CA2114617C - Flexible conductive track - Google Patents
Flexible conductive trackInfo
- Publication number
- CA2114617C CA2114617C CA002114617A CA2114617A CA2114617C CA 2114617 C CA2114617 C CA 2114617C CA 002114617 A CA002114617 A CA 002114617A CA 2114617 A CA2114617 A CA 2114617A CA 2114617 C CA2114617 C CA 2114617C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- assembly
- housing
- electrical
- face
- conductor
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
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
- H01R25/00—Coupling parts adapted for simultaneous co-operation with two or more identical counterparts, e.g. for distributing energy to two or more circuits
- H01R25/14—Rails or bus-bars constructed so that the counterparts can be connected thereto at any point along their length
Abstract
A flexible conductive track (1), comprises a flexible insulative plastics housing (2) of constant cross section. This housing is substantially rectangular in shape with three recesses (3) open to one side of the housing. A conductor (4) in the form of a copper wire is held in the bottom of each recess. Affixed to the wire (4) along the whole length of the wire is a conductive blade (5) which is conductively bonded to the wire (4) to form a double spring blade contact (5). A recess (16) is located on the other side of the housing (2). When the track (1) is bent laterally the recess (16 and 3) collapse to assist in the bending.
Description
WO93/03517 21 14 617 PCr/AU92/00414 . . -- 1 FT~TRr~ CONDUCTIVE TRACK
The present invention relates to a flexible conductive track for electrical or communication or other signals connection and, more particularly, for such tracks fo-r installation around a room or office and accessible for connection at almost any position along its length for take off of electrical, communication, or other signals.
Prior art flexible electric conduit tracks are known.
However, they all suffer from disadvantages which have prevented them from being commercially viable.
Such a prior art is US Patent 2,062,752 - Xindberg which has wires forming the power lines ~mheA~ed in two slits in a rubber housing. This results in only a small area of contact - nominally a "point contact" - between the tines of a power take off device and the conductors Qf the track with resultant problems with connection failure.
Further the configuration of the housing does not readily allow for b~n~; ng of the track in a lateral direction with respect to the slots. It being necessary to cut one or more notches to facilitate the bending of the track around a corner.
US Patent 2,105,833 - Feuer, et al shows a track which comprises a flexible moulding having two slits with a wire embedded in each slit. Again only a "point contact with a tine of a power take off device would occur. Further the moulding does not appear to be able to bend laterally to the ~lits.
US Patent 2, 175,245 - Brockman whilst showing a flexible track, requires that the contacts are in the form of separate jaws, and also only shows a shape of housing which does not permit bending of the track laterally, but only allows bending with the ingress to the contacts being int~rn~l or external to the bend direction.
In US Patent 2,240,180 - Frank this describes a flexible track. But does not show a track which can bend laterally. Further the contacts have individual ~aws to assist bending with the ingress to the contacts being internA1 or external to the bend direction.
In International Patent Application No. PCT/SE86/00579 ~'O9~/03517 211~617 PCT/AU9~14
The present invention relates to a flexible conductive track for electrical or communication or other signals connection and, more particularly, for such tracks fo-r installation around a room or office and accessible for connection at almost any position along its length for take off of electrical, communication, or other signals.
Prior art flexible electric conduit tracks are known.
However, they all suffer from disadvantages which have prevented them from being commercially viable.
Such a prior art is US Patent 2,062,752 - Xindberg which has wires forming the power lines ~mheA~ed in two slits in a rubber housing. This results in only a small area of contact - nominally a "point contact" - between the tines of a power take off device and the conductors Qf the track with resultant problems with connection failure.
Further the configuration of the housing does not readily allow for b~n~; ng of the track in a lateral direction with respect to the slots. It being necessary to cut one or more notches to facilitate the bending of the track around a corner.
US Patent 2,105,833 - Feuer, et al shows a track which comprises a flexible moulding having two slits with a wire embedded in each slit. Again only a "point contact with a tine of a power take off device would occur. Further the moulding does not appear to be able to bend laterally to the ~lits.
US Patent 2, 175,245 - Brockman whilst showing a flexible track, requires that the contacts are in the form of separate jaws, and also only shows a shape of housing which does not permit bending of the track laterally, but only allows bending with the ingress to the contacts being int~rn~l or external to the bend direction.
In US Patent 2,240,180 - Frank this describes a flexible track. But does not show a track which can bend laterally. Further the contacts have individual ~aws to assist bending with the ingress to the contacts being internA1 or external to the bend direction.
In International Patent Application No. PCT/SE86/00579 ~'O9~/03517 211~617 PCT/AU9~14
- 2 -there is described a f 1 eYi hle conductor strip having an elongated wire conductor surrounded by a thin insulation layer with an elongated slot eY~e~ing through the insulation layer to provide access to the conductor. This - co~nctor strip only provides a small area of contact ~; e~n the conductor and a take off device. Further, h~c~ e of the small diameter of the conductor strip, the strip will ~wist during ben~ing resultîng in the slot twisting out of position.
Systems utili7ing the a~ove tracks as described in the abo~emen*io~ reference-~ ~o not allow a secure connection to the eon~ctors in the track; but rely on a straight ~push in" of the tines of the power take off into the slits co~A~nin~ the contacts, generally relying upon the res~ ce of the material of the house to retain engagement.
