• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
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  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    CONNECTION SETS AND SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FORMING DISCONNECTABLE JOINT SETS. The present invention relates to a detachable joint system that includes first and second connecting devices and a coupling fastening element. The first connection device defines a first conductive hole for receiving a first conductive cable, and a first coupling portion including a first coupling hole and a first integral interlock feature. The second connection device defines a second conductive hole for receiving the second conductive cable, and a second coupling portion including a second coupling hole and the second integral interlock feature. The first and second coupling portions are engageable in an interlocked position wherein the first and second interlock features are interlocked with one another, the first and second coupling holes are substantially aligned, and the coupling fastening element can be inserted through. of the first and second coupling holes and tightened to securely couple the first and second coupling devices together. The first and second connecting devices can be separated by removing the fastening element from the coupling.
    公开号:BR112014027369B1
    申请号:R112014027369-3
    申请日:2013-04-30
    公开日:2021-07-20
    发明作者:Jonathan Conrad Cornelius；Edward O'Sullivan
    申请人:Te Connectivity Corporation；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    RELATED ORDER(S)
    [001] The present invention claims the benefits of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/641,574, filed May 2, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION
    [002] The present invention relates to cables and electrical connections and, more particularly, to connection sets for disconnectable joints. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
    [003] Disconnectable joint sets are commonly used in electricity transmission networks in urban environments. Electrical power cables to be joined are each provided with a cable termination lug portion or connecting device. Each cable termination lug portion is detachably and reconnectable to the other by a screw, for example.
    [004] Disconnectable joint assemblies as described above are useful in urban network applications where the utility may need the ability to disconnect the joint to segment the piece of cable for repair, for example. By way of example, a bad or damaged cable can be disconnected from the joint assembly to remove the cable from the circuit in a fast and efficient manner, and then reconnected to the joint assembly after the repair is produced.
    [005] In order to protect the gasket, the lip, and the cable terminal portions from protruding from the environment (eg moisture) and to protect technicians from electrically energized components, gasket sleeve portion systems are employees. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
    [006] According to embodiments of the present invention, a disconnectable joint system for electrically and mechanically disconnectably connecting the first and second electrical cables each including a respective electrical conductor includes a first connecting device, a second connecting device, and a fastening element of the coupling. The first connecting device defines a first conducting hole and a first coupling portion. The first conductor hole is configured to receive the conductor of the first cable. The first coupling portion includes a first coupling hole defined therein, and a first integral interlock feature. The second connecting device defines a second conductive hole and a second coupling portion. The second conductor hole is configured to receive the conductor of the second cable. The second coupling portion includes a second coupling hole defined therein, and the second integral interlock feature. The first and second coupling portions are engageable in an interlocked position wherein the first and second interlock features are interlocked with one another and the first and second coupling holes are substantially aligned. When the first and second coupling portions are in the interlocked position, the coupling fastening element can be inserted through the first and second coupling holes and tightened to securely couple the first and second coupling devices together. The first and second connecting devices can be separated by removing the fastening element from the coupling.
    [007] According to embodiments of the present invention, a disconnectable joint assembly for electrically and mechanically disconnectably connecting the first and second electrical cables each including a respective electrical conductor includes a first connecting device, a second connecting device, and a fastening element of the coupling. The first connecting device defines a first conducting hole and a first coupling portion. The first conductor hole is configured to receive the conductor of the first cable. The first coupling portion includes a first coupling hole defined therein, and a first integral interlock feature. The second connecting device defines a second conductive hole and a second coupling portion. The second conductor hole is configured to receive the conductor of the second cable. The second coupling portion includes a second coupling hole defined therein, and the second integral interlock feature. The first and second coupling portions are engaged in an interlocked position in which the first and second interlock features are interlocked with one another and the first and second coupling holes are substantially aligned. The coupling fastener extends through the first and second coupling holes and securely couples the first and second coupling devices together. The first and second connecting devices can be separated by removing the fastening element from the coupling.
