ELECTRICAL CONNECTION ELEMENT

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection element (1) for an electrical socket, comprising a body (100) and a spring blade (200) housed in this body, said spring blade comprising, at a first free end (201), two arms (211, 212) adapted to clamp together a connecting pin introduced into this connection element and, at a second free end (202), at least one other arm (221, 222) adapted to clamp, against said body of the connection element, an electrical wire, the spring blade being formed in one piece, by a metal strip of which a part (210) located at its first free end has a longitudinal slot (210a) separating said two arms, said body forming, on the one hand, a housing (110) which receives said second free end of the spring blade, and on the other hand, a receiving recess.According to the invention, this body (100) comprises two wings (101, 102) each extending along a longitudinal direction of the connecting element, and each comprising a flat part (111, 112) partially delimiting said housing (110) and a curved part (123, 124) partially delimiting said receiving cavity (120), and said spring blade (200) is adapted to cooperate with said wings of the body (100) so as to limit the spacing of the curved parts (123, 124) delimiting the receiving cavity.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD TO WHICH THE INVENTION RELATES

[0001] The present invention relates to a connecting element as described in the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] It also concerns electrical equipment that includes such a connection element. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

[0003] We are familiar with connection elements such as those described in the introduction, for example for electrical outlets.

[0004] The role of such a connection element is to carry the current between the electrical wires of the electrical network and the electrical plug belonging to an electrical device that is inserted into this connection element. The connection element comprises, for this purpose, a part adapted to receive an electrical wire coming from the wall and a receiving recess adapted to receive the prong of the electrical plug to establish electrical contact.

[0005] The construction of this receiving cell must meet numerous constraints, notably imposed by the different standards in force in each country.

[0006] For example, the Franco-Belgian and Schuko standards require a minimum load of 400 grams when a 3.8 mm diameter pin is inserted into the socket (excluding the plastic parts of the socket such as the base). To comply with this standard, the socket must not deform permanently when a 4.8 mm diameter pin is inserted.

[0007] The receiving socket must also ensure satisfactory electrical contact with the spindle.

[0008] Known solutions often have a complex form.

[0009] Furthermore, it is desirable to minimize the material consumption required to manufacture this connecting element, while still meeting the criteria mentioned previously. In particular, it is desirable to limit the amount of conductive material used.

[0010] This also helps to reduce the path taken by the current and thus limit the heating of the connecting element.

[0011] The document DE102015107055 describes a connecting element conforming to the preamble of claim 1. SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0012] In this context, the present invention proposes a simplified form connecting element, in which the amount of conductive material used is limited.

[0013] More specifically, the invention proposes a connection element conforming to claim 1.

[0014] Thanks to the connection element according to the invention, the clamping function of the connecting pin is dissociated from the electrical contact function with this pin.

[0015] Thus, it is possible to use less conductive material to make the body of the connecting element, while ensuring satisfactory clamping of the spindle (in accordance with the standard).

[0016] According to the invention, the spring blade, which is for example made of stainless steel, clamps the electrical wire against a part of the body of the connecting element and also has a function of clamping the spindle in its socket.

[0017] For this purpose, the spring blade has a particular shape, with two longitudinally separated branches, which move apart when the pin is inserted into its socket and consequently tighten the pin.

[0018] Furthermore, this particular shape allows it to cooperate effectively with the body having the particular shape claimed in claim 1. The shape of the body and the spring blade ensures a particularly reliable electrical connection.

[0019] Other non-limiting and advantageous features of the device according to the invention, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations, are stated in claims 2 to 6.

[0020] The invention also provides electrical equipment according to claim 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PROJECT EXAMPLE

[0021] The description that follows, with regard to the attached drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, will make it clear what the invention consists of and how it can be carried out.

