Grounding connector

Abstract

The ground connector may include a connector body (44) and a shear bolt (40). The connector body (44) may have a threaded portion and a recess (108) sized to receive one or more conductors (140). The shear bolt (40) may be sized to engage with the threaded portion of the connector body (44) to secure the one or more conductors (140) within the recess (108). The shear bolt (40) may retain the one or more conductors (140) within the recess (108) when the shear bolt (40) is screwed into the threaded portion of the connector body (44). When the shearing bolt (40) is subjected to shearing torque, the head of the shearing bolt (40) can be sheared off from the body of the shearing bolt (40). The shear torque may correspond to a target compressive force applied between the shear bolt (40) and the one or more conductors (140).

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 347,274, filed on May 31, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] In various situations, it may be beneficial to provide an electrical ground to a conductor (e.g., required by a regulatory standard). For example, to provide a ground connection, a ground connector may secure a wire or other conductor (e.g., a cable) to an electrical conductor (e.g., a portion of a ground connector that in turn is connected to a ground rod or other grounding component) to provide a mechanically secured electrical ground connection (i.e., a connection to electrical ground) for the conductor. Summary of the invention

[0004] In some aspects, the grounding connector assembly may include a connector body, the connector body may include a recess extending from the blind end in an axial direction and an internal thread extending in the axial direction. The recess may include a recess opening that opens laterally toward the connector body relative to the axial direction, and the recess opening may define a laying inlet. The laying inlet may receive one or more conductors into the recess along an insertion direction transverse to the axial direction. The grounding connector assembly may also include a shear bolt, the shear bolt may be engaged with the internal thread of the connector body and axially aligned with the recess, so that the shear bolt may be threadably moved into the recess to engage the one or more conductors. The shear bolt may have a shear torque, under which the head of the shear bolt may be configured to shear off the body of the shear bolt. The shear torque may correspond to a target compression force between the shear bolt and the one or more conductors. The shear bolt may be tightened into the internal thread of the connector body so that the body of the shear bolt may hold the one or more conductors at the blind end of the recess.

[0005] In some aspects, the recess may be formed as a groove extending into the connector body and may include: a first portion that may extend parallel to the axial direction, a bend, and a second portion that may extend laterally from the bend to a lateral side of the connector body and a routing entrance.

[0006] In some aspects, the groove can intersect the internal threads and can have a first width that can be less than an inner diameter of the internal threads.

[0007] In some aspects, the slot can extend axially away from the routing inlet and past the axial end of the internal thread.

[0008] In some aspects, the connector body may integrally include a conductor portion and an overhang portion, the conductor portion may at least partially include the recess, and the overhang portion may be located on a side of the routing entry axially opposite to the conductor portion.

[0009] In some aspects, the overhanging portion can include internal threads.

[0010] In some aspects, the internal threads of the depending portion can extend in axial length so that the shear bolts can be secured to the connector body in staged orientations, wherein the shear bolts can be oriented to allow one or more conductors to be inserted into or removed from the recess via the routing access.

[0011] In some aspects, the conductor portion can include internal threads.

[0012] In some aspects, the overhang portion can define a cross-sectional profile that is substantially the same as a cross-sectional profile of the conductor portion relative to a corresponding reference plane that can be perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0013] In some aspects, the cross-sectional profile can be circular, hexagonal, or both.

[0014] In some aspects, the shear bolt may further include a cap between the body and the head, which may extend laterally further than the internal threads and may provide a stop to prevent over-insertion of the shear bolt into the recess.

[0015] In some aspects, the connector body can be secured to a ground rod that can extend axially from the connector body in a direction opposite the shear bolt.

[0016] In some aspects, the connector body can be threadably connected to the ground rod.

[0017] In some aspects, the ground connector assembly may include a ground bar. The ground connector assembly may also include a connector body that can be engaged with the ground bar at a first end. The connector body may include a threaded portion extending in an axial direction and a recess that can be sized to receive one or more conductors at a second end. The recess may open from the connector body in a lateral direction relative to the axial direction. A shear bolt may engage with the threaded portion of the connector body and may secure the one or more conductors in the recess. The head of the shear bolt may be configured to shear off from the body of the shear bolt under a target compressive force between the shear bolt and the one or more conductors. The target compressive force may retain the one or more conductors in the recess.

[0018] In some aspects, the recess can be formed as a slot that can extend into the connector body. The connector body can include a first portion that can extend parallel to the axial direction. The first portion can define a slot opening at an opposite lateral side of the connector body. The second portion can extend laterally from the first portion to the routing entrance.

[0019] In some aspects, the connector body can present a circular cross-section along the recess and a hexagonal cross-section at an end axially opposite the head of the shear bolt.

