U.S. patent application number 14/522642 was filed with the patent office on 2015-02-12 for adjustable electrical busway joint.
The applicant listed for this patent is General Electric Company. Invention is credited to Jeffery Lynn Cox, Mariusz Duda, Brian Frederick Mooney, Mark Schatz, Gerald Witkoski, Michael Richard Wood.
Application Number | 20150044891 14/522642 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47713767 |
Filed Date | 2015-02-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150044891 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mooney; Brian Frederick ; et
al. |
February 12, 2015 |
ADJUSTABLE ELECTRICAL BUSWAY JOINT
Abstract
An adjustable busway joint for coupling two longitudinally
aligned busway sections is disclosed. The adjustable joint has a
first plurality of electrically conductive splice plates defining a
splice plate adjustment slot, and a second plurality of
electrically conductive splice plates defining an aperture, wherein
each splice plate of the second plurality of splice plates is
disposed to overlap a portion of a corresponding splice plate of
the first plurality of splice plates to form an electrical joint,
and wherein the aperture is sized and disposed to overlap at least
a portion of the first splice plate adjustment slot. The joint
additionally has a first clamping member disposed through the
splice plate adjustment slot and the aperture such that the first
and said second pluralities of splice plates are operably movable
with respect each other between a first compressed position and a
second extended position.
Inventors: |
Mooney; Brian Frederick;
(Colchester, CT) ; Wood; Michael Richard;
(Southington, CT) ; Cox; Jeffery Lynn; (Selmer,
TN) ; Witkoski; Gerald; (Burlington, CT) ;
Duda; Mariusz; (Winsor Locks, CT) ; Schatz; Mark;
(Plainville, CT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
General Electric Company |
Schenectady |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
47713767 |
Appl. No.: |
14/522642 |
Filed: |
October 24, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13338465 |
Dec 28, 2011 |
8900002 |
|
|
14522642 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
439/213 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02G 5/007 20130101;
H01R 4/60 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
439/213 |
International
Class: |
H02G 5/00 20060101
H02G005/00; H01R 4/60 20060101 H01R004/60 |
Claims
1. A busway joint for coupling a first and a second busway section,
the first and second busway sections being longitudinally aligned,
the busway joint comprising: a first plurality of electrically
conductive splice plates disposed in spaced apart substantially
parallel relationship, each splice plate of said first plurality of
splice plates defining a first splice plate first retaining
portion; a second plurality of electrically conductive splice
plates disposed in spaced apart substantially parallel
relationship, each splice plate of said second plurality of splice
plates disposed to overlap a portion of a corresponding splice
plate of said first plurality of splice plates to form an
electrical joint, each splice plate of said second plurality of
splice plates defining a splice plate first adjustment portion
substantially longitudinally aligned with said first plurality of
splice plates and operably disposed to overlap a portion of a
corresponding said first splice plate first retaining portion; at
least one first positioning member sized and configured to be
operably disposed in said first splice plate first retaining
portion and said second splice plate first adjustment portion; said
first and said second pluralities of splice plates being arranged
for a longitudinal movement with respect each other between a first
compressed position and a second extended position.
2. The busway joint of claim 1 further comprising at least one
first clamping member, wherein: each splice plate of said first
plurality of splice plates further defines a first splice plate
second retaining portion; and said at least one first clamping
member is configured to be operably disposed in said first splice
plate second retaining portion.
3. The busway joint of claim 2 further comprising at least one
second clamping member; wherein each said splice plate of the
second plurality of splice plates further defines a third splice
plate second retaining portion; and said at least one second
clamping member is configured to be operably disposed in said first
splice plate second retaining portion.
4. The busway joint of claim 1, further comprising: a third
plurality of electrically conductive splice plates, disposed in
spaced apart substantially parallel relationship, each splice plate
of the said third plurality of splice plates defining a third
splice plate first retaining portion; each said splice plate of
said second plurality of electrically conductive splice plates
further disposed to overlap a portion of a corresponding splice
plate of said third plurality of splice plates to form an
electrical joint, each splice plate of said second plurality of
splice plates defining a splice plate second adjustment portion
substantially longitudinally aligned with said third plurality of
splice plates and operably disposed to overlap a portion of a
corresponding said third splice plate first retaining portion; and
at least one second positioning member configured to be operably
disposed in said splice plate second adjustment portion and said
third splice plate first retaining portion; said third and said
second pluralities of splice plates being arranged for a
longitudinal movement with respect each other between a third
compressed position and a fourth extended position.
5. The busway joint of claim 1, further comprising a first
plurality of insulators, at least one insulator of said plurality
of insulators disposed therebetween each splice plate of said first
plurality of splice plates to insulate each splice plate of said
first plurality of splice plates from each other.
6. The busway joint of claim 1, further comprising a second
plurality of insulators, at least one insulator of said plurality
of insulators disposed therebetween each splice plate of said
second plurality of splice plates to insulate each splice plate of
said second plurality of splice plates from each other.
7. The busway joint of claim 4, further comprising a third
plurality of insulators, at least one insulator of said third
plurality of insulators disposed therebetween at least one splice
plate of said third plurality of splice plates to insulate said at
least one splice plate of said third plurality of splice plates
from each other.
8. The busway joint of claim 1, wherein each wherein each splice
plate of said first plurality of splice plates, and each said
corresponding splice plate of said second plurality of splice
plates is associated with one of a distinct electrical phase,
ground, or neutral.
9. The busway joint of claim 1, further comprising: a housing
comprising a first housing portion, and a second housing portion,
at least one of said first and said second housing portions
configured and arranged for a longitudinal movement with respect
each other, between a first compressed position and a second
extended position; said first and said second first plurality
splice plates being at least partially disposed within said
housing.
10. The busway joint of claim 8, wherein a portion of said first
housing portion is arranged and disposed to overlap at least a
portion of said second housing portion.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of the U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/338,465, filed Dec. 28, 2011, which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The embodiments described herein relate generally to
electrical busway and, more particularly, to an adjustable joint
for joining electrical busway sections.
[0003] Elongated rectangular flat conductive bus bar members are
conventionally insulatively arranged within electrical busway
sections for transporting multi-phase high current electric power
through industrial establishments. Successive elongate busway
sections are electrically connected or interlocked together in
end-to-end relation to provide electrical continuity between a
power source and a power consuming load.
[0004] When longitudinally aligned busway sections are electrically
interconnected in a conventional installation, a self-contained
busway joint is typically employed. In order to preserve the
thermal properties of the individual busway sections, the busway
joint is conventionally constructed with electrically conductive
splice plates and interleaving insulative plates fixedly held
together by insulative bolts.
[0005] Busway sections are generally manufactured and distributed
in the form of pre-manufactured fixed-length sections, so that a
number of such electrical busway joints are required to install an
extended length busway run in an industrial facility. At each
junction between two fixed-length busway sections, a busway joint
is necessary to electrically connect the two busway sections.
[0006] In many cases, the fixed-length sections do not match the
specific length required for a given installation. As a result,
custom length busway joints need to be manufactured, adding
significant cost and time to the installation. For example,
installers typically need to order non-standard or custom length
bus way sections or joints to complete an installation. The custom
length busway sections typically need to be manufactured to a
specified length and the installer has to wait until it is
delivered to finish installation of the busway run.
[0007] It would be desirable to provide a busway joint having an
adjustable length to cooperate with adjacent longitudinally aligned
busway sections to eliminate the need for a custom length busway
sections. It would further be desirable to provide a busway system
that allows an installer to order an adjustable busway joint at the
same time as ordering the busway section.
[0008] Additionally it would be desirable to provide an adjustable
length busway joint that permits replacement of a single busway
section in a run without the need to remove other abutting busway
sections from the end-to-end relationship. It would also be
preferable to provide a longitudinally adjustable busway joint
instead of a longitudinally adjustable busway section.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0009] A busway system is disclosed comprising two longitudinally
aligned busway sections, and in combination with each busway
section there is provided a busway joint which is longitudinally
movable relative to the busway sections between a first length
whereat the joint is compressed, and a second length whereat the
joint is extended to a point which permits adjacent busbar ends of
each section to be clamped together by the joint to establish the
electrical joint.
