CA1297548C - Current conductor arrangement - Google Patents
Current conductor arrangementInfo
- Publication number
- CA1297548C CA1297548C CA000556975A CA556975A CA1297548C CA 1297548 C CA1297548 C CA 1297548C CA 000556975 A CA000556975 A CA 000556975A CA 556975 A CA556975 A CA 556975A CA 1297548 C CA1297548 C CA 1297548C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- current conductor
- current
- conductors
- rod
- conductor rod
- 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 - Lifetime
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
- H01R25/147—Low voltage devices, i.e. safe to touch live conductors
Landscapes
- Clamps And Clips (AREA)
- Mutual Connection Of Rods And Tubes (AREA)
- Particle Accelerators (AREA)
- Cultivation Of Plants (AREA)
- Amplifiers (AREA)
- Superconductors And Manufacturing Methods Therefor (AREA)
- Fastening Of Light Sources Or Lamp Holders (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
The current conductor arrangement, more especially for illuminating systems of all types, comprises a current conductor rod whose mutually insulated metallic current conductors make up at least 50% of the cross sectional area of the current conductor rod. It is in this manner that more especially when the current conductor arrangement is used for low voltage applications it is possible to conduct high amperages. Preferably the current conductor rod is round so that the retainer clamps on it, which carry the electrical loads such as lamps, fans and the like, may be swivelled. Advantageous developments of the holders make it possible for them to be additionally swivelled so that the user is practically given a free choice as regards the arrangement and alignment of the electrical load.
The current conductor arrangement, more especially for illuminating systems of all types, comprises a current conductor rod whose mutually insulated metallic current conductors make up at least 50% of the cross sectional area of the current conductor rod. It is in this manner that more especially when the current conductor arrangement is used for low voltage applications it is possible to conduct high amperages. Preferably the current conductor rod is round so that the retainer clamps on it, which carry the electrical loads such as lamps, fans and the like, may be swivelled. Advantageous developments of the holders make it possible for them to be additionally swivelled so that the user is practically given a free choice as regards the arrangement and alignment of the electrical load.
Description
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~ CURRENT_CONDUCTOR ARRANGEMENT
The invention relates to a current conductor arrangement in the form of a current conductor rod, which has at least two metallic current conductors insulated from each other.
Current conductor arrangements of this type have grooves or other recesses in each of which a m~tal tape with a small cross-sectional area is placed. The contact means of the electrical loads, which are secured to the current conductor rod, are in electrical contact with the metallic tapes in the groove in the current conductor rod for the transmission of electrical current. Although axial displacement of the load contact means on the bus is possible, there is no possibility of turning of the electrical load on the outer face of the current conductor rod, since the electrical contact means of the load is inserted into the groove or grooves having the metal tape and thus the current conductor therein. A further point is that owing to the small cross section area of the metal tape the known current conductor arrangement may only be used for small currents.
Accordingly one object of the present invention is to create a current conductor arrangement which while being extremely simple to operate and fit, exhibits a great deal of flexibility as regards the mounting, arrangement and adjustment of the electrical loads, which may for instance be lamps, and furthermore may be operated with high amperages, while on the other hand being able to be produced and installed in a simple and cheap manner.
Taking the initially mentioned current conductor arrangement as a starting point the object of the invention as noted is achieved inasfar as at least 50% of the cross sectional area of the current conductor rod is made of the material of the current conductor.
Unlike conventional current conductor arrangements, in which there is only a thin metal tape ~r lZ~7~
having a small cross section as the current conductor, in the case of the current conductor arrangement in accordance with the invention at least 50% of the cross section of the current conductor rod is made up of the material of the current conductor, that is to say the current conductor has a large cross section so that the current conductor arrangement in accordance with the invention may be employed with high amperages, as for example in the case of low voltage systems. The material of the current lo conductors thus constitutes a substantial part in the interior of the current conductor rod.
In accordance with a preferred form of the invention at least 80% the current conductor rod consists of the material of the current conductors. In this way it is possible to ensure that the current conductor rod is even more fully utilized for conducting heavy amperages.
Owing to the large proportion of metal the current conductor arrangement is able to carry heavy loads in the case of low voltage applications as well.
Although the current conductor rod may have a four-sided, rectangular or oval cross section, it is particularly advantageous in accordance with a further feature of the invention if the current conductor rod is made with a round cross section. This means that it is possible to clamp electrical loads on the current conductor rod as will be described in detail further on so that the respective load may be arranged not only at any desired axial location but also at any angle and may be adjusted to any angle by turning at about the axis of the rod. In this respect it is a particular advantage that the insulating material and the material of the current conductors form a circular surface which is uniform in cross section; that is to say the current conductor surface is not readily offset in relation to the insulating surface of the current conductor cable and both materials form a uniform circular periphery. It is in this way that turning or swivelling of .~
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an electrical load mounted on the current conductor rod becomes readily possible so that the user has a free choice as regards the axial setting and also as regards the angular setting of attached electrical loads and may mount and adjust the loads in a simple manner.
More especially when the current conductor arrangement is used for low voltage applications the metallic current conductors will be freely accessible on the surface of the current conductor rod. This means that simple retaining clamps may be utilized for attachment, such clamps either being electrical conducting themselves or having internal conducting surfaces for the production of the electrical contact with the current conductors of the current conductor rod.
