GB2578283A - Electrical connector - Google Patents

Electrical connector Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2578283A
GB2578283A GB1815081.3A GB201815081A GB2578283A GB 2578283 A GB2578283 A GB 2578283A GB 201815081 A GB201815081 A GB 201815081A GB 2578283 A GB2578283 A GB 2578283A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
cable
contacts
body portion
main body
electrical connector
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB1815081.3A
Other versions
GB2578283B (en
GB201815081D0 (en
Inventor
Harry Mobbs Timothy
Sagadin Bostjan
Lotric Uros
Maxicome Raye Gravolin Laetone
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.)
Guzu Holdings Pty Ltd
Original Assignee
Guzu Holdings Pty 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 Guzu Holdings Pty Ltd filed Critical Guzu Holdings Pty Ltd
Priority to GB1815081.3A priority Critical patent/GB2578283B/en
Publication of GB201815081D0 publication Critical patent/GB201815081D0/en
Priority to AU2019101048A priority patent/AU2019101048B4/en
Publication of GB2578283A publication Critical patent/GB2578283A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2578283B publication Critical patent/GB2578283B/en
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01RELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00Electrically-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
    • H01R4/24Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands
    • H01R4/2416Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands the contact members having insulation-cutting edges, e.g. of tuning fork type
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01RELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00Electrically-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
    • H01R4/24Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands
    • H01R4/2416Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands the contact members having insulation-cutting edges, e.g. of tuning fork type
    • H01R4/242Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands the contact members having insulation-cutting edges, e.g. of tuning fork type the contact members being plates having a single slot
    • H01R4/2425Flat plates, e.g. multi-layered flat plates
    • H01R4/2429Flat plates, e.g. multi-layered flat plates mounted in an insulating base
    • H01R4/2433Flat plates, e.g. multi-layered flat plates mounted in an insulating base one part of the base being movable to push the cable into the slot
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01RELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R9/00Structural 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
    • H01R9/03Connectors arranged to contact a plurality of the conductors of a multiconductor cable, e.g. tapping connections
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01RELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R9/00Structural 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
    • H01R9/03Connectors arranged to contact a plurality of the conductors of a multiconductor cable, e.g. tapping connections
    • H01R9/031Connectors 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
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01RELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R12/00Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, specially adapted for printed circuits, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB], flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, e.g. terminal strips, terminal blocks; Coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures; Terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures
    • H01R12/50Fixed connections
    • H01R12/59Fixed connections for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures
    • H01R12/61Fixed connections for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures connecting to flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures
    • H01R12/613Fixed connections for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures connecting to flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures by means of interconnecting elements
    • H01R12/616Fixed connections for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures connecting to flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures by means of interconnecting elements having contacts penetrating insulation for making contact with conductors, e.g. needle points
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01RELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/46Bases; Cases
    • H01R13/502Bases; Cases composed of different pieces
    • H01R13/506Bases; Cases composed of different pieces assembled by snap action of the parts
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01RELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00Electrically-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
    • H01R4/24Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands
    • H01R4/2404Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands the contact members having teeth, prongs, pins or needles penetrating the insulation
    • H01R4/2406Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands the contact members having teeth, prongs, pins or needles penetrating the insulation having needles or pins

Landscapes

  • Connections By Means Of Piercing Elements, Nuts, Or Screws (AREA)
  • Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
  • Multi-Conductor Connections (AREA)

Abstract

An electrical connector 100 for connecting to two or more conductors in a cable (124, Fig 4) includes a main body 102 and a second body portion 104 movably attached or attachable to the main body portion and movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the main body. The second body portion has a cable seat 126 for locating the cable, and the main body has two contacts 110, 112 each having a cutting edge 114, 116. Each of the two contacts cuts the cable and contacts a different conductor of the cable as the second body portion moves from the open position to the closed position. Preferably the cutting edges are angled towards a plane located between the two contacts, so that they push the conductors towards each other, see Fig 7a. A further piercing contact 122 may make a further connection. The two body portions may be separate and engage using hooks 106 and pivot portions 108, to allow the cable to be installed without requiring access to one end.

