Power connection module for forming part of junction box of connection assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a power connection module for forming part of a junction box of a connection assembly, wherein a cable terminal is clamped by a strip having at least one deformable portion. The invention mainly comprises an electrical connection module (3, 3 ', 3' '; the invention relates to an electrical connection module (3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3) for forming part of a junction box of a connection assembly, having a longitudinal axis (X), having a main body provided with a cavity in which a cable termination contact is clamped between a fixed part and a part which is transversely deformable when in contact with a strip, the clamping is effected by a tool from the outside and by a clamping mechanism having a cam and a force transmitting member or lever housed in the body of the module. The cam clamping mechanism provides separate clamping of the terminal contacts to ensure desired electrical continuity with substantial forces and reduced space requirements within the module, the body of the module having a smaller size.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of power connectors.

[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates to terminal block connection assemblies.

[0003] Here and in the context of the present invention, a "junction box" is understood as a device for ensuring electrical continuity between an electrical cable and another part of a device. A junction box (also called a connection terminal or a screw terminal) is an electrically insulating module that secures together two or more wires / cables to be electrically interconnected and comprises an insulating support and at least one clamping member for securing the wire / cable.

[0004] Here and in the context of the present invention, a "contact" is understood to be an element made of an electrically conductive material for transmitting electric current.

[0005] Although described with reference to preferred applications, namely aviation applications, and more specifically aircraft wiring applications, the present invention can be implemented in any other application requiring power connections, especially power connections of several hundred amperes and / or volts and especially power connections with many cables / wires connected to each other in the joint area. Background Art

[0006] One of the operations in wiring an aircraft is the electrical interconnection of many power cables / wires.

[0007] This operation is usually performed using a screw terminal block that is fixed to the structure of the aircraft, into which the various cables / wires are inserted and then secured by clamping.

[0008] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An example of such a known junction box is shown, indicated as a whole by reference numeral 1, which is designed to connect, by means of a screw / nut system, two or more cables 2 equipped with lugs 20 at their ends.

[0009] The terminal box 1 firstly comprises an electrically insulating support 10 in which there are fixed terminal screws 11 , each screw 11 forming a screw / nut system with a nut 12 for clampingly fitting to a lug 20 of a cable 2 .

[0010] A washer 13 of the corrugated washer type, in particular an electrically conductive washer, is provided for each screw / nut system.

[0011] Each terminal screw 11 passes through a conductive rod 14. This rod 14 forms a bearing surface for the cable lugs 20 and thus forms an electric shunt between the cables 2 to be electrically connected. This plate 14 is optional and each screw 11 is electrically independent. As an alternative, the plate 14 can extend only over part of the length and only electrically connect some of the screws.

[0012] The support 10 is fixed to the aircraft structure S by means of cylindrical screws 15 .

[0013] The cap 16 held by the cylindrical screw 15 forms a protective cover for the system of screw 11 and nut 12 .

[0014] Since the junction box 1 is not sealed, an additional cover, usually called an “umbrella”, is fixed to the structure of the aircraft over the junction box to prevent condensed moisture from escaping directly to the cables 2 connected in the junction box.

[0015] Apart from this non-sealed aspect, this screw terminal box 1 has a number of serious disadvantages.

[0016] First, the lug 20 must be perfectly oriented to be threaded around the terminal screw 11 for a satisfactory electrical connection. In most cases, this means that the operator must disassemble the cable 2.

[0017] The number of parts (screws, nuts, washers, diverter rods, covers, umbrellas) that the operator in charge of assembly has to manage is high, and in addition, the risk of losing parts is high, with the result that there is a risk of possible damage by foreign objects or mechanical debris (FOD, which stands for "Foreign Object Damage"), a risk that the aim is to explicitly avoid in the aviation sector.

[0018] This risk of losing parts is greater if the area in which the existing terminal box 1 is assembled is difficult for the operator to access and / or the access is very limited and / or in a difficult position to handle. For example, the insulating support 10 is usually fixed to the ceiling in the structure of the aircraft. This may mean that the lugs mounted on the screws 11 cannot be in place before the nuts 12 are also assembled. In other words, there is no function of initially keeping the lugs on the screws in place.

[0019] In addition to the inherent clamping operation by means of screws, which can take a long time for a specialized operator, another operator also systematically checks the clamping torque of the lugs 20 for fixing the cables.

[0020] There is also the case where the screw terminal blocks require that the cables are not powered to avoid electrical risks to the operator responsible for the electrical connection. Furthermore, these risks cannot be completely avoided during the tests to check the correct operation.

[0021] Therefore, it ends up taking a long time to install the screw terminal box.

[0022] Furthermore, the lugs 20 may need to be oriented at 180°, which is not very compatible with rigid cables, which typically have a diameter of about AWG 000 (unit of measurement "American Wire Gauge"), ie 10.4 mm.

[0023] Finally, screw terminal boxes do not allow for modularity, since the number of cables 2 that can be connected in exactly the same terminal box is fixed.

[0024] Patent US10998649B2 discloses a terminal box in which, after the terminal box is inserted into the cavity of the body, the cable conductor is clamped between a fixed strip and a movable and deformable strip actuated directly by the operator using a rotating lever. This solution is not directly applicable to cable terminals. In addition, the clamping force is reduced. Finally, the inserted conductor is not locked in place. The space required to actuate the rotating lever is also large, so that the operator's hand can have better access. However, such access is unlikely in an aviation environment. The detection of the correct insertion of the cable is also not performed.

[0025] CN211404771U also discloses a junction box in which the cable conductor is clamped by means of a set screw through the deformation of the contact strip. This solution has the same drawbacks as the solution of patent US10998649B2. In addition, the end of the clamping force cannot be determined because it is directly associated with the manual screw engagement performed. The detection of the correct insertion of the conductor at the correct depth is not performed.

[0026] In order to improve the existing junction boxes, the applicant's patent application EP3758165 proposes a connection assembly that can increase modularity, make installation easier (more particularly in areas where access is limited and / or many wires / cables are to be connected), and prevent electrical risks to operators responsible for the connection.

[0027] Although this solution is entirely satisfactory, there is still a need for improvements, in particular for transmitting high currents (typically up to 400 A), which involve high contact pressures and therefore high connection forces, without causing premature wear of the contacts.

[0028] The present invention aims to fully or partially meet this need. Summary of the invention

[0029] To this end, according to one aspect of the invention, the invention relates to an electrical connection module for forming part of a terminal box of a connection assembly, having a longitudinal axis X, said electrical connection module comprising:

[0030] at least one body made of electrically insulating material and comprising at least one cavity extending along said axis X and designed to house a cable termination comprising a preferably cylindrical contact intended to be attached to a cable, preferably crimped onto the cable;

[0031] - at least one strip, comprising: at least one portion of the strip electrically conductive and at least partially housed in said cavity, either fixedly or with play; and at least one portion of the strip elastically deformable between a rest position, in which the strip defines a space designed to enable the insertion of a contact of said cable terminal along said axis X, and a deformed position, in which the strip clamps the contact of said cable terminal perpendicularly to said axis X, so as to establish electrical continuity between said contact and one or more strips;

[0032] - at least one clamping mechanism, intended to be actuated by rotation from the outside, comprising means for converting a rotational movement into a translational movement perpendicular to said axis X, said means applying a force (F) to the deformable portion of said strip so as to move said strip from its rest position to its deformed position in which it clamps the contacts of said cable terminal.

