Overhead line termination device for electric railway systems

Abstract

An overhead line termination device (100) configured to secure an end of an overhead electric line of an electric railway system. The overhead line termination device comprises one or more clamps (201) and a body (101) having opposing first and second walls (401) when viewed in cross-section. At least one of the first and second walls (401) tapers inwardly relative to each other in a narrowing direction. The first and second walls (401) define a passage (402) along which the one or more clamps (201) can move. The passage (402) is configured to receive an end of the overhead electric line (403) therethrough. Movement of the one or more clamps (201) in the narrowing direction causes a surface of each clamp (201) to engage the overhead electric line (403) in use. The overhead line termination device (100) further comprises a releaser (103) configured to move at least one of the clamps (201) to a release position.

Description

[0001] OVERHEAD LINE TERMINATION DEVICE FOR ELECTRIC RAILWAY

[0002] SYSTEMS

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an overhead line termination device. In particular, they relate to an overhead line termination device for electric railway systems.

[0005] BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0006] A forked collar is an example of an overhead line termination device for overhead electric lines (conductors) of electric railway systems.

[0007] An end of the overhead electric line (“line”) is inserted into a socket of the forked collar.

[0008] The forked collar comprises a collet formed from a soft bronze alloy, for clamping the end of the line.

[0009] When the line is fully tensioned, the wire lay of the line deforms the surface of the collet to increase grip strength. This leaves deformed impressions on the surface of the collet, preventing its reuse.

[0010] Furthermore, workers need to install the forked collar carefully, taking account of the required tension and ambient temperature, to ensure that the line does not sag once tensioned. Excessive sag would result in having to replace the collet or the entire forked collar and start again.

[0011] This does not appear to be perceived as a problem in the art because forked collars of this type have been in use for many decades. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0012] According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided an overhead line termination device configured to secure an end of an overhead electric line of an electric railway system, the overhead line termination device comprising: one or more clamps; a body having opposing first and second walls when viewed in crosssection, at least one of which tapers inwardly relative to each other in a narrowing direction, the first and second walls defining a passage along which the one or more clamps can move, said passage being configured to receive an end of the overhead electric line therethrough, wherein movement of the one or more clamps in the narrowing direction causes a surface of each clamp to engage the overhead electric line in use; and a releaser configured to move at least one of the clamps to a release position.

[0013] An advantage is that the termination device is easier to use. This is because the termination device is reusable, obviating the need for precision when determining the installation location of the termination device.

[0014] Optionally, each clamp is formed from a material having a hardness of at least 60 Rockwell B.

[0015] Optionally, the releaser comprises a hand-operable release input.

[0016] An advantage is ease of installation because no tools are required when working at height.

[0017] Optionally, the hand-operable release input comprises a button. Optionally, the releaser is slidable in a direction parallel to the passage. Optionally, the direction is coaxial with the passage.

[0018] Optionally, the releaser is located mostly or entirely within a housing recess of the overhead line termination device, at either end of travel of the releaser. Optionally, the body comprises the housing recess.

[0019] An advantage is protecting the releaser from damage if the device is dropped. Another advantage is that the releaser is at least partially protected from degradation caused by ultra violet (UV) radiation.

[0020] Optionally, the overhead line termination device is sized to clamp onto a nominal diameter of at least 9mm of the overhead electric line. Optionally, this is dependent on a minimum diameter of the passage, and a length of the passage combined with a taper angle between the first and second walls.

[0021] Optionally, the overhead line termination device comprises a spring configured to bias the one or more clamps in the narrowing direction.

[0022] Optionally, the overhead line termination device comprises an anchoring point configured to secure the overhead line termination device to a support. Optionally, the support comprises a catenary insulator, drop weight system, bracket, turnbuckle connector, or another one of the overhead line termination device, etc.

[0023] Optionally, the anchoring point comprises at least one of: a clevis pin, a mounting bar, a threaded fastener, a turnbuckle.

[0024] Optionally, the anchoring point comprises holes for receiving a clevis pin. Optionally, the anchoring point further comprises the clevis pin, secured or securable to the holes. Optionally, the anchoring point is mounted to the body.

[0025] Optionally, the overhead line termination device is formed from electrically conductive material to define an electrically conductive path from the overhead electric line to the anchoring point.

