FR2915026A1 - Tuning fork shaped flat cable connecting device for road vehicle, has closing elements allowing perforation of cable by spigots to establish electrical connection between conductors of cables and maintain cable clamped against base wall - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (1) has two channels (9) for receiving flat cables, respectively. Each of the channels has lateral walls (14) extending from a base wall (12). Spigots (23a, 23b) in each channel are projected from the base wall towards a longitudinal opening and are made of electrically conductive material. Closing elements are respectively mounted on the channels at a side of the opening, and allow perforation of each cable by the spigots to establish the electrical connection between conductors of the cable and to maintain the cable clamped against the base wall.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for connecting flat cables

  each comprising several conductors. The invention finds particular application in the electrical connection systems of road vehicles, for example for the supply of 5 different traffic lights of these vehicles. To connect two flat cables, it is possible to use various known devices which are mounted between the two cables. Many devices have screws or other fasteners which are difficult to handle, which require the use of suitable tools (such as screwdrivers) and which may be lost. Known connection devices are often difficult to implement, especially since the conditions of intervention of the operator are generally not very good (reduced or even confined space, presence of dust, etc.). Furthermore, in the particular case of cables comprising several connectors, it is imperative to make the desired electrical connection between the conductors of the various cables, in a predetermined pattern, for the proper functioning of the entire system comprising these cables. However, this is not always easy to achieve, and may require prior testing to verify that a connector of one cable is electrically connected to the desired connector of another cable. When it comes to connecting more than two cables together, the aforementioned problems are further increased. In addition, making a bypass, by the appropriate connection of three cables, usually requires a relatively large space. However, the space available in a vehicle for receiving the various components is severely limited. The invention aims to remedy these drawbacks. To this end, the invention relates to a device for connecting at least a first and a second flat cable each having N conductors, where N is greater than or equal to 2, the connection device comprising at least: a first and a second channel for receiving the first cable and the second cable, respectively, each channel having an axis and a substantially U-shaped cross section defining a longitudinal opening, and having a substantially planar bottom wall facing said longitudinal opening; side walls extending from the bottom wall and at least one open axial end forming a passage for the cable; in each channel, N pins of electrically conductive material protruding from the bottom wall towards the longitudinal opening, the N pins of the same channel being offset laterally with respect to each other and arranged so as to be located each at right of a single conductor of the cable when said cable is received in the channel, the lugs of the different channels being electrically connected to each other in a predetermined configuration; a first and a second closure element, able to be mounted on the first channel and the second channel, respectively, on the side of the longitudinal opening, arranged to allow the perforation of the cable by the lugs to establish the electrical connection between the conduct the cables, and to keep the cable tight against the bottom wall of the corresponding channel.

  In practice, the first cable is introduced into the first channel through the longitudinal opening and extends out of the connection device from the open axial end of the channel. The second cable is similarly placed in the second channel. Then a closure element is put in place on each of the two channels, which causes the perforation of the cables and the electrical connection between the conductors. The invention therefore provides a connection device implementation very simple and fast. In addition, because of the arrangement of the lugs and their relative lateral offset, it is sufficient for the operator to place the flat cables appropriately in the corresponding channels to obtain the desired electrical connection, according to the predetermined configuration, because a lug is precisely under a single conductor, whose position in the cable is known. The risks of incorrect connection are thus considerably reduced, and it is no longer necessary to carry out systematic checks.

  If a channel whose width is substantially identical to the width of the corresponding cable is chosen, the cable is perfectly lodged in the channel, and the operator can achieve excellent positioning of the cable in a very simple and rapid manner, eliminating any risk of connection error. It may further be provided that the N pins of the same channel are offset axially with respect to each other. This geometry meets, among other things, constraints on limiting the size and simplicity of design. The inner face of the bottom wall and / or at least one side wall of a channel may comprise at least one projecting rib arranged to limit or prevent entry of water into the channel. Advantageously, this rib can be tapered from its base towards its free end, in order to be able to penetrate into the cable sheath without cutting it. This rib may comprise at least one portion disposed orthogonally to the axis. This can further ensure a better maintenance of the cable in the channel.