[0033] In other words, the essence of the invention consists in a module for a junction box connection assembly having a body provided with a cavity into which, after the cable termination contact has been inserted, the contact is clamped between a fixed portion and a portion laterally deformable upon contact with a strip, the clamping being effected from the outside by means of a tool and by means of a clamping mechanism having a cam and a force transmission member or lever housed in the body of the module.

[0034] The cam clamping mechanism provides individual clamping of the terminal contacts to ensure the desired electrical continuity with considerable force and reduced space requirements within the module, the body of the module having small dimensions.

[0035] Advantageously, the force transmission component is configured to be insertable into a transverse groove of the terminal contact to indicate the correct positioning (insertion) of the contact in the cavity. If the insertion is incorrect, the force transmission component abuts a portion of the preferably cylindrical contact, thereby not allowing the clamping mechanism to be actuated. In addition, the force transmission component prevents the contact from sliding between the metal plates.

[0036] In an advantageous option, a locking device can lock the mechanism in the deformed position of the strip and thus in the configuration in which the contacts are clamped for the desired electrical continuity.

[0037] One or more strips are shaped so as to form at least two, advantageously three direct linear or surface contact areas with the contacts of the cable termination in the deformed position of the second strip.

[0038] These linear or surface contact areas are distributed angularly, preferably regularly, around the periphery of the contact. Advantageously, three linear contact areas are arranged at approximately 120° relative to each other.

[0039] By means of these contact areas which are regularly distributed around the contact, a well-distributed clamping around the cylindrical cable lug contact can be ensured.

[0040] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the module comprises a single strip whose cross section perpendicular to said axis X is substantially U-shaped.

[0041] According to this embodiment, the clamping mechanism advantageously comprises a lever pivotably mounted in the body and accessible from the outside in order to deform at least one of the two arms of the U-shape and thus move the at least one arm from its rest position to its deformed position.

[0042] According to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the module comprises: at least one electrically conductive, rigid first strip, which is housed in the cavity; and at least one electrically conductive second strip, which is housed in the cavity and comprises at least one portion that is elastically deformable between a rest position and a deformed position.

[0043] According to this other embodiment, the clamping mechanism comprises:

[0044] - a force transmission component housed in the body,

[0045] an interface part for a tool (H), which is mounted freely rotatably in a receiving portion of the body and is designed to be rotated by said tool,

[0046] a clamping cam fixed to the interface part or formed integrally with the interface part, the rotation of which causes the force transmission part to move in translation perpendicularly to the axis X, the clamping cam applying a force (F) to the second strip so as to move it from its rest position to its deformed position in which it clamps the contact of the cable terminal.

[0047] Advantageously, the interface part may comprise an interface recess for a tool, preferably a hexagonal socket recess.

[0048] According to an advantageous embodiment variant, the body and / or the interface part of the module comprises at least one visual indicator arranged to be visible to the operator to indicate to the operator that the clamping position of the contacts of the cable terminal is correct. The body and / or the interface part of the module may therefore comprise a distinct colored area as a visual indicator.

[0049] According to an advantageous embodiment variant, the force transmission component comprises a locking portion which is designed to be inserted into a circumferential groove of a contact of the cable terminal while the force transmission component is moving in translation and thus to lock the contact in the body, preferably before or while the contact is clamped. Thus, before a clamping force is applied to the terminal contact, the terminal contact is blocked in the correct insertion position.

[0050] According to an advantageous feature, the locking portion has a shape complementary to the shape of the circumferential groove of the contact of the cable termination.

[0051] According to an advantageous configuration, the second strip is freely mounted in the first strip at one of its ends and is free at its other end.

[0052] Preferably, the clamping cam is rotatably mounted between the two arms of the first strip. This improves the reaction of mechanical forces, especially in temperature-limited environments.

[0053] According to an advantageous variant, the force transmission member also comprises a return portion for returning the second strip to its rest position during a release operation after unlocking the contacts.

[0054] According to an advantageous embodiment, the body comprises an opening adjacent to the cavity and provided with at least one protrusion or a plurality of longitudinal straight grooves, preferably regularly distributed at an angle, each longitudinal straight groove being designed to be received between two adjacent ribs of the sleeve of the cable terminal or to receive a straight spline formed around the sleeve, respectively. One or more protrusions or splines of the sleeve of the terminal can react to the torsional forces exerted by the cable on the body of the module. In addition, once the contact is clamped in the connection module, one or more protrusions or splines of the sleeve of the terminal can prevent the contact from rotating due to sliding.

[0055] By choosing a small angular sector between the splines, the contacts can be inserted into the module without angular indexing.

[0056] According to an advantageous embodiment, the module comprises a locking / unlocking device for locking / unlocking the clamping mechanism when the clamping cam is in its rotational position corresponding to the deformed position of the second strip.

[0057] According to a first embodiment variant, the locking device comprises:

[0058] - holes made in the interface parts,

[0059] - a rigid pin mounted on a spring, preferably a helical compression spring, the pin and the spring being housed inside the body of the module so that, in the deformed position of the second strip, a restorative force is exerted on the pin by the spring, the pin is inserted into the hole and thereby locks the clamping mechanism, the clamping mechanism being unlocked by a torque applied to the interface part, the torque being designed to overcome the restorative force exerted by the spring.

[0060] According to a second embodiment variant, the locking device comprises:

[0061] - grooves made in the interface part,

[0062] - a rigid strip on a spring, preferably a helical compression spring, the rigid strip being partially housed inside the body of the module and the spring being housed inside the body, so that in the deformed position of the second strip, a restorative force is exerted on the rigid strip by the spring, the free end of the rigid strip being inserted into the groove and thereby locking the clamping mechanism, the clamping mechanism being unlocked by pressing on the part of the rigid strip protruding from the body, the pressing being designed to overcome the restorative force exerted by the spring.

[0063] According to a third embodiment variant, the locking device comprises:

[0064] - at least one pin formed on the outer circumference of the interface part or the clamping cam,

[0065] - a spring, preferably a helical compression spring, housed inside the body of the module, so that in the deformed position of the second strip, the spring exerts a restorative force on the interface part and the clamping cam in order to cause the pin to sink into the body by releasing the interface part from the body and thereby lock the clamping mechanism, the clamping mechanism being unlocked by pressing the interface part, the pressing being designed to overcome the restorative force exerted by the spring.

[0066] According to a fourth embodiment variant, the locking device comprises:

[0067] - a slot made on the outer surface of the body, at the periphery of the interface part,

[0068] - a flexible tab fixed to the interface part or formed integrally with the interface part so that, in the deformed position of the second strip, the free end of the tab is inserted into the narrow slot and thereby locks the clamping mechanism, which is unlocked by releasing the free end of the tab, the release being designed to overcome the resilient force exerted by the flexible tab.

