EP0002984A1 - Ribbon cable connector with optical control - Google Patents

Ribbon cable connector with optical control Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0002984A1
EP0002984A1 EP78400244A EP78400244A EP0002984A1 EP 0002984 A1 EP0002984 A1 EP 0002984A1 EP 78400244 A EP78400244 A EP 78400244A EP 78400244 A EP78400244 A EP 78400244A EP 0002984 A1 EP0002984 A1 EP 0002984A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pusher
connector according
cable
converging
connector
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP78400244A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0002984B1 (en
Inventor
Jacques Carre
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Socapex SA
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Socapex SA
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Socapex SA filed Critical Socapex SA
Publication of EP0002984A1 publication Critical patent/EP0002984A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0002984B1 publication Critical patent/EP0002984B1/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R12/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, specially adapted for printed circuits, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB], flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, e.g. terminal strips, terminal blocks; Coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures; Terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures
    • H01R12/50—Fixed connections
    • H01R12/59—Fixed connections for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures
    • H01R12/65—Fixed connections for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures characterised by the terminal
    • H01R12/67—Fixed connections for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures characterised by the terminal insulation penetrating terminals
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R12/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, specially adapted for printed circuits, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB], flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, e.g. terminal strips, terminal blocks; Coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures; Terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures
    • H01R12/50—Fixed connections
    • H01R12/59—Fixed connections for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/24—Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands
    • H01R4/2416—Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands the contact members having insulation-cutting edges, e.g. of tuning fork type
    • H01R4/242—Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands the contact members having insulation-cutting edges, e.g. of tuning fork type the contact members being plates having a single slot

