US20110120841A1 - Electrical Switch Connector Assembly And Method Of Connecting An Electrical Device To An Electrical Switch Assembly - Google Patents
Electrical Switch Connector Assembly And Method Of Connecting An Electrical Device To An Electrical Switch Assembly Download PDFInfo
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- US20110120841A1 US20110120841A1 US12/526,907 US52690707A US2011120841A1 US 20110120841 A1 US20110120841 A1 US 20110120841A1 US 52690707 A US52690707 A US 52690707A US 2011120841 A1 US2011120841 A1 US 2011120841A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- electrical device
- connector
- switch
- input
- housing
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
- H01R13/70—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch
- H01R13/703—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch operated by engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. dual-continuity coupling part
- H01R13/7031—Shorting, shunting or bussing of different terminals interrupted or effected on engagement of coupling part, e.g. for ESD protection, line continuity
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
- G01R11/00—Electromechanical arrangements for measuring time integral of electric power or current, e.g. of consumption
- G01R11/02—Constructional details
- G01R11/04—Housings; Supporting racks; Arrangements of terminals
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
- H01R13/70—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch
- H01R13/701—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch the switch being actuated by an accessory, e.g. cover, locking member
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R9/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, e.g. terminal strips or terminal blocks; Terminals or binding posts mounted upon a base or in a case; Bases therefor
- H01R9/22—Bases, e.g. strip, block, panel
- H01R9/24—Terminal blocks
- H01R9/2425—Structural association with built-in components
- H01R9/2433—Structural association with built-in components with built-in switch
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R2201/00—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications
- H01R2201/20—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications for testing or measuring purposes
Abstract
An electrical connector assembly (10) incorporates a connector (12) with a switch and is designed to electrically and mechanically connect and disconnect to a mating electrical device (14) while maintaining a closed circuit continuously through the connector. The mating electrical device includes a plurality of conductive contacts (20). The electrical connector includes an insulating housing (30) with at least a pair of input and output terminals (32) mounted on the housing. The terminals include contact portions (32 b) for engaging the contacts of the mating electrical device. A switch mechanism (40; 60) is movably mounted on the housing for movement between a connecting position and a disconnecting position. The switch mechanism includes a latch member (48; 17) and at least one switch terminal (44). In the connecting position, the latch member is interengaged with a latch (26; 62) on the mating electrical device with the switch terminal out of engagement with the input and output terminal. In the disconnecting position, the latch member (48, 17) is disengageable from the latch (26, 62) on the mating electrical device so that the device can be removed from the assembly with the switch terminal (44) in engagement with the input and output terminals (32) to maintain a closed circuit through the connector (12) when the mating electrical device (14) is removed.
Description
- This invention generally relates to the art of electrical connectors and, particularly, to an electrical switch connector assembly incorporating a switch to electrically and mechanically connect and disconnect a mating electrical device while maintaining a closed electrical circuit continuously through the connector assembly.
- Electrical power is supplied to an individual site by external electrical power line conductors located above or below ground. In a conventional arrangement, electrical power line conductors and electrical load conductors are connected directly to contacts in a watt-hour meter mounted on a building wall. The watt-hour meter is used to measure the electric power drawn through the circuit.
- These meters must be removed periodically for servicing, calibration or replacement. Since the meter is connected to the circuit in series, the removal of the meter will open the circuit. In order to avoid such an open circuit condition after the meter is removed, the input and output electrical conductors to and from the meter must be shorted.
- A number of methods exist to create this short circuit. Two such methods require the skill of an electrical technician. In one instance, the technician is required to place jumper wires between the input and output conductors. In another instance, the technician uses a separate device that connects to all of the input and output conductors at the same time.
- Still another method includes the use of a non-conductive blade inserted between input and output and shorting terminals. When the blade is inserted, the shorting arms are moved out of engagement with the input and output terminals allowing current to flow through the meter. When the blade is removed from between the terminals, the shorting terminals engage respective input and output terminals creating the short that will allow the meter to be removed without opening the circuit. This method works well but there is no provision for wiping the terminals to remove any non-conductive material on the contact surfaces. Also to allow for relatively easy insertion and removal of the non-conductive blade, the spring force in the shorting terminals cannot be too great. If there is any non-conductive material build-up on the contact surfaces, the spring force may not be great enough to force the shorting terminal through the build up resulting in an incomplete or even non-existent electrical connection. Also with a blade there is an extra part that can be lost and there still must be a separate feature that locks the meter with the connector.
