Electrical connectors – Power measuring meter coupling part
Utility Patent
1998-04-07
2001-01-02
Nguyen, Khiem (Department: 2839)
Electrical connectors
Power measuring meter coupling part
Utility Patent
active
06168460
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to electricity metering devices and, more particularly, to a terminal block that can be used with both self contained and transformer rated electricity meters.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the past, separate A-base terminal blocks for electricity meters were manufactured for self contained meters and for transformer rated meters. The two separate terminal blocks require that sufficient inventories of both blocks be maintained. In addition, separate tooling is required for each block.
A test link has been used with the self contained A-base type meters to connect a potential wire to a current terminal. The test link requires the use of two spacers, two screws, one test link terminal, and one test link. Use of the test link results in high fabrication and assembly costs due to the number of parts required for proper operation.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a terminal block capable of being used in both self contained and transformer rated meters, which would facilitate reducing inventory and fabrication costs. It also would be beneficial to provide a simple test link, for use in self contained meters, which reduces the number of parts and assembly time as compared to the known test link.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
These and other objects may be attained by an electricity meter having an A-base terminal block assembly including an A-base terminal block, a plurality of current terminals, and in a self contained meter, a plurality of test link springs. The electricity meter can be, for example, an EV or a kV meter made by General Electric Company, Somersworth, New Hampshire. The terminal block can be used in both self contained and transformer rated electricity meters. The terminal block, in one embodiment, is fabricated from a thermoplastic injection molding compound, such as polyester, or a thermoset molding compound, such as phenolic, and has a top, a bottom, a front, a back, a right side, and a left side. A plurality of current terminal cavities are located in the back of the terminal block and include at least one rib. A plurality of current terminal extension members and a plurality of potential terminal extension members are located on the top of the terminal block. Each current terminal extension member and each potential terminal extension member have an opening therethrough, an inner surface, and an outer surface. In addition, each current terminal extension member opening is in communication with a corresponding current terminal cavity.
The top of the terminal block also includes a plurality of actuator screw openings. Each actuator screw opening is in communication with a corresponding test link spring cavity. Each current terminal cavity houses a current terminal, and each test link spring cavity houses, at least partially, a respective test link spring. Each of a plurality of test link spring insertion slots are in communication with a respective test link spring cavity.
The test link springs have a first portion, a second portion extending from the first portion at an angle approximately about 90 degrees, a third portion extending from the second portion at an acute angle, and a fourth portion extending from the third portion at an obtuse angle when the test link spring is in an unstressed state. Each test link spring connects a potential wire to one of the current terminals.
The first portion of the test link spring has a flat portion with a first opening for a test fixture screw and a tab connected to the flat portion by a tab neck. The tab can be soldered to a potential terminal wire. The first portion also contains a bend relief area and a second opening configured for insertion of at least a portion of the potential terminal wire. The second opening is located on the tab.
The fourth portion of the test link spring has a slot for insertion of an actuator screw used to manipulate the fourth portion between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the third portion extends from the second portion at an angle approximately about 90 degrees.
The actuator screw has a shoulder for cooperating with the screw insertion slot. At least one of the current terminals contain a threaded opening for mating with the actuator screw. Upon turning the actuator screw, the fourth portion of the test link spring can move from an open position in which the fourth portion is distanced from the current terminal to a closed position in which the fourth portion abuts the current terminal.
The terminal block also contains a plurality of potential lead connection wire openings separated from adjacent potential lead connection wire openings by at least one barrier wall. The barrier walls insulate each terminal from other terminals. Generally, not all openings in the terminal block are used for all configurations. In the past, programming, or drilling of holes, was required as orders came into the factory for terminal blocks. Additional paperwork and manpower were required to support these changes. Additionally, subassemblies had to be built ahead of time and had to be ready for installment at final assembly when required.
To solve this problem, one basic terminal block is molded at the factory with all of the openings initially open. Inserts are then placed in any unused current and potential terminal locations of the new terminal block. The use of inserts eliminates the requirement for drilling and allows assemblers to add inserts to fill the unused openings as required. In the new terminal block, the insert for the current lead position will have a knockout installed to allow for passage of option cables through the front of the meter. The inserts can be applied at a later point in the meter assembly. This will eliminate a costly and time consuming rework operation where the front opening of an unused current terminal location is epoxied closed and drilled open for a smaller cable opening.
A major benefit of the new terminal block assembly over previous terminal blocks is the consolidation of two terminal blocks into one terminal block. Generally, two different terminal blocks are used to build meters, one for self contained meters, and one for transformer rated meters. Due to the configuration of the new terminal block, the terminal block can be used with both self contained and transformer rated electricity meters. In the self contained meters, a new test link connector is used with the new terminal block to form a terminal block assembly.
The above described terminal block will meet the needs of electro-mechanical polyphase, electronic EV meters and the new kV meter with an all plastic housing. The form, fit, and function have been preserved and the new terminal block will fit many different types of A-base meters.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2610996 (1952-09-01), Rickabaugh
patent: 3172720 (1965-03-01), Teuscher et al.
patent: 3638119 (1972-01-01), Makenzie
patent: 5577933 (1996-11-01), Robinson et al.
patent: 5834932 (1998-11-01), May
Horan Patrick Joseph
Therrien Wayne Alfrede
Duverone J. F.
General Electric Company
Horton Esq. Carl B.
Nguyen Khiem
Teasdale LLP Armstrong
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