MXPA97002972A

MXPA97002972A - Cable connector alarg

Info

Publication number: MXPA97002972A
Application number: MXPA/A/1997/002972A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Vranicar Anthony; M Edwards Larry
Original assignee: Raychem Corporation
Priority date: 1994-10-25
Filing date: 1997-04-23
Publication date: 1997-06-01

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connector for connecting an end of a first elongated heating cable to an end of a first elongated electrical component, said heating cable comprising a first and second elongated electrodes, a plurality of resistive heating elements. , connected in parallel between said electrodes, and an insulating jacket surrounding such electrodes and heating elements, and said first electrical component comprising a first elongated member for connection to the first electrode, and a second elongated component for connection to the second electrode , comprising said connector, first and second cover members, which may be in a mismatched configuration, or an adjusted configuration, in which the cover members are in contact with each other, and form a cover having a first port of input for the first heating cable, being the first p The input port is a hollow cylinder having an entrance at one end and an outer surface, at least a part of which comprises screw cords, and a second input port for the first electrical component; releasably releasing the cover members in the adjusted configuration: first connection means for connecting the first electrode to the first elongated member of said first electrical component within the cover; second connection means for connecting the second electrode to the second elongate member of said first component; electrical component inside the cover, and a sealing assembly, suitable for sealing the first heating cable at the entrance of the first entrance port, such assembly comprising a hollow cylindrical ring suitable for fitting to the first entrance port and from which they extend projections perpendicular to the plane of the ring, a nut, which can be screwed to the strings of the first inlet port, and an eyelet, which is supported by the projections and which seals around the first heating cable after installation, said first and second connection means being positioned within a first connection module, the which fits inside the cover, when the first and second cover members are in the configuration adjusts

Description

CONNECTOR FOR EXTENDED CABLE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention This invention relates to connectors for elongated cables, for example, electric heating cables. Introduction to the Invention The elongated electric heating cables are well known and are used, for example, to prevent the freezing of pipes or to maintain temperatures inside pipes or other conduits. Particularly useful elongated heating cables, also referred to herein as heaters, comprise (a) first and second elongate electrodes, (b) a plurality of resistive heating elements connected in parallel between the electrodes, for example, a continuous strip of a conductive polymer in which the electrodes are embedded or which is wrapped around the electrodes, and (c) an insulating jacket, which surrounds the electrodes and heating elements. For many applications, the insulating jacket is surrounded by a metallic layer of ground connection, for example, a metal braid. Often, it is necessary to make an electrical connection from the elongated electrical heating cable to another element, for example, another heating cable or an energy cable. Conventional methods such as eyelets, pleats, or sleeves that shrink with heat, can be used to make such connections, although these methods generally do not provide adequate stress relief from the elongated heating cable or a proper seal to prevent moisture from get in touch with the connection. On the energetic, connections can be made using a connection module such as those described in US Pat. Nos. 4, E¡83, 945 (Baptist) and 5,174,783 (Stassen and Coinventores). However, these connectors have disadvantages. When using the connector disclosed by Bautista, it is necessary to remove the conductive polymer composition from the electrodes to make a good contact. This procedure is sensitive to labor and can be tedious. To use the connector used by Stassen, it is necessary to disassemble the connector before inserting the heating cable, producing a number of parts that may fall or be incor- rectly placed. Additionally, several tools are required to assemble the connector and make an adequate connection between the heating cable and the electrical component. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION We have now discovered that a connector can be made that is easy to use, requires minimal assembly and tools, accepts a wide range of sizes of heating cables, provides retr or visual feedback to ensure proper installation, and it can be reinserted. In a first aspect, this invention provides a connector for connecting an end of a first elongated electric heating cable, to an end of a first elongated electrical component, said first heating cable (a) comprising first and second elongate electrodes, ( b) a plurality of resistive heating elements, connected in parallel between said electrodes, and (c) an insulating jacket surrounding said electrodes and heating elements, and comprising said first electrical component, a first elongate member for connection to the first electrode, and a second elongated member for connection to the second electrode, said connector (1) comprising first and second cover members, which may be in (a) an unadjusted configuration, or (b) a configuration to be used, in which the members The cover is in contact with each other, and forms a cover that has (i) a first input port for the first AC cable. heating, being the first inlet port or hollow cylinder having an inlet at one end and an outer surface, at least a part of which comprises screw cords, and (ii) a second inlet port for the first electrical component; (2) securing means for releasably maintaining the cover members in the adjusted configuration; (3) first connection means for connecting the first electrode to the first elongate member of said first electrical component within the cover; (4) second connection means for connecting the second electrode, to the second elongated member of said first electrical component within the cover; and (5) a sealing assembly, suitable for sealing the first heating circuit at the inlet of the first inlet port, said assembly (a) comprising a hollow cylindrical ring (i) suitable for fitting to the first inlet port and ( ii) from which extend projections perpendicular to the plane of the ring, (b) a nut, which can be screwed to the cords of the first port of entry, and (c) an eyelet, which is held by the projections and which seals around the first heating cable after installation, said first and second connection means being positioned within a first connection module, which fits within the cover, when the first and second cover members are in the adjusted configuration.