- A final method includes a projection on the meter that acts like the blade method described above. Although the projection is part of the meter and does not require a separate part that can get lost, there still must be a separate feature that locks the meter with the connector.
- These prior art methods are expensive since in some cases an expensive technician must be employed or in other instances the meter is more complicated requiring extra parts. Also a consistent electrical contact is not always ensured since the contacting surfaces of the mating switch terminals don't provide any wiping that can remove any non-conductive build up on the mating surfaces of the terminals. Also some of these methods allow the terminals to be exposed to the weather and are also capable of accidental or unintentional contact by testing personnel or other personnel unaware of the exposed electrical potential.
- The present invention is directed to solving the problems of the prior art by providing an electrical connector assembly that uses a connector with a switch, the connector being readily connected and disconnected both electrically and mechanically to a mating electrical device, such as an electrical meter, while maintaining a continuous closed circuit current flow through the connector. Also, the connector provides a wiping action to improve the electrical connection and will be safer with fewer exposed terminals.
- In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, an electrical connector assembly incorporates a connector with a switch mechanism and is designed to electrically and mechanically connect and disconnect a mating electrical device while maintaining a closed circuit current flow through the connector. The mating electrical device includes a plurality of conductive contacts. The electrical connector includes an insulating housing with at least a pair of input and output terminals from one circuit mounted on the housing. The terminals include contact portions for engaging the contacts of the mating electrical device.
- The switch mechanism is movably mounted on the housing for movement between a connecting position and a disconnecting position. The switch mechanism includes a latch member and at least one switch terminal. In the connecting position, the latch member is inter-engaged with a latch on the mating electrical device with the switch terminal out of engagement with the input and output terminal. In the disconnecting position, the latch member is disengageable from the latch on the mating electrical device so that the device can be removed from the assembly with the switch terminal in engagement with the input and output terminals to maintain a circuit through the connector when the mating electrical device is removed.
- According to one aspect of the invention, the switch mechanism comprises a rotating shaft mounted on the housing. The switch terminal is disposed at an outer periphery of the shaft. The shaft is elongated and is rotatable about its longitudinal axis. The input and output terminals are spaced longitudinally along the shaft. The switch terminal extends longitudinally for shorting the input and output terminals in the disconnecting position of the shaft.
- According to another aspect of the invention, the mating electrical device includes an actuator for moving the switch mechanism between its connecting and disconnecting positions. The actuator includes the latch for inter-engagement with the latch member on the movable switch mechanism. In the exemplary embodiment, the actuator comprises a lever pivotally mounted on the mating electrical device on an axis coincident with the axis of rotation of the shaft that forms the switch mechanism.
- According to a further aspect of the invention, the connector housing and the mating electrical device have mounting faces mountable on a support structure in a coplanar relationship. The mating electrical device is mated onto the housing in a mating direction generally perpendicular to their mounting faces. A plurality of guide projections on the connector housing extend in the mating direction for positioning in a corresponding plurality of guide apertures in the mating electrical device.
- Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
- The features of this invention that are believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention, together with its objects and the advantages thereof, may be best understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify like elements in the figures and in which:
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electrical connector assembly including a connector and a mating electrical device, with the connector and the device in a disconnecting position; -
FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the assembly ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a view similar to that ofFIG. 2 , but with the device connected to the connector and with the actuating lever on the device in its disconnecting position; -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the assembly with the actuating lever on the device pivoted to its connecting position; -
FIG. 5 is a view similar to that ofFIG. 3 , with the actuating lever on the device pivoted to its connecting position; -