[0010] In an embodiment, a busway joint for coupling two
longitudinally aligned busway sections is disclosed. The busway
joint includes a first plurality of electrically conductive splice
plates disposed in spaced apart substantially parallel
relationship, each splice plate of the first plurality of splice
plates defining a first splice plate retaining portion. The joint
also includes a second plurality of electrically conductive splice
plates disposed in spaced apart substantially parallel
relationship, each splice plate of said second plurality of splice
plates defining a first splice plate adjustment portion
substantially longitudinally aligned with and disposed to overlap a
portion of a corresponding splice plate of said first plurality of
splice plates to form an electrical joint, wherein each said splice
plate adjustment portion is sized and disposed to overlap at least
a portion of said first splice plate retaining portion. The busway
joint further includes a first positioning member disposed in said
first splice plate adjustment portion and said first splice plate
retaining portion, said first and said second pluralities of splice
plates being arranged for a longitudinal movement with respect each
other between a first compressed position and a second extended
position.
[0011] In another embodiment, a busway system is disclosed. The
busway system includes a first busway section, a second busway
section longitudinally aligned with said first busway section, and
a busway joint disposed between and operative to couple said first
and said second busway sections. The busway joint includes a first
plurality of electrically conductive splice plates disposed in
spaced apart substantially parallel relationship, each splice plate
of the first plurality of splice plates defining a first splice
plate retaining portion. The joint also includes a second plurality
of electrically conductive splice plates disposed in spaced apart
substantially parallel relationship, each splice plate of said
second plurality of splice plates defining a first splice plate
adjustment portion substantially longitudinally aligned with and
disposed to overlap a portion of a corresponding splice plate of
said first plurality of splice plates to form an electrical joint,
wherein each said splice plate adjustment portion is sized and
disposed to overlap at least a portion of said first splice plate
retaining portion. The busway joint further includes a first
positioning member disposed in said first splice plate adjustment
portion and said first splice plate retaining portion, said first
and said second pluralities of splice plates being arranged for a
longitudinal movement with respect each other between a first
compressed position and a second extended position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a busway system in an
unconnected state according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of
the busway system of FIG. 1 with the busway joint removed for
clarity.
[0014] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a busway joint according to
an embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of
the busway system of FIG. 1 in a connected state.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
the busway system of FIG. 3 with the busway joint housing sides
removed for clarity.
[0017] FIG. 5 is perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the
busway joint housing of the busway joint of FIG. 2A.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
the first and second side surfaces of the housing of the busway
joint of FIG. 2A in a first compressed position.
[0019] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
the first and second side surfaces of the housing of the busway
joint of FIG. 2A in a second extended position.
[0020] FIG. 6B is a perspective detail view of an exemplary
embodiment of the first and second side surface adjustment portions
of the housing of the busway joint of FIG. 2A in a first compressed
position.
[0021] FIG. 6C is a perspective detail view of an alternative
exemplary embodiment of the first and second side surface
adjustment portions of the housing of the busway joint of FIG. 2A
in a first compressed position.
[0022] FIG. 6D is an end view of the alternative exemplary
embodiment of FIG. 6C.
[0023] FIG. 6E is a perspective detail view according to an
alternative embodiment of the first and second side surface
adjustment portions of the housing of the busway joint of FIG. 2A
in a first compressed position.
[0024] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the busway system of FIG. 3,
according to an embodiment, in a first compressed position with one
of the busway joint housing sides removed for clarity.
[0025] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the busway system of FIG.
3, according to an embodiment, in a second extended position with
one of the busway joint housing sides removed for clarity.
[0026] FIG. 7B is a perspective detail view of an embodiment of the
busway system of FIG. 7A.
[0027] FIG. 7C is a side view of the busway system of FIG. 3,
according to an embodiment, in a first compressed position with
busway section housings and busway joint housing removed for
clarity.
[0028] FIG. 7D is a side view of the busway system of FIG. 3,
according to an embodiment, in a second extended position with the
busway section housings and busway joint housing removed for
clarity.
[0029] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a busway system according to
an embodiment, in an unconnected state with the busway joint shown
in exploded view.
[0030] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a busway system according
to an alternative embodiment, in an unconnected state with the
busway joint shown in exploded view.
[0031] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the splice plates and
insulator plates of an exemplary single-phase busway joint
according to an embodiment, with the splice plates and insulator
plates shown in exploded view, and all other parts omitted for
clarity.
[0032] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of according to an alternative
embodiment of a busway system, in a second extended position with
one of the busway joint housing sides removed for clarity.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] As used in this description and in the claims which follow,
the term "phase" shall be taken to include all conductors in
different runs of any particular busway, bus duct, or bus joint
which carry the same electrical phase, and including those
conductors which are used to carry any neutral or ground phase.
[0034] Various embodiments disclosed herein provide a busway joint
which is adjustable by a user to any desired length. Embodiments
use a splice-plate style pressure joint to couple two
longitudinally aligned busway sections. The splice plates
comprising the joint are longitudinally moveable with respect to
each other between a first compressed position and a second
extended position such that the busway joint length is likewise
adjustable. Exemplary embodiments comprise a first set of splice
plates, each respectively defining a first aperture arranged to
define a first retaining portion, and a second set of splice plates
each respectively defining a second aperture arranged to define a
first adjustment portion. The first and second sets of splice
plates, and the first retaining and first adjustment portions are
respectively disposed to overlap, and a positioning member is
disposed in the overlapping first retaining and first adjustment
portions. The first retaining and second adjustment portions and
positioning member cooperate to at least partially define the
distance between the first compressed position and the second
extended position. Once the busway joint is adjusted to a desired
length, it is the positioning member is fixedly clamped to prevent
undesired length adjustment. Subsequent adjustment of busway joint
length may be made after releasing or loosening the positioning
member with respect to the splice plates. In some embodiments,
metal housing surfaces or plates are used to enclose the splice
plates, and may similarly be moveable with respect to each other
between a first compressed position and a second extended position
such that the busway joint length is likewise adjustable.
[0035] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a busway
system 110 comprises an elongate first busway section 111, and an
elongate second busway section 112 joinable in a substantially
longitudinally aligned, end-to-end relation between an electric
power source (not shown) and a load (not shown) via a separate
removable and longitudinally adjustable busway joint 113. In one
embodiment, the busway system 110 is configured to connect to a
conventional 3-phase electrical distribution system (not shown). In
other embodiments, busway system 110 may be configured to connect
with an electrical distribution system having any number of AC
electrical phases. In still other embodiments, busway system 110
may be configured to connect with a DC electrical distribution
system.
[0036] In an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2, first busway
section 111 comprises an elongate busway housing 161 and a
plurality of runs of generally flat elongate bus bars 116A, 116B,
and 116C positioned within the busway housing 161. In an
embodiment, each of the bus bars 116A-116C are associated with a
specific electrical phase of an electrical distribution system, and
configured for operable connection with a corresponding phase,
ground, or neutral bus within the electrical distribution system.
In other embodiments, each of the plurality of bus bars 116A-116C
may comprise a plurality of electrically coupled bus bars, each set
being associated with a specific electrical phase, ground, or
neutral of the electrical distribution system.
[0037] Similarly, in an embodiment, the second busway section 112
comprises an elongate housing 162 and a plurality of runs of
generally flat elongate bus bars 126A, 126B, and 126C, positioned
within the housing 162. In an embodiment, each of the bus bars
126A-126C are associated with a specific electrical phase of an
electrical distribution system, and configured for operable
connection with a corresponding phase, ground, or neutral bus
within the electrical distribution system. In other embodiments,
each of the plurality of bus bars 126A-126C may comprise a
plurality of electrically coupled bus bars, each set being
associated with a specific electrical phase, ground, or neutral of
the electrical distribution system.