[0026] An advantage is that the overhead electric line is not required to directly contact the anchoring point or support. The overhead line termination device may not be current-carrying, but is electrically and mechanically robust to withstand a power surge.

[0027] Optionally, the body is an elongate body, wherein the one or more clamps and first and second walls are located towards one end of the elongate body, and wherein the anchoring point is located towards an opposite end of the elongate body.

[0028] Optionally, the body comprises a tubular body. Optionally, the tubular body comprises a hollow cylinder. Optionally, the hollow cylinder comprises a cylindrical interior surface. Optionally, the cylindrical interior surface comprises the first and second walls.

[0029] Optionally, the overhead line termination device comprises a carrier for carrying the one or more clamps.

[0030] An advantage is that the carrier ensures that the one or more clamps are disposed symmetrically about the overhead electric line.

[0031] Optionally, a securing member is receivable by a plurality of the clamps to retain the clamps in the carrier. Optionally, the securing member comprises an O-ring. Optionally, the carrier is receivable within the body. Optionally, the carrier is receivable within the passage.

[0032] Optionally, the carrier is moveable between a clamping position, in which the surface of each of the one or more clamps engage the overhead electric line in use, and a release position, in which the surface of each of the one or more clamps are released from the overhead electric line in use. The release position may be the release position as defined above.

[0033] Optionally, the spring is arranged to move the carrier between the clamping and release positions. Optionally, the spring is disposed at least partially within the releaser. This provides ease of assembly. Optionally, a first end of the spring is connectable to the releaser. Optionally, a second end of the spring is configured to abut an internal surface of the housing.

[0034] Optionally, the releaser comprises a threaded portion. Optionally, the carrier comprises a threaded portion. Optionally, the releaser is configured to be screwed onto the carrier.

[0035] Optionally, the one or more clamps are each in the form of a wedge. Optionally, the overhead line termination device comprises a plurality of the clamps. Optionally, the plurality of clamps collectively define a collet. However, the clamps are separate, non-integral bodies, unlike collets. Optionally, each clamp comprises a curved sliding surface, the curved sliding surfaces collectively defining a frustoconical shape, the frustoconical shape conforming to a tapering cylindrical shape of the passage.

[0036] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of various examples of embodiments of the present invention reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0037] FIG. 1 shows a side view an example overhead line termination device.

[0038] FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of an example overhead line termination device where the body has been removed.

[0039] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the example overhead line termination device of FIG.2.

[0040] FIG. 4 shows a cross section of the example overhead line termination device of FIG.1 in a clamping position.

[0041] FIG. 5 shows a cross section of the example overhead line termination device of FIG. 1 in a release position.

[0042] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0043] FIGs. 1-5 show an example overhead line termination device 100 in the form of a forked collar for use in overhead electric lines for railway lines. The overhead line termination device 100 is configured to secure an end of an overhead electric line (“line”) of an electric railway system, such as an end of a catenary wire (known as a “messenger wire” in the art), a contact cable or a dropper cable.

[0044] As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the overhead line termination device 100 comprises a body in the form of a metal housing 101. The metal housing 101 is elongate and extends from a first end 105 to a second end 106. The metal housing 101 is tubular and comprises a hollow cylinder through which a line can extend. The hollow cylinder comprises a (substantially) cylindrical interior surface 109. When shown in a cross section (as depicted in FIGs. 4 and 5) the metal housing 101 comprises opposing first and second walls 401. The cylindrical interior surface 109 of the metal housing 101 comprises the first and second walls 401 . The first and second walls 401 define a passage 402. The passage 402 is configured to receive an end of a line 403 therethrough when the overhead line termination device 100 is in use.