A rigid supply rail system having bus bars located in - ver*~A~ly ext~n~ing elongated channels are known, and desc~ihe~ in Internatio~Al Patent Application PCT/AU86100252. This reference pro~ides a single small ~iAreter elongate conductor located adjacent to the roof of the chAnn~l~. Access of the chAnnels is by way of an elongated op~n~ng located on the side wall adjacent the base of the rail. Thus the connection of the take off device is ~Pr~n~nt on the small area of contact between the tine of the take off device and the elongated conductor. Further, when a change of direction is required for the supply rail, a cnrnPr adaptor is required to be conected between the adjac~nt supply rails. Therefore because of the conections b~.een straight rail sections and corner adaptors, an increase in imr~ence of the supply rail system occurs.
Therefore if a high fi~elity signal is required, this system could cause interference or noise, distorting the signal.
The use of a rigid supply rail is also shown in US
Patents 4,243,284 - Humphreys, 4,462,6~0 - Humphreys and 4,479,687 _ ~l~rhreys et al. These references show a limited access to the ron~llrtors by way of discrete doorways with resultant complex ArrAngements for ope~;~g and closing.
This invention in one aspect resides broadly in an electrical bus distributor assembly including:-an elongate flexible insulated housing having a plurality of longitudinally extending slots extending inwardly from one face of the housing and at least one longitudinally extending slot extending inwardly from a substantially opposite face of the housing, and an elongate flexible conductor assembly located in at least one of the plurality of the longitudinally extending slots in the one face;
the arrangement being such-that the width of the slots decrease when the bus distributor assembly is bent in a plane substantially perpendicular to the slots.
The insulated housing may include a first longitudinally extending slot located substantially centrally in the opposite face and second and third longitll~; n~l ly extending slots located off-centre in the one face. In another embodiment the insulated housing may include a fourth longitudinally extending slot located substantially centrally in the one face.
Each conductor assembly may include a flexible elongate conductor and a flexible elongate blade member in electrical contact with the conductor and adapted to closely receive a tine of a plug assembly and establish electrical contact therewith. Each conductor assembly may alternatively include a flexible elongated conductor or a flexible elongated blade member.
It is preferred that the elongate blade member is substantially U-shaped in cross-section and has a pair of opposed and inwardly biased substantially arcuate arms, the closed portion of the blade member housing the conductor. Suitably the elongate blade member has a plurality of spaced cut-outs located along the closed portion. In a preferred embodiment the slots in the one face may include support means for supporting the conductor assembly. Preferably the support means are ribs or shoulders.
The insulated housing may be of uniform cross-section and preferably the insulated housing is an extrusion.
In another- aspect this invention resides broadly in an electrical distribution system including:-a support housing having at least one longitudinally extending chamber for receiving and supporting an electrical bus distributor assembly;
an electrical bus distributor assembly as definedabove located in the chamber and spaced from a wall of the chamber to define a substantially continuous longitudinally extending access channel therewith, and at least one plug assembly having a plurality of tines for establishing electrical contact with the conductor assembly, the arrangement being such that the tines are receivable within the access channel to prevent the electrical contact being established and are rotatable within the access channel to establish the electrical contact.
In a preferred embodiment the plug assembly is adapted to abut the support housing and includes a projecting member receivable within the access ~h~nnel when the plug assembly abuts the support housing, the tines extending radially from the projecting member.
The longitudinally ~cten~ling chamber preferably includes an 5 engagement member adapted to be lockingly engaged in the first slot for supporting the insulated housing. The chamber may include rib or shoulder means for supporting the insulated housing.
In a preferred embodiment the plug assembly includes recess means between the tines for closely receiving an edge of a wall member formed between o adjacent slots in the one face.
The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 illustrates an end view of a flexible conductive track according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 shows an end view of a further embodiment of a flexible conductive track according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 illustrates an end view of one embodiment of a support housing to support the conductive track of Figure 1 or 2;
FIG. 4 illustrates a base adapted to be fitted to the housing of Figure
Systems utili7ing the a~ove tracks as described in the abo~emen*io~ reference-~ ~o not allow a secure connection to the eon~ctors in the track; but rely on a straight ~push in" of the tines of the power take off into the slits co~A~nin~ the contacts, generally relying upon the res~ ce of the material of the house to retain engagement.
A rigid supply rail system having bus bars located in - ver*~A~ly ext~n~ing elongated channels are known, and desc~ihe~ in Internatio~Al Patent Application PCT/AU86100252. This reference pro~ides a single small ~iAreter elongate conductor located adjacent to the roof of the chAnn~l~. Access of the chAnnels is by way of an elongated op~n~ng located on the side wall adjacent the base of the rail. Thus the connection of the take off device is ~Pr~n~nt on the small area of contact between the tine of the take off device and the elongated conductor. Further, when a change of direction is required for the supply rail, a cnrnPr adaptor is required to be conected between the adjac~nt supply rails. Therefore because of the conections b~.een straight rail sections and corner adaptors, an increase in imr~ence of the supply rail system occurs.
Therefore if a high fi~elity signal is required, this system could cause interference or noise, distorting the signal.
The use of a rigid supply rail is also shown in US
Patents 4,243,284 - Humphreys, 4,462,6~0 - Humphreys and 4,479,687 _ ~l~rhreys et al. These references show a limited access to the ron~llrtors by way of discrete doorways with resultant complex ArrAngements for ope~;~g and closing.
This invention in one aspect resides broadly in an electrical bus distributor assembly including:-an elongate flexible insulated housing having a plurality of longitudinally extending slots extending inwardly from one face of the housing and at least one longitudinally extending slot extending inwardly from a substantially opposite face of the housing, and an elongate flexible conductor assembly located in at least one of the plurality of the longitudinally extending slots in the one face;
the arrangement being such-that the width of the slots decrease when the bus distributor assembly is bent in a plane substantially perpendicular to the slots.
The insulated housing may include a first longitudinally extending slot located substantially centrally in the opposite face and second and third longitll~; n~l ly extending slots located off-centre in the one face. In another embodiment the insulated housing may include a fourth longitudinally extending slot located substantially centrally in the one face.
Each conductor assembly may include a flexible elongate conductor and a flexible elongate blade member in electrical contact with the conductor and adapted to closely receive a tine of a plug assembly and establish electrical contact therewith. Each conductor assembly may alternatively include a flexible elongated conductor or a flexible elongated blade member.
It is preferred that the elongate blade member is substantially U-shaped in cross-section and has a pair of opposed and inwardly biased substantially arcuate arms, the closed portion of the blade member housing the conductor. Suitably the elongate blade member has a plurality of spaced cut-outs located along the closed portion. In a preferred embodiment the slots in the one face may include support means for supporting the conductor assembly. Preferably the support means are ribs or shoulders.
The insulated housing may be of uniform cross-section and preferably the insulated housing is an extrusion.
In another- aspect this invention resides broadly in an electrical distribution system including:-a support housing having at least one longitudinally extending chamber for receiving and supporting an electrical bus distributor assembly;
an electrical bus distributor assembly as definedabove located in the chamber and spaced from a wall of the chamber to define a substantially continuous longitudinally extending access channel therewith, and at least one plug assembly having a plurality of tines for establishing electrical contact with the conductor assembly, the arrangement being such that the tines are receivable within the access channel to prevent the electrical contact being established and are rotatable within the access channel to establish the electrical contact.
In a preferred embodiment the plug assembly is adapted to abut the support housing and includes a projecting member receivable within the access ~h~nnel when the plug assembly abuts the support housing, the tines extending radially from the projecting member.
The longitudinally ~cten~ling chamber preferably includes an 5 engagement member adapted to be lockingly engaged in the first slot for supporting the insulated housing. The chamber may include rib or shoulder means for supporting the insulated housing.
In a preferred embodiment the plug assembly includes recess means between the tines for closely receiving an edge of a wall member formed between o adjacent slots in the one face.
The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 illustrates an end view of a flexible conductive track according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 shows an end view of a further embodiment of a flexible conductive track according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 illustrates an end view of one embodiment of a support housing to support the conductive track of Figure 1 or 2;
FIG. 4 illustrates a base adapted to be fitted to the housing of Figure
3;
FIG. 5 illustrates a connection member of a take off device according to one embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 5A illustrates a further form of a connection member according to another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 illustrates a take off device according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of the supply system according to the present invention (with the corner adaptor removed) and cutaway on the flexible track;
FIG. 8 shows a plan view of the system illustrated in Figure 7 to show the resultant configuration of one embodiment of the flexible track of the present invention, ~.. .c;
Q 1 ~1 A r~ 1 ~7 P~/AU92/00414 during hending of the track;
FIG. 9 shows the section view taken in the direction of arrows 9-9 in Figure 8;
FIG. 10 shows a section view taken in the direction of arrows 10-10 in Figure 8;
FIG. 11 il~ustrates another embodiment of the flexible track of the present invention;
FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of the tr~ckin~
system according to the present invention;
FIG. 13 illustrates a housing according to a further embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 14 illustrates a distribution system of one embodiment of the present invention utilizing the housing shown in Figure 13 FIG. 15 illustrates a further embodiment of a housing usable in the present invention;
FIG. 16 illustrates a further embodiment of a housing usable in the present invention;
FIG. 17 illustrates an adaptor plug usable with the distribution systems of the present invention; and FIG. 18 shows a cutaway view of the adaptor plug illustrated in Figure 16, showing the engagemen~t of the connecting prong forming an electrical contact with an adaptor plug.
As shown in Figure 1 a flexible conductive track (1), according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises a flexible insulative plastics housing (2) of constant cross-section. This housing is substantially rectangular in shape with three recesses (3) open to one side of the housing.
A conductor (4) in the form of a copper wire is held in the bottom o~ each recess. Affixed to the wire ~4) along the whole length of the wire is a conductive blade (-5) which is conductively bonded to the wire (~) to form a double spring blade contact (5). In the flexible conductive track, as shown in Figure 1, the wire (4) is held in the recesses by shoulders (6) located adjacent the bottom of each recess (3).
The blade means can be a single blade with biasing - - - - - - - -211 q 617 PCr/AU92/0~14 means formed integrally with the walls of the recess to urge the tines of a take off unit into intimate contact with the blade (5)~ Further, the wire (4) and conductive blade (5) can be moulded into the housing wall by means of cross-head extrusion, when the housing is extruded.
As shown in Figure 2 a further embo~ir-nt of the fleYihle conductiYe track of the present invention comprises three recesses (~) with an elongated conductors (17) co~cted by pressure welding to arm (18) or (19), or both, of a bifurcated contact spring (20), which extends longit~ n~lly along the length of the recesses (3). The contact spring (20) is held in the recess (3) by the free ends (21) of contac~ spring (20) resiliently bearing on sho~ s (22) of the recesses (3) or held in the recess by cros~heA~ extrusion. The contact spring (20) may provide both the spring action and conductivity in the single form.
- Both flexible tracks (1), as shown in Figures 1 and 2, ~ave a recess (16) located on the face opposite to the first face. This extends along the length of the track and ~nh~nces the f ~ eYi hility of the track.
A suitable housing t8), as shown in Figure 3, can be ~ffiYe~ to the wall of an area, where the system of the present invention is to be used. A single continuous length of a flexible conductive track (1), as illustrated in ~igures 1 or 2, for example, is fitted into the ch~nnel (7) of the housing (8). The channel (7) is configured to hold the con~-~ctive track (1) such that open ends of the recesses ~3) face downwardly.
The base (9) as shown in Figure 4 closes the bottom of the housing (8), leaving an elongated side access opening (10) which extends along the entire length of the housing (8), as shown in Figure 7. Con~ction to the wires therefore can be made at any position along the length of the conducti~e track (1).
When the flexible track (1) is laterally bent around a co~ne~ as shown in Figures 7r 8, 9 and 10, the recesses (16 and 3) collapse to allow lateral bending.
A take off unit in the form of a power point is shown - - -211~ 617 PCTlAU92/00414 ._ .,. _ g in Figure 6. The power point (11) has a pro~ection (12) exten~ing from the back with one or more tines ~13) exten~ing radially therefrom. A view of the pro~ection is shown in Figure 5. To connect the power point ~11) to the c conductive strip (1), the tines (13) are aligned with the open~ng (10) and the proJection (12) inserted into the opening (10) and the power point (11) rotated such that the tines (13) engage the respective blades (5) in the recesses (3). Because of the double blade spring construction, the blades (5) are urged into intimate engagement with each side of the tines (13) such that both flat areas (14), provide a relatively large contact area.
To further inhibit arcing between adjacent tines (13), when connected to the conductors/blades (5) in the flexible conductive track (1), the walls ~23) of the housing (8) haYe their free ends (25~ configured to mate with recesses (24) on the projection (12), isolating each tine (13) from the others.
Alternatively as shown in Figure 5A, part of the length of one or more of the tines (13) can be sheathed in plastics, with or without the recesses (24), such that upon insertion of the tine into the recess (3), the plastics sheath (26) extends into the recess (3) to inhibit any arcing or discharging between the tines (13).
The powerpoint (11), as shown in Figure 6, comprises a combined locking means and an on/off switch (15) to secure the powerpoint to the housing (8), wherein when said power point (11) is rotated, after the insertion of the tines (13) into the opening (10), power is only available to the external output (72) upon ~-nu~l operation of the locking means (15).
In another embodiment the projection 12 may be moulded directly to a ~o~c lead.
If required a cover strip could be used to seal the ope~i~q (lD)-As shown in Figure 3, the housing can comprise two channels one for telecommunication and one for power.
However any number of channels could be used, for example one respecti~ely for power, stereo systems, computer lines, WO93/03~I7 2 1 1 4 6 1 7 PCT/AU92/~14 gas, optical fibres, etc.
The fley~le co~t~tive strip can be of any suitable co~f;~ration and have any number of recesses.
To assist in the lateral hen~ing of the flexible track an e~hoAiment as shown in Figure 11 can be used.
In the flexible insulative housing (27) are located three recesses (~8) similar to those described previously which each contain a conductive blade (29) as shown in Eigu~e 11. A con~llctor (30) may be connected to the arcuate end of the co~ctor blades (29). The conductor (30) could be s~ rd copper wiring while the blade (29) could be f~T~ of phosphorous bronze. Alternatively, the conductive blade (29) could be constructed so as to be used on its own, without the necessity of the additional conductor in the form of a copper wire (30).
At preselected positions along the length of the c~ tive blade (29l, cutouts (31) are located along its length. These cutouts (31) do not extend into the contact area (32) of the arms (33) of the conductive blade. These cutout-s (31) enh~nr~ the flexibility of the conducti~e blades (29) and hence the flexible conductive tracks (27) into which they are inserted.
Addition~l as shown in Figure 12, the housing (34) used to co~t~in the flexible in~ ti~e-track (35) can have ex~er~l fittings (36) for the affiYiny of suitable colour strips (not sho~n).
One embodiment of a floor mounted system according to the present invention is shown in Figure 13 comprises an open face housing (37), with two opposed side walls t38) and (39~, and a channel portion (401, which has a base su~ L
(41). This embo~;~ent is used to be inserted into a recess ~42) in a floor (43) as shown in Figure 14.
Located on the sides and base of the ch~nnel portion (40) are cutouts (44) to allow any moisture to drain out of the housing, and along and out of the floor recess (42).
A mounting means (45) is pro~ided to hold an elongated cassette (46) therein. The mounting means (45) comprises two WO93/03S17 2 1 1 4 6 17 PCT/AU92/0~14 parallel pro~ections, one (47) with a hook (48) located along the free end thereof.
The cassette (46) comprises an elongated recess (49), and a cutout (50) located at one end. The projection (51) 9 iS fitted into the recess (49) of the cassette (46) and the hook (48), because of the resilience of the material of the housing (37) snaps into the cutout (50), locking the cassette (46) in position. In the embodiment shown, the cassette (4~) has its open mouth (52) facing downwardly. A
cover strip (53) can be inserted into the opening (54) below the cassette (46), where it rests on the elongated support (~5) and locks into the cassette (46) by means of the pro~ection (56) to close the mouth (52) of the cassette (46).
Fitted into the cassette (46) can be any form of conductive track, (howe~er preferably a flexible conductive - track (1) shown in Figures 1 to 11 is used), as shown in Figure 14, with the shoulders (57) of the cassette locking over the outer walls (58) of the flexible conductive track (l), with the barbed projection (59) engaging in the locating recess (16) of the flexible track (27).
A take off means (60) as described previously can be used to connect to the conductors (20), whereby power or the like is supplied external of the recess (42) as shown in ~igure 14. To close the recess a cover (61) rests on the top supports (62) and (63) of the housing (37), aligning flush with the flooring as shown in Figure 14. The cover (61) has cutouts ~64) located at appropriate positions along the cover (61) to allow for egress of suitable cable. These cutouts could be preformed or cutout when needed, and a cord cover strip (65) fits into the channel (66).
Other embodiments of the present invention are shown in ~igure lS utilising multiple cassette mountings (45).
In Figure 16 the housing 34 as illustrated in Figure 12 can be used in a floor mounted arrangement similar to ~igures 14 and 15.
Preferably the housing and cassettes are made from suitable plastics.
The cassette in use also face sideways with a suitable hinged or flapped cover slip covering its mouth to prevent ingress of cont~min~nts.
As is shown in Figures 17 and 18, the electrical connector (67) of the power point adaptor (68) comprises two arms (69) which are made of resilientmetal. The prong (70) of an appliance (not shown) slides into engagement between the arms (69) and the screw (71) is tightened to urge the arms (69) intointimate contact with the prong (70). Sufficient pressure can be generated by the screw (71) to provide the equivalent of a fixed contact between the prong (70) and the arms (69).
In a further embodiment not shown, the prong could have a recess 0 or bore into which the screw will engage to rigidly connect the prong to the electrical connectors.
This form of connection is not only limite~l to distribution systems, as before described, but can also be used with respect to standard power points and double connections.
In use the adaptability of the flexible housing of the present invention to bend through an angle, typically through a right angle or other angles including a 180 degree return, avoids the requirement of prior art systems to cut and fit adaptors at the corners of a room. The continuity of the conductor assembly results in improved electrical characteristics and also ... . . . . . . .. . . .
20 slmphhes mstallatlon thereby lowerlng materlal ana la~our mstallatlon costs.
The distribution system of the present invention provides a useful alternative to known systems. It is adaptable for use in floors and ceiling.s as well as skirting boards, and can be used as a light-track for lighting systems or fortr~nsmi~ion of audio signals in sound systems. It will be appreciated that each of 25 the above systems can be incorporated in a multi-chamber housing as illustrated in FIG. 12.
It will of course be realized that whilst the above has been given by way of an illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications .~
and variations hereto, as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art, are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as hereinaftercl~ime~
FIG. 5 illustrates a connection member of a take off device according to one embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 5A illustrates a further form of a connection member according to another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 illustrates a take off device according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of the supply system according to the present invention (with the corner adaptor removed) and cutaway on the flexible track;
FIG. 8 shows a plan view of the system illustrated in Figure 7 to show the resultant configuration of one embodiment of the flexible track of the present invention, ~.. .c;
Q 1 ~1 A r~ 1 ~7 P~/AU92/00414 during hending of the track;
FIG. 9 shows the section view taken in the direction of arrows 9-9 in Figure 8;
FIG. 10 shows a section view taken in the direction of arrows 10-10 in Figure 8;
FIG. 11 il~ustrates another embodiment of the flexible track of the present invention;
FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of the tr~ckin~
system according to the present invention;
FIG. 13 illustrates a housing according to a further embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 14 illustrates a distribution system of one embodiment of the present invention utilizing the housing shown in Figure 13 FIG. 15 illustrates a further embodiment of a housing usable in the present invention;
FIG. 16 illustrates a further embodiment of a housing usable in the present invention;
FIG. 17 illustrates an adaptor plug usable with the distribution systems of the present invention; and FIG. 18 shows a cutaway view of the adaptor plug illustrated in Figure 16, showing the engagemen~t of the connecting prong forming an electrical contact with an adaptor plug.
As shown in Figure 1 a flexible conductive track (1), according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises a flexible insulative plastics housing (2) of constant cross-section. This housing is substantially rectangular in shape with three recesses (3) open to one side of the housing.
A conductor (4) in the form of a copper wire is held in the bottom o~ each recess. Affixed to the wire ~4) along the whole length of the wire is a conductive blade (-5) which is conductively bonded to the wire (~) to form a double spring blade contact (5). In the flexible conductive track, as shown in Figure 1, the wire (4) is held in the recesses by shoulders (6) located adjacent the bottom of each recess (3).
The blade means can be a single blade with biasing - - - - - - - -211 q 617 PCr/AU92/0~14 means formed integrally with the walls of the recess to urge the tines of a take off unit into intimate contact with the blade (5)~ Further, the wire (4) and conductive blade (5) can be moulded into the housing wall by means of cross-head extrusion, when the housing is extruded.
As shown in Figure 2 a further embo~ir-nt of the fleYihle conductiYe track of the present invention comprises three recesses (~) with an elongated conductors (17) co~cted by pressure welding to arm (18) or (19), or both, of a bifurcated contact spring (20), which extends longit~ n~lly along the length of the recesses (3). The contact spring (20) is held in the recess (3) by the free ends (21) of contac~ spring (20) resiliently bearing on sho~ s (22) of the recesses (3) or held in the recess by cros~heA~ extrusion. The contact spring (20) may provide both the spring action and conductivity in the single form.
- Both flexible tracks (1), as shown in Figures 1 and 2, ~ave a recess (16) located on the face opposite to the first face. This extends along the length of the track and ~nh~nces the f ~ eYi hility of the track.
A suitable housing t8), as shown in Figure 3, can be ~ffiYe~ to the wall of an area, where the system of the present invention is to be used. A single continuous length of a flexible conductive track (1), as illustrated in ~igures 1 or 2, for example, is fitted into the ch~nnel (7) of the housing (8). The channel (7) is configured to hold the con~-~ctive track (1) such that open ends of the recesses ~3) face downwardly.
The base (9) as shown in Figure 4 closes the bottom of the housing (8), leaving an elongated side access opening (10) which extends along the entire length of the housing (8), as shown in Figure 7. Con~ction to the wires therefore can be made at any position along the length of the conducti~e track (1).
When the flexible track (1) is laterally bent around a co~ne~ as shown in Figures 7r 8, 9 and 10, the recesses (16 and 3) collapse to allow lateral bending.
A take off unit in the form of a power point is shown - - -211~ 617 PCTlAU92/00414 ._ .,. _ g in Figure 6. The power point (11) has a pro~ection (12) exten~ing from the back with one or more tines ~13) exten~ing radially therefrom. A view of the pro~ection is shown in Figure 5. To connect the power point ~11) to the c conductive strip (1), the tines (13) are aligned with the open~ng (10) and the proJection (12) inserted into the opening (10) and the power point (11) rotated such that the tines (13) engage the respective blades (5) in the recesses (3). Because of the double blade spring construction, the blades (5) are urged into intimate engagement with each side of the tines (13) such that both flat areas (14), provide a relatively large contact area.
To further inhibit arcing between adjacent tines (13), when connected to the conductors/blades (5) in the flexible conductive track (1), the walls ~23) of the housing (8) haYe their free ends (25~ configured to mate with recesses (24) on the projection (12), isolating each tine (13) from the others.
Alternatively as shown in Figure 5A, part of the length of one or more of the tines (13) can be sheathed in plastics, with or without the recesses (24), such that upon insertion of the tine into the recess (3), the plastics sheath (26) extends into the recess (3) to inhibit any arcing or discharging between the tines (13).
The powerpoint (11), as shown in Figure 6, comprises a combined locking means and an on/off switch (15) to secure the powerpoint to the housing (8), wherein when said power point (11) is rotated, after the insertion of the tines (13) into the opening (10), power is only available to the external output (72) upon ~-nu~l operation of the locking means (15).
In another embodiment the projection 12 may be moulded directly to a ~o~c lead.
If required a cover strip could be used to seal the ope~i~q (lD)-As shown in Figure 3, the housing can comprise two channels one for telecommunication and one for power.
However any number of channels could be used, for example one respecti~ely for power, stereo systems, computer lines, WO93/03~I7 2 1 1 4 6 1 7 PCT/AU92/~14 gas, optical fibres, etc.
The fley~le co~t~tive strip can be of any suitable co~f;~ration and have any number of recesses.
To assist in the lateral hen~ing of the flexible track an e~hoAiment as shown in Figure 11 can be used.
In the flexible insulative housing (27) are located three recesses (~8) similar to those described previously which each contain a conductive blade (29) as shown in Eigu~e 11. A con~llctor (30) may be connected to the arcuate end of the co~ctor blades (29). The conductor (30) could be s~ rd copper wiring while the blade (29) could be f~T~ of phosphorous bronze. Alternatively, the conductive blade (29) could be constructed so as to be used on its own, without the necessity of the additional conductor in the form of a copper wire (30).
At preselected positions along the length of the c~ tive blade (29l, cutouts (31) are located along its length. These cutouts (31) do not extend into the contact area (32) of the arms (33) of the conductive blade. These cutout-s (31) enh~nr~ the flexibility of the conducti~e blades (29) and hence the flexible conductive tracks (27) into which they are inserted.
Addition~l as shown in Figure 12, the housing (34) used to co~t~in the flexible in~ ti~e-track (35) can have ex~er~l fittings (36) for the affiYiny of suitable colour strips (not sho~n).
One embodiment of a floor mounted system according to the present invention is shown in Figure 13 comprises an open face housing (37), with two opposed side walls t38) and (39~, and a channel portion (401, which has a base su~ L
(41). This embo~;~ent is used to be inserted into a recess ~42) in a floor (43) as shown in Figure 14.
Located on the sides and base of the ch~nnel portion (40) are cutouts (44) to allow any moisture to drain out of the housing, and along and out of the floor recess (42).
A mounting means (45) is pro~ided to hold an elongated cassette (46) therein. The mounting means (45) comprises two WO93/03S17 2 1 1 4 6 17 PCT/AU92/0~14 parallel pro~ections, one (47) with a hook (48) located along the free end thereof.
The cassette (46) comprises an elongated recess (49), and a cutout (50) located at one end. The projection (51) 9 iS fitted into the recess (49) of the cassette (46) and the hook (48), because of the resilience of the material of the housing (37) snaps into the cutout (50), locking the cassette (46) in position. In the embodiment shown, the cassette (4~) has its open mouth (52) facing downwardly. A
cover strip (53) can be inserted into the opening (54) below the cassette (46), where it rests on the elongated support (~5) and locks into the cassette (46) by means of the pro~ection (56) to close the mouth (52) of the cassette (46).
Fitted into the cassette (46) can be any form of conductive track, (howe~er preferably a flexible conductive - track (1) shown in Figures 1 to 11 is used), as shown in Figure 14, with the shoulders (57) of the cassette locking over the outer walls (58) of the flexible conductive track (l), with the barbed projection (59) engaging in the locating recess (16) of the flexible track (27).
A take off means (60) as described previously can be used to connect to the conductors (20), whereby power or the like is supplied external of the recess (42) as shown in ~igure 14. To close the recess a cover (61) rests on the top supports (62) and (63) of the housing (37), aligning flush with the flooring as shown in Figure 14. The cover (61) has cutouts ~64) located at appropriate positions along the cover (61) to allow for egress of suitable cable. These cutouts could be preformed or cutout when needed, and a cord cover strip (65) fits into the channel (66).
Other embodiments of the present invention are shown in ~igure lS utilising multiple cassette mountings (45).
In Figure 16 the housing 34 as illustrated in Figure 12 can be used in a floor mounted arrangement similar to ~igures 14 and 15.
Preferably the housing and cassettes are made from suitable plastics.
The cassette in use also face sideways with a suitable hinged or flapped cover slip covering its mouth to prevent ingress of cont~min~nts.
As is shown in Figures 17 and 18, the electrical connector (67) of the power point adaptor (68) comprises two arms (69) which are made of resilientmetal. The prong (70) of an appliance (not shown) slides into engagement between the arms (69) and the screw (71) is tightened to urge the arms (69) intointimate contact with the prong (70). Sufficient pressure can be generated by the screw (71) to provide the equivalent of a fixed contact between the prong (70) and the arms (69).
In a further embodiment not shown, the prong could have a recess 0 or bore into which the screw will engage to rigidly connect the prong to the electrical connectors.
This form of connection is not only limite~l to distribution systems, as before described, but can also be used with respect to standard power points and double connections.
In use the adaptability of the flexible housing of the present invention to bend through an angle, typically through a right angle or other angles including a 180 degree return, avoids the requirement of prior art systems to cut and fit adaptors at the corners of a room. The continuity of the conductor assembly results in improved electrical characteristics and also ... . . . . . . .. . . .
20 slmphhes mstallatlon thereby lowerlng materlal ana la~our mstallatlon costs.
The distribution system of the present invention provides a useful alternative to known systems. It is adaptable for use in floors and ceiling.s as well as skirting boards, and can be used as a light-track for lighting systems or fortr~nsmi~ion of audio signals in sound systems. It will be appreciated that each of 25 the above systems can be incorporated in a multi-chamber housing as illustrated in FIG. 12.
It will of course be realized that whilst the above has been given by way of an illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications .~
and variations hereto, as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art, are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as hereinaftercl~ime~
Claims (13)
- An electrical bus distributor assembly including:-an elongate flexible insulated housing having a plurality of faces and a plurality of longitudinally extending slots extending inwardly from one face thereof and at least one longitudinally extending slot extending inwardly from a face substantially opposite to said one face, and an elongate flexible conductor assembly located in at least one of the slots in said one face;
wherein the width of said slots decreases when the bus distributor assembly is bent in a plane substantially perpendicular to said slots. - 2. An electrical bus distributor assembly as claimed in claim 1, and including a first longitudinally extending slot located substantially centrally in said opposite face and second and third longitudinally extending slots located off-centre in said one face.
- 3. An electrical bus distributor assembly as claimed in claim 2, and including a fourth longitudinally extending slot located substantially centrally in said one face.
- 4. An electrical bus distributor assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the slots in said one face include support means for supporting said conductor assembly.
- 5. An electrical bus distributor assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein said insulated housing is an extrusion.
- 6. An electrical bus distributor assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said conductor assembly includes a flexible elongate conductor and a flexible elongate blade member in electrical contact with said conductor and adapted to closely receive a tine of a plug assembly and establishelectrical contact therewith.
- 7. An electrical bus distributor assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein said elongate blade member is substantially U-shaped in cross-section and has a pair of opposed and inwardly biased substantially arcuate arms, the closed portion of said blade member housing said conductor.
- 8. An electrical bus distributor assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein said elongate blade member has a plurality of spaced cut-outs located along saidclosed portion.
- 9. An electrical distribution system including:-a support housing having at least one longitudinally extending chamber for receiving and supporting an electrical bus distributor assembly;
an electrical bus distributor assembly as claimed in claim 1 located in said chamber and spaced from a wall of said chamber to define a substantially continuous longitudinally extending access channel therewith, and at least one plug assembly having a plurality of tines for establishing electrical contact with said conductor assembly, the arrangement being such that said tines are receivable within said access channel to prevent said electrical contact being established and are rotatable within said access channel to establish said electrical contact. - 10. An electrical distribution system as claimed in claim 9, wherein said plug assembly is adapted to abut said support housing and includes a projecting member receivable within said access channel when said plug assembly abuts said support housing, said tines extending radially from said projecting member.
- 11. An electrical distribution system as claimed in claim 9, wherein said chamber includes an engagement member adapted to be lockingly engaged in said first slot for supporting said insulated housing.
- 12. An electrical distribution system as claimed in claim 11, wherein said chamber includes rib or shoulder means for supporting said insulated housing.
- 13. An electrical distribution system as claimed in claim 12, wherein said plug assembly includes recess means between said tines for closely receiving an edge of a wall member formed between adjacent slots in said one face.
Applications Claiming Priority (8)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUPK759291 | 1991-08-05 | ||
| AUPK7592 | 1991-08-05 | ||
| AUPL0139 | 1991-12-20 | ||
| AUPL013991 | 1991-12-20 | ||
| AUPL081692 | 1992-02-11 | ||
| AUPL0816 | 1992-02-11 | ||
| AUPL331192 | 1992-07-02 | ||
| AUPL3311 | 1992-07-02 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2114617A1 CA2114617A1 (en) | 1993-02-18 |
| CA2114617C true CA2114617C (en) | 1997-06-24 |
Family
ID=27424314
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002114617A Expired - Fee Related CA2114617C (en) | 1991-08-05 | 1992-08-05 | Flexible conductive track |
Country Status (11)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0597980B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP3198293B2 (en) |
| KR (1) | KR100247102B1 (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE192268T1 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR9206402A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2114617C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE69230971T2 (en) |
| FI (1) | FI940518A (en) |
| HU (1) | HUT67892A (en) |
| SG (1) | SG43100A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1993003517A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (13)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO1995003644A1 (en) * | 1993-07-20 | 1995-02-02 | Mass International Pty. Ltd. | Electrical distribution system |
| NZ293885A (en) * | 1994-10-14 | 1998-09-24 | John Ashton Sinclair | Conductor for semi-enclosed flexible bus bar has two connector strips linked by many transverse ribs |
| DE19510507C2 (en) * | 1995-03-23 | 1999-11-18 | Alulite Lichtsysteme Gmbh | Electric lighting system |
| AUPO222996A0 (en) * | 1996-09-10 | 1996-10-03 | Universal Power Track Pty Ltd | An electrical supply assembly |
| DE29723006U1 (en) * | 1997-12-31 | 1998-02-26 | Josef Soelken Gmbh & Co Kg | Track system |
| DE29821304U1 (en) * | 1998-11-28 | 2000-04-13 | Giersiepen Gira Gmbh | Busbar, especially baseboard |
| AUPQ187599A0 (en) * | 1999-07-28 | 1999-08-19 | Universal Power Track Pty Ltd | An electric supply assembly |
| DE10018073A1 (en) * | 2000-03-31 | 2001-10-04 | Briloner Leuchten Gmbh | Lighting device has light unit able to be mounted on a bus bar system and has one or more control elements that can be fitted on or in separate component from light unit |
| AU2002953429A0 (en) * | 2002-12-18 | 2003-01-09 | Power And Communications Logistics Pty Limited | An elongate electrical conductor that is adapted for electrically connecting with an electrical contact |
| USRE45456E1 (en) | 2002-12-18 | 2015-04-07 | Power & Data Corporation Pty Ltd. | Elongated electrical conductor that is adapted for electrically connecting with an electrical contact |
| GB2414869A (en) * | 2003-08-18 | 2005-12-07 | John Ashton Sinclair | Electrical plug and busbar system |
| DE102019126955A1 (en) * | 2019-10-08 | 2021-04-08 | Zumtobel Lighting Gmbh | Support rail for lights or electrical units |
| IT202000006409A1 (en) * | 2020-03-26 | 2021-09-26 | Ellamp S P A | ELECTRICAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OF SERVICES ON BOARD OF A VEHICLE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT VIA CONDUCTIVE TRACKS |
Family Cites Families (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB394199A (en) * | 1932-10-12 | 1933-06-22 | Aldo Franco Pessina | Improvements in electric lines |
| US2175245A (en) * | 1937-07-19 | 1939-10-10 | James R Brockman | Electric socket |
| US2243990A (en) * | 1938-08-06 | 1941-06-03 | Thora | Electric outlet conduit |
| US2478006A (en) * | 1946-12-10 | 1949-08-02 | James J Paden | Continuous electrical receptacle |
| NL155136B (en) * | 1972-03-18 | 1977-11-15 | Philips Nv | POWER TAKE-OFF RAIL FOR MOVABLE POWER TAKE-OFF DEVICES. |
| JPS5257989A (en) * | 1975-11-06 | 1977-05-12 | Sharp Corp | Connection of flexible distributing board |
| NL7810941A (en) * | 1978-11-03 | 1980-05-07 | Philips Nv | COMBINATION OF CURRENT TAKER AND VOLTAGE RAIL, AND PART OF THIS COMBINATION. |
| GB2087168B (en) * | 1980-10-28 | 1985-01-30 | Electrak Int Ltd | Electrical distribution system |
| AU6286686A (en) * | 1985-09-05 | 1987-03-24 | Barrier Shelf Co. (No. 27) Pty. Ltd. | Electrical supply rail system |
| FR2642911B1 (en) * | 1989-02-07 | 1993-11-05 | Legrand | PROFILE, SUCH AS CHUTE, PLINTH, MOLDING OR THE LIKE, FOR HOUSING AND PROTECTION, IN PARTICULAR, OF ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT AND CONDUCTORS NECESSARY TO THE SERVING THEREOF |
-
1992
- 1992-08-05 KR KR1019940700315A patent/KR100247102B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1992-08-05 AT AT92916988T patent/ATE192268T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1992-08-05 HU HU9400297A patent/HUT67892A/en unknown
- 1992-08-05 EP EP92916988A patent/EP0597980B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1992-08-05 BR BR9206402A patent/BR9206402A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1992-08-05 JP JP50312093A patent/JP3198293B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1992-08-05 WO PCT/AU1992/000414 patent/WO1993003517A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1992-08-05 SG SG1996003640A patent/SG43100A1/en unknown
- 1992-08-05 DE DE69230971T patent/DE69230971T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1992-08-05 CA CA002114617A patent/CA2114617C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1994
- 1994-02-04 FI FI940518A patent/FI940518A/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| SG43100A1 (en) | 1997-10-17 |
| WO1993003517A1 (en) | 1993-02-18 |
| EP0597980B1 (en) | 2000-04-26 |
| KR100247102B1 (en) | 2000-03-15 |
| BR9206402A (en) | 1995-03-01 |
| FI940518A (en) | 1994-03-10 |
| EP0597980A1 (en) | 1994-05-25 |
| JP3198293B2 (en) | 2001-08-13 |
| EP0597980A4 (en) | 1996-05-08 |
| ATE192268T1 (en) | 2000-05-15 |
| HUT67892A (en) | 1995-05-29 |
| DE69230971D1 (en) | 2000-05-31 |
| CA2114617A1 (en) | 1993-02-18 |
| FI940518A0 (en) | 1994-02-04 |
| DE69230971T2 (en) | 2000-12-07 |
| HU9400297D0 (en) | 1994-05-30 |
| JPH06511345A (en) | 1994-12-15 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |