Coupling device and method for pulling electrical wires through conduits

Abstract

A coupling device for coupling an electrical wire to a wire puller is provided. The coupling device includes a main body, a connecting portion, a blade portion, and a securing element. The main body has a longitudinal direction. The connecting portion is for connecting the main body to the wire puller. The blade portion is coupled to the main body. The main body defines a space for receiving the electrical wire. The blade portion is configured to create a notch in the electrical wire. The securing element is configured to secure the blade portion to the notch. The securing element is movable relative to the main body. The main body includes an opening for receiving the securing element. The opening is offset from the blade portion along the longitudinal direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a coupling device for coupling an electric wire to a wire passing tool. The present invention further relates to pulling an electric wire through a conduit. Specifically, the present invention relates to pulling an electric wire through a conduit to install an electric circuit in a building such as a house or an office building.

Background Art

[0002] Many buildings are provided with electric circuits for providing electricity within the building. The electric circuit has several types of outlets. Wall outlets are provided for connecting to the plugs of all types of electrical devices. Outlets to which lighting equipment can be connected are provided. Some outlets can be connected to, for example, motors for operating garage doors or awnings. The electric circuit typically has a switch for controlling the electricity to the outlet. For example, the switch can be set to a first position to cut off the electricity provided to the outlet or to a second position to allow the electricity to the outlet.

[0003] The electric circuit has electric wires for connecting the outlets and the switches to each other. The electric circuit also has electric wires for connecting to the fuse box of the building. In the fuse box, electricity is provided to the building from outside the building. The fuse box can have several safety functions such as fuses or an earth leakage circuit breaker (ELCB).

[0004] Buildings are usually provided with conduits in which electric wires are provided. The conduit is generally a plastic pipe arranged on a wall or a ceiling. The plastic pipe has bending portions for directing the electric wires to all the outlets and switches.

[0005] When installing electrical circuits in a building, typically, conduits are laid first. The inside of the conduit is accessible through the locations of outlets and switches, or through junction boxes where multiple conduits meet. To install the wires into the conduit, a fish tape is first inserted into the conduit through the locations of outlets, switches, or junction boxes. A fish tape is typically a metal wire stiff enough to be pushed through the conduit. The fish tape is long enough so that one end of the fish tape protrudes from one end of the conduit and the other end of the fish tape protrudes from the other end of the conduit. The electrician connects the wire to one end of the fish tape. Next, the electrician pulls the fish tape back through the conduit by the other end. In doing so, the fish tape pulls the wire into the conduit. The electrician pulls the fish tape until the end of the wire connected to the fish tape protrudes from the conduit. Because the wire is longer than the conduit, the other end of the wire is still outside the other end of the conduit. Here, the wires protrude from both ends of the conduit. An electrician can detach the wires from the fish tape and connect them to an outlet or switch as desired.

[0006] When using fish tape as described above, the following problems may arise: When pulling a wire through a conduit, there can be considerable resistance between the wire and the conduit. This resistance can be particularly large when the conduit has many bends or when the conduit is very long. Part of this resistance can be caused by friction between the wire and the conduit while pulling the wire through the conduit. Another part of the resistance can be caused by the weight of the wire that needs to be pulled into the conduit. The resistance creates a force at the connection between the wire and the fish tape that tries to pull them apart. The wire needs to be securely connected to the fish tape to prevent it from coming loose while the fish tape is being pulled. If the wire comes loose while the fish tape is being pulled, the electrician will need to completely pull the wire out of the conduit, reinsert the fish tape, and reconnect the wire to the fish tape in order to start over.

[0007] Connecting electrical wires to fish tape in this manner must be done carefully to prevent unwanted detachment of the wires. Fish tape typically has a loop or hook. The electrician typically peels off the layer of insulation from the end of the wire, thereby exposing the metal core. Next, the electrician bends and twists the end of the wire around the loop or hook of the fish tape. Then, while one electrician pulls the fish tape through the conduit, the other electrician feeds the wire from the other end of the conduit. This method of work helps prevent the wire from coming off the fish tape, but it is very labor-intensive. Two electricians are required to install the wire. Also, while one electrician removes the insulation from the end of the wire and connects the wire to the fish tape, the other electrician stands by.

[0008] To improve the speed at which an electrician can connect a wire to a fish tape, coupling devices such as the coupling device described in Patent Document 1 are known. The known coupling device connects a wire to a fish tape. The known coupling device has a tubular body into which one end of the wire can be received. The inside of the tubular body is provided with a number of teeth. The teeth are rotatably connected to the tubular body such that the edges of the teeth move with the wire when the wire is inserted into the tubular body. When the wire is pulled in the opposite direction, that is, when trying to pull the wire out of the tubular body, the friction between the edges of the teeth and the wire causes the teeth to rotate so that the teeth push the edges radially inward toward the wire. This increases the friction between the wire and the teeth. The friction provides a force to hold the wire inside the tubular body while the wire is being pulled through the conduit.

[0009] A drawback of this known coupling device is that the force the teeth exert on the wire is still limited. Furthermore, the structure of this known coupling device is complex due to the multiple movable teeth. Additionally, because the teeth are positioned radially outward from the wire, this known coupling device may be too large to fit into conduits of smaller diameters, especially when attempting to pull multiple wires through a conduit.

[0010] One coupling device is known from Patent Document 2. This known coupling device is for releasably gripping an elongated article and is used when pulling the article through space. Another coupling device is known from Patent Document 3. This known coupling device is for providing assistance in pulling an electric wire through a PVC conduit with a wire puller. Another coupling device is known from Patent Document 4. This known coupling device provides a pull cable for introducing a cable into a sheath tube or conduit. Yet another coupling device is known from Patent Document 5. This known coupling device has screws for fastening an electric wire in a housing. The housing is then pulled through the conduit. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005 / 0242331(A1) [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0070966(A1) [Patent Document 3] Dutch Patent No. 1031669 [Patent Document 4] French Patent No. 2725845 Specification [Patent Document 5] French Patent No. 2835660 Specification [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved coupling device that solves at least one of the problems mentioned above, or provides at least an alternative coupling device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] The object of the present invention is achieved by a coupling device for coupling multiple electric wires to a wire puller. The coupling device comprises a main body, a connector, at least one blade, and a fixing element. The connector is for connecting the main body to the wire puller. At least one blade is coupled to the main body. The main body forms a first space and a second space. The first space is configured to receive a first electric wire. The second space is configured to receive a second electric wire. One of the at least one blade is movable through the first space to create a notch in the first electric wire. One of the at least one blade is movable through the second space to create a notch in the second electric wire. The fixing element is configured to fix the blade to the notch. Optionally, at least one blade is a single blade that is movable through both the first space and the second space to cut both the first and second electric wires. In another option, at least one blade has two blades. One blade is movable through a first space to cut into a first wire, and the other blade is movable through a second space to cut into a second wire.

[0014] When a wire is pulled through a conduit, friction between the wire and the conduit creates a force that tries to pull the wire out of space. However, by fixing at least one blade within the notch of the wire, the blade is maintained in the wire even when a large tensile force is applied to the coupling device. Preferably, the blade cuts into the metal core of the wire. The fixing element fixes at least one blade to the notch in the metal core. Due to the high tensile strength of the metal core, an even greater reaction force is applied to the metal core by the blade to the extent that the metal core is pulled from the blade, without damaging or deforming the metal core. The fixing element prevents the blade from moving out of the notch. Therefore, the coupling device can hold the wire with great force, which helps prevent the wire from coming loose from the cable puller while pulling it through the conduit, even when the conduit has many bends and when there is no electrician feeding the wire into the conduit. As a result, a single electrician can install the wire more quickly than using known bending methods that reduce the risk of the wire coming loose from the fish tape.