[0045] As best seen in FIGs. 2 and 3, the overhead line termination device 100 also comprises one or more clamps 201. In FIGs. 2 and 3, three clamps 201 are depicted, however, the number of clamps 201 present in the overhead line termination device may be greater or fewer. The one or more clamps 201 may each be in the form of a wedge. Each of the one or more clamps 201 may comprise a clamping surface 204 and a curved sliding surface 211. The clamping surface 204 may be rougher than the curved sliding surface 211 (e.g., comprise serrations). When a plurality of clamps 201 are in use, the curved sliding surfaces 211 may collectively define a frustoconical shape. The frustoconical shape may conform to a tapering cylindrical shape of the passage 402. When in use, the clamping surface(s) 204 are parallel to the line 403 and the sliding surface(s) 211 are parallel to the first and second walls 401 . The curved sliding surface(s) 211 slide along the first and second walls 401. The clamping surface 204 and the sliding surface 211 of each clamp 201 taper, defining the wedge shape of the clamp 201. The angle between the clamping surface 204 and the sliding surface 211 is the same as a taper angle of the first and second walls 401 relative to a longitudinal axis.

[0046] The one or more clamps 201 may be formed from a material having a hardness of at least 60 Rockwell B. For example, the one or more clamps 201 may be made of stainless steel or equivalents thereof.

[0047] The overhead line termination device 100 may comprise a carrier 301 for carrying the one or more clamps 201. The carrier 301 comprises one or more recesses 303, each of which is configured to receive and hold a respective one of the one or more clamps 201. Each of the one or more recesses 303 are defined by the base 203 of the carrier 301 , two partition members 208 and a surface 306 of the carrier 301 . In FIGS. 2 and 3 the carrier 301 comprises three partition members 208, however, as will be appreciated, the number of partition members 208 present in the carrier 301 will depend on the number of clamps 201 being used.

[0048] As can be best seen in FIG. 3, each of the partition members 208 comprises a retaining formation 209. Moreover, each of the one or more clamps 201 comprise a retaining formation 210 which is configured to be aligned with the retaining formations 209 of the partition members 208 when the one or more clamps 201 are disposed in the carrier 301. The retaining formations 209, 210 may be recesses. The carrier 301 and the one or more clamps 201 disposed therein may be considered a carrier assembly. The carrier assembly may be substantially cylindrical. The carrier assembly may have a substantially circular cross section. The retaining formations 209, 210 may form a recessed annulus around the circumference of the carrier assembly. A securing member 304 may be receivable within the recessed annulus to secure the one or more clamps 201 within the carrier 301 . The securing member 304 may be an O-ring.

[0049] The carrier 301 comprises a passage 205 through which the line 403 can extend when the overhead line termination device 100 is in use. When the one or more clamps 201 are disposed within the carrier 301 , the passage 205 is defined by the clamping surface 204 of each of the one or more clamps 201 along with an inner surface of each of the partition members 208 of the carrier 301.

[0050] An advantage of the use of the carrier 301 is that it ensures that the one or more clamps 201 are disposed symmetrically within the passage 402 of the metal housing 101 and hence around the line 403 which may be received therethrough.

[0051] The one or more clamps 201 (and the carrier 301 in which they may be disposed therein) are locatable in the metal housing 101. More specifically, the one or more clamps 201 (and the carrier 301 in which they may be disposed therein) are locatable within the passage 402 defined by the first and second walls 401 of the metal housing 101 . The one or more clamps 201 are moveable along the passage 402 defined by the first and second walls 401 of the metal housing 101.

[0052] As can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first and second walls 401 taper inwardly in a direction from the second end 106 of the metal housing 101 towards first end 105 of the metal housing 101. Accordingly, when the one or more clamps

[0053] 201 are moved in the direction of the arrow X1 shown in FIG. 4 (i.e. , moved in the narrowing direction), the first and second walls 401 urge the one or more clamps 201 towards each other and thereby into clamping engagement with the line 403. In other words, movement of the one or more clamps 201 in the narrowing direction causes the clamping surface 204 of each of the one or more clamps 201 to engage the line 403 in use.

[0054] As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the overhead line termination device 100 comprises a spring 202. The spring 202 is a coil spring, however, the spring

[0055] 202 could be any suitable type of spring, such as a wave spring or a leaf spring.

[0056] The spring 202 is mounted to the static housing 101 and to a movable body. The movable body comprises the carrier 301 and a releaser 103. The movable body is configured to move the clamps 201. The spring 202 is configured to bias the movable body to urge the one or more clamps 201 in the narrowing direction. As such, when the spring 202 is in its resting, uncompressed, state, the one or more clamps 201 are biased in the narrowing direction. When the spring 202 is compressed, the one or more clamps 201 are urged in the direction X2 (shown in FIG. 5), in the widening direction. The spring 202 can be compressed by actuating the releaser 103.