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of connectors for electrically conductive cables with a plurality of mutually insulated wires, in the case where these wires are arranged side by side, in a flat ribbon arrangement, where the wires are held together by their insulating coating, arrangement known as ribbon cable.
  • the plug-in connection of the ribbon cables uses connectors in two parts, each comprising, in an insulating support block, a plurality of conductive contact elements.
  • a typical form of such a terminal consists of a plate disposed at the end of the contact, a plate in which a slot, open at one end, has been made.
  • the introduction, by its lateral surface, of a conducting wire into this slot determines, for a suitable diameter of the wire, a partial penetration of the lateral edges of the slot in the latter, with establishment of the electrical contact, and mechanical anchoring of the wire on the terminal. If the wire is covered with a sheath of an insulating material, this sheath is notched in the same conditions by the edges of the slot; there is thus establishment of the electrical connection with self-stripping.
  • the self-stripping terminal has, the open end of its slot, a pair of points ensuring the drilling of the two walls, giving the self-stripping terminal the general shape of a fork.
  • connection between each wire and each terminal of a connector for ribbon cable is thus made very rapid, in particular if the penetration of all the wires of the cable is carried out simultaneously by a common thrust member.
  • the connector with self-stripping lugs for ribbon cables according to the present invention does not have these drawbacks.
  • this means allows immediate and simultaneous control of the plurality of connections between the wires of the ribbon cable and the forks of the self-stripping lugs without disassembly or application of electrical energy, but by purely optical means; this means is non-destructive, effective and inexpensive. It consists of a plurality of converging optical diopters, arranged opposite the region of the ribbon cable where the penetration, the self-stripping and the electrical connection of the forks take place, performing the function of a plurality of magnifying glasses providing visual magnification of this region; according to the invention, this control means is associated, in the connector, with the means ensuring the application of the force of simultaneous penetration of the wires of the ribbon cable into the terminals, namely the push button forming part of the connector.
  • the invention thus provides for assuming in a new way two functions by the same means, a mechanical function and an optical function.
  • the material of which the pusher is made is chosen from those which are able to enter, by their physical properties of transparency and refractive index, into the constitution of optical devices; in addition, the shape of the surfaces of the pusher disposed facing the regions of the ribbon cable to be checked is chosen to constitute pluralities of converging diopters of optical power suitable for good observation, with sufficient magnification.
  • an optically controlled connector for ribbon cable, cable in the form of a strip consisting of a plurality of adjacent conductive wires joined by a common flat insulating envelope comprising firstly a block of insulating material provided with 'a housing to receive the cable, secondly a determined number of contact elements with self-stripping lugs, these lugs protruding into this housing, and thirdly a movable pusher, ensuring the application on the cable of a force of insertion of the wires into the lugs, the pusher being provided with optical elements of the "converging diopter" type arranged opposite the self-stripping lugs, with their optical axis oriented parallel to the direction of said insertion force.
  • Figure 1 shows, in a perspective view with partial section, one of the two parts of a self-stripping connector for ribbon cable according to the prior art.
  • Such a cable illustrated in the figure in partial section, is in the general form of a strip 1, where a plurality of conducting wires such as 2 are stored side by side, joined by a flexible insulating material 3.
  • the connector comprises an insulating block 4, provided with a transverse housing 5 for receiving the cable, block supporting a plurality of contact elements 6.
  • Each element comprises on the one hand a part of a connector not shown, and on the other hand an internal part 8, ensuring the electrical connection with one of the wires of the ribbon cable by self-stripping.
  • This known characteristic consists of a drilling of the intermediate wall at 9 and 10 of the cable by two points 11 and 12 of the terminal, a sectioning of the sheath 3 of the wire by the edges of the slot 13, and finally the making of an electrical contact by these edges with the conductive core of the wire.
  • These cutting edges of the slot only create a narrow cut in the insulating sheath, which resiliently closes on the two contact regions and protects them against damage due to the environment (humidity, various chemical attacks).
  • connection is made final by securing the pusher and the support block, by using screws introduced into the openings 18 and 19.
  • the connector After closing, the connector has the general shape of a closed housing, and, taking into account insulating materials usually used, a visual inspection of the insertion of the wires in the terminals is impossible.
  • FIG. 3 represents a connector pusher with self-stripping lugs for ribbon cable, according to the invention.
  • This pusher is provided, in a part of its upper wall 31, with a plurality of optical elements 32 of the converging diopter type, often designated by the name of "magnifying glass".
  • Each magnifying glass is arranged opposite one of the housings 33, intended to receive a self-stripping terminal, and the magnification of the region of the cable which it allows to observe allows an easy and precise examination of the good insertion of the wire into the slot of the terminal.
  • FIG. 4 represents a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention.
  • the pusher 14 is entirely made of optically transparent material, and directly carries, in the same continuous material, the converging optical diopters 41, which are here of the cylindrical type; it thus simultaneously performs two functions, that of transmitting an insertion force and that of optical magnification.
  • the choice of material can be performed from a wide range of chemical compounds, which possess in general, when transparent, the p roprié- simultaneous tees electrical insulators; we cite, for example, polymethyl methacrystal as well suited to the constitution of a pusher according to the invention, moreover being suitable for an easy realization tion, moreover lending itself an easy realization by molding or machining.
  • FIG. 5 represents a variant of the embodiment of the previous figure, where the more numerous converging optical dioptres 51 and 52 make it possible to examine simultaneously the lateral branches of each terminal and the axis of each wire.
  • an axial projection 53 formed in each housing 33 of the pusher, ensures the creation of an imprint in the insulating sheath of each wire for the duration of the insertion.
  • Figure 6 in two parts (a) and (b) shows two explanatory diagrams of the role of axial projection 53 of the previous figure.
  • the projection consists of a line of triangular cross section, and according to (b), it consists of a cone.
  • the axial projection When inserting a wire into the corresponding terminal, the axial projection enters the insulating envelope where it creates an imprint 60. If the insertion is correct, the axial projection moves parallel to the direction of insertion 54 and the imprint remains masked by the projection during the observation; if, on the other hand, the insertion is incorrect, the wire and its insulating sheath move laterally, with respect to the direction of insertion, and the impression progressively moves in the same direction. At the end of insertion, the impression then occupies position 61, corresponding to a total width t.
  • optical examination means and means ensuring signaling marking, in combination with the insertion button thus provides a set of results which are particularly advantageous in practical uses, in particular on construction sites.

Landscapes

  • Multi-Conductor Connections (AREA)
  • Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
  • Connections By Means Of Piercing Elements, Nuts, Or Screws (AREA)
  • Manufacturing Of Electrical Connectors (AREA)
  • Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)

Abstract

Connecteur à cosses auto-dénudantes pour câble en nappe. L'insertion de chaque fil du câble, qui doit normalement s'effectuer dans une fente à bords coupants (13) portée par une cosse (6) du connecteur (1) sous l'action d'un poussoir (14) a quelquefois lieu de façon néfaste en dehors de la fente. Selon l'invention, le poussoir (14) comporte dans sa partie supérieure, une pluralité de loupes grossissantes réalisées d'un seul tenant (41) avec lui, et permettant une inspection visuelle précise, sans démontage, de chaque insertion de fil. Les applications sont notamment du domaine des circuits sur châssis mobiles.Self-stripping lug connector for ribbon cable. The insertion of each wire of the cable, which should normally take place in a slit with sharp edges (13) carried by a terminal (6) of the connector (1) under the action of a pusher (14) sometimes takes place harmful outside the slit. According to the invention, the pusher (14) comprises in its upper part, a plurality of magnifying magnifiers produced integrally (41) with it, and allowing precise visual inspection, without disassembly, of each insertion of wire. The applications are in particular from the field of circuits on mobile chassis.

