WO2008006620A1

WO2008006620A1 - Cable junction

Info

Publication number: WO2008006620A1
Application number: PCT/EP2007/006283
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ireneus Johannes Theodorus Maria Pas
Original assignee: Phoenix Contact Gmbh & Co. Kg; Kapellenbergh Estate B.V.
Priority date: 2006-07-14
Filing date: 2007-07-16
Publication date: 2008-01-17
Also published as: NL1032166C2

Abstract

Disclosed is a device for mutually connecting a continuous main electric cable and a branch cable that is provided with a branch conductor with a protruding end, the main cable being fitted with a main conductor and an insulating jacket. The inventive device comprises means for deforming the main cable in order to form a contact area on the main conductor that has a measurement standard having a directional component in the direction of the cable in an area of the longitudinal cross section of the main cable. The disclosed device further comprises means for guiding the protruding end with a directional component in the direction of the cable through the insulating jacket of the main cable until current-conducting contact is established with the main conductor.

Description

CABLE JUNCTION

GENERAL PRIOR ART

The invention relates to a connection between a main power cable and its branch. The invention further relates to a method and an apparatus for producing such a connection. The invention further relates to a connection between a plug and a contact element of an electrical device, such as a lighting device. The invention further relates to a lighting device provided with one or more of the aforementioned compounds.

The installation technique for conventional 230 volt power devices and the data link installation technique is, among other things, tuned for temporary or permanent connections between thin conductors of comparable conductive capability. For such connections norms and rules were drafted. Transitions from thick to relatively thin cabling are practically nonexistent.

Typically, such connections are in dry environments, unlike 230V line systems in the home and garden, but with specific rules.

In systems where LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are used as light sources in indoor and outdoor arrangements (such as active or permanent road markings), there may be other conditions. The individual LEDs are semiconductors and powered by a rectified low power of 3.5 volts. Since LEDs are often used multiple times for light output, they can also be connected in series. be. This allows higher supply voltages than 3.5 volts to be used, such as 12 volts, 24 volts or 48 volts. Since the current is also minimal, such as 15 or 20 tnA, the wire diameter of at least 0.1 to 0.25 mm ² copper is more than sufficient.

In light of the limited lumen flow per LED (15 lumens per watt), lighting solutions are often found using a relatively large number of LEDs to achieve the desired total luminous flux. For this, the LEDs are often already grouped on PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards), while these PCBs are again housed in series or parallel circuits.

Overall, the many small energy consumptions mean that the main cabling has to be relatively heavy overall (per vein 2.5 mm ² , 4 mm ² , 6 mm ² or more). Due to the fact that DC is mentioned, a relatively large voltage drop across the length of the cable can take place. This is often decided to apply a relatively thick wiring.

Due to the small size of the LEDs and their associated PCBs, the electrical components to be used for connections are often very large and clumsy. This certainly applies to waterproof connections. The cost of such connections are relatively high.

It is also annoying to arrange such connections, per module, so that they are located outside the field of view.

The electrical modules can be connected to a main power cabling by means of branch cabling (hereafter generally called branch cable). hereafter referred to as the main (Ström) cable. However, connecting the branch cable (s) to the main cable is not easy. The electronic module is usually designed with light wiring and traces on printed wiring panels, tuned to the amperage. However, the trunk cable is tailored to the overall power requirements of the components in that portion of the network.

An example is a light line made up of LED modules, each 40 cm long. Each module contains 100 LEDs, which together consume 6 watts of energy. For example, the entire line is 80 meters long, with the result that when this system is powered at 48 volts, the load per module is only 0.104 amperes, but the whole requires 21 amps of current as a result of 200 modules connected. The supply for this system must then be able to deliver at least 1200 watts to 48 volts.

In a light line of 4 meters, the same module occurs only 10 times and it is only talk of a cabling for 1 amp, which is so much thinner.

