustrated embodiments, the strap 3
positions the clamp portion 2 laterallyoftheclamp portion 1 when the bushing is opened, the strap
could extend longitudinally of, but to one side of, the
cable-receiving passage, with the clamp portion 2
located generally longitudinally rearwardlyofthe clamp portion 1. Although an integral strap is prefer
red, it may be replaced by a separate flexible or re
silient element attached to the clamp portions, or maybeomitted entirely.
The shape, size and configuration ofthevarious components may be changed. Although the clamping device is primarily intended to locate or secure single or multiple electrical conductors or cables, it may alternatively be employed to anchor other elongateflexible elements,forexample natural orsyn thetic ropesorcords, eitherrelativeto a surfaceor member, or to other ropes, cords, conductors or cables.
Instead of anchoring the cable against longitudinal movement through the device by the pairofteeth or ribs 2e on the clamp portion 1,fewer or more ribs, teeth, spikes, etc may be provided on the clamp portion 2, and/orthe clamp portion 1. The rib or ribs of the clamp portion 1 and/or 2 may be replaced by other forms of anchoring serrations, teeth or other roughenings, on the surface of the cable-receiving passage. The ribs, roughenings, etc may be omitted from one of the clamp portions, for example the clamp portion 2,to permit longitudinal sliding move ment of the latter relative to the cable when thefingers 13 are retracted.Instead of, or in addition to, the provision of anchoring ribs, etc in combination with a generally straight cable-receiving passage, the clamp portion 1 and/or 2 may be configured so asto define a tortuous cable-receiving passage which bends orkinksthe clamped cable.
The cable-receiving aperture Sdinthe bush or sleeve5maybeoffsetorinclined relativetothe cable-receiving passage defined between the base 4 and clamp portion 2. For example, the base 4 may be angled, for example disposed at right angles, relative to the sleeve 5.
Additionally or alternatively, the sleeve 5 orequivalent may be detachably connected to the base 4 or equivalent.
Theterminal block mount may take a variety of forms, and may be releasably attachable to the bushing and/ortheterminal block in differentways.The terminals block mount may be applied to clamping devices, bushings, etc, other than those forming the subject ofthe present invention.
Claims (21)
1. Adeviceforclamping or securing an elongate element, comprising first and second elementlocating portions molded from a synthetic plastics material and movable from a mutually open position,to a mutually closed position in which theydefine therebetween an element-receiving passage ex tending through the device, the first and second portions being provided with respective first and second locking means which are mutually cooperable to retain the portions in said closed position, and which are mutually adjustable to provide adjustmentofthecross-sectional dimensionsoftheelement-receiving passage by relative br;;ly movement between the portions when in theirclos^d position, thereby to accommodate, grip and restrain against longitudinal movement relative to the device, elongate elements of differing cross-sectional dimensions when trapped in said passage, the first element-locating portion comprising a base formed integrally with two mutually spaced pillars defining, with the region of the base therebetween, a part of the element-receiving passage, the pillars having regions extending lengthwise thereof provided, in a direction generally transverse to the elementreceiving passage, with inwardly directed first locking means, the second element-locating portion having transversely outwardly directed second locking means, and, in the closed position of the portions, fitting between the pillars and being bodily slidablytherealong, along a generallylinearpath,to- ward the base of the first portion, to interlockthe first and second locking means, the first and second element-locating portions, when interlocked, being displaceable relative to each other in a direction generally lengthwise ofthe element-receiving passage to unlockthefirstand second portions,thefirstand second portions being releasably lockable against said generally lengthwise relative movement.
2. A clamping device as clained in claim 1, wherein the first locking means comprises transversely inwardly projecting first rachet-like teeth distributed along the length of each pillar, and the second locking means comprises transversely outwardly projecting teeth selectively resiliently cooperable with the inwardly directed first teeth on the two pillars during sliding movement of the second element-locating portion into the first elementlocating portion towards the base ofthe latter, to lock the second portion against sepa rational movement thereof relative to the pillars in a direction awayfrom the base, with a snap action, in one of a number of different adjusted positions.
