FR2510311A1 - Connector used to add electric outlet to electrical cable - has half-shells fitted with projection and recesses and tightened by small force owing to small cross-section deformable zones - Google Patents

Abstract

The connector (1) contains two half-shells (11,12) designed to be tightened around a contact zone on the cable's conductor. The half-shells (11,12) are oined by associating projecting components (111,112,121,122) with recesses having a complementary shape. Each recess applies to the corresponding projecting component a crimping deformation when the two half-shells (11,12) are brought together. The locking and insertion of the electrical outlet zone of the shells are performed simultaneously on the two half-shells, using a simple tool and a reduced force. The half-shells can be fitted with a cutting zone ntended to cut the cable's insulating material. The half-shells can also be pre-nsulated.

Description

The present invention relates to a socket outlet on an electric cable, of the type comprising two half-shells adapted to clamp on either side of a contact zone on the conductor of said cable.
To carry out a derivation, or, more generally to constitute an outlet on a main electric cable called "passing" (which cannot be cut) insulated or not, there are currently different types of "fittings" bare or pre-insulated, necessarily made up of two separable or opening parts in order to be able to install the device on the main passing cable.

 These fittings can be of the known type with mechanical clamping comprising half-shells enclosing the main cable in grooves provided for this purpose and joined by bolts or clamping screws.

 They can also be constituted, also in a known manner, by two half-shells made of conductive metal profiles, generally made of aluminum alloy, adapted to be joined at first by a longitudinal sliding parallel to the general axis of the conducting conductor, thanks to the drawings of their sections allowing the nesting of complementary parts which fit into each other in the manner of known sliding assemblies such as for example dovetail assemblies. These two complementary half-shells, generally, but not necessarily different from each other being placed on the main conductor passing, bare or stripped, at the chosen location, by sliding, the mechanical and electrical contact is made according to the known principle of "hexagonal shrinkage" of a generally circular or pseudo-circular section, consisting of a powerful crimping, by means of jaws pliers non-deformable and resistant, d he appropriate profile, causing the deep and mass deformation of the overall section of the two half-shells assembled on the cable, so that the cable is powerfully embraced by the two half-shells of the connector.

 We also know the possibility of practicing on the half-shells another kind of deformation than the reduction to a hexagonal section designated under the term of "deep punching" which gives after deformation, to the whole of the cable-fitting section. , a form of "C". In this case, powerful pliers are also used, provided with an assembly comprising a male punch and in return a female matrix.

 All these devices, with mechanical clamping, or with deformation by hexagonal necking or with deep punching, require, when used on an insulated main passing cable, prior stripping of the target at the place where the sleeve is to be laid. In the case of hexagonal necking or deep punching, it is necessary to use a powerful "deformation" tool, therefore not very handy in the case of work on overhead lines for example, and heavier and comatose, because it is necessary, like this has already been pointed out, to deform a very large mass of metal comprising almost its entire cross-section of the fitting and partially that of the cable itself, in order to ensure, by very high pressure, an intimate and lasting bond over time. body of the fitting and the core of the passing conductor cable

 The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks and to this end relates to a socket outlet on an electric cable, of the type comprising two half-shells adapted to be clamped on either side of a contact zone on the conductor. of said cable, connection characterized in that the union of the half-shells is obtained by cooperation of projecting elements and recesses of complementary shapes, each recess being adapted to impose on an associated projecting element a crimping deformation under the dlun effect bringing together the two half-shells.

Thanks to this design, the blocking, locking and penetration of the shell plug-in zones takes place simultaneously on the two half-shells using pliers provided with suitable dies, and the overall result is obtained by a reduced effort since it suffices to deform a relatively small part of the section of the profiles which constitute the half-shells
According to a characteristic of the invention, in the case of application to insulated cables, the profiles of the shells comprise sharp zones intended to perforate the insulator of the cable to establish electrical contact with the metallic file.

 According to another characteristic of the invention, it is possible, in the case of use on an insulated main cable, to provide pre-insulated shells using a suitable plastic material. This technique, known for non-opening junction sleeves, is generally implemented by means of pliers and dies with hexagonal crimping on the insulation itself. The advantage of this technique lies in the fact that the insulation reconstruction necessary for safety reasons is carried out by the very fact of the fitting of the fitting, without having to add a special protection accessory. Of course, nothing prevents this characteristic also being applied to fittings intended for bare cables.

