Quick fix & remove cable gland assembly

Abstract

A cable gland assembly for coupling an electrical cable to an enclosure. The cable gland assembly includes a main body having a flange assembly at one distal end. The flange assembly includes a first flange and a second flange. The second flange is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the main body.

Description

QUICK FIX & REMOVE CABLE GLAND ASSEMBLYField

[0001] The subject application relates to cable gland assemblies for electrical cables. More particularly, a cable gland assembly for allowing the electrical cable to be quickly attached to and detached from the enclosure.Background

[0002] Cable glands find particular application for attaching an electrical cable to an enclosure. The enclosure includes a knockout hole into which the cable gland is placed to allow the electrical cable to extend through the knockout hole.

[0003] Conventionally, the cable gland is first placed on the electrical cable and then the cable and the cable gland are inserted into the knockout hole. Thereafter, a nut is placed on the portion of the electrical cable in the enclosure and then threaded onto the cable gland to secure the cable gland in the hole in the enclosure.

[0004] The present invention provides a cable gland that allows a user to quickly attach and detach the cable gland and the electrical cable to and from the enclosure where the user can use a single hand.Summary of the Invention

[0005] There is provided a cable gland assembly for coupling an electrical cable to an enclosure. The cable gland assembly includes a main body having a flange assembly at one distal end. The flange assembly includes a first flange and a second flange. The second flange is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the main body.

[0006] In the foregoing cable gland assembly, the first flange is fixed relative to the main body.

[0007] In the foregoing cable gland assembly, the second flange is attached to a slip ring that rotates relative to the main body.

[0008] In the foregoing cable gland assembly, the slip ring rotates about a neck formed in an outer surface of the main body.

[0009] In the foregoing cable gland assembly, the slip ring is axially movable relative to the main body.

[0010] In the foregoing cable gland assembly, the slip ring is axially movable between a locked position and a position wherein the slip ring is free to rotate relative to the main body.

[0011] In the foregoing cable gland assembly, the slip ring is attached in a snap-fit manner to the main body.

[0012] In the foregoing cable gland assembly, the second flange is tongue-shaped and protrudes radially outward from a portion of a periphery of the slip ring.

[0013] In the foregoing cable gland assembly, there is further provided a washer and a flange nut. The flange nut is configured to engage threads on the main body for securing the cable gland assembly to the enclosure.

[0014] In the foregoing cable gland assembly, the main body being made from a plastic or metal material.

[0015] In the foregoing cable gland assembly, the first flange is tongue-shaped and protrudes radially outward from the distal end.

[0016] In the foregoing cable gland assembly, at least one of the first flange and the second flange has a curved outer profile.

[0017] There is further provided a method for assembling a cable gland assembly to an enclosure. The method includes inserting a first flange and a second flange of the cable gland assembly through a hole formed in the enclosure such that the first flange and the second flange are on a first side of a wall of the enclosure; rotating the cable gland assembly such that a first end of the cable gland assembly and the first and second flanges are positioned on the first side of the wall and a remaining portion of the cable gland assembly is positioned on an opposite, second side of the wall; rotating at least one of the first flange or the second flange such that the first and second flanges hinder removal of the cable gland assembly through the hole in the enclosure; and attaching a flange nut to the cable gland assembly such that the wall is capture between the first and second flanges and the flange nut.

[0018] In the foregoing method, there is further provided steps of removing the cable gland assembly from the enclosure. The steps including removing the flange nut from the cable gland assembly; and rotating at least one of the first flange or the second flange to a position such that cable gland assembly is removable from the enclosure via tilting of the cable gland assembly relative to the enclosure.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cable gland assembly;

[0020] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the cable gland assembly of FIG. 1;

[0021] FIG. 3 A is an exploded view of a slip ring and main body of the cable gland assembly of FIG. 1;

[0022] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the slip ring and the main body of FIG. 3 A showing the slip ring on the main body;

[0023] FIG. 4 is a section view of the main body and slip ring of FIG. 3B, showing the main body in an angled position relative to a hole in an enclosure;