It is known to provide the main cable in advance with possible locations for connecting branch cables for electrical components or modules. The connections can then be realized at a late stage of installation in the factory at predetermined locations along the main cable. The branch cables function as intermediate cabling, which are connected on the one hand to the main cable and on the other hand to the wiring and the like of the electrical module. The cross section of the intermediate wiring or the branch cable is on the Current consumption per module matched, regardless of the dimensioning of the main cabling. In this known system, the branch cable must be inserted radially onto the main cable through the insulation jacket of the main cable.

A concern here is the waterproofness of the compound. Due to the low current conducted through the branch cables and concomitant low contact, it is important that the connections be well fitted. An initially good connection may suddenly experience too much resistance as a result of low oxidation, thereby preventing current conduction. It is therefore important that the electrical contact be made solid but small. As a result of the long life of the LEDs and the need to apply them also in the outdoor environment, high demands must be placed on the connections within those systems, especially with regard to watertightness.

Another disadvantage of the known system is that the joints have been previously determined, and therefore little adaptation to the actual situation is possible in the factory.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide a reliable connection for low-power electric devices by using a bonding method between thin current-carrying wires and thick current-carrying wires according to the piercing principle.

An object of the invention is to provide a reliable connection for low power consuming electrical To create devices by using a VerbindungβVerfahrens between thin current-carrying wires and terminals on or on the electrical device.

It is an object of the invention to provide a connection whereby a (large) number of LEDs, each of which takes up only a small amount of energy, can be connected to one continuous thick wiring, the transition from a very thin wire to one thick wire to be light, reliable and as waterproof as possible.

It is an object of the invention to provide a compound of the type mentioned in the preamble, which is compact.

It is an object of the invention to provide a compound of the type mentioned in the preamble, which is easy to implement.

It is an object of the invention to provide a compound of the type mentioned in the preamble, which has a high watertightness.

In one aspect, the invention provides a device for interconnecting a continuous main cable provided with a main conductor and an insulation jacket and a branch cable provided with a branch conductor with a protruding end, comprising means for deforming the main cable around a hitting surface on the main conductor with a normal in an area of the longitudinal cross section of the main cable having a directional component in the cable direction, and means for passing the protruding end with a directional component in the cable direction through the insulation jacket of the main cable until it is in live contact with the main conductor.

The deformation of the main cable can be carried out at any desired location, so that an optimal match to the actual situation in the factory can be obtained. The main cable does not need to be prepared before being fed to the factory for the joints. A compound according to the invention is easier to make waterproof than before. There are no unused targeted junctions where after some time a waterproofing problem may arise. Apart from the connections actually made, the jacket of the main cable remains unshaken and continuous.

In one embodiment, the protruding end forms a needle, which simplifies insertion.

The tightness of the connection is promoted in that the branch cable comprises an insulation jacket which has an end face, preferably an oblique end face, which fits on the hit face.

The realization of the connection is simplified by forming the deforming means for forcing the main cable into an S-curve.

In one embodiment, the lead-through means are arranged to offset the protruding end in the lead-through motion substantially in the main cable direction. This requires the realization of the conductive contact.

The making of the connection is simplified by the device according to the invention with means for Guiding the feed means is provided on the deformation means.

The deformation means may be provided on a first holder for the continuous cable, and the feedthrough means may be provided on a second holder for the branch cable, wherein the second holder is arrangeable on the first holder. Thus, a simple and easy to handle device is obtained.

The first and second brackets may be provided with cooperating sliding guides for promoting their assembly.

The connection is promoted by providing the first and second holders with means for engaging in a clamping connection. The clamp connection can be active in a direction transverse to the main cable and / or in one direction, parallel to the main cable.

In one embodiment, the first and second holders are elongated so that the main cable can be attacked over a length.

The end of the branch cable may be provided with a non-circular cross section, and the second holder may be provided with a receiving space with a complementary cross section for receiving the end of the branch cable.

In general, the branch cable may have a cross-section that is smaller than that of the main cable.

