DRIVER'S INSURANCE FOR ONLINE DISCONNECT SWITCH

Abstract

An in-line power disconnect assembly is provided for electrical power distribution systems. The in-line power disconnect assembly includes a first end section, a second end section, at least one insulator positioned between the first and second end sections, and a switch assembly positioned between the first and second end sections. Each of the first and second end sections includes a conductor clamp that can be rotated or twisted about a longitudinal axis of the first or second end section between a clamping position and an open position.

Description

DRIVER'S INSURANCE FOR ONLINE DISCONNECT SWITCH Cross-reference to related applications [1] This disclosure is based upon and claims the benefit of United States of America Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 949,621 filed on December 18, 2019 entitled Conductor Latch For In-Line Disconnect Switch, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. BACKGROUND FIELD [2] This disclosure generally relates to in-line disconnect switches used to connect and disconnect electrical power in power distribution systems. More particularly, this disclosure relates to in-line disconnect switches that incorporate a conductor clamp that pivots or twists between a clamping position and an open position. Description of the related technique [3] In the electric distribution industry, it is sometimes useful to disconnect the power from the load-side conductors. Often, the utility lineman disconnects the power at the utility pole. However, disconnecting the power can be accomplished on the line using an in-line disconnect switch. [4] An in-line disconnect switch typically comprises two mechanical clamp assemblies, one or more insulators between the mechanical clamp assemblies, and a mechanical switch used to disconnect the electrical current. With in-line disconnect switches, the electrical conductor is first mechanically connected to each clamp assembly, and then the electrical conductor is cut at a point between the clamp assemblies. The mechanical switch may be a knife switch, which has two ends, with one end clamped to one clamp assembly and the other end clamped to the other clamp assembly. The knife switch creates an electrically conductive path between each cut end of the electrical conductor. When closed, the knife switch allows current to flow from one cut end of the electrical conductor to the other cut end.When open, the knife switch breaks the electrically conductive path between each cut end of the electrical conductor, stopping the flow of current to the load. Conventional in-line disconnect switches typically include a conductor connection that often requires the intervention of a utility lineman during installation. Consequently, there is a need to provide a... ML / IZ / ZZZZ / υOJOOOύ in-line disconnect switch that reduces the components required for a conductor connection and aligns the movement of the conductor connection with the movement of installing the disconnect switch using an extendable reach tool, such as a pole. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [5] This disclosure provides exemplary embodiments of electrical disconnect assemblies. In one embodiment, the electrical disconnect assembly includes a first end section, a second end section, at least one insulator, and a switch assembly. The first end section has a first conductor channel and a first conductor clamp that is rotatably movable between a clamping position and an open position. When the first conductor clamp is in the clamping position, a first clamp arm of the first conductor clamp aligns with the first conductor channel so that a first conductor gripping surface of the first clamp arm is positioned to engage a conductor within the first conductor channel. The second end section has a second conductor channel and a second conductor clamp that is rotatably movable between a clamping position and an open position.When the second conductor clamp is in the clamping position, a second clamp arm of the second conductor clamp aligns with the second one. The conductor channel is positioned so that a second conductor gripping surface of the second clamp arm is positioned to engage a conductor within the second conductor channel. At least one insulator is positioned between the first end section and the second end section. The switch assembly is positioned between the first end section and the second end section. The at least one insulator and the switch assembly are electrically parallel. [6] In another embodiment, the electrical disconnect assembly includes a first end section, a second end section, at least one insulator, and a switch assembly. The first end section has a first conductor channel and a first conductor clamp that is rotatable between a clamping position and an open position. When the first conductor clamp is in the clamping position, a clamp arm of the first conductor clamp is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first end section, and a conductor gripping surface of the clamp arm of the first conductor clamp is positioned to engage an electrical conductor within the first conductor channel. The second end section has a second conductor channel and a second conductor clamp that is rotatable between a clamping position and an open position.When the second conductor clamp is in the clamping position, a clamp arm of the second one. The MA / Ί OOÓ conductor clamp is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the second end section, and a conductor gripping surface of the clamp arm of the second conductor clamp is positioned to engage an electrical conductor within the second conductor channel. The at least one insulator is positioned between the first end section and the second end section, and the switch assembly is positioned between the first end section and the second end section. The at least one insulator and the switch assembly are electrically parallel. [7] The first conductor clamp includes a body and a thrust member. The body has a pivot arm and the clamp arm of the first conductor clamp, which engages with the pivot arm. The pivot arm is substantially cylindrical, at least where the clamp arm of the first conductor clamp engages with it. The clamp arm of the first conductor clamp extends from the pivot arm and includes the conductor engagement surface configured to engage the electrical conductor within the first conductor channel. In one exemplary embodiment, the clamp arm of the first conductor clamp includes a conductor guide, for example, a cam surface, configured to move the body of the first conductor clamp from the clamping position to the open position in opposition to the normal thrust force of the thrust member of the first conductor clamp.The push member attaches to either the pivot arm or the clamp arm of the first conductor clamp and the first side section. The push member is configured to normally push the body of the first conductor clamp into the clamping position. [8] The second conductor clamp includes a body and a thrust member. The body has a pivot arm, and the clamp arm of the second conductor clamp is coupled to the pivot arm. The pivot arm is substantially cylindrical, at least where the clamp arm of the second conductor clamp engages with it. The clamp arm of the second conductor clamp extends from the pivot arm and includes the conductor engagement surface configured to engage the electrical conductor within the second conductor channel. The clamp arm of the second conductor clamp includes a conductor guide, for example, a cam surface, configured to move the body of the second conductor clamp from the clamping position to the open position in opposition to the normal thrust force of the thrust member of the second conductor clamp.The thrust member attaches to either the pivot arm or the clamp arm of the second driver clamp and the second side section. The thrust member is configured to normally push the MA / Ί OOÓ body of the second conductor clamp to the clamping position. [9] In another embodiment, the electrical disconnect assembly includes a first end section, a second end section, and an intermediate section positioned between the first end section and the second end section. The first end section has a first conductor channel. A first conductor clamp is mounted to the first end section and is rotatably movable between a clamping position and an open position. When the first conductor clamp is in the clamping position, a clamp arm of the first conductor clamp aligns with the first conductor channel so that a conductor-engaging surface of the clamp arm of the first conductor clamp is positioned to engage a conductor within the first conductor channel. The second end section has a second conductor channel.A second conductor clamp is mounted to the second end section and is rotatably movable between a clamping position and an open position. When the second conductor clamp is in the clamping position, a clamp arm of the second conductor clamp aligns with the second conductor channel so that a second conductor gripping surface of the clamp arm of the second conductor clamp is positioned to engage a conductor within the second conductor channel. MA / Ί OOÓ intermediate includes at least one insulator having a first end coupled to the first end section and a second end coupled to the second end section, and a switch assembly having a first end coupled to the first end section and a second end coupled to the second end section. The at least one insulator and the switch assembly are electrically parallel.