[0015] An electric wire can be any type of wire suitable for conducting electricity. An electric wire is a wire configured to provide power of approximately 120V or approximately 230V, for example, in household electrical appliances. An electric wire is a wire configured to provide power of approximately 400V or more, for example, in industrial electrical appliances. An electric wire is a wire configured to provide electrical data signals, for example. Electrical data signals are generated by sensors such as temperature sensors or light sensors, or by control units. Electrical data signals are received by control units or motors, for example.

[0016] A wire puller is, for example, a fish tape. A fish tape is a tool used by electricians to guide the path of a wire through a conduit. A fish tape is typically a long, narrow strip made of steel. Fish tapes are typically stored on a reel, which provides the fish tape with a natural curve. The electrician uses this natural curve to guide the fish tape through the conduit by pushing it and rotating it along its longitudinal axis. This helps the fish tape to be pushed along the curve. Other types of wire pullers may be used instead of a fish tape. For example, the wire puller is an old wire that is already in the conduit and needs to be replaced. An old wire is used as a wire puller by attaching one end of the old wire to a coupling device and pulling the other end of the old wire out of the conduit. In another example, the wire puller is a string. The string is, for example, first coupled to a conduit piston. A conduit piston is a cylindrical object made of a flexible material such as plastic foam. The conduit piston is pushed into one end of the conduit. At the other end of the conduit, suction is applied, for example, by connecting the hose of a vacuum cleaner to that end of the conduit. The suction pulls the conduit piston through the conduit to the other end. The conduit piston takes one end of the string. At the other end of the conduit, the conduit piston is removed from the conduit and detached from the string. The string is then connected to a coupling device and pulls the wire through the conduit.

[0017] Electric wires have a metal core. The metal core includes, for example, copper or a copper alloy. The metal core includes, for example, gold and / or silver. The metal core is, for example, a solid metal object.

[0018] A wire, for example, forms part of a cable comprising multiple wires. Each wire has a metal core that is insulated from other metal cores. Due to its larger circumference, pulling a cable through a conduit is usually easier than pulling a wire. The larger circumference of a cable provides a large surface area for holding or securing the cable by known devices for pulling the cable through a conduit. A wire has only a small circumference, which provides only a small surface area for holding or securing the wire for pulling the wire through a conduit. In the example, when a cable is pulled through a conduit, the outer layer of the cable is removed from one end of the cable to expose the individual wires. A coupling device is then coupled to one or more of the individual wires.

[0019] The main body is, for example, a cylindrical body or a cylindrical outer shell. The main body is made of, for example, plastic. The external dimensions of the main body must be small enough to pass through the conduit. Preferably, the external dimensions of the main body, such as the diameter and length, are small enough to pass through the bends in the conduit. The outer edges of the main body are rounded, for example, to improve the movement of the coupling device through the bends in the conduit.

[0020] The connector is suitable for connecting the main body to the wire puller. One end of the wire puller is typically provided with a hook, loop, or multiple loops. Generally, the hook or loop is used to wrap around the end of an electric wire. The connector is configured, for example, to connect to the hook or loop of a fish tape. In other examples, the connector is configured to connect to a further coupler, so that the further coupler is connected to the fish tape. The further coupler comprises, for example, a snap ring, a metal wire loop, or a fastening device for connecting to the wire puller. In this example, the connector comprises a fastening device for connecting to the wire puller. The fastening device comprises, for example, a bolt for fastening the wire puller to the main body.

[0021] The cutting part has a cutting edge for cutting into the wire. Preferably, the cutting part is made of a material having a yield strength or hardness greater than that of the metal core of the wire. For example, the cutting part is made of steel. In one embodiment, the coupling device is adapted to be used only once, so the cutting part only needs to cut into the metal core once. In this embodiment, the cutting part can be made of a material having a limited yield strength or limited hardness. The limited yield strength or limited hardness is, for example, the same as or slightly greater than the yield strength or strength of the metal core. In other examples, the yield strength and / or hardness of the cutting part is more than twice the yield strength and / or hardness of the metal core. When the coupling device can be used only once, the wire is cut next to the coupling device after being pulled through the conduit. The length of the wire to be cut does not need to be much greater than the length of the space, for example, less than 5 cm. This results in much less wire being discarded compared to winding the wire around the hook of the fish tape, which would discard up to 30 cm of wire.

[0022] The shape of the cutting edge of the blade can be, for example, a straight edge. A straight edge is relatively easy to manufacture. In other examples, the cutting edge of the blade can be concave, meaning that the outer part of the edge extends more into space than the central part of the edge. A concave edge has the advantage of helping to center the wire relative to the blade. It is possible that the wire may initially be positioned in space off-center relative to the blade. As the blade and the wire are moved relative to each other through the space to cut into the wire, one of the outer parts of the blade makes contact with the wire first. Because the outer part of the blade is curved, it applies force to the wire, pushing it in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the wire. This force moves the wire to a position where it is more centered relative to the blade. The centered position of the wire allows the blade to cut properly into the metal core. Another advantage of a concave cutting edge is that, for example, to achieve the same size cut, it can create a larger cut along the metal core without having to cut as deeply into the metal core as a straight cutting edge. A concave cutting edge creates a cut in the wire that follows the outer surface of the metal core more closely than a straight cutting edge. By cutting along the outer surface of the metal core, the metal core retains greater tensile strength and can therefore withstand greater tensile forces when the wire is pulled through the conduit. A concave cutting edge is, for example, a smooth, curved cutting edge. In another example, a concave cutting edge is formed by two or more straight cutting edges at an angle to each other. Two straight cutting edges are, for example, triangular cutting edges.

[0023] At least one blade portion is coupled to the main body for transmitting a tensile force from the wire passing tool through the connecting portion and the main body to the electric wire. For example, the blade portion is disposed in a slit in the main body. The blade portion can further move into the slit in order to move through the space and cut into the metal core. To prevent the blade portion from moving in other directions and to transmit the tensile force from the main body to the blade portion, the side surfaces of the slit constrain the blade portion. In the example, the main body has a cylindrical shape provided with a radial slit extending from the outer surface of the cylindrical surface into the space. The radial slit is configured to receive the blade portion. The blade portion is movable through the radial slit. In still other embodiments, the blade portion is disposed at an acute angle to the longitudinal direction of the electric wire in the space. The blade portion is disposed at an acute angle so as to create a funnel within the space for inserting the electric wire into the space. While the electric wire is being inserted into the space, the blade portion does not yet cut into the electric wire. However, when the electric wire is pulled while it is inside the space, the acute angle of the blade portion causes the blade portion to cut into the metal core. After pulling the electric wire and thus after cutting into the metal core with the blade portion, a fixing element is disposed to fix the blade portion in the cut portion. For example, the fixing element prevents the blade portion from moving perpendicular to its cutting direction.

[0024] The first space and the second space formed by the main body are large enough to respectively receive the ends of the electric wire. However, to limit the size of the main body, the spaces are preferably made as small as possible while still being large enough to allow the electric wire to be easily disposed in each space. The spaces are, for example, cylindrical. The diameter of the cylinder is larger than the diameter of the electric wire. The length of the space is large enough to ensure that the end of the electric wire passes the cutting edge of the blade portion while the electric wire is being inserted into the space. 。The electric wire is in the path of the blade. The length of the space is in the longitudinal direction. The space has at least one opening through which the electric wire can be inserted into the space. When the electric wire is positioned in the space, the longitudinal direction of the space is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the electric wire, for example, parallel to the longitudinal direction of a portion of the electric wire in the space. The space has, for example, an additional opening. The additional opening is provided, for example, to visually inspect whether the electric wire has been inserted sufficiently deep into the space. The additional opening is provided, for example, to reduce the amount of material used for the main body. The first space and the second space are separated from each other so that the electric wire cannot move directly from the first space to the second space or from the second space to the first space. For example, the first space and the second space are separated from each other by the inner wall of the main body. In this way, the first space appropriately positions the first electric wire relative to the blade, and the second space appropriately positions the second electric wire relative to the blade.