From a further aspect, the invention provides a device for interconnecting a continuous, with a main conductor and a An insulation sheath provided main electrical cable and provided with a branch conductor with a protruding end branch cable, comprising means for passing the protruding end with a direction component in the main cable direction through the insulation sheath of the main cable into current-carrying contact with the main conductor.

From a further aspect, the invention provides a composition for connecting a power cable or multiple power cables to a contactor on an electrical device, such as a lighting device, wherein the device comprises, on the one hand, a plug disposed on one end of the power cable, which for each power cable first contact element is provided, and on the other hand, a contact box, which is provided with a chamber which is defined by a bottom wall and a peripheral wall, which defines on the side facing away from the bottom of an insertion opening for the plug, wherein the peripheral wall in a wall portion with a second Contact element is provided, which is in current-carrying connection with the electrical device, wherein the contact socket is provided with means for guiding the plug to said wall portion in a direction with a direction component parallel to the insertion opening to the first and second K ontaktelement bring each other in contact.

With such a composition, the connection between the other end of the aforementioned branch cables and the electric device such as a lighting device can be realized. The approach or contact movement between the contact elements is guided, making the realization of the connection simple, reliable and secure can take place. By recording in the chamber, the waterproofness can be optimized.

In one embodiment, the plug is provided with a lid for closing the insertion opening upon mutual contact of the first and second contact elements.

Characterized in that the lid is also carried out to complete the insertion opening following the insertion of the plug into the insertion, the chamber will be completed throughout, whereby a possibly attached sealing gel remains in the contact movement in the chamber.

The first contact elements can be provided on a displacement body which fits into the chamber. Gel attached to the side of the first contact elements can then distribute well in the contacts. In one embodiment, the chamber and the displacer body are formed to keep one or more channels clear of each other. As a result, an excess of gel in the contact movement can be forced to the opposite side of the displacement body, in order to promote a water seal on that side.

The lid and the contact socket may be provided with means for entering into a click connection upon mutual contact of the first and second contact elements so that the plug is secured in a manner on the contact socket.

By opposing the first contact element with a direction component opposite to the direction of the exit from the plug of the power cable, preferably substantially that direction, is directed, a pulling force applied to the power cable will not cause a loosening of the contacts, but just a reinforcement of these. The direction of the exit from the plug of the power cable can be substantially parallel to the guide means.

From a further aspect, the invention provides a composition of a series of electrical devices, in particular lighting devices, in particular of the LED type, at least one main cable and a number of branch cables for the electrical connection of each electrical device to the main cable, wherein the branch cables Distance to each other points are connected by means of connecting devices according to the invention with the main cable.

From a further aspect, the invention provides a composition of a number of electrical devices, in particular Beleuchtungεvorrich- tions, in particular of the LED type, at least one main cable and a number of branch cables for electrically connecting each electrical device to the main cable, said Branch cables are connected by compositions according to the invention with the associated electrical devices.

From a further aspect, the invention provides a tool for making a connection according to the invention, comprising a frame with at least a first support for a first holder and a pushing device for pressing a main cable into the first holder. Such a tool can be used to make the connection on the factory. The pressing device, which may comprise a pressure roller, may be arranged on a slide, which is displaceable along the main cable. This allows the main cable to be gradually pushed into the first bracket.

The tool may further comprise a second support for a second support, and means for displacing the second support with the second support toward the first support with the first support. Thus, the second holder can be gradually connected to the first holder.

The second support may for this purpose comprise a slider which is displaceable along the main cable. In a simple design, the two slides form a whole.

For making connections with a plurality of main cables, the tool may be provided with two or more first supports which are offset in the direction of the main cable to be mounted and / or provided with second supports belonging to each first support, the displacement means being for simultaneous displacement the second supports are set up.

