GB2488044A - Clamping connector for electrical conductors - Google Patents

Clamping connector for electrical conductors Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2488044A
GB2488044A GB1202312.3A GB201202312A GB2488044A GB 2488044 A GB2488044 A GB 2488044A GB 201202312 A GB201202312 A GB 201202312A GB 2488044 A GB2488044 A GB 2488044A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
conductor
connector
conductors
connector according
neutral
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Withdrawn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
GB1202312.3A
Other versions
GB201202312D0 (en
Inventor
John Kitching
Jim Henderson
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.)
Sicame Electrical Developments Ltd
Original Assignee
Sicame Electrical Developments Ltd
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 Sicame Electrical Developments Ltd filed Critical Sicame Electrical Developments Ltd
Publication of GB201202312D0 publication Critical patent/GB201202312D0/en
Publication of GB2488044A publication Critical patent/GB2488044A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

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
    • H01R9/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, e.g. terminal strips or terminal blocks; Terminals or binding posts mounted upon a base or in a case; Bases therefor
    • H01R9/03—Connectors arranged to contact a plurality of the conductors of a multiconductor cable, e.g. tapping connections
    • H01R9/031—Connectors arranged to contact a plurality of the conductors of a multiconductor cable, e.g. tapping connections for multiphase cables, e.g. with contact members penetrating insulation of a plurality of conductors
    • 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
    • H01R4/24—Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands
    • H01R4/2475—Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands the contact members penetrating the insulation being actuated by screws, nuts or bolts
    • H01R4/2483—Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands the contact members penetrating the insulation being actuated by screws, nuts or bolts penetrating the area under the screw tip
    • 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
    • H01R4/363—Conductive members located under tip of screw with intermediate part between tip and conductive member
    • H01R4/366—Conductive members located under tip of screw with intermediate part between tip and conductive member intermediate part attached to the tip of the 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
    • 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
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
    • H02G15/00—Cable fittings
    • H02G15/08—Cable junctions

Landscapes

  • Cable Accessories (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical conductor connector of the type which is provided with clamping means to allow a first conductor to be electrically and mechanically connected to further conductors via a plurality of connector clamping assemblies provided integrally therewith. In one embodiment the first conductor 60 has three phase conductors 14, 16, 18 and clamping assemblies 20, 22, 24 are provided to pierce the insulation and to allow each of the said three phase conductors to be connected to a further conductor 62 via the same, common connector. The further conductors are held in ports 30, 32, 34. Additional connection assemblies 46 may allow further conductors 68â to be connected to a neutral or earth conductor 68 of the first conductor. The connector may be made of a body part 4 and a cap 6 which slide together, and the clamping means may be shear headed bolts.