[0025] The fixing element secures the blade to the notch while the wire is being pulled through the wire puller. If the wire becomes jammed in the conduit, the electrician can pull the wire back and forth to loosen it. The fixing element is adapted to secure the blade to the notch even when the electrician is pulling the wire back and forth.

[0026] To properly connect the wire to the coupling device, the blade creates a notch perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the wire, for example, to a depth greater than 10%, 20%, or 30% of the thickness of the metal core, but less than 60% or 50% of the thickness of the metal core. The depth of the notch should be large enough to hold the blade within the notch when the wire is pulled through the conduit. The depth of the notch should not be so large that excessive plastic deformation, such as shrinkage of the wire's cross-section, occurs when the wire is pulled through the conduit. A fixing element is configured to fix the blade in the notch. When the blade cuts into the wire, it remains in a position that holds the wire in space. Movement of the blade relative to the main body poses a risk of the wire being pulled out of space while the wire is being pulled through the conduit. By providing a fixing element, undesirable movement of the blade is prevented. For example, a fixing element is connected to the blade. The fixing element has, for example, a serrated surface. The main body has an opening for receiving the fixing element. The serrated surface is positioned to contact the side wall of the opening. The serrated surface is oriented to slide along the side wall when the blade moves in the cutting direction. The serrated surface prevents the blade from moving in the opposite direction of the cutting. The serrated surface has, for example, tooth-like projections. When the blade moves in the cutting direction, the leading side of the tooth-like projections is at an obtuse angle to the blade's movement path, and the opposite side of the tooth-like projections, i.e., the trailing side, is perpendicular to the blade's movement path. The leading side allows the serrated surface to slide along the side wall of the opening when moving in the cutting direction. The trailing side cuts into the side wall of the opening, preventing the serrated surface from moving in the opposite direction of the cutting, thus stopping movement in the opposite direction of the cutting. The serrated surface has, for example, multiple tooth-like projections. In this example, the fixing element has a small fit with the opening. An electrician may, for example, use pliers to push the fixing element into the opening. In other examples, the fixing element is attached to the blade. The fixing element has a serrated surface. The fixing element is configured to be press-fitted into the opening of the main body. In this example, the fixing element is separate from the main body and the blade.For example, the fixing element comprises fasteners or bolts to secure the blade to the main body. The fixing element uses glue or any other adhesive to secure the blade to the main body, for example. The fixing element comprises a body configured to be positioned around at least a portion of the main body. In this example, the blade extends from the main body before cutting into the metal core. When the blade is in the cut, it does not extend from the main body. By providing a fixing element around the main body, the fixing element prevents the blade from extending back from the main body and, consequently, from moving away from the cut. In this example, the fixing element is positioned after the blade has cut into the wire, and the fixing element prevents the blade from moving or bending in a direction perpendicular to the cutting direction. The fixing element is positioned, for example, to restrict the movement of at least a portion of the blade in a direction perpendicular to the cutting direction. By restricting the movement of at least a portion of the blade in a direction perpendicular to the cutting direction, any movement or bending of the blade in a direction perpendicular to the cutting direction will cause the blade to come into contact with the fixing element. The fixing element is configured to provide sufficient force to prevent further movement or bending of the blade in a direction perpendicular to the cutting direction.

[0027] In one example, the electric wire comprises a metal core and an insulating layer covering the metal core. The blade is configured to cut through the insulating layer into the metal core.

[0028] Most electric wires have a metal core covered with an insulating layer. The metal core is for conducting electric current. The insulating layer ensures that the current remains insulated from the environment. If the current flows into the environment, dangerous situations can occur. The insulating layer is typically made of plastic material. Plastic material does not have a high yield strength and breaks easily when tension is applied to it, especially if there is a cut in the plastic material. Therefore, when pulling an electric wire through a conduit, the insulating layer is not very suitable for applying tensile force. By configuring the blade to cut through the insulating layer, the blade can reach the metal core, which is very suitable for applying tensile force when pulling an electric wire through a conduit. The electrician does not need to remove the insulating layer from the end of the wire, and can simply insert the end of the wire into the space. This allows the electrician to quickly connect the wire with a coupling device. The blade is provided with sufficient length to cut through the insulating layer in order to reach the metal core. In other examples, the blade's movement path is configured to penetrate the insulating layer and move the cutting edge of the blade towards the metal core.

[0029] In one embodiment, at least one blade is movably coupled to the main body. The at least one blade is configured to create a cut by moving through a first space and a second space.

[0030] In this embodiment, the blade makes a cut in the wire by moving through a first space and a second space. The advantage of moving the blade through the space is that the depth of the cut in the wire can be controlled by controlling the movement of the blade. Completing the movement of the blade ensures that the blade cuts into the metal core to a desired depth. For example, the side of the blade opposite to the cutting edge is pushed to move the blade. Pushing the blade is done, for example, by hand or using pliers. The desired position of the blade is reached when it is in a specific position, for example, when the side of the blade opposite to the cutting edge no longer protrudes from the main body. In other examples, the desired position of the blade is reached when the portion near the cutting edge contacts the main body, preventing the blade from moving further. The blade may be configured to move through the space at any desired angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the wire in the space, for example, at an acute angle, or an obtuse angle, or at a right angle, i.e., perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the wire in the space.

[0031] In one embodiment, the direction of the cut is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first space.

[0032] When a wire is in space, the blade moves through the first space in the cutting direction to cut into the first wire. The blade moves in the cutting direction to cut perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first space, for example, parallel to the longitudinal direction of the wire. The blade moves in the cutting direction along a movement path. The movement path of the blade is, for example, a straight path perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first space. In another example, the movement path of the blade is a circular path positioned such that the last part is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first space. The movement path is, for example, a rotation along the longitudinal direction of the wire, with the axis of rotation of the movement path offset from the wire. The movement path of the blade is any suitable movement path that causes the blade to cut into the wire perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the wire.

[0033] Because the blade cuts into the wire perpendicular to its longitudinal direction, the cutting edge of the blade is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction when the blade is in the metal core. When the wire is pulled through the conduit, the blade transmits the tensile force to the metal core in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the tensile force is perpendicular to the cutting edge of the blade. Because the tensile force is perpendicular to the cutting edge, the tensile force does not cause the blade to cut further into the metal core. This allows the cut in the wire to be stopped at the desired depth, and consequently, a large tensile force to be applied throughout the entire process of pulling the wire through the conduit. For example, in this context, perpendicular could mean that the blade is configured to cut into the wire at an angle in the range of 80 to 100°, such as in the range of 85 to 92°, such as 88 to 92° or 89 to 91°, with respect to the longitudinal direction of the wire. Conversely, if the blade cuts into the wire at an angle less than 90°, such as less than 45°, the tensile force can cause the blade to cut further into the wire. As a result, the blade may cut the wire while pulling it through the conduit.

[0034] In one embodiment, the first space is configured such that the longitudinal direction of the first electric wire is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first space.

