WO2006108445A1 - Connecting device for electrically connecting at least three electrical conductors, and kit comprising such devices - Google Patents

Connecting device for electrically connecting at least three electrical conductors, and kit comprising such devices Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2006108445A1
WO2006108445A1 PCT/EP2005/005209 EP2005005209W WO2006108445A1 WO 2006108445 A1 WO2006108445 A1 WO 2006108445A1 EP 2005005209 W EP2005005209 W EP 2005005209W WO 2006108445 A1 WO2006108445 A1 WO 2006108445A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
hole
conductor
connecting device
end portion
longitudinal
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2005/005209
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Jean-Luc Couvert
Original Assignee
Fci Electrique France
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 Fci Electrique France filed Critical Fci Electrique France
Priority to PCT/EP2005/005209 priority Critical patent/WO2006108445A1/en
Publication of WO2006108445A1 publication Critical patent/WO2006108445A1/en

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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
    • 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
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R11/00—Individual connecting elements providing two or more spaced connecting locations for conductive members which are, or may be, thereby interconnected, e.g. end pieces for wires or cables supported by the wire or cable and having means for facilitating electrical connection to some other wire, terminal, or conductive member, blocks of binding posts
    • H01R11/03—Individual connecting elements providing two or more spaced connecting locations for conductive members which are, or may be, thereby interconnected, e.g. end pieces for wires or cables supported by the wire or cable and having means for facilitating electrical connection to some other wire, terminal, or conductive member, blocks of binding posts characterised by the relationship between the connecting locations
    • H01R11/05—Individual connecting elements providing two or more spaced connecting locations for conductive members which are, or may be, thereby interconnected, e.g. end pieces for wires or cables supported by the wire or cable and having means for facilitating electrical connection to some other wire, terminal, or conductive member, blocks of binding posts characterised by the relationship between the connecting locations the connecting locations having different types of direct connections
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R11/00—Individual connecting elements providing two or more spaced connecting locations for conductive members which are, or may be, thereby interconnected, e.g. end pieces for wires or cables supported by the wire or cable and having means for facilitating electrical connection to some other wire, terminal, or conductive member, blocks of binding posts
    • H01R11/03—Individual connecting elements providing two or more spaced connecting locations for conductive members which are, or may be, thereby interconnected, e.g. end pieces for wires or cables supported by the wire or cable and having means for facilitating electrical connection to some other wire, terminal, or conductive member, blocks of binding posts characterised by the relationship between the connecting locations
    • H01R11/07—Individual connecting elements providing two or more spaced connecting locations for conductive members which are, or may be, thereby interconnected, e.g. end pieces for wires or cables supported by the wire or cable and having means for facilitating electrical connection to some other wire, terminal, or conductive member, blocks of binding posts characterised by the relationship between the connecting locations the connecting locations being of the same type but different sizes
    • 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
    • H01R4/10—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 effected solely by twisting, wrapping, bending, crimping, or other permanent deformation
    • H01R4/18—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 effected solely by twisting, wrapping, bending, crimping, or other permanent deformation by crimping
    • H01R4/183—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 effected solely by twisting, wrapping, bending, crimping, or other permanent deformation by crimping for cylindrical elongated bodies, e.g. cables having circular cross-section
    • 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
    • H01R4/58—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 characterised by the form or material of the contacting members

