BR112019010810A2 - electrical connection element provided with a contact element - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical connection element (1) comprising a metallic conductive body (100) made of a first material and housing a spring blade (200), said spring blade (200) being adapted to apply against an inner face of a body wall (103) the bare core (4) of a conductive wire (2) inserted in said connecting element (1). according to the invention, that inner face of the body wall (103) is provided with a contact element (115) made of a second material other than the first material, against which said spring leaf (200) is adapted to applying said bare core of the conductor wire when the latter is inserted into the connecting element, said second material having a contact resistance with the bare core of the electrical wire less than the contact resistance between the first material and this bare core of the electrical wire. .

Description

“ELECTRICAL CONNECTION ELEMENT PROVIDED WITH A CONTACT ELEMENT”

TECHNICAL FIELD TO WHICH THE INVENTION REFERES [0001] The present invention relates to an electrical connection element comprising a metallic conductive body made of a first material and which houses a spring blade, said spring blade being adapted to apply against the inner face of a body wall the stripped core of a conductive wire inserted in said connecting element.

[0002] It also refers to a process used to manufacture such an electrical connection element.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND [0003] Such connection elements are known as described in the introduction, for example for electrical outlets.

[0004] The role of such a connection element is to carry the current between the electrical wires of the electrical network and the electrical outlet that belongs to an electrical apparatus that is connected to this connection element. The connecting element comprises, for this purpose, a part adapted to accommodate an electrical wire from the wall and a receiving socket adapted to accommodate the pin of the electrical outlet to place them in electrical contact.

[0005] Such an electrical connection element must comply with certain standards. [0006] For example, international standards require that the temperature increase of an electrical outlet due to its heating in operation remains below a heating limit value set according to the nominal intensity of the electrical outlet.

[0007] A solution to reduce the heating of the connection element is to make the body of the connection element in a material that has an electrical resistance that is the least possible, that body being entirely covered by a coating that limits the contact resistance with the bare soul of the electrical wire. In fact, the heating of the connection element increases with the electrical resistance introduced by the latter in the electrical circuit.

Petition 870190049467, of 05/27/2019, p. 11/43

2/23 [0008] The electrical resistance of the connecting element is linked to different parameters, notably the volumetric resistance of the material (linked to its conductivity) and the contact resistance between the bare core of the electrical wire and the connecting element. The body is usually made of rough brass. It is also known to make the latter entirely in brass coated with materials such as tin, silver or gold. This allows contact resistance with the bare core of an electrical wire to be less than the contact resistance between the raw brass and the bare core of the electrical wire. However, the cost of such a coated brass is high.

[0009] An example of connection element is described for example in EP1353407.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION [0010] Within this context, the present invention proposes a connection element in which the heating during the electrical connection of an electric wire is reduced while limiting costs.

[0011] More especially, an electrical connection element as described in the introduction is proposed according to the invention, in which the inner face of the body wall is provided with a contact element made of a second material different from the first material, against which said spring leaf is adapted to apply said bare core of the conductive wire when the latter is inserted into the connecting element, said second material having a contact resistance with the bare core of the electrical wire lower than the contact resistance between the first material and that bare core of the electrical wire.

[0012] Thanks to the connection element according to the invention, it is possible to limit the heating of the body of this connection element during the passage of the electric current by reducing the contact resistance between the bare core of the electrical wire and the body, while limiting the costs of manufacturing the connecting element. This is accomplished thanks to a contact element made of a material that has a contact resistance with the bare core of the electrical wire lower than that of the material on which the rest is made.

Petition 870190049467, of 05/27/2019, p. 12/43

3/23 of the connecting element and arranged inside the connecting element.

[0013] Other non-limiting and advantageous characteristics of the connection element according to the invention are as follows:

- said second material contains tin, silver or gold;

- said first material contains copper;

- at least two contact elements made in the second material are provided and said spring blade is adapted to apply the bare core of the electric wire against at least one of the two contact elements;

- at least two contact elements made in the second material are provided and said spring blade is adapted to apply the bare core of the electric wire against the two contact elements simultaneously;

- each contact element extends projecting towards the interior of the body, in relation to the internal face of said wall;

- each contact element belongs to a rivet fixed through said wall;

- each contact element belongs to an adapted insert on said internal face of the wall;

- said body comprises at least two insertion ducts adapted to guide the insertion of the bare core of the electrical wire into the connection element, each of the insertion ducts being at least partially delimited by said internal face of the body wall, and by at least one contact element being arranged in each insertion channel.

[0014] The invention also relates to an electrical apparatus that comprises a connection element as described above, for the electrical connection of an electrical wire.

[0015] In particular, this electrical apparatus constitutes a current socket for the electrical connection of said electrical wire and of a connecting pin that belongs to another electrical apparatus.

[0016] The invention finally relates to a process for manufacturing an electrical connection element as described above, which comprises

Petition 870190049467, of 05/27/2019, p. 13/43

4/23 a conductive metallic body made of a first material and housing a spring leaf, said spring leaf being adapted to apply against a inner face of a wall of the body the bare core of a conductive wire inserted in said element of electrical connection, this internal face of the body wall being provided with a contact element made of a second material that has a contact resistance with the bare core of the electrical wire lower than the contact resistance between the first material and this bare core of the wire electrical, according to which said body is manufactured in the first material, and then the contact element made in the second material is fixed on the inner face of the wall of that body.

