Connector cover assembly

Abstract

A housing for accommodating an electrical connector connecting a plurality of conductors, the housing comprising a first housing portion and a second housing portion, and at least one strain relief assembly for securing at least one conductor of the plurality of conductors. The first housing portion and the second housing portion, when coupled, are configured to receive at least one strain relief assembly.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 353,516, filed on June 17, 2022, entitled “COMPRESSION CONNECTORS,” and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 405,254, filed on September 9, 2022, entitled “COMPRESSION CONNECTORS AND PROTECTIVE COVERS,” the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to connector covers and, more particularly, to connector cover assemblies. Background Art

[0004] Tap connectors have been used to establish electrical connections between a continuous main power conductor and a branch conductor. Compression-type tap connectors are generally adapted to receive a branch conductor or tap conductor to engage a continuous running conductor and are compressed by a crimping tool to achieve a desired connection.

[0005] If branch conductors and run conductors crimped to connectors are left in the outside environment, damage to the connection may occur over time. In addition, using uninsulated or uncovered connectors and conductors exposes individuals to potential hazards, including, for example, fire, burns, electric shock, etc. Therefore, it is desirable to place the crimped connections in a protective housing. Summary of the invention

[0006] A housing for accommodating an electrical connector for connecting a plurality of conductors, the housing comprising a first housing portion and a second housing portion, and at least one strain relief component for securing at least one conductor of the plurality of conductors. The first housing portion and the second housing portion are configured to receive the at least one strain relief component when coupled.

[0007] A housing for accommodating an electrical connector for connecting a plurality of conductors. The housing comprises a first housing portion, a second housing portion, and a cable positioning assembly. The first housing portion and the second housing portion form at least one cavity for receiving the cable positioning assembly when connected.

[0008] A housing for accommodating an electrical connector for connecting a plurality of conductors. The housing includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion, which when coupled form a connector cavity for receiving the electrical connector and the plurality of conductors; at least one strain relief assembly, which is positionable relative to the connector cavity; and a sealing member, which is positionable between the first housing portion and the second housing portion when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are coupled. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The embodiments depicted in the accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures shown herein may be adopted without departing from the principles described herein, wherein:

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a cover assembly showing a first cover half mated to a second cover half in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 2 According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 an exploded perspective view of a cover assembly of , showing a first cover half separated from a second cover half and a strain relief assembly located between the first cover half and the second cover half;

[0012] Figure 3 According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 an inner side view of the first cover half or the second cover half;

[0013] Figure 4 According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 An enlarged perspective view of a portion of a first cover half and a second cover half showing the first cover half locked to the second cover half;

[0014] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of a first cover half and a second cover half showing a locking feature of a cover assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 an enlarged elevational view of a portion of a second cover half of the cover assembly showing a snap-fit ​​tab and a tab release arm of a locking tab feature of the cover assembly;

[0016] Figure 7 According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 2 A first end view of a cable strain relief assembly;

[0017] Figure 8 According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 2 a second end view of the cable strain relief assembly;

[0018] Fig. 9 According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 2 A perspective view of a cable strain relief assembly showing a removable cover of a housing in an open position, thereby exposing a compression connector crimped to a run conductor and a branch conductor;

[0019] Fig.10 According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 2 an enlarged view of a portion of a cable strain relief assembly;

[0020] Fig.11 According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 2 Exploded view of the cable strain relief assembly;

[0021] Fig.12 is positioned in the first cover half according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 2 A perspective view of the cable strain relief assembly with the second cover half positioned on top;

[0022] Fig.13 According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 A perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a first cover half and a second cover half of a cover assembly and a cable strain relief assembly;

[0023] Fig.14 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure Fig.13 A perspective view of the interior of the strain relief assembly shown in , showing the connector and conductors located therein;

[0024] Fig.15 According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 A perspective view of a first cover half and a second cover half and a conductor guide of a cover assembly;

[0025] Fig.16 According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure Fig.15 A perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a conductor guide of ;

[0026] Fig.17 According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure Fig.15 an end elevation view of a conductor guide of;

[0027] Fig.18 According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure Fig.15 a side elevation view of a conductor guide of;

[0028] Fig.19 According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 A perspective view of a first cover half or a second cover half of a cover assembly with a gel pouring fixture mounted therein and the gel pouring fixture pivoted upward;

[0029] Fig. 20 is installed according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure Fig.19 Cross-sectional view of the gel-pouring fixture;

[0030] Fig.21 is a perspective view of a cover assembly according to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure showing a first cover half mated with a second cover half;

[0031] Fig.22A According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure Fig.21 an exploded perspective view of a cover assembly showing a first cover half, a sealing member to be positioned in the first cover half, a plurality of strain relief assemblies, and connectors and electrical conductors, and a second cover half;

[0032] Fig. 22B is an elevational perspective view of a sealing member according to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Fig.23 According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure Fig.21 An inside perspective view of a first cover half showing a sealing member positioned in the first cover half;

[0034] Fig.24 According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure Fig.21 an inside perspective view of a first cover half showing a sealing member positioned in the first cover half and a plurality of strain relief assemblies and electrical conductors positioned in the first cover half;

[0035] Fig.25 is a perspective view of a strain relief assembly showing a base, an upper arm, and a locking arm according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Fig.26 According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure Fig.25 A side elevation view of a strain relief assembly;

[0037] Fig. 27 According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure Fig.25 An exploded perspective view of a strain relief assembly showing a base, an upper arm, and a locking arm;

[0038] Fig.28According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure Fig.25 a bottom perspective view of an upper arm of the strain relief assembly;

[0039] Fig.29 According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure Fig.25 A bottom perspective view of a locking arm of a strain relief assembly;

[0040] Fig.30 According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure Fig.25 A perspective view of a strain relief assembly of FIG. 1 with a cable positioned relative to the strain relief assembly;

[0041] Fig.31 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an illustrative embodiment according to the present disclosure. Fig.25 An end elevation view of a strain relief assembly of , showing a closing sequence in phantom;

[0042] Fig.32 is a perspective view of a strain relief assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a base, an upper arm, and a locking arm;

[0043] Fig.33 According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure Fig.32 A side view of a strain relief assembly;

[0044] Fig.34 According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure Fig.32 An exploded perspective view of a strain relief assembly showing a base, an upper arm, and a locking arm;

[0045] Fig.35 According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure Fig.32 A perspective view of a strain relief assembly of FIG. 1 with a cable positioned relative to the strain relief assembly;

[0046] Fig.36 According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure Fig.32 An end elevation view of a strain relief assembly of , showing a closing sequence in phantom;