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a connecting device for electrically connecting at least three electrical conductors.
  • Such connecting devices are used for example to repair deficient sections of conductors of an electricity delivery network. To this end, a deficient section of a conductor is cut off and replaced by a new conductor the ends of which are connected to the cut ends of the conductors of the network.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a connecting and/or repairing device that is compact and convenient in use.
  • a connecting device comprising an electrically conductive elongated body extending along a longitudinal axis, said body comprising: - at least one first hole for accommodating an end portion of a first conductor, said first hole extending longitudinally within the body from a first longitudinal end of the body, and first means for holding an end portion of said first conductor in position within the first hole;
  • the third hole for accommodating an end portion of a third conductor, the third hole extending within the body under a positive angle relative to the longitudinal axis and opening on the outer surface of the body between the longitudinal ends thereof, and third means for holding an portion end of said third conductor in position within the third hole.
  • the connecting device of the invention may comprise one or several of the features corresponding to claims 2-8.
  • the invention also relates to a kit comprising at least one set made of one conductor and two connecting devices as defined above, each connecting device having his first hole adapted to accommodate a respective end portion of the associated conductor. Beside, the end portions of the conductor of the set might be permanently held in position in the first holes of the connecting devices of the set. Advantageously, the end portions of the conductor of the set are crimped in the first holes of the connecting devices of the set.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connecting device according to a first embodiment of the invention
  • Figures 2 and 3 are cross sectional views of the connecting device of Figure 1 taken along plane N-Il and plane Ill-Ill respectively ;
  • Figure 4 is plan view of a bundle of cables having one section repaired using a number of connecting devices as shown in Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 5 is a perspective view of a connecting device according to a second embodiment of the invention.
  • Figures 6 and 7 are cross-sectional views of the connecting device of
  • Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 5, one end of a conductor being crimped in a hole of the connecting device;
  • Figure 9 is a plan view of a permanently assembled set comprising one conductor having its ends crimped in the connecting device of Figure 5.
  • a connecting device 2 comprises an electrically conductive elongated body 4 extending along a longitudinal axis L, said body 4 having opposed longitudinal ends 6, 8 and an outer cylindrical surface 10 extending between the first 6 and the second 8 longitudinal ends.
  • the outer surface 10 of the body 4 is developable about the longitudinal axis L.
  • the body 4 comprises a first blind hole 12 extending longitudinally within the body 4 from the end 6, and a second blind hole 14 extending longitudinally within the body 4 from the other end 8.
  • the holes 12, 14 open on to respective end faces 16 of the body, said end faces 16 being perpendicular to axis L.
  • the holes 12, 14 have approximately the same longitudinal length. The sum of the axial lengths of holes 12, 14 is less than the length of the body 4 between its ends 6, 8. Therefore, the holes 12, 14 do not pass through an intermediate central section 18 of the body 4.
  • the holes 12, 14 have a circular transverse cross-section. Furthermore, as best seen on Figure 3, the holes 12, 14 extend along the same axis A which is different but parallel to the longitudinal axis L. Hence, the thickness of the walls of the body 4 surrounding the holes 12, 14 is greater in the region 20 opposite to the axis A relative to the axis L. In the region 20, the body 4 is provided, for each hole 12, 14, with a number of threaded bores 21 , for example three, each bore opening on the outer surface 10 and in the hole 12, 14.
  • Each bore extends radially relative to axis L.
