GB2185155A - Corrosion and resistant electric connectors - Google Patents

Corrosion and resistant electric connectors Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2185155A
GB2185155A GB08600105A GB8600105A GB2185155A GB 2185155 A GB2185155 A GB 2185155A GB 08600105 A GB08600105 A GB 08600105A GB 8600105 A GB8600105 A GB 8600105A GB 2185155 A GB2185155 A GB 2185155A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
aluminium tube
conductor
connector
caps
aluminium
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Withdrawn
Application number
GB08600105A
Other versions
GB8600105D0 (en
Inventor
Jill Louise Waller
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Balfour Beatty PLC
Original Assignee
BICC PLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by BICC PLC filed Critical BICC PLC
Priority to GB08600105A priority Critical patent/GB2185155A/en
Publication of GB8600105D0 publication Critical patent/GB8600105D0/en
Publication of GB2185155A publication Critical patent/GB2185155A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/70—Insulation of connections

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  • Connections Effected By Soldering, Adhesion, Or Permanent Deformation (AREA)

Abstract

A corrosion resistant electric connector comprises an aluminium tube 1, preferably tinned, which is completely enclosed in a plastics covering comprising two end caps 2, 3 each having a closed end with a central area which is weak enough for a conductor that is to be connected to be pushed through it. A quantity of grease 4 appropriate to fill the interstices of the finished joint is located in two separate portions in the closed ends of the respective end caps. The end caps are preferably long enough to meet and seal directly to each other, preferably by a snap fit, but a separate insulating sleeve can be used. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Corrosion resistant electric connectors This invention relates to corrosion-resistantelectric connectors that are primarily intended for connecting a copperconductorto an aluminium one in outdoor conditions, though they can of course be used also in the less onerous conditions indoors and/or in copper-to-copper or aluminium-to-aluminium joints.
The applicants (and others) have marketed for some time a connector for this purpose comprising an aluminium tube, centrally constricted to prevent over-insertion, protected by a close-fitting plastics sleeve with the ends closed by plastics end-caps which are weak enough, at least in a central area, for the conductors to be jointed to be pushed through them and containing a quantity of greasy sealing compound to fill alltheintersticesafterthe conductors have been inserted and secured by compression of the tube and sleeve ('crimping').
More recently, we have proposed a modified design in which the insulating sleeve is omitted and the end-caps extended and modified to make a close snap fit with one another, so increasing the path Iengthforpenetration of moisture(orother indesirable fluid) from the exterior to the inside surface and so improving the corrosion-resistance of the joint. We have also proposed that the aluminium tube should be tinned.
We have now discovered that a verysimple modification can result in q worthwhile further increase in resistance to corrosion.
In accordance with the invention, a corrosion-resistant electric connector comprises an aluminium tube completely enclosed in a plastics covering comprising two end caps each having a closed end with a central area which is weak enough for a conductor that is to be connected to be pushed through it and containing a quantity of a greasy sealing compound thatwill fill all the interstices when two conductor ends of suitable size are inserted from opposite ends through the respective end caps and secured by crimping and is characterised by the fact that the sealing compound is divided into two portions each confined to an end portion of the connector adjacent the closed end of the respective end cap.
Preferably each of the two portions of sealing compound forms a plug which seals the mouth of the aluminium tube.
Preferably the aluminium tube is constricted at the centre to prevent over-insertion of either conductor end, or it could be formed with machined or otherwise fabricated shoulders or a complete septumforthe same purpose. Unlesstheconnector isto be used exclusively for copper conductors, itis very desirableforthe aluminium tube to be tinned all over.
The use of a separate sleeve to form the central part of the plastics covering is not excluded, but the use of end-caps which directly seal to one another, preferably with a snap fit, is very much preferred.
The covering is preferably of a black, outdoor grade of nylon, but other suitable plastics materials can be used.
Preferably the closed end of each end-cap is spaced from the adjacent end ofthe aluminium tube to the extentthatthe bulkofthesealing compound is outside the aluminium tube until the relevant conductor end is inserted. Shoulders on the end-cap (orthe aluminium tube) may be used to ensure correct positioning.
The inner surface of each end-cap may be formed with an annular rib to form a localised seal to the aluminium tube, orthejoint(s) between the end-caps or between the sleeve and each end-cap could be sealed by welding or with an adhesive composition for extra security if desired.
The required distribution of sealing compound can easily be obtained by injecting it into the closed end of each end-cap (instead of into the aluminium tube) priorto assembly, using a mechanic's grease gun or similar dispenser.
The accompanying drawing is a longitudinal cross-section of one example of house-service connector in accordance with the invention.
The main components of the connector are aluminium tube 1,end caps 2 and 3 and grease filling 4,4.
The aluminium tube 1 has two portions of equal external but unequal internal diameter, between which a constriction 5 is formed by local indentation 6 in the circumference to prevent either conductor from being over-inserted. The aluminium tube is tinned on all its surfaces.
The end caps 2 and 3 of outdoor grade black nylon composition, prefilled with the appropriate volumes offilling compound 4, are pushed over respective ends ofthetube until shoulders 7,7 on the end caps engage the ends of the tube and the two end caps snap together at 8.
The particular connector shown forms one of a range of three connectors which together cater four all the conductor sizes that are usually encountered in this application; the other two comprise one in which the internal diameters at both ends are equal to the smaller internal diameter ofthe one shown (which caters for the smaller conductor sizes ofthe range) and another in which the internal diameters at both ends are equal to the larger internal diameterof the one shown (which caters for the larger conductors ofthe range); the connector shown in the drawing is used when it is desired to connect together one conductor from the larger and one from the smaller part of the range.
Use of each of the connectors is conventional; that is the end of each conductor, stripped of insulation for the appropriate length, is forced through the centre of the appropriate end cap until it abuts the constriction 5, and the aluminium tube (together with the plastics covering) is then circumferentially compressed in one or more places along its length to make an effective electrical and mechanical connection.
