US2910525A - Solderless connector - Google Patents

Description

FIG.

ATTORNEYS Oct. 27, 1959 B. E. FRANK SOLDERLESS CONNECTOR Filed April 18, 1957 United States Patent This invention relates to electrical connecting devices of a solderless type particularly adapted for use in connecting wires within outlet boxes or at motors, fixtures,

or temporarily connecting wires as attemporary job sites. Many forms of solderless connectors have been proposed for use in connecting wires as in outlet boxes, and a common form of such connector as employed today involves a self threading member which is adapted to be forced on to a pair or more of wires to join the latter and cover and protect them from contact with the outlet box or other wires. For many reasons it is diflicult to make an entirely satisfactory connection with this type of connector. For example, although these connectors come in various sizes the wire ends are apt to be twisted in such a way that they have a greater or less size than the optimum for the particular connector being used. As a result the connector is apt to be too loose or it is difficult or impossible to force the connector on to the wires. Although in most instances a 'satisfactory connection can he made after some manipulation, valuable time is often lost. Furthermore, use of the heretofore known type of connector is apt to result in'breakage of the bare ends of the cables when they are removed or being replaced. Further in removal or replacement the connection is usually loosened. Accordingly an object of my invention is to provide a connector which overcomes these long recognized disadvantages. Another object of my invention is to provide a connector which will accommodate itself to the variations in the thickness of the wires to be connected.

Another disadvantage of "the heretofore commonly used connectors is the inability to visually determine that a proper connection has been made. With the type of solderless connector described above the connector is run up on to the paired wires and it is assumed that the proper electrical connection is made if the connector is tight. However, it may well be that the connection is not entirely satisfactory. This may be particularly true where more than two wires are joined.

Accordingly, one of the objects of the instant inven- A tion is to provide a connector with which the type of connection which is beingmade can be determined by visual I inspection.

Another disadvantage of the heretofore known connectors is that often in running them up on to the wires the wires are displaced with respect to one another and the connection is improperly made. This is due to the fact that no adjustment can be made once the connectors take a bite on the wires. A still further object of the instant invention is to provide a connector with which of the mechanic in such a manner that they will not thereafter shift and then applying the final clamping force for obtaining the secure tight joint.

A further object of the invention is to provide a con nector which will insure secure and positive connection and thus an electrically secure joining of wires.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a connector which can be removed and replaced an unlimited number of times without damage to the wires, without loss of strength in the connection, and without the loss of proper wire contact.

Another object of the invention is to provide a connector which will securely compressingly grasp and force together the ends of wires to be joined.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a connector for electrical wires which embodiesmeans for securely and firmly grasping and connecting the bare ends of wires together with insulating means for protecting and preserving the resulting connection.

Another object of the invention is to provide a solderless connecting means including means permitting the application of wrench like devices for firmly joining the bare portions of the wires to be connected, together with an insulating cover member with which the cover member will not be damaged due to the application of force in efiecting the connection.

Yet a further object of the invention is to provide a connector embodying wire end receiving means, compression means for securely uniting the wire ends within the receiving means, and an insulating cover in the form of separable elements permitting quick and easy joining of the parts without damage. to the insulator.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a solderless connectingmeans having means for eliecting the joint between the wires as well as insulating means for covering the joint, and means permitting visual inspection of the joint which is made.

Yet a still further object of the invention is to provide a solderless connector means which insures rapid connection of bare wires.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a simple low cost solderless connector means embodying the above desirable features.

These and other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an exploded elevational view partly in section showing a connector constructed in accordance with the invention.

Figure 2 is a sectional elevational view showing the elements of Figure l in assembled relationship together with bare ends of wires connected by the elements.

Figure 3 is an end elevational view of the elements of Figure 1 showing them in assembled relationship, and taken in the direction indicated by line 3--3 in Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a compression member.

As mentioned above, with heretofore known solderless connectors in common use it is impossible to determine the nature of the juncture which is obtained within the solderless connector. Particularly where more than two wires are used a weak or poor electrical connection may result without the knowledge of the installer as he cannot inspect the nature of the connection. With a device constructed in accordance with the principles of my invention, however, it is possible to visually determine the type of connection obtained.

A preferred form of such device is illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein there is illustrated a connector 10. The connector 10 comprises an insulator and housing member 12, a compression member 14, and

a compressor sleeve 16. The compression member 14 is adapted to receive a pair or more of wires to be joined and compress the wires tightly together in order to electrically join them. To accomplish this function the member 14 is provided with a Wire receiving channel 18 extending longitudinally through the compression member and open at both ends. Throughout approximately onehalf the length of the compression member, and channel 18, the compression member is preferably though not necessarily formed as a rigid element 20. The latter is referred to hereinafter as the base 20. Approximately the remaining one-half of the compression member is, however, formed of a resilient material and adapted to be forced inwardly of channel 18 to decrease the lateral dimension of the latter and impinge against any Wires or other elements which may be in the in channel Within the resilient portion of the channel. This resilient portion of the channel is termed the compressor portion and is indicated by the character 22. The channel 18 has a smooth bore throughout.

In the preferred form' of the invention illustrated in the drawings the compressor portion consists of a spring collet. The collet is formed as an extension of base 20 and, preferably these elements are formed as a single unit. The collet is formed by providing, either by cutting, molding or other methods, a number of slots 24, extending parallel to channel 18 and completely through the walls of the compressor portion. By so doing a number of spring fingers 26 are created. Since the compressor portion is formed of resilient material the spring fingers can be forced inwardly to graps a wire placed in channel 18.

The latter operation is effected through the following features of construction: The compressor portion 22 is tapered exteriorally from its end 28 to its base 30 and increases in size from end to base. Further the compressor portion is provided with a thread along its tapered exterior leading from its end to its base. This threaded and tapered exterior compressor portion is adapted to cooperate with the compressor sleeve 16. The latter is provided with an interior tapered male thread 32 and can be run up into compressor portion 22. The outer end of the compressor sleeve 16, considering the inner end as the end having the larger thread diameter, has a port 34 through which wires can project when the elements are assembled as inFigure 2. Further the exterior of the compressor sleeve is knurled or otherwise roughened to provide a gripping surface. It is apparent that the sleeve 16 can be run up onto the compression member 14 until the fingers 26 are compressed and the channel 18 narrowed adjacent the fingers. The sleeve has a length substantially equal to the length of the compressor portion 22 and applies uniform compression throughout the length of the compressor portion.

The base 20 is formed with a second exterior thread 36. Preferably the latter is a stright thread. Further the base, at the end remote from the compressor portion 22, has a square nut like configuration 38 which can be readily grasped by a wrench for tightening as hereinafter explained.

The insulator and housing 12 comprises a cap-like member having an open end 40. A tapered chamber 42 leads inwardly from the open end 40 and terminates at the medial threaded portion 44. The latter is threaded so as to engage with the second thread 36. The insulator has a second chamber 46 inwardly of the threaded portion 44. Chamber 46 is of a size to completely receive sleeve 16, and the threads 36 and 44 are sized so that sleeve 16 can pass through the threaded portion 44.

Figure 2 illustrates the elements in their assembled relationship. In this relationship it is seen that a pair of wires are passed upwardly through the channel 18 and at least approximately to the end of the collet spring fingers 26. The compressor sleeve 16 is threadingly mounted on the spring collet, and clampingly forces the spring fingers inwardly until the wires are securely clasped 'gaged with the threaded portion 34 in the insulator housing 12, and the latter. is threaded up on to the threaded portion 36 until it is securely clampingly engaged with the compression member 14 and compressor sleeve 16.

In initially forming the connection the wires are inserted into the channel 18 and adjusted therein so that the desired arrangement is achieved and then the sleeve 16 is run up on to the thread on the tapered exterior of the compressor portion 22 until the wires are grasped sufiiciently to prevent their separation or accidental removal from the channel 18. Then the housing 10 is threadingly engaged with the threads 36 and screwed up on to the base 20 until tight. As this is done the sleeve 16 will abut against the bottom on the chamber 46. If the wires are then grasped when this has occurred .and the housing is further threaded up on to the base 20 the sleeve 16 will be forced to move further onto the collar resulting in increased compression against the wires. A pair of long nosed pliers can be used if desired to grasp the nutlike portion 38, or a blunt instrument can be inserted within the chamber 42 and brought to bear against the nutlike configuration 38, for assistance in threading cap 12 onto base 20. When it is desired to remove the connector or to inspect the connection the housing 12 can be run off the base 20 in the same manner. The smooth bore of channel 18 is of distinct advantage in that it will not lower the strength of the wires as will the common connectors in use today. Further, reestabli'shment of the connection is easily made without difficulty due to old threads on the wires resulting from previous contact with a connector. Also the wires, as illustrated inFigure 2, can he slid into the connector in side by side relation without any twisting.

i If preferred the sleeve 16 and the compression member 14 can be both grasped with wrenches prior to the placement of the insulator and housing member 12 and the wires securely fixed within the collated portion. Whereafter the housing 12 can then be placed over the assembly. The joint or connection between the wires can be visually inspected prior to insertion of the compression member and sleeve into the housing.

It is noted that when completely assembled the sleeve 16 and compression member 14 are completely received within the housing member, and there is thus complete protection. The rigidity and strength of the joint which can be achieved with the instant invention surpasses that heretofore attainable. The simple secure manner of effecting the joint is also an advantage not heretofore realized. With my invention it is possible to properly locate and secure the wires and then firmly imbed them within the collar. Further it is possible to accomplish this without damage to the wires and reduction of their cross sectional area as achieved with the usual type of connector which is threaded onto wires. i

While I have shown and described a preferred form of my invention it will be understood that many changes in details and form are within'the scope of the invention. Accordingly I claim an exclusive right to all embodiments within the scope of the appended claims. jlclaim:

1.,A solderless connector for connecting electrical wires comprising, in combination a compression member, a compressor sleeve and a housing and insulator member, said compression member having arelatively rigid base and a relatively resilient flexible portion connected to said base, a channel extending through said base and said resilient portion, a taper thread provided on the exterior of said resilient portion, said thread being concentric with said channel, said compressor sleeve having an interior taper thread and being adapted to be run up onto the first mentioned thread to compress said resilient portion and to deform and constrict said channel adjacentsaid resilient portion, said base having a sec- 0nd thread formed on the exterior thereof concentric to said channel and spaced outwardly from the first mentioned thread and said resilient portion laterally of said channel, said insulator and housing member having an open outer end and a chamber, said chamber leading inwardly from said open end, a threaded portion adjacent the inner end of said chamber, said threaded portion being formed complimentarily to said second thread on said base, a second chamber in said housing spaced inwardly of said threaded portion with respect to said open end, said second chamber being of a size to fully receive said sleeve inwardly of said threaded portion in said housing, said threaded portion in said housing having an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of said sleeve so that said sleeve can pass through said threaded portion, said sleeve being received within said inner chamber in said housing with said second thread engaged with said thread in said housing, said taper thread on said resilient portion being threadingly engaged with the taper thread in said sleeve, and said sleeve frictionally engaging said housing with said housing being rotatable with respect to said base portion.

2. A solderless connector comprising, in combination, a compression member, said compression member having a base, a spring collet supported on said base, a channel extending through said compression member and said spring collet, said collet being positioned adjacent one end of said channel and forming said end of said channel, said spring collet having a tapered exterior tapering from the base of said compression member toward the opposite end of said member, said tapered exterior being threaded, said collet being formed by spaced fingers separated by slots with said fingers extending away from said base, a sleeve, said sleeve having an inner tapered thread defining an inner opening and being threadingly engaged with said collet, said sleeve being movable through relative rotation between said collet and said sleeve downwardly on said collet to compress said spring fingers inwardly and narrow said channel, a housing formed of an insulating material, said housing having an open end, a chamber leading inwardly from said open end, an inner chamber and a threaded portion intermediate said inner chamber and the first mentionedcharnber, said sleeve being received within said inner chamber, said compression member being threadingly engaged with said threaded portion on said sleeve, said compression member being rotatable relativeto said housing for advancement of said compression member inwardly of said chambers toward the inner end of said inner chamber, said sleeve being of a length such that it impinges against the inner portion of said inner chamber as the compression member is rotated to advance said compression member inwardly of said housing so as to force said sleeve to rotate relative to said compression member as said compression member is advanced inwardly of said housing.

3. The combination of claim 2 in which said compression member has a nutlike formation at the end opposite said spring collet.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,733,317 Rumble Oct. 29, 1929 2,130,825 Bergan Sept. 30, 1938 2,534,881 Schnoeder Dec. 19, 1950 2,788,384 Gay Apr; 9, 1957 FOREIGN PATENTS 513,245 Great Britain Oct. 6, 1939

Images