[0035] In this embodiment, the first space is configured such that the longitudinal direction of the wire is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first space. By aligning the first wire with the first space, the first wire is properly oriented with respect to the blade. The blade is positioned to properly cut into the metal core when the first wire is properly oriented with respect to the blade. The blade is positioned to move toward the wire through the first space to cut perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first space. Therefore, when the longitudinal direction of the first wire is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first space, the blade can cut into the metal core perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first wire. The shape of the first space is adapted such that the longitudinal direction of the first wire is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first space. For example, the first space is formed into a cylinder with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the first wire. The length of the cylindrical space is, for example, longer than the diameter. For example, the length of the first space is twice, five times, ten times, or more than ten times the diameter of the first space. In other examples, the first space comprises a slot, the slot having a longitudinal direction. The slot is arranged to receive a wire. When the first wire is inserted into the slot, the longitudinal direction of the first wire is aligned parallel to the longitudinal direction of the slot.

[0036] In one embodiment, at least one blade is movably coupled to the main body. The at least one blade is configured to move from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the at least one blade is positioned outside the first space to allow a first wire to be received into the first space. In the first position, the at least one blade is positioned outside the second space to allow a second wire to be received into the second space. In the second position, a fixing element is positioned to fix the blade to the notch to hold the first wire in the first space and the second wire in the second space.

[0037] In this embodiment, at least one blade can move from a first position to a second position. When at least one blade is in the second position, the blade cuts into the metal core. By remaining in the cut, at least one blade holds the wire in the first and second spaces. A fixing element holds the blade in the cut, so that the blade cannot move away from the cut. The cut forms a grip for the blade to hold the metal core. The wire cannot move away from the space because it is constrained between the blade and the side wall of the space.

[0038] In one embodiment, the main body has a side wall along the longitudinal direction of a first space. The first space is configured to receive a first electric wire between the side wall and the blade. The blade is configured to move from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the blade is at a first distance from the side wall. In the second position, the blade is at a second distance from the side wall. The first distance is greater than the second distance. For example, the first distance is greater than the thickness of the electric wire. For example, the second distance is less than the thickness of the electric wire.

[0039] In this embodiment, when at least one blade is in a first position, an electrician can insert a first wire into a first space between the blade and the side wall. The blade is at a distance from the side wall greater than the thickness of the wire. When the first wire is in the first space, the blade is moved to a second position. In the second position, the distance between the blade and the side wall is less than the thickness of the first wire. This means that the blade is cutting into the first wire. The second distance is the distance the blade cuts into the metal core. The second distance should be small enough so that the blade cuts sufficiently into the metal core to create a sufficiently large cut. The second distance should be large enough so that the blade does not cut excessively deep into the metal core. The second distance is determined, for example, by the size of the blade. If the wire has a cylindrical cross-section, the thickness of the wire is equal to the diameter of the wire. If the electric wire is a wire with a rectangular cross-section, its thickness is equal to either the shorter side or the longer side of the rectangular cross-section.

[0040] In one embodiment, at least one blade comprises a first blade portion and a second blade portion arranged along the longitudinal direction of a first space. At the second position, the second distance is between the side wall and the second blade portion. At the second position, the third distance is between the side wall and the first blade portion. The third distance is greater than the second distance and less than the first distance.

[0041] In this embodiment, the first and second blade portions are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the first space. For example, the first blade portion is a first cutting device configured to cut into a metal core, and the second blade portion is a second cutting device configured to cut into a metal core. The frame is configured to connect the first and second blade portions and to arrange the first and second blade portions along the longitudinal direction of the first space. In this example, the blade comprises a first blade portion, a second blade portion, and a frame. When a first wire is inserted into the first space, the first wire first passes through the first blade portion and then through the second blade portion. When the blade is moved to a second position, both the first and second blade portions are moved. At the second position, the first blade portion is at a third distance from the side wall of the space. For example, the cutting edge of the first blade portion is at a third distance from the side wall of the space. At the second position, the second blade portion is at a second distance from the side wall space. For example, the cutting edge of the second blade portion is at a second distance from the side wall of the space. The distance from the second blade portion to the side wall is shorter than the distance from the first blade portion to the side wall.

[0042] This embodiment has the advantage that the coupling device can also couple with wires having either a large or small cross-sectional area. When the wire has a large cross-sectional area, both the first and second blade portions cut into the wire. The third distance is set so that the first blade portion cuts into the metal core of the wire. Because the third distance is greater than the second distance, the second blade portion cuts further into the wire than the first blade portion. In one example, the second blade portion completely cuts through the metal core. This is not a problem because the wire is held by the first blade portion. When the wire has a small cross-section, the thickness of the wire may be less than the third distance. In this case, the first blade portion does not cut into the wire when the blade portion is in the second position. However, the second position is set so that when the blade portion is in the second position, the second blade portion cuts into the metal core of the wire with a small cross-sectional area. Thus, the wire is held by the second blade portion. In this embodiment, the coupling device can couple with wires having a range of cross-sections and thicknesses. Preferably, the distance from the first blade portion to the opening of the first space is shorter than the distance from the second blade portion to the opening of the first space. The first space is configured to receive the first electric wire through the opening.

[0043] In one embodiment, the second blade portion is longer than the first blade portion along the cutting direction.

[0044] In this embodiment, when the blade is moved to the second position, the distance between the second portion and the side wall is smaller than the distance between the first portion and the side wall because the second blade is longer than the first blade. Providing the first and second blade portions with different lengths is a cost-effective way to achieve the difference between the second and third distances. Alternatively or additionally, the side wall has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion faces the first blade portion. The second portion faces the second blade portion. The second portion is offset from the first portion in the direction toward the blade. The second portion is closer to the blade than the first portion. As a result, when the first wire is inserted into the first space, the portion of the first wire supported by the first portion is at a greater distance from the blade than the portion of the wire supported by the second portion. The first portion supports the wire at a sufficient distance from the first blade portion, so that wires with greater thickness are properly cut by the first blade portion. The second section supports the wire at a sufficient distance from the second cutting section, so that the wire, with its small thickness, is properly cut by the second cutting section.

[0045] In one embodiment, the coupling device comprises a further blade. The main body forms a third space. The third space is configured to receive a third wire. The further blade is movably coupled to the main body. The further blade is configured to move through the third space to create a notch in the third wire within the third space.

[0046] In many situations, a single conduit accommodates multiple wires. For example, a conduit might house phase wires, ground wires, switch wires, and neutral wires. If an electrician pulls multiple wires simultaneously through the conduit, it saves the electrician considerable time. By providing multiple spaces in the main body, each space can hold a wire. Further cutting sections are configured to cut into the metal core of at least additional wires. This connects multiple wires to the coupling device. By pulling the coupling device through the conduit, multiple wires are pulled simultaneously through the conduit. The main body may form, for example, two, three, four, six, or seven or more spaces. The advantage of having a space for each of multiple wires is that the coupling device can be properly connected to each wire. By having only one wire in a space, the position of the wire in the space is determined by the shape of the space and / or the shape of the cutting section. As a result, the cutting section and further cutting sections can properly cut into the metal core of the wire. In comparison, when multiple wires are present in a single space, there can be many variations in how the wires are positioned within that space. For example, wires may be next to each other or overlapping. This variation in the position of wires within a single space limits the precision with which the blade cuts into the metal core.

[0047] The multiple spaces are configured to prevent the wire from moving from one space to another while it is in the coupling device. The multiple spaces are completely closed, except for, for example, an opening for inserting the wire into the space. In the example, there is an opening between the multiple spaces, but the opening is too small for the wire to pass through. For example, these openings are smaller than the diameter of the wire.

