FR3060872A1 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTION ELEMENT - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection element (1; 2) for an electrical outlet, comprising a body (100; 300) and a spring blade (200; 400) housed in said body, said spring blade comprising at a first free end. (201; 401), two branches (211, 212, 411, 412) adapted to clamp together a connection pin of an electrical equipment introduced into this connection element and, at a second free end (202; 402), at least one other branch (221, 222, 421, 422) adapted to clamp, against said body of the connection element, an electric wire introduced into this connection element. According to the invention, said leaf spring is formed in one piece, by a metal ribbon whose part (210; 410) located at its first free end comprises a longitudinal slot (21 0A; 41 0A) separating said two adapted branches to clamp the connection pin together.

Description

Holder (s): LEGRAND FRANCE Public limited company, LEGRAND SNC General partnership.

Extension request (s)

Agent (s): JACOBACCI CORALIS HARLE Simplified joint-stock company.

FR 3 060 872 - A1 (54) ELECTRICAL CONNECTION ELEMENT.

©) The invention relates to a connection element (1; 2) for an electrical outlet, comprising a body (100; 300) and a leaf spring (200; 400) housed in this body, said leaf leaf comprising, at a first free end (201; 401), two branches (211,212; 411,412) adapted to clamp between them a connection pin of an electrical apparatus inserted in this connection element and, at least at a second free end (202; 402) another branch (221,222; 421,422) adapted to clamp, against said body of the connection element, an electric wire introduced into this connection element.

According to the invention, said leaf spring is formed in one piece by a metal strip, a part (210; 410) of which is situated at its first free end comprises a longitudinal slot (21 0A; 41 0A) separating said two adapted branches to clamp the connecting pin between them.

Technical field to which the invention relates

The present invention relates to a connection element for an electrical outlet, comprising a body and a spring leaf housed in this body, said leaf spring comprising, at a first free end, two arms adapted to clamp between them a connection pin of a electrical equipment introduced into this connection element and, at a second free end, at least one other branch adapted to clamp, against said body of the connection element, an electric wire introduced into this connection element.

It also relates to electrical equipment comprising such a connection element.

Technological background

Connection elements are known as described in the introduction, for example for electrical sockets.

The role of such a connection element is to transport the current between the electrical wires of the electrical network and the electrical plug belonging to an electrical appliance which is plugged into this connection element. The connection element includes for this purpose a part adapted to receive an electric wire coming from the wall and a receiving socket adapted to receive the pin of the electric plug to put them in electrical contact.

The realization of this receiving cell must meet many constraints, in particular imposed by the different standards in force in each country.

For example, the Franco-Belgian and Schuko standards impose a minimum weight of 400 grams when inserting a diameter pin

3.8 millimeters in the cell (without participation of the plastic parts of the socket such as the base). In order to comply with this standard, the cell must not be deformed permanently when a pin with a diameter of 4.8 millimeters is inserted into the cell.

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

Known solutions often have a complex form.

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

This also makes it possible to reduce the path traveled by the current and thus limit the heating of the connection element.

Object of the invention

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

More particularly, there is proposed according to the invention a connection element as described in the introduction, in which said leaf spring is formed in one piece, by a metal strip, a part of which is situated at its first free end has a longitudinal slot separating said two branches adapted to clamp the connecting pin between them.

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 produce the body of the connection element, while ensuring satisfactory tightening of the pin (in accordance with the standard).

According to the invention, the spring blade, which is for example made of stainless steel, clamps the electric wire against a part of the body of the connection element and also has a function of tightening the pin in its socket.

For this purpose, the leaf spring has a particular shape, with two branches separated longitudinally, which deviate from one another when the pin is inserted into its socket and tighten this pin accordingly.