Where appropriate, the aspects and measures described and / or shown in the application can also be applied separately from one another. Those separate aspects, such as main cable / drop cable connection, branch cable connection / contact socket and apparatus for making the first mentioned connection, may be the subject of divorced patent applications directed thereto.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a number of exemplary embodiments shown in the attached drawings. Show it:

Figures IA-C are respectively a symmetrical view, side elevation and end view of a main cable support for an exemplary embodiment of a connection type according to the invention;

Figure 2A-D are each an isometric view, side elevation, end view and isometric interior view of a branch cable support for cooperation with the support of Figure IA-C;

Figure 3A-C is a side elevation, exploded view, respectively, and isometric view of a terminal end of a branch or intermediate cable for receipt in the holder of Figure 2A-D;

Figure 4A-E shows a number of steps in establishing a connection between the main cable and the branch cable using the parts of the preceding figures;

Figure 5A-C are each a longitudinal cross-section, a cross-section and an isometric view of a completed connection between the main cable and branch cable;

Figures 6A-C are each a view, side elevation and isometric view of a connector for a branch or intermediate cable for a device according to the invention;

Figure 7A-D are each a plan view, longitudinal cross section and isometric view of a contact box for a Plugs of Figure 6A-C and a contact element for attachment to the contact socket of Figure 7A-C;

Figure 8A-E show a number of steps in the composition of the connector of Figure 6A-C and the contactor of Figure 7A-D;

Figure 9 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a lighting system with the parts of the preceding figures; and

Figures 10A-C are each an isometric view, a side view and a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of an auxiliary tool for making the connection of Figure 5A-C.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The first holder 1, shown in the figure IA-C, is intended for receiving a main cable, not yet shown. The first bracket 1 has a channel wall 2 of a substantially teilkreisfδrmigen (center M, Figure IC) cross-section, with a low-lying portion 2a, a high-lying portion 2b and an inclined portion 2c located therebetween. These sections are bounded laterally by walls 3a-c and at the bottom by bottom sections 6a-c, which are formed as a whole and flow smoothly into the side walls 3a-c. On the outside of the side walls rails 5 are formed, which are provided with downwardly facing, sharp ribs 7. The inner surface of the channel wall 2 is provided with transverse ribs 2 '.

The second holder 11 shown in Figure 2A-D forms a channel, composed of the sections 12a, 12b and 12c, wherein the channel portion 12b on the sloping channel section 12c merges into channel section 12a. The inner surface of the channel wall 12 is provided with transverse ribs 12 '. Channel portion 12b is formed according to the curvature of the channel portion 2b of the first holder 1. Channel section 12a is formed with two wall sections 16a (see FIG. 2D) located on both sides of an auxiliary channel 19, the curvature of which corresponds in cross-section to the curvature of the channel sections 2a of the first holder 1. The auxiliary channel 19 is bounded by elevation 18 (FIG. 2A), which extends in the main / longitudinal direction of the second holder 11. The auxiliary channel 19 opens at the location of the output 20 in the channel sections 12b, c. The cross section of the auxiliary channel 19 may be non-circular.

The second holder 11 is provided with side walls 15 which define a receiving space 14 (Figure 2C), and are provided with inwardly extending ribs 17.

The connection end of a branch or intermediate cable 31 shown in FIGS. 3A-C, see also FIG. 3B, comprises a needle 33, which is conductively connected to the conductors 35 of the branch or intermediate cable 31 by means of a copper tube 34. The insulation jacket 36 of the branch or intermediate cable 31 is also surrounded in a seam-sealing manner by the copper tube 34. Around it is (Figure 3A and 3C), a sheath 32 molded plastic material, which fulfills a waterproofing function and also has a placement function for attachment to the connection end 30 in the second holder 11 has. The shell 32 has a cross section corresponding to channel 19 and is further provided with a rib 37 and an oblique end face 38 in the needle 33.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show that attachment, with the connection end 30 at the branch or intermediate cable 31 in the channel portion 12b of the second holder 11 retracted (direction A), wherein the plastic sheath 32 is pulled through the opening 20 in the auxiliary channel 19 until the situation of Figure 4B is reached. Due to the complementary non-circular cross-section with rib 37 of the shell 32, this gives only a correct orientation in cross-section with respect to the second support 11, wherein the sloping surface 38 smoothly adjoins the surface of the duct section 12c. The rib 37 of the jacket 32 in this case adjoins the surfaces 16a of the channel section 12a. The needle 33 extends into the channel section 12b. An exertion of tensile force on the branch cable 30 will have the result that this firmly fixed in the second holder 11.

