Multipoint contact compression connector

Abstract: A multipoint contact compression connector (10, 32) provided with a plurality of recesses (18, 26, 18, 30, 40, 46, 47, 48) to include a like number of electrical conductors or cables (72, 74, 76, 78) therein. When placed in an appropriate crimping device, the connector (10, 32) would contact the interior die surfaces in at least four points (54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 68, 70, 72, 74), in such a manner, so as to secure at least three conductors (72, 74, 76, 78) or cables in place.

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention broadly pertains to electrical compression connectors for single strand or multistrand wire or cable conductors. More specifically, the present invention relates to an electrical compression connector as described in the preamble of the claim. Prior art compressible connectors are known in which more than three wires or cables are included in a single connector. For example, a connector as described in the preamble is known from U.S. Patent 3,354,517 issued to Levinsky describes a compressible connector having the provision for connecting four conductors together. This patent includes closure devices which would be difficult to use in a compression device. U.S. Patent 3,322,888 issued to Zemels illustrates a compressible connector having four recesses extending the length of the connector. However, the two side recesses are not designed to receive conductors therein. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art by providing a compression connector as claimed BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood with reference to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, which are illustrated, by way of example, in the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the second embodiment of the present invention provided in a crimping tool; FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the first embodiment of the present invention provided in a crimping tool; and FIG. 5 is a perspective drawing of the second embodiment of the present invention after the crimping process has been completed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A first embodiment of the present invention is shown with respect to FIGS. 1 and 4. These figures illustrate a compressible connector 10 having a main body 12 and two substantially parallel arms 14,16 extending from this main body portion. The distal portion of arm 14 is curved inwardly at 15. However, it should be noted that both of the arms 14 and 16 could be provided without any curved portion. A first recess 18 is formed between the arms 14,16 to allow placement of single strand or multistrand wire conductors or cables therein. A throat portion 21 extends downwardly from the main body 12 and flares out in several directions to form arm portions 20, 22 and 24. A second recess 26 is formed between the body portion 12 and the arm 20. A third recess 28 is formed between the body portion 12 and arm 22, and a fourth recess portion 30 is formed between arm 22 and arm 24. As a minimum, recesses 18 and 40 of Figures 1 and 2 must have appropriate conductors located within, while any one of recesses 26,28,30 of Figure 1 and 46,47,48 of Figure 2 must be filled. Variously sized wires or conductors can be provided within each of these recess portions. When placed in a standard crimping tool having die surfaces 64 and 66, the connector 10 would come into contact with the interior surfaces of the dies at points 68, 70, 72 and 74. As a compressive force is applied, these points will come into contact with the die surfaces, and the conductors provided in recesses 26, 28 and 30 will receive direct compressive loads due to the unique geometric relationship between the connector and the die. After the crimping process is terminated, conductors provided in these recesses would be secured in place. FIGS. 2, 3 and 5 illustrate a second embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment depicts a compressible connector 32 provided with a main body portion 34 and two upwardly extending, substantially parallel leg portions 36,38. A first recess 40 is provided between the leg portions 36,38. A second recess 46 is provided in the central portion 34 below the leg 38, thereby forming a ridge 44. Similarly, a third recess 48 is formed in the body portion 34 below the leg 36, thereby also creating a ridge portion 42. A curved leg 45 extends from the body portion 34 to create a recess portion 47 below and between the recess portions 46 and 48. All of the recess portions 40, 46, 47 and 48 can receive various sized electrical conductors and cables therein. When placed in a crimping device having die surfaces 50 and 52, the connector 32 would contact the interior surfaces of the dies at points 54, 56, 58, 60 and 62. When compressive force is applied to this connector, it will initially contact at these points 54, 56, 58, 60 and 62. The application of this force would then allow conductors 72, 74, 76 and 78 to be secured and encircled by the body of the connector as illustrated in FIG. 5. The connector of the present invention can be manufactured from tin-plated copper, aluminum or similar metallic materials which would appropriately deform when pressure is applied in standard mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic crimping devices.

Claims: An electrical compression connector (10, 32) to be crimped by standard crimping tools, for connecting a plurality of conductors or cables (72, 74, 76, 78), comprising: a connector body (12, 34) of compressible material adapted to be inserted into said crimping tool having two opposed curved die surfaces for the compression of the connector (10, 32), said connector body (12, 34) provided with a main body and two substantially parallel arms (14, 16) extending from said main body portion, said arms defining a first recess (18), said main body portion being extended by a throat portion provided with at least second, third and fourth recesses (26, 28, 30, 40, 46, 47, 48) to allow for the inclusion of conductors within each of the recesses whereby each recess extends in parallel through the entire length of the connector body, wherein on application of force to the crimping tool, said connector body (12, 34) is compressed around the electrical conductors (72, 74, 76, 78) to be provided in said recesses and secures the conductors therein, characterized in that said throat portion flares out in several directions to form further arms separating said at least second, third and fourth recesses, such that these recesses open in directions transverse to the opening direction of said first recess (18), and a distinct contact point is located on at least four of said arms for contacting curved die surfaces of said crimping tool, when inserted therein prior to crimping.

Inventors: ANNAN ROBERT K, SCHRADER GARY E, ANNAN, ROBERT K., SCHRADER, GARY E.
Applicants: FRAMATOME CONNECTORS USA INC, FRAMATOME CONNECTORS USA INC.
Application year: 1992
Main classification: H01R4
IPC codes: H01R4