We have also discovered that particular components that are part of the connector described in the first aspect of the invention are useful by themselves, either as part of a connector or other device or by themselves. For example, we have found that a sealing assembly in which the agar elements, ie, projections, and the envelope in which they are inserted, for example, an inlet port, are separate elements that can be made from different materials. , which provides advantages over conventional sealing assemblies. For proper sealing, it is necessary that the projections be flexible in order to conform to the surface of the heating cable and / or to provide a suitable sealing force to the eyelet-heating cable interface when the nut is tightened. Conventional assemblies, in which the enclosure and the gauge elements are a single component, are made of a flexible and relatively soft material, which may not have the strength, rigidity, or heat resistance to support the installation. and impact. By using the assembly of the invention, in which there are two separate components, the projections can be made to be flexible and the shell can be made of a material, for example, an engineering plastic with different physical properties. Additionally, the sealing assembly can be used with an eyelet. If the connector of the first aspect of the invention comprises a stress relief system, a relatively soft eyelet can be used, which can be sufficiently tightened by hand, without the need for special tools. This is in contrast to conventional sealing assemblies, in which the grommet should provide stress relief, and hence, be hard enough to provide stress relief for the sealed assembly. The assembly must be disassembled to insert the element through the hard eyelet, and tools must be used to tighten the nut sufficiently. Thus, in a second aspect, the invention provides a sealing joint comprising (1) a first component which (a) is a hollow cylinder having an outer surface, at least a part of which comprises screw strings, and (b) is composed of a first material; (2) a second component which (a) is a hollow cylindrical ring from which projections extend perpendicular to the plane of the ring, said projections being composed of a second material which (i) is a polymeric composition and (ii) has a flexure modulus of, at most 35150 Kg / cmz, and a final elongation of at least 1 C / '%, and (b) is suitable to fit the first component; and (3) a third component which (a) is a nut, and (b) can be screwed to the cords of the first component.

We have also found useful means to provide a visual feedback, in order to allow the installer to determine when the elongated electrical component or heating cable is correctly positioned. In a third aspect, the invention provides a connector for making an electrical connection to an elongated electrical component, said connector (1) comprising a connection module; (2) connection means for connecting to a first electrode of the elongated electrical component, said connection means being inserted in the module; and (3) a mirror which (a) is inserted in the module, and (b) is positioned in such a way that the connection means can be observed from outside the module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention is illustrated by the drawings in which Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connector of the invention, suitable for connecting a heating cable to three elongated electrical components; Figure 2 is an exploded view of the connector of the Figure 1; Figure 3 is an exploded view of a connector of the invention, suitable for connecting a heating cable to an elongated electrical component; Figure 4 is a perspective view, with a partially transverse view of the connection module of the invention, with a heating cable installed; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along the line V-V of Figure 4; Figures 6a and 6b are perspective views of braided capture means used in the connector of the invention, wherein Figure 6a shows the braided capture means before the heating cable is inserted; and Figure 6b shows the capture means after the insertion of the heating cable; Figure 7 is a perspective view, with a partial cross-sectional view of the braided capture means shown in Figure 6; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the braided capture means installed in the first entrance port of the roof; Figure 9 is an exploded view of a sealing assembly of the invention; Figure 10 is a perspective view of a connection module of the invention, which contains a mirror for visual supervision; FIGS. 11 and 11b are cross-sectional views along line XI-XI of FIG. 10, where FIG. 1 a, shows the connection means before making an electrical connection, and FIG. 11 b shows the means of connection after making an electrical connection; and Figures 12a and 12b, are plan views of the surface: of the connection module of Figure 10, in which Figure 12a, shows the reflection in the mirror before an electrical connection is made, and Figure 12b shows the reflection in the mirror after an electrical connection is made. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Elongated heating cables (also referred to herein as heaters) suitable for use with this connector, are those comprising first and second elongated electrodes, a plurality of resistive heating elements connected in parallel between the electrodes , and at least one insulating jacket surrounding the electrodes, and heating elements. Generally, the insulating jacket is polymeric, in the form of a continuous polymer layer, although a polymeric braid or a polymer ribbon may be used. For some applications, a polymeric insulating jacket is surrounded by a second layer, for example a second polymeric insulating layer such as polyester tape, or a metallized tape such as aluminized polyester. Frequently, the heating cable comprises an optional metallic ground braid, which surrounds the insulating jacket and the optional second layer. The metal braid to earth, serves to electrically connect the heating cable to earth and also provides mechanical resistance and resistance to abrasion. When a metallic braid is present ashoreGenerally, it is in the form of braided metal wires, although for applications in which flexibility is not critical, it is possible to use another type of metal layer, for example, a metal sleeve or tape. In this specification, the term "metallic braid to ground" is intended to include non-braided metal layers. In some applications, the braid to ground itself is surrounded by an insulating jacket to provide electrical and environmental insulation to the heating cable. Particularly, suitable heating cables are self-regulating strip heaters, in which the electrodes are elongated wires and the heating elements comprise a conductive polymer composition. Heaters of this type are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,858,144 (Bedard and Coinventores), 3,861,029 (Smith-Johannsen and Coinventores), 4,017,715 (Whitney and Coinventores), 4,242,573 (Ba liwal la), 4,334,148 (Kampe), 4,334,351 (Sopory), 4,426,339 (Kamath and Coinventores), 4,459,473 (Kamath), 4,574,188 (Midgley and Coinventores), and 5,111,032 (Batliwalla and Coinventores). Generally, the heating cable has an approximately rectangular cross section with two generally parallel faces, although other geometric shapes may also be used, for example, round, oval or elliptical. The elongated electrical component that is to be connected to the heating cable may comprise one or more heating cables, a power cord or cable, a grounded power point, a plurality of electrical cables, or other suitable element. . In order to make the proper connection to the heating cable, the component will comprise a first elongated member for connection to the first electrode, and a second elongated member for connection to the second electrode. In many embodiments, the component also comprises a third elongated member, which is connected to an earth element in the connector, and to the metallic braid to ground, if present. The exact configuration of the component and the heating cable, as well as the type of electrical connection desired, will define the exact configuration of the connector. Possible connections include a splice between two heating cables, an energy connection between the heating cable and a power cable, a "Te" connecting the heating cable to two other heating cables, a junction in which they are connected four heating circuits, an energized splice in which the heating cable is connected to another heating cable and a power cable, and an energized "Te", in which a power cable is connected to the heating cable or, as well as two other heating cables. The connector comprises first and second cover members, which are capable of existing in an adjusted or mismatched configuration. In the mismatched configuration, the cover members may be separate pieces or they may be connected, for example, by joints. When adjusted, the cover members are in contact with each other, either directly or indirectly, by a sealing member such as a gasket, and as such, form a cover that provides a first input port for the heating cable and a second input port for the first elongated component. In order to facilitate the connection of the heating cable and the elongate component, the first and second input ports are generally placed at opposite ends of the cover, although for some situations, it is preferred that the first and second ports be at right angles between them, or on the same side adjacent to each other. In some applications, the cover also provides a third input port for a second elongated component, and a fourth input port for a third elongated component.