[0048] When using coupling devices, electricians may leave some spaces empty. For example, an electrician may use a coupling device with four spaces to pull fewer than four wires simultaneously through a conduit. For example, an electrician may couple only one, two, or three wires to a coupling device with four spaces.

[0049] In this embodiment, there are additional blades, i.e., further blades. The blades are positioned relative to the main body to move through the first and second spaces. Further blades are positioned relative to the main body to move through the third space. The blades cut into the metal core material of the wires, which is different from the further blades. This allows multiple wires to be coupled to the coupling device. This allows an electrician to pull multiple wires simultaneously through a conduit. Further blades are, for example, exactly the same as the blades. Alternatively, further blades have a different shape from the blades. For example, further blades have a greater thickness than the blades and a shape configured to cut into the wires appropriately. In other examples, further blades have a smaller thickness than the blades and a shape configured to cut into the wires appropriately. Further blades have, for example, the first and second blade portions as described above.

[0050] In one embodiment, a further cutting edge is configured to move through the third space so as to cut into the third wire perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the third space. The further cutting edge is configured to move in a direction different from that of the cutting edge.

[0051] In this embodiment, the blade and the further blade move in different directions. For example, if the elongated direction of space is in the horizontal plane, the blade is movable along the vertical axis when moving downward and cuts into the metal core. The further blade is movable along the vertical axis and cuts into the metal core when moving upward. Different directions are, for example, opposite to each other. In other examples, the blade and the further blade move in directions at angles of 45°, 90°, or 120° to each other. In one embodiment, the coupling device comprises three blades. The blades are configured to move in directions at angles of 120° to each other. In one embodiment, the coupling device comprises four blades. The four blades are configured to move in directions at angles of 90° to each other. In one embodiment, the coupling device comprises six blades. The blades are configured to move in directions at angles of 60° to each other.

[0052] In one embodiment, the main body forms a plurality of spaces. At least one blade is movably coupled to the main body. Each of the plurality of spaces is configured to receive an electric wire. At least one blade is configured to move through at least two of the plurality of spaces in order to cut into the metal core material of the electric wire in each of at least two of the plurality of spaces. The at least one blade is, for example, a single blade.

[0053] In this embodiment, the blade is configured to cut into the metal core material of at least two wires. Since each wire is in its own space, each wire is properly positioned relative to the blade, so that the blade can properly cut into each metal core material. The blade comprises, for example, at least two cutting edges. At least two cutting edges are separated from each other. At least two cutting edges are, for example, similar to each other. At least two cutting edges are, for example, all concave cutting edges. The concave cutting edges are configured, for example, to align each wire with the corresponding cutting edge. The spaces are arranged, for example, along a line perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the wires and perpendicular to the path of movement of the blade. The line is, for example, a straight line or a curve. The curve is, for example, a part of a circle.

[0054] In one embodiment, the connector includes a hook or loop configured to connect to a wire puller.

[0055] A hook or loop provides a single type of connector that can be attached to most types of fish tape. A hook or loop can be easily used to tie a wire puller, such as a string, to the main body. Furthermore, a hook or loop is very suitable for connecting to a variety of commonly available connectors. A hook or loop can be connected to fish tape via a connector, etc.

[0056] In a further aspect of the present invention, a method for pulling multiple electric wires through a conduit, - The step of inserting the first electric wire into the first space of the main body, - The step of inserting the second electric wire into the second space of the main body, - A step of moving at least one of the cutting parts in the cutting direction through a first space in order to create a cut in the first electric wire, - A step of moving at least one of the cutting edges through a second space to create a cut in the second wire, - The step of fixing at least one blade portion to the cutting portion, - The step of pulling the wire through the conduit by pulling at least one blade A method is provided that includes this.

[0057] In this method, the wire is pulled through the conduit by pulling the blade. The blade pulls the wire through the notch. By fixing the blade to the notch with a fixing element, a large tensile force can be applied to the wire. A large tensile force helps to pull the wire through the bend in the conduit without losing it. Fixing the wire to the notch prevents the blade from leaving the notch while pulling the wire.

[0058] In one embodiment, the method is - The step includes creating notches in the first and second electric wires perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electric wires.

[0059] In one embodiment, the method is - A step of cutting through the insulating layer of the first wire with at least one blade, - A step of cutting into the metal core material of the first electric wire with at least one blade section. Includes.

[0060] According to this embodiment, the blade penetrates the insulation layer of the wire and cuts perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the wire into the metal core. Therefore, the blade is pulled to pull the wire through the conduit. This method has the advantage that, after the blade has made a cut in the metal core, it is already in the precise position to be used to pull the wire. Furthermore, because the blade penetrates the insulation layer, there is no need to remove the insulating wire. As a result, this embodiment enables a rapid method for pulling multiple wires through a conduit.

[0061] Electrical wires are available in various shapes and sizes. The outer diameter of the wire is selected, for example, to fit inside the inner diameter of the conduit. The cross-sectional shape of the wire is, for example, circular, square, rectangular, or hexagonal. The cross-section of the metal core depends on the maximum current for which the wire is designed. For example, for a maximum current of 10A, the metal core is 1.5mm. 2 It has a cross-section. The metal core material is, for example, 2.5 mm for a maximum current of 16 A. 2 It has a cross-section. The metal core material is, for example, 6 mm for a maximum current of 32 A. 2 It has a cross-section. The thickness of the insulating layer depends, for example, the maximum current intended, the material in the insulating layer, or safety regulations. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the dimensions of the coupling device, such as the dimensions of the space and the dimensions of the blade, are selected to match the dimensions of the wire intended to be coupled to the coupling device. Coupling devices as described above may be specific to wires within a certain range of cross-sections and may be too small or too large for wires with cross-sections outside that range.

[0062] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the figures, and exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be shown in a non-limiting manner. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0063] [Figure 1] This is an exploded view of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a diagram of a first embodiment of the present invention, in which the blade portion is in a first position. [Figure 3] This is a diagram of the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the blade portion is in a second position. [Figure 4] This is a front view of the first embodiment, with the blade in the first position. [Figure 5] This is a front view of the first embodiment, where the blade portion is in the second position. [Figure 6] This is a diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a front view of the second embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a diagram of a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a diagram of a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a diagram of a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a diagram of a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a diagram of a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a diagram of a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This is a diagram of a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0064] Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 shows a coupling device 100 comprising a main body 102, a connecting portion 104, a blade portion 106, a further blade portion 108, and a fixing element 110. Figure 1 shows an exploded view in which the blade portion 106 and the further blade portion 108 are depicted separately from the main body 102 in order to properly illustrate the features of the blade portion 106 and the further blade portion 108.

[0065] The connector 104 is for connecting the main body 102 to a wire puller (not shown in the figure). The connector 104 has a loop shape to cooperate with the hooks of the fish tape. The coupling device 100 can be easily connected to the hooks of the fish tape by placing the hooks of the fish tape in the loop of the connector 104.

[0066] The main body 102 forms four spaces 112a to 112d. Each of the four spaces 112a to 112d is configured to receive one electric wire 150a, 150b. Each of the spaces 112a to 112d has a longitudinal direction 114. As shown in Figure 1, only two of the four spaces 112c and 112d receive electric wires 150a and 150b, while the other two spaces 112a and 112b are empty and do not receive electric wires.

[0067] Each of the wires 150a and 150b extends along the longitudinal direction 116. Note that only portions of each wire 150a and 150b are shown. In reality, the wires 150a and 150b extend along the longitudinal direction 116. Although the longitudinal direction 116 is shown as a straight line, in reality, the wires 150a and 150b can be bent. In that case, the longitudinal direction 116 has a curve. Each of the wires 150a and 150b has a metal core material 118. Each of the wires 150a and 150b has an insulating layer 120 covering the metal core material 118. The longitudinal direction of the main body 102 is parallel to the longitudinal direction 116.

