Junction box assembly

Abstract

A junction box assembly for connecting insulated multi-core conductive cables, the junction box assembly comprising: a base plate held within a clamping assembly, the base plate comprising: a first face and a second face, the first and second face being configured to receive first and second multi-core conductive cables thereon respectively, and the first and second faces being mutually opposed; and first and second conducting assemblies that extend from the first and second faces respectively, wherein first conductive assembly comprises a first plurality of conductive elements and wherein the first conductive assembly comprises a second plurality of conductive elements; and the clamping assembly comprising: a first clamping member and a second clamping member, the first and / or second clamping members being arranged to be movably disposed to effect clamping of the first conductive cable between the base plate and the first clamping member, and to effect clamping of the second conductive cable between the base plate and the second clamping member in a clamped configuration; and a retainer configured to maintain clamping, where during use, the clamping assembly effects: each of the insulated cores of the first conductive cable to come into conductive contact with corresponding conductive elements of the first conductive assembly; and each of the insulated cores of the second conductive cable to come into conductive contact with corresponding conductive elements of the second conductive element, such that the mutually insulated conductive elements of the first and second conducting assemblies are arranged to prevent short-circuiting between the multiple cores of the first and second conductive cables while allowing conduction between the first and second conductive cables in the clamped configuration.

Description

Junction Box AssemblyTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electric connections, specifically junction boxes and cable connectors.BACKGROUND

[0002] A junction box is used to enclose connections between conducting cables or wires, thereby protecting the connection from environmental interference, as well as protecting humans or other lifeforms from potentially harmful electrical hazards. A junction box may simply enclose electrical connections, or it may be integrated with the connection means itself.

[0003] The simplest means of forming an electrical or conductive connection between two wires or cables is to take the end of each conductive core and twist them around one another. Though this method can establish a conductive connection between the two cables, it is manually intensive and unreliable.

[0004] A commonly used improvement to the manual method is to use screw-in cable connectors. There are many variations of these devices but what they have in common is a receiving area into which one or more ends of conducting wire are inserted. The user would then use a screwdriver to operate a clamp that presses the conducting ends toward one another and / or a conductive element that attaches to another wire or part of a circuit. However, this is also quite manually intensive, with every core of a cable needing to be connected in this way, and then bundled up to fit within the confines of the junction box.

[0005] Other connector solutions are available that do not require the ends of a wire to be inserted, but that can be applied to a middle portion of a cable in situ. These typically operate by having a means of penetrating or stripping the insulation around a conductive core of a cable. However, these have not been applied to multicore cables, such as are typically used in home construction, for example, or if they have, the insulation around the multiple conductive coresneeds to be stripped away first, a delicate and time-consuming process that can damage the internal cores if not conducted correctly.

[0006] Therefore there is a clear need for a junction box and cable connection assembly that quickly and easily establishes connections between cables.

[0007] Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of the common general knowledge.SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0008] In an aspect, the invention provides a junction box assembly for connecting insulated multi-core conductive cables, the junction box assembly comprising a base plate held within a clamping assembly. The base plate comprises a first face and a second face, the first and second face being configured to receive first and second conductive cables thereon respectively, and the first and second faces being mutually opposed; and first and second that are in conductive connection and that extend from the first and second faces respectively. The clamping assembly comprises a first clamping member and a second clamping member, the first and / or second clamping members being arranged to be movably disposed to effect clamping of the first conductive cable between the base plate and the first clamping member, and to effectclamping of the second conductive cable between the base plate and the second clamping member; and a retainer configured to maintain clamping. During use, the clamping assembly effects the first conductive cable to come into conductive contact with a first conductive assembly with a first plurality of mutually insulated conductive elements. Similarly, the clamping effect, also results in the second conductive cable coming into conductive contact with the second conductive assembly comprising a second plurality of mutually insulated conductive elements, thereby resulting in conductive connection between the first conductive cable and the second conductive cable without resulting in short-circuiting between the multiple cores of the first and second multi-core conducive cables.

[0009] In an embodiment, the first and second plurality of conductive elements are configured for penetrating the insulation around a conducting core of the first and second conducting cables, respectively, during use.

