MXPA00000005A - Bolted electrical connecting device for multiple electrical conductors - Google Patents
Bolted electrical connecting device for multiple electrical conductorsInfo
- Publication number
- MXPA00000005A MXPA00000005A MXPA/A/2000/000005A MXPA00000005A MXPA00000005A MX PA00000005 A MXPA00000005 A MX PA00000005A MX PA00000005 A MXPA00000005 A MX PA00000005A MX PA00000005 A MXPA00000005 A MX PA00000005A
- Authority
- MX
- Mexico
- Prior art keywords
- electrical
- insulators
- housing
- external
- connector device
- Prior art date
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Abstract
The present invention provides a device for electrically connecting electrical conductors (30, 30') of two adjacent sections (14, 18) of a multi-phase electrical distribution system (10). The connecting device includes a generally cylindrical body (38) enclosing two ground connectors (90), two outside insulators (110) and two inside insulators (114). Each of the outside and inside insulators (110, 114) includes an equal number of semi-circular shaped electrical connectors (158) which are arranged such that each electrical connector (158) on one of the outside insulators (110) has a corresponding electrical connector (158) on one of the inside insulators (114) thus forming a pocket (162). Each pocket (162) receives one electrical conductor (30, 30') from each of the two adjacent sections (14, 18) of the electrical distribution system (10). Electrical conductors (30, 30') of the two adjacent sections (14, 18) of the electrical distribution system (10) sharing a common pocket (162) are electrically connected by the corresponding electrical connectors (158) forming that pocket (162) as two outside insulators (110) are drawn toward the two inside insulators (114).
Description
CONNECTED ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR DEVICE FOR MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS
Field of the Invention This invention relates to connections for electrical distribution systems that employ round solid conductors or cables and, more specifically, to a bolted electrical connector for multi-phase electrical distribution systems having generally round conductors. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The electrical connections between two adjacent sections of a multi-phase electrical distribution system having round conductors have been made by spring-loaded connectors or by a separate bolted connection for each phase of the distribution system, which requires additional space for the connection and electrical isolation required to separate the different phases. Although spring loaded connections are easily assembled and can be compact in size, there are times when a bolted connection is preferred, or is required in an area where limited space is available. It is also desirable that a protective housing surrounding the electrical connection be compactly and easily converted into a water resistant housing when mating to adjacent sections of an electrical distribution system of pre-wired conduit or metallic electrical tubing. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The electrical connector of the present invention provides means for electrically connecting the round conductors of adjacent sections of a multi-phase electrical distribution system within a limited space. The connector device includes a generally cylindrical housing that houses two external insulators and two internal insulators that are gripped together by two connector bolts. An equal number of electrical connectors is attached to each of the external and internal insulators, such that for each electrical connector on one of the external insulators, there is a corresponding electrical connector on one of the internal insulators. Each pair of corresponding electrical connectors forms a cavity for receiving one end of one of the electrical conductors from each of the two adjacent sections of the electrical distribution system. When the connecting bolts are tightened, a uniform pressure is applied to the external insulators through spring rollers on the connecting bolts. This uniform pressure causes the corresponding electrical connectors to form cavities by gripping tightly against the ends of the electrical conductors received within the cavities, thereby making an electrical connection between the conductors of the two adjacent sections of the electrical distribution system.