[0022] Regarding the attached drawings: there figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of the connecting element according to the invention, the figure 2 is a schematic front perspective view of the body of the connecting element of the figure 1 , there figure 3 is a schematic front perspective view of the spring blade of the connecting element of the figure 1 , there figure 4 is a schematic rear perspective view of the connecting element of the figure 1 , there figure 5 is a schematic rear perspective view of the body of the connecting element of the figure 4 , there figure 6 is a schematic rear perspective view of the spring blade of the connecting element of the figure 4 , there figure 7 is a schematic top view of the connecting element of the figure 1 , there figure 8 is a schematic top view of the body of the connecting element of the figure 7 , there figure 9 is a schematic top view of the spring blade of the connecting element of the figure 7 , there figure 10 is a schematic profile view of the connecting element of the figure 1 , there figure 11 is a schematic profile view of the spring blade of the connecting element of the figure 10 , there figure 12 is a schematic perspective front view of a second embodiment of the connecting element according to the invention, the figure 13 is a schematic front perspective view of the body of the connecting element of the figure 12 , there figure 14 is a schematic front perspective view of the spring blade of the connecting element of the figure 12 , there figure 15 is a schematic rear perspective view of the connecting element of the figure 12 , there figure 16 is a schematic rear perspective view of the body of the connecting element of the figure 15 , there figure 17 is a schematic rear perspective view of the spring blade of the connecting element of the figure 15 , there figure 18 is a schematic top view of the connecting element of the figure 12 , there figure 19 is a schematic top view of the body of the connecting element of the figure 18 , there figure 20 is a schematic top view of the spring blade of the connecting element of the figure 18 , there figure 21 is a schematic view from below of the connecting element of the figure 12 , there figure 22 is a schematic view of the underside of the spring blade of the connecting element of the figure 21 , there figure 23 is a schematic view from below of the body of the connecting element of the figure 21 , there figure 24 is a schematic profile view of the connecting element of the figure 12 , there figure 25 is a schematic profile view of the body of the connecting element of the figure 24 , there figure 26 is a schematic profile view of the spring blade of the connecting element of the figure 24 .

[0023] On the figures 1 à 26 , two embodiments of the connection element 1; 2 according to the invention have been represented.

[0024] The connection element 1; 2 according to the invention is intended to be integrated into electrical equipment, for example into a power outlet.

[0025] It allows the transport of electric current between the electrical wires of this equipment, for example the electrical wires of the electrical network connected to the power outlet, and a connecting pin inserted in this electrical equipment, belonging for example to an electrical plug of another electrical equipment.

[0026] This connection element 1; 2 comprises for this purpose a conductive body 100; 300 comprising a housing 110; 310 adapted to accommodate at least one of said electrical wires (not shown) and a socket 120; 320 adapted to accommodate the connection pin of the electrical plug (not shown) to make electrical contact the electrical wire with the connection pin.

[0027] The connecting element 1; 2 further includes a spring blade 200; 400 adapted on the one hand to clamp the electrical wire inserted into the housing 110; 310 against one of the walls of this housing 110; 310, and on the other hand, to clamp the connecting pin inserted into the connection socket 120; 320.

[0028] More specifically, here the spring blade 120; 320 is adapted to press at least one wall of the connection socket 120; 320 against the connection pin.

[0029] Regardless of the embodiment considered, the connecting element 1, 2 extends globally along a longitudinal axis X1, X2 orthogonal to the insertion direction I of the connecting pin in the socket. The insertion direction I corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the receiving socket 120; 320 ( figures 1 And 12 ).

[0030] The body is made of a material with satisfactory electrical conductivity characteristics to conduct the electric current between the connecting pin and the electrical wire.

[0031] This could be, for example, a conductive metal, such as copper or an alloy containing copper.

[0032] The body 100; 300 is here formed from a folded metal strip.

[0033] The housing 110; 310 of the connecting element 1; 2 has a generally parallelepiped shape delimited in part by two main lateral walls 111, 112; 311, 312 ( figures 2 , 5 , 13 And 16 ).

[0034] These two lateral walls 111, 112; 311, 312 of the housing 110; 310 extend into two intermediate curved parts 121, 122; 321, 322 which approach each other, then into two curved walls 123, 124; 323, 324 which delimit between them the cavity 120; 320. This cavity 120; 320 generally has the shape of a cylindrical sleeve whose longitudinal axis extends along the insertion direction I ( figure 2 ).

[0035] The spring blade 200; 400 of the connecting element 1; 2 according to the invention is formed in one piece, by a metal strip, the first end portion of which 210; 410 has a longitudinal slot 210A; 410A separating two arms 211, 212; 411, 412 adapted to clamp the curved walls 123, 124; 323, 324 of the cavity 120; 320 against the connecting pin (not shown). This first end portion 210; 410 has a free end 201; 401.

[0036] Said two branches 211, 212; 411, 412 of the first end part 210; 410 extend along a mean plane of the spring blade 200; 400 and are adapted to move elastically apart from each other parallel to this mean plane when the connecting pin is introduced into the connecting element 1; 2.

[0037] The spring blade 200; 400 also has a bent shape around at least one first transverse axis T1; T3, orthogonal to said longitudinal slot 210A; 410A.

[0038] From this angled shape extends a second end part 220; 420 of the spring blade 200; 400, having a second free end 202; 402 and placed inside the housing 110; 310 of the body 100; 300. This second end part 220; 420 is adapted to clamp the electrical wire introduced into the housing 110; 310 of the body 100; 300 of the connecting element 1; 2 against a wall of this housing 110; 310.

