EP0170545B2 - Insulated tap connector for electrical cables - Google Patents

Abstract

This is a branching connector for establishing a branch connection between a main cable (15) and at least one branch cable (15'). In accordance with the invention, at least the projecting part of contact members (17, 65 65') employed for this purpose is embedded in an insulating material dished member (42, 42', 76, 76') adapted to be applied against a cable (15, 15') of this kind all around it and so to seal and protect the electrical contact established between it and this cable (15, 15'). Application, inter alia, to the connection of users to overhead electrical power distribution networks.

Description

The present invention relates generally to branch connectors suitable for establishing an electrical connection between a first cable, or main cable, generally already in place, and at least a second cable, or branch cable, to connect to the previous one.

Such branch connectors find their application in particular in the field of subscriber connections to overhead electrical power distribution networks, whether these are networks made up of bare cables established at a distance from each other, or that '' this is a network made up of a twisted line of insulated cables.

They comprise, overall, a body, a jaw, which, movably mounted on said body under the control of clamping means, defines with this body a housing suitable for placing the assembly on a main cable, means of connection specific to the connection to said body of at least one branched cable, and a contact piece, which, housed in said body, by interfering with a projecting part with said housing, is suitable for establishing an electrical connection between the main cable and such a branch cable.

Branch connectors of this type are described in particular in French patents No. 1,195,439 and No. 2,058,441.

In the first of these patents, which relates more particularly to the branch connectors intended to be put in place on stripping cables or on bare cables, the contact part is only suitable for coming by simply pressing on such a cable.

In the second, which on the contrary relates to the branch connectors intended to be put in place on insulated cables, this contact piece is adapted to pass through the insulating sheath of such cables, its projecting part, commonly known as insulation perforation, being fractioned for this purpose into teeth, lamellae or other perforating members suitable for perforating such a sheath.

In both cases, the body and jaw are made of metal.

In both cases, too, any disassembly of the branch cable requires intervention again on the contact of the main cable.

There are however branch connectors, commonly known as separate branch (s), allowing mounting or dismounting of the branch cable without intervention on the contact of the main cable.

Be that as it may, one of the major problems to be solved, for branch connectors, results from the need to preserve the durability of the electrical contacts which they provide.

Indeed, it turns out that most operating incidents in subscriber connections come from the alteration of these electrical contacts over time, generally by oxidation or corrosion.

With regard to branch connectors with metal jaw and body, as mentioned above, it has been proposed, to do this, to provide such branch connectors with a cover, in practice of insulating material, which envelops them. completely, and which is intended to ensure the containment of a mass of fat.

By its own constituent material, such a cover ensures, in a way, around the electrical contacts to be preserved, a reconstitution of insulating material suitable for suitable insulation thereof.

Jointly, the mass of grease which it confines seals these electrical contacts vis-à-vis the outside.

Such a provision has given and can still give satisfaction.

However, it has drawbacks, which are as follows.

First of all, the installation of the cover is difficult, and it complicates the operations, in particular when the bypass connector concerned is itself in place on a main cable belonging to a twist, corners or spacers then having to be inserted. between the various cables constituting such a twist to allow the establishment, on this bypass connector, of the cover which must equip it.

Furthermore, in certain cases, at least, the branch connectors thus equipped with such a cover allow only a departure in a well-determined orientation, generally downwards, of the branch cable or cables concerned, which, taking into account the wiring pitch of the various cables constituting a twist, most often constitutes an additional laying requirement for all of the connectors, generally four in number, to be implemented for a subscriber connection, the cables corresponding derivatives can then only be in a suitable exit position at the cost of spacing, along the general axis of the twist, of these various connectors between them.

Last but not least, the grease to be used is itself the source of difficulties.

In addition to having to retain its qualities over time with regard to atmospheric agents, in particular in a saline environment, which is not guaranteed, it must be present with a mass that is very sufficient to close off the various entry points as well as possible. possible water between the relevant branch connector and its cover.

It must therefore be used in excess, to flow back out of the cover when it is installed.

Most often, the necessary mass of grease is put in advance in the hood, at the factory, such a hood being for this purpose largely filled with such grease.

As a variant, this grease may only be placed in situ, at the places where the hood is used, before the latter is installed.

In all cases, the reflux of grease out of this cover when it is installed does not fail to cause unpleasant and lasting soiling of the insulating gloves with which the fitter carrying out this installation is necessarily equipped.

As a result, on the part of the assemblers, a tendency to reduce, for ease of implementation, the quantity of fertilizer is present in a cover when the latter is placed there in advance in the factory, or, more strongly reason, not to deposit in such a cover that a reduced amount of grease, to the prejudice, in both cases, of the desired seal.

In addition, if a perfect use of such a grease, in sufficient quantity effectively ensures, in the laboratory, a suitable seal, it is not necessarily the same consistently and reliably in situ, the precautions necessary for putting in place of a hood filled with such grease not being, and often not being able to be, followed as thoroughly as would be desirable.

There are also certain so-called insulated branch connectors, with insulation perforation on both the main cable and the branch cable, which avoid such reconstitution of insulation by grease container cover.

These are branch connectors whose body and jaw are made of insulating material, and not of metal, said body and said jaw constituting in practice two shells, which, forming between them two parallel housings, one for the main cable, the other for the branch cable, and internally provided with metal contact pieces with insulation perforation interfering with said housings, are joined to one another by one or more bolts intervening between these housings.

These insulated branch connectors themselves have certain drawbacks.

First of all, the tightening force developed by the assembly bolt (s) that they comprise has a fairly random effect between the main cable and the derived cable, due to the large difference in diameter generally existing between these.

In addition, such a tightening force being distributed, at best, only by half between one and the other of the cables for each of these assembly bolts, the use thus made of such an assembly bolt n is not entirely satisfactory.

Finally, and above all, the metal contact parts act simultaneously on one and the other of the cables, it is not possible to carry out any disassembly of the branch cable without intervening on the contact of the main cable.

In French patent No. 2,370,369, which describes a branch connector of this type, various solutions are also proposed to ensure sealing around the projecting parts of the metal contact parts.