[0047] Fig.37 A method for installing a conductor crimped to a compression connector into a Fig.21 A first step in a process of a cover assembly;

[0048] Fig.38 A method for installing a conductor crimped to a compression connector into a Fig.21 a second step of the process in the cover assembly;

[0049] Fig.39A method for installing a conductor crimped to a compression connector into a Fig.21 a third step of the process in the cover assembly;

[0050] Fig.40 is a perspective view of a first cover half or a second cover half and a cable guide according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0051] Fig.41 According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure Fig.40 End elevation view of the first cover half or the second cover half and the cable guide. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] The present disclosure provides an embodiment of a housing of a connector for electrically connecting, for example, one or more branch conductors or tap conductors to one or more running conductors or main conductors. For ease of description, a connector (e.g., a compression connector) may be referred to as a "connector" in the singular and a "connector" in the plural. A branch conductor or tap conductor may be referred to as a "branch conductor" in the singular and a "branch conductor" in the plural. A main conductor or running conductor may be referred to as a "running conductor" in the singular and a "running conductor" in the plural. It is worth noting that the running conductor is usually larger in size than the branch conductor. In addition, the running conductor and the branch conductor may be solid conductors, or they may be stranded conductors. Typically, the running conductor and the branch conductor are stranded conductors. The port, slot, groove, hole or other opening for receiving the branch conductor in the compression connector may also be referred to as a "branch opening" in the singular and a "branch opening" in the plural. The port, slot, groove, hole or other opening for receiving the running conductor in the compression connector may also be referred to as a "running opening" in the singular and a "running opening" in the plural.

[0053] The present disclosure provides embodiments of a cover assembly for encapsulating a connector and a run conductor and a branch conductor after crimping. The present disclosure also provides embodiments of a strain relief assembly for holding and supporting a run conductor and a branch conductor connected to a connector and installed in a cover assembly. The present disclosure also provides embodiments of a cable positioner for holding and supporting a run conductor and a branch conductor connected to a connector and installed in a cover assembly.

[0054] The covers described herein encapsulate connectors for connecting conductors to protect the connectors and their electrical connections from environmental influences. Although the present disclosure relates to compression connectors, it should be understood that the various aspects of the housings described herein can be used in the context of encapsulating any suitable type of connector for connecting conductors.

[0055] Although for ease of reference, the present disclosure refers to branches and runs and branch conductors and run conductors, it will be understood that the various embodiments of connectors and housings described herein will be suitable for mechanically and electrically connecting any conductor to any one or more other conductors, regardless of the terminology used to designate them, and for encapsulating them.

[0056] Non-limiting examples of compression connectors are Fig.22A , and is referred to herein as connector 10. The connector 10 includes a body having a running conductor portion 22 and a branch conductor portion 24. The running conductor portion 22 generally includes two side walls and a bottom wall that form or define a portion of a running conductor opening 30. A portion of the side wall is configured and sized so that the side wall can be shaped during the crimping process so that the end of the side wall can pierce the insulating jacket of the running conductor 700 and contact the electrical wire of the running conductor. According to this non-limiting example, the running conductor portion 22 can be a substantially U-shaped structure, wherein the first portion of the side wall and the bottom wall are configured, sized and shaped so that the running opening 30 can receive the running conductor. As a non-limiting example, the size of the running conductor 700 can range from about 250Kcmil to about 750Kcmil. For a running conductor of 250Kcmil, the side wall and the bottom wall are configured, sized and shaped to form a running conductor opening 30 sufficient to receive a 250Kcmil running conductor. For a 750Kcmil run conductor 700, the side walls and bottom wall are configured, sized, and shaped to form a run opening sufficient to receive a 750Kcmil run conductor. The bottom wall of the connector 10 may include one or more insulation piercing members (not shown) extending into the run conductor opening 30. Each insulation piercing member may include an insulation piercing tip configured and sized to pierce or cut through the insulation jacket of the run conductor to create an electrical path between the run conductor and the connector 10. The one or more insulation piercing members may be integrally or monolithically formed in the bottom wall of the connector 10 such that the one or more insulation piercing members extend into the run opening 30. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more insulation piercing members may be secured to or attached to the bottom wall of the connector 10 such that the one or more insulation piercing members extend into the run opening.

[0057] The insulation piercing member may be generally triangular in shape. However, the insulation piercing member may have different shapes and sizes configured and dimensioned to be suitable for piercing or cutting through the insulating jacket of the electrical wire surrounding the running conductor, such as a tapered member or a member with a pointed end.

[0058] The branch connector portion 24 of the connector 10 includes one or more branch conductor openings 50. Each branch conductor opening 50 can be configured and sized to receive one or more branch conductors 720. In the illustrated embodiment, the branch conductor portion 24 includes four branch conductor openings 50. Each branch conductor opening 50 extends along the width of the body of the connector 10.

[0059] After the crimping process, the connector 10 and Fig.22A The connector 10 is substantially similar to the connector described in . In particular, the side walls of the running conductor portion 22 of the connector 10 are formed during the crimping process so that the ends of the side walls can pierce the insulating jacket of the running conductor 700 and contact the electrical wire of the running conductor, thereby providing a secure mechanical and electrical connection between the running conductor 700 and the connector 10. In addition, during this process, the branch connector portion 24 is crimped or compressed to secure one or more branch conductors 720 and provide a secure mechanical and electrical connection between one or more branch conductors 720 and the connector 10.

[0060] To ensure the longevity of the connection of the run conductor 700 and one or more branch conductors 720 to the connector 10, it is desirable to protect the crimp connection from the environment. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the crimp connector 10 may be placed in a suitable cover assembly to protect the connector and the connection portions from the elements. The cover assembly also protects individuals from the hazards associated with exposed electrical connections.

[0061] According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a cover assembly is provided. Figure 1-Figure 6 , and is generally referred to as a cover assembly 100. The cover assembly 100 is configured to snap together and cover the connector 10, thereby providing a protective housing to protect the contents from environmental influences. For example, the cover assembly 100 is designed to limit or prevent water penetration. Preferably, the cover is configured as a single injection molded part that is self-fitting. That is, there are two identical cover pieces that are connected or matched to each other when one of the pieces is rotated to form a complete cover assembly. For example, the first cover half can be rotated 180 degrees along its longitudinal axis and / or transverse axis and then connected or matched with the second cover half. The connector 10 and / or the conductor can be positioned relative to the strain relief assembly and / or the cable positioning assembly, and then received and encapsulated by the cover assembly 100.

