FR2570552A1 - CONTACT ELEMENT FOR INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONDUCTOR - Google Patents

Abstract

THE INVENTION CONCERNS A CONTACT ELEMENT FOR INSULATED ELECTRIC CONDUCTOR TO ESTABLISH CONTACT WITH THE CONDUCTOR ITSELF, INCLUDING A FIRST CONTACT SECTION1 AND A SECOND CONTACT SECTION2 WHICH PREFERABLY INCLUDES TWO SLOTS15, 16, THE WIDTH OF WHICH IS SO LOW THAT WHEN INSERTING THE CONDUCTORS INTO THE SLOT THE INSULATION OF THE CONDUCTOR IS CROSSED AND THEN CONTACT IS BETWEEN THE SECOND SECTION OF CONTACT2 AND THE CONDUCTOR, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT ONE OR 2 OF THE TWO CONTACT SECTIONS CONTAIN AT LEAST ONE CONNECTION PANEL27 SUITABLE FOR THE OTHER CONTACT SECTION (RESPECTIVELY 2 OR 1).

Description

Contact element for insulated electrical conductor.

  The present invention relates to a contact element for an insulated electrical conductor intended to establish contact with the conductor itself, comprising a first contact section and a second contact section which has at least one slot, preferably two slots, of which

  the width is so small that when you insert the conduc-

  In the slot, the conductor insulation is crossed and a contact is made between the second section.

contact and the driver.

  Such contact elements are used in engineering.

  that wiring and they allow to connect a conductor

  insulated electric, without having to strip it beforehand.

  For this, we provide the second contact section which

  has two slots. We introduce the electric conductor

  that in the slot, the edges of this slot passing through the insulation. I1 therefore establishes a metallic contact between the

  second contact section and the electrical conductor itself

  even. In particular, such contact elements are used for multicore flat cables, which are connected to multi-pole pin or spring connectors. They each have a base comprising perforations in which the contact elements are placed. An end of the flat cable is placed on this base in which the contact elements are inserted, and then a cover is placed which is connected to the base by snap-fastening. When this cover clicks into place, the flat cable is pressed, with

  its multiple electrical conductors, against the base.

  In the places where the contact elements are located, the corresponding conductors of the flat cable are pressed into the slots of the second contact section, which produces contact between this second contact section and the electrical conductor. The first contact section of the contact elements protrudes from multi-pole pin or spring connectors, which can be made in the form of soldering pins, connection pins or contact springs. If the first contact sections made of male elements which can be plugged into corresponding complementary contact elements are used, contact elements of another conformation must be used as complementary contact elements. For such a connection of two flat cables, two elements of

contact of different shapes.

  The object of the present invention is to produce the contact element of this type, so that it can be used both as a male contact element and as

  additional contact element.

  To achieve this objective, according to the invention, one of the two contact sections has at least one

  connection socket adapted to the other contact section.

  In the case of the contact element according to the invention, one of the two contact sections also constitutes a complementary contact element into which the other contact section of a second contact element can be inserted. If, for example, multipole pin connectors are used, comprising contact elements according to the invention, it is possible to insert the contact sections projecting from this connector into the cells of the contact elements according to the invention of a multi-pole spring connector. We can thus achieve what are called indirect multipole connectors with a single

  and same contact element, by inserting the multi-connector

  pole pin with the flat cable in a multi-pole spring connector also comprising the contact elements according to the invention, and using their contact sections which exit to carry out the welding. Consequently, it is not necessary to have contact elements of different conformations for the different types of male-female connection. Because the contact element according to the invention can be used for different types of connection, this simplifies the manufacture and mounting of such multipole connectors and reduces the cost thereof.

  Other features and advantages of the invention

  tion will emerge from the detailed description which follows

  relating to nonlimiting embodiments, in which reference is made to the appended drawings in which FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a contact element according to the invention; FIG. 2 represents a multipolar connector with pins comprising contact elements according to the invention; FIG. 3 represents a multi-pole connector with springs with the contact elements according to the invention;

  Figure 4 is a cross section of two-

  contact elements according to the invention connected; Figure 5 is a cross section of another embodiment of a contact element according to the invention; FIG. 6 schematically represents two contact elements according to FIG. 5 fitted together; Figure 7 is a cross section of another

  embodiment of a contact element according to the invention

  tion; and Figure 8 is a cross section of two

  contact elements of another nested embodiment.