Other non-limiting and advantageous characteristics of the device according to the invention, taken individually or in any technically possible combination, are the following:

- Said two branches of the first free end extend along a mean plane of the leaf spring and are adapted to deviate elastically from one another parallel to this mean plane during the introduction of the connection pin in the connection element;

- The leaf spring further has a bent shape around at least one transverse axis, orthogonal to said longitudinal slot, located near its second free end;

- The leaf spring is also bent around at least one other transverse axis, orthogonal to said longitudinal slot, located near its first free end;

- Said body of the connection element forms on the one hand a housing which receives at least said second free end of the leaf spring, and on the other hand, a cell for receiving said connection pin;

- Said body comprises two wings each extending in a longitudinal direction of the connection element, and each comprising a flat part partially delimiting said housing and a curved part partially delimiting said receiving cell;

- Said leaf spring is adapted to cooperate with said wings of the body so as to limit the spacing of the arched parts delimiting the receiving cell;

- A portion of said wings of the body is housed in the longitudinal slot of the leaf spring;

- The body is made of a conductive material comprising a metal alloy.

The invention also provides electrical equipment comprising a connection element as described above, for the electrical connection of an electrical wire and a connection pin belonging to another electrical equipment.

Detailed description of an exemplary embodiment

The description which follows with reference to the appended drawings, given by way of nonlimiting examples, will make it clear what the invention consists of and how it can be carried out.

In the accompanying drawings:

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

FIG. 2 is a schematic front perspective view of the body of the connection element in FIG. 1,

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

FIG. 4 is a schematic rear perspective view of the connection element in FIG. 1,

FIG. 5 is a schematic rear perspective view of the body of the connection element in FIG. 4,

FIG. 6 is a schematic rear perspective view of the leaf spring of the connection element in FIG. 4,

- Figure 7 is a schematic top view of the connection element of Figure 1,

FIG. 8 is a schematic top view of the body of the connection element in FIG. 7,

FIG. 9 is a schematic top view of the leaf spring of the connection element in FIG. 7,

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

FIG. 11 is a schematic profile view of the leaf spring of the connection element in FIG. 10,

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

FIG. 13 is a schematic front perspective view of the body of the connection element in FIG. 12,

FIG. 14 is a schematic front perspective view of the leaf spring of the connection element in FIG. 12,

FIG. 15 is a schematic rear perspective view of the connection element in FIG. 12,

FIG. 16 is a schematic rear perspective view of the body of the connection element in FIG. 15,

FIG. 17 is a schematic rear perspective view of the leaf spring of the connection element in FIG. 15,

FIG. 18 is a schematic top view of the connection element in FIG. 12,

FIG. 19 is a schematic top view of the body of the connection element in FIG. 18,

FIG. 20 is a schematic top view of the leaf spring of the connection element of FIG. 18,

FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic view from below of the connection element of FIG. 12,

FIG. 22 is a diagrammatic view from below of the leaf spring of the connection element of FIG. 21,

FIG. 23 is a schematic view from below of the body of the connection element of FIG. 21,

FIG. 24 is a schematic profile view of the connection element in FIG. 12,

FIG. 25 is a schematic profile view of the body of the connection element in FIG. 24,

- Figure 26 is a schematic profile view of the leaf spring of the connection element of Figure 24.

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

Connection element 1; 2 according to the invention is intended to be integrated into electrical equipment, for example into a power outlet.

it authorizes the transport of electric current between the electric wires of this apparatus, for example the electric wires of the electric network connected to the socket, and a connection pin inserted in this electric apparatus, belonging for example to an electrical plug of another electrical appliance.

This connection element 1; 2 comprises for this purpose a body 100; 300 conductor comprising a housing 110; 310 adapted to accommodate at least one of said electrical wires (not shown) and a cell 120; 320 adapted to accommodate the connection pin of the electrical plug (not shown) to put the electrical wire in electrical contact with the connection pin.

Connection element 1; 2 further comprises a leaf spring 200; 400 adapted on the one hand to tighten the electric wire introduced into the housing 110; 310 against one of the walls of this housing 110; 310, and on the other hand, to tighten the connection pin introduced into the connection socket 120; 320.