[0039] The first transverse axis T1; T3 is located near said second free end 202; 402 of the spring blade 200; 400.

[0040] The spring blade material has sufficient rigidity to perform its clamping function for the electrical wire and connecting pin, as described later. It does not need to be made of a conductive material, thus limiting the amount of conductive material used to manufacture the connecting element according to the invention. The spring blade can, for example, be made of steel, particularly stainless steel.

[0041] The two embodiments of the connecting element 1; 2 differ in the geometry of their body 100; 300 and their spring blade 200; 400.

[0042] In the first embodiment of figures 1 à 11 The body 100 comprises two lateral wings 101, 102, each extending along a longitudinal direction of the connecting element, and each comprising a flat portion partially delimiting said housing 110 and a curved portion partially delimiting said receiving cavity 120. These two lateral wings 101, 102 extend from a base wall 103. This base wall 103 is substantially flat and extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis X1 of the connecting element 1 ( figure 8 ).

[0043] The two lateral wings 101, 102 extend overall along this longitudinal axis X1.

[0044] The body 100 of the connecting element 1 according to this first mode is represented on the figures 1, 2 , 4, 5 , 7, 8 et 10 .

[0045] Each lateral wing 101, 102 forms, successively from the base wall 103, one of the main lateral walls 111, 112 of the housing 110, one of the curved intermediate parts 121, 122 and one of the curved walls 123, 124 of the cell 120 ( figures 2 , 5 , 8 et 10 ).

[0046] The side walls 111, 112 defined by the two side wings 101, 102 are flat and extend at right angles from the base wall 103.

[0047] This base wall 103 then forms a third lateral wall of the housing 110 ( figures 2 , 5 , 8 ).

[0048] The three side walls 111, 112, 103 internally delimit, with the intermediate parts 121, 122 of the side wings 101, 102, the said housing 110.

[0049] This housing 110 is practically closed on four sides by the said lateral walls 111, 112, 103 and the said intermediate parts 121, 122 of the lateral wings 101, 102.

[0050] It is completely open on two opposite sides.

[0051] The housing 110 thus constitutes a space for inserting the electrical wire into the connecting element 100, which here extends along a direction E1 parallel to the insertion direction I of the connecting pin in the socket ( figures 2 , 5 , 8 et 10 ).

[0052] The E1 direction of insertion of the electric wire is therefore orthogonal here to the longitudinal axis X1 of the connecting element 1.

[0053] Accommodation 110 is open along this E1 direction.

[0054] In addition, the base wall 103 of the dwelling 110 has a cutout 105, forming two walls 106 which rise from the inner face of this base wall 103, parallel to the side walls 111, 112 of the dwelling 110 ( figures 2 , 5 , 8 ), towards the inside of housing 110.

[0055] These walls 106 extend longitudinally along the direction E1 of insertion of the electrical wire into the dwelling, over a large part of the height of the dwelling 110 ( figures 1, 2 , 4 et 5 ).

[0056] Thus, each low wall 106 delimits, with the side wall 111, 112 of the adjacent dwelling 110, an insertion corridor 107, 108 ( figure 8 ) of the electric wire, which guides the introduction of the bare core of the electric wire into this housing 110.

[0057] The intermediate parts 121, 122 of the lateral wings 101, 102 connect the edges of the main lateral walls 111, 112 to the curved walls 123, 124 of the cell 120.

[0058] Each intermediate part 121, 122 comprises successively, from the corresponding main side wall 111, 112, a fold 104 inwards from the connecting element 1, a curved portion 121A, 122A outwards, and a flat portion 121B, 122B. The two flat portions 121B, 122B extend parallel to each other, close to each other ( figures 2 , 5 And 8 ).

[0059] The fold 104 here has a radius of curvature smaller than that of the cambered portion 121A, 122A ( figures 1 et 2 ).

[0060] Each of the flat portions 121B, 122B is extended by one of the curved walls 123, 124 partially forming the recess 120. Each curved wall 123, 124 is curved inwards towards the connecting element 1 and has, along the insertion direction I, an end 123A, 124A which is flared to facilitate the insertion of the connecting pin into the recess 120 ( figures 2 , 5 And 8 ).

[0061] In this first embodiment, the spring blade 200 has the shape shown on the figures 3 , 6 , 9 et 11 .

[0062] The spring blade 200 has, when flat, a substantially rectangular contour, slightly tapered at its first free end 201, which extends along a longitudinal direction.

[0063] It comprises two angled portions 233, 234 around the first transverse axis T1, and a second transverse axis T2 parallel to T1. These two transverse axes T1, T2 are perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the metal ribbon.

