JP7610813B2 - Connecting Devices - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a connection device used to connect the ends of wires where tension is applied to create an extended configuration.

A metal cylindrical connection sleeve (also called a straight sleeve) is known as a connection device that connects the ends of electric wires (wire rods) in a straight line while maintaining electrical continuity. As shown in FIG. 24, this connection sleeve 1000 is designed to insert the ends of the electric wires into the openings 1001a at both ends of a pair of cylindrical sections 1001, compress the outer cylindrical surface 1001o, and crimp the inner cylindrical surface 1001i to electrically connect the electric wires.

The gripping device for gripping cylindrical members uses a chuck member having a so-called spring collet structure, in which a cylindrical member formed into a truncated cone shape has multiple slits cut in the axial direction from its small-diameter tip to its base end (see Patent Document 1). This gripping device is designed to compress the small-diameter tip of the chuck member into which the cylindrical member is inserted, by pushing the small-diameter tip into a mortar-shaped receiving member that opens at the bottom, thereby pinching the cylindrical member inside the cylinder and gripping it.

The gripping device described in Patent Document 1 is constructed so that the small-diameter tips of a pair of chuck members are positioned at both ends and pressed into a pair of receiving members, so that it can be used as a connection device for electrically connecting overhead electric wires that supply large currents. In this gripping device, a strong spring is compressed and inserted between the pair of chuck members, and each is pressed into the receiving member. In this gripping device, the ends of the electric wires of the pair of cylindrical members are inserted into the two sets of chuck members and receiving members, respectively, and after the chuck members are moved in the return direction, the ends are pressed again into the cone-shaped receiving member by the elastic force of the spring, thereby gripping the pair of electric wires in a state in which they are connected to each other.

JP 2003-52119 A

However, in the case of the above-mentioned connection sleeve 1000, a hydraulic compression tool or the like is required for the crimping operation to compress the tubular portion 1001, and since the compression tool is heavy, the physical burden on the worker is large. In addition, the crimping operation requires a lot of labor, is time-consuming, and requires training. For this reason, the worker is prone to uneven crimping work, and skill is required to ensure the quality of the connection between the electric wires.

In addition, in order to improve the quality of the conductive connection with the electric wire, a conductive compound (viscous material) C is injected into the cylindrical portion of this type of connection sleeve 1000, but it takes some getting used to injecting the compound C optimally and storing the appropriate amount when the electric wire is inserted.

The gripping device in Patent Document 1 does avoid the need for a compression tool for crimping, but it requires the chuck member to be pushed in forcefully against the elastic force of the strong spring, and a separate special tool is required to grip and push in the wire end without slipping, which makes it difficult to use.

The present invention aims to provide a connection device that can replace a connection sleeve and can easily and quickly connect the ends of electric wires with high quality and without variation.

One aspect of the invention of a sleeve-shaped coupler that solves the above problems is a connection device that is installed so as to be interposed in the middle of the longitudinal direction of a pair of wires that are subjected to tension in an extended form by connecting the ends of the pair of wires in a direction in which they are butted together, and includes a pair of clamping sets that clamp and hold the ends of each of the wires with a plurality of clamping members, and a cylindrical housing member that has an opening through which the wires can be inserted from their ends and that houses the pair of clamping sets in a manner that allows movement of the wires in the longitudinal direction, and the clamping members of the clamping sets are divided and arranged in the circumferential direction of the outer circumferential surface of the wire, and have an inner surface that is formed to be in face-to-face contact with the outer circumferential surface of the wire, and an inclined surface that is inclined so as to move away from the outer circumferential surface of the wire as it approaches the end side of the wire. The clamping set has an outer surface which is in contact with the outer surface of the clamping member, and the accommodating member has an inner surface which is formed as a slope which is inclined at the same angle as the outer surface of the clamping member relative to the outer surface of the wire so as to surround the outer periphery of each clamping set and come into face-to-face contact with the outer surface of the clamping member, and each of the clamping members is formed shorter in the length direction of the wire than the inner surface of the accommodating member which it comes into face-to-face contact with, and is arranged as the clamping set to surround the outer periphery of the wire and is positioned between the inner surface of the accommodating member and the clamping member, and as the wire is pulled in a direction separating the ends from each other, the pressure at which the outer and inner surfaces of the clamping member come into face-to-face contact with the inner surface of the accommodating member and the outer surface of the wire is increased, thereby functioning as a wedge which limits relative movement.

Thus, according to one aspect of the present invention, a plurality of clamping members that are housed in a housing member and that constitute a clamping set are arranged in a divided manner around the ends of the wire, and when the ends of the wire to be inserted between the clamping members move in a direction approaching each other, the inner surfaces of the clamping members move in the same direction due to contact resistance caused by face-to-face contact with the outer peripheral surfaces of the wire ends, and the outer surfaces move away from the inner surface of the housing member, making it easy to insert the wire. After that, when the wire inserted in the housing member is moved in a pulling direction that separates the ends from each other, the inner surfaces of the clamping members move in the same direction due to contact resistance caused by face-to-face contact with the outer peripheral surfaces of the wire ends, and the outer surfaces approach and contact the inner surface of the housing member.