[0068] The blade portion 106 has a first blade portion 122 and a second blade portion 124. Similarly, the further blade portion 108 has a further first blade portion 126 and a further second blade portion 128. In this embodiment, the blade portion 106 and the further blade portion 108 are identical.

[0069] The main body 102 has a first slit 130 and a second slit 132. The first slit 130 connects the first blade portion 122 to the main body 102. The first blade portion 122 is constrained by the first slit 130 in the longitudinal direction 114 of the space 112a to 112d by the side walls of the first slit 130. The first blade portion 122 is movable in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 114 of the space 112a to 112d. Similarly, the second slit 132 connects the second blade portion 124 to the main body 102. The second blade portion 124 is constrained by the second slit 132 in the longitudinal direction 114 of the space 112a to 112d by the side walls of the second slit 132. The second blade portion 124 is movable in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 114 of the space 112a to 112d. The main body 102 has further slits (not shown in the figure) for connecting a further first blade portion 126 and a further second blade portion 128 to the main body 102.

[0070] One fixing element 110 is connected to the first blade portion 106, and the other fixing element 110 is connected to the second blade portion 108. The fixing elements 110 have a serrated surface. The fixing elements 110 are configured to move into an opening 134 of the main body 102. When the fixing element 110 is in the opening 134, the serrated surface is in contact with the surface of the main body 102 in the opening 134. The serrated surface can slide along the surface in the opening 134 as the fixing element 110 moves into the main body 102. The serrated surface is positioned to prevent the fixing element 110 from moving out of the body. Movement of the fixing element 110 out of the opening 134 is prevented because the serrated surface grips the surface of the opening 134 when the fixing element 110 begins to move out of the opening 134.

[0071] Since the first blade portion 122 cuts into the electric wire 150b in the first slit 130, there is a cutting location in the first slit. Since the second blade portion 124 cuts into the electric wire 150b in the second slit 132, there is another cutting location in the second slit.

[0072] The fixing element 110 and the opening 134 are positioned offset from the cutout location. The offset is in the longitudinal direction. The fixing element 110 and the opening 134 of the main body 102 are fitted together to connect with each other.

[0073] Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of the present invention in which the blade portion 106 is in a first position. In the first position, the blade portion 106 is positioned outside spaces 112b and 112d. In the first position, an electrician can insert wires into spaces 112a to 112d. As shown in Figure 2, there is one wire 150a in one space 112c and another wire 150b in the other space 112d. The two spaces 112a and 112b are empty.

[0074] The electric wire 150b is inserted into the space 112d so as to extend beyond the second slit 132. Even if the electric wire has a smaller diameter or thickness, the second blade portion 124 can cut into the metal core material 118 of the electric wire 150b when the electric wire 150b extends beyond the second slit 132. If the electric wire 150b has a larger diameter or thickness, the first blade portion 122 also cuts into the metal core material 118 of the electric wire 150b.

[0075] Figure 3 shows a first embodiment of the present invention with the blade portion 106 in a second position. After the electric wire is inserted into the space while the blade portion 106 is in the first position, the blade portion 106 is moved to a second position. In the second position, the blade portion 106 is moved inward within the main body 102. While moving from the first position to the second position, the blade portion 106 penetrates the insulating layer 120 of the electric wire 150b and cuts into the metal core material 118 of the electric wire 150b. When the blade portion 106 is in the second position, the blade portion 106 has created a cut in the metal core material 118 that is deep enough to apply the force necessary to pull the electric wire 150b through the conduit to the metal core material 118.

[0076] As shown in Figure 3, the electric wire 150b has a larger diameter than the electric wire 150a. When the blade portion 106 is in the second position, the first blade portion 122 creates a notch in the metal core material 118 of the electric wire 150b. When the electric wire is pulled through the conduit, a tensile force is applied to the metal core material 118 via the first blade portion 122. The second blade portion 124 also creates a notch in the metal core material 118. However, because the second blade portion 124 is longer than the first blade portion 122, the second blade portion 124 cuts deeper into the metal core material 118 than the first blade portion 122. The second blade portion 124 can cut excessively deep into the metal core material 118 so that the metal core material 118 cannot resist the tensile force when the tensile force is applied to the metal core material 118 by the second blade portion 124. However, since most or all of the tensile force is transmitted from the first blade portion 122 to the metal core 118, the tensile force is not transmitted, or is transmitted only slightly, from the second blade portion 124 to the metal core 118. When the further blade portion 108 is in the second position, the further first blade portion 126 does not create a proper cut in the metal core 118 of the wire 150a because the diameter of the wire 150a is too small to reach the metal core 118. The further first blade portion 126 may not contact the wire 150a at all, may cut only into the insulating layer 120 of the wire 150a, or may create a surface-only cut in the metal core 118 that is not sufficient to apply a tensile force. Therefore, when the wire is pulled through the conduit, no or very little tensile force is applied to the metal core 118 of the wire 150a via the further first blade portion 126. The second blade portion 124 creates a suitable cut in the metal core 118 of the electric wire 150a. Because the second blade portion 124 is longer than the first blade portion, it extends deeper into the space 112c at the second position of the further blade portion 108 to reach the metal core 118 of the electric wire 150a. As a result, most or all of the tensile force is transmitted from the further second blade portion 128 to the metal core 118 of the electric wire 150a.

[0077] The blade portion 106 and the further blade portion 108 are prevented from moving back to the first position by the fixing element 110. The serrated surface of the fixing element 110 prevents the fixing element 110 from moving back from the second position to the first position. As a result, the blade portion 106 and the further blade portion 108 remain in the second position while the coupling device 100 is used to pull the wire through the conduit.

[0078] Figure 4 shows a front view of the first embodiment. The blade portion 106 and the further blade portion 108 are in a first position. In the first position, the blade portion 106 and the further blade portion 108 are outside the spaces 112a to 112d. When the blade portion 106 and the further blade portion 108 are outside the spaces 112a to 112d, the electric wires 150a and 150b can be inserted into the spaces 112c and 112d. The electric wire 150b is positioned in space 112d between the blade portion 106 and the side wall 402b of space 112d. The electric wire 150a is positioned in space 112d between the further blade portion 108 and the side wall 402a of space 112c. The side walls 402a and 402b extend along the longitudinal direction of spaces 112a to 112d. At the first position, there is a first distance 410 between the cutting edge of the first blade portion 122 and the side wall 402b of the space 112d. The first distance 410 is greater than the diameter of the electric wire 150b. Also, the distance between the cutting edge of the second blade portion 124 and the side wall 402b of the space 112d is greater than the diameter of the electric wire 150b.

[0079] Figure 5 shows a front view of the first embodiment when the blade portion 106 and the further blade portion 108 are in a second position. In the second position, the blade portion 106 and the further blade portion 108 are moved inward toward the main body 102 to cut into the electric wires 150a and 150b. In the second position, there is a second distance 420 between the cutting edge of the second blade portion 124 and the side wall 402a of the space 112c. The second distance 420 is smaller than the diameter of the electric wire 150a. The second distance 420 is small enough to create a cut in the metal core material 118 of the electric wire with a small diameter. In the second position, there is a third distance 430 between the cutting edge of the first blade portion 122 and the side wall 402b of the space. The third distance 430 is smaller than the diameter of the electric wire 150b. The third distance 430 is small enough to create a cut in the metal core material 118 of the electric wire with a large diameter. The third distance 430 is greater than the second distance 420 in order to prevent the first blade portion 122 from cutting too deeply into the metal core material 118 of the electric wire, which has a large diameter.