  • the device 2 comprises pressure screws 22, each screw 22 being received in a bore 21 , and having a head 24 accessible from outside the body 4, and an opposite end 26 adapted to protrude in the hole 12, 14 when screwing the screw 22.
  • all the bores 21 have parallel axes contained in a common plane containing the axes L and A.
  • the body 4 comprises a third hole 28 extending within the body 4 along an axis B.
  • the third hole 28 extends between the closed ends 12a, 14a of the first and second holes 12, 14.
  • Axis B makes a positive angle with axis L.
  • the angle ⁇ between axis B and axis L is preferably comprised between 20° and 90°, more preferably between 40° and 70°. ⁇ is for example 60°. If ⁇ is 90°, axis B is perpendicular to axis L.
  • the third hole 28 opens at both ends on the outer surface 10 of the body 4 between the ends 6, 8 thereof.
  • the body 4 comprises a threaded bore 29 opening at one end on the outer surface 10 of the body 4, and at the other end into the third hole 28.
  • the axis of the bore 29 is perpendicular to the axis B.
  • the device 2 comprises a pressure screw 30 received in the bore 29, said screw 30 having an head 32 protruding outside the body 4, and an opposed end 34 adapted to protrude into the third hole 28 when the screw 30 is screwed in the bore 29.
  • the holes 12, 14 have the same diameter, which is greater than the diameter of the third hole 28.
  • the device 2 is used to electrically connect two insulated electrical conductors 36, 38 forming part of an electricity delivery network (not shown).
  • a bared end portion of conductor 36 is introduced in the first hole 12 and held in position therein by clamping the corresponding screws 22, whereby the bared end is clamped between the end 26 of the screws 22 and the inner surface 40 of the first hole 12.
  • a bared end portion of conductor 38 is introduced in the second hole 14 and held in position therein by clamping by the corresponding screws 22.
  • first and second conductors are electrically connected through the electrically conductive body 4.
  • the inner surfaces 40 of the holes 12, 14 are provided with annular ribs 42.
  • the section and conductivity of the body 4 is selected to enable transmission of the nominal electrical current between conductors 36 and 38.
  • the body 4 is for example made of aluminum or aluminum alloy so as exhibit high electrical conductivity, whereby the transverse cross-section of body 4 can be kept small, yet enabling the passage of high electrical currents.
  • the body may be constituted of different metallic alloys. For instance, the metallic alloy of the first longitudinal end section is softer than the metallic alloy of the second longitudinal end section.
  • the connecting device 2 is adapted to electrically connect a third insulated electrical conductor 44 to conductors 36 and 38.
  • Conductor 44 is for example a service conductor for retrieving electricity from the network to a facility or a building.
  • Conductor 44 is of smaller diameter than the conductors
  • a bared end portion of service conductor 44 is introduced in the third hole 28, and held in position therein by clamping the corresponding screw 30.
  • the service conductor 44 is electrically connected to the conductors 36 and 38.
  • the connecting device 2 optionally comprises a small auxiliary blind threaded bore 55 extending within the body 4, and adapted to receive a screw for fixing a grounding conductor to the outer surface of the body 4, for example a metallic braid.
  • the threaded bore 55 extends, for example, within the body 4 adjacent the third hole 28.
  • a number of devices 2 are used to repair a deficient section of a bundle 46 of conductors of an electricity delivery network.
  • the bundle 46 comprises for example three phase conductors 48 (only two of them being shown) and one neutral conductor 50 of smaller traverse cross-section.
  • the deficient section has been cut off and removed on a length D.
  • the deficient section is situated at the place of connecting of two different service bundles 52 of conductors extending along the bundle 46 of the network. As a matter of fact, the deficiencies occur most of the time at such connection or branching places.
  • the removed section of each conductor 48, 50 of the bundle 46 is replaced by a set comprising an electrical replacement conductor 54 having a length approximately equal to removed length D, and two connecting devices 2 as described above.
  • Each replacement conductor 54 has its end portions received and wedged in the first holes of the associated connecting devices 2.