[0017] According to this process, a hole is drilled in said body wall and a rivet made in the second material is fixed there.

[0018] In variant, a insert made of the second material is welded on the inner face of said wall.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXAMPLE OF IMPLEMENTATION [0019] The description that will follow with reference to the accompanying drawings, given as non-limiting examples, will make you understand what the invention consists of and how it can be realized.

[0020] In the attached drawings:

figure 1 is a schematic view in rear perspective of a first example of making the electrical connection element according to the invention,

figure 2 is a schematic rear perspective view of the body of the electrical connection element in figure 1,

figure 3 is a schematic rear perspective view of the spring blade of the electrical connection element of figure 1,

figure 4 is a rear view of the connection element in figure 1,

figure 5 is a schematic front view of the body of the electrical connection element in figure 1,

figure 6 is a schematic front perspective view of the spring blade of the electrical connection element of figure 5,

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5/23

figure 7 is a schematic front perspective view of the spring blade of the electrical connection element of figure 5,

- figure 8 is a schematic top view of the electrical connection element in figure 1,

figure 9 is a schematic top view of the body of the electrical connection element in figure 8,

figure 10 is a schematic top view of the spring blade of the electrical connection element in figure 8,

- figure 11 is a schematic profile view of the electrical connection element in figure 1,

figure 12 is a schematic view of the spring blade of the electrical connection element of figure 11,

figure 13 is a schematic exploded view in front perspective of the electrical connection element of figure 5,

figure 14 is an exploded schematic view in rear perspective of the electrical connection element of figure 1,

- figure 15 is a schematic sectional view according to the P1 plane of figure 8,

- figure 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view, similar to that in figure 15, with the bare core of an electrical wire inserted into the connecting element,

figure 17 is a schematic rear perspective view of a second example of making the electrical connection element according to the invention.

figure 18 is a schematic sectional view similar to that of figure 16 for the second embodiment.

[0021] In the two embodiments shown, the identical or corresponding elements will be referenced by the same signs.

[0022] In figures 1 to 16, on the one hand, and 17 and 18, on the other hand, one of the two examples of realization of the connecting element 1 according to the invention has been shown.

Petition 870190049467, of 05/27/2019, p. 15/43

6/23 [0023] The connection element 1 according to the invention is intended to be integrated into an electrical apparatus, for example to a power outlet.

[0024] The electrical apparatus according to the invention comprises at least one connection element for the electrical connection of an electrical wire.

[0025] In particular, this electrical apparatus constitutes a current socket for the electrical connection of said electrical wire and a connecting pin that belongs to another electrical apparatus.

[0026] It allows the transport of electrical current between the electrical wires of this appliance, for example the electrical wires of the electrical network connected to the mains socket, and a connecting pin connected to this electrical appliance, which belongs for example to an electrical socket of another electrical appliance.

[0027] For this purpose, this connecting element 1 comprises a conducting body 100 comprising a housing 10 adapted to receive at least one bare core 4 of an electrical wire 2 (figures 16 and 18) and a socket 120 adapted to receive the pin connecting the electrical outlet (not shown) to place the electrical wire with the connecting pin in electrical contact.

[0028] The connecting element 1 further comprises a spring blade 200 adapted on the one hand to fasten the electrical wire 2 inserted in the housing 110 against a base wall 103 of that housing 110, and on the other hand, to tighten the pin connector inserted in connection socket 120 (figures 1.5, 8, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18).

[0029] The electrical wire 2 more precisely comprises a bare core 4 surrounded by an insulating sheath 3 (figures 16 and 18).

More precisely, here, the spring blade 200 is adapted to apply the bare core 4 of the conductive wire 2 inserted in the housing 110 against the base wall 103 (figures 16 and 18) of that housing 110 and is adapted to apply by at least one wall of the connecting socket 120 against the connecting pin, when the latter is inserted into said connecting socket 120.

[0031] Connecting element 1 extends globally according to a longitudinal axis X1 orthogonal to a direction of insertion I of the connecting pin in the socket

Petition 870190049467, of 05/27/2019, p. 16/43

7/23

120. The insertion direction I corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the receiving 120 socket (figures 1.5, 8, 13, 14 and 17).

[0032] The body 100 of the connection element 1 is more especially shown in figures 1,2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14 and 17.

[0033] The body 100 is made of a first material that has a satisfactory first electrical conductivity to conduct the electric current between the connecting pin and the electrical wire 2.

[0034] It is, for example, a conductive metal, for example copper or an alloy containing copper.

[0035] The body 100 is formed here by a folded metal sheet.

[0036] This body 100 here comprises two side flaps 101, 102 which extend from the base wall 103, globally according to the longitudinal axis X1.

[0037] The base wall 103 is substantially flat and extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X1 of the connecting element 1 (figures 8, 9 and 17).