Description

La présente invention se rapporte au domaine des connecteurs pour câbles conducteurs électriques à pluralité de fils mutuellement isolés, dans le cas où ces fils sont disposés côte à côte, suivant un arrangement en ruban plat, où les fils sont maintenus assemblés par leur revêtement isolant, arrangement connu sous le nom de câble en nappe.The present invention relates to the field of connectors for electrically conductive cables with a plurality of mutually insulated wires, in the case where these wires are arranged side by side, in a flat ribbon arrangement, where the wires are held together by their insulating coating, arrangement known as ribbon cable.

Le raccordement par enfichage des câbles en nappe met en oeuvre des connecteurs en deux parties, comportant chacune, dans un bloc-support isolant, une pluralité d'éléments de contact conducteurs. Chaque fil ayant été préalablement dénudé sur une longueur convenable, par enlèvement de sa gaine isolante, est relié à un des éléments de contact, dont une extrémité est adaptée à cette liaison, le plus souvent réalisée par soudure ; l'autre extrémité de chaque élément de contact, en forme soit de fiche mâle, soit de douille femelle, assure le raccordement par enfichage avec des éléments de contact de forme complémentaire portés par l'autre partie du connecteur.The plug-in connection of the ribbon cables uses connectors in two parts, each comprising, in an insulating support block, a plurality of conductive contact elements. Each wire having been previously stripped over a suitable length, by removing its insulating sheath, is connected to one of the contact elements, one end of which is adapted to this connection, most often made by welding; the other end of each contact element, in the form of either a male plug or a female socket, provides plug-in connection with contact elements of complementary shape carried by the other part of the connector.

Cependant, le nombre élevé des fils contenus dans un câble en nappe, qui peut typiquement être de 50, rend long et coûteux l'ensemble des opérations de soudure, et il a été proposé d'étendre à ce domaine les avantages des liaisons fil-contact par cosses à auto-dénudage. Une forme typique d'une telle cosse consiste en une plaquette disposée à l'extrémité du contact, plaquette dans laquelle une fente, ouverte à une extrémité, a été ménagée. L'introduction, par sa surface latérale, d'un fil conducteur dans cette fente détermine, pour un diamètre convenable du fil, une pénétration partielle des bords latéraux de la fente dans celui-ci, avec établissement du contact électrique, et ancrage mécanique du fil sur la cosse. Si le fil est recouvert d'une gaine d'un matériau isolant, cette gaine est entaillée dans les mêmes conditions par les bords de la fente ; il y a ainsi établissement de la liaison électrique avec auto-dénudage.However, the high number of wires contained in a ribbon cable, which can typically be of 50, makes all the welding operations long and costly, and it has been proposed to extend the advantages of wire-contact connections by self-stripping lugs to this field. A typical form of such a terminal consists of a plate disposed at the end of the contact, a plate in which a slot, open at one end, has been made. The introduction, by its lateral surface, of a conducting wire into this slot determines, for a suitable diameter of the wire, a partial penetration of the lateral edges of the slot in the latter, with establishment of the electrical contact, and mechanical anchoring of the wire on the terminal. If the wire is covered with a sheath of an insulating material, this sheath is notched in the same conditions by the edges of the slot; there is thus establishment of the electrical connection with self-stripping.

Enfin, dans le cas des câbles en nappe, ou chaque fil gainé de la nappe est relié par sa surface latérale aux fils adjacents par deux parois intermé- diaies, souvent de même matériau que la gaine, la cosse à auto-dénudage présente, à l'extrémité ouverte de sa fente, une paire de pointes assurant le perçage des deux parois, conférant à la cosse auto-dénudante la forme générale d'une fourche.Finally, in the case of ribbon cables, where each sheathed wire of the ribbon is connected by its lateral surface to the adjacent wires by two intermediate walls, often of the same material as the sheath, the self-stripping terminal has, the open end of its slot, a pair of points ensuring the drilling of the two walls, giving the self-stripping terminal the general shape of a fork.

La liaison entre chaque fil et chaque cosse d'un connecteur pour câble en nappe est ainsi rendue très rapide, en particulier si la pénétration de tous les fils du câble est réalisée simultanément par un organe de poussée commun.The connection between each wire and each terminal of a connector for ribbon cable is thus made very rapid, in particular if the penetration of all the wires of the cable is carried out simultaneously by a common thrust member.