More precisely, here, the leaf spring 120; 320 is adapted to press at least one wall of the connection socket 120; 320 against the connection pin.

Whatever the embodiment considered, the connection element 1 extends generally along a longitudinal axis X1, X2 orthogonal to the direction of insertion I of the connection pin in the socket. The direction of insertion I corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the cell 120; 320 reception (Figures 1 and 12).

The body is made of a material having satisfactory electrical conductivity characteristics to conduct the electric current between the connection pin and the electric wire.

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

The body 100; 300 is here formed of a folded metal strip.

Housing 110; 310 of connection element 1; 2 has a generally parallelepiped shape partially delimited by two side walls 111, 112; 311, 312 main (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 which approach one another, then by two curved walls 123, 124; 323, 324 which delimit between it the cell 120; 320. This cell 120; 320 generally has the shape of a cylindrical sleeve, the longitudinal axis of which extends in the direction of insertion I (FIG. 2).

Remarkably, the leaf spring 200; 400 of connection element 1; 2 according to the invention is formed in one piece, by a metal strip including a first end portion 210; 410 has a slot 210A; Longitudinal 410A separating two branches 211,212; 411,412 adapted to clamp the arched walls 123, 124; 323, 324 of cell 120; 320 against the connection pin (not shown). This first end portion 210; 410 has a free end 201; 401.

Said two branches 211, 212; 411, 412 of the first end portion 210; 410 extend along a mean plane of the leaf spring 200; 400 and are adapted to deviate elastically from one another parallel to this mean plane during the introduction of the connection pin into the connection element 1; 2.

The leaf spring 200; 400 also has a bent shape around at least a first transverse axis T1; T3, orthogonal to said slot 210A; Longitudinal 410A.

From this bent shape extends a second end part

220; 420 of leaf spring 200; 400, having a second free end 202; 402 and placed inside the housing 110; 310 of body 100; 300. This second end portion 220; 420 is suitable for clamping the electric wire introduced into the housing 110; 310 of 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 the leaf spring 200; 400.

The material of the spring blade has satisfactory rigidity characteristics to play the role of tightening the electric wire and the connection pin, explained later. It need not 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 leaf spring is for example made of steel, in particular stainless steel.

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

In the first embodiment of Figures 1 to 11, the body 100 has two lateral wings 101, 102 which extend from a base wall 103. This base wall 103 is substantially planar and extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis X1 of the connection element 1 (FIG. 8).

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

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

Each lateral 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 intermediate parts 121, 122 curved and one of the arched walls 123 , 124 of the cell 120 (Figures 2, 5, 8 and 10).

The side walls 111, 112 defined by the two side wings 101, 102 are planar 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 lateral walls 111, 112, 103 delimit internally, with the intermediate parts 121, 122 of the lateral 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 sides.

The housing 110 thus constitutes a space for insertion of the electric wire into the connection element 100, which here extends in a direction E1 parallel to the direction of insertion I of the connection pin in the socket (FIGS. 2 , 5, 8 and 10).

The direction E1 of insertion of the electric wire is therefore here orthogonal to the longitudinal axis X1 of the connection element 1.

The housing 110 is open along this direction E1.

In addition, the base wall 103 of the housing 110 has a flat 105, forming two walls 106 which rise from the internal face of this base wall 103, parallel to the side walls 111, 112 of the housing 110 (FIGS. 2 , 5, 8), towards the interior of the housing 110.

These low walls 106 extend longitudinally in the direction E1 of insertion of the electric wire into 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 side wall 111, 112 of the adjacent housing 110, an insertion corridor 107, 108 (FIG. 8) of the electric wire, which guides the introduction of the stripped core of the electric wire into this housing 110.

The intermediate parts 121, 122 of the side wings 101, 102 connect the edges of the main side walls 111, 112 to the arched walls 123, 124 of the cell 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 121 A, 122A towards the outside, and a flat portion 121 B, 122B. The two flat portions 121 B, 122B extend parallel to each other, close to one another (Figures 2, 5 and 8).