[0038] Each side flap 101, 102 forms, successively from the base wall 103, a main side wall 111, 112 of the housing 110, an intermediate part 121,122 curved into the connection element 1 and a curved wall 123, 124 to the outside of the connection element, which partially delimits the socket 120 (figures 1,2, 5, 6, 8, 9, 13, 14 and 17).

[0039] The side walls 111,112 of the housing 110, defined by the two side flaps 101,102, are flat and extend at right angles from the base wall 103.

[0040] This base wall 103 forms in this case a third side wall of the housing 110 (figures 1,2, 4, 5, 8, 9 and 17).

[0041] The housing 110 of the connection element 1 has in this case a globally parallelepiped shape delimited by the two main side walls 111, 112, the base wall 103 and said intermediate parts 121, 122 of the side flaps 101, 102 (figures 1 , 2, 5, 6, 8, 9, 13, 14 and 17).

Petition 870190049467, of 05/27/2019, p. 17/43

8/23 [0042] This housing 110 is thus practically closed on four sides by said side walls 111, 112, 103 and by said intermediate parts 121, 122 of side flaps 101, 102.

[0043] It is completely open on two opposite sides.

[0044] The housing 110 thus constitutes a space for insertion of the electric wire in the connection element 1, which extends here according to a direction E1 parallel to the direction of insertion I of the connection pin in the socket (figures 2, 6, 9 and 11).

[0045] The direction E1 of insertion of the electric wire is therefore orthogonal to the longitudinal axis X1 of the connection element 1.

[0046] Housing 110 is opened along this direction E1.

[0047] On the other hand, the base wall 103 of the housing 110 has an opening 105, which forms two walls 106 that rise from the inner face of that base wall 103, parallel to the side walls 111, 112 of the housing 110 ( figures 5, 6, 8, 9 and 17), towards the interior of the housing 110.

[0048] These walls 106 extend longitudinally according to the direction E1 of insertion of the electric wire in the housing, over a large part of the height of the housing 110 (figures 1,2, 5, 6, 8, 9, 13, 14 and 17).

[0049] Thus each wall 106 delimits with the side wall 111, 112 of the adjacent housing 110, an insertion channel 107, 108 (figure 9) of the bare core 4 of the electrical wire 2, which guides the introduction of the bare core 4 of the wire electric 2 inside that housing 110.

[0050] Notably, the inner face of the base wall 103 of the body 110 is on the other hand provided with a contact element 115 (figures 8, 9, 15, 16, 18) made of a second material that presents a resistance of contact with the bare core of the electrical wire less than the contact resistance between the first material and that bare core of the electrical wire, against which said spring blade 200 is adapted to apply said bare core 4 of the conductive wire 2 when it the latter is inserted in connection element 1.

[0051] This second material is different from the first material.

[0052] It is a contact element that has small dimensions

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9/23 in relation to the dimensions of the base wall.

[0053] This contact element 115 thus presents a limited extension in relation to that of the base wall 103.

[0054] However, it can take different forms. It may notably be in the form of a contact grain or a tablet, but other forms are also possible, for example a strip shape.

[0055] In particular, the contact element 115 can have a circular shape, with a diameter between 1 and 2 millimeters, for example equal to 1.5 millimeters. It can also have any other suitable shape, for example with a total dimension between 1 and 2 millimeters. The corresponding dimensions of the housing are here, for example, 8 mm wide and 11 mm high along the insertion direction E1 for the base wall 103, and 7 mm long along the longitudinal axis X1. The total length of the connection element along this longitudinal axis X1 is 18 mm here. [0056] Each contact element 115 is fixed on the inner face of the base wall 103. In particular, each contact element 115 is fixed on or on the base wall 103.

[0057] It is also possible to provide that the base wall 103 comprises a plurality of contact elements 115 against which the spring leaf 200 is adapted to apply simultaneously or not the bare core 4 of the electrical wire 2.

[0058] Each contact element 115 is adapted to route the electric current from the bare core of the electrical wire in contact with it to the body 100.

[0059] The body 100 is adapted to direct the electric current from each contact element 115 to the connecting pin connected in the receiving socket 120.

[0060] In the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 16, as shown more particularly in Figures 1, 2 and 4, the connecting element 1 here comprises more precisely two contact elements 115.

Petition 870190049467, of 05/27/2019, p. 19/43

10/23 [0061] The contact elements 115 are arranged on the inner face of the base wall 103 in such a way that the spring leaf 200 applies the bare core 4 of the electric wire 2 inserted in the housing 110 against at least one of the elements contact 115.

[0062] In practice, here, each contact element 115 is disposed within one of the insertion ducts 107, 108 bounded between the walls 106 and the adjacent side walls 111, 112 (figures 8 and 9), close to the entrance of the accommodation 110.

[0063] The entrance of the housing 110 corresponds to the open face of the housing 110 which is located closest to the second end part 220 of the spring leaf 200, which will be described in more detail later.

[0064] In a variant, the contact element can be placed in the middle of the insertion channel of the bare core of the electrical wire, or in any location that ensures the electrical contact between the contact element and the bare core of the electrical wire.