For example, the teeth of these projecting parts have to pass through a seal, which is impregnated with a sealant, and from which it can therefore result in unpleasant seeps when tightened.

As a variant, these teeth are simply surrounded, at a distance, by such a seal.

In both cases, there remains the problem of crossing the assembly means.

If these assembly means pass through the seal through a notch thereof, there is the risk that, also through this indentation, moisture reaches the contact parts.

This may result, on the one hand, a progressive deterioration in the quality of the corresponding electrical contacts, and, on the other hand, the humidity always being more or less conductive of the current, a tensioning of the metal screw (s) that usually include the assembly means, to the detriment of safety.

If, as a variant, the assembly means extend away from the seal, this results in a larger overall space for the assembly.

The present invention generally relates to a branch connector advantageously free from these various drawbacks and also having other advantages.

This branch connector is of the type comprising a body, which is made of insulating material, and which, for the passage of clamping means, has a well, a jaw, which is also made of insulating material, and which, mounted movably on said body under the control of said clamping means, defines with this body a housing suitable for fitting the assembly onto a main cable, connection means suitable for connecting to said body at least one branched cable and comprising a clean housing on insertion of such a branch cable, and a metallic contact piece, which, housed in said body by interfering with a protruding part with insulation perforation with said housing and by a protruding part with insulating perforation with said housing, is suitable for the establishment of an electrical connection between the main cable and the branch cable, and is characterized in that the projecting part at least of the metallic contact piece by the it interferes with the housing of the main cable is embedded in a bowl made of flexible synthetic insulating material such as a soft elastomer suitable for being applied to such a main cable all around said protruding part and thus ensuring sealing and the protection of the electrical contact established between it and said main cable, in that the connection means specific to the connection to the body of the branch cable include a second jaw, which, distinct from the first, is like it, movably mounted on said body under the control of individual clamping means, and in that the protruding part with insulation perforation of the metal contact piece is also embedded in a bowl of flexible synthetic insulating material such as a soft elastomer capable of being applied to the branch cable all around it and thus ensuring the sealing and protection of the electrical contact established between it and said branch cable, in so that it is an insulated and waterproof branch connector, with separate branch (s) and insulation perforation both on the main cable and on the branch cable (s) .

Of course, when, as is preferably the case, in order to have a positive, balanced support, on the very soul of the cable concerned, both on the side of the body and on the side of the jaw, said jaw also carries a part metal contact part of which a protruding part with insulation perforation interferes with the housing of said cable, a similar arrangement with a bowl of insulating material is adopted for this jaw, said protruding part of the contact part thereof being it also embedded in such a bowl, for application thereof on said cable around the corresponding contact.

In other words, the bypass connector according to the invention is equipped by itself with sealing means capable of ensuring suitable and reliable insulation of all the electrical contacts capable of being established within it.

It therefore constitutes by itself a fully insulated connector, without it being necessary to associate any insulating cover or any grease mass with it to do this.

Its implementation is thereby simplified.

Preferably, made of flexible material, any bowl of insulating material that comprises the bypass connector according to the invention has, parallel to the housing with which it is associated, along the projecting part of the corresponding metal contact piece, for application to cable concerned, two elastically deformable lips, each arranged respectively on either side of said protruding part, and, transversely, each arranged respectively on either side of said protruding part, ie two cradles suitable for applying themselves too each on said cable, or two cheeks with a knockout portion in line with said projecting part.

Thus, the branch connector according to the invention can advantageously be used for a relatively wide range of cables of different sections, both with regard to the main cable and with regard to the branched cable (s). ), or the bowl (s) of insulating material which it comprises adapting to it (s) -same (s), by elasticity, to said cables.

The branch connector according to the invention also has the advantages of total separation between the active metal parts ensuring electrical contacts and transfers and the passive insulating parts ensuring insulation, excellent transmission of the force of clamping towards the active metal parts, each jaw transmitting to the cable concerned all of the clamping force applied to it, of a minimum overall size, of a total absence of any protruding metal part capable of being inadvertently the source of radio noise when it is energized, using a minimum number of different parts, all of which are relatively simple to make and which are particularly suitable for transmitting under good conditions the stresses applied to them , a concentration on the same face of the organs on which it is necessary to act for the development of these e tightening strengths, the possibility of using for them a simple ordinary key and not an isolated key, a tangential outlet for the derivative cable or cables, parallel to the axis of the main cable, and therefore the twist to which it possibly belongs, without any positioning subjection, and of a possibility of a provisional stable and almost instantaneous positioning on the main cable, before any development of any tightening force , this clamping force being able to intervene only afterwards, for its final installation and its tensioning.

Preferably, for any jaw that comprises the branch connector according to the invention, the clamping means provided for this purpose consist of a control head screw at least partially detachable under torque, and said control head forms a part which, distinct from the barrel with which it is associated, by being suitably attached thereto, for example by crimping, is made of a material different from the material constituting said barrel.

It is thus possible to produce the barrel of such a screw in steel, which is favorable for obtaining for the latter a reduced manufacturing cost and a minimum bulk having regard to the clamping forces which it has to collect, while producing a light, stainless alloy, its control head, which avoids any possible corrosion of the latter, and, in particular, of its breaking section after elimination of its detachable position, such a control head advantageously being insensitive in its mass to corrosion.

Preferably, also, any movable jaw that comprises the branch connector according to the invention is slidably engaged on guide rails provided for this purpose on the body with which it is associated, which advantageously eliminates any bending force on the screw corresponding tightening, thus ensuring maximum clamping efficiency for such a screw.

Finally, advantageously implementing a separate jaw for the branch cable (s), the branch connector according to the invention is indeed a separate branch connector (s) allowing assembly and disassembly of any branch cable without intervention on the contact of the main cable corresponding.

In all cases, by its own sealing, the branch connector according to the invention is particularly reliable and safe.