  The connection device comprises for example a rigid body comprising at least a first and a second branch on which are fixed respectively the first and second channels. In one possible embodiment, the connection device comprises three branches, to allow the connection of three cables. This gives a very simple structure derivation and employment device, and reduced size. The device can have substantially the form of a tuning fork. This shape is particularly compact and does not hinder the installation of the cables. For example, each of the side walls of the channels comprises, on its outer face, a detent projection whose face facing the longitudinal opening of the channel forms an inclined ramp and whose opposite face forms a retaining stop substantially parallel to said bottom wall, the detent projection being intended to cooperate with complementary tabs formed on the closure element. It is thus possible to achieve a very simple mounting snap of the closure element on the channels. The connection is therefore without tools, and it can be dismountable. Several possible embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of nonlimiting example, with reference to the appended figures: FIG. 1 is a perspective view from above of a connection device according to the invention; without closure elements; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a flat cable with two conductors that can be placed in the device of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a bottom perspective view of the device of Figure 1; Figure 4 shows the device of Figure 1 seen axially; Figures 5 and 6 are perspective views of a closure element, from above and from below respectively, according to a first embodiment; Figure 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the closure member of Figures 5 and 6; Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the closure member; Figure 9 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the closure member of Figure 8; and FIG. 10 is a perspective view from above of the device of FIG. 1 provided with the three closure elements of FIGS. 5 and 6. FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 show a connection device 1 for connecting three flat cables 2 comprising two conductors 3a, 3b in a sheath 4, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The connection device 1 comprises a rigid body 5 made of non-electrically conductive material (for example made of plastic material), which here substantially presents the shape of a tuning fork and therefore comprising a first, a second and a third limb 6, 7, 8. This device thus makes it possible, in particular, to make electrical branches. The longitudinal direction (x) is defined as the direction in which the branches 6, 7, 8 extend, the transverse direction (y) as the direction parallel to the general plane defined by the device 1 and orthogonal to (x). Finally, we define the direction (z) as the direction orthogonal to the directions (x) and (y). On each of the branches 6, 7, 8 of the body 5 is fixed a channel 9, also made of a non-electrically conductive material (for example plastic). In the embodiment shown, the channels 9 are therefore separate parts of the body 5 and assembled thereto. The assembly is carried out for example by longitudinal sliding of the channel 9 to fit it around the branch of the body 5. Advantageously, the second and third branches 7, 8 (namely the two branches located side by side) are connected by a transverse bar 10 for rigidifying the body 5 and to prevent the channels 9 to disengage from these branches. Alternatively, it is possible to make the body 5 and the channels 9 in one piece. Each channel 9 has a longitudinal axis 11 and a substantially U-shaped cross section. The channel 9 has a bottom wall 12 whose inner face 13 is generally flat and two side walls 14 extending from the bottom wall 12. The channel 9 thus defines a longitudinal opening 15 between the two lateral walls 14 opposite the bottom wall 12. In addition, the two axial ends of the channel 9 are open.

  For simplicity, the terms top, top and the like will be used to designate elements located closer to the longitudinal opening 15 of the channel 9 than of the bottom wall 12. It is however specified that this does not limit the position in which the connection device 1 can be placed and used.