[0024] FIG. 5 is a section view of the main body and slip ring of FIG. 3B, showing flanges of the main body and slip ring extending through the hole of the enclosure;

[0025] FIG. 6 is a section view of the main body and slip ring of FIG. 3B, showing a first end of the main body extending through the hole of the enclosure;

[0026] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the main body and slip ring of FIG. 3B, showing the slip ring in a rotated position;

[0027] FIG. 8 is a section view of the main body and slip ring of FIG. 7, showing the slip ring in the rotated position relative to the hole of the enclosure;

[0028] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the main body and slip ring of FIG. 3B, showing the slip ring in a locked position;

[0029] FIG. 10 is a section view of the main body and slip ring of FIG. 9, showing the slip ring in the locked position relative to the hole of the enclosure;

[0030] FIG. 11 is a section view of a washer and a flange nut attached to the main body of FIG. 10;

[0031] FIG. 12 is a section view of a gland, skid washer, compression nut, and electrical cable attached to the main body of FIG. 11; and

[0032] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view a first end of the main body of FIG. 3B.Detailed Description

[0033] The following presents a description of the disclosure; however, aspects may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Furthermore, the following examples may be provided alone or in combination with one or any combination of the examples discussed herein.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a cable gland assembly 50, generally, includes a main body 52, a slip ring 82, a washer 102, a flange nut 104, a gland 112, a skid washer 122 and a compression nut 132. Referring to FIG. 3 A, the main body 52 includes a first end 54, a second end 56 and a hole 58 extending through the main body 52 between the first end 54 and the second end 56. The hole 58 is dimensioned to receive an electrical cable 20 (FIG. 12).

[0035] A first flange 62 extends radially from the first end 54. In the embodiment shown, the flange 62 has a curved outer profile 64, a first face 66 and an opposite, second face68. In the embodiment shown, the first flange 62 is a tongue-shaped protrusion that extends radially outward from a portion of a periphery of the first end 54. A neck portion 72 is formed in an outer surface of the main body 52 between the first flange 62 and a threaded portion 74. A second thread 76 is formed in the second end 56.

[0036] The slip ring 82 includes a ring portion 84 and a second flange 86 attached to one end of the ring portion 84. The second flange 86 has a curved outer profile 88, a first face 92 and an opposite, second face 94. In the embodiment shown, the second flange 82 is a tongueshaped protrusion that extends radially outward from a portion of a periphery of the slip ring 82. In the embodiments illustrated, an outer profile of the first flange 62 substantially matches an outer profile of the second flange 82.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 3B, the slip ring 82 is positioned on the neck portion 72 of the main body 52. In the position illustrated in FIG. 3B, the slip ring 82 is in a first position wherein the second face 68 of the first flange 62 of the main body 52 is in registry with the first face 92 (FIG. 3 A) of the second flange 86 of the slip ring 82. The slip ring 82 is dimensioned to rotate about a longitudinal axis A of the main body 52.

[0038] Referring back to FIG. 2, the washer 102 is dimensioned to be received on the main body 52. The washer 102 includes a hole 102a that is dimensioned to allow the washer 102 to be received on the main body 52.

[0039] The flange nut 104 includes threads 106 that are dimensioned to engage the threaded portion 74 on the main body 52. The flange nut 104 includes flats 108 that are dimensioned and positioned to allow a wrench to turn the flange nut 104.

[0040] The gland 112 is dimensioned to be received into the second end 56 of the main body 52. The gland 112 includes a hole 114 that extends axially through the gland 112. The hole 114 is dimensioned to allow the electrical cable 20 (FIG. 12) to extend therethrough. An outer surface 116 of the gland 112 is frustoconical shaped. It is contemplated that the gland 112 may be made of rubber so that when compressed into the main body 52, the hole 114 in the gland 112 reduces in diameter and seals against an outer surface of the electrical cable 20 (FIG. 12).

[0041] The skid washer 122 is positioned next to the gland 112. The skid waster 122 includes a hole 124 that is dimensioned to allow the electrical cable 20 (FIG. 12) to extend therethrough. A body 126 of the skid washer 122 is frustoconical shaped.