1. Corrosion resistant electric connector
**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (7)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Corrosion resistant electric connectors This invention relates to corrosion-resistantelectric connectors that are primarily intended for connecting a copperconductorto an aluminium one in outdoor conditions, though they can of course be used also in the less onerous conditions indoors and/or in copper-to-copper or aluminium-to-aluminium joints. The applicants (and others) have marketed for some time a connector for this purpose comprising an aluminium tube, centrally constricted to prevent over-insertion, protected by a close-fitting plastics sleeve with the ends closed by plastics end-caps which are weak enough, at least in a central area, for the conductors to be jointed to be pushed through them and containing a quantity of greasy sealing compound to fill alltheintersticesafterthe conductors have been inserted and secured by compression of the tube and sleeve ('crimping'). More recently, we have proposed a modified design in which the insulating sleeve is omitted and the end-caps extended and modified to make a close snap fit with one another, so increasing the path Iengthforpenetration of moisture(orother indesirable fluid) from the exterior to the inside surface and so improving the corrosion-resistance of the joint. We have also proposed that the aluminium tube should be tinned. We have now discovered that a verysimple modification can result in q worthwhile further increase in resistance to corrosion. In accordance with the invention, a corrosion-resistant electric connector comprises an aluminium tube completely enclosed in a plastics covering comprising two end caps each having a closed end with a central area which is weak enough for a conductor that is to be connected to be pushed through it and containing a quantity of a greasy sealing compound thatwill fill all the interstices when two conductor ends of suitable size are inserted from opposite ends through the respective end caps and secured by crimping and is characterised by the fact that the sealing compound is divided into two portions each confined to an end portion of the connector adjacent the closed end of the respective end cap. Preferably each of the two portions of sealing compound forms a plug which seals the mouth of the aluminium tube. Preferably the aluminium tube is constricted at the centre to prevent over-insertion of either conductor end, or it could be formed with machined or otherwise fabricated shoulders or a complete septumforthe same purpose. Unlesstheconnector isto be used exclusively for copper conductors, itis very desirableforthe aluminium tube to be tinned all over. The use of a separate sleeve to form the central part of the plastics covering is not excluded, but the use of end-caps which directly seal to one another, preferably with a snap fit, is very much preferred. The covering is preferably of a black, outdoor grade of nylon, but other suitable plastics materials can be used. Preferably the closed end of each end-cap is spaced from the adjacent end ofthe aluminium tube to the extentthatthe bulkofthesealing compound is outside the aluminium tube until the relevant conductor end is inserted. Shoulders on the end-cap (orthe aluminium tube) may be used to ensure correct positioning. The inner surface of each end-cap may be formed with an annular rib to form a localised seal to the aluminium tube, orthejoint(s) between the end-caps or between the sleeve and each end-cap could be sealed by welding or with an adhesive composition for extra security if desired. The required distribution of sealing compound can easily be obtained by injecting it into the closed end of each end-cap (instead of into the aluminium tube) priorto assembly, using a mechanic's grease gun or similar dispenser. The accompanying drawing is a longitudinal cross-section of one example of house-service connector in accordance with the invention. The main components of the connector are aluminium tube 1,end caps 2 and 3 and grease filling 4,4. The aluminium tube 1 has two portions of equal external but unequal internal diameter, between which a constriction 5 is formed by local indentation 6 in the circumference to prevent either conductor from being over-inserted. The aluminium tube is tinned on all its surfaces. The end caps 2 and 3 of outdoor grade black nylon composition, prefilled with the appropriate volumes offilling compound 4, are pushed over respective ends ofthetube until shoulders 7,7 on the end caps engage the ends of the tube and the two end caps snap together at 8. The particular connector shown forms one of a range of three connectors which together cater four all the conductor sizes that are usually encountered in this application; the other two comprise one in which the internal diameters at both ends are equal to the smaller internal diameter ofthe one shown (which caters for the smaller conductor sizes ofthe range) and another in which the internal diameters at both ends are equal to the larger internal diameterof the one shown (which caters for the larger conductors ofthe range); the connector shown in the drawing is used when it is desired to connect together one conductor from the larger and one from the smaller part of the range. Use of each of the connectors is conventional; that is the end of each conductor, stripped of insulation for the appropriate length, is forced through the centre of the appropriate end cap until it abuts the constriction 5, and the aluminium tube (together with the plastics covering) is then circumferentially compressed in one or more places along its length to make an effective electrical and mechanical connection. CLAIMS
1. Corrosion resistant electric connector comprising an aluminium tube compietely enclosed in a plastics covering comprising two end caps each having a closed end with a central area which is weak enough for a conductor that isto be connected to be pushed through itand containing a quantityofa greasy sealing compound that will fill all the interstices when two conductor ends of suitable size are inserted from opposite ends through the respective end caps and secured by crimping and characterised by the factthatthe sealing compound is divided into two portions each confined to an end portion of the connector adjacent the closed end of the respective end cap.
2. Aconnectoras claimed in Claim 1 in which the end caps directly seal to one another.
3. A connector as claimed in Claim 2 in which the end caps seal to one another with a snap fit.
4. A connector as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims in which each of the two portions of sealing compound forms a plug which seals the respective mouth ofthe aluminium tube.
5. Aconnectorasclaimed in anyoneofthe preceding Claims in which the aluminium tube is tinned all over.
6. A house-service electric connector substantially as described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawing.
7. A method of making the connector claimed in any preceding Claim characterised by the step of injecting the sealing compound into the closed end of each end cap prior to assembly.
GB08600105A 1986-01-03 1986-01-03 Corrosion and resistant electric connectors Withdrawn GB2185155A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB08600105A GB2185155A (en) 1986-01-03 1986-01-03 Corrosion and resistant electric connectors