Description

ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electrical connector. Reference will be made in the specification to the use of the invention with respect to electrical cables. The patent specification describes this use but it is by way of example only and the invention is not limited to this use.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Conventional electrical connections to cables with multiple conductors commonly require two steps. The first step is to cut and strip away the outer sheath insulation of a cable and then strip the insulation from the individual wires contained within the cable to expose the electrical conductors and make the wires ready for connection to an electrical connector. This is commonly achieved in the field using hand tools such as cutters and wire strippers. The second step is attaching the exposed conductor of the wires to a connector by twisting them and then screwing them down with a clamp to form the connection.
The use of tools like cutters for stripping cable and screw drivers for connecting and securing the conductor to a connector is time consuming especially when multiple connections are required. As well, forming an electrical connection requires skills and often a qualified electrician to handle live conductors and wires. These problems have been addressed in US5464352. The described in US5464352 has a hinged clamp which when closed applies a direct force on uninsulated wires into wire guide channels and slotted blade conductors to make a connection. The connector however does not accommodate a cored cable. The outer core insulation of the cable must still be stripped and the individual wires manually placed into the wire guide channels. The disadvantage is that several pre steps are required before the connector can be used.
The problems are also addressed in PCT/AU2012/000995, which describes the use of a cam to push the cable onto piercing connector elements. However, this device requires a tool to operate the cam so that sufficient force is applied to make the connection. -2 -
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to overcome or at least alleviate one or more of the above mentioned problems with electrical connectors and/or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect, the present invention broadly resides in an electrical connector for connecting to two or more conductors in a cable, the electrical connector including a main body; a second body portion movably attached or attachable to the main body portion and movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the main body, the second body portion having a cable seat for locating the cable; and two contacts attached relative to the main body, the two contacts each having 15 a cutting edge, the cutting edges angled towards a plane located between the two contacts, wherein in use, each of the two contacts cuts the cable and contacts a separate and different conductor of the two or more conductors in the cable as the second body portion moves from the open position to the closed position, to form an electrical connection between each of the two contacts and the corresponding conductor of the two or more conductors.
The second body portion is preferably rotatable from the open position to the closed position.
Preferably the second body portion is securable to the main body when the second body portion is in the closed position. In one embodiment, there is a snap style lock arrangement between the main body and the second body portion to secure the cover in the closed position. The electrical connector preferably includes a locking mechanism that inhibits the second body portion from moving from the closed position to the open position. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism can be disengaged using a tool enabling the second body portion to move from the closed position to the open position.
The second body portion is preferably releasably attachable to the main body. More preferably the second body portion is releasably and rotatably attachable to the main body. Preferably one of the main body or the second body portion includes -3 -one or more hook portions and the other of the main body or the second body portion includes one or more pivot portions. Preferably the one or more hook portions are releasably attachable to the one or more pivot portions. Preferably the one or more hook portions and the one or more pivot portions enable the second body portion to rotate between the open and closed positions.
The second body portion preferably includes a securing portion that secures the cable in the cable seat. In one embodiment, the main body includes a securing portion, which in the closed position presses the cable into the cable seat creating a friction fit. In another embodiment, the electrical connector includes a stopper which terminates the cable in the cable seat.
The second body portion preferably includes one or more apertures that enable the second body to be secured to a surface using one or more fasteners. The one or more apertures are preferably located between an outside surface of the second body portion and the cable seat. The fasteners are preferably one or more screws.
In one embodiment, the electrical connector preferably includes a piercing contact. The piercing contact preferably extends into the cable seat in the closed position. The piercing contact preferably pierces the cable and conductively engages with a corresponding conductor in the cable located within the cable seat as the second body portion moves to the closed position. The piercing contact preferably conductively engages with an earth conductor in the cable located within the cable seat as the second body portion moves to the closed position. The earth conductor is preferably a multi strand conductor. In another embodiment, the earth conductor is a single strand and/or solid core conductor.