[0064] Viewed from the side, the spring blade 200 thus presents a generally S-shaped form ( figure 11 ), with the first and second end parts 210, 220 extending respectively from an angled portion 233, 234 towards one of the free ends 201, 202 of the spring blade 200 and a central part 230 located between the two angled portions 233, 234.

[0065] These three parts 210, 220, 230 of the spring blade 200 are flat.

[0066] The longitudinal slot 210A extends here in the plane of the leaf spring 200, along the first end part 210, of one of the angled portions 234 and, partially, along the central part 230 of the leaf spring 200 ( figure 6 ).

[0067] It separates the first end part 210 of the spring blade 200 into two front branches 211, 212 ( figure 3 ).

[0068] Moreover, here, the second end part 220 of the spring blade 200 is also separated into two rear branches 221, 222 by another longitudinal slot 240 ( figure 9 ).

[0069] The free end of each of the two rear arms 221, 222 has a notch adapted to fit the contour of the bare core of the electrical wire inserted into the housing 110 of the body 100 of the connecting element 1 ( figures 7 et 9 ).

[0070] In practice, the leaf spring 200 is housed in the body 100 in such a way that the second end part 220 and the third central part 230 of the leaf spring 200 are housed in the housing 110 of the body 100 ( figures 1 , 4 , 7 et 10 ).

[0071] As shown by figure 7 , the central part 230 of the spring blade 200 is applied against a part of the inner face of each curved portion 121A, 122A of each intermediate part 121, 122 of each lateral wing 101, 102 of the body 100 of the connecting element 1. It then extends substantially parallel to the insertion direction I of the connecting pin in the socket 120.

[0072] The spring blade 200 has a width substantially equal, within a certain clearance, to the width of the insertion space formed internally by the housing 110 of the body 100, with the exception of a central area of ​​the spring blade 200 which has a greater width because two lugs 231, 232 extend locally from the edge of the spring blade 200 ( figure 3 ).

[0073] The spring blade 200 has in fact means of holding in the housing 110, which cooperate in retention with complementary means of the body 100 of the connecting element 1.

[0074] More precisely, here the central part 230 of the leaf spring 200 has the two ears 231, 232 which extend in the plane of this central part 230 of the leaf spring 200, outwards from the leaf spring ( figures 3 , 6 And 9 ).

[0075] Each of these ears 231, 232 is received in a window 109 of the body 100 of the connecting element 1, located here at the level of the fold 104 connecting between the curved portion 121A, 122A of the intermediate part 121, 122 of each lateral wing 101, 102 to the corresponding lateral wall 111, 112 of the housing 110 ( figures 1 , 8 et 10 ).

[0076] The spring blade 200 is thus mounted by snapping it into the body 100 of the connecting element 1.

[0077] The second end portion 220 of the spring blade 200 extends across the housing 110, and the free end 202 of the second end portion 220 of the spring blade 200 rests against the inner face of the base wall 103 of the housing 110 ( figure 7 ).

[0078] The spring blade 200 is here slightly pre-stressed so that this second end part 220 of the spring blade 200 constantly exerts pressure against this base wall 103 of the housing 110.

[0079] Alternatively, the spring blade is housed in the housing at rest, without preload. The free end of the second end part may or may not be in contact with the base wall 103.

[0080] More specifically, as shown by the figure 7 , the free end of each of the two rear branches 221, 222 of the second end part 220 of the spring blade 200 is shaped so as to be housed in one of the two insertion channels 107, 108 of the electric wire.

[0081] The free end of each rear branch 221, 222 thus extends across one of the insertion corridors 107, 108, between one of the side walls 111, 112 of the housing 110 and the adjacent wall 106, and rests against the base wall 103.

[0082] The first end part 210 of the spring blade 200 emerges out of the housing 110 and extends towards the socket 120 ( figure 10 ).

[0083] This first end part 210 of the spring blade 200 extends here then substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction I of the connecting pin in the socket.

[0084] More specifically, here, the first end part 210 of the spring blade 200 emerges near the flared end 123A, 124A of the curved part 123, 124 of the side wing 101, 102 ( figure 10 ).

[0085] Furthermore, as shown by figures 1 , 4 And 7, part of the body 100 of the connecting element 1 extends into the longitudinal slot 210A, between the front arms 211, 212 of the leaf spring 200. This is part of the flat portion 121B, 122B of the intermediate part 121, 122 of each lateral wing 101, 102 of the body 100 of the connecting element 1.

[0086] Indeed, as the figure 10 , the height of each lateral wing 101, 102 of the body 100, measured along the insertion direction I of the connecting pin, is lower at the cambered portion 121A, 122A of the intermediate part 121, 122 of this lateral wing 101, 102 than at the flat portion 121B, 122B of the intermediate part 121, 122.

