ES2760568T3 - Electrical connection element - Google Patents

Abstract

Connection element (1; 2) for an electrical outlet, comprising a body (100; 300) and a spring sheet (200; 400) housed in this body, - said spring sheet (200; 400) comprising, in a first free end (201; 401), two branches (211, 212; 411, 412) adapted to clamp between them a connection plug of an electrical equipment inserted in this connection element (1; 2) and, in a second free end (202; 402), at least one other branch (221, 222; 421, 422) adapted to press, against said body (100; 300) of the connection element (1; 2) an electric cable inserted in this element connection (1; 2), - said spring sheet (200; 400) being formed in a single piece, by a metal band of which a part (210; 410) located at its first end (201; 401) free It comprises a longitudinal slit (210A; 410A) that separates said two branches (211, 212; 411, 412) adapted to tighten the connection plug between them, - forming said body ( 100; 300), on the one hand, a housing (110; 310) that receives at least said second free end (201; 401) of the spring sheet (200; 400), and on the other hand, a socket (120; 320 ) for receiving said connection plug, characterized in that this body (100; 300) comprises two wings (101, 102; 301, 302) each extending according to a longitudinal direction of the connection element, and each comprising , a flat part (111, 112; 311, 312) that partially delimits said housing (110; 310) and a curved part (123, 124; 323, 324) that partially delimits said receiving socket (120; 320), and because said spring sheet (200; 400) is adapted to cooperate with said body wings (100; 300) in such a way as to limit the separation of the warped parts (123, 124; 323, 324) that delimit the receiving socket .

Description

DESCRIPTION

Electrical connection element.

Technical field to which the invention refers

The present invention relates to a connection element as described in the preamble of claim 1.

It also refers to an electrical switchgear comprising this type of connection element.

Technological background

Connecting elements such as those described in the introduction are known, for example for electrical outlets.

The function of such a connection element is to transport the current between the electrical cables of the electrical network and the electrical plug that belongs to an electrical apparatus that is plugged into this connection element. The connection element for this purpose comprises a part adapted to receive an electrical cable coming from the wall and a receiving socket adapted to receive the plug of the electrical plug to bring them into electrical contact.

The realization of this reception cell must meet many obligations, imposed in particular by the different regulations in force in each country.

For example, the Franco-Belgian and Schuko standards impose a minimum weight resistance of 400 grams when a 3.8 mm diameter plug is inserted into the socket (without the involvement of plastic parts of the socket such as the socket ). In order to comply with this standard, the socket must not be permanently deformed when a 4.8 mm diameter plug is inserted into the socket.

The receiving socket must also ensure satisfactory electrical contact with the plug.

Known solutions often have a complex shape.

Furthermore, it is desirable to minimize the material consumption necessary to manufacture this connecting element, while satisfying the criteria mentioned above. It is particularly desirable to limit the amount of conductive material used.

This also allows reducing the path traveled by the current and thus limiting the heating of the connection element.

DE102015107055 describes a connection element according to the preamble of claim 1.

Object of the invention

In this context, the present invention proposes a connection element in a simplified form, in which the amount of conductive material used is limited.

More particularly, a connection element according to claim 1 is proposed according to the invention. Thanks to the connection element according to the invention, the tightening function of the connection pin is dissociated from the function of electrical contact with this pin.

Thus, it is possible to use less conductive material to realize the body of the connection element, and at the same time ensure satisfactory tightening of the conductor (in accordance with the standard).

According to the invention, the spring foil, which is made, for example, of stainless steel, tightens the electrical cable against a part of the body of the connection element and also has a function of tightening the plug in its socket.

To this end, the spring foil has a particular shape, with two longitudinally spaced branches, which separate from each other during insertion of the plug into its socket and consequently tighten this plug. Furthermore, this particular shape enables it to cooperate effectively with the body having the particular shape claimed in claim 1. The shape of the body and the spring blade ensure an electrical connection particularly reliable.

Other non-limiting and advantageous characteristics of the device according to the invention, considered individually or according to all the technically possible combinations, are set out in claims 2 to 6.

The invention also proposes an electrical switchgear according to claim 7.

Detailed description of an exemplary embodiment

The following description in relation to the attached drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, will make it clear what the invention consists of and how it can be carried out.

In the attached drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic front perspective view of a first embodiment of the connection element according to the invention,

figure 2 is a schematic front perspective view of the body of the connection element of figure 1,

figure 3 is a schematic front perspective view of the spring leaf of the connection element of figure 1,

figure 4 is a schematic rear perspective view of the connection element of figure 1, figure 5 is a schematic rear perspective view of the body of the connection element of figure 4,

figure 6 is a schematic rear perspective view of the spring leaf of the connection element of figure 4,

figure 7 is a schematic view from above of the connection element of figure 1,

figure 8 is a schematic top view of the body of the connection element of figure 7, figure 9 is a schematic top view of the spring leaf of the connection element of figure 7,

figure 10 is a schematic profile view of the connection element of figure 1,

figure 11 is a schematic profile view of the spring leaf of the connection element of figure 10,

FIG. 12 is a schematic front perspective view of a second embodiment of the connection element according to the invention,

figure 13 is a schematic front perspective view of the body of the connection element of figure 12,

figure 14 is a schematic front perspective view of the spring leaf of the connection element of figure 12,

figure 15 is a schematic rear perspective view of the connection element of figure 12, figure 16 is a schematic rear perspective view of the body of the connection element of figure 15,

figure 17 is a schematic rear perspective view of the spring leaf of the connection element of figure 15,

figure 18 is a schematic view from above of the connection element of figure 12,

figure 19 is a schematic top view of the body of the connection element of figure 18, figure 20 is a schematic top view of the spring leaf of the connection element of figure figure 18,

figure 21 is a schematic view below the connection element of figure 12,

figure 22 is a schematic view below the spring leaf of the connection element of figure 21,

figure 23 is a schematic view below the body of the connection element of figure 21, figure 24 is a schematic profile view of the connection element of figure 12,

figure 25 is a schematic profile view of the body of the connection element of figure 24, figure 26 is a schematic profile view of the spring sheet of the connection element of figure 24.

In Figures 1 to 26, two embodiments of the connection element 1 are shown; 2 according to the invention.

Connecting element 1; 2 according to the invention is intended to be integrated into an electrical apparatus, for example in a power outlet.

It allows the transport of the electrical current between the electrical cables of this switchgear, for example the electrical cables of the electrical network connected to the socket, and a connection plug plugged into this electrical switchgear, which belongs for example to an electrical socket of other electrical equipment.

This connecting element 1; 2 comprises for this a body 100; 300 conductor comprising a housing 110; 310 adapted to receive at least one of said electric cables (not shown) and a socket 120; 320 adapted to receive the connection plug of the electrical plug (not shown) to bring the electrical cable into electrical contact with the connection plug.

Connecting element 1; 2 further comprises a spring sheet 200; 400 adapted on the one hand to tighten the electrical cable inserted into the housing 110; 310 against one of the walls of this housing 110; 310 and, on the other hand, tighten the connection plug inserted in the connection socket 120; 320.

More precisely, in this case, the spring sheet 120; 320 is adapted to apply at least one wall of the connecting socket 120; 320 against the connection plug.

Regardless of the embodiment considered, the connection element 1,2 extends globally along a longitudinal axis X1, X2 orthogonal to the insertion direction l of the connection pin in the socket. The insertion direction l corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the socket 120; 320 of reception (figures 1 and 12).

The body is made of a material that has satisfactory electrical conductivity characteristics to conduct the electric current between the connection plug and the electrical cable.

It is, for example, a conductive metal, for example copper or a copper-containing alloy.

The body 100; 300 is formed in this case by a folded metal strap.

Accommodation 110; 310 of connecting element 1; 2 presents a globally parallelepipedic shape delimited in part by two side walls 111, 112; Main 311, 312 (Figures 2, 5, 13, and 16).

These two side walls 111, 112; 311, 312 of housing 110; 310 are extended by two intermediate parts 121, 122; 321, 322 curved approaching each other, and then by two warped walls 123, 124; 323, 324 that delimit alveolus 120; 320. This socket 120; 320 has overall the shape of a cylindrical sleeve whose longitudinal axis extends in the direction of insertion l (Figure 2).

The spring blade 200; 400 of connection element 1; 2 according to the invention is made in one piece, by a metal band of which a first end part 210; 410 comprises a slit 210A; Longitudinal 410A separating two branches 211, 212; 411, 412 adapted to tighten sagging walls 123, 124; 323, 324 of socket 120; 320 against the connection plug (not shown). This first extreme part 210; 410 has a free end 201; 410.

Said two branches 211,212; 411,412 of the first end part 210; 410 extend along a median plane of spring sheet 200; 400 and are adapted to elastically separate from each other parallel to this median plane during the insertion of the connecting pin into the connecting element 1; 2.

The spring blade 200; 400 further presents an angled shape around at least a first transverse axis T1; T3, orthogonal to said longitudinal slit 210A, 410A.

From this angled shape extends a second end portion 220; 420 of the spring blade 200; 400, having a second free end 202; 402 and placed inside housing 110; 310 from body 100; 300. This second extreme part 220; 420 is adapted to tighten the electrical cable inserted into housing 110; 310 from body 100; 300 of connection element 1; 2 against a wall of this housing 110; 310.

The first transverse axis T1; T3 is located near said second free end 202; 402 of spring sheet 200; 400.

The material of the spring sheet has satisfactory stiffness characteristics to have the role of tightening the electrical cable and the connection plug, explained later. It does not need to be made of a conductive material, which makes it possible to limit the amount of conductive material used to manufacture the connection element according to the invention. The spring sheet is made, for example, of steel, in particular of stainless steel.

The two embodiments of the connection element 1; 2 differ by the geometry of their body 100; 300 and its spring blade 200; 400.

In the first embodiment of Figures 1 to 11, the body 100 comprises two lateral wings 101, 102 which each extend in a longitudinal direction of the connection element and each comprising a flat part that partially delimits said housing 110 and a warped part that partially delimits said receiving socket 120. These two lateral wings 101, 102 extend from a base wall 103. This base wall 103 is substantially flat and extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X1 of the connection element 1 (Figure 8).

The two lateral wings 101, 102 extend globally along this longitudinal axis X1.

The body 100 of the connection element 1 according to this first mode is represented in Figures 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8 and 10.

Each side wing 101, 102 forms, successively from the base wall 103, one of the main side walls 111, 112 of the housing 110, one of the curved intermediate parts 121, 122 and one of the warped walls 123, 124 of the socket 120 (Figures 2, 5, 8 and 10).

The side walls 111, 112 defined by the two side wings 101, 102 are flat and extend at right angles from the base wall 103.

This base wall 103 then forms a third side wall of the housing 110 (Figures 2, 5, 8).

The three side walls 111, 112, 103 internally delimit, with the intermediate parts 121, 122 of the side wings 101, 102, said housing 110.

This housing 110 is practically closed on four faces by said side walls 111, 112, 103 and said intermediate parts 121, 122 of the side wings 101, 102.

It is completely open on two opposite faces.

The housing 110 thus constitutes an insertion space for the electric cable in the connection element 100, which in this case extends in a direction E1 parallel to the insertion direction 1 of the connection plug in the socket (Figures 2, 5, 8 and 10).

The insertion direction E1 of the electric cable is in this case, therefore, orthogonal to the longitudinal axis X1 of the connection element 1.

Housing 110 is open along this direction E1.

Furthermore, the base wall 103 of the housing 110 has a perforation 105, which forms two low walls 106 that rise from the internal face of this base wall 103, parallel to the side walls 111, 112 of the housing 110 (Figures 2 , 5, 8), into the housing 110.

These low walls 106 extend longitudinally according to the direction E1 of insertion of the electrical cable in the housing, over a large part of the height of the housing 110 (Figures 1, 2, 4 and 5).

Thus, each wall 106 delimits with the lateral wall 111, 112 of the adjacent housing 110, an insertion passage 107, 108 (figure 8) of the electrical cable, which guides the introduction of the bare core of the electrical cable into this housing 110.

The intermediate parts 121, 122 of the side wings 101, 102 join the edges of the main side walls 111, 112 to the warped walls 123, 124 of the socket 120.

Each intermediate part 121, 122 successively comprises, starting from the corresponding main side wall 111, 112, a fold 104 towards the inside of the connection element 1, a curved portion 121A, 122A towards the outside, and a flat portion 121B, 122B . The two flat portions 121B, 122B extend parallel to each other, close to each other (Figures 2, 5 and 8).

The fold 104 presents in this case a radius of curvature less than that of the warped portion 121A, 122A (Figures 1 and 2).

Each of the plate portions 11B, 122B is extended by one of the warped walls 123, 124 that partially form the socket 120. Each warped wall 123, 124 is warped towards the interior of the connection element 1 and has, along the insertion direction 1, an end 123A, 124A that widens in order to facilitate the insertion of the connection plug into the socket 120 (Figures 2, 5 and 8).

In this first embodiment, the spring sheet 200 has the shape shown in Figures 3, 6, 9 and 11.

The spring sheet 200 presents, in plane, a substantially rectangular contour, slightly sharpened at its first free end 201, which extends along a longitudinal direction.

It comprises two angled portions 233, 234 around the first transverse axis T1, and a second transverse axis T2 parallel to T1. These two transverse axes T1, T2 are perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the metal strip.

In profile view, the spring foil 200 thus has an overall S-shape (Figure 11) with the first and second end parts 210, 220 extending respectively from an angled portion 233, 234 towards one of the free ends 201,202 of the spring sheet 200 and a central part 230 located between the two elbowed portions 233, 234.

These three parts 210, 220, 230 of the spring sheet 200 are flat.

The longitudinal slit 210A in this case extends in the plane of the spring blade 200, along the first end portion 210, of one of the elbow portions 234 and, partially, along the central portion 230 of the spring blade 200 (figure 6).

It separates the first end portion 210 of the spring sheet 200 into two front branches 211, 212 (Figure 3).

On the other hand, in this case, the second end portion 220 of the spring sheet 200 is also separated into two rear branches 221, 222 by another longitudinal slit 240 (figure 9).

The free end of each of the two rear branches 221,222 comprises a notch adapted to conform to the contour of the bare core of the electrical cable inserted in the housing 110 of the body 100 of the connection element 1 (Figures 7 and 9).

In practice, spring sheet 200 is housed in body 100 such that second end portion 220 and third central portion 230 of spring sheet 200 are housed in housing 110 of body 100 (Figures 1,4 , 7 and 10).

As shown in FIG. 7, the central part 230 of the spring sheet 200 is applied against a part of the internal face of each warped portion 121A, 122A of each intermediate part 121, 122 of each lateral wing 101, 102 of the body 100 of the connecting element 1. It then extends substantially parallel to the insertion direction 1 of the connecting pin in the socket 120.

The spring sheet 200 has a width substantially equal to approximately the width of the insertion space internally constituted by the housing 110 of the body 100, with the exception of a central area of the spring sheet 200 that has a greater width since two handles 231, 232 extend locally from the edge of the spring blade 200 (FIG. 3).

The spring leaf 200 comprises in fact a means of maintenance in the housing 110 that cooperate in retention with complementary means of the body 100 of the connection element 1.

More precisely, in this case, the central part 230 of the spring sheet 200 comprises the two handles 231, 232 which extend in the plane of this central part 230 of the spring sheet 200, towards the outside of the spring sheet (Figures 3, 6 and 9).

Each of these handles 213, 232 is received in a window 109 of the body 100 of the connection element 1, located in this case at the level of the junction 104 between the warped portion 121A, 122A of the intermediate part 121, 122 of each side wing 101, 102 to the corresponding side wall 111, 112 of housing 110 (Figures 1, 8 and 10).

The spring sheet 200 is thus mounted by snap-fit into the body 100 of the connection element 1.

The second end portion 220 of the spring sheet 200 extends through the housing 110, and the free end 202 of the second end portion 220 of the spring sheet 200 is abutting against the inner face of the base wall 103 of the housing 110 (figure 7).

The spring sheet 200 is in this case slightly pre-stressed so that this second end portion 220 of the spring sheet 200 permanently exerts pressure against this base wall 103 of the housing 110.

As a variant, the spring sheet is housed at rest in the housing, without pretensioning. The free end of the second end part may or may not be in contact with the base wall 103.

More precisely, as Figure 7 shows, the free end of each of the two rear branches 221, 222 of the second end portion 220 of the spring sheet 200 is shaped to be housed in one of the two insertion passageways 107, 108 of the electric cable.

The free end of each rear branch 221, 222 thus extends through one of the insertion passageways 107, 108 between one of the side walls 111, 112 of the housing 110 and the adjacent low wall 106, and is in abutment against the base wall 103.

The first end portion 210 of spring sheet 200 emerges out of housing 110 and extends in the direction of socket 120 (Figure 10).

This first end portion 210 of the spring sheet 200 then extends substantially perpendicularly to the insertion direction 1 of the connecting pin in the socket.

More precisely, in this case, the first end portion 210 of the spring sheet 200 emerges near the flared end 123A, 124A of the warped portion 123, 124 of the side wing 101, 102 (FIG. 10).

Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1, 4 and 7, a part of the body 100 of the connection element 1 extends in the longitudinal slit 210A, between the front branches 211, 212 of the spring sheet 200. In this case, it is of a part of the flat portion 121B, 122B of the intermediate part 121, 122 of each side wing 101, 102 of the body 100 of the connection element 1.

Indeed, as shown in figure 10, the height of each lateral wing 101, 102 of the body 100, measured according to the insertion direction l of the connecting pin, is lower at the level of the warped portion 121A, 122A of the intermediate part 121, 122 of this lateral wing 101, 102 that at the level of the flat portion 121B, 122B of the intermediate part 121, 122.

This allows the first end portion 210 of the spring sheet 200 to emerge above the edges of the warped portions 121A, 122A of the intermediate portions 121, 122, such that the free ends of the front branches 211, 212 of the first end portion 210 of the spring sheet 200 define the ends of the flat portions 121B, 122B of the intermediate portions 121, 122 of the side wings 101, 102 (Figure 1). Spring sheet 200 is thus suitable for cooperating with said body wings 100 so as to limit the separation of the buckled parts 123, 124 from the side wings 101, 102 that delimit the socket 120.

In this case, in the waiting position, when no pin is inserted in the receiving socket 120, the free ends of the front branches 211, 212 of the first end part 210 of the spring sheet 200 are in contact with the flat portions 121B, 122B of intermediate portions 121, 122 of side wings 101, 102, without exerting pressure on them.

Alternatively, in the standby position, the free ends of the front branches of the first end portion of the spring sheet may be out of contact with the ends of the flat portions of the parts. intermediate lateral wings.

Also as a variant, in this waiting position, the free ends of the front branches of the first end part of the spring sheet can pinch the ends of the flat portions of the intermediate parts of the side wings.

In the second embodiment of the connection element 2 according to the invention, represented in Figures 12 to 26, the body 300 has a more complex shape than that of the body 100 of the first embodiment. The body 300 of the connection element 2 according to this second mode is represented in Figures 13, 16, 20, 23 and 25.

More particularly, the body 300 comprises, as in the first embodiment, two lateral wings 301, 302 that each extend according to a longitudinal direction of the connection element, and each comprising a flat part that partially delimits said housing 310 and a warped part that partially delimits said receiving socket 320.

The two side wings 301, 302 extend from a base wall 303, and extend globally in the direction of the longitudinal axis X2 of the connection element 2.

The base wall 303 is substantially flat and in this case extends parallel to the longitudinal axis X2 of the connection element 2 (Figure 16), unlike the base wall 103 of the first embodiment, which extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis X1 of connection element 1 (figure 1).

Each side wing 301, 302 thus forms one of the main side walls 311, 312 of housing 310, while base wall 303 constitutes a bottom of this housing 310 (Figures 13 and 16).

The main side walls 311, 312 defined by the two side wings 301, 302 are flat and extend at right angles from the base wall 303 (Figures 13 and 16).

Each side wall 311, 312 in this case has the shape of an elongated rectangle along the longitudinal axis X2 of the connection element 2. The base wall 103 joins two large edges of these rectangles.

Starting from each main side wall 311, 312 of the housing, the side wing 301, 302 extends in two directions.

It extends on the one hand along the longitudinal axis X2, on the intermediate part 321, 322 and the curved part 323, 324 that forms the socket 320, according to an arrangement similar to that of the first embodiment.

The intermediate part 321, 322 extends more precisely from one of the small edges of the rectangle formed by each main side wall 311, 312.

The main intermediate parts 321, 322 of the side wings 301, 302 connect the side walls 311, 312 to the socket 320.

Each intermediate part 321, 322 comprises, successively from the corresponding main side wall 311, 312, a fold 304 towards the inside of the connection element 2, a curved portion 321A, 322A towards the outside, and a flat portion 321B, 322B . The two flat portions 321B, 322B extend parallel to each other, one close to the other (Figures 18, 20, 21, 23).

The fold 304 presents in this case a radius of curvature greater than that of the warped portion 321A, 322A. Each of the flat portions 321N, 322B is extended by one of the warped walls 323, 324 towards the interior of the connection element, partially forming the socket 320. Each warped wall 323, 324 has an end 323A, 324A that widens out of so as to facilitate insertion of the connection plug into socket 320.

Each side wing 301, 302 is further extended, from each main side wall 311, 312 of housing 310, by a flange 241, 342 into housing 310, which forms an insertion conduit 343, 344 so globally rounded.

Each flange 341, 342 extends more precisely from the major edge of the rectangle formed by each main side wall 311, 312 opposite the large edge of this side wall 311, 312 that joins the base wall 303.

Each flange 341, 342 comprises a rounded bottom and an end wall 341A, 342A which is extends parallel to the main side walls 311, 312 of housing 310, into this housing 310, over the entire length of this housing 310.

The insertion conduit 343, 344 guides the insertion of the stripped core of the electrical wire, in said housing 310 (Figures 15 and 16).

In this case, the side walls 311, 312 delimit, with the base wall 303, the intermediate parts 321, 322 of the side wings 301, 302, and the flanges 341, 342 of said housing 310.

This housing 310 is completely open on one side.

It constitutes an insertion space for the electric cable in the housing 310, which extends in a direction E2 orthogonal to the insertion direction 1 of the connection plug in the socket (figure 16).

The insertion direction E2 of the electric cable is therefore in this case parallel to the longitudinal axis X2 of the connection element 2.

The housing 310 is opened in this case along this direction E2 on the opposite side to the intermediate parts 321, 322 of the lateral wings 301, 302, to allow the introduction of the electric cable.

In this second embodiment, the spring sheet 400 has the shape shown in Figures 14, 17, 19, 22 and 26.

The spring sheet 400 has, in plane, a substantially rectangular contour, slightly sharpened at its first free end 401, which extends along a longitudinal direction.

In this case it is bent only around the first transverse axis T3, at the level of a bent portion 430.

The first end portion 410 and the second end portion 420 of the spring sheet 400 extend on either side of this elbow portion 430, toward the free ends 401, 402 of the spring sheet 400.

These two parts 410, 420 of the spring sheet 400 are flat.

The longitudinal slit 410A in this case extends in the plane of the spring blade 400, along the first end portion 410 (Figures 14, 17, 19 and 22).

It separates the first end portion 410 of the spring sheet 200 located at the first end 401 into two front branches 411, 412 (Figure 3).

On the other hand, in this case, the second part 420 of the spring sheet 400 is also separated into two rear branches 421, 422 by another longitudinal slit 440 (figure 14). This other longitudinal slit 440 extends over the entire length of the second end portion 420 of the spring sheet 400, through the elbowed portion 430 and partially along the first end portion 410 of the spring sheet 400.

The free end of each of the two rear branches 421, 422 is also separated into two tabs 421A, 421B, 422A, 422B (Figures 17 and 19) by a longitudinal cutout.

The lateral tab 421A, 422A located laterally towards the outside of the spring leaf 400 is straight and extends in the extension of the corresponding rear branch 421, 422, while the central tongue 421B, 422B located in the center of the Spring 400 is curved toward the first end portion 410 of spring sheet 400.

In practice, spring sheet 400 is housed in body 300 such that first end portion 410 of spring sheet 400 is mostly housed in housing 310 of body 300. Second end portion 420 of sheet Spring 400 is entirely housed in this housing 310.

As shown in FIG. 15, the first end portion 410 of the spring sheet 400 is applied against the base wall 303 of the housing 310. It then extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X2 of the connecting element 2, and so substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction l of the connecting pin in socket 320.

As in the first embodiment, the width of the spring sheet 400 is substantially approximately equal to the width of the insertion space internally delimited by the housing 310 of the body 300, with the exception of a central area of the spring sheet 400 having a greater width, since two handles 431,432 extend locally from the edge of the spring blade 400 (Figures 19 and 22).

In this case, the spring foil 400 also includes maintenance means in the housing 310, which cooperates in retention with complementary means of the body 300 of the connection element 2.

More precisely, in this case, the first end part 410 of the spring sheet 400 comprises the two handles 431, 432 which extend in the plane of the first end part 410 of the spring sheet 400, towards the outside of the sheet spring 400.

Each of these handles 431, 432 is received in a notch 306 of the body 300 of the connection element 2, located in this case at the level of the connection between the base wall 303 and the main side walls 311, 312 of the housing 310 ( Figures 15, 16, 24 and 25).

The spring leaf 400 is thus blocked at the stop of the housing 310 according to the direction and the direction of insertion of the electric cables.

The second end portion 420 of the spring sheet 400 extends through the housing 310. The central tabs 421b, 422B of the rear branches 421,422 of the second end part 420 of the spring sheet 400 are abutting against the edge of the End walls 441A, 422A, of flanges 441, 442. Side tabs 421A, 422A of rear branches 421, 422 of second end portion 420 of spring sheet 400 extend into insertion passageways 343, 344, a through these.

The spring sheet 400 is in this case slightly pre-stressed, so that this second end portion 420 of the spring sheet 400 permanently exerts pressure against the end walls of the flanges 441,442 of the housing 310.

As a variant, the spring sheet is housed at rest, without pretensioning, in the housing. The second end portion of the spring sheet may or may not be in contact with the end walls of the housing flanges.

The first end portion 410 of the spring sheet 400 emerges out of the housing 310 and extends in the direction of the socket 320 (Figures 12, 18, 21 and 24).

Furthermore, as shown in Figures 12, 18, 21 and 24, a part of the body 300 of the connection element 2 extends in the longitudinal slit 410A, between the first branches 411,412 of the spring sheet 400. In this case, it is of a part of the flat portion 321B, 322B of the intermediate part 321, 322 of each side wing 301, 302 of the body 300 of the connection element 2.

Indeed, as shown in figure 25, the height of each lateral wing 301, 302 of the body 100, along the insertion direction l of the connection pin, is greater at the level of the flat portion 321B, 322B of the intermediate part 321, 322 of this lateral wing 301, 302.

One end of the flat portion 321B, 322B of the intermediate portion 321, 322 then extends from the edge of the side wing 301, 302, projecting with respect to the warped portion 321A, 322A of the intermediate portion 321, 322 and with respect to to the warped part 323, 324 that forms the socket, near the base wall 303.

Thus, the first end portion 410 of the spring sheet 400 emerges from the housing 310 near the base wall 303, near the edge of the side wing 301, 302, and the free ends of the front branches 411, 412 of the first part End 410 of spring sheet 400 defines flat portions 321B, 322B of intermediate portions 321, 322 of side wings 301, 302 (Figures 12, 15, 18, 21, 24).

The spring sheet 400 is thus suitable for cooperating with said wings 301, 302 of the body 300 in order to limit the separation of the warped parts 323, 324 that delimit the socket 320.

In this case, in the waiting position, when no pin is inserted in the receiving socket, the free ends of the front branches 411, 412 of the first end part 410 of the spring leaf 400 are in contact with the portions planes 321B, 322B of the intermediate parts 321, 322 of the lateral wings 301, 302, without exerting pressure on them.

Alternatively, in the standby position, the free ends of the front branches of the first end portion of the spring sheet may be out of contact with the ends of the flat portions of the intermediate portions of the side wings.

Also as a variant, in this waiting position, the free ends of the front branches of the first part of the spring sheet can pinch the ends of the flat portions of the intermediate parts of the side wings and thus exert pressure on them.

In practice, thanks to connection element 1; 2 according to the invention, the electrical conduction and clamping functions of the connection plug and the electric cable are decoupled.

Electric conduction is ensured only by body 100; 300, while the spring blade 200; 400 ensures the tightening of the connection plug in the connection socket 120; 320 and the electrical cable in housing 110; 310.

Furthermore, the tightening of the connection plug and that of each electrical cable is independently ensured. Indeed, during the insertion of the connecting pin in the socket, it is inserted into the socket according to the insertion direction 1, from the widened end of the socket 120; 320 into the socket 120; 320. In this way, the connecting pin tends to separate bent parts 123, 124 from each other; 323, 324 of the lateral wings 101, 102; 301, 302.

However, this separation immediately generates the separation of the flat portions 121B, 122B; 321B, 322B of intermediate parts 121, 122; 321, 322 of the lateral wings 101, 102; 301, 302.

The separation of the flat portions 121B, 122B; 321B, 322B of intermediate parts 121, 122; 321, 322 of the lateral wings 101, 102; 301, 302 is therefore largely limited by the action of spring sheet 200; 400 on these flat portions 121B, 122B; 321B, 322B of intermediate parts 121, 122; 321, 322 of the lateral wings 101, 102; 301, 302.

Indeed, this separation tends to separate the front branches 211, 212; 411, 412 of spring sheet 200; 400 in the plane of the spring blade 200; 400. The spring blade 200; 400 is then applied in a transverse direction.

The spring blade 200; 400 exhibits low elasticity in this transverse direction, and allows only a small separation of the flat portions 121B, 122B; 321B, 322B of intermediate parts 121, 122; 321, 322 of the lateral wings 101, 102; 301, 302.

Thus, when the insertion of the connecting pin into the socket occurs, the front branches 211,212; 411, 412 of the spring sheet are elastically separated, and then tend to return to their initial positions.

The spring blade 200; 400 thus cooperates with said body wings 100; 300 in order to oppose the separation of the warped parts 123, 124; 323, 324 of the lateral wings 101, 102; 301, 302 delimiting the socket 120; 320.

In other words, spring sheet 200; 400 cooperates with said body wings 100; 300 to bring sagging parts 123, 124 closer to each other; 323, 324 of the lateral wings 101, 102; 301, 302 delimiting the socket 120; 320.

The front branches 211, 212; 411, 412 of spring sheet 200; 400 return to flat portions 121B, 122B; 321B, 322B of intermediate parts 121, 122; 321, 322 of the lateral wings 101, 102; 301, 302 towards each other, and with them, the warped parts 123, 124; 323, 324 of the alveolus, in order to bring said sagging parts 123, 124 closer to each other; 323, 324. This is the case at least during insertion of the connecting plug into socket 120; 320.

In this way, the front branches 211, 212; 411, 412 of spring sheet 200; 400 ensure the tightening of the connection pin against the bent parts 123, 124; 323, 324 of the socket.

On the other hand, the second end part 220; 420 of spring sheet 200, 400 is adapted to bend slightly about the first transverse axis T1; T3 to allow the introduction of the electric wire into the housing 110; Corresponding 310.

In this case, two electric cables can be inserted into each connection element 1; 2 in one of the two insertion passageways 107, 108; 343, 344 of the housing 110, 310 described above.

In the first embodiment, each electric cable is inserted according to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X1 of the connection element 1 and parallel to the insertion direction 1 of the connection pin.

In the second embodiment, each electric cable is inserted according to a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X2 of the connection element 2 and perpendicular to the insertion direction 1 of the connection pin. In all cases, each rear branch 221, 222; 421, 422 is adapted to bend independently of the other rear branch, to allow insertion of the bare core of the electrical cable.

The free end 202; 402 of the rear branch 221, 222; 421, 422 requested then exerts a pressure on the bare core of the electrical cable, in order to apply it either against the base wall 103 of the housing 110 in the first embodiment, or against one of the flanges 341, 342 in the second embodiment.

Thus, the electrical connection of the electric cable and the connection plug is effectively ensured by a connection element whose cost is controlled.

Claims (7)

1. Connection element (1; 2) for an electrical socket, comprising a body (100; 300) and a spring leaf (200; 400) housed in this body, - said spring sheet (200; 400) comprising, at a first free end (201; 401), two branches (211, 212; 411, 412) adapted to tighten between them an electrical equipment connection plug inserted in this connecting element (1; 2) and, at a second free end (202; 402), at least one other branch (221, 222; 421, 422) adapted to press against said body (100; 300) of the connection (1; 2) an electric cable inserted into this connection element (1; 2), - said spring sheet (200; 400) being formed in a single piece, by a metallic band of which a part (210; 410) located at its first free end (201; 401) comprises a longitudinal slit (210A; 410A ) that separates said two branches (211, 212; 411,412) adapted to tighten between them the connection pin, - said body (100; 300) forming, on the one hand, a housing (110; 310) receiving at least said second free end (201; 401) of the spring leaf (200; 400), and on the other hand , a socket (120; 320) for receiving said connection plug, characterized in that this body (100; 300) comprises two wings (101, 102; 301, 302) each extending according to a longitudinal direction of the connecting element, and each comprising a flat part (111, 112; 311, 312) partially delimiting said housing (110; 310) and a curved part (123, 124; 323, 324) partially delimiting said receiving socket (120; 320), and why said spring sheet (200; 400) is adapted to cooperate with said body wings (100; 300) in such a way as to limit the separation of the warped parts (123, 124; 323, 324) that delimit the socket of reception. 2. Connecting element (1; 2) according to claim 1, wherein said two branches (211, 212; 411, 412) of the first free end (201; 401) extend according to a median plane of the spring leaf (200; 400) and are adapted to elastically separate from each other parallel to this median plane when the insertion of the connecting pin into the connecting element (1; 2) takes place. 3. Connection element (1; 2) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the spring leaf (200; 400) further has an angled shape around at least one transverse axis (T1; T3), orthogonal to said longitudinal slit (210A, 410A), located near its second free end (202; 402). Connecting element (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the spring leaf (200) is also bent around at least one other transverse axis (T2), orthogonal to said longitudinal slit (210A), located near its first free end (201). 5. Connection element (1; 2) according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which a portion of said body wings (100; 300) is housed in the longitudinal slit (210A; 410A) of the spring leaf (200; 400). 6. Connection element (1; 2) according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which the body (100; 300) is made of a conductive material comprising a metal alloy. 7. Electrical apparatus comprising a connection element (1; 2) according to one of the preceding claims, for the electrical connection of an electrical cable and a connection plug belonging to another electrical apparatus.