WO2002007264A1 - Improvements in or relating to electrical terminals - Google Patents

Improvements in or relating to electrical terminals Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2002007264A1
WO2002007264A1 PCT/EP2001/008017 EP0108017W WO0207264A1 WO 2002007264 A1 WO2002007264 A1 WO 2002007264A1 EP 0108017 W EP0108017 W EP 0108017W WO 0207264 A1 WO0207264 A1 WO 0207264A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
terminal
terminals
connecting conductor
arrangement according
conductor
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2001/008017
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Michael Paxton-White
Original Assignee
Siemens Metering Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Siemens Metering Limited filed Critical Siemens Metering Limited
Priority to AU2001270632A priority Critical patent/AU2001270632A1/en
Publication of WO2002007264A1 publication Critical patent/WO2002007264A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R31/00—Coupling parts supported only by co-operation with counterpart
    • H01R31/08—Short-circuiting members for bridging contacts in a counterpart
    • 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
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/28—Clamped connections, spring connections
    • H01R4/30—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a screw or nut clamping member
    • H01R4/36—Conductive members located under tip of screw

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to improvements in or relating to electrical terminals, and is more particularly, although not exclusively, concerned with electrical terminals for electricity meters.
  • Electricity meters are constructed in accordance with various standards required by the countries in which they are sold.
  • the standards usually require that the meter is connected to an electricity supply and to a load using terminals of a specified size. Internally to the meter, connection is made to the terminals in order that measurement of current and voltage may be achieved.
  • the current carrying requirement of the meters can be large, typically in the order of tens of amps, which has the result that the cross- sectional area and the length of conductors used to carry the current must be sized accordingly.
  • Such conductors are normally manufactured from a low resistance material which is often copper-based. However, other low resistance materials can be used which are not copper-based.
  • the low resistance material used often has a cost associated with it, and, in order to minimise costs, the volume of material used is kept to a minimum, for example, by minimising the overall length of the conductor.
  • a terminal arrangement comprising:- a first terminal for receiving a first electrical cable; a second terminal for receiving a second electrical cable; and a connecting conductor for electrically connecting the first and second terminals; characterised in that the connecting conductor extends between respective wall portions of the first and second terminals and extends through apertures formed in each wall portion to lie within each terminal.
  • an electricity meter including a terminal arrangement as described above.
  • a method is provided whereby current carrying conductors within an electricity meter can be manufactured with a minimum length whilst retaining their connection to terminals which connect with cable inside the meter.
  • the current carrying conductor may be a bus bar or a measurement shunt.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a conventional connection between two terminals
  • Figure 2 illustrates a connection between two terminals in accordance with the present invention
  • Figure 3 is a sectional view taken along the lines III-III of Figure 2.
  • FIG. 1 a conventional terminal arrangement 10 is shown which comprises a first terminal 12 which is connected to a second terminal 14 via a connecting conductor 16 attached to the end of each terminal 12, 14.
  • Each terminal 12, 14 has a pair of screw threaded holes 18, 20 (shown only on terminal 12 for clarity) into which a pair of screws 22, 24 (shown only on terminal 14 for clarity) are inserted to clamp and retain a cable (not shown) in each of the terminals 12, 14.
  • Such terminals 12, 14 are typically constructed of a metal, typically copper or brass, section which is formed by folding a sheet of the metal to the desired shape, extruding the shape or machining the shape from a solid bar. This produces a generally cylindrical structure of generally rectangular or square cross section which has four side walls 26, 28, 30, 32 and two open ends 34, 36, as shown on terminal 14 in Figure 1.
  • One end 36 of the terminal 12, 14 is open to allow entry of a cable (not shown) thereinto.
  • the other end 34 has the connecting conductor 16 attached thereto. Whilst it is conventional to have both ends 34, 36 of the terminal 12,
  • the screws 22, 24 only function to retain the cable (not shown) in the terminal. However, if the connecting conductor 16 is not riveted, welded or brazed to the terminals 12, 14, as shown in Figure 1, the screws 22, 24 are also used to retain the connecting conductor 16 in the terminals 12, 14.
  • the connecting conductor 16 be formed with one or more bends. This add to the length of the conductor 16 and hence its cost.
  • Figures 2 and 3 illustrate a terminal arrangement 100 in accordance with the present invention.
  • the terminal arrangement 100 comprises first and second terminals 112, 114 which are similar to conventional terminals 12, 14. However, in this case, the first and second terminals 112, 114 are connected together by a connecting conductor 116 which extends through single or multiple slots or holes 118, 120, 122, 124 in respective side walls
  • each terminal 112, 114 has two screw-threaded holes 130, 132 (only those in terminal 112 are shown for clarity) formed therein for receiving respective screws 134, 136 (only those on terminal 114 are shown for clarity) for retaining inserted cables (not shown).
  • the screws 134, 136 have two functions, namely, to retain the cables (not shown) and to secure the connecting conductor 116 in each of the terminals 112, 114.
  • Figure 3 a cross-section through terminal 114 is shown.
  • side wall 128 has slot 124 formed therein in for receiving a portion 138 of the connecting conductor 116.
  • Portion 138 lies adjacent wall 140 of terminal 114 and a cable 142 is inserted into the terminal 114 to lie over the top of the portion 138.
  • screws 134, 136 are tightened applying pressure, it secures both the cable 142 and portion 138 within the terminal 114.
  • the terminal arrangement 100 shown in Figures 2 and 3 provides a reduced length of current carrying conductor, that is, the connecting conductor 116.
  • This is of particular advantage in an electricity meter (not shown) as the terminals 112, 114 can be arranged to be side-by-side in accordance with required standards with the minimum distance between the two terminals 112, 114 being a straight line between respective wall portions 126, 128 thereof.
  • the terminal arrangement 100 in accordance with the present invention has the additional advantage that there is no requirement for the connecting conductor 116 to be permanently connected to the terminals 112, 114 by riveting, welding or brazing.
  • the pressure of the cable 142 onto portion 138 of connecting conductor 116 when the screws 134, 136 are fully tightened retains the conductor 116 and provides a good electrical contact.
  • the terminal arrangement 100 in Figure 2 illustrates each terminal 112, 114 having two screw holes 130, 132 and two screws 134, 136, it will readily be appreciated that a single screw hole and screw can be also be utilised. Furthermore, more than two screw holes and screws can also be provided for each terminal in accordance with the particular application.
  • a terminal arrangement in accordance with the present invention When a terminal arrangement in accordance with the present invention is fitted to an electricity meter, it is used to connect together the neutral line from a supply and the neutral line connected to a load.
  • a terminal could be used to the connect the live line from a supply to a live line to a load.
  • the conductor may comprise a shunt for load measurement if desired.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Connections Effected By Soldering, Adhesion, Or Permanent Deformation (AREA)