[0087] This allows the first end part 210 of the leaf spring 200 to emerge above the edges of the curved portions 121A, 122A of the intermediate parts 121, 122, such that the free ends of the front branches 211, 212 of the first end part 210 of the leaf spring 200 frame the ends of the flat portions 121B, 122B of the intermediate parts 121, 122 of the side wings 101, 102 ( figure 1 ).

[0088] The spring blade 200 is thus adapted to cooperate with said wings of the body 100 so as to limit the separation of the curved parts 123, 124 of the lateral wings 101, 102 delimiting the alveolus 120.

[0089] Here, in the waiting position, when no pin is inserted into the receiving socket 120, the free ends of the front branches 211, 212 of the first end part 210 of the spring blade 200 are in contact with the flat portions 121B, 122B of the intermediate parts 121, 122 of the lateral wings 101, 102, without exerting pressure on them.

[0090] Alternatively, in the standby position, the free ends of the front branches of the first end part of the spring blade may be out of contact with the ends of the flat portions of the intermediate parts of the lateral wings.

[0091] Alternatively, in this waiting position, the free ends of the front branches of the first end part of the spring blade can pinch the ends of the flat portions of the intermediate parts of the lateral wings.

[0092] In the second embodiment of the connecting element 2 according to the invention, shown in the figures 12 à 26 , body 300 has a more complex shape than body 100 of the first embodiment.

[0093] The body 300 of the connecting element 2 according to this second mode is represented on the figures 13 , 16 , 20 , 23 And 25 .

[0094] More particularly, the body 300 comprises, as in the first embodiment, two lateral wings 301, 302 each extending along a longitudinal direction of the connecting element, and each comprising a flat part partially delimiting said housing 310 and a curved part partially delimiting said receiving cavity 320.

[0095] The two lateral wings 301, 302 extend from a base wall 303, and extend globally in the direction of the longitudinal axis X2 of the connecting element 2.

[0096] The base wall 303 is substantially flat and here extends parallel to the longitudinal axis X2 of the connecting element 2 ( figure 16 ), unlike the base wall 103 of the first embodiment, which extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis X1 of the connecting element 1 ( figure 1 ).

[0097] Each lateral wing 301, 302 thus forms one of the main lateral walls 311, 312 of the housing 310, while the base wall 303 constitutes a bottom of this housing 310 ( figures 13 And 16 ).

[0098] The main side walls 311, 312 defined by the two side wings 301, 302 are flat and extend at right angles from the base wall 303 ( figures 13 And 16 ).

[0099] Each side wall 311, 312 here has the shape of an elongated rectangle along the longitudinal axis X2 of the connecting element 2. The base wall 103 connects two long edges of these rectangles.

[0100] From each main side wall 311, 312 of the housing, the side wing 301, 302 extends in two directions.

[0101] It extends on one side along the longitudinal axis X2, by the intermediate part 321, 322 and the curved part 323, 324 which forms the alveolus 320, according to an arrangement similar to that of the first embodiment.

[0102] The intermediate part 321, 322 extends more precisely from one of the short edges of the rectangle formed by each main lateral wall 311, 312.

[0103] The main intermediate parts 321, 322 of the lateral wings 301, 302 connect the lateral walls 311, 312 to the cell 320.

[0104] Each intermediate part 321, 322 comprises, successively from the corresponding main side wall 311, 312, a fold 304 inwards from the connecting element 2, a curved portion 321A, 322A outwards, and a flat portion 321B, 322B. The two flat portions 321B, 322B extend parallel to each other, close to each other ( figures 18, 20 , 21, 23 ).

[0105] The 304 fold here has a radius of curvature greater than that of the cambered portion 321A, 322A.

[0106] Each of the flat portions 321B, 322B is extended by one of the curved walls 323, 324 towards the interior of the connecting element, partially forming the socket 320. Each curved wall 323, 324 has an end 323A, 324A which is flared so as to facilitate the insertion of the connecting pin into the socket 320.

[0107] Each lateral wing 301, 302 extends further, from each main lateral wall 311, 312 of the housing 310, by a return 341, 342 towards the interior of the housing 310, which forms an insertion conduit 343, 344 of generally rounded shape.

[0108] Each return 341, 342 extends more precisely from the long edge of the rectangle formed by each main side wall 311, 312 opposite the long edge of this side wall 311, 312 which joins the base wall 303.

[0109] Each return 341, 342 has a rounded bottom and an end wall 341A, 342A which extends parallel to the main side walls 311, 312 of the housing 310, into the interior of this housing 310, along the entire length of this housing 310.

