MXPA06004193A - Terminal for low voltage electrical cable - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a terminal for minimizing unauthorized use of electricity from a power line while allowing for distribution of electricity to the consumer. The terminal includes a splice closure and a terminal closure. The splice closure has at least two bridging electrical cables and a means for making electrical connection between the power cable and the bridging electrical cable. The terminal closure has at least one bus bar, a neutral terminal block, and means for routing distribution electrical cables out of the terminal closure.

Description

TERMINAL FOR LOW VOLTAGE ELECTRICAL CABLE Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to current distributing cables that supply electricity to the consumer. More particularly, the present invention relates to a terminal that isolates and protects a portion of the current distributing cable to minimize unauthorized access and unauthorized use of electricity while allowing the distribution of electricity to consumers. . "Background of ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Currently, in some regions of the of 600 volts). These low voltage electrical cables can be of various types such as: (1) non-insulated conductor wire, ie bare copper wires or bare aluminum coiled together to form a conductor, (2) single insulated wire, ie the conductor is insulated with a polymeric insulator, such as polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride, and (3) neutral concentric cable, i.e., a polymeric insulator coaxially covers the conductor and a protective metal layer, such as a protective copper layer, Coaxially covers the insulation. The layer Kef .: 172320 Protective works as a shield and as a neutral. In this document, for the purpose of clarity, such types of electric cables can be referred to as "current distributing cables", since they supply electric power to consumers. The term current distribution cable, however, is not limited to these three specific types of electrical cables. For cost considerations, low voltage electrical cables may not be buried in the ground but instead are suspended in the air from poles or similar structures. In some regions of the world, these cables can carry nominal voltages of 120 volts (phase-earth) or 220 volts (phase-phase). The current distributing cables can carry other nominal voltages but usually will not exceed 1000 volts. An advantage of cables. Current distributors listed above is that these are efficient methods in electricity distribution cost a. the consumers. One disadvantage is that these are easily accessible such that unauthorized users can divert electricity without compensation to utility companies. Although unauthorized diversion of electricity can be more difficult with a single insulated cable or neutral concentric cable as compared to an uninsulated cable, such a detour can be made, particularly where such cables terminate in a transformer.

Deviations in the electricity supply can cause several problems. For example, unauthorized diversion can cause voltage variations because the number of registered users is not equal to the number of current users. The detour can also cause overload that leads to sudden power cuts. Short circuits could arise especially when unauthorized users use low quality connections. There could also be loss of production due to sudden cuts caused by unauthorized users. Clients who pay may have to unfairly settle the cost of these problems - since - the - public service companies may need to pass the cost on to them. Thus, there is a need to protect against the unauthorized diversion of electricity in low-voltage electrical cables that are of the non-isolated type, the simple isolated type, and the neutral concentric type while still allowing the distribution of electricity to paying consumers . SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one aspect, the present invention relates to a terminal for a current distributing cable. The terminal comprises (1) a splice closure device comprising at least two bridge electric cables, a first and a second; (2) a terminal closure device attached to the splice closure device, and (3) a connection device inside the splice closure device to establish electrical communication between the bridge electric cables and the current distribution cable. The closing device of the terminal comprises means for routing the electrical distribution cables out of the closing device of the terminal, in at least one contact bar, and a neutral terminal block. The first bridge electric cable is fixed to the contact bar and the second bridge electric cable is fixed to the neutral terminal block. In c-tro, _aspect v The present invention relates to a-equipment for distributing electricity from a current distributing cable. The equipment comprises (1) a terminal comprising a splice closure device and a terminal closure device, the splice closure device comprises at least two bridged power lines, the terminal closure device comprises at least one contact bar, a neutral terminal block, and means for routing the electrical distribution cables out of the terminal closing device; (2) means for making the electrical connection between the current distributing cable and the electric bridge cable; and (3) means for securing the terminal to the current distributing cable. • In yet another aspect, the present invention is It relates to a method to distribute electricity from current distributing cables. The method comprises the steps of (1) providing the terminal as described above; (2) temporarily hang the terminal from the power distribution cable using cable links that are fixed at each end of the terminal to the power distribution cable; (3) making electrical connections between the power distribution cable and the terminal and between the terminal and the power distribution cables; (4) securing the terminal to the power distribution cable; and (5) extract the cable__ links from. _the terminal and _cable current distributor. -Brief Description of the Figures The invention can be better understood with reference to the following figures, wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a terminal in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a side view of the terminal in Figure 1 showing the splice closure device in an open position; Figure 3 is a side view of the terminal of Figure 1 showing the closing device of the terminal in an open position; and Figure 4 is a perspective view of the terminal of Figure 1 hanging on an electric line in use. These figures are not drawn to scale and are shown merely for illustrative purposes. Detailed Description of the Invention In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the appended figures, which form a part thereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific modalities in which the invention. It must be understood- .. what- -other; Modes can be used. and structural or logical changes can be made without deviating from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, should not be considered in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. The invention is directed to a terminal that prevents and thus minimizes if it does not eliminate the diversion of electricity from unauthorized users while allowing the distribution of electricity to legitimate customers. In general, the closure device contains a primary subsystem that is fixed to a secondary subsystem. The primary subsystem is designated to house a portion of the current distributing cable and contains components therein that allow the distribution of electricity from the current distributing cable. The Secondary subsystems contain the components that allow the distribution of electricity to the consumer. Both subsystems are designed with means to minimize and means to detect unauthorized access within the subsystem. In one aspect, the invention further includes means for securing the terminal to the current distributing cable. It is within the scope of the present invention that any type of current distributing cable can be used in the present invention, provided that one uses appropriate means to establish electrical communication between the current-distributing-cable-bridged-cable in the -terminal- of "Closing device, as best explained herein, Figure 1 shows, an exemplary embodiment of the invention, Terminal 10 comprises the integral splice closure device 12 and the closure device of terminal 14. The terminal 10 can be adapted to be suspended from an overhead power distribution cable (not shown) .In one embodiment, the terminal resists impacts.Since the terminal typically hangs in the air, it should be stable when subjected to long exposure and repeated in ultraviolet light In one embodiment, the terminal complies with the requirements of the Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) 746D Fabricated Parts of Polymer Materials The splice closure device 12 comprises the cover 20 that can be opened along an opening edge or seal 21. The joint has ridges and joint grooves to form a labyrinth seal to restrict the ingress of dirt, water, insects, and the like, into the cover 20 The cover 20 comprises the sections of the first and second cover 22 and 24 respectively. In one embodiment, the hinged line 26 is defined by a compression-molded hinge 28 such that the hinge 28 is integral with the sections of the cover 22 and 24. In one embodiment, the cover 20 is molded from a polymer material. appropriate, such .co or polyethylene or the like. The cover .20 can be manufactured by any conventional molding technique, such as liquid pressure molding, injection molding, and the like. . Each section 23, 24 is approximately one half of the cover 20, such that each section is substantially semi-cylindrical in configuration. The cover 20 has the first and second opposite ends 30,32. The end seals 34 (refer to Figure 2) are disposed at the first and second ends-30, 32 to receive and seal around the current distributing cables (not shown) entering and exiting the cover at the ends first and second 30, 32. The cover is maintained and secured in a condition closed by the securing or securing device 40. The securing device 40 can be any of a variety • of conventional distribution where section 22. the section 24 can be selectively secured along the joint 21. As will be apparent from inspection of Figure 1, access to the attached splice area within the cover 20 is facilitated by the rotational position of the first section of the cover 22 (in the upper position) relative to the second section of the cover 24 (in the lowest position). In particular, the first and second selections 22, 24 of the cover 20 are oriented such that when the cover 20 is opened ,. a. substantially unobstructed view is provided into the splice area within the cover 20. This is achieved by preferred positioning of the hinge line 26 relative to the location of the hooks 16. In one embodiment, the line Hinge 26 is positioned between 125 ° to 145 °, and preferably about 135 °, from the fastening points of the hooks 16 to mount the terminal 10 to a support cable (not shown). In Figure 2, the splice closure device 12 is illustrated with the cover 20 in the open position. The end seals 34, which may be formed in accordance with U.S. Patent No. 4,857,672, assigned to the attorney of this application, are supported. in recesses in the first and second ends 30, 32 of section 22 such that the end seals 34, under reception of a cable through it, remain adjacent to the first and second ends 30,32, respectively. The end seals 34 are coupled and sealed by recessed areas cooperating at the first and second ends 30, 32 of the section 24 when the sections 22, 24 are in the closed position. The section 24 of the cover 20 includes openings 42 that form conduits in the lower portion of the cover 20.

