EP0878032B1 - Branching connector for an underground cable - Google Patents

Branching connector for an underground cable Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0878032B1
EP0878032B1 EP97901683A EP97901683A EP0878032B1 EP 0878032 B1 EP0878032 B1 EP 0878032B1 EP 97901683 A EP97901683 A EP 97901683A EP 97901683 A EP97901683 A EP 97901683A EP 0878032 B1 EP0878032 B1 EP 0878032B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
branch
connector
cable
clamping
cables
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
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EP97901683A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0878032A1 (en
Inventor
Pierre Francois
Eric Sauer
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Societe Industrielle de Construction dAppareils et de Materiel Electriques SICAME SAS
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Societe Industrielle de Construction dAppareils et de Materiel Electriques SICAME SAS
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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
    • 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
    • H01R4/2404—Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands the contact members having teeth, prongs, pins or needles penetrating the insulation
    • H01R4/2408—Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands the contact members having teeth, prongs, pins or needles penetrating the insulation actuated by clamping screws
    • 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
    • H01R4/28—Clamped connections, spring connections
    • H01R4/38—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a clamping member acted on by screw or nut
    • H01R4/44—Clamping areas on both sides of screw

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a branch connector for underground cable which makes the electrical connection and mechanical of a main cable, or passing cable, of circular section or non-circular section called "sectoral” and a secondary cable, or cable derivative, of circular or sectoral section, as defined by the preamble of claim 1 (see for example FR-A-2 601 516).
  • Figure 9 shows a commonly used connection device currently in the field of underground networks and which consists essentially of metal parts, with a body 5 surmounted by a self-locking cap 6, ensuring via a pressing member 7 a mechanical and electrical connection between the cables to be interconnected, and of which the implementation is obtained by mechanical tightening, for example at by means of a screw 8, or by crimping. It follows that, to place such an underground connector, it is necessary to proceed first stripping both the branch cable and the passing cable, and then a once the connection has been made, report insulation either by insulating cover or by flexible insulating sheet.
  • the object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks aforementioned by providing a branch connector requiring no stripping of the cables to be interconnected, and no insulation after the mounting.
  • An object of the invention is to provide a connector for derivation whose implementation is fast, quality and totally reassuring for the fitter. Another essential goal is to be able to guarantee perfect dielectric strength of the branch connector, like a natural positioning of the main cable without intervention inside the bundle of conductors which it may possibly contain.
  • a cable branch connector underground for electrically connecting a main cable and to the minus a branch cable, each of these cables being formed of a core metal surrounded by an insulating sheath, comprising a lower body and an upper body arranged in opposition and close together mutually by clamping, each body comprising a contact element, at least partly metallic, located in a plane transverse to an axial direction of the cables and respectively penetrating the cable insulation main and the insulator of the branch cable to come into contact with the core of these cables when the upper and lower bodies are brought together by at least one clamping means, characterized in that it further comprises a member non-conductive separation mobile located in the mediator plane of the connector and intended to allow contactless mounting between them of two derivative cables.
  • connection is made quickly without stripping cables and without requiring any positioning of the cables to be interconnected.
  • the presence of a separation at the level of the passage of the cables leads to guarantee a perfect electrical and mechanical connection of these cables while facilitating the mounting.
  • the contact element comprises on either side of its mediator plan on the one hand a group of points comprising at least two teeth oriented in a tightening direction and on the other hand two edges sharp and conductive turned obliquely towards each other so to show between them a re-entrant angle.
  • this contact element is formed of a blade of single thickness on which is mounted integrally, for example by crimping, a metal U-shaped profile, so that the workpiece obtained, due to its greater base width, has characteristics improved mechanical and thermal.
  • the non-sharp and non-perforating parts of the contact element are covered with an insulating material forming an electrical insulation joint. In this way, it is possible to guarantee very good dielectric strength of the connection which is thus perfectly isolated at the end of the merger bodies by the clamping means.
  • At least one sleeve is arranged in a plane perpendicular to the direction clamp to receive the branch cable.
  • the fitter no longer holding the derivative cable (s) when installing the connector on the main cable, which considerably simplifies the handling it must perform when connecting these cables.
  • the clamping means has a screw that goes through one of the bodies to go and screw into the other body and is provided with insulation means to cover each of the ends of this screw, so that this screw can be operated out of any active potential. Thanks to this protection, the addition of insulation after the connection is made and the no one to carry out the interconnection is no longer obliged to carry the search dressing previously essential in the event of intervention under voltage. The safety of this person (the fitter) is therefore greatly facilitated.
  • the clamping means includes a torque limiting means to ensure tightening to predetermined torque independently of the torque of tightening exerted.
  • This branch connector according to the invention further comprises a medium opening fuse which keeps the connector open during mounting and is broken during tightening.
  • This means of opening fuse is by example formed by a tab having a weakened zone intended to be broken during tightening, this tongue being integral with one of the two bodies and extending towards the other body in a cavity intended to receive it.
  • Figure 1 shows a connection made with a connector branch 1 according to the invention between a main cable 2 and a cable secondary 3.
  • the main cable also called passing cable, is of the type multifilar, with for example four bundles of wires (three phases and one neutral), each of these bundles being insulated, either by a dry insulator synthetic like poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) or polyethylene chemically crosslinked (XLPE), either with oil-impregnated paper. Blade conductor of these bundles is generally made of stranded aluminum or solid, even copper.
  • the secondary cable, also called branch cable can also be of the isolated multi-wire type.
  • Figures 2 and 3 are general views of an exemplary embodiment a branch connector according to the invention.
  • the connector shown has a lower body 10 and a body upper 12 which can be brought together, in a direction clamping, by a clamping means comprising at least one clamping screw 14 crossing, at the mediator plane P of the connector, one of these body to go and screw into the other.
