Multi-circuit electrical distribution system

Abstract

A multi-circuit electrical distribution system for installation at ceiling level comprises a plurality of elongate electrical trunking elements (150); and at least two inter-engageable connectors (110, 120) for joining two or more trunking elements together. The connectors (110, 120) function both as physical connectors between lengths of trunking and for providing electrical connections. The connectors (110, 120) comprises a male connector (110) and a female connector (120) and cable termination connections on each of the connectors. Each of the connectors (110, 120) is provided with a sleeve member (140) of inner trunking which is slidably engageable with said elongate trunking elements (150) and provides an interference fit. The junction connectors (110, 120) are offset from the junction (164) between the trunking elements so as to ensure a secure mechanical fastening.

Description

[0001] MULTI-CIRCUIT ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

[0002] The present invention relates to a multi-circuit electrical distribution system and in particular to cable connectors and trunking forming part of the electrical distribution system.

[0003] BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0004] In installing electrical wiring in buildings, particularly in offices and factories, it is necessary to supply power cables, electrical light cables and data cables to multiple locations in any such building. Traditionally, this cabling requirement is carried out using trunking usually installed above ceiling level or below floor level in under floor trunking arrangements. However, such installations are very time-consuming procedures requiring a lot of on-site work and modifications to existing trunking and cabling elements in order to properly fit out the electrical requirements of a particular installation. This can lead to a loss of efficiency and safety concerns. Electrical installers have to stock numerous types and variations of trunking and connecting elements as well as both fasteners and earthing products resulting in a loss of efficiency and safety.

[0005] The object of the invention is to alleviate the disadvantages with the prior art, solve production efficiency problems and streamline installation practice. It is also an object of the invention to make electrical installation safer.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention provides a multi-circuit electrical distribution system for installation at ceiling level comprising a plurality of elongate electrical trunking elements; at least two inter- engageable connectors for joining two or more trunking elements together by interengagement of the two connectors, each connector having a plurality of electrical termination elements for connecting electrical cables, wherein the inter-engageable connectors function both as physical connectors between lengths of trunking and for providing electrical connections at ceiling level with cables carried in the trunking elements; in which the inter-engageable connectors comprises a plug or male connector and a socket receiver or female connector and a plurality of corresponding cable termination connections on each of the pair of connectors thereby allowing a seamless electrical connection between a plurality of cables; and in which each of the inter-engageable connectors is provided with a sleeve member of inner trunking which is slidably engageable with one end of said elongate trunking elements and provides an interference fit in the end of said elongate trunking element with the junction between the interengageable connections being offset from the junction between the elongate trunking elements so as to ensure a secure mechanical fastening between the trunking elements when suspended in a ceiling installation.

[0008] Preferably, each of the elongate trunking elements comprises a U-shaped extrusion.

[0009] Ideally, each U-shaped profile extrusion is provided with a cover plate engageable with the upper edges of the U profile, so as to close the inner space of the extrusion.

[0010] Advantageously, each of the inter-engageable connectors includes an inner trunking connector adapter, a housing and a chassis containing the electrical termination elements.

[0011] Conveniently, a right-angle trunking connector is provided to inter-engageably connect two trunking elements together at right-angles to one another.

[0012] Ideally, the right-angle trunking connector is provided to be left handed or right handed.

[0013] Advantageously, the system includes a trunking connector comprising a T-shaped junction which is inter-engageably connected to three elongate trunking elements.

[0014] Additionally, the system includes a trunking connector comprising a four way cruciform shaped junction which is inter-engageably connectable to four elongate trunking elements.

[0015] In a further aspect of the invention a lighting system is included in the system.

[0016] The lighting system includes a lighting strip fixed to the bottom surface of the elongate trunking element.

[0017] The lighting strip includes an elongate strip of LED lighting and an elongate lens.