Abstract

Described herein is a terminal arragement (100) in which the volume of current carrying conductor (116) within an electricity meter is reduced to save cost of component parts. The arrangement (100) comprises first and second terminals (112, 114) which are connected together by means of a connecting conductor (116), the conductor (116) extending between the two terminals (112, 114) and through respective side walls (126, 128) therof. Screws (134, 136) are provided for retaining a cable inserted into the terminals (112, 114) and for securing a portion of the conductor (116).

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO ELECTRICAL
TERMINALS
The present invention relates to improvements in or relating to electrical terminals, and is more particularly, although not exclusively, concerned with electrical terminals for electricity meters.
Electricity meters are constructed in accordance with various standards required by the countries in which they are sold. The standards usually require that the meter is connected to an electricity supply and to a load using terminals of a specified size. Internally to the meter, connection is made to the terminals in order that measurement of current and voltage may be achieved. The current carrying requirement of the meters can be large, typically in the order of tens of amps, which has the result that the cross- sectional area and the length of conductors used to carry the current must be sized accordingly.
Such conductors are normally manufactured from a low resistance material which is often copper-based. However, other low resistance materials can be used which are not copper-based. The low resistance material used often has a cost associated with it, and, in order to minimise costs, the volume of material used is kept to a minimum, for example, by minimising the overall length of the conductor.
Moreover, it is often difficult to make a connection between two terminals in an electricity meter, that is, between an input and an output, allowing current to pass through and measuring the current as required whilst minimising the cost.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved electrical terminal which overcomes the problems described above. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided A terminal arrangement comprising:- a first terminal for receiving a first electrical cable; a second terminal for receiving a second electrical cable; and a connecting conductor for electrically connecting the first and second terminals; characterised in that the connecting conductor extends between respective wall portions of the first and second terminals and extends through apertures formed in each wall portion to lie within each terminal.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electricity meter including a terminal arrangement as described above.
By using terminals as described above, the cost of current carrying metal conductors within an electricity meter can be substantially reduced whilst maintaining the functionality of the meter.
In accordance with the present invention, a method is provided whereby current carrying conductors within an electricity meter can be manufactured with a minimum length whilst retaining their connection to terminals which connect with cable inside the meter.
Moreover, the current carrying conductor may be a bus bar or a measurement shunt.
For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which: -
Figure 1 illustrates a conventional connection between two terminals;
Figure 2 illustrates a connection between two terminals in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 3 is a sectional view taken along the lines III-III of Figure 2. Although the present invention is described with reference to electricity meters, it will readily be appreciated that the terminal arrangement of the present invention can be employed in many applications where linked terminals are used.
It is well known to make a connection between two terminals using a sheet of conducting material which is clamped against cables coming into the terminals using screws to achieve a pressure joint made with each terminal. Such an arrangement is shown in Figure 1. In Figure 1, a conventional terminal arrangement 10 is shown which comprises a first terminal 12 which is connected to a second terminal 14 via a connecting conductor 16 attached to the end of each terminal 12, 14. Each terminal 12, 14 has a pair of screw threaded holes 18, 20 (shown only on terminal 12 for clarity) into which a pair of screws 22, 24 (shown only on terminal 14 for clarity) are inserted to clamp and retain a cable (not shown) in each of the terminals 12, 14.
Such terminals 12, 14 are typically constructed of a metal, typically copper or brass, section which is formed by folding a sheet of the metal to the desired shape, extruding the shape or machining the shape from a solid bar. This produces a generally cylindrical structure of generally rectangular or square cross section which has four side walls 26, 28, 30, 32 and two open ends 34, 36, as shown on terminal 14 in Figure 1. One end 36 of the terminal 12, 14 is open to allow entry of a cable (not shown) thereinto. As shown in Figure 1, the other end 34 has the connecting conductor 16 attached thereto. Whilst it is conventional to have both ends 34, 36 of the terminal 12,
14 open using one end 36 to receive a cable (not shown) and the other end 34 for the connecting conductor 16, it is also known to rivet, weld or braze the connecting conductor 16 to the terminals 12, 14 which again adds to the cost of the terminal arrangement 10.
If the connecting conductor 16 is riveted, welded or brazed to the terminals 12, 14, the screws 22, 24 only function to retain the cable (not shown) in the terminal. However, if the connecting conductor 16 is not riveted, welded or brazed to the terminals 12, 14, as shown in Figure 1, the screws 22, 24 are also used to retain the connecting conductor 16 in the terminals 12, 14.
In this latter case, whilst retaining the position of terminals in accordance with metering standards as discussed above, it is often necessary that the connecting conductor 16 be formed with one or more bends. This add to the length of the conductor 16 and hence its cost.
In accordance with the present invention, the problem of reducing the length of the current carrying conductors has been solved by providing a connecting conductor which extends through a side wall of the terminal rather through one of its ends. Figures 2 and 3 illustrate a terminal arrangement 100 in accordance with the present invention.
Referring to Figure 2, the terminal arrangement 100 comprises first and second terminals 112, 114 which are similar to conventional terminals 12, 14. However, in this case, the first and second terminals 112, 114 are connected together by a connecting conductor 116 which extends through single or multiple slots or holes 118, 120, 122, 124 in respective side walls
126, 128. (Only slots 118, 120 are shown in Figure 2, and slot 124 in Figure
3.) Again, each terminal 112, 114 has two screw-threaded holes 130, 132 (only those in terminal 112 are shown for clarity) formed therein for receiving respective screws 134, 136 (only those on terminal 114 are shown for clarity) for retaining inserted cables (not shown). However, in this case, the screws 134, 136 have two functions, namely, to retain the cables (not shown) and to secure the connecting conductor 116 in each of the terminals 112, 114. This is shown more clearly in Figure 3. In Figure 3, a cross-section through terminal 114 is shown. As shown, side wall 128 has slot 124 formed therein in for receiving a portion 138 of the connecting conductor 116. Portion 138 lies adjacent wall 140 of terminal 114 and a cable 142 is inserted into the terminal 114 to lie over the top of the portion 138. When screws 134, 136 (only screw 134 being shown in Figure 3) are tightened applying pressure, it secures both the cable 142 and portion 138 within the terminal 114.
It will readily be appreciated that the terminal arrangement 100 shown in Figures 2 and 3 provides a reduced length of current carrying conductor, that is, the connecting conductor 116. This is of particular advantage in an electricity meter (not shown) as the terminals 112, 114 can be arranged to be side-by-side in accordance with required standards with the minimum distance between the two terminals 112, 114 being a straight line between respective wall portions 126, 128 thereof.
The terminal arrangement 100 in accordance with the present invention has the additional advantage that there is no requirement for the connecting conductor 116 to be permanently connected to the terminals 112, 114 by riveting, welding or brazing. The pressure of the cable 142 onto portion 138 of connecting conductor 116 when the screws 134, 136 are fully tightened retains the conductor 116 and provides a good electrical contact. Whilst the terminal arrangement 100 in Figure 2 illustrates each terminal 112, 114 having two screw holes 130, 132 and two screws 134, 136, it will readily be appreciated that a single screw hole and screw can be also be utilised. Furthermore, more than two screw holes and screws can also be provided for each terminal in accordance with the particular application.
When a terminal arrangement in accordance with the present invention is fitted to an electricity meter, it is used to connect together the neutral line from a supply and the neutral line connected to a load. Alternatively or additionally, such a terminal could be used to the connect the live line from a supply to a live line to a load. In this latter instance, the conductor may comprise a shunt for load measurement if desired.