[0069] According to a fifth embodiment variant, the locking device comprises:

[0070] an interface part for a tool, which is mounted freely rotatably in a receiving part of the body and is designed to be rotated by said tool, said interface part being a cylindrical part provided with a flat portion, thereby forming a cam,

[0071] a locking part, one wall of which extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis X and which is mounted in the body so as to be movable in translation between a clamping mechanism locking position and an unlocking position, the locking part being arranged relative to the interface part such that:

[0072] When the locking member is in its unlocked position, the cylindrical portion of the cam mechanically interferes with another wall of the locking member, thereby preventing the locking member from transitioning to its locked position;

[0073] When the locking member is in its locked position, any rotation of the cam causes its flat portion to abut the straight portion of the other wall of the locking member, thereby preventing the locking member from transitioning to its unlocked position.

[0074] According to this fifth variant, when the locking part is in its locking position, the one wall projects into the opening, while when the locking part is in its unlocking position, the one wall is retracted from the inside of the opening, the one wall being designed to be inserted into a transverse groove of the sleeve of the cable terminal and thus to lock the cable terminal in the body, preferably after or while the contacts are clamped.

[0075] According to a first connection configuration, the first strip includes a portion extending out of the body and designed to be electrically connected to the busbar by welding or threaded engagement.

[0076] The electrical connection module can also be used for connection between electrical wire harnesses, that is, connection between at least two separate cable terminals.

[0077] Thus, according to the second connection configuration, the module comprises:

[0078] - two aligned or side-by-side bodies fixed to each other or forming a single one-piece component,

[0079] - a single first strip common to the cavities of the two bodies,

[0080] - at least two second strips independent of each other, each second strip being used to clamp a contact,

[0081] - At least two clamping mechanisms that are independent of each other. For example, at least two cable terminals can be connected in series within the same module.

[0082] According to this second embodiment and the alternative connection between one current input and three outputs, the arrangement in the module is:

[0083] - each body comprises at least two cavities, aligned or not, extending preferably parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) of the module,

[0084] - two second strips of the same body are electrically interconnected and preferably shared by the cavities of the two bodies so as to form an electrical split between at least four cable terminals when the at least four cable terminals are respectively accommodated in the cavities.

[0085] According to the third connection configuration, the module includes:

[0086] - two aligned or side-by-side bodies fixed to each other or forming a single one-piece component,

[0087] - a single first strip common to the cavities of the two bodies,

[0088] - a single second strip comprising a plurality of independent deformable portions, each deformable portion being adapted to grip a contact,

[0089] - At least two clamping mechanisms independent of each other.

[0090] The present invention also relates to a junction box connection assembly, comprising a plurality of modules of the same size or different sizes, wherein the modules have cavities of the same size or different sizes for accommodating cable terminals of the same size or different sizes.

[0091] The invention finally relates to a structure, in particular for an aircraft, comprising at least one electrical connection module as described above and / or at least one terminal box connection assembly as described above, preferably fastened to a rail support, the rail support itself being intended to be fastened to the structure.

[0092] The present invention has many advantages over existing arrangements, including:

[0093] - By replacing the usual lugs with cylindrical contacts, the problem of needing to orient the cable, which can be very rigid, is eliminated;

[0094] - Reducing the time required to install cables in structures, in particular aircraft structures, through a rapid installation system that ensures effective clamping of the cable terminals without the need for “twisting”, that is to say by applying a specific clamping force to obtain maximum precision;

[0095] - Each cable terminal is individually connected in a single cavity or multi-cavity connection module;

[0096] - effortless coupling, since the distance between the two strips before clamping enables easy insertion without friction, which further has the advantage of not causing wear to the contacts and / or any coating they may have;

[0097] - high contact pressure between the electrical contacts of the cable terminations within the module and the contact strips, thereby reducing the electrical contact resistance and thus enabling high current transmission with reduced heat;

[0098] - centering the contacts of the terminal between two contact strips over a considerable length within the module, which, combined with the high contact pressure, prevents vibrations and any wear of the coating that the contacts may have;

[0099] - detecting the correct positioning of the terminal contacts in the module by means of a locking device for locking the clamping mechanism;

[0100] - Indication that the terminal contacts are correctly clamped in the module, both visually (marking on the module relative to an indicator on the interface part) and by feel (mechanical stop of the terminal contacts);

[0101] - in aircraft structures, the existing umbrella-shaped parts are eliminated by means of a sealing solution with a connection module, which sealingly accommodates the cable terminal in a cavity;

[0102] - No risk of losing parts (FOD, foreign object damage), since the solution according to the invention has no separate, removable parts to be installed;

[0103] - Protect the operator from electrical risks, as now the operator only needs to directly handle the electrically insulating parts (terminal bushings and modules);

[0104] -Highly modular, which can be easily adapted to various wiring configurations;

[0105] - Connection modules are particularly suitable for high voltage lines (several hundred volts) since there is only a single potential in the connection module (phase and ground in different modules are separate) and the leakage and insulation paths between the electrical conductors are long.

[0106] Conceivable applications for a junction box having a module according to the invention are numerous and include the wiring of civil aircraft.

[0107] Other advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, given by way of non-limiting illustration, and with reference to the following drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0108] Figure 1 A perspective view of an example of a screw terminal block for making electrical connections in the structure of an aircraft according to the prior art is shown.

[0109] Figure 2 is another perspective view of a screw terminal box according to the prior art showing a cable bundle with lugs connected in the terminal box.

[0110] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a connection module according to a first embodiment of the invention having two symmetrical bodies fixed to each other and having aligned cavities each housing a contact of a cable termination.

[0111] Figure 4 is based on Figure 3 Exploded view of the module with two cable terminals.

[0112] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view through the body of a connection module according to a first embodiment of the invention, illustrating the clamping of the contacts of a cable terminal in a cavity of the body by means of a mechanism integrated in the body.

[0113] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B are cross-sectional views through the clamping mechanism of the module, showing the position before clamping and after clamping by the contacts locking the cable terminal, respectively.

[0114] Fig. 7A , Figure 7B and Figure 7C is a partially perspective sectional view of a clamping mechanism for a clamping module, showing the position before clamping, the position of the contacts of the cable terminal so that clamping and locking are not possible, and the position after clamping by the locking contacts.

[0115] Figure 8 Reproduce from another perspective Figure 7C .

[0116] Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B is a cross-sectional view through the clamping mechanism of a module according to an embodiment variant, showing the position after clamping by locking the contacts of the cable terminal and the unclamped position after unlocking, into which the second strip is brought back by a part of the force transmission part.

[0117] Fig.10 is a perspective view of a cross section of a connection module according to a second embodiment of the invention, the cavity of the body of which accommodates the contacts of the cable termination.

[0118] Fig.11 is based on Fig.10 The module is shown in a perspective view after clamping by means of the contacts locking the cable terminals.

[0119] Fig. 12A , Fig. 12B and Fig. 12C is a perspective view of an insertion variant which prevents the contacts of the cable termination from rotating in the module.

[0120] Fig.13 is a view in longitudinal section of a variant of the seal of a connection module according to the invention, the connection module having two bodies fixed to one another, each housing a contact of a cable terminal.

[0121] Fig.14 is based on Fig.13 Cross-sectional view of a module showing the seal at the clamping mechanism.