Description

Connector for electrical conductors The invention to which this application relates is to a connector arrangement for use in the connection of a plurality of electrical conductors so as to allow the passage of electricity between the same. In particular, although not necessarily exclusively, the invention relates to a connector of a form which allows one or more service or branch conductors to be connected to at least one phase conductor of a mains conductor.
Typically, electricity is provided along a mains conductor as part of an electricity supply network, with the mains conductor having a number of phases with each phase being represented by a separate, insulated, phase conductor which is formed as a segment of the cable. For example, in the UK, there is provided a three phase supply. When it is necessary to take off an electricity supply from the mains cable, such as for example to provide electricity to a domestic premises, a service conductor is required to be connected electrically and mechanically with one of the phase conductors of the cable.
Conventionally, this is achieved by the provision of a series of connectors each of which receives an end of the service conductor and includes clamping means which allow the same to protrude into and contact electrically with one of the phase conductors which pass through the connector. The connector also provides a mechanical as well as an electrical connection of the service conductor with the phase conductor. In practice, if for example a number of service conductors are to be connected to the mains conductor at the same location, there will be provided separate connectors for each of the service connections so that if, for example, three service connections are to made to respective phase conductors of the cable, then three separate connectors will be required and, in accordance with appropriate regulations, these three connectors will have to be spaced apart by at least a predetermined distance.
In addition to the connectors for connection of the service cable conductors to the phase conductors, the conductors will also include neutral and/or earth wires and these also need to be connected to the neutral and earth wires of the service conductors. Thus, in the example given above, at least one but possibly three further connectors are required to be provided to provide mechanical and electrical connection of the respective neutral and/or earth wires of each of the service conductors, to the neutral and/or earth wires of the mains conductor. Once again, there will be a need to provide spacing between the respective connectors.
Conventionally when the appropriate connectors have all been provided and the electrical and mechanical connection is made, it is necessary to enclose the electrical connectors in a shell and then fill the void defined in the shell with a resin so as to encase or encapsulate the mechanical and electrical joints which have been made. It will therefore be appreciated that as the electrical connectors are spaced apart, that the length of the shell and hence the amount of resin which is required to be introduced into the cavity, is relatively large which all adds to the expense of the mechanical and electrical connections. The provision of separate connectors also adds to the time required to make the electrical connection.
The aim of the present invention is to provide a means whereby electrical and mechanical connection can be achieved in a more efficient manner.
In the first aspect of the invention, there is provided an electrical connector comprising a body, a passage defined through the connector for the reception of a first conductor and a plurality of clamping means to achieve electrical connection with the first conductor, and wherein a plurality of clamping assemblies are provided for the reception of at least one further conductor and to allow the electrical connection of the said further conductor with the first conductor.
In one embodiment, the said clamping means are spaced around the passage provided for the first conductor and, to engage the same, are moved towards the said passage, typically by rotation.
In one embodiment the connector is provided as a ring connector.
In one embodiment, the said further clamping assemblies include a port to receive a further conductor, and in one embodiment, an end thereof In one embodiment, the clamping means are provided to electrically connect the first conductor and also mechanically locate said first conductor in the connector. Typically there is provided an electrical connector component between each of the said clamping assemblies and the clamping means to which the same is adjacently located.
In one embodiment, the clamping assemblies each include further clamping means to engage the said further conductor in the appropriate port or channel.
In one embodiment the first conductor has three phase conductors and there are provided clamping means to allow the connection of three service conductors, one to each of the three phases.
In one embodiment, the connector further includes at least one further connector assembly to allow the connection of the neutral and/or earth wires are provided as part of the first conductor and further conductors.
Typically, the said at least one further connector assembly is provided as an integral part of the connector and each includes a channel for reception of the neutral and/or earth wires and at least one clamping means.
In one embodiment the clamping means are shear headed bolts..
In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a connector which allows the connection of one or more conductors to a first conductor having a plurality of phase conductors therein and the connection of neutral and/or earth wires of the said one or more further conductors to those of the first conductor and wherein the clamping assemblies provided to allow the electrical connections to be achieved are formed integrally with the said connector.
Typically, the phase conductors and the neutral and/or earth wire provided therewith pass through the connector such that the same do not need to be cut or otherwise interrupted.
Typically, an end of a further conductor is connected to the first conductor via the connector.
Typically, the passage for reception of the first conductor, and channels for the reception of the neutral and/or earth wires of the first conductor and service conductors, is formed within the body of the connector and the body includes engagement means for a cap portion to complete the body of the connector.
