FR2821493A1 - Car industry power wire feed connection having wire with attached electrical contact body channel with closing upper jaw having first immobiliser/second double wire direction change immobiliser section. - Google Patents

Abstract

The wire connector has a body section holding electrical contacts (C1) and having a passage for a wire (F1) in a channel. An upper shutter section (5) holds the wire in place. The connector has a first immobiliser (13) acting on the wire and a second immobiliser (10) changing the wire direction twice. The immobilisers provide good resistance to pulling.

Description

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 DESCRIPTION Electrical connector with wire clamp device The present invention relates to an electrical connector comprising electrical contacts connected to wires arranged in the body or housing of the connector provided with a pivoting cover which closes on the wires at the rear of the body or housing thus trapping the wires at their outlet from the connector.

 Connectors of this type are generally used in the automotive industry for power supply and / or control circuits for various accessories, such as safety devices, in particular an air bag control device.

 For such safety devices, it is imperative that the crimps of the wires in the contacts are never altered or interrupted, despite stresses, movements, vibrations or shocks subjected to a connection or to the cable or wires leaving the connector. Wire movements, in particular at or near the crimping of the wire with the contact, cause variations in contact resistance which can cause false break detections in control systems, in particular injection control systems. automotive engine or airbag control systems.

 The wires of a connector must therefore be adequately held in place to

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 avoid that they are subjected to stresses, movements, vibrations or shocks, in the connector, to avoid movements of wires in the connector.

 Connectors provided with a cable clamp device using baffles have already been proposed in document US 4,023. 879. The connector of this document includes contacts connected to wires or cables coming out of the connector. The connector housing includes a plurality of walls held together by rivets. In the exit area of the wires or cable, a cable clamping mechanism is used comprising a pair of parts having opposite cavities.

In one of the parts, a T-shaped element is arranged, thus creating a baffle-shaped passage for the wire or cable when the parts are connected to each other.

 In the connector according to this document, the T-shaped element is not capable of ensuring traction of the portion of wire or cable located between the T-piece and the contact. Indeed, the parts are interconnected by means of rivets, so that during the crushing, the wire or cable will rather be pushed towards the contactor.

 Also known from document US 4,269. 466 a connector comprising a housing provided with pivoting walls for positioning the electrical contacts inside the connector and for clamping a flat cable. The flat cable is subjected to a deformation along its lateral edges by two protrusions of cross section

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 triangular present on a first wall and two recesses present in the second wall.

The central part of the cable is not subjected to deformation, so that its retention or fixing is not optimal. In addition, the variable height of the protrusions creates a certain sliding of the edges of the flat cable towards the central part, so that the wires of the central part are not put under tension.

 In the connectors described in the aforementioned documents, the retention of the wires in the connector is not optimal, in particular because the cable is not held in position in the channel during the deformation of the cable by the closure of the connector.

 Another problem to be solved for this type of connector is to ensure that the wires leaving the connector remain in their alignment and that they do not get in the way when the housing is closed. Indeed, this poses a lot of problems for the production of large series of connectors during the assembly of motor vehicles in large series.

 The present invention aims to remedy this drawback and relates to a connector for electrical wires having an opening serving as an outlet for wires from the connector, this connector comprising a body with one or more electrical contacts and having a passage for the introduction of one or more wires in one or more channels of the connector to one or more

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 electrical contacts, and a movable flap or cover closing at least towards the passage for introducing the wires.

 The connector is characterized in that at least for a wire, the connector comprises a first immobilizing means acting on the wire to immobilize it at least partially in a channel and a second means acting on the wire so that the latter changes at least twice in directions or has at least two curvatures and so that the latter is subjected to traction at least at and / or in the vicinity of the immobilization means.

 Advantageously, said first means and said second means are associated with the flap or cover so that during the closing movement of the flap or cover, said means act on the wire. In particular, said means are arranged so that when the shutter or cover is closed, the second means acts on the wire before and / or during (preferably at least before) the first means acts on the wire.

 Advantageously, the second means acts on the wire so as to force it to have a first substantially straight section, a second substantially straight section and a third substantially straight section extending between said first and second sections, said third section forming a first angle with the first section and a second angle with the second section, said first and second angles being between 150

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et 60 , avantageusement entre 150 et 45ohr de préférence entre 200 et 300. De préférence, ledit deuxième moyen agit sur un tronçon du fil s'étendant entre le contact et le troisième tronçon.

and 60, advantageously between 150 and 45 hours preferably between 200 and 300. Preferably, said second means acts on a section of the wire extending between the contact and the third section.