In accordance with a preferred feature of the invention the freely accessible current conductor peripheries circumferentially alternate with the peripheries of the insulting material. The configuration of the eross sectional form of the eurrent eonduetors within the eurrent eonduetor rod may then be seleeted to be in aecord with the given cireumstances or the conditions which may later arise. It is particularly advantageous if the current conduetor rod is made up of segments or part-segments, whieh are plaeed in a eireumferentially alternating suecession, of the current eonductor and insulting material.
In aceordanee with the further form of the invention the freely aceessible peripheral surfaees of the eurrent eonductors each subtend a peripheral angle, whieh is smaller than the peripheral angle of the insulating surfaces. It is in this manner that simple twisting of the retaining clamps may be used to put the contact surfaces of the clamps lnto and out of contact with the current conductors of the current conductor rod. This is a simple way of switching the load on and off.
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It is particularly convenient if, in the case of a current conductor rod with two m~tallic current conductors, its two freely accessible peripheral surfaces subtend circumferential angle of 80~ and the peripheral insulating surfaces subtend angles of 100 respectively.
This ensures that a retaining clamp, which has a contact angle on the current conductor rod of approximately 9oo in each case in both directions, may be "switched" in previously described manner.
In connection with the above described forms of the invention it is to be noted once again that in the case of a relatively large circumferential angle of the insulting material on the peripheral surface, the proportion of current conductor may be large in relation to the cross section of the current conductor rod, since the interior of the current conductor rod - apart from a relatively thin insulating layer or plate - may consist of the metallic current conducting material.
In keeping with a preferred form of the invention the current conductor rod may also be in a bent form, the metallic current conductors being arranged in the inner and outer radiuses of curvature. Therefore the metallic current conductors form the member resisting tension and compression forces when the current conductor rod is bent in a bent form.
In accordance with a further form of the invention, the material of the current conductors is pressed to combine it with the insulating material. This leads to simple manufacture with an intimate join between the current conducting metal and the insulating material.
The current conductor rod in accordance with the invention may be cut off by the user to the desired length owing to tne simple structure. A simple form of preparation of the cut end means that the current conductor rods may be then coupled with each other.
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Preferably the current conductor rod is machined to have a smooth surface.
The current conducting arrangement in accordance with the invention is able to serve not only as a conducting element, that is to say as a current conductor, but also as a m~chanical supporting element for very many different purposes. As an example, the current conductor rod of the invention may be used as a current conductor cum mechanical support as legs of stands, picture supporting rails, rod-like parts of interior decoration arrays, shelving and other supporting elements, and as a rail on which electric bulbs are carried. In industrial applications the current conductor rod may be used as a support for sliding fixtures in transfer lines, as a support rail for modern pneumatic conveying systems, as a current conductor for electroplating systems, or as a contact rail in labs, more especially for the feeding of clamp-on low voltage units. It is furthermore possible for the current conductor rod to be used additionally as signalling or alarm conductor for the carrier voltage of modulated RF signals, as for example alarm signals. Owing to the simple, sturdy construction which is able to be put so many different uses, it is possible for the current conductor arrangement of the invention to be used for the most different applications to a practically unlimited extent.
In keeping with a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, electrical loads, such as lamps, fans, motors, clocks, winches, electrical components and the like are attached by retaining clamps to the current conductor rod, the retaining clamps having internal contact surfaces, which are in contact with the current conductors of the current conductor rod for the electrical supply of the loads. As we have already se~n in the case of a round current conductor rod it is possible not only to displace the retaining clamps axially on the current ~,r conductor rod, but also to twist them in a plane perpendicularly to the current conductor rod axis. The retaininy clamps are to be perpend:icularly snap fitted onto the current conductor rod in the manner of cloth pegs so as to ensure a full mechanical and electrical connection between the current conductor rod and the retainer clamp while on the other h~nd axial displacement or twisting of the clamp is possible without loosening any screw.
In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention connecting means are provided which connect two current conductor rods, which each have two current conductors, mechanically and electrically with each other.
This makes it possible to extend the current conductors to any required extent.
Preferably the design is such that the connecting means each consist of two electrically conducting elements, such elements not being in contact with each other but being able to be screwed to a respective current conductor.
Since furthermore on the continuation of a current conductor rod the individual current conductors are to remain electrically insulated from each other, the connecting means are so designed that one respective element only connects the corresponding two current conductors of two current conducting rods.
It is more especially an advantage if the electrically conducting elements are cylindrical segments, whose internal radius of curvature is generally equal to the radius of the current conductor rod. This results in cuff-like connecting means, in which the current conductor rods are well secured and are reliably connected electrically. Preferably the segment angles of the cylinder segments are smaller than 180 in order to keep the cylindrical segment elements from contacting each other after assembly.
In accordance with a further feature of the invention the electrical conducting elements are angular ~9'~ ~i4~3 connecting elements, whose limbs to be connected with the current conductors have the form of the segment of cylinder, whose inner radius of curvature is equal to the radius of the current conductor rod. The connector angles may then preferably be 90, although any other angle is possible. This leads to a large number of different possibilities as regards assembly and erection for the current conductor arrangement in accordance with the present invention. The connecting means may then be attached in a simple manner using screws to the current conductors, which have previously been provided with suitable tapped holes. Assembly is very simple and even without manual skill and technical knowledge a great variety of different configurations and designs may be realized with the current conductor arrangement of the invention at any site.