Specific embodiments of the invention are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings; wherein Figures Ia and b illustrate end and side elevations of the preferred embodiments of the invention.
Figure 2a -g illustrate a further embodiment of the invention; and Figures 3a and b illustrate conductors which can be connected together by the connector in accordance with one embodiment of the invention..
Referring firstly to Figures 3a and b there are illustrated a first conductor 60 and a service conductor 62 of the type which is connected to the first conductor using the connector in accordance with the invention. The first conductor 60 is a mains conductor which includes three phase conductors 14, 16, 18 therein and each of the phase conductors can be electrically connected independently to one of the service conductors 62.
The service conductor 62 includes a core 64 with which electrical connection can be achieved. Each of the conductors 60, 62 has neutral /and or earth wires 68 and the is provided with insulation material 66 as shown.
Turning now to Figures Ia and b, there is provided a connector 2 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.
The connector is provided with a body 4 and a cap part 6. The parts 4 and 6 are provided with respective engagement means 8 to allow sliding engagement of the cap part to the body by movement in the direction of arrow 10 so as to form the connector. Provided within the connector body, there is defined the channel 12 for the reception of the first conductor 60 which passes therethrough and which typically will be a mains conductor which has, in this embodiment, the three phase conductors 14, 16, and 18.Provided with respect to each of the said conductors, are clamping means 20,22,24 which, when screwed inwardly, towards central axis 26, will break through the surrounding insulation 66 in the particular phase conductor and make electrical contact with the aluminium core of the respective phase conductor. This achieves electrical connection between the clamping means and the particular phase conductor as well as mechanically locating the mains conductor in position.
Provided in electrical connection with each of the clamping means, are respective clamping assemblies with ports 30, 32 and 34. These ports are provided for the reception of an end of a service conductor 62 as shown. The service conductors 62 are located so as to be electrically connected to the adjacently connected phase conductor. The service conductor core 64 is exposed and further clamping means 40 are provided to be screwed onto the exposed conductive material of the service connector so as to achieve an electrical connection and, in turn, as the clamping means are connected to one of the clamping means 20,22,24 by means of an electrically conductive material within the connector (not shown) the electrical connection between the service conductor 62 and the respective phase conductor 12, 14,16 can be achieved.
In addition to achieving electrical connection between one of the phase conductors of the main conductor and the service conductor, there is also a need to connect the neutral or earth wires 68 which are provided in an annular path on the mains conductor 60 and typically on an annular path on the service conductor 62. In accordance with the present invention, this is achieved via further connection assemblies 46 which include a body portion 44 formed integrally with the body 6 as shown. In this case there is provided two further connection assemblies, one on either side of the channel 12 and both are formed integrally with the connector. These connector assemblies receive of the neutral and/or earth wires 68 of the mains conductor which pass through the said further connector and the ends of neutral and/or earth wires 68' of the service conductors 62 which can then be clamped by moving the clamping screw 52 onto the same to achieve mechanical and electrical connections as shown.
There is therefore provided in accordance with the invention, an integral connector which allows the connection of one or more service conductors to the phases of a further conductor and the electrical connection of neutral and/or earth wires provided with the said conductors in a single connector and therefore, as the single connector is provided in an integral form, there is no need for the spacing apart of different connectors or for a plurality of connectors to be located.
Figure lb illustrates the connector 2 in position and illustrates the manner in which all of the service conductors 62 can be connected to the respective phase conductors via the single connector as well as the neutral and earth wires 68, 68'. It is also shown how the overall length of the connection is defined by the length of the connector 2 rather than, as is conventionally the case the overall length of the spaced number of connectors which are spaced apart along the mains conductor. As a result of this, the join assembly can be substantially shorter in length than would conventionally be the case and this represents considerable savings in terms of material usage with respect to being able to use a shorter length of shell and, as a result, the cavity within the shell is smaller and the amount of resin required to be introduced into the cavity of the joint assembly is reduced.
In addition, the time taken to connect the various conductors and neutral earth wires together can be significantly reduced by use of a single, integral connector of type described herein.
Figures 2a-g illustrate another embodiment of the invention in which, in this case, there is provided a single connector 2 for use in connection of the service and mains conductors 60, 62 but in which the connector assemblies 46 for the neutral and/or earth conductors 68, 68' are provided as separate components to the main connector 2 and the same reference numerals are used as appropriate for ease of reference. Although in this embodiment, the overall join assembly which is created, maybe greater in length than in the embodiment shown in Figures la and b, there are still advantages to be gained with respect to the overall length of the adjoining assembly in comparison with the conventional manner of joining the electrical conductors together.