[10] The first conductor clamp includes a body and a thrust member. The body has a pivot arm, and the clamp arm of the first conductor clamp is coupled to the pivot arm. The pivot arm is a substantially cylindrical member, at least where the clamp arm of the first conductor clamp is coupled to the pivot arm. The clamp arm of the first conductor clamp extends from the pivot arm of the first conductor clamp and includes the conductor gripping surface configured to engage the electrical conductor within the first conductor channel.The clamping arm of the first conductor clamp includes a conductor guide, for example, a cam surface, configured to move the first conductor clamp body from the clamping position to the open position in opposition to the normal thrust force of the first conductor clamp's thrust member. The thrust member engages either the pivot arm or the clamping arm of the first conductor clamp and the first side section. The thrust member is configured to normally push the first conductor clamp body into the clamping position.

[11] The second conductor clamp includes a body and a thrust member. The body has a pivot arm, and the clamp arm of the second conductor clamp engages with the pivot arm. The pivot arm is substantially cylindrical, at least where the clamp arm of the second conductor clamp engages with it. The clamp arm of the second conductor clamp extends from the pivot arm and includes the conductor engagement surface configured to engage the electrical conductor within the second conductor channel. The clamp arm of the second conductor clamp includes a conductor guide, for example, a cam surface, configured to move the body of the second conductor clamp from the clamping position to the open position in opposition to the normal thrust force of the thrust member of the second conductor clamp.The push member attaches to either the pivot arm or the clamp arm of the second conductor clamp and the second side section. The push member is configured to normally push the body of the second conductor clamp into the clamping position.

[12] This disclosure also provides Exemplary embodiments of conductor clamps. In one embodiment, the conductor clamp includes a body and a thrust member. The body has a pivot arm and a clamp arm. The pivot arm is a substantially cylindrical member. The clamp arm extends from the pivot arm and includes a conductor gripping surface configured to engage an electrical conductor. The thrust member attaches to either the clamp arm or the pivot arm.