[0062] The cover assembly 100 has a first cover half 102 and a second cover half 104 configured and dimensioned to be connected to each other. Preferably, the first cover half 102 and the second cover half 104 are identical to simplify the manufacture of the cover assembly. For the purposes of this disclosure and ease of description, the first cover half 102 and the second cover half 104 are considered to be identical, so that the description of the first cover half 102 is the same as the description of the second cover half 104. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first cover half 102 and the second cover half 104 has a cavity 106, which is preferably located in the center of the first cover half 102 and the second cover half 104. The cavity 106 is configured and dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the cable strain relief 200 and / or the cable positioning assembly 300, which will be described below. When the first cover half 102 is coupled, connected or mated with the second cover half 104 , the two cavities 106 are coupled to form a cavity 108 .

[0063] The first cover half 102 and the second cover half 104 can each include one or more alignment pins 115 and one or more alignment openings 119. When the first cover half 102 is coupled, connected or mated with the second cover half 104, the one or more alignment openings 119 of the first cover half 102 are positioned and sized to receive the one or more alignment pins 115 of the second cover half 104. When the first cover half 102 is coupled, connected or mated with the second cover half 104, the one or more alignment openings 119 of the second cover half 104 are positioned and sized to receive the one or more alignment pins 115 of the first cover half. The cover assembly 100 can also include a locking tab feature, which once tightly snapped together, will need to be manually lifted before the buckle can be opened. More specifically and with reference to Figure 3-Figure 6 , the first cover half 102 and the second cover half 104 include one or more snap-connection arms 110 and one or more corresponding snap-connection tabs 112. The one or more snap-connection arms 110 on the first cover half 102 are configured to interconnect with the corresponding snap-connection tabs 112 on the second cover half 104, and the one or more snap-connection arms 110 on the second cover half 104 are configured to interconnect with the corresponding snap-connection tabs 112 on the first cover half 102. In order to release the snap-connection arms 110 from the snap-connection tabs 112, the first cover half 102 and the second cover half 104 may include tab release arms 113, such as Figure 6 The tab release arm 113 blocks movement of the snap connection arm 110 relative to the snap connection tab 112 to help maintain the interconnection between the snap connection arm 110 and the snap connection tab 112. By moving in a direction away from the cover assembly 100, such as in the direction of arrow "X" (see FIG. Figure 4 ) by moving (e.g., bending) the tab release arm 113, the free end 110a of the snap connection arm 110 can be bent so that the snap connection tab 112 can be released from the snap connection arm 110, thereby releasing the interconnection between the snap connection arm 110 and the snap connection tab 112 and allowing the first cover half 102 to be separated from the second cover half 104.

[0064] The interior of the cover assembly 100 may also include flanges, channels, or other features that may be filled with a gel, such as a silicone-based gel insulating material, to seal the cover assembly 100 and limit or prevent water intrusion into the cover assembly 100. For example, referring to Figure 3 , a flange, channel or other feature 114 is provided around the perimeter of each cover half 102 and 104. The flange, channel or other feature 114 may be filled with a sealing member 117, such as a silicone-based gel insulating material. When the two cover halves 102, 104 are coupled, connected or mated together, the sealing member 117 positioned in the first cover half 102 and the second cover half 104 abuts against and provides a seal around the run conductors 700 and branch conductors 720 and limits and potentially prevents water from entering the cavity 108. Using a silicone gel material around the perimeter of the cover assembly instead of completely filling the cover volume with silicone gel material reduces the amount of gel material required and also limits and potentially prevents the gel material from contacting the connector 10 and the run conductors and branch conductors located in the cavity of the cover assembly 100. Each cover half 102 and 104 may include one or more channels 116 positioned outside of the gel perimeter 114 to capture any gel material that may overflow or leak when the channels are filled with gel material and / or when the cover halves 102 and 104 are coupled, connected, or mated to form the cover assembly 100.

[0065] Reference now Figure 7-Figure 12, an exemplary embodiment of a strain relief assembly according to the present disclosure is shown and referred to as strain relief assembly 200. The strain relief assembly 200 is configured to correctly position the branch conductor 720 and the running conductor 700, and is configured to firmly fix the branch conductor 720 and the running conductor 700 in the cover assembly 100, and is configured to provide protection from large external loads on the conductors. In this exemplary embodiment, the strain relief assembly 200 is a two-piece unit preferably made of a non-conductive material (such as plastic). The strain relief assembly 200 has a base 202 and a removable cover 204. The base 202 is configured and dimensioned to receive the connector 10 and the running conductor 700 and one or more branch conductors 720. The base 202 includes one or more conductor retaining wedge members 205 extending from the wall forming the conductor slot 203. In particular, the conductor retaining wedge members 205 are used to retain and maintain the branch conductor 720 within the conductor slot 203 of the base 202. As Figure 7 As shown, one end of the strain relief assembly 200 includes at least one conductor slot 203 and in this case four conductor slots, each of which is capable of receiving a branch conductor 720. The opposite end of the strain relief assembly 200 is Figure 8 , and as shown includes at least one conductor slot 203a and in this case includes two conductor slots, each of which is capable of receiving a branch conductor 720. Each end of the strain relief assembly 200 also includes a running conductor slot 217 for receiving a running conductor 700. The cover 204 can be attached after the connector 10 and the running conductor 700 and the branch conductor 720 are positioned in the base 202. The cover 204 is attached to the base 202 in a vertical open position and includes an eccentric cam 206. When the cover 204 is moved from the open position to the closed position, the eccentric cam 206 contacts the branch conductor 720 and provides a strong force to firmly push the branch conductor 720 into the conductor slot 203 and against one or more conductor retaining wedge members 205. More specifically, as Fig.10 As shown, the pin 207 extends from the upper portion of the eccentric cam 206 and is rotatably located in the slot 209 of the base 202. Closing the cover 204 provides a mechanical advantage through the eccentric cam 206 to firmly press the branch conductor 720 into the conductor channel 203 and against the conductor retaining wedge member 205, thereby firmly retaining the conductor within the strain relief assembly 200. The cover 204 is connected to the base 202 using a snap connection mechanism, which snaps onto the base 202 when the cover 204 is fully closed. When the cover 204 is rotated to the closed position, one or more snap clips 211 extending from the arms 215 of the base 202 engage the snap lip 213 in the cover 204, thereby effectively locking the cover 204 to the base 202. As shown in FIG. Fig.12As shown, the assembled strain relief assembly 200 and the running conductor and branch conductor can then be positioned in the cover half 102. For example, the strain relief assembly 200 is positioned within the cavity 106, while the branch conductor 720 is positioned within the slot 111, and the running conductor 700 is positioned within the slot 101. The second cover half 104 is then aligned over the first cover half 102 by means of the alignment pins 115 and alignment openings 119 in each cover half. The first cover half 102 and the second cover half 104 are snapped together using one or more snap-connection arms 110 and one or more corresponding snap-connection tabs 112 as described above.