 It should be noted that, as a general rule, the invention does not at all imply that the half-shells necessarily include in the cable passage channel teeth or cutting blades of any orientation, which are only essential for perforation. insulation when applied to an insulated main cable.

The characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, representing, by way of non-limiting examples, preferred embodiments, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective of the central outlet portion of a connector according to a first embodiment of the invention, before meeting two half-shells, cut along line II of Figure 3
Figure 2 is a perspective of the same part of the connector of Figure 1, cut in the same way, after joining the two half-shells
Figure 3 is a general side view of the assembly of Figures 1 and 2 ;;
Figure 4 is a perspective of the central outlet portion of a connector according to a second embodiment of the invention, before meeting the two half shells, cut along the line IV-IV of Figure 6;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the same part of the connector of Figure 4, cut in the same way, after joining the two half-shells;
Figure 6 is a general side view of the assembly of Figures 4 and 5;
Figure 7 is a general side view of the assembly of a connector according to a third embodiment of the invention;
Figure 8 is a general side view of a connector according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;
Figures 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E and 9F show different possible sections for fittings according to the invention.

 The connector of Figures 1, 2 and 3 is provided with a central part 1 (only shown in Figures 1 and 2) and a branch 2, used respectively for the socket on a main bare cable passing 3 and the connecting a secondary cable or other component to said primary target 3.

The central part 1 consists of two separate half-shells 11, 12, constituted by sections of metal profiles (here in light alloy) each pierced with a respective longitudinal housing 13, 14 of generally semi-circular shape, externally limited by a contact zone 15, 16 on the conductor 31 of the main cable 3. In the position they occupy for their use, the half-shells 11, 12, here identical and of complementary shapes, are arranged facing each other so that the longitudinal housings 13, 14 form a longitudinal cylinder with an oblong section when their respective longitudinal axes are not combined, and with a circular section when said axes are combined, this is in other words, the half-shells are therefore arranged opposite one another symmetrically with respect to their central axis
These half-shells 11, 12 are provided with longitudinal tongues 111, 112, 121, 122, the tongues of each half-shell projecting in the direction of the other half-shell when both are arranged opposite as indicated above.

 In addition, the half-shells 11, 12 are provided with longitudinal recesses 113, 114, 123, 124, each opening out in front of a tongue when the half-shells are facing each other.

 Thus, the recesses 123, 124 of the second half-shell 12 open respectively in front of the tongues 111, 112 of the first half-shell 11, and the recesses 113, 114 of this first half-shell ll respectively open in front of the tongues 121, 122 of the second.

 It should be noted that before the meeting of the half-shells, that is to say in the state in which they are at the end of manufacture, in cross section, the longitudinal tongues 111, 112, 121, 122 are rectilinear and parallel , while the longitudinal recesses have a complementary but slightly different shape, and are thus for example inclined and / or curved; in this way, the recesses can impose on their respective tongues a crimping deformation under the effect of a bringing together of the two shells bringing them into the joined position; in order to be able to exert fairly easily a force of approximation sufficient to allow the union of the half-shells, that is to say the deformation of the tongues, it is necessary that the section of the zone of deformation of the latter is relatively thin; under these conditions, the two half-shells can be solidly and positively secured by a simple pressure exerting on them a relatively low force.

 In the present case, the two tongues of each half-shell are of unequal lengths, and the same is true of the corresponding recesses; more precisely, the tongues 111, 121 of greater length and consequently the corresponding recesses 123, 113 are the closest to the housings 13, 14 and extend (before meeting the half-shells) approximately tangentially to the semicircle defined by each housing , while the tongues 112, 122 and the recesses 124, 114 of shorter length are further from said housings.

 So that the meeting effort can be effectively exerted on the half-shells, taking into account the conventional existing crimping tools, these can optionally have at least two respective flat plates 115, 125 externally parallel, in planes perpendicular to the direction of the movement of the half-shells 11, 12; here, there are provided on each half-shell 11, 12, two other dishes 116, 117, 126, 127 respectively on either side of the first, and forming an angle of 1200 with it; thus, once joined, the half-shells 11, 12 constitute a shell having a hexagonal section.

 In order to limit the bringing together of the half-shells to a relative position which is not dangerous for the metal file 31 of the cable 3, said half-shells 11, 12 have respective abutment abutment surfaces 118, 128 intended to come into contact for a position predetermined relative of the two half-shells.

 The branch 2 used for the connection of a secondary cable is here produced in the form of a terminal having a head 21 provided with an eyelet 211. This branch 2, which is secured to the half-shell 12, is here produced in a single piece with it; however, it may as well be joined by welding, by screwing, etc.

 For the establishment of the socket, it suffices to amend the two half-shells 11, 12 which are late one from the other around the bare electric cable where it is desired to draw the current, the end of each tongue in the immediate vicinity of the mouth of the corresponding recess; then a force of approximation is exerted on the opposite plates 115, 125, and the deformation of the tongues by the walls of the recesses causes crimping of the half-shells and a solid and positive connection around the conductor, allowing good contact of the latter with the corresponding contact area of the fitting; the movement of the half-shells towards each other is stopped by the arrival in contact of the abutment surfaces 118, 128.

 The connector of Figures 4, 5 and 6 is also provided with a central part 1 (the only one shown in Figures 4 and 5) and with a branch 2, used respectively for the socket on a main insulated cable 3 and for connection of a secondary cable 4 to said main cable 3.

 The same members as those in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 are designated by the same references.

 The central part 1 of this second embodiment has precisely the same members as that of the first, but, since the main cable 3 is of the insulated type, it also includes additional members.

 Thus, in view that the contact zones 15, 16 of the half-shells 11, 12 come to clamp the conductor 31 and in order to ensure the desirable electrical contact, they are provided with cutting teeth 119, 129 extending here longitudinally, intended entirely first to perforate the insulator 32 of the cable 3 and then to firmly hook the conductor 31.

 The bypass 2 serving for the connection of the secondary cabal 4 is here produced in the form of a cage secured to the half-shell 12 and here produced in one piece with the latter, although this is not compulsory. This cage has a housing 221 for the cable 4. The electrical contact against the cage and the fixing of the latter are ensured by a hexagon socket headless pressure screw 222 screwed into a threaded hole for this purpose in the cage.

Of course, if the secondary cable 4 is of the insulated type, its end intended to be held by the screw 222 must be stripped before its introduction into the housing 221.

 As the connector which is represented here is intended for insulated cables, so that there is no solution of continuity in the insulation, the whole of the connector is surrounded by an insulating coating of plastic material 5; a plug 50 can complete the insulation and sealing of the bypass assembly, over the outer end of the pressure screw 222. So that it is possible to engage the half-shells on the part and other of the main cable, the covering 5 does not completely surround the central part 1 before the half-shells meet; it therefore has here an octagonal cross section, one of the two faces of the octagon corresponding to the interval separating the two half-shells before their meeting being nonexistent, the opposite face 51 being able to play the role of hinge to "open" the shell to insert the main target; after this insertion, the shell is closed by pivoting or tilting around this false hinge.

The bringing together of the half-shells, as has been seen, jointly causes the piercing of the cable sheath and the electrical contact, as well as the curvature of the tongues under the action of the walls of their respective recesses inside which they are "mold", and the folding of the false hinge projecting outwards; this approximation resulting in a solid locking of the two half-shells can for example be exerted by means of a pair of jaw pliers here hexagonal, exerting sufficient pressure on the shells, although relatively weak.

 Preferably, the coating 5 comprises, with respect to the abutment surfaces 118, 128, internal lips 52; the lips 52 which are located on the side where the coating does not exist play the role of seals when the half-shells are brought together, and the lips 52 located on the opposite side (that is to say on the side of the false hinge) are provided for reasons of symmetry, to keep the whole a prismatic shape with parallel faces.

 The embodiment of FIG. 7 is also provided with a central part 1 serving for the socket outlet on a main insulated cable 3, but with two branches 2, 6 serving for the connection of two respective secondary cables 4, 7.