  • Each upper and lower body which is preferably made of an insulating material, such as a crystalline thermoplastic loaded with glass fibers or a plastic material, is equipped with a contact element 16, 18 intended, when the connector is installed, to ensure electrical contact between the two cables to interconnect and which is covered in a central part 20, 22 and end parts 19, 21, corresponding to non-perforating or non-perforating zones sharp of these elements, of a thermoplastic elastomeric material (by rubber example) forming an electrical insulation joint.
  • this insulating material By use of this insulating material, it is possible to guarantee very good resistance dielectric of the connection which is thus perfectly isolated.
  • sleeves 24, 26 for receiving the branch cable advantageously made in a transparent plastic material, are available on both sides upper or lower bodies, in a direction perpendicular to the tightening direction, and are integral with one of them, for example the upper body 12.
  • the unused sleeve can be closed with a plug 28, 30.
  • this connector can also be used in the in case of simultaneous use of two branch cables, subject add a movable central separation plate to this connector conductive 70 (see Figure 8 which shows in perspective a connector fitted with such a plate).
  • this initially raised plate does not can be lowered into the passage of the branch cable only if these are suitably inserted into their respective sleeves.
  • a device for holding the branched cable in position, of the needle screw type 32 (which can also be made of synthetic material), can be fixed on each of these sleeves to ensure better centering and better cable holding.
  • Insulation accessories 34, 36 can also be provided at each end of the clamping screw 14, in each of these two bodies, to prevent any direct contact (in particular by the fitter) with this clamping screw.
  • a torque limiter 38 placed at the head of the clamping screw to guarantee tightening at predetermined torque, regardless of the torque tightening exerted (the retaining screws can also be of the rupture type predetermined), and an opening fuse block, formed for example of a tongue 40 fixed to one of the bodies, extending in the tightening direction in a cavity intended to receive it, and having a zone weakening 42 which is broken during tightening, to define a minimum opening distance between the two connector bodies and thus keep it open during assembly operations prior to this tightening.
  • a preferred embodiment of the contact element is shown in more detail in FIGS. 4,5 and 6. It is in the form of a single blade 50 of metal (at least in its sharp and perforating parts) , for example copper of the tinned CuA1 type, possibly having undergone a surface treatment, situated in a transverse plane with respect to the axial direction of the cables to be connected, preferably perpendicular to this direction, and comprising on either side of its mediating plane on the one hand a group of points 52 oriented in the clamping direction and on the other hand two cutting and conducting edges 54, 56 turned one towards the other obliquely, so as to make an angle appear between them returning a.
  • a single blade 50 of metal for example copper of the tinned CuA1 type, possibly having undergone a surface treatment, situated in a transverse plane with respect to the axial direction of the cables to be connected, preferably perpendicular to this direction, and comprising on either side of its mediating plane on the one hand a group of points 52 oriented in the
  • Each assembly, spikes or edges, is intended with the identical assembly opposite to ensure contact with the cables to be interconnected, the edges allowing the entry of a main cable of the “sectoral” type.
  • the points which are at least two in number (in the example illustrated the group of points comprises five points) preferably have their ends arranged in a reentrant arc of a circle to allow a better grip of a derived circular cable.
  • the number of teeth is chosen according to both the intensity of the current which must pass through the connector and the diameter of the cable to be connected.
  • edges are preferably curved along a convex path, for example in circular sectors (as in FIG. 4) over approximately 90 °, and they are placed so that the spacing between the centers C 1 , C 2 of these sectors in 1/4 of a circle is equal to or slightly greater than twice their radius.
  • Each edge is formed by the intersection of two faces 58a, 58b forming an angle of about 90 ° between them. Note, however, that these edges could just as easily be formed of straight sectors.
  • the parts of the contact element 60, 62, 64 arranged between and outside its two perforating 52 and cutting 54, 56 parts are covered with the insulating material to form an electrical insulation joint once the connection has been established.
  • a more conventional structure with two groups of points or blade is also possible.
  • the blade 50 which is advantageously produced by cutting a standard metal strip, according to classic and inexpensive techniques, can be fitted with a profile metallic U-shaped 66 (see Figures 7a and 7b) crimped 68 on this blade.
  • This blade-profile association which has the effect of providing a base for this blade (a blade foot) very wide without resorting to a significantly more manufacturing complex of a single piece in the shape of an inverted T, allows an outfit improved mechanics and increased heat dissipation capacity.
  • the installation of the connector in the case of a connection with a single cable is as follows. First the connector being in position loosening, the branched cable is introduced into a sleeve 26 of the connector, after having previously removed the plug 30, until its appearance in abutment in the opposite sleeve 28 and holding this cable in position by its needle retaining screw 32 (the rupture of this screw will mean that the cable is correctly immobilized). The remaining connector open due to the presence of the fuse block, it can therefore be easily positioned on the main cable then tightened by means of screw 14. In addition, the particular configuration of the sectors allows, by self-centering, natural positioning of the connector on the main cable.
  • the tightening will first cause the rupture of the fuse block 40 then the perforation simultaneous main cable and secondary branch cable, until contact with the conductive core of these cables, without any stripping being to be carried out and without the fitter being in contact with any metal parts (the clamping screw is notably protected by the insulation accessories 34, 36). Failure of the clamping screw 14 will signal to this fitter that the connector became operational.
  • the connector In the case of a connection with two branched cables, the connector also being initially in the release position, after removing the two plugs 28 and 30, the first branch cable is introduced until it crosses the connector completely and therefore appear through the sleeves 24 and 26. Then, the second branch cable is in turn introduced into the connector on the opposite side, pushing the previous one until presenting a comparable insertion length in the connector. This is verified by the action on the movable plate 70 which cannot be suitably pressed only if it fits perfectly between the two ends opposite of the two branch cables. These cables can then be maintained fixedly without contact between them by the needle screws 32.
  • the advantage of the present invention lies in the fact that during this connection operation no active potential (in case of work under tension) or even floating (ie likely to come into contact with active potential) is not directly accessible to the fitter.
  • the fuse block opening also significantly facilitates assembly because, in now constantly open the connector, it saves the fitter from having to simultaneously perform this holding and positioning on the cable main.
  • the torque limiter makes it possible to guarantee a torque of constant tightening regardless of who performed the interconnection.
  • the connector thus ensures the electrical, mechanical connection and insulation of the electrical connection both by its own insulating nature and by the intermediary of the rubber parts covering the non-sharp parts or perforating contact blades.

