GB2614049A

GB2614049A - A connector

Info

Publication number: GB2614049A
Application number: GB2118291.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Freeman Nigel; Olof Eagle Timothy
Original assignee: Dutypoint Ltd
Current assignee: Dutypoint Ltd
Priority date: 2021-12-16
Filing date: 2021-12-16
Publication date: 2023-06-28

Abstract

A connector 10 suitable for coupling a conduit 120 or a cable to an enclosure 110. The connector 10 comprises a body (figure 1, 12) including a bore 14 extending through the body (figure 1, 12) suitable for providing a route into the enclosure 110. The body (figure 1, 12) comprises a coupling region 18 suitable for coupling the connector 10 to the conduit 120 or cable, and an engaging region 16 suitable for engaging with the enclosure 110. A resilient catch 22 is biased towards a locking position and is disposed on the engaging region 16 of the body (figure 1, 12). The resilient catch 22 is adapted to be depressed as the engaging region 16 is inserted through an aperture in the enclosure 110 until the engaging region 16 is received in the aperture and the resilient catch 22 is biased back towards the locking position. The connector 10 acts essentially as a push-fit connector.

Description

A CONNECTOR

The present invention relates to a connector and particularly but not exclusively to a connector for securing a conduit or cable to an enclosure or equipment.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Connector assemblies, also known as glands or mechanical conduit or cable entry devices, provide a means of securing conduits or utility cables to enclosures, such as electrical backboxes, junction boxes, or similar enclosures.

A common connector assembly, such as that generally indicated at 100 in Figure 6, is a two-part assembly comprising a gland 102 and a fastener 104. The gland 102 includes a body for securing around the conduit or cable, and the body includes a threaded protrusion 106 extending from a collar 108 of the body. The fastener 104 is a nut with an inner threaded diameter.

To fit the connector assembly 100, the gland body 102 is secured around the conduit or cable and the threaded protrusion 106 is inserted through an aperture in the enclosure 110, preferably until the collar 108 abuts a wall 112 of the enclosure 110.

The fastener 104 is threaded onto the threaded protrusion 106 until the wall 112 is clamped between the collar 108 and the fastener 104. The fitter is required to use two hands to secure the connector assembly 100 as they must hold the first component in place while also operating the fastener 104, this can be further complicated if access to the inside of the enclosure is restricted.

It is an object of the present invention to reduce or substantially obviate the aforementioned problems.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided a connector for coupling a conduit or a cable to an enclosure, the connector comprising: a body including a bore extending through the body for providing a route into the enclosure, the body comprising a coupling region for coupling the connector to the conduit or cable and an engaging region for engaging with the enclosure; and a resilient catch biased towards a locking position and disposed on the engaging region of the body, wherein the resilient catch is adapted to be depressed as the engaging region is inserted through an aperture in the enclosure until the engaging region is substantially received in the aperture and the resilient catch is biased back towards the locking position.

The connector simplifies the process of connecting conduit or cable to an enclosure because the resilient catch provides a means to automatically secure the connector to the enclosure. The connector is essentially a push-fit connector.

The connector body may be a clamshell body. The clamshell body may include a first clamshell element and a second clamshell element. Each of the clamshell elements may include a portion of the coupling region and a portion of the engaging region. Each clamshell element may include a portion of the bore.

The clamshell body may be movable between an open configuration for receiving a portion of the conduit or cable and a closed configuration for coupling the connector to the conduit. In the open configuration, the coupling region of one of the clamshell elements may be adapted to receive a portion of the conduit or cable. In the closed configuration, the coupling region of one or both of the clamshell elements may be adapted to couple the connector to the conduit or cable.

A clamshell is advantageous as it allows for easily coupling of the connector to the conduit or cable because the conduit or cable can be located in a first clamshell element before the second half is positioned to complete the body of the connector.

A clamshell retainer may be provided. The clamshell retainer may retain the clamshell elements in a closed configuration.

The clamshell retainer may include a retainer arm or strap.

The retainer arm or strap may extend partially around at least a portion of the periphery of the body. The retainer arm or strap may extend from one clamshell element, and be sized so as to extend to the other clamshell element while in the closed configuration.