3. A clamping device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the firstand/or second teeth are elongated in the lengthwise direction of the element-receiving passage so that, when interlocked, they are slidable relative to each other in the said lengthwise direction to enable the second element-locating portion to be bodily slid lengthwise out from between the pillars, to disengage the first and second teeth.
4. A clamping device as claimed in claim 3, wherein one of the first and second element-locating portions is provided with third locking means, releasably cooperable with the other ofthefirst and second portions when said portions are interlocked, to releasably lock said portions against lengthwise separational movement.
5. Aclamping device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the third locking means comprises resilient locking fingers integral with the second portion, re leasably coopera ble with associated slots, recesses or shoulders in or on the first portion.
6. A clamping device as claimed in claimS, wherein each pillar is provided with a shoulder, with which an associated locking finger is cooperable, formed by an inwardly projecting rib extending lengthwise of the pillar, the rib being cooperable with a corresponding channel inthesecond elementlocating portion to permit sliding ofthesecond portion into the first portion towards the base of the latter, but normally to prevent separational sliding of the second portion, in the the lengthwise direction of the element-receiving passage, out from between the pillars, the channel including a sidewall defined by the associated locking finger which, in the undeflected condition ofthe locking finger, obstructs the rib to prevent said lengthwise separational movement, and, in the deflected condition of the locking finger, releases the rib to permit said separational movement.
7. A clamping device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the locking fingers are deflectable generally inwardly with respecttotheelement-receiving passage to permit said separational movement.
8. A clamping device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the locking fingers are cammingly deflectable by the associated ribs on the pillars when the second element-locating portion is levered in the direction of said separational movement relative to the first element-locating portion.
9. Aclamping device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the locking fingers extend,from their roots with the second element-locating portion, generally in the direction ofthe element-receiving passage, and mutually diverge and extend in a direction generally opposite the direction of said separational movement.
10. Aclamping device as claimed in claim7, wherein the locking fingers extend, from their roots with the second element-locating portion, in a direction generally transverse to the element-receiving passage and to the direction of said separational movement.
11. A clamping device as claimed in anypreced- ing claim, wherein the first element-locating portion includes an integral sleeve extending in the longitudinal direction ofthe element-receiving passage, and defining a portion ofthe passage longitudinally adjacent the pillars, the second element-locating portion being displaceable in a direction away from the sleeve to unlock the first and second portions.
12. A clamping device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the sleeve is provided with fourth locking means to releasably snap-lock the device in a mounting aperture in a surface or member.
13. A clamping device as claimed in any preced ing claim, intheform of an electrically insulating bushing or grommet intended to be mounted in a mounting aperture in a surface or member, and op erabletoclampand restrain an elongate element comprising an electrical conductor or cable against longitudinal movement relative to the device, and to electrically insulate the conductor or cable from the surface or member when the device is mounted in the mounting aperture therein.
14. An electrically insulating bushing as claimed in claim 13, in combination with an attachment therefor which comprises a terminal block mounting device moulded from a synthetic plastics material which is adapted to be releasably secured to the bushing afterthe latter has been inserted into its mounting aperture, and which is provided with, or releasably attachable to, a terminal block.
15. The combination claimed in claim 14, wherein the terminal block mounting device is provided with a pair of resilient fingers which are engageable around the first element-locating portion and resiliently and releasablysnap lock into slots or recesses in the latter.
16. The combination claimed in claim 15, wherein said pairofresilientfingersareoperableto releasably snap-lock into slots or recesses in the pillars.
17. An attachment for an electrically insulating bushing orgrommet,which comprises aterminal block mounting device moulded from a synthetic plastics material which is adapted to be releasably secured to the bushing afterthe latter has been inserted into its mounting aperture, and which is provided with or releasably attachable to, a terminal block.