[0042] The compression nut 132 is dimensioned to engage the second thread 76 on the second end 56 of the main body 52. The compression nut 132 includes a hole 134 that is dimensioned to allow the electrical cable 20 (FIG. 12) to extend therethrough. The compressionnut 132 includes flats 136 that are dimensioned and positioned to allow a wrench to turn the compression nut 132.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 4-13, the attachment and detachment of the cable gland assembly 50 to and from an enclosure 10 is described. In the figures, only a wall 12 of the enclosure 10 is illustrated for clarity. A hole 14 is formed in the wall 12.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 4, after the slip ring 82 is placed on the main body 52, the slip ring 82 is positioned in the first position wherein the second face 68 (FIG. 2) of the first flange 62 of the main body 52 is in registry with the first face 92 (FIG. 2) of second flange 86 of the slip ring 82.

[0045] The first and second flanges 62, 86 and the main body 52 are dimensioned so that when the main body 52 is tilted at an angle D, the first and second flanges 62, 86 may be inserted through the hole 14. Referring now to FIG. 5, once the first and second flanges 62, 86 are positioned through the hole 14, the main body 52 is rotated in the direction E until the first end 54 of the main body 52 extends through the hole 14. See, FIG. 6.

[0046] With the first end 54 of the main body 52 in the position illustrated in FIG. 6, the slip ring 82 is rotated about the main body 52 until the second flange 86 is oriented away from the first flange 62. See, FIGS. 7 and 8. In the embodiment illustrated, the first flange 62 and the second flange 86 are oriented at 180 degrees from each other. It is contemplated that the angle between the first flange 62 and the second flange 86 can be an angle other than 180 degrees so long as the angle is selected to prevent the first end 54 of the main body 52 from being withdrawn from the hole 14.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the main body 52 is moved in the direction F (FIG. 8) such that the slip ring 82 is locked into the position illustrated. In this position, the slip ring 82 is prevented from rotating relative to the main body 52. Both the second face 68 of the first flange 62 and the second face 94 of the second flange 86 are oriented toward the same surface of the wall 12. In this position, the main body 52 is prevented from being withdrawn from the hole 14.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the washer 102 is next inserted over the main body 52 from the second end 56 and is positioned to be in registry with a surface of the wall 12 that is opposite to the surface that the first and second flanges 62, 86 face. Thereafter, the flange nut 104 is attached to the main body 52 via threads 106 that engage the threaded portion 74. The flange nut 104 is tightened to capture the wall 12 between the first and second flanges 62, 86 and the washer 102.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 12, the compression nut 132, the skid washer 122 and the gland 112 are inserted on an end of the electrical cable 20. The electrical cable 20 is then inserted through the hole 58 of the main body 52 and the hole 134 of the compression nut 132. The compression nut 132 is then threaded onto the second thread 76 of the main body 52 to capture the skid washer 122 and the gland 112 between the compression nut 132 and the main body 52. The skid washer 122 is made from a material that aids the compression nut 132 in rotating relative to the gland 112. Further tightening of the compression nut 132 causes the compression nut 132 and the skid washer 122 to move toward the second end 56 of the main body 52. As the compression nut 132 is tightened, the gland 112 is compressed toward and sealingly engages the outer surface of the electrical cable 20 while simultaneously sealing against the hole 58 in the main body 52. This movement of the gland 112 creates a sealed connection between the electrical cable 20 and the enclosure 10.

[0050] To remove the cable gland assembly 50, the compression nut 132 is unthreaded from the main body 52 so the electrical cable 20, the gland 112 and the skid washer 122 can be removed from the main body 52. Thereafter, the flange nut 104 is unthreaded and removed from the main body 52. The washer 102 may then also be removed from the main body 52. The main body 52 is then offset toward the wall 12 (opposite to the direction E in FIG. 8) such that the first flange 62 and the second flange 86 may be offset, as illustrated in FIG. 8. Thereafter, the slip ring 82 is rotated until the first flange 62 and the second flange 86 are positioned so that that main body 52 may be tilted and removed from the hole 14. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4-6, the first and second flanges 62, 86 are aligned with each other to aid in removal of the main body 52 from the wall 12. It is contemplated that the first and second flanges 62, 86 could be in other orientations so long as the main body 52 can be tilted and removed from the hole 14 in the wall 12.