The clamshell retainer may include a retaining recess disposed in a clamshell element for receiving at least a portion of the retainer arm or strap.

The retainer arm may include a retainer tab adapted to be at least partially received in the retaining recess.

The retainer arm may be pivotally connected to the first clamshell element. The retaining recess may be disposed in the second clamshell element.

A groove for receiving the retainer arm or strap may be provided. The groove may terminate at the retaining recess. The groove may be provided in a portion of both the clamshell elements.

The clamshell retainer may be integrally formed in the clamshell elements. One end of the retainer arm may be integrally formed with and pivotally connected to the first clamshell element.

Installation is made easier by retaining the clamshell in a closed configuration because the installer does not need to hold the elements together. The provision of a groove and/or retaining recess for receiving the retainer arm or strap advantageously provides a near flush surface to the connector body reducing sharp edges or corners.

The first clamshell element and second clamshell element may be pivotally connected. The coupling regions of the clamshell elements may be pivotally connected.

A hinge may provide a pivotal connection between the clamshell elements. The hinge may be integrally formed with the clamshell body. The hinge may be a section of reduced thickness between the elements of the clamshell body.

The coupling region may include a coupling protrusion extending from a surface in the coupling region. The coupling protrusion may extend from an inner surface of the coupling region. In use, the coupling protrusion may substantially engage a surface of the conduit or cable or be received in a groove of a conduit.

The coupling protrusion may partially narrow a section of the bore.

The coupling protrusion provides a secure way of coupling the connector to the conduit or cable which prevents the conduit or cable from accidently decoupling.

A sealing means may be provided in the coupling region to seal the connector to the conduit or cable. A sealing means may be provided to seal the connector to the 25 enclosure.

The bore extending through the body may be sized and shaped to receive conduit or cable. The bore may have a substantially circular cross section. The diameter of the bore may be in the range of 10 mm to 50 mm, preferably 20 mm or 25 mm.

The conduit may be corrugated conduit, or non-corrugated conduit with at least one groove. The corrugated conduit comprises a plurality of grooves along at least a portion of its longitudinal length.

A shoulder may be disposed between the coupling region and engaging region. The shoulder may abut a wall of the enclosure when fitted. A gap may be formed between the shoulder and the resilient catch.

The shoulder is advantageous as it works with the resilient catch to securely connect the connector to the enclosure.

The engagement region may include a bevelled end. The bevelled end can assist locating the connector to an aperture in the enclosure.

The connector may be a one-piece connector. That is to say that all elements of the connector are integrally formed creating a unitary structure. Suitable manufacturing methods used to make a unitary structure, such as rotational moulding, additive manufacturing etc, may be used to form the one-piece connector.

A one-piece connector ensures that there are no additional components which may go missing. It also makes manufacturing simpler as there are no separate component parts needed, for example only a single mould is needed rather than a mould for each component.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a connector in a closed configuration; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the connector in Figure 1 in an open 25 configuration; Figure 3 shows a view of the connector assembly of Figure 1 in an open configuration with a conduit in a coupling region; Figure 4 shows a view of the connector assembly of Figure 3 in a closed configuration with the conduit couple to the connector assembly; Figure 5 shows a view of a connector assembly coupling a conduit to an enclosure; and Figure 6 shows a view of a prior art conduit connector. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A connector for coupling a conduit 120 or a cable to an enclosure 110 is generally indicated at 10 in Figure 1 to 5.

The connector 10 includes a body 12 having a bore 14 extending therethrough. In the current embodiment, the body 12 is a clamshell body with a first clamshell element 12a and a second clamshell element 12b. Preferably each clamshell element 12a, 12b is substantially half of the body 12.

The body 12 is moveable between an open configuration, such as that shown in Figures 2 and 3, and a closed configuration, such as that shown in Figures 1, 4 and 5.

The body 12 is substantially cylindrical in the closed configuration, however, it can be shaped to fit other of conduit or cable profiles.

In the closed configuration the body 12 securely couples the connector 10 to the conduit 120 or cable and allows the body 12 to be received in an opening of the enclosure.