  The contact element is shown in Figure 1 on a scale greatly enlarged from its natural dimension. The length of the contact element is of the order of about 0.5 to 1 cm, for example , while the width of the contact element is of the order of 0.5 to 2 mm, for example. The contact elements are first cut from a thin sheet, then folded into the shape shown

in figure 1.

  The contact element comprises a first contact section 1 and a second contact section 2 which are made in one piece. The first contact section 1 has a U-shaped cross section with mutually parallel branches 3 and 4. Because of this cross section

  in U, one can realize the first contact section simple-

  by folding. On the outer faces 5 and 6 distant from each other, the branches 3, 4 each have at

  minus a projection in the form of a protuberance 7. We have represented

  tee only the projection of the branch 3 in Figure 1.

  The branches 3, 4 and the cross member 8 of the first contact section 1 are connected, by intermediate sections 9 to 11 directed obliquely outward, to branches 12, 13 and a cross member 14 of the second contact section 2, U-shaped cross section. The U-shaped cross section configuration of the second contact section 2 also simplifies the manufacture of the contact element. The branches 12, 13 etna cross 14de the second contact section are parallel to the branches 3, 4 and to the cross member 8 of the first contact section 1. Due to the oblique intermediate sections 9 to 11, the second contact section 2 has larger external dimensions

  as the first contact section 1.

  Each of the branches 12, 13 of the second section

  contact 2 has a slot, respectively 15 and 16.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the slots 15, 16 are roughly the width of the branches 12, 13 and they extend roughly half their length. The slots 15, 16 each leave from a front face 17, respectively 18, of the branch 12, respectively 13, distant from the first contact section 1. The crosspiece 14 of the second contact section 2 is bevelled at its free end over its entire width, so that an edge 19 extending along the length of the back is formed. The bevel 20 of the crosspiece 14 is connected to one of the side walls, 21 and 22, of the slots 15 and 16. The opposite side wall, respectively 23 and 24, of the slots 15, 16, is also connected by a rounded to a bevel 25, 26 formed in the front faces 17 and 18 of the branches 12 and 13, respectively. Due to the bevels 17, 18, 25, 26, a centering effect is obtained when the electrical conductors are inserted, so that the conductors can be inserted securely

matching in the slots.

  The branches 12, 13 and the cross-member 14 of the second contact section 2 delimit a connection socket 27 open in the direction of the first contact section 1, in the opposite direction, as well as on the side opposite to the cross-member 14. The dimensions internal of the cell 27 are adapted to the external dimensions of the first contact section l. It is thus possible to plug a first contact element, through its contact section 1, into the cell 27 of a

second contact element.

  Figure 2 shows a multi-pole connector

  with pins 28 which has a cover 29 and a base 30.

  It has several passage perforations (not shown

  tees) in each of which a contact element is plugged. They protrude, by their first contact sections 1, from the multipole connector 28, while their second contact section protrudes from the base 30 upwards in the direction of the cover 29. When mounting the multipole connector 28, the cover 29 is removed. A flat strip 31 with a large number of electrical conductors is placed on the base 30. Next, the cover 29 is placed on the end of the flat strip and it is pressed against the base 30, until it snaps with him. The conductors located at the locations of the contact elements are thus inserted into the slots 15, 16 of the contact elements. Due to the fact that the contact elements consist of very thin sheet metal, the edges of the slots, 16 are so sharp that they pass through the insulation of the corresponding conductors, which brings about contact between the respective contact element. and the

electrical conductor.

  Feed conductors or the like can be welded to the first contact sections 1 which exit

of the multipole connector 28.

  The contact elements can also be housed in a multi-pole connector with springs 32 (FIG. 3) also comprising a cover 33 and a base 34. The base 34 also includes passage perforations (not shown) in which the elements contact are plugged in. They project downwards from the base 34 by their first contact sections 1. The cover 33 also includes passage perforations 35 at the level of the

contact elements.

  The multi-pole spring connector 32 is welded by the contact sections 1 leaving the base 34 to a corresponding component. We plug in the multipole connector

  pin 28 with the flat strip 31 in the multi-connector

  polar with springs 32. In this so-called indirect male-female connection, the multi-pole connector with pins 28 acts as a male connector whose connection pins are formed by the first contact sections 1. They are inserted through the perforations passage 35 and they penetrate into the cells 27 of the contact elements

  located in the multi-pole spring connector 32.

  To obtain intimate contact between the mutually nested contact elements, the second sections of

  contact 2 are at least partially elastically prestressed-

  when the first contact section 1 is inserted.