The piercing contact is preferably located more centrally within the cable seat when the second body portion is in the closed position compared to the two contacts. The piercing contact is preferably substantially parallel to the plane located between the two contacts. The piercing contact is preferably attached relative to the main body. The piercing contact preferably extends from the main body.
The piercing contact preferably has a sharp point to pierce the cable. The piercing contact preferably has a cutting edge.
The cable is preferably a flat 3 core cable. In an alternate embodiment, the cable is a flat 2 core cable. In another embodiment, the cable is a multi stranded cable. In a further embodiment, the cable has a has a plurality of cores. -4 -
The electrical connector preferably includes an electrical connection. Preferably the electrical connection is adapted to connect the electrical connector to electrical devices. Preferably the electrical connection is an electrical cable. The electrical cable is preferably electrically connected to the two contacts. More preferably the electrical cable is electrically connected to the two contacts and the piercing contact.
In one embodiment, the electrical connector includes a cable adapter to secure the cable in the cable seat.
The two contacts are preferably a first contact and a second contact. The first contact preferably cuts into the cable and conductively engages with an active conductor in the cable as the second body portion moves from the open position to the closed position. The second contact preferably cuts into the cable and conductively engages with a neutral conductor in the cable as the second body portion moves from the open position to the closed position. The cutting edges of the two contacts are preferably angled away from the main body. A portion of each of the two contacts preferably has a sharp point to pierce the cable. The two contacts preferably extend away from the main body. The cutting edges of the two contacts preferably get closer to each other towards the main body.
The portions of the two contacts located in the cable seat in the closed position are preferably substantially planar in shape. The angle of each cutting edge is preferably defined by the angle of the substantially planar portion of the corresponding contact adjacent the cutting edge.
In another embodiment, the two contacts each have a planar portion and the angle of each cutting edge is defined by the planar portion in the direction of cutting edge relative to the plane.
The angle of each cutting edge to the plane is preferably in the range of 5° to 45°. The angle of each cutting edge to the plane is preferably in the range of 10° to 35°. More preferably the angle of each cutting edge to the plane is in the range of 15° to 25°. In one embodiment, the angle of each cutting edge to the plane is substantially 20°.
The active conductor is preferably a solid core conductor. Preferably the active conductor is a single core conductor. The neutral conductor is preferably a solid core conductor. Preferably the neutral conductor is a single core conductor. -5 -
The plane located between the two contacts is preferably centrally located relative to the first body. It will be appreciated that the plane is a reference plane, not a physical object. The plane preferably bisects both the main body and the second body portion when the second body portion is in the closed position. More preferably the plane bisects both the main body and the second body portion when the second body portion is attached to the main body. The plane is preferably parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cable seat when the second body portion is in the closed position. More preferably the plane is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cable seat when the second body portion is in the closed position or the open position. The longitudinal axis of the cable seat preferably extends in a direction substantially parallel to the cable when it is located in the cable seat.
In one embodiment, the electrical connector includes one or more additional contacts. Preferably each of the one or more additional contacts is electrically connected to one of the two contacts. Preferably each of the one or more additional contacts is adapted to contact the same conductor of the two or more conductors in the cable that the corresponding one of the two contacts engages as the second body portion moves from the open position to the closed position, to form an electrical connection between each of the additional contacts and the corresponding conductor of the two or more conductors. Preferably the additional contacts are attached relative to the main body. The additional contacts preferably each have a cutting edge. Preferably the cutting edges of the additional contacts are angled towards the plane located between the two contacts. More preferably each of the additional contacts has a planar portion and a cutting edge. Preferably the planar portion in the direction of the cutting edge is angled towards the plane located between the two contacts.
In one embodiment, the electrical connector includes one or more openings such that a probe can be electrically connected to each of the two contacts to test the electrical connection between the two contacts and the respective conductors of the two or more conductors. Preferably the electrical connector includes two openings such that a probe can be electrically connected to each of the two contacts to test the electrical connection between the two contacts and the respective conductors of the two or more conductors. More preferably, the electrical connector includes three openings such that a probe can be electrically connected to each of the two contacts and the piercing contact to test the electrical connection between -6 -the two contacts and piercing contact and the respective conductors of the cable. Preferably the electrical connector includes one or more plugs to cover the one or more openings.