[0010] In an embodiment, the first and second plurality of conductive elements comprise a piercing portion to penetrate the insulation around a conductive core of the first and second conductive cables, respectively, during use when the first and second clamping members are moved to effect the clamping.

[0011] In an embodiment, the first and second plurality of conductive elements each comprise an angled slicing edge, where during use the angled slicing edge is configured to slice through the insulation around a core of the first and second conducting cables.

[0012] In an embodiment, the first conductive element and the second conductive element are integrally formed with first and second face of the base plate respectively.

[0013] In an embodiment, the number of first and second conductive elements is equal to the number of cores in the first and second conductive cables, such that during usethe conductive connection is between the equivalent cores of the first and second conducting cables.

[0014] In an embodiment, the junction box assembly further comprises an alignment mechanism to align, in sequence, the first clamping member, the base plate, the second clamping member and the retainer together in use.

[0015] In an embodiment, the alignment mechanism comprises one or more projections extending from the first clamping member towards the second clamping member; one or more corresponding openings located on the base plate to allow said one or more projections to pass through in the clamped position without contacting the conductive cables; a projection receiving portion being located on the second clamping member for receiving and retaining the one or more projections for maintaining the clamped position.

[0016] In an embodiment, the alignment mechanism comprises: a segmented hollow cylinder extending from the first clamping member towards the second clamping member; segmented annular holes in the base plate and the second clamping member configured to receive the segmented hollow cylinder during use; a pill-shaped pillar extending from a surface of the second clamping member, where during use the pillshaped pillar occupies the space between the segments of the segmented hollow cylinder; and a cylindrical cavity in the retainer configured to cap the end of the segmented hollow cylinder during use.

[0017] In an embodiment, the segmented hollow cylinder comprises a distal end that is externally threaded, and the cylindrical cavity of the retainer comprises internal threads complementary to the external threads of the segmented hollow cylinder, where the external and internal threads are together configured to effect a clamping action during use.

[0018] In an embodiment, the first clamping member further comprises a cablereceiving channel.

[0019] In an embodiment, the cable receiving channel extends from a first edge to a second edge of the first clamping member, and between the segments of the segmented hollow cylinder.

[0020] In an embodiment, the base plate further comprises a cable-receiving channel on each of the first and second faces.

[0021] In an embodiment, the second clamping member further comprises a cablereceiving channel.

[0022] In an embodiment, the cable-receiving channel of the first clamping member and the cable-receiving channel of the first face of the base plate are colinear and, during use, together receive the first conducting cable.

[0023] In an embodiment, the cable-receiving channel of the second clamping member and the cable-receiving channel of the second face of the base plate are colinear and, during use, together receive the second conducting cable.

[0024] In an embodiment, the junction box assembly further comprises a fastening mechanism, where during use the fastening mechanism fastens in sequence, the first clamping member, the base plate, the second clamping member and the retainer together.

[0025] In an embodiment, the fastening mechanism comprises at least 1 set of colinear holes that pass through each of the first clamping member, the base plate, the second clamping member, and the retainer, wherein the set of colinear holes are configured to receive a fastening member such as a screw.

[0026] In an embodiment, the first and second clamping elements further comprise perimeter walls, where during use the perimeter walls encompass the base plate.

[0027] In an embodiment, the first clamping member and the base plate each further comprise a visual indicator, the visual indicator configured to aid in the orientation of the conductive cables.

[0028] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: Figure 1 depicts a junction box assembly in a top-side perspective, exploded view. Figure 1a depicts the junction box assembly in a bottom side perspective, exploded view.Figure 2a depicts the base plate of the junction box assembly of Figure 1 in a top-side perspective, Figure 2b depicts the first clamping member of the junction box assembly of Figure 1 in a top-side perspective, and Figure 2c depicts the base plate of the junction box assembly of Figure 1 in a bottom-side perspective.Figure 3 depicts the junction box assembly of Figure 1 in a top-side perspective, wherein the first clamping member, base plate, and second clamping member are assembled to an in use configuration, and the retainer is separate.Figure 4 depicts the junction box assembly of Figure 1 in a top-side perspective and an in use state.Figure 5 depicts the junction box assembly of Figure 1 in a front perspective and an in use state.Figure 6 depicts the junction box assembly of Figure 1 is a side perspective and an in use state.Figure 7 depicts the junction box assembly of Figure 1 is a top perspective and an in use state.Figure 8 depicts a first alternative embodiment of the junction box assembly of Figure 1 in a top-side perspective, exploded view.Figure 9 depicts a second alternative embodiment of the junction box assembly of Figure 1 in a top-side perspective, exploded view.Figure 10 depicts a third alternative embodiment of the junction box assembly of Figure 1 in a top-side perspective, exploded view.Figure 11 depicts the third alternative embodiment of the junction box assembly of Figure 1 in an in use state.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Figures 1 to 11 illustrate a junction box assembly 1000 for connecting insulated or non-insulated conductive cables. The junction box assembly 1000 comprises a base plate 1100 held within a clamping assembly 1300.Base Plate