In practice, when, subjected to a voltage of 6 kV for example by being mounted and clamped on insulated cable coupons, it is entirely immersed in slightly conductive water, no electrical breakdown is observed between the contacts electrics ensured within it, and it can therefore be used indifferently on insulated cables with copper core or aluminum core without risk of galvanic corrosion due to a possible bimetallic contact between such a core and the metallic contact parts that it comprises.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective éclatée d'un connecteur de dérivation suivant l'invention;
• la figure 2 est une vue en perspective éclatée du corps de ce connecteurde dérivation et des diverses pièces équipant celui-ci;
• la figure 3 est une vue en élévation de ce seul corps, suivant la flèche III de la figure 2;
• la figure 4 en est une vue en coupe transversale, suivant la ligne IV-IV de la figure 2;
• la figure 5 en est une autre vue partielle en coupe, suivant la ligne V-V de la figure 2;
• la figure 6 est une vue en élévation, suivant la flèche VI de la figure 2, de la pièce en matière isolante associée à la pièce de contact métallique équipant ce corps;
• la figure 7 est une vue en coupe transversale de cette pièce en matière isolante, suivant la ligne VII-VII de la figure 2;
• la figure 8 en est une autre vue partielle en coupe, suivant la ligne VIII-VIII de la figure 2;
• la figure 9 reprend, à échelle supérieure, le détail de la figure 6 repéré par un encart IX sur celle-ci;
• la figure 10 est une vue en coupe de ce détail, qui, prise suivant la ligne X-X de la figure 9, correspond, à l'échelle qui est la sienne, à l'encart X de la figure 8;
• la figure 11 est une vue en perspective éclatée d'une mâchoire du connecteur de dérivation suivant l'invention et des diverses pièces équipant une telle mâchoire;
• la figure 12 est une vue en élévation de cette mâchoire, suivant la flèche XII de la figure 11;
• la figure 13 en est une vue en coupe transversale, suivant la ligne XIII-XIII de la figure 11;
• la figure 14 reprend, à échelle supérieure, le détail de la figure 13 repéré par un encart XIV sur celle-ci;
• la figure 15 est une vue en élévation, suivant la flèche de la figure 11, de la pièce en matière isolante associée à la pièce de contact métallique équipant une mâchoire du connecteur de dérivation suivant l'invention;
• la figure 16 est une vue en coupe de cette pièce en matière isolante, suivant la ligne XVI-XVI de la figure 15;
• la figure 17 est une vue, partie en élévation, et partie en coupe, d'une vis de serrage associée à une mâchoire du connecteur de dérivation suivant l'invention;
• la figure 18 est une vue en coupe transversale du connecteur de dérivation suivant l'invention, et illustre la mise en oeuvre de celui-ci;
• les figures 19 à 21 sont des vues analogues à celle de la figure 18 et concernent chacune respectivement une variante de réalisation du connectur de dérivation suivant l'invention.

The characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description which follows, by way of example, with reference to the appended schematic drawings in which:

• Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a branch connector according to the invention;
• Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the body of this bypass connector and the various parts equipping it;
• Figure 3 is an elevational view of this single body, along arrow III of Figure 2;
• Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along the line IV-IV of Figure 2;
• Figure 5 is another partial sectional view along the line VV of Figure 2;
• Figure 6 is an elevational view, along arrow VI of Figure 2, of the piece of insulating material associated with the metal contact piece fitted to this body;
• Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of this piece of insulating material, along the line VII-VII of Figure 2;
• Figure 8 is another partial sectional view along the line VIII-VIII of Figure 2;
• Figure 9 shows, on a larger scale, the detail of Figure 6 identified by an insert IX thereon;
• Figure 10 is a sectional view of this detail, which, taken along the line XX of Figure 9, corresponds, on the scale which is hers, to the insert X of Figure 8;
• Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of a jaw of the branch connector according to the invention and of the various parts fitted to such a jaw;
• Figure 12 is an elevational view of this jaw, along arrow XII of Figure 11;
• Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view along the line XIII-XIII of Figure 11;
• Figure 14 shows, on a larger scale, the detail of Figure 13 identified by an insert XIV thereon;
• Figure 15 is an elevational view, along the arrow of Figure 11, of the piece of insulating material associated with the metal contact piece fitted to a jaw of the branch connector according to the invention;
• Figure 16 is a sectional view of this piece of insulating material, along the line XVI-XVI of Figure 15;
• Figure 17 is a view, partly in elevation, and partly in section, of a clamping screw associated with a jaw of the branch connector according to the invention;
• Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the branch connector according to the invention, and illustrates the implementation thereof;
• Figures 19 to 21 are views similar to that of Figure 18 and each relate respectively to an alternative embodiment of the branch connector according to the invention.

As illustrated in these figures, the branch connector according to the invention comprises, overall, in all of its embodiments, a body 10, which is made of insulating material, a jaw 11, which is also made of insulating material, and which, movably mounted on said body 10 under the control of clamping means consisting in practice of a screw 12 intended to cooperate with a nut 13 trapped in said jaw 11, defines with this body 10 a housing 14 suitable for setting place of the assembly on a cable 15, or main cable, shown diagrammatically in broken lines in FIGS. 18 to 21, connection means, detailed below according to these various embodiments, suitable for connection to said body 10 d 'at least one cable 15', or derived cable, also shown schematically in broken lines in Figures 18 to 21, and a metal part 17, which, housed in said body 10, by interfering with a projecting part pe rforation of insulation 18 with said housing 14 thereof, is suitable, as described later, for the establishment of an electrical connection between the main cable 15 and such a branch cable 15 '.

In addition, in all of the embodiments shown, the connection means specific to the connection to the body of insulating material 10 of a branch cable 15 'comprise a second jaw 11', which, distinct from the first jaw 11, is, like it, movably mounted on said body 10, under the control of individual clamping means constituted in practice by a clamping screw 12 'intended to cooperate with a nut 13' trapped in this second jaw 11 ', and which defines with said body 10, parallel to the preceding housing 14, a housing 14 'suitable for the insertion of such a branch cable 15'.

In general, in the embodiment more particularly shown in the figures res 1 to 17, the body of insulating material 10 comprises a backsplash 20, and, laterally, each disposed respectively along the edges of said backsplash 20, two flanges 21, which extend only over part of the height of said backsplash 20 from its base, perpendicular to the housings 14, 14 'of the cables 15, 15'.