The fold 104 here has a radius of curvature less than that of the arched portion 121 A, 122A (Figures 1 and 2).

Each of the planar portions 121 B, 122B is extended by one of the arched walls 123, 124 partially forming the cell 120. Each arched wall 123, 124 is arched towards the inside of the connection element 1 and has the along the insertion direction I, one end 123A, 124A which is flared so as to facilitate the insertion of the connection pin into the socket 120 (FIGS. 2, 5 and 8).

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

The leaf spring 200 has, flat, a substantially rectangular outline, slightly tapered at its first free end 201, which extends along a longitudinal direction.

It has two bent 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.

Seen in profile, the leaf spring 200 thus has an overall S shape (FIG. 11), with the first and second end portions 210, 220 which extend respectively from a bent portion 233, 234 towards the one of the free ends 201, 202 of the spring blade 200 and a central part 230 situated between the two bent portions 233, 234.

These three parts 210, 220, 230 of the leaf spring 200 are planar.

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

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

Furthermore, here, the second end portion 220 of the leaf spring 200 is also separated into two rear branches 221, 222 by another longitudinal slot 240 (FIG. 9).

The free end of each of the two rear branches 221, 222 includes a notch adapted to match the outline of the bare core of the electric wire introduced into the housing 110 of the body 100 of the connection element 1 (FIGS. 7 and 9) .

In practice, the spring leaf 200 is housed in the body 100 so that the second end portion 220 and the third central portion 230 of the spring leaf 200 are housed in the housing 110 of the body 100 (FIGS. 1.4, 7 and 10).

As shown in FIG. 7, the central part 230 of the leaf spring 200 is applied against a part of the internal face of each arched portion 121 A, 122A of each intermediate part 121, 122 of each lateral wing 101,

102 of the body 100 of the connection element 1. It then extends substantially parallel to the direction of insertion I of the connection pin in the socket 120.

The leaf spring 200 has a width substantially equal, to within a clearance, to the width of the insertion space formed internally by the housing 110 of the body 100, with the exception of a central zone of the spring leaf 200 which has a greater width because two ears 231,232 extend locally from the edge of the leaf spring 200 (Figure 3).

The leaf spring 200 in fact comprises means for holding in the housing 110, which cooperate with retention with means complementary to the body 100 of the connection element 1.

More precisely, here the central part 230 of the spring leaf 200 comprises the two ears 231, 232 which extend in the plane of this central part 230 of the spring leaf 200, towards the outside of the spring leaf (FIGS. 3, 6 and 9).

Each of these ears 231, 232 is received in a window 109 of the body 100 of the connection element 1, located here at the level of the fold 104 connecting between the arched portion 121 A, 122A of the intermediate part 121, 122 of each wing side 101, 102 to the corresponding side wall 111, 112 of the housing 110 (Figures 1, 8 and 10).

The leaf spring 200 is thus mounted by snap-fastening in the body 100 of the connection element 1.

The second end portion 220 of the spring leaf 200 extends across the housing 110, and the free end 202 of the second end portion 220 of the spring leaf 200 bears against the internal face of the wall basic

103 of housing 110 (Figure 7).

The leaf spring 200 is here slightly prestressed so that this second end portion 220 of the leaf spring 200 permanently exerts pressure against this base wall 103 of the housing 110.

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

More precisely, as shown in FIG. 7, the free end of each of the two rear branches 221, 222 of the second end part 220 of the leaf spring 200 is shaped so as to be housed in one of the two corridors insertion 107, 108 of the electric wire.

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

The first end part 210 of the leaf spring 200 emerges from the housing 110 and extends in the direction of the cell 120 (FIG. 10).

This first end portion 210 of the spring blade 200 then extends here substantially perpendicular to the direction of insertion I of the connection pin in the socket.

