• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    CABLE CONNECTION SYSTEM A cable connection system comprises an electrically conductive, unitarily formed, body (100), a plurality of primary mains cable securing fasteners (120) and a plurality of securing means (108). The body (100) has a pair of longitudinally extending primary mains cable tunnels (101), each primary mains cable tunnel (101) being for receipt of a mains cable core strand. The body (100) also has a plurality of primary threaded apertures (104) each extending through a wall of the body (100) into one of the primary mains cable tunnels (101). At least one primary threaded aperture (104) extends into each primary mains cable tunnel (101). The body (100) further has a plurality of longitudinally extending service cable apertures (105), each service cable aperture (105) being for receipt of a service cable. One primary mains cable securing fastener (120) is threadingly received in each primary threaded aperture (104). Each primary mains cable securing fastener (120) has a leading end extendible into the respective primary mains cable tunnel (101). One securing means (108) is associated with each of the service cable apertures (105), each securing means (108) for securing a service cable in the associated service cable aperture (105). ('CIA *00 Clioj
    公开号:AU2013221995A1
    申请号:U2013221995
    申请日:2013-08-30
    公开日:2014-03-20
    发明作者:Bruce James Ogden
    申请人:LEGEND CORPORATE SERVICES Pty Ltd；
    IPC主号:H01R4-36
    专利说明:
    1 CABLE CONNECTION SYSTEM Field [0001] The present invention relates to a cable connection system and particularly relates to a cable connection system for mains power cables. Background [0002] Underground mains power cables, utilised for residential power distribution, are buried within the ground and have their ends extending up through the ground surface where they are terminated in distribution units, from where service cables that distribute power to individual properties are joined. A typical arrangement within such a distribution unit is depicted in Figure 1. [0003] Each mains power cable 1 typically comprises four core strands 2 of aluminium wires that are each individually sheathed. The four sheathed core strands 2 are retained within a mains cable sheath 3. [0004] To terminate the mains cable within the above-ground distribution unit 4, a length of approximately 300 mm of the cable 1 is exposed above the ground surface 5, and each of the four core strands 2 are separated by removing the mains cable sheath 3 above the ground surface 5. Each of the four core strands 2 is then terminated by crimping the barrel 6 of a standard crimping-type cable terminal lug 7 onto the exposed wires at the end of each core strand 2. Heatshrink tubing (not depicted) is applied to the terminal lug barrel 6 and adjacent portion of sheathed core strand 2. The four terminated core strands 2 are divided into two pairs, with each pair of terminated core strands 2 being joined by way of a bolt 8 and bus bar 9. The bolt 8 passes through the aperture in the palm 10 of one of the terminal lugs 7, through the corresponding aperture in the bus bar 9 and then through the aperture in the palm 10 of the second terminal lug 7, with a nut completing the connection. [0005] Service cables 12, which are routed to individual properties for distribution of power to those properties, are also terminated in the distribution unit. Again, these service cables 12 are terminated by crimping a crimping-type cable terminal lug 13 onto the exposed end of the cable 12. The terminated service cables 12 are connected to the mains cable 1 by passing the bolt 8 securing a pair of mains cable core strands 2 together through the aperture provided in the 2 service cable terminal lug 13. An earth cable 14 is similarly terminated by a crimping-type cable terminal lug and connected to the mains cable in the same manner as a service cable. Lighting power cables (not depicted), which provide power directly to street lighting, are also terminated by way of a crimping-type cable terminal lug and are connected to one of the core pair assemblies by way of the bolt 8. Each core pair assembly is then covered in heatshrink material. [0006] The mains cable core strands 2 typically have a compacted cross-sectional area of approximately 240mm2 (for aluminium wire core strands) and a non-compacted area of approximately 3202 mm, whilst the service and earth cables are much smaller, typically having a 2 cross-sectional area of approximately 50 mm , although more recently aluminium service cables having a cross-sectional area of approximately 70 mm2 have become common. [0007] The lighting cables are smaller again, with a cross-sectional area of approximately 10 2 mm . Terminating these three varying sized cables requires a range of expensive crimping tools and associated dies. These crimping tools and dies, apart from being rather expensive, require frequent maintenance and are often poorly maintained, resulting in poor quality terminal connections. Lack of operator skill and care also compromises the quality of the terminal connections. [0008] The process of crimping a cable terminal lug onto a cable, particularly a large mains cable core strand, can also be quite tedious. When a pair of mains cable core strands 2 are to be connected by way of a bus bar 9, the cable terminal lugs 7 also need to be closely aligned when secured to the cable core strand 2, as the short length of cable core strand 2 protruding from the ground surface 5 cannot be readily twisted into alignment. Even when the cable terminal lug 7 appears to be aligned prior to operation of the crimping tool, movement of the cable terminal lug 7 as the tool is applied often occurs, resulting in misaligned cable terminal lugs 7 which cannot be readily connected by way of a bus bar 9. [0009] Alternate forms of power distribution connection have previously been proposed utilising machined cable terminal lugs that each accept a mains cable within a tunnel defined at one end of the barrel of the lug. Multiple service cables are accepted in apertures either extending laterally through the palm of the lug or provided in a separate bus bar electrically connecting adjacent lugs. These previously proposed connection systems, however, are 3 relatively expensive to manufacture, are relatively uneconomic in the use of available space within the distribution unit (otherwise known as a pillarbox) and/or require service cables to be bent through 90 degrees to enable lateral entry into the service cable apertures for receipt of the service cables (when provided in the palm of the lug). Object of the Invention [0010] It is the object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the above disadvantages. Summary of Invention [0011] The present invention provides a cable connection system comprising: (a) an electrically conductive, unitarily formed, body having: (i) a pair of longitudinally extending primary mains cable tunnels, each said primary mains cable tunnel being for receipt of a mains cable core strand; (ii) a plurality of primary threaded apertures each extending through a wall of said body into one of said primary mains cable tunnels, at least one said primary threaded aperture extending into each said primary mains cable tunnel; (iii) a plurality of longitudinally extending service cable apertures, each said service cable aperture being for receipt of a service cable; (b) a plurality of primary mains cable securing fasteners, one said primary mains cable securing fastener being threadingly received in each said primary threaded aperture, each said primary mains cable securing fastener having a leading end extendible into the respective said primary mains cable tunnel; (c) a plurality of securing means, one said securing means being associated with each of said service cable apertures, each said securing means being for securing a service cable in the associated service cable aperture. [0012] Typically, a first face of said body defines a longitudinally extending recess, said body further comprising a laterally extending primary lug mounting aperture extending through said body into said recess for receipt of a lug mounting fastener. [0013] In one form, for formation of a three-way connection, said cable connection system further comprises: 4 (d) an electrically conductive cable terminal lug having: (i) a longitudinally extending secondary mains cable tunnel for receipt of a further mains cable core strand; (ii) at least one secondary threaded aperture extending through a wall of said cable terminal lug into said secondary mains cable tunnel; and (iii) a secondary lug mounting aperture formed in a wall of said cable terminal lug; (e) a secondary mains cable securing fastener threadingly received in said secondary threaded aperture, said secondary mains cable securing fastener having a leading end extendable into said secondary mains cable tunnel; and (f) a lug mounting fastener extending through said primary and secondary lug mounting apertures, securing said cable terminal lug to said body with a first face of said primary cable terminal lug engaging said first face of said body within said recess. [0014] In a preferred form, said primary mains cable tunnels are located between said service cable apertures and said first face of said body. [0015] In a preferred form, each of said mains cable securing fasteners is a shear head fastener. [0016] Preferably, each said means for securing comprises a threaded service cable securing fastener extending through a tertiary threaded aperture formed in said body and extending through said body into a respective said tertiary threaded aperture. [0017] Preferably, said system further comprises a cover assembly mounted over said body and, in the case of a three-way connection, said cable terminal lug. Brief Description of Drawings [0018] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of an example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: [0019] Figure 1 is a cross-sectioned front elevation view of a prior art cable connection system; [0020] Figure 2 is an exploded rear perspective view of a cable connection system; 5 [0021] Figure 3 is a front perspective view of the cable connection system of Figure 2 (without cover); [0022] Figure 4 is a rear perspective view of the cable connection system of Figure 2 (without cover); [0023] Figure 5 is a plan view of the cable connection system of Figure 2 (without cover); [0024] Figure 6 is a front elevation view of the cable connection system of Figure 2 (without cover); [0025] Figure 7 is a right side elevation view of the cable connection system of Figure 2 (without cover); [0026] Figure 8 is a front perspective view of the cable connection system of Figure 2 (with cover); and [0027] Figure 9 is front elevation view of the cable connection system of Figure 2 (with cover). Description of Embodiments [0028] Referring firstly to Figure 2, a cable connection system comprises an electrically conductive, unitarily formed, body 100, a cable terminal lug 200, and a two-part cover assembly 300. The cable terminal lug 200 is provided for establishing a three-way connection, and thus may be omitted where only a two-way connection is required, as will be further discussed below. [0029] The body 100 is typically machined from an aluminium material, such as 6060 aluminium alloy. The body 100 has a pair of spaced apart primary mains cable tunnels 101 that longitudinally extend between a body top face 102 and a body bottom face 103. The body 100 is intended to be oriented, in use, with the primary mains cable tunnels 101 longitudinally extending in a vertical direction and are each for receipt of a mains cable core strand which will typically extend vertically within a distribution unit. [0030] In the particular embodiment depicted, each of the primary mains cable tunnels 101 has a diameter of approximately 24.5 mm for neatly receiving a mains cable core strand of 6 approximately the same, or slightly reduced, diameter. Here each of the primary mains cable tunnels 101 has a depth, equating to the height of the body 101 between the body top and bottom faces 102, 103 of approximately 57 mm. The centres of the primary mains cable tunnels 101 are here separated by approximately 44.5 mm. [0031] A plurality of primary threaded apertures 104 are formed in the body 100, each extending through a wall of the body 100 into one of the primary mains cable tunnels 101. At least one primary threaded aperture 104 extends into each of the mains cable tunnels 101 and in the embodiment depicted two primary threaded apertures 104 are provided for each primary mains cable tunnel 101. The primary threaded apertures 104 associated with each primary mains tunnel 101 are offset and overlapping both longitudinally and laterally, assisting in retaining the compactness of the body 100. [0032] The body 100 is also provided with a plurality of longitudinally extending service cable apertures 105, each for receipt of a service cable. In the embodiment depicted, there are six service cable apertures 105, each having a diameter of approximately 9.5 mm. With the service cable apertures 105 extending longitudinally, such that they extend vertically when in the intended orientation, service cables extending vertically through the distribution unit parallel to the mains cables can be readily directed into the service cable apertures 105 without the need for any significant bending of the service cable. In the depicted embodiment, the service cable apertures 105 extend through a reduced height projecting portion 106 of the body 100 formed on the rear of the body 100. The service cable apertures 105 extend from the body bottom face 103 through to the top face 107 of the projecting portion 106. The reduced height of the projecting portion 106, which is here approximately 31 mm high, provides a reduced depth of each of the service cable apertures 105 as compared to the primary mains cable tunnels 101. This is consistent with the reduced diameter of the service cables as compared to that of the typical mains cables. [0033] Securing means associated with each of the service cable apertures 105 are provided for securing a service cable in the associated service cable aperture 105. In the arrangement depicted, the securing means comprises at least one, and here two, tertiary threaded apertures 108 extending through the rear face 109 of the projecting portion 106 of the body 100 along with an associated service cable securing fastener (not depicted) extending through each tertiary 7 threaded aperture 108 into the respective service cable aperture 105 so as to secure a service cable therein. [0034] A longitudinally extending recess 110 is defined in the front face 111 of the body 100, with the recess 110 being defined by a central base surface 112 and a pair of opposing inclined surfaces 113. A primary lug mounting aperture 114 extends laterally through the body 100, between the primary mains cable tunnels 101 from the base surface 112 of the recess 110 through to the rear face 115 of the body 100, above the projecting portion 106. [0035] The connection system further comprises a plurality of primary mains cable securing fasteners 120. One primary mains cable securing fastener 120 is threadingly received in each primary threaded aperture 104 with the leading end 121 of each primary mains cable securing fastener 120 being extendible into the respective primary mains cable tunnel 101 for engaging the mains cable core strand received therein in use. Each of the primary mains cable securing fasteners 120 is typically a shear-head fastener configured to fail upon application of a predetermined torque such that a consistent level of engagement of the leading end 121 of the primary mains cable securing fasteners 120 against the mains cable core strand is achieved, thereby providing consistent securement of the mains cable core strand. Provision of two primary threaded apertures 104 and associated primary mains cable securing fasteners 120 for each of the primary mains cable tunnels 101 ensures a more robust connection than would be provided with a single fastener only, although in some applications a single primary mains cable securing fastener 120 may well be sufficient. [0036] To establish a two-way connection, two mains cable core strands are received in the body 100, with one mains cable core strand being received in each of the primary mains cable tunnels 101. To this end, the body 100 will typically be lowered over two upstanding mains cable core strands located in the distribution unit. Up to six service cables are also received in the service cable apertures 105, with one service cable being located in each service cable aperture. The primary mains cable securing fasteners 120 are then rotatably driven so as to engage the leading end 121 of each primary mains cable securing fastener 120 with each mains cable core strand. Each primary mains cable securing fastener 120 is driven until the predetermined torque is reached at which the head of the fastener fails, signifying that a sound connection between the mains cable core strand and the body 100 has been reached. Each of the service cable securing fasteners is also rotatably driven such that their leading ends engage with 8 the service cables located in each of the service cable apertures 105, thereby securing the service cables to the body 100 and providing an electrical connection between the service cables and mains cable core strands. [0037] To establish a three-way connection, an electrically conductive cable terminal lug 200 is also provided. The cable terminal lug 200 is typically machined from an aluminium material, typically the same as that from which the body 100 is formed. The cable terminal lug 200 has a secondary mains cable tunnel 201 that longitudinally extends between a lug top face 202 and lug bottom face 203. The cable terminal lug 200 is again intended to be oriented, in use, with the secondary mains cable tunnel 201 longitudinally extending in a vertical direction for receipt of a third mains cable core strand which will typically extend vertically within the distribution unit. As with the primary mains cable tunnels 101, the secondary mains cable tunnel 201 has a diameter of approximately 23.5 mm and depth, according to the height of the lug 201, of approximately 57 mm. [0038] At least one, and here two, secondary threaded apertures 204 are formed in the cable terminal lug 200, extending through a wall of the cable terminal lug 200 into the secondary mains cable tunnel 201. The secondary threaded apertures 204 are identical to the primary threaded apertures 104 formed in the body 100 and are again offset and overlapping both longitudinally and laterally. [0039] The cable terminal lug 200 has a rear face 211 configured to engage the front face 111 of the body 100 such that the rear face 211 is received within the recess 110 formed in the front face 111 of the body 100. In particular, the rear face 211 of the cable terminal lug 200 is formed with a central rear end surface 212 and a pair of opposing inclined surfaces 213 that are configured to mate with the base surface 112 and opposing inclined surfaces 113 of the body so as to provide a relatively large surface area for forming an electrical connection between the body 100 and cable terminal lug 200. [0040] A threaded secondary lug mounting aperture (not depicted) extends into the cable terminal lug 200 from the central rear end surface 212. The secondary lug mounting aperture aligns with the primary lug mounting aperture 114 formed in the body 100, allowing a lug mounting fastener 130 to pass through the primary lug mounting aperture 114 and into the threaded secondary lug mounting aperture to fixedly secure the cable terminal lug 200 to the 9 body 100. Secondary mains cable securing fasteners 140, which are here identical to the primary mains cable securing fasteners 120, are received in the secondary threaded apertures 204 for securing a mains cable core strand within the secondary mains cable tunnel 201 in the same manner as described above in relation to the primary mains cable securing fasteners 120 so as to form a three-way connection. [0041] The connection established (be it either a two-way or three-way connection) may be protected by assembling the cover assembly 300 over the connection. The cover assembly 300 comprises front and rear covers 301, 302 that may suitably be moulded from glass-filled nylon or other suitable non-conductive material. The front and rear covers 301, 302 are mutually secured by way of fasteners extending through apertures 303, 304 provided in the front and rear covers 301, 302 respectively. Mains cable access ports 305 are defined at the lower end of the front and rear covers 301, 302 when assembled over the connection. Longitudinally extending service ports 306 are defined in the front cover 301 directly beneath the service cable apertures 105 so as to enable simple insertion of service cables into the service cable apertures 105 with the cover assembly 300 in place. Fastener access ports 307 are also defined in the front face of the front cover 301, providing access for allen keys to engage the allen key drive recesses of the service cable securing fasteners. The fastener access ports 307 are sized to prevent entry of a user's fingers. The same cover assembly 300 may be utilised to cover both a two-way and three-way connection, however in the case of a two-way connection (which omits the cable terminal lug 200) a modified form of the rear cover 302 may be provided which is configured to more closely receive the body 100. [0042] A person skilled in the art would appreciate that various other modifications may be made to the cable connection system.
    权利要求:
    Claims (8)
    [1] 1. A cable connection system comprising: (a) an electrically conductive, unitarily formed, body having: (i) a pair of longitudinally extending primary mains cable tunnels, each said primary mains cable tunnel being for receipt of a mains cable core strand; (ii) a plurality of primary threaded apertures each extending through a wall of said body into one of said primary mains cable tunnels, at least one said primary threaded aperture extending into each said primary mains cable tunnel; (iii) a plurality of longitudinally extending service cable apertures, each said service cable aperture being for receipt of a service cable; (b) a plurality of primary mains cable securing fasteners, one said primary mains cable securing fastener being threadingly received in each said primary threaded aperture, each said primary mains cable securing fastener having a leading end extendible into the respective said primary mains cable tunnel; (c) a plurality of securing means, one said securing means being associated with each of said service cable apertures, each said securing means being for securing a service cable in the associated service cable aperture.
    [2] 2. The system of claim 1 wherein a first face of said body defines a longitudinally extending recess, said body further comprising a laterally extending primary lug mounting aperture extending through said body into said recess for receipt of a lug mounting fastener.
    [3] 3. The system of either one of claims 1 and 2, further comprising: (d) an electrically conductive cable terminal lug having: (i) a longitudinally extending secondary mains cable tunnel for receipt of a further mains cable core strand; (ii) at least one secondary threaded aperture extending through a wall of said cable terminal lug into said secondary mains cable tunnel; and (iii) a secondary lug mounting aperture formed in a wall of said cable terminal lug; (e) a secondary mains cable securing fastener threadingly received in said secondary threaded aperture, said secondary mains cable securing fastener having a leading end extendable into said secondary mains cable tunnel; and 11 (f) a lug mounting fastener extending through said primary and secondary lug mounting apertures, securing said cable terminal lug to said body with a first face of said primary cable terminal lug engaging said first face of said body within said recess.
    [4] 4. The system of any one claims 1 to 3 wherein said primary mains cable tunnels are located between said service cable apertures and said first face of said body.
    [5] 5. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein each of said mains cable securing fasteners is a shear head fastener.
    [6] 6. The system of any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein each said means for securing comprises a threaded service cable securing fastener extending through a tertiary threaded aperture formed in said body and extending through said body into a respective said tertiary threaded aperture.
    [7] 7. The system of any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein said system further comprises a cover assembly mounted over said body.
    [8] 8. The system of claim 7, when appended to claim 3, wherein said cover assembly is further mounted over said cable terminal lug. Legend Corporate Services Pty Ltd Patent Attorneys for the Applicant/Nominated Person SPRUSON & FERGUSON
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    AU2013221995B2|2014-12-11|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    US3732530A|1972-01-31|1973-05-08|Underwriters Safety Device Co|Connector for high amperage applications|
    法律状态:
    2015-04-09| FGA| Letters patent sealed or granted (standard patent)|
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    AU2012903883||2012-09-06||
    AU2012903883A|AU2012903883A0||2012-09-06|Cable connection system|
    AU2013221995A|AU2013221995B2|2012-09-06|2013-08-30|Cable connection system|AU2013221995A| AU2013221995B2|2012-09-06|2013-08-30|Cable connection system|
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