At this time, the clamping members of the clamping set move individually along with the wire end, so that their inner and outer surfaces penetrate between the outer peripheral surface of the wire end and the inner surface of the accommodating member, thereby increasing the contact pressure and functioning as a wedge, thereby restricting the movement of the wire.

Therefore, with a simple structure that only requires fitting a clamping set divided into multiple clamping members inside a housing member, the wire end can be easily and quickly pressed against the outer circumferential surface of the wire end by simply inserting the wire end between the clamping members of the clamping set and allowing it to move in the pulling direction, and the wire ends can be clamped and connected together with high quality and without variation.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a connection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and is a partially transparent perspective view showing a schematic overall configuration thereof. FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the axial direction in a state in which the clamping members are distributed. FIG. 3 is a vertical axial cross-sectional view taken at the position of the clamping member, which is different from FIG. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view thereof. FIG. 5 is a vertical axial cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 2, showing a state in which the wire ends are inserted from the left and right by different amounts. FIG. 6 is a state diagram showing the relative positions of the component parts, where (a) is a vertical cross-sectional view perpendicular to the axial direction before the wire end is inserted, and (b) is a vertical cross-sectional view perpendicular to the axial direction after the wire end is inserted. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a jig for disconnecting the wire. FIG. 8 is a partial vertical sectional view for explaining the specifications of the release jig shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged axial cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the shape between the clamping members in the housing member. FIG. 10 is a view showing a connecting device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and is a vertical axial cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3 at the position of the clamping member. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a schematic overall configuration, where (a) is a partially see-through perspective view, and (b) is a partially see-through view excluding the spring when one end is viewed from a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing one of the housing members. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a partition member located between the storage members. FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view thereof. FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view showing a connection device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing one of the housing members. FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a partition member located between the storage members. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a connection device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a vertical axial cross-sectional perspective view showing a schematic overall configuration, and (b) is an external perspective view. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing another embodiment, where (a) is a vertical sectional perspective view in the axial direction showing a schematic overall configuration, and (b) is an external perspective view. Figure 20 is a diagram showing a connection device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a partially see-through oblique view showing the schematic overall configuration, and (b) is a partially see-through view excluding the spring when one side end is viewed from a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a connection device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a partially see-through oblique view showing the schematic overall configuration, and (b) is a partially see-through view excluding the spring when one side end is viewed from a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a connecting device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, and is a vertical axial cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3 at the position of the clamping member with the wire end inserted only on one side. FIG. 23 is a view showing another embodiment, and is an axial longitudinal cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3 at the position of the clamping member with the wire end inserted only on one side. FIG. 24 is an axial cross-sectional view showing the conventional connection sleeve.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
First Embodiment
1 to 8 are diagrams showing a connection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

In Figures 1 to 4, the connection device 1 is used when connecting wires to which tension is applied, such as the ends De of a pair of electric wires D (see Figure 5) so that they are butted together to electrically connect them in an extended state, and is constructed with a housing member 10, a pair of clamping sets 20, and a release tool 30.

This connection device 1 is installed, for example, so as to be interposed in the middle of the length of the electric wire D that is strung in an extended state between utility poles and supported at a distance, and is constructed to clamp and hold (clamp) the ends De of the electric wire D in the extended connection state by utilizing the tension applied when the electric wire D is pulled by its own weight, thereby maintaining electrical continuity between the ends De of the electric wire D via the housing member 10 and the clamping set 20. Here, in this embodiment, an overhead electric wire D is described as an example of a wire material, but it goes without saying that the invention is not limited to this, and can also be used to connect the ends of other wire materials, such as metal wires and wires, that are simply pulled and tensioned.

The housing member 10 has a pair of cylindrical housing sections 11A, 11B into which the ends De of the conductive core wires, which have had their outer sheaths Dc (see FIG. 22) stripped off, are inserted through openings 11a on both ends, and is made of conductive material in a symmetrical integral structure with the center 10c at the center so that the openings 11a of each housing section 11A, 11B are located on both ends. Here, in this embodiment, the housing member (housing section) is described as being cylindrical in shape as an example, but it goes without saying that it is not limited to this and may be formed into a square tube shape, etc.

The storage member 10 is formed in a cylindrical shape that surrounds the outer periphery of the pair of clamping sets 20, and each storage section 11A, 11B is fabricated in a truncated cone shape that tapers at an angle of about 5° toward the opening 11a, and the inner surface 11i of the storage sections 11A, 11B is formed into a slope that slopes in a direction approaching the electric wire D as it approaches the opening 11a.

The clamping set 20 is constructed of multiple clamping members 21A-21D made of a conductive material that are stored in each of the storage sections 11A, 11B of the housing member 10 so as to be positioned around the end De of the electric wire D inserted through the respective openings 11a. The multiple clamping members 21A-21D cooperate with each of the storage sections 11A, 11B of the housing member 10 to form a clamping set that clamps and holds the end De of the electric wire D in a conductive manner. Here, the clamping members 21-21D are made of a hard material that is equal to or harder than the conductive core wire of the electric wire D, allowing them to bite into and clamp it effectively.