More specifically, here, the first end portion 210 of the leaf spring 200 emerges near the flared end 123A, 124A of the arched portion 123, 124 of the side wing 101, 102 (Figure 10).

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 7, a part of the body 100 of the connection element 1 extends in the longitudinal slot 210A, between the front branches 211, 212 of the spring leaf 200. It s here acts of a part of the planar portion 121 B, 122B of the intermediate part 121, 122 of each lateral wing 101, 102 of the body 100 of the connection element 1.

Indeed, as shown in FIG. 10, the height of each lateral wing 101, 102 of the body 100, measured according to the direction of insertion I of the connection pin, is lower at the level of the arched portion 121 A, 122A of the intermediate part 121, 122 of this lateral wing 101, 102 only at the level of the flat portion 121 B, 122B of the intermediate part 121, 122.

This allows the first end portion 210 of the spring blade 200 to emerge above the edges of the arched portions 121 A, 122A of the intermediate portions 121, 122, so that the free ends of the front legs 211, 212 of the first end part 210 of the spring blade 200 surrounds the ends of the flat portions 121 B, 122B of the intermediate parts 121, 122 of the lateral wings 101, 102 (FIG. 1).

The leaf spring 200 is thus adapted to cooperate with said wings of the body 100 so as to limit the spacing of the arched parts 123, 124 of the lateral wings 101, 102 delimiting the cavity 120. Here, 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 leaf spring 200 are in contact with the flat portions 121 B, 122B of the parts intermediate 121, 122 of the lateral wings 101, 102, without exerting pressure on them.

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

Alternatively also, in this waiting position, the free ends of the front legs of the first end part of the leaf spring 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, shown in FIGS. 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 shown in FIGS. 13, 16, 20, 23 and 25.

More particularly, the body 300 comprises, as in the first embodiment, two lateral wings 301, 302 which extend from a base wall 303, and which extend generally in the direction of the longitudinal axis X2 of connection element 2.

The base wall 303 is substantially planar and here extends parallel to the longitudinal axis X2 of the connection element 2 (FIG. 16), unlike the base wall 103 of the first embodiment, which is extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X1 of the connection element 1 (Figure 1).

Each side wing 301, 302 thus forms one of the main side walls 311, 312 of the housing 310, while the 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 planar and extend at right angles from the base wall 303 (Figures 13 and 16).

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

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

It is extended on the one hand along the longitudinal axis X2, by the intermediate part 321, 322 and the arched part 323, 324 which forms the cell 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 cell 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 321 A, 322A towards the outside, and a flat portion 321 B, 322B. The two flat portions 321 B, 322B extend parallel to each other, close to each other (Figures 18, 20, 21,23).

The fold 304 here has a radius of curvature greater than that of the arched portion 321 A, 322A.

Each of the planar portions 321 B, 322B is extended by one of the arched walls 323, 324 towards the inside of the connection element, partially forming the cell 320. Each arched wall 323, 324 has one end 323A, 324A which is flared so as to facilitate the insertion of the connection pin into the socket 320.

Each lateral wing 301, 302 is extended on the other hand, from each main side wall 311, 312 of the housing 310, by a return 341, 342 towards the interior of the housing 310, which forms an insertion duct 343, 344 of generally rounded shape.

Each return 341, 342 extends more precisely from the large edge of the rectangle formed by each main side wall 311, 312 opposite the large edge of this side wall 311, 312 which makes the junction with the base wall 303.

Each return 341, 342 has a rounded bottom and an end wall 341A, 342A which extends parallel to the main side walls 311, 312 of the housing 310, towards the interior of 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 electric wire into said housing 310 (FIGS. 15 and 16).

Here, the side walls 311, 312 define, with the base wall 303, the intermediate parts 321, 322 of the side wings 301, 302, and the returns 341, 342, said housing 310.

This housing 310 is completely open on one of its faces.