FIG. 6 is a fragmented, partially cut-away perspective view of the assembly, with the connector housing removed to show the switch shaft, and with the housing of the electrical device removed to show the interconnection of the contacts and the terminals of the assembly in the disconnecting position; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the switch shaft, with one of the switch terminals removed from the shaft; -
FIG. 8 shows an end elevation view of the switch shaft in conjunction with one of the connector terminals, and with the shaft in its disconnecting position from the electrical device; -
FIG. 9 is a view similar to that ofFIG. 8 , with the switch shaft in its connecting position when the connector is connected to the electrical device; -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment with a sliding switch actuator in its disconnecting position from the electrical device; -
FIG. 11 shows an end elevation view of the switch shaft of the alternative embodiment in conjunction with one of the connector terminals, and with the shaft in its disconnecting position from the electrical device; -
FIG. 12 shows an end elevation view of the switch shaft in the alternative embodiment in conjunction with one of the connector terminals, and with the shaft in its connecting position from the electrical device; -
FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the sliding actuator of the alternate embodiment; -
FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of the sliding switch shaft of the alternate embodiment; -
FIG. 15 is a perspective cross sectional view of the alternate embodiment similar toFIG. 10 with a sliding switch actuator in its disconnecting position from the electrical device; and -
FIG. 16 is a perspective cross sectional view of the alternative embodiment view with the sliding switch actuator in its connecting position when the connector is connected to the electrical device. - Referring to the drawings in greater detail, and first to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , the invention is incorporated in an electrical connector assembly, generally designated 10, which includes an electrical connector, generally designated 12, and a mating electrical device, generally designated 14. Although the invention has a variety of applications, the matingelectrical device 14 is an electrical meter in the exemplary embodiment. An electrical current is supplied from a source into and out of themeter 14 through theconnector 12 and through a current transformer. If the transformer secondary circuit is open while a load is connected to the transformer primary circuit, very high voltage spikes (kilovolts) induced over the open secondary circuit are likely to impair human safety and/or transformer isolation. To prevent this risk it is essential that a continuous closed electrical circuit be maintained even when the meter is removed. - The meter, according to this invention, can be very easily and safely mated and unmated with the connector in the direction of double-headed arrow “A.” As will be seen hereinafter, when the meter is mated with the connector, an electrical circuit flows through the connector into and out of the meter. When the meter is unmated from the connector, the current continues to flow through the connector with the help from a shorting circuit created by a shorting terminal. The
connector housing 30 and the matingelectrical device 14 have mounting faces 30 a, 16 a that are mountable on a support structure in a coplanar relationship. The mating electrical device is mateable onto the housing in a direction generally perpendicular to their mounting faces. - Still referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , theelectrical device 14 includes anon-conductive housing 16 having a generally planarrear mounting face 16 a and abottom face 16 b. A pair ofguide bosses 18 project from thebottom face 16 b. Theguide bosses 18 have through-holes 18 a that extend in the mating direction “A.” As best seen inFIG. 1 , a row ofblade contacts 20 made from a conductive material are exposed across the bottom of thehousing 16. An actuator in the form of an actuating lever, generally designated 22, is pivotally mounted at the bottom of thehousing 16. The lever has a pair ofpivot arms 22 a that is pivotally mounted by means of a pair ofpivot bosses 22 b inside a pair ofpivot flanges 24 that project forwardly of thehousing 16 at opposite ends of the row ofblade contacts 20. A somewhat elongated latch projection orboss 26 projects inwardly at the distal end of eachpivot arm 22 a.Pivot bosses 22 b project outwardly at the distal end of eachpivot arm 22 a. A pair of locks or latchprojections 26 is located generally on the pivot axis. The pivot axis of theactuator lever 22, as defined by thepivot bosses 22 b, is coincidental with theaxis 42 of rotation of theswitch shaft 40 described below. -
FIG. 3 shows theelectrical device 14 moved into full mating condition with theconnector 12. Once the device is mated with the connector, the actuatinglever 22 on the meter can be pivoted in the direction of arrow “B” until the lever reaches a connecting position as shown inFIGS. 4 and 5 . - Referring to
