EP1058344B1 - Moblie connection device - Google Patents

Abstract

The removable connection plug has a contact element (15P) socket and a connection pin unit (16P) electrically connected together. The connection pin has an outer section (24) which is forced into the tubular part (25P) of the contact element and this force fit forms the connection.

Description

The present invention generally relates to connection devices commonly referred to as "mobile" insofar as, not being part of any electrical device, and not intended to be permanently installed on such a device. electrical appliance or on any other support, they may be moved.

It can therefore be, as well, a plug or socket socket acting alone at the end of an electric cable belonging to an extension cord, than a power strip comprising in parallel a plurality of such pedestals.

The document, US Patent 5890925 describes a device according to the preamble of claim 1.

In any case, a mobile switchgear of the type in question has at least one contact element, such as an alveolus or pin, which is waiting for the intervention of a complementary mobile connection apparatus, and at least one connection terminal, which is electrically connected to the contact element, and which, for serving it, is suitable for connection of any electrical conductor.

The present invention relates more particularly to this connection terminal, or, more generally, the connection means used to provide the necessary connection.

Indeed, the standards for mobile connection devices of the kind to the cause distinguish at these connection means, the removable products, and non-removable products.

The dismountable products must be equipped with screw terminals, so that their implementation, that is to say their connection to an electric cable, can be done easily using a common tool, in particular 'species a simple screwdriver, especially during a possible reuse.

On the other hand, for non-removable products, that is to say for products which must not be so reused, the screw terminals are forbidden, and they must be substituted for those ci means connection which can intervene in an inalienable way, for example by brazing, welding or crimping.

As a result, to date, depending on whether they come from removable products or non-removable products, the mobile connection devices of the kind in question proceed, in an expensive manner, two significantly different manufacturing, to the detriment of costs.

The present invention generally relates to a provision allowing on the contrary a certain standardization of these fabrications and leading in addition to other advantages.

More specifically, it relates to a mobile connection apparatus, such as a base or plug, of the type comprising at least one contact element, such as alveolus or pin, and at least one connection terminal, which is electrically connected. to the contact element, and which is specific to the connection of any electrical conductor, the mobile connection apparatus being generally characterized in that the connection terminal comprises a tail by which it is force-fitted into a tubular element, and in that it is through this tubular element that the connection terminal is electrically connected to the contact element.

Thus, when this mobile connection apparatus must constitute a removable product, the connection terminals provided according to the invention are actually implemented, and it is, in practice, screw connection terminals.

On the other hand, when this mobile connection apparatus must constitute a non-removable product, these connection terminals are omitted, and the connection of the conductors of the electric cable required is done directly by means of the corresponding tubular elements, for example by crimping those -this.

But, for the rest, and especially for ensuring an electrical connection between such a tubular element and the corresponding contact element, the constituents used can advantageously and economically be the same in both cases.

In addition, when the connection terminals provided according to the invention are actually implemented, it is advantageously possible, on assembly, to confer, without any particular operation, on one and / or the other of them, any orientation that would be desirable.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective du mécanisme d'un appareillage de connexion mobile suivant l'invention ;
• la figure 2 est, à échelle supérieure, une vue en perspective éclatée d'un des éléments de contact que comporte ce mécanisme, avec la borne de connexion qui lui est associée ;
• la figure 3 est, à échelle encore supérieure, une vue partielle en coupe axiale de cette borne de connexion, suivant les lignes III-III de la figure 2;
• la figure 4 est une vue en perspective qui, analogue à celle de la figure 2, se rapporte à un autre élément de contact de l'appareillage de connexion mobile concerné.

The characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the following description, by way of example, with reference to the appended diagrammatic drawings in which:

• the figure 1 is a perspective view of the mechanism of a mobile connection apparatus according to the invention;
• the figure 2 is, on a larger scale, an exploded perspective view of one of the contact elements that this mechanism comprises, with the connecting terminal associated therewith;
• the figure 3 is, on a still larger scale, a partial view in axial section of this connection terminal, along the lines III-III of the figure 2 ;
• the figure 4 is a perspective view that, similar to that of the figure 2 , refers to another contact element of the relevant mobile connection apparatus.

These figures illustrate, by way of example, the case where the mobile connection apparatus 10 according to the invention is a plug intended to be removably implanted at one end of any electric cable, and for example, to that of an electric cable belonging to a not shown extension cord.

Well known by itself, such a mobile connection apparatus 10 will not be described in all its details here, and, on the figure 1 only the useful part, that is to say the mechanism 11, has been represented.

In a manner known per se, this mechanism 11 is organized from a block of insulating material 12, and it forms, at its base, a plate 13 of which only the outer surface 14 is normally visible, the connection apparatus mobile 10 complementing a hood, not shown, which cap the assembly.

In a manner known per se, the mobile connection apparatus 10 according to the invention comprises at least one contact element 15P, 15T, such as alveolus or pin, and at least one connection terminal 16P, 16T, which, according to arrangements described in more detail later, is electrically connected to the contact element 15P, 15T corresponding, and which is specific to the connection of any electrical conductor belonging to the electrical cable on which the assembly is to be reported.

In the embodiment shown, the plug that constitutes the mobile connection apparatus 10 according to the invention is, for example, a bipolar plug with grounding.

The mobile connection apparatus 10 according to the invention thus comprises, in this embodiment, three contact elements 15P, 15T, namely two contact elements 15P which form pole pins, and a contact element 15T which forms a ground socket.

The contact elements 15P protrude parallel to each other on the outer surface 14 of the plate 13 of the block of insulating material 12, and the contact element 15T opens on this outer surface 14.

As a corollary, the mobile connection apparatus 10 according to the invention comprises three connection terminals 16P, 16T, one by contact element 15P, 15T.

For the connection terminals 16P, the block of insulating material 12 forms, projecting on the inner surface 18 of its plate 13, two housings 19P, which, one and the other generally well-shaped, extend in parallel. one to the other, at a distance from each other, and which, in practice, are each respectively positioned vertically above the contact elements 1 5P concerned.

Each of these housings 19P has laterally, for reasons specified later, a bore 20.

For the connection terminal 16T, the block of insulating material 12 also forms, on the inner surface 18 of its plate 13, a housing 19T.

In practice, it extends away from the contact element 15T concerned, and for the latter, the block of insulating material 12 also forms, also, projecting on the inner surface 18 of its plate 13, a 19'T housing.

In the embodiment shown, this housing 19'T is generally well-shaped, like the previous housing 19P.

In contrast, the housing 19T is open laterally on two opposite sides.

Finally, in the embodiment shown, the block of insulating material 12 also protrudes on the inner surface 18 of its plate 13, a pillar 22, which, in practice, is leaned against the housing 19T of the connection terminal 16T, and from the upper part of which extends, cantilevered, a gutter 23 intended to form, with a similar gutter provided for this purpose on the associated cover, a clean tip to the passage of the electric cable on which l together must be reported.

The foregoing arrangements being well known in themselves and / or not falling within the scope of the present invention, they will not be described in more detail here.

Only those elements of the mobile connection apparatus 10 necessary for the understanding of the invention will be described below.

According to the invention, for at least one of the contact elements 15P, 15T, the connection terminal 16P, 16T comprises a shank 24 by which it is force-fitted in a tubular element 25P, 25T, and it is by means of this tubular element 25P, 25T that this connection terminal 16P, 16T is electrically connected to the corresponding contact element 15P, 15T.

In practice, this is so for each of the contact elements 15P, 15T.

In practice, also, the connection terminals 16P, 16T are all identical to each other.

Only one of them, in this case a connection terminal 16P, will be described in the following, with reference to the Figures 2 and 3 .

According to the invention, this connection terminal 16P is a screw connection terminal, that is to say a connection terminal comprising a metal body 26, which is pierced, longitudinally, with a bore 27, and which, transversely thereto, has a tapped hole 29 with which a screw 30 is engaged.

In the embodiment shown, the body 26 has, externally, in diametrically opposite positions with respect to each other, two flats 31, for its wedging in the housing 19P, 19T corresponding.

For example, and as shown, the shank 24 extends parallel to the bore 27.

More specifically, it extends from a blind end 32 of this bore 27, projecting from the corresponding outer transverse surface of the body 26.

In practice, the shank 24 is not coaxial with the bore 27, because, in order to leave a maximum thickness of material on the side of the screw 30, the latter is off-center in the body 26.

But it is globally coaxial of the latter.

Preferably, the tail 24 is tapered at its free end, to facilitate its engagement in the corresponding tubular element 25P, 25T.

For example, and as shown, the tail 24 is thus tapered by a frustoconical chamfer 33.

But, alternatively, it could just as easily be tapered by a flare.

Preferably, also, and this is the case in the embodiment shown, the shank 24 is integral with the body 26, coming from one and the same piece with it.

In the embodiment shown, finally, the tail 24 is full.

But, alternatively, it could equally well be at least partly hollow, being for example tubular.

For at least one of the contact members 15P, 15T, the tubular member 25P, 25T is integral with the corresponding contact member 15P, 15T.

In the embodiment shown, this is so for each of the contact elements 15P, 15T.

When, as shown in more detail on the figure 2 , the contact element 15P is a pin, the tubular element 25P extends back to back with it, being open at its end opposite to the own end of the contact element 15P.

In the embodiment shown, this tubular element 25P has a closed contour in cross-section.

In addition, in this embodiment, this tubular element 25P forms, at its outlet, a flared flange 35, to facilitate, again, the engagement of the tail 24 of the associated connection terminal 16P.

As a corollary, when, as represented on the figure 4 , the contact element 15T is a cell, the associated tubular element 25T belongs, with it, to the same metal blank 36 suitably cut and folded.

In the embodiment shown, this metal blank 36 comprises, generally, in a generally U-shaped, on the one hand, a middle part 37, of the same edge of which are derived, at a distance, one of the another, two sections 38, 39 participating, for the first, in the constitution of the contact element 15T, and constituting, for the second, the tubular element 25T, and, secondly, two lateral wings 40, which by a harpoon configuration, are suitable for anchoring the assembly in the block of insulating material 12 and / or in the cover associated therewith.

In the embodiment shown, the tubular element 25T has, in cross-section, an open contour through a slot 41.

For example, and as shown, it runs over its entire height, following one of its generators.

This tubular element 25T can thus advantageously benefit, radially, from a certain elasticity.

In practice, the tubular element 25T thus formed results from the roll-up on itself of a portion of the corresponding section 39 of the metal blank 36.

By construction, the shank 24 of the connection terminals 16P, 16T has, externally, a diameter substantially equal to the internal diameter of the tubular elements 25T, 25P, while being slightly greater than the latter.

During assembly, it is therefore necessary to exert a thrust on the connection terminals 16P, 16T to force fit their tail 24 in the tubular elements 25P, 25T.

Due to this fitting, the holding of the connection terminals 16P, 16T on the tubular elements 25P, 25T is firm and secure, and it is the same for the electrical contact occurring between these connection terminals 16P, 16T and these tubular elements 25P, 25T.

To perfect, again, this holding and this electrical contact, it is possible, if desired, to provide some crimping of the tubular elements 25P, 25T on the tail 24 of the connection terminals 16P, 16T.

Alternatively, it is also possible, for the same purpose, to give this tail 24 a particular surface configuration.

For example, instead of being smooth, as shown, this shank 24 may be knurled or streaked.

According to a variant, also not shown, the tubular element 25P of the contact elements 15P has, in cross section, an open contour by a slot, such as the tubular element 25T associated with the contact element 15T, especially when, at the instead of being massive, as shown, the pin constituting these contact elements 15P is hollow, resulting for example from cutting and rolling, as the tubular element 25T.

In any case, when, as described above, connection terminals 16P, 16T are effectively implemented, the drilling 20 of the housings 19P of the connection terminals 16P makes it possible to have access to the screw 30 of those by allowing, in practice, the passage of a screwdriver.

Moreover, and as it is easy to understand, when the mobile connection equipment 10 concerned must be non-removable, the connection terminals 16P, 16T are omitted, and the connection to the corresponding electrical conductors is simply by the crimping the tubular elements 25P, 25T on the previously bare end of the conductive core of these electrical conductors.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described and shown, but encompasses any variant embodiment.

In particular, instead of being screw connection terminals, the connection terminals used may be connection terminals of another type, and, for example, direct engagement connection terminals or terminals of connection. insulation displacement connection whenever possible and / or permissible.

In addition, the field of application of the invention is not limited either to the case where the mobile connection apparatus concerned is a plug, but extends as well in the case where it is a base of socket or power strip.

Claims (10)

1. Line connector, such as a socket outlet or plug, of the type including at least one contact member (15P, 15T) such as a receptacle or pin and at least one connecting terminal (16P, 16T) which is electrically connected to the contact member (15P, 15T) and to which any electrical conductor can be connected, characterised in that the connecting terminal (1GP, 16T) has a tail (24) adapted to be forcibly fitted into a tubular member (2SP, 25T), and in that the connecting terminal (16P, 16T) is electrically connected to the contact member (15P, 15T) by this tubular member (25P, 25T).
2. Line connector according to claim 1,
   characterised in that the connecting terminal (16P, 16T) is a screw terminal, i.e. a connecting terminal having a body (26) incorporating a bore (27) and a transverse screwthreaded bore (29) into which a screw (30) can be screwed.
3. Line connector according to claim 2,
   characterised in that the tail (24) is parallel to the bore (27)
4. Line connector according to claim 3,
   characterised in that the tail (24) extends from a blind end (32) of the bore (27)
5. Line connector according to any of claims 2 to 4, characterised in that the tail (24) is tapered at its free end.
6. Line connector according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the tubular member (25P, 25T) is in one piece with the contact member (15P, 15T)
7. Line connector according to claim 6,
   characterised in that the contact member, (15P) is a pin and the tubular member (25P) extends back to back therewith.
8. Line connector according to claim 6,
   characterised in that the contact member (15T) us a receptacle and the tubular member (25T) is part cf a common metal blank (36) appropriately cut and bent to shape.
9. Line connector according to any cf claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the tubular member (25P, 25T) bas a closed contour in cross section.
10. Line connector according to any cf claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the tubular member (25P, 25T) has a contour in cross section interrupted by a slot (41).

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