18. An adjustable cable clamp substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 10 ofthe accompanying drawings.
19. An adjustable cable clamp substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 11 to 19 ofthe accompanying drawings.
20. An adjustable cable clamp as claimed in claim 18 or 19, provided with a terminal blockmounting device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 20 to 23 ofthe accompanying drawings.
21. Aterminal block-mounting device substantially as herein before described with reference to Figures 20to 23 of the accompanying drawings.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB8528998A GB2183405B (en) | 1985-11-25 | 1985-11-25 | Improvements in or relating to clamping devices for electrical conductors and the like |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB8528998A GB2183405B (en) | 1985-11-25 | 1985-11-25 | Improvements in or relating to clamping devices for electrical conductors and the like |
Publications (3)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB8528998D0 GB8528998D0 (en) | 1986-01-02 |
| GB2183405A true GB2183405A (en) | 1987-06-03 |
| GB2183405B GB2183405B (en) | 1989-10-04 |
Family
ID=10588748
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB8528998A Expired GB2183405B (en) | 1985-11-25 | 1985-11-25 | Improvements in or relating to clamping devices for electrical conductors and the like |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2183405B (en) |
Cited By (24)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4921441A (en) * | 1989-08-31 | 1990-05-01 | Amp Incorporated | Shielded backshell system having strain relief and shield continuity |
| GB2233167A (en) * | 1989-05-10 | 1991-01-02 | Heyco Molded Products Inc | Strain relief bushing |
| WO1994007288A1 (en) * | 1992-09-14 | 1994-03-31 | Walter Rose Gmbh & Co Kg | Strain relief or sealing device for cable closure |
| US5445538A (en) * | 1993-11-17 | 1995-08-29 | Thomas & Betts Corporation | Electrical connector strain relief |
| DE4425466A1 (en) * | 1994-07-19 | 1996-01-25 | Thomas & Betts Gmbh | Cable connectors |
| US5514007A (en) * | 1994-05-04 | 1996-05-07 | Thomas & Betts Corporation | Data connector strain relief assembly |
| GB2313241A (en) * | 1996-05-14 | 1997-11-19 | Richard Weatherley | Shielded jack socket assembley |
| GB2322484A (en) * | 1997-02-25 | 1998-08-26 | Illuma Lighting Ltd | Luminaire wiring box with push fit terminal and clamp |
| EP1143567A2 (en) * | 2000-04-07 | 2001-10-10 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Electrical coupling element with a working element |
| EP1257011A2 (en) * | 2001-05-08 | 2002-11-13 | ITW Industrial Components S.r.l. | Cable clamping device, particularly for clamping bundles of cables |
| DE10155414A1 (en) * | 2001-11-10 | 2003-05-22 | Wieland Electric Gmbh | Strain reliever for electric cables in plugs, has base part for accommodating cable, arm pivotably connected to base part, and holder on base part for locking arm in closed position |
| US7025621B2 (en) * | 2000-08-17 | 2006-04-11 | Krone Gmbh | Electrical plug connector |
| WO2006066231A1 (en) * | 2004-12-17 | 2006-06-22 | Panduit Corp. | Wire containment cap with an integral strain relief clip |
| EP1808629A2 (en) | 2005-12-15 | 2007-07-18 | MBM Elettronica S.r.L. | Cable clamp device with engageable/disengageable locking part |
| EP1839958A1 (en) * | 2006-03-29 | 2007-10-03 | Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. | A connector connecting construction, a clamping member and a method of mounting a connector connecting construction |