The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the drawings by way of example:
Figure 1 shows one working example of the invention in the form of a round or cylindrical current conductor rod;
Figure 2 shows a cross section taken through the current conductor rod of Figure 1 on a larger scale;
Figure 3a shows a working example of a retainer clamp in accordance with the instant invention as seen from the side;
Figure 3b shows the retainer clamp of Figure 3a looking in a direction offset through 90 from that of Figure 3a;
Figures 4a to 4c show one retainer clamp leg looking in three different directions offset by 90 from each other;
Figures 5a to 5c show a contact spring looking in three directions offset by 90 from each other;
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Figures 6a and 6b show a working example of the invention in the form of a holder of an electrical load;
and Fiyures 7a to 7c show connecting means for connecting round current conductor rods.
The current conductor rod 1 shown in perspective in Figure 1 has two current conductors 2 and 3, which are electrically insulated from each other by insulating material 4. Between the current conductors 2 and 3 there is a layer 5 of the insulating material.
As will be seen from Figures 1 and 2 the current conductor rod 1 has a round cross section in the illustrated working example of the invention. The external surfaces 6 and 7 of the current conductors 2 and 3 form a part of the periphery of the overall current conductor rod 1. The remaining surface parts of the current conductor rod 1 are constituted by the surface of the insulating material 4.
Preferably the entire current conductor rod 1 is machined to a fine finish and has a smooth, circular surface. The current conductor surfaces 6 and 7 are exposed and serve to make contact with the retainer clamps which are yet to be described and which are utilized to connect electrical loads with the current conductor arrangement.
The configuration of the current conductors 2 and 3 in the interior of the current conductor rod 1 is such that the greater part of the cross sectional area of the current conductor rod 1 consists of the current conducting material so that in relation to the cross section or to the diameter of the current conductor rod 1 there is a large current conducting cross section and despite the compactness of the current conductor rod 1 it is able to conduct heavy currents without the current conductor rod 1 heatiny up.
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Recesses 8 on the current conductors 2 and 3 (sQe more especially Figure 2) serve to firmly join the insulating material with the current conductors 2 and 3.
As an alternative to the construction shown in Figures 1 and 2 the current conductor rod 1 may have the current conductors and the insulating material in the form of circular segmentsO The working example of the invention shown in Figures 1 and 2 is however superior to a design with circular segments inasfar as a larger cross sectional area of the current conductor rod 1 is available for use as a current conducting means.
Figures 1 and 2 show a current conducting arrangement with two current conductors. It is naturally also possible to create current conductor rods 1 with more than two current conductors for a polyphase supply system and to enable the electrical loads to be independently supplied with current without the electrical loads, which are supplied with different phases having to have separate current conductor arrangements or current conductor rods.
In accordance with specific requirements it is also possible for the current conductor rod to be made oval, square or otherwise rectangular in cross section as opposed to round. The round form does however offer the advantage that the retainer clamps may be also swivelled around the current conductor rod and thus moved into any desired settings.
Figures 3a and 3b show a working example of a retainer clamp. A holder 11 is secured in place between two retainer clamp legs 9 by means of a screw 10. The holder may for example be a lamp socket or other attachment means for an electrical load, as for instance a fan, a motor, a clock or other contrivance. The holder 11 is able to be turned between the retainer clamps about the axis of the screw 10. The retainer clamp legs 9 have such a form of their inner faces that they fit onto the current conductor rod 1. To produce the electrical contact there ~7~
are contact springs 12 which are arranged in the interior of the retainer clamp legs 9. They will be explained in more detail below.
Both the retainer clamp legs 9 and also the contact making spring 12 are produced from an elastic material so that the entire retainer clamp may be pressed onto the current conductor rod 1.
In Figures 4a, 4b and 4c the leg o* a retainer clamp i5 shown separately and from different sides in order to make it clearer. For the screw connection there is a hole 13 around which there is a recess 14 in which the contac~ making spring 12 (see also Figures 5a, 5b and 5c) is arranged. As will be more especially seen from Figure 5b, the form of the contact making spring 12 matches the round form of the retainer clamp leg 9 where the spring engages the current conductor rod 1, this being shown in Figures 3a and 3b as well. The recess 15 in the retainer clamp leg is complementary to the configuration of the current conductor rod 1; in the illustrated working example of the invention the current conductor rod 1 is round so that the recess 15 is in the form of a circular segment.
A protrusion 17 on the contact making spring 12 is arranged in a groove 16 at the end of the retainer clamp leg 15 in order to locate the contact spring at the end of the retainer clamp leg 9 as well.
The contact spring 12 conducts the current from the current conductor rod l via metallic washers, as for instance copper washers 18 to the electrical terminals of electrical loads, which are arranged on or in the holders 11.
Figure 6a and 6b show a preferred form of the holder shown in Figures 3a and 3b and more especially its attachment arm 19 on which the retainer clamp legs 9 and the contact springs 12 are arranged.