[0080] Figure 5 shows various shapes of the cutting edges of the blade portion 106 and the further blade portion 108. The cutting edge of the first blade portion 122 is a large curved cutting edge 404. The large curved cutting edge 404 is concave. The concave shape of the large curved cutting edge 404 is configured to cut smaller at the center of the metal core material 118 and larger on the outside of the metal core material 118. The cutting edge of the second blade portion 124 is a small curved cutting edge 406. The small curved cutting edge 406 is concave. The concave shape of the small curved cutting edge 406 is configured to cut smaller at the center of the metal core material 118 and larger on the outside of the metal core material 118.

[0081] The cutting edge of the further first blade portion 126 is a large triangular cutting edge 414. The large triangular cutting edge 414 is concave. The concave shape of the large triangular cutting edge 414 is configured to make a smaller cut at the center of the metal core material 118 and a larger cut on the outside of the metal core material 118. The cutting edge of the second blade portion 124 is a small triangular cutting edge 416. The small triangular cutting edge 416 is concave. The concave shape of the small triangular cutting edge 416 is configured to make a smaller cut at the center of the metal core material 118 and a larger cut on the outside of the metal core material 118.

[0082] The first cutting edge portion 122 has two cutting edges for cutting into both space 112b and space 112d. The second cutting edge portion 124 has two cutting edges for cutting into both space 112b and space 112d. A further first cutting edge portion 126 has two cutting edges for cutting into both space 112a and space 112c. A further second cutting edge portion 128 has two cutting edges for cutting into both space 112a and space 112c.

[0083] Figure 6 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. The main body 602 is the same as the main body 102 from the first embodiment, except that the main body 602 has six spaces 112a to 112f. Each of the six spaces 112a to 112f is configured to receive a wire, so the coupling device 100 is configured to couple six wires simultaneously. This allows an electrician to pull six wires through the conduit at once. The coupling device 100 is provided with three blades, namely a blade 106, a further blade 108, and a third blade 604. The cutting edge of the third blade 604 is shown in Figure 7. The dotted lines 610, 620, and 630 in Figure 7 indicate the direction of movement of each of the blades. The direction of movement is in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 114 of space 112a to 112f, and the longitudinal direction 114 is parallel to the longitudinal direction 116 of the electric wire in space 112a to 112f. The angle between the directions of movement of the blades is 120° in order to evenly distribute the blades along the periphery of the main body 602.

[0084] Figure 8 shows a third embodiment of the coupling device 100. The third embodiment is the same as the first embodiment, except as described below. The main body 102 has a rounded edge to improve the movement of the main body 102 through the conduit when pulled through the bend in the conduit. The main body 102 is further provided with an opening 804. The opening 804 makes the inside of the spaces 112a to 112d visible. After the wires are inserted into one of the spaces 112a to 112d, a visual inspection can be performed through the opening 804 to ensure that the wires 150a and 150b are inserted sufficiently deep into the spaces 112a to 112d.

[0085] Figure 9 shows a fourth embodiment of the coupling device 100 according to the present invention. The fourth embodiment is the same as the previously described embodiments, except that the following is true. The fourth embodiment shows a main body 102 that forms five spaces 112a to 112e. Each of the five spaces 112a to 112e is configured to receive an electric wire 150a. Figure 9 shows a single electric wire 150a inserted into one of the five spaces 112a to 112e, 112a. As shown in the cross-section of the fourth embodiment in Figure 10, the connector 104, the fixing element 110, and the blade portion 106 form a single body that is movable relative to the main body 102. The blade portion 106 is positioned at an acute angle α with the longitudinal direction 114 of the space. The cutting edge of the blade portion 106 is positioned in space 112a before the electric wire 150a is inserted into space 112a. When the electric wire 150a is inserted into the space 112a, the acute angle α of the blade portion 106 causes the electric wire 150a to push the blade portion 106 back, that is, to push it downward in Figure 10, in order to insert the electric wire 150a into the space 112a. The electric wire 150a pushes the blade portion 106 back by bending it. When the electric wire 150a pushes the blade portion 106 back, the blade portion 106 is still at an acute angle α with respect to the longitudinal direction 114 of the space, and therefore at an acute angle with the longitudinal direction 116 of the electric wire 150a. The electric wire 150a is fixed in the space 112a by pulling the connector portion 104, as shown in Figure 11. By pulling the connector portion 104, the connector portion 104 moves to the right in the figure relative to the main body 102. Therefore, by pulling the connecting portion 104, the connecting portion 104 moves relative to the electric wire 150a in space 112a. As the connecting portion 104 is connected to the blade portion 106, the blade portion 106 cuts into the electric wire 150a. The blade portion 106 cuts at an acute angle α between the blade portion 106 and the electric wire 150a. The connecting portion 104 can move relative to the main body 102 until the stopper portion 1102 prevents the blade portion 106 from moving further inward relative to the main body 102. In this embodiment, the stopper portion 1102 is formed by an inclined surface. The inclined surface prevents the blade portion 106 from moving in a direction perpendicular to the cutting direction of the blade portion 106.By pulling the connecting portion 104, the fixing element 110 moves relative to the main body 102 as it connects to the connecting portion 104. The fixing element 110 is pulled by the connecting portion 104 into the opening of the main body 102. The opening is a tight opening that causes deformation of the opening and / or the fixing element 110 when the fixing element 110 is pulled into the opening. The fixing element 110 has a serrated surface that contacts the inner surface of the opening. Due to the tight opening, the serrated surface bites into or pierces the inner surface of the opening. The serrated surface is oriented in such a way that it moves the fixing element 110 relative to the main body 102 while the connecting portion 104 is pulled, but it is oriented in such a way that it prevents the fixing element 110 from moving in the opposite direction relative to the main body 102, i.e., to the left in Figure 11. Since the blade portion 106 is held in the notch of the wire 150a by the fixing element 110, the wire 150a remains in space 112a while the coupling device 100 holding the wire 150a is pulled through the conduit. In Figures 9 to 11, the end of the wire 150a is shown with the insulating layer 120 removed. Alternatively, the insulating layer 120 is provided at the end of the wire 150a when it is inserted into space 112a.

[0086] Figure 12 shows a fifth embodiment according to the present invention. The fifth embodiment is the same as the embodiments described above, except that the following: The fifth embodiment shows a main body 102 that forms five spaces 112a to 112e. Each of the five spaces 112a to 112e is configured to receive an electric wire. Figure 12 shows a single electric wire 150a inserted into one of the five spaces 112a to 112e 112a. As shown in the cross-section of the fifth embodiment in Figure 13, the blade portion 106 is fixedly coupled to the main body 102. The fixing element 110 is separated from the main body 102 and the blade portion 106. The fixing element 110 is movable relative to the main body 102. The connecting portion 104 is coupled to the main body 102.

[0087] The blade portion 106 is positioned at an acute angle with the longitudinal direction 114 of space 112a. The cutting edge of the blade portion 106 is positioned in space 112a before the electric wire 150a is inserted into space 112a. When the electric wire 150a is inserted into space 112a, the acute angle of the blade portion 106 allows the electric wire 150a to push the blade portion 106 back in order to move the electric wire 150a into space 112a, that is, to bend the blade portion 106 upward in Figure 13. When the electric wire 150a pushes the blade portion 106 back, the blade portion 106 is still at an acute angle with the longitudinal direction 114 of space, and therefore at an acute angle with the longitudinal direction 116 of the electric wire 150a.