 The same members as those in FIGS. 1 to 6 are always designated by the same references.

The central part 1 of this third embodiment is therefore produced like that of the second, and the branches 2, 6 have a section identical to that of this central part 1; consequently, they each consist of two half-shells intended to be tightened around a cable here isolated; for this purpose, they are therefore provided with teeth passing through the insulating sheath thereof; they are also covered in the same way as the central part 1 with an insulating coating 5 which can be in one piece with that of said central part lo
The embodiment of Figure 8, being intended to connect end to end two cables 3, 8, here isolated, comprises only the central part 1 of the embodiments which have been described so far; in the case of isolated targets, this central part is provided with internal teeth and an external coating. The operation of the device is the same as that which has already been described.

It can be noted that when there is a coating 5, we give that; in regions 53 where the cables enter the fitting, an appropriate shape allowing continuity of the insulation and sealing; one can for example provide a covering 5 covering in these regions, during the installation, the cable insulation,
In summary, a connector according to the invention comprises at least one central part constituted in the form of two half-shells such as those which have been described, with or without toothing; it can also include one or two branches, or even more, depending on the number of electric cables, components, or devices to be connected; both the main part and the branches can have a suitable toothing relative to the axis and / or an insulating outer covering, whether the corresponding electrical cable is insulated or not, in order to improve the electrical contact as well as the attachment of the half-shells to the cable; however, the toothing is only essential in the case of an insulated cable; in the latter case, the presence of an insulating coating is often useful, if not necessary. It should be noted that the possible branches can be in the form of any connecting member known per se or according to the invention: for example in the form of a terminal (Figures 1 to 3), of a cage (Figures 4 to 6 ), of bar, of collar, of terminal, or of a set of two half-shells provided with teeth or not, insulated or not by an external coating (figure 7).

 Likewise, the branches can be secured to the central part by welded additions, for example to the half-shells, or even for example to be produced by removing part of the profile of one of the half-shells and bending the part. remaining.

The fact that the half-shells, generally consisting of sections of metal profiles, for example of aluminum or of light alloy, are identical, is not compulsory, but this identity is particularly advantageous from the manufacturing point of view,
FIGS. 9A to 9F show by way of example different sections, other than those already shown, which can be given to the half-shells 11, 12.

FIG. 9A thus shows two different profiles having a generally semi-circular cross-section, comprising a hinge zone constituted by a longitudinal groove 129 in an arc of a circle provided in a half-shell 12, in which a longitudinal tongue 119 of corresponding shape provided in the other half-shell 11; the nesting of the two half-shells 11, 12 can be carried out by longitudinal sliding; the half-shell 11 comprises a rectilinear tongue 111 and the other half-shell 12 has a curved recess 123; when the connection is closed here by pivoting around the hinge zone 119, 129, the thin tongue 111 "molds" to the shape of the recess 123, constituting the crimp for closing the connection
FIG. 9B also shows two different profiles without hinge zone, where a half-shell 11 comprises two identical rectilinear tabs 111, 112, and the other half-shell 12 two identical curved recesses 123, 124; once closed, the assembly has a prismatic shape of hexagonal section.

 FIG. 9C shows two identical sections, where each half-shell 11, 12 comprises, symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal central axis of the assembly, on the one hand a recess 113, 123 in two parts, the inlet part 113Â, l23A being rectilinear and relatively narrow, while the main part 113B, 123B is in an arc of a circle and appreciably wider, and on the other hand a tongue 121, 111 comprising a circular end 121A, lîlA adapted to slide in the part main 113B, 123B of the corresponding recess, at the end of a finger 121B, 111B sufficiently narrow to slide in the entry portion 113A-, 123A and to deform under the action of bringing together the half-shells for crimping of these. The assembly of the two profiles is carried out by longitudinal sliding.