[13] In another embodiment, the conductor clamp includes a body and a thrust member. The body has a pivot arm and the clamp arm coupled to the pivot arm. The pivot arm is a substantially cylindrical member, at least where the clamp arm couples to it. The clamp arm extends from the pivot arm and includes the conductor gripping surface configured to engage the electrical conductor when the electrical conductor is positioned within a conductor channel of the electrical disconnect assembly. The clamp arm includes a conductor guide, for example, a cam surface, such that when a force is applied to the conductor guide, the body moves from the clamping position to the open position in opposition to the normal thrust force of the thrust member. The thrust member couples to either the pivot arm or the clamp arm and is configured to engage the assembly of MA / Ί OOÓ electrical disconnection so that the pushing member normally pushes the body into the clamping position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[14] A fuller appreciation of the present disclosure and many of its accompanying advantages will be readily obtained as it is better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, where:

[15] FIGURE 1 is a side elevation view of a portion of a power distribution system illustrating an electric conductor extending between two utility poles and an in-line power disconnect assembly in accordance with this disclosure connected to the electric conductor at a point between the utility poles;

[16] FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the online power disconnect assembly according to the present disclosure, illustrating the first end section and the second end section, a pair of insulators between the pair of end sections, and a switch assembly between the pair of end sections;

[17] FIGURE 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the first end section of FIGURE 2 taken from Detail 3, illustrating an exemplary modality of a first conductor clamp in accordance with the present disclosure ML / Ί OOÓ secured to the first extreme section;

[18] FIGURE 3A is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a body from the first extreme section of FIGURE 3 taken from detail 3A with the conductor clamp removed and illustrating a body engagement mouth for receiving the conductor clamp;

[19] FIGURE 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the second end section of FIGURE 2 taken from detail 4, illustrating a second conductor clamp secured to the second end section;

[20] FIGURE 5 is another perspective view of the online power disconnect assembly of FIGURE 2;

[21] FIGURE 6 is another perspective view of the online power disconnect assembly of FIGURE 2;

[22] FIGURE 7 is a bottom side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the conductor clamp according to this disclosure;

[23] FIGURE 8 is a bottom front perspective view of the conductor clamp body of FIGURE 7;

[24] FIGURE 9 is a top side perspective view of the conductor clamp body of FIGURE 7;

[25] FIGURE 10 is a top plan view of the conductor clamp body of FIGURE 7; ML / Ί OOÓ

[26] FIGURE 11 is a bottom plan view of the conductor clamp body of FIGURE 7;

[27] FIGURE 12 is a side elevation view of the conductor clamp body of FIGURE 7;

[28] FIGURE 13 is a cross-sectional view of the conductor clamp in FIGURE 10 taken from line 13-13;

[29] FIGURE 14 is a side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a thrust member of the conductor clamp of FIGURE 7;

[30] FIGURE 15 is an extreme elevation view of the thrust member of FIGURE 14;

[31] FIGURE 16 is a side elevation view of the thrust member of FIGURE 14;

[32] FIGURES 17 to 22 are cross-sectional views of the in-line power disconnect assembly of FIGURE 2, illustrating a small electrical conductor being captured by and held in place by the conductor clamp in accordance with this disclosure; and

[33] FIGURES 23 to 28 are cross-sectional views of the in-line power disconnect assembly of FIGURE 2, illustrating a large electrical conductor being captured by and held in place by the conductor clamp in accordance with this disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[34] The following exemplary embodiments are set forth to aid in an understanding of the subject matter of this disclosure, but are not intended to, and shall not be construed as, limiting in any way the claims that follow. Accordingly, although specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity in describing some exemplary embodiments, this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and each specific item should be understood to include all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner. For ease of description, the in-line power disconnect assemblies according to this disclosure may also be referred to herein as the disconnect assemblies (plural) and the disconnect assembly (singular). The electrical conductors according to this disclosure may also be referred to herein as the conductors (plural) and the conductor (singular).

[35] Exemplary forms of disconnect assemblies in accordance with this disclosure are shown and described. As shown in FIGURE 1, a disconnect assembly 10 in accordance with this disclosure is configured and sized to be mounted on a conductor 12 spanning two utility poles 14 using an extendable reach tool, such as a pole (not shown) or by MA / t / ZUZZ / UO Ί OOÓ a utility lineman by hand. The disconnect assemblies covered by this disclosure include, but are not limited to, switches, e.g., knife switches.

[36] Referring to FIGURES 2 through 6, an exemplary embodiment of disconnect assembly 10 is shown. The disconnect assembly 10 generally comprises a first end section 20, a second end section 40, and an intermediate section 60 between the first end section 20 and the second end section 40. The first end section 20 is configured and sized to receive a portion of a conductor, for example, the 300 conductor shown in FIGURE 17 or the 350 conductor shown in FIGURE 24, and to connect or mechanically secure the portion of the conductor to the first end section 20. The second end section 40 is configured and sized to receive a portion of the conductor, for example, the 300 or 350 conductor, and to connect or mechanically secure the portion of the 300 or 350 conductor to the second end section 40.It should be noted that once the conductor, for example, conductor 300 or 350, is first connected, for example, mechanically connected, to the first end section 20 and the second end section 40, the conductor is cut at a point between the first end section 20 and the second end section 40. For ease of description, the mechanically cut conductor connected to the first end section may also be referred to as the first end conductor, and the mechanically cut conductor connected to the second end section 40 may also be referred to as the second end conductor. The switch assembly 64, described in more detail below, in the intermediate section 60 then makes or breaks an electrically conductive path between the first end conductor and the second end conductor.