FIGS. 4C and 4D show how a main cable 40 with conductor 41 and insulation jacket 42 is fastened in the first holder 1. The cross section of the main cable 40 and the cross section of the channel sections 2a-c of the first holder 1 are matched to one another, so that a corresponding receptacle of the main cable 40 is possible. The jacket is circular and the conductor 41 has a large number of copper strands, whereby the flexibility is high. The main cable 40 is placed on the open top of the first bracket 1 and then pressed into it (direction B), the flexibility of the main cable 40 being such that it can follow the circumference of the channel sections 2a-c as shown in Figure 4D , To realize a connection of branch or intermediate cable 30 with a main cable 40, the thus prepared first and second brackets 1, 11 are joined together, by Längsaufschiebung (direction C), shown in Figure 4E. The second holder 11 is thereby brought with the opening of the channel portion 12b in front of the opening of the channel portion 2a of the holder 1, wherein the walls 15 extend over the main cable 40. The walls 5 with ribs 7 pass into the pickup roots 14, the ribs 7 correspondingly sliding over the ribs 17 of the second holder 11. Thus, a further displacement is guided and controlled by displacement of the second holder 11 on the first holder 1, and thus the locomotion of the needle 33. Possibly previously with a means, not shown, a depression (direction Q) has been made in the jacket 42 to to insert the needle in it. The needle 33 may then penetrate the portion of the main cable 40, in particular its insulating jacket 42, which is inclined by the channel portion 2c in order to come into contact with the conductor 41 of the main cable 40 until the inclined surface 38 contacts the jacket 42. Then one obtains the situation as shown in Figure 5A-C, wherein the connection between branch or intermediate cable 30 and main cable 40 is completed. The rib 37 attaches itself to the jacket 42 of the main cable 40 (FIG. 5B), so that the jacket 42 is surrounded correspondingly all around. The main cable 40 is then fixed in a clamped manner to the first holder 1, and held against displacement by the ribs 2 'and 12', which also compensate for any size deviations in the cable thickness.

To optimize the seal can be considered to advance on the inclined surface 38 to apply a lot of water-repellent gel, which spreads after the realization of the connection over the area where the needle 33 pierces the insulating jacket 42.

For each branch cable in a multi-wire system according to the invention, a connection according to Figure 5C is made. On the side of the electrical module, both wires 31a, b come together in a plug 50, see FIGS. 6A-C. The plug 50, in particular its upper part 51, is attached by injection molding plastic material around the ends of the branch cables 31a, b. The conductors of the branch cables 31 a, b are conductively connected to contact sockets 57 which are cast in a lower part (displacement body) 56 of the plug 50. Between the upper part 51 and the lower part 56, a neck 53 is formed, which is provided at the sides with passages 54. The lower part 56 is provided with a rib 59, were released in addition to the passages 58. The upper part 51 is connected to a click cam 52.

The plug 50 is matched to the dimensions of a contact socket 60, shown in Figure 7A and others. The contact socket 60 is box-shaped with a peripheral wall 61, a top wall 61a, a bottom 61b and an input port 62 and an output port 63. A contact block 66 (see FIG. 8A) is provided with a contact element 68 having contact pins 69. The contact block 66 is inserted in the direction G with the contact pins 68 through the exit opening 63 of the can 60 and secured to the can 60 by a suitable means such as glue or a click connection.