Cependant, compte tenu des éventuelles variations ie position relative de chaque fil conducteur dans la nappe isolante, et de chaque contact dans le bloc isolant de chaque connecteur, il a été constaté que, lors de la pénétration du câble en nappe dans l'ensemble des cosses, certains fils ne pénètrent pas dans les fourches qui leur correspondent, mais tangentent à l'extérieur de celles-ci. Cette anomalie n'est pas décelable par contrôle électrique puiqu'il y a contact, mais après vieillissement, des altérations chimiques s'établissent et des pannes aléatoires apparaissent progressivement. Aucun contrôle non destructif n'est possible, et il est nécessaire de démonter les connecteurs pour trouver ces mauvais contacts ; si, de plus, plusieurs connecteurs scnt fixés simultanément sur le même câble, il est difficile, voire impossible, de localiser rapidement la cosse défectueuse. Un tel défaut peut atteindre 5 % des liaisons et diminue, pour les câbles en nappe, l'intérêt pratique de ce mode de raccordement par cosses auto-dénudantes.However, taking into account possible variations ie relative position of each conductive wire in the insulating sheet, and of each contact in the block insulating each connector, it has been found that, during the penetration of the ribbon cable into all of the lugs, certain wires do not penetrate into the forks which correspond to them, but tangent outside thereof. This anomaly is not detectable by electrical control since there is contact, but after aging, chemical alterations are established and random breakdowns appear gradually. No non-destructive testing is possible, and it is necessary to dismantle the connectors to find these bad contacts; if, moreover, several scnt connectors fixed simultaneously on the same cable, it is difficult, if not impossible, to quickly locate the defective terminal. Such a defect can reach 5% of the connections and diminishes, for ribbon cables, the practical advantage of this method of connection by self-stripping lugs.

Le connecteur à cosses auto-dénudantes pour câbles en nappe selon la présente invention ne comporte pas ces inconvénients.The connector with self-stripping lugs for ribbon cables according to the present invention does not have these drawbacks.

Il permet le contrôle immédiat et simultané de la pluralité des liaisons entre les fils du câble en nappe et les fourches des cosses auto-dénudantes sans démontage, ni application d'énergie électrique, mais par un moyen purement optique ; ce moyen est non- destructif, efficace et peu coûteux. Il consiste en une pluralité de dioptres optiques convergents, disposés en vis-à-vis de la région du câble en nappe où la pénétration, l'auto-dénudage et la liaison électrique des fourches ont lieu, réalisant la fonction d'une pluralité de loupes procurant un grossissement visuel de cette région ; selon l'invention, ce moyen de contrôle est associé, dans le connecteur, au moyen assurant l'application de la force de pénétration simultanée des fils du câble en nappe dans les cosses, à savoir le poussoir faisant partie du connecteur. L'invention prévoit ainsi de faire assumer de façon nouvelle deux fonctions au même moyen, une fonction mécanique et une fonction optique. Pour cela, le matériau dont est constitué le poussoir est choisi parmi ceux qui sont aptes à entrer, par leurs propriétés physiques de transparence et d'indice de réfraction, dans la constitution de dispositifs optiques ; de plus, la forme des surfaces du poussoir disposées en vis-à-vis des régions du câble en nappe à contrôler est choisie pour constituer des pluralités de dioptres convergents de puissance optique adaptée à une bonne observation, avec un grossissement suffisant.It allows immediate and simultaneous control of the plurality of connections between the wires of the ribbon cable and the forks of the self-stripping lugs without disassembly or application of electrical energy, but by purely optical means; this means is non-destructive, effective and inexpensive. It consists of a plurality of converging optical diopters, arranged opposite the region of the ribbon cable where the penetration, the self-stripping and the electrical connection of the forks take place, performing the function of a plurality of magnifying glasses providing visual magnification of this region; according to the invention, this control means is associated, in the connector, with the means ensuring the application of the force of simultaneous penetration of the wires of the ribbon cable into the terminals, namely the push button forming part of the connector. The invention thus provides for assuming in a new way two functions by the same means, a mechanical function and an optical function. For this, the material of which the pusher is made is chosen from those which are able to enter, by their physical properties of transparency and refractive index, into the constitution of optical devices; in addition, the shape of the surfaces of the pusher disposed facing the regions of the ribbon cable to be checked is chosen to constitute pluralities of converging diopters of optical power suitable for good observation, with sufficient magnification.

