US3187295A

US3187295A - Electrical terminal block

Info

Publication number: US3187295A
Application number: US199420A
Authority: US
Inventors: Huska Paul
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1962-06-01
Filing date: 1962-06-01
Publication date: 1965-06-01
Anticipated expiration: 1982-06-01

Description

June 1, 1965 P. HusKA 3,187,295

ELECTRICAL TERMINAL BLOCK Filed June 1, 1962 ze 5 f INVENTOR.

United States Patent O 3,187,295 ELECTRCAL TERMlNAL BL'GCK Paul Huslia, 739 Moreno, Los Angeles, Calif. Filed .lune i, 1962, Ser. No. 199,429 8 Claims. (Ci. 339-149) This invention relates to electrical terminal blocks and is particularly concerned with electrically connecting separate conductors, two or more conductors, in a convenient and feasible manner.

Terminal blocks are made in varied forms some with metal posts, some with sockets, and some with clamps, all for receiving and/or securing the end or ends of one :or more conductors. These blocks are characterized by a body of dielectric material that supports the conducting parts, and by means to clamp the conductors in place. Under operating conditions these blocks and their electrical connections are subjected to vibrations and severe heat changes, and it is not uncommon for conductors to become loosened. Needless to say a loose electrical connection aggravates the vibration and heat problems. Further, except by manually testing each conductor for tightness, it is impossible to make a visual check for proper electrical connections in a usual and ordinary terminal block of the type under consideration.

A general object of this invention is to provide clamp means in a terminal block of the type under consideration whereby proper connection or disconnection can be determined visually at a glance.

An object of this invention is to provide a new and improved two position clamp means in a terminal block of the character described. The clamp means hereinafter disclosed has a visibly released position and it has a visibly engaged position, and in the latter position the conductor or conductors are clamped in working position.

it is also an object of this invention to provide an inherent tightening action whereby the conductor or conductors are pulled into working position by the clamping action involved.

'Another object of this invention is to provide a clamping means, as above set forth, that has a positive action and yet is operable to receive variations in conductor diameter or cross-section. As a result, variations in crosssection, size and/ or shape does not adversely aifect operation of the device within certain limits. Y

It is still another object of this invention to provide a positive mechanical motion that is converted into a pressing action, which action is transmitted through a multiplying means to apply clamping or pressured engagement in connecting electrical conductors.

The various objects and features of this invention will be fully understood from the followingr :detailed description of the typical form andV application thereof, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the terminal block on its support, and indicating additional terminal blocks in phantom lines. V

FIG. 2 is an enlarged detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line 2-2 on FG. l', showing but half the structure. Y

FGS. 3, 4 and 5 are detailed sectional views taken as indicated by lines 3 3, 4 4 and 5-5 on FIG. 2, respectively. 'i

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FlG. 3 and shows a modified form of the invention.

The terminal block B illustrated in the drawings is adapted to be used in multiples and said multiplicity of block-s assembled on a supporting channel C. The blocks B are therefore modularly formed, a typical block E being shown as having, generally, iiat opposite sides lll,

a top-ll, a bottom i2, and dat opposite ends 13. The

ice

bottom and top are essentially iiat and parallel, withl conductor openings 14 entering into the sides 10 at opposite sides of the block B. The ends 13 are adapted to engage dat against the next adjacent block B. v

The channel C is an elongate support adapted tocarry a multiplicity of block B in side by side relationship, with their ends 13 engaged with each other. As shown, the channel C opens upwardly, having a dat bottom 15 and opposite parallel side rails 16 with coplanar upperV edges 17. The rails 16 are spaced apart a distance about equal to the width of the blocks B.

The terminal block B is characterized by a mounting means M underlying the block for engagement with the channel C. As shown, 4the means M Vis operable to attach and detach the block B to and from the channel C. In the preferred form, the means M involves opposite shoulder 18 for seated engagement on the opposite edges l?, said shoulders being stepped so as to have centering engagement with the channel C. In practice, the block B has a depending boss 19 that extends between the shoulders l, engaging between the side rails 16. Further, and in order to retain the block B in a working position, a bail 2G is provided at each side of the block to lock it on to the channel. The bail is shown as a spring biased detent latch involving a leaf spring projecting from the block B and with a hook releasably-engageable under the channel. lt will be apparent how the bail can be manually deiiected to release when so desired.

ln accordance with the invention the block B is made of a dielectric material, preferably molded in two half shells, as shown. Thus, the two shells can be assembled over the working components of the structure which involves, generally, anoperator A, a pressure generating means D, a pressure multiplying means E, a clamp F, and a contact G.

The operator A is exposed at the top and side of the block B for manual operation and for visual observation. As shown, the block B is two sided with complete and identical conductor connecting mechanisms at each of the opposite sides thereof, a description of one being sufficient for both. In order for the convenienceV of inserting a conductor into place, the opening 14 is upwardly and outwardly inclined and in which case the operator A is disposed above and parallel with said opening, or at the same angle of inclination and exposed at the top-side corner of the block B.

slots Z2 are the said operators in pressure exerting positions, aslater described. When in angular positions other than said horizontal positions, the said operators are released. y I

As shown, the operator A has a cylindrical body 23 underlying the head Z1 -to turn on the inclined axis', above referred to. The body 23 is a cam'element, a barrel-cam, with a pair of 4diametrically opposite cam faces Z2.- of equal helical pitch. The faces Mare formed as by helically slotting the cylindrical body 23, each through 2/3 (appnoximately) of the circumference and suitably inclined as shown. In practice, there isa land or detent 2.5 Vat the .top Vend of Aeach cam face 24. Interthe operator A in working position.

rlhe pressure generating means D is provided to apply i' pressure under VcontrolY ofthe operator A for use by the liatented June l, 1965 A readily determined whether ornot a good s means E in Vmultiplying and exerting said pressure to the clamp F. The operator A and part of the means D occupy a bore 27 formed in the block B on said inclined Iaxis. 'I'he operator A is rotatably retained in Working position by the groove 26, above described. As is shown, the means D involves a resilient link 2-8 that extends between the loperator A and pressure multiplying means E, to operate both in compression and in tension. "Ighe link 2-8 can vary in form and is shown as compr1s1ng la pair of bowed legs 29 to ext-end4 longitudinally of the axis of Vbore 27, there being a transverse pivot 30 joining the legs where connection is made to the means E, and there being a trnnnion 31 projecting from each leg where connection is, made to the operator A.` It Vwill be apparent that the bowed legs will straighten when the link 28 is put under tension, thereby establishing spring tension.

The pressure multiplying means E is provided to transfer the spring tension from means yD t-o the clamp F, and reversely to retract the clampY F. In accordance with the invention the means E is a lever means, preferably comprising a pair of toggles 3:5 and 36. The upper .toggle 35 is piVota-lly carried by the block B by a pin 37, while the lower togglev 36 is pivotally coupled to the'clarnp F by a pin 3S. The transverse pivot 30 of the link 28 couples the overlapping ends of the toggl-

es

35 and 36 so that shifting of the link causes articulation of the toggles, to angularly `relate them or to straighten them. Thus, the clamp F is raised or lowered,

and when lowered the pressure applied by the link 28Y is augmented Vas the toggles rea-ch a straightened condition.

With' the structure thus far described the trunnionsV 31 are operatively engaged in the helically slotted barrelf cam body 23 to be moved thereby. It will be apparent that the operator A actuates the link 28 reciprocally between a relaxedV or compressive condition and an actuated or tensioned condition. In practice, the shells of the block B are grooved at 27' in order to guide the vlegs 29, whereby turning Vot' the operator A effects longitudinal movement of the link 28.

The clamp F is provided to be yieldingly urged into pressured engagement with the conduct-ors K `and is preferably a body 40 made up of Ydielectric material, like the block B, having an' inclined clamp face 41. In accordance withv the invention the clamp body 40 is guided vertically by vertically disposed chamber walls 42 in the block B, withthe pin 3S centrally located at the top of` the body 46. The face/41 is parallel with the inclination of the contact G which occupies the lower side of the opening 14, to oppose the said contact. As a result of` this inclination withvr respect to the direction of movementy of the clamp F, there is an inward and down- Ward pinching of the conductors K when iinal` pressure is appliedby the clamp F. Further, the said' final pressure is applied in a direction nor-mal to the disposition of the inclined contact G. Y

The contact G1 isa body of conducting material, and in practice the clamp face 4:1 and cont-act G areboth concave, or the like, for the wedging of a plurality of conductors K therebetweem: as shown. The contacts G at opposite sides of the block B are continuations of each' other, being joined Vby a transversely extending connec-V tor bar45 integrally formed therewith. In accordance with `good practice, la test post 46 is provided that connects with the bar 45y and extends upwardlyv to the top l1=1 of the block B where itis protected within a recess 47.` By use of a probe in touching the post 46 it can be electrical connection is made. Y' Y, Y

In FIG. 67a second Yformfof invention'is shown wherein the operator A' and pressure generating means D' are modied., This form ofthe invention employs a differentY type of spring means in the means D and a,

different form of cam means in the operator A'. As shown, the spring means is of helical form and `is cooperatively related to and engaged with or in a screw formed Within the body of the operator A'. The operator A has an intern-al thread 50 threadedly receiving the helicalcoil 5l of the link 2S. The extended end of the spring link 28 carries a transverse pivot 30' that prevents turning of the spring 'and which operates the toggles 3S and 35 as above described. It will be apparent that the lin-k 28 reciprocates upon turning of the operator A', and limited tu-rning of said operator can be accomplished by providing a blind or abrupt end to the thread 5t) in the operator that receives the helical spring coil. Also, limited opening action ofthe toggles will prevent disengagement of the link 28 from the operator A.

From the foregoing the operation of the instant terminal block will be apparent. Not only are the conductors disposed'at a convenient angle for ease of installation, but the clamping and/ or release action is evidently apparent from a simple visual scanning of the many opereators YA that may be involved. When the slots ofv the operato-rs are angularly disposed, the clamps F are retracted with a positive withdrawing action. When the slots of the operators are aligned, horizontally, the clamps F are yieldingly urged into pressure engagement with the conductor-s underlying the clamps F. It wil-1 be apparent that deformities no matter how caused, will be compensated for in the variable deiection of the links 2.3, while .adequate pressure is maintained by the pressure augmenting toggles 35 and 35. As a result, vibration and thermal expansion and contraction do not adversely affect the electrical connections made by the device.

Having described only a typical preferred form and application of my invention, I do not wish to be llimited or restricted to the specic details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any modifications or variations that may appear to those skilled inthe art and falll within the scope of the following claims.

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. A terminal block having terminals arranged back to back and disposed, on inclined axes for the reception of upwardly inclined electrical conductors and includingz' (a) a body having `a pair of oppositely inclined openings therein for the reception of oppositely inclined electrical conductors,

(b) la pair of oppositely disposed manually actuable Y operators at the exterior of the body and each on fan axisY parallel with one of said openings,

(c) a pair of clamps carried by the body and each operable in one ofsaid openings therein normal to and to engage the said conductors respectively,

(d) and means coupling the respective operators and clamps, to 'move the clamps into and out of engage- Y ment with the conductors.

2. .A terminal block having terminals arranged back to back and disposed Von inclined axes for the reception'of upwardly inclined electrical conductors and including:

(a) a body having a pair of oppositely inclined openings therein'for the reception of oppositely inclinedl electrical conductors,` Y v (b) a pair of: oppositely disposed manually actuable operators at the exterior of the body and each on an axis parallel with one of said openings",

(c) apair of clamps carried by the body andv each operableV in one of said openings therein normal toy and to engage the said conductorsrespectively,

(d) and resilient means couplingthej respective oper-V (b) a manually actuable operator at the exterior of the body,

(c) a clamp carried by the body and operable into said opening therein toV engage the conductors,

(d) a toggle means comprising, an upper toggle pivotally carried to move in the body, and a lower toggle pivotally supporting the clamp,

(e) and a resilient link pivotally joining the upper and lower toggles and yieldingly coupling them to the operator, to move the clamp into and out of engagement with the conductors.

4. A terminal block for the reception of electrical conductors and including:

(a) a body having an opening therein for the reception of electrical conductors,

A (b) a rotatable operator with a head accessible at the "f exterior of the body and with a cam,

(c) a clamp carried by the body and operable into said opening therein to engage the conductors,

(d) and a means comprising movable, connected levers carried by the body and movably supporting the clamp, and a longitudinally resilient and movable link engaged with and extending between the cam and said levers, to be moved by the cam and to move the movably supported clamp into and out of engagement with the conductors.

5. A terminal block for the reception of electrical c0nductors and including: v

(b) a rotatable operator with a head accessible at the exterior of the body and with a barrel-cam,

(d) and a means comprising movable, connected levers carried by the body and movably supporting the clamp, and a longitudinally resilient and movable link with trunnions engaged with the cam and extending between the cam and said levers, to be moved by the cam and to move the movably supported clamp into and out of engagement with the conductors.

6. A terminal block for the reception of electrical conductors and including:

(b) a rotatable operator with a head accessible at the exterior of the body and with opposite helically formed slots,

(d) and a means comprising movable, connected levers carried by the body and movably supporting the clamp, and a longitudnally'resilient and movableV llink with oppositely disposed trunnions engaged in i said opposite helically formed slots and extending between the operator and said levers, to be moved by rotation of the cam and to move the movably E supported clamp into and out of engagement with the conductors. I 7. A terminal block for the reception of electrlcal conductors and including:

(b) a rotatable operator with a head accessible at the exterior ofthe body and withr a cam,

(d) a means comprising movable, connected levers carried by the body and movably supporting the clamp,

(e) and a resilient link extending between the operator and said levers and reciprocated by the cam to move the clamp into and out of yielding pressured engagement with the conductors.

8. A terminal block for the reception of electrical conductors and including:

(a) a body having an opening therein for the reception of an electrical conductors,

(c) a clamp carried by the body and operable into said References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS Re. 24,647 5/59 Logan 339-75 701,167 5/02 Dennis '269-201 1,402,104 1/22 Soss. 1,45 3,202 4/ 23 Stevens. 1,634,422 7/27 Holmes. 1,669,337 5/28 Iller 339-263 X 1,988,171 1/35 Frank et al. 339-274 2,390,574 12/45 Dunham et al 339-272 X 2,466,418 4/49 Gunther 339-119 2,796,289 6/57 Tocchetto. 2,957,157 10/60 Carter 339-263 X 2,997,686 8/61 Mason 339-149 3,028,577 4/62 Strauss.

3,034,092 5/62 Majewski 339-119 3,037,182 5/62 Myers 339-149 FOREIGN PATENTS 1,078,555 5/54 France.

1,080,146 5/54 France.

211,726 2/24 Great Britain. 108,032 7/43 Sweden.Y 340,536 10/59 Switzerland.

JOSEPH D. SEERS, Primary Examiner.

Claims

7. A TERMINAL BLOCK FOR THE RECEPTION OF ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS AND INCLUDING: (A) A BODY HAVING AN OPENING THEREIN FOR THE RECEPTION OF ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS, (B) A ROTATABLE OPERATOR WITH A HEAD ACCESSIBLE AT THE EXTERIOR OF THE BODY AND WITH A CAM, (C) A CLAMP CARRIED BY THE BODY AND OPERABLE INTO SAID OPENING THEREIN TO ENGAGE THE CONDUCTORS, (D) A MEANS COMPRISING MOVEABLE, CONNECTED LEVERS CARRIED BY THE BODY AND MOVABLY SUPPORTING THE CLAMP, (E) AND A RESILIENT LINK EXTENDING BETWEEN THE OPERATOR AND SAID LEVERS AND RECIPROCATED BY THE CAM TO MOVE THE CLAMP INTO AND OUT OF YIELDING PRESSURED ENGAGEMENT WITH THE CONDUCTORS.