[0057] The one or more clamps 201 (and the carrier 301 in which the one or more clamps 201 may be disposed therein) are hence moveable between a clamping position, in which the clamping surface 204 of each of the one or more clamps 201 engage the line 403 in use (shown in FIG.4), and a release position, in which the clamping surface 204 of each of the one or more clamps 201 are released from the line 403 in use (shown in FIG. 5). The spring 202 is arranged to move the one or more clamps 201 (and the carrier 301 in which the one or more clamps 201 may be disposed therein) between the clamping and release positions.

[0058] In use, the line 403 can be installed in the overhead line termination device 100 when the one or more clamps 201 are in the release position. A desired length of the line 403 can be threaded through the passage 205, between the one or more clamps 201 , until the line 403 extends at least partially into passage 402. The line 403 can then be pulled in the narrowing direction (i.e., in direction X2 in FIG. 5), thereby pulling the carrier 301 along the passage 402. The one or more clamps 201 engage the first and second walls 401 and are urged into clamping engagement with the line 403 by virtue of the narrowing nature of the walls. The base 203 of the carrier 301 retain the one or more clamps 201 in the clamping position. The more the line is pulled in the narrowing direction, the more the one or more clamps 201 are urged closer together, providing a greater clamping force on the line 403. The overhead line termination device 100 therefore may be installed without the use of tools.

[0059] The overhead line termination device 100 is sized to clamp onto a nominal diameter of greater than 10mm of the line 403. This is dependent on a minimum diameter of the passage 402, and a length of the passage 402 combined with a taper angle between the first and second walls 401 . As such, the overhead line termination device 100 is sized specifically for clamping overhead lines such as catenary lines, contact cables or dropper cables.

[0060] Returning to FIG. 1 , the overhead line termination device 100 may further comprise a releaser 103. The releaser is configured to move at least one of the one or more clamps 201 in the widening direction to the release position. As such, the releaser is slidable in a direction parallel to the passage 402. The direction may be coaxial with the passage 402.

[0061] The releaser 103 comprises a hand-operable and / or digit-operable release input in the form of a button. However, the releaser 103 may take alternative forms such as a hand or digit operable slider.

[0062] The releaser 103 and the carrier 301 may be formed by moulding. The releaser 103 may be formed separately from the carrier 301 or integrally with the carrier 301. This may also be by moulding. The releaser 103 may be connectable to the carrier 301 to define a movable body. The carrier 301 may comprise a threaded portion 404 (see FIGs. 4 and 5). The releaser 103 may also comprise a threaded portion 405. The releaser 103 may be threadable onto the carrier 301. The releaser 103 may be lockable on the carrier 301 by virtue of the interaction of the threaded portions 404 and 405. In the embodiment described herein, the releaser and carrier are formed from a suitable plastics material.

[0063] As shown best in FIGs. 2 and 3, the spring 202 is disposed at least partially within the releaser 103. A first end 206 of the spring 202 is connected to the releaser 103 and disposed therein. As such, the spring 202 may extend from the releaser 103. A second end 207 of the spring 202 may abut or be connected to an interior surface or ledge 406 of the housing 101 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). As depicted in FIGs. 2 and 3, the carrier 301 may be substantially cylindrical and the spring 202 may spiral around the circumference of at least part of the carrier 301.

[0064] Once the line 403 has been installed within the overhead line termination device 100, it may become apparent that the tension of the line 403 needs to be adjusted to remove sag from the line. To adjust the tension of the line 403, the one or more clamps 201 can be moved into the release position by the releaser 103 to allow the line 403 to be pushed further into the hollow cylinder of the metal housing 101 such that when the line 403 is pulled taut and the one or more clamps are returned to the clamping position, the tension of the line 403 is increased.

