Cable fixing system

Abstract

A cable securing system includes a plug including a handle body and a contact assembly at least partially disposed within the handle body. The gland nut assembly includes a gland nut configured for attachment to a handle body of the plug. The clip is mountable on the gland nut to secure the cable to the gland nut. The clamp includes a single unitary body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a cable fixing system, and more particularly to a cable fixing system including a gland nut assembly and a plug body. Background Art

[0002] Plugs, sockets, and connectors are used indoors and outdoors to power various electrical devices. Specifically, explosion-proof sockets and plugs can be used with portable electric devices such as electric generator sets, compressors, heating and cooling units, welders, conveyors, portable tools, lighting systems, and similar equipment. For example, the CPP series of plugs can be used with the CPS series of sockets in corrosive or hazardous locations. Such locations can include, but are not limited to, refineries, chemical and petrochemical plants, and other processing industrial facilities in hazardous situations. In addition, the CPH series of plugs can be used with the CES series of sockets in hazardous locations. Since these types of plugs and sockets are used in hazardous locations, their applications may also require the disassembly, adjustment, replacement, or frequent maintenance of these plugs / sockets and related equipment.

[0003] Reference Figure 1A and Figure 1B , shows a conventional cable fixing system 1 including a plug 3 and a gland nut assembly 5. In one embodiment, the gland nut assembly 5 is configured to be connected to a power source (not shown), and the plug 3 is configured to be connected to the wires (not shown) of the device to be powered. When the plug 3 is connected to the cable gland nut assembly 5, power is supplied to the device. The gland nut assembly 5 includes an eight-component assembly that includes: a gland nut 7 for connecting the plug to the wire / device; a first clamping member and a second clamping member 9 that can engage opposite sides of the gland nut; a pair of screws 11 that can be received through openings in the clamping members and the gland nut; a pair of nuts 13 that can be received through openings in the clamping members and the gland nut and are configured to receive the shafts of the screws for locking the clamping members to the gland nut; and a locking screw 15 for fixing the gland nut to the cable C. Thus, the cable fixing system 1 includes eight components. Specifically, these eight components include special components specifically configured for assembling the cable fixing system 1.

[0004] The cable fixing system 1 is assembled by first inserting a cable C through a longitudinal passage in a plug 3. Then, a gland nut 7 is received around a portion of the cable C extending from one end of the plug 3. Then, the gland nut 7 can be fixed in place around the cable C by inserting a locking screw 15 into a locking feature 17 on the gland nut. Then, a clamping member 9 can be fixed to the gland nut 7 by inserting screws 11 and nuts 13 into corresponding openings in the clamping member 9 and the gland nut. Specifically, a pair of first screws 11 and nuts 13 are inserted into the openings in the clamping member 9 and the gland nut 7, then the system 1 is rotated, and a pair of second screws and nuts are inserted into the other openings in the clamping member 9 and the gland nut. Thus, the assembly of the cable fixing system 1 can be time-consuming and requires specially constructed components. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect, a cable fixing system generally includes a plug that includes a handle body and a contact assembly at least partially disposed within the handle body. A gland nut assembly includes a gland nut configured to be attached to the handle body of the plug. A clamp can be mounted on an outer surface of the gland nut to engage a cable and secure the cable to the gland nut. The clamp includes a single integral body.

[0006] In another aspect, a gland nut assembly used in a cable fixing system generally includes a gland nut configured to be attached to a plug. A clamp can be mounted on an outer surface of the gland nut to engage a cable and secure the cable to the gland nut. The clamp includes a single integral body. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] Figure 1A is an exploded view of a prior art cable fixing system;

[0008] Figure 1B is Figure 1A a partial perspective view of the cable fixing system in

[0009] Figure 2 a front perspective view of a cable fixing system constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 3 a rear perspective view of the cable fixing system;

[0011] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the cable fixing system;

[0012] Figure 5 is a partial vertical perspective view of the cable fixing system;

[0013] Figure 6 is an exploded view of the gland nut assembly of the cable fixing system;

[0014] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a gland nut of a gland nut assembly;

[0015] Figure 8 is a bottom perspective view of a clamping member of the gland nut assembly; and

[0016] Figure 9 is a top view of the clamping member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , a cable fixing system constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure is generally designated by reference numeral 20. The cable fixing system 20 includes a plug generally designated by 22 and a gland nut assembly generally designated by 24, the gland nut assembly being configured to matingly engage the plug and to be secured around a cable C at least partially received through the cable fixing system. The plug 22 is typically electrically connected to a wire of an electrical device and is configured for insertion into a socket (not shown) to electrically connect the plug to the socket. The socket is typically electrically connected to a power source, but may be reversed. As described herein, the terms "proximal" and "distal" are used for non-limiting purposes to describe the relative positions of the components of the plug 22 and the gland nut assembly 24, where the reference point is the flow of electrical power through the cable fixing system 20 from the power source when the socket is electrically connected to the power source and the plug 22 is electrically connected to the electrical device. Thus, the plug 22 is generally located proximal to the gland nut assembly 24, as used herein. For example, in accordance with UL1682, the cable fixing system 20 may be constructed as a switch-rated connector.