[0020] In some aspects, the recess may define a routing opening in a lateral direction that may receive one or more conductors.The second end of the connector body may extend axially through the routing opening and may include at least a portion of the threaded portion.

[0021] In some aspects, the threaded portion at the second end of the connector body can be cantilevered so as to be axially aligned with the recess.

[0022] In some aspects, a method of establishing a ground connection may include providing a connector body, the connector body may include a recess that may extend from the blind end in an axial direction. The connector body may also include an internal thread that may extend in the axial direction. The connector body may also include a recess that may open toward a lateral side of the connector body relative to the axial direction. The recess may define a routing entry. The method may also include inserting one or more conductors into the routing entry laterally along an insertion direction that may be transverse to the axial direction. The method may also include axially moving the one or more conductors within the recess so that the one or more conductors are located at the blind end of the recess. The method may also include tightening a shear bolt into the internal thread of the connector body, which may threadably move the shear bolt in the axial direction to engage the one or more conductors within the recess. The method may also include tightening the shear bolt to a shear torque, which may shear the head of the shear bolt from the body of the shear bolt. The shear torque may correspond to a target compression force between the shear bolt and the one or more conductors, so that the body of the shear bolt may hold the one or more conductors at the blind end of the recess.

[0023] In some aspects, the shear bolt can be retained by a threaded portion of the connector body as one or more conductors are inserted into the routing entry.

[0024] In some aspects, a grounding connector assembly may include a connector body and a shear bolt. The connector body may include a first end and a second end, the second end including a threaded portion having an internal thread extending in an axial direction and a recess sized to receive one or more conductors. The recess may open outwardly from the connector body in a lateral direction relative to the axial direction. The shear bolt may engage the threaded portion of the connector body to secure the one or more conductors in the recess. The head of the shear bolt may be configured to shear off the body of the shear bolt under a shear torque corresponding to a target compressive force between the shear bolt and the one or more conductors to retain the one or more conductors in the recess.

[0025] Other aspects of the grounding connector and grounding assembly, including features and advantages thereof, will become apparent to those skilled in the art through study of the drawings and detailed description herein. Therefore, all such aspects are intended to be included in the detailed description and summary of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 is an isometric view of an example grounding connector according to the disclosed technology having a connector body and a shear bolt having a head and a body.

[0027] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Isometric view of a grounding connector with two conductors maintained in a grounding configuration.

[0028] Figure 3 Yes Figure 2 Side view of the configured ground connector.

[0029] Figure 4 Is suitable for Figure 1 An isometric view of a connector body used with a ground connector, presented in perspective to show the recess therein.

[0030] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 An isometric view of another configuration of a grounding connector in which one or more caps are secured to the shear bolt.

[0031] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 An isometric view of a grounding connector with the header removed and the two conductors installed in a grounding configuration.

[0032] Figure 7 Yes Figure 6 Side view of the ground connector in the configuration shown.

[0033] Figure 8 is an isometric view of another example ground connector according to the disclosed technology, which forms part of a grounding assembly including a ground rod.

[0034] Fig. 9 is a side view of a shear bolt suitable for use with the ground connector disclosed herein.

[0035] Fig.10 is an isometric view of another example ground connector according to the disclosed technology.

[0036] Fig.11 is an isometric view of yet another example ground connector according to the disclosed technology, which forms part of a grounding assembly including a ground rod.

[0037] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 Isometric cutaway view of the grounding assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The present disclosure and drawings generally relate to ground connectors, including ground connectors utilizing shear bolts and ground connectors that lay ground connectors. Although examples of ground connectors are disclosed with reference to specific installation environments, the concepts of ground connectors can be used in a wide range of applications.

[0039] As generally mentioned above, grounding connections of conductors are useful in a variety of contexts. To ensure a proper grounding connection, it is important that the conductor be properly mechanically secured to the grounding connector. For example, certain code requirements may require that the grounding connector provide at least a minimum force (e.g., a minimum allowable pull-out load) to separate the grounding conductor from the grounding connector. However, during installation of conventional grounding connectors, it may be difficult for users to ensure a properly secure connection with the associated conductor using existing tools. In addition, the engagement of existing connectors is often reversible and may result in a reduced safety or durability of the grounding connection.

[0040] In this regard, some examples disclosed herein may include a grounding connector having a fastener that is configured to easily provide a suitably secure grounding connection for one or more conductors. For example, some grounding connectors disclosed herein may include a shear bolt that is configured to be tightened to threadedly engage with a grounding body of the connector. The head of the shear bolt may be configured to automatically shear off the shaft (or other body portion) of the shear bolt when the head (and the bolt) is loaded with a torque corresponding to the shear bolt shaft, thereby appropriately securing one or more conductors to the grounding body (e.g., securing one or more conductors to resist at least a threshold pull-out force). Thus, for example, a suitable grounding connection may be reliably established without the need for specialized tools. In addition, in the tightened and sheared state, the shear bolt may effectively result in an irreversible grounding connection.