 According to one embodiment, the third section has a length less than five times the diameter of the electric wire, advantageously less than 4 times the diameter of the wire, preferably between 1.5 times and 3 times the diameter of the wire.

 According to an advantageous characteristic, the second means is a means intended to put under traction the part of the wire extending between a contactor and said second means, in particular when the cover or flap is closed.

 According to a particular embodiment, the flap or cover carries said first and second means.

 Advantageously, the flap or cover also carries a means abutting on the contact when the flap or cover is in the closed position, and preferably during at least part of the closing movement of the flap or cover. The shutter or cover is provided with means for locking the cover in the closed position or for keeping the shutter or cover in the closed position.

 According to a possible embodiment, the flap or cover comprises one or more zones of reduced section acting as the first means. Advantageously, at least one zone of reduced section is arranged on the flap or cover.

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 so that in the closed position of the cover or flap, said reduced section area acts on a part of the first section of wire adjacent to the third section.

 According to one feature, in the vicinity of the opening serving as an outlet for the wires, the connector body has at least one slot intended to receive a portion of one or more wires engaged in the channel or channels of the body, said slot now in position. the part of wires or wires engaged in the channels, at least when the shutter or cover is closed. The channels in which the wires are engaged advantageously have a width substantially equal to the diameter of the wires.

 According to a particular embodiment, the flap or cover comprises for each wire, a block intended to act on the wire to immobilize it, said block being connected to two wings forming a channel in which the third section extends at least partially. wire in the closed position of the flap or cover, at least one of said wings having a protuberance to form a zone of reduced section in the channel.

 Advantages and particularities of a connector according to the invention will emerge from the following detailed description in which reference is made to the accompanying drawings.

 In these drawings: Figure 1: shows a perspective view of a connector housing object of

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 the invention, with the pivoting wall in the open position and without cable or electrical contact; Figures 2 and 3: are respectively a side view and a front view of the connector according to Figure 1; Figure 4: is a perspective view from below of the end of the pivoting wall of the connector housing; Figure 5: is a perspective view of the rear end of the fixed part of the housing; Figures 6 and 7: are perspective views respectively complete and partially cut away of the connector housing in the closed position with incorporation of cables and corresponding contacts; Figure 8: is a partially cut perspective view of the rear end of the connector showing the pivoting wall in a position just before closing; Figures 9 to 12: show longitudinal sectional views of the connector housing, the electrical contact and the outgoing cable in different stages of assembly; FIG. 12A: is a partial plan view along the section line A-A in FIG. 12.

FI, un deuxième canal 3 pour un deuxième fil électrique F2, un premier contact C1 et un According to Figures 1 to 9, the connector according to the invention comprises: a body 1 having a first channel 2 for a first electric wire

FI, a second channel 3 for a second electric wire F2, a first contact C1 and a

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 second contact C2, said channels 1, 2 being separated from each other by a wall 4, and a cover 5 pivotally mounted on the body 2, said cover 5 being articulated to a part of the body 1 adjacent to the contacts C1 , C2 between an open position shown in FIG. 1 and a folded position shown in FIGS. 6 and 12, the cover being folded back towards the rear of the connector or towards the passage through which the wires F1, F2 are engaged in the channels 2, 3.

 The articulation of the cover 5 on the body 1 is for example produced by a relatively flexible and flexible strip 6, for example a thin strip.

 The channels 2,3 each comprise: a first part 7 adjacent to a contact (C1, C2), a second part 8 adjacent to the rear end of the connector, an intermediate part 9.

 The parts 7 and 8 extend in parallel planes (P1, P2) but distant from each other, while the intermediate part 9 forms a ramp extending between the planes P1, P2. The angle formed between the plane P3 of the intermediate part 9 with the plane Pl or P2 is approximately 25 to 350, in particular approximately 300.

 The second part 8 of the channels 2,3 preferably has a width substantially equal to the diameter of the wire FI, F2.

volet'ou capot est en position rabattue) : un premier pavé 10 relié à deux ailes 11, 12 The flap or cover 5 has on its internal face (face directed towards the body when the

flap or cover is in the folded position): a first block 10 connected to two wings 11, 12