Il est ainsi proposé, selon l'invention, un connecteur à contrôle optique pour câble en nappe, câble en forme de bande constitué d'une pluralité de fils conducteurs adjacents réunis par une enveloppe isolante commune plane, comprenant premièrementrun bloc en matériau isolant muni d'un logement pour recevoir le câble, deuxièmement un nombre déterminé d'éléments de contact à cosses auto-dénudantes, ces cosses faisant saillie dans ce logement, et troisièmement un poussoir mobile, assurant l'application sur le câble d'une force d'insertion des fils dans les cosses, le poussoir étant muni d'éléments optiques du type "dioptre convergent" disposés en vis-à-vis des cosses auto-dénudantes, avec leur axe optique orienté parallèlement à la direction de ladite force d'insertion.There is thus proposed, according to the invention, an optically controlled connector for ribbon cable, cable in the form of a strip consisting of a plurality of adjacent conductive wires joined by a common flat insulating envelope, comprising firstly a block of insulating material provided with 'a housing to receive the cable, secondly a determined number of contact elements with self-stripping lugs, these lugs protruding into this housing, and thirdly a movable pusher, ensuring the application on the cable of a force of insertion of the wires into the lugs, the pusher being provided with optical elements of the "converging diopter" type arranged opposite the self-stripping lugs, with their optical axis oriented parallel to the direction of said insertion force.

L'invention sera mieux comprise à l'aide de la description ci-après, en s'appuyant sur les figures annexées, où :

  • - la figure 1 représente sur une vue perspective en coupe partielle, un connecteur pour câble en nappe à cosses auto-dénudantes de type connu ;
  • - la figure 2 illustre, suivant une coupe explicative, un inconvénient de la mise en oeuvre d'un tel connecteur ;
  • - les figures 3 et 4 représentent deux modes de réalisation d'un connecteur selon l'invertion;
  • - la figure 5 représente une variante d3 réalisation avantageuse de l'invention ;
  • - la figure 6 (a) et (b) représente un diagramme explicatif du fonctionnement du connecteur de la figure 5.
The invention will be better understood with the aid of the description below, based on the appended figures, where:
  • - Figure 1 shows a perspective view in partial section, a connector for ribbon cable with self-stripping lugs of known type;
  • - Figure 2 illustrates, in an explanatory section, a drawback of the implementation of such a connector;
  • - Figures 3 and 4 show two embodiments of a connector according to the inversion;
  • - Figure 5 shows a variant of three advantageous embodiment of the invention;
  • - Figure 6 (a) and (b) shows an explanatory diagram of the operation of the connector of Figure 5.

La figure 1 représente, suivant une vue en perspective avec coupe partielle, une des deux parties d'un connecteur à auto-dénudage pour câble en nappe selon l'art connu.Figure 1 shows, in a perspective view with partial section, one of the two parts of a self-stripping connector for ribbon cable according to the prior art.

Un tel câble, illustré sur la figure en coupe partielle, se présente sous la forme générale d'une bande 1, où une pluralité de fils conducteurs tels que 2 sont rangés côte à côte, réunis par un matériau isolant souple 3.Such a cable, illustrated in the figure in partial section, is in the general form of a strip 1, where a plurality of conducting wires such as 2 are stored side by side, joined by a flexible insulating material 3.

Le connecteur comporte un bloc isolant 4, muni d'un logement transversal 5 pour recevoir le câble, bloc supportant une pluralité d'éléments de contact 6. Chaque élément comprend d'une part une partie d'un connecteur non représentée, et d'autre part une partie interne 8, assurant la liaison électrique avec un des fils du câble en nappe par auto-dénudage.The connector comprises an insulating block 4, provided with a transverse housing 5 for receiving the cable, block supporting a plurality of contact elements 6. Each element comprises on the one hand a part of a connector not shown, and on the other hand an internal part 8, ensuring the electrical connection with one of the wires of the ribbon cable by self-stripping.

Cette caractéristique connue, consiste en un perçage de la paroi intermédiaire en 9 et 10 du câble par deux pointes 11 et 12 de la cosse, un sectionnement de la gaine 3 du fil par les bords de la fente 13, et enfin la réalisation d'un contact électrique par ces bords avec l'âme conductrice du fil. Ces bords coupants de la fente ne créent qu'une coupure étroite de la gaine isolante, qui par élasticité se referme sur les deux régions du contact et les protège contre les dégradations dues à l'environnement (humidité, attaques chimiques diverses).This known characteristic consists of a drilling of the intermediate wall at 9 and 10 of the cable by two points 11 and 12 of the terminal, a sectioning of the sheath 3 of the wire by the edges of the slot 13, and finally the making of an electrical contact by these edges with the conductive core of the wire. These cutting edges of the slot only create a narrow cut in the insulating sheath, which resiliently closes on the two contact regions and protects them against damage due to the environment (humidity, various chemical attacks).