The clamping members 21A to 21D are divided and arranged in the circumferential direction so as to be positioned around the end De of the electric wire D inserted from the opening 11a of the housing member 10 into the housing sections 11A and 11B, and the inner surface 21i of the clamping members 21A to 21D is in face-to-face contact with the outer peripheral surface Do of each electric wire D, and the outer surface 21o of the clamping members 21A to 21D is in face-to-face contact with the inner surface 11i of each housing section 11A and 11B. In other words, the outer surface 21o of the clamping members 21A to 21D is formed as a slope that inclines in a direction approaching the electric wire D as it approaches the opening 11a, similar to the inner surface 11i of the housing sections 11A and 11B. In other words, the outer surface 21o and the inner surface 11i of the housing sections 11A and 11B are formed as slopes that incline at the same angle so as to move away from the outer peripheral surface Do of the electric wire D toward the end De (center 10c of the housing member 10) side.

The clamping members 21A to 21D are formed to be shorter in the length direction of the electric wire D than the housing sections 11A and 11B of the housing member 10 and are arranged around the electric wire D, so that they are housed (internalized) and can move in the length direction of the electric wire D while being positioned between the housing sections 11A and 11B of the housing member 10.

The clamping members 21A-21D of the clamping set 20 are formed so that their inner surfaces 21i and outer surfaces 21o are larger than the gap shape between the inner surface 11i and the outer peripheral surface Do of the electric wire D on the opening 11a side in the storage sections 11A and 11B of the storage member 10, and smaller than the gap shape between the inner surface 11i and the outer peripheral surface Do of the electric wire D on the center 10c side of the storage member 10.

5, when the end De of the electric wire D is inserted into the housing 11A, 11B through the opening 11a, the inner surfaces 21i of the clamping members 21A to 21D come into contact with the outer peripheral surface Do of the electric wire D, and the outer surfaces 21o are expanded in a direction approaching the inner surfaces 11i of the housing 11A, 11B, and are pushed toward the center 10c of the housing 10 due to their contact resistance. Conversely, when the electric wire D is pulled in a direction to be pulled out of the opening 11a of the housing 10, the clamping members 21A to 21D are pulled in a direction approaching the opening 11a of the housing 11A, 11B due to the contact resistance between the inner surfaces 21i and the outer peripheral surface Do of the electric wire D, and the outer surfaces 21o are pressed against the inner surfaces 11i of the housing 11A, 11B, and can function as wedges that limit the relative movement of the clamping members.

In addition, the storage member 10 is provided with a partition plate (partition member) 13 that divides the space inside the storage sections 11A and 11B, which is integrally formed at the center 10c in the axial direction, and four wedge springs (clamping spring material) 14 are mounted in a compressed state between the ends 21p of the clamping members 21A to 21D on both sides of the partition plate 13. Here, the partition plate 13 of the storage member 10 is formed with a recessed mortar shape (a truncated cone shape with a surface inclined at about 2.5 to 5 degrees from the flat surface) on both sides so that the extension direction of the wedge spring 14 is parallel to the inner surface 11i of the storage sections 11A and 11B, which is inclined at about 5 degrees, and one end of the wedge spring 14 that is about to extend is supported and fixed by being pressed against the inclined surface of the partition surface 13a. In contrast, the end 21p of each of the opposite clamping members 21A to 21D is formed into a protruding shape and assembled to fit into the other end side of the wedge spring 14 to maintain a stable posture. In this embodiment, the partition plate 13 of the storage member 10 is formed into a partition surface 13a that is recessed in a truncated cone shape, but this is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, it may be formed into a simple flat partition plate 13p. In that case, the clamping members 21A to 21D are urged by the wedge spring 14 in a direction that presses them slightly against the inner surface 11i of the storage parts 11A and 11B, increasing the contact resistance, so it is preferable to support and fix the base end of the wedge spring 14 with an inclined surface as in this embodiment.

Furthermore, the storage member 10 has a single clamping spring (clamped and biased member) 15 mounted therein in a compressible manner between the center of both sides of the partition plate 13 at the center 10c and the end De of the electric wire D. Here, the partition plate 13 of the storage member 10 is formed in a truncated cone shape with a concave partition surface (support surface) 13a, so that one end of the clamping spring 15 is fitted into and supported and fixed in the support hole 13r at the bottom surface of the truncated cone, and is assembled so that it can push back the end De of the electric wire D by being compressed by the end De of the electric wire D inserted from the opening 11a of the storage sections 11A and 11B and then expanding.

As a result, the connection device 1 can position the clamping members 21A to 21D toward the opening 11a by biasing the outer surfaces 21o of the clamping members 21A to 21D against the inner surfaces 11i of the accommodating sections 11A, 11B with the wedge spring 14, and when the end De of the electric wire D is inserted into the accommodating sections 11A, 11B through the opening 11a, the outer peripheral surface Do of the electric wire D can be brought into face-to-face contact with the inner surface 21i, thereby moving the clamping members 21A to 21D toward the center 10c against the elastic force of the wedge spring 14. In this state, when the electric wire D is pulled, the clamping members 21A to 21D are urged by the elastic force of the wedge spring 14 in a direction approaching the opening 11a of the housing parts 11A and 11B, while their inner surfaces 21i and outer surfaces 21o are pressed against the outer peripheral surface Do of the electric wire D and the inner surfaces 11i of the housing parts 11A and 11B in face-to-face contact, so that they can actively function as wedges. In other words, the face-to-face contact with the clamping members 21A to 21D can be loosened, effectively preventing the electric wire D from accidentally coming out.