[0110] The insertion conduit 343, 344 guides the insertion of the bare core of the electrical wire into said housing 310 ( figures 15 et 16 ).

[0111] Here, the side walls 311, 312 delimit, with the base wall 303, the intermediate parts 321, 322 of the side wings 301, 302, and the returns 341, 342, said housing 310.

[0112] This apartment 310 is completely open on one of its sides.

[0113] It constitutes a space for inserting the electrical wire into the housing 310, which extends along a direction E2 orthogonal to the insertion direction I of the connecting pin in the socket ( figure 16 ).

[0114] The E2 direction of insertion of the electric wire is therefore parallel here to the longitudinal axis X2 of the connecting element 2.

[0115] The housing 310 is here open along this direction E2 on the opposite side to the intermediate parts 321, 322 of the side wings 301, 302, to allow the introduction of the electrical wire.

[0116] In this second embodiment, the spring blade 400 has the shape shown on the figures 14 , 17 , 19 , 22 And 26 .

[0117] The spring blade 400 has, when flat, a substantially rectangular contour, slightly tapered at its first free end 401, which extends along a longitudinal direction.

[0118] It is here bent only around the first transverse axis T3, at the level of a bent portion 430.

[0119] The first end part 410 and the second end part 420 of the spring blade 400 extend on either side of this angled portion 430, towards the free ends 401, 402 of the spring blade 400.

[0120] These two parts 410, 420 of the spring blade 400 are flat.

[0121] The longitudinal slot 410A extends here in the plane of the leaf spring 400, along the first end part 410 ( figure 14 , 17 , 19 And 22 ).

[0122] It separates the first end part 410 of the spring blade 200 located at the first end 401 into two front branches 411, 412 ( figure 3 ).

[0123] Moreover, here, the second part 420 of the spring blade 400 is also separated into two rear branches 421, 422 by another longitudinal slot 440 ( figure 14 ). This other longitudinal slot 440 extends along the entire length of the second end portion 420 of the spring blade 400, through the angled portion 430 and partially along the first end portion 410 of the spring blade 400.

[0124] The free end of each of the two rear branches 421, 422 is also separated into two tabs 421A, 421B, 422A, 422B ( figures 17 And 19 ) by a longitudinal cut.

[0125] The lateral tongue 421A, 422A located laterally towards the outside of the leaf spring 400 is straight and extends in line with the corresponding rear arm 421, 422, while the central tongue 421B, 422B located in the middle of the leaf spring 400 is curved towards the first end part 410 of the leaf spring 400.

[0126] In practice, the spring blade 400 is housed in the body 300 in such a way that the first end part 410 of the spring blade 400 is mostly housed in the housing 310 of the body 300. The second end part 420 of the spring blade 400 is entirely housed in this housing 310.

[0127] As shown by figure 15 , the first end part 410 of the spring blade 400 is applied against the base wall 303 of the housing 310. It then extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X2 of the connecting element 2, and substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction I of the connecting pin in the socket 320.

[0128] As in the first embodiment, the width of the spring blade 400 is substantially equal, within a certain clearance, to the width of the insertion space internally delimited by the housing 310 of the body 300, with the exception of a central area of ​​the spring blade 400 which has a greater width because two lugs 431, 432 extend locally from the edge of the spring blade 400 ( figures 19 And 22 ).

[0129] The spring blade 400 also includes means for holding it in the housing 310, which cooperates in retention with complementary means of the body 300 of the connecting element 2.

[0130] More specifically, here the first end part 410 of the spring blade 400 has the two ears 431, 432 which extend in the plane of the first end part 410 of the spring blade 400, outwards from the spring blade 400.

[0131] Each of these ears 431, 432 is received in a notch 306 of the body 300 of the connecting element 2, located here at the junction between the base wall 303 and the main side walls 311, 312 of the housing 310 ( figures 15, 16 , 24 et 25 ).

[0132] The spring blade 400 is thus locked against the stop in the housing 310 according to the direction and the insertion direction of the electrical wires.

[0133] The second end part 420 of the leaf spring 400 extends across the housing 310. The central tabs 421B, 422B of the rear arms 421, 422 of the second end part 420 of the leaf spring 400 bear against the edge of the end walls 441A, 442A of the returns 441, 442. The lateral tabs 421A, 422A of the rear arms 421, 422 of the second end part 420 of the leaf spring 400 extend into the insertion channels 343, 344, across them.

[0134] The spring blade 400 is here slightly pre-stressed so that this second end part 420 of the spring blade 400 constantly exerts pressure against the end walls of the returns 441, 442 of the housing 310.

[0135] Alternatively, the spring blade is housed in the housing at rest, without preload. The second end portion of the spring blade may or may not be in contact with the end walls of the housing returns.