  In the bottom wall 12 are formed two cavities 16a, 16b blind cylindrical, axis parallel to (z), each having substantially in its center a slot-shaped orifice 17a, 17b longitudinally oriented. The slots 17a, 17b are offset relative to one another according to (y) and are located respectively on a longitudinal line 18a and 18b, these lines being symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis 11 of the channel 9. the slots 17a, 17b are offset relative to each other by (x). Each cavity 16a, 16b is surrounded by a rib 19a, 19b in coaxial circle portion, projecting inwardly of the channel 9. Advantageously, the ribs 19a, 19b tapering from their base to their end free, thus forming a sharp edge portion of a circle that can be embedded in the sheath 4 of a cable 2 without cutting it. In addition, a transverse rib protrudes from the bottom wall 12 between the two annular ribs 19a, 19b. The rib 20 may also form a sharp edge but without risk of cutting the sheath 4 of the cable 2. Ribs 21, 22 similar transverse may also be provided at the axial ends of the channel. A lug 23a, 23b of electrically conductive material (for example of brass) is housed in each slot 17a, 17b and protrudes towards the inside of the channel 9. The lugs 23a, 23b are preferably flat and oriented, like the slots 17a. , 17b, according to (x). They have a free end - facing the longitudinal aperture 15 - in a point, able to perforate the cable 2. The lugs 23a, 23b of the same channel 9 are offset laterally with respect to each other. They are positioned so as to be located each to the right of a single conductor 3a, 3b of the cable 2 when it is placed in the channel 9. The lugs 23a, 23b of the various channels 9 are electrically connected to each other according to a predetermined configuration. For example, the lugs 2381, 23b of the channels 9 are connected in pairs, by means of conductive members disposed within the body 5 (which may be hollow). The inner face 24 of the side walls 14 is here substantially flat and orthogonal to the inner face 13 of the bottom wall 12. The outer face 25 of the side walls 14 comprises an upper portion 26 substantially flat and parallel to the inner face 24, and a detent protrusion 27 extending outwardly from the lower edge of said upper portion 26. The detent projection 27 comprises an upper face 28 inclined upwardly downwardly, forming a ramp, and a lower face 29 substantially parallel to the bottom wall 12 forming a retaining stop located lower than the inner face 13 of the bottom wall 12. Finally, the outer face 25 has two end walls 30 perpendicular to (x) protruding outwardly from the upper portion 26 at the axial ends of the channel 9, at least the same distance as the detent projection 27. A recess is thus defined between the walls 30, the upper portion 26 and the upper face 28 of the latching projection 27. The connecting device 1 further comprises closure elements 31, as shown in Figures 5 to 9, to be mounted on the channels 9. The closure element 31 has in cross section substantially the shape of a U comprising a bottom wall 32 and two side walls 33. The bottom wall 32 has, on its inner face, two lateral housing 34 lateral each intended to receive the upper part of a side wall 14 of a channel 9, and a central longitudinal rib 35 intended to come into contact with the cable 2. In the embodiment shown, the upper edge of the side walls 14 of the channels 9 is rounded, and the housing 34 has a complementary shape. In addition, the end of each of the side walls 33 forms a tab 36 facing the opposite side wall 33. Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a first embodiment, wherein the closure member 31 is made of plastic, by molding. The lower edge 37 of each tab 36 is inclined from bottom to top towards the inside of the closure element 31, forming a ramp complementary to that formed by the detent projection 27 formed on the channels 9. the material, it is possible to provide one or more cavities 38 in the bottom wall 32 of the closure member 31, on its outer face, while providing at least one transverse wall 39 for stiffening. In FIGS. 5 and 6, the lateral walls 33 of the closure element 31 define two transverse end planes which are also the transverse end planes of the bottom wall 32. According to an alternative embodiment, illustrated in FIG. Figure 7, the bottom wall 32 has an axial extension 41 extending beyond at least one of these transverse end planes. Preferably, there is an axial extension 41 at each axial end of the closure element 31. These axial extensions 41, whose function will be explained later, have the same profile as the bottom wall 32, that is to say that is to say that they have, on their inner face, two lateral longitudinal housings 34 intended to each receive the upper part of a lateral wall 14 of a channel 9, and a central longitudinal rib 35 intended to come into contact with the cable 2. In Figure 8 is shown a second embodiment, wherein the closure member 31 is made of metal, by cutting and bending, and has a substantially constant thickness. The tabs 36 have substantially the shape of cylinder portions, and are bent inwardly, thereby defining a lower ramp-shaped surface complementary to that formed by the detent projection 27 formed on the channels 9. Lateral walls 33 are curved inwardly of the closure member 31. In FIG. 8, the side walls 33 of the closure member 31 define two transverse end planes which are also the transverse end planes. of the bottom wall 32. According to an alternative embodiment, illustrated in Figure 9, the bottom wall 32 has an axial extension 41 extending beyond at least one of these transverse end planes. Preferably, there is an axial extension 41 at each axial end of the closure member 31. These axial extensions 41, whose function will be explained later, have the same profile as the bottom wall 32, that is, that is to say that they have, on their inner face, two lateral longitudinal housings 34 intended to each receive the upper part of a lateral wall 14 of a channel 9, and a central longitudinal rib 35 intended to come into contact with the cable 2.

  When an operator wishes to connect three cables 2 to two conductors 3a, 3b through the connection device 1, he places each of the cables 2 in a channel 9, for example by introducing this cable 2 from the longitudinal opening 15, in a downward movement parallel to (z). The connection device 1 is chosen according to the cables so as to adapt to them. Thus, the width of the channels 9 preferably corresponds to the width of the cables 2, so that the conductors 3a, 3b are automatically positioned correctly relative to the lugs 23a, 23b and that the cable 2 is held in position. The height of the side walls 14 of the channel 9 is also adapted to the height of the cable 2. Of course, the number of lugs 23a, 23b present in the channels 9 corresponds to the number of connectors 3a, 3b in the cable 2, and their provision is such that a lug is located at the right of a single driver. In addition, the number of branches of the connection device 1 depends on the number of cables to be connected according to the use in question. Finally, it is conceivable that a connection device 1 has on its various branches different channels (dimensions, number of lugs, etc.) depending on the cable that this channel is intended to receive.

  A closure member 31 is then placed on each channel 9, the side walls 33 extending downward substantially parallel to and outside the side walls 14 of the channel 9, between the end walls 30. The operator pushes the closing element 31 downwards, according to (z). During this movement, the lower edge 37 of the tabs 36 comes into contact with the inclined upper face 28 of the latching projection 27 of the channel 9 and then slides on this face 28. The side walls 33 of the closure element 31 then depart from one another by elastic deformation and then approach when the tabs 36 arrive under the lower face 29 of the latching projection 27. In this position, the substantially flat upper edge 40 of the tabs 36 is in abutment under the lower face 29 and prevents the inadvertent withdrawal of the closure member 31. The latter is further blocked axially between the end walls 30 of the channels 9. This snap-fitting is particularly simple to perform and does not require no tools. It can be dismountable if an operator spreads with the fingers the side walls 33 to release the lugs 36 of the latching projections 27.