[0066] Reference now Fig.13 and Fig.14 , an exemplary embodiment of a strain relief assembly according to the present disclosure is shown and referred to as strain relief assembly 250. The strain relief assembly 250 is configured to correctly position the branch conductor 720 and the running conductor 700, and is configured to securely fix the branch conductor 720 and the running conductor 700 in the cover assembly 100, and is configured to provide protection from large external loads on the conductors. In the exemplary embodiment, the strain relief assembly 250 is a one-piece unit preferably made of a non-conductive material (such as plastic). The strain relief assembly 250 has a base 252 configured and dimensioned to receive the connector 10 and the running conductor 700 and one or more branch conductors 720. The base 252 includes one or more conductor retaining wedge members 255 extending from one or more walls 259 forming a conductor slot 253. In particular, when the branch conductor is manually pressed into the conductor slot 253 and abuts against the conductor retaining wedge member 255, the branch conductor 720 is clamped between the wedge member 255 and the wall 259 opposite thereto. In addition, the branch conductor 720 is bent in an S-shaped manner when positioned within the base 252. This clamping action and S-shaped bend on the branch conductor serves to hold and maintain the branch conductor 720 within the conductor slot 253 of the base 252. Fig.14As shown, one end of the strain relief assembly 250 includes at least one conductor slot 253 and in this case includes four conductor slots, each of which is capable of receiving a branch conductor 720. The opposite end of the strain relief assembly 250 includes at least one conductor slot 253A and in this case includes two conductor slots, each of which is capable of receiving a branch conductor 720. Each end of the strain relief assembly 250 also includes a running conductor slot 257 for receiving and securing a running conductor 700. Each running conductor slot 257 includes a tab 222 extending into the running conductor slot 257. The tab 222 helps to secure the base 252 to the running conductor 700. After the connector 10 and the running conductors 700 and the branch conductors 720 are positioned in the base 252, the assembled strain relief assembly 250 and the running conductors and the branch conductors can then be positioned in the cover half 102, as shown. Fig.13 For example, the strain relief assembly 250 is positioned within the cavity 106 of the first cover half 102, while the branch conductor 720 is positioned within the slot 111, and the run conductor 700 is positioned within the slot 101. The second cover half 104 is then aligned over the first cover half 102 by means of the alignment pins 115 and alignment openings 119 in each cover half. The first cover half 102 and the second cover half 104 snap together using one or more snap connection arms 110 and one or more corresponding snap connection tabs 112 as described above.

[0067] Reference now Figure 15-18 , an exemplary embodiment of a cable positioning assembly according to the present disclosure is shown and referred to as a cable positioning assembly 300. The cable positioning assembly 300 can be provided to facilitate positioning of a conductor installed in the cover assembly 100 and to provide strain relief. The cable positioning assembly 300 can be used to replace the strain relief assembly 200 described above. The cable positioning assembly 300 is preferably constructed of a single injection molded part and is designed and sized to nest inside the assembled cover 100. The cable positioning assembly 300 can be configured to horizontally position the conductor to align with the wire channels 101 and 111 in the cover assembly 100.

[0068] The cable positioning assembly 300 includes a base 302, a first guide arm 304, a second guide arm 306, and a third guide arm 308. The base 302 and the first guide arm 304 and the third guide arm 308 may include opposing positioning protrusions 310 for keeping the conductor 720 properly positioned in the cable positioning assembly 300 and aligned with the wire channel 111 in the first cover half 102 and the second cover half 104. In addition to providing strain relief, the cable positioning assembly 300 allows the cable to enter or exit the cover assembly 100 from opposite sides of the cover assembly 100. For example, as Fig.18As shown, branch conductors 720a and 720b extend from opposite sides of the cable positioning assembly 300. Branch conductor 720a extends from the connector 10 and passes through a gap formed between the first guide arm 304 and the second guide arm 306 as shown, thereby wrapping around the first side of the cable positioning assembly 300 and exiting from the first side of the cable positioning assembly. Branch conductor 720b extends from the connector 10 and passes through a gap formed between the second guide arm 306 and the third guide arm 308, and exits from the opposite side of the cable positioning assembly 300. In addition to properly positioning the conductors, the bends made to the branch conductors 720a, 720b also serve to provide strain relief for the branch conductors when positioned in the cable positioning assembly 300. The running conductor opening 320 is sized to receive the running conductor 700 and properly position the running conductor. The guide member 322 extends at least partially along the length of the cable positioning assembly 300 and enters the running conductor opening 320. According to this illustrative embodiment, as Fig.16 and Fig.17 As shown, the guides 322 extend along the entire length of the cable positioning assembly 300 on both sides of the run conductor opening 320. The guides 322 allow the run conductor 720 to be press-fit into the run conductor opening 320 and hold the run conductor 720 in place in the cable positioning assembly 300.

[0069] Reference Fig.15 Once each cable is properly positioned in the cable positioning assembly 300, the cable positioning assembly 300 is positioned in the first cover half 102. For example, the cable positioning assembly 300 is positioned within the cavity 106, while the branch conductor 720 is positioned within the slot 111, and the run conductor 700 is positioned within the slot 101. The second cover half 104 is then aligned over the first cover half 102 by means of the alignment pins 115 and alignment openings 119 in each cover half, and the first cover half 102 and the second cover half 104 are snapped together using one or more snap connection arms 110 and one or more corresponding snap connection tabs 112 as described above. Notably, the branch conductors 720a and 720b will thus extend from opposite sides of the cover assembly 100.

[0070] Reference now Fig.19 and Fig. 20, an exemplary embodiment of a filling fixture 550 is shown. The filling fixture 550 is used to insert the silicone-based gel 117 into the appropriate portion of the cover assembly 100 until the gel can solidify, and then remove the fixture 550. The filling fixture 550 includes a first fixture half 554a and a second fixture half 554b. The first fixture half 554a and the second fixture half 554b are connected by a threaded rod 560. The gap between the first fixture half 554a and the second fixture half 554b can be adjusted using a wing nut 562 so that a snug fit between the first fixture half 554a and the second fixture half 554b and the gel receiving portion 114 of the cover assembly 100 can be obtained. As shown Fig.19 As shown, the filling fixture 550 is positioned in the cover half 102 or 104 so that the opening 552 in the filling fixture forms a gel pouring point so that the sealing gel can be poured into the opening 552 and into the gel receiving portion 114 of the cover half 102 and 104 of the cover assembly 100. The gel is allowed to harden or solidify at least slightly so that the gel is no longer in a liquid state before the filling fixture is removed. Therefore, the filling fixture 550 allows the sealing gel to enter the position on the cover half 102 and 104 where the gel can perform its sealing function without creating unnecessary gel in other parts of the cover half.