It further comprises, in this embodiment, a sole 22 connecting one to the other these two flanges 21 at the base of its backrest 20.

The protruding part 23 of the backsplash 20, that is to say the part of this backsplash 20 which extends beyond the flanges 21, corresponds to the housing 14 of the main cable 15, and it is generally shaped as a hook, in forming, at each end of this housing 14, a cradle 24, with a concavity turned towards the jaw 11.

In the backsplash 20, and more precisely on the face of the latter facing the jaws 11, 11 ′, is provided, for the contact piece 17, a housing 25, with, projecting from the bottom of this housing 25, a well 27 suitable for the passage of the clamping screw 12.

Preferably, and as shown, the end edge of this well 27, on the side of the jaws 11, 11 ′, is bevelled by a chamfer 28, said chamfer 28 diverging in the direction of the bottom 26 of the associated housing 25, figure 4.

In practice, and as shown, the housing 25 is generally in relief, being for example in the form of a trunk of a pyramid.

In its upper part, it intersects the housing 14 of the main cable 15, and in its lower part, it similarly intersects the housing 14 'of the branch cable 15', the corresponding portion of its edges then forming a cradle 24 'to each ends of this housing 14 '.

The cradles 24 ', like the cradles 24, have their concavity turned towards the jaws 11, 11'.

At its base, between the housing 25 and the sole 22, the backsplash 50 is perforated with a bore 30, for passage of the clamping screw 12 '.

The flanges 21, for their part, are each perforated with an opening 31 to the right of the housing 14 'of the branch cable 15', for passage of this branch cable 15 '.

It is, overall, an oblong opening, the bottom 32 opposite the corresponding cradle 24 is, like this one, generally rounded, with its concacity turned towards that of this cradle 24 '.

For reasons which will appear below, the bottom 32 of such an opening 31 of each of the flanges 21 has, in projection on its edge, a cord 33, the transverse internal face of which is in the extension of that of the flange 21 concerned, while its external face is generally conical, converging in the direction of the backsplash 50, FIG. 5.

For the jaws 11, 11 ′, which are staggered along their height, the flanges 21 each have, respectively, protruding on their internal face, and in correspondence from one to the other, guide rails 35, 35 '.

These are, in the embodiment shown, ribs of which, preferably, and as shown, the cross section is generally in the shape of a rectangular trapezoid, by being connected by its small base to the corresponding flange 21 and which thus each form with such a flange 21 a half dovetail.

These guide rails 35, 35 'extend parallel to each other, substantially perpendicular to the backsplash 20.

In practice, the mean plane along which substantially extend the guide rails 35 provided for the jaw 11 contains the axis of the well 27 of the clamping screw 12, and, similarly, the mean plane along which the guide rails 35 'provided for the jaw 11' contains the drilling axis 30 of the clamping screw 12 '.

In the embodiment shown, each of the guide rails 35 is associated, parallel to the latter, projecting on the internal face of the flange 21 concerned, a counter 36, while the sole 22 by itself forms such a counter rail for 35 'guide rails.

Like the rail 35 with which it is associated, such a counter 36 preferably has, and as shown, a cross section in the shape of a rectangular trapezium, but it is connected by its large base to the corresponding flange 21.

As is easy to understand, the body of insulating material 10 thus formed can be produced by molding a suitable synthetic material, and, for example, a hard synthetic material of the polyamide 6-6 type loaded with fibers. of glass.

Overall, it has a plane of symmetry passing through the axis of the well 57 of its backsplash 20 and the drilling axis 30 of the latter.

The metal contact piece 17 has, in the embodiment more particularly shown in FIGS. 1 to 17, a plate 38, which is generally in the form of a pyramid trunk, like the housing 25 provided for it in the backsplash 20 of the body of insulating material 10, and which, in its middle part, is perforated by a bore 37 suitable for its engagement on the well 27 of this backsplash 20, FIG. 2.

The protruding part 18 by which this contact piece 17 interferes with the housing 14 of the main cable 15 extends transversely to one end of this plate 38, and, at the other end thereof, extends similarly a projecting part 18 'by which it corollarily interferes with the housing 14' of the branch cable 15 '.

To be perforated with insulation, the projecting parts 18, 18 'which the contact piece 17 thus presents are both divided into perforation members 39, 39'; as shown, it is in pra tooth tick.

The protruding part 18 thus has, in the embodiment shown, three rows of teeth 39, while the protruding part 18 'has only two rows of teeth 39', said rows of teeth extending parallel to the housings 14, 14 'correspondents. In practice, in the embodiment shown, each of the projecting parts 18, 18 'of the contact piece 17 is carried by a portion 40, 40' of the plate 38 thereof which a slot 41, 41 'separates of the current part of this plate 38.

Thus, each of the projecting parts 18, 18 ′ extends at least partially in overhang relative to the current part of the plate 38, which advantageously gives it, while being generally rigid, a certain elasticity.

As is easy to understand, the contact piece 17 thus formed can for example be made of aluminum, by machining an appropriate block of such a metal.

In a body of insulating material 10, the protruding part 18 of the contact piece 17 is embedded in a bowl of insulating material 42 suitable for being applied to the main cable 15 all around said protruding part 18 and thus ensuring sealing and the protection of the electrical contact established between it and this main cable 15.

Likewise, the projecting part 18 ′ of the contact piece 17 is also embedded in a bowl made of insulating material 42 ′ suitable for being applied to the branch cable 15 ′ all around it and thus ensuring sealing and protection of the electrical contact established between it and said branch cable 15 '.

In practice, both of the cups 45, 42 ′ thus associated with the contact piece 17 belong to the same piece of insulating material 43, which has a skirt 44, by which it is engaged on said contact piece 17, said skirt being like this in the general shape of a pyramid trunk, and a bottom 45, by which it covers this contact piece 17.

This bottom 45 is perforated, on the one hand, at its ends, by two openings 46, 46 ', which, parallel to each other, are each suitable respectively for the passage of the two projecting parts 18, 18' of the contact piece 17, and, on the other hand, in its central zone, of a central bore 47 suitable for the passage of the clamping screw 12, and, more precisely, of the well 27 in which the latter is engaged.