Alternatively, the second inlet port may be suitable for insertion of two or more elongated components, which may be adjacent to each other in a stacked or side-by-side configuration, or they may be placed on different sides of the cover from the first port of entry. The cover members are maintained in their adjusted configuration by fastening means, for example, a belt, a bolt, a spring clamp, a bracket, one or more screws, or integral nails. The means of its placement can be removable in order to allow the cover members to be mismatched from each other, and allow the connector to be inserted again. In a preferred embodiment, the securing means comprises a lever and a hook, which joins the lever to a cover member. The lever is configured to engage on one eyebrow, on the other cover member, in order to ensure that the cover members are adjusted securely.

Although the first and second cover members may be symmetrical in their outer shape, it is generally the first member that is in contact with the tube or other substrate in which the connector is placed. As a result, the first cover member d is generally designed with supports, eg, legs on its outer bottom surface, in order to allow proper positioning on the substrate. Elements for promoting attachment to the substrate are also frequently present, for example, loops that allow cables or cable connections to pass through for connection to the substrate, or loops that can be engaged in a mounting bracket. In addition, the first cover member is generally equipped with reinsertion indicators, that is to say, which are placed for example on the lever of the nail of the cover or on recesses of the first cover member, and which break when the The connector is reinserted incorrectly, thus providing an indication of an attempt to reinsert. Positioned within a cover member, generally the first cover member, is a first connection module. This module is preferably made of a polymer, for example, polycarbonate, polysulfone, or acrylic, which is transparent when being formed into the module configuration, thus allowing the installer to monitor the position of the heating cable and the elongated component during installation . The module comprises two main elements: connection means and stress relief means. Although the module always comprises both first connection means for connection of the first electrode of the heating cable to the first elongated member of the first electrical component, and second connection means for connection of the second electrode to the second elongated member of the first electric component, it can also to understand additional connecting means, for example, fourths, fifths, sevenths, eighths, tenths and tenths first connection means, when multiple elongated components are present. In a preferred embodiment for use when multiple elongated components are present, both a first connection module comprising the first and second connection means, and a second connection module comprising fourth and fifth connection means, are collided within a cover member. The connection means may comprise any suitable components for making an electrical connection, for example a terminal block or an insulation displacement connector (IDC). Particular preference is given to the use of an IDC comprising at least two parts, a first drilling unit and a second drilling unit, the two drilling units being connected physically and electrically by means of a screw. The drilling units are designed with metal teeth or other conductive elements. When tightening the screw, the first and second drilling units penetrate the outer insulating jacket and the resistive element of the heating cable to make physical and electrical contact with the first and second electrodes of the heating cable. Other convincing components of a screw connection, for example, washers and springs, may also be present, for example to maintain constant pressure. In order to ensure that the IDC is properly tightened, visual indication means are generally provided. This visual indicator can be in the form of a pin that assumes a specific position, for example it is flush with the surface! of the connection module, when the IDC is properly tightened, or in the form of a mirror, which allows visual supervision of the connection process. The mirror, which is suitable for use in monitoring electrical or physical connections for devices other than the connectors of the invention, is located within the transparent connecting module or other transparent body in a position that allows an installer to look the surface of the module from above, observe the connection. A cavity is cut in the module and at least one surface of the cavity facing the connection means is placed at an angle C with the laminar surface of the module, which limits the observation, where C it is typically 20 to 70 °, preferably 30 to 60 °, for example 45 °. A mirror is placed in at least part of the angled surface in a position facing the connecting means. The mirror can be metal, for example aluminum or other highly reflective material, which is in direct contact with the material of the module. Alternatively, the mirror may comprise a piece of metallized polymer, which is attached by an adhesive layer to the module. Aluminized polyester is particularly preferred. When the installer observes the mirror during the installation of a connection, a space is observed reflecting the open connection, for example, the IDC screw strings. As the connection is made, for example, as the IDC screw is tightened, a change in the mirror is observed, for example, the screw strings are no longer visible. For applications in which the module or body in which the cavity is placed is not transparent, the mirror can be placed such that there is no opaque material between the connecting means and the mirror. For example, an opening may be cut in the module or body, to allow reflection of the connection means by the mirror. In addition to the first and second connection means, the connection module can also contain third connection means connecting the third elongated member of the first elongated component to a grounding element. When the heating cable contains a metal braid to ground, the third connection means provide electrical connection of the grounding element and the third elongated member to the braid. The grounding element can be any suitable metal transmitter, for example a bronze or copper strip. If multiple elongated components are present, two or more grounding elements may be present in one or more of the first and second connection modules. The electrical connection can be made between the elements of ground connection by means of a piece in the form of a cross or a bridge. The third means of connection _ >They can be a quick-disconnect folding terminal (for example a pallet or lug), screw, nail, insulation displacement connector, rivet, fold, pin and receptacle, or other element. Also present in the connection module are means