A chamber 20 provided in the holder 11 has an electrical load means, as for example lamp socket, arranged 3'~
therein. The two electrical connection wires are led through two holes 21 in the wall so that the bared, free end of the one wire is arranged in the circular recess 22 on the one side of the retainer arm and the free end of the other wire is arranged in the circular recess on the other side of the retainer arm 19. A metal washer, and preferably such a washer with good conducting properties such as copper, is placed in the wire ends in the recesses so that when the retainer clamp is assembled it rests on the part of the contact making spring 12 which is arranged between a retainer clamp leg and the holding arm 19 of the holder 11 on the other side by the screw 13. By firmly tightening the screw 13 acting on the retainer clamp legs, the washer 18 is pressed firmly onto the wire ends in the circular recesses 22 of the electric load so that a good contact and a low ohmic resistance is ensured. On the other hand the metal washers 18 abut the parts pressed between the retainer clamp legs 9 of the contact making springs 12 which are also made of a good conductor or electricity, preferably copper. This arrangement means that dispite the very good electrical connection between the terminal wires and the washers 18 there is a free sliding action of the terminal wires in relation to the washers 18 so that the holding arm 19 and thus the holder 11 may be swivelled in relation to the retainer clamp legs without it being necessary to slacken off or remove any screw. There is thus an extremely simple way of attaching electrical loads and adjusting their settings. Such loads may for instance be lamps, fans and the like. This is because the possible swivelling of the retainer clamp on the current conductor rod 1 and the pivoting of the holder 11 in relation to the retainer clamps represent the simplest manner of readjusting or modifying the arrangement at any time.
Figures 7a, 7b and 7c show working examples of the connecting means, with which round current conductor rods ,~..~
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1 each having two current conductors 2 and 3 m~y be connected with each other in a manner which i5 mechanically firm and also provides a good electrical contact.
The construction of Figure 7a provides for the connection of two current conductor rods 1 in line. This connecting means of Figure 7a has two essentially symmetrical elements 71 and 72, which are in the form of cylindrical segments. The inner radius of curvature is generally the same as the radius of the current conductor rod.
The current conductor rods 1 are provided with tapped holes at the ends to be connected in the two current conductors 2 and 3, such holes extending in a radial direction. The threaded holes come to an end in the respective current conductors 2 and 3 as blind holes.
Then the elements 71 and 72 in the form of segments of cylinders are placed over the ends to be connected. Screws are inserted through the prepared holes 73 and 74 in the upper element 71 and through the holes, not shown in the figure, in the lower element 72. Such screws are screwed into the tapped holes in the current conductors 2 and 3 of the current conductor rods 1 and thus secured. The result is a cuff-like connection between two current conductor rods 1.
In order to ensure that the two current conductor rods do not make electrical contact with each other the cylinder segments have a segment angle which is less than 180 so that the segments do not touch after attachment on the current conductor rods and a space remains between them. Owing to the blind threaded holes it is not possible for there to be any electrical connection via the screws.
Figure 7b shows a connecting means for an angular connection. In the working example shown this angle is 90. The legs of the two angular elements 75 and 75 on both limbs again have the screw holes 77 and 78 and the form of a segment of cylinder as described in connection ;, _ with the example shown in Figure 7a. The current conductor rods l to be connected may in this case be cut with a mortise. It is however necessary for the ends of the current conductor rods l to project so far into the angular connecting elements that the screws may be screwed into the corresponding tapped holes of their current conductors 2 and 3.
Figure 7c also shows a rectangular connection means with connecting elements 79 and 80. The connection of the current conductor rods 1 is as in the connecting means shown in Figures 7a and 7b and described in connection therewith. The connecting means shown in Figure 7c is however necessary in addition to the one shown in Figure 7b if a connection of the current conducting rods in a single direction is desired, which is directed out of the plane as is defined by the limbs of the connecting means as shown in Figure 7b.
In the angular connecting means shown in Figure 7b and 7c the connection angle is 90. If desired the connecting means may be made with other angles different to 90, as for example with a connection angle of 60C.
The connection means make possible adaptable constructions in many different forms to suit different needs with the current conductor rods 1.
Although the invention has been explained with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be clear to those in the art that modifications, developments and amplifications thereof are possible without departing from the essential gist and spirit of the invention.
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~ CURRENT_CONDUCTOR ARRANGEMENT
The invention relates to a current conductor arrangement in the form of a current conductor rod, which has at least two metallic current conductors insulated from each other.
Current conductor arrangements of this type have grooves or other recesses in each of which a m~tal tape with a small cross-sectional area is placed. The contact means of the electrical loads, which are secured to the current conductor rod, are in electrical contact with the metallic tapes in the groove in the current conductor rod for the transmission of electrical current. Although axial displacement of the load contact means on the bus is possible, there is no possibility of turning of the electrical load on the outer face of the current conductor rod, since the electrical contact means of the load is inserted into the groove or grooves having the metal tape and thus the current conductor therein. A further point is that owing to the small cross section area of the metal tape the known current conductor arrangement may only be used for small currents.
Accordingly one object of the present invention is to create a current conductor arrangement which while being extremely simple to operate and fit, exhibits a great deal of flexibility as regards the mounting, arrangement and adjustment of the electrical loads, which may for instance be lamps, and furthermore may be operated with high amperages, while on the other hand being able to be produced and installed in a simple and cheap manner.
Taking the initially mentioned current conductor arrangement as a starting point the object of the invention as noted is achieved inasfar as at least 50% of the cross sectional area of the current conductor rod is made of the material of the current conductor.
Unlike conventional current conductor arrangements, in which there is only a thin metal tape ~r lZ~7~
having a small cross section as the current conductor, in the case of the current conductor arrangement in accordance with the invention at least 50% of the cross section of the current conductor rod is made up of the material of the current conductor, that is to say the current conductor has a large cross section so that the current conductor arrangement in accordance with the invention may be employed with high amperages, as for example in the case of low voltage systems. The material of the current lo conductors thus constitutes a substantial part in the interior of the current conductor rod.
In accordance with a preferred form of the invention at least 80% the current conductor rod consists of the material of the current conductors. In this way it is possible to ensure that the current conductor rod is even more fully utilized for conducting heavy amperages.
Owing to the large proportion of metal the current conductor arrangement is able to carry heavy loads in the case of low voltage applications as well.
Although the current conductor rod may have a four-sided, rectangular or oval cross section, it is particularly advantageous in accordance with a further feature of the invention if the current conductor rod is made with a round cross section. This means that it is possible to clamp electrical loads on the current conductor rod as will be described in detail further on so that the respective load may be arranged not only at any desired axial location but also at any angle and may be adjusted to any angle by turning at about the axis of the rod. In this respect it is a particular advantage that the insulating material and the material of the current conductors form a circular surface which is uniform in cross section; that is to say the current conductor surface is not readily offset in relation to the insulating surface of the current conductor cable and both materials form a uniform circular periphery. It is in this way that turning or swivelling of .~
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an electrical load mounted on the current conductor rod becomes readily possible so that the user has a free choice as regards the axial setting and also as regards the angular setting of attached electrical loads and may mount and adjust the loads in a simple manner.
More especially when the current conductor arrangement is used for low voltage applications the metallic current conductors will be freely accessible on the surface of the current conductor rod. This means that simple retaining clamps may be utilized for attachment, such clamps either being electrical conducting themselves or having internal conducting surfaces for the production of the electrical contact with the current conductors of the current conductor rod.
In accordance with a preferred feature of the invention the freely accessible current conductor peripheries circumferentially alternate with the peripheries of the insulting material. The configuration of the eross sectional form of the eurrent eonduetors within the eurrent eonduetor rod may then be seleeted to be in aecord with the given cireumstances or the conditions which may later arise. It is particularly advantageous if the current conduetor rod is made up of segments or part-segments, whieh are plaeed in a eireumferentially alternating suecession, of the current eonductor and insulting material.
In aceordanee with the further form of the invention the freely aceessible peripheral surfaees of the eurrent eonductors each subtend a peripheral angle, whieh is smaller than the peripheral angle of the insulating surfaces. It is in this manner that simple twisting of the retaining clamps may be used to put the contact surfaces of the clamps lnto and out of contact with the current conductors of the current conductor rod. This is a simple way of switching the load on and off.
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It is particularly convenient if, in the case of a current conductor rod with two m~tallic current conductors, its two freely accessible peripheral surfaces subtend circumferential angle of 80~ and the peripheral insulating surfaces subtend angles of 100 respectively.
This ensures that a retaining clamp, which has a contact angle on the current conductor rod of approximately 9oo in each case in both directions, may be "switched" in previously described manner.
In connection with the above described forms of the invention it is to be noted once again that in the case of a relatively large circumferential angle of the insulting material on the peripheral surface, the proportion of current conductor may be large in relation to the cross section of the current conductor rod, since the interior of the current conductor rod - apart from a relatively thin insulating layer or plate - may consist of the metallic current conducting material.
In keeping with a preferred form of the invention the current conductor rod may also be in a bent form, the metallic current conductors being arranged in the inner and outer radiuses of curvature. Therefore the metallic current conductors form the member resisting tension and compression forces when the current conductor rod is bent in a bent form.
In accordance with a further form of the invention, the material of the current conductors is pressed to combine it with the insulating material. This leads to simple manufacture with an intimate join between the current conducting metal and the insulating material.
The current conductor rod in accordance with the invention may be cut off by the user to the desired length owing to tne simple structure. A simple form of preparation of the cut end means that the current conductor rods may be then coupled with each other.
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Preferably the current conductor rod is machined to have a smooth surface.
The current conducting arrangement in accordance with the invention is able to serve not only as a conducting element, that is to say as a current conductor, but also as a m~chanical supporting element for very many different purposes. As an example, the current conductor rod of the invention may be used as a current conductor cum mechanical support as legs of stands, picture supporting rails, rod-like parts of interior decoration arrays, shelving and other supporting elements, and as a rail on which electric bulbs are carried. In industrial applications the current conductor rod may be used as a support for sliding fixtures in transfer lines, as a support rail for modern pneumatic conveying systems, as a current conductor for electroplating systems, or as a contact rail in labs, more especially for the feeding of clamp-on low voltage units. It is furthermore possible for the current conductor rod to be used additionally as signalling or alarm conductor for the carrier voltage of modulated RF signals, as for example alarm signals. Owing to the simple, sturdy construction which is able to be put so many different uses, it is possible for the current conductor arrangement of the invention to be used for the most different applications to a practically unlimited extent.
In keeping with a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, electrical loads, such as lamps, fans, motors, clocks, winches, electrical components and the like are attached by retaining clamps to the current conductor rod, the retaining clamps having internal contact surfaces, which are in contact with the current conductors of the current conductor rod for the electrical supply of the loads. As we have already se~n in the case of a round current conductor rod it is possible not only to displace the retaining clamps axially on the current ~,r conductor rod, but also to twist them in a plane perpendicularly to the current conductor rod axis. The retaininy clamps are to be perpend:icularly snap fitted onto the current conductor rod in the manner of cloth pegs so as to ensure a full mechanical and electrical connection between the current conductor rod and the retainer clamp while on the other h~nd axial displacement or twisting of the clamp is possible without loosening any screw.
In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention connecting means are provided which connect two current conductor rods, which each have two current conductors, mechanically and electrically with each other.
This makes it possible to extend the current conductors to any required extent.
Preferably the design is such that the connecting means each consist of two electrically conducting elements, such elements not being in contact with each other but being able to be screwed to a respective current conductor.
Since furthermore on the continuation of a current conductor rod the individual current conductors are to remain electrically insulated from each other, the connecting means are so designed that one respective element only connects the corresponding two current conductors of two current conducting rods.
It is more especially an advantage if the electrically conducting elements are cylindrical segments, whose internal radius of curvature is generally equal to the radius of the current conductor rod. This results in cuff-like connecting means, in which the current conductor rods are well secured and are reliably connected electrically. Preferably the segment angles of the cylinder segments are smaller than 180 in order to keep the cylindrical segment elements from contacting each other after assembly.
In accordance with a further feature of the invention the electrical conducting elements are angular ~9'~ ~i4~3 connecting elements, whose limbs to be connected with the current conductors have the form of the segment of cylinder, whose inner radius of curvature is equal to the radius of the current conductor rod. The connector angles may then preferably be 90, although any other angle is possible. This leads to a large number of different possibilities as regards assembly and erection for the current conductor arrangement in accordance with the present invention. The connecting means may then be attached in a simple manner using screws to the current conductors, which have previously been provided with suitable tapped holes. Assembly is very simple and even without manual skill and technical knowledge a great variety of different configurations and designs may be realized with the current conductor arrangement of the invention at any site.
The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the drawings by way of example:
Figure 1 shows one working example of the invention in the form of a round or cylindrical current conductor rod;
Figure 2 shows a cross section taken through the current conductor rod of Figure 1 on a larger scale;
Figure 3a shows a working example of a retainer clamp in accordance with the instant invention as seen from the side;
Figure 3b shows the retainer clamp of Figure 3a looking in a direction offset through 90 from that of Figure 3a;
Figures 4a to 4c show one retainer clamp leg looking in three different directions offset by 90 from each other;
Figures 5a to 5c show a contact spring looking in three directions offset by 90 from each other;
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Figures 6a and 6b show a working example of the invention in the form of a holder of an electrical load;
and Fiyures 7a to 7c show connecting means for connecting round current conductor rods.
The current conductor rod 1 shown in perspective in Figure 1 has two current conductors 2 and 3, which are electrically insulated from each other by insulating material 4. Between the current conductors 2 and 3 there is a layer 5 of the insulating material.
As will be seen from Figures 1 and 2 the current conductor rod 1 has a round cross section in the illustrated working example of the invention. The external surfaces 6 and 7 of the current conductors 2 and 3 form a part of the periphery of the overall current conductor rod 1. The remaining surface parts of the current conductor rod 1 are constituted by the surface of the insulating material 4.
Preferably the entire current conductor rod 1 is machined to a fine finish and has a smooth, circular surface. The current conductor surfaces 6 and 7 are exposed and serve to make contact with the retainer clamps which are yet to be described and which are utilized to connect electrical loads with the current conductor arrangement.
The configuration of the current conductors 2 and 3 in the interior of the current conductor rod 1 is such that the greater part of the cross sectional area of the current conductor rod 1 consists of the current conducting material so that in relation to the cross section or to the diameter of the current conductor rod 1 there is a large current conducting cross section and despite the compactness of the current conductor rod 1 it is able to conduct heavy currents without the current conductor rod 1 heatiny up.
~3 ~
Recesses 8 on the current conductors 2 and 3 (sQe more especially Figure 2) serve to firmly join the insulating material with the current conductors 2 and 3.
As an alternative to the construction shown in Figures 1 and 2 the current conductor rod 1 may have the current conductors and the insulating material in the form of circular segmentsO The working example of the invention shown in Figures 1 and 2 is however superior to a design with circular segments inasfar as a larger cross sectional area of the current conductor rod 1 is available for use as a current conducting means.
Figures 1 and 2 show a current conducting arrangement with two current conductors. It is naturally also possible to create current conductor rods 1 with more than two current conductors for a polyphase supply system and to enable the electrical loads to be independently supplied with current without the electrical loads, which are supplied with different phases having to have separate current conductor arrangements or current conductor rods.
In accordance with specific requirements it is also possible for the current conductor rod to be made oval, square or otherwise rectangular in cross section as opposed to round. The round form does however offer the advantage that the retainer clamps may be also swivelled around the current conductor rod and thus moved into any desired settings.
Figures 3a and 3b show a working example of a retainer clamp. A holder 11 is secured in place between two retainer clamp legs 9 by means of a screw 10. The holder may for example be a lamp socket or other attachment means for an electrical load, as for instance a fan, a motor, a clock or other contrivance. The holder 11 is able to be turned between the retainer clamps about the axis of the screw 10. The retainer clamp legs 9 have such a form of their inner faces that they fit onto the current conductor rod 1. To produce the electrical contact there ~7~
are contact springs 12 which are arranged in the interior of the retainer clamp legs 9. They will be explained in more detail below.
Both the retainer clamp legs 9 and also the contact making spring 12 are produced from an elastic material so that the entire retainer clamp may be pressed onto the current conductor rod 1.
In Figures 4a, 4b and 4c the leg o* a retainer clamp i5 shown separately and from different sides in order to make it clearer. For the screw connection there is a hole 13 around which there is a recess 14 in which the contac~ making spring 12 (see also Figures 5a, 5b and 5c) is arranged. As will be more especially seen from Figure 5b, the form of the contact making spring 12 matches the round form of the retainer clamp leg 9 where the spring engages the current conductor rod 1, this being shown in Figures 3a and 3b as well. The recess 15 in the retainer clamp leg is complementary to the configuration of the current conductor rod 1; in the illustrated working example of the invention the current conductor rod 1 is round so that the recess 15 is in the form of a circular segment.
A protrusion 17 on the contact making spring 12 is arranged in a groove 16 at the end of the retainer clamp leg 15 in order to locate the contact spring at the end of the retainer clamp leg 9 as well.
The contact spring 12 conducts the current from the current conductor rod l via metallic washers, as for instance copper washers 18 to the electrical terminals of electrical loads, which are arranged on or in the holders 11.
Figure 6a and 6b show a preferred form of the holder shown in Figures 3a and 3b and more especially its attachment arm 19 on which the retainer clamp legs 9 and the contact springs 12 are arranged.
A chamber 20 provided in the holder 11 has an electrical load means, as for example lamp socket, arranged 3'~
therein. The two electrical connection wires are led through two holes 21 in the wall so that the bared, free end of the one wire is arranged in the circular recess 22 on the one side of the retainer arm and the free end of the other wire is arranged in the circular recess on the other side of the retainer arm 19. A metal washer, and preferably such a washer with good conducting properties such as copper, is placed in the wire ends in the recesses so that when the retainer clamp is assembled it rests on the part of the contact making spring 12 which is arranged between a retainer clamp leg and the holding arm 19 of the holder 11 on the other side by the screw 13. By firmly tightening the screw 13 acting on the retainer clamp legs, the washer 18 is pressed firmly onto the wire ends in the circular recesses 22 of the electric load so that a good contact and a low ohmic resistance is ensured. On the other hand the metal washers 18 abut the parts pressed between the retainer clamp legs 9 of the contact making springs 12 which are also made of a good conductor or electricity, preferably copper. This arrangement means that dispite the very good electrical connection between the terminal wires and the washers 18 there is a free sliding action of the terminal wires in relation to the washers 18 so that the holding arm 19 and thus the holder 11 may be swivelled in relation to the retainer clamp legs without it being necessary to slacken off or remove any screw. There is thus an extremely simple way of attaching electrical loads and adjusting their settings. Such loads may for instance be lamps, fans and the like. This is because the possible swivelling of the retainer clamp on the current conductor rod 1 and the pivoting of the holder 11 in relation to the retainer clamps represent the simplest manner of readjusting or modifying the arrangement at any time.
Figures 7a, 7b and 7c show working examples of the connecting means, with which round current conductor rods ,~..~
~æ~7~
1 each having two current conductors 2 and 3 m~y be connected with each other in a manner which i5 mechanically firm and also provides a good electrical contact.
The construction of Figure 7a provides for the connection of two current conductor rods 1 in line. This connecting means of Figure 7a has two essentially symmetrical elements 71 and 72, which are in the form of cylindrical segments. The inner radius of curvature is generally the same as the radius of the current conductor rod.
The current conductor rods 1 are provided with tapped holes at the ends to be connected in the two current conductors 2 and 3, such holes extending in a radial direction. The threaded holes come to an end in the respective current conductors 2 and 3 as blind holes.
Then the elements 71 and 72 in the form of segments of cylinders are placed over the ends to be connected. Screws are inserted through the prepared holes 73 and 74 in the upper element 71 and through the holes, not shown in the figure, in the lower element 72. Such screws are screwed into the tapped holes in the current conductors 2 and 3 of the current conductor rods 1 and thus secured. The result is a cuff-like connection between two current conductor rods 1.
In order to ensure that the two current conductor rods do not make electrical contact with each other the cylinder segments have a segment angle which is less than 180 so that the segments do not touch after attachment on the current conductor rods and a space remains between them. Owing to the blind threaded holes it is not possible for there to be any electrical connection via the screws.
Figure 7b shows a connecting means for an angular connection. In the working example shown this angle is 90. The legs of the two angular elements 75 and 75 on both limbs again have the screw holes 77 and 78 and the form of a segment of cylinder as described in connection ;, _ with the example shown in Figure 7a. The current conductor rods l to be connected may in this case be cut with a mortise. It is however necessary for the ends of the current conductor rods l to project so far into the angular connecting elements that the screws may be screwed into the corresponding tapped holes of their current conductors 2 and 3.
Figure 7c also shows a rectangular connection means with connecting elements 79 and 80. The connection of the current conductor rods 1 is as in the connecting means shown in Figures 7a and 7b and described in connection therewith. The connecting means shown in Figure 7c is however necessary in addition to the one shown in Figure 7b if a connection of the current conducting rods in a single direction is desired, which is directed out of the plane as is defined by the limbs of the connecting means as shown in Figure 7b.
In the angular connecting means shown in Figure 7b and 7c the connection angle is 90. If desired the connecting means may be made with other angles different to 90, as for example with a connection angle of 60C.
The connection means make possible adaptable constructions in many different forms to suit different needs with the current conductor rods 1.
Although the invention has been explained with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be clear to those in the art that modifications, developments and amplifications thereof are possible without departing from the essential gist and spirit of the invention.
-~7 ~f~
Claims (13)
1. A current conductor arrangement in the form of a current conductor rod having at least two metallic current conductors which are freely accessible for contacting and are insulated by insulating material, and whose cross sectional area comprises at least 50% of the material of the current conductors, wherein the insulating material and the material of the current conductors (2 and 3) form a surface of the current conductor rod (1) which has a uniform circular cross section and wherein the freely accessible peripheral surfaces (6 and 7) of the current conductors (2 and 3) each subtend a peripheral angle which is smaller than the respective peripheral angle of the insulating peripheral surfaces.
2. The current conductor arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least 80% of the cross sectional area of the current conductor rod (1) comprises the material of the current conductors (2 and 3).
3. The current conductor arrangement as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the freely accessible current conductor peripheral surfaces (6 and 7) and the peripheral surfaces of the insulating material alternate around the periphery of the current conductor rod (1).
4. The current conductor arrangement as claimed in any one of the claims 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the current conductor rod (1) consists of segments or part-segments of the current conducting and insulating material alternating around the circular periphery.
5. The current conductor arrangement as claimed in any one of the claims 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that two metallic current conductors 52 and 3) are provided whose freely accessible peripheral surfaces subtend a peripheral angle of 80° and in that the insulating peripheral surfaces subtend a peripheral angle of 100°
respectively.
respectively.
6. The current conductor arrangement as claimed in any one of the claims 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the current conductor rod (1) is bent and the metallic current conductors (2 and 3) are arranged at the inner and outer radius of curvature of the rod.
7. The current conductor arrangement as claimed in any one of the claims 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the material of the current conductors (2 and 3) is joined to the insulating material (4) by pressing.
8. The current conductor arrangement as claimed in claim 1 or 7, characterized in that the current conductor rod is in the form of a simultaneously supporting and conducting element for current supply and illuminating systems, shelving, transfer lines, support rails, lamp support rails, electroplating systems, exhibition and/or stand systems and for lab and industrial plant.
9. The current conductor arrangement as claimed in any one of the claims 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that electrical loads are attached to the current conductor rod (1) by means of retainer clamps and are in electrical contact with the current conductors (2 and 3) via internal contact surfaces (12) of the retainer clamps.
10. The current conductor arrangement as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that connecting means (71, 72;
75, 76 and 79, 80) are provided which connect together two current conductor rods (1) each having two current conductors (2 and 3) mechanically and electrically.
75, 76 and 79, 80) are provided which connect together two current conductor rods (1) each having two current conductors (2 and 3) mechanically and electrically.
11. The current conductor arrangement as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the connecting means (71, 72; 75, 76; and 79, 80) respectively consist of two electrically conducting elements, which are able to be screwed to respectively one current conductor (2 and 3), the elements not coming into contact with each other.
12. The current conductor arrangement as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11, characterized in that the electrically conducting elements are segments of cylinders, whose inner radius of curvature are generally equal to the radius of the current conductor rods (1).
13. The current conductor arrangement as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11, characterized in that the electrically conducting elements are angular connecting elements (75, 76; and 79, 80) whose limbs to be connected with the current conductors (1) have the form of a segment of cylinder, whose inner radius of curvature is essentially equal to the radius of the current conductor rod (1).
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEP3701449.8 | 1987-01-20 | ||
| DE3701449 | 1987-01-20 | ||
| DE3800358A DE3800358A1 (en) | 1987-01-20 | 1988-01-08 | POWER CONDUCTOR ARRANGEMENT |
| DEP3800358.9 | 1988-01-08 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1297548C true CA1297548C (en) | 1992-03-17 |
Family
ID=25851685
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000556975A Expired - Lifetime CA1297548C (en) | 1987-01-20 | 1988-01-20 | Current conductor arrangement |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0346348B1 (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE68635T1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU1227988A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1297548C (en) |
| DE (2) | DE3800358A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1988005613A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE8814295U1 (en) * | 1988-11-15 | 1989-02-16 | Kurz, Josef, 8000 München | Electric lamp |
| DE4001641A1 (en) * | 1990-01-20 | 1991-07-25 | Hoffmann Mathias | LIGHTING DEVICE |
Family Cites Families (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE1204731B (en) * | 1961-04-11 | 1965-11-11 | Braun Ag | Self-supporting rod-shaped component for electrical devices provided with contact strips |
| DE3120267C2 (en) * | 1981-05-21 | 1983-11-24 | Lichtplanung Dinnebier Kg, 5600 Wuppertal | Busbar system with attachable adapters carrying electrical equipment |
-
1988
- 1988-01-08 DE DE3800358A patent/DE3800358A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1988-01-19 AU AU12279/88A patent/AU1227988A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1988-01-19 DE DE8888901244T patent/DE3865673D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1988-01-19 EP EP88901244A patent/EP0346348B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1988-01-19 AT AT88901244T patent/ATE68635T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1988-01-19 WO PCT/EP1988/000033 patent/WO1988005613A1/en not_active Ceased
- 1988-01-20 CA CA000556975A patent/CA1297548C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| ATE68635T1 (en) | 1991-11-15 |
| EP0346348B1 (en) | 1991-10-16 |
| DE3800358A1 (en) | 1988-08-04 |
| AU1227988A (en) | 1988-08-10 |
| DE3865673D1 (en) | 1991-11-21 |
| EP0346348A1 (en) | 1989-12-20 |
| WO1988005613A1 (en) | 1988-07-28 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |