WO2017153948A1

WO2017153948A1 - Device for the electric interconnection of electric cables

Info

Publication number: WO2017153948A1
Application number: PCT/IB2017/051395
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sandro Galli
Original assignee: Techno Group S.R.L.
Priority date: 2016-03-11
Filing date: 2017-03-09
Publication date: 2017-09-14

Abstract

The device (1) for the electric interconnection of electric cables comprises: - a plug body (2) made of an electrically insulating material adapted to accommodate a plurality of female terminals (9, 10) made of an electrically conductive material connectable to a corresponding plurality of cores (3 a) of an electric cable (3); a socket body (21) made of an electrically insulating material adapted to accommodate a plurality of male terminals (27, 28) made of an electrically conductive material connectable to a corresponding plurality of cores (3 a) of another electric cable (3), the socket body (21) being coupleable to the plug body (2) in a coupling configuration; hooking means (31, 32, 33, 34) of the plug body (2) and the socket body (21) to one another in the coupling configuration adapted to prevent the plug body (2) from removing from the socket body (21), the hooking means (31, 32, 33, 34) comprising: a yielding flange element (31) having a reference tooth (32), the flange element (31) being associated with one of the plug body (2) and the socket body (21); a groove (33) formed on the other of the plug body (2) and the socket body (21) and adapted to insert the flange element (31) in the coupling configuration; an opening (34) defined at the groove (33) and adapted to insert the reference tooth (32).

Description

DEVICE FOR THE ELECTRIC INTERCONNECTION OF ELECTRIC CABLES

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a device for the electric interconnection of electric cables.

Background Art

It is known that to connect two electric cables, two terminals are normally used, one male and one female reciprocally coupled the one to the other.

The extremity of each electric cable, without the relative insulating sheath, is inserted in a special housing of the relative terminal where, by means of a mechanical screw or spring system, the mechanical block is made of the electric cable while ensuring at the same time the closing of the relative electric circuit.

The terminals complete with screw tightening mechanism represent the most common connection method wherein the electric cable unsheathed of the insulation is fixed to the terminal by means of a screw.

The screw tightening and loosening operations are practical and easy and can be performed with the aid of a screwdriver or the like.

For the electric interconnection, according to the connection of the plug- socket type of at least two electric cables, the use is known of devices comprising a socket body adapted to house two or more male terminals, if necessary made in a monobloc socket module, and a plug body adapted to house two or more female terminals, these too made in a monobloc plug module.

The socket and plug modules are fixed to the respective socket and plug bodies by pressure fitting inside the bodies themselves which in turn are provided with means of fastening/release of such modules.

Generally, the fastening/release means of the socket and plug modules are made by means of hooks and have at least a portion associated with the external surface of the socket and plug bodies.

Such hooks have very little flexibility so as to ensure, as much as possible, the fastening resistance of the bodies in the event of strong stresses or tractions applied by external forces on the socket and plug bodies.

To release the socket and plug bodies, all the operator has to do is lift the hooks of the socket and plug bodies manually or using suitable tools.

The need is also felt to make sure the electric cables, once inserted in each body and coupled together by means of the specific terminals, are not mobile inside the socket and plug bodies, along a direction substantially coinciding with that of the axis of the socket and plug modules themselves, following stresses or tractions applied by external forces.

In this respect, devices are known wherein to the socket and plug bodies can be coupled cable gland bodies having means for retaining the electric cables inside the bodies themselves.

Such devices of known type are however susceptible to upgrading aimed at making substantially tight devices which ensure the insulation of the connections of the electric cables with respect to the outside environment in conditions of greater operating safety and which at the same time ensure highly practical wiring and assembly.

In this respect, the fact is underlined that in the devices of known type, the operator, during the assembly phase, must perform various practical operations to insert and retain the socket and plug modules inside the socket and plug bodies and, in addition to this, further operations for locking the bodies together.

Description of the Invention

The main aim of the present invention is to provide a device for the electric interconnection of electric cables which is highly practical to operate and use by an operator during the phases of wiring the electric cables and assembling the device itself, thus reducing the times required for the wiring and assembly operations and the probability of error during such operations, while at the same time ensuring a high degree of insulation of the connections of the electric cables with respect to the outside environment, e.g., from water and dusts.

Within such aim, one object of the present invention is to provide a device for the electric interconnection of electric cables with a high degree of assembly safety and reliability, avoiding any damage and/or breakage of the fastening/release means which could therefore compromise the correct coupling of the plug and socket bodies together.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for the electric interconnection of the electric cables which has a simplified structure, with a reduction in the number of components which the operator has to assemble for the connection of the electric cables and with a consequent reduction in manufacturing and sales costs, in order to make the device itself more interesting and competitive with respect to the devices of known type available on the market.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a device for the electric interconnection of electric cables that also ensures the maintaining of the electric contact in the presence of external forces that tend to disconnect the electric cables. Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for the electric interconnection of electric cables which allows to overcome the mentioned drawbacks of the prior art within the ambit of a simple, rational, easy and effective to use as well as affordable solution.

The above mentioned objects are achieved by the present device for the electric interconnection of electric cables having the characteristics of claim 1.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more evident from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a device for the electric interconnection of electric cables, illustrated by way of an indicative, but non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is an axonometric view of a first embodiment of the device according to the invention in a locking configuration;

Figure 2 is an axonometric view of the device of Figure 1 in a release configuration;

Figure 3 is an exploded view of a detail of the device of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is an exploded view of another detail of the device of Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 is a sectional view of a detail of the device of Figure 1 in the locking configuration;

Figure 6 is an axonometric view of a second embodiment of the device according to the invention in the locking configuration;

Figure 7 is an axonometric view of the device of Figure 6 in the release configuration; Figure 8 is a sectional view of a detail of the device of Figure 6 in the locking configuration;

Figure 9 is an axonometric view of a third embodiment of the device according to the invention in the locking configuration;

Figure 10 is an axonometric view of the device of Figure 9 in the release configuration;

Figure 11 is a sectional view of a detail of the device of Figure 9 in the locking configuration;

Figure 12 is an axonometric view of a fourth embodiment of the device according to the invention in the locking configuration;

Figure 13 is an axonometric view of the device of Figure 12 in the release configuration;

Figure 14 is a sectional view of a detail of the device of Figure 12 in the locking configuration.

Embodiments of the Invention

With particular reference to such figures, globally indicated with reference numeral 1 is a device for the electric interconnection of electric cables.

The device 1 comprises a plug body 2 made of an electrically insulating material adapted to accommodate a plurality of female terminals 9, 10, made of an electrically conductive material, connectable to a corresponding plurality of cores 3 a of an electric cable 3.

The plug body 2 comprises a plurality of first housing cavities 4 each of which is adapted to insert a respective female terminal 9, 10.

The plug body 2 comprises a first central axis A, a first open axial extremity 5, a second open axial extremity 6 and a first plane 7, transverse to the first central axis A, defined between the first open axial extremity 5 and the second open axial extremity 6. In the embodiments shown in the illustrations, the first housing cavities 4 are defined between the first open axial extremity 5 and the first plane 7, which is, in turn, provided with a plurality of first passage holes 8 of the female terminals 9, 10.

The female terminals 9, 10 comprise a first end portion 9 and a second end portion 10, wherein the first end portion 9 has an inlet seat 11 associable with the core 3a of one of the electric cables 3 and the second end portion 10 extends along the first passage holes 8.

The electric connection of each single core 3 a with the first end portion 9 is done by means of a fixing element 12 which associates by screwing with the inlet seat 11, keeping the connection between each core 3 a and a respective first end portion 9 fixed and stable.

Preferably, the fixing element 12 consists, e.g., in a tightening screw 12.

Alternative embodiments cannot however be ruled out wherein the fixing element 12 has a different structure, e.g., of the type of a spring fixing element.

Furthermore, the plug body 2 comprises a first coupling portion 13, defined between the first plane 7 and the first open axial extremity 5, and a second coupling portion 14, defined between the first plane 7 and the second open axial extremity 6, in which the first passage holes 8 defined on the first plane 7 extend from the first plane itself to the second open axial extremity 6 and accommodate the second end portions 10.

The second coupling portion 14 comprises a cut 15 which extends in a circle on the outer surface of the second coupling portion itself wherein a gasket element 16, made of an elastically deformable and electrically insulating polymer material, is slotted in. The first coupling portion 13 comprises a plurality of lateral slits 17 each of which is formed at each first housing cavity 4 to allow the side access to each first housing cavity itself and to the first end portions 9 accommodated therein.

In particular, each of the lateral slits 17 permits the insertion of the fixing element 12 along a direction transverse to the first central axis A, associated by screwing with the inlet seat 11.

The first open axial extremity 5 comprises a hooking portion 18 of a closing element 19 of the first coupling portion 13 once the female terminals 9, 10 have been inserted in the respective first housing cavities 4.

Such closing element 19 has a plurality of slots 20 adapted to the passage of the cores 3a inside the first housing cavities 4 for the electric connections to the first end portions 9.

The device 1 also comprises a socket body 21, made of an electrically insulating material, adapted to accommodate a plurality of male terminals 27, 28 made of an electrically conductive material which are connectable to a corresponding plurality of cores 3 a of another electric cable 3.

The socket body 21 comprises a plurality of second housing cavities 22 adapted to insert the male terminals 27, 28 therein.

Furthermore, the socket body 21 comprises a second central axis B substantially coinciding with the first central axis A, a third open axial extremity 23, a fourth open axial extremity 24 and a second plane 25 transverse to the second central axis B and defined between the third open axial extremity 23 and the fourth open axial extremity 24.

The second housing cavities 22 are defined between the third open axial extremity 23 and the second plane 25 which, in turn, has a plurality of second passage holes 26 of the male terminals 27, 28.

The male terminals 27, 28 comprise a third end portion 27 and a fourth end portion 28, wherein the third end portion 27 has an inlet seat 11 associable with the core 3a of the other electric cable 3 and the fourth end portion 28 is intended to couple to a respective second end portion 10 in a coupling configuration.

The electric connection of each single core 3 a to the third end portion 27 is done by means of a fixing element 12 which is associated by screwing with the inlet seat 11, keeping the connection between each core 3 a and a respective third end portion 27 fixed and stable.

In the same way as has been described for the female terminals 9,10, the fixing element 12 consists, e.g., of a tightening screw 12, but alternative embodiments cannot be ruled out wherein the fixing element 12 has a different structure, e.g. of the type of a spring fixing element.

The socket body 21 comprises a third coupling portion 29, defined between the second plane 25 and the third open axial extremity 23, and a fourth coupling portion 30, defined between the second plane 25 and the fourth open axial extremity 24.

In the same way as the first coupling portion 13, also the third coupling portion 29 comprises a plurality of lateral slits 17 each of which is formed at each second housing cavity 22 to allow the side access to each second housing cavity itself and to the third end portions 27 accommodated therein.

In particular, each of the lateral slits 17 allows inserting the fixing element 12 along a direction transverse to the first central axis A, which is associated by screwing with the inlet seat 11.

The third open axial extremity 23 comprises a hooking portion 18 of a closing element 19 of the third coupling portion 29 after having inserted the male terminals 27, 28 in the respective second housing cavities 22.

Such closing element 19 has a plurality of slots 20 adapted to the passage of the cores 3a inside the second housing cavities 22 for the electric connections with the third end portions 27.

The socket body 21 is coupleable to the plug body 2 in a coupling configuration in which the female terminals 9, 10 and the male terminals 27, 28 are in a mutual contact for the electric connection of the two electric cables 3.

More in detail, in the coupling configuration, the inner surface of the fourth coupling portion 30 is adapted to fit substantially to measure the outer surface of the second coupling portion 14.

According to the invention, moreover, the device 1 comprises hooking means 31, 32, 33, 34 of the plug body 2 and the socket body 21 to one another in the coupling configuration adapted to prevent the plug body 2 from removing from the socket body 21.

The hooking means 31, 32, 33, 34 comprise:

a yielding flange element 31 which has at least a reference tooth 32 and is associated with one of the plug body 2 and the socket body 21;

a groove 33 formed on the other of the plug body 2 and the socket body 21 and adapted to insert the flange element 31 therein in the coupling configuration;

- an opening 34 defined at the groove 33 and adapted to insert the reference tooth 32 therein.

In a first embodiment shown in the Figures 1 to 5, the flange element 31 is associated with the second coupling portion 14 at the first plane 7 and extends cantilevered towards the second open axial extremity 6.

The flange element 31 has a substantially plate-like shape and extends longitudinally to the first central axis A.

It is clear that the reference tooth 32 faces towards the second open axial extremity 6 and is insertable in the opening 34 in the coupling configuration.

As is clear form the figures, the groove 33 is formed on the inner surface of the fourth coupling portion 30 and extends longitudinally to the second central axis B.

In the coupling configuration the flange element 31 is fitted substantially to measure inside the groove 33.

The hooking means 31, 32, 33, 34 are switchable between:

a locking configuration, in which the second coupling portion 14 is engaged within the fourth coupling portion 30 and the reference tooth 32 is engaged in abutment within the opening 34. In this locking configuration, the socket body 21 and the plug body 2 are coupled together in the coupling configuration and the outer surface of the second coupling portion 14 fits the inner surface of the fourth coupling portion 30. More in detail, the gasket element 16 adheres to the inner surface of the fourth coupling portion 30 so as to define a tight coupling between the second coupling portion 14 and the fourth coupling portion 30, ensuring the insulation of the electric connections between the male terminals 27, 28 and the female terminals 9, 10 with respect to the external environment; and

a release configuration, in which the second coupling portion 14 is free within the fourth coupling portion 30 and the reference tooth 32 is disengaged from the opening 34.

In the case in question during the switching between the release configuration and the locking configuration, the insertion of the flange element 31 along the groove 33 occurs by first of all inserting the free extremal portion of the flange element 31 having the reference tooth 32 and then the remaining part of the flange element itself, until the reference tooth 32 is up against inside the opening 34.

It cannot be ruled out that, in the event of the hooking means 31, 32, 33, 34 being in the locking configuration and of external traction forces being applied on the device 1 the same and contrary on the plug body 2 and on the socket body 21 respectively for relative uncoupling, the flange element 31 could be subject to longitudinal deformations which can result in relative breakage.

Usefully, to facilitate the coupling configuration, the fourth coupling portion 30 comprises a septum 35, associated with the outer surface of the fourth coupling portion itself, which extends longitudinally to the second central axis B, and a reference edging 36 having a profile complementary to the septum 35.

To obtain the coupling configuration, and during the switch between the locking configuration and the release configuration, the second coupling portion 14 is fitted in the fourth coupling portion 30 and the septum 35 and the flange element 31 must be aligned with the reference edging 36 and with the groove 33 respectively.

To switch from the locking configuration to the release configuration, the operator must use a pointed presser tool which, when inserted inside the opening 34 and brought into contact with the reference tooth 32 contained inside it, permits applying a force having a direction substantially transverse to the central axes A, B and is adapted to disengage the reference tooth 32 from the opening 34.

It appears clear that, in such first embodiment, the switch between the locking configuration and the release configuration is only possible for operators equipped with presser tools.

The device 1 comprises a pair of cable gland bodies 37, 40, coupleable to the socket body 21 and to the plug body 2, and in turn comprising:

- a first body 37, having a substantially tubular shape, which in turn comprises: a first part 38 having a thread formed on the inner surface of the first part itself, screw able onto the first coupling portion 13 and onto the third coupling portion 29 having, in turn, a thread which is complementary to the thread of the first part 38; and

- a second part 39, opposite the first part 38, having a thread formed on the outer surface of the second part itself;

a second body 40 coupleable to the first body 37 and having a thread formed on the inner surface of the second body itself. More in detail, the second body 40 is screwable onto the second part 39. To obtain such a screwing, the thread formed on the inner surface of the second body 40 is complementary to the thread formed on the outer surface of the second part 39.

As can be seen in the illustrations, in the first body 37 and in the second body 40 a passage channel 41 is formed of one of the electric cables 3 to allow the insertion of each of the two electric cables 3 in the respective cable gland body 37, 40 and in turn inside the first and the second housing cavities 4, 22 by means of the slots 20 defined on each of the closing elements 19.

Usefully, the first body 37 has elastically yielding tightening means 42, 43 adapted to adhere to the electric cable 3 when the second body 40 is screwed onto the first body 37.

More in detail, the tightening means 42, 43 comprise:

a plurality of elastically yielding flanges 42 formed on the second part 39 and at the thread formed on the outer surface of the second part itself. Advantageously, during the screwing of the second body 40 to the first body 37 the flanges 42 bend radially at the electric cable 3; and

- a blocking element 43 made of an elastically deformable and electrically insulating polymeric material over-molded to the flanges 42. Alternative embodiments cannot however be ruled out in which the blocking element 43 has a substantially cylindrical shape and is arranged at the flanges 42, but not over- molded to the flanges themselves.

Advantageously, the socket body 21 and the plug body 2 comprise a protrusion 44 defined on the outer surface and interposed between the first and the second coupling portion 13, 14 respectively and between the third and the fourth coupling portion 29, 30.

Such protrusion 44 has a particular shape for slotting in a seal element 45 made of an elastically insulating polymer material so as to define a tight coupling between the cable gland bodies 37, 40 and the socket body 21 and the plug body 2 when the first body 37 is screwed onto the socket body 21 and onto the plug body 2, respectively. Alternative embodiments cannot however be ruled out wherein the device 1 has one of the cable gland bodies 37, 40, coupleable to one of the plug body 2 and the socket body 21, and a ring nut body coupleable to the other of the plug body 2 and the socket body 21.

In this particular case, the ring nut body has a substantially tubular conformation and comprises an inner surface having a threaded section which can be screwed onto one of the first coupling portion 13 and the third coupling portion 29, depending on whether the cable gland body 37, 40 is coupled to the plug body 2 or to the socket body 21.

The ring nut body comprises a reference edge adapted to come into contact on one side with the protrusion 44 and, more in particular, with the seal element 45 once the threaded section of the inner surface of the ring nut body has been completely screwed onto the thread of the first coupling portion 13 or of the third coupling portion 29. On the other side, the reference edge is adapted to receive, until it is stopped up tight, e.g., a wall element to which the device 1 is fixable.

Advantageously, between the reference edge and the wall element is interposed a tight element made of an elastically deformable and electrically insulating polymer material. Furthermore, the outer surface of the ring nut body has a further threaded section to which can be screwed up, e.g., a nut element for keeping the device 1 screwed onto the wall element.

Usefully, the ring nut body has a through duct for one of the electric cables 3 to pass through in such a way as to allow each of the two electric cables 3 to be inserted inside the first housing cavities 4 or the second housing cavities 22 by means of the slots 20 defined on the relative closing element 19.

In a second embodiment shown in the Figures 6 to 8, the device 1 comprises unhooking means 46, 47 for the switch of the hooking means 31, 32, 33, 34 from the locking configuration to the release configuration.

Preferably, the unhooking means 46, 47 comprise a yielding presser element 46 associated with the outer surface of the fourth coupling portion 30, which has a free extremity 47 movable along a pressing direction substantially transverse to the central axes A, B.

More in detail, the yielding presser element 46 has a substantially plate-like shape and the free extremity 47 has a projection adapted to come into contact with the reference tooth 32 engaged inside the opening 34.

In the release configuration, by applying this pressing force on the free extremity 47, the free extremity itself comes into contact with the reference tooth 32.

It is easy to appreciate that, compared to the first embodiment, the switch between the locking configuration and the release configuration can be performed by any operator, while in the first embodiment such operation can only be performed by operators equipped with the presser tools.

In a third embodiment shown in the Figures 9 to 11, the device 1 has the same characteristics as described for the first embodiment, with the difference in the fact that the flange element 31 is associated with the second coupling portion 14 and extends cantilevered towards the first plane 7.

Furthermore, as can be seen in the figures, the reference tooth 32 faces towards the first plane 7.

Advantageously, in the third embodiment the free marginal portion of the flange element 31 on which the reference tooth 32 is defined is turned to the opposite direction with respect to the fourth open axial extremity 24 so as to prevent any accidental contact with the fourth open axial extremity itself, keeping the flange element 31 safe from any damage and/or breakage.

The particular shape of the flange element 31 is such that during the insertion of the second coupling portion 14 inside the fourth coupling portion 30, the reference tooth 32 is the first to insert itself along the groove 33 and then the rest of the flange element 31, until the reference tooth 32 inserts itself inside the opening 34 and the locking configuration is obtained.

Furthermore, in the cases wherein the hooking means 31, 32, 33, 34 are in the locking configuration and on the device 1 external traction forces are applied the same or contrary on the plug body 2 and on the socket body 21 respectively for relative uncoupling, the flange element 31 undergoes compression forces, thus resulting sturdier to deformations and/or breakages with respect to the flange element 31 in the first and the second embodiment.

More in detail, such compression forces on the flange element 31 are applied by the surface of the opening 34 in contact with the reference tooth 32 and have therefore an orientation turned towards the extremity of the flange element 31 associated with the second coupling portion 14.

In a fourth embodiment shown in the Figures 12 to 14, the device 1 has substantially the same structure as described in the third embodiment, with the difference in the fact that it is provided with the unhooking means 46, 47 for switching the hooking means 31, 32, 33, 34 from the locking configuration to the release configuration.

Furthermore, as can be easily appreciated from the illustrations, the fourth embodiment shows a structure substantially the same as the second embodiment with the difference in the fact that the flange element 31 is associated with the second coupling portion 14 and extends cantilevered towards the first plane 7.

Similarly to what has been described for the third embodiment, in the fourth embodiment as well, the same holds true as has been described for the third embodiment in the cases wherein on the device 1 external traction forces are applied the same and contrary on the plug body 2 and on the socket body 21 respectively for relative uncoupling.

In other words, the flange element 31 undergoes compression forces, thus resulting sturdier to deformations and/or breakages with respect to the flange element 31 in the first and the second embodiment.

It has in practice been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects and in particular the fact is underlined that the device made this way is very practical and easy to use by the operator during wiring and assembly operations, because once the cores of the electric cables have been connected to the respective terminals, the electric connection between the male and female terminals is achieved by simply inserting the plug body inside the socket body.

To maintain the locking configuration between the socket body and the plug body, the operator must not therefore perform any further operations because the bodies are already locked together.

In this respect, the probability of errors by the operator is thus reduced during the assembly phase of the device and at the same time the insulation is ensured of the electric connections of the electric cables from the outside environment.

The particular embodiments of the manufactured device differ in terms of the fact that in the case of the first embodiment, the operator has to use particular pointed presser tools to release the plug body from the socket body, while in the case of the second embodiment the release of the plug body from the socket body can be obtained by anyone inasmuch as it is enough to apply a pressing force on the unhooking means. The second embodiment of the device is therefore more practical to use than the first embodiment, notwithstanding the fact that the release mechanism between the socket body and the plug body is the same.

Advantageously, in the third and fourth embodiments shown in the illustrations, the particular orientation of the flange element results in the flange element itself being safe from damage and/or breakages due to accidental operations by the operator during the coupling of the plug body to the socket body.

In particular, in the case of the unlocking of the device by means of traction forces the same and contrary applied on the plug body and on the socket body respectively, the surface of the opening which is in contact with the reference tooth applies a compression force on the flange element.

It follows therefore that the flange element in the third and fourth embodiments is sturdier against any deformations and consequent breakages, ensuring greater reliability in keeping the coupling between the plug body and the socket body and consequently of the electric connection of the relative electric cables.

Claims

1) A device (1) for the electric interconnection of electric cables, characterized by the fact that it comprises:

at least a plug body (2) made of an electrically insulating material adapted to accommodate a plurality of female terminals (9, 10) made of an electrically conductive material connectable to a corresponding plurality of cores (3 a) of at least an electric cable (3), said plug body (2) comprising a plurality of first housing cavities (4) adapted to insert said female terminals (9, 10);

at least a socket body (21) made of an electrically insulating material adapted to accommodate a plurality of male terminals (27, 28) made of an electrically conductive material connectable to a corresponding plurality of cores (3 a) of another electric cable (3), said socket body (21) comprising a plurality of second housing cavities (22) adapted to insert said male terminals (27, 28), said socket body (21) being coupleable to said plug body (2) in a coupling configuration in which said female terminals (9, 10) and said male terminals (27, 28) are in a mutual contact for the electric connection of said electric cables (3);

hooking means (31, 32, 33, 34) of said plug body (2) and said socket body (21) to one another in said coupling configuration adapted to prevent said plug body (2) from removing from said socket body (21), said hooking means (31, 32, 33, 34) comprising:

at least a yielding flange element (31) having at least a reference tooth (32), said flange element (31) being associated with one of said plug body (2) and said socket body (21);

at least a groove (33) formed on the other of said plug body (2) and said socket body (21) and adapted to insert said flange element (31) in said coupling configuration;

at least an opening (34) defined at said groove (33) and adapted to insert said reference tooth (32).

2) The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said plug body (2) comprises a first central axis (A), a first open axial extremity (5), a second open axial extremity (6) and a first plane (7) transverse to said first central axis (A) and defined between said first open axial extremity (5) and said second open axial extremity (6), said first housing cavities (4) being defined between said first open axial extremity (5) and said first plane (7), said first plane (7) having a plurality of first passage holes (8) of said female terminals (9, 10). 3) The device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said socket body (21) comprises a second central axis (B), a third open axial extremity (23), a fourth open axial extremity (24) and a second plane (25) transverse to said second central axis (B) and defined between said third open axial extremity (23) and said fourth open axial extremity (24), said second housing cavities (22) being defined between said third open axial extremity (23) and said second plane (25), said second plane (25) having a plurality of second passage holes (26) of said male terminals (27, 28).

4) The device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said plug body (2) comprises:

a first coupling portion (13) defined between said first plane (7) and said first open axial extremity (5);

a second coupling portion (14) defined between said first plane (7) and said second open axial extremity (6) in which said first passage holes (8) extend from said first plane (7) to said second open axial extremity (6);

and by the fact that said socket body (21) comprises:

a third coupling portion (29) defined between said second plane (25) and said third open axial extremity (23);

a fourth coupling portion (30) defined between said second plane (25) and said fourth open axial extremity (24), the inner surface of said fourth coupling portion

(30) being adapted to fit substantially to measure the outer surface of said second coupling portion (14) in said coupling configuration.

5) The device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said flange element (31) is associated with said second coupling portion (14) and extends cantilevered towards said second open axial extremity (6), said reference tooth (32) facing towards said second open axial extremity (6).

6) The device (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact that said flange element (31) is associated with said second coupling portion (14) and extends cantilevered towards said first plane (7), said reference tooth (32) facing towards said first plane (7).

7) The device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said hooking means (31, 32, 33, 34) comprise:

at least a groove (33) formed on the inner surface of said fourth coupling portion (30) and at least an opening (34) defined at said groove (33);

- at least a yielding flange element (31) associated with said second coupling portion (14) and having at least a reference tooth (32) insertable within said opening (34) in said coupling configuration, said flange element (31) being fitted within said groove (33) in said coupling configuration.

8) The device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said hooking means (31, 32, 33, 34) are switchable between:

a locking configuration, in which said second coupling portion (14) is engaged within said fourth coupling portion (30) and said reference tooth (32) is engaged in abutment within said opening (34);

a release configuration, in which said second coupling portion (14) is free within said fourth coupling portion (30) and said reference tooth (32) is disengaged from said opening (34).

9) The device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises unhooking means (46, 47) for the switch of said hooking means (31, 32, 33, 34) from said lock configuration to said release configuration.

10) The device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said unhooking means (46, 47) comprise at least a yielding presser element (46) associated with the outer surface of said fourth coupling portion (30), said yielding presser element (46) having at least a free extremity (47) movable along a pressing direction substantially transverse to said central axes (A, B) in which said free extremity (47) comes into contact with said reference tooth (32) in said release configuration.

11) The device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said female terminals (9, 10) comprise at least a first end portion (9) and a second end portion (10), said first end portion (9) comprising at least an inlet seat (11) associable with one of said electric cables (3) and said second end portion (10) extending along said first passage holes (8).

12) The device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said male terminals (27, 28) comprise a third end portion (27) and a fourth end portion (28), said third end portion (27) comprising an inlet seat (11) associable with one of said electric cables (3) and said fourth end portion (28) extending inside said fourth coupling portion (30), said fourth end portion (28) being adapted to couple to a respective second end portion (10).

13) The device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said first coupling portion (13) and said third coupling portion (29) comprise at least a lateral slit (17) formed at each first housing cavity (4) and second housing cavity (22), respectively, each of said inlet seats (11) being arranged at said lateral slit (17).

14) The device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that each of said first open axial extremity (5) and said second open axial extremity (6) comprises a hooking portion (18) of at least a closing element (19) adapted to close said first coupling portion (13) and said third coupling portion (29) after having inserted said male terminals (27, 28) and said female terminals (9, 10) respectively.

15) The device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises a pair of cable gland bodies (37, 40) coupleable to said socket body (21) and said plug body (2) respectively and having:

a first body (37) screwable onto said first coupling portion (13) and onto said third coupling portion (29); and

a second body (40) screwable onto said first body (37);

in which:

in said first body (37) and in said second body (40) is formed a passage channel (41) of one of said electric cables (3); and

said first body (37) has elastically yieldable tightening means (42, 43) adapted to adhere to said electric cable (3) when said second body (40) is screwed onto said first body (37).