[0041] In some cases, it is helpful to install a grounding connector for a conductor that is already installed in a larger assembly or system, because the conductor that is already installed in the larger assembly or system may make the penetration installation of the conductor difficult. Thus, for example, some examples disclosed herein can be configured to lay a grounding connector. For example, the grounding connector can include a notch, groove or other recessed portion, which opens to receive one or more conductors via the orifice of the recessed portion. In this type of arrangement, the recessed portion can also be aligned with a set of threads (e.g., partially included), which are arranged to engage a bolt (e.g., a shear bolt) to fix one or more conductors in the recessed portion.

[0042] In some cases, the recess of the laying ground connector can extend toward an axial end of the ground connector relative to an axial direction defined by the threads of a bolt securing the associated one or more conductors to the ground connector (e.g., can extend linearly to the top of the ground connector in the installation orientation relative to gravity). Thus, for example, the one or more conductors can be installed into the ground connector in a direction similar to that in which a shear bolt moves to engage or release the one or more conductors.

[0043] In some cases, the recess of the laying ground connector can extend to the lateral side of the ground connector relative to the axial direction defined by the bolt threads. Thus, for example, one or more conductors can be installed into the ground connector along an insertion direction that is transverse (e.g., perpendicular) to the direction in which the shear bolt moves to engage the one or more conductors. In this case, for example, the ground connector can include a depending end portion that is configured to stage the bolt (i.e., temporarily hold the bolt in the installed position) during the installation operation, including as the one or more conductors move into or out of the associated recess, and once the bolt is tightened, the conductor can be held in the recess by the bolt.

[0044] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the shear bolt 40 is received within the connector body 44, thereby forming the ground connector 48. The shear bolt 40 can include a head 56, a shear segment 60, and a body 64 (e.g., a threaded shaft as shown in the illustrated example). The shear segment 60 can be configured to connect the head 56 to the body 64. The shear segment 60 can include a cross-sectional geometry that is different from the cross-sectional geometry of the shear bolt 40 and / or the head 56.

[0045] Generally, the shear bolt 40 is configured such that upon application of at least a threshold torque, a shear force causes the head 56 to separate from the body 64 at the shear section 60. In particular, in the illustrated example, a first axis 68 intersects the head 56 and the body 64. The head 56 can define a first surface or head surface 72 that is configured to receive a tool (e.g., a conventional wrench, not shown) such that a rotational force 76 about the first axis 68 can be transmitted from the tool through the first surface 72 to the head 56. When the magnitude of the rotational force 76 reaches a certain degree or force level, the head 56 can be sheared off from the body 64 accordingly. In this regard, the shear bolt can be configured such that the shear torque is at a predetermined value, at which the head 56 may need to be sheared off from the body 64 (e.g., to ensure an appropriate ground clamping force, as discussed further below).

[0046] The body 64 may include first external threads 88. The first external threads 88 may extend axially along the first axis 68 and may be configured to secure the shear bolt 40 to the connector body 44. The shear bolt 40 may be secured to the connector body 44 via the first set of threads 88 of the body 64. The connector body 44 also has an outer peripheral surface 92 extending between a first end 96 opposite a second end 100 and at least one side 104 located between the first end 96 and the second end 100 (e.g., multiple faces to provide a hexagonal or other polygonal cross-sectional profile).

[0047] Still reference Figure 1 , the shear bolt 40 can be in at least two states. In the first state or pre-shear state (see Figure 1 ), the head 56 and the body 64 may be connected by the shear section 60. The shear bolt 40 in the pre-shear state may be fixed to the connector body 44 in a staged orientation. In the staged orientation, the body 64 of the shear bolt 40 may be partially received by the recess 108 at the recess, but the body 64 may not yet apply sufficient compressive force to the conductor.

[0048] On the contrary, reference Figure 2 In a tightened or sheared state, the head 56 of the shear bolt 40 can be sheared off from the body 64, thereby securing the conductor 140 to the connector body 44 with the desired compressive force. In addition, since the head 56 has been removed, it may be relatively difficult to remove the shear bolt 40 from the connector body 44 or otherwise loosen the engagement with the conductor 140.