[0018] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The invention will hereinafter be more particularly described with reference to, and as shown in the accompanying drawings, which show by way of example only, four embodiments of a multi-circuit electrical distribution system according to the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 A is a perspective view of a pair of electrical cable connectors which are essential elements of the electrical distribution system of the invention;

[0020] Figure 1 B is an exploded perspective view of the pair of cable connectors;

[0021] Figure 2A is a plain view of a length of distribution trunking which is part of the electrical distribution system of the invention engaged in a main trunking housing;

[0022] Figure 2B is a perspective view of the length of distribution trunking engaged with the main trunking;

[0023] Figure 2C is an exploded perspective view of the components of the distribution trunking;

[0024] Figure 2D is a perspective view of two lengths of distribution trunking connected together;

[0025] Figure 2E is a plan view of the two lengths of distribution trunking partially cut away to show cable connectors;

[0026] Figure 2F is an enlarged view of a plug connector;

[0027] Figure 2G is an enlarged view of a plug connector inter-engaged with a socket connector;

[0028] Figure 2H is a perspective view of a U-shaped length of elongated extruded trunking;

[0029] Figure 2I is a cross -sectional enlarged view of the U-shaped extruded trunking;

[0030] Figure 2J is an enlarged side view of the elongate trunking;

[0031] Figure 2K is a perspective view of a length of trunking cover plate which engages with the U-shaped extruded length;

[0032] Figure 2L is a plan view of the length of the trunking cover plate;

[0033] Figure 2M is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the trunking cover plate extrusion;

[0034] Figure 3A is a cross-sectional plan view of a “left hand” right angle connector for trunking;

[0035] Figure 3B is a perspective view of the “left hand” right angle junction connector; Figure 3C is an exploded view of the “left hand” right angle junction trunking connector;

[0036] Figure 4A is a cross-sectional plan view of a “right hand” right angle junction connector;

[0037] Figure 4B is a perspective view of the “right hand” right angle connector;

[0038] Figure 4C is an exploded view of the “right hand” right angle connector;

[0039] Figure 5A is a perspective view of a “T-junction” trunking connector;

[0040] Figure 5B is a cross-section plan view of the “T-junction” trunking connector;

[0041] Figure 5C is an exploded perspective view of the “T-junction” connector;

[0042] Figure 6A is a perspective view of a “four way right angle” trunking connector;

[0043] Figure 6B is a cross-sectional plan view of the “four way right angle” connector;

[0044] Figure 6C is an exploded perspective view of the “four way right angle” connector;

[0045] Figure 7A is a perspective view from underneath showing a second embodiment of the invention including a lighting strip along the length of the trunking;

[0046] Figure 7B is an enlarged view of an end of the length of trunking;

[0047] Figure 7C is an exploded perspective view of the second embodiment showing the trunking, and LED lighting strip and a lens;

[0048] Figure 7D is a cross-sectional view through the second embodiment and Figure 7E is an exploded cross-sectional view showing the trunking, LED light strip and lens;

[0049] Figures 7F, 7G and 7H are respectively a perspective view, enlarged view and a truncated plan view of the LED lighting strip;

[0050] Figure 8A is a plain view of a length of distribution trunking which is part of the third embodiment of the electrical distribution system of the invention engaged in a main trunking housing; Figure 8B is a perspective view of the length of distribution trunking engaged with the main trunking;

[0051] Figure 8C is an exploded perspective view of the components of the distribution trunking;

[0052] Figure 8D is a plan view of the two lengths of distribution trunking partially cut away to show cable connectors;

[0053] Figure 8E is an enlarged view of a plug connector;

[0054] Figure 8F is an enlarged view of a plug connector inter-engaged with a socket connector;

[0055] Figure 8G is a perspective view of two lengths of distribution trunking connected together;

[0056] Figure 8H is an enlarged side view of the elongate trunking;

[0057] Figure 8I is a cross -sectional enlarged view of the U-shaped extruded trunking;

[0058] Figure 8J is a perspective view of a U-shaped length of elongated extruded trunking;

[0059] Figure 8K is a perspective view of a length of trunking cover plate which engages with the U-shaped extruded length;

[0060] Figure 8L is a plan view of the length of the trunking cover plate;

[0061] Figure 8M is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the trunking cover plate extrusion;

[0062] Figure 9A is a cross-sectional plan view of a “left hand” right angle connector for trunking;