In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in an electrical connector for connecting to three conductors in a cable, the electrical connector including a main body; a second body portion movably attachable or attached to the main body portion and movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the main body, the second body portion having a cable seat for locating the cable; two contacts attached relative to the main body, the two contacts having cutting edges, the cutting edges angled towards a plane located between the two contacts; and a piercing contact extending into the cable seat in the closed position wherein in use, each of the two contacts cuts the cable and contacts a separate and different conductor of the two or more conductors in the cable as the second body portion moves from the open position to the closed position, to form an electrical connection between each of the two contacts and the corresponding conductor of the two or more conductors, and the piercing contact pierces the cable and conductively engages with a corresponding conductor in the cable as the second body portion moves from the open position to the closed position.
In a further aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a method of connecting an electrical connector as described in this specification to one or more conductors in a cable, including the steps of locating the cable in the cable seat; moving the second body portion from the open position to the closed position such that the two contacts cut into the cable and contact a separate and different one of the two or more conductors in the cable to form an electrical connection between the two contacts and the respective conductors.
Preferably the two contacts cut into the cable and contact a separate and different one of the two or more conductors and urge the respective conductors inwardly relative to each other. -7 -
Preferably the method further includes the step of securing the second body portion to the main body in the closed position to inhibit the second body portion from moving towards the open position.
Preferably the method further includes the step of securing the cable in the cable seat. Preferably the step of securing the cable in the cable seat includes pressing the cable into the cable seat with the main body.
In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in an electrical connector for connecting to two or more conductors in a cable, the electrical connector including a main body; a second body portion movably attached or attachable to the main body portion and movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the main body, the second body portion having a cable seat for locating the cable; and two contacts attached relative to the main body, the two contacts each having a planar portion and a cutting edge, the planar portion in the direction of cutting edge angled towards a plane located between the two contacts, wherein in use, each of the two contacts cuts the cable and contacts a separate and different conductor of the two or more conductors in the cable as the second body portion moves from the open position to the closed position, to form an electrical connection between each of the two contacts and the corresponding conductor of the two or more conductors.
In a further aspect, the present invention broadly resides in an electrical connector for connecting to two or more conductors in a cable, the electrical connector including a main body; a second body portion movably attached or attachable to the main body portion and movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the main body, the second body portion having a cable seat for locating the cable; and two contacts attached relative to the main body, the two contacts each having a planar portion and a cutting edge, wherein in use, each of the two contacts cuts the cable and contacts a separate and different conductor of the two or more conductors in the cable as the second body portion moves from the open position to the closed position, to form an -8 -electrical connection between each of the two contacts and the corresponding conductor of the two or more conductors.
In this aspect, the planar portions of the two contacts are preferably substantially parallel to each other. Preferably in use, each of the two contacts cuts the cable and contacts a separate and different multi strand conductor of the two or more conductors in the cable as the second body portion moves from the open position to the closed position.
The features described with respect to one aspect also apply where applicable to all other aspects of the invention. Furthermore, different combinations 10 of described features are herein described and claimed even when not expressly stated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In order that the present invention can be more readily understood reference 15 will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and wherein: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an electrical connector according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a front view of the electrical connector of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a bottom perspective view of the electrical connector of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a bottom view of the main body of the electrical connector of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a bottom perspective view of the main body of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a side view of the main body of Figure 4; Figure 7 is a bottom view of the main body of Figure 4; Figure 7a is a detailed view of the contacts and the cable of Figure 7; Figure 8 is a perspective view of the main body of Figure 4; Figure 8a is a detailed view of the contacts and the cable of Figure 8; Figure 9 is a perspective view of the second body portion of the electrical connector of Figure 1; Figure 10 is a top view of the second body portion of Figure 9; Figure 11 is a front view of the second body portion of Figure 9; Figure 12 is a perspective view of the electrical connector of Figure 1 in the closed position; -9 -Figure 13 is a front view of the electrical connector of Figure 12; and Figure 14 is a bottom perspective view of the electrical connector of Figure 12.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
With reference to Figures 1-14, there is shown an electrical connector 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The electrical connector 100 has a main body 102 which is rotatably and removably attached to a second body portion 104. The main body 102 has hook portions 106 which are engageable with pivot portions 108 on the second body portion 104. The second body portion 104 is movable between an open position (shown in Figures 1-3) and a closed position (best seen in Figures 12-13).
The main body includes two contacts 110,112 angled towards each other. The two contacts 110,112 have planar portions and cutting edges 114,116. The planar portions in the direction of the cutting edges 114,116 are angled towards each other and towards a reference plane (not shown) located between the two contacts 110,112. The cutting edges 114,116 of the two contacts 110,112 get closer to each other towards the main body 102 and further apart away from the main body 102.
The two contacts 110,112 are electrically connected to an electrical connection in the form of an electrical cable 120. The electrical cable 120 can terminate in a plug (not shown) or an electrical device (not shown).
The two contacts 110,112 are adapted to cut into a cable in the form of a three cored electrical cable 124 (best seen in Figures 4-11) as the second body portion 104 moves from the open position to the closed position relative to the main 25 body 102.
The main body 102 also includes a piercing contact 122. The piercing contact 122 is adapted to cut into the three cored electrical cable 124 (best seen in Figures 4-11) as the second body portion 104 moves from the open position to the closed position relative to the main body 102.
The second body portion 104 has a cable seat 126. The three cored electrical cable 124 can be located in the cable seat 126. Having the second body portion 104 removably attachable to the main body 102 enables the three cored electrical cable 124 to be located in the cable seat 126 without requiring an end of the three cored electrical cable 124 to be passed through the electrical connector 100. After the -10 -three cored electrical cable 124 is located in the cable seat 126, the second body portion 104 can be attached to the main body 102.
The second body portion 104 includes securing portions 130. Securing portions 130 are adapted to secure the three cored electrical cable 124 in the cable seat 126. The second body portion 104 includes a protrusion in the form of a rib 132. The rib 132 causes the three cored electrical cable 124 to be secured via a friction fit when the second body portion 104 is in the closed position. The main body 102 includes a protrusion in the form of a rib 134. The rib 134 causes the three cored electrical cable 124 to be secured via a friction fit when the second body portion 104 is in the closed position.
The main body 102 has snap lock means 138 which engage with apertures 140 in the second body portion 104 in the closed position to secure the main body 102 to the second body portion 104. A tool such as a screwdriver (not shown) can be used to disengage the snap lock means 138 from the apertures 140 to enable the second body portion 104 to move from the closed position to the open position relative to the main body 102.
The second body portion 104 includes apertures 142. The apertures 142 are located between an outer surface 144 and the cable seat 126. The apertures 142 enable the second body portion 104 to be attached to a surface (not shown) using 20 fasteners such as screws (not shown).
With reference to Figures 4-8a there is shown the electrical connector 100 in the closed position with the second body portion 104 removed for clarity. Figures 68a have portions of the three cored electrical cable 124 cut away to illustrate the connection between the two contacts 110,112 and corresponding conductors 150,152 in the three cored electrical cable 124, as well as the connection between piercing contact 122 and conductor 154 in the three cored electrical cable 124.
As the second body portion 104 moves to the closed position relative to the main body 102, the two contacts 110,112 cut into the three cored electrical cable 124, contact the corresponding conductors 150,152, and urge the conductors towards each other. Having the planar portions of the two contacts 110,112 in the direction of the cutting edges 114,116 angled towards each other and the cutting edges 114,116 of the two contacts 110,112 get closer to each other towards the main body 102 ensures that an electrical connection is achieved between the two contacts 110,112 and the corresponding conductors 150,152. This is beneficial when the conductors 150,152 are solid core conductors.
The piercing contact 122 has cutting edge 123 which causes the conductor 154 to move to a side of the piercing contact 122 as the piercing contact pierced the three cored electrical cable 124 as the second body 104 moves from the open position to the closed position relative to the main body 102. This is beneficial when conductor 154 is a solid core conductor.
ADVANTAGES
An advantage of the preferred embodiment of the electrical connector includes creating electrical connections without the use of specialised tools. Another advantage of the preferred embodiment of the electrical connector includes no requirement to touch or handle live wires of a cable. A further advantage of the preferred embodiment of the electrical connector includes securing the cable within the electrical connector. Another advantage of the preferred embodiment of the electrical connector includes creating electrical connections with cables having at least two solid core conductors.
VARIATIONS
While the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth.
Throughout the description and claims of this specification the word "comprise" and variations of that word such as "comprises" and "comprising", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