| EP1798821A3 (en) * | 2005-12-15 | 2007-10-03 | Necto Group S.r.l. | Terminal box for electrical connections |
| WO2009151900A1 (en) * | 2008-06-09 | 2009-12-17 | Yribarren Richard J | Apparatuses, systems, and methods for inhibiting the removal of cable from conduit |
| FR2952764A1 (en) * | 2009-11-16 | 2011-05-20 | Groupe R & D | Connection box for connecting wired elements e.g. optical fibers, has jumper fixing wired element on base and locking unit comprising tooth in contact with notches of side branch of jumper to lock jumper on base |
| DE202012100261U1 (en) * | 2012-01-25 | 2012-12-06 | Zellner Gmbh | Multi-core cable with connection component |
| EP2770585A1 (en) * | 2013-02-21 | 2014-08-27 | Wieland Electric GmbH | Equipment housing with strain relief |
| US8968024B2 (en) | 2012-01-24 | 2015-03-03 | Panduit Corp. | Communication connector with wire containment cap for improved cable retention |
| WO2015078516A1 (en) * | 2013-11-29 | 2015-06-04 | Arcelik Anonim Sirketi | Combined cable connector and channel assembly |
| WO2015153416A1 (en) * | 2014-03-31 | 2015-10-08 | Novelis Inc. | Edge protection bushing with integrated clamp |
| WO2022061627A1 (en) * | 2020-09-24 | 2022-03-31 | Tridonic Gmbh & Co Kg | Strain relief clamp |
-
1985
- 1985-11-25 GB GB8528998A patent/GB2183405B/en not_active Expired
Cited By (43)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2233167A (en) * | 1989-05-10 | 1991-01-02 | Heyco Molded Products Inc | Strain relief bushing |
| GB2233167B (en) * | 1989-05-10 | 1994-01-19 | Heyco Molded Products Inc | Strain relief bushing and method of assembly thereof |
| US4921441A (en) * | 1989-08-31 | 1990-05-01 | Amp Incorporated | Shielded backshell system having strain relief and shield continuity |
| WO1994007288A1 (en) * | 1992-09-14 | 1994-03-31 | Walter Rose Gmbh & Co Kg | Strain relief or sealing device for cable closure |
| US5445538A (en) * | 1993-11-17 | 1995-08-29 | Thomas & Betts Corporation | Electrical connector strain relief |
| US5514007A (en) * | 1994-05-04 | 1996-05-07 | Thomas & Betts Corporation | Data connector strain relief assembly |
| DE4425466A1 (en) * | 1994-07-19 | 1996-01-25 | Thomas & Betts Gmbh | Cable connectors |
| GB2313241A (en) * | 1996-05-14 | 1997-11-19 | Richard Weatherley | Shielded jack socket assembley |
| GB2313241B (en) * | 1996-05-14 | 2001-02-14 | Richard Weatherley | Shielded jack socket assembly |
| GB2322484A (en) * | 1997-02-25 | 1998-08-26 | Illuma Lighting Ltd | Luminaire wiring box with push fit terminal and clamp |
| GB2322484B (en) * | 1997-02-25 | 2001-07-04 | Illuma Lighting Ltd | Wiring connector box |
| EP1143567A3 (en) * | 2000-04-07 | 2003-12-03 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Electrical coupling element with a working element |
| EP1143567A2 (en) * | 2000-04-07 | 2001-10-10 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Electrical coupling element with a working element |
| US7950951B2 (en) | 2000-08-17 | 2011-05-31 | Adc Gmbh | Electrical plug connector |
| US7695307B2 (en) | 2000-08-17 | 2010-04-13 | Adc Gmbh | Electrical plug connector |
| US7025621B2 (en) * | 2000-08-17 | 2006-04-11 | Krone Gmbh | Electrical plug connector |
| US7549891B2 (en) | 2000-08-17 | 2009-06-23 | Adc Gmbh | Electrical plug connector |
| EP1257011A2 (en) * | 2001-05-08 | 2002-11-13 | ITW Industrial Components S.r.l. | Cable clamping device, particularly for clamping bundles of cables |
| EP1257011A3 (en) * | 2001-05-08 | 2003-09-24 | ITW Industrial Components S.r.l. | Cable clamping device, particularly for clamping bundles of cables |