[0038] While the first and second busway sections 111, 112 are
shown in the figures and discussed herein as each comprising three
bus bars, it should be understood that other embodiments are not so
limited and first and second busway sections 111, 112 may each
comprise any desired number of busbars and any desired number of
busbars per electrical phase, ground, or neutral that enables
busway system 110 to function as described herein.
[0039] In an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the busway
section housing 161 includes a busway top cover 121 and a busway
bottom cover 122 that cooperate with a pair of opposing busway side
covers 127. In some embodiments, the busway housing top and bottom
covers 121, 122 may each comprise a respective busway top and
bottom cover transition portion 121a, 122a. The respective busway
top and bottom cover transition portions 121a, 122a are configured
to cooperate with a housing 163 of the busway joint 113. The busway
housing 161 may be formed of rigid non-ferrous material such as
aluminum. When operatively installed, busway top cover 121 and
busway bottom cover 122 are configured to be fixedly coupled with a
respective top and bottom surface 123, 124 of the busway joint 113
(FIG. 4). In various embodiments, the top cover 121 and bottom
cover 122 may be fixedly coupled with the respective top and bottom
surfaces 123, 124 of the busway joint 113 via any means, such as
fastening, riveting strapping, bolting, gluing, and the like that
enables the busway system to function as described herein. For
example, each busway housing 161, 162 top cover 121 and bottom
cover 122 may be fixedly coupled to the respective busway joint top
surface 123 and bottom surface 124 with a fastener such as a bolt
(not shown). The busway housings 161, 162 are arranged to prevent
ingress of dust and contaminants into an interior of the respective
busway sections 111, 112 and to operably prevent inadvertent
contact with electrically live busbars 116A-116C, 126A-126C by a
user. In an embodiment, busway housing 162 may be identical to
busway housing 161. Busway housing side covers 127 may be fixedly
coupled to the respective busway top cover 121 and bottom cover 122
via any means, such as fastening, riveting strapping, bolting,
gluing, and the like that enables the busway system to function as
described herein. For example, the busway side covers 127 may be
fixedly coupled to the respective busway top cover 121 and bottom
cover 122 with a fastener such as a bolt (not shown).
[0040] With reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 an embodiment of the
busway system 110 is illustrated, and in FIG. 4 portions of the
busway joint housing 163 are removed for clarity. A first end 111a
of first busway section 111 is operably configured to connect with
a first end 113a of the busway joint 113, and a first end 112a of
second busway section 112 is configured to operably connect with a
second end 113b of busway joint 113. The elongate busway joint is
configured to be operably disposed in substantially longitudinal
alignment with the aligned busway sections 111, 112. The separate
busway joint 113 is configured to be longitudinally or
telescopically adjustable to couple, (for example by clamping
together into a pressure type electrical joint) the corresponding
bus bar ends in the two successive busway sections 111, 112. With
the busway joint 113 being positioned at one end of each busway
section 111, 112, the first busway section 111 and the second
busway section 112 are electrically coupleable in an end-to-end
relation between an electric power source and a load.
[0041] In various embodiments, the adjustable length busway joint
113 comprises a busway joint housing 163. Busway joint housing 163
is arranged to prevent ingress of dust and contaminants into an
interior of busway joint 113, and to operably prevent inadvertent
contact by a user with the conductors therein. In an embodiment,
joint housing 163 is formed of rigid non-ferrous material such as
aluminum. He joint housing 163 is further arranged and configured
for a longitudinal adjustment adjustment (i.e., along the direction
indicated by the double headed arrow "X"), of the length of busway
joint housing 163 between a first compressed position and a second
extended position associated with a corresponding longitudinal
adjustment between a first compressed position and a second
extended position of the busway joint 113 length.
[0042] With reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, in an embodiment,
housing 163 consists of at least a first housing portion 163a, and
a second housing portion 163b, the first and second housing
portions 163a, 163b being disposed at opposing ends of housing 163.
At least one of the housing portions first and second housing
portions 163a, 163b is configured and arranged for movement with
respect to the other between a first compressed position and a
second extended position to enable a corresponding longitudinal
adjustment between a first compressed position and a second
extended position of the busway joint 113 length.
[0043] In an embodiment, the busway joint first and second housing
portions 163a, 163b comprise a respective busway joint housing
first and second top surface 123a, 123b disposed generally opposing
a respective busway joint housing first and second bottom surface
124a, 124b (FIG. 4).
[0044] In other embodiments, the busway joint housing may comprise
a joint housing third top surface 123c, and a busway joint housing
third bottom surface 124c. (FIG. 8A). The joint housing third top
surface 123c, is disposed between the busway joint housing first
and second top surface 123a, 123b, and the joint housing third
bottom surface 124c, is disposed between the busway joint housing
first and second bottom surface 124a, 124b.
[0045] With reference to FIGS. 5, 6, 6A, first housing portion 163a
further comprises two opposing busway joint first housing portion
side surfaces 125a disposed on opposite sides of joint 113 between
the housing portion first top surface 123a and housing portion
first bottom surface 124a. Busway joint second housing portion 163b
likewise comprises two respective opposing second housing portion
side surfaces 125b disposed on opposite sides of joint 113 between
the housing portion second top surface 123b and housing portion
second bottom surface 124b. In an embodiment, the busway joint
housing first, second, and third top and bottom surfaces 123a,
123b, 123c, 124a, 124b, 124c are oriented generally orthogonal to
the respective housing portion side surfaces 125a, 125b.
[0046] In an embodiment, the busway joint housing first and second
top surfaces 123a, 123b, and first and second bottom surfaces 124a,
124b are operably configured for longitudinal movement with respect
each other, between a first compressed position and a second
extended position. Likewise, in another embodiment, joint housing
first and third top surfaces 123a, 123c, first and third bottom
surfaces 123a, 124c, are operably configured for longitudinal
movement with respect each other, between a first compressed
position and a second extended position, and second and third top
surfaces 123b, 123c, and second and third bottom surfaces 124b,
124c are operably configured for longitudinal movement with respect
each other between a third compressed position and a fourth
extended position. In an embodiment, each of the first, second,
third, and fourth positions of the top and bottom surfaces 123a,
123b, 123c, 124a, 124b, 124c may be associated with one of a first
compressed position and second expanded position of the busway
joint 113 adjustment (i.e., along the direction indicated by the
double headed arrow "X").
[0047] In an embodiment, the housing portion first and second top
surfaces 123a, 123b are arranged and configured to cooperate with
the corresponding housing portion first and second bottom surfaces
123b, 124b to enable adjustment of the length of busway housing
163. For example, in various embodiments, each the housing portion
first and second top surfaces 123a, 123b, 124a, 124b and may each
overlap at least a portion of one of the respective housing portion
second top surface 123b and second bottom surface 124b, in both the
first compressed and second extended positions of the busway joint
113. In another embodiment, when the busway joint housing 163 is in
a first compressed position the corresponding housing portion first
and second top surfaces 123a, 123b, and first and second bottom
surfaces 124a, 124b are arranged in a non-overlapping end-to-end
relationship, and when the busway joint housing 163 is adjusted to
a second extended position, (FIG. 10), and a gap is defined between
the housing portion first and second bottom surfaces 124a,
124b.
[0048] In other embodiments, the housing portion first and second
top and bottom surfaces 123a,123b, and 124a,124b, are arranged and
configured to cooperate with the third bottom surface 123c and
third bottom surface 124c to enable adjustment of the length of
busway housing 163. For example, in various embodiments, the
housing portion first and second top and bottom surfaces 123a,123b,
124a,124b and may each overlap at least a portion of one of the
respective housing portion second third surface 123c and third
bottom surface 124c in both the first compressed and second
extended positions of the busway joint 113.