Claims

CLAIMS:
1. A terminal arrangement comprising: - a first terminal for receiving a. first electrical cable; a second terminal for receiving a second electrical cable; and a connecting conductor for electrically connecting the first and second terminals; characterised in that the connecting conductor extends between respective wall portions of the first and second terminals and extends through apertures formed in each wall portion to lie within each terminal.
2. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the connecting conductor comprises a substantially flat plate having two or more extensions, the extensions extending through the wall portions.
3. An arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the flat plate is generally rectangular.
4. An arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each terminal has formed therein at least one threaded screw hole and associated therewith a screw for securing the cable therein, the screw also applying pressure on the connecting conductor to secure it between the two terminals.
5. An arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second terminals lie substantially adjacent one another spaced apart by the length of the connecting conductor.
6. An electricity meter including a terminal arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims.
7. A terminal arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings.
8. An electricity meter substantially as hereinbefore described.
PCT/EP2001/008017 2000-07-18 2001-07-11 Improvements in or relating to electrical terminals WO2002007264A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2001270632A AU2001270632A1 (en) 2000-07-18 2001-07-11 Improvements in or relating to electrical terminals

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0017491.2 2000-07-18
GB0017491A GB2365221A (en) 2000-07-18 2000-07-18 Electrical terminals

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2002007264A1 true WO2002007264A1 (en) 2002-01-24

Family

ID=9895792

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2001/008017 WO2002007264A1 (en) 2000-07-18 2001-07-11 Improvements in or relating to electrical terminals

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2001270632A1 (en)
GB (1) GB2365221A (en)
WO (1) WO2002007264A1 (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102016116842B3 (en) * 2016-09-08 2018-02-15 Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH Connector for electrically connecting two electrical assemblies
DE102016004985B4 (en) 2015-05-12 2018-08-23 Rosenberger Hochfrequenztechnik Gmbh & Co. Kg Connector with spring contact
CN110426541A (en) * 2019-06-21 2019-11-08 江苏科吉电气有限公司 A kind of highly-safe electricity quantity monitoring device for carrying out hot swap

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4457577A (en) * 1982-09-07 1984-07-03 General Signal Corporation Cable tray ground clamp
DE19501404A1 (en) * 1995-01-19 1996-07-25 Hager Electro Gmbh Electrical installation line connection terminal arrangement
DE19511634A1 (en) * 1995-03-30 1996-10-02 Woehner Alfred Gmbh Electrical terminal body for interconnecting main- and brancher-lines
US5901028A (en) * 1997-07-01 1999-05-04 Schlumberger Industries, S.A. Electricity meter provided with a system for protection against surges

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4457577A (en) * 1982-09-07 1984-07-03 General Signal Corporation Cable tray ground clamp
DE19501404A1 (en) * 1995-01-19 1996-07-25 Hager Electro Gmbh Electrical installation line connection terminal arrangement
DE19511634A1 (en) * 1995-03-30 1996-10-02 Woehner Alfred Gmbh Electrical terminal body for interconnecting main- and brancher-lines
US5901028A (en) * 1997-07-01 1999-05-04 Schlumberger Industries, S.A. Electricity meter provided with a system for protection against surges

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102016004985B4 (en) 2015-05-12 2018-08-23 Rosenberger Hochfrequenztechnik Gmbh & Co. Kg Connector with spring contact
DE102016116842B3 (en) * 2016-09-08 2018-02-15 Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH Connector for electrically connecting two electrical assemblies
US10044126B2 (en) 2016-09-08 2018-08-07 Lisa Draexlmaier Gmbh Plug connector to connect two electrical assemblies
CN110426541A (en) * 2019-06-21 2019-11-08 江苏科吉电气有限公司 A kind of highly-safe electricity quantity monitoring device for carrying out hot swap
CN110426541B (en) * 2019-06-21 2021-09-17 江苏科吉电气有限公司 High electric quantity monitoring device that can carry out hot change of security

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2365221A (en) 2002-02-13
GB0017491D0 (en) 2000-08-30
AU2001270632A1 (en) 2002-01-30

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