EP0986134A1 - Connector for electrical conductors and connecting device using such a connector - Google Patents

Abstract

The connector mechanism has a conductor (1) with a holder mechanism. The body section (2) has a holder (3) with a side opening (12) for the end of a central conductor (5) in the holder and held by an elastic section (30) after introduction of the conductor by a force (F).

Description

The present invention relates to a connector for electrical conductors and to a connection device having such a connector.

Usually, a connection device for electrical conductors includes a framework that supports partitions defining compartments in which are arranged connectors.

According to a first known arrangement, these connectors comprise a substantially parallelepipedic body, made in electrically conductive material and pierced with a housing emerging on two opposite faces of this body. Otherwise, screws allow the immobilization of one or more conductors while means for bringing the contact (s) into contact conductors are provided in the housing opposite the screws. The contacting means are for example teeth perforation of the conductive insulating sheath, or consist in an electrical contact surface on which is disposed the driver previously stripped.

This type of connector, which is for example marketed with the transplanting grid under the reference EDF 69 80044 by MECELEC INDUSTRIES, however, has a drawback, in the sense that it is necessary to roll back the end of the conductor considered before introducing this last in the housing, by one of the faces on which leads to the latter. Besides the fact that this manipulation can affect the electrical integrity of the conductor, it very difficult, if not impossible, when the distance conductor development is low or when the cross section of the latter is important.

According to a second known arrangement, the face of the connector provided with immobilizing screws has a dimension longitudinal reduction and constitutes a movable shoe relative to the whole body, so as to form a notch by which the driver can be introduced into his housing. This type of connector, which is for example marketed by MECELEC INDUSTRIES and complies with the EDF specification HN 62522, also presents some disadvantages, since it is necessary that the connector has large longitudinal dimensions to allow the sliding shoe. Such a connector cannot therefore be arranged in certain connection installations, the dimensions are limited. In addition, given the mobility existing between the pad and the connector body, the machining of the latter is delicate and the risks of damage in service are high.

In order to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above, the invention proposes to produce a connector for electrical conductors with dimensions are weak, whose construction is simple, which has a good mechanical reliability, allows easy introduction of driver in his seat and guarantees positioning correct conductor relative to connector.

In this spirit, the invention relates to a connector for electrical conductors, this connector comprising a body comprising at least one housing for receiving the end of a conductor, this connector comprising immobilization means of the conductor with respect to this body, characterized in that the body has at least one side opening insertion of the conductor end into the housing and in that the body carries, or is associated with, an elastic member suitable for exercising on the driver, during the introduction to through this side opening, or partially introduced in housing, an effort directed towards this housing.

Thanks to the invention, the end of a connector can be installation in a housing for receiving the connector to through the side entrance, so there is no need deform the conductor to enter the connector by its front face, nor to provide a connector with a pad sliding. The elastic member guarantees that the end of the conductor which is engaged in the housing through the opening side does not stay oblique in this opening, this which could result in a bad connection having for consequently a high electrical resistance of the junction carried out, possible oxidation of the conductor or connector, overheating or disconnection. The elastic organ has function to create a kind of hard point during the introduction from the end of the conductor into the corresponding housing of the connector. In other words, the elastic organ is intended to be deformed when the end is introduced of the conductor to pass this end into the lateral opening of the connector body, then close at again this opening. The elastic organ participates in positioning of the end of the conductor inside the connector housing by exerting a positioning force on the conductor. This contributes to the certainty of the electrical connection made between the conductor and the connector.

According to a first advantageous aspect of the invention, the elastic member comprises an operating lever allowing to command its erasure when inserting the end conductor into housing through opening lateral. This operating lever allows a user to separate the elastic member from the lateral opening at the same time it introduces the end of a conductor into the corresponding housing and this, in a particularly easy way.

According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, the organ shutter is formed by a threadlike element comprising a first part immobilized with respect to the body and a second part movable relative to the lateral opening, by deformation elastic of the filiform element, in particular by bending and / or elastic torsion. The use of a threadlike element is advantageous both in terms of ease of manufacture as regards its cost price. We can predict that this threadlike element includes a part in the form of operating lever loop for controlling its erasure. We can also foresee that this element filiform includes a junction section extending between the first part integral with the body and a section capable of being moved by the end of the conductor being inserted in the housing, this junction section being able to be elastically deform by bending. The threadlike element advantageously includes a section belonging to the part immobilized in relation to the body which is able to deform elastically by torsion.

According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, the body has a groove for receiving and retaining the organ elastic. The mounting of the elastic member on the body can thus be achieved by snap-fastening and / or cooperation of shapes.

According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, the organ elastic includes an abutment portion from the end of the conductor in the housing according to a axial direction. Thus, the elastic organ participates in proper positioning of the conductor end in the housing, both in a transverse direction, thanks to the effort exerted, and in an axial direction, thanks to the stop.

According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, the organ elastic includes a portion extending to the means immobilization and forming a captive device for these means of immobilization. This additional function of the means elastic shutter is particularly useful in the case a connector installed on site which could not be used in case of loss of its immobilization screws.

The invention also relates to a connection device for electrical conductors, this device comprising a framework delimiting receiving compartments of at least a connector, characterized in that the or each connector is of the type previously described. Such a connection device is very easy to use, even by a few staff accustomed, the positioning of the ends of the conductors electric in the corresponding housing being guaranteed by the invention.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective éclatée d'un connecteur conforme à l'invention ;
• la figure 2 est une vue en perspective du connecteur de la figure 1 lors de la mise en place d'un conducteur ;
• la figure 3 est une vue analogue à la figure 2 lorsque le conducteur est en place dans le connecteur ;
• la figure 4 est une vue de face du connecteur dans la position de la figure 2 ;
• la figure 5 est une vue de face analogue à la figure 4 lors d'une étape ultérieure d'introduction du conducteur ;
• la figure 6 est une vue de face du connecteur dans la position de la figure 3 ;
• la figure 7 est une coupe selon la ligne VII-VII à la figure 6 ; et
• la figure 8 est une vue en perspective d'un dispositif de raccordement conforme à l'invention.

The invention will be better understood and other advantages of it will appear more clearly in the light of the following description of an embodiment of a connector and of a connection device in accordance with its principle, given by way of example only and with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a connector according to the invention;
• Figure 2 is a perspective view of the connector of Figure 1 when setting up a conductor;
• Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2 when the conductor is in place in the connector;
• Figure 4 is a front view of the connector in the position of Figure 2;
• Figure 5 is a front view similar to Figure 4 during a subsequent step of introducing the conductor;
• Figure 6 is a front view of the connector in the position of Figure 3;
• Figure 7 is a section along line VII-VII in Figure 6; and
• Figure 8 is a perspective view of a connection device according to the invention.

The connector 1 comprises a body 2 made of material electrically conductive defining a receiving housing 3 the end 4 of a conductor cable 5. A strip 6 provided with teeth 7 capable of perforating the insulating sheath of the conductor 5 is intended to be arranged in the bottom 8 of the housing 3. A screw 10 is received in an upper thread 11 of body 2, so that its tightening makes it possible to press the end 4 against the teeth 7 of the strip 6.

We note 2 a the front face of the body 2, that is to say the face through which the conductor 5 enters the housing 3 in the configuration of Figure 3. We note 2 b and 2 c the side faces of the body 2. The side face 2 c is provided with an opening 12 through which the end 4 of the conductor 5 can be introduced into the housing 3, while the strip 6 is already in place on the bottom 8 of this housing.

Thus, the conductor 5 does not need to be deformed or constrained to enter the housing 3 through the front face 2a connector 2.

An elastic member 20 is provided for selectively closing the opening 12. The member 20 is formed from a steel wire spring. It could also be done in other materials and formed, in particular, of a plastic blade based on a polymer such as polyacetal.

At a first end, the member 20 forms a loop 21 intended to be positioned at the opening 12. The loop 21 is extended by a junction section 22, substantially straight, itself connected to a second section substantially straight 23, sections 22 and 23 being generally perpendicular to each other. Section 23 is connected to another section 24 to which it is also generally perpendicular, this section 24 extending by a bent part 25, then by another straight section 26 generally parallel to section 24, then by a section rectilinear end 27 generally parallel to the section 23.

The body 2 a comprises a longitudinal groove 30 in which the section 23 of the member 20 can be received, as shown in FIG. 2. The section 23 is then retained in the groove 30 by snap-fastening and / or cooperation of shapes.

When the section 23 is in place in the groove 30, the end section 27 of the member 20 penetrates into a notch 31 of the body 30, so that it comes into elastic abutment against the threads of the screw 10. The lower end of this thread comprises a notch 32 capable of receiving the end 27 a of the section 27. Thus, when the screw 10 is tightened in the tapping 11, the end 27 a touches the thread of the screw 10. When this screw is unscrewed, the notch 32 rises relative to the body 2 and is located opposite the section 27 whose end 27 a can penetrate into the notch 32, thus blocking the unscrewing of the screw 10 as shown in FIG. 7. The member 20 therefore constitutes a means of captivity of the screw 10.

Due to the positioning of the sections 23 and 27 in the groove 30 and the notch 31, the sections 24 to 26 of the member 20 extend at the level of an axial opening 13 of the housing 3 formed on a rear face 2 d of the body 2. The bent portion 25 is located substantially at the end 4 of the conductor 5 once it has been inserted into the housing 3, so that it serves as a stop for the introduction of this end into the connector 1 in an axial direction XX 'of the conductor 5 in the mounted position.

As can be seen more clearly from FIG. 7, the bent part 25 of the member 20 is offset by a distance d of the order of 3 mm relative to the rear face 2 d of the body 2, so that the end 4 slightly protrudes from the housing 3 through the axial opening 13 to abut against the part 25. This allows a visual check, from above the body 2, of the insertion of the conductor 5 into the housing 3.

When it is necessary to set up the end 4 in the body 2, this end is directed towards the opening 12, which leads to pressing the loop 21, as shown in Figures 2 and 4 with arrow A. This pressing on the loop 21 results in bending of section 22 and / or in a torsion of section 23, which has the effect of erasing the loop 21 of the path of the end 4 of the conductor 5 in order to allow the introduction of this end into its housing.

Thus, the introduction of a cable into a housing of a connector according to the invention, requires an operation conscious of a user to overcome the hard point formed by organ 20. An unintentional introduction of the end of a driver in a dwelling is therefore excluded.

When the user has sufficiently removed the loop 21, the end 4 passes between the upper edge 12 a of the opening 12 and the loop 21, this loop tending to return elastically to the position of FIG. 2, which has the effect of pushing the end 4 of the conductor 5 towards the interior of the housing 3, as represented by the force F in FIG. 5. It is therefore not possible for this conductor to remain at an angle relative to the housing 3, or partially engaged in the opening 12, which guarantees the adequate positioning of the end 4 relative to the housing 3.

Thanks to the force F exerted by the member 20 on the end 4 being introduced or once introduced in the housing 3, this end is always aligned with respect to the strip 6 and the screw 10 which can efficiently fill their immobilizer and driver connection function 5.

In addition, any unfortunate extraction of the end 4 relative to the housing 3 through the opening 12 is unlikely, because the resistant force exerted by the organ 2 prevents such an operation. On the other hand, when it is desired to remove the end of its housing 3, it suffices to pull the loop 21 to clear the passage from this end.

When the cable 5 has a larger section than that shown in the figures, the member 20 can be supported elastic against this conductor also in the position of Figures 3 and 6. A positioning effort F is then also exercised in this position.

FIG. 8 represents a device for connecting conductors according to the invention, designated as a whole by the reference 202 and which is a transplanting grid. This grid comprises, in known manner, a frame 204 supporting a floor 206 from which rise several partitions side 208 parallel to each other. These last delimit compartments 210 within each of which is disposed a connector 301 comprising a body 302 defining between two and four housings 303 for receiving the cable end driver. These housings are each provided with an opening lateral 312, each opening 312 being able to be selectively closed by an elastic member 320.

As shown, the framework may include elements 212 protection against possible electric shocks due to passage of a user's fingers.

The connector according to the invention, taken individually or within a transplanting grid 202, guarantees a easy insertion of a conductor into the housing intended for receive it, since this introduction can be operated by a side face of the driver, with one hand, by slightly pushing the loop 21 of the elastic member 20 or 320 he's wearing. There is no need to roll back the driver before inserting it in the corresponding housing and the elastic member guarantees an adequate positioning in housing.

The connector according to the invention also has noticeably reduced longitudinal dimensions compared to connectors of the prior art provided with a movable pad, so that it can easily be integrated into a connection. In addition, since it does not have such a movable shoe, its longevity is increased compared to this second known arrangement. It is more economical to make and more robust.

The connector and the connection device of the invention can be used with conductors of variable sections and, in particular with conductors of section between 16 and 35 mm ² .

The invention has been shown with an elastic member threadlike. It is however applicable whatever the shape of this body which can be part of an insulating housing associated with the connector. In the case of grid 202, the member elastic could in particular be carried by one of the partitions 208, while being associated with each connector body 302 301.

Claims (10)

Connector (1; 301) for electrical conductors, said connector comprising a body comprising at least one housing for receiving the end of a conductor, said connector comprising immobilization means (10) of said conductor with respect to said body, characterized in that said body (2; 302) has at least one lateral opening (12; 312) of introduction of said end (4) of the conductor (5) in said housing (3; 303) and in that said body carries, or is associated with, an elastic member (30; 320) capable of exercising on the conductor (5), being introduced into said housing (3) through said lateral opening, or partially introduced into said housing, an effort (F) directed towards said housing. Connector according to claim 1, characterized in that said elastic closure member (20; 320) comprises a operating lever (21) for controlling its erasure (A) during the introduction of said end (4) of the conductor (5) in said housing (3) through said opening side (12). Connector according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said elastic member (20; 320) is formed by a filiform element comprising a first part (23-27) immobilized with respect to said body and a second part (21, 22), movable relative to said lateral opening (12), by elastic deformation of said filiform element, in particular by elastic bending and / or torsion. Connector according to claim 3, characterized in that that said filiform element (20) comprises a shaped part loop (21) forming an operating lever making it possible to order its erasure (A) when introducing said end (4) of the conductor (5) in said housing (3) to through said side opening (12). Connector according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that said threadlike element (20) comprises a junction section (22) extending between said first part (23-27) integral with said body and a section (21) suitable to be moved by said end (4) during insertion in said housing (3), said joining section being able to deform elastically by bending. Connector according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that said filiform element comprises a section (23), belonging to said immobilized part (23-27) relative to said body (2), able to deform elastically by twisting. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said body (2) has a groove (30) for receiving and retaining said elastic member (20). Connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said elastic member (20) comprises a portion (25) forming a stop for the introduction of said end (4) of the conductor in said housing in a direction axial (XX '). Connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said elastic member (20) comprises a portion (27) extending to said immobilization means (10) and forming a captive device (27 a ) for said means of immobilization. Connection device for electrical conductors, said device comprising a framework (204) delimiting compartments (210) for receiving at least one connector, characterized in that the or each connector (301) is according to any one of the preceding claims.

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