[37] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGURES 2, 5, and 6, the first end section 20 is a clamp assembly having a body 22, a first arm 24 extending from the body 22, and a second arm 26 extending from the body 22. The body 22 has a conductor channel 28 extending along a longitudinal axis of the body 22, as shown. The conductor channel 28 is provided to receive a portion of a conductor, for example, conductor 300 or 350, and to align the conductor with a conductor clamp 100 used to mechanically connect the conductor to the first end section 20. Although the embodiment shown has the conductor clamp 100 as part of the body 22, the conductor clamp 100 may be part of either the first arm 24 or the second arm 26.Body 22 may be a one-piece member or a multi-piece member secured together using, for example, mechanical fasteners, adhesives, or welding. Body 22 may be made of a metallic material that can withstand ambient air conditions. MA / Ί OOÓ free. As non-limiting examples, the body 22 may be made of aluminum alloys, stainless steel, galvanized steel, copper alloys, or bronze alloys. The first arm 24 may extend substantially perpendicular to the body 22, or the first arm may extend at an angle to the body 22. Similarly, the second arm 24 may extend substantially perpendicular to the body 22, or the second arm 24 may extend at an angle to the body 22. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the first arm 24 extends away from the body 22 so that it is substantially perpendicular to the body 22, and the second arm 26 extends away from the body 22 so that it is substantially perpendicular to the body 22.

[38] Continuing with reference to the exemplary embodiment of FIGURES 2, 5, and 6, the second end section 40 is a clamp assembly having a body 42, a first arm 44 extending from the body 42, and a second arm 46 extending from the body 42. The body 42 has a conductor channel 48 extending along a longitudinal axis of the body 42 as shown. The conductor channel 48 is provided to receive a portion of a conductor, for example, conductor 300 or 350, and to align the conductor with a conductor clamp 100 used to mechanically connect the conductor to the second end section 40. Although the embodiment shown has the conductor clamp 100 as part of the body 42, the conductor clamp 100 may be part of either the first arm 44 or the second arm 46.Body 42 may be a one-piece member or a multi-piece member secured together using, for example, mechanical fasteners, adhesives, or welding. Body 42 may be made of a metallic material capable of withstanding outdoor environmental conditions. By way of non-limiting examples, Body 42 may be made of aluminum alloys, stainless steel, galvanized steel, copper alloys, or bronze alloys. The first arm 44 may extend substantially perpendicular to Body 42, or the first arm may extend at an angle to Body 42. Similarly, the second arm 46 may extend substantially perpendicular to Body 42, or the second arm 46 may extend at an angle to Body 42.In the exemplary form shown, the first arm 44 extends away from body 42 so that it is substantially perpendicular to body 42, and the second arm 46 extends away from body 42 so that it is substantially perpendicular to body 42.

[39] The intermediate section 60 includes one or more electrical insulators 62 and a switch assembly 64. The one or more electrical insulators 62 may include composite insulators or porcelain insulators. In the exemplary embodiment shown, a first insulator 62 has one end connected to the first arm of the first end section 20 and another end connected to the first arm 44 of the second end section 40. A second insulator 62 has one end connected to the second arm 26 of the first end section 20 and another end connected to the second arm 46 of the second end section 40. The switch assembly 64 may be any high-voltage disconnect capable of making and breaking an electrically conductive path. The switch assembly 64 provides an electrically conductive path between the first end conductor and the second end conductor. By way of non-limiting example, the switch assembly 44 may be a knife switch.In the exemplary embodiment shown, the switch assembly 64 is a knife switch having a contact arm 66, shown in Figures 2 and 6, which is movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, an electrically conductive path is formed between the first and second end conductors. In the open position, the electrically conductive path between the first and second end conductors is broken. In this way, the switch assembly 64 can selectively electrically connect the first end conductor to the second end conductor and electrically disconnect the first end conductor from the second end conductor.In other words, when switch assembly 64 is in the open position, the load side of switch assembly 64, for example, the customer equipment side of the power line shown in FIGURE 1, is disconnected from the power source.

[40] A more detailed description of an exemplary modality of a disconnect assembly 10 is described in Common Property United States Patent No. 8,143,546, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.