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FI, un deuxième pavé 14 relié à deux ailes 15, 16 dirigées vers l'axe de pivotement H, lesdites ailes présentant chacune une protubérance 13 formant entre elles une zone Z2 de section réduite, ledit pavé et ailes coopérant avec le canal 3 pour l'immobilisation d'un fil électrique F2, - des crochets 18 portées par les ailes 12 et 15 sur leurs faces dirigées l'une vers l'autre, les dites crochets travaillant chacune avec un rebord 19 de la paroi 4 du corps pour maintenir en position fermée le capot ou volet 5 après son rabattement, lesdites crochets 18 jouant alors le rôle de premier verrouillage, des pieds 20 s'engageant dans les canaux 2,3 lors de la fermeture du capot, lesdits pieds prenant appui sur les contacts C1, C2 (en exerçant une poussée sur ceux-ci dans le sens de la flèche Z, figure 12) lorsque le capot ou volet 5 est en position fermée, lesdits pieds jouant alors de système de verrouillage secondaire. directed towards the pivot axis H, said wings each having a protuberance 13 forming between them a zone Zl of reduced section, said block and wings cooperating with channel 2 for the immobilization of an electric wire

FI, a second block 14 connected to two wings 15, 16 directed towards the pivot axis H, said wings each having a protrusion 13 forming between them a zone Z2 of reduced section, said block and wings cooperating with channel 3 for the immobilization of an electric wire F2, - hooks 18 carried by the wings 12 and 15 on their faces directed towards one another, the said hooks each working with a flange 19 of the wall 4 of the body to maintain in closed position the cover or flap 5 after it has been folded down, said hooks 18 then playing the role of first locking, feet 20 engaging in channels 2,3 when the cover is closed, said feet resting on contacts C1, C2 (by pushing on them in the direction of arrow Z, FIG. 12) when the cover or flap 5 is in the closed position, said feet then acting as a secondary locking system.

 After placing the wires F1, F2 in the channels 2,3 (in connection with the contacts C1, C2), the flap or cover 5 is folded backwards to close the body 1 and therefore the channels 2,3.

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 The body 1 has two recesses or slots 21, 22 intended to receive part of the wire during an operation for closing the cover 5.

These slots 21, 22 are placed at the ends of the parts 8 of the channels 2,3, ends opposite to those adjacent to the contacts C1, C2.

 The body 1 and the cover 5 can be injected in one piece. However, it is possible that the connector is made up of separate parts (produced by injection or molding) which are then assembled. The body and the cover can be made of various insulating materials, such as plastics, etc.

 The placement of wires F1, F2 in the connector can advantageously take place as follows.

 The wires F1 and F2, each attached to a contact C1, C2, are engaged in their respective channels 2,3 as shown in FIG. 9. The wires F1, F2 are then pretended by exerting a traction on them to arrange in the parts 8 of the channels and the ends leaving the connector are bent downwards (see FIG. 10) so as to engage them in their respective slots 21,22. This keeps the wires F1, F2 under slight traction.

 The wires F1, F2 are thus pinched in the open slots 21, 22, pre-tensioning the wires and keeping them aligned and arched on the side opposite to the cover 5.

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The cover 5 is then lowered to close the channels of the body 1 of the connector (Figure 11).

During this movement, the blocks 10, 14 respectively touch the wires F1, F2. Initially, the wires undergo a slight deformation by the push of the pad only. At the end of this first deformation, the wires touch the lateral protrusions 13.

11)
Les crochets 18 touchent alors les rebords 19 de la paroi 4 pour glisser sur cellesci et prendre ensuite appui sur celles-ci de manière à former un système de verrouillage du capot 5 sur le corps 1. Lors de l'étape de fin de fermeture du capot 5 sur le corps 1, les pieds 20 prennent appui sur les contacts Cl, C2 et poussent sur ceux-ci. Cette poussée sert de moyen assurant une position correcte du contact dans le connecteur, mais également de système de verrouillage secondaire. (figure 12). The cover 5 continues to be lowered so as to increase the deformation of the wires by the blocks 10, 14. During this operation, the wires F1, F2 slightly engage in the zones Z1, Z2 of reduced section so as to immobilize the wire between two protuberances 13. During this operation of closing the cover, the wires emerge from the slot 21.22 under the action of the blocks, but remain aligned with the outlet of the wires or cables from the connector. (Figure

11)
The hooks 18 then touch the edges 19 of the wall 4 to slide on them and then take support on them so as to form a locking system for the cover 5 on the body 1. During the end of closing step of the cover 5 on the body 1, the feet 20 bear on the contacts C1, C2 and push on these. This thrust serves as a means ensuring correct position of the contact in the connector, but also as a secondary locking system. (figure 12).