The contact socket 60 with contact block 66 is mounted on an electrical module, such as an LED lighting element 201, 202 (FIG. 8E). The plug 50 on the branch cables 31a, b is inserted through the opening 62 for electrical connection with base 56 until the top 51 rests on the can 60. The contact sockets 57 are then in front of the contact pins 69. In front of the contact sockets 57, a gel for improved water seal is attached. Subsequently, the plug 50 is pushed in the direction E (Figure 8A), wherein the upper part 51 is guided by the upper edge of the can wall 61 and the top wall 61a. Excessive gel may move to the other side of the base 56 via the passages 54 on the neck and the passageways 58 on the base 56. After the contact bushings 57 are pushed onto the pins 69, the click cam 52 clicks behind the upright end wall of the can 60 and the situation of FIG. 8B is obtained, wherein the plug 50 is clicked on the socket 60. The front of the neck 53 then presses against the wall 61a.

In Figure 8E, the thus obtained male / female composition 200 is shown in use application, wherein the contact socket / contact block 60/66 is part of an electrical module 201, with illumination element 202, in this example LED lighting element.

When tension is applied to the branch cables 31a, b, the plug 50 is held even more firmly in the can 60. A risk of undesirable dissolution of the compound is thereby reduced.

In order to release the plug 50, the upper part 51 of the plug 50 can be raised somewhat with a screwdriver on the back, near the click cam 52, whereafter the plug 50 can be displaced in a direction opposite to the direction E. The gel which has previously been displaced through the passages 54 and 58 can then flow back through those passages. The plug 50 can be taken out of the can 60 only after almost complete completion of the opposite sliding movement. This leaves almost all the gel in the can 60, so that when introducing another plug almost no new gel filling must be installed.

FIG. 9 shows an application example of the previously discussed connections. In an asphalt road surface 300, a plastic channel 301 is included, which defines a channel 302. The channel 302 serves as a receiving space for main cable 40a, b. Channel 301 supports a series of LED lighting modules 303 that form a bar mark. The modules 303 are each provided with an attached contact socket according to the figure 7A-D. The modules 303 are connected by means of two relatively thin branch wires or cables 31a, b with associated main power cables 40a, b. One end of the cables 31a, b is always provided with a jacket 32 according to FIGS. 3A-C. For each cable end 31a, 31b brackets according to Figures IA-C and 2A-D are used. The first brackets 1a, b are first fastened to the associated main cable 40a, 40b at a location selected at that time, on points located one behind the other, in order to limit the space occupied in the transverse direction. The opposite ends of the cables 31a, b are both contained in the same connector 50 as shown in Figs. 66A-C. The connection of the plug 50 with the contact socket 60 on the corresponding module 303 takes place in the manner shown in Figure 8A-E, after which the modules 303 are clicked on the channel 301.

An example of a tool with which the connections 100a, b can be realized is the subject of FIG. 10A-D.

The tool 400, shown in FIGS. 10A-C, comprises a frame 401 on which a spindle motor 402 is arranged. The spindle motor 402 is connected via a reduction cabinet 403 with a spindle 404 in driving connection, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the tool 400. Above the spindle 404, a guide 406 is arranged. On both sides of the guide 406 are relatively high-lying cable supports 413a, b and relatively low-lying cable supports 416a, b fixed in space.

Along the guide two slides 407a, b are movably arranged, provided with receiving spaces 414a, b which are delimited on the motor side by an end wall 415a, b provided with a cable support. On each slider there is further formed an elevation 412a, b serving as a pivot for a pin 409a, b for levers 408a, b. The lever 408a, b is provided at one end with a cam roller 410a, b and at the other end with a pressure roller 411a, b. Further, depressors 430a, b are disposed on the slides 407a, b, which are each rotatable about a vertical axis by drive means not further shown, and provided with sharp tips 431a, b to make an indentation in the jacket 42a of the cable 40a , Optionally, means for applying gel to the sheaths 42a, b may be provided on the sliders 407a, b, which communicate with a gel container and pump, not shown, in the tool 400.

As shown in Fig. 10A and 10C, the sliders 407a and 407b are shifted toward each other in the longitudinal direction of the frame 401. The same applies to cam plates 420a, b, each of which is provided with a cam track, formed by oblique edge 421a, b, horizontal edge 422a, b, opposite inclined edge 423a, b and horizontal edge 424a, b. The tool 400 is further provided with an operation button (not shown) for activating the motor 402.