Landscapes

  • Connections By Means Of Piercing Elements, Nuts, Or Screws (AREA)
  • Communication Cables (AREA)
  • Insulated Conductors (AREA)
  • Connections Effected By Soldering, Adhesion, Or Permanent Deformation (AREA)
  • Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
  • Ropes Or Cables (AREA)
  • Laying Of Electric Cables Or Lines Outside (AREA)

Abstract

PCT No. PCT/FR97/00162 Sec. 371 Date Jul. 27, 1998 Sec. 102(e) Date Jul. 27, 1998 PCT Filed Jan. 28, 1997 PCT Pub. No. WO97/28578 PCT Pub. Date Aug. 7, 1997A branch connector for an underground cable enabling a main cable to be electrically connected to at least one branch cable, each being constituted by a metal core surrounded by an insulating sheath, and comprising a lower body (10) and an upper body (12) disposed facing each other and movable towards each other by clamping, each body including a contact element (16, 18; 50) which is made, at least in part, of metal and which is situated in a plane extending transversely relative to an axial direction of the cables and penetrating both through the insulation of the main cable and through the insulation of the branch cable to make contact with the cores of said cables when the upper and lower bodies are moved towards each other by at least one clamping means (14), and a movable non-conductive separator member (70) situated in the midplane of the connector and designed to enable two branch cables to be assembled without coming into contact with each other.

Description

La présente invention concerne un connecteur de dérivation pour câble souterrain qui permet d'effectuer le raccordement électrique et mécanique d'un câble principal, ou câble passant, de section circulaire ou de section non circulaire dite "sectorale" et d'un câble secondaire, ou câble dérivé, de section circulaire ou sectorale, tel que défini par le préambule de la revendication 1 (voir par exemple FR-A-2 601 516).The present invention relates to a branch connector for underground cable which makes the electrical connection and mechanical of a main cable, or passing cable, of circular section or non-circular section called "sectoral" and a secondary cable, or cable derivative, of circular or sectoral section, as defined by the preamble of claim 1 (see for example FR-A-2 601 516).

La figure 9 montre un dispositif de connexion couramment utilisé actuellement dans le domaine des réseaux souterrains et qui est constitué essentiellement de parties métalliques, avec un corps 5 surmonté d'un cabochon autobloquant 6, assurant par l'intermédiaire d'un organe presseur 7 une liaison mécanique et électrique entre les câbles à interconnecter, et dont la mise en oeuvre est obtenue par un serrage mécanique, par exemple au moyen d'une vis 8, ou par un sertissage. Il en résulte que, pour mettre en place un tel connecteur souterrain, il est nécessaire de procéder tout d'abord à un dénudage à la fois du câble dérivé et du câble passant, puis ensuite, une fois la liaison réalisée, de rapporter une isolation soit par capot isolant soit par feuille isolante souple.Figure 9 shows a commonly used connection device currently in the field of underground networks and which consists essentially of metal parts, with a body 5 surmounted by a self-locking cap 6, ensuring via a pressing member 7 a mechanical and electrical connection between the cables to be interconnected, and of which the implementation is obtained by mechanical tightening, for example at by means of a screw 8, or by crimping. It follows that, to place such an underground connector, it is necessary to proceed first stripping both the branch cable and the passing cable, and then a once the connection has been made, report insulation either by insulating cover or by flexible insulating sheet.

Ce dispositif actuel de connexion de câbles souterrains présente de ce fait de nombreux inconvénients. Tout d'abord, l'obligation de dénuder les câbles est une opération longue, malaisée, et parfois même dangereuse car très souvent, dans ce domaine particulier des réseaux de câbles souterrains, le câble principal est sous tension et ne peut pas être désalimenté sans entraíner de lourdes conséquences pour les utilisateurs du réseau électrique auquel il est raccordé. Le dispositif de connexion est en effet relié à un potentiel actif de même que les vis de serrage ou les outillages de sertissage. Par conséquent, la personne (le monteur) devant accéder au câble principal sous tension se trouve en cas d'intervention aussi porté à ce potentiel, ce qui l'oblige à disposer de protections spécifiques (habillage spécifique de fouille par exemple). Ensuite, le dispositif de connexion doit encore être isolé postérieurement à son montage, ce qui implique une nouvelle opération délicate car effectuée également sous tension. Enfin, avec ce type de connecteur de l'art antérieur, il est indispensable de séparer entre eux les différents conducteurs du câble principal pour passer autour de chaque conducteur le corps du connecteur.This current underground cable connection device presents this has many drawbacks. First of all, the obligation to strip the cables is a long, awkward, and sometimes even dangerous operation because very often, in this particular area of underground cable networks, the main cable is energized and cannot be de-energized without have serious consequences for users of the electricity network to which it is connected. The connection device is indeed connected to a active potential as well as the clamping screws or crimping tools. Therefore, the person (the fitter) having to access the main cable energized is in the event of an intervention also brought to this potential, which requires him to have specific protections (specific search clothing for example). Then the connection device must still be isolated after its assembly, which implies a new operation delicate because it is also performed under tension. Finally, with this type of connector of the prior art, it is essential to separate them different conductors of the main cable to pass around each conductor the connector body.

La présente invention a pour objet de pallier les inconvénients précités en prévoyant un connecteur de dérivation ne nécessitant aucun dénudage des câbles à interconnecter, ni aucune isolation postérieure au montage. Un but de l'invention est de réaliser un connecteur de dérivation dont la mise en oeuvre soit rapide, de qualité et totalement sécurisante pour le monteur. Un autre but essentiel est de pouvoir garantir une parfaite tenue diélectrique du connecteur de dérivation, comme un positionnement naturel du câble principal sans intervention à l'intérieur du faisceau de conducteurs qu'il peut éventuellement contenir.The object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks aforementioned by providing a branch connector requiring no stripping of the cables to be interconnected, and no insulation after the mounting. An object of the invention is to provide a connector for derivation whose implementation is fast, quality and totally reassuring for the fitter. Another essential goal is to be able to guarantee perfect dielectric strength of the branch connector, like a natural positioning of the main cable without intervention inside the bundle of conductors which it may possibly contain.