| DE10155414A1 (en) * | 2001-11-10 | 2003-05-22 | Wieland Electric Gmbh | Strain reliever for electric cables in plugs, has base part for accommodating cable, arm pivotably connected to base part, and holder on base part for locking arm in closed position |
| WO2006066231A1 (en) * | 2004-12-17 | 2006-06-22 | Panduit Corp. | Wire containment cap with an integral strain relief clip |
| US8298000B2 (en) | 2004-12-17 | 2012-10-30 | Panduit Corp. | Wire containment cap with an integral strain relief clip |
| US8109784B2 (en) | 2004-12-17 | 2012-02-07 | Panduit Corp. | Wire containment cap with an integral strain relief clip |
| CN101080856B (en) * | 2004-12-17 | 2011-01-19 | 泛达公司 | Wire containment cap with an integral strain relief clip |
| US7476120B2 (en) | 2004-12-17 | 2009-01-13 | Panduit Corp. | Wire containment cap with an integral strain relief clip |
| EP1808629A3 (en) * | 2005-12-15 | 2008-04-16 | Necto Group S.r.l. | Cable clamp device with engageable/disengageable locking part |
| US7467966B2 (en) | 2005-12-15 | 2008-12-23 | Necto Group S.R.L. | Terminal box for electrical connections |
| EP1798821A3 (en) * | 2005-12-15 | 2007-10-03 | Necto Group S.r.l. | Terminal box for electrical connections |
| EP1808629A2 (en) | 2005-12-15 | 2007-07-18 | MBM Elettronica S.r.L. | Cable clamp device with engageable/disengageable locking part |
| US7575269B2 (en) | 2006-03-29 | 2009-08-18 | Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. | Connector connecting construction, a clamping member and a method of mounting a connector connecting construction |
| EP1839958A1 (en) * | 2006-03-29 | 2007-10-03 | Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. | A connector connecting construction, a clamping member and a method of mounting a connector connecting construction |
| US8232474B2 (en) | 2008-06-09 | 2012-07-31 | Yribarren Richard J | Apparatuses, systems, and methods for inhibiting the removal of cable from conduit |
| WO2009151900A1 (en) * | 2008-06-09 | 2009-12-17 | Yribarren Richard J | Apparatuses, systems, and methods for inhibiting the removal of cable from conduit |
| FR2952764A1 (en) * | 2009-11-16 | 2011-05-20 | Groupe R & D | Connection box for connecting wired elements e.g. optical fibers, has jumper fixing wired element on base and locking unit comprising tooth in contact with notches of side branch of jumper to lock jumper on base |
| US8968024B2 (en) | 2012-01-24 | 2015-03-03 | Panduit Corp. | Communication connector with wire containment cap for improved cable retention |
| US9337572B2 (en) | 2012-01-24 | 2016-05-10 | Panduit Corp. | Communication connector with wire containment cap for improved cable retention |
| DE202012100261U1 (en) * | 2012-01-25 | 2012-12-06 | Zellner Gmbh | Multi-core cable with connection component |
| EP2770585A1 (en) * | 2013-02-21 | 2014-08-27 | Wieland Electric GmbH | Equipment housing with strain relief |
| WO2015078516A1 (en) * | 2013-11-29 | 2015-06-04 | Arcelik Anonim Sirketi | Combined cable connector and channel assembly |
| WO2015153416A1 (en) * | 2014-03-31 | 2015-10-08 | Novelis Inc. | Edge protection bushing with integrated clamp |
| CN106133423A (en) * | 2014-03-31 | 2016-11-16 | 诺维尔里斯公司 | There is the edge-protected lining of monoblock type fixture |
| US10330220B2 (en) | 2014-03-31 | 2019-06-25 | Novelis Inc. | Edge protection bushing with integrated clamp |
| WO2022061627A1 (en) * | 2020-09-24 | 2022-03-31 | Tridonic Gmbh & Co Kg | Strain relief clamp |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB8528998D0 (en) | 1986-01-02 |
| GB2183405B (en) | 1989-10-04 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCNP | Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |