Insert for terminal blocks, in particular for quickly coupling four variable cross-section electrical cables

Abstract

 There is disclosed an insert for terminal blocks for quickly coupling or branching four variable cross-section electrical cables.
The insert substantially comprises a tubular metal body (2) of rectangular cross-section and given size,at the end portions of which there are respectively provided removable locking means for locking at least an electric cable as well as quick-coupling plug-in members (5,5′) for receiving one or more branching electrical cables.
The quick-coupling plug in members(5,5′),in particular consist of leaf springs which are suitably affixed to the tubular body (2).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an insert for terminal blocks,for quickly coupling four variable cross-section branching electrical cables.

[0002] As is known,terminal blocks or boards usually comprise a plurality of connecting clamps which are embedded in an electrically insulating supporting member made of rubber or plastics material.

[0003] Also known is the fact that presently the several electric cables are coupled and affixed to their respective clamps by means of pressure screws which,as it should be apparent,must be fully screwed in the related seats,with a consequent rather long processing time.

[0004] Quick-coupling clamps are moreover presently known which are able of automatically restrain the end portions of conductor wires or cables by force fitting said end portions into corresponding seats formed in the clamp body.

[0005] This quick-coupling clamps,on the other hand,do not provide for the possibility of easily removing the electric wires as necessary.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Accordingly,the task of the present invention is to overcome the above mentioned drawbacks by providing an insert for terminal blocks or boards which affords the possibility of locking the branching electrical cables without the use of specifically designed tools.

[0007] Within the scope of the above mentioned task,­a main object of the present invention is to provide an insert for terminal blocks or boards which also affords the possibility of easily and quickly removing therefrom said electrical cables if desired.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide such a terminal block insert which is very simple construction-wise as well as very reliable in operation.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide such an insert or clamp which,in its assembled condition,is constructed as a not disassemblable unit,­even if it is removed from its insulating material en­velope.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention,­the above mentioned task and objects,as well as yet other objects,which will become more apparent herein­after,are achieved by a quick-coupling insert or clamp for terminal blocks,characterized in that said insert substantially consists of a metal tubular body,of rectangular cross-section and given size,at the ends of which there are respectively provided removable locking members for removably locking at least a live electrical cable and quick-coupling plug in members for removably quick-coupling one or more branching electrical cables,said removably quick-­coupling plug in members consisting of leaf spring pairs suitably restrained to said tubular body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Further characteristics and advantages of the insert or clamp for terminal blocks according to the present invention will become more apparent hereinafter from the following detailed description of a preferred,though not exclusive,embodiment thereof,­which is illustrated,by way of an indicative but not limitative example,in the figures of the accompanying drawings,where:

figure 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the insert or clamp according to the present invention;

figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the subject insert or clamp,taken substantially along the line II-II of figure 1;

figure 3 is a side view of the insert taken from the side thereat there are arranged a pair of leaf springs;

figure 4 is a top view,with a half in cross-­section,of the subject insert;

figure 5 is a bottom view showing that same insert;
and

figure 6 represents a variation of the insert according to the invention

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] With reference to the figures of the accompany­ing drawings,the insert or clamp for terminal blocks or boards according to the present invention,which is indicated overally at the reference number 1,comprises a tubular body which is made by suitably bending an electrically conductive metal sheet or leaf 2.

[0013] This tubular body is provided,at one end thereof,with a cross bridge element 3 which is affixed to the side walls of said body and bears,at a middle portion,a rivetable lug 4.

[0014] To this latter there are anchored the middle portions of a pair of resilient adjoining leafs 5 and 5′,also made of a good electrically conductive material,­the length of said leafs being suitably greater than the height of the tubular body and the free ends of said leafs pressing,with a suitable resiliency,inside the corresponding walls of said tubular body.

[0015] On these walls there are formed,along the longitudinal axis,corresponding slots respectively indicated at 6 and 6′ opening on adjoining portions of said resilient leafs.

[0016] At the opposite end portion of the mentioned tubular body there is formed a threaded throughgoing hole 7 adapted to receive a screw(not specifically shown) adapted to lock the live electrical cable against the bottom wall 8 of said tubular body.

[0017] This bottom wall is moreover advantageously provided with two inner parallel ridges 9 adapted to define a small central longitudinal hollow 10 for restraining one end of the mentioned live electrical cable.

[0018] Alternatively,as shown in figure 6,the mention­ed tubular body can also be provided with pairs of flexible or resilient leafs 5 and 5′ at the two ends thereof.

[0019] In this case,the tubular body 2 will be formed with further pairs of slots 6 and 6′ adapted to provide access from outside to the end portions of said resilient leafs.

[0020] As it should be apparent,the thus construct­ed insert will be able of providing a quick and easy coupling of up to four branching cables,as well as of a cable under voltage,while affording the possibility of quickly and easily removing the single cables.

[0021] To that end,in fact,it will be sufficient to press,by a screwdriver or the like,through one of the slots 6 or 6′,on the end portion of the leaf restraining the cable to be removed,in order to dis­engage it from its insert or clamp.

[0022] From the above disclosure it should be apparent that the invention fully achieves the intended task and objects.

[0023] While the invention has been disclosed and illustrated with reference to a preferred embodiment thereof,it should be apparent that the disclosed embodiment is susceptible to several modifications and variations all of which will come within its scope and spirit as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1- A quick coupling insert or clamp for terminal blocks,characterized in that said insert substantially consists of a metal tubular body,of rectangular cross-­section and given size,at the ends of which there are respectively provided removable locking members for removably locking at least a live electrical cable and quick-coupling plug in members for removably quick coupling one or more branching electrical cables,­said quick-coupling plug in members consisting of leaf spring pairs restrained to said tubular body.

2- A quick coupling insert for terminal blocks accord­ing to claim 1,characterized in that said tubular body (2) is made by bending an electrically conductive leaf or sheet,said tubular body being provided,at one end thereof,with a cross bridge member (3) which is affixed to the side walls of said tubular body and bears,at a middle portion,a rivetable lug (4).

3- An insert according to one or more of the preceding claims,characterized in that to said lug (4) there are anchored the middle portions of a pair of adjoining resilient leafs (5,5′) also made of a good electrical­ly conductive material,the length of said leafs being greater than the height of said tubular body (2) and the ends of said leafs resiliently pressing inside the corresponding walls of said tubular body.

4- An insert according to one or more of the preceding claims,characterized in that through the walls of said tubular body there are formed,along the longitudinal axis thereof,slots (6,6′) opening on adjoinig portions of said resilient leafs.

5- An insert according to one or more of the preceding claims,characterized in that,at the opposite end of said tubular body (2),there is formed a threaded through-­going hole (7) adapted to receive a screw for locking a live electrical cable against the bottom wall (8) of said tubular body,said bottom wall being moreover provided with two parallel inner ridges (9) adapted to define a central longitudinal small hollow (10) for restraining one end of said live electrical cable.

6- An insert according to one or more of the preceding claims,characterized in that said tubular body (2) is provided with pairs of resilient leafs (5,5′) at its two ends,said tubular body comprising moreover further pairs of slots (6,6′) adapted to provide access to the end portions of said leafs.

7- An insert according to one or more of the preced­ing claim,characterized in that said insert,in an assembled condition,can not be disassembled even if it is removed from its insulating material envelope.

8- An insert or clamp for terminal blocks,adapted to provide a quick coupling of up to four electrical cables having a variable cross-section,according to the preceding claims and substantially as disclosed and illustrated for the intended task and objects.

Drawing