[0071] According to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a cover assembly is Figure 21-Figure 39, and is generally referred to as a cover assembly 600. The cover assembly 600 is configured to snap together over a crimp connector (e.g., connector 10) to provide protection for the connection from environmental influences, particularly to limit or prevent water penetration. Preferably, the cover is configured as a single injection molded part that is self-matching. That is, the two identical cover pieces are connected or matched to each other when one of the pieces is rotated to form a complete cover assembly. For example, the first cover half can be rotated 180 degrees along its longitudinal axis and / or transverse axis, and then connected or matched with the second cover half. According to this illustrative embodiment, the cover assembly 600 has a first cover half 602 and a second cover half 604 that are configured and sized to be connected to each other. Preferably, the first cover half 602 and the second cover half 604 are identical to simplify the manufacture of the cover assembly. For purposes of this disclosure and ease of description, the first cover half 602 and the second cover half 604 are considered to be the same, such that the description of the first cover half 602 is the same as the description of the second cover half 604. In the illustrated embodiment, the first cover half 602 has a cavity 606 that is preferably located in the center of the first cover half 602. The cavity 606 is configured and sized to receive a run conductor 700 and one or more branch conductors 720 crimped to a connector (e.g., connector 10). When the first cover half 602 is coupled, connected, or mated with the second cover half 604, the two cavities 606 are coupled to form a cavity 608, see Fig.21 .like Fig.24 As shown, the cavity 606 of the first cover half 602 can also include one or more walls 610 defining a void 612 that is configured and dimensioned to receive a connector (e.g., connector 10) to which the run conductor 700 and one or more branch conductors 720 are crimped. The first cover half 602 can also include one or more strain relief cavities 614 at each end of the first cover half 602. When the first cover half 602 is coupled, connected, or mated with the second cover half 604, the one or more strain relief cavities 614 are coupled to form a separate strain relief cavity at each end of the cover assembly 600. Each strain relief cavity 614 is configured and dimensioned to receive at least a portion of a strain relief 630, such that the strain relief cavity positions and retains each strain relief 630 in the cover assembly 600.

[0072] In order to allow conductors (e.g., the run conductor 700 and the branch conductor 720) to enter and / or pass through the cover assembly 600, the first cover half 602 and the second cover half 604 include a run conductor slot portion 616, so that when the first cover half 602 is coupled, connected or mated with the second cover half 604, the two run conductor slot portions 616 are coupled to form a run conductor opening 618 at each end of the cover assembly 600, as shown in FIG. Fig.21 As shown. Similarly, the first cover half 602 and the second cover half 604 include one or more branch conductor slot portions 620, so that when the first cover half 602 is coupled, connected or mated with the second cover half 604, the one or more branch conductor slot portions 620 are coupled to form one or more branch conductor openings 622 at each end of the cover assembly 600. As described above, the one or more branch conductor openings 622 are provided at each end of the cover assembly 600, so that the branch conductor entering the cover assembly 600 from the end of the cover assembly 600 closest to the connector (e.g., the connector 10) may have to be looped or bent within the cover assembly 600 so that the connector 10 is properly resting in the gap 612. In this case, when the branch conductor 720 is bent in the cover assembly 600, the one or more walls 610 defining the gap 612 may also be used to limit the bending radius or angle of the branch conductor.

[0073] refer to Fig.22A and Fig.23, the first cover half 602 and the second cover half 604 of the cover assembly 600 may also include one or more flanges, grooves or other features 624, which allow the outer periphery of each cover half 602 and 604 to have a sealing member 605 positioned thereon. When the two cover halves 602, 604 are coupled, connected or mated together, the sealing member positioned in the first cover half 602 and the second cover half 604 abuts against the running conductor 700 and the branch conductor 720 and provides a seal around the running conductor and the branch conductor, which limits and possibly prevents water from entering the cavity 608. Non-limiting examples of sealing members 605 may be silicone gel or silicone-based gel or rubber insulating materials. Sealing member 605 includes one or more arm segments 605a coupled by edge segments 605b. Edge segments 605b are positioned in the channel feature 624 set along the edge of each cover half 602, 604. The arm section 605a includes branch conductor sealing portions 605c, 605d separated by a running conductor sealing portion 605e. The running conductor sealing portion 605e may include a semicircular recessed portion as shown in the figure, and is positioned to seal the running conductor entering the running conductor channel portion 616 located in the first cover half 602 and the second cover half 604. According to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, the top of the sealing member 605 may be as shown in FIG. Fig. 22B The continuous surface 605f is shown, thereby omitting the recessed portion. The branch conductor sealing portions 605c, 605d are positioned to seal the branch conductors entering the branch conductor channels 620 located in the first cover half 602 and the second cover half 604.

[0074] According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, similar to the above description of Figure 1-Figure 6 As described, the cover assembly 600 may also include a locking tab feature that, once tightly engaged, will require manual lifting of the locking tab before the snap can be opened. More specifically, as described above, the first cover half 602 includes one or more snap-on connecting arms 110 and one or more corresponding snap-on connecting tabs 112. The one or more snap-on connecting arms 110 on the first cover half 602 are configured to connect to corresponding snap-on connecting tabs 112 on the second cover half 604, and the one or more snap-on connecting arms 110 on the second cover half 604 are configured to connect to corresponding snap-on connecting tabs 112 on the first cover half 602. In order to release the snap-on connecting arms 110 from the corresponding snap-on connecting tabs 112, the first cover half 602 and the second cover half 604 may include tab release arms 113, as shown in FIG. Figure 4-Figure 6As shown and described above. Tab release arm 113 prevents movement of snap connection arm 110 relative to snap connection tab 112 to help maintain the interconnection between snap connection arm 110 and snap connection tab 112. By moving in a direction away from cover cap assembly 600, such as in the direction of arrow "X" (such as Figure 4 By moving (e.g., bending) the tab release arm 113 (as shown), the free end 110a of the snap connection arm 110 can be bent so that the snap connection tab 112 is released from the snap connection arm 110, thereby releasing the interconnection between the snap connection arm 110 and the snap connection tab 112 and allowing the first cover half 602 to be separated from the second cover half 604.