[0065] Here, a contact element 115 is provided in each of the two insertion ducts 107, 108 of the housing 110, and the bare core 4 of the electrical wire 2 is therefore brought into contact with one of the two contact elements 115 whatever the insertion conduit 107, 108 into which it is inserted.

[0066] As a variant, it is possible to provide for a plurality of contact elements in each conduit of insertion of the housing.

[0067] Thus, in the second example shown in Figures 17 and 18, two contact elements 115 are provided in each insertion channel 107, 108 of the housing 110. These contact elements are positioned here in the vicinity of the entrance and the exit housing 110. With the exception of the number of contact elements arranged on the inner face of each insertion duct, the connection element according to the second embodiment of figures 17 and 18 is entirely similar to that of the first example of embodiment .

[0068] The bare core is in this case applied against at least one of the two contact elements 115 of the insertion channel 107, 108 in which it is inserted.

[0069] The contact between the contact element and the bare core of the electrical wire

Petition 870190049467, of 05/27/2019, p. 20/43

11/23 is ensured in this case, whatever the direction in which the bare soul is inserted into the insertion channel. When the bare core of the electrical wire is inserted parallel to the direction of insertion E1 in housing 110, the bare core 4 of the electrical wire 2 is applied simultaneously against the two contact elements 115, which contributes to reducing the contact resistance of the assembly.

[0070] It may happen that the electric wire is requested in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction E1. The bare core 4 of the electrical wire can then be positioned in the housing according to an inclined direction in relation to the insertion direction E1.

[0071] In this situation, the presence of two contact elements 115 allows to ensure that the bare core 4 of the electrical wire 2 is in contact with at least one of the two contact elements 115. For example, if the electrical wire is pulled into the side of the receiving socket (to the left in figure 18), the bare core 4 of the electrical wire remains in contact with the contact element 115 disposed in the vicinity of the housing outlet 110. If the electrical wire is pulled away from the receiving socket (to the right in figure 18), the bare core 4 of the electrical wire remains in contact with the contact element 115 disposed in the vicinity of the entrance of the housing 110.

[0072] The contact between the contact element 115 and the bare core of the electrical wire is exercised here in a reduced zone of the bare core due to the small dimensions of the contact element or elements.

[0073] Said second material preferably contains tin, silver, gold or another precious metal such as palladium, rhodium or platinum.

[0074] In practice, for example, copper or tinned brass, that is to say copper or crude tin-coated brass, a copper / tin alloy, tin, a metal alloy comprising gold, silver or another precious metal such as palladium, rhodium or platinum or a metal such as brass covered with gold, silver or another precious metal such as palladium, rhodium or platinum.

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12/23 [0075] Copper or brass can be covered with tin, gold, silver, for example by an electrolytic deposit, compaction, co-lamination or co-lamination method with brazing.

[0076] In general, the contact resistance that exists between the second material and the bare core of the electrical wire can be measured by any method known to the Professional.

[0077] This is about measuring the potential drop between the bare core of the electrical wire 2 and the contact element 115 made on this second material, and, therefore, on either side of the contact interface, for the application of a given reference current. The contact resistance is deducted from this measurement.

[0078] The contact resistance can be measured notably for the application of a low current, of the order for example 10 to 100 milliamps, and / or for the application of the rated current of the connection element 1, for example between 16 and 20 Amps.

[0079] The contact resistance will preferably be compared between the second material and the bare core of the electric wire and the contact resistance between the first material and the bare core of the electric wire measured to the same value of the intensity of the electric current.

[0080] Contact resistance can be measured under operating conditions of the connection element, that is, in the chemical and mechanical environment of use and after a certain aging of the connection element. Preferably, the contact resistance between the second material and the bare core of the electrical wire will be compared and the contact resistance between the first material and the bare core of the electrical wire measured for similar operating conditions.

[0081] The contact resistance between the first material and the bare core of the electrical wire is for example measured on a contact element similar to that of the invention, but which does not comprise any contact element.

[0082] This contact resistance depends notably on the characteristics of hardness, sensitivity to mechanical stresses and resistance to chemical aggressions of the material.

Petition 870190049467, of 05/27/2019, p. 22/43

13/23 [0083] For example, with a second relatively soft material such as tin, the oxides that can form on the surface of the contact element are cracked when the bare core of the electrical wire is applied against that contact element, which reduces the contact resistance between the bare core of the electrical wire and the contact element.

[0084] More precisely, here, each contact element 115 belongs to a rivet 117 (see notably figures 13 to 16).

[0085] The base wall 103 is thus equipped with two rivets 117 made in said second conductive material. These are 117 rivets made of tin.

[0086] Each rivet 117 is riveted on the base wall 103, through a hole 116 of that base wall 103 (figure 14). Each rivet 117 comprises two ends 115, 118 which extend projecting from said base wall 103 (figures 15, 16 and 18).

[0087] The inner end 15 of the rivet 117 extends in this case protruding from the wall 103, towards the interior of the housing 110 (figures 15, 16 and 18), and constitutes the contact element 115.

[0088] This contact element 115 in this case has, for example, a protruding thickness of the base wall 103 comprised between 0.3 and 0.4 millimeters.