for stress relief. When making a connection, it is important that the heating cable be held in position with sufficient force so that it can not be easily removed from the connector. Generally, a "pull force" of at least 11.4 Kg, preferably at least 13.6 Kg, particularly, at least 15.9 Kg, is required for routine use. (The pulling force can be measured with an Instron KR voltage measuring device The heating cable is held by one clamp of the Instron tester and the connector by the other clamp The force required to pull the heating cable is measured 3.18 mm of the connector when the clamp holding the connector is fixed and the clamp that holds the heating cable is moved). The stress relief means allow to generate the adequate pull force when the heating cable is installed in the connector. In a preferred embodiment, the stress relieving means comprise an assembly, which is placed in a slot in the connection module. The assembly comprises at least two gripping teeth. The first and second gripping teeth are placed in the masonry assembly that, when a heating wire is inserted into the connector, the first and second gripping teeth are forced against the opposite faces of the heating cable. The complete insertion and sufficient stress relief is achieved when the insulating jacket of the heating cable comes into direct contact with at least the first tooth of a g a r r e and the second tooth of a g a r r e. The first and second gripping teeth do not cover the entire circumference of the heating cable and therefore, the assembly (ie stress relieving is suitable for heating cables in a variety of widths.) In addition, the assembly may comprise a single piece in which the first agave tooth is secured to the upper portion of the housing, and the second grip tooth is secured to the lower portion of the housing In a preferred embodiment, the assembly has an "L" shape, with the first Grip tooth secured to the vertical portion of the L, and the second gripping tooth secured to the horizontal portion of the L, the horizontal and vertical portions being separated by a hinge This design allows the stress relieving means to be used with heating cables of a variety of thicknesses, due to the flexibility of the horizontal portion.In use, the assembly is inserted into an opening in the connection module. and is "closed" by folding the vertical portion in a position parallel to the horizontal portion, and engaging the end of the vertical portion in lock means at the end of the horizontal portion, thereby creating an opening for the heating cable. Upon opening the lock means, the assembly can be reinserted. Generally, the teeth of a g are rectangular in shape, although other shapes may be used. The gripping dies are preferably angled from the base of the eye towards the opening, i.e. the direction in which the heating wire will be inserted, so that the side of the (tooth facing the opening) is at an angle B The angle B is generally 5 to 20 degrees, preferably 7 to 17 degrees, par- ticularly 8 to 14 degrees, for example 10 degrees, although the gripping surface (ie the end of the gripping) of the tooth can be plane and perpendicular to the base of the tooth, it is preferred that the surface of the tooth has an angle A which, when measured parallel to the axis of the opening, is 15 to 40 degrees, preferably 20 at 35 degrees, particularly from 25 to 35 degrees, for example, 30 degrees. The angle A is inclined from the opening, such that, when a pull force is applied to the heating cable, the tooth will grip the heating wire more firmly. For some applications, the teeth may be saw-shaped. In order to achieve adequate pull force, it is preferred that each of the gauge teeth penetrate the innermost insulating jacket, at least 0.050 mm, preferably at least 0.130 mm, particulate, at least 0.25 mm. Another component that acts to hold the heating cable fixedly in place is a sealing assembly, which may be used in conjunction with the connector or as part of another apparatus. The sealing assembly comprises a first component, which is a hollow cylinder composed of a first material, which is preferably a polymeric material, although for some applications, a metal may be suitable. At least part of the outer surface the cylinder has screw cords. Although the first component may be a separate element, when the sealing assembly is used as part of the connector, generally the first component is the first input port. The second component can be adjusted to the first component; for example, at least part of the second component can be inserted in the first component. The second component is a hollow cylindrical ring from which projections or barbs extend outward perpendicular to the plane of the ring. The projections act as a support surface to make the heating cable or an eyelet evenly distribute radial force. The projections may have a uniform cross section, or they may taper from the base to the tip. The size and shape depend on the size of the heating cable or eyelet, as well as the desired agr e r force. The projections are elastically flexible and are composed of a second material which has a polymeric composition. The first and second materials can be the same material or a different material. Polymeric materials suitable for use either as either or both of first material and second material, include polyester, for example, polybutylene terephthalate and polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polyamide, polypropylene and polyethylene. For some applications in which it is important that the physical properties of the first and second materials are different, fillers, for example, glass, carbon black, or talc, can be added to either or both of the first and second materials. The second material has a flexural modulus of at most 35150 Kg / cm2, preferably at most 28120 Kg / crnz, particularly at most 21090 Kg / cm2, especially at most 14060 Kg / cm2. when measured according to ASTM D790, and a final elongation of at least 50%, preferably at least 100%, particularly at least 150%, especially at least 200%, when measured according to ASTM D638. Generally, the flexural modulus is at least 703 Kg / crnz. In a preferred embodiment, the second material has a flexural modulus measured by ASTM 0790, which is, at most, 0.5 times, preferably, at most, 0.4 times, particularly 0.3 times that of the first composition. Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment, it is preferred that the second material have a final elongation measured by ASTM 0638, which is at least 2 times, preferably at least 5 times, particularly 10 times that of the first material. The sealing assembly also comprises a third component that can be screwed to the first component cords, to hold the assembly in place. In a preferred embodiment, the third component is a nut having ropes on its inner surface. The nut may comprise a single piece or two or more pieces, and serves to compress the projections when it is tightened. In addition to the projections, the second component generally comprises one or more positioning elements, for example locking arms, which project from the ring in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the ring. These closing arms ensure that the second component remains in position: on the first component and does not rotate when the third component 'of the sealing assembly is tightened. For many applications, it is preferred that the sealing assembly also comprises a fourth component which is an eyelet. The or is supported by the projections of the second component and serves to seal the connector against the entrance of the room, at the point where the heating cable enters. The surface of the eyelet opening may be smooth, although, in order to better accommodate heating cables of different sizes, the inner surface may be grooved. For ease of shipping and installation, the first component may comprise a closure element, for example an embossed detail or flange, which serves to fit a first adjustment element in the third component. Once the components are in place and the closing element is engaged, the components are in the proper position for the installation of the heating cable. So, there is no need to disassemble the nut of the third component completely at the time of installation, as it happens with conventional assemblies, allowing a more easy and fast assembly without the loss of components. Additionally, because stress relief and sealing functions are separated in the preferred embodiment (using this seal assembly in place of conventional assemblies), one or the softer than is conventionally used is appropriate, thereby allowing the insertion of the heating cable without disassembling the assembly. Although the sealing assembly has been described with reference to the heating cable, similar sealing assemblies, with or without an eyelet, can be used to place and / or seal the elongated components. When the heating cable is surrounded by a metallic braid to ground, it is necessary to make a good electrical connection of earth to the braid, as well as to manage the location of the braid, to avoid inadvertent electrical connections or physical contact. To achieve this, the connector may comprise means for braided capture. In a preferred embodiment, the braided capture assembly fits within the first inlet port and is positioned between the seal assembly and the connection module. The braided capture assembly comprises a metal receptacle into which the heating cable can be inserted. The receptacle is preferably a wrapped cylinder with inlet and outlet ports at opposite ends, so that the heating cable can be inserted. Before insertion, the braid is removed from the part of the heating cable, which will be placed inside the connection module and ready for connection. This can be conveniently achieved by placing a rigid clip, which can be made of ceramic or plastic, but is preferably metal, when a metal-metal-metal connection is desired, over the braid at the point where the braid should end for a successful connection, and bending the braid back over the clip. Then, the heating cable with the clip is inserted into the receptacle. At least one metal spring is attached to the receptacle, making contact with the braid that is supported by the clip, and producing a metal-metal-metal connection that is disconnectable. The spring makes the electrical connection between the braid (Jo and the receptacle) The clip acts to resist the force of the spring to move the braid In some embodiments, two or more springs may be used, preferably placed symmetrically around the cable. A grounded metal pin makes electrical contact between the metal receptacle and the grounding element The ground pin may be an integral part of the metal receptacle, or it may be inserted into the receptacle by a spring in the receptacle. The end of the ground pin To ensure that moisture does not reach the connector, an internal grommet can be installed between the braided capture assembly and the connector, although the eye can have any shape, it is preferred that the inner surface be grooved , allowing a one-size eyelet to be useful for heating cables of different dimensions.For some applications, it is preferred that a membrane Thinner of polymer, for example, 0.13 to 0.51 mm, cover the opening of the buttonhole. The membrane should be sufficiently thin, often about 0.25 m, to allow easy penetration without special tools, when the heating cable is installed in the connector, but thick enough to act as a moisture barrier before the cable of heating is inserted. For ease of manufacture, the membrane is preferably made of the same material as the eyelet. The membrane-covered eyelets are especially useful for sealing unused input ports of multi-port input connectors. The connector of the invention may also comprise other components. For example, one or more sheets of a material such as mica or silicone rubber may be present, to provide electrical insulation in the adjusted configuration. The cover members and other components of the connector may comprise an insulated metal or ceramic, but preferably comprise a polymer which has an impact resistance of at least 0.6915 kilogram-meters, when formed in the connector configuration measured by tests such as UL 746C. The preferred polymers are light in weight, can be formed by injection or transfer molding, or similar processing techniques, and will withstand the intermittent use required and the temperatures of continuous use. Suitable polymers include polycarbonate, "nylon", polyester, polyphenylene sulfide, polyolefin oxide, and other engineering plastics. Suitable fillers and stabilizers may be present. To improve the impact strength of the connector, internal elements such as flanges and cubes, as well as external elements, such as grooves, can be incorporated into the design of the cover members. For some applications, it is desirable that part or all of the connector be loaded with a viscous sealing material, in order to provide a good environmental seal between the heating cable and the electrical component. Suitable materials include fats, adhesives, mastics, gels, and other materials, which, under compression, tend to form the surface of the heating cable and the component, to form a seal. Particularly preferred as sealing materials, gels, for example silicone gels, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,600,261 (Debbaut), 4,690,831 (Uken and Coinventores), 4,716,183 (Gamarra and Coinventores), 4,777,063 ( Dubrow and Coinventores), 4,864,725 (Debbaut and Coinventores) 4,865,905 (Uken and Coinventores), 5,079,300 (Dubrow and Coinventores), 5,104,930 (Yield and Coinventores) and 5,149,736 (Gamarra); and in International Patent Publication Nos. WO86 / 01634 (Toy and Coinventores), UIO88 / 00603 (Francis and Coinventores), WO90 / 05166 (Su the land), WO91 / 05014 and W093 / 23472 (Ha mond and Coinventores). The gel can be placed on one or both of the cover members before use.