FIG. 6 in conjunction withFIGS. 1 and 5 , theconnector 12 includes a non-conductive housing 30 (FIGS. 1 and 5 ) that mounts a plurality of input and output terminals 32 (FIG. 6 ). Thehousing 30 has a pair ofguide projections 34 as best seen inFIGS. 1 and 5 . Theguide projections 34 are received within the guide holes 18 a (FIG. 1 ) of theguide bosses 18 at the bottom of thehousing 16 of themeter 14 as can be seen clearly inFIG. 4 . Theterminals 32 are elongated and include terminatingportions 32 a (FIG. 6 ) at one end for termination to a plurality ofelectrical wires 36. The terminals havecontact portions 32 b at the opposite ends thereof for receiving theblade contacts 20 from thedevice 14. Thecontact portions 32 b are spring-loaded and are bifurcated for receiving the blade contacts and clamping the blade contacts under good contacting forces. - It should be understood that
electrical device 14 can take a variety of configurations or characteristics. In the exemplary embodiment, for instance, theelectrical device 14 is a three-phase meter requiring four inputs and four outputs. One pair of input and output terminals is used for each phase with the remaining pair used for a neutral circuit. In other words, it can be seen that there are eightelectrical wires 36 leading to eightterminals 32 in theconnector 12, with the eight terminals being engageable with eightblade contacts 20 of themeter 14. - When the
meter 14 is mated with theconnector 12 in the connecting position, alternating ones of the electrical wires/terminals/blade contacts would be inputs from a power source or load, while the other alternating electrical wires/terminals/blade contacts would be outputs of the system, resulting in four pairs of inputs and outputs. Each current circuit is then closed by a current measuring device (not shown) located inside the meter housing. When themeter 14 is to be unmated from theconnector 12, short circuits must first be provided between the inputs and the outputs of each pair in order to prevent each current circuit from being opened. Therefore, a switch mechanism in the form of a rotatable switch shaft, generally designated 40 (FIG. 6 ), is rotatably mounted within thehousing 30 of theconnector 12. - In an alternative embodiment, the switch mechanism takes the form of a sliding actuator generally designated 62 (
FIGS. 10 , 13, 15, and 16) that is moved within thehousing 30 of theconnector 12. In either embodiment the switch mechanism can include portions of the housing (30). - More particularly, referring to
FIG. 7 in conjunction withFIG. 6 , theswitch shaft 40 is elongated and is rotatable about its longitudinal axis indicated at 42. Four switch terminals, generally designated 44, are mounted on the switch shaft at spaced intervals longitudinally therealong. As seen by the removedswitch terminal 44 inFIG. 7 , each switch terminal includes a blade-like body portion 44 a that is press-fit into arespective slot 46 in theswitch shaft 40 in the direction of arrow “C.” Each switch terminal includes a pair ofcontact portions 44 b for engaging a pair of the input andoutput terminals 32 related to the same circuit. In other words, with each adjacent input and outputelectrical wire 36 and their respective input andoutput terminals 32, oneswitch terminal 44 is provided with twocontact portions 44 b for shorting out that respective pair of input and output wires/terminals, as will be seen hereinafter. - Still referring to
FIGS. 6 and 7 , theswitch shaft 40 may be fabricated of a non-conductive material such as plastic or the like, and each opposite end of the shaft is provided with a locking member orlatch slot 48 that is somewhat elongated for receiving one of the latch projections 26 (FIG. 1 ) inside one of thepivot arms 22 a of the actuatinglever 22. When theelongated latch projections 26 on thelever 22 are inserted into theelongated latch slots 48 of theswitch shaft 40, a driving connection is created between the lever and the switch shaft for rotating the shaft in response to pivoting the lever. As best seen inFIG. 7 , a pair of lockingbosses FIG. 2 , it can be seen that the housing of theconnector 12 is provided with a lockingrecess 52 for receiving either one of the lockingbosses - In an alternate embodiment, the
switch shaft 40 is replaced with a slidingshaft 70 that slides in either direction “E” or “F” inFIG. 10 . Theswitch terminals 74 are mounted at spaced intervals longitudinally along the actuator 60. Theelectrical device 14 includes anon-conductive housing 16 having a generally planarrear mounting face 16 a and abottom face 16 b. A pair ofguide bosses 18 project from the bottom face. The guide bosses have through-holes 18 a that extend in the mating direction “A”. An actuator in the form of an actuating lever, generally designated 62, is slidably mounted at the bottom of thehousing 16. The lever has a pair of slidingarms 62 a that are mounted by means of a pair of sliding bosses 62 b inside an opening 64 b in a pair offlanges 64 that project forwardly ofhousing 16 at opposite ends. As shown inFIG. 13 , theelongated latch slot 66 is directed inwardly at the distal end of each slidingarm 62 a. -
FIG. 10 shows theelectrical device 14 moved into full mating condition with theconnector 12. Once the device is mated with the connector, the actuatinglever 62 on the meter can be slid in the direction of arrow “E” until the lever reaches a connecting position. - Referring to