[0063] Figure 9B is a perspective view of the “left hand” right angle junction connector;

[0064] Figure 90 is an exploded view of the “left hand” right angle junction trunking connector;

[0065] Figure 10A is a perspective view of a “four way right angle” trunking connector;

[0066] Figure 10B is a cross-sectional plan view of the “four way right angle” connector;

[0067] Figure 10C is an exploded perspective view of the “four way right angle” connector; Figure 11 A is a perspective view of a pair of electrical cable connectors which are essential elements of the third embodiment of the electrical distribution system of the invention;

[0068] Figure 11 B is an exploded perspective view of the pair of cable connectors;

[0069] Figure 12A is a perspective view from underneath showing a fourth embodiment of the invention including a lighting strip along the length of the trunking;

[0070] Figure 12B is an enlarged view of an end of the length of trunking;

[0071] Figure 12C is an exploded perspective view of the fourth embodiment showing the trunking, and LED lighting strip and a lens;

[0072] Figure 12D is a cross-sectional view through the fourth embodiment and Figure 12E is an exploded cross-sectional view showing the trunking, LED light strip and lens; and

[0073] Figures 12F, 12G and 12H are respectively an enlarged view, a perspective view, and a truncated plan view of the LED lighting strip.

[0074] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0075] Referring to the drawings and initially to Figure 1 , a pair of electrical cable connectors comprise a plug (or male) connector 10 which is inter-engaged with a socket (or female) connector 20 to form a secure electrical connection through eight separate connectors 15, in this embodiment. The number of connections can be scaled up to any desired number e.g. sixteen, twenty four or forty eight connections. Forming part of the connection system are an inner trunking body connector adapter 12, a housing 14 and a chassis 16 which form part of the plug connector 10. Likewise, the socket connector 20 includes an inner trunking body connector adapter 22, a housing 24 and chassis 26.

[0076] The chassis 16 engages with the housing 14 which engages with the adapter 12 enabling the plug connector 10 to be fixed to an end of a first sleeve of inner trunking 40. Likewise, the chassis 26 engages with the housing 24 which engages with the adapter 22 thereby enabling the socket connector 20 to be fixed to an end of a second sleeve of inner trunking 40.

[0077] Although not shown in the drawings, each of the connections 15 in both the plug connector 10 and socket connector 20 act as terminations for specific cables which can be power, light or data cables or a mixture of all three depending on the specific customer requirements. All of these cables end terminations are factory fitted thereby substantially reducing the amount of installation time on site.

[0078] With reference to the various views of Figure 2 in total, an elongated length of trunking 50 is connected to a main trunking housing 60 by means of a pair of inter-engageable connections 10, 20. The elongated trunking 50 comprises a U-shaped extrusion 52 along which its electrical cables (not shown) are laid extending from the connectors 10. The sleeves of inner trunking 40 are an interference fit in the end 54 of U-shaped extrusion 52 and in the end 62 in the housing 60. Closing off the top of extrusion 52 is an extended cover plate 56 which is a sliding fit along grooves 53 of the extrusion 52. Provided at the sides of the extrusion 52 in orifices 57 are receivers 59 for plug in sockets to access power cables from the trunking 50. Fixed on top of the cover plates 56 are a number of lugs 59 by means of which the entire trunking can be suspended from a ceiling by supports (not shown).

[0079] As shown in Figures 2D to 2G, two lengths of trunking are connected together end to end using a pair of connectors 10, 20 along the joint line 64. The socket connector 20 is receded into end 65 by approximately 250 mm and the plug connector 10 extends from the end 66 of the adjoining length of trunking 50, similarly as shown at the end 67 of the first length of trunking 50. The offset of the junction between the two connectors 10, 20 relative to the joint line 64 of the two lengths of trunking 50 ensures a secure mechanical fastening between the two lengths of trunking 50.

[0080] At the inner base of the U-shaped trunking 50 are three elongate ridges 59 which ensure a good earth connection with the sleeves 40. Both are manufactured from aluminium or aluminium alloy which provide good electrical connection.

[0081] Referring now to Figure 3, when it is desired for the trunking 50 to make a left hand turn during construction, the installer uses a “left hand” right-angle connector 70 to join and fasten two lengths of trunking 50 at right-angles to another. The connector 70 comprises a section 72 and a section 74 each joined at 45° joint line 76 by welding or adhesive jointing. A pair of reinforcing plates 77 and 78 assist in securing the integrity of the joint at line 76 and are secured in place with screws or rivets 75. The section 72 accommodates a plug in connector 10 offset from the end 73 of the section 72. The section 74 accommodates a socket connector 20 inserted into and protruding from end 79, with the inner sleeve 40 being an interference fit into the end 79. Referring now to Figure 4, when it is desired for the trunking 50 to make a right hand turn during construction, the installer uses a “right hand” right-angle connector 80 to join and fasten two lengths of trunking 50 at right-angles to another. The connector 80 comprises a section 82 and a section 84 each joined at 45° joint line 86 by welding or adhesive jointing. A pair of reinforcing plates 87 and 88 assist in securing the integrity of the joint at line 86 and are secured in place with screws or rivets 85. The section 72 accommodates a plug in connector 10 offset from the end 73 of the section 72. The section 84 accommodates a socket connector 20 inserted into and protruding from end 89, with the inner sleeve 40 being an interference fit into the end 89.

[0082] Referring now to Figure 5, when it is desired for the trunking 50 to have a “T -junction” during construction, the installer uses a “T-junction” connector 90 to join and fasten one length of trunking 50 at right-angles to other lengths of trunking 50 in a straight line. The connectors 90 comprises a section 92, a section 93 and a section 94 at right-angles to sections 92 and 93. The sections 92, 93 and 94 are joined at 45° joint lines 96 by welding or adhesive jousting. A pair of reinforcing plates 97 and 98 assist in securing the integrity of the joint at line 96 and are secured in place with screws or rivets 95. The sections 92 and 93 both accommodate a plug in connector 10 offset from the ends 91 of the sections 92 and 93. The section 94 accommodates a socket connector 20 inserted into and protruding from end 99, with its inner sleeve 40 being an interference fit into the end 99.

[0083] Referring now to Figure 6, when it is desired for the trunking 50 to form a four way cruciform junction during construction, the user uses a “four way” right-angle trunking connector 100 to join and fasten four lengths of trunking 50 at right-angles to another. The connector 100 comprises four sections 101 , 102, 103 and 104 and each joined at 45° joint lines 106 by welding or adhesive jointing. A pair of reinforcing plates 107 and 108 assist in securing the integrity of the joint at line 106 and are secured in place with screws or rivets 105. The sections 101 , 102 and 103 each accommodate a plug in connector 10 offset from the ends of the sections 101 , 102 and 103. The section 104 accommodates a socket connector 20 inserted into and protruding from end 109, with its inner sleeve 40 being an interference fit into the end 109.

[0084] The second embodiment 200 is shown Figure 7A to 7H and includes the first embodiment as shown in the previous figures. Additionally, the second embodiment includes an elongate lighting strip 210 fixed to the bottom surface 205 of the U-shaped trunking element 201 . The lighting strip 210 comprises a strip of LED lighting 215 and a lens 216, both of which are retained in an elongated groove 220 fixed to the bottom surface 205 of the trunking element 201.

[0085] With the provision of the lighting strip 210, the second embodiment 200 can be used in many other applications where light can be provided where the trunking is installed, such as clean rooms, warehouses, factory floors and the like. The standard electrical circuiting required to operate the lighting such as driver, fuses and other equipment are housed withing the U-shaped trunking element 201 and not shown in the drawings.

[0086] The third embodiment of the electrical distribution system of the invention will now be described with reference to the various views of Figure 8 in total. An elongated length of trunking 150 is connected to a second length of trunking 150 by means of a pair of inter- engageable connections 1 10, 120. The elongated trunking 150 comprises a U-shaped extrusion 152 along which its electrical cables (not shown) are laid extending from the connectors 1 10. The sleeves of inner trunking 140 are an interference fit in the end 154 of U-shaped extrusion 152. Closing off the top of extrusion 152 is an extended cover plate 156 which is a sliding fit along grooves 153 of the extrusion 152. Provided at the sides of the extrusion 152 in orifices 157 are receivers 158 for plug in sockets to access power cables from the trunking '50. Fixed on top of the cover plates 156 are a number of lugs 159 by means of which the entire trunking can be suspended from a ceiling by supports (not shown).

[0087] As shown in Figures 8D to 8G, two lengths of trunking 150are connected together end to end using a pair of connectors 1 10, 120 along the joint line 164. The socket connector 120 is receded into end 165 by approximately 250 mm and the plug connector 1 10 extends from the end 166 of the adjoining length of trunking 150, similarly as shown at the end 167 of the first length of trunking 150. The offset of the junction between the two connectors 110, 120 relative to the joint line 164 of the two lengths of trunking 150 ensures a secure mechanical fastening between the two lengths of trunking 150.

[0088] At the inner base of the U-shaped trunking 150 are two elongate ridges 159 which ensure a good earth connection with the sleeves 140. Both are manufactured from aluminium or aluminium alloy which provide good electrical connection.

[0089] Referring now to Figure 9, when it is desired for the trunking 150 to make a left hand turn during construction, the installer uses a “left hand” right-angle connector 170 to join and fasten two lengths of trunking 150 at right-angles to another. The connector 170 comprises a section 172 and a section 174 each joined at 45° joint line 176 by welding or adhesive jointing. A pair of reinforcing plates 177 and 178 assist in securing the integrity of the joint at line 176 and are secured in place with screws or rivets 175. The section 172 accommodates a plug in connector 1 10 offset from the end 173 of the section 172. The section 174 accommodates a socket connector 120 inserted into and protruding from end 179, with the inner sleeve 140 being an interference fit into the end 179. Although not shown in the drawings, a right hand connection and a T-shaped connector are constructed in a similar manner.

[0090] Referring now to Figure 10, when it is desired for the trunking 150 to form a four way cruciform junction during construction, the user uses a “four way” right-angle trunking connector 300 to join and fasten four lengths of trunking 150 at right-angles to another. The connector 300 comprises four sections 301 , 302, 303 and 304 and each joined at 45° joint lines 306 by welding or adhesive jointing. A pair of reinforcing plates 307 and 308 assist in securing the integrity of the joint at line 306 and are secured in place with screws or rivets 305. The sections 301 , 302 and 303 each accommodate a plug in connector 310 offset from the ends of the sections 301 , 302 and 303. The section 304 accommodates a socket connector 320 inserted into and protruding from end 309, with its inner sleeve 340 being an interference fit into the end 309.

[0091] Referring to Figure 1 1 , a pair of electrical cable connectors comprise a plug (or male) connector 1 10 which is inter-engaged with a socket (or female) connector 120 to form a secure electrical connection through eight separate connectors 1 15, in this embodiment. The number of connections can be scaled up to any desired number e.g. sixteen, twenty four or forty eight connections. Forming part of the connection system are an inner trunking body connector adapter 1 12, a housing 114 and a chassis 1 16 which form part of the plug connector 1 10. Likewise, the socket connector 120 includes an inner trunking body connector adapter 122, a housing 124 and chassis 126.

[0092] The chassis 1 16 engages with the housing 114 which engages with the adapter 1 12 enabling the plug connector 1 10 to be fixed to an end of a first sleeve of inner trunking 140. Likewise, the chassis 126 engages with the housing 124 which engages with the adapter 122 thereby enabling the socket connector 20 to be fixed to an end of a second sleeve of inner trunking 40. Although not shown in the drawings, each of the connections 1 15 in both the plug connector 1 10 and socket connector 120 act as terminations for specific cables which can be power, light or data cables or a mixture of all three depending on the specific customer requirements. All of these cables end terminations are factory fitted thereby substantially reducing the amount of installation time on site.

[0093] The fourth embodiment 400 is shown Figure 12A to 12H and is similar to the third embodiment as shown in the previous figures. Additionally, the fourth embodiment includes an elongate lighting strip 410 fixed to a bottom profile 405 formed in the U-shaped trunking element 401. The lighting strip 410 comprises a strip of LED lighting 415 and a lens 416, both of which are retained in an elongated groove 420 fixed to the bottom surface 405 of the trunking element 401 and a retainer 409 formed in the profile 405.