Seal gaskets can be applied to the housing to provide a water resistant environment for the electrical connection. Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is an isometric view of an electrical distribution system in sections employing a bolted electrical connector device in accordance with the present invention. Figure 2 is an exploded view of the electrical distribution system in sections of Figure 1. Figure 3 is an isometric view of the electrical connector assembly according to the present invention. Figure 4 is an exploded view of the electrical connector device according to the present invention. Figure 5 is an isometric view of a pair of corresponding electrical connectors and an intermediate connector spacer according to the present invention. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 6-6 of Figure 2. Before an embodiment of the invention is explained in detail, it should be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is susceptible of other embodiments and of being put into or carried out in various other ways. Likewise, it should be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for purposes of description and should not be construed as limiting. Description of the Preferred Embodiment Form Figure 1 illustrates the basic components of an electrical distribution system, generally indicated by the reference number 10. The distribution system 10 comprises several individual sections connected together to form a complete system. For simplicity, the description of the preferred embodiment will only discuss a first section 14, a second section 18 and an intermediate connector device 22 of the present invention. Each of the first and second sections 14 and 18, respectively, includes a housing 26 and 26 'for substantially accommodating several individually insulated electrical conductors 30 and 30'. The housings 26 and 26 'are preferably tubular in shape and electrical conductors such that the ground of the system can be carried by the housings 26/26'. The connector device 22 of the present invention provides means for electrically connecting the adjacent ends of electrical conductors 30 and 30 'and the ground current carrying housings 26 and 26' of the first and second sections 14 and 18, respectively. The connector device 22 also provides a mechanical connection between the first and second sections 14 and 18, respectively. An electrical distribution system of this type generally includes an electrical conductor 30 or 30 'for each electrical phase of the distribution system 10. In the preferred embodiment, these conductors 30/30' are substantially rigid and generally circular in cross section. However, multiple individually insulated cables, housed within a common housing, can also be electrically connected by the connector 22. To facilitate installation, the electrical distribution system 10 can be in sections, as shown in Figure 1, where one end of the first section 14 is immediately adjacent one end of the second section 18. The electrical connector device 22 is positioned between two adjacent ends of the first and second sections 14 and 18, respectively, such that the adjacent ends of the conductors 30 and 30 'of the first and second sections 14 and 18, respectively, can be received inside the electrical connector device 22. Referring now to Figure 2, the connector device 22 of the present invention is preferably made of two halves identical 34 and 34 'which together form a generally cylindrical housing 38 having a first end 42 , a second end 46, and further defining a passage 50 connecting the first and second ends 42 and 46, respectively. The first and second ends 42 and 46, respectively, define generally circular openings 54 and 54 'for the passage 50. The openings 54 and 54' are dimensioned to loosely receive the generally tubular housings 26 and 26 '. The first and second ends 42 and 46 have an externally threaded portion 58 and 58 'for receiving compression nuts 62 and 62' that provide a mechanical connection between the housings 26 and 26 'and the connector housing 38. A compressible sealing gland 66 and 66 'is provided on each nut 62 and 62', respectively, to seal the connection between the tubular housings 26 and 26 'and the connector housing 38 against moisture ingress. Each of the housing halves 34 and 340 is provided with an access opening 70 and 70 ', respectively, which is closed by a closure cap 74 and 74'. The closure cap 74/74 'can be retained by means of threads, as shown, or other suitable means that will seal the housing 38 against the ingress of moisture. Referring now to Figure 3, a connector assembly generally indicated by the reference number 78 is shown. The set 78 is generally rectangular in overall form, with a generally non-circular cross section, generally octagonal in the preferred embodiment. The connector assembly 78 is held loosely by connecting pins 82 which pass through the assembly 78 and are threaded into the nuts 86. The assembly 78 further includes a pair of ground connectors 90 spaced from each other. The ground connectors 90 are made of an electrically conductive material. Each ground connector 90 is generally rectangular in overall shape and includes a flat portion 94 with extending ends 98. The extending ends 98 are formed such that their cross-sectional shape generally corresponds to the curvature of the tubular housings 26 and 26 '. The extending ends 98 are also spring-like, which allows them to engage slidably but forcefully the tubular housings 26 and 26 'of the adjacent first and second sections 14 and 18, thus making a good electrical connection. This electrical connection between the ground connectors 90 and the housings 26 and 26 'of the adjacent sections 14 and 18 provides a continuous ground path of the system between adjacent sections of the electrical distribution system 10. The connector housing 38 provides a parallel path for the ground current as it is electrically connected to the ground connectors 90 at the extending ends 98. Each ground connector 90 also includes several tabs 102 integrally formed to retain spring rollers 106 to the ground connectors 90. Located immediately adjacent to and between the flat portions 94 of the ground connectors 90 is a pair of external insulators 110, also generally rectangular in shape. The external insulators 110 each include a generally planar surface 112 (see Figure 4) that forms an inferium with the planar portions 94 of the ground connectors 90. Loosely located between and loosely enclosed with the external isolators 110 is a pair of internal isolators 114. The internal isolators 114 of Figure 3 include a generally rectangular support member 118 extending from each end such that the support members 118 extending from the same end of the two external isolators 114 are generally parallel and are spaced from each other. A stop member 122 is slidably received in the parallel support members 118 at each end of the internal isolator 114 such that the stop member 122 lies between the ends 98 of the ground connectors 90. The stop members 122 prevent adjacent ends of the first and second sections 14 and 18, respectively, are inserted too far into the passage 50 of the connector device 22. Preferably, the external and internal insulators 110 and 114, respectively, are made of an electrically insulating material, substantially rigid, and the stop members 122 are made of an electrically insulating material having some resilience. The spring rollers 106 provide a uniform gripping force on the flat portions 94 of the ground connectors 90 when the bolts 82 are tightened. This uniform force is transferred to the external insulators 110, thereby producing the gripping force between the external and internal insulators 110 and 114, respectively.
Referring now to Figure 4, connector 22 is shown in an exploded view. The two identical halves 34 and 34 'forming the housing 38 are generally configured as truncated cones. The small ends of the cones form the first and second ends of the housing 42 and 46, respectively. The large ends of the cones form mating ends 126 and 126 'in which the two halves 34 and 34' meet. The mating ends 126 and 126 'each have a mating surface 130 and 130', respectively, which is generally perpendicular to the axis of housing 22. This mating surface 130 is provided with holes 134 and 134 'for receiving means. of fasteners such as screws 138 and nuts 142 to provide means for joining the two housing halves 34 and 34 'together securely. A package 146 is placed between mating surfaces 130 and 130 'to provide a moisture resistant seal between the two housing halves 34 and 34' when the fastening means are securely tightened. The mating ends 126 and 126 'also define generally non-circular openings 150/150', respectively, corresponding to the generally non-circular cross-sectional shape of the connector assembly 78 such that the connector assembly 78 is slidably received in the openings 150 and 150 '. When the connector 22 is assembled, one half of the connector assembly 78 is housed in each of the two halves 34 and 34 '. Each of the halves 34 and 34 'also includes a nut retaining groove 154 and 154', respectively, located opposite the access openings 70/70 '. The nut retaining grooves 154/154 'slidably receive the nuts 86 when the connector assembly 78 is received in the housing halves 34 and 34'. The nut retaining grooves 154/154 'prevent the nuts 86 from turning when the bolts 82 are tightened. When the housing halves 34 and 34' have been assembled around the connector assembly 78, the heads of the bolts 82 will be alignment with the access openings 70 and 70 'such that the bolts 82 can be tightened to make the electrical connection between adjacent first and second sections 14 and 18, respectively, of the electrical distribution system 10. The electrical connection between the electrical conductors 30 and 30 'of the first and second sections 14 and 18, respectively, is made by several electrical connectors 158, each made of electrically conductive material and having a generally semi-circular cross-section corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the electrical conductors 30/30 '. The electrical connectors 158 are arranged in opposite pairs, thus forming cavities of generally tubular shape 162 between the opposing pairs of connectors 158. Each cavity 162 has a longitudinal axis parallel to the axis of the connector assembly 78. Each cavity 162 receives an end of one of the electrical conductors 30 of the first section 14 and one end of one of the electrical conductors 30 'of the second section 18. Each electrical conductor 30 of the first section 14 that shares a cavity 162 with an electrical conductor 30' of the second section 18 will be electrically connected to the other connector of the opposite pair of electrical connectors 158, forming that cavity 162 when the bolts 82 are tightened. An electrical connector 158 of each of the opposite pairs of electrical connectors 158 is associated with one of the external isolators 110. , while the other electrical connector 158 of each of the opposite pairs of electrical connectors 158 is a associated with one of the internal insulators 114. The external and internal insulators 110 and 114, respectively, include several longitudinal grooves 160, each having a cross-sectional shape generally corresponding to the semi-circular cross-section of the electrical connectors 158. An electrical connector 158 is associated with or firmly attached within each of the slits 160. The external and internal isolators 110 and 114, respectively, are arranged such that each has an equal number of slits 160. The slits 160 of the external isolators 110 are generally parallel to each other and are located on a surface opposite the flat surface 112. The slits 160 of the internal isolators 114 are located on opposite surfaces and are diametrically opposed. Each slit 160 in one of the external isolators 110 has a corresponding slit 160 in one of the internal isolators 114. The corresponding slits 160 of the external and internal isolators 110 and 114, respectively, are in opposite relation, thus allowing a pair of electrical connectors 158 are received between the external and internal insulators 110 and 114. The longitudinal alignment between corresponding slits 160 is maintained by loosely enclosing the external and internal insulators 110 and 114, respectively, together. This interlock is achieved by a pair of generally parallel alignment ribs 164 extending outwardly from the longitudinal edges of each of the external insulators 110 and a pair of diametrically opposed alignment grooves 168 extending along a longitudinal edge of the longitudinal and longitudinal edges of the longitudinal insulators. each of the internal isolators 114. One of the diametrically opposed alignment slots 168 of each of the internal isolators 114 receives the alignment ribs 164 of one of the external isolators 110, while the other of the diametrically opposed alignment grooves. 168 of each of the inner isolators 114 receives the alignment ribs 164 of the other of the external isolators 110. The internal isolators 114 each include a bolt relief 166 for each bolt 82. The bolt reliefs 166 are shaped generally semi-circular such that a circular opening for each pin 82 is provided between the two internal insulators 1 14 when the connector assembly 78 is complete. A spacer package 170 is dimensioned to fit between the two internal isolators 114. The spacer pack 170 maintains an appropriate spacing between the two internal isolators 114 and is preferably made of an electrically insulating material such that it also provides electrical separation between the living components of different polarity within connector assembly 78. Internal insulator 114 of Figure 4 includes an integrally formed stop member 174 at each end. The integrally formed stop member 174 performs the same function as the stop member 122 of FIG. 3 and thus eliminates the need for two additional parts in the connector assembly 78. Referring now to FIG. pair of corresponding connectors 158, with a connector spacer 178 that provides proper spacing between the corresponding connectors 158 and further provides means for maintaining the corresponding connectors together. The connector spacer 178 is dimensioned to maintain a space approximately equal to the diameter of the electrical conductors 30 and 30 'between the corresponding connectors 158. The connector spacer 178 is also provided with two diametrically opposed tie ribs 182, each extending outwardly from the connector spacer 178 along its longitudinal axis and ending at a retaining end 186 which is generally triangular in cross section, the base of the triangle being wider than the rib 182. Each connecting rib 182 is received within a slot 190 in the connector 158. The slot 190 is sized to be slightly narrower than the base of the triangular-shaped retaining end 186 but wider than the rib 182. By pushing the retaining end 186 through the slot 190, the base of the triangular retaining end locks the connector spacer 178 in place. The connector spacer 178 holds the two corresponding connectors 158 together while also providing proper spacing between the corresponding connectors 158. The connector spacer 178 is preferably made of an easily compressible material that also has elastic qualities, for example rubber. Each connector 158 has a beveled guiding edge 194 at each end to facilitate the installation of the conductors 30 and 30 'in the cavities 162. Referring now to FIG. 6, a cross-sectional view of the assembled connector device 22 provides further detail certain features of the connector assembly 78 of Figure 5. The connector assembly 78, with its circular cross-sectional shape, is shown with respect to the non-circular opening 150 'of the mating end 126' of the connector housing 38. The ribs of Lined alignment 164 and slots 168 providing the loose interlock of the external and internal insulators 110 and 114, respectively, are easily appreciated in this view. The retaining ends 186 of the connector spacer 178 are shown by linking the connectors 158 through the slots 190. The spacer packing 170 is also shown in this position between the internal isolators 114.
Claims (23)
- RE V ND CATIONS 1. A device for electrically connecting the electrical conductors of a first section of a multi-phase electrical distribution system to the electrical conductors of a second adjacent section of the multi-phase electrical distribution system, said device comprising: housing, having a first end and a second end and defining a passage for communication between said first and second ends, said first and second ends sized to slidably receive a portion of the first and second sections of the electrical distribution system; a pair of ground connectors received within said housing, each generally extending between said first and second ends of said housing; a pair of external insulators, received within said passage, each generally extending between said first and second ends of said housing and being intermediate said ground connectors; a pair of internal insulators, received within said passage, each generally extending between said first and second ends of said housing and being intermediate said external insulators, said internal insulators being in a juxtaposed position; a plurality of electrical connectors, each generally semi-circular in cross section and extending generally between said first and second ends of said housing, said electrical conductors arranged in opposite pairs, each said pair being intermediate one of said external insulators and one of said internal insulators, each said opposite pair forming a cavity for receiving an electrical conductor from each of the first and second adjacent sections of the electrical distribution system; and means for moving said external isolators between a first position and a second position with respect to said internal isolators.
- 2. The connector device of claim 1, wherein the means for moving is a threaded fastener such as a bolt.
- The connector device of claim 1, wherein in said first position the electrical conductors of the first and second adjacent sections of the electrical distribution system can enter said cavities at said first and second ends of said housing, and in said second position the electrical conductors received inside said cavities are tightly grasped such that the conductors sharing a common cavity are electrically connected together by said corresponding electrical connectors forming said common cavity.
- 4. The connector device of claim 1, wherein each of said external and internal insulators includes an equal number of semi-circular longitudinal slits, each having a semi-circular cross section corresponding to said semi-circular cross section of said electrical connectors, each of said slits in one of said external insulators having a correspondingly longitudinally aligned slit in one of said internal insulators, said slits being opposite such that said opposite pair of electrical connectors can be received between each of said corresponding opposite slits.
- The connector device of claim 4, wherein said external and internal insulators further include means for longitudinal alignment to maintain longitudinal alignment of said slits.
- The connector device of claim 5, wherein said means for longitudinal alignment includes a longitudinal alignment rib extending outward from each longitudinal edge of each of said external isolators and a pair of longitudinal alignment slots in opposite relation between si and extending along a longitudinal edge of each of said internal insulators, said alignment slots in each of said internal insulators loosely receiving an alignment rib from each of said external insulators.
- 7. The connector device of claim 1, wherein each connector of said opposite pairs of electrical connectors forming said cavities is separated by a compressible separator such that a particular distance is maintained between said opposite pairs of electrical connectors when said external insulators are in said first position.
- The connector device of claim 7, wherein said particular distance corresponds to a cross-sectional dimension associated with the electrical conductors of the first and second sections of the electrical distribution system.
- The connector device of claim 7, wherein said compressible separator is attached to each of said opposed electrical connectors forming said cavity.
- The connector device of claim 9, wherein said compressible separator is compressed by moving said external isolators from said first position to said second position.
- The connector device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of stop members for limiting the distance that each of the first and second sections of the electrical distribution system can enter said first and second ends of said housing.
- The connector device of claim 11, wherein each of said stop members is slidably received in a pair of stop brackets, one of said stop brackets extending outward from each end of each of said internal isolators. .
- The connector device of claim 11, wherein each of said stop members is formed integrally from said internal isolators.
- The connector device of claim 1, wherein said first and second housing ends further include a threaded portion for receiving a compression nut, said compression nuts providing a positive connection between the first and second sections of the electrical distribution system and said housing of the connector device.
- 15. A device for electrically connecting the electrical conductors and the conductive housing of a first section of an electrical distribution system in sections, of multiple phases to the electrical conductors and the conductive housing of a second adjacent section of the electrical distribution system in sections , of multiple phases, said device comprising: a housing having a first end and a second end and defining a passage for communication between said first and second ends, said first and second ends dimensioned to slidably receive a portion of the first and second sections of the electrical distribution system; a pair of ground connectors received within said housing such that they generally extend between said first and second ends of said housing, thereby linking the conductive housings of the first and second sections of the electrical distribution system; a pair of external isolators, received within said passage, such that they generally extend between said first and second ends of said housing and are intermediate to said ground connectors; a pair of internal insulators, received within said passage, such that they generally extend between said first and second ends of said housing, said internal insulators being juxtaposed and intermediate to said external insulators; a plurality of electrical connectors, each generally semi-circular in cross section and generally extending between said first and second ends of said housing, each said electrical connector being attached to each of said internal or external insulators, an equal number of said connectors electrical being attached to each of said external and internal insulators such that each said electrical connector attached to one of said external insulators has a corresponding electrical connector attached to one of said internal insulators, said corresponding electrical connectors being opposite, thus forming a cavity between said corresponding electrical connectors, each said cavity selectively receiving an electrical conductor from each of said first and second adjacent sections of the electrical distribution system; and means for moving said external insulators between a first position where the conductors of the first and second sections of the electrical distribution system can enter said cavities and a second position where the conductors of both the first and second sections are tightly gripped in said cavities such that the conductors of the first and second sections sharing a common cavity are electrically connected together by said corresponding electric connectors forming said common cavity.
- 16. The connector device of claim 15, wherein the means for moving is a threaded fastener such as a bolt.
- The connector device of claim 15, wherein each of said external and internal insulators includes an equal number of semi-circular longitudinal slits, said slit each receiving one of said semicircular electrical connectors.
- The connector device of claim 17, wherein said external and internal insulators further include means for longitudinal alignment to maintain longitudinal alignment of said slits.
- 19. The connector device of claim 18, wherein said means for longitudinal alignment includes a longitudinal alignment rib extending outwardly from each longitudinal edge of each external isolator and a pair of longitudinal alignment slots in opposite relation to each other and extending to it. along a longitudinal edge of each of said internal insulators, said alignment slots in each said internal insulator loosely receiving an alignment rib from each said external insulator.
- 20. The connector device of claim 15, including a plurality of stop members to limit the distance each of the first and second sections of the electrical distribution system can enter said first and second ends of said housing.
- The connector device of claim 20, wherein each said stop member is slidably received in a pair of stop brackets, one of said stop brackets extending outwardly from each end of each of said internal isolators.
- 22. The connector device of claim 20, wherein each said stop member is integrally formed from said internal isolators. The connector device of claim 15, wherein said first and second housing ends further include a threaded portion for receiving a compression nut, said compression nuts providing a positive connection between the first and second sections of the electrical distribution system and said housing of the connector device.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09065849 | 1998-04-24 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
MXPA00000005A true MXPA00000005A (en) | 2001-03-05 |
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