FIG. 10 in conjunction withFIGS. 11 and 12 , theconnector 12 includes anon-conductive housing 30 that mounts a plurality of input and output terminals, generally designated 32. The housing has a pair ofguide projections 34 that is received within the guide holes 18 a of theguide bosses 18 at the bottom of thehousing 16 of themeter 14, as can be seen clearly inFIG. 10 . Theterminals 32 are elongated and include the terminatingportions 32 a at one end for termination to a plurality ofelectrical wires 36. The terminals havecontact portions 32 b at the opposite ends thereof for receiving blade contacts from thedevice 14. Thecontact portions 32 b are spring-loaded and bifurcated for receiving the blade contacts and clamping the blade contacts under good contacting forces. - Referring to
FIG. 14 in conjunction withFIGS. 11 , 12, and 14, theswitch shaft 70 is elongated and is slidable within thehousing 16. Four switch terminals, generally designated 74 (FIGS. 11 and 12 ), are mounted on the switch shaft at spaced intervals longitudinally therealong. Each switch terminal includes a blade-like body portion 74 a that is press-fit into arespective slot 76 in theswitch shaft 70. Each switch terminal includes a pair of contact portions 74 b for engaging a pair of the respective input andoutput terminals 32. In other words, with each adjacent input and outputelectrical wire 36 and their respective input andoutput terminals 32, oneswitch terminal 74 is provided with the two contact portions 74 b for shorting out that respective pair of input and output terminals. - Referring to
FIGS. 13 , 14, 15, and 16, theswitch shaft 70 may be fabricated of a non-conductive material such as plastic or the like, and each opposite end of the shaft is provided with alatch projection 78 that is somewhat elongated for being received in one of thelatch slots 66 inside one of the slidingarms 62 a of actuatinglever 62. When theelongated latch slots 66 on thelever 22 are inserted into theelongated latch projections 78 of theswitch shaft 70, a driving connection is created between the lever and the switch shaft for sliding the shaft in response to sliding of the lever. As seen inFIGS. 15 and 16 , a pair of locks or lockingbosses 68 project outwardly from theactuator lever 62 at each opposite end thereofFIG. 15 shows theelectrical device 14 and theconnector 12 when they are first moved together but prior to their being locked together. This corresponds toFIG. 11 where theswitch terminals 74 are in the shorting position with theinput output terminals 32. InFIG. 16 theactuator lever 62 has been moved in the direction “E” that is where theelectrical device 14 and theconnector 12 are locked together. In this position, the lockingboss 68 slides under the locking member or the lockingshoulder 16 d. This corresponds toFIG. 12 where theswitch terminals 74 are slid out of their shorting position with theinput output terminals 32. - The operation of the
electrical connector assembly 10 now will be described, particularly in relation to the function of theswitch shaft 40 as seen inFIGS. 8 and 9 and the slidingactuator 62 inFIGS. 10-16 . In particular, after proper calibration, themeter 14 is mated with theconnector 12 as described above in relation to the sequential depictions inFIGS. 2 and 3 . It should be noted that the connector, in the disconnected position as seen inFIGS. 1 and 2 , have fewer areas of exposed terminals that can be contacted by other conductive parts or by an operator's hands. This makes the connector safer than the prior art connectors. - For mating to occur, the actuating
lever FIGS. 2 and 10 respectively with respect to themeter housing 16. At the electrical connectors side, theswitch shaft 40 is in a shorting position wherein the contact portions 40 b of theswitch terminals 44 are establishing short circuits between the input andoutput terminals 32 and their respective input and outputelectrical wires 36, and wherein thelatch slots 48 at opposite ends of the shaft open upwardly or thelatch projections 78 open downwardly (seeFIGS. 15 , 16). It can be seen that lockingbosses 50 a at opposite ends of the shaft are locked within the locking recesses 52 to hold the shaft in this position. - The
meter 14 is moved into mating position with the connector in the direction of arrow “A” whereby theblade contacts 20 of themeter 14 are pushed into thebifurcated contact portions 32 b ofterminals 32 as seen inFIG. 6 . As seen inFIG. 3 , the latch projections 26 (FIG. 1 ) on thelever 22 will move into thelatch slots 48 or, as seen inFIGS. 15 and 16 , thelatch projection 78 will move into thelatch slots 66 in the slidinglever 62 to establish a driving connection between theactuation lever shaft guide projections 34 are received within the guide holes 18 a, which helps to prevent movement between theelectrical device 14 and theconnector 12 in either direction “E” or “F”. In this pre-existing position, theswitch shaft FIGS. 8 and 11 , the contact portions 40 b, 70 b of theswitch terminals output terminals 32 and their respective input and outputelectrical wires 36. However, additional current circuits provided by the meter in parallel to short circuits will now exist, making it possible to remove the short circuits with out any risk of an open circuit. - The actuating