    [008] According to method embodiments of the present invention, a method for electrically and mechanically disconnectably connecting the first and second electrical cables each including a respective electrical conductor includes providing a disconnectable joint assembly including a first connecting device, a second connecting device, and a fastening element of the coupling. The first connecting device defines a first conducting hole and a first coupling portion. The first conductor hole is configured to receive the conductor of the first cable. The first coupling portion includes a first coupling hole defined therein, and a first integral interlock feature. The second connecting device defines a second conductive hole and a second coupling portion. The second conductor hole is configured to receive the conductor of the second cable. The second coupling portion includes a second coupling hole defined therein, and the second integral interlock feature. The method further includes: engaging the first and second coupling portions in an interlocked position wherein the first and second interlock features are interlocked with one another and the first and second coupling holes are substantially aligned; and with the first and second coupling portions in the interlocked position, inserting the coupling fastener through the first and second coupling holes and squeezing the coupling fastener to securely couple the first and second coupling devices together.
    [009] Additional features, advantages and details of the present invention will be appreciated by those skilled in the art from the reading of the figures and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments that follow, said description being merely illustrative of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    [0010] Figures 1 and 2 are exploded perspective views of a detachable joint system according to embodiments of the present invention.
    [0011] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a disconnectable gasket assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention and assembled using a gasket system of Figure 1.
    [0012] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the gasket assembly of Figure 3 taken along lines 4-4 of Figure 3.
    [0013] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a first connecting device that forms a part of the joint assembly of Figure 3.
    [0014] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a second connecting device that forms a part of the joint assembly of Figure 3.
    [0015] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an example of an electrical cable for use with the joint assembly of Figure 3.
    [0016] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a covered fitting including the gasket assembly of Figure 3.
    [0017] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a covered fitting including a disconnectable gasket assembly in accordance with additional embodiments of the present invention.
    [0018] Figure 10 is a perspective view of an alternative coupling screw for use in the joint assembly of Figure 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE MODALITIES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
    [0019] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which illustrative embodiments of the present invention are shown. In drawings, the relative sizes of regions or features may be exaggerated for the sake of clarity. The present invention may, however, be incorporated in many different forms and is not to be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, said embodiments are provided so that the present description will be true and complete, and will present the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art.
    [0020] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, said elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections shall not be limited by said terms. Said terms are only used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below may be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without deviating from the teachings of the present invention.
    [0021] Spatially relative terms, such as "below", "below", "lower", "above", "upper" and the like, may be used here for ease of description to describe one element or feature relationship to another( s) element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the terms of spatial relationship are intended to encompass the different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation illustrated in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is rotated, the elements described as "below" or "below" other elements or features will then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example of the term "below" can encompass both the above and below orientation. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90° or in other orientations) and the relative spatial descriptions used herein interpreted accordingly.
    [0022] As used herein, the singular forms "o", "a", "an" and "an" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless expressly stated otherwise. It should further be understood that the terms "includes", "comprises", "including" and/or "comprising", when used in the present specification, specify the presence of certain features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it may be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intermediate elements may be present. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
    [0023] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. It should be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, are to be interpreted as having meanings that are consistent with their meanings in the context of the present specification and the relevant technique and will not be interpreted in a formal idealized sense a unless expressly so defined here.
    [0024] As used herein, "monolithic" means an object that is a single, unitary piece formed or composed of a material without joints or seams.
    [0025] As used herein, "cold applied" or "cold applied cover" means that the cover or component can be mounted or installed on a substrate (eg, a cable) without the use of heat applied at the time of installation.
    [0026] As used herein, "cold shrink" or "cold shrink wrap" means that a cover or component can be shrunk or shrunk onto a substrate (eg, a cable) without the use of heat application .
    [0027] With reference to Figures 1-8, a disconnectable joint system 105 according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown therein. System 105 can be used to construct a detachable joint assembly 100 (hereinafter, "the joint assembly 100") in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The joint set 100 can be used to form a mechanical and electrical connection or joint 10 between two power cables 40, 50, for example. In some embodiments, the connection 10 is provided with a cover or cover assembly 170 to form an environmentally protected connection.
    [0028] The system 105 includes a first connecting device 110, a second connecting device 130, and a coupling fastening element 150. According to some embodiments and as shown, the coupling fastening element 150 is a fastening element threaded and, in some embodiments, is a screw. Connecting devices 110, 130 incorporate an integral alignment and interlock system 102 as discussed below. Connecting devices 110, 130 are adapted and configured to provide mechanical and electrical connections between each connecting device 110, 130 and a respective cable 40, 50 and each other, as discussed herein below.
    [0029] According to some embodiments and as illustrated, the first connecting device 110 (Figure 5) is a shear screw connecting device including an electrically conductive (e.g., metal) connecting device body 112 and a or plus (as shown, two) threaded fastening fasteners or screws 118. The connector body 112 has axially opposite ends 112A and 112B which define the connector axis AA. The connector body 112 includes a cable or main portion 114 and the coupling portion, tab, arm portion or protrusion portion 120 that extends to the end 112B. A conductive hole 116A is defined in main portion 114, communicates with a cable receiving opening 116B at end 112A, and extends generally coaxially with axis A-A. Threaded screw holes 116C extend radially through main portion 114 and intersect conductive hole 116A. Conductor hole 116A is configured to receive an end segment of conductor cable 40. Main portion 114 has an end face 114B and a generally cylindrical outer surface 114A.
    [0030] Each conductor clamp bolt 118 includes a shaft 118A, a head portion 118B, and a shear region or section 118C. Head portion 118B is configured to operatively engage a drive tool. Shaft 118A has an external thread complementary to the thread of holes 116C. Head portions 118B on bolts 118 are configured to shear the remainder of the associated bolt 118 (i.e., threaded shaft) in region 118C when subjected to a prescribed torque.
    [0031] The protrusion coupling portion 120 extends axially from the bottom of the main portion 114 from the end face 114B. Protrusion coupling portion 120 has a flat inner face 122A, an end face 122B, and a semi-cylindrical outer surface 122C. A threaded coupling hole 124 extends radially through protrusion coupling portion 120 from inner face 122A to outer surface 122C.
    The protrusion coupling portion 122 has interlocking and alignment characteristics defined therein in the form of two side-by-side interlocking slots 126 extending within the inner face 122A and defining a dividing wall 127 therebetween. Interlocking slots 126 extend transversely to the axis of connecting device A-A. Interlocking slots 126 can be formed by machining, molding, or casting, for example.
    [0033] The second connecting device 130 (Figure 6) includes a connecting device body 132 and fastening screws 118 (mounted in the threaded holes 136C) which correspond to and are constructed in the same way as the connecting device body 112 and fastening screws 118. The second connecting device 130 has a connecting device shaft BB and a conductive hole 136A generally coaxial therewith. The second connecting device 130 further includes a coupling portion, tab, arm portion, or protrusion portion 140 that extends axially from the top of the main portion 134 and beyond the end face 134B. The protrusion coupling portion 140 has a flat inner face 142A, an end face 142B, and a semi-cylindrical outer surface 142C. Unthreaded coupling hole 144 extends radially through protrusion coupling portion 140 from inner face 142A to outer surface 142C.
    [0034] The protrusion coupling portion 140 has interlocking and alignment characteristics defined therein in the form of two, side-by-side, interlocking projections, tabs or columns 146 extending radially inward from the inner face 142A and which define a gap of space 147 between them. Interlock columns 146 extend transversely to connecting device axis B-B. Interlocking columns 146 can be formed by machining, molding, or casting, for example.
    [0035] Coupling bolt 150 includes a shaft 152, an upper head portion 154, a lower head portion 156 joined to the head portion 154 by a neck portion 154A, and a shear region or section 154B near the interface of joint between neck portion 154A and lower head portion 156. Head portion 154 is configured to operatively engage the drive tool. Shaft 152 has an external thread complementary to the thread of coupling hole 124. Head portion 154 and neck portion 154A are configured for shearing the remainder of bolt 150 (i.e., head portion 156 and threaded shaft 152 ) at the shear section 154B when the head portion 154 is subjected to a prescribed torque. Coupling bolt 150 can be formed by machining, molding, or casting, for example.
    [0036] According to some embodiments, the bodies of the connecting device 112, 132 are formed of steel, copper, brass or aluminum. According to some embodiments, the fixing screws are 118 formed of copper, brass or aluminum. In some embodiments, coupling screw 150 is formed from copper, brass or aluminum.
    [0037] As shown in Figure 7, cable 40 includes a main electrical conductor 42, a polymeric insulation layer 44, a semiconductor layer 45, one or more neutral conductors 46, and a jacket 48, with each component being concentrically surrounded by the next . In some embodiments, and as shown, neutral conductors 46 are individual wires, which can be helically wound onto semiconductor layer 45; however, a metal tape shield or similar can be used instead. The main conductor 42 can be formed from any suitable electrically conductive materials such as copper (solid or filament). The polymeric insulating layer 44 can be formed from any suitable electrically insulating material such as cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) or ethylene propylene rubber (EPR). The semiconductor layer 45 can be formed from any suitable semiconductor material such as carbon black with polyethylene. Neutral conductors 46 can be formed from any suitable material such as copper. Jacket 48 can be formed from any suitable material such as EPDM. Cable 50 (Figure 8) is similarly constructed with a main electrical conductor 52, a polymeric insulation layer 54, a semiconductor layer 55, one or more neutral conductors 56, and a jacket 58 corresponding to components 42, 44 , 45, 46 and 48, respectively. In some embodiments, cables 40, 50 are low voltage or medium voltage (e.g., between about 5 and 46 kV) power transmission cables. Cables 40, 50 are examples and it will be noted that connection sets as illustrated here can be used with other types of cables.
    [0038] Disconnectable joint system 105 can be used and installed on cables 40, 50 as follows to form joint 10.
    [0039] Cables 40, 50 are prepared as shown in figure 7 so that a terminal segment of each layer of cable extends ahead of the next overlying layer.
    [0040] The end of lead wire 42 is inserted through opening 116B into lead hole 116A. The shear bolts 118 of the connecting device 110 are rotated and tightened using a suitable drive device (e.g. an energized or non-energized electrically insulated drive device including a drive device socket N to operatively receive and engage the bolt head portions 118, 150) until the bolt head portions 118B snap or loosen from the shafts 118A at a prescribed load. Conductor 42 is thereby electrically connected to connector 110 and mechanically secured in hole 116A, and the remaining portions of screws 118 are flush or approximately flush with outer surface 114A of connector 110. Conductor cable 52 is the same. it was inserted through the opening 136B and secured in the conductive hole 136A of the connecting device 130 using the shear screws 118.
    [0041] The connecting devices 110 and 130 are then preliminarily snapped together or joined in an interlocked position. More particularly, the connecting devices 110, 130 are relatively positioned so that the interlocking posts 146 and the interlocking slots 126 (which collectively form the alignment and interlocking system 102) are generally laterally aligned with one another (i.e. , are generally positioned at the same location along the length direction of the axis of the CC joint (Figure 4) The connecting devices 110, 130 are then relatively moved laterally together in a lateral snap-in or insertion direction I (Figure 4). 2) along a first lateral axis JJ (Figure 2) so that columns 146 are received in slots 126, dividing wall 127 is received in space slot 147, and inner faces 122A, 142A are in contact or In said position, the end face of the protrusion coupling portion 142B is in contact with or near the end face of the main portion 114B, the end face 122B and is in contact with or near the end face of the main portion 134B, and the axis D-D of the coupling hole 124 is substantially aligned with the axis E-E of the coupling hole 144 as shown in Figure 4.
    [0042] Even in the absence of the coupling screw 150, the interlock between the columns 146 and the slots 126 serve to retain the connecting devices 110, 130 in their relative positions along the axis of the joint C-C. Provided that the protrusion portions of the coupling 120, 140 are prevented from (e.g., by the hands of the installer) from separating laterally along the axis JJ to a sufficient extent to remove the columns 146 from the slots 126, the interlock between the posts 146 and slots 126 will prevent the connectors 110, 130 from being axially separated (e.g., by an axial divergent pulling force or FA forces (Figure 8) applied to or by cables 40, 50). Interlock features 126, 146 can thereby provide temporary stress relief.
    The interlock between the partition wall 127 and the space slot 147 prevents the protrusion portions of the coupling 120 140 from being relatively displaced (e.g., translated) along a lateral axis or K-K (Figure 2). The flat shapes, complementary to the inner faces 122A, 142A and the cooperating geometries of features 126, 146, can resist or prevent the protrusion portions of the coupling 120, 140 from being twisted or rotated about the CC joint axis as long as the inner faces 122A, 142A are kept in touch. Positive interlocking engagement as described above can thus ensure that shafts D-D, E-E of coupling holes 124, 144 are kept in alignment to facilitate insertion of coupling bolt 150.
    [0044] With the coupling protrusion portions 120, 140 engaged and aligned as described above, the coupling screw 150 is inserted through the coupling hole 144 and threaded into the coupling hole 124. The head portion 154 is engaged with a device of proper drive N is rotated and torqued until the head portion 154 and neck portion 154A are sheared and separate in the shear region 154B with the application of the prescribed load. As the bolt 150 is tightened, the lower head portion 156 seats in the recess or hole portion of the head portion 144A and rests against the shoulder portion 144B to apply a clamping load to the protrusion portions of the coupling. 120, 140. Gasket 10 and gasket set 100 are thereby completed.