Further, the tool 400 is provided with a handle 405 for opening and closing clamps, not shown, for clamping on the tool 400 of the cables 40a, b when connected to the branch cables to prevent their displacement, particularly during the process through the insulation jackets 42a, b piercing the needles 33.

When using the tool 400, first, a first bracket 1 is disposed between the cable supports 413a and 416a at the motor side thereof. The bottom 6b of the first bracket 1 correspondingly engages the bottom of the cable support 413a, and the bottom 6a correspondingly engages the bottom of the cable support 416a.

Subsequently, a cable length 40a is arranged in the longitudinal direction in the tool 400, in this case supported on Kabelhaiterungen 413a, 416a and the first bracket 1 contained therebetween.

Subsequently, a second holder 11 is placed in the receiving space 414a, which contacts the end wall 415a. The raised portion 3b is then turned away from the engine side. The second holder 11 is in the state shown in Figure 4B, therefore connected to the end of the branch cable 31a.

Subsequently, the lever 405 is operated to clamp the cable 40a. Thereafter, the motor 402 is operated, whereby the spindle 404 is rotated. By suitable, not further shown transmission of the spindle 404 to the slider 407a, the slider 407a is moved away from the motor 402, guided by guide 406. Move it Both the lever 408a and the second holder contained in the receiving space 414a. The cam roller 410a runs up along the cam edge 421a, forcing the pressure roller 411a downwardly with force. The pressure roller 411a presses the cable 40a down into the channel section 2a, then into the inclined channel section 2c, and then into the high channel section 2b. The cable 40a is thereby pressed firmly clamped in the first holder.

The dimensions have been chosen so that at this time, the second holder 11 has arrived at the first holder 1, and it is already pushed on it, the ribs 7 and 17 engage in a sliding manner. Shortly before, a gel can be dispensed by a gel dispenser, not shown, in front of the oblique portion of the cable 40a in the first holder 1. By turning the pusher 430a, and its tip 431a, a depression is made in the jacket 42a of the cable 40a, after which the pusher 430a is turned back again. The slider 407a is further moved until the first bracket 11 is completely pushed, the needle 33 having penetrated through the sheath 42a at the location of the inclined portion of the cable 40a until contact with the conductor 41a therein. The indentation in the jacket 42a avoids that the needle rebounds. The connection of the branch cable 31a and the main cable 40a is then completed, and the cable 40a can be taken from the tool 400 after turning the lever 405.

For a parallel trunk cable 40b, a comparable connection can be made simultaneously with branch cable 31b. Due to the displaced position of the slides 407a, b and the parts cooperating therewith, such as cam plates 420a, b, the point of connection with the cable 40a, b is displaced in the longitudinal direction, thereby saving space in the transverse direction. May be for each cable may be provided with a separately operable locating clamp.

The tool is lightweight due to its simple design and can be picked up by hand to be used on a next joint.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

An apparatus for interconnecting a continuous main cable and a jacket provided with a Hauptkabelε main and a branch conductor with a protruding end branch cable comprising means for deforming the main cable to a meeting surface on the main conductor with a normal in a surface of the Longitudinal cross-section of the main cable having a directional component in the cable direction, and means for passing the protruding end with a directional component in the cable direction through the insulation sheath of the main cable to current-carrying contact with the main conductor.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the protruding end forms a needle.

A device according to claim 2, wherein the branch cable comprises an insulating jacket having an end face, preferably an oblique end face, which fits on the striking face.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the deformation means for forcing the main cable are formed in an S-curve.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the feedthrough means are adapted to move the projecting end in the main passage mainly in the main cable direction.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, provided with means for guiding the lead-through means on the deformation means.

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the deformation means are provided on a first holder for the continuous cable and the lead-through means are provided on a second holder for the branch cable, wherein the second holder can be arranged on the first holder.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first and the second holder is provided with cooperating sliding guides.

9. Apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the first and second holder is provided with means for entering a clamping connection.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein the clamping connection is active in a direction transverse to the main cable and / or in a direction parallel to the main cable.