 Figure 9D shows two different profiles; a half-shell 11 has in its side walls respectively two lateral recesses 113, 114 inclined towards one another, provided with a terminal notch 113B, 114B s1 extending in the direction of the center of said half-shell, while the other half-shell 12 comprises two lateral tongues 121, 122 provided with respective lugs 12la, 122A extending towards each other, the tongues and the lugs being spaced apart by a sufficient distance to allow the insertion between them first half-shell, that is to say slightly greater than the width of the latter. The two half-shells can be placed "on horseback" on either side of the cable, without sliding; after approximation of the half-shells, lateral pressure on the tongues 121, 122 and exerted towards the cable causes them to converge and will act fag the half-shells due to the penetration of the pins 12ut, 122A in their notch 113B, 114B respectively.

 FIG. 9E shows two identical sections which can also be mounted "astride" on a cable; each half-shell 11 has a tongue 111, 121 and a recess 123, 113 respectively on either side of the housing for the cable; the tongue 111 has a V-shaped notch at its free end, while the recess 123 is made in the shape of a Y, the central branch of which forms an inlet passage has a width suitable for receiving the tongue of the other half-shell with a slight play, the bottom of the recess intended to receive the V-shaped end of said tongue being substantially wider than said central branch; thus, when the half-shells 11,12 are tightened, when the penetration of the tongues into the recesses ends, the locking occurs due to the development of the V-shaped end of the tongues in the bottom of the recesses, wider than their entrance hallway.

 FIG. 9F shows two different sections which can also be mounted "astride" the cable. A half-shell 11 has two tabs 111, 112, of rectangular section, while the other half-shell 12 has two recesses 123, 124 having undercuts having an isosceles trapezoid section whose height is slightly smaller than that of tongues and whose outlet constituting the small base is only slightly wider than the width of said tongues, in order to allow their penetration; when the half-shells are brought together by application of sufficient force, the tongues are crushed in the trapezoidal recesses, and mold "in them; the presence of the undercut then causes the half-shells to lock.

 It is understood that the profiles shown in FIGS. 9A to 9F are given only by way of examples, that the channel formed by their coming together and their tightening on the capable may or may not be provided with toothing, or with transverse or longitudinal blades ( which are not shown in the figures) and that the half-shells formed from these sections may or may not be pre-insulated.

We can also appreciate the simplicity of realization and implementation of sockets according to the invention and their universality whether or not pre-isolated
It will be noted above all that if the current can pass through the same body of the fitting, according to the invention, it is only a reduced part of the overall section of the socket which undergoes the necessary deformation to the locking by crimping of the complementary profiles constituting the half-shells of the current sockets, which results in the considerable reduction of the pressure forces to be made on the half-shells or sleeves, compared to the known and crimped sockets or connectors on the capable by hexagonal necking with deep punching.

 It will also be noted that it is advantageous to simultaneously lock the profiles and the electrical outlet by perforating the insulation of the cables, in the case of insulated cables.

 Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown, and we can provide other embodiments without departing from its scope.

Claims (10)

 1. Socket connection on an electric cable, of the type comprising two half-shells adapted to clamp on either side of a contact zone on the conductor of said cable, connection characterized in that the union of the half shells (l, l2) is obtained by cooperation of projecting elements (111,112,121,122) and recesses (123,124, 113,114) of complementary shapes, each recess being adapted to impose on an associated projecting element a crimping deformation under the effect of 'a bringing together of the two half-shells.  2. Connection according to claim 1, characterized in that the projecting elements (111,112,121,122) comprise at least one deformation zone of relatively small section, so that the two half-shells (11,12) can be solidly and positively secured by a simple pressure exerting a relatively weak force on them.  3. Connection according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the half-shells (11,12) consist of sections of metal profiles.  4. Connection according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the half-shells (11,12) are made of light metal alloy.  5. Connection according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one half-shell (11,12) has cutting zones (119,129) opposite the cable (3), adapted to perforate a possible insulator (32) disposed around the conductor (31) of said cable and ensuring contact with hooking on said conductor.  6. Connection according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the half-shells (11,12) comprise an insulating coating (5).  7. Connection according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises at least two pairs of half-shells (11,12), for the connection of at least two electric cables (3,4, 7).  8. Connection according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises at least one terminal (21) in addition to the two half-shells (11,12).  9. Connection according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises at least one screw clamping cage (222) in addition to the two dami-shells (11,12).  10. Connection according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises at least one hinge zone (51,119,129) of articulation of the two half-shells (11,12).