In addition, when the end De of the electric wire D is inserted into the storage sections 11A, 11B through the opening 11a and the clamping biasing spring 15 is compressed, the connection device 1 can apply an elastic force by changing the pulling direction in which the electric wire D is pulled out of the opening 11a of the storage member 10 to the extension direction, and the contact resistance with the outer peripheral surface Do of the electric wire D can bias the clamping members 21A to 21D in the pulling direction approaching the opening 11a of the storage sections 11A, 11B, and actively function as a wedge that presses the outer surface 21o against the inner surface 11i of the storage sections 11A, 11B. In other words, it is possible to effectively prevent the electric wire D from being accidentally pulled out due to loosening of the face-to-face contact with the clamping members 21A to 21D.

As a result, as the electric wire D is pulled and tension is applied in a direction separating the ends De from each other, the outer surfaces 21o of the clamping members 21A to 21D are pressed against the inner surfaces 11i of the housing sections 11A and 11B of the housing member 10, and the inner surfaces 21i are pressed against the outer peripheral surface Do of the electric wire D, so that the connection device 1 can fit in the electric wire D. Therefore, the connection device 1 can effectively function as a wedge that limits the relative movement of the individual outer surfaces 21o and inner surfaces 21i of the clamping members 21A to 21D by increasing the pressure at which the individual outer surfaces 21o and inner surfaces 21i come into face-to-face contact with the inner surfaces 11i of the housing sections 11A and 11B and the outer peripheral surface Do of the electric wire D, and can reliably maintain the connection state of the ends De of the electric wires D.

Here, the inner surface 21i of the clamping members 21A to 21D may be made to bite into and grip (clamp) the outer peripheral surface Do of the end De, which is the core wire of the electric wire D that comes into face-to-face contact while remaining a smoothly curved surface, or may be made to have a rough surface, for example, by so-called sandblasting, and further, may be formed with multiple fine convex or concave shapes, for example, by embossing or knurling, so that it bites into the outer peripheral surface Do without damaging it.

As shown in FIG. 6, the clamping set 20 has divided side surfaces 21s extending in the longitudinal direction of the electric wire D for each of the clamping members 21A to 21D which are divided and arranged in the circumferential direction of the end De of the electric wire D, and a notched surface 21n is formed by cutting out a corner portion of the outer surface 21o of the divided side surface 21s on the center 10c side of the accommodating member 10, and a notched groove (concave portion) 21g extending in the longitudinal direction of the electric wire D is formed between the clamping members 21A to 21D by the notched surface 21n. When the outer surface 21o of the clamping members 21A to 21D is close to the inner surface 11i of the storage sections 11A and 11B, as shown in FIG. 6(a), the divided side surfaces 21s are close to each other when positioned on the opening 11a side of the storage member 10, and as shown in FIG. 6(b), the divided side surfaces 21s are separated from each other when moving toward the center 10c. The notch grooves 21g formed between the divided side surfaces 21s are formed so that each notch surface 21n is formed in a planar shape parallel to the length direction of the electric wire D and moves parallel to the length direction of the electric wire D.

In response to this, the housing member 10 is installed by screwing in a male screw (which may be a driving pin) 19 that penetrates through equal positions corresponding to the notched grooves 21g between the clamping members 21A to 21D in the housing sections 11A and 11B, and the tip end (convex portion) 19t of the male screw 19 enters and fits into the notched grooves 21g, thereby allowing the clamping set 21 (21A to 21D) to move relative to the wire D in the length direction while restricting relative rotation within the housing member 10.

This allows the connection device 1 to accommodate the clamping set 20 without rotating it relative to the accommodating member 10, and to stably fit the clamping members 21A-21D as wedges between the accommodating sections 11A, 11B and the electric wire D, thereby preventing the accommodating member 10 from rotating around the electric wire D and making the clamping state by the clamping set 20 unstable. Here, in this embodiment, a case in which a convex portion (tip 19t of the male screw 19) is arranged on the inside of the accommodating sections 11A, 11B of the accommodating member 10 and a concave portion (notch groove 21g) is formed on the outer surface side of the clamping set 20 is described as an example, but this is not limited to this. For example, the arrangement may be reversed, with the concave portion arranged on the inside of the accommodating member 10 and the convex portion arranged on the outside of the clamping set 20, and the convex portion may also be formed into a rib shape extending in the length direction of the wire.

As shown in FIG. 7, the release tool (clamp release member) 30 is composed of a pair of half-split members 31 that are formed by dividing a cylindrical shape into two. The inner surface 31i of the half-split member 31 is formed to have an inner diameter larger than the outer peripheral surface Do of the end De of the electric wire D, and the outer surface 31o has an outer diameter smaller than the opening 11a on both ends of the housing member 10, so that it can be inserted between the electric wire D and the periphery of the opening 11a of the housing member 10. In addition, the half-split member 31 has a flange-shaped portion 31f formed on one end side, and can be inserted from the other end side between the electric wire D and the periphery of the opening 11a of the housing member 10, and can be pushed in without being completely inserted into the housing member 10 by using the flange-shaped portion 31f.

As a result, even when the ends De of the electric wires D in the accommodating member 10 are connected to each other as shown in FIG. 8, the connection device 1 can insert a pair of half members 31 of the release jig 30 into the opening 11a of the accommodating member 10 and use the flange-shaped portion 31f to push (move relatively) them toward the center 10c of the accommodating member 10, thereby pushing the clamping members 21A-21D, which are located on the opening 11a side of the accommodating sections 11A, 11B of the accommodating member 10 and crimp-connect so as to clamp the outer circumferential surface Do of the end De of the electric wire D, toward the center 10c of the accommodating member 10 against the elastic force of the wedge spring 14. At this time, the clamping members 21A to 21D are supported by the truncated cone partition surface 13a of the partition plate 13 of the housing member 10 and are biased by the elastic force of the wedge spring 14 in a direction parallel to the inner surface 11i of the housing sections 11A and 11B. Therefore, when pressed in a direction away from the opening 11a, they move in a direction away from the outer peripheral surface Do of the electric wire D while being supported by the elastic force of the wedge spring 14, thereby releasing the crimped state of the inner surface 21i and releasing the electric wire D, making the connection device 1 reusable.

Here, in the connection device 1, a viscous material compound (not shown, see the prior art in FIG. 24) having a predetermined conductivity and viscosity is injected into each of the storage sections 11A and 11B of the storage member 10 to assist electrical conduction and mechanical engagement between the clamping set 20 (21A-21D) and the core end De of the electric wire D, and a cap 18 is attached to the opening 11a of the storage sections 11A and 11B to prevent the compound from leaking out of the storage member 10. This cap 18 has a slit 18s of a predetermined width formed therein, which allows excess compound to leak out when the end De of the electric wire D is inserted into the storage sections 11A and 11B, and also prevents rainwater and the like from entering the interior by preventing the compound from leaking out due to its viscosity and storing the desired amount.

In this way, the connection device 1 of this embodiment has a simple structure in which the clamping set 20 of the clamping members 21A to 21D to which the wedge spring 14 is attached is simply housed in the housing sections 11A and 11B of the housing member 10 together with the clamping biasing spring 15 and assembled in an internal state, and each of the clamping members 21A to 21D effectively functions as a wedge between the housing member 10 and the electric wire D to clamp the end De of the electric wire D.

Therefore, it is possible to provide a connection device 1 that can connect the ends De of the electric wires D with a simple and quick operation of simply inserting the wires, and that can reliably maintain the extended state under tension.

The connection device 1 can be assembled by inserting the clamping springs 15 into the housing member 10 through the openings 11a on both ends, fitting one end of the spring into the support hole 13r in the center of the partition surface 13a of the partition plate 13 (the spring may be fixed with a resin material or the like) and supporting and fixing it, and then inserting the clamping members 21A to 21D, with one end of the wedge springs 14 fitted into the end 21p and supported, into the gaps one by one through the openings 11a for each housing portion 11A, 11B and positioning them around the clamping springs 15, while pressing the other end of the wedge spring 14 against the partition surface 13a of the partition plate 13 to compress it, and setting a total of four springs (see Figure 4).

Second Embodiment
10 to 14 are diagrams showing a connection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Since this embodiment has the same configuration as the above-mentioned embodiment, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same configuration and the characteristic parts will be described (this also applies to the other embodiments described below).

In Figures 10 and 11, the connection device 100 includes a pair of clamping sets 20 and a release tool 30, as well as a pair of housing members 111A and 111B instead of the housing member 10. The housing members 111A and 111B are fabricated to have roughly the same dimensional structure as the housing sections 11A and 11B of the above-described embodiment, respectively, and have similar functions.

As shown in FIG. 12, the storage members 111A and 111B are formed in a truncated cone shape having an inner surface 11i and an outer surface 11o, similar to the storage sections 11A and 11B, and an opening 11a is disposed in the tapered small diameter portion.

Returning to FIG. 11, instead of the male screw 19 in the above embodiment, these housing members 111A and 111B are provided with a guide member 113 having a roughly triangular cross section that fits into a notch groove 21g formed by a planar notch surface 21n that is formed on the divided side surface 21s of the clamping members 21A to 21D and moves parallel to the length of the electric wire D.

As shown in FIG. 13, the storage members 111A and 111B are provided with a partition member 115 having four evenly spaced cutouts 115n on the outer periphery, which are formed by cutting out the cross-sectional shape of the guide member 113 from a disk shape. The central rib 113r of the guide member 113 and the large diameter portion 111r of the truncated cone shape are welded all around W (or may be spot welded, fused, or bonded) to the periphery on both sides of the partition member 115, to create a structure that can be assembled.

As a result, the connection device 100 can be assembled by positioning the partition member 115 between the housing members 111A and 111B as shown in FIG. 14, inserting the four guide members 113 into the housing members 111A and 111B so that they are positioned within the notched grooves 21g and notches 115n together with the clamping members 21A-21D to which the wedge springs 14 are attached, and welding W the large diameter portions 111r of the housing members 111A and 111B to the outer periphery of the partition member 115 and the central rib 113r of the guide member 113.

Therefore, in the connection device 100, similar to the male screw 19 of the above embodiment, the guide member 113 fits into the notch groove 21g of the clamping members 21A to 21D in the housing members 111A and 111B, and the clamping members 21A to 21D are allowed to move in the length direction of the electric wire D without being hindered from moving in parallel, and can function as a wedge that clamps the end De of the electric wire D.