It constitutes a space for insertion of the electric wire into the housing 310, which extends in a direction E2 orthogonal to the direction of insertion I of the connection pin in the socket (FIG. 16).

The direction E2 of insertion of the electric wire is therefore here parallel to the longitudinal axis X2 of the connection element 2.

The housing 310 is here open along this direction E2 on the side opposite to the intermediate parts 321, 322 of the lateral wings 301, 302, to allow the introduction of the electric wire.

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

The leaf spring 400 has, flat, a substantially rectangular outline, slightly tapered at its first free end 401, which extends along a longitudinal direction.

It is bent here only around the first transverse axis T3, at a bent portion 430.

The first end part 410 and the second end part 420 of the leaf spring 400 extend on either side of this bent portion 430, towards the free ends 401,402 of the leaf spring 400.

These two parts 410, 420 of the leaf spring 400 are planar.

The longitudinal slot 410A here extends in the plane of the leaf spring 400, along the first end portion 410 (FIGS. 14, 17, 19 and 22).

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

Furthermore, here, the second parts 420 of the leaf spring 400 is also separated into two rear branches 421, 422 by another longitudinal slot 440 (FIG. 14). This other longitudinal slot 440 extends over the entire length of the second end portion 420 of the leaf spring 400, through the bent portion 430 and partially along the first end portion 410 of the leaf spring 400.

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

The lateral tongue 421 A, 422A situated 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 421 B, 422B situated in the middle of the leaf spring 400 is curved towards the first end portion 410 of leaf spring 400.

In practice, the spring blade 400 is housed in the body 300 so that the first end portion 410 of the spring blade 400 is mainly housed in the housing 310 of the body 300. The second end portion 420 of the blade spring 400 is fully housed in this housing 310.

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

As in the first embodiment, the width of the spring blade 400 is substantially equal, apart from one clearance, to the width of the insertion space delimited internally by the housing 310 of the body 300, with the exception of a central zone of the leaf spring 400 which has a greater width since two ears 431, 432 extend locally from the edge of the leaf spring 400 (FIGS. 19 and 22).

The leaf spring 400 here also includes means for holding in the housing 310, which cooperates with retention with means complementary to the body 300 of the connection element 2.

More specifically, here the first end portion 410 of the leaf spring 400 comprises the two ears 431, 432 which extend in the plane of the first end portion 410 of the leaf spring 400, towards the outside of the leaf spring 400.

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

The leaf spring 400 is thus blocked in abutment in the housing 310 in the direction and the direction of insertion of the electrical wires.

The second end portion 420 of the spring leaf 400 extends across the housing 310. The central tabs 421 B, 422B of the rear legs 421, 422 of the second end portion 420 of the spring leaf 400 are in contact against the edge of the end walls 441 A, 442A of the returns 441, 442. The lateral tabs 421 A, 422A of the rear branches 421, 422 of the second end part 420 of the leaf spring 400 extend in the corridors insertion 343, 344, across them.

The leaf spring 400 is here slightly prestressed so that this second end portion 420 of the leaf spring 400 constantly exerts pressure against the end walls of the returns 441, 442 of the housing 310.

As a variant, the leaf spring is housed at rest, without preload, in the housing. The second end part of the spring leaf may or may not be in contact with the end walls of the returns of the housing.

The first end part 410 of the leaf spring 400 emerges from the housing 310 and extends in the direction of the cell 320 (FIGS. 12, 18, 21 and 24).

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 12, 18, 21 and 24, a part of the body 300 of the connection element 2 extends in the longitudinal slot 410A, between the first branches 411, 412 of the leaf spring 400. This is a part of the flat portion 321 B, 322B of the intermediate part 321, 322 of each lateral wing 301, 302 of the body 300 of the connection element 2.

In fact, as shown in FIG. 25, the height of each lateral wing 301, 302 of the body 100, along the direction of insertion I of the connection pin, is greater at the level of the flat portion 321 B, 322B of the intermediate part 321, 322 of this lateral wing 301.302.