[0049] Similarly, the first housing portion side surfaces 125a are
arranged and configured to cooperate with a respective second
housing portion side surfaces 125b to enable adjustment of the
length of busway housing 163. For example, in various embodiments,
as shown in FIGS. 6 and 6A, the first housing portion side surfaces
125a overlap at least a portion of the corresponding second housing
portion side surface 125b in both the first compressed and second
extended positions of the busway joint housing 163. In other
embodiments, the respective first and second housing portion side
surfaces 125a, 125b may not overlap. In still other embodiments,
the respective first and second housing portion side surfaces 125a,
125b may overlap only in the first compressed position of joint
housing 163. For example, in an embodiment, when the busway joint
113 is in a first compressed position the respective housing
portion side surfaces 125a, 125b may be arranged in an overlapping
end-to-end relationship, and when the busway joint housing 163 is
adjusted to a second extended position, a gap (not shown) is
defined between the respective housing portion side surfaces 125a,
125b.
[0050] While the figures illustrate embodiments of the busway joint
housing 163 as comprising two portions 163a and 163b it should be
understood that other embodiments are not so limited and housing
163 may comprise any desired number of portions, including any
desired number of surfaces that enables busway joint 113 to
function as described herein.
[0051] Referring again to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 and
6A, each of the busway joint first housing portion side surfaces
125a may comprise a respective first housing portion first tab
member 128a, oriented generally orthogonal to the respective side
surface 125a; and a first housing portion second tab member 129a,
oriented generally opposing the first housing portion first tab
member 128a and orthogonal to the respective side surface 125a.
Similarly, each of the second housing portion side surfaces 125b
comprise a respective second housing portion third tab member 128b,
oriented generally orthogonal to the respective second housing
portion side surface 125b, and a second housing portion fourth tab
member 129b, oriented generally opposing second housing portion
second tab member 128b and orthogonal to the respective side
surface 125b. Each of first housing portion first tab members 128a
is disposed to operably cooperate with a corresponding second
housing portion third tab member 128b that is disposed on the
opposing end of the same side of joint housing 163. Likewise, each
first joint housing portion second tab member 129a is disposed to
operably cooperate with a corresponding second housing portion
fourth tab member 129b that is disposed on opposing end of the same
side of joint housing 163. For example, in an embodiment, each of
the first housing portion first tab members 128a is operably
disposed to overlap the corresponding second housing portion second
tab member 128b disposed on the opposing end of the same side of
joint housing 163, and each first housing portion second tab member
129a is disposed to overlap the corresponding second housing
portion fourth tab member 129b disposed on opposing end of the same
side of joint housing 163.
[0052] The busway joint housing first and second housing side
surfaces 125a, 125b comprise respective first and second adjustment
portions, 133, 134. In an embodiment, the first side surface
adjustment portion 133 is disposed on the first housing portion
first tab members 128a, and is sized and disposed to cooperate with
and overlap at least a portion of a corresponding second side
surface adjustment portion 134 disposed on second housing portion
second tab member 128b. In other embodiments, the first and second
side surface adjustment portions 133, 134 may be disposed on the
respective first housing portion second tab members 129a and second
housing portion fourth tab member 129b. In still other embodiments,
first and second side surface adjustment portions 133, 134 may be
disposed on both the respective first housing portion first and
second tab members 128a, 129a and second housing portion third and
fourth tab member 129a, 129b. In still other embodiments the first
and second side surface adjustment portions 133, 134 may be
disposed on the first and second side surfaces 125a, 125b.
[0053] For example, in one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A,
6B, and 6D, adjustment portion 133 is disposed on each of the two
opposing side surfaces 125a. Specifically, in the embodiment, one
first tab member 128a includes an adjustment portion 133 comprising
a first slot 133a defined therethrough, and the other first tab
member 128a includes an adjustment portion 133 comprising at least
one first blocking member 164a rigidly coupled to first tab member
128a. Similarly, an adjustment portion 134 is disposed on each of
the two opposing side surfaces 125a. Specifically, in this
embodiment, one first tab member 128b includes an adjustment
portion 134 comprising a second slot 134a defined therethrough, and
the other first tab member 128b includes an adjustment portion 134
comprising at least one second blocking member 164b rigidly coupled
to corresponding first tab member 128b. The first blocking member
164a is movably disposed in the corresponding adjustment portion
second slot 134b, and the second blocking member 164b is movably
disposed in the corresponding adjustment portion first slot 133a.
By this arrangement, the blocking members 163a, 164a allow each of
the first and second housing side surfaces 125a, 125b to slidably
move with respect to the other, between a first compressed position
and a second extended position to enable a corresponding
longitudinal adjustment between a first compressed position and a
second extended position of the busway joint 113 length, but also
prevent an undesired lateral movement of the housing portions 163a,
163b. Additionally, with this arrangement, while the rigidly
attached blocking members 163a, 164a allow the first and second
housing side surfaces 125a, 125b to slidably move with respect to
the other between a first compressed position and a second extended
position, the blocking members 163a, 164a also prevent an undesired
movement beyond at least one of the first compressed position and
the second extended position.
[0054] The first and second side surface adjustment portions 133,
134 at least partially define the distance between the first
compressed position and the second extended position of the busway
housing 163. For example, in an embodiment having first and second
side surface adjustment portions 133, 134 having a longitudinal
dimension "H", the distance between the first compressed position
and the second extended position of busway housing 163 is less than
the longitudinal dimension "H". In an embodiment, as shown in FIG.
6A, each of the adjustment portion first and second slots 133a,
134b have a longitudinal dimension "H" arranged longitudinally
along a portion of the first housing portion first tab members
128a.
[0055] In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 6B and 6C,
the second side surface adjustment portions 134 each define a
second housing portion aperture 134b arranged longitudinally along
a portion of the second housing portion second tab members 129b. In
yet another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 6E at least one of
the first and second side surface adjustment portions 133, 134
define a plurality of apertures 133c distributed longitudinally
along the respective first and second tab member 128a, 128b. As
shown in FIG. 6E, when the length of housing 163 is adjusted to a
desired one of a first compressed position and a second extended
position in which at least one of the plurality of apertures 133c
on first tab member 128a at least partially aligns with or overlaps
one of the plurality of apertures 133c on second tab member 128b,
then a blocking member 164, such as for example a pin 164c, is
operably disposed in the overlapping apertures 133c. By this
arrangement, the relative positions of the first and second housing
side surfaces 125a, 125b is fixed and a lateral adjustment of the
busway joint 113 length beyond the longitudinal dimension "H" is
prevented.
[0056] In yet another exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6B,
the first side surface adjustment portion 133 comprises blocking
member 164 is formed as a tab member 135 and disposed generally
orthogonal to top surface 123. Tab member 135 is configured to be
operably disposed in the second housing aperture 134b to retain the
relative positions of the first and second housing portions 163a,
163b and prevent a lateral adjustment of the busway joint 113
length beyond the longitudinal dimension "H".
[0057] Additionally, in an embodiment, when the busway joint
housing 163 is longitudinally adjusted by a user from a first
length to a desired second length, to retain the relative positions
of the first and second housing portions 163a, 163b and prevent an
undesired lateral adjustment of the busway joint 113 length, the
busway joint first and second housing portion side surfaces 125a,
125b may be fixedly coupled to the adjacent respective busway
section 111, 112 housing side covers 127 via any desired means,
such as fastening, riveting strapping, bolting, gluing, and the
like that enables the busway system to function as described
herein. For example, busway joint first and second housing portion
side surfaces 125a, 125b may be fixedly coupled to the respective
busway housing side covers 127 top cover 121 and bottom cover 122
with a fastener such as a bolt (not shown).