Ces buts sont atteints par un connecteur de dérivation pour câble souterrain permettant de raccorder électriquement un câble principal et au moins un câble dérivé, chacun de ces câbles étant formé d'une âme métallique entourée d'une gaine isolante, comprenant un corps inférieur et un corps supérieur disposés en opposition et rapprochés mutuellement par serrage, chaque corps comportant un élément de contact, au moins en partie métallique, situé dans un plan transversal par rapport à une direction axiale des câbles et pénétrant respectivement l'isolant du câble principal et l'isolant du câble dérivé pour venir en contact avec l'âme de ces câbles lorsque les corps supérieur et inférieur sont rapprochés mutuellement par au moins un moyen de serrage, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte en outre un organe mobile de séparation non conducteur situé dans le plan médiateur du connecteur et destiné à permettre un montage sans contact entre eux de deux câbles dérivés.These goals are achieved by a cable branch connector underground for electrically connecting a main cable and to the minus a branch cable, each of these cables being formed of a core metal surrounded by an insulating sheath, comprising a lower body and an upper body arranged in opposition and close together mutually by clamping, each body comprising a contact element, at least partly metallic, located in a plane transverse to an axial direction of the cables and respectively penetrating the cable insulation main and the insulator of the branch cable to come into contact with the core of these cables when the upper and lower bodies are brought together by at least one clamping means, characterized in that it further comprises a member non-conductive separation mobile located in the mediator plane of the connector and intended to allow contactless mounting between them of two derivative cables.

Par cette structure particulière de connecteur, la liaison est réalisée rapidement sans dénuder les câbles et sans nécessiter un quelconque positionnement des câbles à interconnecter. La présence d'un organe de séparation au niveau du passage des câbles dérivés permet de garantir une parfaite liaison électrique et mécanique de ces câbles tout en en facilitant le montage.By this particular connector structure, the connection is made quickly without stripping cables and without requiring any positioning of the cables to be interconnected. The presence of a separation at the level of the passage of the cables leads to guarantee a perfect electrical and mechanical connection of these cables while facilitating the mounting.

De préférence, l'élément de contact comporte de part et d'autre de son plan médiateur d'une part un groupe de pointes comportant au moins deux dents orientées selon une direction de serrage et d'autre part deux arrêtes tranchantes et conductrices tournées l'une vers l'autre obliquement de façon à faire apparaítre entre elles un angle rentrant.Preferably, the contact element comprises on either side of its mediator plan on the one hand a group of points comprising at least two teeth oriented in a tightening direction and on the other hand two edges sharp and conductive turned obliquely towards each other so to show between them a re-entrant angle.

Avantageusement, cet élément de contact est formé d'une lame d'épaisseur unique sur laquelle est monté solidairement, par exemple par sertissage, un profilé métallique en U, de telle sorte que la pièce ainsi obtenue, de par sa plus grande largeur de base, présente des caractéristiques mécaniques et thermiques améliorées.Advantageously, this contact element is formed of a blade of single thickness on which is mounted integrally, for example by crimping, a metal U-shaped profile, so that the workpiece obtained, due to its greater base width, has characteristics improved mechanical and thermal.

Les parties non tranchante et non perforante de l'élément de contact sont recouvertes d'un matériau isolant formant un joint d'isolation électrique. Par ce biais, il est possible de garantir une très bonne tenue diélectrique de la connexion qui se trouve ainsi parfaitement isolée à l'issue du rapprochement des corps par le moyen de serrage.The non-sharp and non-perforating parts of the contact element are covered with an insulating material forming an electrical insulation joint. In this way, it is possible to guarantee very good dielectric strength of the connection which is thus perfectly isolated at the end of the merger bodies by the clamping means.

De préférence, au moins un manchon, avantageusement réalisé en un matériau transparent, est disposé dans un plan perpendiculaire à la direction de serrage pour recevoir le câble dérivé. Avec ces manchons, le monteur n'a plus à tenir le ou les câbles dérivés lorsqu'il met en place le connecteur sur le câble principal, ce qui lui simplifie considérablement les manipulations qu'il doit réaliser lors du raccordement de ces câbles. Pour renforcer le maintien de ces câbles dérivés des vis de maintien, de préférence à pointeau, peuvent être fixées sur chaque manchon.Preferably, at least one sleeve, advantageously produced in a transparent material, is arranged in a plane perpendicular to the direction clamp to receive the branch cable. With these sleeves, the fitter no longer holding the derivative cable (s) when installing the connector on the main cable, which considerably simplifies the handling it must perform when connecting these cables. To strengthen support of these cables derived from retaining screws, preferably with a needle, can be attached to each sleeve.

Dans un mode de réalisation préférentiel, le moyen de serrage comporte une vis qui traverse l'un des corps pour aller se visser dans l'autre corps et est munie de moyens d'isolation pour recouvrir chacune des extrémités de cette vis, de telle sorte que cette vis puisse être actionnée hors de tout potentiel actif. Grâce à cette protection, l'adjonction d'une isolation postérieure n'est plus nécessaire une fois la connexion effectuée et la personne devant réaliser l'interconnexion n'est plus obligée de porter l'habillage de fouille indispensable précédemment en cas d'intervention sous tension. La sécurité de cette personne (le monteur) en est dès lors grandement facilitée.In a preferred embodiment, the clamping means has a screw that goes through one of the bodies to go and screw into the other body and is provided with insulation means to cover each of the ends of this screw, so that this screw can be operated out of any active potential. Thanks to this protection, the addition of insulation after the connection is made and the no one to carry out the interconnection is no longer obliged to carry the search dressing previously essential in the event of intervention under voltage. The safety of this person (the fitter) is therefore greatly facilitated.

Le moyen de serrage comporte un moyen de limitation de couple pour assurer un serrage à couple prédéterminé indépendamment du couple de serrage exercé. Ainsi, il est possible de garantir un montage totalement reproductible et d'une parfaite fiabilité quelle que soit la personne qui a réalisé l'interconnexion.The clamping means includes a torque limiting means to ensure tightening to predetermined torque independently of the torque of tightening exerted. Thus, it is possible to guarantee a total assembly reproducible and perfectly reliable regardless of who has interconnection.