11. Device according to one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the first and second holder is elongated.

12. Device according to one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the end of the branch cable is provided with a non-circular cross section and the second holder is provided with a receiving space having a complementary cross section for receiving the end of the branch cable.

13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the branch cable has a cross-section which is smaller than that of the main cable.

14. An apparatus for interconnecting a continuous, provided with a main conductor and an insulation sheath electrical Hauptkabelε and provided with a branch conductor with a protruding end branch cable, means for passing the projecting end with a directional component in the main cable direction through the insulation jacket of the main cable until it comes into live contact with the main conductor.

15. A composition for connecting a Stromkabelε or multiple power cable with a contact socket on an electrical device, such as a lighting device, wherein the device comprises on the one hand arranged on one end of the power cord plug, which is provided for each power cable with a first contact element, and on the other hand Contact can, which is provided with a chamber, which is defined by a bottom wall and a peripheral wall, which defines an insertion opening for the plug on the side facing away from the bottom, wherein the peripheral wall is provided in a wall portion with a second contact element, in current-carrying connection is provided with the electrical device, wherein the contact socket is provided with means for guiding the plug to said wall portion in a direction with a direction component parallel to the Einführδffnung to bring the first and second contact element into contact with each other.

16. The composition of claim 15, wherein the plug is provided with a lid for closing the insertion opening upon contact of the first and second contact elements.

17. The composition of claim 16, wherein the lid is also designed to complete the Einführδffnung following the import of the plug into the insertion opening.

18. The composition of claim 15, 16 or 17, wherein the first contact elements are provided on a matching in the chamber displacement body.

19. The composition of claim 18, wherein the chamber and the displacer are formed to hold one or more channels clear of each other.

20. A composition according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the lid and the contact socket are provided with means for entering into a click connection upon contact of the first and second contact elements.

21. A composition according to any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein the first contact element is aligned with a directional component opposite to the direction of exit from the plug of the power cable, preferably mainly opposite that direction.

A composition according to claim 21, wherein the direction of exit from the plug of the power cable is substantially parallel to the guide means.

23. The assembly of a number of electrical devices, in particular lighting devices, in particular of the LED type, at least one main cable and a number of branch cables for the electrical connection of each electrical device to the main cable, wherein the branch cables spaced from each other by means of devices according to one of claims 1 to 14 are connected to the main cable.

24. Composition of a number of electrical devices, in particular lighting devices, in particular of the LED type, at least one main cable and a number of branch cables for electrically connecting each electrical device to the main cable, wherein the branch cables are connected by compositions according to any one of claims 15 to 22 to the associated electrical devices.

A composition according to claim 23 or 24, as a traffic marking system.

26. Road surface provided with a composition according to claim 25.

27. A tool for making a connection according to one of claims 1 to 14, comprising a frame with at least a first support for a first holder and a pressing device for pressing a main cable into the first holder.

28. A tool according to claim 27, wherein the pressing device is arranged on a slide which is displaceable along the main cable.

29. A tool according to claim 27 or 28, wherein the pressing device comprises a pressure roller.

30. A tool according to claim 27, 28 or 29, comprising a second support for a second support and means for displacing the second support with the second support for the first support with the first support.

31. The tool of claim 30, wherein the second support comprises a slider which is slidable along the main cable.

32. Tool according to claim 28 and 31, wherein the two slides form a whole.

33. Tool according to one of claims 27 to 32, provided with two or more first supports, which are arranged offset in the direction of the main cable to be mounted.

34. A tool according to claim 30 and 33, provided with belonging to each first support second supports, wherein the displacement means are arranged for simultaneous displacement of the second supports.

35. Connecting device provided with one or more of the characterizing features described in the attached description and / or shown in the accompanying drawings.

36. Composition provided with one or more of the characterizing features described in the attached description and / or shown in the accompanying drawings.

37. Method comprising one or more of the characterizing steps described in the accompanying description and / or shown in the accompanying drawings.