[0058] In various alternative embodiments, the housing 163 may
comprise and number of side surfaces 125a, 125b that enables busway
joint 113 to function as described herein. For example, in one
embodiment housing 163 further comprises at least two opposing
third side surfaces 103 (not shown), each third side surface 103
disposed to overlap a first portion of a corresponding one of the
first housing portion side surfaces 125a and a second portion of a
corresponding one of the second housing portion side surfaces 125b.
Each side plate 103 (not shown), may additionally define at least
one third housing adjustment portions 139 (not shown), such as
aperture 139c (not shown), sized and disposed to operably overlap
with at least a portion of at least one of the first and second
side surface adjustment portions 133, 134. The third housing
adjustment portions 139 (not shown), is configured to at least
partially define the distance between the first compressed position
and the second extended position of the busway housing 163.
[0059] Referring to FIGS. 7 through 10, in an embodiment the busway
joint 113 comprises a first splice plate portion 146, a second
splice plate portion 136. In other embodiments, busway joint 113
comprises a third splice plate portion 156. In still other
embodiments, it is contemplated that any desired number of splice
plate portions, having any desired number of retaining portions and
any desired number of adjustment portions, may be used that enable
busway joint 113 to function as described herein. Moreover, while
the first, second, and third splice plate portions 146, 136, 156
are shown in the figures and discussed herein as each comprising
specific numbers of splice plates, it should be understood that
other embodiments are not so limited the splice plate portions 146,
136, 156 may each comprise any desired number of splice plates and
any desired number of splice plates per electrical phase or
neutral, that enables busway system 110 to function as described
herein.
[0060] The first splice plate portion 146 of the busway joint 113
comprises a first plurality of substantially flat elongate
conductive splice plates 146A, 146B, and 146C, disposed in spaced
apart substantially parallel relationship and positioned within the
housing 163. In an embodiment, each of the first plurality of
splice plates 146A-146C is formed of non-ferrous conductive
material such as copper or aluminum and disposed generally at a
first end 13a of the busway joint 113.
[0061] The second splice plate portion 136 of the busway joint 113
comprises a second plurality of substantially flat elongate
conductive splice plates 136A, 1368, and 136C, disposed in spaced
apart substantially parallel relationship and positioned within the
housing 163. In an embodiment, each of the second plurality of
splice plates 136A-136C is formed of non-ferrous conductive
material such as copper or aluminum and disposed generally at a
second end 113b of the busway joint 113.
[0062] In an embodiment, the third splice plate portion 156 of the
busway joint 113 comprises a first plurality of substantially flat
elongate conductive splice plates 156A, 156B, and 156C, disposed in
spaced apart substantially parallel relationship and positioned
within the housing 163. In an embodiment, each of the first
plurality of splice plates 156A-156C is formed of non-ferrous
conductive material such as copper or aluminum and disposed
generally at a second end 113b of the busway joint 113, such that
second splice plate portion 136 is disposed generally between the
first and second splice plate portions 146, 156
[0063] In an embodiment, a first end of each of the first plurality
of splice plates 146A-146C is arranged to interleave or overlap
with a corresponding one of the bus bars 116A-116C of the first
busway section 111 to form a corresponding electrically coupled
fixed joint. A second end of each of the first plurality of splice
plates 146A-146C is arranged to interleave or overlap with a first
end of a corresponding one of the second plurality of splice plates
136A-136C to form a corresponding electrically coupled slidable
joint.
[0064] In an embodiment, a second end of each of the second
plurality of splice plates 136A-136C is arranged to interleave or
overlap with a corresponding one of the bus bars 126A-126C of the
second busway section 112 to form a corresponding electrically
coupled fixed joint. The second end of each of the second plurality
of splice plates 136A-136C is arranged to interleave or overlap
with a first end of a corresponding one of the third plurality of
splice plates 156A-156C to form a corresponding electrically
coupled slidable joint.
[0065] In another embodiment, the a first end of each of the third
plurality of splice plates 156A-15C is arranged to interleave or
overlap with the second end of a corresponding one of the second
plurality of splice plates 136A-136C to form a corresponding
electrically coupled slidable joint. A second end of each of the
third plurality of splice plates 156A-156C is arranged to
interleave or overlap with a corresponding one of the bus bars
126A-126C of the second busway section 112 to form a corresponding
electrically coupled fixed joint.
[0066] In an embodiment, busway system 110 may be arranged to
connect to a conventional 3-phase electrical distribution system,
and each of the first, second, and third plurality of splice plates
146A-146C, 136A-136C, 156A-156C is arranged and disposed to
correspond to a phase or neutral bus within the electrical
distribution system. Likewise each fixed and slidable joint
disposed in the busway joint 113 and busway system 110 is arranged
and disposed to correspond to a phase or neutral bus within the
electrical distribution system. In an embodiment, the corresponding
splice plates across the busway joint 113 are offset with respect
to one another to retain phase centering across the splice plate
electrical joint.
[0067] Since the splice plates of the first plurality of splice
plates 146A-146C, may each be associated with a different
electrical phase, the busway joint 113 may additionally comprise a
first plurality of non-metallic first insulator plates 175
positioned or interleaved between any of the first plurality of
splice plates 146A-146C to electrically insulate any of the first
plurality of splice plates 146A-146C associated with one electrical
phase from any of the first plurality of splice plates 146A-146C,
associated with a different electrical phase.
[0068] Since the splice plates of third plurality of splice plates
156A-156C may each be associated with a different electrical phase,
the busway joint 113 may additionally comprise a second plurality
of non-metallic first insulator plates 175 positioned or
interleaved between any of the third plurality of splice plates
156A-156C, to electrically insulate any of the third plurality of
splice plates 156A-156C, associated with one electrical phase from
any of the third plurality of splice plates 156A-156C associated
with a different electrical phase.
[0069] Since the second plurality of splice plates 136A-136C may
each be associated with a different electrical phase, various
embodiments may additionally comprise a second plurality of
non-metallic second insulator plates 177 positioned or interleaved
between the any of the second plurality of splice plates 136A-136C
to electrically insulate any of the second plurality of splice
plates 136A-136C associated with one electrical phase from any of
the second plurality of splice plates 136A-136C associated with a
different electrical phase.
[0070] Additionally in an embodiment, to electrically insulate the
housing 163 from any of the enclosed splice plates 136A-136C,
146A-146C, 156A-156C therein, the busway joint 113 may comprise one
or more non-metallic housing insulator plates 289 (not shown)
positioned or interleaved between the housing first and second top
surfaces 123a, 123b and any adjacent splice plate of the first,
second, and third plurality of splice plates 136A-136C, 146A-146C
156A-156C of any phase; and between the housing first and second
bottom surfaces 124a, 124b and any adjacent splice plate of the
first and second plurality of splice plates 136A-136C, 146A-146C,
156A-156C of any phase.
[0071] For example, in one embodiment in FIGS. 7C, 7D, an
embodiment of a busway joint 113 is shown having a first plurality
of splice plates comprising six splice plates 146A-146C, and a
second plurality of splice plates comprising six splice plates
136A-136C within housing 163, wherein four first splice plate
insulators 177, and four second splice plate insulators 175 are
disposed as described herein. Additionally, in other exemplary
embodiments, a housing insulator 389 (not shown) is disposed
adjacent the top surfaces 123a, 123b, and a housing insulator 389
(not shown) is disposed adjacent the bottom surfaces 124a, 124b.
However it should be understood that other embodiments are not so
limited and may comprise any desired number of insulators 175, 177,
and 389 that enable busway joint 113 to function as described
herein.
[0072] In an embodiment, the first and second pluralities of splice
plates 146A-146C, 136A-136C are operably configured for
longitudinal movement with respect each other adjustment (i.e.,
along the direction indicated by the double headed arrow "X"),
between a first compressed position and a second extended position.
Likewise, in other embodiments, the second and third pluralities of
splice plates 136A-136C, 156A-156C are operably configured for
longitudinal movement with respect each other, between a third
compressed position and a fourth extended position. In an
embodiment, each of the first, second, third, and fourth positions
of the splice plates 146A-146C, 136A-136C, and 156A-156C may be
associated with one of a first compressed position and second
expanded position of the busway joint 113.