Ce connecteur de dérivation selon l'invention comporte en outre un moyen fusible d'ouverture qui maintient ouvert le connecteur pendant le montage et est rompu lors du serrage. Ce moyen fusible d'ouverture est par exemple formé d'une languette comportant une zone d'affaiblissement destinée à être rompue lors du serrage, cette languette étant solidaire de l'un des deux corps et s'étendant en direction de l'autre corps dans une cavité destinée à la recevoir.This branch connector according to the invention further comprises a medium opening fuse which keeps the connector open during mounting and is broken during tightening. This means of opening fuse is by example formed by a tab having a weakened zone intended to be broken during tightening, this tongue being integral with one of the two bodies and extending towards the other body in a cavity intended to receive it.

D'autres particularités et avantages de la présente invention ressortiront de la description suivante en regard des dessins annexés et dans laquelle :

  • la figure 1 montre le connecteur de dérivation de l'invention assurant une liaison entre un câble principal et un câble secondaire,
  • la figure 2 est une vue en élévation coupe d'un connecteur de dérivation selon l'invention, prise selon le plan II-II de la figure 3,
  • la figure 3 est une vue suivant F de la figure 2 avec des coupes partielles au niveau de manchons d'arrivée du câble dérivé,
  • la figure 4 représente un élément de contact du connecteur selon l'invention,
  • la figure 5 est une vue en coupe selon le plan V-V de la figure 4,
  • la figure 6 représente en perspective l'élément de contact,
  • les figures 7a et 7b montrent un autre exemple de réalisation de cet élément de contact,
  • la figure 8 est une vue en perspective d'un connecteur selon l'invention muni d'une plaque de séparation permettant la liaison d'un câble principal avec deux câbles dérivés, et
  • la figure 9 illustre un connecteur de dérivation de l'art antérieur.
Other particularities and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the following description with reference to the appended drawings and in which:
  • FIG. 1 shows the branch connector of the invention ensuring a connection between a main cable and a secondary cable,
  • FIG. 2 is a sectional elevation view of a branch connector according to the invention, taken along the plane II-II of FIG. 3,
  • FIG. 3 is a view along F of FIG. 2 with partial sections at the level of sleeves for the arrival of the branch cable,
  • FIG. 4 represents a contact element of the connector according to the invention,
  • FIG. 5 is a sectional view along the plane VV of FIG. 4,
  • FIG. 6 shows in perspective the contact element,
  • FIGS. 7a and 7b show another exemplary embodiment of this contact element,
  • FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a connector according to the invention provided with a separation plate allowing the connection of a main cable with two derived cables, and
  • Figure 9 illustrates a branch connector of the prior art.

La figure 1 montre une liaison réalisée avec un connecteur de dérivation 1 selon l'invention entre un câble principal 2 et un câble secondaire 3. Le câble principal, dit aussi câble passant, est du type multifilaire, avec par exemple quatre faisceaux de fils (trois phases et un neutre), chacun de ces faisceaux étant isolé, soit par un isolant sec synthétique comme du poly(chlorure de vinyle) (PVC) ou du polyéthylène réticulé chimiquement (XLPE), soit par un papier imprégné d'huile. L'âme conductrice de ces faisceaux est en général en aluminium câblé multibrins ou massif, voire en cuivre. Le câble secondaire, dit aussi câble dérivé, peut également être du type multifilaire isolé.Figure 1 shows a connection made with a connector branch 1 according to the invention between a main cable 2 and a cable secondary 3. The main cable, also called passing cable, is of the type multifilar, with for example four bundles of wires (three phases and one neutral), each of these bundles being insulated, either by a dry insulator synthetic like poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) or polyethylene chemically crosslinked (XLPE), either with oil-impregnated paper. Blade conductor of these bundles is generally made of stranded aluminum or solid, even copper. The secondary cable, also called branch cable, can also be of the isolated multi-wire type.

Les figures 2 et 3 sont des vues générales d'un exemple de réalisation d'un connecteur de dérivation selon l'invention.Figures 2 and 3 are general views of an exemplary embodiment a branch connector according to the invention.

Le connecteur représenté comporte un corps inférieur 10 et un corps supérieur 12 qui peuvent être rapprochés l'un de l'autre, selon une direction de serrage, par un moyen de serrage comportant au moins une vis de serrage 14 traversant, au niveau du plan médiateur P du connecteur, l'un de ces corps pour aller se visser dans l'autre. Chaque corps supérieur et inférieur, qui est de préférence constitué dans un matériau isolant, comme un thermoplastique cristallin chargé de fibres de verre ou une matière plastique, est équipé d'un élément de contact 16, 18 destiné, lorsque le connecteur est mis en place, à assurer un contact électrique entre les deux câbles à interconnecter et qui est recouvert dans une partie centrale 20, 22 et des parties d'extrémité 19, 21, correspondant à des zones non perforantes ou non tranchantes de ces éléments, d'un matériau élastomère thermoplastique (par exemple en gomme) formant un joint d'isolation électrique. Par l'utilisation de ce matériau isolant, il est possible de garantir une très bonne tenue diélectrique de la connexion qui se trouve ainsi parfaitement isolée. Des manchons 24, 26 pour recevoir le câble dérivé, réalisés avantageusement dans un matériau plastique transparent, sont disponibles de part et d'autre des corps supérieur ou inférieur, dans une direction perpendiculaire à la direction de serrage, et sont solidaires de l'un d'entre eux, par exemple du corps supérieur 12. Le manchon non utilisé peut être obturé par un bouchon 28, 30. Ainsi, lors du montage d'un câble dérivé unique, la transparence des manchons permettra de s'assurer de l'introduction complète de ce câble dans le connecteur. On notera, que ce connecteur peut également convenir dans le cas d'une utilisation simultanée de deux câbles dérivés, sous réserve d'adjoindre à ce connecteur une plaque centrale mobile de séparation non conductrice 70 (voir la figure 8 qui montre en perspective un connecteur muni d'une telle plaque). En effet, cette plaque initialement relevée ne pourra être descendue dans le passage du câble dérivé que si ceux-ci sont convenablement introduits dans leur manchon respectif. Un dispositif de maintien en position du câble dérivé, du type vis pointeau 32 (qui peut également être réalisée dans une matière synthétique), peut être fixé sur chacun de ces manchons pour assurer un meilleur centrage et une meilleure tenue du câble. Des accessoires d'isolation 34, 36 peuvent également être prévus au niveau de chaque extrémité de la vis de serrage 14, dans chacun de ces deux corps, pour interdire tout contact direct (notamment par le monteur) avec cette vis de serrage. En outre, il est de préférence prévu à la fois un limiteur de couple 38, placé au niveau de la tête de la vis de serrage pour garantir un serrage à couple prédéterminé, indépendamment du couple de serrage exercé (les vis de maintien peuvent aussi être du type à rupture prédéterminée), et une cale fusible d'ouverture, formée par exemple d'une languette 40 fixée à l'un des corps, s'étendant dans la direction de serrage dans une cavité destinée à la recevoir, et présentant une zone d'affaiblissement 42 qui est rompue lors du serrage, pour définir une distance d'ouverture minimum entre les deux corps du connecteur et permettre ainsi de maintenir celui-ci ouvert lors des opérations de montage préalable à ce serrage.The connector shown has a lower body 10 and a body upper 12 which can be brought together, in a direction clamping, by a clamping means comprising at least one clamping screw 14 crossing, at the mediator plane P of the connector, one of these body to go and screw into the other. Each upper and lower body, which is preferably made of an insulating material, such as a crystalline thermoplastic loaded with glass fibers or a plastic material, is equipped with a contact element 16, 18 intended, when the connector is installed, to ensure electrical contact between the two cables to interconnect and which is covered in a central part 20, 22 and end parts 19, 21, corresponding to non-perforating or non-perforating zones sharp of these elements, of a thermoplastic elastomeric material (by rubber example) forming an electrical insulation joint. By use of this insulating material, it is possible to guarantee very good resistance dielectric of the connection which is thus perfectly isolated. Of sleeves 24, 26 for receiving the branch cable, advantageously made in a transparent plastic material, are available on both sides upper or lower bodies, in a direction perpendicular to the tightening direction, and are integral with one of them, for example the upper body 12. The unused sleeve can be closed with a plug 28, 30. Thus, when mounting a single branch cable, the transparency of the sleeves will ensure the complete introduction of this cable into the connector. Note that this connector can also be used in the in case of simultaneous use of two branch cables, subject add a movable central separation plate to this connector conductive 70 (see Figure 8 which shows in perspective a connector fitted with such a plate). Indeed, this initially raised plate does not can be lowered into the passage of the branch cable only if these are suitably inserted into their respective sleeves. A device for holding the branched cable in position, of the needle screw type 32 (which can also be made of synthetic material), can be fixed on each of these sleeves to ensure better centering and better cable holding. Insulation accessories 34, 36 can also be provided at each end of the clamping screw 14, in each of these two bodies, to prevent any direct contact (in particular by the fitter) with this clamping screw. In addition, it is preferably provided for in the times a torque limiter 38, placed at the head of the clamping screw to guarantee tightening at predetermined torque, regardless of the torque tightening exerted (the retaining screws can also be of the rupture type predetermined), and an opening fuse block, formed for example of a tongue 40 fixed to one of the bodies, extending in the tightening direction in a cavity intended to receive it, and having a zone weakening 42 which is broken during tightening, to define a minimum opening distance between the two connector bodies and thus keep it open during assembly operations prior to this tightening.

Un exemple préférentiel de réalisation de l'élément de contact est montré plus en détail sur les figures 4,5 et 6. Il se présente sous la forme d'une lame unique 50 de métal (tout au moins dans ses parties tranchantes et perforantes), par exemple en cuivre du type CuA1 étamé, ayant subi éventuellement un traitement de surface, située dans un plan transversal par rapport à la direction axiale des câbles à raccorder, de préférence perpendiculaire à cette direction, et comportant de part et d'autre de son plan médiateur d'une part un groupe de pointes 52 orientées suivant la direction de serrage et d'autre part deux arêtes tranchantes et conductrices 54, 56 tournées l'une vers l'autre obliquement, de façon à faire apparaítre entre elles un angle rentrant a. Chaque ensemble, pointes ou arêtes, est destiné avec l'ensemble identique opposé à assurer la prise de contact sur les câbles à interconnecter, les arêtes permettant la saisie d'un câble principal de type « sectoral ». Les pointes qui sont au minimum au nombre de deux (dans l'exemple illustré le groupe de pointe comporte cinq pointes) ont de préférence leurs extrémités disposées selon un arc de cercle rentrant pour permettre une meilleure prise d'un câble circulaire dérivé. Toutefois, pour tenir compte des différences de section importantes pouvant parfois exister entre les câbles principal et dérivé, une simple disposition linéaire de ces pointes, avec des longueurs croissantes de l'extrémité au centre de l'élément de contact peut aussi être envisagée. Le nombre de dents est choisi en fonction à la fois de l'intensité du courant qui doit traverser le connecteur et du diamètre du câble à relier. De même, les arêtes sont de préférence incurvées suivant un tracé convexe, par exemple selon des secteurs circulaires (comme sur la figure 4) sur environ 90°, et elles sont placées de telle sorte que l'espacement entre les centres C1, C2 de ces secteurs en 1/4 de cercle soit égal ou légèrement supérieur au double de leur rayon. Chaque arête est formée par l'intersection de deux faces 58a, 58b faisant entre elles un angle d'environ 90°. On notera toutefois que ces arêtes pourraient tout aussi bien être formées simplement de secteurs rectilignes. Les parties de l'élément de contact 60, 62, 64 disposées entre et à l'extérieur de ses deux parties perforante 52 et tranchante 54, 56 sont recouverts du matériau isolant pour former un joint d'isolation électrique une fois la liaison établie. Bien entendu, une structure plus classique avec deux groupes de pointes ou de lame est aussi envisageable.A preferred embodiment of the contact element is shown in more detail in FIGS. 4,5 and 6. It is in the form of a single blade 50 of metal (at least in its sharp and perforating parts) , for example copper of the tinned CuA1 type, possibly having undergone a surface treatment, situated in a transverse plane with respect to the axial direction of the cables to be connected, preferably perpendicular to this direction, and comprising on either side of its mediating plane on the one hand a group of points 52 oriented in the clamping direction and on the other hand two cutting and conducting edges 54, 56 turned one towards the other obliquely, so as to make an angle appear between them returning a. Each assembly, spikes or edges, is intended with the identical assembly opposite to ensure contact with the cables to be interconnected, the edges allowing the entry of a main cable of the “sectoral” type. The points which are at least two in number (in the example illustrated the group of points comprises five points) preferably have their ends arranged in a reentrant arc of a circle to allow a better grip of a derived circular cable. However, to take account of the significant cross-sectional differences which may sometimes exist between the main and branched cables, a simple linear arrangement of these points, with increasing lengths from the end to the center of the contact element can also be envisaged. The number of teeth is chosen according to both the intensity of the current which must pass through the connector and the diameter of the cable to be connected. Likewise, the edges are preferably curved along a convex path, for example in circular sectors (as in FIG. 4) over approximately 90 °, and they are placed so that the spacing between the centers C 1 , C 2 of these sectors in 1/4 of a circle is equal to or slightly greater than twice their radius. Each edge is formed by the intersection of two faces 58a, 58b forming an angle of about 90 ° between them. Note, however, that these edges could just as easily be formed of straight sectors. The parts of the contact element 60, 62, 64 arranged between and outside its two perforating 52 and cutting 54, 56 parts are covered with the insulating material to form an electrical insulation joint once the connection has been established. Of course, a more conventional structure with two groups of points or blade is also possible.