L'insertion du câble en nappe dans les cosses est effectuée sous l'action d'un poussoir 14, dont des parties en saillie 15 et 16 exercent une poussée dans la direction de la flèche 17 sur les parois intermédiaires de liaison 9 et 10.The insertion of the ribbon cable into the lugs is effected by the action of a pusher 14, of which projecting parts 15 and 16 push in the direction of arrow 17 on the intermediate connecting walls 9 and 10.

La liaison est rendue définitive par solidari- sation du poussoir et du bloc-support, par mise en oeuvre de vis introduites dans les ouvertures 18 et 19. Après fermeture, le connecteur a la forme générale d'un boîtier fermé, et, compte tenu des matériaux isolants utilises habituellement, une inspection visuelle de l'insertion des fils dans les cosses est impossible.The connection is made final by securing the pusher and the support block, by using screws introduced into the openings 18 and 19. After closing, the connector has the general shape of a closed housing, and, taking into account insulating materials usually used, a visual inspection of the insertion of the wires in the terminals is impossible.

La figure 2 représente, illustré sur une coupe explicative, un inconvénient de la mise en oeuvre d'un tel connecteur.2 shows, illustrated in an explanatory section, a drawback of the implementation of such a connector.

En effet, des "jeux" mécaniques sont présents entre les éléments constitutifs du connecteur, existant par exemple entre le bloc-support et le poussoir, ou entre les contacts et le bloc-support, ou encore entre les saillies 16 et les cosses 8. Par ailleurs, la précision géométrique dimensionnelle du câble en nappe, qui est liée à un matériau souple, est faible, en particulier celle de la distance entre les axes de deux fils adjacents.Indeed, mechanical "games" are present between the constituent elements of the connector, existing for example between the support block and the pusher, or between the contacts and the support block, or even between the projections 16 and the lugs 8. Furthermore, the dimensional geometric precision of the ribbon cable, which is linked to a flexible material, is small, in particular that of the distance between the axes of two adjacent wires.

Il en résulte qu'en exploitation, alors que certains fils tels que 21 s'insèrent correctement dans les fentes des cosses, d'autres, tels que 22, échappent à ces fentes et se placent extérieurement. La proportion de cette anomalie peut en pratique dépasser 5 % des fils concernés, et est d'autant plus néfaste que le contrôle électrique ne permet pas de la révéler, puisqu'un contact y existe néanmoins. Cependant, la coupure de la gaine isolante, qui est large puisque créée par une partie externe de la cosse, ne protège pas la région de contact contre l'environnement, et le contact devient intermittent, et même s'interrompt complètement, au bout d'un certain temps.It follows that in operation, while some wires such as 21 fit correctly into the slots of the terminals, others, such as 22, escape these slots and are placed externally. The proportion of this anomaly can in practice exceed 5% of the wires concerned, and is all the more harmful since the electrical control does not allow it to be revealed, since a contact nevertheless exists there. However, the cut of the insulating sheath, which is wide since created by an external part of the terminal, does not protect the contact region against the environment, and the contact becomes intermittent, and even stops completely, after 'some time.

La figure 3 représente un poussoir de connecteur à cosses auto-dénudantes pour câble en nappe, selon l'invention.FIG. 3 represents a connector pusher with self-stripping lugs for ribbon cable, according to the invention.

Ce poussoir est muni, dans une partie de sa paroi supérieure 31, d'une pluralité d'éléments optiques 32 du type dioptre convergent, souvent désignés sous le nom de "loupe". Chaque loupe est disposée en vis-à-vis d'un des logements 33, destiné à recevoir une cosse auto-dénudante, et le grossissement de la région du câble qu'elle permet d'observer autorise un examen aisé et précis de la bonne insertion du fil dans la fente de la cosse.This pusher is provided, in a part of its upper wall 31, with a plurality of optical elements 32 of the converging diopter type, often designated by the name of "magnifying glass". Each magnifying glass is arranged opposite one of the housings 33, intended to receive a self-stripping terminal, and the magnification of the region of the cable which it allows to observe allows an easy and precise examination of the good insertion of the wire into the slot of the terminal.