[0051] It is contemplated that ribs (not shown) may be added to one or more of the first and second flanges 62, 86 to strengthen the first and second flanges 62, 86 if needed. In the embodiment illustrated, the threads on the main body 52 are shown as straight threads. It is contemplated that the threads may be national pipe threads (NPT).

[0052] Referring to FIG. 13, in the embodiment wherein the main body 52 and the slip ring 82 are made from plastic, the first flange 62 on the main body 52 may be contoured to form two opposite facing sloped ramps 153. These ramps 153 may be configured to be slightly larger than an inner diameter of the slip ring 82 (FIG. 2) such that the slip ring 82 is attached in a snap-fit manner to the main body 52. This snap-fit feature helps to maintain the slip ring 82 on the main body 52.

[0053] In yet another embodiment (not shown), wherein the main body 52 and the slip ring 82 are made from metal, the first flange 62 on the main body 52 may not include the two opposite facing sloped ramps 153 noted above for the previous embodiment (FIG. 13). In this embodiment, the slip ring 82 may slide over the first flange 62 to fit on the main body 52.

[0054] In the embodiment illustrated, the first flange 62 is fixed to the main body 52 and the second flange 86 is attached to a slip ring 82 that rotates relative to the main body 52. It is contemplated that in another embodiment the first flange 62 may be attached to a second slip ring (not shown) that rotates relative to the main body 52 in a manner similar to the slip ring 82. In this embodiment, the first and second flanges 62, 86 may be positioned at any angular orientation relative to the main body 52 to aid in attaching and detaching the main body 52 to and from the enclosure 10.

[0055] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention.

Claims

ClaimsI claim:

1. A cable gland assembly for coupling an electrical cable to an enclosure, the cable gland assembly comprising: a main body having a flange assembly at one distal end, and the flange assembly comprising a first flange and a second flange, the second flange being rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the main body.

2. The cable gland assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first flange is fixed relative to the main body.

3. The cable gland assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second flange is attached to a slip ring that rotates relative to the main body.

4. The cable gland assembly according to claim 3, wherein the slip ring rotates about a neck formed in an outer surface of the main body.

5. The cable gland assembly according to claim 3, wherein the slip ring is axially movable relative to the main body.

6. The cable gland assembly according to claim 5, wherein the slip ring is axially movable between a locked position and a position wherein the slip ring is free to rotate relative to the main body.

7. The cable gland assembly according to claim 3, wherein the slip ring is attached in a snap- fit manner to the main body.

8. The cable gland assembly according to claim 3, wherein the second flange is tongue-shaped and protrudes radially outward from a portion of a periphery of the slip ring.

9. The cable gland assembly according to claim 1 , further comprising a washer and a flange nut, the flange nut configured to engage threads on the main body for securing the cable gland assembly to the enclosure.

10. The cable gland assembly according to claim 1, wherein the main body is made of a plastic or metal material.

11. The cable gland assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the first flange is tongue-shaped and protrudes radially outward from the distal end.

12. The cable gland assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first flange and the second flange has a curved outer profile.

13. A method for assembling a cable gland assembly to an enclosure, comprising: inserting a first flange and a second flange of the cable gland assembly through a hole formed in the enclosure such that the first flange and the second flange are on a first side of a wall of the enclosure; rotating the cable gland assembly such that a first end of the cable gland assembly and the first and second flanges are positioned on the first side of the wall and a remaining portion of the cable gland assembly is positioned on an opposite, second side of the wall; rotating at least one of the first flange or the second flange such that the first and second flanges hinder removal of the cable gland assembly through the hole in the enclosure; and attaching a flange nut to the cable gland assembly such that the wall is capture between the first and second flanges and the flange nut.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising steps of removing the cable gland assembly from the enclosure, the steps including: removing the flange nut from the cable gland assembly; and rotating at least one of the first flange or the second flange to a position such that cablegland assembly is removable from the enclosure via tilting of the cable gland assembly relative to the enclosure.

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