  This can be achieved by slightly reducing the mutual distance-

  the branches 12, 13 relative to the distance between the outer faces 5, 6 of the branches 3, 4 of the first contact section 1. When, as a result, it is inserted into the cell 27, the branches 12, 13 of the contact section 2 elastically deform slightly towards the outside, so that the contact pressure necessary to achieve perfect contact is obtained. The projections 7 also contribute to this. They are arranged at the level of the slots 15, 16. When the contact section 1 is inserted into the cell 27, the projections 7 therefore penetrate into the slots and therefore serve to guide the contact section 1. So that the projections 7

  can easily come out of the slots 15, 16 during insertion

  chage, they are rounded. The protrusions 7 also elastically bend the branches 12, 13 of the contact element, which allows for sure to produce the contact pressure necessary for perfect contact. In the final connection position,

  the projections 7 are below the slots 15, 16.

  To guarantee, in the connected position, reliable contact between the nested contact elements, the cell 27 comprises at least one contact coating 36, preferably made of precious metal. To obtain secure contact between the two nested contact elements, the coating

  contact 36 is placed, preferably on the inner faces

  laughing opposite 37 to 39 of the branches 12, 13 and of the cross member 14 of the contact section 2. Preferably, the contact coating 36 is continuous. The contact section 1 has a corresponding contact coating 40 which is located near the free end of the contact section and

  is preferably also a precious metal coating.

  It is located on the outside of the contact section 1 and also covers the projections 7. In the final connection position, the two nested contact elements are

  touch by their contact coatings 36 and 40.

  Due to the fact that the cell 27 is delimited by the branches 12, 13 and the cross-member 14, this cell can be formed without additional components on the contact element, simply by corresponding folds. So that the contact elements can be held in a simple manner in the multipole pin connector 28, respectively in the spring connector 32, the branches 12, 13 of the contact section 2 protrude from intermediate sections 9 and 10 (FIG. 1) . This forms recesses 41 and 42 by which the contact element rests on the base 30, respectively 34, of the multipole connector with pins 28, respectively of the multipole connector with springs 32. The contact element is thus prevented in a simple way from pass through the perforations of passage of

bases 30, 34.

  As described, the contact sections 1 of the contact elements of the multi-pole pin connector 28 penetrate into the cells 27 of the contact elements housed in the multi-pole spring connector 32, when the pin connector 28 is inserted on the connector springs 32. Due to the described embodiment, perfect contact is obtained between all the contact elements

mutually nested.

  In the embodiment of Figure 4, the

  first contact section la has a straight cross section

  ment in U, but the branches 3a, 4a converge from the cross 8a. The outer face 43 of the cross member 8a has a cross section with an arcuate shape and it is connected by _ a continuous curvature to the outer faces Sa and 6a of the branches 3a, 4a. Each of the outer faces 5a, 6a, also has a projection 7a which extends substantially over the entire width of the branch 3a, 4a and a concave shape (cap). For the rest, the contact element is

  performed in the same way as in the case of the embodiment

tion of Figure 1.

  When one of the contact elements is inserted, through the contact section 1a, into the cell 27a of the contact section 2a of the other contact element, the projections 7a provide guidance in connection with the slots 15a. , 16a, so that the two contact elements can be brought precisely into their connection position. The branches 12a, 13a and / or the branches 3a, 4a of the contact element are elastically flexible and mutually adjusted so that, during interlocking, these branches flex elastically. The projections 7a are then firmly in contact with the inner faces 37a, 38a of the branches 12a, 13a. In the embodiment of Figure 5, the branches 12b, 13b of the second contact section 2b diverge from the crosspiece 14b. The first contact section (not shown) of this contact element can be produced according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 or of FIG. 4. Due to the convergence of the branches 12b, 13b, one obtains in a simple manner, during of nesting

  of two contact elements, sufficient contact pressure

  between the contact elements. In the mode of

  realization of FIG. 4 also, due to the convergence

  gence of the branches 3a, 4a of the first contact section 1a, a sufficiently high contact pressure is obtained

  by elastic deformation of these branches.

  In the embodiment of Figure 6, the first contact section lc has branches 3c, 4c diverging from the cross member 8c. The branches 12c, 13c of the second contact section 2c are once again of the same conformation as in the embodiment of the

  figure 5. The two contact sections lc, 2c are mutual-

  ment adjusted so that, during the fitting of the two contact elements, at least one of these branches, but preferably, all the branches deform elastically,

  which provides the desired contact pressure.

  In this embodiment, the first contact section 2c is immobilized by shape matching, which guarantees secure stability of the contact elements. For the rest, these contact elements have the same conformation as in the embodiment of FIG. 1. The branches 3c, 4c and

  12b, 13b; 12c, 13c can also be convergent.