[0073] As shown in FIGS. 8, 8A, and 9, the first plurality of
splice plates 146A-146C comprise at least one respective first
splice plate first retaining portion 147. For example, in an
embodiment, the first retaining portion 147 may include a mutually
aligned splice plate first retaining aperture 148 defined in each
splice plate of the first plurality of splice plates 146A-146C.
[0074] As shown in FIGS. 8, 8A, and 9, the third plurality of
splice plates 156A-156C comprise at least one respective third
splice plate first retaining portion 147. For example, in an
embodiment, the third splice plate first retaining portion 147 may
include a mutually aligned splice plate first retaining aperture
148 defined in and each splice plate of the third plurality of
splice plates 156A-156C.
[0075] Additionally, in an embodiment, the first plurality of
splice plates 144A-146C comprise at least one respective first
splice plate second retaining portion 167. For example, in an
embodiment, the first splice plate second retaining portion 167 may
include a mutually aligned first splice plate second retaining
aperture 168 defined in each splice plate of the first plurality of
splice plates 146A-146C.
[0076] Additionally, in an embodiment, at least one of the second
plurality of splice plates 136A-136C and the third plurality of
splice plates 156A-156C may each comprise at least one of a
respective second and third splice plate second retaining portion
167. For example, in an embodiment, the second splice plate second
retaining portion 167 may include a mutually aligned third splice
plate second retaining aperture 168 defined in each splice plate of
the third plurality of splice plates 136A-136C. In another
embodiment, the third splice plate second retaining portion 167 may
include a mutually aligned third splice plate second retaining
aperture 168 defined in each splice plate of the third plurality of
splice plates 156A-156C.
[0077] In an embodiment, the busway joint housing top and bottom
surfaces 123, 124 further each comprise at least one housing
surface first retaining portion 197. For example in an embodiment,
the busway joint housing first and second top surfaces 123a, 123b
each define a respective housing surface first top surface
retaining aperture 198, and the busway joint housing first and
second bottom surfaces 124a, 124b each define a respective housing
portion first bottom surface retaining aperture 198.
[0078] Additionally, in other embodiments, the at least one of the
busway joint housing top and bottom surfaces 123, 124 further
comprise at least one housing surface second retaining portion 297.
For example in an embodiment, the busway joint housing first and
second top surfaces 123a, 123b each define a respective housing
surface second top surface retaining aperture 298, and the busway
joint housing first and second bottom surfaces 124a, 124b each
define a respective housing portion second bottom surface retaining
aperture 298.
[0079] In an embodiment, the first plurality of non-metallic first
insulator plates 175 positioned or interleaved between any of the
first plurality of splice plates 146A-146C each comprise at least
one respective first insulator plate first retaining portion 176.
For example, in an embodiment, the first insulator plate first
retaining portion 176 may include a first insulator plate first
retaining aperture 186 defined in each non-metallic first insulator
plates 175.
[0080] In other embodiments, the second plurality of non-metallic
first insulator plates 175 positioned or interleaved between any of
the third plurality of splice plates 156A-156C, each comprise at
least one respective first insulator plate first retaining portion
176. For example, in an embodiment, the first insulator plate first
retaining portion 176 may include a first insulator plate first
retaining aperture 186 defined in each non-metallic first insulator
plates 175.
[0081] In an embodiment, the first plurality of non-metallic first
insulator plates 175 positioned or interleaved between any of the
first plurality of splice plates 146A-146C each comprise at least
one respective first insulator plate second retaining portion 276.
For example, in an embodiment, the first insulator plate second
retaining portion 276 may include a first insulator plate second
retaining aperture 286 defined in each non-metallic first insulator
plates 175.
[0082] In other embodiments, the second plurality of non-metallic
first insulator plates 175 positioned or interleaved between any of
the third plurality of splice plates 156A-156C each comprise at
least one respective first insulator plate second retaining portion
276. For example, in an embodiment, the first insulator plate
second retaining portion 276 may include a first insulator plate
second retaining aperture 286 defined in each non-metallic first
insulator plates 175.
[0083] The second plurality of splice plates 136A-136C define a
splice plate first adjustment portion 137, having a first operative
longitudinal dimension "D". For example in an embodiment, the first
adjustment portion 137 may include a mutually aligned and
longitudinally disposed splice plate first adjustment slot 138
defined in each splice plate of the second plurality of splice
plates 136A-136C. In an embodiment, the splice plate first
adjustment portion 137 may alternatively comprise a plurality of
mutually aligned longitudinally disposed splice plate adjustment
apertures (not shown) disposed along corresponding splice plates of
the second plurality of splice plates 136A-136C.
[0084] In some embodiments, the second plurality of splice plates
136A-136C further define a second splice plate second adjustment
portion 237, having a second longitudinal dimension "S", such as a
mutually aligned and longitudinally disposed splice plate second
adjustment slot 238 defined in each splice plate of the second
plurality of splice plates 136A-136C. In another embodiment, the
second splice plate second adjustment portion 237 comprises a
plurality of longitudinally disposed and mutually aligned second
splice plate second adjustment apertures (not shown) disposed on
corresponding splice plates of the second plurality of splice
plates 136A-136C.
[0085] In an embodiment, the busway joint housing first top
surface, and first bottom surface 123a, 124a, each define a
respective joint housing first top and first bottom surface first
adjustment portion 287a. For example in an embodiment, the
respective first top and first bottom surface first adjustment
portions 287a may include a longitudinally disposed first top
surface 123a and first bottom surface 124a first adjustment slots
288a defined the respective first top surface 123a, and first
bottom surface 124a.
[0086] In an embodiment, the busway joint housing second top
surface, and second bottom surface 123b, 124b, each define a
respective joint housing second top and second bottom surface first
adjustment portion 287b. For example in an embodiment, the
respective second top and second bottom surface 123b, 124b first
adjustment portions 287b may include a longitudinally disposed
second top surface 123b and second bottom surface 124b first
adjustment slots 288b defined the respective second top surface
123b, and second bottom surface 124b.
[0087] In an embodiment, the respective busway joint housing second
top and second bottom surface first adjustment portion 287a are
operably disposed to overlap the respective joint housing second
top and second bottom surface first adjustment portion 287b. In an
embodiment, the operative longitudinal dimension of the overlapping
first and second adjustment portions 287a, 287b may be equal to the
second splice plate second adjustment portion 137 operative
longitudinal dimension "D".
[0088] Additionally, in another embodiment, the busway joint
housing third top surface, and third bottom surface 123c, 124c,
each define a respective joint housing third top and third bottom
surface first adjustment portion 287. For example, in an
embodiment, the respective third top and third bottom first
adjustment portion 287 may include a longitudinally disposed third
top and third bottom surface 123c, 124c first adjustment slot 288
defined each third top surface 123c, and third bottom surface 124c,
and having a first operative longitudinal dimension at least equal
to the second splice plate first adjustment portion 137 operative
longitudinal dimension "D".
[0089] Additionally, in an embodiment, the busway joint housing
third top surface, and third bottom surface 123c, 124c, each define
a respective joint housing third top and third bottom second
adjustment portion 387. For example, in an embodiment, the
respective third top and third bottom surface second adjustment
portions 387 may include a longitudinally disposed top and bottom
third surface 123c, 124c second adjustment slot 388 defined each
third top surface, and third bottom surface 123c, 124c and having a
first operative longitudinal dimension at least equal to the second
splice plate second adjustment portion 137 operative longitudinal
dimension "S".