[0088] The electric wire 150a is fixed in space 112a by inserting the fixing element 110 into the main body 102, as shown in Figure 14. The fixing element 110 has a wedge portion 1402 that has the same or nearly the same angle as the acute angle α of the blade. By inserting the fixing element 110 into the main body 102, the wedge portion 1402 moves over the blade 106. By moving over the blade 106, the wedge portion 1402 surrounds one side of the blade 106. That one side is the side of the blade 106 that faces away from the electric wire 150a. By surrounding that side of the blade 106, the position of the blade 106 is fixed and prevented from moving. The position of the blade is fixed to the cutting edge of the blade 106 by the notch in the electric wire. The wedge portion 1402 of the fixing element 110 prevents the blade portion 106 from bending away from the electric wire 150a, so the blade portion 106 cannot bend away from the electric wire 150a. The electric wire 150a prevents the blade portion 106 from bending toward the electric wire 150a, so the blade portion 106 cannot bend toward the electric wire 150a. Since the blade portion 106 is fixedly connected to the main body 102, the blade portion 106 cannot move out of the cut portion. Therefore, by inserting the fixing element 110 into the main body 102, the blade portion 106 is fixed to the cut portion of the electric wire 150a. The fixing element 110 is configured to maintain a precise position relative to the main body 102, for example, by press-fitting the fixing element 110 into the main body 102, by providing a fastener to lock the fixing element 110 to the main body 102, or by providing a serrated surface that prevents the fixing element 110 from moving relative to the main body 102 in a desired direction. In this example, a wire puller inserted through the loop of the connector 104 prevents the fixing element 110 from moving out of the main body 102.

[0089] The blade portion 106 cuts into the electric wire 150a within the first space 112a, so there is a cutting location in the first space 112a. The fixing element 110 and the main body 102 are joined to each other at the joining location 1300. At the joining location 1300, the fixing element 110 and the main body 102 are press-fitted together as a single unit. The joining location 1300 is positioned offset from the cutting location in the first space 112a. The offset is in the longitudinal direction of the main body.

[0090] Since the blade portion 106 is held in place by a fixing element at the cut portion of the electric wire 150a, the electric wire 150a remains in space 112a while the coupling device 100, which is coupled to the electric wire 150a through the conduit, is pulled. In Figures 12 to 14, the end of the electric wire 150a is shown with the insulating layer 120 removed. Alternatively, the insulating layer 120 is provided at the end of the electric wire 150a when it is inserted into space 112a.

[0091] Where necessary, this document describes detailed embodiments of the present invention.

[0092] Furthermore, the various terms used herein should not be understood as restrictive, but rather as a comprehensive description of the present invention.

[0093] As used herein, the term "one (a)" means one or more unless otherwise specified. The term "plural" means two or more. The terms "equip" and "possess" constitute an open language and do not exclude the presence of more elements. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0094] 100 coupling devices 102 Main Unit 104 Connection part 106 Blade 108 Further cutting edge 110 fixed elements 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d, 112e, 112f space 114 Longitudinal direction of space 116 Longitudinal direction of the power line 118 Metal core material 120 Insulating layer 122 First cutting portion of blade section 106 124 Second cutting portion of blade section 106 126 Further cutting section 108 first cutting section 128 Further cutting section 108 second cutting section 130 First slit 132 Second slit 134 Aperture 150a, 150b electric wire Side walls of spaces 402a and 402b 404 Large curved blade 406 Small curved blade 410 First distance 414 Large triangular blade tip 416 Small triangular blade tip 420 Second distance 430 Third distance 602 Main Unit 604 Third blade section 804 Aperture 1102 Stop part 1300 Joining location 1402 Wedge part

Claims

1. A coupling device (100) for connecting multiple electric wires (150) to a wire puller, Main body (102) and The main body (102) is connected to a wiring tool by a connecting part (104), At least one blade portion (106) is movably coupled to the main body (102), Fixed element (110) and Equipped with, The main body (102) forms a first space (112b) and a second space (112d). The first space (112b) is configured to receive the first electric wire, The first space (112b) is configured such that the longitudinal direction (116) of the first electric wire (150b) is parallel to the longitudinal direction (114) of the first space (112b). The second space (112d) is configured to receive the second electric wire (150b), One of the at least one blade portion (106) is movable through the first space (112b) in the cutting direction in order to create a cut in the first electric wire. One of the at least one blade portion (106) is movable through the second space (112d) to create a cut in the second electric wire. The fixing element (110) is configured to fix the at least one blade portion (106) to the notch portion, The at least one blade portion (106) is configured to move from a first position to a second position, At the first position, the at least one blade portion (106) is positioned outside the first space (112b) and the second space (112d) to allow the first wire to be received in the first space and the second wire to be received in the second space. In the second position, the fixing element (110) is a coupling device (100) arranged to fix the at least one blade portion (106) to the notch portion in order to hold the first wire in the first space and the second wire in the second space.

2. The coupling device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one blade portion (106) is movably coupled to the main body (102), and the at least one blade portion (106) is configured to create the notch by moving through the first space (112b) and the second space (112d).

3. The coupling device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the direction of the cut is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (114) of the first space (112b).

4. The main body (102) has side walls (402a, 402b) along the longitudinal direction (114) of the first space, The first space is configured to receive the first electric wire between the side wall and one of the at least one blade portion (106), At the first position, the blade portion (106) is at a first distance (410) from the side wall. The coupling device (100) according to claim 1, wherein at the second position, the blade portion (106) is at a second distance (420) from the side wall, and the first distance (410) is greater than the second distance (420).

5. One of the at least one blade portion (106) comprises a first blade portion (122) and a second blade portion (124) arranged along the longitudinal direction of the first space, At the second position, the second distance (420) is between the side wall and the second blade portion (124), At the second position, the third distance (430) is between the side wall and the first blade portion (122), The coupling device (100) according to claim 4, wherein the third distance (430) is greater than the second distance (420) and less than the first distance (410).

6. The coupling device (100) according to claim 5, wherein the second blade portion is longer than the first blade portion in the direction of the cut.

7. Equipped with an additional blade section (108), The main body (102) forms a third space (112c), The third space (112c) is configured to receive the third electric wire (150a), The further cutting portion is movably connected to the main body (102), The coupling device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the further blade (108) is configured to move through the third space (112c) to create a notch in the third wire (150a) within the third space (112c).

8. The further cutting edge (108) is configured to move through the third space so as to cut into the third electric wire (150c) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (114) of the third space. The coupling device (100) according to claim 7, wherein the further blade portion (108) is configured to move in a direction different from that of the at least one blade portion (106).

9. The coupling device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion (104) and the fixing element (110) are coupled to each other.

10. A method for pulling a plurality of electric wires (150) through a conduit using the coupling device (100) described in Claim 1, The steps include inserting the first electric wire into the first space (112b) of the main body (102), The steps include inserting the second electric wire into the second space (112d) of the main body (102), To create a notch in the first electric wire, the steps include moving at least one of the cutting portions in the cutting direction through the first space (112b), The steps include moving one of at least one cutting edge through the second space in order to create a notch in the second electric wire, The steps include fixing at least one blade portion (106) to the notched portion, The steps include: pulling the electric wire through the conduit by pulling at least one blade portion (106); Methods that include...

11. The method according to claim 10, comprising the step of creating the notches in the first wire and the second wire perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the wire.

12. The steps include: cutting through the insulating layer of the first electric wire with at least one blade portion (106); The steps include cutting into the metal core material of the first electric wire with at least one blade portion (106) and The method according to claim 10 or 11, including the method described in claim 10 or 11.

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