One end of the flat portion 321 B, 322B of the intermediate portion 321, 322 then extends from the edge of the lateral wing 301, 302, projecting from the arched portion 321 A, 322A of the portion intermediate 321, 322 and relative to the arched part 323, 324 forming the cell, near the base wall 303.

Thus, the first end portion 410 of the leaf spring 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 end part 410 of the spring leaf 400 surround the flat portions 321 B, 322B of the intermediate parts 321, 322 of the lateral wings 301, 302 (FIGS. 12, 15, 18, 21, 24).

The leaf spring 400 is thus adapted to cooperate with said wings 301, 302 of the body 300 so as to limit the spacing of the arched parts 323, 324 delimiting the cell 320.

Here, in the standby position when no spindle is inserted in the receiving socket, the free ends of the front legs 411, 412 of the first end portion 410 of the leaf spring 400 are in contact with the flat portions 321 B, 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 legs of the first end part of the leaf spring may be out of contact with the ends of the planar portions of the intermediate parts of the lateral wings.

In another variant, in this waiting position, the free ends of the front branches of the first end part of the leaf spring can pinch the ends of the flat portions of the intermediate parts of the lateral wings and thus exert pressure on them.

In practice, thanks to the connection element 1; 2 according to the invention, the electrical conduction and tightening functions of the connection pin and the electric wire are decoupled.

The electrical conduction is ensured only by the body 100; 300, while the blade comes out 200; 400 ensures the tightening of the connection pin in the connection socket 120; 320 and electric wire in the housing 110; 310.

In addition, the tightening of the connection pin and that of each electric wire is ensured independently.

Indeed, during the insertion of the connection pin in the socket, it is engaged in the socket in the direction of insertion I, from the flared end of the socket 120; 320 towards the interior of cell 120; 320.

In doing so, the connection pin tends to separate the arched parts 123, 124 from one another; 323, 324 of the side wings 101, 102; 301.302.

However, such a spacing immediately generates the spacing of the flat portions 121 B, 122B; 321 B, 322B of the intermediate parts 121, 122; 321, 322 of the side wings 10, 102; 301, 302.

The spacing of the flat portions 121 B, 122B; 321 B, 322B of the intermediate parts 121, 122; 321, 322 of the side wings 101, 102; 301, 302 is strongly limited by the action of the leaf spring 200; 400 on these flat portions 121 B, 122B; 321 B, 322B of the intermediate parts 121, 122; 321, 322 of the side wings 101, 102; 301, 302.

Indeed, this spacing tends to spread the front legs 211, 212; 411,412 of the leaf spring 200; 400 in the plane of the leaf spring 200; 400. The leaf spring 200; 400 is then urged in a transverse direction.

The leaf spring 200; 400 has a low elasticity in this transverse direction, and allows only a slight separation of the planar portions 121 B, 122B; 321 B, 322B of the intermediate parts 121, 122; 321, 322 of the side wings 101, 102; 301, 302.

Thus, during the insertion of the connection pin into the socket, the front branches 211, 212; 411, 412 of the leaf spring move away from one another, then tend to return to their initial positions.

The leaf spring 200; 400 thus cooperates with said wings of the body 100; 300 so as to oppose the separation of the arched parts 123, 124; 323, 324 of the side wings 101, 102; 301, 302 delimiting the cell 120; 320.

In other words, the leaf spring 200; 400 cooperates with said wings of the body 100; 300 to bring the arched parts 123, 124 together; 323, 324 of the side wings 101, 102; 301, 302 delimiting the cell 120; 320.

The front branches 211, 212; 411, 412 of the leaf spring 200; 400 recall the flat portions 121 B, 122B; 321 B, 322B of the intermediate parts 121, 122; 321,322 of the side wings 10, 102; 301,302 towards each other, and with them, the arched parts 123, 124; 323, 324 of the cell, so as to bring one of the other of said arched parts 123, 123; 323, 324.