When the cover members are formed in the adjusted configuration, the gel is displaced over the insulating connection and jacket, as well as any earth braid that is inside the cover. The presence of the gel minimizes the entry of moisture from the outside of the cover, from the heating cable, and from the earth braid. Since the gel is flexible and does not bind to the substrate, nor form a rigid envelope around the connection, the gel allows the cover to be reinserted and the connection monitored without destroying the connection or connector. In some applications, it is desirable to place gel on the end of the heating cable inside the cavity of the internal module. This gel seals the end of the heating cable and prevents moisture from coming into contact with the electrodes. The invention is illustrated by the drawings, in which Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a connector 1 of the invention, in the mismatched configuration, and Figure 2 is an exploded view of the connector 1, of Figure 1, in an unsettled configuration. The connector 1, shown in Figures 1 and 2, is suitable for connecting a first heating cable 40, in a "Te" configuration energized to elongated electrical components: the first elongated component 46, which is a power cable second elongated component 47, which is a second heating cable, and third elongated component 48, which is a third heating cable. The first cover member 3, is connected to the second cover member 5, by hinges 7, and hinge pin 9. The positioning pins 71, protrude from the lid package 74, and act to ensure proper positioning of the second member of cover 5, and the packing of cover 74, when adjusting. In the event that the connecting means are incorrectly or incompletely assembled, the positioning pins 71 prevent the second cover member 5 from closing completely. To ensure complete closure of the cover members, the coupling lever of the cover 73, which is attached to the hook of the cover 72, closes on the eyebrow 65 of the first cover member 3. The reinsertion indicators 66, in FIG. the shape of plastic nails, are placed in the corners of the coupling lever of the cover 73. An unsuccessful attempt to reopen the first and second adjusted cover members 3, 5, will produce a broken re-entry indicator. The insulating sheet 68 is also available, which acts to electrically isolate the connections. The connecting elements 67 are col- lapsed along the sides of the first cover member 3, and allow cable or wire ties to pass through when joining to the pipe, electrical conduit or other substrate. The connecting elements 67 also function to receive nails for a snap-mount bracket, if any. Placed within the first cover member 3, there is a first connection module 11, and a second connection module 12. Both connection modules are made of a plastic that is transparent when molded. The first connection module 11 contains first connection means 80, and second connection means 88, while the second connection module 12 contains fourth connection means 90, fifth connection means 91, seventh connection means 93, and eighth connecting means 94. The first, second, fourth, fifth, seventh and eighth connecting means 80, 88, 90, 91, 93, 94, are insulation displacement connectors (IDC), which are placed in two elements U-shaped, the first, fourth and seventh connection means 80, 90, 93, in one, and the second, fifth and eighth connection means 88, 91, 94, in the second. As shown in the exploded view of Figure 2, the IDC for the first connection means 80, has a first drilling unit 83, placed on top of a second drilling unit 84, and connected to the second drilling unit by a screw 81. (Only the top of the screw 81, is visible in Figure 1). A washer 82, and a connecting spring 86, are also part of the IDC, the connecting spring 86 serving to make an electrical connection between the IDC and the power transmitter 85. Also present in each of the first, second, fourths , fifth, seventh, and eighth connecting means 80, 88, 90, 91, 93, 94, there is an indicator pin 87. The indicator pin 87 is initially positioned so that it protrudes from the upper surface of the connection module . After the heating cable and the elongated components are installed in the connector, and each IDC is properly tightened, the indicator pin 87 is flush with the upper surface of the connection module, indicating the correct installation. Also within the first connection module 11, when assembled, there are third connection means which are the first grounding element 61. A cross-shaped piece of grounding element 63, connects the first element of ground connection 61, to the second ground connection element 62, which serves as the sixth connection means and is present. The ground pin 33, the spring 3S, the spring 49, the receptacle 31, the spring 32, and the clip 35, serve to connect the second grounding element 62, to the earthing of the second heating cable 47. Similar elements are present for the first heating cable 40, and the third heating cable 48. The stress relieving means 95 is inserted in a slot in the second connection module 12, and means for relieving similar efforts. they are present in the first connection module 11. A first gripping tooth 96, and second gripping means 97, are placed in a hinged assembly 98, and can be closed on the heating cable, when it is inserted in the connector. The first inlet port 13, for the first heating wire 40, and the third inlet port 15, for the second elongated component 47, are located adjacent to each other, and on the opposite side of the first cover member 3, from the second inlet port 14, for the first elongated component 46, and the fourth inlet port 16, for the third elongated component 48. When a sealing assembly is present for positioning and sealing the heating cable and / or elongate components , the appropriate input port 5 acts as the first component of the sealing assembly. To assist in making the connection of the sealing assembly (half of which is indicated in exploded view by the element 20), at least part of the surface of the second inlet port 15 has screw cords. These screw cords receive a threaded nut 21 (the third component of the assembly), which may comprise one or more parts. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the nut 21 comprises a gripping portion 24. The second component of the sealing assembly is a hollow ring 22, from which projections 23 protrude. There is also an eye 25, which it is held in position by the projections 23. The second heating cable 47 passes through the opening of the eyelet 26, which is configured to allow heating cables of different sizes to enter. The eyelet 25, provides sealing in two locations: around the insulation jacket of the heating cable (or other component) and through the rim of the eyelet 125, on the perimeter of the hollow ring 22. The first adjustment element 27, on the nut 21, is adjusted with the closing element 29 on the first port 13, in order to ensure proper positioning in the installation, and allow the connector to be shipped with the parts put in place. The positioning elements 28, in the ring 22, they adjust with recesses 17, (and an opposite one that is not shown) that serve to prevent the eyelet 25, and the ring 22, from rotating when the nut 21 is tightened. A similar sealing assembly is present for the heating cable orimer 40, and the first elongated component or any other elongated components may be present. There is also in the connector 1, a braided capture assembly 30, which fits inside the third entry port 15, and serves to control the position of the metallic braid to ground, and forms an electrical connection with the braid. The spring 32, made for example of beryllium copper, is placed inside the metal receptacle 31, as is the braided capture latch 34. After the braided capture clip 35 is placed on the heating cable, it is also installed inside the metal receptacle 31. A grounded metal pin 33 makes electrical connection to the metal receptacle 31, by means of the spring 39, and to the second ground connection element 62, by means of the spring 49. An eyelet interior 36, with the membrane 37, is positioned between the metal receptacle 31, and the cover wall at the bottom of the third inlet port 15, in the second connection module 2, and acts to prevent moisture from reaching the connections electric The membrane 37 is not opened until the heating cable 47 is pushed through it. A similar braided capture assembly is present for the first heating cable 40, as it is inserted in the first inlet port 13, and for the third heating cable 48, which is inserted in the fourth inlet port 16. Figure 3 is an exploded view of a connector 1, similar to that of Figure 2, which is suitable for connecting a heating cable to an elongated electrical component. In Figure 3, supports 64 can be seen, which allow the connector to remain on top of the substrate. Figure 4 is a perspective view, with a partially cut away view of the connection module 11, after the first heating cable 40 has been installed.