Parallel to the passage 14, 14 ′ with which it is associated, each cup 42, 42 ′ formed by the piece of insulating material 43 comprises, along the projecting part 18, 18 ′ concerned with the contact piece 17, and therefore along edges of its opening 46, 46 ', for application to the corresponding cable 15, 15', two elastically deformable lips 48, 48 ', each disposed respectively on either side of said projecting part 18, 18'.

Regarding the housing 14 of the main cable 15, the bowl 45 further comprises, transversely, each disposed respectively on either side of the projecting part 18 of the contact piece 17 two cradles 49, suitable for applying each on said main cable 15.

As regards, on the other hand, the housing 14 'of the branch cable 15', the cup 42 'comprises, transversely, each disposed respectively on either side of the projecting part 18' of the contact piece 17, two cheeks 50 , which each form a generally oblong extension of the bowl 42, and therefore of the piece of insulating material 43 to which they belong, and which each comprise, in line with said projecting part 18 'of the contact piece 17, a knockout portion 49 ', for passage of said branch cable 15'.

In addition, by their edges, these cheeks 50, which are generally complementary to the openings 31 of the flanges 21 of the body of insulating material 10, are each snapped into these openings 31.

To this end, a groove 51 is provided on their said edge, the profile of which is complementary to that of the cord 33 which, moreover, projects from the bottom 32 of such an opening 31, FIGS. 8 to 10.

In practice, each cheek 50 has in its middle part a recess 53, the portion of its edge having the groove 51 being offset laterally, in the direction of the outside, relative to its knockout portion 49 '.

In practice, also, each cheek 50 is present, projecting outwards, on either side of its knockout portion 49 ', flanges 54, for its reinforcement.

It follows, on the one hand, from said flanges 54, and, on the other hand, from the recess 53, that each of the cheeks 50 forms globally, on the outside, a kind of hearing which converges towards its knockout portion 49 '.

Preferably, and as shown, the central bore 47 of the piece of insulating material 43 is belted, on the internal face of the bottom 45 which it affects, by a flange 55, for application to the contact piece 17, FIG. 7 .

Preferably, the edge of this rim 55 is chamfered, on the side of its internal surface, by a frustoconical bevel 56, which diverges in the direction opposite to the associated bottom 45.

As is easy to understand, the piece of insulating material 43 can for example be produced by molding any flexible synthetic material, such as a soft elastomer.

Due to the pyramidal trunk shape of its skirt 44, it is itself retained on the contact piece 17, when it is engaged thereon.

In addition, by its central bore 47 it is forcibly engaged on the well 57 of the body in iso material lante 10, and its cheeks 50 seal, each respectively, the openings 32 of the flanges 21 of this body of insulating material 10, with snap-fastening of their groove 51 on the protruding cord 33 thereof.

Due to this forceful engagement, on the one hand, and this snap-fastening, on the other hand, the maintenance, on the body of insulating material 10, of the assembly constituted by the contact part 17 and the material part insulating 43 enveloping it, is insured.

As is easy to understand, the engagement of said assembly on the well 27 of the body of insulating material 10 is facilitated by the chamfers 28, 56 provided for this purpose on the well 27 of this body of insulating material 10 and on the rim 55 of the bore 47 of the piece of insulating material 43.

In the embodiment more particularly shown in FIGS. 1 to 17, the jaw 11 comprises, overall, a base 58, and, projecting upwards on this base 58, a backrest 59, FIG. 11.

In its middle part, the base 58 is perforated with a hole 60, for passage of the clamping screw 12, with, at the end of this hole 60, the captive nut 13 associated with it.

Laterally, the base 58 has, at its base, each projecting respectively on its lateral faces, two ribs 61 which each, with a boss 62 projecting on the corresponding lateral face of the backrest 59, a groove 63 complementary to the rails guide 35 of the body of insulating material 10.

By the grooves 63 which it thus comprises, the jaw 11 is slidably engaged on these guide rails 35.

To facilitate engagement thereon, each of these ribs 61 is bevelled by a chamfer 64 at its corresponding leading end.

The backsplash 59, meanwhile, extends flush with the protruding part 23 of the backsplash 20 of the body of insulating material 10, to define, with the latter, the housing 14 of the main cable 15.

In practice, in the embodiment shown, the jaw 11 carries, by its backrest 59, a metal contact piece 65, a projecting part 66 of which interferes with the housing 14 of the main cable 15.

This contact piece 65 is a section of profile, made for example of aluminum, and it is simply snapped into a housing 68 provided for this purpose in the backrest 59 of the jaw 11.

To do this, the contact piece 65 has internally a channel 69, which opens rearwardly through a slot 70, internally forming, on either side of this slot 70, two shoulders 71, and, jointly, the backsplash 59 of the jaw 11 has, projecting from the bottom 72 of its housing 68, in the middle part thereof, at least one elastically deformable hook 73, on which said contact piece 65 can engage by its said slot 70, until one and / or the other comes into engagement, of these internal shoulders 71 with such a hook 73.

In practice, two hooks 73 are thus provided, at a distance from each other.

For reasons of manufacturing convenience, their head projects only on one of their faces.

At each end of the housing 14 of the main cable 15, the backsplash 59 forms a cradle 74, with a concavity facing the protruding part 23 of the backsplash 20 of the body of insulating material 10.

Like such a body made of insulating material 10, the jaw 11 can for example be made of rigid synthetic material, of the polyamide 6-6 type loaded with glass fibers.

In the embodiment shown, the projecting part 66 of the contact piece 65 is also perforated with insulation, this projecting part being divided for this purpose into suitable perforating members; more specifically, in the embodiment shown, it is divided into two sharp strips 75, these extending parallel to the axis of the housing 14 of the main cable 15, like the rows of teeth 39 of the projecting part 18 of the contact piece 17 of the body of insulating material 10.

In addition, said protruding part 66 of this contact piece 65 at least is also embedded in a bowl of insulating material 76 suitable for being applied to the main cable 15 all around it and thus ensuring sealing and protection of the electrical contact established between it and this main cable 15.