[0094] With the provision of the lighting strip 410, the second embodiment 400 can be used in many other applications where light can be provided where the trunking is installed, such as clean rooms, warehouses, factory floors and the like. The standard electrical circuiting required to operate the lighting such as driver fuses and other equipment are housed withing the U-shaped trunking element 401 and not shown in the drawings.

[0095] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific details described herein which are given by way of example only and that various modifications and alterations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:1 . A multi-circuit electrical distribution system for installation at ceiling level comprising a plurality of elongate electrical trunking elements; at least two inter-engageable connectors for joining two or more trunking elements together by inter-engagement of the two connectors, each connector having a plurality of electrical termination elements for connecting electrical cables, wherein the inter-engageable connectors function both as physical connectors between lengths of trunking and for providing electrical connections at ceiling level with cables carried in the trunking elements; in which the inter-engageable connectors comprises a plug or male connector and a socket receiver or female connector and a plurality of corresponding cable termination connections on each of the pair of connectors thereby allowing a seamless electrical connection between a plurality of cables; and in which each of the inter-engageable connectors is provided with a sleeve member of inner trunking which is slidably engageable with one end of said elongate trunking elements and provides an interference fit in the end of said elongate trunking element with the junction between the interengageable connections being offset from the junction between the elongate trunking elements so as to ensure a secure mechanical fastening between the trunking elements when suspended in a ceiling installation.

2. A multi-circuit electrical distribution system for installation at ceiling level as claimed in Claim 1 , in which each of the elongate trunking elements comprises a U-shaped profile extrusion.

3. A multi-circuit electrical distribution system for installation at ceiling level as claimed in Claim 2, in which each U-shaped profile extrusion is provided with a cover plate engageable with the upper edges of the U profile, so as to close the inner space of the extrusion.

4. A multi-circuit electrical distribution system for installation at ceiling level as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which each of the inter-engageable connectors includes an inner trunking connector adapter, a housing and a chassis connecting the electrical termination elements.

5. A multi-circuit electrical distribution system for installation at ceiling level as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which a right-angle trunking connector is provided to inter-engageably connect two trunking elements together at right-angles to one another.

6. A multi-circuit electrical distribution system for installation at ceiling level as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the right-angle trunking connector is provided to be left handed or right handed.

7. A multi-circuit electrical distribution system for installation at ceiling level as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, including a trunking connector comprising a T-shaped junction which is inter-engageably connectable to three elongate trunking elements.

8. A multi-circuit electrical distribution system for installation at ceiling level as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, including a trunking connector comprising a four way cruciform shaped junction which is inter-engageably connectable to four elongate trunking elements.

9. A multi-circuit electrical distribution system for installation at ceiling level as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which a lighting system is included in the system.

10. A multi-circuit electrical distribution system for installation at ceiling level as claimed in Claim 9, in which the lighting system includes a lighting strip fixed to the bottom surface of the elongate trunking element.1 1. A multi-circuit electrical distribution system for installation at ceiling level as claimed in Claim 10, in which the lighting strip includes an elongate strip of LED lighting and an elongate lens.

12. A multi-circuit electrical distribution system for installation at ceiling level as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which orifices are provided in the sides of the trunking element, with plug in socket connectors engaged in the orifices to access power cables in the trunking elements.

13. A multi-circuit electrical distribution system for installation at ceiling level as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the electrical termination elements in the inter- engageable connection provide from eight to forty eight connections for use in ceiling applications.

14. A multi-circuit electrical distribution system for installation at ceiling level as claimed in Claim 2 in which one or more elongate ridges are provided on the inner base of the U- shaped profile extension so as to ensure a good earth connection with the sleeve members of inner trunking.

15. A multi-circuit electric distribution system for installation at ceiling level as claimed inClaim 14 in which the U-shaped profile extrusion and sleeve members are manufactured from aluminium or aluminium alloy.

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