  FIG. 7 represents a second contact section 2d, in which the internal faces 37d, 38d of the branches 12d, 13d, as well as the cross-member 14d, each comprise an interlocking element with shape matching

complementary 44.

  It is constituted, in the embodiment, in the form of a recess in the shape of a cap into which the projection 7 or 7a (FIGS. 1 and 4) of the first contact section penetrates, playing the role of element d 'nesting by concordance of complementary shape. Therefore, the nested contact elements are securely connected. Due to the conformation of the projections 7, 7A or

  interlocking elements of concordance of complete form

  44, you can easily delete at any time

  snap-fastening. Because the crossbeam 14b also includes

  a hollow 44, the outer face of the cross member of the

  first contact element also has a projection.

  The protrusions 44 are located in the area below the slots of the second contact element. The two contact sections of this contact element are once again adjusted in such a way that, in the latching position, at least a branch, preferably all branches, of the first contact section and the

  second are elastically deformed.

  In another embodiment (not shown), the projections may also be on the inner faces of the branches and of the cross member of the second contact section. In addition, the first contact section may include complementary matching interlocking elements, preferably recesses, for the

  protrusions of this second contact section.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the projections 7e of the first contact section are formed I1 by bosses in the branches 3e, 4eo The slots 15e, 16th of the branches 12e, 13e of the second contact section 2e are longer than in the embodiment of Figure 1. Thanks to this, when two contact elements are fitted, the projections 7e enter the slots e, 16th of the other contact element. A fixing is thus obtained by concordance of shape perpendicular to the crosspiece 14e of the second contact section 2e. For

  the rest, the contact element can have the same conforma-

  tion as in the embodiment according to Figure 1 or 4. It is easy to form the bosses intended for

  form the 7th projections on the contact section on.

Claims (10)

  1. Contact element for electrical conductor   isolated to establish contact with the driver himself   likewise, comprising a first contact section and a second contact section which comprises at least one slot, preferably two slots, the width of which is so small that, when the conductors are inserted into the slot, the insulation of the conductor is crossed and a contact is then established between the second contact section and the conductor, characterized in that one of the two contact sections (1, la, lc, le; 2, 2a to 2e) comprises at at least one connection socket (27, 27a) adapted to the other   contact section (2, 2a to 2e; 1, la, lc, le}.   2. Contact element according to claim 1, characterized in that it is the second contact section (2, 2a to 2e) which comprises the cell (27, 27a) and in that it preferably presents, a substantially U-shaped cross section. 3. Contact element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the slots (15, 15a, 15th; 16, 16a, 16th) are formed in the two branches (12, 12a to 12th; 13, 13a to 13e) of the second contact section (2,2a to 2e) which delimit, with the crosspiece (14, 14b to 14e), the cell (27, 27a). -   4. Contact element according to any one of   claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the second   contact section (2,2a to 2e) is elastic preload-   at least partially when the first contact section (1, la, lc, le) of another contact element is plugged in.   5. Contact element according to any one of   claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the cell (27,   27a) comprises at least one contact coating (36), preferably a precious metal coating, which is preferably located on the facing interior faces (37,37a, 37d; 38, 38a, 38d; 39) of the branches (12, 12a to 12e; 13, 13a to 13e) and of the crosspiece (14, 14b to 14e) of the   second contact section (2, 2a to 2e).   6. Contact element according to any one of   Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first   contact section (1, la, lc, le) preferably having a substantially U-shaped cross section, includes a contact coating (40), preferably a metal coating precious, on its outside.   7. Contact element according to any one of   claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first   contact section (1, la, lc, le) has at least one form matching socket (7, 7a, 7e) located on the outside of the first contact section (1, la, lc, le), which can be snapped into at least one interlocking element by matching shape (44, 15e, 16e) of the second section of contact (2, 2a to 2e).   8. Contact element according to claim 7,   characterized in that the interlocking element by concordan-   that of form (7, 7a, 7e) is formed by a protuberance constituted, preferably, by a boss of the first contact section.   9. Contact element according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the form-fitting interlocking element (7, 7a, 7e) is located on the branches (3, 4; 3a, 4a; 3c, 4c ; 3rd, 4th) of the first section contact (1, la, lc, le).   10. Contact element according to any one of   Claims 2 to 9, characterized in that the cross member   (14, 14b to 14e) of the second contact section (2, 2a to   2e) includes a bevel (17, 18).