[41] Referring now to FIGURES 7 through 16, an exemplary embodiment of the conductor clamp 100 in accordance with this disclosure is shown. In this exemplary embodiment, the conductor clamp 100 includes a body 102 and a thrust member 120 coupled to the body 102. The body 102 includes the pivot arm 104 and a clamp arm 106. The body 102 may be a one-piece body or monolithically formed, where the pivot arm 104 and the clamp arm 106 are monolithically formed. In another exemplary embodiment, the body 102 may be a multi-piece body where the pivot arm 104 and the clamp arm 106 are separate members joined together using welding, adhesives, or mechanical fasteners. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the body 102 is a one-piece body.The pivot arm 104 is configured and sized to fit within a hook opening in body 22 of the first end section 20 and in body 42 of the second end section 40. For ease. MA / Ί OOÓ of the description, the coupling mouth 23, shown in FIGURE 3A, will be described for the body 22 of the first end section 20. A person skilled in the art would readily appreciate that the coupling mouth 23 in the second end section 40 is the same. Referring to FIGURE 3A, the coupling mouth 23 includes a hole 25 into which a lower portion 104a of the pivot arm 104 is inserted. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the pivot arm 104 is a cylindrical member having a threaded hole 108 configured and sized to receive a threaded portion of a stem 130, shown in FIGURE 22, used to secure the conductor clamp 100 to the first end section 20 and used to secure the conductor, for example, conductor 300 or 350, to the first end section 20.An upper portion 104b of the pivot arm 104 includes a retaining flange 110 used to hold the thrust member 120 in position on the pivot arm 104, as described in more detail below. A first leg 112 of the clamp arm 106 is formed in an upper portion 104b of the pivot arm 104, and a second leg 114 of the clamp arm 106 extends from the first leg 110 in a direction away from the pivot arm 104, as shown. The second leg 114 of the clamp arm 106 has a first portion 114a extending from the first leg 112 and a second portion 114b extending from the first portion 114a. The first portion 114a has a lower surface 114c that is substantially perpendicular to the pivot arm 104 and is substantially flat.The second portion 114b extends from the first portion 114a at an angle such that a conductor gripping surface 114d in the second portion 114b is spaced a distance D from the lower surface 114c of the first portion 114, as seen in FIGURE 12. The conductor gripping surface 114d is preferably a grooved surface that can at least partially follow the contour of the outer diameter of the conductor, e.g., the 300 or 350 conductor, when installed. The distance D is defined by a wall 114e of the second portion 114b which creates a separation G between the pivot arm 104 and the wall 114e, which is seen in FIGURE 13. This separation G is sufficient to avoid a wall 27 of the hook mouth 23, which is seen in FIGURE 3A, during the installation of a conductor, for example, conductor 300 or 350.

[42] Referring to FIGURES 9 and 10, one side of the second leg 114 includes a conductor guide 118, which in this exemplary embodiment is a radius or rounded edge used to guide a conductor, for example, conductor 300 or 350, into the conductor channel 28 of the first end section 20 or the conductor channel 48 of the second end section 40. The conductor guide, for example, the rounded edge 118, is also a cam surface configured to twist, pivot, or rotate the body 102 from a clamping position to an open position in opposition to the normal thrust force of the thrust member 120 described below.In the clamping position, the second portion 114b of the second leg 114 aligns with or extends over or through the conductor channel 28 or 48 in the respective body 22 or 42 so that the conductor-engaging surface 114d, shown in FIGURE 13, can engage the conductor and so that the second clamping portion 114b locks the conductor, for example, the 300 or 350 conductor, within the conductor channel 28 or 48 so that it does not slip out of the conductor channel. The open position may vary depending on the size of the conductor, for example, the 300 or 350 conductor, to which the disconnect assembly 10 is being mounted. More specifically, if the disconnect assembly 10 is being connected to a small conductor, for example, a 1 / 0 AWG conductor, the open position is sufficient to allow the small conductor to pass through to the 28 or 48 conductor channel, as seen in FIGURES 17 to 22.If the disconnect assembly 10 is being connected to a large conductor, for example, a 795 AWG conductor, the open position is sufficient to allow the large conductor to pass through to the conductor channel 28 or 48, as seen in FIGURES 23 to 28.

[43] Referring now to FIGURES 7 and 13 to 16, an exemplary embodiment of a thrust member 120 is shown. The thrust member 120 in this exemplary embodiment is a spring A torsion spring 120 has a central opening 122, a bent end 124, and a straight end 126. The central opening 122 is configured and sized to fit around the upper portion 104b of the pivot arm 104, as shown in Figure 7. The bent end 124 of the spring 120 is configured and sized to fit within a hole 116 in the clamp arm 106, and the straight end 126 of the spring 120 is configured and sized to fit within a slot 29 in the engagement mouth 23, as seen in Figures 3A and 4. The thrust member 120 is provided to normally push the conductor clamp body 102 into the clamping position by normally twisting, pivoting, or rotating the body 102 to the clamping position.

[44] Referring now to FIGURES 17 to 22, to securely fasten a conductor, for example, conductor 300 or 350, to the disconnect assembly 10, a stem 130 is engaged with the conductor clamp 100. The stem 130 is preferably an eyelet stem having a shaft 132 that is at least partially threaded, a tool mounting member 134 at one end of the shaft 132, and a collar 136. The threaded portion of the shaft 132 is configured and sized to engage with the threaded hole 108 in the pivot arm 104. Engaging the threaded portion of the shaft 132 with the threaded hole 108 in the pivot arm 104 facilitates the translation of rotational motion of the stem 130 into linear motion of the arm 104. MA / Ί OOÓ pivot. The linear movement of body 102 causes the clamp arm 106 of the conductor clamp 100 to move toward or away from the conductor channel 28 relative to body 22 of the first end section 20, or to move toward or away from the conductor channel 48, shown in FIGURES 23 to 26, relative to body 42 of the second end section 40. The tool mounting member 134 can be an eye or loop member for coupling with an extendable reach tool, e.g., a pole. In another embodiment, the tool mounting member 134 can be configured and sized for manual installation. The collar 136 is used to retain the stem 130 within a cavity 30, as seen in FIGURES 21 and 22, in the first extreme section 20 or in a similar cavity in the second extreme section 40.With the collar 136 of the stem 130 retained within the cavity 30, the stem 130 is movably coupled to the first end section 20 or the second end section 40. The stem 130 may be made of a metallic material, such as aluminum, cast aluminum, galvanized steel, or stainless steel, copper alloy, bronze alloy, silicon-bronze alloy, or another combination of metallic materials. In another exemplary embodiment, the stem 130 may be made of a non-metallic material, such as a rigid plastic or composite materials, for example, carbon fiber. Although one stem 130 is shown in the figures, it should be noted that it can be supplied. MA / t / ZUZZ / UO Ί OOÓ any suitable clamping mechanism or structure between the conductor clamp 100 and the extreme 20 or 40 section.

[45] Continuing with reference to FIGURES 1 and 17 to 22, the assembly of the first extreme section 20 of the disconnect assembly 10 to a small conductor 300 will be described. Initially, the first extreme section 20 is raised toward a conductor 300 that spans between the utility poles 14, seen in FIGURE 1, so that the conductor 300 is positioned in close proximity to the conductor channel 28 in the body 22 and contacting the second portion 114b of the second leg 114, as shown in FIGURES 13 and 17. The first extreme section 20 is further raised so that the conductor 300 applies a force on the rounded edge 118 of the second leg 114, seen in FIGURE 9, causing the body 102 that includes the second leg portion 114 to twist, pivot, or rotate in the direction of the intermediate section 60 from the clamping position to the open position, as shown in FIGURE 18.In the open position, conductor 300 passes the second portion 114b of the second leg portion 114 and enters conductor channel 28, as shown in FIGURE 19. After conductor 300 enters conductor channel 28, the force applied by conductor 300 on the second portion 114b of the second leg portion 114 is removed. With the force removed, the thrust member 120 automatically pushes, for example, twists, pivots, or rotates the body. ΜΛ / ΙΖ / ΖυΖΖ / υΟΊΟΟύ 102 back to the clamping position. With conductor 300 in conductor channel 28 and body 102, which includes the second portion 114b, in the clamping position, conductor 300 is prevented from coming out of conductor channel 28. In addition, conductor 300 can now be engaged by the conductor engagement surface 114d of the second portion 114b as shown in FIGURE 20. Stem 130 is then rotated to move the conductor clamp body 102 100 toward the body 22 of the first end section 20 so that conductor 300 is moved toward the wall of the conductor channel 28, as shown in FIGURE 21. When stem 130 is tightened, conductor 300 is held between the conductor engagement surface 114d of the second portion 114b and the wall of the conductor channel 28, as shown in FIGURE 22.With conductor 300 mechanically connected to the first end section 20, the same steps are repeated for the second end section 40 to mechanically connect conductor 300 to it. Conductor 300 is then cut at a point between the first end section 20 and the second end section 40, forming the first and second end conductors described above. At this point, electrical connections between conductor 300 and the disconnect assembly 10 can be made at points 22 and 42 of the disconnect assembly using, for example, common mechanical clamps such as bolted wedge clamps or friction wedge socket clamps.

