1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electrical distribution system, and, more particularly, to a circuit selector assembly in an electrical distribution system.
2. Description of the Related Art
Electrical distribution systems are used in conjunction with modular office furniture and typically consist of a plurality of electrical distribution harnesses, which are respectively associated with wall panels, work surfaces, etc. The distribution harnesses include end connectors, which are coupled together using jumper cables. Each wiring harness also typically includes one or more output connectors, which are used for coupling with a modular electrical component, such as an electrical receptacle. Each output connector generally is in the form of a single row of terminals having ports, which are keyed to allow connection with only a particular type of electrical component. For example, a particular keying configuration for mating connectors ensures that only a particular one of multiple circuits within the wiring harness is connected therewith.
Track type electrical distribution systems are known in which an extruded track has a housing with a plurality of slots extending therein. Each separate slot carries a single conductor bar. An electrical component, such as an electrical receptacle, includes multiple different projections, which are respectively received within the multiple slots. Each projection electrically couples with a corresponding conductor bar in a corresponding slot. Although such track type distribution systems effectively provide power to a modular electrical component, the multiple different slots and corresponding projections may be relatively complicated to manufacture. Further, with many track type distribution systems, there are no provisions to ensure that the modular electrical component is correctly coupled with the conductor bars, so as to prevent incorrect coupling, for example with reverse polarity.
What is needed in the art is a system that is easy to manufacture and allows for reconfiguration of an entire track system in a simple manner.
The present invention provides an electrical circuit selector method and apparatus for use in a track wiring system.
The invention comprises, in one form thereof, an electrical circuit selector assembly including an electrical housing having at least one opening therein, the electrical housing having a first side and a second side. At least one electrical conductor is associated with the at least one opening on the first side and at least one circuit selector is positioned approximate to the at least one opening on the second side. The at least one circuit selector having a protrusion oriented to extend through the at least one opening and electrically contact at least one electrical conductor.
The invention comprises, in another form thereof, a method of selecting a circuit including applying a force to a first spring beam of a circuit selector; deflecting a second spring beam of the circuit selector as a result of the applying step; contacting an electrical element with a portion of the circuit selector; and deflecting the first spring beam thereby placing a predetermined force on the electrical element.
The present invention advantageously allows the installer to reconfigure a wiring harness associated with a track system.
Another advantage is that the track system can be configured by engaging actuators that are associated with separate circuit elements.
The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate one preferred embodiment of the invention, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.
Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to
Support structure 12 may be connected to housing 14 and it supplies positional support for selector 20. Support structure 12 may be indexed so as to position circuit selector 20 so that it can extend into an opening 18 and contact electrical conductor 16.
Housing 14 is a non-conductive material that positions electrical conductors 16 in a generally parallel manner with each other. Housing 14 includes an opening 18 that is associated with each electrical conductor 16. Openings 18 allow circuit selector 20 to electrically engage selected conductors 16 to thereby energize the electrical track system.
Circuit selectors 20 include an actuator interface 24 also known as a first spring beam 24, a contact protrusion 26, also known as an electrical contact 26, a mid-portion 28, also known as a second spring beam 28, a secured portion 30, an indexing protrusion 32, a crimp portion 34 and a wire 36 connected thereto.
Actuator interface 24 co-acts as a spring beam 24 so that an actuator 22, when encountering actuator interface 23, causes circuit selector 20 to flex at mid-portion 28. As circuit selector 20 engages electrical conductor 16 through opening 18 further insertion of actuator 22 causes actuator interface 24 to flex thereby applying a predetermined force to contact protrusion 26 against conductor 16 to thereby establish a reliable electrical contact. Contact protrusion 28 is shaped to easily clear the sides of opening 18 and to contact an electrical conductor 16 along a face of protrusion 26. Secured portion 30 is connected to support structure 12 and utilizes indexing protrusion 32 to orient circuit selector 20 so that protrusion 26 is properly positioned to enter opening 18 and that actuator interface 24 is properly positioned to encounter a corresponding actuator 22. Crimp portion 34 is crimped upon an electrical conductor 36 to thereby pass electrical current to or from electrical conductor 16 when circuit selector 20 is engaged with a corresponding electrical conductor 16. Multiple circuit selectors 20 are arranged in a track wiring system so that individual electrical circuits may be connected to selected corresponding electrical conductors 16.
Now, referring additionally to
Actuator 22 applies an initial force against first spring beam 24, which substantially causes second spring beam 28 to bend as protrusion 26 approaches electrical conductor 16. Once protrusion 26 contacts conductor 16 further force directed against first spring beam 24 by actuator 22, causes first spring beam 24 to deflect to thereby ensure that a predetermined force is placed against conductor 16 by contact protrusion 26. The movement of plate 38 in direction A causes circuit selector 20 to move in direction B until the engagement of circuit selector 20 against a corresponding conductor 16. The movement of plate 38 in a direction opposite of direction A removes force from actuator interface 24, thereby allowing second spring beam 28 to return to its original position thereby disconnecting an electrical circuit.
Now, additionally referring to
The system advantageously applies power to selected elements in electrical selection assembly 10 to thereby configure a track wiring system, which allows easy reconfiguration thereof.
While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.
This is a non-provisional application based upon U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/474,802, entitled “ELECTRICAL TRACK BUSS SYSTEM AND ACTUATION DEVICE”, filed May 29, 2003.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
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4767355 | Phillipson et al. | Aug 1988 | A |
5280254 | Hunter et al. | Jan 1994 | A |
5944546 | Miyake et al. | Aug 1999 | A |
5944547 | Golab et al. | Aug 1999 | A |
6130387 | Bricaud et al. | Oct 2000 | A |
6435887 | Koitsalu | Aug 2002 | B1 |
6612856 | McCormack | Sep 2003 | B1 |
6638087 | Takada et al. | Oct 2003 | B1 |
Number | Date | Country | |
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20040238337 A1 | Dec 2004 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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60474802 | May 2003 | US |