Claims (13)

  1. Claims 1. An electrical connector comprising a body, a passage defined through the connector for the reception of a first conductor and a plurality of clamping means to achieve electrical connection with the first conductor, and wherein a plurality of clamping assemblies are provided for the reception of at least one further conductor and to allow the electrical connection of the said further conductor with the first conductor.
  2. 2. A connector according to claim I wherein the said clamping means are spaced around the passage provided for the first conductor and, to engage the same, are moved towards the said passage, typically by rotation.
  3. 3. A connector according to claim 1 wherein the connector is provided as a ring connector.
  4. 4 A connector according to claim 1 wherein the said further clamping assemblies include a port to receive a further conductor.
  5. A connector according to claim 4 wherein the further clamping assemblies receive an end of the further conductor.
  6. 6 A connector according to claim 1 wherein the clamping means are provided to electrically connect the first conductor and also mechanically locate said first conductor in the connector.
  7. 7 A connector according to claim 1 wherein there is provided an electrical connector component between each of the said clamping assemblies and the clamping means to which the same is adjacently located.
  8. 8 A connector according to claim 1 wherein the clamping assemblies each include further clamping means to engage the said further conductor in the appropriate port or channel.
  9. 9. A connector according to claim I wherein the first conductor has three phase conductors and clamping assemblies to allow the connection of three service conductors, one to each of the three phases.
  10. A connector according to claim 9 wherein the connector further includes at least one further connector assembly to allow the connection of the neutral and/or earth wires provided as part of the first conductor and further conductors.
  11. 11 A connector according to claim 10 wherein the said at least one further connector assembly is provided as an integral part of the connector and each includes a channel for reception of the neutral and/or earth wires and at least one clamping means.
  12. 12 A connector according to claim 11 wherein the clamping means are shear headed bolts.
  13. 13. A connector which allows the connection of one or more conductors to a first conductor having a plurality of phase conductors therein and the connection of neutral and/or earth wires of the said one or more further conductors to those of the first conductor and wherein clamping assemblies are provided to allow the electrical connections to be achieved and are formed integrally with the said connector.
    14 A connector according to claim 13 wherein the phase conductors and the neutral and/or earth wire provided therewith pass through the connector.
    A connector according to claim 13 wherein an end of a further conductor is connected to the first conductor via the connector.
    16 A connector according to claim 13 wherein the passage for reception of the first conductor, and channels for the reception of the neutral and/or earth wires of the first conductor and service conductors, are formed within the body of the connector and the body includes engagement means for a cap portion to complete the body of the connector.
GB1202312.3A 2011-02-11 2012-02-10 Clamping connector for electrical conductors Withdrawn GB2488044A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB1102405.6A GB201102405D0 (en) 2011-02-11 2011-02-11 Connector of electrical conductors

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB201202312D0 GB201202312D0 (en) 2012-03-28
GB2488044A true GB2488044A (en) 2012-08-15

Family

ID=43859269

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GBGB1102405.6A Ceased GB201102405D0 (en) 2011-02-11 2011-02-11 Connector of electrical conductors
GB1202312.3A Withdrawn GB2488044A (en) 2011-02-11 2012-02-10 Clamping connector for electrical conductors

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GBGB1102405.6A Ceased GB201102405D0 (en) 2011-02-11 2011-02-11 Connector of electrical conductors

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (2) GB201102405D0 (en)

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB190925449A (en) * 1909-11-04 1910-09-15 Henleys Telegraph Works Co Ltd Improvements in Coupling Devices for Electric Cables.
GB1480856A (en) * 1975-06-17 1977-07-27 Ass Elect Ind Electrical connectors
GB2121621A (en) * 1982-06-07 1983-12-21 Preformed Line Products Co Method and apparatus for connecting branch circuits to a multi-core cable
GB2283621A (en) * 1993-10-23 1995-05-10 B & H Ltd Electrical connector
US5634827A (en) * 1994-02-24 1997-06-03 Societe Industrielle De Construction D'appareils Et De Materiel Electriques - Societe Anonyme Electrical connection device for conducting cable shields and methods of employing it
EP0928044A1 (en) * 1997-12-05 1999-07-07 Alcatel Electrical cable branch joint
WO1999066597A1 (en) * 1998-06-15 1999-12-23 Tappat Engineering Pty. Limited A t-joint connector

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB190925449A (en) * 1909-11-04 1910-09-15 Henleys Telegraph Works Co Ltd Improvements in Coupling Devices for Electric Cables.
GB1480856A (en) * 1975-06-17 1977-07-27 Ass Elect Ind Electrical connectors
GB2121621A (en) * 1982-06-07 1983-12-21 Preformed Line Products Co Method and apparatus for connecting branch circuits to a multi-core cable
GB2283621A (en) * 1993-10-23 1995-05-10 B & H Ltd Electrical connector
US5634827A (en) * 1994-02-24 1997-06-03 Societe Industrielle De Construction D'appareils Et De Materiel Electriques - Societe Anonyme Electrical connection device for conducting cable shields and methods of employing it
EP0928044A1 (en) * 1997-12-05 1999-07-07 Alcatel Electrical cable branch joint
WO1999066597A1 (en) * 1998-06-15 1999-12-23 Tappat Engineering Pty. Limited A t-joint connector

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201202312D0 (en) 2012-03-28
GB201102405D0 (en) 2011-03-30

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