A laminar electrical connector is provided that is formed from multiple superimposed strips of conductive material that form a stack having at least two ends. A second conductive material is used to join adjacent superimposed strips. The resultant connector has ends that are adapted to engage electrical terminals and provide an electrical communication therebetween. The resultant connector lacks a sheath on the ends or a grommet extending through the stack. Such a sheath or grommet limits the operative lifetime of the resulting connector and also creates current focusing that diminishes overall connector efficiency. A connector having a continuous layer of the second conductive material joining adjacent strips along the entire interface between the adjacent strips is also provided and improves connector performance in ways that are especially beneficial to applications associated with an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle.
Erwin Kroulik - Edmore MI, US Timothy J. Jones - Big Rapids MI, US
Assignee:
Flex-Cable - Howard City MI
International Classification:
H01B 5/02 B60L 1/00 H01B 3/30
US Classification:
307 91, 174133 R, 174110 SR
Abstract:
An electrical conductor is provided that includes at least one strip of conductive material defining a length and having a first end with a first cutout and a second end having a second cutout. The cutouts engage electrical terminals. The at least two deflections are orthogonal to the length of the strip. The deflections are located between the first cutout and the second cutout and are in plane or out of plane of the cutouts. The electrical conductor is particularly well suited for interconnection of batteries associated with a vehicle power system.
An electrical transmission cable is provided with low inductance properties capable of carrying high current loads with a more uniform heating or loss profile. The low inductance properties of the cable lead to lower current losses resulting in a cooler and more efficient operation of the cable even at higher alternating current (AC) frequencies. Higher current loads are accommodated by a plurality of conductor bundles configured as braided wire strands that are separated and joined into like conductors prior to termination. Equal lengths of the insulated wire strands within the conductor bundles contribute to uniform heating along the length of the inventive cable embodiments. Uniform operating temperature is manifest as more uniform current transmission across the various strands of an inventive cable. In addition, the more equal weave position for all the wire strands making up each braided wire bundle tends to induce cancellation of inductive effects.
Erwin K. Kroulik - Edmore MI Richard J. Balaguer - Ortonville MI
Assignee:
Interservices, Inc. - Dundee IL
International Classification:
F16L 312 H02G 714
US Classification:
248 741
Abstract:
The invention is directed to a clamp for retaining a fluid hose and/or electrical cable on a robot arm assembly. The clamp includes a base adapted to mount to the robot arm assembly and a top. The base and arm cooperate to allow the top to hinge or swing into an open and closed position to retain the welder. A grommet is preferably retained by the opening defined by the arcuate portions of the top and base. The base may be mounted to the robot arm assembly by a spring assembly or otherwise. A spring mount assembly utilizes a compression spring to provide coupling between the clamp and a mounting plate. Threaded studs are received into the ends of the spring which creates axial elongation for a radially inward force to retain the stud.
The invention is directed to a robot arm assembly including a plurality of elongated elements for attachment with a tool carried by the robot arm assembly. The robot arm assembly includes a robot arm, an arm clamp assembly clamped around the robot arm, and at least one elongated element clamp. The elongated element clamp is connected to a mounting pad on the arm clamp and carries the elongated elements.
A water cooled kickless electrical cable includes a plurality of electrical conductors. A first terminal half includes a first wire pocket hole and a fluid port disposed in fluid communication with the first wire pocket hole. A first crimp tube disposed within and extending from the first wire pocket hole is crimped around one-half of the electrical conductors associated with a first polarity. A second terminal half includes a second wire pocket hole and a fluid port disposed in fluid communication with the second wire pocket hole. The second terminal half is connected with the first terminal half. A second crimp tube disposed within and extending from the second wire pocket hole is crimped around a remaining one-half of the plurality of electrical conductors associated with a second polarity. The second crimp tube is longer than the first crimp tube. A hose is attached to each of the first and second terminal halves and encases each of the electrical conductors, the first crimp tube and the second crimp tube.
Electrical And/Or Fluid Power Transmitting Assembly In A Manipulative Robot
A power transmitting elongate assembly transmits electrical or fluid power in a manipulative robot. At least one power transmitting elongate element has a longitudinal axis. Each elongate element is configured as an electrical cable or a fluid hose. A protective sleeve is wrapped completely around the at least one elongate element. The protective sleeve has a length and two opposite sides. Each side is disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. At least one fastener couples the protective sleeve to the at least one elongate element. Each fastener is wrapped around and/or attached to the protective sleeve. Each fastener includes two interconnecting components which interconnect with each other.
Jan Christianson - Berrien Springs MI Ed Walton - Big Rapids MI Erwin Kroulik - Edmore MI
Assignee:
Flex-Cable, Inc. - Morley MI
International Classification:
H02G 303 H05K 720
US Classification:
174 151
Abstract:
The invention is directed to a fluid cooled electrical conductor assembly. The fluid cooled electrical conductor assembly includes a terminal having an open end and a fluid passage in communication with the open end. A sleeve is at least partially received within the open end of the terminal. The sleeve is metallurgically bonded to the terminal, such as by solder. The sleeve has a flared end disposed around an electrical conductor and a distal end disposed adjacent to an end of the conductor. The sleeve has a longitudinally extending groove which is in communication with the fluid passage in the terminal. A casing is connected to the terminal and surrounds the conductor to thereby define a fluid passageway at a periphery of the conductor. During manufacture, a single sleeve is swedged onto an electrical conductor and subsequently cut in half to define two substantially identical sleeves which may be inserted into respective terminals.