Claims (20)

  1. -12-CLAIMS 1. An electrical connector for connecting to two or more conductors in a cable, the electrical connector including a main body; a second body portion movably attached or attachable to the main body portion and movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the main body, the second body portion having a cable seat for locating the cable; and two contacts attached relative to the main body, the two contacts each having a cutting edge, the cutting edges angled towards a plane located between the two contacts, wherein in use, each of the two contacts cuts the cable and contacts a separate and different conductor of the two or more conductors in the cable as the second body portion moves from the open position to the closed position, to form an electrical connection between each of the two contacts and the corresponding conductor of the two or more conductors.
  2. 2. An electrical connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second body portion is rotatable from the open position to the closed position.
  3. 3. An electrical connector as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second body portion is securable to the main body when the second body portion is in the closed position.
  4. 4. An electrical connector as claimed in claim 3, including a locking mechanism that inhibits the second body portion from moving from the closed position to the open position.
  5. 5. An electrical connector as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the two contacts each have a planar portion and the angle of each cutting edge is defined by the planar portion in the direction of cutting edge relative to the plane.
  6. -13 - 6. An electrical connector as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the cutting edges of the two contacts get closer to each other towards the main body.
  7. 7. An electrical connector as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the angle of each cutting edge to the plane is in the range of 15° to 25°.
  8. 8. An electrical connector as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the angle of each cutting edge to the plane is substantially 20°.
  9. 9. An electrical connector as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4, wherein one of the main body or the second body portion includes one or more hook portions and the other of the main body or the second body portion includes one or more pivot portions, the one or more hook portions releasably attachable to the one or more pivot portions, wherein the one or more hook portions attached to the one or more pivot portions enable the second body portion to rotate between the open and closed positions.
  10. 10. An electrical connector as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, including a piercing contact that extends into the cable seat in the closed position, in use the piercing contact pierces the cable and conductively engages with a corresponding conductor in the cable located within the cable seat as the second body portion moves to the closed position.
  11. 11. An electrical connector as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plane is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cable seat when the second body portion is in the closed position or the open position.
  12. 12. An electrical connector as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, including an electrical connection adapted to connect the electrical connector to one or more electrical devices.
  13. 13. An electrical connector as claimed in claim 12, wherein the electrical connection is an electrical cable.
  14. 14. An electrical connector as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable is a flat 3 core cable or a flat 2 core cable.
  15. 15. A method of connecting an electrical connector as claimed in any one of the preceding claims to one or more conductors in a cable, including the steps of locating the cable in the cable seat; and moving the second body portion from the open position to the closed position such that the two contacts cut into the cable and contact a separate and different one of the two or more conductors in the cable to form an electrical connection 10 between the two contacts and the respective conductors.
  16. 16. A method as claimed in claim 15, further including the step of securing the second body portion to the main body in the closed position to inhibit the second body portion from moving towards the open position.
  17. 17. A method as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 16, further including the step of securing the cable in the cable seat by pressing the cable into the cable seat with the main body.
  18. 18. An electrical connector for connecting to two or more conductors in a cable, the electrical connector including a main body; a second body portion movably attached or attachable to the main body portion and movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the main body, the second body portion having a cable seat for locating the cable; and two contacts attached relative to the main body, the two contacts each having a planar portion and a cutting edge, the planar portion in the direction of cutting edge angled towards a plane located between the two contacts, wherein in use, each of the two contacts cuts the cable and contacts a separate and different conductor of the two or more conductors in the cable as the second body portion moves from the open position to the closed position, to form an electrical connection between each of the two contacts and the corresponding conductor of the two or more conductors.
  19. -15 - 19. An electrical connector for connecting to three conductors in a cable, the electrical connector including a main body; a second body portion movably attachable or attached to the main body portion and movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the main body, the second body portion having a cable seat for locating the cable; two contacts attached relative to the main body, the two contacts having cutting edges, the cutting edges angled towards a plane located between the two contacts; and a piercing contact extending into the cable seat in the closed position, wherein in use, each of the two contacts cuts the cable and contacts a separate and different conductor of the two or more conductors in the cable as the second body portion moves from the open position to the closed position, to form an electrical connection between each of the two contacts and the corresponding conductor of the two or more conductors, and the piercing contact pierces the cable and conductively engages with a corresponding conductor in the cable as the second body portion moves from the open position to the closed position.
  20. 20. An electrical connector for connecting to two or more conductors in a cable, the electrical connector including a main body; a second body portion movably attached or attachable to the main body portion and movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the main body, the second body portion having a cable seat for locating the cable; and two contacts attached relative to the main body, the two contacts each having a planar portion and a cutting edge, wherein in use, each of the two contacts cuts the cable and contacts a separate and different conductor of the two or more conductors in the cable as the second body portion moves from the open position to the closed position, to form an electrical connection between each of the two contacts and the corresponding conductor of the two or more conductors.
GB1815081.3A 2018-09-17 2018-09-17 Electrical connector Expired - Fee Related GB2578283B (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1815081.3A GB2578283B (en) 2018-09-17 2018-09-17 Electrical connector
AU2019101048A AU2019101048B4 (en) 2018-09-17 2019-09-12 An electrical connector