[0075] Reference now Figure 25-Figure 31 , a strain relief according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure is shown and referred to as a strain relief assembly 630. The strain relief assembly 630 is configured to position a running conductor 700 and one or more branch conductors 720 to enter the cavity 608 of the cover assembly 600, and is configured to firmly hold the running conductor 700 and the branch conductors 720 together to provide protection from large external loads on the conductors. The strain relief assembly 630 is a multi-piece unit preferably made of a non-conductive material (such as plastic). In the exemplary embodiment shown, the strain relief assembly 630 is a three-piece assembly that includes a base 632, an upper arm 634, and a locking arm 636. The base 632 is configured and sized to at least partially fit within one of the one or more strain relief cavities 614 at each end of the first cover half 602 (e.g., see Fig.24). The base 632 includes a first running conductor clamping portion 638 and one or more first branch conductor clamping portions 640. The first running conductor clamping portion 638 is configured and dimensioned to receive and clamp at least a portion of the running conductor 700. The first running conductor clamping portion 638 may include one or more clamping reinforcement members or features 642. For example, the one or more clamping reinforcement members or features 642 may be teeth or serrations that engage with the insulating jacket surrounding the running conductor 700. Each first branch conductor clamping portion 640 is configured and dimensioned to receive and clamp at least a portion of the branch conductor 720. Each of the one or more first branch conductor clamping portions 640 may include one or more clamping reinforcement members or features 644. For example, the one or more clamping reinforcement members or features 644 may be teeth or serrations that engage with the insulating jacket surrounding the branch conductor 720. The base 632 also includes a first arm guide track 646 and a second arm guide track 648. The first arm guide track 646 is configured to interact with the upper arm 634 to movably and pivotably couple the upper arm 634 to the base 632. The second arm guide track 648 is configured to interact with the locking arm 636 to movably and pivotably couple the locking arm 636 to the base 632.

[0076] The upper arm 634 includes a first cable retention portion 650, a second cable retention portion 652, and a bridge portion 654 connecting the first cable retention portion 650 to the second cable retention portion 652. The first cable retention portion 650 is configured to hold and clamp one or more branch conductors 720, and the second cable retention portion 652 is configured to hold and clamp one or more branch conductors 720. In the illustrated embodiment, the first cable retention portion 650 has a substantially flat cable pressing surface 650a, and the second cable retention portion 652 has a substantially flat cable pressing surface 652a. The cable pressing surfaces 650a and 652a are configured to hold and clamp the branch conductor 720 in one or more first branch conductor clamping portions 640. The cable pressing surface 650a may include one or more clamping reinforcement members or features 656, and the cable pressing surface 652a may include one or more clamping reinforcement members or features 658. For example, one or more grip enhancement members or features 656 and 658 may be teeth or serrations that engage the insulating jacket surrounding the branch conductor 720. The second cable retention portion 652 may include a lever member 653, such as a protrusion, that creates a mechanical advantage (e.g., leverage) to amplify the force applied to the cable, or conversely, to limit the force required by a technician installing the cover assembly to lock the locking arm 636 to the upper arm 634 to a more comfortable level. The bridge portion 654 of the upper arm 634 includes a second run conductor clamping portion 660 configured and dimensioned to receive and clamp at least a portion of the run conductor 700 resting in the first run conductor clamping portion 638. The second run conductor clamping portion 660 may include one or more grip enhancement members or features 661, such as teeth or serrations that engage the insulating jacket surrounding the run conductor 700. The bridge portion 654 may also include one or more release arms 662. One or more release arms 662 are configured to engage with release openings 677 in locking arms 636 to allow for quick release of locking arms 636. One or more release arms 662 may also serve as stops to prevent movement of locking arms 636 when the locking arms move from an open position to a locked position. The bridge portion 654 may also include one or more snap arms 664 configured to interact with snap recesses 676 in locking arms 636 to provide a snap lock feature that interconnects the upper arm 634 and the locking arm 636 to lock the arms 634 and 636 in position relative to the base 632, thereby holding and retaining the run conductors and branch conductors in the strain relief assembly 630.In order to movably and pivotably connect the upper arm 634 to the base 632, the upper arm includes a bracket-like assembly 666, which includes a pair of side walls 668 extending from one end of the first cable retention portion 650 of the upper arm 634, and one or more guide members 670, which are configured to interact with the first arm guide rail 646 so that the upper arm 634 can be slidably connected to the first arm guide rail 646 or otherwise interconnected with the first arm guide rail, and can be pivoted or rotatable relative to the first arm guide rail 646.

[0077] The locking arm 636 is movable and pivotally coupled to the base 632 and is configured to lock the upper arm 634 to the base 632 to hold and retain the run conductors and branch conductors in the strain relief assembly 630. Fig. 27 and Fig.29 As shown, the locking arm 636 includes a body 672 having a bracket-like component 674 at one end of the body and one or more locking slot portions 676 at the opposite end of the body 672. In order to movably and pivotably couple the locking arm 636 to the base 632, the bracket-like component 674 includes a pair of side walls 678 and one or more guide members 680, which are configured to interact with the second arm guide track 648 so that the locking arm 636 can be slidably coupled to the second arm guide track 648 or otherwise interconnected with the second arm guide track and can pivot or rotate relative to the second arm guide track 648. As described above, when the locking arm 636 is in the locked position, the locking slot portion 676 is configured to interconnect with the snap arm 664 of the upper arm 634. To release the interconnection between the locking arm 636 and the upper arm 634, a user (e.g., a technician) can insert a flat-head screwdriver (not shown) through the release opening 677 in the locking arm 636, position the flat head of the screwdriver between the one or more release arms 662, and rotate the screwdriver so that the flat head of the screwdriver causes the one or more release arms 662 to move apart. Moving the one or more release arms 662 apart causes the side walls 654a and 654b of the bridge portion 654 to separate (e.g., bend), causing one or more snap arms 664 located in the bridge portion 654 of the upper arm 634 to be released from the corresponding snap recess 676 located in the locking arm 636 due to the release of the accumulated tension against the cable.

[0078] It is noteworthy that the strain relief assembly of the present disclosure is designed so that the components, particularly the upper arm 634, bend when they contact and hold the conductor (e.g., conductors 700 and 720). This bending helps to generate sufficient force for the strain relief assembly to clamp the conductor, such as conductors 700 and 720. The strain relief assembly of the present disclosure can accommodate a variety of tap conductors and running conductor sizes through interchangeable components (i.e., the base 632, the upper arm 634, and the locking arm 636). For example, the base 632 includes one or more first branch conductor clamping portions 640 (e.g., cavities) for branch conductors of specific specifications, such as 8AWG or 10AWG branch conductors. In order to accommodate different branch conductor specifications, the base 632 can be replaced with a base 632 rated for different branch conductor specifications. As another example, the upper arm 634 includes one or more clamping reinforcement members or features 661, which are specifically placed to clamp a size of running conductor 700, such as a 500Kcmil conductor, a 600Kcmil conductor, or a 750Kcmil conductor, and the running conductor can be adjusted by changing the upper arm 634 configured to work with, for example, a 500Kcmil conductor, a 600Kcmil conductor, or a 750Kcmil conductor. Optionally, the running conductor clamping reinforcement member and / or the branch conductor clamping reinforcement member can be set on the base 632 and / or the arm 634, and can include a flexible structure (such as a cantilever structure) or be mounted on the flexible structure. This can allow a wider range of cable diameter compatibility, so that, for example, a single design of the base 632 can be used for conductors of different sizes, such as 8AWG or 10AWG branch conductors.