lever 22 then is pivoted in the direction of arrow “B” (FIG. 3 ) to the position shown inFIGS. 4 and 5 or theactuator lever 62 is slid in the direction of arrow “E”. Pivoting of thelever 22 correspondingly rotates theswitch shaft 40 in the direction of arrow “D” as seen inFIG. 9 . Moving the slidingactuator 62 in the direction of arrow “E” slidably moves theswitch shaft 70, as seen inFIG. 12 . This moves thecontact portions 44 b, 74 b of theswitch terminals output terminals 32. The movement of theswitch terminals output terminals 32 will remove some of any non-conductive material that may build up on either of the contact surfaces between theswitch terminals - With the
blade contacts 20 of themeter 14 inserted into thecontact portions 32 b of theterminals 32, circuits now are closed with electrical current flowing into and out of themeter 14. In the shorting condition of theswitch shaft 40, the lockingbosses 50 a are snapped into the locking recesses 52 as seen inFIG. 2 to hold the switch shaft in its shorting position. When the lever rotates the shaft to the position ofFIG. 9 , the lockingbosses 50 a snap out of the locking recesses 52 and the lockingbosses 50 b snap into the locking recesses to hold the shaft and the lever in the connecting position of the meter and the connector. - Other features that should be noted include the fact that the
meter 14 cannot be disconnected from theconnector 12 when the rotatinglever 22 is in the position ofFIGS. 4 and 5 or when the slidingactuator 62 is in the position as seen inFIG. 16 . In other words, the interengagement of thelatch projections 26 on the lever within latch theslots 48 on the shaft or of the lockingboss 68 of the slidingactuator 62 under the lockingshoulder 16 d will provide latch means to help hold the meter and the connector in a mated condition.FIG. 8 represents a disconnecting position of theswitch shaft 40 whereby thelatch projections 26 can be easily moved out of thelatch slots 48 and further whereby theswitch terminals 44 engage the input-output terminals 32.FIGS. 10 and 15 also represent a similar disconnecting position.FIGS. 9 and 12 represent a connecting position ofswitch shaft latch projections 26 can not be removed from thelatch slots 48 or the lockingboss 68 cannot be removed from under lockingshoulder 16 d along with the interaction between theguide projections 34 and the guide holes 18 a. In this connecting position theswitch terminals output terminals 32. - As seen in
FIGS. 4 and 10 , thehousing 30 of theconnector 12 has arear mounting face 30 a that is coplanar with therear mounting face 16 a of thehousing 16 of themeter 14, whereby theconnector assembly 10 can be mounted on a flat or generally planar support surface. To that end, as seen inFIG. 5 , the housing of the connector has a mountingflange 30 b projecting out of each opposite side thereof for receiving appropriate fasteners to mount the connector to the support surface. Themeter 14 has a mountingflange 16 c for receiving appropriate fasteners to mount the meter to the support structure. - It will be understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein.
Claims (14)
1. A mating connector system, comprising:
a mating electrical device (14) including a latch (26; 62) and at least a pair of conductive contacts (20); and
an electrical connector assembly (10) including an insulating housing (30),
at least a pair of conductive input and output terminals (32) mounted on the housing, the terminals including contact portions (32 b) for engaging contacts (20) of the mating electrical device, and
a switch mechanism (40; 62) movably mounted on the housing for movement between a connecting position and a disconnecting position, whereby in the connecting position a closed circuit flow is maintained through the electrical device (14), and in the disconnecting position a closed circuit flow is maintained through the input and output terminals with a shorting circuit,
wherein the switch mechanism includes a shaft (40; 70) and a locking member (48; 16 d), the shaft including at least one switch terminal (44; 74), wherein in the connecting position the locking member (48; 16 d) is interengaged with a lock (26; 68) on the mating electrical device where the switch terminal (44; 74) is out of engagement with the input and output terminals, and in the disconnecting position the locking member (48; 16 d) is disengageable from the lock (26; 68) on the mating electrical device so that the device can be removed from the assembly where the switch terminal (44; 74) is in engagement with the input and output terminals (32) forming the short circuit to maintain a closed circuit flow through the connector (12) when the mating electrical device (14) is removed, the switch mechanism designed so that the switch terminals (44; 74) engage the appropriate input and output terminals (32) before the locking member (48;16 d) is disengaged from the lock (26; 68).
2. The electrical connector assembly of claim 1 wherein said switch mechanism comprises a shaft (40) rotatably mounted on the housing (30), with said switch terminal (44) being disposed at an outer circumferential periphery of the shaft.