In the open configuration, the body 12 can receive the conduit 120 or cable.

In the current embodiment, the first clamshell element 12a is pivotally connected to the second clamshell element 12b, the pivotal connection being provided on one side of each clamshell housing. A clamshell hinge 15, preferably integrally formed with both clamshell elements 12a, 12b, provides the pivotal connection.

An enclosure engagement region 16 of the body 12 is provided at one end of the connector 10. In the current embodiment, each clamshell element 12a, 12b includes a portion of the engagement region 16.

The engagement region 16 is sized and shaped so that while in the closed configuration it may be received in an aperture of the enclosure 110. For example, the engagement region 16 has an outer diameter which is substantially the same or smaller than the aperture in the electrical backbox.

A bevelled end 17 is provided at the engagement region 16.

A conduit or cable coupling region 18 of body 12 is provided at the other end of the connector 10. In the current embodiment, each clamshell element 12a, 12b includes a portion of the coupling region 18.

The clamshell hinge 15 substantially extends along the longitudinal length of the coupling region 18.

The coupling region 18 is sized and shaped to receive a conduit 120 or cable, that is to say that the inner diameter of the coupling region, i.e., the diameter of the bore in the coupling region 18 is substantially the same or larger than the outer diameter of the conduit or the cable sheathing.

In alternative embodiments, the coupling region 18 may be sized and shaped to be received in the conduit 120, that is to say that the outer diameter of the coupling region 18 may be substantially the same as or smaller than the inner diameter of the conduit.

A coupling protrusion 19 for substantially engaging with the conduit 120 or cable is provided in the coupling region 18. In the current embodiment, the coupling protrusion 19 is a wall which extends from an inner surface of the body 12 towards a central axis. Each clamshell element 12a,12b comprises coupling protrusion 19.

The coupling protrusion 19 substantially abuts against a surface of the conduit 120 or cable to secure the connector 10. The coupling protrusion 19 is particularly useful for corrugated conduit as it can be received in the grooves. Nonetheless, non-corrugated conduit can be used, preferably the non-corrugated conduits has a groove to receive the coupling protrusion 19.

A shoulder 20, or flange, is provided between the engagement region 16 and the coupling region 18. Once the connecter 10 is fitted to the enclosure 110, the shoulder 20 may substantially abut a portion of a wall 112 around the aperture of the enclosure 110.

A resilient catch 22 is disposed in or on the engagement region 16. Preferably two resilient catches 22 are diametrically disposed on or in the engagement region 16. A resilient catch 22 may be disposed on each clamshell element 12a, 12b.

An end of the or each resilient catch 22 is pivotally connected to the engagement region 16. At rest the resilient catch 22 is in a locking position in which it extends outwardly at an angle from the engagement region 16 towards the coupling region 18.

A gap for receiving the wall of the enclosure 110 is defined between a free end 23 of the resilient catch 22 and the shoulder 20. The gap is substantially the same or larger than the thickness of the wall 112 of the enclosure 110.

A slot 24 extending from an outer surface of engagement region 16 through to the bore 14 is disposed substantially beneath the or each resilient catch 22. The slot 24 is sized and shaped to allow at least a portion of the resilient catch 22 to pass through the body 12 as the resilient catch 22 is depressed by a wall 112 of the enclosure 110 during fitment.

A clamshell retainer is provided to retain the elements 12a, 12b of the body 12 together while in a closed configuration. In the current embodiment, the clamshell retainer comprises a retainer arm 26 disposed on the first clamshell element 12a and a retaining recess 28 disposed in the second clamshell element 12b. The retainer arm 26 and retaining recess 28 are disposed to the sides of the clamshell elements 12a, 12b not connected by the clamshell hinge 15.

The retainer arm 26 is pivotally connected about one end to the first clamshell element 12a. A retainer arm hinge integrally formed with the arm 26 and first clamshell element 12a provides the pivotal connection.

A retainer tab 30 is formed at the end of the retainer arm 26 opposite the pivotal connection. The retainer tab 30 is sized and shaped to be received in the retaining recess 28.