[0122] Fig.15 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a connection module according to a first embodiment, the connection module having two bodies, each housing two adjacent cavities arranged side by side, illustrating the electrical current splitting achieved within the module body by means of deformable and rigid strips.

[0123] Fig.16 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a connection module according to a first embodiment, the connection module having two bodies, each housing two adjacent cavities, the connection module enabling an electrical connection to be established between one input electrical terminal and three output electrical terminals.

[0124] Fig.17 is based on Fig.16 Cross-sectional view of a module showing electrical current splitting achieved by both deformable and rigid strips within the same module.

[0125] Fig.18 is based on Fig.15 A perspective cross-sectional view of a module of , showing the electrical splitting achieved within the same module body, but only by rigid strips.

[0126] Fig.19 is a perspective sectional view of a connection module according to a first embodiment, the connection module having two bodies, each housing two adjacent cavities, the connection module having rigid strips insulated from one another and deformable strips also insulated from one another.

[0127] Fig. 20 is a perspective sectional view of a connection module according to a variant of the first embodiment, the connection module having a single one-piece second strip comprising two deformable portions.

[0128] Fig.21 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a junction box having a plurality of connection modules connected to the same busbar.

[0129] Fig.22A and Fig. 22B A perspective view, partly in section, shows a first variant of a clamping mechanism for locking / unlocking a connecting module according to the invention, respectively in an unlocked position and a locked position of the clamping mechanism.

[0130] Fig.23A and Fig. 23B A perspective view, partly in section, shows a second variant of a clamping mechanism for locking / unlocking a connecting module according to the invention, respectively in an unlocked position and a locked position of the clamping mechanism.

[0131] Fig.24A and Fig. 24B A perspective view, partly in section, shows a third variant of a clamping mechanism for locking / unlocking a connection module according to the invention, respectively in an unlocked position and a locked position of the clamping mechanism.

[0132] Fig.25A and Fig.25B A perspective view, partly in section, shows a fourth variant of a clamping mechanism for locking / unlocking a connection module according to the invention, respectively in an unlocked position and a locked position of the clamping mechanism.

[0133] Fig.26 and Fig.26A A perspective view and a longitudinal section view, respectively, of an electrical terminal and a connection module according to another embodiment of the invention, the connection module having two bodies fixed to each other, each accommodating a contact of a cable terminal, the connection module having contacts for locking the terminal and a device for fixing the locking.

[0134] Fig.27A and Fig.27B Shown according to Fig.26 and Fig.26A A partial perspective view of a connection module of an embodiment of the invention showing locking features of the device holding the device in place to allow insertion of contacts.

[0135] Fig.28A and Fig.28B are respectively corresponding to Fig.27A and Fig.28B Top view of the .

[0136] Fig.29 A partial perspective longitudinal section view showing the position of the locking member in its unlocked position.

[0137] Fig. 30A , Fig. 30B and Fig. 30C is shown for inserting the contacts into the Fig.26 and Fig.26A A perspective view of a longitudinal section of an embodiment of the module and the various steps of locking the contacts.

[0138] Fig.31 and Fig.32 is shown fixed according to Fig. 30C Top view of the locking of the contacts at the end of the locking step. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0139] Throughout this application, the terms "vertical", "lower", "upper", "bottom", "top", "below" and "above" are to be understood relative to the electrical connection module being configured in such a way that it is fixed in a horizontal arrangement, in particular to a rail support.

[0140] Similarly, the terms "inner" and "outer" are to be understood relative to the body of the electrical connection module according to the invention.

[0141] For the sake of clarity, identical elements of a cable according to the prior art and of a cable according to the invention are provided with identical reference numerals.

[0142] Figure 1 and Figure 2 It has been described in detail in the background technology section, so it will not be discussed again below. Figure 1 and Figure 2 .

[0143] Run through Figures 1 to 32 , the same element is denoted by the same reference numeral only.

[0144] Figure 3 and Figure 4 An example of an electrical connection module according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown, which is designated as a whole by reference numeral 3 and is intended to form a part of a terminal box of a connection assembly.

[0145] The electrical connection module 3 comprises two main bodies 30 fixed to each other, preferably, the two main bodies 30 are identical or symmetrical. The parts used to fix the two main bodies 30 to each other are not shown, but can be screws / nuts that completely pass through the main bodies.

[0146] Each body 30 is electrically insulating in the longitudinal axis X and is intended to house, clamp, lock and connect at least one terminal 4 of a cable 2 . The cable 2 comprises an outer sheath 20 surrounding an electrical conductor 21 .

[0147] More specifically, each body 30 comprises a cavity 31 therein, preferably two cavities 31 of identical size, adjacent to each other, in each cavity 31 , where the terminal 4 of the cable 2 is inserted, clamped and locked, as explained below.

[0148] The cable terminal 4 with a centre axis X1 comprises an electrically insulating sleeve 40 and a cylindrical electrical contact 41 which is crimped onto the cable 2 and which is inserted inside the sleeve 40 and fixed inside the sleeve 40 , in particular by snap-fastening.

[0149] The sleeve 40 includes straight splines 42 around its periphery, which extend over a portion of the length of the sleeve around the central axis X1 .

[0150] The cylindrical contact 41 is provided with a circumferential recess 43 which enables detection of a correct insertion of the contact 41 in the cavity 31 of the body 30 and locking of the contact 41 in the cavity 31 of the body 30 , as explained below.

[0151] A first conductive strip 32 is received fixedly in each cavity 31 or with a very small amount of play to facilitate installation in each cavity 31 and to re-center the contacts of the terminal after they have been clamped against the strip. Figure 4 In the example shown, the first strip 32 , which is U-shaped in cross section, is shared by the cavities 31 of the two bodies 30 .

[0152] A second strip 33, preferably a conductive strip, is also housed in each cavity 31. This second strip 33 is elastically deformable between a rest position, in which it defines, together with the first strip 32, a space designed to allow the insertion of a contact 41 of a cable terminal 4 along the axis X, and a deformed position, in which it clamps, together with the first strip, the contact of the cable terminal perpendicularly to the axis X, so as to establish electrical continuity between the contact 41 and the first strip 32 and the second strip 33.

[0153] In order to achieve deformation of the strip 33 and therefore clamping of the contacts 41 , the module 3 integrates in each body 30 a clamping mechanism 5 accessible from the outside and actuable by a tool capable of providing a considerable clamping force.

[0154] The mechanism 5 comprises a force transmission component 50 accommodated in the main body 30, an interface component 51 for a tool, and a clamping cam 52 fixed to the interface component 51 or formed integrally with the interface component 51, which is freely rotatably mounted in the receiving portion 34 of the main body and is designed to be rotatable by the tool.

[0155] like Figure 5 As shown, when the contact 41 is inserted into the cavity 31, the rotation of the clamping cam 52 achieved by the rotation (R) of the interface component 51 causes the transmission component 50 to translate perpendicularly to the axis X, thereby applying a force (F) to the second strip 33 through the cam 52 to move the second strip 33 from its static position ( Fig. 6A ) moves to its deformed position where it clamps the contact 41 ( Figure 6B ).