[0065] When the releaser 103 is actuated (e.g., pushed) in the widening direction (i.e. , in direction X2 in FIG. 5), the spring 202 is compressed, which in turn urges the one or more clamps 201 (and the carrier 301 in which the one or more clamps 201 may be disposed therein) in the widening direction such that the one or more clamps 201 are in the release position. The line 403 is then free to be moved by the user further into or out of the passage 402 since the clamping surface(s) 204 of the one or more clamps 201 are no longer in engagement with the line 403. When the releaser 103 is no longer actuated (e.g., when force is removed from releaser 103), the spring 202 decompresses which moves the one or more clamps 201 (and the carrier 301 in which the one or more clamps 201 are disposed therein) in the narrowing direction to the clamping position. The releaser 103 is also returned to a resting position when the spring decompresses since the first end of the spring 202 is connected to the releaser 103. The releaser 103 thereby aids the adjustment of the line 403 in the overhead line termination device 100. Since the releaser 103 is hand or digit operable, no tools are required to adjust the line termination device 100 which is advantageous when working at height. This adjustability is also aided by the hardness of the one or more clamps 201 since the wire lay of the line 403 does not deform the clamping surface 204 of the one or more clamps 201 and hence the one or more clamps 201 may be reused. Accordingly, the overhead line termination device is a reusable device.

[0066] As best shown in FIG. 1 , the releaser 103 is located mostly within a housing recess 104 of the overhead line termination device, when in its resting position. A crown of the releaser 103 protrudes from the housing recess 104. The releaser 103 is located entirely within the housing recess 104 when actuated to the end of its travel. The carrier 301 may also be recessed within the housing recess 104. As shown in FIGs. 1 and 4-5, the metal housing 101 comprises a tubular skirt which covers most of the releaser 103 and defines the housing recess 104. As such, the releaser 103 and / or the carrier 301 are mostly or entirely recessed within the housing 101 which protects the releaser 103 and / or the carrier 301 from damage if the overhead line termination device 100 is dropped from height. Moreover, the releaser 103 and / or the carrier 301 are also at least partially protected from degradation caused by ultra violet (UV) radiation. The recess of the housing 101 has an opening to permit digit- operated actuation of the releaser 103.

[0067] The releaser 103 and corresponding housing recess 104 may be located at an entrance end of the metal housing 101. The releaser 103 may be coaxial with the passage 402. The releaser 103 may comprise a central hole 107 enabling the line 403 to extend into the passages 205, 402.

[0068] The overhead line termination device 100 further comprises an anchoring point 102. The anchoring point 102 is mounted to the metal housing 101. The anchoring point 102 is located towards end 106 of the elongate metal housing 101 , opposite end 105 towards which the one or more clamps 201 and the first and second walls 401 are located. The anchoring point 102 is configured to secure the overhead line termination device to a support. The support may comprise a catenary insulator, drop weight system, bracket, turnbuckle connector, etc. Furthermore, the anchoring point 102 may be used to connect (directly or indirectly) the overhead line termination device 100 to another overhead line termination device to provide a connection between two lines 403. The overhead termination device 100 may be formed from electrically conductive material to define an electrically conductive path from the line 403 to the anchoring point 102.

[0069] In FIG.1 the anchoring point 102 further comprises a clevis pin. However, as will be appreciated, the anchoring point 102 could alternatively or in addition comprise at least one of a mounting bar, a threaded fastener, a turnbuckle.

[0070] In FIG.1 the anchoring point 102 is secured using securing member 108, more specifically the securing member 108 is a cotter pin or circlip. Alternatively, a safety clip or a pin could be used or no securing means may be used. The anchoring point 102 also comprises holes for receiving the clevis pin. The clevis pin is secured or securable to the holes.

[0071] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed.

[0072] For example, it is noted that although FIGS. 4 and 5 depict both the first and second walls 401 tapering inwardly in a direction from the second end 106 of the metal housing 101 towards a first end 105 of the metal housing 101 , this configuration is not necessarily required to achieve the desired clamping effect so long as at least one of the first and second walls 401 tapers inwardly relative to the other in a narrowing direction. In some embodiments, the carrier 301 may not be present. In such embodiments, the spring 202 may act directly on the one or more clamps 201 and the configuration of the metal housing 101 be adapted accordingly.

[0073] In some embodiments, the spring 202 may be located and seated behind the passage 402, rather than in front of the passage 402 as illustrated. Such a spring would still be configured to urge the clamps 201 in the narrowing direction.

[0074] In some embodiments, the releaser 103 may be omitted entirely. In such embodiments, there may be a cavity within the metal housing 101 through which a device, such as a screwdriver, may be inserted to move at least one of the one or more clamps 201 (and the carrier 301 in which the one or more clamps 201 are disposed in) in the widening direction to the release position.

[0075] In some embodiments, the hardness of the one or more clamps 201 may be less than that specified above. This range is applicable to situations where the overhead line termination device is designed to be used to secure an overhead electric line such as a catenary wire or contact cable where the typical tensions required are multiple kNs (such as 10 - 20 kN), and where maximum required tensions may be several times higher. For some applications where the forces involved may be of a smaller magnitude, it can be appreciated that a hardness that falls below that specified above may still provide reusability since a softer clamp would not be deformed under such forces.

[0076] Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

[0077] Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not. Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not. Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features herein before referred to and / or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An overhead line termination device configured to secure an end of an overhead electric line of an electric railway system, the overhead line termination device comprising: one or more clamps; a body having opposing first and second walls when viewed in cross-section, at least one of which tapers inwardly relative to each other in a narrowing direction, the first and second walls defining a passage along which the one or more clamps can move, said passage being configured to receive an end of the overhead electric line therethrough, wherein movement of the one or more clamps in the narrowing direction causes a surface of each clamp to engage the overhead electric line in use; and a releaser configured to move at least one of the clamps to a release position.

2. The overhead line termination device of claim 1 , wherein the releaser comprises a hand-operable release input.

3. The overhead line termination device of claim 2, wherein the hand- operable release input comprises a button.

4. The overhead line termination device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the releaser is slidable in a direction parallel to the passage.

5. The overhead line termination device of claim 4, wherein the direction is coaxial with the passage.

6. The overhead line termination device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the releaser is located mostly or entirely within a housing recessof the overhead line termination device, at either end of travel of the releaser.

7. The overhead line termination device of claim 6, wherein the body comprises the housing recess.

8. The overhead line termination device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the overhead line termination device is sized to clamp onto a nominal diameter of at least 9 mm of the overhead electric line.

9. The overhead line termination device of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a spring configured to bias the one or more clamps in the narrowing direction.

10. The overhead line termination device of any of the preceding claims, further comprising an anchoring point configured to secure the overhead line termination device to a support.

11. The overhead line termination device of claim 10, wherein the support comprises a catenary insulator, a drop weight system, a bracket, a turnbuckle connector, or another one of the overhead line termination device.

12. The overhead line termination device of claim 10 or 11 , wherein the anchoring point comprises at least one of: a clevis pin, a mounting bar, a threaded fastener, a turnbuckle.

13. The overhead line termination device of any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the anchoring point comprises holes for receiving a clevis pin.

14. The overhead line termination device of claim 13, wherein the anchoring point further comprises the clevis pin, secured or securable to the holes.

15. The overhead line termination device of any of claims 10 to 14, wherein the anchoring point is mounted to the body.

16. The overhead line termination device of any of claims 10 to 15, wherein the overhead line termination device is formed from electrically conductive material to define an electrically conductive path from the overhead electric line to the anchoring point.

17. The overhead line termination device of any of claims 10 to 16, wherein the body is an elongate body, wherein the one or more clamps and the first and second walls are located towards one end of the elongate body, and wherein the anchoring point is located towards an opposite end of the elongate body.

18. The overhead line termination device of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a carrier for carrying the one or more clamps.

19. The overhead line termination device of claim 18, when dependent on claim 9, wherein the spring is arranged to move the carrier between the clamping and release positions.

20. The overhead line termination device of claim 19, wherein the spring is disposed at least partially within the releaser.

21. The overhead line termination device of claim 20, wherein a first end of the spring is connectable to the releaser and a second end of the spring is configured to abut an internal surface of the body.

22. The overhead line termination device of any of claims 18 to 21 , wherein the releaser comprises a threaded portion, the carrier comprises a threaded portion and the releaser is configured to be screwed onto the carrier.

23. The overhead line termination device of any of claims 18 to 22, wherein a securing member is receivable by a plurality of the clamps to retain the clamps in the carrier.

24. The overhead line termination device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more clamps are each in the form of a wedge.

25. The overhead line termination device of any of the preceding claims, wherein each clamp is formed from a material having a hardness of at least 60 Rockwell B.

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