  • the free end portions of the corresponding conductors 48, 50 of the bundle 46 left by the cut off of the deficient section are received and wedged in the second holes of said connecting devices 2.
  • Each connecting device 2 is wrapped into an insulating cover (not shown) so as to insulate the various connecting devices 2 from one another. Then, the whole repaired section is embedded in a resin bloc (not shown), the resin bloc being wrapped into a conductive cover (not shown) forming an electrical grounding screen. The repaired section can be buried.
  • One of the connecting devices 2 connected to the neutral conductor 50 is electrically connected to the grounding screen by a metallic braid fixed to the body 4 of said connecting device 2 via a screw passed through a lumen of the metallic braid and engaged in an auxiliary threaded hole 55 (figure 2) provided in said body 4.
  • Each connecting device is elongated in the longitudinal direction of the conductors received in the first and second holes. Therefore, the repaired section is compact in transverse cross-section.
  • each connecting device 2 enables to easily connect the service conductor into the connecting device 2 without bending the service conductor with too small a curvature radius. This reduces the chance of deficiency at the branching of the service conductor on the network conductors.
  • a repair kit advantageously comprises a number of sets, each set comprising a length of replacement electrical conductor 54 and two associated connecting devices 2 adapted for receiving and wedging the end portions of the conductor 54 in their first holes.
  • the replacement conductor 54 is less stiff in flexion than the conductor it is intended to replace. Thus, installation of the replacement conductor 54 is made easier, since the replacement conductor can easily be bent by the operator to adjust the position thereof.
  • the embodiment of Figures 5-7 mainly differs from the embodiment of Figures 1-4 in that the body 4 is deprived of bores and screws for clamping an electrical conductor in the first hole 12.
  • the body 4 is made of a first metallic elongated part 56 and a second metallic elongated part 58, said parts 56, 58 extending along the axis L.
  • the parts 56, 58 are joined end to end, for example by welding.
  • the first part 56 has a smaller outer diameter than the second part 58, such that the body 4 comprises a revolution outer surface 10 having a shoulder 60.
  • the first hole 12 extends in the first part 56, and the second hole 14 and third hole 28 extend in the second part 58. Screws 22 and 30 are provided for wedging conductors in the second
  • the parts 56, 58 are made of different materials, for example of different aluminum alloys, the aluminum of the first part 56 being softer.
  • the second part 58 is designed to withstand the clamping forces when screwing the screws 22.
  • the first part 56 is adapted to be plastically deformed to crimp a bared end portion of a conductor 36 introduced in the first hole, as illustrated on Figure 8, whereby the conductor is permanently wedged in the connecting device 2.
  • the body 4 optionally comprises an auxiliary blind threaded bore 61 for fixing a grounding conductor to the outer surface of the body 4, said threaded bore 61 extending adjacent the third holes, preferably within the second part 58.
  • a repair kit advantageously comprises at least one set made of an electrical conductor 62, preferably insulated, having its bared end portions received and permanently wedged in the first holes of two connecting devices 2 according to Figures 5-7.
  • repair operations can be simplified, since the operator no longer has to fix the connecting devices 2 on the replacement conductor 62.
  • the body 4 comprises several parallel first holes 12 extending longitudinally within the body 4 from end 6, and/or several parallel second holes extending longitudinally within the body 4 from end 8.
  • the connecting device is usable at a network node having several bundles of network conductors extending therefrom.
  • the body 4 comprises several third holes 28 extending within the body 4 under a positive angle relative to the longitudinal axis L.
  • the third holes 28 preferably extend between closed ends 12a, 14a of blind first 12 and second 14 holes.
  • the third holes 28 extend under the same angle or different angles relative to the longitudinal axis L.