In this way, the connection device 100 in this embodiment can achieve the same effects as the above-described embodiment, and in addition, it can be assembled in a simple and easy process of simply inserting various members such as the clamping members 21A-21D and the guide member 113 into the housing members 111A and 111B and welding them W to the partition member 115, and can be manufactured at low cost.

Third Embodiment
15 to 17 are diagrams showing a connection device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 15, the connection device 200 includes a pair of clamping sets 20 and a release tool 30, as well as a pair of housing members 211A and 211B instead of housing members 111A and 111B, which are fabricated to have roughly the same dimensional structure as housing members 111A and 111B of the above-described embodiment, and to function in the same way.

As shown in FIG. 16, the housing members 211A and 211B are formed in a truncated cone shape having an inner surface 11i and an outer surface 11o, similar to the housing members 111A and 111B, and an opening 11a is disposed in the tapered small diameter portion.

Returning to FIG. 15, in place of the male screw 19 and guide member 113 in the above-described embodiment, the housing members 211A and 211B have guide surfaces 213 formed in the divided side surfaces 21s of the clamping members 21A to 21D, which fit into the notched grooves 21g that move parallel to the length of the electric wire D, and which are formed by stamping the outer peripheral surface 211o inward, so as to function in the same manner as the guide members 113.

As shown in FIG. 17, the storage members 211A and 211B are provided with a partition member 215 having four evenly spaced cutouts 215n on both sides of the disk member 215d into which the guide surfaces 213 can be fitted, and a truncated cone-shaped large diameter portion 211r is welded (W) or the like to the peripheral portion on both sides of the disk member 215d of the partition member 215 to create an assembly-friendly structure.

As a result, the connection device 100 can be assembled by positioning the partition member 215 between the housing members 211A and 211B, inserting the clamping members 21A-21D with the wedge springs 14 attached into the housing members 211A and 211B, positioning the four guide surfaces 213 within the notched grooves 21g and the notched portions 215n, and welding W the large diameter portions 211r of the housing members 211A and 211B to the partition member 215.

Therefore, the connection device 100 does not use the guide member 113 in the above embodiment, and similarly to the male screw 19 in the above embodiment, the guide surfaces 213 of the accommodating members 211A, 211B are fitted into the notched grooves 21g of the clamping members 21A to 21D, and the clamping members 21A to 21D are allowed to move in the length direction of the electric wire D without being hindered from moving in parallel, and can function as a wedge to clamp the end De of the electric wire D.

In this way, the connection device 200 in this embodiment can achieve the same effects as the above-described embodiment, and in addition, by omitting the guide member 113, it can be assembled in a simpler and easier process and can be manufactured at a lower cost.

Fourth Embodiment
Next, FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a connection device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 18, the connection device 300 is provided with insulating covers 301, 302 made of resin that cover the outer surface side of the housing member 10 of the connection device 1 of the first embodiment described above. These insulating covers 301, 302 are formed in similar shapes that cover the housing sections 11A, 11B, respectively, and are formed with engagement sections 301a, 302a that engage the large diameter sections with each other when they are installed inside from the opening 11a side.

The engaging portion 301a is formed in a circumferentially extending ridge shape and is located inside the engaging portion 302a, and the engaging portion 302a is formed in a circumferentially continuous curved shape so as to cover the ridge-shaped engaging portion 301a. Therefore, the engaging portions 301a and 302a can be engaged in an overlapping state that cannot be separated with a small force simply by moving them relative to each other in the direction in which they butt against each other.

The insulating covers 301 and 302 are formed integrally with a cap portion 303 having the same dimensions and shape as the cap 18 in the above-described embodiment on the opening 11a side of the housing member 10, and a cup-shaped portion 304 is also formed integrally with the cap portion 303, expanding the opening area from the periphery of the opening 11a.

As a result, the connection device 300 can ensure insulation by attaching the insulating covers 301, 302, and has a similar function of holding the compound without having to attach a separate cap 18, while preventing rainwater and the like from getting around and entering the housing member 10 and guiding it to the outer periphery of the cup-shaped portion 304 so that it drips down.

The insulating covers 301 and 302 are formed with large diameter portions 305 at the relevant locations so that they can be attached while avoiding the male threads 19 that are attached to the housing member 10.

In this way, the connection device 300 in this embodiment can achieve the same effects as the above-described embodiment, and in addition, by simply attaching the insulating covers 301 and 302, it is possible to ensure insulation and improve safety, as well as to properly store the compound within the housing member 10, and to allow rainwater, etc., to drip from the peripheral side of the cup-shaped portion 304, thereby improving durability.

In this embodiment, the case where insulating covers 301 and 302 are made to correspond to the housing member 10 of the above-mentioned embodiment will be described as an example, but this is not limited thereto, and it goes without saying that they may be made to be able to accommodate the housing members 111A and 111B of the above-mentioned embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19.

Fifth Embodiment
Next, FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a connection device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 20, the connection device 400 includes a clamping set 420 having two clamping members 421A and 421B instead of the clamping set 20 consisting of four clamping members 21A to 21D in the above embodiment, and includes housing members 411A and 411B instead of the housing members 111A and 111B.

The clamping members 421A and 421B of the clamping set 420 have a cutout surface 421n that is perpendicular to the split side surface 421s, which extends parallel to the length direction of the electric wire D, and a cutout portion (concave portion) 421g is formed on the side away from the opening 411a, where the cutout surface 421n is cut out so as to be concave from the cylindrical shape of the inner surface 411i of the housing members 411A and 411B.

The housing members 411A and 411B are provided with guide members 413 located in the notches 421g formed by the planar notch surfaces 421n that move parallel to the length direction of the electric wire D of the clamping members 421A and 421B.

These storage members 411A and 411B are provided with a partition member 415 that has two evenly spaced cutouts 415n on the outer periphery, which are formed by cutting out the cross-sectional shape of the guide member 413 from a disk shape. The large diameter portion 411r of the truncated cone shape is welded (W) or the like to the periphery on both sides of the partition member 415 together with the central rib 413r of the guide member 413, to create a structure that can be assembled.

As a result, the connection device 400 can be produced by assembling and welding W in the same manner as the connection device 100 of the above-described embodiment, and the clamping members 421A and 421B are allowed to move in the length direction of the electric wire D without being hindered from moving in parallel, allowing them to function as a wedge.

In this way, the connection device 400 in this embodiment can achieve the same effects as the above-described embodiment, and can be assembled in a simple and easy process by reducing the number of parts such as the clamping members 421A and 421B, and can be manufactured at low cost.

In this embodiment, the housing members 411A and 411B equipped with the guide member 413 are described as an example, but as in the above-described third embodiment, the guide member 413 may be omitted by forming a guide surface by recessing the outer surface of the housing members 411A and 411B, thereby making it possible to manufacture the housing members at lower cost.

Sixth Embodiment
Next, FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a connection device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 21, the connection device 500 includes a clamping set 520 having three clamping members 521A-521C instead of the clamping set 20 consisting of four clamping members 21A-21D in the above embodiment, and includes housing members 511A and 511B instead of the housing members 111A and 111B.

The clamping members 521A to 521C of the clamping set 520 have cutout surfaces 521n formed by cutting out the corners of the three divided side surfaces 521s, which extend parallel to the length direction of the electric wire D, and a cutout groove (concave portion) 521g is formed on the side away from the opening 511a.

The storage members 511A and 511B are provided with guide members 513 that fit into the notch grooves 521g formed by the notch surfaces 421n that move parallel to the length direction of the electric wire D of the clamping members 521A to 521C.

These storage members 511A and 511B are provided with a partition member 515 in which cutouts 515n, which are formed by cutting out the cross-sectional shape of the guide member 513 from a disk shape, are evenly spaced at three locations on the outer periphery side, and the central rib 513r of the guide member 513 and the large diameter portion 511r in the shape of a truncated cone are welded W or the like to the periphery on both sides of the partition member 515 to create a structure that can be assembled.

As a result, the connection device 500 can be produced by assembling and welding W in the same manner as the connection device 100 of the above-described embodiment, and the clamping members 521A to 521C are allowed to move in the length direction of the electric wire D without being hindered from moving in parallel, allowing them to function as wedges.

In this way, the connection device 500 in this embodiment can achieve the same effects as the above-described embodiment, and can be assembled in a simple and easy process by reducing the number of parts such as the clamping members 521A to 521C, and can be manufactured at low cost.

In this embodiment, the housing members 511A and 511B equipped with the guide member 513 are described as an example, but as in the above-described third embodiment, the guide member 513 may be omitted by forming a guide surface by recessing the outer surface of the housing members 511A and 511B, thereby making it possible to manufacture the housing members at lower cost.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the clamping member is described as being made up of two to four parts, but this is not limited to this, and it goes without saying that it may be divided into five or more parts to function as a wedge that clamps the electric wire D more precisely.

Seventh Embodiment
Next, FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a connection device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 22, the connection device 600 includes a clamping set 620 instead of the clamping set 20 in the first embodiment described above. The clamping members 621A to 621D of the clamping set 620 have an expanded portion 623 that is stepped on the inner surface 621i on the opening 11a side of the housing member 10 and can be inserted up to the outer sheath Dc of the electric wire D.

The clamping members 621A to 621D have projections 624 formed on the inner surface of the enlarged portion 623 that bite into the outer sheath Dc of the electric wire D. Here, the enlarged portion 623 and projections 624 can also be applied to connection devices of other embodiments, for example, as shown in FIG. 19.

As a result, the connection device 600 makes the clamping set 620 in the housing member 10 function as a wedge, and the clamping members 621A to 621D press against the end De of the conductive core wire of the electric wire D to clamp it, while the protrusion 624 of the enlarged portion 623 bites into the outer sheath Dc of the electric wire D to hold it so that it cannot be pulled out.

In this way, the connection device 600 of this embodiment can achieve the same effect as the above-described embodiment, and in addition, it can hold the outer sheath Dc and prevent it from being pulled out without damaging the conductive core wire of the electric wire D, thereby more reliably maintaining the extended state.

Here, the enlarged portion 623 with the protrusion 624 of this embodiment is not limited to the one-piece housing member 10, but can also be applied to the housing members of other embodiments. For example, as shown in FIG. 23, it can be applied to the clamping members 21A-21D housed in the divided housing members 111A, 111B, and an enlarged portion 723 with a protrusion 724 can be formed on the opening 111a side of the housing members 111A, 111B so that the electric wire D can be reliably held so that it cannot be pulled out.

The scope of the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and described, but includes all embodiments that achieve the same effect as the object of the present invention. Furthermore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the combination of the features of the invention defined by each claim, but can be defined by any desired combination of specific features among all the respective disclosed features.

1, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600... Connection device 10, 111A, 111B, 211A, 211B, 411A, 411B, 511A, 511B... Storage member 11A, 11B... Storage section 11a, 111a, 411a, 511a... Opening 13, 13p... Partition plate 14... Wedge spring 15... Clamping bias spring 18... Cap 19... Male screw 20, 420, 520, 620... Clamping set 21 A to 21D, 421A, 421B, 521A to 521C, 621A to 621D... clamping member 21g, 521g... notch groove 30... release jig 113, 413, 513... guide member 115, 215, 415, 515... partition member 213... guide surface 301, 302... insulating cover 303... cap portion 304... cup-shaped portion 421g... notch portion C... compound D... electric wire De... end portion Do... outer circumferential surface

Claims (8)

A connection device that is installed in the middle of a pair of wires in a longitudinal direction of the wires to which tension is applied in an extended state by connecting the ends of the wires in a butting direction,
a pair of clamping sets that clamp and hold the end of each wire with a plurality of clamping members; and a cylindrical housing member that has an opening into which the wire can be inserted from the end and that houses the pair of clamping sets while allowing movement of the wire in the length direction,
The clamping members of the clamping set are divided and arranged in a circumferential direction of the outer circumferential surface of the wire rod, and each clamping member has an inner surface formed to be in face-to-face contact with the outer circumferential surface of the wire rod, and an outer surface formed as an inclined surface inclined so as to move away from the outer circumferential surface of the wire rod toward an end side of the wire rod,
the housing member is positioned so as to surround the outer periphery of each of the clamping sets, and has an inner surface formed as a slope that is inclined at the same angle as the outer surface of the clamping member with respect to the outer circumferential surface of the wire rod so as to be in face-to-face contact with the outer surface of the clamping member;
each of the clamping members is formed shorter in the length direction of the wire than the inner surface of the accommodating member with which it faces, and is arranged as the clamping set to surround the outer circumferential surface of the wire and to be positioned between the clamping set and the inner surface of the accommodating member; as the wire is pulled in a direction separating the ends from each other, the pressure at which the outer and inner surfaces of the clamping members face the inner surface of the accommodating member and the outer circumferential surface of the wire is increased, and the clamping set functions as a wedge to restrict the relative movement ;
The housing member includes a clamping biasing member that biases the clamping member from an end side of the wire in an extension direction,
the clamping member is biased so that its inner and outer surfaces are in face-to-face contact with both the outer circumferential surface of the wire and the inner surface of the housing member, thereby functioning as a wedge;
the storage member includes a partition member located between the ends of the wire rod, and a clamping biasing spring member that biases the clamping member as the clamping biasing member is disposed between the partition member and the storage member;
The partition member is formed such that a support surface of the pinch biasing spring material is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the length direction of the wire material so that the direction in which the pinch biasing spring material biases the pinch member is parallel to the inner surface of the accommodating member.
A connection device comprising: The connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the storage members are divided into each clamping set and fabricated into an assembly structure in which the partition member is sandwiched between the storage members and the opposite sides of the opening are connected so that the opening is located on both end sides. The housing member includes a clamped biasing member that biases the wire from an end of the wire in an extension direction,
The connection device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the wire is biased so that its outer peripheral surface comes into face-to-face contact with the inner surface of the clamping member so that the outer surface of the clamping member comes into face-to-face contact with the inner surface of the accommodating member to function as a wedge. The storage member and the clamping set have a concave portion formed on one of an inner surface side of the storage member and an outer surface side of the clamping member, and a convex portion formed on the other of the inner surface side of the storage member and the clamping member,
A connection device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that only the concave portion, or both the concave portion and the convex portion, are extended in the longitudinal direction of the wire, and the convex portion is formed in a shape that fits into the concave portion so as to allow relative movement of the wire in the longitudinal direction while restricting relative rotation of the outer circumferential surface of the wire in the circumferential direction. A connection device described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the inner surface of the clamping member is formed with a small convex or uneven shape that bites into the outer peripheral surface of the wire, or a rough surface that increases frictional resistance with the outer peripheral surface of the wire . 6. The connection device according to claim 1, further comprising a clamp release member that is inserted through the opening of the housing member to relatively move the clamping member toward the end of the wire. a viscous material is injected into the housing member, the viscous material being present around the wire and the clamping member to assist in at least one of electrical conduction and mechanical engagement;
7. The connection device according to claim 1, wherein a cap for storing a predetermined amount of the viscous material is attached to the opening. A connection device in which the wire material is an electric wire, the clamping member and the housing member are made of a conductive material, and electrical continuity between the electric wires is ensured,
8. The connection device according to claim 1, further comprising an insulating cover having a cup-shaped portion that covers an outer surface of the housing member and expands an opening area from a periphery of the opening.

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