Il est à noter qu'une simple ouverture effectuée dans le poussoir, sans association avec un élément optique grossissant, ne permettrait pas d'effectuer utilement un tel examen par suite de l'ordre de grandeur très réduit des éléments en cause ; suivant une valeur typique donnée à titre d'exemple, la distance entre deux fils adjacents d'un câble en nappe normalisé de type connu est de l'ordre de 1,27 mm, ce qui implique pratiquement la possibilité d'examen de positions de ± 100 micromètres. La mise en oeuvre d'éléments optiques grossissants est donc une caractéristique fondamentale de la présente invention.It should be noted that a simple opening made in the pusher, without association with a magnifying optical element, would not make it possible to usefully carry out such an examination as a result of the very reduced order of magnitude of the elements in question; following a typical value given by way of example, the distance between two adjacent wires of a standard ribbon cable of known type is of the order of 1.27 mm, which practically implies the possibility of examining positions of ± 100 micrometers. The use of magnifying optical elements is therefore a fundamental characteristic of the present invention.

La figure 4 représente un mode de réalisation de l'invention particulièrement avantageux. Selon ce mode, le poussoir 14 est entièrement réalisé en matériau optiquement transparent, et porte directement, en un même matériau continu, les dioptres optiques 41 convergents, qui sont ici du type cylindrique ; il assure ainsi simultanément deux fonctions, celle de transmission d'une force d'insertion et celle de grossissement optique. Le choix du matériau peut être effectué parmi une gamme étendue de composés chimiques, qui possèdent en général, lorsqu'ils sont transparents, les proprié- tés simultanées des isolants électriques ; on cite, par exemple, le polymétacrystale de méthyle comme bien adapté à la constitution d'un poussoir selon l'invention, en se prêtant de plus à une réalisation aisée tion, en se prêtgnt de plus une réalisation aisée par moulage ou usinage.FIG. 4 represents a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention. According to this mode, the pusher 14 is entirely made of optically transparent material, and directly carries, in the same continuous material, the converging optical diopters 41, which are here of the cylindrical type; it thus simultaneously performs two functions, that of transmitting an insertion force and that of optical magnification. The choice of material can be performed from a wide range of chemical compounds, which possess in general, when transparent, the p roprié- simultaneous tees electrical insulators; we cite, for example, polymethyl methacrystal as well suited to the constitution of a pusher according to the invention, moreover being suitable for an easy realization tion, moreover lending itself an easy realization by molding or machining.

La figure 5 représente une variante du mode de réalisation de la figure précédente, où les dioptres optiques convergents plus nombreux 51 et 52 permettent d'examiner simultanément les branches latérales de chaque cosse et l'axe de chaque fil.FIG. 5 represents a variant of the embodiment of the previous figure, where the more numerous converging optical dioptres 51 and 52 make it possible to examine simultaneously the lateral branches of each terminal and the axis of each wire.

De plus, une saillie axiale 53, ménagée dans chaque logement 33 du poussoir, assure la création d'une empreinte dans la gaine isolante de chaque fil pendant toute la durée de l'insertion.In addition, an axial projection 53, formed in each housing 33 of the pusher, ensures the creation of an imprint in the insulating sheath of each wire for the duration of the insertion.

La figure 6, suivant deux parties (a) et (b) représente deux diagrammes explicatifs du rôle de la saillie axiale 53 de la figure précédente.Figure 6, in two parts (a) and (b) shows two explanatory diagrams of the role of axial projection 53 of the previous figure.

Suivant (a), la saillie est constituée par une ligne de section transversale triangulaire, et suivant (b), elle est constituée par un cône.According to (a), the projection consists of a line of triangular cross section, and according to (b), it consists of a cone.

Lors de l'insertion d'un fil dans la cosse correspondante, la saillie axiale pénètre dans l'enveloppe isolante où elle crée une empreinte 60. Si l'insertion est correcte, la saillie axiale se déplace parallèlement à la direction d'insertion 54 et l'empreinte reste masquée par la saillie lors de l'observation ; si, par contre, l'insertion est incorrecte, le fil et sa gaine isolante se déplacent latéralement, par rapport à la direction d'insertion, et l'empreinte se déplace progressivement dans le même sens. A la fin de l'insertion, l'empreinte occupe alors la position 61, correspondant à une largeur totale t.When inserting a wire into the corresponding terminal, the axial projection enters the insulating envelope where it creates an imprint 60. If the insertion is correct, the axial projection moves parallel to the direction of insertion 54 and the imprint remains masked by the projection during the observation; if, on the other hand, the insertion is incorrect, the wire and its insulating sheath move laterally, with respect to the direction of insertion, and the impression progressively moves in the same direction. At the end of insertion, the impression then occupies position 61, corresponding to a total width t.