3. The electrical connector assembly of claim 2 wherein said shaft (40) is elongated and is rotatable about its longitudinal axis (42), the input and output terminals (32) are spaced longitudinally of the shaft, the switch terminal (44) extends longitudinally of the shaft, and the switch terminal extends longitudinally for shorting the input and output terminals in the rotatable disconnecting position of the shaft.
4. The electrical connector assembly of claim 1 wherein said mating electrical device (14) includes an actuator (22) for moving the switch mechanism (40) between said positions.
5. The electrical connector assembly of claim 4 wherein said actuator (22) includes said latch (26) for interengagement with the latch member (48) on the movable switch mechanism (40).
6. The electrical connector assembly of claim 5 wherein said actuator comprises a lever (22) pivotally mounted on the mating electrical device (14).
7. The electrical connector assembly of claim 1 wherein said connector housing (30) and said mating electrical device (14) have mounting faces (30 a;16 a) mountable on a support structure in a coplanar relationship, the mating electrical device being mateable onto the housing in a mating direction (A) generally perpendicular to their mounting faces.
8. The electrical connector assembly of claim 7 , including a plurality of guide projections (34) on the connector housing (30) extending in said mating direction (B) for receipt in a corresponding plurality of guide apertures (18 a) in the mating electrical device (14).
9. The electrical connector assembly of claim 1 , including locking means (50 a,50 b,52) for holding the switch mechanism (40) in either of its connecting or disconnecting positions.
10. The electrical connector assembly of claim 5 wherein said actuator 60 is slidably mounted on the mating electrical device (14).
11. An electrical connector assembly according to claim 1 , wherein said electrical device is a watt-hour meter.
12. A method of connecting an electrical device (14) to a connector assembly (10) incorporating a connector (12) with a switch while maintaining a closed circuit flow through the connector, comprising the steps of:
moving an electrical device (14) into electrical engagement with the connector assembly (10) so that at least a pair of input and output terminals (32) from one circuit mounted on the housing (30) of the connector assembly (10) engages contacts 20) of the mating electrical device and so that a lock (26; 68) on the mating electrical device is inserted into locking member (48; 16 d) on a switch mechanism movably mounted on the housing for movement between a connecting position and a disconnecting position, whereby in the connecting position, a closed circuit flow is maintained through the electrical device (14), and in the disconnecting position a closed circuit flow is maintained through the input and output terminals with a shorting circuit, held in the connector, the switch mechanism including at least one switch terminal (44, 74) that is in engagement with the pair of input and output terminals (32) forming the short circuit to maintain a closed circuit thought the connector (12); and
moving the switch mechanism to the connecting position that first engages the lock (26; 68) to the locking member (48; 16 d) and then disengages the switch terminal (44; 74) from the pair of input and output terminals (32) removing the short circuit and allowing current to flow through the meter.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein the step of moving the switch mechanism includes sliding movement of the switch mechanism in relation to the connector housing.
14. The method of claim 12 wherein the step of moving the switch mechanism includes rotating movement of the switch mechanism in relation to the connector housing.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2007/061966 WO2008123875A2 (en) | 2007-02-12 | 2007-02-12 | Electrical switch connector assembly and method of connecting an electrical device to an electrical switch assembly |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2007/061966 A-371-Of-International WO2008123875A2 (en) | 2007-02-12 | 2007-02-12 | Electrical switch connector assembly and method of connecting an electrical device to an electrical switch assembly |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/486,046 Continuation US8513552B2 (en) | 2007-02-12 | 2012-06-01 | Electrical switch connector assembly and method of connecting an electrical device to an electrical switch assembly |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20110120841A1 true US20110120841A1 (en) | 2011-05-26 |
Family
ID=39734905
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/526,907 Abandoned US20110120841A1 (en) | 2007-02-12 | 2007-02-12 | Electrical Switch Connector Assembly And Method Of Connecting An Electrical Device To An Electrical Switch Assembly |