The first and second elongate electrodes 41, 42 are surrounded by conductive polymer composition 43. A jacket "insulator 44" surrounds the conductive polymer. As shown in Figure 5, a cross-sectional view along the line VV of Figure 4, the first and second gripping teeth 96, 97 of the stress relieving means 95, grip the insulating shell 44. first connection means 80, shown as an IOC, make electrical contact with the first electrode 41, by the first and second drilling units 83, 84, and the screw 81. Because the IDC is properly tightened, the upper part of the pin indicator 87, remains flush with the surface of the first connection module 11. Figures 6a and 6b are perspective views, which show in detail the braided capture assembly 30, of the invention. As shown in Figure 6a, before the insertion of the first heating cable 40, in the metal receptacle 31, the braided capture clip 35, is placed on the metallic braid to ground 45, and the braid is pulled over another once on the clip. Then, the first heating cable 40 is inserted into the metal receptacle 31, in which the proper positioning occurs when the clip 35 is centered under the spring 32 (see Figure 7). Figure 7 is a perspective view, with a partial cut-away view of the braided capture assembly 30, as shown in Figure 6b, after insertion of the heating cable. In this figure the spring 32 can be seen, which makes electrical connection with the braid 45 and the clip 35, to provide a metal-metal-metal connection, and the braided capture latch 34, a closing mechanism that holds the first heating wire 40, suitably positioned in the metal receptacle 31. In this view, for clarity, no braid is seen on the side of the clip 35, although in use, the braid is generally placed uniformly around the clip. The ground metal pin 33 makes contact with the braided receptacle 31, behind the spring 39, as well as with the first ground connection element 61, through the spring 49. Figure 8, shows in greater detail in a cross-sectional view of the braided capture assembly 30, installed in the first inlet port 13, of the first cover member 3. The internal eyelet 36 is also shown, including the flanges 38, placed on the inner surface of the eyelet 36. These flanges they act as flexible vanes to allow the insertion of heating cables of different sizes in the eyelet 36. Figure 9 is an exploded view of a sealing assembly 2 (5 of the invention, including the first component, which is the first inlet port 13, second component 22, which is a cylindrical ring having joined projections 23, the third component which is the nut 21 (including the grip portion 24), and the fourth component, which is the buttonhole 25. The first adjustment element 27, used in conjunction with the closure element 29, in the first port of entry, allows the proper installation, placement and shipping of the previously assembled assembly. The positioning element 28, fits with the recess 17, and prevents the second component and the eye 25 from rotating when the sealing assembly is tightened. Figure 10 is a perspective view of a connection module 1 '30 of the invention, which contains a mirror for visual supervision. The illustrated embodiment shows a first mirror 101, placed in the first cavity 108, for the first connection means 80, and a second mirror 102, placed in a second cavity 109, for the second connection means 88. FIGS. 11 and 11b , are transverse views of the first connection means 80, taken along the line XI-XI of Figure 10, before (Figure 1a) and after (Figure 11b) that an electrical connection is made. Figures 12a and 12b are plan views of the surface of the connection module of Figure 10, in which Figure 12a, shows the reflection in the first thickness 101, before an electrical connection is made, and Figure 12b shows the reflection after an electrical connection is made. The first mirror 101, shown here as a metal layer 104, is placed in the wall 105 of the first cavity 108, and is attached to the wall 105, by means of an adhesive or other means, if necessary. The wall 110 of the first cavity 108 is made of transparent plastic, although in other embodiments the wall 110 need not be present or can be substantially opaque, but have an opening or a window of transparent material. The angle C of the wall 105, with respect to the laminar surface of the connection module, is shown as approximately 45". Before the insertion of the heating cable 40, the screw cords 106, of the first connection means 80 (shown here as an IDC) are visible at spacing 107 (Figure 12a) After the heating wire 40 is inserted into the first connection means 80, a screwdriver 103 is used to screw the IDC screw 81 , enabling the electrical connection to be made by the first and second drilling units 83 and 84, with the first elongated electrode of the heating cable 40 (Figure 11b) As shown in Figure 12b, no screw cord is seen in the 107, indicating that a complete connection has been made.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A connector for connecting one end of a first elongated heating cable to an end of a first elongated electrical component, said heating cable comprising first and second elongated electrodes, a plurality of resistive heating elements, connected in parallel between said electrodes, and an insulating jacket surrounding such electrodes and heating elements, and comprising said first electrical component, a first balanced mite for connection to the first electrode, and a second elongated component for connection to the second electrode, comprising said connector first and second cover members, which may be in an unwired configuration, or an adjusted configuration, in which the cover members are in contact with each other, and form a cover having a first inlet port for the first heating cable, the first port of entry being a ci hollow cylinder having an inlet at one end and an outer surface, at least a part of which comprises screw cords, and a second inlet port for the first electrical component; securing means for releasably maintaining the cover members in the adjusted configuration; first connection means for connecting the first electrode to the first elongate member of said first electrical component within the cover; second connection means for connecting the second electrode to the second elongate member of said first electrical component within the cover; and a seal set, suitable for sealing the first heating cable at the entrance of the first inlet port, such comprising a hollow cylindrical ring suitable for fitting to the first inlet port and from which projections extend perpendicular to the plane of the ring, a nut, which can be screwed to the strings of the first port of entry, and an eyelet, which is supported by the projections and which seals around the first heating cable or after installation, said first positions being positioned and second connection means within a first connection module, which fits within the cover, when the first and second cover members are in the adjusted configuration.
2. A connector, according to claim 1, which additionally comprises third connection means, for making an electrical connection within the cover, between a first connection element to tier a, and a third member to the rotation of said first connection. electrical component.
3. A connector, according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first AC cable 1 in accordance with the invention comprises a metal trunk grounded, surrounding said jacket. .
A connectoi, according to claims 1,? or 3, where the first port of Rome has half a stop to catch you at the time, which comprise a r eceptacle of me, a r ^ coi, which is a unit, to the metal cceptai and makes cut and connection to the hound at a time, and a pa dor dr thru tirri, lul pr portion.! connection 1 e «. 1 is the receptacle of the metal and the connection to the tie, and preferably also comprises a clip, which makes physical contact with the braid and ensures the contact of the ring with the spring.
5. A connector, according to claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the first elongated electrical component is a second elongated electric heating cable comprising, first and second elongated tones, a plurality of element "d". "When the patient intubated or resisted," included in pairs in relation to electrodes, an anti-bacterial device encircling such electrodes and the membrane, the limelight, and a metallic membrane. < tierí to that rdo- the mentioned jacket isolate, or a c le d r- energí ropcot L¡ oatioit. í > , A connector, according to claim 1, 2 or 3, μai to connect! the electric heating cable, the second and third electric heating cables, each of which comprises pi irner and second extension electrodes, a plurality of heating element t es 11 o, connected in between the electi odes The insulating shell surrounds the aforementioned elements and heating elements, and a metallic ring can be used to redefine the mentioned insulation jacket, having an irreconcilable 1, and a second one.
L < \ < r c ili a or in e * r t c ni o puest '»J) U cover, such a character also bought in a t ï¿½ te to te te te &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&J J - n i jda par el > Warmth rabie d warming, such third port located on the same road as the first port; a fourth entrance port for the third heating cable, such fourth room located or in the same e -, 1 < rno of the cover that the second port; Connecting means to connect the first electrode of the second heating cable to the cover when the first electrode of the third heating cable, the first electrode of the heating cable cable, and the first mi mbr o il ai gado d¡ J μrimti electrical component, fifth m «ui«, = connection for ctpcct go from 1 to cover the eqund 'read the tt ode of the ccundo c ble d < heating to the second electrode of the third heating cable, and the second electrode of the second cable decayed, and the second elongated member of the first electrical component, and sixth connection means, to make an electrical connection between a second grounding element, and the ground braid of the second heating cable, the grounding of the third heating cable, and the connection means, such fourth and fifth means being placed inside a second connection module, which emb One inside the cover adjacent to the first connection module, when the first and second cover members are in the adjusted configuration.
7. A connector, in accordance with any of the above-mentioned signal indications, wherein the first and second connection means comprise insulation displacement connectors.
8. A connector, according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first connection module is transparent and comprises means for aliasing efforts.
9. A sealing assembly, which comprises a first component, which is a hollow cylinder, having an outer surface, at least a part of which comprises screw cords and is composed of a first material; a second component, which is a hollow cylindrical ring, from which perpendicular projections extend to the plane of the ring, such projections being composed of a second material which is a polymeric composition and, has a flexural nodule of, at most , 35150 K g / cm? , and a final elongation of at least 100%, and it is appropriate to adjust the first component; and a third component, which is a. nut, and can be attached to the strings of the first component, and additionally a buttonhole can be held in position by the projections of the second component.
10. A connector for making an electrical connection with an elongated electrical component, said connector comprising a connection module, preferably, at least part of which is transparent; connection means for connecting to a first electrode of the elongated electrical component, said connection means being inserted in the module, and preferably comprising a connector for square or island; and a peg, which is inserted in the module, and is positioned in such a way that the connection means can be observed from the end of the module. SUMMARY A connector for connecting one end of a first elongated heating cable, at one end of a first elongated electrical component, such as another long cable or a power cable. The connector comprises first and second cover members, which may be in an adjusted configuration, or mismatched, which when adjusted, form a cover that has a first port of entry for the first heating cable, and a second port. to input the first component «- 1 or ctr i. c o. In addition, the connector comprises connecting means for connecting electrodes of the first heating cable to elongated walls of the first electrical component and, a sealing assembly, for maintaining the first heating cable in position in the first inlet port. . The sealing assembly comprises a hollow cylindrical shaft from which elements extend in the form of projections extending perpendicular to the plane of the ring, a nut, to make connection to the first inlet port, and an eyelet, which is supported by the projections and which attaches the first heating cable. It is also disclosed a connector that co-erects a mirror, which is inserted into a connection module, containing connection means, such that it is placed in such a way that the connection means can be viewed from the outside of the module. . The indicator can be used as a visual indicator allowing the installer to determine when the electrical elongated component or the heating cable are correctly positioned for connection.