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1815081.3A GB2578283B (en) 2018-09-17 2018-09-17 Electrical connector

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GB201815081D0 GB201815081D0 (en) 2018-10-31
GB2578283A true GB2578283A (en) 2020-05-06
GB2578283B GB2578283B (en) 2022-07-13

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GB1815081.3A Expired - Fee Related GB2578283B (en) 2018-09-17 2018-09-17 Electrical connector

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AU (1) AU2019101048B4 (en)
GB (1) GB2578283B (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4555158A (en) * 1984-08-06 1985-11-26 The Wallace Companies, Inc. Modular connector and system containing the same
EP0283013A2 (en) * 1987-03-18 1988-09-21 Sumitomo Electric Industries Limited Terminal arrangement for use in a multiplex transmission system
DE4203022A1 (en) * 1992-01-10 1993-07-15 Arcus Elektrotech Multi-lead junction clamp for connecting branch lines to main cable - has primary contacts and opposing secondary contacts to enable simultaneous contacting of leads in clamp jaws
US6196863B1 (en) * 1997-09-20 2001-03-06 Volkswagen Ag Electrical connection arrangement and method for making electrical connection
US20040235335A1 (en) * 2001-09-03 2004-11-25 Pierre Schoeffel Cable connector
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US20110061926A1 (en) * 2009-09-09 2011-03-17 Adc Gmbh Junction box
GB2475490A (en) * 2009-11-18 2011-05-25 Gfi Cables Ltd Electrical connector with pivoting wire fixture

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AU2019101048B4 (en) 2020-04-09
GB2578283B (en) 2022-07-13
GB201815081D0 (en) 2018-10-31
AU2019101048A4 (en) 2019-10-17

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Effective date: 20221013