[0018] The plug 22 may include a two-piece housing assembly that includes: a handle body 26 that connects the plug to the gland nut assembly 24 at the distal end of the handle body; and a sleeve 28 attached to the proximal end of the handle body and configured to mate with a connector port of the socket at the proximal end of the sleeve for establishing an electrical connection between the plug and the socket. The plug 22 has a plug axis PA ( Figure 4 ) extending between the distal and proximal ends of the plug. The handle body 26 includes a generally cylindrical member, the length of which extends along the plug axis PA. The cylindrical member includes a first portion 32 extending from the distal end of the plug 22. The first portion 32 may include external threads 33 for attaching the handle body 26 to the gland nut assembly 24 ( Figure 4),(as will be discussed in more detail below. In one embodiment, the first portion 32 extends more than 50% of the length of the handle body. The second portion 34 of the handle body 26 extends from the proximal end of the first portion 32. When the second portion 34 extends longitudinally in the proximal direction, the second portion flares outward at a constant rate. Thus, the diameter of the second portion 34 at the proximal end of the second portion is greater than the diameter of the second portion at the distal end. The third portion 36 of the handle body 26 extends from the proximal end of the second portion 34. Along at least some sections of the third portion 36, the third portion has a generally constant outer diameter extending along the entire length of the third portion. The overall shape of the handle body 26 including the first portion 32, the second portion 34, and the third portion 36 provides an ergonomic outer surface to facilitate gripping the handle body for attaching the handle body to the sleeve 28. In one embodiment, the plug 22 (i.e., the handle body 26 and the sleeve 28) can be formed of aluminum. However, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the plug 22 can also be formed of other suitable materials.

[0019] Reference Figure 3 , the contact assembly 40 is at least partially disposed within the sleeve 28. The contact assembly 40 includes a plurality of contacts 41. The sleeve 28 defines a cylindrical housing that surrounds at least a portion of the contact assembly 40. The cylindrical housing of the sleeve 28 is designed and shaped to mate with a connector port of a receptacle. The sleeve 28 can be fixed in the connector port by a locking arm (not shown) on the receptacle. However, the sleeve 28 can be fixed to the receptacle by other means.

[0020] Reference Figures 2 to 7 , the gland nut assembly 24 includes: a gland nut 42 that can engage with the plug 22 to attach the gland nut to the plug; and a clamp 44 that can be mounted to the gland nut for securing the gland nut assembly to the cable C. In the illustrated embodiment, the gland nut 42 includes a nut body 46 having an annular shape to define a channel 48 extending along the axis of the nut body. A hole 50 is formed in the circumferentially extending wall of the nut body 46, and the hole extends through the wall and communicates with the channel 48 in the nut body. Internal threads 52 are provided on the circumferentially extending inner wall of the nut body at the proximal end of the nut body. The internal threads 52 are configured to mate with the external threads 33 on the handle body 26 for attaching the nut body 46 of the gland nut 42 to the plug 22. A set screw 54 (broadly a locking screw) can be received in the hole 50 in the nut body 46 and can engage with the external threads 33 on the handle body 26 to position the nut body in a proper position on the handle body after the nut body is screwed onto the handle body.

[0021] A support or bracket 56 may be disposed on the nut body 46, and the support or bracket is configured to position the clamping member 44 on the nut body. The support 56 is typically disposed on the nut body 46 and extends distally from the distal surface of the nut body. In one embodiment, the support 56 includes a post defining a hole 58 axially extending therethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, the support 56 is integrally formed with the gland nut 46. However, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the support 56 may be formed separately from the gland nut 46 and suitably attached to the gland nut. Additionally, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the support 56 may have other configurations.

[0022] Reference Figures 2 to 6 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9 , the clamping member 44 includes a single integral body 60 configured to extend along opposite sides of the cable C in the diametrical direction to clamp the cable in place relative to the gland nut assembly 24. The clamping member 44 may be formed of any suitable material. In one embodiment, the clamping member 44 may be formed of aluminum. However, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the clamping member 44 may also be formed of other suitable materials. In the illustrated embodiment, the clamping member body 60 has a generally U-shaped configuration, including a base 62 and a pair of arms 64 extending laterally from opposite ends of the base. The region 66 between the base 62 and the arms 64 provides a space for receiving the cable C within the clamping member 44. The base 62 includes a member defining an opening 68 therein. The base 62 is configured to be located on top of the support 56 to mount the clamping member 44 to the gland nut 42. When the base 62 is located on top of the support 56, the opening 68 in the base can be aligned with the hole 58 in the support 56 such that a standard screw 70 can be inserted into the opening and the hole to secure the clamping member to the support.