[46] Referring to FIGURES 1 and 23 to 28, the assembly of the first extreme section 20 of the disconnect assembly 10 to a large conductor 350 will be described. Initially, the first extreme section 20 is raised toward a conductor 350 that spans between the utility poles 14, seen in FIGURE 1, so that the conductor 350 is positioned in close proximity to the conductor channel 48 in the body 22 and contacting the second portion 114b of the second leg 114, as shown in FIGURE 23. The first extreme section 20 is further raised so that the conductor 350 applies a force on the rounded edge 118 of the second leg 114, seen in FIGURE 9, causing the body 102, which includes the second leg portion 114, to twist, pivot, or rotate in the direction of the intermediate section 60 from the clamping position to the open position, as shown in FIGURE 24.In the open position, conductor 350 passes the second portion 114b of the second leg portion 114 and enters conductor channel 28, as shown in FIGURE 25. After conductor 350 enters conductor channel 28, the force applied by the conductor on the second portion 114b of the second leg portion 114 is removed. With the force removed, the thrust member 120 automatically pushes, for example, twists, pivots, or rotates, the body 102 back into the clamping position. With conductor 350 in conductor channel 28 and the body 102, including the second portion 114b, in the clamping position, conductor 350 is prevented from disengaging from conductor channel 28. In addition, conductor 350 can now be hooked by the conductor hook surface 114d of the second portion 114b as shown in FIGURE 26.The stem 130 is then rotated to move the conductor clamp body 102 100 toward the body 22 of the first end section 20 so that the conductor 350 is moved toward the wall of the conductor channel 28, as shown in FIGURE 27. When the stem 130 is tightened, the conductor 350 is clamped between the conductor engagement surface 114d of the second portion 114b and the wall of the conductor channel 28, as shown in FIGURE 28. With the conductor 350 mechanically connected to the first end section 20, the same steps are repeated for the second end section 40 to mechanically connect the conductor 350 to the second end section 40. The conductor 350 is then cut at a point between the first end section 20 and the second end section 40, forming the first end conductor and the second end conductor described above.At this point, the electrical connections between conductor 350 and disconnect assembly 10 can be made at points 22 and 42 of the disconnect assembly using, for example, known mechanical clamps, such as bolted wedge-type clamps or friction wedge-type clamps.

[47] Numerous modifications and further variations of this disclosure are possible in view of the foregoing teachings. It should therefore be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, this disclosure may be practiced in a manner other than as specifically described herein. For example, the elements and / or features of different illustrative forms may be combined and / or substituted for one another within the scope of this disclosure and the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electrical disconnect assembly comprising: a first end section having a first conductor channel and a first conductor clamp rotatable between a clamping position and an open position, wherein when the first conductor clamp is in the clamping position, a clamp arm of the first conductor clamp is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first end section and a conductor gripping surface of the clamp arm of the first conductor clamp is positioned to engage an electrical conductor within the first conductor channel;a second end section having a second conductor channel and a second conductor clamp rotatable between a clamping position and an open position, wherein when the second conductor clamp is in the clamping position, a clamp arm of the second conductor clamp is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the second end section and a conductor engagement surface of the clamp arm of the second conductor clamp is positioned to engage an electrical conductor within the second conductor channel; at least one insulator positioned between the first end section and the second end section; and a switch assembly positioned between the first end section and the second end section.

2. The electrical disconnect assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first conductor clamp comprises: a body having a pivot arm and the clamp arm of the first conductor clamp coupled to the pivot arm, the pivot arm being a substantially cylindrical member at least where the clamp arm of the first conductor clamp is coupled to the pivot arm, the clamp arm of the first conductor clamp extending from the pivot arm and including the conductor engagement surface configured to engage the electrical conductor within the first conductor channel; and a push member coupled to either the pivot arm or the clamp arm of the first conductor clamp and the first side section, the push member being configured to normally push the body of the first conductor clamp into the clamping position.

3. The electrical disconnect assembly according to claim 2, wherein the push member comprises a torsion spring.

4. The electrical disconnect assembly according to claim 2, wherein the clamping arm of the first conductor clamp includes a conductor guide configured to move the body of the first conductor clamp from the clamping position to the open position in opposition to the normal thrust force of the thrust member of the first conductor clamp.

5. The electrical disconnect assembly according to claim 4, wherein the conductor guide of the first conductor clamp comprises a cam surface on the clamp arm of the first conductor clamp.

6. The electrical disconnect assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second conductor clamp comprises: a body having a pivot arm and the clamp arm of the second conductor clamp coupled to the pivot arm, the pivot arm being a substantially cylindrical member at least where the clamp arm of the second conductor clamp is coupled to the pivot arm, the clamp arm of the second conductor clamp extending from the pivot arm and including the conductor engagement surface configured to engage the electrical conductor within the second conductor channel; and a push member coupled to either the pivot arm or the clamp arm of the second conductor clamp and the second side section, the push member being configured to normally push the body of the second conductor clamp into the clamping position.

7. The electrical disconnect assembly according to MA / t / ZUZZ / UO Ί OOÓ claim 6, wherein the thrust member comprises a torsion spring.

8. The electrical disconnect assembly according to claim 6, wherein the clamping arm of the second conductor clamp includes a conductor guide configured to move the body of the second conductor clamp from the clamping position to the open position in opposition to the normal thrust force of the thrust member of the second conductor clamp.

9. The electrical disconnect assembly according to claim 8, wherein the conductor guide of the second conductor clamp comprises a cam surface on the clamp arm of the second conductor clamp.

10. An electrical disconnect assembly comprising: a first end section having a first conductor channel; a first conductor clamp mounted to the first end section and rotatably movable between a clamping position and an open position, wherein when the first conductor clamp is in the clamping position, a clamp arm of the first conductor clamp aligns with the first conductor channel such that a conductor gripping surface of the clamp arm of the first conductor clamp is positioned to engage a conductor within the first conductor channel; and a second end section having a second conductor channel;a second conductor clamp mounted to the second end section and rotatably movable between a clamping position and an open position, wherein when the second conductor clamp is in the clamping position, a clamp arm of the second conductor clamp aligns with the second conductor channel so that a second conductor gripping surface of the clamp arm of the second conductor clamp is positioned to engage a conductor within the second conductor channel; an intermediate section between the first end section and the second end section, the intermediate section including at least one insulator having a first end coupled to the first end section and a second end coupled to the second end section, and a switch assembly having a first end coupled to the first end section and a second end coupled to the second end section.

11. The electrical disconnect assembly according to claim 10, wherein the first conductor clamp comprises: a body having a pivot arm and the clamp arm of the first conductor clamp coupled to the pivot arm, the pivot arm being a substantially cylindrical member at least where the clamp arm of the first conductor clamp is coupled to the pivot arm, the clamp arm of the first conductor clamp extending from the pivot arm of the first conductor clamp and including the conductor engagement surface configured to engage the electrical conductor within the first conductor channel;and a thrust member attached to either the pivot arm or the clamp arm of the first conductor clamp and the first side section, the thrust member being configured to normally push the body of the first conductor clamp into the clamping position.

12. The electrical disconnect assembly according to claim 11, wherein the push member comprises a torsion spring.

13. The electrical disconnect assembly according to claim 11, wherein the clamping arm of the first conductor clamp includes a conductor guide configured to move the body of the first conductor clamp from the clamping position to the open position in opposition to the normal thrust force of the thrust member of the first conductor clamp.

14. The electrical disconnect assembly according to claim 13, wherein the conductor guide of the first conductor clamp comprises a cam surface on the clamp arm of the first conductor clamp.

15. The electrical disconnect assembly according to claim 10, wherein the second conductor clamp comprises: a body having a pivot arm and the clamp arm of the second conductor clamp coupled to the pivot arm, the pivot arm being a substantially cylindrical member at least where the clamp arm of the second conductor clamp is coupled to the pivot arm, the clamp arm of the second conductor clamp extending from the pivot arm and including the conductor engagement surface configured to engage the electrical conductor within the second conductor channel; and a push member coupled to either the pivot arm or the clamp arm of the second conductor clamp and the second side section, the push member being configured to normally push the body of the second conductor clamp into the clamping position.

16. The electrical disconnect assembly according to claim 15, wherein the push member comprises a torsion spring.

17. The electrical disconnect assembly according to claim 15, wherein the clamping arm of the second conductor clamp includes a conductor guide configured to move the body of the second conductor clamp from the clamping position to the open position in opposition to the normal thrust force of the thrust member of the second conductor clamp.

18. The electrical disconnect assembly according to claim 17, wherein the conductor guide of the second conductor clamp comprises a cam surface on the clamp arm of the second conductor clamp.

19. A conductor clamp for releasably mounting an electrical conductor to an electrical disconnect assembly, the conductor clamp comprising: a body having a pivot arm and the clamp arm coupled to the pivot arm, the pivot arm being a substantially cylindrical member at least where the clamp arm is coupled to the pivot arm, the clamp arm extending from the pivot arm and including the conductor engagement surface configured to engage the electrical conductor when the electrical conductor is positioned within a conductor channel of the electrical disconnect assembly; and a push member coupled to either the pivot arm or the clamp arm and configured to engage the electrical disconnect assembly such that the push member normally pushes the body into the clamping position.

20. The electrical disconnect assembly according to claim 19, wherein the push member comprises a torsion spring.

21. The electrical disconnect assembly according to claim 19, wherein the clamping arm includes a conductor guide, and wherein when a force is applied to the conductor guide, the body moves from the clamping position to the open position in opposition to the normal thrust force of the thrust member.

22. The electrical disconnect assembly according to claim 21, wherein the conductor guide comprises a cam surface on the clamp arm.

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