[0156] Figure 5 It is also shown that the strips 32 and 33 are advantageously shaped so that in the deformed position of the second strip 33, three direct linear contact areas are formed with the contact 41, as symbolically indicated by the arrows, which are arranged at substantially 120° relative to each other. These three angularly distributed direct linear contact areas make it possible to balance the contact and mechanically stabilize it in the connection module.

[0157] According to an advantageous mounting method, the second strip 33 is freely mounted at one end 330 thereof in the first strip 32 and is free at the other end 331 thereof ( Figure 5 , Fig. 6A , Figure 6B ).

[0158] According to another advantageous mounting method, the clamping cam 52 is rotatably mounted between the two arms 320, 321 of the first strip 32 ( Figure 5 , Fig. 6A , Figure 6B ). This not only provides a compact mounting of the clamping mechanism 5 and the strips 32, 33, but also improves the reaction force of the mechanical force transmitted from the cam to the strip 32, especially at high temperatures.

[0159] An advantageous variant consists in making the force transmission component 50 with a locking portion 53 designed to be inserted into the circumferential groove 43 of the contact 41 of the cable terminal 4 while the component 50 is moving in translation and thus to lock the cable terminal 4 in the body, preferably before or simultaneously with the clamping of the contact. Figure 5 As shown, preferably, the locking portion 53 has a shape complementary to that of the circumferential groove 43 of the contact 41 .

[0160] Thus, in the rest position of the strip 33 and when the interface part 51 is not rotated, the contact 41 can be inserted freely, i.e. effortlessly, between the strips 32 and 33 ( Fig. 7A ). In contrast, if the interface component has undergone rotation and is no longer in its open position, the locking portion 53 mechanically interferes with the contact 41 when the contact 41 is inserted, thereby preventing improper installation.

[0161] If the contact 41 is not inserted to a sufficient depth into the cavity 31 of the body 30, the locking portion 53 of the component 50 abuts against the cylindrical portion ( Figure 7B ). Therefore, in this configuration, it is not possible to lock the contact 41 in the cavity 31 and clamp the contact 41 by the strip 33 .

[0162] In contrast, if the contact 41 is correctly inserted into the cavity 31 of the body 30, the locking portion 53 of the component 50 is inserted into the circumferential groove 43 of the contact 41 and thus locks the contact 41 in the cavity 31 ( Figure 7C , Figure 8 ). In other words, the contact is prevented from moving in translation along the axis X. The contact 41 can then be clamped between the fixed strip 32 and the strip 33 to be deformed.

[0163] The interface component 51 may include an interface groove 54 for a tool, preferably a hexagonal socket groove. Thus, an operator can use a conventional external tool, such as a hexagonal wrench.

[0164] According to an advantageous embodiment variant, the body 30 of the module comprises at least one visual indicator 35, 36 and the interface part 51 also comprises at least one visual indicator 55. These visual indicators 35, 36, 55 are arranged on the upper surface of the body so as to be visible to the operators, thereby indicating to them the correct clamping position of the contacts 41 of the cable terminal, each visual indicator being in particular a distinct colored area. For example, in the example shown, when clamping is in effect, the indicator 55 in the form of a colored arrow of the interface part 51 is positioned next to the indicator 35 of the first color (for example green) of the body, and in the completely released position of the contacts (corresponding to the rest position of the strip 33), the indicator 55 is positioned next to the indicator 36 of the second color.

[0165] In an advantageous variant, the force transmission member 50 may also include a return 56 attached to the free end of the strip 33. In the example shown, the return 56 covers, so to speak, this free end of the strip 33. Thus, when the contact 41 is unlocked, the return 56 exerts a pulling force on the free end of the strip 33 and pulls the strip 33 from its deformed position ( Fig. 9A ) back to its resting position ( Fig. 9B ).

[0166] Fig.10 An example of an electrical connection module according to a second embodiment of the invention is shown, which is designated as a whole by reference numeral 3 ′ and which is also intended to form part of a terminal box of a connection assembly.

[0167] This electrical connection module 3 ′ comprises an electrically insulating body 30 for receiving, clamping, locking and connecting the terminal 4 of the cable 2 , as already described.

[0168] In this example, the module 3' comprises a single strip 33' of substantially U-shaped cross section, housed in the module cavity 31. One of the arms 330 of the U is rigid and fixed; the other arm 331 can be deformed so as to move closer to the fixed arm 330.

[0169] The clamping mechanism 5 ′ in this case consists of a single lever which is pivotably mounted about a fixed arm 330 while being accessible from the outside of the body 30 .

[0170] Therefore, once the contact 41 has been freely (ie, effortlessly) inserted between the two arms 330, 331 that are spaced apart from each other and in a rest position ( Fig.10 ), in the example shown, pivoting the rod 5' downwards makes it possible to accommodate and fix the free end 332 of the arm 331 in a suitable receiving portion 50' of the rod, thereby causing the arm 331 to move closer to the arm 330 due to the deformation ( Fig.11 ). Thus, in the deformed position of the arm 331, the contact 41 is clamped by the two arms 330, 331, which define two mutually facing direct surface contact areas with the contact 41. These two angled direct surface contact areas make it possible to balance the contact and mechanically stabilize it in the connection module. Fig.11 As shown, the shape and dimensions of the rod 5 ′ are advantageously chosen so as to follow as closely as possible the outside of the body 30 of the module, without protruding outwards.

[0171] like FIG. 12A to FIG. 12C As shown in detail, the module body 30 and a portion of the cable termination 4 may be manufactured to prevent the cable termination 4 from rotating once the contacts of the cable termination 4 are inserted into the cavity 31 .

[0172] Therefore, as shown in the figure, the main body 30 includes a tubular extension having an opening 38 adjacent to the cavity 31, and a plurality of longitudinal straight grooves 39 are provided on the inner side of the tubular extension. These longitudinal straight grooves are preferably regularly distributed at an angle, and each longitudinal straight groove 39 is designed to receive a straight spline 42 formed around the sleeve 40 of the cable terminal 4.

[0173] The splines 42 allow reaction forces to the torsional forces exerted by the cable 2 on the body of the module 3 and also prevent the contacts 41 from rotating due to sliding once they are inserted and clamped in the connection module 3 .

[0174] Preferably, the splines 42 have a small angular spacing from one another, thereby allowing the contacts 41 to be inserted into the body 30 of the module without having to previously rotationally index the contacts 41 .

[0175] Alternative sealed connections between the contact or contacts 41 of the terminal 4 and the body or bodies 30 of the module may be envisaged.

[0176] like Fig.13 As shown, this variant may consist, for example, in mounting at least one O-ring 44 on the free end of the sleeve 40 at the interface with the body 30 , and at least one annular eyelet 45 in the other end of the sleeve 40 at the interface with the cable 2 .

[0177] An O-ring 300 may also be provided at the interface between the two bodies 30 fixed to each other.

[0178] In addition, an O-ring 500 may be provided, which is arranged around the interface component 51 in its receiving portion ( Fig.14 ).

[0179] The connection module according to the invention enables various configurations for connection between electrical wiring harnesses having the cable terminals 4 .

[0180] As described and shown above, one and the same module 3 may comprise two preferably identical or symmetrical bodies 30 aligned next to each other and fixed to each other. This enables an electrical connection with a single input and a single output.

[0181] It is also possible to envisage a connection module 3″ having two bodies 30 arranged next to each other, which are electrically connected to two cable terminals ( Fig.15 ). Fig.15 As can be seen in the figure, a single first strip 32 and a second strip 33 are housed in the cavity 31. The single strip 33 includes two parts that are independently deformable and electrically interconnected by a cam clamping mechanism 51, thereby forming an electrical shunt between the two cable terminals 4 when the two cable terminals 4 are respectively inserted into the cavity. The two bodies 30 can be fixed to each other or can be integrally formed as a single one-piece component.

[0182] This variant with side-by-side module bodies can be realized, for example, on one and the same surface of a panel.

[0183] Other configurations with multiple outputs are possible.

[0184] Figures 16 to 18 A variant with one electrical input E and three electrical outputs S is shown, in which an electrical shunt is formed inside the body 30 of the connection module 3 ″ according to the first embodiment.

[0185] More specifically, if Fig.17 and Fig.18 As shown, the module 3''' comprises two aligned bodies 30 fixed to one another, each body 30 comprising inside two cavities 31 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) of the module.

[0186] Each contact 41 is clamped by means of a clamping mechanism 5 that is independent of each other.

[0187] The first strip 32 is shared by the cavities 31 of the two bodies 30 .

[0188] exist Fig.17 In a variation of , two mutually independent second strips 33 are received in the cavity 31 and are electrically interconnected, thereby forming an electrical shunt between the four cable terminals 4 when the four cable terminals 4 are respectively inserted into the cavities.

[0189] In order to retain the strips 32, 33 inside the body 30, retaining spacers 301 may be provided.

[0190] An alternative for forming an electrical shunt is Fig.18 It is shown in FIG. 1 that the electrical shunt is formed by only the first strip 32 , the deformable strips 33 being electrically insulated from each other.

[0191] Fig.19 Another variant with two inputs E and two outputs S is shown in , which may include two aligned and fixed bodies 30, each body 30 including two cavities 31, but without the diversion of two wires. In other words, the two wires pass through the connection module electrically independently of each other. In this variant, the module includes: two fixed first strips 32, which are independent of each other and electrically insulated; and at least one deformable second strip 33 per wire, these deformable second strips are insulated between each wire.

[0192] An alternative embodiment of the second strip 33 is Fig. 20 It is shown in the figure that a single strip 33 can be manufactured in the form of a one-piece component, which can be accommodated in two cavities 31 adjacent to each other, and has parts 333 that are elastically deformable independently of each other, for example by forming one or more holes 334 in the material between them.

[0193] Another possible configuration using the connection module according to the invention is to connect a plurality of terminals 4 of a plurality of cables 2 to a busbar or a connection bar.

[0194] This configuration Fig.21 , the configuration has three preferably identical modules 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, which are arranged in parallel adjacent to each other. In the configuration shown, the body 30 of each module comprises a single cavity 31, in which the contact 41 of the terminal 4 of the cable 2 is inserted and clamped.

[0195] Each first strip 32 includes an extension portion 322 extending to the outside of the main body 30 .

[0196] Each body 30 comprises a continuation 302 having the shape of a perfect parallelepiped and supporting an extension 322 of the strip 32 .

[0197] The parallel electrical connection between the various strips 32 and therefore between the cable terminals 4 is achieved by means of a common busbar 6, which is fixed by means of a screw / nut 60 in the extension 322 of each strip 32. Of course, it is possible to envisage fixing the busbar by welding instead of the screw / nut 60.

[0198] In order to ensure that the contacts 41 in the module body 30 are prevented from being unlocked (eg possibly due to vibrations, shocks etc.), the module 3 may be provided with a locking / unlocking device 7 for locking / unlocking the clamping mechanism 5 .

[0199] This device 7 is configured to be activated when the clamping cam 52 is in a rotational position corresponding to the deformed position of the second strip 33 .

[0200] A number of advantageous design variants are conceivable.

[0201] Fig.22A and Fig. 22B A first variant of such a device 7 is shown, comprising:

[0202] - a hole 70 made in the interface part 51,

[0203] - A rigid pin 71 mounted on a spring 72, preferably a helical compression spring. A set screw 73 makes it possible to retain the spring in the body and adjust the expansion and contraction of the spring.

[0204] The pin 71 and the spring 72 are accommodated in the body 30 so that in the deformed position of the second strip 33, the spring exerts a rebound force on the pin and the pin 71 is inserted into the hole 70 ( Fig. 22B ). The clamping mechanism 5 is thereby locked. The clamping mechanism 5 is unlocked by applying a torque to the interface part 51, which is designed to overcome the resilient force exerted by the spring 72 and thus bring the pin 71 out of the hole 70 ( Fig.22A ).

[0205] Fig.23A and Fig. 23B A second variant of the device 7 is shown, comprising:

[0206] - a groove 73 made in the interface part 51,

[0207] - A rigid strip 74 on a spring 75, preferably a helical compression spring.

[0208] The rigid strip 74 is partially housed inside the body 30 and the spring 75 is housed inside the body 30 so that in the deformed position of the second strip 33, a resilient force is exerted on the strip 74 by the spring and the free end of the strip 74 is inserted into the groove 73 ( Fig. 23B ). The clamping mechanism 5 is thereby locked. The clamping mechanism 5 is unlocked by pressing the portion of the strip 74 protruding from the body, which is designed to overcome the resilient force exerted by the spring 75 and thus bring the strip 74 out of the groove 73 ( Fig.23A ).

[0209] Fig.24A and Fig. 24B A third variant of the device 7 is shown, comprising:

[0210] - at least one pin 76 formed on the periphery of the interface part 51,

[0211] - A spring 760 , preferably a helical compression spring, housed inside the cam 52 .

[0212] In the deformed position of the second strip 33, the spring 760 pushes the interface part 51 back to the outside of the body 30, and the pin 76 of the interface part 51 is accommodated in the vertical groove formed in the body. When the pin 76 is accommodated in the vertical groove of the body, the interface part 51 and the cam 52 are not allowed to rotate.

[0213] To release the contacts, the operator presses vertically downwards with a tool in the groove 54 of the interface part 51. The interface part 51 is driven into the body and thus compresses the spring 760. At the same time, the pin 76 of the interface part leaves its receiving portion and is accommodated in a horizontal circular groove formed in the body. A rotational movement of the interface part 51 then becomes possible, thereby rotating the cam 52 and thus returning the second strip 33 to the rest position, thereby releasing the contacts.

[0214] This unlocks the clamping mechanism 5 ( Fig.24A ).

[0215] Fig.25A and Fig.25B A fourth variant of the device 7 is shown, comprising:

[0216] - a slot 77 made on the outer surface of the body, at the periphery of the interface part,

[0217] - a flexible tab 78 fixed to the interface part or formed integrally with the interface part so that in the deformed position of the second strip 33 the free end of the tab 78 is inserted into the slot 77 ( Fig.25B ). The clamping mechanism 5 is thereby locked. The clamping mechanism 5 is unlocked by releasing the free end of the tab 78, which is designed to overcome the resilient force exerted by the flexible tab ( Fig.25AA further slot 79 may be provided for receiving the free end in a released position of the contact 41 corresponding to the rest position of the strip 33 .