  When the closing element 31 is moved downwards, the rib 35 comes into contact with the upper face of the cable 2, the cable 2 initially resting on the lugs 23a, 23b and not on the inner face 13 of the bottom wall. 12 of the channel 9. The downward movement of the closure member 31 being continued, the cable 2 is pushed down by the rib 35, and the lugs 23a, 23b perforate the sheath 4 to come into contact with the conductors 3a, 3b. When the closure member 31 is snapped onto the channel 9, the cable 2 is in contact with the inner face 13 of the bottom wall 12 and held tight against this face 13 by the rib 35. The ribs 19a, 19b, 20 , 21, 22 also limit the movement of the cable 2 along the axis (x) and contribute to its maintenance in the connecting device 1. The axial extensions 41, when present, keep the cable 2 right and flat over a greater distance, thanks to the rib 35. Thus, the possible torsion of the cable 2 is reported further from the lugs 23a, 23b. As a result, the entry of water into the channels 9 is particularly effectively prevented and an improved maintenance of the cable 2 is ensured in the connecting device 1. The invention makes it possible in particular to make the simple and fast connection of three cables in a small space.

  It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above as examples but that it encompasses all the variants.

Claims (11)

  1. Device for connecting at least a first and a second flat cable (2) each having N conductors (3a, 3b), where N is greater than or equal to 2, characterized in that it comprises at least: first and second channels (9) for receiving the first cable (2) and the second cable (2), respectively, each channel (9) having an axis (11) and a substantially U-shaped cross section defining a longitudinal opening (15), and having a substantially planar bottom wall (12) facing said longitudinal opening (15), side walls (14) extending from the bottom wall (12) and at least one end axial axis forming a passage for the cable (2); in each channel (9), N pins (23a, 23b) of electrically conductive material protruding from the bottom wall (12) towards the longitudinal opening (15), the N pins (23a, 23b) of a same channel (9) being offset laterally relative to each other and arranged so as to be located each to the right of a single conductor (3a, 3b) of the cable (2) when said cable is received in the channel (9) the lugs (23a, 23b) of the different channels (9) being electrically connected to each other in a predetermined pattern; a first and a second closure element (31), able to be mounted on the first channel (9) and the second channel (9), respectively, on the side of the longitudinal opening (15), arranged to allow the perforation of the cable (2) by the lugs (23a, 23b) to establish the electrical connection between the conductors (3a, 3b) of the cables, and to hold the cable (2) tight against the bottom wall (12) of the channel ( 9) corresponding.   2. Connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the width of each channel (9) is substantially identical to the width of the cable (2) corresponding.   3. Connecting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the N pins (23a, 23b) of the same channel (9) are further axially offset with respect to each other. 35   Connection device according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the inner face (13, 24) of the bottom wall (12) and / or at least one side wall (14) of a channel (9) comprises at least one protruding rib (19a, 19b, 20, 21, 22) arranged to limit or prevent entry of water into the channel (9).   5. Connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a body (5) rigid comprising at least a first and a second legs (6, 7, 8) on which are respectively fixed first and second channels (9).   6. Connection device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that each lug (23a, 23b) protrudes from the bottom wall (12) of the channel (9) from the inside of an orifice ( 17a, 17b) formed in said bottom wall (12).   7. Connection device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises three branches (6, 7,   8). 8. Connection device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that each of the side walls (14) of the channels (9) has, on its outer face (25), a latching projection (27). whose face (28) facing the longitudinal opening (15) of the channel (9) forms an inclined ramp and whose opposite face (29) forms a retaining stopper 25 substantially parallel to the bottom wall (12) of the channel (9), the detent projection (27) being intended to cooperate with lugs (36) complementary formed on the closure member (31).   9. Connection device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the closure element (31) has in cross section substantially the shape of a U, and comprises a bottom wall (32) and two side walls (33), the bottom wall (32) having, on its inner face, two lateral longitudinal housings (34) intended to each receive the upper part of a side wall (14) of a channel (9) and a central longitudinal rib (35) intended to come into contact with the cable (2).   10. Connection device according to claim 9, characterized in that the end of each of the side walls (33) of the closure element (31) forms a tab (36) facing the opposite side wall (33), to allow snap-fitting of the closure element (31) on and around the channel (9).   11. Connection device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the side walls (33) of the closure element (31) define two transverse end planes and in that the bottom wall (32) of the closing element (31) has an axial extension (41) extending beyond at least one of these transverse end planes, the axial extension (41) having, on its inner face, two lateral longitudinal housings (34) intended to each receive the upper part of a side wall (14) of a channel (9), and a central longitudinal rib (35) intended to come into contact with the cable (2).