Afin d'augmenter la section de transfert électrique entre le câble principal et la câble dérivé et ainsi obtenir de bonnes fiabilité et stabilité au vieillissement et une bonne tenue aux surintensités, la lame 50, qui est avantageusement réalisée par découpe d'une bande de métal standard, selon des techniques classiques et peu onéreuses, peut être munie d'un profilé métallique en U 66 (voir les figures 7a et 7b) sertie 68 sur cette lame. Cette association lame-profil, qui a pour effet de procurer à cette lame une base (un pied de lame) très large sans recourir à une fabrication notablement plus complexe d'une pièce unique en forme de T inversé, autorise une tenue mécanique améliorée et une capacité de dissipation thermique augmentée.In order to increase the electric transfer section between the cable main and branch cable and thus obtain good reliability and stability at aging and good resistance to overcurrents, the blade 50, which is advantageously produced by cutting a standard metal strip, according to classic and inexpensive techniques, can be fitted with a profile metallic U-shaped 66 (see Figures 7a and 7b) crimped 68 on this blade. This blade-profile association, which has the effect of providing a base for this blade (a blade foot) very wide without resorting to a significantly more manufacturing complex of a single piece in the shape of an inverted T, allows an outfit improved mechanics and increased heat dissipation capacity.

La mise en place du connecteur dans le cas d'une liaison avec un seul câble se présente comme suit. Tout d'abord le connecteur étant en position de desserrage, le câble dérivé est introduit dans un manchon 26 du connecteur, après en avoir préalablement extrait le bouchon 30, jusqu'à son apparition en butée dans le manchon opposé 28 et en maintenant ce câble en position par sa vis de maintien à pointeau 32 (la rupture de cette vis signifiera une immobilisation correcte du câble). Le connecteur restant ouvert du fait de la présence de la cale fusible, il peut dès lors être facilement positionné sur le câble principal puis serré au moyen de la vis 14. En outre, la configuration particulière des secteurs permet, par autocentrage, un positionnement naturel du connecteur sur le câble principal. Le serrage va tout d'abord entraíner la rupture de la cale fusible 40 puis la perforation simultanée du câble principal et du câble secondaire dérivé, jusqu'à venir en contact avec l'âme conductrice de ces câbles, sans qu'aucun dénudage ne soit à effectuer et sans que le monteur soit en contact avec de quelconques parties métalliques (la vis de serrage est notamment protégée par les accessoires d'isolation 34, 36). La rupture de la vis de serrage 14 signalera à ce monteur que le connecteur est devenu opérationnel.The installation of the connector in the case of a connection with a single cable is as follows. First the connector being in position loosening, the branched cable is introduced into a sleeve 26 of the connector, after having previously removed the plug 30, until its appearance in abutment in the opposite sleeve 28 and holding this cable in position by its needle retaining screw 32 (the rupture of this screw will mean that the cable is correctly immobilized). The remaining connector open due to the presence of the fuse block, it can therefore be easily positioned on the main cable then tightened by means of screw 14. In addition, the particular configuration of the sectors allows, by self-centering, natural positioning of the connector on the main cable. The tightening will first cause the rupture of the fuse block 40 then the perforation simultaneous main cable and secondary branch cable, until contact with the conductive core of these cables, without any stripping being to be carried out and without the fitter being in contact with any metal parts (the clamping screw is notably protected by the insulation accessories 34, 36). Failure of the clamping screw 14 will signal to this fitter that the connector became operational.

Dans le cas d'une liaison avec deux câbles dérivés, le connecteur étant aussi initialement en position de déserrage, après avoir enlevé les deux bouchons 28 et 30, le premier câble dérivé est introduit jusqu'à traverser complètement le connecteur et donc apparaítre au travers des manchons 24 et 26. Ensuite, le second câble dérivé est introduit à son tour dans le connecteur par le côté opposé en repoussant le précédent jusqu'à présenter dans le connecteur une longueur d'introduction comparable. Cela est vérifié par l'action sur la plaque mobile 70 qui ne peut être convenablement enfoncée que si elle s'interpose parfaitement entre les deux extrémités opposées des deux câbles dérivés. Ces câbles peuvent alors être maintenus fixement sans contact entre eux par les vis à pointeau 32.In the case of a connection with two branched cables, the connector also being initially in the release position, after removing the two plugs 28 and 30, the first branch cable is introduced until it crosses the connector completely and therefore appear through the sleeves 24 and 26. Then, the second branch cable is in turn introduced into the connector on the opposite side, pushing the previous one until presenting a comparable insertion length in the connector. This is verified by the action on the movable plate 70 which cannot be suitably pressed only if it fits perfectly between the two ends opposite of the two branch cables. These cables can then be maintained fixedly without contact between them by the needle screws 32.