This bowl 76 comprises a skirt 77, by which it is engaged on the contact piece 65 which it encloses and a perforated bottom of an opening 78 suitable for the passage of the projecting part 66 thereof.

In practice, this opening 78 is around the skirt 77, so that it completely recesses the bottom in question, and that the latter is therefore nonexistent.

On the other hand, at its other end, the skirt 77 has, internally, projecting inwards, in the direction of one another, on two opposite edges, two flanges 79 intended to cooperate in support with transverse shoulders 80 that corollarily have on their outer face the lips of the contact piece 65 delimiting the slot 70 thereof.

Parallel to the housing 14 of the main cable 15 with which it is associated, the cup 76 comprises, along the projecting part 66 of the contact piece 65, and therefore along its own opening 78, for application to said main cable 15, two elastically deformable lips 82, each disposed respectively on either side of said projecting part 66 of the contact piece 65.

Transversally, it further comprises, each disposed respectively on either side of this projecting part 66 of the contact piece 65, two cradles 83 which are also suitable for each one. bend on the main cable 15.

In practice, these cradles 83 have their concavity turned towards the projecting part 23 of the backsplash 20 of the body of insulating material 10, and they each respectively cover, at least in part, the cradles 74 of the backsplash 59 of the jaw 11.

The jaw 11 'has a constitution identical to that of the jaw 11, and, like it, it carries a metallic contact piece 65', the projecting part 66 'of which at least is embedded in a bowl of insulating material 76'.

This jaw 11 'will therefore not be described in detail here.

It will suffice to indicate that, like the jaw 11, and parallel to it, it is slidably engaged on the guide rails 35 ′ of the body of insulating material 10, that the projecting part 66 ′ of its contact piece 65 interferes with the housing 14 'of the branch cable 15', the bowl made of insulating material 76 'which is associated therewith then being able to be applied all around it on such a branch cable 15' and thus ensuring sealing and protection of the electrical contact established between it and this branch cable 15 ′, and that said protruding part 66 ′ is also perforated with insulation, being as previously divided into two sharp strips 75 ′ parallel to the rows of teeth 39 ′ of the projecting part 18 ′ of the contact piece 17 of the body of insulating material 10.

But, in correspondence with the profile of the counter-bars 36 of the body of insulating material 10, the upper edge of the lateral bosses 62 'of this jaw 11' is truncated by a chamfer.

The jaws 11, 11 ′ being identical, the same is true for the upper edge of the lateral bosses 62 of the jaw 11.

The clamping screw 12 of the jaw 11, and it is the same for the clamping screw 12 'of the jaw 11', is equipped with an control head at least partially detachable under torque 85.

This control head 85 has, externally, a polygonal section, for example hexagonal, and it also has, internally, a bore of polygonal section, for example hexagonal.

It can therefore be operated from the outside or from the inside.

At mid-height, it also has, to be at least partially detachable, a section of least resistance 86, or breaking section.

This section of least resistance 86, which may for example result, as shown, from a groove 87 cutting its thickness halfway through its thickness, on its external surface, delimits there, at its end, a detachable portion under torque 88.

Preferably, and as shown, this control head 85 forms, as a whole, a part which, distinct from the barrel 89 with which it is associated, by being suitably attached thereto, is made of a material different from the material constituting said was 89.

For example, the control head 85 can be made of a metal of less resistance, aluminum for example, while the barrel 89 is made of a more resistant metal, steel for example.

The barrel 89 is itself provided with a head 90 whose section is hexagonal, like that of the internal bore of the control head 85, for engagement thereof, and which has at its base a stop collar 95.

Of course, the head 90 of the barrel 89 extends only over part of the height of the internal bore of the control head 85, both to allow free access from the outside to it, to leave free the detachable portion under torque 88.

It therefore extends only as far as the right of the groove 87 of this control head 85.

After engagement on it of the control head 85, the head 80 of the barrel 89 is crimped, by punching its end face.

The barrel 89 is smooth over a significant portion of its length, only its end being threaded.

At the head of the screw 15 thus formed, there is usually associated with a distribution washer 93, FIG. 1.

The clamping screw 15 'associated with the jaw 11' has a constitution similar to that of the latter.

Only the length of its barrel 89 'is slightly shorter.

After punching the knockout part 49 'of the cheeks 50 of the piece of insulating material 43, the branch cable 15' is, by its free end, engaged in the housing 14 'provided for it between the body of insulating material 10 and the jaw 11 ′, by crossing the corresponding openings 31 of the flanges 21 of this body of insulating material 10.

By sliding the jaw 11 'on its guide rails 35', an approximate tightening of this branch cable 15 'is then carried out by the jaw 11'.

This approximate tightening, which is only temporary, is sufficient to ensure proper maintenance of the branch connector relative to the branch cable 15 '.

It has the advantage of being immediate, and of not imposing the implementation of any tool for its execution.

The bypass connector according to the invention is then engaged, by its housing 14, on the main cable 15, and, as before, an approximate tightening thereof is immediately carried out, by sliding the corresponding jaw 11 on the body of insulating material 10.

It then suffices to act on the control head 85, 85 ′ of the clamping screws 12, 12 ′ to ensure a definitive tightening of the jaws 11, 11 ′.

During this tightening, the teeth 39 of the projecting part 18 of the contact piece 17 of the body in ma insulating plate 10 perforates the insulating sheath of the main cable 15 until it comes into contact with the conductive core thereof and slight penetration into this core, and the same is true for the lamellae 75 of the protruding part 66 of the contact piece 65 of jaw 11.

As a corollary, the teeth 39 'of the protruding part 18' of the contact piece 17 of the body of insulating material 10 perforate the insulating sheath of the branch cable 15 ', until contact with the conductive core thereof and slight penetration in this conductive core, and it is the same for the strips 75 'of the projecting part 66' of the contact piece 65 'of the jaw 11'.

In practice, the action on the control head 85, 85 'of the clamping screws 12, 12' is continued until, by breaking at the right of its groove 87, 87 'the end portion 88, 88 'of such a control head 85, 85' detaches from the rest of it.

