GB2322484A - Luminaire wiring box with push fit terminal and clamp - Google Patents

Luminaire wiring box with push fit terminal and clamp Download PDF

Info

Publication number
GB2322484A
GB2322484A GB9703884A GB9703884A GB2322484A GB 2322484 A GB2322484 A GB 2322484A GB 9703884 A GB9703884 A GB 9703884A GB 9703884 A GB9703884 A GB 9703884A GB 2322484 A GB2322484 A GB 2322484A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
base
wiring
connector box
clamp
box according
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.)
Granted
Application number
GB9703884A
Other versions
GB9703884D0 (en
GB2322484B (en
Inventor
Neil Pidgeon
Simon Venn
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Illuma Lighting Ltd
Original Assignee
Illuma Lighting Ltd
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Illuma Lighting Ltd filed Critical Illuma Lighting Ltd
Priority to GB9703884A priority Critical patent/GB2322484B/en
Publication of GB9703884D0 publication Critical patent/GB9703884D0/en
Publication of GB2322484A publication Critical patent/GB2322484A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2322484B publication Critical patent/GB2322484B/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

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
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/58—Means for relieving strain on wire connection, e.g. cord grip, for avoiding loosening of connections between wires and terminals within a coupling device terminating a cable
    • H01R13/5804—Means for relieving strain on wire connection, e.g. cord grip, for avoiding loosening of connections between wires and terminals within a coupling device terminating a cable comprising a separate cable clamping part
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R33/00—Coupling devices specially adapted for supporting apparatus and having one part acting as a holder providing support and electrical connection via a counterpart which is structurally associated with the apparatus, e.g. lamp holders; Separate parts thereof
    • H01R33/05—Two-pole devices
    • H01R33/22—Two-pole devices for screw type base, e.g. for lamp
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/24—Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands
    • H01R4/2416—Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands the contact members having insulation-cutting edges, e.g. of tuning fork type
    • H01R4/242—Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands the contact members having insulation-cutting edges, e.g. of tuning fork type the contact members being plates having a single slot
    • H01R4/2425—Flat plates, e.g. multi-layered flat plates
    • H01R4/2429—Flat plates, e.g. multi-layered flat plates mounted in an insulating base
    • H01R4/2433—Flat plates, e.g. multi-layered flat plates mounted in an insulating base one part of the base being movable to push the cable into the slot

Landscapes

  • Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)
  • Arrangement Of Elements, Cooling, Sealing, Or The Like Of Lighting Devices (AREA)

Abstract

A wiring connector box (1) for a luminaire which can be installed without the use of any tools comprises: a moulded plastics body (2) having a base (3) and a lid (4) which can be snap-shut on the base to form a generally closed body. A push-fit terminal connector block (11) and a wiring clamp (20) are mounted on the base of the body. The wiring clamp comprises a pair of spaced apart upstanding pillars (23) and a bridge member (26) adapted to be releasably and moveably mounted on the pillars under the effect of a ratchet mechanism.

Description

WIRING CONNECTOR BOX The invention relates to a wiring connector box for a luminaire. In the case of a ceiling mounted downlight, such a box may be mounted on the luminaire in the ceiling void.
Prior art connectors of this kind comprise a box or other housing having a lid held in place by one or more screws. Within the housing is a connector block which receives the mains wiring. It is normally necessary to loosen and re-tighten a number of screws in the connector block to connect the mains wiring. A clamp may be provided to retain the mains cable to prevent it being accidentally pulled free exposing live wires. The clamp is normally operated by loosening and then tightening two screws. It is thus a time consuming operation to install prior art connectors.
The invention sets out to provide an improved connector box which does not require the use of any tools to connect it to a mains cable and is therefore quick and easy to install.
According to the present invention there is provided a wiring connector box for a luminaire comprising: a moulded plastics body having a base and a lid which can be snap-shut on the base to form a generally closed body, a push-fit terminal connector block mounted on the base within the body, and a wiring clamp mounted on the base within the body; the wiring clamp comprising a pair of spaced apart upstanding pillars and a bridge member adapted to be releasably and moveably mounted on the pillars under the effect of a ratchet mechanism formed between the pillars and the bridge member.
An embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connector box with the lid open; Figure 2 is a vertical section through a connector box on a slightly smaller scale and with some parts omitted for clarity; and Figure 3 is an enlarged view of a wiring clamp.
As can be seen from Figures 1 and 2, the connector box 1 is formed largely from a moulded plastics body 2. The body comprises a base 3 and a lid 4 connected together at a hinged connection 5. The base and lid are separately moulded and are snap-fitted together to form the hinged connection. By virtue of posts 6 upstanding from the base 3 and apertures 7 formed in the lid 4, the lid can be snap-shut on the base to form a generally closed body. A collar 9 and a pair of legs 10 depending from the underside of the base are adapted to receive and retain a lamp-holder 100 in a releasable snap-connection.
A push-fit terminal connector block 11 is mounted on the base 3 by means of a locating post 12 upstanding from the base. The connector block 11 is a push-fit on the post 12. A pair of stiff conductive pins 13 are supported in the base 3 by means of recesses 14 in the base and upstanding rear supports 15. The pins are snap-fitted to the base and extend downwardly to make push-fit electrical connections with the lamp-holder and forwardly to make push-fit electrical connections with the connector block 11.
In use, a three-core wiring cable 16 having live, earth and neutral wires is electrically connected to the connector block 11. Since the connector block is of the push-fit type, each wire can be connected by pressing down on the respective lever 17 and inserting the wire into the block. When the lever is released, the wire is held firmly in the block.
In order to prevent the cable 16 being accidentally pulled free of the block, a wiring clamp 20 is mounted on the bdse 3 of the body 2. The wiring clamp is moulded separately from the body as a single moulding in two components as best seen in Figure 3. The first component 21 comprises a base member 22 supporting a pair of spaced apart pillars 23 upstanding therefrom. Each pillar 23 is formed on its outwardly facing side with a plurality of ratchet teeth 24. The second component 25 of the clamp comprises a bridge member 26 which is adapted to be mounted to move up and down on the pillars 23. At each end of the bridge member 26 a single ratchet tooth 27 is provided on a raised post 28. In use, the teeth 27 engage the teeth 24 as the bridge member is moved on the base member to provide a ratchet mechanism. The ratchet mechanism may be disengaged to loosen or open the clamp by manual flexing of the bridge member or of the pillars. In the embodiment shown, this is most readily achieved by applying outward manual pressure to the posts 28 which are sufficiently flexibly mounted to allow the teeth 27 to pivot away from engagement with the teeth 24. The two components of the clamp are connected together by an integrally moulded elongate flexible strap 29. The base member 22 of the clamp is provided at each end with a further pair of teeth 30 which enable the clamp to be mounted as a snap-fit in an opening 31 formed for that purpose in the base 3 of the body 1.
In Figure 1 an opening 40 is shown for connection of the box to a ballast housing if required.
Assembly of the wiring connector box is as follows. The base 3 and lid 4 are snap-fitted together to form the hinged connection 5 and the lamp holder is snapfitted to the underside of the base 3. The pins 13 are pushed into the lamp holder and snap-fitted to the base 3.
The terminal block is then pushed onto the pins 13 and located on the base 3. The second component 25 of the clamp is fed into the body through the opening 31 and the first component 21 is snap-fitted into the opening 31. In this condition the assembly can be fitted to a luminaire housing and is ready for installation. Because of the strap 29, the bridge member 26 of the clamp cannot become lost or otherwise separated from the base member 22.
Installation, that is connection of the wiring connector box to a mains supply, is carried out as follows. With the lid 4 in the open position and with the second component 25 of the clamp attached to the first component 21 only by the strap 29, the terminal connector block is readily accessible for the fitting thereto of the wires as described above. Once the wires have been fitted, the bridge member 26 is fitted onto the pillars 23 of the clamp and pushed downwardly to clamp the cable 16 against the base member 22. This condition is retained by the ratchet mechanism. The lid 4 can then be snapped shut on the base 3; a cut out 32 in the front wall of the lid allowing for the passage of the cable 16.
It will be noted that installation can be completed without the use of any tools whatsoever since all operations require only manual actions. Further, the wiring connector box is also assembled for use without the need for any tools.
It should also be noted, that apart from the electrical components, the wiring connector box has no metal parts.

Claims (10)

1. A wiring connector box for a luminaire comprising: a moulded plastics body having a base and a lid which can be snap-shut on the base to form a generally closed body, a push-fit terminal connector block mounted on the base within the body, and a wiring clamp mounted on the base within the body; the wiring clamp comprising a pair of spaced apart upstanding pillars and a bridge member adapted to be releasably and moveably mounted on the pillars under the effect of a ratchet mechanism formed between the pillars and the bridge member.
2. A wiring connector box according to Claim 1, wherein the wiring clamp is separately moulded as a single moulding in two components; the first component comprising a base member with the pillars upstanding therefrom and the second component comprising the bridge member, and wherein the first and second components are connected together by an elongate flexible strap.
3. A wiring connector box according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, further comprising means on the body for connecting the base to a lamp holder.
4. A wiring connector box according to any preceding claim, wherein at least two conductive pins are supported on the base of the body to provide electrical connection between a lamp holder and the terminal connector block.
5. A wiring connector box according to Claim 4, wherein the conductive pins are snap-fitted to the base of the body and are adapted to make push-fit electrical connections with a lamp holder and the terminal connector block.
6. A wiring connector box according to any preceding claim, wherein the base and lid of the body are moulded separately and are snap-fitted together to form a hinged connection therebetween.
7. A wiring connector box according to any preceding claim, wherein the wiring clamp is mounted as a snap-fit in an opening formed in the base of the body.
8. A wiring connector box according to any preceding claim, wherein the wiring clamp can be loosened or opened by manual flexing of the bridge member or of the pillars to disengage the ratchet mechanism.
9. A wiring connector box according to any preceding claim, wherein the terminal connector block is mounted on the base by means of a push-fit onto a post upstanding from the base of the body.
10. A wiring connector box substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.
GB9703884A 1997-02-25 1997-02-25 Wiring connector box Expired - Fee Related GB2322484B (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9703884A GB2322484B (en) 1997-02-25 1997-02-25 Wiring connector box

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9703884A GB2322484B (en) 1997-02-25 1997-02-25 Wiring connector box

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB9703884D0 GB9703884D0 (en) 1997-04-16
GB2322484A true GB2322484A (en) 1998-08-26
GB2322484B GB2322484B (en) 2001-07-04

Family

ID=10808266

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB9703884A Expired - Fee Related GB2322484B (en) 1997-02-25 1997-02-25 Wiring connector box

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2322484B (en)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2396486A (en) * 2002-12-18 2004-06-23 First Int Computer Inc Laptop computer housing
WO2008072004A1 (en) * 2006-12-11 2008-06-19 Tyco Electronics Raychem Bvba Cable retention clip
EP2492563A1 (en) * 2011-02-25 2012-08-29 Raywal Holding SAS Clamp for a pipe or cable.
EP1829165B1 (en) * 2004-12-17 2017-11-01 Panduit Corporation Wire containment cap with an integral strain relief clip
WO2018222676A1 (en) * 2017-05-30 2018-12-06 Erico International Corporation Adapter for splice block openings
EP3703193A1 (en) * 2019-02-28 2020-09-02 Xiamen Eco Lighting Co., Ltd. Integrated junction box and lamp assembly thereof
EP3783757A1 (en) * 2019-08-21 2021-02-24 Xiamen Eco Lighting Co., Ltd. Lamp and integrated terminal box

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2040608A (en) * 1979-01-23 1980-08-28 Vimercati A Quickly mounted lamp-holders
GB1596751A (en) * 1978-01-05 1981-08-26 Plastic Seals Ltd Clamping devices for electrical conductors and the like
GB2183405A (en) * 1985-11-25 1987-06-03 Plastic Seals Limited Strain relief bushing for clamping an electrical cable
US5102348A (en) * 1991-05-14 1992-04-07 Chou W B Lamp socket switch power line fastening structure

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1596751A (en) * 1978-01-05 1981-08-26 Plastic Seals Ltd Clamping devices for electrical conductors and the like
GB2040608A (en) * 1979-01-23 1980-08-28 Vimercati A Quickly mounted lamp-holders
GB2183405A (en) * 1985-11-25 1987-06-03 Plastic Seals Limited Strain relief bushing for clamping an electrical cable
US5102348A (en) * 1991-05-14 1992-04-07 Chou W B Lamp socket switch power line fastening structure

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2396486A (en) * 2002-12-18 2004-06-23 First Int Computer Inc Laptop computer housing
EP1829165B1 (en) * 2004-12-17 2017-11-01 Panduit Corporation Wire containment cap with an integral strain relief clip
WO2008072004A1 (en) * 2006-12-11 2008-06-19 Tyco Electronics Raychem Bvba Cable retention clip
US8262035B2 (en) 2006-12-11 2012-09-11 Tyco Electronics Raychem Nv Cable retention clip
EP2492563A1 (en) * 2011-02-25 2012-08-29 Raywal Holding SAS Clamp for a pipe or cable.
WO2018222676A1 (en) * 2017-05-30 2018-12-06 Erico International Corporation Adapter for splice block openings
CN110915067A (en) * 2017-05-30 2020-03-24 爱瑞柯国际公司 Adapter for connecting block opening
US10756461B2 (en) 2017-05-30 2020-08-25 Erico International Corporation Adapter for splice block openings
EP3703193A1 (en) * 2019-02-28 2020-09-02 Xiamen Eco Lighting Co., Ltd. Integrated junction box and lamp assembly thereof
EP3783757A1 (en) * 2019-08-21 2021-02-24 Xiamen Eco Lighting Co., Ltd. Lamp and integrated terminal box

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB9703884D0 (en) 1997-04-16
GB2322484B (en) 2001-07-04

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PCNP Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20011004