[0218] Fig.26 and Fig.26A A connection module according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown, which has two main bodies 30 fixed to each other, each main body 30 being used to accommodate a contact 41 of a cable terminal 4 .

[0219] According to this other embodiment, a locking / unlocking device 8 is provided for locking / unlocking the clamping mechanism 5 once the contact 41 is in position for insertion into the cavity 31 of the body 30. The device 8 can also detect the correct longitudinal position of the terminal inserted into the housing.

[0220] As shown, the body 30 is also secured to a track support 9 which is itself secured to a structure, such as an aircraft structure.

[0221] In this embodiment, the sleeve 40 includes a circumferential recess 46 .

[0222] The device 8 for locking and fixing the locking firstly comprises a bracket 80 which is fixed to the body 30 preferably by means of a threaded engagement.

[0223] The interface part 81 is freely rotatably mounted in the receiving part of the body 30. This part 81 is a cylindrical part provided with a flat part and thus forms a cam. This cam 81 can be made to rotate by a tool due to the presence of a groove, which can be conventional. The interface part 81 is held in the receiving part of the body 30 by a bracket 80.

[0224] The locking member 82, 83 is mounted so as to be movable in translation in the body 30 between a locked position in which a wall 83 of the member extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis X projects into the opening 38, and an unlocked position in which said wall 83 is withdrawn from the inside of the opening 38. In this unlocked position, the contact 41 can thus be freely inserted into the body 30 and thus housed in the cavity 31, since the sleeve 40 can slide freely inside the opening 38 without being disturbed by the locking members 82, 83 withdrawn from the inside of the opening 38.

[0225] The locking wall 83 can be moved in translation from its unlocking position to its locking position in a groove 84 provided for this purpose in the body 30 by abutting against a further wall 82 of the locking part in the continuation of the wall 83 .

[0226] The wall 83 further comprises at least one visual indicator 85. This visual indicator 85, in particular a distinct colored area, is arranged on the outer surface of the wall 83 so as to be visible to the operator in order to indicate to the operator the locked or unlocked position of the sleeve 40 and thus of the contacts 41 of the cable terminal 4. For example, in the example shown, the indicator 85 in the form of a colored area of ​​the wall 83 is located outside the body 30 when the wall 83 is retracted from the opening 38 and thus in the unlocked position, and when the wall 83 is in the position extending into the opening 38 and thus in the locked position of the sleeve 40 by the wall 83, the indicator 85 is no longer visible from the outside.

[0227] Furthermore, the bracket 80 may include one or more visual indicators, particularly in the form of engravings or markings of a padlock, for visually indicating the rotational position of the cam 81 , as explained below.

[0228] Now refer to FIG. 27A to FIG. 28B The operation of the device 8 for locking the rotation of the clamping mechanism 5 while still ensuring the correct longitudinal position of the detection terminal 4 when inserted into the body 30 is described.

[0229] The cam 81 is in a position blocking the wall 82 of the locking part. The position in which the wall 82 is blocked by the cam 81 itself indicates that the clamping mechanism 5 is partially or completely in the open / released position. This blocked position can be visually indicated to the operator by a visual indicator on the bracket. It can be an indicator showing an open padlock. In this blocked position, the parts 82, 83 are therefore in their unlocked position, i.e. the wall 83 is retracted from the inside of the opening 38.

[0230] like Fig.27B As symbolically shown by the arrow in , intentional or unintentional pressing of the wall 82 causes mechanical interference between the wall 82 and the cam 81 .

[0231] Therefore, if Fig.29 As shown, in this position where the parts 82, 83 are blocked and correspond to their unlocked position, the wall 83 does not protrude into the opening 38 and thus the contact 41 can be inserted to be accommodated in the cavity 31 of the body 30. In other words, the wall 83 does not block the passage diameter of the sleeve 40.

[0232] Insertion and locking of the contacts 41 are as follows.

[0233] When the cam 81 and the components 82 and 83 are in Fig.29 With the contact 41 in position, the operator inserts the contact 41 into the opening 38 and into the cavity 31 until the groove 46 and the groove 84 of the sleeve are aligned along the axis X, or in other words adjacent to each other ( Fig. 30A). To ensure correct alignment, a skirt 381 can be provided at the front end of the sleeve 40, the skirt 381 axially abutting against the surface of the bottom of the opening 38. In this position, the cylindrical portion 810 of the cam 81 does not allow any inward translational movement of the parts 82, 83.

[0234] Once the correct alignment has been achieved, the operator can rotate the cam 81 until the stop position, which can be indicated by a visual indicator on the bracket 80, such as by a closed padlock ( Fig. 30B The rotation of the interface part 81 causes the displacement of the clamping mechanism 5 through the translational movement of the force transmission part 50, thereby moving the strip 33 to its deformed position clamping the contact 41. In this position of the cam 81, the flat part 811 of the cam 81 is adjacent to the straight part of the wall 82.

[0235] A portion of the contact 41 is clamped by one or more strips 32 , 33 in at least two direct linear contact areas or surface contact areas.

[0236] The operator then presses on the wall 82, as Fig. 30C This moves the wall 83 to a locked position in which it is inserted into the groove 46 of the sleeve 40 ( Fig. 30C ). The visual indicator 85 is then no longer apparent from the outside, thereby indicating to the operator the correct locked positioning of the components 82, 83. The locking of the components 82, 83 also indicates to the operator that the sleeve 40 has been previously inserted into the correct longitudinal position in the opening 38. In other words, the locking of the components 82, 83 makes it possible to detect the correct longitudinal position of the terminal 4 inserted into the module after the contacts 41 have been clamped by the strips 32, 33.

[0237] Since the flat portion 811 of the cam is adjacent to the straight portion of the wall 82, the locking of the clamping mechanism 5 is further secured ( Fig.31 ).

[0238] Thus, in this configuration, if the operator rotates the cam 81, the flat portion 811 of the cam 81 immediately abuts against the wall 82, which is in its locked position ( Fig.32 ). In other words, the cam 81 cannot place itself in the unlocked position, which would release the restraint imposed by the strips 32 , 33 on the contact 41 .

[0239] In the following configuration of the module, before inserting the terminal 4 into the module, the clamping mechanism 5 is activated and the parts 82, 83 are locked, the operator cannot insert the terminal into the module due to the interference between the sleeve 40 and the wall 83. In order to be able to insert the terminal into the module, the operator needs to put the parts 82, 83 into their unlocked position and then put the cam 81 into the unlocked position before being able to do so.

[0240] Other variations and modifications may be provided without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0241] Modules of different sizes may be provided, with different numbers of cavities for accommodating cable terminations 4 of different sizes.

[0242] It is also possible to provide for fixing and locking the connection module in the track support 9, such as Figure 26 to Figure 32 As shown in the implementation method in .

[0243] It is apparent from the above description that, for clamping the electrical terminal contacts, the connection module may be provided with a single strip, at least a portion of which is elastically deformable, or the connection module may be provided with a rigid strip and a deformable strip.

[0244] Although in the examples shown a cam clamping mechanism has been described with respect to a first embodiment having a rigid strip and an elastically deformable strip, and a pivot lever clamping mechanism has been described with respect to a single strip of U-shaped cross-section, it is also possible to envisage a pivot lever for deforming the strip for clamping the contacts together with the rigid strip and a clamping cam for moving the arms of the single U-shaped strip closer to each other.