This ensures that a maximum torque is not exceeded.

It will be noted that taking into account the grip of the head 90 of the barrel 89, 89 'corresponding in the internal bore of the control head 85, 85' of a clamping screw 12, 12 ', only the detachable portion of this control head 85, 85 ′ is effectively concerned during the clamping action exerted on it, if this clamping action is applied to it from the inside.

According to arrangements known in themselves, it can also be ensured that the same is true when this action is exerted from the outside, a stop ring being engaged for this purpose in the corresponding groove 87, 87 ′, to limit penetration on the control head 85, 85 'concerned of the tool then used.

As will be noted, the clamping screws 12, 12 ′ are both without contact with any active metal part of the bypass connector according to the invention.

Consequently, their actuation can be ensured by ordinary keys, without necessarily being isolated keys.

As will also be noted, the actuation of the clamping screws 12, 12 ′ is advantageously carried out on the same face of the bypass connector according to the invention, namely on the external face of the backsplash 20 of its material body. insulating 10.

The implementation of the branch connector according to the invention is thereby facilitated.

Anyway, at the end of the clamping of the jaws 11, 11 'thereof, the various electrical contacts which intervene therein are each surrounded by a piece of insulating material, which very simply ensures l insulation and protection of these electrical contacts from the outside.

In fact, by their elastically deformable lips as well as by their cradles, these pieces of insulating material are then applied to sealing on the cables 15, 15 'concerned, all around the projecting parts of the contact pieces then engaged with those -this.

Likewise, the tightening, both on the well 27 of the body of insulating material and on the contact piece 17 fitted therewith, of the flange 55 surrounding the bore 47 provided on the piece of insulating material 43 associated with said contact piece 17 for its engagement on said well 27 contributes to the desired tightness.

As will be noted, due to the half-dovetail section of the rails 35, 35 'of the body of insulating material 10 and of the complementary profile of the corresponding grooves 63, 63' of the jaws 11, 11 ', said jaws 11, 11 'advantageously ensure, under the effect of the clamping pressure developed by the clamping screws 12, 12', mechanical retention of the flanges 21 of said body of insulating material 10, against any effort of spacing which could be the object one with respect to the other, without resulting in a significant complication of the moldings to be provided.

It will also be noted that disassembly is always possible, by action, from the outside, on the base, remaining in place, of the control head 85, 85 'of the clamping screws 12, 12'.

Finally, note that the housings 14, 14 'provided in the branch connector according to the invention for the main cable 15 and the branch cable 15' being parallel to each other, the output of such a branch cable 15 'is advantageously tangentially to the main cable 15.

When two or more branch cables 15 ', 15 "etc. are to be taken into account, the branch connector according to the invention has a number of jaws 11, 11', 11", etc. greater than two.

For example, as shown in FIG. 19, it may include two jaws 11 ', 11 "in cooperation with the jaw 11 associated with the main cable 15, these various jaws 11, 11', 11" being staggered over the height of the body in insulating material 10 corresponding, and more precisely on the height of the flanges 21 thereof, by being slidably mounted, parallel to themselves, on these flanges 21, according to arrangements identical to those described above.

As will be noted, the branches provided by the jaws 11 ', 11 "are thus completely independent of one another, both with regard to the mounting of the corresponding branch cables 15', 15" as in which concerns the dismantling of these.

Similarly, and as for the previously described branch connector, any intervention on any branched cable has no effect on the electrical contact otherwise provided on the corresponding main cable.

In the alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 20, which is of the same type as the embodiment, with a single jaw jaw 11 ′, described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 17, and which is more particularly intended for applications requiring a large transfer of current between the main cable and the branch cable, provision is made, between the contact parts 65, 65 ′ of the corresponding jaws 11, 11 ′, a shunt 95, made of flexible insulated cable, such a shunt 95, which, by its ends, is electrically connected to said contact parts 65, 65 ′, looping said jaws 11, 11 ′ on the rear face of these this.

The alternative embodiment of FIG. 21 relates to the case where, for remote control, the control head 85 of the tightening screw 15 associated with the main cable 15 is provided, in a manner known per se, with a ring 96 of its own when ordered by an insulating pole suitable for such remote control.

In addition, in this alternative embodiment, the corresponding jaw 11 is provided with an extension 98 in the form of a tapered beak, which, when the main cable 15 to be fitted belongs to a twist, facilitates the positioning of the assembly on such a main cable 15, by spacing it from the other cables constituting such a twist.

From the above, it follows that, as mentioned, the branch connector according to the invention is an isolated and waterproof connector with separate derivative (s) and insulation perforation both on the main cable and on the (s) ) derived cable (s).

Claims (24)

1. A branching connector of the type comprising a body (10) which is of insulating material and which for the passage of clamping means has a sleeve (27), a jaw (11), which is also of an insulating material and which, mounted in a mobile manner on said body (10) under the control of said clamping means, defines with the body (10) a housing (14) for positioning the assembly on a main cable, connection means for connecting at least one branch cable to said body (10) and comprising a housing (14') for the insertion of such a branch cable, and a metal contact piece (17) which, accommodated in said body (10), while interacting via a projecting part (18) for puncturing the insulation with said housing (14) and via a projecting part (18') for puncturing the insulation with said housing (14'), can establish an electrical connection between the main cable and the branch cable, characterised in that at least the projecting part (18) of the metal contact piece (17), via which the latter interacts with the housing (14) of the main cable, is embedded in a dished member (42) of flexible synthetic insulating material, such as a soft elastomer which can be applied to a main cable of this kind so as to surround said projecting part (18) and thus ensure that the electrical contact established between the latter and said main cable is sealed and protected, in that the connection means for connecting a branch cable to the body (10) comprise a second jaw (11') which is separate from the first one and, like the latter, is mounted in a mobile manner on said body (10) under the control of individual clamping means, and in that the projecting part (18') for puncturing the insulation of the metal contact piece (17) is also embedded in a hollow member (42') of flexible synthetic insulating material, such as a soft elastomer, which can be applied to the branch cable so as to surround the second projecting part (18') and thus ensure that the electrical contact established between the latter and said branch cable is sealed and protected, so as to produce an insulated and sealed branching connector with (a) separate branch(es) and puncturing of the insulation both on the main cable and on the branch cable(s).