In doing so, the front branches 211, 212; 411, 412 of the leaf spring

200; 400 ensure the tightening of the connection pin against the arched parts 123, 124; 323, 324 of the cell.

Furthermore, the second end portion 220; 420 of the leaf spring 200, 400 is adapted to bend slightly around the first transverse axis T1; T3 to allow the introduction of the electric wire into the housing 110; 310 correspondent.

Here, two electrical wires can be introduced into each connection element 1; 2, in one of the two insertion lanes 107, 108; 343, 344 of the housing 110, 310 described above.

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

In the second embodiment, each electric wire is inserted in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X2 of the connection element 2 and perpendicular to the direction of insertion S of the connection pin.

In all cases, each rear branch 221, 222; 421, 422 is adapted to flex independently of the other rear branch, to allow the insertion of the stripped core of the electric wire.

The free end 202; 402 of the rear branch 221, 222; 421, 422 biased then exerts pressure on the stripped core of the electric wire, so as to press it either against the base wall 103 of the housing 110 in the first embodiment, or against one of the returns 341, 342 in the second embodiment.

The electrical connection of the electrical wire and the connection pin is thus effectively secured, by a connection element the cost of which is controlled.

Claims (10)

1. Connection element (1; 2) for an electrical outlet, comprising a body (100; 300) and a leaf spring (200; 400) housed in this body, said leaf leaf (200; 400) comprising, at a first free end (201; 401), two branches (211, 212; 411, 412) adapted to clamp between them a connection pin of an electrical apparatus inserted in this connection element (1; 2) and, at a second end free (202; 402), at least one other branch (221, 222; 421, 422) adapted to clamp, against said body (100; 300) of the connection element (1; 2), an electric wire introduced into this connection element (1; 2), characterized in that said leaf spring (200; 400) is formed in one piece, by a metal strip, a part (210; 410) of which is situated at its first end (201; 401) free has a longitudinal slot (210A; 410A) separating said two branches (211, 212; 411, 412) adapted to clamp the connecting pin between them. 2. Connection element (1; 2) according to claim 1, wherein said two arms (211, 212; 411, 412) of the first free end (201; 401) extend along a mean plane of the leaf spring (200; 400) and are adapted to deviate elastically from each other parallel to this mean plane during the introduction of the connection pin into the connection element (1; 2). 3. Connection element (1; 2) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the leaf spring (200; 400) further has an angled shape around at least one transverse axis (T1; T3), orthogonal to said longitudinal slot (210A; 410A), located near its second free end (202; 402). 4. Connection element (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the leaf spring (200) is also bent around at least one other transverse axis (T2), orthogonal to said longitudinal slot (210A), located near its first free end (201). 5. Connection element (1; 2) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said body (100; 300) of the connection element (1; 2) firstly forms a housing (110; 310) which receives at least said second free end (201; 401) of the leaf spring (200; 400), and on the other hand, a cell (120; 320) for receiving said connection pin. 6. Connection element (1; 2) according to claim 5, wherein said body (100; 300) comprises two wings (101, 102; 301, 302) each extending 5 in a longitudinal direction of the connection 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) delimiting partially said receiving cell (120; 320). 7. Connection element (1; 2) according to claim 6, in which said leaf spring (200; 400) is adapted to cooperate with said wings of the body (100; 300) so as to limit the spacing of the arched parts. (123, 124; 323, 324) delimiting the receiving cell. 8. Connection element (1; 2) according to claim 7, in which a portion of said body wings (100; 300) is housed in the longitudinal slot. 15 (210A; 410A) of the leaf spring (200; 400). 9. Connection element (1; 2) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the body (100; 300) is made of a conductive material comprising a metal alloy. 10. Electrical equipment comprising a connection element (1; 2) according to one of the preceding claims, for the electrical connection of an electrical wire and a connection pin belonging to another electrical equipment. 1/8 200 3/8