    [0045] With reference to figure 8, it can be seen that, according to some embodiments, the shear screws 118, 150 once installed are almost or approximately flush with the external surface or profile of the connecting devices 110, 130. , the gasket assembly 100 may have a generally smooth, regular outer profile with no or relatively few sharp or transitional edges. Said geometry can be particularly beneficial when the joint assembly 100 is additionally covered by a cold shrink or cold shrink cover, as discussed below.
    [0046] According to some embodiments and as reflected in the illustrative embodiment, the external surfaces 122C, 142C of the coupling protrusion portions 120, 140 collectively form an external surface or substantially cylindrical profile that makes a smooth transition to the external profiles of the adjacent main portions 114, 134.
    [0047] When desired, the connected cables 40, 50 can be disconnected from one another, without removing the connecting devices 110, 130 from the cables 40, 50, by removing the coupling screw 150 and disconnecting the connecting devices 110, 130. Coupling bolt 150 can be removed by drilling and driving bolt 150 outward using an "easy pull out" tool, for example. The cables 40, 50 can be disconnected in this way in order to test one or both of the cables 40, 50 or an assembly attached to one of the cables 40, 50.
    [0048] The connecting devices 110, 130 can later be reconnected in the same manner as described above using a new coupling screw 150 to reform the joint 10.
    [0049] According to some embodiments, the height H1 (Figure 6) of each column 146 is in the range of from about 0.03 to 0.25 inches. According to some embodiments, the width W1 (Figure 6) of each column 146 is in the range from about 0.125 to 0.5 inches. According to some embodiments, the width W2 (Figure 5) of the partition wall 127 is in the range of from about 0.06 to 0.25 inches. Under some embodiments, the depth H2 (Figure 5) of each slit 126 is between about 0.04 and 0.26 inches greater than the height H1 of the received column 146. Under some embodiments, the width W3 (A figure 6 ) of space slit 147 is between about 0.07 and 0.26 inch larger than the width W2 of partition wall 127.
    [0050] According to some embodiments, the inner flat faces 122A, 142A extend across the entire diameter or width of the connector body 112, 132.
    [0051] According to some embodiments, the gasket 10 (including the gasket assembly 100) is covered by the cover assembly 170 to electrically insulate and cover the gasket 10 as shown in Figure 8. The cover assembly 170 may be provided as a pre-expanded unit including a retaining device in which a cover assembly 170 or some components thereof are mounted in an expanded state or position. A cover assembly 170 can be positioned and mounted on the intended substrates in a retracted state or position as shown in Figure 8. In some embodiments, a cover assembly 170 is the cold shrink cover, meaning that it is the same. it can be shrunk or shrunk onto the substrate without the need to apply heat.
    [0052] A cover assembly 170 includes a Faraday cage layer 172, tension cone layers 173, an inner sleeve portion (or insulation body) 174, a semiconductor layer 175, a metal protective mesh layer 177 , and an outer sleeve portion (or re-jacket) 178. A sealant 179A (e.g., mastic) may be provided to seal the outer sleeve portion 178. Fasteners 179B or the like may be provided to secure the layer of 177 mesh and the neutral cables 46, 56.
    [0053] The inner sleeve portion 174 is tubular and defines a conductor extending axially through the passage that communicates with the openings at the ends opposite each other.
    [0054] The Faraday cage layer 172 is illustrated as a generally tubular sleeve portion bonded to the inner surface of the inner sleeve portion 174. The Faraday cage layer 172 may be formed of a suitable elastically conductive elastomer. In use, the Faraday cage layer 172 can form a Faraday cage to provide equal potential volume over the connector assembly 100 so that an electric field is canceled in the vicinity of air spaces.
    [0055] The tension cone layers 173 are illustrated as generally tubular sleeve portions attached to the inner surface of the inner sleeve portion 174 at either end thereof. The stress cone layers 173 may be formed of a suitable electrically conductive elastomer. In use, the tension cone layers 173 may serve to redistribute voltage across the surface of the insulation cable 44, 54 to reduce or prevent degradation of the insulation 44, 54 that may otherwise occur.
    [0056] The semiconductor layer 176 completely circumferentially surrounds the inner sleeve portion 174. In accordance with some embodiments, the semiconductor layer 176 is coextensive with the inner sleeve portion 174.
    [0057] The protective mesh layer 177 completely circumferentially encircles the inner sleeve portion 174. In accordance with some embodiments, the protective mesh layer 177 includes opposing end sections that extend beyond the ends of the inner sleeve portion 174 but does not extend outside of the outer sleeve portion 178. The protective mesh layer 177 may be formed from braided copper filaments or fabrics, for example.
    [0058] The outer sleeve portion 178 completely circumferentially encircles the protective mesh layer 177. The outer sleeve portion 178 is tubular and defines an axially extending conductor through the passage that communicates with the openings at opposite ends of each other.
    [0059] The semiconductor layer 176 may be formed from any electrically suitable semiconductor material. In some embodiments, the semiconductor layer 176 is formed of an elastically expandable material. In some embodiments, the semiconductor layer 176 is formed of an elastomeric material. In some embodiments, the semiconductor layer 176 is formed of carbon black and silicone. Other suitable materials can include carbon black and EPDM.
    [0060] The inner sleeve portion 174 may be formed of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the inner sleeve portion 174 is formed of a dielectric or electrically insulating material. In some embodiments, the inner sleeve portion 174 is formed of an elastically expandable material. In some embodiments, the inner sleeve portion 174 is formed of an elastomeric material. In some embodiments, the inner sleeve portion 174 is formed of liquid silicone rubber (LSR). Other suitable materials can include EPDM or ethylene propylene rubber (EPR). In some embodiments, the inner sleeve portion 174 has a Modulus at 100 percent elongation (M100) in the range of from about 0.4 to 0.52 MPa.
    [0061] According to some embodiments, the thickness of the inner sleeve portion 174 is in the range from about 0.07 to 2 inches. In some embodiments, the length of the inner sleeve portion 174 is in the range from about 8 to 30 inches.
    [0062] The outer sleeve portion 178 may be formed of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the outer sleeve portion 178 is formed of an electrically insulating material. In some embodiments, the outer sleeve portion 178 is formed of an elastically expandable material. In some embodiments, the outer sleeve portion 178 is formed of an elastomeric material. In some embodiments, the outer sleeve portion 178 is formed from ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM). Other suitable materials can include neoprene or other rubber. In some embodiments, the outer sleeve portion 178 has a Modulus at 100 percent elongation (M100) in the range of from about 0.6 to 1.1 MPa.
    [0063] According to some embodiments, the thickness of the outer sleeve portion 178 is in the range of from about 0.11 to 0.25 inch. In some embodiments, the length of the outer sleeve portion 178 is in the range of from about 15 to 35 inches.
    [0064] Although a cold applied hood assembly of multiple cold shrinkage components is described above and shown in figure 8, other types and configurations of hoods and hood assemblies may be used. For example, the cold shrink cap or cap assembly can be applied over the gasket assembly 100. The gasket assembly 100 can be covered with more or fewer components (eg, covered only by a portion of the insulating recoil sleeve. -jacket).
    [0065] With reference to Figure 9, connection 12 including a disconnectable gasket assembly 200 in accordance with additional embodiments of the present invention is shown therein. The gasket assembly 200 is covered by a cover assembly 170. The gasket assembly 200 corresponds to and is constructed and can be installed in the same manner as the gasket assembly 100 except that the coupling bolt 150 is replaced with a coupling element. non-shear threaded attachment of coupling or bolt 250. Coupling bolt 250 includes a head portion 256 having a receiver or tool socket 256A (e.g., a hex socket) defined therein to receive an actuator. Coupling screw 250 can be, for example, a set screw having a hex socket. In use, coupling bolt 250 can be driven through socket 256A to fasten coupling bolt 250 to the fastening member of the coupling protrusion portions 120, 140, and can also be driven through socket 256A to remove the bolt 150. Other types and configurations of coupling fasteners can be used as well.
    [0066] According to some embodiments, the coupling bolt 150 may be replaced with a shear bolt having a feature that remains (after the head portion has been sheared) to allow operational engagement with a drive to remove the bolt.
    [0067] For example, with reference to Figure 10, a threaded coupling fastening element or alternative screw 350 is shown therein which can be used in place of the coupling screw 150 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. Coupling bolt 350 is a shear bolt constructed and serviceable in the same manner as coupling bolt 150 except that the lower head portion 356 is configured or formed to engage the driver. For example, as illustrated, the lower head portion 356 may be a hex-shaped head portion configured to be received in a complementary hex-shaped socket of the actuator. In some embodiments, the lower head portion 356 is sized (e.g., small enough in diameter) to provide a space to allow the actuator to fit into a recess portion 144A (FIG. 4) over the head portion. lower 356. In use, the lower head portion 356 may be used, after the neck portion 354A and head portion 354 have been sheared in the plane or shear section 354B, to drive (using the driver) the coupling bolt 350 out of the connector port 124 to disconnect the connector devices 110, 130.
    [0068] The above is illustrative of the present invention and should not be construed so as to limit the same. Although few exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without departing materially from the teachings and advantages of the present invention. Therefore, all said modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims. The present invention is defined by the following claims, with equivalents of the claims being included therein.
    权利要求:
    Claims (16)
    [0001]
    1. Disconnectable joint system (105) for electrically and mechanically disconnectably connecting the first and second electrical cables (40, 50) each of which one includes a respective electrical conductor (42, 52), the disconnectable joint system comprising: a first connection device (110) defining a first conductive hole (116A) and a first coupling portion (120), the first conductive hole (116A) configured to receive the conductor of the first cable (40), the first cable portion coupling (120) including: a first coupling hole (124) defined therein; and a first integral interlock feature (126); a second connecting device (130) defining a second conductive hole (136A) and a second coupling portion (140), the second conductive hole (136A) configured to receive the conductor from the second cable (50), the second coupling portion (140) including: a second coupling hole (144) defined therein; and a second integral interlock feature (146); and a coupling fastening element (150); wherein: the first and second coupling portions (120, 140) are engageable in an interlocked position wherein the first and second interlock features (126, 146) are interlocked with one another and the first and second coupling holes (124, 144) are substantially aligned; and when the first and second coupling portions (120, 140) are in the interlocked position, the coupling fastening element (150) can be inserted through the first and second coupling holes (124, 144) and tightened to securely engage the first and second connecting devices (110, 130) to one another; and the first and second connecting devices (110, 130) can be separated by removing the coupling fastening element (150). characterized by the fact that: the first interlock feature comprises two interlock slots (126) side by side defining a dividing wall (127) therebetween; the second interlocking feature comprises two interlocking columns (146) side by side defining a space gap (147) therebetween, the interlocking columns (146) being side by side. configured to be received in respective one of the two interlocking slots (126); and when the first and second coupling portions (120, 140) are in the interlocked position, the interlocking columns are received in the interlocking slots (126).
    [0002]
    2. Disconnectable joint system (105) according to claim 1, characterized in that when the first and second coupling portions (120, 140) are in the interlocked position: the first and second connectors (110, 130) ) are aligned along a longitudinal axis of the joint (CC); and the interlocking columns (146) extend transversely to the longitudinal axis of the joint (C-C).
    [0003]
    3. Disconnectable joint system (105) according to claim 1, characterized in that when the first and second coupling portions (120, 140) are in the interlocked position: the first and second connectors (110, 130) are aligned along a longitudinal axis of the joint (CC); and the interlock between the first and second coupling portions (120, 140) prevents relative displacement between the first connector (110) and the second connector (130) along a lateral axis (KK) with respect to the longitudinal axis of the joint ( CC).
    [0004]
    4. Disconnectable joint system (105) according to claim 1, characterized in that when the first and second coupling portions (120, 140) are in the interlocked position, the interlocking columns (146) interlock with slots (126) to prevent relative axial displacement between the first and second coupling portions (120, 140).
    [0005]
    5. Disconnectable joint system (105), according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling fixing device (150) is a shear screw.
    [0006]
    6. Disconnectable joint system (105) according to claim 5, characterized in that the shear screw (150) has: a first coupling feature (354) to couple a drive device (N) to allow the drive device (N) tighten the shear bolt (150) on the first and second connectors (110, 130) until the first coupling feature (354) snaps off a remaining portion of the shear bolt (150); and a second coupling feature (356) for coupling the first or second driver to allow the first or second drive device (N) to remove the shear bolt (150) from the first and second connectors (110,130) at that the second coupling feature (356) forms part of the remaining portion.
    [0007]
    7. Detachable joint system (105) according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the first and second connectors (110, 130) includes a tightening shear screw (118) to secure the respective cable conductor. cable (42, 52) in it.
    [0008]
    8. Detachable joint system (105), according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an electrically insulating cap (170) configured to enclose the first and second connectors (110, 130), the coupling fastener (150) and parts of the cables (40, 50).
    [0009]
    9. Method for electrically and mechanically disconnectably connecting the first and second electrical cables (42, 52) each including a respective electrical conductor, the method comprises: providing a disconnectable gasket mounting system (105) including: a first connector (110) defining a first conductive hole (116A) and a first coupling portion (120), the first conductive hole (116A) configured to receive the conductor of the first cable (42), the first coupling portion (120) including: a first coupling hole (124) defined therein; and a first integral interlock feature (126); a second connector (130) defining a second conductor hole (136A) and a second coupling portion (140), the second conductor hole (144) configured to receive the conductor from the second cable (52), the second coupling portion (140) including: a second coupling hole (144) defined therein; and a second integral interlock feature (146); and a coupling fastener (150); engaging the first and second coupling portions (120, 140) in an interlocked position, wherein the first and second interlock features (126, 146) are interlocked with each other and the first and second coupling holes (124, 144) are substantially aligned; and with the first and second coupling portions (120, 140) in the interlocked position, inserting the coupling clip (150) through the first and second coupling holes (124, 144) and tightening the coupling clip (150) to securely coupling the first and second connectors (110, 130) together; characterized in that: the first interlock feature comprises two interlocking slots (126) side by side defining a dividing wall (127) therebetween; interlocking feature comprising interlocking columns (146) side by side defining a space slot (147) therebetween and received in respective interlocking slots (126); and engaging the first and second coupling portions (120, 140) in the interlocked position includes inserting the interlocking posts (146) into the interlocking slots (126).
    [0010]
    10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that when the first and second coupling portions (120, 140) are in the interlocked position: the first and second connectors (110, 130) are aligned along of a longitudinal axis of the joint (CC); and the interlocking pins extend transversely to the longitudinal axis of the joint.
    [0011]
    11. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that when the first and second coupling portions (120, 140) are in the interlocked position: the first and second connectors (110, 130) are aligned along of a longitudinal axis of the joint (CC); and the interlock between the first and second coupling portions (120, 140) prevents relative displacement between the first connector (110) and the second connector (130) along a lateral axis (K-K) with respect to the longitudinal axis of the joint.
    [0012]
    12. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that, after tightening the coupling clip (150), to securely couple the first and second connectors (110, 130) to each other: remove the clip coupling (150) of the first and second connectors (110, 130); and thereafter separating the first and second connectors (110, 130) from each other to electrically disconnect the first and second cables (40, 50).
    [0013]
    13. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that when the first and second coupling portions (120, 140) are in the interlocked position, the interlocking columns (146) interlock with the slots (126) to prevent relative axial displacement between the first and second coupling portions (120, 140).
    [0014]
    14. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the coupling fastener (150) is a shear bolt, and the method includes tightening the shear bolt (150) in the first and second coupling portions (120 , 140) until a head (154) is released from the shear screw.
    [0015]
    15. The method of claim 9, characterized in that each of the first and second connectors (110, 130) includes a clamping shear bolt (118), and the method includes tightening each clamping shear bolt (118) in the associated conductor until a head (118B) is released from the clamping shear bolt (118).
    [0016]
    16. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises involving the first and second connectors (110, 130), the coupling clip (150) and the parts of the cables (40, 50) with an electrically insulating cover (170).
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    法律状态:
    2018-03-13| B25D| Requested change of name of applicant approved|Owner name: TE CONNECTIVITY CORPORATION (US) |
    2018-12-04| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|
    2019-11-26| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|
    2021-06-08| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|
    2021-07-20| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted [chapter 16.1 patent gazette]|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 30/04/2013, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US201261641574P| true| 2012-05-02|2012-05-02|
    US61/641,574|2012-05-02|
    US13/565,687|2012-08-02|
    US13/565,687|US8747170B2|2012-05-02|2012-08-02|Connector assemblies and systems and methods for forming disconnectable joint assemblies|
    PCT/US2013/038775|WO2013165955A1|2012-05-02|2013-04-30|Connector assemblies and systems and methods for forming disconnectable joint assemblies|
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