[0136] The first end portion 410 of the spring blade 400 emerges from the housing 310 and extends towards the socket 320 ( figure 12 , 18 , 21 And 24 ).

[0137] Furthermore, as shown by figures 12 , 18 , 21 And 24 , part of the body 300 of the connecting element 2 extends into the longitudinal slot 410A, between the first branches 411, 412 of the spring blade 400. This is part of the flat portion 321B, 322B of the intermediate part 321, 322 of each lateral wing 301, 302 of the body 300 of the connecting element 2.

[0138] Indeed, as the figure 25 , the height of each lateral wing 301, 302 of the body 100, along the insertion direction I of the connecting pin, is greater at the level of the planar portion 321 B, 322B of the intermediate part 321, 322 of this lateral wing 301, 302.

[0139] One end of the flat portion 321B, 322B of the intermediate part 321, 322 then extends from the edge of the lateral wing 301, 302, projecting out from the cambered portion 321A, 322A of the intermediate part 321, 322 and from the cambered part 323, 324 forming the alveolus, near the base wall 303.

[0140] Thus, the first end portion 410 of the leaf spring 400 emerges from the housing 310 near the base wall 303, close to the edge of the side wing 301, 302, and the free ends of the front arms 411, 412 of the first end portion 410 of the leaf spring 400 frame the flat portions 321B, 322B of the intermediate parts 321, 322 of the side wings 301, 302 ( figures 12 , 15 , 18 , 21 , 24 ).

[0141] The spring blade 400 is thus adapted to cooperate with said wings 301, 302 of the body 300 so as to limit the separation of the curved parts 323, 324 delimiting the cavity 320.

[0142] Here, in the waiting position when no pin is inserted into the receiving socket, the free ends of the front branches 411, 412 of the first end part 410 of the spring blade 400 are in contact with the flat portions 321B, 322B of the intermediate parts 321, 322 of the lateral wings 301, 302, without exerting pressure on them.

[0143] Alternatively, in the standby position, the free ends of the front branches of the first end part of the spring blade may be out of contact with the ends of the flat portions of the intermediate parts of the lateral wings.

[0144] Alternatively, in this waiting position, the free ends of the front branches of the first end part of the spring blade can pinch the ends of the flat portions of the intermediate parts of the lateral wings and thus exert pressure on them.

[0145] In practice, thanks to the connection element 1; 2 according to the invention, the electrical conduction and clamping functions of the connecting pin and the electrical wire are decoupled.

[0146] Electrical conduction is ensured solely by the body 100; 300, while the spring blade 200; 400 ensures the clamping of the connecting pin in the connecting socket 120; 320 and of the electrical wire in the housing 110; 310.

[0147] In addition, the tightening of the connecting pin and that of each electrical wire is ensured independently.

[0148] Indeed, when the connecting pin is inserted into the socket, it is engaged in the socket according to the insertion direction I, from the flared end of the socket 120; 320 towards the inside of the socket 120; 320.

[0149] In doing so, the connecting pin tends to move the curved parts 123, 124; 323, 324 away from each other from the lateral wings 101, 102; 301, 302.

[0150] However, such a separation immediately causes the separation of the flat portions 121B, 122B; 321B, 322B of the intermediate parts 121, 122; 321, 322 of the lateral wings 10, 102; 301, 302.

[0151] The spacing of the flat portions 121B, 122B; 321B, 322B of the intermediate parts 121, 122; 321, 322 of the lateral wings 101, 102; 301, 302 is itself strongly limited by the action of the spring blade 200; 400 on these flat portions 121B, 122B; 321B, 322B of the intermediate parts 121, 122; 321, 322 of the lateral wings 101, 102; 301, 302.

[0152] Indeed, this spacing tends to move the front branches 211, 212; 411, 412 away from the spring blade 200; 400 in the plane of the spring blade 200; 400. The spring blade 200; 400 is then stressed in a transverse direction.

[0153] The spring blade 200; 400 exhibits low elasticity in this transverse direction, and allows only a small separation of the flat portions 121B, 122B; 321B, 322B of the intermediate parts 121, 122; 321, 322 of the lateral wings 101, 102; 301, 302.

[0154] Thus, when the connecting pin is inserted into the socket, the front branches 211, 212; 411, 412 of the spring blade spread apart elastically, then tend to return to their initial positions.

[0155] The spring blade 200; 400 thus cooperates with the said wings of the body 100; 300 so as to oppose the separation of the curved parts 123, 124; 323, 324 of the lateral wings 101, 102; 301, 302 delimiting the alveolus 120; 320.