A groove 32 for receiving the retainer arm 26 is formed in both the first and second clamshell elements 12a, 12b. The groove 32 extends from the retainer arm hinge to the retaining recess 28.

The process of connecting the connector 10 to the conduit 120 or cable will now be discussed.

While the connector 10 is in the open configuration, the conduit 120 or cable is disposed to the inner surface of the coupling region 18 of one of the clamshell elements 12a, 12b, for example the first clamshell element 12a. The coupling protrusion 19 substantially abuts a portion of the conduit 120 or cable, or in some embodiments is received in a groove of the conduit 120.

Once the conduit or cable has been positioned in the coupling region 18 of one clamshell element, the clamshell body 12 is pivotally moved from the open configuration to the closed configuration. In the closed configuration, the coupling region of the body 12 substantially surrounds the conduit 120 or cable.

To secure the clamshell body 12 in the closed configuration, the retainer arm 26 is moved from an unengaged position in which it extends out from the connector 10 to an engaged position. In the engaged position, the retainer tab 30 is disposed in the retaining recess 28 and the retainer arm 26 is disposed in the groove 32.

The process of connecting the connector 10 to the enclosure 110 will now be briefly discussed.

Provided that the connector 10 is in a closed configuration, especially once the connector 10 has been coupled to the conduit 120 or cable, the engagement region 16 can be inserted through an aperture of the enclosure 110. As the engagement region 16 is inserted the resilient catch 22 cams against the wall 112 of the enclosure 110 about the aperture. The camming action causes the resilient catch 22 to be depressed through slot 24 until the wall 112 has passed, whereupon the resilient catch 22 is biased to return to the locking, or rest, position. The wall 112 of the enclosure 110 is then disposed in the gap between the shoulder 20 and the free end 23 of the resilient catch 22, securely engaging the connector 10 to the enclosure 110.

To remove engagement region 16 of the connector 10 from the enclosure 110 the or each resilient catch 22 must be depressed, for example by a tool or an individual's fingers.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of example only, and various changes and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A connector for coupling a conduit or a cable to an enclosure, the connector comprising: a body including a bore extending through the body for providing a route into the enclosure, the body comprising a coupling region for coupling the connector to the conduit or cable and an engaging region for engaging with the enclosure; and a resilient catch biased towards a locking position and disposed on the engaging region of the body, wherein the resilient catch is adapted to be depressed as the engaging region is inserted through an aperture in the enclosure until the engaging region is received in the aperture and the resilient catch is biased back towards the locking position.
2. A connector as claimed in claim 1, in which the connector body is a clamshell body including a first clamshell element and a second clamshell element, each clamshell element including a portion of the coupling region and a portion of the engaging region, wherein the clamshell body is movable between an open configuration for receiving a portion of the conduit or cable and a closed configuration for coupling the connector to the conduit or cable.
3. A connector as claimed in claim 2, in which, in the open configuration, the coupling region of one of the clamshell elements is suitable for receiving a portion of the conduit or cable.
4. A connector as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, further comprising a clamshell retainer for retaining the clamshell elements in the closed configuration.
5. A connector as claimed in claim 4, in which the clamshell retainer comprises a retainer arm or strap for retaining the clamshell in a closed configuration.
6. A connector as claimed in claim 5, in which the clamshell retainer comprises a retaining recess for receiving at least a portion of the retainer arm in a closed configuration.
7. A connector as claimed in any of claims 4 to 6, in which the clamshell retainer is integrally formed in the clamshell elements.
8. A connector as claimed in any of claims 4 to 7, further comprising a groove for receiving at least a portion of the clamshell retainer and for providing a substantially near flush surface while in a closed configuration.
9. A connector as claimed in any of claims 2 to 8, in which the first clamshell element and second clamshell element are pivotally connected.
10. A connector as claimed in claim 9, in which a hinge is connected to the first clamshell element and second clamshell element.
11. A connector as claimed in claim 10, in which the hinge is integrally formed with the first and second clamshell elements.
12. A connector as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a coupling protrusion extending from a surface of the coupling region, wherein the protrusion is suitable for engaging with a surface of the conduit or cable.
13. A connector as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a shoulder is disposed between the coupling region and engaging region.