[0090] In an embodiment, the second insulator plates 177 positioned
or interleaved between the any of the second plurality of splice
plates 136A-136C, each comprise at least one respective second
insulator plate first adjustment portion 178. In an embodiment, the
second insulator plate first adjustment portion 178 may include a
mutually aligned and longitudinally second insulator plate first
adjustment slot 179 defined each second insulator plate 177. In an
embodiment, the second insulator plate first adjustment portion 178
may alternatively comprise a plurality of mutually aligned
longitudinally disposed splice plate adjustment apertures (not
shown) disposed along corresponding insulator plates 177.
[0091] In an embodiment, the second insulator plates 177 positioned
or interleaved between the any of the second plurality of splice
plates 136A-36C, each comprise at least one respective second
insulator plate second adjustment portion 278. In an embodiment,
the second insulator plate first adjustment portion 278 may include
a mutually aligned and longitudinally second insulator plate first
adjustment slot 279 defined each second insulator plate 177. In an
embodiment, the second insulator plate first adjustment portion 178
may alternatively comprise a plurality of mutually aligned
longitudinally disposed splice plate adjustment apertures (not
shown) disposed along corresponding insulator plates 177.
[0092] In an embodiment, the first adjustment portion 137 of each
splice plate of the second plurality of splice plates 136A-136C is
sized and disposed to operatively overlap the corresponding joint
housing first top surface 123a first adjustment portion 287a, the
first bottom surface 124b first adjustment portion 287a, the first
plurality of splice plates 146A-146C first retaining portion 147,
first insulator plate 175 first retaining portion 176, and the
second insulator plate 177 first adjustment portion 178. In another
embodiment, the first adjustment portion 137 of each splice plate
of the second plurality of splice plates 136A-136C is sized and
disposed to operatively overlap the corresponding joint housing
first top surface 123a first adjustment portion 287a, the first
bottom surface 124a first adjustment portion 287a, second top
surface 123b first adjustment portion 287b, the second bottom
surface 124b first adjustment portion 287b, the first plurality of
splice plates 146A-146C first retaining portion 147, first
insulator plate 175 first retaining portion 176, and the second
insulator plate 177 first adjustment portion 178.
[0093] In yet another embodiment, the first adjustment portion 137
of each splice plate of the second plurality of splice plates
136A-136C is sized and disposed to operatively overlap the
corresponding joint housing first top surface 123a first retaining
portion 197, third top surface 123c first adjustment portion 287,
the third bottom surface 124c first adjustment portion 287, the
first bottom surface 124a first retaining portion 197, the first
plurality of splice plates 146A-146C first retaining portion 147,
first insulator plate 175 first retaining portion 176, and the
second insulator plate 177 first adjustment portion 178. Similarly,
the second adjustment portion 237 of each splice plate of the
second plurality of splice plates 136A-136C is disposed to
operatively overlap the corresponding joint housing second top
surface 123b first retaining portion 197, the joint housing third
top surface first adjustment portion 287, the second bottom surface
124b first retaining portion 197, the joint housing third bottom
surface first adjustment portion 287, and the third plurality of
splice plates 156A-156C first retaining portion 147, the first
insulator plate first retaining portions 176, and the second
insulator plate 177 second adjustment portions 278.
[0094] Referring to FIG. 8, each busway joint 113 also comprises at
least one first positioning guide member 181 respectively disposed
in the overlapped corresponding first adjustment portion 137 of
each splice plate of the second plurality of splice plates
136A-136C, the corresponding joint housing first top surface 123a
first adjustment portion 287a, the first bottom surface 124b first
adjustment portion 287a, the first plurality of splice plates
146A-146C first retaining portion 147, first insulator plate 175
first retaining portion 176, and the second insulator plate 177
first adjustment portion 178. In another embodiment, the at least
one first positioning guide member 181 is respectively disposed in
the overlapped first adjustment portion 137 of each splice plate of
the second plurality of splice plates 136A-136C, the joint housing
first top surface 123a first adjustment portion 287a, the first
bottom surface 124a first adjustment portion 287a, second top
surface 123b first adjustment portion 287b, the second bottom
surface 124b first adjustment portion 287b, the first plurality of
splice plates 146A-146C first retaining portion 147, first
insulator plate 175 first retaining portion 176, and the second
insulator plate 177 first adjustment portion 178.
[0095] Referring to FIG. 8, in yet another embodiment, the busway
joint 113 may comprise the at least one first positioning guide
member 181 respectively disposed in the overlapped corresponding
first adjustment portion 137 of each splice plate of the second
plurality of splice plates 136A-136C, joint housing first top
surface 123a first retaining portion 197, third top surface 123c
first adjustment portion 287, the third bottom surface 124c first
adjustment portion 287, the first bottom surface 124a first
retaining portion 197, the first plurality of splice plates
146A-146C first retaining portion 147, first insulator plate 175
first retaining portion 176, and the second insulator plate 177
first adjustment portion 178.
[0096] Similarly, in an embodiment, the busway joint 113 may also
comprises at least one second positioning guide member 181
respectively disposed in the overlapped corresponding second
adjustment portion 237 of each splice plate of the second plurality
of splice plates 136A-136C, the joint housing second top surface
123b first retaining portion 197, the joint housing third top
surface 123c second retaining portion 387, the second bottom
surface 124b first retaining portion 197, the joint housing third
bottom surface 124b second adjustment portion 387, and the third
plurality of splice plates 156A-156C first retaining portion 147,
the first insulator plate first retaining portions 176, and the
second insulator plate 177 second adjustment portions 278.
[0097] The first and second positioning guide members 181 are
operative to guide the respective positioning of the first, second
and third pluralities of splice plates 146A-146C, 136A-136C,
156A-156C first and second insulator plates 175, 177, and housing
top and bottom first second and third surfaces 123a, 123b, 123c,
124a, 124b, 124c. The first and second positioning guide members
181 may additionally operatively clamp or fixedly retain the
respective relative positions of the first, second, and third
pluralities of splice plates 146A-146C, 136A-136C, 156A-156C, first
and second insulator plates 175, 177, and housing top and bottom
first second and third surfaces 123a, 123b, 123c, 124a, 124b, 124c
in a desired overlapped position.
[0098] In an embodiment, first and second positioning guide members
181 are operative to releasably prevent an undesired lateral
adjustment of the busway joint 113 length and to vary the pressure
exerted to permit selective connecting and disconnecting of the
electrical joint. For example in one embodiment, first and second
positioning guide members 181 are threaded bolts configured to
cooperate with a respective pressure member 106, such as at least
one respective pressure plate or disc spring washer configured to
be rotatably mounted to first and second positioning guide member
181, and a respective nut 183 arranged for threadable engagement
with first and second positioning guide member 181. In an
embodiment, the pressure member 106 comprises a rectangular washer
106A and a spring washer 106B. In other embodiments, rectangular
washer 106A may be threaded. For example, the busway joint 113 top
surface 123 and bottom surface 124 are fastened to each other and
to the busway joint 113 by first and second positioning guide
members 181, rectangular washers 106A, and spring washers 106B.
[0099] In various embodiments, the at least one first positioning
guide member 181 is formed of a conductive material, such as steel,
and a non-metallic insulating tube 171 is additionally disposed
within the respective splice plate, insulator plate, and housing
first retaining portions, and splice plate, insulator plate, and
housing adjustment portions, and sized and disposed to receive the
first positioning guide member 181, and operative to electrically
insulate any of the first, second, and third plurality of splice
plates 146A-146C, 136A-136C, 156A-156C from the first positioning
guide member 181.
[0100] In one embodiment, the longitudinally disposed splice plate
adjustment portions 137, 237, insulator adjustment portions 177,
and housing top and bottom adjustment portions 287 cooperate with
the first and second positioning guide members 181 to at least
partially determine the operable distance between the first
compressed position and the second extended position. For example,
in an embodiment having a splice plate first adjustment portion 137
having a first longitudinal dimension "D", and a splice plate
second adjustment portion 137 having a longitudinal dimension "S",
the distance between the first compressed position and the second
extended position of busway joint 113 may be equal to or less than
the sum of the first and second longitudinal dimension "D+S". In
another embodiment, the operative position of the first positioning
guide member 181 within each splice plate adjustment slot 138, at
least partially determines the length, or distance between the
first compressed position and the second extended position of
busway joint 13.
[0101] In an embodiment, the first plurality of splice plates
146A-146C second retaining portion 167 is disposed to operatively
align with or overlap the corresponding joint housing first top
surface 123a second retaining portion 297, the first bottom surface
124a second retaining portion 297, and the first insulator plate
175 second retaining portion 176.
[0102] In an embodiment, the second plurality of splice plates
136A-136C second retaining portion 167 is disposed to operatively
align with or overlap the corresponding joint housing second top
surface 123b second retaining portion 297, the second bottom
surface 124b second retaining portion 297, and the first insulator
plate 175 second retaining portion 276.
[0103] In another embodiment, the third plurality of splice plates
156A-156C second retaining portion 167 is disposed to operatively
align with or overlap the corresponding joint housing second top
surface 123b second retaining portion 297, the second bottom
surface 124b second retaining portion 297, and the first insulator
plate 175 second retaining portion 276.
[0104] In an embodiment, each busway joint 113 may also comprise at
least one first clamp member 191 respectively disposed in the
aligned corresponding second retaining portion 167 of the first
plurality of splice plates 146A-146C, the joint housing first top
surface 123a second retaining portion 297, the first bottom surface
124a second retaining portion 297, and the first insulator plate
175 second retaining portion 176. The first clamp member 191
operatively clamps or fixedly retains the relative positions of the
respective first plurality of splice plates 146A-146C, the joint
housing first top surface 123a, the joint housing first bottom
surface 124a, and the first insulator plates 175. In various
embodiments, at least one first clamp member 191 is operative to
selectively connect and disconnect at least one of busbars
116A-116C of the first busway section 111 and the first plurality
of splice plates 146A-146C in a pressure type electrical joint.
First clamp member 191 is operative to vary the pressure exerted to
permit selective connecting and disconnecting of the electrical
joint.
[0105] In an embodiment, each busway joint 113 may also comprise at
least one second clamp member 191 respectively disposed in the
overlapped second retaining portion 167 of the second plurality of
splice plates 136A-153C, the joint housing second top surface 123b
second retaining portion 297, the second bottom surface 124b second
retaining portion 297, and the first insulator plate 175 second
retaining portion 276. The second clamp member 191 operatively
clamps or fixedly retains the relative positions of the respective
second plurality of splice plates 136A-136C, the joint housing
second top surface 123b, the joint housing second bottom surface
124b, and the first insulator plates 175. In various embodiments,
at least one second clamp member 191 is operative to selectively
connect and disconnect at least one of busbars 126A-126C of the
second busway section 112 and the second plurality of splice plates
136A-136C in a pressure type electrical joint. Second clamp member
191 is operative to vary the pressure exerted to permit selective
connecting and disconnecting of the electrical joint.
[0106] In another embodiment, each busway joint 113 may also
comprise at least one second clamp member 191 respectively disposed
in the overlapped second retaining portion 167 of the third
plurality of splice plates 156A-156C, the joint housing second top
surface 123b second retaining portion 297, the second bottom
surface 124b second retaining portion 297, and the first insulator
plate 175 second retaining portion 276. The second clamp member 191
operatively clamps or fixedly retains the relative positions of the
respective third plurality of splice plates 156A-156C, the joint
housing second top surface 123b, the joint housing second bottom
surface 124b, and the first insulator plates 175. In various
embodiments, at least one second clamp member 191 is operative to
selectively connect and disconnect at least one of busbars
126A-126C of the second busway section 112 and the third plurality
of splice plates 156A-156C in a pressure type electrical joint.
Second clamp member 191 is operative to vary the pressure exerted
to permit selective connecting and disconnecting of the electrical
joint.
[0107] In an embodiment, the first and second clamp members 191 may
be identical to first positioning guide member 181. In various
embodiments, the first and second clamp members 191 are formed of a
conductive material, such as steel, and a non-metallic insulating
tube 171, sized and disposed to receive at least one of the first
and second the clamp members 191, is additionally disposed in the
splice plate, insulator plate, and housing second retaining
portions, and is operative to electrically insulate any of the
first, second, and third plurality of splice plates 146A-146C,
136A-136C, 156A-156C from the first and second clamp members
191.
[0108] For example in one embodiment, first and second clamp
members 191 are threaded bolts configured to cooperate with a
respective pressure member 106, such as at least one respective
pressure plate or disc spring washer configured to be rotatably
mounted to first and second clamp member 191, and a respective nut
183 arranged for threadable engagement with first and second clamp
member 191. In an embodiment, the pressure member 106 comprises a
rectangular washer 106A and a spring washer 106B. In other
embodiments, rectangular washer 106A may be threaded. For example,
the busway joint 113 top surface 123 and bottom surface 124 are
fastened to each other and to the busway joint 113 by first and
second clamp members 191, rectangular washers 106A, and spring
washers 106B.
[0109] In operation, and to effect easy installation of the busway
system, the busway joint 113 is first compressed by moving the
busway joint 113 longitudinally. For example by loosening each
position guide member 181 and clamp member 191 the busway joint 113
may be telescoped from the second extended position to the first
compressed position to shorten the busway joint 113 length. When
both busway sections 111, 112 are offset in end-to-end relation for
establishing an electrical joint therebetween, and the busway joint
113 is recessed in the first compressed position, transverse
movement relative to busway section 111 in a plane parallel with
the planes of the busbars of the first and second busway sections
111, 112 is permitted. In an embodiment, the second busway section
112 is mated with the busway joint 113 so that the ends of
corresponding busbars 126A-126C and third plurality of splice
plates 156A-156C are interleaved or overlapped into respective
electrically coupled joints and the corresponding clamp member 191
tightened. The busway joint 113 may then be longitudinally extended
in the reverse direction, that is, extended by a user from the
first compressed position to the second extended position toward
the first busway section 111 so that the ends of corresponding
busbars 116A-116C, and first plurality of splice plates 146A-146C
are interleaved or overlapped into respective electrically coupled
joints and at least one of the corresponding clamp member 191 and
the position guide member 181 tightened to establish the electrical
joint between the two successive busway sections 111, 112.
[0110] While the Figures generally illustrate three busbars in each
of the busway sections, it should be understood that other
embodiments are not so limited and may comprise any desired number
of busbars and may be configured to connect with any number of
electrical phases.
[0111] In various embodiments, it is contemplated that any desired
number of splice plate portions, having any desired number of
retaining portions and any desired number of adjustment portions,
may be used that enable busway joint 113 to function as described
herein. Moreover, while first, second, and third splice plate
portions 146, 136, 156 are shown in the figures and discussed
herein as each comprising six splice plates, it should be
understood that other embodiments are not so limited and the any
desired number of splice plate portions 146, 136, 156 may each
comprise any desired number of splice plates and any desired number
of splice plates per electrical phase or neutral, that enables
busway system 110 to function as described herein.
[0112] Exemplary embodiments of a busway joint, a busway system,
and a method of installing a busway joint are described above in
detail. The busway joint, a busway system, and a method of
installing a busway joint are not limited to the specific
embodiments described herein, but rather, components of the system
and/or busway joint and/or steps of the method may be utilized
independently and separately from other components and/or steps
described herein. For example, the busway joint may also be used in
combination with other busway systems and methods, and is not
limited to practice with only the busway as described herein.
Rather, the exemplary embodiment can be implemented and utilized in
connection with many other electrical applications.
[0113] Although specific features of various embodiments of the
invention may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is
for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the
invention, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or
claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.
[0114] This written description uses examples to disclose the
invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person
skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and
using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated
methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the
claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled
in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope
of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ
from the literal language of the claims, or if they include
equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from
the literal language of the claims.
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