[0156] In other words, the spring blade 200; 400 cooperates with the said body wings 100; 300 to bring the curved parts 123, 124; 323, 324 of the lateral wings 101, 102; 301, 302 delimiting the alveolus 120; 320 closer together.

[0157] The front arms 211, 212; 411, 412 of the spring blade 200; 400 bring the flat portions 121B, 122B; 321B, 322B of the intermediate parts 121, 122; 321, 322 of the lateral wings 10, 102; 301, 302 towards each other, and with them, the curved parts 123, 124; 323, 324 of the socket, so as to bring said curved parts 123, 123; 323, 324 closer together. This is the case at least when the connecting pin is inserted into the socket 120; 320.

[0158] In doing so, the front branches 211, 212; 411, 412 of the spring blade 200; 400 ensure the clamping of the connecting pin against the curved parts 123, 124; 323, 324 of the socket.

[0159] Furthermore, the second end part 220; 420 of the spring blade 200, 400 is adapted to flex slightly around the first transverse axis T1; T3 to allow the introduction of the electrical wire into the corresponding housing 110; 310.

[0160] Here, two electrical wires can be introduced into each connection element 1; 2, in one of the two insertion channels 107, 108; 343, 344 of housing 110, 310 described previously.

[0161] In the first embodiment, each electrical wire is inserted in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X1 of the connecting element 1 and parallel to the insertion direction I of the connecting pin.

[0162] In the second embodiment, each electrical wire is inserted in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X2 of the connecting element 2 and perpendicular to the insertion direction I of the connecting pin.

[0163] In all cases, each rear branch 221, 222; 421, 422 is adapted to flex independently of the other rear branch, to allow insertion of the stripped core of the electrical wire.

[0164] The free end 202; 402 of the rear branch 221, 222; 421, 422 then exerts pressure on the bare core of the electrical wire, so as to press it either against the base wall 103 of the housing 110 in the first embodiment, or against one of the returns 341, 342 in the second embodiment.

[0165] The electrical connection of the electrical wire and the connecting pin is thus secured effectively, by a connection element whose cost is controlled.

Claims

1. A connection element (1; 2) for a power outlet, the connection element comprising a body (100; 300) and a spring blade (200; 400) that is housed in the body; • said spring blade (200; 400) including, at a first free end (201; 401), two branches (211, 212; 411, 412) that are adapted to clamp between them an electrical-accessory connector pin that is inserted into the connection element (1; 2) and, at a second free end (202; 402), at least one branch (221, 222; 421, 422) that is adapted to clamp, against said body (100; 300) of the connection element (1; 2), an electric wire that is inserted into the connection element(1; 2); • said spring blade (200; 400) being formed as a single piece by a metal strip having a portion (210; 410) situated at its first free end (201; 401) that includes a longitudinal slot (210A; 410A) that separates said two branches (211, 212; 411, 412) that are adapted to clamp between them the connector pin; and • said body (100; 300) forming firstly a housing (110; 310) that receives at least said second free end (201; 401) of the spring blade (200; 400) and, secondly a reception socket (120; 320) for receiving said connector pin; said connection element being characterized in that the body (100; 300) includes two flanges (101, 102; 301, 302), each extending along a longitudinal direction of the connection element, and each including a plane portion (111, 112; 311, 312) that defines said housing (110; 310) in part, and a curved portion (123, 124; 323, 324) that defines said reception socket (120; 320) in part; and in that said spring blade (200; 400) is adapted to co-operate with said flanges of the body (100; 300) so as to limit the spacing between the curved portions (123, 124; 323, 324) that define the reception socket.

2. A connection element (1; 2) according to claim 1, wherein said two branches (211, 212; 411, 412) of the first free end (201; 401) extend along a mid-plane of the spring blade (200; 400) and they are adapted to move apart from each other resiliently and parallel to the mid-plane, while the connector pin is being inserted into the connection element (1; 2).

3. A connection element (1; 2) according to either preceding claim, wherein the spring blade (200; 400) further presents a shape that is bent around at least one transverse axis (T1; T3) that is orthogonal to said longitudinal slot (210A; 410A) and that is situated in the proximity of its second free end (202; 402).

4. A connection element (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the spring blade (200) is also bent around at least one other transverse axis (T2) that is orthogonal to said longitudinal slot (210A) and that is situated in the proximity of its first free end (201).

5. A connection element (1; 2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein portions of said flanges of the body (100; 300) are housed in the longitudinal slot (210A; 410A) of the spring blade (200; 400).

6. A connection element (1; 2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the body (100; 300) is made out of a conductive material comprising a metal alloy.

7. An electrical accessory including a connection element (1; 2) according to any preceding claim, for electrically connecting an electric wire to a connector pin that forms part of another electrical accessory.