[0245] In the example shown, the deformable strip 33 is electrically conductive. Electrically insulating strips are also conceivable.

[0246] like Fig.26A and Fig.29 As shown, instead of the straight groove 39, one or more protrusions 380, for example produced by molding, can be provided, which extend into the body 30, in particular into the opening 38, for preventing the sleeve 40 from rotating and thus preventing the contact 41 from rotating due to sliding once the contact 41 is clamped in the connection module. The protrusion 380 can take the form of a molded internal longitudinal rib / spline, which can be inserted between the ribs 42 of the sleeve. The protrusion 380 can also take the form of a cylindrical metal pin, which is inserted perpendicular to the axis X through the wall 37 of the body 30.

[0247] The expression "having" should be understood as being synonymous with "having at least one," unless otherwise indicated.

Claims

1. An electrical connection module (3, 3', 3"; 3.1, 3.2, 3.3) for forming part of a terminal box of a connection assembly, having a longitudinal axis X, the electrical connection module comprising: at least one body (30) made of electrically insulating material and comprising at least one cavity (31) extending along said axis X and designed to house a cable terminal (4) comprising a preferably cylindrical contact (41) intended to be attached to the cable (2), preferably to be crimped onto the cable (2); - at least one strip (32, 33) comprising: at least one portion of the strip which is electrically conductive and which is at least partially housed in the cavity, either fixedly or with play; and at least one portion of the strip elastically deformable between a rest position in which the strip defines a space designed to enable the insertion of a contact of the cable terminal along the axis X, and a deformed position in which the strip clamps the contact of the cable terminal perpendicularly to the axis X, thereby establishing electrical continuity between the contact and the strip or strips; at least one clamping mechanism (5) intended to be actuated by rotation from the outside, comprising means for converting a rotational movement into a translational movement perpendicular to said axis X, which means exert a force (F) on the deformable portion of said strip so as to move said strip from its rest position to its deformed position in which it clamps the contact of said cable terminal, The one or more strips are shaped to form at least two direct linear or surface contact areas with the contacts of the cable termination in the deformed position, the at least two contact areas being angularly distributed, preferably regularly distributed, around the circumference of the contacts. 2 . The electrical connection module according to claim 1 , comprising a single strip, the cross section of which, perpendicular to the axis X, is substantially U-shaped.

3. The electrical connection module according to claim 2, wherein: The clamping mechanism (5) comprises a lever which is pivotably mounted in the body and is accessible from the outside in order to deform at least one of the two arms of the U-shape and thus move the at least one arm from its rest position to its deformed position.

4. The electrical connection module according to claim 1, comprising: at least one electrically conductive, rigid first strip (32) received in the cavity; and at least one electrically conductive second strip (33) received in the cavity and comprising at least one portion elastically deformable between the rest position and the deformed position.

5. The electrical connection module according to claim 4, wherein: The clamping mechanism (5) comprises: - a force transmission member (50) housed in said body, an interface part (51) for a tool, which is freely rotatably mounted in the receiving part (34) of the body and is designed to be rotated by the tool, a clamping cam (52) fixed to the interface part or formed integrally with the interface part, the rotation of which causes the force transmission part to move in translation perpendicularly to the axis X, the clamping cam applying a force (F) to the second strip so as to move it from its rest position to its deformed position in which it clamps the contact of the cable terminal.

6. The electrical connection module according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: The force transmission component comprises a locking portion (53) which is designed to be inserted into a circumferential groove of the contact of the cable terminal while the force transmission component is moving in translation and thereby lock the cable terminal in the body, preferably before or while the contact is clamped.

7. The electrical connection module according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein: The clamping cam is rotatably mounted between two arms (320, 321) of the first strap.

8. The electrical connection module according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein: The force transmission member further comprises a return portion for returning the second strip to its rest position during a release operation after unlocking the contacts.

9. An electrical connection module according to any one of claims 4 to 8, comprising a locking / unlocking device (7, 8), which is used to lock / unlock the clamping mechanism when the clamping cam (52, 81) is in its rotational position corresponding to the deformation position of the second strip.

10. The electrical connection module according to claim 9, wherein: The locking / unlocking device comprises: an interface part (81) for a tool (H), which is mounted freely rotatably in a receiving part of the body and is designed to be rotated by the tool, the interface part being a cylindrical part provided with a flat portion (811), thereby forming a cam, a locking part (82, 83) having one wall (83) extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis X and mounted in the body (30) so as to be movable in translation between a clamping mechanism locking position and an unlocking position, the locking part (82, 83) being arranged relative to the interface part (81) such that: When the locking member is in its unlocked position, the cylindrical portion of the cam (81) mechanically interferes with another wall of the locking member, thereby preventing the locking member from transitioning to its locked position; When the locking member is in its locked position, any rotation of the cam (81) causes its flat portion (811) to abut the straight portion of the other wall (82) of the locking member, thereby preventing the locking member from being transferred to its unlocked position.

11. The electrical connection module according to claim 10, wherein: When the locking part is in its locking position, the wall (83) extends into the opening (38), and when the locking part is in its unlocking position, the wall (83) is retracted from the inside of the opening (38), the wall (83) being designed to be inserted into a transverse groove of the sleeve (40) of the cable terminal and thus lock the cable terminal in the body, preferably after or at the same time as the contacts are clamped.

12. The electrical connection module according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The main body comprises an opening (38) adjacent to the cavity and provided with at least one protrusion (380) or a plurality of longitudinal straight grooves (39) inside, the plurality of longitudinal straight grooves being preferably regularly distributed at an angle, each longitudinal straight groove (39) being designed to be received between two adjacent ribs of a sleeve (40) of the cable terminal or to receive a straight spline (42) formed around the sleeve.

13. The electrical connection module according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The strip comprises a portion (322) extending out of the body and designed to be electrically connected to a busbar (6) by welding or threading.

14. The electrical connection module according to any one of claims 4 to 12, comprising: - two aligned or side-by-side bodies fixed to each other or forming a single one-piece component, - a single first strip common to the cavities of the two bodies, - at least two second strips which are independent of each other, each second strip being used for clamping a contact, - At least two clamping mechanisms independent of each other.

15. The electrical connection module according to any one of claims 4 to 12, comprising: - two aligned or side-by-side bodies fixed to each other or forming a single one-piece component, - a single first strip common to the cavities of the two bodies, - a single second strip comprising a plurality of independent deformable portions, each deformable portion being adapted to grip a contact, - At least two clamping mechanisms independent of each other.

16. A junction box connection assembly, comprising a plurality of electrical connection modules (3.1, 3.2, 3.3) of the same or different sizes as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the electrical connection modules have cavities of the same or different sizes for accommodating cable terminals of the same or different sizes.

17. A structure, in particular for an aircraft, comprising at least one electrical connection module according to any one of claims 1 to 15 and / or at least one junction box connection assembly according to claim 16, wherein the electrical connection module and / or the junction box connection assembly are preferably fixed to a rail support (9), which itself is used to be fixed to the structure.

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