[0049] Still reference Figure 2In the example shown, at least one side 104 of the connector body 44 includes a first face 120 and a second face 124 opposite the first face 120. The first face 120 may include a first recess opening 128, and the second face 124 may include a second recess opening 132. Correspondingly, the recess 108 may extend from the first recess opening 128 to the second recess opening 132 and be configured to receive one or more conductors. In some examples, the recess 108 may extend axially from the first end 96 toward the second end 100. In some examples, the recess 108 may extend only a portion of the way along the connector body 44 from the first end 96 toward the second end 100. For example, as shown, the recess 108 may extend to a blind end 134 within each of the recess openings 128, 132. In some examples, the recess 108 may extend from the first recess opening 128 to the second recess opening 132 across the connector body 44 and transverse to the first axis 68. In some examples, the recess 108 may extend radially through the connector body 44 from the first recess opening 128 to the second recess opening 132. In some examples, the recess 108 may extend non-linearly from the first recess opening 128 to the second recess opening 132 (eg, to support angled or curved conductors).

[0050] Generally, the recess 108 can extend along a cavity 136 disposed between the first recess opening 128 and the second recess opening 132 (e.g., centered along the connector body 44). The cavity 136 can include a cavity opening 138 disposed on the first end 96 that is configured to receive the shear bolt 40. The cavity opening 138 can be circular, or any other shape (e.g., square, oval, triangular, etc.). In some examples, the cavity 136 can be cylindrical and configured to receive the body 64 of the shear bolt 40. In some examples, the cavity 136 can include a second internal thread 139 that is configured to receive the first external thread 88 of the shear bolt 40. In some examples, the second internal thread 139 can only partially extend in the axial direction with the cavity 136.

[0051] refer to Figure 4In some examples, the cavity 136 may only partially extend in the axial direction with the recess 108. For example, the cavity 136 may extend axially less than the recess 108 from the first end 96 toward the second end 100. In other words, the axial length of the cavity 136 extending from the first end 96 to the second end 100 may be less than the axial length of the recess 108 also extending from the first end 96 to the second end 100. In some examples, the diameter of the cavity 136 may be greater than the width of the recess 108, for example, the width of the first recess opening 128 or the second recess opening 132 around the peripheral surface 92. In other words, the cavity 136 may be wider than the width of the groove generally along the circumferential direction of the cavity 136, so that when the shear bolt 40 is received in the cavity 136, the shear bolt 40 may extend completely across the recess 108 (or the recess openings 128, 132).

[0052] refer to Figure 2 , one or more of the conductors 140 may be positioned or received in the recess 108. Thus, the shear bolt 40 may be inserted into the connector body 44 via the second internal threads 139 of the cavity 136 (e.g., tightened using a hand tool) to hold the one or more conductors 140 between the shear bolt 40 and the connector body 44.

[0053] When the shear bolt 40 is in the pre-shear position, as the rotational force 76 (see Figure 1 ), the shear bolt 40 tends to move along the first axis 68 toward the one or more conductors 140. Therefore, as the shear bolt 40 advances toward the one or more conductors 140 and begins to push the conductors 140 into the connector body 44, a predetermined or target compressive force can be reached between the shear bolt 40 and the one or more conductors 140 to properly retain the one or more conductors 140 within the recess 108 (e.g., in accordance with electrical codes or other regulations). Therefore, in general, the shear bolt 40 can be advantageously configured to exhibit a shear torque that is large enough so that the target compressive force of the one or more conductors 140 is reached when or before the shear torque is reached, but not so large that the conductors 140 are excessively deformed. Therefore, when the shear torque is reached and the head 56 is sheared from the body 64, the user can be confident that the target compressive force has been reached and the conductors 140 have not been overly compressed.

[0054] When the head 56 is removed, the shear bolt 40 is in a tightened or sheared position (e.g., Figure 2 ). When the head 56 is removed, the shear surface 152 can be exposed along the shear section 60. In some examples, the shear surface 152 can be a flat surface or an uneven (i.e., non-flat) surface. In this regard, for example, once the head 56 is sheared off, it may be relatively difficult to axially move the shear bolt 40 within the recess 108, thereby further ensuring that the conductor 140 can remain securely engaged.

[0055] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 , at least one side surface 104 (including a first surface 120 and a second surface 124 (see Figure 2 )) can be sized and shaped to receive a tool (not shown), including a standard wrench or other similar hand tool. Thus, in some cases, at least one side 104 can be engaged by a tool (not shown) to hold the connector body 44 in a fixed position as the head 56 of the shear bolt 40 is engaged by a different tool to adjust the shear bolt 40 (e.g., tighten the shear bolt 40 to establish a ground connection). In some examples, the connector body 44 can have a hexagonal cross-sectional profile (e.g., can match or be slightly larger than the hexagonal cross-sectional profile of the associated shear bolt). Thus, for example, the shear bolt and connector body can be easily engaged with a standard socket, crescent wrench, or other wrench. In some examples, one or both ends of the connector body 44 can be flat or planar (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1 ). Figure 1 96). In some examples, one or both ends of the connector body 44 can be uneven or non-planar in shape. In some examples, both ends of the connector body 44 can include threaded openings, including as discussed further below.

[0056] As described above, the connector body may include a recess 108 to receive one or more conductors, and the recess 108 may include a cavity 136 to receive the shear bolt 40. In some examples, reference Figures 4 to 6 , the cavity 136 may include a first chamfer 164 and a second chamfer 168 , which may help guide the shear bolt alignment.

[0057] In the example shown, the first recess opening 128 and the second recess opening 132 of the recess 108 may define a semi-circular (or other) saddle 192 shaped and dimensioned to receive one or more conductors 140 (see Figure 2 ), and continues from the first opening 128 to the second opening 132. In some examples, the first recess opening 128 and the second recess opening 132 can include sidewalls 196 that are inclined relative to the first axis 68 to better guide the conductor into the saddle 192.

[0058] about Figures 5 to 9 , which generally shows Figures 1 to 6 Various alternative configurations and optional features of the ground connector 48 of the present invention. Collectively or individually, these configurations or features can expand the versatility of the disclosed ground connector 48 in various ways, thereby expanding its utility. Although certain differences are noted below, the above discussion of the connector 48 is generally applicable to the examples discussed below.

[0059] about Figures 5 to 7 One or more front stops formed as caps (eg, washers) 240 may be secured to the body 64 of the shear bolt 40 (see Figure 7 ). The one or more caps 240 have an outer diameter that is large enough to not enter the cavity 136 of the recess 108. When the shear bolt 40 is in the pre-shear position, the one or more caps 240 can be fixed to the body 64 and positioned between the head 56 and the first end 96 (see Figure 5 ). The shear bolt 40 may then be advanced to retain the one or more conductors 140 in the recess 108 (see Figure 6 and Figure 8 ), so that the head 56 is sheared off near the cap 240. Therefore, the shear surface 152 that contacts the shear bolt 40 hardly protrudes (or does not protrude at all) above the upper surface 252 of the cap 240 that is close to or closest to the head 56 (before the head 56 is sheared off). Therefore, the cap 240 can protect the shear surface 152 (see Figure 6 , Figure 7 ) and further increase the irreversibility of the ground connection. In some examples, the cap 240 can prevent the shear bolt 40 from being over-inserted into the cavity 136 and possibly damaging one or more conductors 140 in the recess 108.

[0060] refer to Figure 8 In some examples, the ground connector 48 can engage the ground rod 256 to form a ground assembly 260. In some cases, the connector body 44 can be configured to be fixed to the ground rod 256 by threaded engagement. In this regard, in some examples, the second end 100 of the connector body 44 can include a threaded anchor portion ( Figure 8 The threaded anchoring portion may be threadedly engaged with the ground rod 256 at a threaded end portion (external thread not shown) of the ground rod 256. In some examples, the ground rod 256 may be segmented to include a plurality of threaded ground rod sections.

[0061] In other examples, other configurations are possible. For example, some grounding bodies may be included as part of, or may be configured to connect to, a point grounding rod. For another example, the grounding bodies do not necessarily need to be aligned parallel to the main elongated axis of the grounding rod or other related components. For example, the grounding body may be screwed into or otherwise engaged with another grounding component, wherein the axis of rotation of the shear bolt or the insertion direction of the wire is perpendicular to (or otherwise transverse to) the elongated direction of the grounding component (e.g., the grounding body extends radially outward from the grounding rod).

[0062] Still reference Figure 8In some examples, the connector body 44 may include a recess 108 including a first recess opening 128, a second recess opening 132, and a cavity 136. In some examples, the recess 108 may include a routing slot 262 configured to receive one or more conductors 140. The routing slot 262 may include a routing inlet 264 disposed on a lateral side of the connector body 44 relative to the axial direction (and open toward the lateral side). In some examples, the routing inlet 264 may define an insertion direction that is substantially perpendicular to one or more of the side walls 196 of the recess 108. In some examples, the insertion direction defined by the routing inlet 264 may not be substantially perpendicular to one or more of the side walls 196 of the recess 108. The routing slot 262 may extend from the routing inlet 264 to the first recess opening 128 and the second recess opening 132. Thus, the routing slot 262 may be configured to allow one or more of the conductors 140 to be inserted or routed into the recess 108 in a direction transverse to the axial direction. In some examples, routing slot 262 may only partially be coextensive with the recess in the axial direction.

[0063] To partially define the routing slot 262, the overhang portion 266 may extend axially above the recess 108 and the routing inlet 264. In some examples, the overhang portion 266 may have a cross-sectional shape substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the connector body 44 (e.g., a hexagon). In some examples, the cross-sectional shape of the overhang portion 266 may be substantially different from the cross-sectional shape of the connector body 44. In some examples, the overhang portion 266 is cantilevered and may be supported by a support portion 270. In some examples, the support portion 270 may extend axially from the connector body 44 on a side laterally opposite to the routing inlet 264.

[0064] In some examples, the overhang portion 266 may include a threaded aperture 268. In some examples, the threaded aperture 268 may be axially aligned with the cavity 136 of the recess 108 (i.e., spaced from the cavity 136 such that a bolt received through the aperture 268 is aligned to be axially received into the cavity 136). Thus, for example, the shear bolt 40 may be threadedly inserted and retained by the threaded aperture 268, and, with sufficient axial insertion, may also be retained by the internal threads of the cavity 136. However, in some examples, the cavity 136 may not include the second internal threads 139, and only the threaded aperture 268 may threadably engage and retain the shear bolt 40. In either case, the shear bolt 40 may be inserted into the connector body 44 (e.g., tightened using a hand tool) via the threaded aperture 268 of the overhang portion 266 to retain one or more conductors 140 in the recess 108 between the shear bolt 40 and the connector body 44. Once the one or more conductors 140 are in place, the shear bolt 40 may be tightened to secure the one or more conductors 140, including by shearing the head 56 at a predetermined torque.

[0065] In some examples, the staged orientation of the shear bolt 40 may include securing the shear bolt 40 to the threaded aperture 268 (eg, Figure 8 268). In some examples, the shear bolt 40 in the staged orientation may be secured to the threaded aperture 268 such that the bottom of the shear bolt 40 does not extend axially below the overhang 266 or extends only slightly. The shear bolt 40 in the staged orientation may not extend into the routing slot 262 or extend only a very small depth into the routing slot (e.g., extending only slightly to allow passage of a conductor of a particular diameter, such as Figure 8 ). Thus, the staged orientation can allow an installer to insert (route) one or more conductors 140 into the recess 108 through the route entry 264 while the shear bolt 40 is at least partially secured to the connector body 44 by the overhang 266. The staged orientation can also allow an installer to remove one or more conductors 140 from the recess 108 through the route entry 264 while the shear bolt 40 is at least partially secured to the connector body 44.

[0066] Correspondingly, Figure 8The assembly 260 can be sold as a pre-assembled kit (e.g., completely ready to install, with no loose parts). For example, the shear bolt 40 can be sold and shipped to the site in a manner that is threaded to the connector body 44, thereby reducing the risk of missing or mismatched parts. The conductor 140, and wire in general, can be stiff or difficult to manipulate, and the recess 108, routing slot 262, and overhang can retain the conductor 140 in both a vertical direction and an axial direction, thereby allowing the installer to tighten the shear bolt 40 without expending additional effort to retain the conductor 140 within the routing slot 262. Relatedly, the routing slot 262 can be helpful when installing a grounding connector for one or more conductors 140 because the conductors themselves are already installed in a larger assembly or system that may make penetration installation of the conductor difficult.

[0067] refer to Fig. 9 , the shear segment 60 of the shear bolt 40 can be configured to provide a more definitive location for shear failure of the shear bolt 40. For example, the shear segment 60 can have a shear segment diameter 284 that is narrower than the shaft diameter 288 of the body 64. The shear segment 60 can be integrally formed to have a narrower diameter, or the shear segment 60 can be subjected to a material removal operation, such as cutting the shear bolt 40 on a lathe. When the shear bolt 40 in the pre-shear position is subjected to the rotational force 76, the shear segment 60 can be more easily sheared at the desired location because the shear segment diameter 284 is narrowed compared to the body 64.

[0068] Fig.10 An example of a connector body 44 is shown, which includes at least the recess 108, the routing groove 262, the routing entrance 264 and the overhang portion 266. Generally, Fig.10 The connector body 44 can be used as the above-mentioned laying connector body 44. However, in this example, the connector body 44 can include more than one cross-sectional profile. For example, Fig.10 It is further shown that the cross-section of the bottom portion of the connector body 44 can be hexagonal, while the cross-sections of the central portion and the top portion can be circular. The top portion can include at least an overhang portion 266, and the overhang portion 266 can also have a circular cross-section. In other examples, the top portion, the bottom portion, and the central portion can be any other shape (e.g., circular, hexagonal, trapezoidal, rectangular, triangular, etc.). In some examples, the cross-sections of the top portion and the central portion may be wider than the cross-section of the bottom portion. Therefore, for example, the top portion and the central portion can provide additional material to strengthen the connector body 44 as a whole.

[0069] Fig.11 and Fig.12 An example of a connector body 44 is shown, which includes at least a recess 108, a routing groove 262, a routing inlet 264, and an overhang 266. Fig.10 Similar to the example, Fig.11 The connector body 44 may include more than one cross-sectional profile. The connector body 44 may also include a rod aperture 280 configured to receive the rod 256. The rod aperture may extend axially and opposite the threaded aperture that receives the shear bolt 40 so that the rod 256 may be received in (and extend from) the end 100 of the connector body 44. Thus, as Fig.12 As shown, the rod aperture 280 may threadably receive the rod 256 to provide a ground connection between the conductor 140 and the rod 256 .

[0070] Therefore, some examples of the disclosed technology can provide an improved grounding connector. For example, by using shear bolts, the grounding connector can be configured to be more reliable, safer, and easier to install than traditional designs.

[0071] As used herein, the term "about" refers to possible variations in values, for example, by typical measurements and manufacturing procedures used for articles of manufacture that may include examples of the disclosed technology; by inadvertent errors in these procedures; by differences in the manufacture, origin, or purity of ingredients used to make compositions or mixtures or to perform methods; etc. Throughout the disclosure, the terms "about" and "approximately" refer to a range of ±5% of the value modified by the term.

[0072] In addition, as used herein, unless otherwise limited or defined, "or" represents a non-exclusive list of components or operations that can appear in any combination, rather than an exclusive list of components that can only appear as alternatives to each other. For example, the "A, B, or C" list represents the following options: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; and A, B, and C. Correspondingly, the term "or" used herein is intended to represent an exclusive selection only when it is accompanied by an exclusive term, such as "any one," "one of," "only one of," or "exactly one of." For example, the "one of A, B, or C" list represents options including: A, but not B and C; B, but not A and C; and C, but not A and B. Lists beginning with "one or more" (and variations thereof), and elements listed separated by "or" represent options for one or more of any or all of the listed elements. For example, the phrases "one or more of A, B, or C" and "at least one of A, B, or C" represent the following options: one or more A; one or more B; one or more C; one or more A and one or more B; one or more B and one or more C; one or more A and one or more C; and one or more A, one or more B, and one or more C. Similarly, a list beginning with "plurality" (and variations thereof) and including "or" to separate the listed elements represents the option of multiple instances of any or all of the listed elements. For example, the phrases "plurality of A, B, or C" and "two or more A, B, or C" represent the following options: A and B; B and C; A and C; and A, B, and C.

[0073] Furthermore, as used herein, unless otherwise limited or defined, "integral" and its derivatives (e.g., "integrally") describe a component that is manufactured as a single piece, without the need for fasteners, adhesives, or the like to secure the separate components together. For example, a one-piece component that is stamped from a single piece of sheet metal, without the need for rivets, screws, or adhesives to secure separately formed components together, is a unitary (and integrally formed) component. In contrast, a component that is formed from multiple pieces that are initially formed separately and then subsequently joined together is not a unitary (or integrally formed) component.

[0074] Furthermore, as used herein, unless otherwise defined or limited, the term "lateral" refers to a direction at least one component of which does not extend parallel to a reference direction. In some cases, the lateral direction may be a radial (i.e., perpendicular outward) direction relative to an axis extending along the reference direction. In some cases, the lateral direction may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the reference direction.

[0075] In addition, as used herein, unless otherwise limited or defined, "substantially parallel" means a direction within ±12 degrees of a reference direction. Similarly, "substantially perpendicular" means a direction within ±12 degrees perpendicular to a reference direction. For a non-straight path, if the end-to-end line of the path is substantially parallel to (or perpendicular to) the reference direction, or the average derivative of the path in a common reference frame as the reference direction is substantially parallel to (or perpendicular to) the reference direction, then the path is substantially parallel to (or perpendicular to) the reference direction.

[0076] Additionally, as used herein, unless otherwise defined or limited, "substantially the same" refers to two or more components, systems, or shapes that are manufactured or used according to the same process and specification, and the variations between the components, systems, or shapes are within the acceptable tolerance limits for the relevant process or specification. For example, two components may be considered substantially the same or have substantially the same shape if they are manufactured according to the same standardized manufacturing steps, using the same materials, and within the same acceptable dimensional tolerance range (e.g., as specified for a particular process or product).

[0077] In some embodiments, the devices or systems disclosed herein may be utilized, manufactured, installed, etc. using methods that embody aspects of the disclosed technology. Accordingly, any description herein of a particular feature, capability, or intended use of a device or system is generally intended to include disclosure of methods for using such a device for its intended use, methods for otherwise achieving such capabilities, methods for manufacturing relevant components of such a device or system (or an entire device or system), and methods for installing disclosed (or otherwise known) components to support such purposes or capabilities. Similarly, unless otherwise specified or limited, discussion herein of any method of manufacturing or using a particular device or system (including installing the device or system) is intended to inherently include disclosure of the utilized features and achieved capabilities of such a device or system as an example of the disclosed technology.