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  • Connections Effected By Soldering, Adhesion, Or Permanent Deformation (AREA)
  • Cable Accessories (AREA)

Abstract

The device comprises an electrically conductive elongated body (4) extending along longitudinal axis (L), said body (4) comprising: at least one first longitudinal hole (12) for accommodating an end portion of a first conductor (36), at least one second longitudinal hole (14) for accommodating an end portion of a second conductor, at least one third hole (28) for accommodating an end portion of a third conductor, the third hole (28) extending within the body (4) under a positive angle relative to the longitudinal axis (L), and means (22, 30) for holding the end portions of said conductors in position within the associated holes (28). Application to kits for repairing deficient sections in electricity delivery networks.

Description

Connecting device for electrically connecting at least three electrical conductors, and kit comprising such devices
The present invention relates to a connecting device for electrically connecting at least three electrical conductors.
Such connecting devices are used for example to repair deficient sections of conductors of an electricity delivery network. To this end, a deficient section of a conductor is cut off and replaced by a new conductor the ends of which are connected to the cut ends of the conductors of the network. An object of the present invention is to provide a connecting and/or repairing device that is compact and convenient in use.
This aim is at least partly achieved by a connecting device comprising an electrically conductive elongated body extending along a longitudinal axis, said body comprising: - at least one first hole for accommodating an end portion of a first conductor, said first hole extending longitudinally within the body from a first longitudinal end of the body, and first means for holding an end portion of said first conductor in position within the first hole;
- at least one second hole for accommodating an end portion of a second conductor, said second hole extending longitudinally within the body from a second longitudinal end of the body, opposite the first longitudinal end, and second means for holding an end portion of said second conductor in position within the second hole; and
- at least one third hole for accommodating an end portion of a third conductor, the third hole extending within the body under a positive angle relative to the longitudinal axis and opening on the outer surface of the body between the longitudinal ends thereof, and third means for holding an portion end of said third conductor in position within the third hole.
The connecting device of the invention may comprise one or several of the features corresponding to claims 2-8. The invention also relates to a kit comprising at least one set made of one conductor and two connecting devices as defined above, each connecting device having his first hole adapted to accommodate a respective end portion of the associated conductor. Beside, the end portions of the conductor of the set might be permanently held in position in the first holes of the connecting devices of the set. Advantageously, the end portions of the conductor of the set are crimped in the first holes of the connecting devices of the set.
The invention will be better understood from the following description, with a reference to the accompanying drawings representing, by way of non- limiting examples, embodiments of connecting devices according to the invention as well as a set including such connecting devices.
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connecting device according to a first embodiment of the invention;
Figures 2 and 3 are cross sectional views of the connecting device of Figure 1 taken along plane N-Il and plane Ill-Ill respectively ;
Figure 4 is plan view of a bundle of cables having one section repaired using a number of connecting devices as shown in Figure 1 ;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of a connecting device according to a second embodiment of the invention; Figures 6 and 7 are cross-sectional views of the connecting device of
Figure 4 taken along plane Vl-Vl and plane VII-VII respectively;
Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 5, one end of a conductor being crimped in a hole of the connecting device; and
Figure 9 is a plan view of a permanently assembled set comprising one conductor having its ends crimped in the connecting device of Figure 5.
As shown in Figures 1-3, a connecting device 2 according to the invention comprises an electrically conductive elongated body 4 extending along a longitudinal axis L, said body 4 having opposed longitudinal ends 6, 8 and an outer cylindrical surface 10 extending between the first 6 and the second 8 longitudinal ends. The outer surface 10 of the body 4 is developable about the longitudinal axis L. The body 4 comprises a first blind hole 12 extending longitudinally within the body 4 from the end 6, and a second blind hole 14 extending longitudinally within the body 4 from the other end 8.
The holes 12, 14 open on to respective end faces 16 of the body, said end faces 16 being perpendicular to axis L.
The holes 12, 14 have approximately the same longitudinal length. The sum of the axial lengths of holes 12, 14 is less than the length of the body 4 between its ends 6, 8. Therefore, the holes 12, 14 do not pass through an intermediate central section 18 of the body 4. The holes 12, 14 have a circular transverse cross-section. Furthermore, as best seen on Figure 3, the holes 12, 14 extend along the same axis A which is different but parallel to the longitudinal axis L. Hence, the thickness of the walls of the body 4 surrounding the holes 12, 14 is greater in the region 20 opposite to the axis A relative to the axis L. In the region 20, the body 4 is provided, for each hole 12, 14, with a number of threaded bores 21 , for example three, each bore opening on the outer surface 10 and in the hole 12, 14. Each bore extends radially relative to axis L. The device 2 comprises pressure screws 22, each screw 22 being received in a bore 21 , and having a head 24 accessible from outside the body 4, and an opposite end 26 adapted to protrude in the hole 12, 14 when screwing the screw 22. In the embodiment as shown, all the bores 21 have parallel axes contained in a common plane containing the axes L and A.
As best seen on figure 2, in the intermediate region 18, the body 4 comprises a third hole 28 extending within the body 4 along an axis B. The third hole 28 extends between the closed ends 12a, 14a of the first and second holes 12, 14.
Axis B makes a positive angle with axis L. The angle θ between axis B and axis L is preferably comprised between 20° and 90°, more preferably between 40° and 70°. θ is for example 60°. If θ is 90°, axis B is perpendicular to axis L. The third hole 28 opens at both ends on the outer surface 10 of the body 4 between the ends 6, 8 thereof.
The body 4 comprises a threaded bore 29 opening at one end on the outer surface 10 of the body 4, and at the other end into the third hole 28. The axis of the bore 29 is perpendicular to the axis B.
The device 2 comprises a pressure screw 30 received in the bore 29, said screw 30 having an head 32 protruding outside the body 4, and an opposed end 34 adapted to protrude into the third hole 28 when the screw 30 is screwed in the bore 29. The holes 12, 14 have the same diameter, which is greater than the diameter of the third hole 28.
In use, as illustrated in dash-dot lines on Figures 2 and 3, the device 2 is used to electrically connect two insulated electrical conductors 36, 38 forming part of an electricity delivery network (not shown). A bared end portion of conductor 36 is introduced in the first hole 12 and held in position therein by clamping the corresponding screws 22, whereby the bared end is clamped between the end 26 of the screws 22 and the inner surface 40 of the first hole 12.
Similarly, a bared end portion of conductor 38 is introduced in the second hole 14 and held in position therein by clamping by the corresponding screws 22.
Thus, the first and second conductors are electrically connected through the electrically conductive body 4.
To improve wedging of the conductors 36, 38 and electrical contact between the body 4 and the conductors 36, 38, the inner surfaces 40 of the holes 12, 14 are provided with annular ribs 42.
The section and conductivity of the body 4 is selected to enable transmission of the nominal electrical current between conductors 36 and 38.
The body 4 is for example made of aluminum or aluminum alloy so as exhibit high electrical conductivity, whereby the transverse cross-section of body 4 can be kept small, yet enabling the passage of high electrical currents. The body may be constituted of different metallic alloys. For instance, the metallic alloy of the first longitudinal end section is softer than the metallic alloy of the second longitudinal end section.
The connecting device 2 is adapted to electrically connect a third insulated electrical conductor 44 to conductors 36 and 38. Conductor 44 is for example a service conductor for retrieving electricity from the network to a facility or a building. Conductor 44 is of smaller diameter than the conductors
36 and 38.
To this end, a bared end portion of service conductor 44 is introduced in the third hole 28, and held in position therein by clamping the corresponding screw 30.
Thus, the service conductor 44 is electrically connected to the conductors 36 and 38.
As illustrated in Figure 2, the connecting device 2 optionally comprises a small auxiliary blind threaded bore 55 extending within the body 4, and adapted to receive a screw for fixing a grounding conductor to the outer surface of the body 4, for example a metallic braid.
The threaded bore 55 extends, for example, within the body 4 adjacent the third hole 28. As illustrated in Figure 4, a number of devices 2 are used to repair a deficient section of a bundle 46 of conductors of an electricity delivery network. The bundle 46 comprises for example three phase conductors 48 (only two of them being shown) and one neutral conductor 50 of smaller traverse cross-section. The deficient section has been cut off and removed on a length D.
The deficient section is situated at the place of connecting of two different service bundles 52 of conductors extending along the bundle 46 of the network. As a matter of fact, the deficiencies occur most of the time at such connection or branching places. The removed section of each conductor 48, 50 of the bundle 46 is replaced by a set comprising an electrical replacement conductor 54 having a length approximately equal to removed length D, and two connecting devices 2 as described above.
Each replacement conductor 54 has its end portions received and wedged in the first holes of the associated connecting devices 2. The free end portions of the corresponding conductors 48, 50 of the bundle 46 left by the cut off of the deficient section are received and wedged in the second holes of said connecting devices 2.
Each connecting device 2 is wrapped into an insulating cover (not shown) so as to insulate the various connecting devices 2 from one another. Then, the whole repaired section is embedded in a resin bloc (not shown), the resin bloc being wrapped into a conductive cover (not shown) forming an electrical grounding screen. The repaired section can be buried.
One of the connecting devices 2 connected to the neutral conductor 50 is electrically connected to the grounding screen by a metallic braid fixed to the body 4 of said connecting device 2 via a screw passed through a lumen of the metallic braid and engaged in an auxiliary threaded hole 55 (figure 2) provided in said body 4.
Each connecting device is elongated in the longitudinal direction of the conductors received in the first and second holes. Therefore, the repaired section is compact in transverse cross-section.
The end portions of the conductors of each service bundle 52 are received and wedged in the third holes of the associated connecting devices
2. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide separate derivation connecting devices. Thus, the repaired section at a branching place can be maintained compact.
Furthermore, the inclined third hole 28 of each connecting device 2 enables to easily connect the service conductor into the connecting device 2 without bending the service conductor with too small a curvature radius. This reduces the chance of deficiency at the branching of the service conductor on the network conductors. A repair kit advantageously comprises a number of sets, each set comprising a length of replacement electrical conductor 54 and two associated connecting devices 2 adapted for receiving and wedging the end portions of the conductor 54 in their first holes. Preferably, the replacement conductor 54 is less stiff in flexion than the conductor it is intended to replace. Thus, installation of the replacement conductor 54 is made easier, since the replacement conductor can easily be bent by the operator to adjust the position thereof.
The embodiment of Figures 5-7 mainly differs from the embodiment of Figures 1-4 in that the body 4 is deprived of bores and screws for clamping an electrical conductor in the first hole 12.
As best seen on Figures 6 and 7, the body 4 is made of a first metallic elongated part 56 and a second metallic elongated part 58, said parts 56, 58 extending along the axis L. The parts 56, 58 are joined end to end, for example by welding. The first part 56 has a smaller outer diameter than the second part 58, such that the body 4 comprises a revolution outer surface 10 having a shoulder 60.
The first hole 12 extends in the first part 56, and the second hole 14 and third hole 28 extend in the second part 58. Screws 22 and 30 are provided for wedging conductors in the second
14 and third 28 holes.
The parts 56, 58 are made of different materials, for example of different aluminum alloys, the aluminum of the first part 56 being softer.
The second part 58 is designed to withstand the clamping forces when screwing the screws 22.
The first part 56 is adapted to be plastically deformed to crimp a bared end portion of a conductor 36 introduced in the first hole, as illustrated on Figure 8, whereby the conductor is permanently wedged in the connecting device 2. As illustrated in Figure 6, the body 4 optionally comprises an auxiliary blind threaded bore 61 for fixing a grounding conductor to the outer surface of the body 4, said threaded bore 61 extending adjacent the third holes, preferably within the second part 58.
As illustrated in Figure 9, a repair kit advantageously comprises at least one set made of an electrical conductor 62, preferably insulated, having its bared end portions received and permanently wedged in the first holes of two connecting devices 2 according to Figures 5-7.
Thus, repair operations can be simplified, since the operator no longer has to fix the connecting devices 2 on the replacement conductor 62.
Alternatively, the body 4 comprises several parallel first holes 12 extending longitudinally within the body 4 from end 6, and/or several parallel second holes extending longitudinally within the body 4 from end 8. Hence, the connecting device is usable at a network node having several bundles of network conductors extending therefrom.
Alternatively or optionally, the body 4 comprises several third holes 28 extending within the body 4 under a positive angle relative to the longitudinal axis L. The third holes 28 preferably extend between closed ends 12a, 14a of blind first 12 and second 14 holes. The third holes 28 extend under the same angle or different angles relative to the longitudinal axis L.
These alternatives can be combined together and with the embodiment of figures 1 - 3 or the embodiment of figures 5 - 7.