2. Branching connector as in Claim 1, characterised in that both hollow members (42, 42') associated with the metal contact piece (17) are part of the same piece (43) of an insulating material which comprises a skirt (44), via which it is engaged on said metal contact piece (17), and a back section (45), via which it covers the latter, with two holes (46, 46') piercing said back section, each provided for the passage of the two projecting parts (18, 18') of said metal contact piece (17).

3. Branching connector as in Claim 2, characterised in that, as the clamping means of the jaw (11) associated with the housing (14) of the main cable are formed by a screw (12), the latter is engaged in the sleeve (27) extending from the body (10), said sleeve (27) passes through the metal contact piece (17), and the back section (45) of the piece (43) of an insulating material forming the two dished members associated with said metal contact piece (17) is also pierced by a central bore (47) via which said piece (43) of an insulating material is forced on to the sleeve (27).

4. Branching connector as in Claim 3, characterised in that said bore (47) in said piece (43) of an insulating material is surrounded by a sealing rim (55).

5. Branching connector as in any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that, parallel to the housing (14, 14') with which it is associated, a dished member (42, 42') comprises along the relevant projecting part (18, 18') of the metal contact piece (17) two elastically deformable lips (48, 48'), each of which is disposed on either side of said projecting part (18, 18') and which are to be applied to the corresponding cable.

6. A branching connector as in Claim 5, characterised in that said dished member (42) associated with the housing (14) of the main cable also comprises two cradles (49), each of which is disposed transversely on either side of the corresponding projecting part (18) of the metal contact piece (17) and each of which can be applied to said main cable.

7. A branching connector as in Claim 5, characterised in that said dished member (42') associated with the housing (14') of the branch cable comprises two cheek members (50), each of which is disposed transversely on either side of the corresponding projecting part (18') of the metal contact piece (17) and each of which comprises at one side a portion (49'), which can be pushed in and is disposed at a right angle to said projecting part (18'), and at the other is engaged by its edge in a hole (31) in the body (10).

8. Branching connector as in any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the projecting part (18, 18') of the metallic contact piece (17) is carried by a portion of said piece which a slot (41, 41') separates from the regular part of the latter.

9. Branching connector as in any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the body (10) of an insulating material comprises a back wall (20), in which a housing (25) is provided for the metal contact piece (17), with, projecting over the back section (26) of said housing (25), the sleeve (27) for the passage of clamping means (12), and two lateral flanges (21), each of which is disposed along the edges of said back wall (20), which only extend over a part of the height of said back wall (20), the projecting part (23) of the latter corresponding to the housing (14) of the main cable, and which are each pierced by a hole (31) for the passage of the branch cable.

10. Branching connector as in Claim 9, characterised in that the body (10) of an insulating material also comprises a base plate (22) which connects together its two flanges (21) at the bottom of its back wall (20).

11. Branching connector as in any one of Claims 1 to 10, characterised inthattheoreachjaw(11,11') is engaged in a sliding manner on the guide rails (35, 35') provided for this purpose on the body (10) of an insulating material.

12. Branching connector as in Claim 11, characterised in that the cross section of said guide rails (35, 35') is in the shape of a semi-dovetail.

13. Branching connector as in any one of Claims 1 to 12, characterised in that it comprises more than two jaws (11, 11 ', 11" ...).

14. Branching connector as in any one of Claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the jaws (11, 11', 11"...) are all identical.

15. Branching connector as in any one of Claims 1, 13, 14, characterised in that the jaws (11, 11', 11"...) are disposed at intervals in the vertical direction along the body (10) of an insulating material and can all be moved parallel to one another.

16. Branching connector as in any one of Claims 1 to 15, characterised in that a jaw (11, 11') bears a metal contact piece (65, 65'), a projecting part (66, 66') of which interacts with the housing (14, 14') of the corresponding cable, at least said projecting part (66, 66') of this metal contact piece (65, 65') also being embedded in a dished member (76, 76') of an insulating material which can be applied to a cable of this kind so as to surround the projecting part and thus ensure that the electrical contact established between the latter and said cable is sealed and protected.

17. Branching connector as in Claim 16, characterised in that the metal contact piece (65, 65') of a jaw (11, 11') is a profile section.

18. Branching connector as in any one of Claims 16, 17, characterised in that the metal contact piece (65, 65') of a jaw (11, 11 is engaged in a housing (68, 68') of the latter.

19. Branching connector as in any one of Claims 16 to 18, characterised in that the projecting part (66, 66') of a metal contact piece (65, 65') is also for puncturing the insulation.

20. Branching connector as in any one of Claims 16 to 19, characterised in that, parallel to the housing (68, 68') with which it is associated, the dished member (76, 76') of an insulating material contained by a jaw (11, 11') comprises along the projecting part (66,66') of the metal contact piece (65, 65) which it encloses two elastically deformable lips (82), each of which is disposed on either side of said projecting part (66,66') and which are to be applied to the corresponding cable.

21. Branching connector as in Claim 20, characterised in that said dished member (76, 76') also comprises two cradles (83), each of which is disposed transversely on either side of the projecting part (66, 66') of the metal contact piece (65, 65') which it encloses and each of which can be applied to the relevant cable.

22. Branching connector as in any one of Claims 20, 21, characterised in that said dished member(76, 76') comprises a skirt (77) via which it is engaged on the metal contact piece (65, 65') which it encloses.

23. Branching connector as in any one of Claims 1 to 22, characterised in that the clamping means of the jaw (11, 11') are formed by a screw (12, 12') with a control head (85, 85') which is at least partly removable by a turning force, said control head (85,85') forming a piece which, separate from the shank (89, 89') with which it is associated, while being appropriately fitted on the latter, for example by crimping, is made of a material which is different to the material forming said shank (89, 89').

24. Branching connector as in any one of Claims 1 to 23, characterised in that the jaw (11) associated with the main cable is provided with an extension (98) in the form of a tapered nose.

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