La procédure pour monter le câble principal se poursuit ensuite comme précédemment.The procedure for mounting the main cable then continues like before.

L'intérêt de la présente invention réside dans le fait que durant cette opération de raccordement aucun potentiel actif (en cas de travail sous tension) ou même flottant (c'est à dire susceptible de venir en contact avec un potentiel actif) n'est directement accessible au monteur. La cale fusible d'ouverture permet en outre de faciliter notablement le montage car, en maintenant constamment ouvert le connecteur, elle évite au monteur de devoir réaliser simultanément ce maintien et le positionnement sur le câble principal. Le limiteur de couple permet quant à lui de garantir un couple de serrage constant quel que soit la personne ayant réalisée l'interconnexion. Le connecteur assure ainsi la liaison électrique, mécanique et l'isolation de la connexion électrique tant par sa nature isolante propre que par l'intermédiaire des parties en gomme recouvrant les parties non tranchante ou perforante des lames de contact.The advantage of the present invention lies in the fact that during this connection operation no active potential (in case of work under tension) or even floating (ie likely to come into contact with active potential) is not directly accessible to the fitter. The fuse block opening also significantly facilitates assembly because, in now constantly open the connector, it saves the fitter from having to simultaneously perform this holding and positioning on the cable main. The torque limiter makes it possible to guarantee a torque of constant tightening regardless of who performed the interconnection. The connector thus ensures the electrical, mechanical connection and insulation of the electrical connection both by its own insulating nature and by the intermediary of the rubber parts covering the non-sharp parts or perforating contact blades.

Claims (10)

  1. A branch connector for an underground cable enabling a main cable (2) to be electrically connected to at least one branch cable (3), each of the cables being constituted by a metal core surrounded by an insulating sheath, the connector comprising a lower body (10) and an upper body (12) disposed facing each other and movable towards each other by clamping, each body including a contact element (16, 18; 50) which is made, at least in part, of metal and which is situated in a plane extending transversely relative to an axial direction of the cables and penetrating both through the insulation of the main cable and through the insulation of the branch cable to make contact with the cores of said cables when the upper and lower bodies are moved towards each other by at least one clamping means (14), characterised in that it further includes a movable non-conductive separator member (70) situated in the midplane of the connector and designed to enable two branch cables to be assembled without coming into contact with each other.
  2. A branch connector for an underground cable according to claim 1, characterized in that the contact element is constituted by a blade of single thickness (50) on which there is secured, e.g. by crimping, a channel section metal backing strip (66) such that the resulting part presents improved mechanical and thermal characteristics because of its wider back.
  3. A branch connector for an underground cable according to claim 1, characterized in that the contact element includes, on either side of its midplane, firstly a set of spikes (52) comprising at least two teeth pointing in a clamping direction, and secondly two conductive cutting edges (54, 56) facing each other obliquely so as to leave a reflex angle between them.
  4. A branch connector for an underground cable according to claim 1, characterized in that it further includes at least one bushing (26, 28) advantageously made of transparent material and disposed in a plane perpendicular to the clamping direction to receive and hold the branch cable (3).
  5. A branch connector for an underground cable according to claim 4, characterized in that it further includes holding screws (32), preferably lock screws, for holding the branch cable(s) and fixed to each of the bushings (26, 28).
  6. A branch connector for an underground cable according to claim 1, characterized in that the non-cutting and non-perforating portions (60, 62, 64) of the contact element are covered in an insulating material (19-22) forming an electrical insulation jacket.
  7. A branch connector for an underground cable according to claim 1, characterized in that the clamping means comprises a screw (14) passing through one of the bodies (12) to make screw engagement in the other body (10) and provided with insulation means (34, 36) to cover each of the ends of the screw (14), thereby enabling the screw (14) to be driven without contacting live potential.
  8. A branch connector for an underground cable according to claim 7, characterized in that the clamping means includes a torque limiter (38) for ensuring that clamping takes place at a predetermined torque independently of the clamping torque exerted.
  9. A branch connector for an underground cable according to claim 1, characterized in that it further includes a breakable spacer means (40, 42) which holds the connector open during assembly and which is broken during clamping.
  10. A branch connector for an underground cable according to claim 9, characterized in that the breakable spacer means is constituted by a tongue (40) having a zone of weakness (42) designed to be broken during clamping, said tongue being secured to one of the two bodies and extending towards the other body into a cavity designed to receive it.
EP97901683A 1996-01-29 1997-01-28 Branching connector for an underground cable Expired - Lifetime EP0878032B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9600980 1996-01-29
FR9600980A FR2744289B1 (en) 1996-01-29 1996-01-29 BYPASS CONNECTOR FOR UNDERGROUND CABLE
PCT/FR1997/000162 WO1997028578A1 (en) 1996-01-29 1997-01-28 Branching connector for an underground cable

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0878032A1 EP0878032A1 (en) 1998-11-18
EP0878032B1 true EP0878032B1 (en) 1999-09-08

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EP97901683A Expired - Lifetime EP0878032B1 (en) 1996-01-29 1997-01-28 Branching connector for an underground cable

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US (1) US6086406A (en)
EP (1) EP0878032B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE184427T1 (en)
AU (1) AU716555B2 (en)
CA (1) CA2242379C (en)
DE (1) DE69700498T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2137047T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2744289B1 (en)
GR (1) GR3031740T3 (en)
WO (1) WO1997028578A1 (en)

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Publication number Publication date
CA2242379C (en) 2006-01-03
FR2744289A1 (en) 1997-08-01
US6086406A (en) 2000-07-11
ATE184427T1 (en) 1999-09-15
CA2242379A1 (en) 1997-08-07
EP0878032A1 (en) 1998-11-18
DE69700498D1 (en) 1999-10-14
DE69700498T2 (en) 2000-01-13
ES2137047T3 (en) 1999-12-01
GR3031740T3 (en) 2000-02-29
AU716555B2 (en) 2000-03-02
FR2744289B1 (en) 1998-04-30
WO1997028578A1 (en) 1997-08-07
AU1549997A (en) 1997-08-22

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