[0089] According to a variant of embodiment not shown here, the contact element belongs to a tablet adapted on said internal face of the base wall of the housing.

[0090] This insert is for example welded on said internal face of the base wall at the place where the internal end 115 of the rivet 112 protrudes in the example detailed here.

[0091] The two side walls 111, 112 of the housing 110 are extended by the two curved intermediate parts 121,122 that approach each other, and then by the two curved walls 123, 124 that delimit the socket 120 between them.

[0092] This socket 120 is globally shaped like a cylindrical sleeve of the

Petition 870190049467, of 05/27/2019, p. 23/43

14/23 which the longitudinal axis extends according to the insertion direction I (figures 1, 2, 5, 6 and 17).

[0093] The intermediate parts 121, 122 of the side flaps 101, 102 connect the edges of the main side walls 111, 112 to the curved walls 123, 124 of the socket 120.

[0094] Each intermediate part 121,122 successively comprises, from the corresponding main side wall 111,112, a fold 104 towards the inside of the connecting element 1, a curved portion 121 A, 122A towards the outside, and a flat portion 121B, 122B. The two flat portions 121b, 122B extend parallel to each other, in close proximity to each other (figures 2, 5 and 8).

[0095] The bend 104 here presents a radius of curvature less than that of the curved portion 121 A, 122A (figures 5, 6 and 9).

[0096] Each of the flat portions 121B, 122B is extended by one of the curved walls 123, 124 that partially form the socket 120. Each curved wall 123, 124 is curved towards the interior of the connecting element 1 and presents, along from the insertion direction I, an end 123A, 124A which is widened in order to facilitate the insertion of the connecting pin in the socket 120 (figures 1,2, 6, 8, 9 and 17).

[0097] It will be noted that here, the entrance of the housing 110 and the enlarged entrance of the socket 120 are arranged on one side and the other of the connecting element 1, imposing a sense of insertion of the electric wire and the opposite connecting pin.

[0098] The spring leaf 200 has the shape shown in figures 3, 7, 10 and 12 to 18. The spring leaves 200 of the first and second embodiment examples are identical.

[0099] The spring blade 200 of the connection element 1 according to the invention is formed of a single piece, by a metal strip from which a first end part 210 comprises a longitudinal slot 210A which separates two branches 211,212 adapted to tighten the curved walls 123,124 the socket 120 against the connecting pin (not shown) and of which a second end part 220 is adapted to tighten the bare core of the conductive wire inserted in the

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15/23 housing 110 against the base wall 103 and the contact element 115.

[0100] The first end part 210 has a free end 201 and the second end part 220 has a free end 202.

[0101] The spring leaf 200 has, horizontally, a substantially rectangular contour, slightly tapered at its first free end 201, which extends along a longitudinal direction.

[0102] It comprises two elbow-shaped portions 233, 234 around a first transverse axis T1 and a second transverse axis T2 parallel to T1. These two transverse axes T1, T2 are perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the metal strip.

[0103] Viewed in profile, the spring leaf 200 thus has an overall S-shape (figure 12), with the first and second end parts 210, 220 extending respectively from one of said portions folded in the form of elbow 234, 233 towards one of the free ends 201,202 of the spring leaf 200 and a central part 230 located between the two elbow-folded portions 233, 234.

[0104] These three parts 210, 220, 230 of the spring leaf 200 are flat.

[0105] The longitudinal slit 210A extends here in the plane of the spring leaf 200, along the first end part 210, of one of the elbow-folded portions 234 and partly along the central part 230 of the leaf spring 200 (figures 3 and 10).

[0106] It separates the first end part 210 of the spring leaf 200 into two front branches 211,212 (figures 3 and 10).

[0107] Said two front branches 211,212 of the first end part 210 extend according to a median plane of the spring leaf 200 and are adapted to stretch elastically from one another parallel to that median plane when introducing the pin. connection element 1.

[0108] On the other hand, here, the second end portion 220 of the spring leaf 200 is also separated into two rear branches 221,222 by another longitudinal slot 240 (figure 10).

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16/23 [0109] The free end of each of the rear branches 221,222 on the other hand comprises a notch adapted to fit the contour of the bare core 4 of the electrical wire 2 inserted into the housing 110 of the body 100 of the connection element 1 (figures 8 and 10).

[0110] In practice, the spring leaf 200 is housed in the body 100 such that the second end portion 220 and the third central part 230 of the spring leaf 200 are housed in the housing 110 of the body 100 (figures 1.5 , 15, 16 and 18).

[0111] As shown in figures 1, 5, 8, 15, 16 and 18, the central part 230 of the spring leaf 200 is applied against the inner face part of each curved portion 121 A, 122A of each intermediate part 121 , 122 of each side flap 101, 102 of body 100 of connection element 1. In this case it extends substantially parallel to the insertion direction I of the connection pin in the socket 120.

[0112] The spring leaf 200 has a substantially equal width, with the exception of a gap, to the width of the insertion space constituted internally by the housing 110 of the body 100, with the exception of a central area of the spring leaf 200 which has a width larger because two ears 231, 232 extend locally from the thickness of the spring leaf 200 (figure 3).

[0113] The spring leaf 200 actually comprises retaining means in the housing 110, which operate together with complementary means of the body 100 of the connecting element 1.

[0114] More precisely, here the central part 230 of the spring leaf 200 comprises the two ears 231,232 that extend in the plane of that central part 230 of the spring leaf, towards the outside of the spring leaf (figures 3, 7 and 10 ).

[0115] Each of these ears 231,232 is received in a window 109 of the body 100 of the connection element 1, located here at the level of the fold 104 that connects the curved portion 121 A, 122A of the intermediate part 121, 122 of each side flap 101 , 102 to the side wall 111, 112 corresponding to the housing 110 (figures 1.5 and 11).

[0116] The spring leaf 200 is thus mounted by engaging the body 100 of the connecting element 1.

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17/23 [0117] The shape of the ears 231,232 allows the retention of the spring leaf 200 in the housing 110 when inserting the bare core 4 of the electric wire 2.

[0118] The second end part 220 of the spring leaf 200 extends across the housing 110, and the free end 202 of the second end part 220 of the spring leaf 200 rests against the inner face of the base wall 103 of the housing 110 (figure 7) when no conductive wire is inserted in the housing 110. Here, in addition, the free end 202 of the second end part 220 of the spring leaf 200 rests against the resting contact element 115.

[0119] The spring leaf 200 can be slightly desired so that that second end part 220 of the spring leaf 200 permanently exerts pressure against the inner face of the base wall 103 of the housing 110 and / or on the contact 115.

[0120] More precisely, as shown in figure 8, the free end of each of the two rear branches 221,222 of the second end part 220 of the spring leaf 200 is shaped so as to be housed in one of the two insertion ducts 107 108 of the electrical wire.

[0121] The free end of each rear branch 221, 222 thus extends across one of the insertion ducts 107,108, between one of the side walls 111, 112 of the housing 110 and the adjacent wall 106, and is in support against the base wall 103 and / or contact element 115 (figure 15) when the bare core 4 of the electrical wire 2 is outside the housing 110 of the connection element 1.

[0122] As a variant, the spring leaf can be housed at rest in said housing. The free end of each rear branch is not necessarily in contact with the base wall and / or the contact element before introducing the bare core of the electrical wire.

[0123] The first end part 210 of the spring leaf 200 emerges out of the housing 110 and extends towards the socket 120 (figures 11 and 17).

[0124] This first end part 210 of the spring leaf 200 extends

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18/23 here in this case perpendicular to the insertion direction I of the connecting pin in the socket.

[0125] More precisely, here, the first end part 210 of the spring leaf 200 emerges in the vicinity of the enlarged end 123A, 124A of the curved part 123, 124 of the side flap 101, 102 (figures 11 and 17).

[0126] Furthermore, as shown in figures 1, 5 and 8, a part of the body 100 of the connection element 1 extends in the longitudinal slot 210A, between the front branches 211, 212 of the spring leaf 200. This here from a part of the flat portion 121B, 122B of the intermediate part 121, 122 of each side flap 101, 102 of the body 100 of the connecting element 1.

[0127] In fact, as shown in figure 10, the height of each side flap 101, 102 of the body 100, measured according to the direction of insertion I of the connecting pin, is lower at the level of the curved portion 121 A, 122A of the intermediate part 121, 122 of that side flap 101,102 than at the level of the flat portion 121B, 122B of the intermediate part 121, 122.

[0128] This allows the first end part 210 of the spring leaf 200 to emerge above the edges of the curved portions 121 A, 122A of the intermediate parts 121,122, such that the free ends of the front branches 211,212 of the first end part 210 of the spring blade 200 frame the ends of the flat portions 121B, 122B of the intermediate parts 121,122 of the side flaps 101, 102 (figures 1 and 5).

[0129] The spring leaf 200 is thus adapted to operate together with said flaps of the body 100 in order to limit the spacing of the curved parts 123, 124 from the side flaps 101,102 that delimit the socket 120.

[0130] Here, in the standby position, when no pins are inserted in the receiving socket 120, the free ends of the front branches 211, 212 of the first end part 210 of the spring leaf 200 are in contact with the flat portions 121B, 122B of the intermediate parts 121,122 of the side flaps 101,102 without putting pressure on them.

[0131] In variant, in the waiting position, the free ends of the branches

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19/23 front of the first end portion of the spring leaf may be out of contact with the ends of the flat portions of the intermediate parts of the side flaps.

[0132] Also in a variant, in this waiting position, the free ends of the front branches of the first end part of the spring leaf can pinch the ends of the flat portions of the intermediate parts of the side flaps.

[0133] The spring blade material has satisfactory stiffness characteristics to play its role of tightening the electric wire and the connecting pin. It is not necessary for it to be made of a conductive material, which allows limiting the amount of conductive material used to manufacture the connecting element according to the invention. The spring blade is for example made of steel, notably stainless steel.

[0134] In practice, thanks to the connection element 1 according to the invention, the heating of the connection element 1 when the electric current passes from the electrical wire to the connection element is limited.

[0135] When inserting the bare core 4 of the electric wire 2 into the housing 110, the second end portion 220 of the spring blade 200 is adapted to flex slightly around the first transverse axis T 'to allow the introduction of that bare core corresponding 110 housing.

[0136] Thus, when the stripped core 4 of an electrical wire 2 is introduced into housing 110, along one of the insertion channels 107, 108, the second end part 220 flips towards the central part 230 of the spring leaf 200 in order to release a passage for the bare core 4 of the electrical wire in the corresponding insertion conduit (figure 16). When the bare core 4 of the electric wire 2 extends into the insertion conduit, the second end 220 of the spring blade 200 tends to return to its unflagged resting position, thus applying the bare core 4 of the electric wire 2 against the inner face the base wall 103 of the housing 110 and against the contact element 115.

[0137] Here, two electrical wires can be inserted in each connection element 1, in the two insertion ducts 107, 108 of the housing 110 described

Petition 870190049467, of 05/27/2019, p. 29/43

20/23 previously.

[0138] Here, each electrical wire is inserted according to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X1 of the connection element 1 and parallel to the insertion direction I of the connection pin.

[0139] Each rear branch 221, 222 is adapted to flex independently of the other rear branch, to allow the insertion of the bare core 4 of the electrical wire 2 in one of the insertion ducts 107, 108, regardless of the insertion of an electrical wire in the other insertion conduit.

[0140] The free end 202 of the requested rear branch 221, 222 then exerts pressure on the bare core of the electrical wire, in order to apply it against the contact element 115 and the base wall 103 of the housing 110.

[0141] Thus, the bare core 4 of the electrical wire 2 is applied against the contact element 115 made on the second material that has a reduced contact resistance in relation to the first material that constitutes the rest of the body of the electrical connection element 1.

[0142] The presence of this contact element 115 interposed between the bare core 4 of the electrical wire 2 and the body part 100 made of the first material allows to reduce the overall contact resistance that exists between the bare core 4 of the electrical wire 2 and the connection element 1 and thus limit the heating of the assembly when the chain passes.

[0143] The experimental results obtained by the applicant show in fact that the overall resistance of the connection element according to the invention with rivets made of tin is similar to that of a connection element entirely made of tinned brass, without contact element .

[0144] In addition, the contact element 115 has a reduced size in relation to the connection element 1 and requires a small amount of second material to be manufactured. Its installation on the connection element is simple. The connecting element 1 according to the invention is therefore inexpensive.

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21/23 [0145] The cost of manufacturing the connection element according to the invention is also imitated, since the cut remains of the material that forms the body of the connection element (copper or brass for example), can be easily recycled and are therefore resold at a price close to the purchase price. On the contrary, if the body is made entirely of tinned brass, for example, not only does this material cost more to purchase, but it is also more difficult to recycle since the tin must be separated from the brass. The cut remains are then resold at a price well below the purchase price. The connection element according to the invention is, therefore, economical to produce.

[0146] On the other hand, in the described example of the connecting element, the electrical conduction and tightening functions of the connecting pin and the electrical wire are separate. [0147] The electrical conduction is ensured only by the body 100, while the spring leaf 200 ensures the tightening of the connecting pin in the connecting socket 120 and the electric wire in the housing 110.

[0148] On the other hand, the tightening of the connection pin and that of each electrical wire is ensured independently.

[0149] In fact, when inserting the connecting pin into the socket, the latter is inserted into the socket according to the insertion direction I, from the extended end of the socket 120 towards the inside of the socket 120.

[0150] When doing this, the connecting pin tends to separate the curved parts 123, 124 from the side flaps 101, 102 from one another.

[0151] However, such a spacing immediately engenders the spacing of the flat portions 121B, 122B from the intermediate parts 121, 122 of the side flaps 101, 102.

[0152] The spacing of the flat portions 121B, 122B from the intermediate parts 121, 122 of the side flaps 101, 102 is quite limited by the action of the spring leaf 200 on these flat portions 121B, 122B of the intermediate parts 121, 122 of the side flaps 101,102.

[0153] In fact, this spacing tends to move the front branches 211,212 away from the spring leaf 200 in the plane of the spring leaf 200. The spring leaf 200 is then

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22/23 requested according to a transverse direction.

[0154] The spring leaf 200 has little elasticity in this transverse direction, and allows only a small spacing of the flat portions 121B, 122B from the intermediate parts 121,122 of the side flaps 101,102.

[0155] Thus, when the connecting pin is inserted into the socket, the front branches 211, 212 of the spring leaf move away elastically, and then tend to return to their initial positions.

[0156] The spring leaf 200 thus operates in conjunction with said flaps of the body 100; 300 in order to oppose the removal of the curved parts 123, 124 from the side flaps 101, 102 that delimit the socket 120.

[0157] In other words, the spring leaf 200; 400 operates together with said flaps of the body 100 to bring together the curved parts 123, 124 of the side flaps 101,102 that delimit the socket 120 towards each other.

[0158] The front branches 211,212 of the spring leaf 200 request the flat portions 121B, 122B of the intermediate parts 121,122 of the side flaps 101,102 towards each other, and with them, the curved parts 123,124 of the socket, in order to approach one of the another, said curved parts 123, 124.