[0031] The base plate 1100 comprises a first face 1101 and a second face 1102 which are mutually opposed. The base plate 1100 is relatively thin in height compared to the width and depth, as seen in Fig. 1. The first 1101 and second 1102 faces of the base plate 1100 are configured to receive first 10 and second 20 conductive cables thereon respectively. Extending from the first 1101 and second 1102 faces are first 1201 and second 1202 conductive elements, respectively, that are in conductive connection. The first plurality of conductive elements 1201 are mutually spaced apart and mutuallyinsulated from each other. Similarly, the second plurality of conductive elements 1202 are also mutually spaced apart and mutually insulated from each other.

[0032] The clamping assembly 1300 comprises a first clamping member 1310, a second clamping member 1320, and a retainer 1330 configured to maintain clamping. The first 1310 and / or second 1320 clamping members are arranged to be movably disposed to effect clamping of the first conductive cable 10 between the base plate 1100 and the first clamping member 1310, and to effect clamping of the second conductive cable 20 between the base plate 1100 and the second clamping member 1320. That is, when the clamping members 1310, 1320 are used or operated, they will move relatively toward each other. As the clamping members 1310, 1320 get closer together, eventually touching, they will increasingly hold firmly in place (i.e., clamp) anything in between the two clamping members 1310, 1320. When the clamping assembly 1300 is closed but not in use, the base plate 1100 situated between the clamping members 1310, 1320 is clamped. In use, the first and second conductive cables 10, 20 are clamped with the first conductive cable 10 clamped between the first clamping member 1310 and the base plate 1100, and the second conductive cable 20 being clamped in between the base plate 1100 and the second clamping member 1320.

[0033] The first clamping member 1310 also comprises a projection or projections 1410 of an alignment mechanism 1400, which will be explained in more detail in a later section. The first clamping member 1310 further comprises a first clamping cablereceiving channel 1315. The first camping cable receiving channel 1315 extends from a first edge 1340 to a second edge 1341 of the first clamping member 1310 and passes between projections 1410. The base plate 1100 also comprises a first and second cable-receiving channel 1211, 1212 on each of the first and second faces 1101, 1102.The first clamping cable-receiving channel 1315 and the cable-receiving channel of the first face of the base plate 1211 are colinear and, during use, together receive the first conducting cable 10.

[0034] Similarly, the second clamping member 1320 also further comprises a second clamping cable-receiving channel 1325. The second clamping cable-receiving channel 1325 and the cable-receiving channel of the second face of the base plate 1212 are colinear and, during use, together receive the second conducting cable 20.

[0035] The first and second clamping members 1310, 1320 further comprise perimeter walls 1600, where during use the perimeter walls 1600 encompass the base plate 1100. The perimeter walls 1600 advantageously serve the dual purpose of distributing the clamping force away from the conducting cables 10, 20 any more than is necessary, thereby reducing the likelihood of damage to the cables 10, 20, as well as isolating the base plate 1100 and hence the conducting elements 1201 , 1202, which are potentially hazardous to users when exposed.

[0036] The retainer 1330 acts to be both the operable component of the clamping assembly 1300 and the means of maintaining a firm clamp during use. The operation of the retainer 1300 will be explained in a later section.