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB08600105A GB2185155A (en) 1986-01-03 1986-01-03 Corrosion and resistant electric connectors

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB8600105D0 GB8600105D0 (en) 1986-02-12
GB2185155A true GB2185155A (en) 1987-07-08

Family

ID=10590900

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB08600105A Withdrawn GB2185155A (en) 1986-01-03 1986-01-03 Corrosion and resistant electric connectors

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2185155A (en)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1992014278A1 (en) * 1991-02-07 1992-08-20 Raychem S.A. Electrical crimp connector
US5422438A (en) * 1991-02-07 1995-06-06 Raychem Sa Electrical crimp connector
FR2748864A1 (en) * 1996-05-15 1997-11-21 Vivelec Electrical connector with sealing device for telephone network
WO2002082586A1 (en) * 2001-04-04 2002-10-17 Erna Dorothea Van Tonder Extend o' cord
WO2013041776A1 (en) * 2011-09-22 2013-03-28 Ensto Oy Arrangement for splicing the cables in a medium-voltage overhead power line

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1992014278A1 (en) * 1991-02-07 1992-08-20 Raychem S.A. Electrical crimp connector
US5422438A (en) * 1991-02-07 1995-06-06 Raychem Sa Electrical crimp connector
FR2748864A1 (en) * 1996-05-15 1997-11-21 Vivelec Electrical connector with sealing device for telephone network
WO2002082586A1 (en) * 2001-04-04 2002-10-17 Erna Dorothea Van Tonder Extend o' cord
WO2013041776A1 (en) * 2011-09-22 2013-03-28 Ensto Oy Arrangement for splicing the cables in a medium-voltage overhead power line
EA026207B1 (en) * 2011-09-22 2017-03-31 Энсто Ой Arrangement for splicing the cables in a medium-voltage overhead power line

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB8600105D0 (en) 1986-02-12

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WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)