[0159] By doing this, the front branches 211, 212 of the spring blade 200 ensure that the connecting pin is tightened against the curved parts 123, 124 of the socket.

[0160] The electrical connection of the electrical wire and the connecting pin is thus effectively secure.

[0161] The connection element according to the invention as described above can be realized in different ways.

[0162] In practice, here, the body 100 is manufactured by bending a metal sheet of the first conductive material, for example made of raw brass.

[0163] The windows 109 are drilled in the side flaps 101, 102 as well as the opening 105 and the holes 116 in the base wall 103. This is preferably done before the metal sheet is folded.

[0164] It is then possible to insert a rivet 117 into each hole 116 and fix

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23/23 the same, and then finally fold the sheet. This is especially the case when automated assembly of the connection element 1.

[0165] In a variant, notably when manually assembling, it is possible to first perform a maximum of folding of the sheet, that is to say those that will not hinder manual setting, and then place the rivets 117 and finally finalize the folding of the sheet.

[0166] Rivet 117 can be preformed or formed from a wire or a profile of the second material directly on the connecting element. For example, a pre-tinned wire with a square section of 1 mm on a side and 1.5 mm in length is used, embedded in the connection element.

[0167] As a variant, instead of drilling holes and installing rivets, two inserts made of the second material are welded on the inner face of said base wall 103. This is preferably done before the metal sheet is bent.

[0168] A connection element that has a special non-limiting shape has been described here. The connecting element may have any other adapted form known to the Professional.

[0169] It may notably be a connection element that has a single insertion duct delimited by the housing, into which a single electrical wire can be inserted. In this single conduit, according to the invention, one or more contact elements are provided.

[0170] It can also be a connection element of different geometry, for example in which the insertion space of the electrical wire or wires in the housing extends according to a direction perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the pin in the socket. Likewise, the spring leaf may have a different shape.

[0171] It can also be a simpler connection element, which comprises only a housing and a spring leaf, such as an automatic terminal, without receiving socket of a connection pin. Finally, the number of connecting elements and their shape can of course vary.

Claims (13)

1. Electrical connection element (1) comprising a metallic conductive body (100) made of a first material and which houses a spring leaf (200), said spring leaf (200) being adapted to apply against an internal face from a wall (103) of the body (100) the bare core (4) of a conductive wire (2) inserted in said connecting element (1), characterized by the fact that this internal face of the wall (103) of the body ( 100) is provided with a contact element (115) made of a second material different from the first material, against which said spring leaf (200) is adapted to apply said bare core (4) of the conductive wire (2) when the latter is inserted into the connecting element (1), said second material having a contact resistance with the bare core of the electrical wire less than the contact resistance between the first material and that bare core of the electrical wire. 2. Electrical connection element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said second material contains tin, silver or gold. Electrical connection element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said first material contains copper. 4. Electrical connection element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least two contact elements made of the second material are provided and said spring leaf (200) is adapted to apply the bare core (4) of the electrical wire (2) against at least one of the two contact elements. Electrical connection element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact that each contact element (115) extends protruding towards the inside of the body (100), in relation to the inner face of said wall. Electrical connection element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that each contact element (115) belongs to a rivet (117) fixed through said wall (103). 7. Electrical connection element according to any of the Petition 870190049467, of 05/27/2019, p. 34/43 2/3 claims 1 to 5, characterized by the fact that each contact element belongs to an adapted insert on said internal face of the wall. Electrical connection element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said body (100) comprises at least two insertion channels (107,108) adapted to guide the insertion of the bare web ( 4) of the electrical wire (2) inside the connection element (1), each of the insertion channels (107, 108) being bounded at least partially by said internal face of the wall (103) of the body, and at least one element contact (115) being arranged in each insertion channel (107, 108). 9. Electrical apparatus characterized by the fact that it comprises a connection element (1) of the type defined in any one of claims 1 to 8, for the electrical connection of an electrical wire. 10. Electrical apparatus characterized by the fact that it comprises a connection element (1) of the type defined in any one of claims 1 to 8, which constitutes a current socket for the electrical connection of said electrical wire and a connection pin that belongs to another electrical apparatus. 11. Process for the manufacture of an electrical connection element (1) of the type defined in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by the fact that it comprises a metallic conducting body (100) made of a first material and which houses a blade of spring (200), said spring blade (200) being adapted to apply against the inner face of a wall (103) of the body (100) the bare core (4) of a conductive wire (2) inserted in said element of electrical connection (1), this internal face of the wall (103) of the body (100) being provided with a contact element (115) made of a second material that has a contact resistance with the bare core of the electrical wire lower than the resistance of contact between the first material and that bare core of the electric wire, according to which said body (100) is manufactured in the first material, and then the contact element (115) made in the second material is fixed on the inner face wall (103) des if body (100). 12. Manufacturing process according to claim 11, Petition 870190049467, of 05/27/2019, p. 35/43 3/3 characterized by the fact that a hole (16) is drilled in said wall (103) of the body (100) and a rivet (117) made in the second material is fixed there. 13. Manufacturing process according to claim 11, characterized by the fact that a chip made of the second material is welded on an internal face of said wall.