[0037] During use, operation of the clamping assembly 1300 effects the multiple conductive cores of the conductive cable 10 to come into conductive contact with the first plurality of mutually insulated conductive elements 1201. Similarly, the multiple conductive cores of the second conductive cable 20 to come into conductive contact with the second plurality of mutually insulated conductive elements 1202. In the preferred embodiment, the first conductive cable 10 is received on the first face 1101 of the base plate 1100 within first base plate cable receiving channel 1211, and the second conductive cable 20 is received on the second face 1102 of the base plate1100 within second base plate cable receiving channel 1212. In the preferred embodiment, the first conducting element 1201 is located within the first base plate cable receiving channel 1211 and the second conducting element 1202 is located within the second base plate cable receiving channel 1212. The first clamping cablereceiving channel 1315 of the first clamping member 1310 is aligned (via the mechanism described in a later section) with the first base plate cable receiving channel 1211 and hence also receives the first conductive cable 10. Similarly, the second clamping cable-receiving channel 1325 of the second clamping member 1320 is aligned (via the mechanism described in a later section) with the second base plate cable receiving channel 12121 and hence also receives the first conductive cable 20. When the clamping assembly 1300 is operated, the conducting cable 10 is clamped (i.e., squeezed) between the first clamping member 1310 and the base plate 1100, and hence clamped into conducting contact with the first plurality of conductive elements 1201. At the same time, the conducting cable 20 is clamped (i.e., squeezed) between the second clamping member 1320 and the base plate 1100, and hence clamped into conducting contact with the second plurality of conductive elements 202. The first plurality of conductive elements 1201 are mutually insulated. Similarly, the second plurality of conductive elements 1202 are also mutually insulated which prevents short circuiting in the clamped configuration. Each individual conductive element 1201 on the first base plate cable receiving channel 1211 is integrally formed with a respective individual conductive elements 1202 located on the second base plate cable receiving channel 1212. Because the first and second conductive elements 1201 , 1202 are themselves conductively connected, the result of the operation of the clamping assembly 1300 is conductive connection between the first multi-core conductive cable 10 and the second multi-core conductive cable 20 without short-circuiting between the individual cores of the first and second multi-core conductive cables 10 and 20.

[0038] In the preferred embodiment the conductive elements 1201, 1202 are made from copper but it is anticipated that any material of sufficient conductivity (e.g. aluminium, gold, steel) would be functional.

[0039] In the preferred embodiment, each of the plurality of the first and second conductive elements 1201, 1202 are integrally formed. That is, each of the discrete first and second conductive elements 1201, 1202 are formed from the same piece of material that is embedded within the base plate 1100, with one end of the piece extending from the first face 1101 and the other end extending from the second face 1102, thereby forming the first and second conductive elements 1201 , 1202.

[0040] For the case when the first and second conducting cables 10, 20 comprise multiple conducting cores (commonly copper, aluminium, etc.) surrounded by an insulating material (commonly various plastics, rubber, or nylon, etc.), the first and second conductive elements 1201 , 1202 are configured for penetrating the insulation of each of the multiple cores in the first and second conducting cables 10 and 20. Said penetration will bring the discrete conductive elements 1201, 1202 in to contact with respective conducting cores of the first and second multi-core conducting cables 10, 20 and thereby establish a conductive connection between said cables without any short-circuiting.

[0041] In the preferred embodiment, each of the conductive elements 1201 , 1202 comprise a piercing portion 1220 to penetrate the insulation 15 around a conductive core 25 of the first and second conductive cables 10, 20. Also in the preferred embodiment, the first and second conductive elements 1201 , 1202 each comprise an angled slicing edge 1225, where during use the angled slicing edge 1225 is configuredto slice through the insulation 15 around a core 25 of the conducting cable. This means that when the clamping assembly 1300 operates and the conducting cables 10, 20 are pressed between the clamping members 1310, 1320 and the base plate 1100, a significant part of the clamping force being applied acts through the narrow piercing portion 1220, thereby easing penetration of the insulation 15 and forming a small hole therein. Once the initial piercing has occurred, the angled slicing edge 1225 of each conductive element 1201, 1202 enlarges the initial hole. This process enables the largest possible conducting surface 1204 of each conductive element 1201 , 1202 to come into contact with the conducting core 25 of the conductive cables 10, 20.

[0042] It is anticipated that the junction box assembly 1000 is suitable for a variety of conductive cable types. In the preferred embodiment, each of the first and second conductive elements 1201 , 1202 further comprise a plurality of conductive elements 1201 , 1202. The number of first and second conductive elements 1201 , 1202 is equal to the number of conducting cores 25 in the first and second conductive cables 10, 20. That is, when the conductive cables 10, 20 each have, for example, three conducting cores 25, then each of the first and second conducting elements 1201, 1202 will necessarily also comprise three conducting elements each (i.e. , one per core). In this way, during use a conductive connection is established between the equivalent cores 25 of the first and second conducting cables 10, 20. ‘Equivalent cores’ means that, for example, the live multiple cores of the first conducting cable 10 will be connected to the live multiple cores of the second conducting cable 20, the earth core of the first conducting cable 10 will be connected to the earth core of the second conducting cable 20, etc.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the junction box assembly 1000 is shown connecting two conducting cables 10, 20 of the triple-core or two-core and earthinsulated type commonly used in building and construction to connect between AC power outlets and the main power supply. However other embodiments are anticipated to be suitable for single core, uninsulated cables, single core insulated cables, or multicore insulated cables. In the illustrated embodiment, the principal limitation on the cable type usable by the junction assembly box 1000 is that the number of cores 25 must match the number of conductive elements 1201 , 1202. The conducting cables 10, 20 must also have the cores arranged coplanar with one another (i.e. , be flat). This is because the clamping operation pushes the conductive elements 1201 , 1202 into the conducting cables 10, 20 from the direction aligned with the movement of the clamping members 1310, 1320 (i.e. from the outside pushing inward, taking the base plate 1100 as a centre of the junction box assembly 1000) so the conducting cores need to be each lined up with a different conductive element 1201 , 1202. This would not be possible in a conducting cable 10, 20 that had radially or otherwise arranged cores. However, the presently described invention, in other embodiments, envisages alternative configurations for the first and second plurality of conductive elements 1201 and 1202 to allow radially arranged cores in a first multiple core conducting cable (with radially arranged cores) to be conductively coupled with a second multiple core conducting cable (with radially arranged cores)

[0044] The junction box assembly 1000 further comprises an alignment mechanism 1400 to align, in sequence, the first clamping member 1310, the base plate 1100, the second clamping member 1320 and the retainer 1330 together in use.

[0045] In general terms, the alignment mechanism 1400 comprises one or more projections 1410 extending from the first clamping member 1310 towards the second clamping member 1320. One or more corresponding openings 1420 located on the base plate 1100, and on the second clamping member 1320, allow said one or moreprojections 1410 to pass through in the clamped position without contacting the conductive cables 10, 20. When the base plate 1100 and then the second clamping member 1320 are stacked on the first clamping member 1310, the projection or projections 1410 will extend through the corresponding openings 1420. By analogy, the arrangement would be similar to that of the classic ‘Towers of Hanoi’ puzzle or exercise weights being placed on the end of a weightlifters bar.

[0046] The alignment mechanism is completed by the retainer 1330. The retainer 1330 comprises a projection receiving portion (underside of illustrated retainer 1330) for receiving and retaining the one or more projections 1410, thereby maintaining the clamped position.

[0047] In addition, the first clamping member 1310 and the base plate 1100 each further comprise a visual indicator 1418. The visual indicator 1418 is configured to aid in the orientation of the conductive cables. The visual indicator 1418 are needed because for multicore cables, one of the cables 10, 20 could be received into the cable receiving channels 1315, 1325 in the reverse orientation to the other. For example, consider the case when the first conducting cable 10 is received onto the first face of the base plate 1101 such that the cores are arranged | live | earth | neutral |. It is possible that the second conducting cable 20 could be received onto the second plate of the base plate 1102 in the order | neutral | earth | live |. After clamping, this would result in the live core of the first conducting cable 10 to be brought into connection with the neutral core of the second conducting cable 20 which may cause a short circuit and be damaging or potentially dangerous.

[0048] The visual indicator helps the user to avoid this situation by showing which side of a receiving channel a certain core should be aligned to.

[0049] In the preferred embodiment, the one or more projections 1410 of the alignment mechanism 1400 are a segmented hollow cylinder 1415. The segmented hollow cylinder 1415 extends from the first clamping member 1310 towards the second clamping member 1320 in the manner described for the more general projections 1410. In this case, the corresponding openings 1420 are segmented annular holes 1425 in the base plate 1100 and the second clamping member 1320 configured to receive the segmented hollow cylinder 1415 during use.

[0050] Also in the preferred embodiment, the second clamping member 1320 further comprises a pill-shaped pillar 1430 extending from a surface of the second clamping member 1320 toward the retainer 1330. The segmented annual holes 1425 of the second clamping member 1320 receive the segmented hollow cylinder 1415 from the opposed surface, such that in use the segmented hollow cylinder 1415 is codirectional with the pill-shaped pillar 1430 as seen in at least Figures 1 and 3. In some embodiments the pill-shaped pillar 1430 is solid, but in other embodiments, the pillshaped pillar 1430 may be hollow or feature a cavity. During use, the pill-shaped pillar 1430 occupies the space between the segments of the segmented hollow cylinder 1415, as seen in Figure 3 In the preferred embodiment, the projection receiving portion comprises a cylindrical cavity in the retainer 1330 is configured to cap the end of the segmented hollow cylinder 1415 during use.

[0051] The segmented hollow cylinder 1415 comprises a distal end 1416 that is externally threaded 1417. The cylindrical cavity of the retainer is internally threaded to complement the external threads 1417 of the segmented hollow cylinder 1415. The external and internal threads 1417, are together configured to effect a clamping action during use. That is, the retainer 1330 can screw onto the segmented hollow cylinder 1415. Because the segmented hollow cylinder 1415 is fixedly attached to or integrallyformed with the first clamping member 1310, screwing the retainer 1330 on to the segmented hollow cylinder 1415 draws the retainer 1330 and the first clamping member 1310 closer together, causing the clamping assembly 1300 to operate in the way previously described.

[0052] The segmented hollow cylinder 1415 and related components provide several benefits. Segmentation of the cylinder allows for the first conducting cable 10 to be laid flat into the first clamping cable receiving channel 1315, or to conceive of the same result differently, to move the first clamping member 1310 over the first conducting cable 10 in situ. Therefore, There is no need to poke a cable end into a limited opening as is common in existing junction box assemblies. The distinctive shape of the segmented cylinder 1415, as seen in at least Figure. 1, means that the base plate 1100 and second clamping member 1320 can only pass over the segmented hollow cylinder 1415 when in the correct orientation. This ensures that the first clamping cable receiving channel 1315 on the first clamping member 1310 and the first base plate cable receiving channel 1211 on the base plate 1100 will be correctly aligned, and conductive connection will be made to each core of the conducting cable 10 correctly. The same result will occur because the second clamping member 1320 will also be aligned correctly, for the same reason.

[0053] The presence of the pill-shaped pillar 1430 of the second clamping member 1320 adds strength to the segmented hollow cylinder 1415 by substantially filling the hollow portion in the distal end 1416 when in use. This is beneficial because the segmented hollow cylinder 1415 will bear a large amount of the clamping force when in operation, via the external threads 1417. In the absence of the pill-shaped pillar 1430, a screwing action of the retainer onto the segmented hollow cylinder 1415 maycause it to become weak or less effective when used in clamping. The inclusion of the pill-shaped pillar therefore adds strength and stability to the clamping assembly 1300.