[0023] Reference Figure 5 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9 , each arm 64 of the clamping member 44 includes an elongate member extending laterally from the base 62. Specifically, when the clamping member 44 is mounted on the gland nut, each arm 64 extending laterally from the base 62 extends in a direction above the gland nut 42. The height of the arm 64 may extend between the upper and lower surfaces of the arm and is greater than the height of the base 62. Thus, a recessed region 71 may be formed between the base 62 and the arm 64 ( Figure 8). The size of the recessed area 71 is designed to receive the support member 56 when the clamping member 44 is mounted on the gland nut 42. In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 72 of each arm 64 extends from the base 62 at an obtuse angle such that the first portions of the arms generally extend away from each other as they extend from the base. However, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the first portion 72 may extend from the base 62 at other angles. When the clamping member 44 is mounted on the gland nut, the second portion 74 of each arm 64 that extends from the first portion 72 is above the gland nut 42. In the illustrated embodiment, the second portion 74 extends from the first portion 72 at an obtuse angle such that the second portions of the arms 64 generally extend toward each other as they extend from the first portion 72. However, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the second portion 74 may extend from the first portion 72 at other angles. The junction 75 between the first portion 72 and the second portion 74 of each arm 64 defines a recessed area on the outer surface of the arm. The recessed area 75 provides an area for a user to grip the clamping member 44 when using the clamping member to clamp the cable fixing system 20. When the clamping member 44 is mounted on the gland nut, the third portion 76 of each arm 64 that extends from the second portion 74 is generally above the gland nut 42. In the illustrated embodiment, the third portion 76 extends generally orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the base 62. However, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the third portion 76 may extend at other angles. The third portion 76 terminates at the end of the arm 64. The third portion 76 also defines a threaded hole 78 that is aligned and configured to receive a standard screw 80. Specifically, the first hole 78 in one of the arms 64 (e.g., Figure 8 the left arm in Figure 8 extends completely through the third portion 76 of the arm, and the second hole in the other arm (e.g.,

[0024] An alignment protrusion 82 may be disposed on the nut body 46 and extends distally from the distal surface of the nut body. In the illustrated embodiment, the alignment protrusion 82 defines an opening 84 that can be aligned with the first hole 78 and the second hole 78 in the arm 64. Thus, the screw 80 is inserted through the first hole 78 in one arm 64 of the clamping member 44 and through the opening 84 in the alignment protrusion 82 to align the screw for insertion into the second hole 78 in the other arm 64 of the clamping member. Thus, the screw 80 is rotated in the hole 78 to move the arms 64 toward each other to clamp the arms around the cable C disposed between the arms. The inner surfaces of the arms 64 may include a series of notches forming teeth 86 for engaging and biting into the cable C to further secure the clamping member 44 around the cable. Since the arms 64 are anchored or fixed at one end by the base 62 and can move relative to each other at the opposite ends, this allows the clamping member 44 to bend inwardly and outwardly to accommodate a variety of cable sizes. For example, the clamping member 44 may be configured to be fixed around a cable C having a diameter between about 1 inch and about 1.5 inches. In addition, only a single screw 80 is required to secure the clamping member 44 to the cable C.

[0025] The cable fixing system 20 of the present disclosure also provides an optimized design, whereby the gland nut assembly 24 consists of only five standard components that can operate to fix the cable C in the system. In one embodiment, these five standard components include a gland nut 42, a positioning screw 54, a standard screw 70, a clamping member 44, and a standard screw 80. Thus, in addition to the gland nut 42 and the clamping member 44, the cable fixing system 20 of the present disclosure includes only readily available standard screws. Thus, the cable fixing system 20 does not require custom fasteners. This is contrary to traditional cable fixing systems that require the use of custom fasteners (screws and nuts) to assemble the system.

[0026] Modifications and variations of the disclosed embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims.

[0027] When introducing elements of the present invention and one or more of its embodiments, the articles "a", "an", "the", and "said" are intended to mean that there is one or more elements. The terms "comprising", "containing", and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there are additional elements in addition to the listed elements.

[0028] Since various changes can be made to the above-described construction, product, and method without departing from the scope of the present invention, all of the content included in the above description and shown in the drawings should be construed as illustrative rather than restrictive.

Claims

1. A cable fixing system, comprising: A plug including a handle body and a contact assembly at least partially disposed within the handle body; as well as A gland nut assembly comprises: a gland nut configured to be attached to the handle body of the plug; and a clamp mountable on an outer surface of the gland nut to engage a cable and secure the cable to the gland nut, the clamp comprising a single integral body.

2. The cable fixing system according to claim 1, wherein: The contact assembly includes a plurality of contact portions.

3. The cable fixing system according to claim 1, wherein: The clamping member is configured to extend along opposite sides of the cable in a diametrical direction.

4. The cable securing system of claim 1, further comprising a single screw engageable with the clamp for securing the clamp around the cable.

5. The cable fixing system according to claim 1, wherein: The clamp includes a base and a pair of arms extending laterally from the base.

6. The cable fixing system according to claim 5, wherein: The area between the base and the arm provides a space for receiving the cable within the clamp.

7. The cable fixing system according to claim 6, wherein: The clamp is formed from aluminum. 8 . The cable fixing system according to claim 1 , further comprising a support member disposed on the gland nut, the support member mounting the clamp member to the gland nut.

9. The cable securing system of claim 8, further comprising a standard screw extending through the support member and the clamp member to secure the clamp member to the support member.

10. The cable fixing system according to claim 1, wherein: The gland nut assembly includes fewer than eight parts.

Images