[0079] refer to Fig.30 and Fig.31 To secure the running conductor 700 and one or more branch conductors 720 to the strain relief assembly 630, the locking arm 636 and the upper arm 634 are moved to Fig.30 In the open position, the upper arm 634 and the locking arm 636 are pivoted away from the base 632 so that the run conductor 700 can be inserted into the first run conductor clamping portion 638 and so that one or more branch conductors 720 can be inserted into the first branch conductor clamping portion 640. Fig.30 As shown, the running conductor 700 and the one or more branch conductors 720 are then positioned in the first running conductor clamping portion 638 and the first branch conductor clamping portion 640, respectively. The upper arm 634 is then oriented as shown in FIG. Fig.31In the closed position, the upper arm 634 is pivoted or rotated toward the base 632 until the cable pressing surface 650a of the first cable retention portion 650 and the cable pressing surface 652a of the second cable retention portion 652 are in close proximity to the base 632 and possibly contacting the base. The locking arm 636 is then Fig.31 654 to lock the upper arm 634 in position relative to the base 632, thereby holding and retaining the running conductor and the branch conductor in the strain relief assembly 630. It is worth noting that the height of the second arm guide track 648 from the upper surface 632a of the base 632 is greater than the height of the first arm guide track 646 from the upper surface 632a of the base 632, so that there is a height difference "Hd", which allows the upper arm 636 to apply sufficient force to the running conductor 700 and one or more branch conductors 720 to hold and retain the conductors in the strain relief assembly 630.

[0080] Reference Figure 32-Figure 34 , shows another exemplary embodiment of one or more strain relief assemblies according to the present disclosure. The strain relief assembly 630 is configured to position a running conductor 700 and one or more branch conductors 720 for entry into the cavity 608 of the cover assembly 600, and to securely hold the running conductor 700 and the branch conductors 720 together to provide protection from large external loads on the conductors. As described above, the strain relief assembly 630 is a multi-piece unit preferably made of a non-conductive material (such as plastic). In the exemplary embodiment shown, the strain relief assembly 630 is a three-piece assembly that includes a base 632, an upper arm 634, and a locking arm 636. This exemplary embodiment is substantially similar to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention in several respects. Figure 25-Figure 31 630, so that similar reference numerals are used for similar features of the strain relief assembly 630. Figure 25-Figure 31 The difference between the embodiments of the present invention is that the first running conductor clamping portion 638 is configured as an opening with substantially flat walls 638a, 638b, and the first branch conductor clamping portion 640 is configured as a V-shaped notch 640a located in the base 632. In addition, a rubber pad (not shown) can be placed on one or more of the flat walls 638a, 638b and / or the V-shaped notch 640a to help clamp the conductor. The rubber pad can also be used to solve tolerance problems, such as cable diameter tolerance differences.

[0081] refer to Fig.35 and Fig.36To secure the running conductor 700 and one or more branch conductors 720 to the strain relief assembly 630, the locking arm 636 and the upper arm 634 are moved to Fig.35 In the open position, the upper arm 634 and the locking arm 636 are pivoted away from the base 632 so that the run conductor 700 can be inserted into the first run conductor clamping portion 638 and so that one or more branch conductors 720 can be inserted into the first branch conductor clamping portion 640. Fig.35 As shown, the running conductor 700 and the one or more branch conductors 720 are then positioned in the first running conductor clamping portion 638 and the first branch conductor clamping portion 640, respectively. The upper arm 634 is then oriented as shown in FIG. Fig.36 For example, the upper arm 634 is pivoted toward the base 632 until the cable pressing surface 650a of the first cable retention portion 650 and the cable pressing surface 652a of the second cable retention portion 652 are in close proximity with and possibly contacting the base 632. The locking arm 636 is then moved toward the closed position as shown by the arrow in FIG. Fig.36 Pivot or rotate to the locked position as indicated by the arrow in the figure. Figure 25-Figure 31 , the locking arm 636 is pivoted or rotated toward the upper arm 634 until one or more snap notches 676 in the body 672 of the locking arm 636 pass over one or more snap arms 664 on the bridging portion 654 to lock the upper arm 634 in position relative to the base 632, thereby retaining and securing the run conductors and branch conductors in the strain relief assembly 630. Back Fig.36 It is worth noting that the height of the second arm guide rail 648 from the upper surface 632a of the base 632 is greater than the height of the first arm guide rail 646 from the upper surface 632a of the base 632, so that there is a height difference "Hd", which allows the upper arm 636 to apply sufficient force to the running conductor 700 and one or more branch conductors 720 to hold and secure the conductors in the strain relief assembly 630.

[0082] refer to Figure 37-Figure 39 , shows exemplary steps for covering or encapsulating the run conductor 700 and the branch conductor 720 crimped to the connector 10. In step 1, the base 632 of the two strain relief components 630 is positioned in the strain relief cavity 614 in the first cover half 602. It is worth noting that the strain relief components 630 can also be fastened using fasteners 633 (such as Fig.26 The upper arm 634 and the locking arm 636 are then pivoted to their open positions, as shown. Fig.37As shown. The sealing member 605 is also positioned in appropriate features 624 in the first cover half 602 and the second cover half 604. The connector 10 having the running conductor 700 and the branch conductor 720 crimped thereto is then inserted or placed into the first cover half 602 so that the connector 10 is located in the connector void 612 in the first cover half 602, the running conductor resting in the running conductor slot portion 618 in the first cover half 602, and the branch conductor resting in one or more branch conductor slot portions 620 in the first cover half 602. In step 2, the upper arm 634 of each strain relief assembly 630 is pivoted or rotated to a closed position, and the locking arm 636 of each strain relief assembly 630 is pivoted or rotated to a locked position to secure the running conductor 700 and the branch conductor to the strain relief assembly 630, as shown. Fig.38 Then, the second cover half 604 is aligned with the first cover half using the alignment pins 115 and the alignment openings 119. The second cover half 604 is pressed down onto the first cover half 602 until one or more snap-fit ​​arms 110 and one or more corresponding snap-fit ​​tabs 112 lock the first cover half 602 to the second cover half 604.

[0083] Fig.40 and Fig.41 A portion of a cover assembly according to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. More specifically, Fig.40 Depicted with Fig.21 and Fig.22A The cover halves 602, 604 depicted in the embodiment of FIG. 1 are substantially similar to the cover halves 602, 604 in several respects, so that similar reference numerals are used for similar features of the cover halves 602, 604. For the sake of brevity, only the different features will be described below, and similar features will not be described again. Fig.21 and Fig.22AThe difference between the embodiments of the present invention is the inclusion of additional snap-connection arms and snap-connection tabs positioned adjacent to the run conductor channel portion 616 forming the run conductor opening 618. These additional snap-connection arms and snap-connection tabs help to maintain the end portions of the cover assembly 600 in the closed position. Each end portion of the cover halves 602, 604 includes one or more snap-connection tabs 750 and one or more snap-connection arms 752. The one or more snap-connection arms 752 on the first cover half 602 are configured to connect to the corresponding snap-connection tabs 750 on the second cover half 604, and the one or more snap-connection arms 752 on the second cover half 604 are configured to connect to the corresponding snap-connection tabs 750 on the first cover half 602. The snap-connection arms 752 include flange-like members 756 that engage the snap-connection tabs 750 when the first cover half 602 and the second cover half 604 are in the closed position.

[0084] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the run conductor channel portion 616 in the first cover half 602 and the second cover half 604 that forms the run conductor opening 618 when the cover halves are connected is sized to receive run conductors having various diameters. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the cable guide 758 can be removably positioned on either or both ends of the cover half 602 and the cover half 604, adjacent to the cable guide 758. Fig.41 The running conductor channel portion 616 shown is provided to accommodate running conductors of various diameters. That is, a variety of cable guides 758 can be provided, each cable guide being sized to receive and secure running conductors having different diameters. For example, the cable guide 758 includes a body 760 having two arms 766. The distance "X" between the two arms 766 can be selected to correspond to the diameter of the running conductor positioned in the running conductor opening 618. The cable guide 758 effectively closes the gap at the running conductor opening 618 to more securely hold the running conductor 700. The arms 766 of the cable guide 758 can include one or more clamping reinforcement members or features 764. For example, one or more clamping reinforcement members or features 764 can be teeth or serrations that engage with the insulating jacket surrounding the running conductor 700. In addition, the cable guide 758 also facilitates the insertion of the running conductor in a straight downward motion, thereby avoiding the inconsistency of gel displacement that may otherwise occur.

[0085] Notably, the cover assembly, strain relief assembly, and cable positioning assembly described herein provide flexibility in the number of branch conductors that can be used (1-4) and the direction in which the branch conductors exit the cover assembly. For example, the configurations described herein and contemplated by the present disclosure allow all branch conductors to exit the cover assembly in the same direction, or alternatively, one or two of the branch conductors can be reversed to exit the cover assembly in opposite directions. In addition to protecting the contents of the cover assembly as described herein, the cover assembly also protects individuals from the hazards associated with exposed electrical connections.

[0086] As shown in all the drawings, similar reference numerals represent similar or corresponding parts. Although the illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure have been described and shown above, it should be understood that these are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be considered as limiting. Additions, deletions, substitutions and other modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be considered to be limited by the foregoing description.

Claims

1. A housing for accommodating an electrical connector for connecting a plurality of conductors, the housing comprising: a first housing portion and a second housing portion; as well as at least one strain relief assembly for securing at least one conductor of the plurality of conductors; Wherein, the first housing portion and the second housing portion are configured to receive the at least one strain relief component when coupled.

2. The housing according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one strain relief assembly comprises a three-piece assembly.

3. The housing according to claim 2, wherein: The three-piece assembly includes a base, an upper arm, and a locking arm.

4. The housing according to claim 3, wherein: The first housing portion includes at least one first strain relief cavity, and the second housing portion includes at least one second strain relief cavity, and wherein the base is configured to fit within at least one of the at least one first strain relief cavity and the at least one second strain relief cavity.

5. The housing according to claim 3, wherein: The base includes at least one first conductor clamping portion and at least one second conductor clamping portion.

6. The housing according to claim 5, wherein: The plurality of conductors includes at least one first conductor having a first diameter and at least one second conductor having a second diameter, and wherein the at least one first conductor clamping portion is configured to receive and clamp at least a portion of the at least one first conductor.

7. The housing according to claim 6, wherein: The at least one second conductor clamping portion is configured to receive and clamp at least a portion of the at least one second conductor.

8. The housing according to claim 7, wherein: The first diameter and the second diameter are different.

9. The housing according to claim 5, wherein: The at least one first conductor clamping portion and the at least one second conductor clamping portion include a clamping enhancement member.

10. The housing according to claim 3, wherein: The upper arm and the locking arm are pivotally attached to the base.

11. A housing for accommodating an electrical connector for connecting a plurality of conductors, the housing comprising: a first housing portion and a second housing portion; as well as Cable positioning assembly, Wherein, the first housing portion and the second housing portion, when coupled, form at least one cavity for receiving the cable positioning assembly.

12. The housing according to claim 11, wherein The cable positioning assembly includes at least one guide arm configured to guide and secure at least one conductor of the plurality of conductors.

13. The housing according to claim 12, wherein: The at least one guide arm includes a plurality of parallel guide arms configured to guide and secure at least one conductor of the plurality of conductors.

14. A housing for accommodating an electrical connector for connecting a plurality of conductors, the housing comprising: a first housing portion and a second housing portion, the first housing portion and the second housing portion, when coupled, forming a connector cavity for receiving the electrical connector and the plurality of conductors; at least one strain relief assembly positionable relative to the connector cavity; as well as A sealing member is positionable between the first and second housing portions when the first and second housing portions are coupled.

15. The housing according to claim 14, wherein The sealing member includes a first sealing member and a second sealing member.

16. The housing according to claim 15, wherein The first sealing member is positioned within the first cavity of the first housing for sealing at least a first portion of the connector cavity.

17. The housing according to claim 16, wherein The second sealing member is positioned within the second cavity of the second housing for sealing at least a second portion of the connector cavity.

18. The housing according to claim 14, wherein The sealing member includes at least one of a substantially planar surface and a concave surface.

19. The housing of claim 14, further comprising a cable guide positionable relative to an opening to the connector cavity for receiving and securing at least one conductor of the plurality of conductors.

20. The housing of claim 13, wherein: At least one wall forming at least a portion of the connector cavity is configured to limit a bend radius of at least one conductor of the plurality of conductors.

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