Cette empreinte totale plus large est très visible à l'observation, et constitue une signalisation instantanée des insertions défectueuses. L'association de moyens optiques d'examen et de moyens assurant un marquage de signalisation, en combinaison avec le poussoir d'insertion, procure ainsi un ensemble de résultats particulièrement avantageux dans les utilisations pratiques, notamment sur chantiers.This larger total footprint is very visible upon observation, and constitutes instant signaling of faulty insertions. The combination of optical examination means and means ensuring signaling marking, in combination with the insertion button, thus provides a set of results which are particularly advantageous in practical uses, in particular on construction sites.

Claims (10)

1. Connecteur à contrôle optique pour câble en nappe, câble en forme de bande constitue d'une pluralité de fils conducteurs adjacents réunis par une enveloppe isolante commune plane, comprenant premièrement un bloc en matériau isolant muni d'un logement pour recevoir le câble, deuxièmement un nombre déterminé d'éléments de contact à cosses auto-dénudantes, ces cosses faisant saillie dans ce logement, et troisièmement un poussoir mobile, assurant l'application sur le câble d'une force d'in- . sertion des fils dans les cosses, caractirisé en ce que le poussoir est muni d'éléments optiques du type "dioptre convergent", disposés en vis à vis des cosses auto-dénudantes, avec leur axe optique orienté parallèlement à la direction de ladite force d'insertion.1. Optically controlled connector for ribbon cable, cable in the form of a strip made up of a plurality of adjacent conducting wires joined by a common flat insulating envelope, firstly comprising a block of insulating material provided with a housing for receiving the cable, secondly, a determined number of contact elements with self-stripping lugs, these lugs protruding into this housing, and thirdly a movable pusher, ensuring the application to the cable of a force of. crimping of the wires into the terminals, characterized in that the pusher is provided with optical elements of the "converging diopter" type, arranged opposite the self-stripping terminals, with their optical axis oriented parallel to the direction of said force d 'insertion. 2. Connecteur selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que les dioptres convergents sont constitués de lentilles sphériques.2. Connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the converging dioptres consist of spherical lenses. 3. Connecteur selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que les dioptres convergents sont constitués de lentilles cylindriques.3. Connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the converging dioptres consist of cylindrical lenses. 4. Connecteur selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que les dioptres convergents sont fixés dans des ouvertures réalisées dans le poussoir.4. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the converging diopters are fixed in openings made in the pusher. 5. Connecteur selon l'une des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que le poussoir est constitué d'un matériau transparent, les dioptres convergents étant réalisés dans le même matériau en un même et unique bloc continu.5. Connector according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the pusher is made of a transparent material, the converging dioptres being made of the same material in one and the same continuous block. 6. Connecteur selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que le poussoir est réalisé par usinage.6. Connector according to claim 5, character laughed in that the pusher is produced by machining. 7. Connecteur selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que le poussoir est réalisé par moulage.7. Connector according to claim 5, characterized in that the pusher is produced by molding. 8. Connecteur selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le poussoir comporte une pluralité de saillies axiales en vis à vis des cosses auto-dénudantes.8. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pusher comprises a plurality of axial projections facing the self-stripping lugs. 9. Connecteur selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que les saillies sont en forme de bourrelets droits, de section triangulaire.9. Connector according to claim 8, characterized in that the projections are in the form of straight beads, of triangular section. 10. Connecteur selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que les saillies sont en forme de cône.10. Connector according to claim 8, characterized in that the projections are cone-shaped.
EP78400244A 1977-12-30 1978-12-15 Ribbon cable connector with optical control Expired EP0002984B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR7739772 1977-12-30
FR7739772A FR2413807A1 (en) 1977-12-30 1977-12-30 OPTICALLY CONTROLLED CONNECTOR FOR TABLECLOTH CABLE

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0002984A1 true EP0002984A1 (en) 1979-07-11
EP0002984B1 EP0002984B1 (en) 1981-04-01

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EP78400244A Expired EP0002984B1 (en) 1977-12-30 1978-12-15 Ribbon cable connector with optical control

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US (1) US4217022A (en)
EP (1) EP0002984B1 (en)
JP (1) JPS5497795A (en)
DE (1) DE2860592D1 (en)
FR (1) FR2413807A1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPS6138587B2 (en) 1986-08-29
JPS5497795A (en) 1979-08-02
EP0002984B1 (en) 1981-04-01
FR2413807A1 (en) 1979-07-27
DE2860592D1 (en) 1981-04-23
FR2413807B1 (en) 1980-08-22
US4217022A (en) 1980-08-12

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