Electricity: circuit makers and breakers – Combined with or actuated by connector coupling – Screw-coupling
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-07
2001-06-26
Friedhofer, Michael (Department: 2832)
Electricity: circuit makers and breakers
Combined with or actuated by connector coupling
Screw-coupling
C200S051060, C200S051170, C200S01700A
Reexamination Certificate
active
06252187
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of electrical switches and in particular discloses a new form of conveniently operated link switch for high current power supplies.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Link switches for voltage power supplies and cabling are well known. A power line can carry a large amount of current and it is necessary to ensure proper switching or interconnection between two power cables. In particular, compact operation of an open point link switch is highly desirable. Prior art switches have a number of significant disadvantages. Firstly, they are often unduly large thereby taking up excessive space especially where space, is a premium. Additionally, they often involve the necessity to access live components which results in the resulting danger of possible electrocution. Electrical switches are further often able to be tampered with and the degree of contact interconnection can be highly variable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a superior form of compact open point link switch suitable for use with electric power supply lines.
In accordance with the first aspect of the present invention there is provided a link switch for completing an electrical connection between two cables comprising:
first and second conductive clamping portions for clamping the ends of the cables, the conductive clamping portions having a mating surfaces for the reception of a switch completion unit between the conductive clamping portions;
a switch completion unit including at least one conductive portion for mating with the mating surface and a pressure application means for applying pressure to the conductive portion to lock the conductive portion in contact with the conductive clamping portions;
Further, the conductive clamping portions can include a series of initial contact surfaces which make initial contact with a mating initial surface of the switch completion unit, the initial surfaces being different from the mating surfaces such that initial contact is made in a subsequently inoperative surface of the switch completion unit.
Preferably the switch completion unit is slidable into and out of an aperture defined by the conductive clamping portions and includes a cam locking unit for providing a cam lock of the conductive portion in contact with the conductive clamping portions. The switch completion unit preferably includes a detachable handle utilised in the operation of the switch which is detachable only when the switch completion unit is in a locked position.
The switch unit conductive portions can be shaped to provide a point contact with the conductive clamping portions and can include a generally planar surface having protuberances at extremities thereof.
Preferably, the number of conductive clamping portions is two and the cables are clamped to the conductive clamping portions in a spaced apart substantially parallel manner. Ideally, the clamping portions are adapted to be interchangeable so as to clamp a series of differently surface profiled cable ends and the clamping portions can include a resilient clamping means for resiliently clamping the cables to the conductive clamping portions. The cam lock can include a profiled surface that, upon rotation of the cam lock in a first direction, the profiled surface exerts an increasing pressure on the conductive portions to a limit position prescribed by an interlocking ball and socket arrangement.
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Friedhofer Michael
Merchant & Gould P.C.
Tappat Engineering PTY Ltd.
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