The openings 42 can be covered with a grid and include filtering means to limit the ingress of dirt, water, water, and so on, within the cover. The cover 20 also includes a support surface 50 for joining to and supporting the closure device of the terminal 14. The support surface 50 is generally flat and positioned to be located on one side of the cover 20 below the opening gasket 21, such that the closing device of the terminal 14 supported therein is easily accessible from the side or the front of the terminal 10. The splice closure device 12 additionally includes the holding device 40. , and in the embodiment of Figure 2, the fastening device 40 is supported on the section 22 of the cover 20 such that the securing portion of the fastening device '40 may engage a protrusion 56 on the section 24 on the supporting surface 50. The adjacent opening gasket 21 in ' the outer wall of the cover 20 is the projections 62 with concave portions defining recesses 64. As best explained below, the recesses 64 are formed to secure the cover 78 of the closure device of the terminal 14 when it is desired to have access to the interior of the closure device of the terminal 14. A support surface 50 in the splice closure device 12 is fixed to at least one bridge electrical cable 116. The pins shown on the support surface 50 are preferably insulated with a mastic or with a polymeric material, for example, polyvinyl chloride. Although -whether- electric bridge cables are shown, any other number can be used. The jumper cables may be equipped with insulating piercing connectors (IPC, not shown) for electrical connection between the jumper cables with the electrical line (not shown). Similarly, when a separate neutral is present with the power distribution cable (not shown). Similarly, when a separate neutral is present with the power distribution cable, the IPC can be used to put it in electrical communication with one of the jumper cables. In one embodiment, the IPC can be fabricated from aluminum-copper or copper plated with tin and can be insulating. The IPC preferably has a lubrication compound to maximize the likelihood of have an appropriate electrical connection between the cables and the IPC and to minimize corrosion. The IPC can be designed for a wire range of approximately 13 mm2 to 68 mm2 (6 AWG to 2/0 AWG). Optionally, the exposed end of the bridged electrical cables can be protected against the elements with an end cap. Although bridged electrical cables are secured in the splice enclosure, which is typically closed, the end cap provides additional protection for them. Bridged power cables should be selected to be compatible with the nominal voltage of the current-distributing cable. With reference to Figure 3, the closing device of the terminal 14 is attached to the cover 20 on the supporting surface 50 by any appropriate means for making the splice closure device 12 and the closing device of the terminal 14 a unitary structure. If the splice closure device 12 and the closure device of the terminal 14 are first formed as separate units, appropriate means for making the splice closure device 12 and the closing device of the terminal 14 a unitary structure include, for example, attaching the splice closure device 12 and the closure device of the terminal 14 using rivets, machine screws, bolts, heat welding, and the like.

The splice closure device 12 and the closure device of the terminal 14 can alternatively be joined to form a unitary structure by molding the closure devices 12, 14 together as an individual structure, instead of first forming them as separate units. The support surface 50 is positioned to place the closure device of the terminal 14 on one side of the cover 20 when the terminal 10 is suspended from a power distribution cable (not shown). The closing device of the terminal 14 comprises a wall --super-ior-7-0 -, - una - pa-red-el-fondo 72 ^ r_paredes-del -extremos 74 ~ 7 ~ 75, "" stop "" rear "~ 7" 6 ~ and "nail" cover- "Wrap" "78" is hinged towards the upper wall 70 of the closing device of the terminal 14 and in a embodiment, is hinged by a compression-molded hinge 80. That is, the hinge 80 is integral with the top wall 70 and the cover 78 of the closure device of the terminal 14. The closure device of the terminal 14 can be molded to from an appropriate polymer material, such as polyethylene or the like. In this manner, the hinge 80 can be easily formed integrally with the walls and lid of the closure device of the terminal 14 when it is molded. The terminal closure device 14 can be formed by any conventional molding technique, such as by liquid pressure molding, injection molding, and Similar. The cover 78 is provided with a locking mechanism 90, intended to prevent and minimize unauthorized access to the interior of the terminal closure device 14. The cover 78 is also provided with anchors.81 on its hinge 80 adjacent to the the outer surface. The anchors 81 cooperate with the recesses 64 in the cover 20 to maintain the cover 78 in an open and raised position when the cover 78 is sufficiently raised, for example, by a service technician working on the contents of the device. closing-of-the-terminal- 14. The. -flexibility of the polymer material forming the splice closure device 12 and the closure device of the terminal 14 is sufficient to allow the anchor 81 to enter the recesses 64 and from that maze secure the cover 78 in the raised open position . The cover 78 and the bottom wall 72 have cooperating locks 82, 84 to hold the cover 78 in a closed position. The closing mechanism 90 is disposed on the lid 78 to anchor and thereby minimize unauthorized access within the terminal closing device. The closing mechanism can be specially closed and cooperates with the matching part 102 (in Figure 3). Optionally, a security tape can be used to seal the closure device of the terminal. The security tape can be attached to the cover 78 of and at least one of the bottom wall 72 and the end walls 74, 75 of the terminal closure device. When unauthorized access occurs within the terminal closing device, the tape will visually indicate such access. For example, the word "empty" may appear on the tape once it has been broken. The security tape can be replaced with new security tape when unauthorized access has occurred. The advantage of the security tape and the closing mechanism 90 is that they prevent unauthorized access inside the terminal closing device but such access is still registered if it is oclocked.Le .. __ - The electric bridge cables 116 which originate from the splice closure device 12 are terminated towards the connector 114 of the contact bar 110 of the terminal closure device 14. Mechanical fasteners, such as a bolt or a screw 112, can be used to fasten the contact bar inside the closing device of the terminal. Other means for holding the contact bar can be used. In one embodiment, the fastening means is isolated. The contact bar can be isolated or not isolated. These can be fastened directly to the closure device of the terminal 14 as shown in Figure 3. Alternatively, these can be fixed to a device that is clamped to the closure device of the terminal 14 to provide an air space therebetween. contact bar and terminal closing device. In yet another alternative, an insulating tape is first applied to the non-insulated contact bar which then adheres to the terminal closing device. Appropriate tapes include, for example, polyvinyl chloride used in combination with mastic. The contact bar 110 includes a plurality of ports 118 for fastening the electrical distribution cables (not shown). In one embodiment, the contact bars are classified by exterior applications and the materials used in the manufacture of the bars, contact are aluminum-copper alloys or tin-plated copper in accordance with ASTM B 454 and has a range of wire from approximately 2 mm2 to 54 mm3 (12 AWG to 1/0 AWG). In the embodiment of Figure 3, three contact bars, each having six ports, are shown. Another number of contact bars having different number of ports can be used in the practice of the present invention. One of the bridge electrical cables is connected to a neutral terminal block 104 that includes a plurality of ports 108. The electrical distribution cables that emanate from the contact bars 110 or neutral terminal block 104 exit from the terminal closure device. terminal 14 through openings 122, in which • they initially contain perforations and are perforated to create the openings only when an electrical distribution cable needs to be routed out of the terminal closing device. In one embodiment, the neutral terminal block is classified by exterior applications and the materials used to fabricate the contact bar are aluminum-copper or tin-plated copper alloys in accordance with ASTM B 454 and have a wire range of approximately 3 mm2 up to 54 mm2 (10 AWG up to 1/0 AWG). Now returning to Figure 4, the embodiment of Figure 1 is shown hanging aerially from a distributor-current cable that has been fixed to a pole. The terminal 150 is suspended on the distributed power cable 151, which includes three electrical input cables 152 and, in this particular situation, the non-isolated neutral line 154. Preferably, the terminal is fixed to the electrical line Some distance away from the pole to limit its access by unauthorized users. In this particular application, a tape-like material (not shown) is used to secure the terminal 150 to the electrical lead 151. The tape-like material may be wrapped around the first and second ends 30, 32 of the cover 20 (see Figure 1) and to the power distribution cable to fix the terminal to the power distribution cable. An example tape-like material is 3M ™ 4560 Armorcast ™ Material available from 3M Company, St. Paul, Minnesota. The Armorcast ™ Material is a structural material. In general, this is a band of flexible fiberglass knitted fabric with a curable resin and is cured with air in a time duration, approximately 20 minutes. The electrical conduction line enters the terminal splice enclosure where the individual electrical cables 152 are derived. The electricity is then distributed in the closing device of the terminal via electric distribution lines 156. The distribution electric lines 156 emanate from the closing device of the terminal and the electrician of the consumer, by e emplot-a- switch-automatic- of the ^ ci-rcuito-in the house. The present invention can be used with non-isolated current distributing cables. In such an application, an effective approach to prevent unauthorized use of electricity could involve retrofitting a portion of the uninsulated line with an insulating tape. An appropriate tape is commercially available from 3M Company, St. Paul, Minnesota under the product designation 3M ™ 27 Glass Cloth Electrical Tape. Other tapes can be used. The terminal is suspended at a sufficiently long distance away from an electrical pole. The uninsulated cable between the terminal and the pole is isolated. The terminal could be fixed to the non-isolated current distributing cable as described above.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present. description of the invention.

Claims (18)

1. zo CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property. A terminal for a current distribution cable, characterized in that it comprises: a splice closure device comprises at least two electric bridge cables, a first and a second; a device for closing the terminal connected to the di-spos-iti-vo-e-Gie-rre-e-splice, -the-closing device of the terminal comprises means for routing electrical distribution cables outside the closing device of the terminal, at least one contact bar, and a neutral terminal block, wherein the first bridge electric cable is attached to the contact rod and the second bridge electric cable is attached to the block of the neutral terminal; and a connecting device within the splice closure device for establishing electrical communication between the bridge electric cables and the current distributing cable.
2. 2. The terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that the connection device is a insulating piercing connector.
3. 3. The terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that the contact bar is insulated with a coating of polymeric material.
4. 4. The terminal in accordance with the claim 1, characterized in that at least one contact bar and the neutral terminal block comprises a connector or an electrical connection made between the bridge electric cable and at least one contact bar and the neutral terminal block;, and at least one port for mount electrical distribution wires.
5. 5. The terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises means for closing the closing device of the terminal.
6. The terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises a security tape arranged on a cover and on at least one of the bottom wall and the end wall of the terminal closing device.
7. 7. The terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrical terminal cable in the splice enclosure has an exposed end which is protected by a terminal plug.
8. 8. The conformance terminal. with claim 1 characterized in that it is held aerially towards the power distribution cable.
9. The terminal according to claim 8, characterized in that a knitted fabric of flexible glass fiber. saturated with a curable resin secures the terminal to the current distributing cable.
10. 10. A device for distributing electricity from a current distribution cable, characterized in that it comprises: a terminal comprising a splice closure device and a terminal closure device, the splice closure device comprising at least two bridged electrical cables , the terminal closure device comprises at least one contact bar, a neutral terminal block, and means for routing distribution electrical cables outwardly of the terminal closure device; means for . make an electrical connection between the power distribution cable and the bridge power cable; Y . means to secure the terminal to the power distribution cable.
11. The equipment according to claim 10, characterized in that the means for making an electrical connection between the electric supply cable of low voltage and the bridge electric cable comprises an insulating piercing connector.
12. The equipment according to claim 10, characterized in that the means for securing the terminal towards the current distributing cable comprises a flexible glass fiber knitted fabric saturated with a curable resin.
13. 13. The equipment according to claim 10, characterized in that in the closing device of the terminal, the first electric bridge wire is fastened to the contact rod and the second electric wire of the bridge is fastened to the neutral terminal block.
14. The equipment according to claim 13, characterized in that at least one contact bar and the neutral terminal block comprise a connector for making electrical connection between the bridge electric cable and at least one contact bar and the neutral terminal block.; and at least one port for mounting electrical distribution wires.
15. 15. The equipment according to claim 10, characterized in that it additionally comprises the security tape for fastening on a cover and on at least one of the bottom wall and the end wall of the closing device of the terminal.
16. 16. A method to distribute electricity from current distributing cables, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: providing the terminal according to claim 1, temporarily hanging the terminal from the current distributing cable using cable ties securing each end of the terminal to the current distributing cable; make electrical connections between the current distribution cable and the terminal and between the terminal and the c_s_c_ables. ele.ct.riC-QS._of distribution,. _._ secure the terminal to the power distribution cable; and extract the cable ties from the terminal and the power distribution cable.
17. 17. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that securing the terminal towards the current distributing cable comprises using a flexible fiberglass knitted fabric saturated with a curable resin.
18. 18. The method according to claim 1 characterized in that the terminal comprises means for closing the closing device of the terminal to minimize unauthorized access there and the method additionally comprises applying a security tape to a cover and at least one bottom or at least one wall of the end of the closing device of the terminal.