The present disclosure relates to a connector for coupling and electrically connecting multiple electrical conductors, and more particularly to an alignment member positioned within a connector block for maintaining electrical contact with at least one electrical conductor.
In one independent aspect, an alignment member is provided for an electrical connector. The electrical connector is configured to provide electrical communication between a plurality of electrical conductors. The alignment member includes a first portion adapted to engage an opening of the connector block; a passageway configured to receive one of the electrical conductors; and a second portion coupled to the first portion, the second portion being movable to adjust a dimension of the passageway.
In some aspects, the first portion includes a threaded outer surface configured to threadably engage the opening of the connector block, threading the first portion into the opening of the connector block causing the second portion to move.
In some aspects, the first portion is an annular portion having an end surface, wherein the second portion includes a guide member supported on the end surface by a resilient connection.
In some aspects, the resilient connection is formed by a connecting portion extending between the end surface and the guide member, the connecting portion having a thickness that is less than a thickness of the guide member.
In some aspects, an outer surface of the guide member has a tapered profile.
In some aspects, the second portion includes a plurality of guide members positioned around the passageway.
In some aspects, each of the guide members is spaced apart from an adjacent guide member by a peripheral gap.
In another independent aspect, a connector for providing electrical communication between a plurality of conductors includes a block including a first opening for receiving a first conductor and a second opening for receiving a second conductor; and an alignment member positioned in the first opening of the block, the alignment member providing a passageway configured to receive one of the electrical conductors, the alignment member being adjustable relative to the block to modify a dimension of the passageway.
In some aspects, the alignment member includes a movable guide member and a threaded outer surface threadably engaging the first opening of the connector block, threading the alignment member into the first opening causing movement of the guide member.
In some aspects, the alignment member includes an annular portion having an end surface, wherein a guide member is resiliently supported on the end surface.
In some aspects, a connecting portion extends between the end surface and the guide member, and the connecting portion has a thickness that is less than a thickness of the associate guide member.
In some aspects, the alignment member includes a movable guide member and threading the alignment member into the first opening causes an outer surface of the guide member to engage a surface of the block, thereby biasing the guide member inwardly toward the passageway.
In some aspects, the alignment member includes a plurality of guide members positioned around the passageway.
In some aspects, each of the guide members is spaced apart from an adjacent guide member by a peripheral gap.
In yet another independent aspect, a method of connecting an electrical conductor to a connector block includes passing an end of the electrical conductor through a passageway of an alignment member and into a connector block; and, while the end of the electrical conductor is positioned in the connector block, adjusting the alignment member to modify a dimension of the passageway.
In some aspects, adjusting the alignment member includes moving the alignment member between a first state and a second state, in the first state at least one guide member of the alignment member is in an extended position, and in the second state the guide member is contracted to engage the conductor.
In some aspects, wherein adjusting the alignment member includes threading the alignment member relative to an opening of the connector block.
In some aspects, adjusting the alignment member includes moving guide members of the adjustment member, each guide member resiliently supported to allow the guide member to flex as the alignment member is adjusted.
In some aspects, adjusting the alignment member includes modifying a dimension of the passageway of the alignment member to be substantially equal to an outer diameter of the conductor.
In some aspects, adjusting the alignment member includes applying a torque to the alignment member by engaging the alignment member within a peripheral gap positioned between two adjacent guide members.
Other aspects will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.
Before any embodiments are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof as used herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Use of “consisting of” and variations thereof as used herein is meant to encompass only the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings.
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As shown in
In the illustrated embodiment, the centering portion 50 is positioned proximate an end surface 62 of the threaded portion 46 and is positioned adjacent the threaded portion 46 in a direction parallel to the axis 58 of the bore 54. The centering portion 50 includes blades or guide members 70. In the illustrated embodiment, the centering portion 50 includes four guide members 70 that are spaced apart from one another about the axis 58 by 90 degrees, and each guide member 70 has a terminal surface having a quarter-circular shape. Arcuate spaces are positioned between the ends of adjacent guide members 70, forming gaps along a peripheral edge of the guide members 70. Also, the radial outer surfaces 74 of the guide members 70 are tapered (e.g., the outer surfaces of the guide members 70 have a frustoconical profile). In other embodiments, the alignment member can include fewer or more guide members, and/or the guide members may have different shapes or configurations.
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At an initial stage of assembly, the alignment member 18 is positioned adjacent the end of the connector block 14 and is in an unbiased state (i.e., the guide members 70 are extended). As shown in
The alignment member 18 maintains the conductor 6 on each side of the connector 10 in a centered position, facilitating a smooth transition between the connector block 14 and the conductor 6 and avoiding a bend in the conductor 6 or a non-symmetric condition that can create stress in the conductor and/or compromise the insulation. In addition, the alignment member 18 is adjustable to permit a user to modify an opening size by threading the alignment member 18 in the connector body, thereby accommodating a large range of conductor sizes and eliminating the need for multiple alignment members for specific conductor sizes.
The embodiments described above and illustrated in the figures are presented by way of example only and are not intended as a limitation upon the concepts and principles presented herein. As such, it will be appreciated that variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects as described.
This application claims the benefit of co-pending, prior-filed U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/754,271, filed Nov. 1, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62754271 | Nov 2018 | US |