| 摘要 |
<p>Methods of manufacturing and assembling a composite insulator are provided. At least one metal end fitting is provided having a sleeve portion which defines a bore with a first diameter, d1. An insulator subassembly is then formed. The insulator subassembly includes a rod of electrically insulating plastic material and an insulator sheath covering at least a portion of the outer surface of the rod. An end portion of the sheath has a deformable circumferential ridge formed on the outer surface thereof. This circumferential ridge has a second diameter, d2, which is greater than the first diameter, d1. The insulator subassembly is then inserted into the bore of the metal end fitting with a spacer member interposed between the metal end fitting and at least the circumferential ridge. The spacer member serves to deform the ridge to define a temporary vent for allowing air within the bore to escape. The spacer member is then removed thereby allowing the resilient ridge to return to its original size and shape to form a tight seal between the metal end fitting and the insulator subassembly. The resultant composite insulator has a construction which includes an insulator subassembly including a rod and a sheath covering at least a portion of the outer surface of the rod. The sheath has an end portion and at least one deformable circumferential ridge formed on an outer surface thereof. The composite insulator also includes a metal end fitting having a sleeve portion that surrounds the end portion of the sheath. An end region of the metal end fitting that overlaps the ridge is free from deformation. As a result, it is no longer necessary to crimp the metal end fitting to form a good seal, although the crimping step could be performed if additional tightness is desired. <IMAGE></p> |