 In the closed position of the cover, the wire F1 has a first section F1A adjacent to the

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 contact C1, a second section F1B adjacent to the outlet end of channel 2, and an intermediate section F1C located between the sections FIA and F1B. This intermediate section FIC has a length L equal to 2 to 3 times the diameter of the wire. The wire has two curvatures, so that the angle formed between on the one hand the section F1C and, on the other hand, the section FIA or F1B is approximately 250. The difference in height X between the sections FIA and F1B is equal about 0.5 to 1 times the diameter of the wire.

absence de mouvement du fil au niveau du contact ; - fermeture aisée du capot ; - absence d'arrachage de fil hors du connecteur en cas de traction sur le fil avec le connecteur associé à une fiche ; - excellent blocage des fils dû à la faible

distance séparant le pavé des protubérances 13 ; Le connecteur selon l'invention tel que décrit ci-dessus, n'est qu'un exemple de réalisation pratique de l'invention et d'autres Advantages of the connector according to the invention shown in the figures are: - effective retention of the wires in the connector; - correct alignment of the wires in the channels thanks to the pretensioning of the wires before closing the cover; - wires stretched in the connector thanks to the action of the blocks when the cover is closed - double action of locking the cover;

absence of movement of the wire at the contact; - easy closing of the hood; - absence of wire pulling out of the connector in the event of traction on the wire with the connector associated with a plug; - excellent wire blocking due to low

distance separating the block from the protrusions 13; The connector according to the invention as described above is only a practical embodiment of the invention and other

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 embodiment are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (12)

 CLAIMS 1. Electrical connector having an opening serving as an outlet for the wires out of the connector comprising: - a body (1) in which one or more electrical contacts (C1, C2) are arranged and having a passage for the introduction of a or wires (F1, F2) in one or more channels (2,3) from the connector to one or more electrical contacts (C1, C2), and - a movable flap or cover (5) closing at least towards the passage d introduction of the wires, characterized in that at least for a wire (F1, F2), the connector comprises a first immobilization means (13) acting on the wire to immobilize it at least partially in a channel and a second means (10,14) acting on the wire so that the latter changes directions at least twice or has at least two curvatures and so that the latter is subjected to traction at least at and near the first means.  2. Connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second means (13; 10, 14) are arranged to cooperate with the flap or cover (5) at least during a closing movement thereof.  - 3. Connector according to claim 2, characterized in that the first and second <Desc / Clms Page number 15>  means (13; 10, 14) are arranged so that when the shutter or cover (5) is closed, the second means (10,14) acts on the wire before the first means (13) acts on the wire (F1, F2).  4. Connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the second means (10,14) is arranged relative to a channel (2,3), so as to act on the wire when closing of the flap or cover (5) so that said wire (F1) has a first substantially straight section (F1A), a second straight section (F1B) and a third straight section (F1C) extending between said first and second sections (FlA , F1B), said third section (F1C) forming a first angle with the first section and a second angle with the second section.  5. Connector according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second means (10,14) is a means intended to put under tension the part of the wire extending between a contact (C1, C2) and said means (10,14), in particular during at least a partial movement of closing of the cover or flap (5).  6. Connector according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movable flap (5) carries said first and second means (13; 10,14). <Desc / Clms Page number 16>  7. Connector according to claim 6, characterized in that the cover or flap (5) further carries a means (20) abutting on the contact when the flap or cover (5) is in the closed position.  8. Connector according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flap or cover (5) comprises one or more zones (Z1, Z2) of reduced section as a first means.  9. Connector according to claim 8, characterized in that at least one zone of reduced section (Z1, Z2) is arranged on the flap or cover (5) so that in the closed position of the cover or flap (5 ), said reduced section zone acts on a part of the first section (FIA) of adjacent wire of the third section (F1C).  10. Connector according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the vicinity of the opening serving as an outlet for the wires, the body of the connector has at least one slot (21, 22) intended to receive a portion of one or more wires engaged in the channel or channels (2, 3) of the body, said slot maintaining in position the part of son or son engaged in the channels, at least during part of the closing movement of the flap or cover ( 5). <Desc / Clms Page number 17>  11. Connector according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flap or cover (5) comprises for each wire (F1, F2), a block (10,14) intended to act on the wire to tension it, said block (10,14) being connected to two wings (11,12; 15, 16) forming a channel in which at least partially extends the third section (F1C) of the wire in the closed position of the flap or cover (5) , at least one of said wings (11,12; 15, 16) having a protuberance (13) to form a zone of reduced section (Z1, Z2) in the channel.  12. Connector according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flap or movable cover (5) is pivotally mounted on the body (1).