[0054] In the preferred embodiment of the visual indicator 1418, it takes the form of a a bright red line. This visual indicator 1418 is drawn (or printed, or embossed, etc) along only one side of a portion of the length of the first clamping cable-receiving channel 1315. However, once the base plate 1100 is placed over the first clamping member 1310, this visual indicator 1418 is no longer visible to the user. Therefore, it is also drawn in the equivalent location along only one side of a portion of the length of the first base plate cable-receiving channel 1211. This also assists the user to orient the base plate 1100 correctly with respect to the first clamping member 1310.Alternative embodiments of the alignment mechanism 1400 can be seen in Figs. 8 to 11.In the Fig 8 embodiment, alignment mechanism 2400 is as follows. The projections 2410 extend from the mutually opposed first and second faces 2101 , 2102 of the base plate 2100. It is then the first and second clamping members 2310, 2320 that feature the openings 2420 that the projections 2410 pass through. Similarly, there is in this embodiment a first retainer 2331 and a second retainer 2332, each with projection receiving portions 2440. In this embodiment the projections 2410 each have a retaining ledge 2417 around the edge of the distal end 2416 of the projection 2410. The projection receiving portion 2440 engages the retaining ledge 2417 to retain the clamping assembly 2300 during use.The Fig 9. Embodiment is similar to the preferred embodiment, but instead of the retainer 1330 screwing on to the segmented hollow cylinder 1415, the distal end 1416 of the segmented hollow cylinder 1415 features a retaining ledge 2417 as in Fig 8. Theprojection receiving portion 2440 of the retainer 1330 engages the retaining ledge 2417 to retain the clamping assembly 1300 during use.The Fig 10 and 11 alignment mechanism 3400 is fundamentally the same as previously described whereby projections 3410 extend from the first clamping member 3310 to pass through openings 3420 in the base plate 3100 and second clamping member 3320. The projection receiving portion 3440 of retainer 3330, together with the distal end 3416 of the projections 3410, form a hinge or lever. The clamping assembly 3300 then operates by rotating the retainer 3330 about the axis formed between the projection receiving portion 3440 and the distal end 3416 of the projections 3410. Said rotation shifts the retainer 3330 into a locked configuration that also applies a clamping force to operate the clamping assembly 3300.

[0055] The junction box assembly 1000 further comprises a fastening mechanism 1500. During use, the fastening mechanism 1500 fastens, in sequence, the first clamping member 1310, the base plate 1100, the second clamping member 1320, and the retainer 1330 together.

[0056] In the preferred embodiment, the fastening mechanism 1500 comprises at least 1 set of colinear holes 1510 that pass through each of the first clamping member 1310, the base plate 1100, the second clamping member 1320, and the retainer 1330. The set of colinear holes 1510 are configured to receive a fastening member such as a screw when the junction box assembly 1000 is in use. It is conceived that the colinear hole 1510 through the first clamping member 1310 is internally threaded to receive a screw which is inserted into the set of colinear holes 1510 from the retainer 1330. Turning said screw will engage the threads of the screw with the internal threads of the first clamping member 1310 colinear hole 1510, thereby fixing the clamping assembly 1300 together until said screw is removed. In other embodiments, the firstclamping member 1300 collinear hole 1510 is not internally threaded during manufacture, but the screw used is of the self-tapping kind and interacts with the bulk material of the first clamping member 1300 directly. In other embodiments other fastening means as are known in the art may be used.

[0057] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. The term “comprises” and its variations, such as “comprising” and “comprised of” is used throughout in an inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features.

[0058] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect.

[0059] The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A junction box assembly for connecting insulated multi-core conductive cables, the junction box assembly comprising:a base plate held within a clamping assembly, the base plate comprising: a first face and a second face, the first and second face being configured to receive first and second multi-core conductive cables thereon respectively, and the first and second faces being mutually opposed; andfirst and second conducting assemblies that extend from the first and second faces respectively, wherein first conductive assembly comprises a first plurality of mutually insulated conductive elements and wherein the first conductive assembly comprises a second plurality of mutually insulated conductive elements; andthe clamping assembly comprising:a first clamping member and a second clamping member, the first and / or second clamping members being arranged to be movably disposed to effect clamping of the first conductive cable between the base plate and the first clamping member, and to effect clamping of the second conductive cable between the base plate and the second clamping member in a clamped configuration; anda retainer configured to maintain clamping,where during use, the clamping assembly effects:each of the insulated cores of the first conductive cable to come into conductive contact with corresponding conductive elements of the first conductive assembly; andeach of the insulated cores of the second conductive cable to come into conductive contact with corresponding conductive elements of the second conductive element,such that the mutually insulated conductive elements of the first and second conducting assemblies are arranged to prevent short-circuiting between the multiple cores of the first and second conductive cables while allowing conduction between the first and second conductive cables in the clamped configuration.

2. The junction box assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the conductive elements of the first and second conductive assemblies are configured for penetrating the insulation around the conducting core of the first and second multi-core conducting cables, respectively, during use.

3. The junction box assembly of claim 1 wherein the conductive elements of the first and second conductive assemblies comprise a piercing portion to penetrate the insulation around a conductive core of the first and second multi-core conductive cables, respectively, during use, when the first and second clamping members are moved to effect the clamping.

4. The junction box assembly of any one claims 1 to 3, wherein the conductive elements of the first and second conductive assemblies each comprise an angled slicing edge, where during use the angled slicing edge is configured to slice through the insulation around a core of the first and second conducting cables.

5. The junction box in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the first plurality of conductive elements of the first conductive assembly aremutually spaced apart and wherein the second plurality of conductive elements of the second conductive assembly are mutually spaced apart.

6. The junction box assembly of any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the first plurality of conductive elements and the second plurality of conductive elements are integrally formed with first and second face of the base plate respectively.

7. The junction box assembly in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein each of the first plurality of conductive elements form the first conductive assembly is conductively coupled with corresponding conductive elements of the second conductive assembly.

8. The junction box assembly of claim 6 or 7, wherein the number of first and second conductive elements is equal to the number of cores in the first and second conductive cables, such that during use the conductive connection is between the equivalent cores of the first and second conducting cables.

9. The junction box assembly of any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising an alignment mechanism to align, in sequence, the first clamping member, the base plate, the second clamping member and the retainer together in use.

10. The junction box assembly in accordance with claim 9 wherein the alignment mechanism comprises:one or more projections extending from the first clamping member towards the second clamping member;one or more corresponding openings located on the base plate to allow said one or more projections to pass through in the clamped position without contacting the conductive cables;one or more corresponding openings located on second clamping member to allow said one or more projections to pass through in the clamped position without contacting the conductive cables; anda projection receiving portion being located on the retainer for receiving and retaining the one or more projections for maintaining the clamped position.

11. The junction box assembly of claim 9, wherein the alignment mechanism comprises:a segmented hollow cylinder extending from the first clamping member towards the second clamping member;segmented annular holes in the base plate and the second clamping member configured to receive the segmented hollow cylinder during use;a pill-shaped pillar extending from a surface of the second clamping member, where during use the pill-shaped pillar occupies the space between the segments of the segmented hollow cylinder; anda cylindrical cavity in the retainer configured to cap the end of the segmented hollow cylinder during use.

12. The junction box assembly of claim 11 wherein the segmented hollow cylinder comprises a distal end that is externally threaded, and the cylindrical cavity of the retainer comprises internal threads complementary to the external threads of thesegmented hollow cylinder, where the external and internal threads are together configured to effect a clamping action during use.

13. The junction box assembly of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first clamping member further comprises a cable-receiving channel.

14. The junction box assembly of claim 13, wherein the cable receiving channel extends from a first edge to a second edge of the first clamping member, and between the segments of the segmented hollow cylinder.

15. The junction box assembly of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the base plate further comprises a cable-receiving channel on each of the first and second faces.

16. The junction box assembly of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the second clamping member further comprises a cable-receiving channel.

17. The junction box assembly of claim 15 or claim 16 wherein the cablereceiving channel of the first clamping member and the cable-receiving channel of the first face of the base plate are colinear and, during use, together receive the first conducting cable.

18. The junction box assembly of claim 16 or claim 17 wherein the cablereceiving channel of the second clamping member and the cable-receiving channel ofthe second face of the base plate are colinear and, during use, together receive the second conducting cable.

19. The junction box assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the junction box assembly further comprises a fastening mechanism, where during use the fastening mechanism fastens in sequence, the first clamping member, the base plate, the second clamping member and the retainer together.

20. The junction box assembly of claim 19, wherein the fastening mechanism comprises at least 1 set of colinear holes that pass through each of the first clamping member, the base plate, the second clamping member, and the retainer, wherein the set of colinear holes are configured to receive a fastening member such as a screw.

21. The junction box assembly of any one preceding claims, wherein the first and second clamping members further comprise perimeter walls, where during use the perimeter walls encompass the base plate.

21. The junction box assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first clamping member and the base plate each further comprise a visual indicator, the visual indicator configured to aid in the orientation of the conductive cables.

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