[0078] As mentioned above, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that although the disclosed technology has been described above in conjunction with specific embodiments and examples, the disclosed technology is not necessarily limited thereto, and many other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications and deviations from the embodiments, examples and uses are intended to be covered in the appended claims. The complete disclosure of each patent and publication cited herein is incorporated by reference, just as each such patent or publication is incorporated herein by reference individually. Various features and advantages of the disclosed technology are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A grounding connector assembly, the grounding connector assembly comprising: A connector body (44) comprising: a first end and a second end, the second end comprising a threaded portion having an internal thread extending in an axial direction; and a recess (108) sized to receive one or more conductors (140), the recess opening outwardly from the connector body (44) in a lateral direction relative to the axial direction; and A shear bolt (40) is engaged with the threaded portion of the connector body (44) to secure the one or more conductors (140) within the recess (108), the head of the shear bolt (40) being configured to shear from the body of the shear bolt (40) at a shear torque corresponding to a target compressive force between the shear bolt (40) and the one or more conductors (140) to retain the one or more conductors (140) within the recess (108).

2. The ground connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The recess (108) extends from the blind end along the axial direction and opens to a lateral side of the connector body (44) relative to the axial direction to define a routing entrance, thereby receiving one or more conductors (140) into the recess (108) along an insertion direction transverse to the axial direction; and wherein the target compressive force is generated by tightening the shear bolt (40) into the internal threads of the connector body (44) such that the body of the shear bolt (40) retains the one or more conductors (140) at the blind end of the recess (108).

3. The grounding connector assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The recess (108) is formed as a groove extending into the connector body (44) and includes: a first portion extending parallel to the axial direction, a bent portion, and a second portion extending laterally from the bent portion to a lateral side of the connector body (44).

4. The ground connector assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The groove intersects the internal thread and has a first width that is smaller than an inner diameter of the internal thread, and optionally or preferably, wherein the groove extends axially toward the first end of the connector body (44) past an axial end of the internal thread.

5. A grounding connector assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The connector body (44) integrally comprises a conductor portion at least partially comprising the recess (108) and an overhang portion (266), the conductor portion at least partially comprising the recess (108), the overhang portion extending in a cantilevered manner on a side of an entrance of the recess (108) axially opposite to the conductor portion.

6. The ground connector assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The overhang portion (266) includes internal threads.

7. The ground connector assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The internal threads of the depending portion (266) extend in an axial length to secure the shear bolt (40) to the connector body (44) in a staged orientation, wherein the shear bolt (40) is oriented to allow the one or more conductors (140) to be inserted into or removed from the recess (108).

8. The ground connector assembly according to claim 7, wherein: The conductor portion also includes an internal thread.

9. The grounding connector assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein: The overhang portion (266) defines a cross-sectional profile that is substantially the same as a cross-sectional profile of the conductor portion relative to a corresponding reference plane perpendicular to the axial direction.

10. The ground connector assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The cross-sectional profiles of the overhang portion (266) and the conductor portion are circular, and optionally or preferably, wherein the connector body (44) presents a circular cross-section along the recess (108) and a hexagonal cross-section at the end axially opposite the head of the shear bolt (40).

11. A grounding connector assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The shear bolt (40) further includes a cap located between the body and the head, the cap extending laterally further than the internal threads to provide a stopper to prevent over-insertion of the shear bolt (40) into the recess (108).

12. The ground connector assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: Ground rod; The first end of the connector body (44) is fixed to the ground rod, wherein the ground rod extends axially from the connector body (44) in a direction opposite to the shear bolt (40).

13. The ground connector assembly according to claim 12, wherein: The connector body (44) is threadedly connected to the grounding rod.

14. A method for establishing a ground connection, the method comprising: Providing a connector body (44) according to any one of claims 1 to 13; Inserting one or more conductors (140) laterally into an entrance of a recess (108) of the connector body (44) along an insertion direction transverse to the axial direction; causing the one or more conductors (140) to move axially within the recess (108) to position the one or more conductors (140) at a blind end of the recess (108); tightening a shear bolt (40) into the internal threads of the connector body (44) to threadably move the shear bolt (40) in an axial direction to engage the one or more conductors (140) within the recess (108); and The shear bolt (40) is further tightened to a shear torque to shear the head of the shear bolt (40) from the body of the shear bolt (40), the shear torque corresponding to a target compressive force between the shear bolt (40) and the one or more conductors (140) such that the body of the shear bolt (40) retains the one or more conductors (140) at the blind end of the recess (108).

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein: As the one or more conductors (140) are inserted into the inlet, the shear bolt (40) is retained by the internal threads of the connector body (44).

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