US13/486,046 Active US8513552B2 (en) | 2007-02-12 | 2012-06-01 | Electrical switch connector assembly and method of connecting an electrical device to an electrical switch assembly |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/486,046 Active US8513552B2 (en) | 2007-02-12 | 2012-06-01 | Electrical switch connector assembly and method of connecting an electrical device to an electrical switch assembly |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US20110120841A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2181336A2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2008123875A2 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140301024A1 (en) * | 2012-03-31 | 2014-10-09 | Huawei Device Co., Ltd. | Electric Base, Electric Gateway, and Electric Gateway Body |
CN104515881A (en) * | 2013-09-27 | 2015-04-15 | 苏州工业园区和顺电气股份有限公司 | Pluggable electric energy meter |
WO2016081870A1 (en) * | 2014-11-21 | 2016-05-26 | Smith Duane K | Electrical connecting assemblies, and related methods |
KR102169763B1 (en) * | 2019-04-18 | 2020-10-26 | 한국전력공사 | Electronic watt-hour meter |
CN114270630A (en) * | 2019-06-26 | 2022-04-01 | 法国国家电力企业 | Maintenance drawer for switchboard |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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CN102411077B (en) * | 2011-07-25 | 2014-11-19 | 浙江达得利电器有限公司 | Electric meter box capable of preventing electricity theft |
CN103529257B (en) * | 2013-09-27 | 2016-08-17 | 苏州工业园区和顺电气股份有限公司 | High reliability electric power meter |
JP6561740B2 (en) * | 2015-10-01 | 2019-08-21 | 中国電力株式会社 | Uninterruptible instrument replacement device |
JP2021043136A (en) * | 2019-09-13 | 2021-03-18 | 東光東芝メーターシステムズ株式会社 | Electricity meter |
CN112858746B (en) * | 2021-01-15 | 2023-06-02 | 国网上海市电力公司 | Electric energy meter on-site verification special power strip and use method |
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US6770829B1 (en) * | 2003-10-02 | 2004-08-03 | Eaton Corporation | Control apparatus |
US7342194B2 (en) * | 2005-01-03 | 2008-03-11 | Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. | Dual function reset operator for an electrical device |
US7348510B1 (en) * | 2007-02-12 | 2008-03-25 | Eaton Corporation | Safety switch, and enclosure and electrical connector assembly therefor |
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DE19636053C1 (en) * | 1996-09-05 | 1998-04-02 | Woehner Gmbh & Co Kg | Plug-in terminal for electricity meters |
US5775942A (en) * | 1996-09-11 | 1998-07-07 | Thomas & Betts Corporation | Clamp jaw, lever bypass meter socket |
US6945813B1 (en) * | 2004-03-09 | 2005-09-20 | Cooper Technologies Company | Socket assembly for electric meter box |
-
2007
- 2007-02-12 US US12/526,907 patent/US20110120841A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2007-02-12 WO PCT/US2007/061966 patent/WO2008123875A2/en active Application Filing
- 2007-02-12 EP EP07873499A patent/EP2181336A2/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2012
- 2012-06-01 US US13/486,046 patent/US8513552B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US6770829B1 (en) * | 2003-10-02 | 2004-08-03 | Eaton Corporation | Control apparatus |
US7342194B2 (en) * | 2005-01-03 | 2008-03-11 | Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. | Dual function reset operator for an electrical device |
US7348510B1 (en) * | 2007-02-12 | 2008-03-25 | Eaton Corporation | Safety switch, and enclosure and electrical connector assembly therefor |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140301024A1 (en) * | 2012-03-31 | 2014-10-09 | Huawei Device Co., Ltd. | Electric Base, Electric Gateway, and Electric Gateway Body |
US9588138B2 (en) * | 2012-03-31 | 2017-03-07 | Huawei Device Co., Ltd. | Electric base, electric gateway, and electric gateway body |
CN104515881A (en) * | 2013-09-27 | 2015-04-15 | 苏州工业园区和顺电气股份有限公司 | Pluggable electric energy meter |
WO2016081870A1 (en) * | 2014-11-21 | 2016-05-26 | Smith Duane K | Electrical connecting assemblies, and related methods |
US9627795B2 (en) | 2014-11-21 | 2017-04-18 | Duane K. Smith | Electrical connecting assemblies, and related methods |
KR102169763B1 (en) * | 2019-04-18 | 2020-10-26 | 한국전력공사 | Electronic watt-hour meter |
CN114270630A (en) * | 2019-06-26 | 2022-04-01 | 法国国家电力企业 | Maintenance drawer for switchboard |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2181336A2 (en) | 2010-05-05 |
WO2008123875A2 (en) | 2008-10-16 |
US20130168211A1 (en) | 2013-07-04 |
WO2008123875A3 (en) | 2008-12-18 |
US8513552B2 (en) | 2013-08-20 |
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Legal Events
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO PAY ISSUE FEE |