Claims

1.- A connecting device for electrically connecting at least three electrical conductors (36, 38), comprising an electrically conductive elongated body (4) extending along a longitudinal axis (L), said body comprising:
- at least one first hole (12) for accommodating an end portion of a first conductor (36), said first hole (12) extending longitudinally within the body (4) from a first longitudinal end (6) of the body (4), and first means (22) for holding an end portion of said first conductor (36) in position within the first hole (12); - at least one second hole (14) for accommodating an end portion of a second conductor, said second hole (14) extending longitudinally within the body (4) from a second longitudinal end (8) of the body (4), opposite the first longitudinal end, and second means (22) for holding an end portion of said second conductor in position within the second hole (14); and - at least one third hole (28) for accommodating an end portion of a third conductor, the third hole (28) extending within the body (4) under a positive angle relative to the longitudinal axis (L) and opening on the outer surface (10) of the body (4) between the longitudinal end (6, 8) thereof, and third means (30) for holding an end portion of said third conductor in position within the third hole (28).
2.- A connecting device according to claim 1 , wherein the outer surface (10) of the body (4) is developable about the longitudinal axis (L).
3.- A connecting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said first, second, and/or third means comprise threaded bores opening in the or each said first, second and/or third hole (12, 14, 28), and corresponding screws (22, 30) adapted to protrude in the or each first, second and/or third holes (12, 14, 28) to hold in position an end portion of an electrical conductor introduced therein.
4.- A connecting device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second holes (12, 14) are blind, and the third hole (28) extends within the body (4) between the closed ends (12a, 14a) of the first and second holes (12, 14).
5.- A connecting device according to any preceding claim, wherein said first and/or second means comprises a longitudinal end section (56) of the body having one (12) of the first and second holes (12, 14) extending therein, said longitudinal section being adapted to be deformed plastically to hold an end portion of an electrical conductor in position in said first or second hole (12, 14).
6.- A connecting device according to any preceding claim, wherein the body (4) has a first longitudinal end section (56) made of a metallic alloy, and a second longitudinal end section (58) made of another metallic alloy, the metallic alloy of the first longitudinal end section (56) being softer than the metallic alloy of the second longitudinal end section (58).
7.- A connecting device according to claim 6, wherein the first and second longitudinal end section (56) are joined end to end by welding.
8.- A connecting device according to any preceding claim, wherein the angle (θ) between an axis (B) of the third hole (28) and the longitudinal axis (L) is between 20° and 90°, preferably between 40° and 70°, more preferably about 60°.
9.- Kit comprising at least one set made of one conductor and two connecting devices (2) according to any preceding claim, each connecting device (2) having his first hole adapted to accommodate a respective end portion of the conductor.
10.- Kit according to claim 9, comprising at least one set having the end portions of the conductor permanently held in position in the first holes of the associated connecting devices (2) of the set.
11.- Kit according to claim 10, wherein the end portions of the conductor of the set are crimped in the first holes of the connecting devices (2) of the set.
PCT/EP2005/005209 2005-04-14 2005-04-14 Connecting device for electrically connecting at least three electrical conductors, and kit comprising such devices WO2006108445A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2005/005209 WO2006108445A1 (en) 2005-04-14 2005-04-14 Connecting device for electrically connecting at least three electrical conductors, and kit comprising such devices

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2005/005209 WO2006108445A1 (en) 2005-04-14 2005-04-14 Connecting device for electrically connecting at least three electrical conductors, and kit comprising such devices

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WO2006108445A1 true WO2006108445A1 (en) 2006-10-19

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WO2017059061A1 (en) * 2015-09-29 2017-04-06 Classic Connector, Inc. Tangent suspension accessory assembly and accessory bracket therefor
IT201700103614A1 (en) * 2017-09-15 2019-03-15 Mauro Luigi Ottonello Electric power distribution device
EP3499646A1 (en) * 2017-12-14 2019-06-19 Tyco Electronics Raychem GmbH Electrical connector and connector system using the same
CN110088983A (en) * 2016-11-14 2019-08-02 安费诺有限公司 Bonder terminal and the method for assembling the bonder terminal
CN114822917A (en) * 2018-06-26 2022-07-29 Abb瑞士股份有限公司 Copper conductor

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US3585566A (en) * 1969-09-23 1971-06-15 Minnesota Mining & Mfg Modular secondary connector
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GB2328802A (en) * 1997-07-22 1999-03-03 Bicc Plc Temporary cable repair joint
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US6368162B1 (en) * 1999-08-03 2002-04-09 Kerry L. Reetz Temperature resistive electrical distribution block

Cited By (10)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2017059061A1 (en) * 2015-09-29 2017-04-06 Classic Connector, Inc. Tangent suspension accessory assembly and accessory bracket therefor
US10074963B2 (en) 2015-09-29 2018-09-11 Classic Connectors, Inc. Tangent suspension accessory assembly and accessory bracket therefor
CN110088983A (en) * 2016-11-14 2019-08-02 安费诺有限公司 Bonder terminal and the method for assembling the bonder terminal
EP3539184A4 (en) * 2016-11-14 2020-06-10 Amphenol Corporation Connector terminal and method of assembling the same
CN110088983B (en) * 2016-11-14 2021-07-30 安费诺有限公司 Connector terminal and method for assembling the same
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EP3499646A1 (en) * 2017-12-14 2019-06-19 Tyco Electronics Raychem GmbH Electrical connector and connector system using the same
CN114822917A (en) * 2018-06-26 2022-07-29 Abb瑞士股份有限公司 Copper conductor
CN114822917B (en) * 2018-06-26 2024-04-09 Abb瑞士股份有限公司 Copper conductor

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