Powerless coupling power contact assembly, power connection module with such an assembly for clamping a power cable termination

Description

Domaine technique

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

[0002] More specifically, it concerns terminal block connection assemblies and, even more specifically, the power contacts implemented in these assemblies.

[0003] For the purposes of this invention, a "terminal block" is defined as a device for ensuring electrical continuity between a cable and another part of an installation. A terminal block, also known as a connection terminal or screw terminal, is an electrically insulated module that secures two or more electrical wires / cables intended to be electrically connected together, and includes an insulating support and at least one clamping component for securing the wires / cables.

[0004] By "contact" we mean here and within the framework of the present invention, an element made of electrically conductive material to allow the passage of electric current.

[0005] Although described with reference to a connection module for an electrical cable termination in a terminal block connection assembly, the invention can be implemented for any electrical power connection that requires effortless coupling between power contacts while ensuring strong contact pressure once coupling is achieved.

[0006] Also, although described with reference to a preferred application, aeronautics, and more particularly aircraft wiring, the invention can be implemented in any other application that requires a power connection of a large number of electrical cables / wires together in a junction area. Technique antérieure

[0007] One of the aircraft wiring operations consists of electrically connecting a large number of power cables / wires together.

[0008] This operation is usually carried out using a screw terminal block, fixed to the aircraft structure, into which the plurality of electrical cables / wires is inserted and then secured by tightening.

[0009] We represented in figures 1 et 2 , an example of such an existing terminal block, generally designated by the reference 1, which is designed to connect two or more electrical cables 2 equipped with lugs 20 at their ends by a screw-nut system.

[0010] This terminal block 1 includes first of all an electrically insulating support 10 in which terminal screws 11 are fixed, each of which, together with a nut 12, forms a screw-nut system for tightening the lugs 20 equipping the cables 2.

[0011] An electrically conductive washer 13, of the wavy washer type, is provided for each screw-nut system.

[0012] An electrically conductive bar 14 is traversed by each terminal screw 11. This bar 14 forms a bearing surface for the cable lugs 20 and thus constitutes an electrical shunt between the cables 2 to be electrically connected. This plate 14 is optional, and each screw 11 is electrically independent. Alternatively, the plate 14 may extend only over a portion of its length and electrically connect only some of the screws.

[0013] The support 10 is fixed to an aircraft structure S by means of column screws 15.

[0014] A cover 16 held by the column screws 15 forms a protective cover for the screw-nut systems 11, 12.

[0015] Since terminal block 1 is not waterproof, an additional cover commonly called an "umbrella" is attached to the aircraft structure above the terminal block to prevent condensed moisture from running directly onto the cables 2 connected in the terminal block.

[0016] Besides this non-waterproof aspect, such a screw terminal block has many major disadvantages.

[0017] First, the lugs 20 must be perfectly oriented to be threaded around the terminal screws 11 for a satisfactory electrical connection. This usually means that an operator will have to untwist the cables 2.

[0018] The number of parts to be managed (screws, nuts, washers, shunt bar, hood, umbrella part) for an operator in charge of assembly is significant, with, moreover, a high risk of parts loss which therefore induces a risk of foreign body, or mechanical debris (FOD, an Anglo-Saxon acronym for "Foreign Object Damage") which can cause damage, something that is absolutely to be avoided in the field of aeronautics.

[0019] This risk of parts loss is all the more significant when the areas where existing terminal blocks 1 are installed have difficult and / or very restricted access and / or are located in a way that is inconvenient for the operator. For example, the insulating support 10 is usually fixed to the ceiling side of an aircraft structure. This can mean that the terminals installed on the screws 11 will not stay in place until a nut 12 has also been installed. In other words, there is no pre-positioning function for the terminals on the screws.

[0020] In addition to the intrinsic screw tightening operations which can be time-consuming for a dedicated operator, another operator is systematically dedicated to verifying the tightening torques applied for fixing the cable lugs.

[0021] Also, screw terminals require that the cables not be energized to avoid electrical hazards for operators handling the electrical connection. These risks cannot, moreover, be completely eliminated during tests to verify proper operation.

[0022] Thus, in the end, the installation time for a screw terminal block is long.

[0023] In addition, the 20 lugs may need to be oriented at 180°, which is not very compatible with power cables that are rigid, typically with a diameter of around AWG 000 (American Wire Gauge unit of measurement), or 10.4 mm.

[0024] Finally, screw terminals do not allow for modularity because the number of cables that can be connected in a single terminal block is fixed.

[0025] To improve existing terminal blocks, the Applicant proposed in patent application EP3758165 a connection assembly that provides more modularity, facilitates installation, particularly in areas with restricted access and / or for a large number of electrical wires / cables to be connected, and protects operators in charge of the connection against electrical hazards.

[0026] Although this solution is entirely satisfactory, there is still a need for improvement of terminal block assemblies, particularly for the passage of high currents, typically up to 400 A, which implies high contact pressure and therefore high connection effort, without premature wear of the contacts appearing.

[0027] The GB114429 A document proposes a female type power contact subset according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0028] More generally, there is a need to offer a coupling solution between power contacts, which allows for high contact pressure and therefore high connection force, without premature wear of the contacts occurring.

[0029] The invention aims to meet all or part of this need(s). Exposé de l'invention

[0030] To this end, the invention relates, according to one of its aspects, to a female-type power contact subassembly, comprising: a female power contact in the form of a cylindrical socket, with a central axis (X2), comprising: a hollow tube, flexible contact arms, extending from the hollow tube and distributed angularly, being spaced, preferably regularly, from each other in the form of petals, the petals being adapted to be deflected from a rest position in which a male power contact can be inserted between them, preferably without effort, to a deflected position in which the male power contact is clamped between the petals so as to establish electrical continuity between the male and female contacts; a clamping ring, mounted to slide around the socket to deflect the arms;a ring displacement mechanism to move the ring from a first position corresponding to the rest position of the petals to a second position corresponding to the deflected position of the petals, the displacement mechanism being adapted to transform a pivoting movement, along an axis perpendicular to the central axis (X2) of the contact, of a separate part external to the ring into a translational movement of the ring; an elastic means for returning the ring from its first to its second position.

[0031] In other words, the invention essentially consists of a sub-assembly with a female type power contact consisting of a socket comprising flexible arms, also in the form of petals which are sufficiently separated from each other to allow effortless insertion of a cylindrical male contact, a ring actuated by a displacement mechanism deflecting the flexible arms, i.e. clamping them on the latter to ensure electrical continuity, an elastic means exerting a force to maintain the ring in the deflected position of the flexible arms, clamping the male contact.

[0032] According to an advantageous embodiment, the displacement mechanism comprises: a fork with at least one arm, pivotally mounted on the ring, with the free end of the arms bearing against an external stop, a lever or a pivoting cam of the fork to translate the ring from the first position to the second position and vice versa.

[0033] Advantageously, the elastic return means is a helical compression spring, mounted around the ring and the female power contact, with one of its longitudinal ends abutting an outer flange of the ring and the other of its longitudinal ends abutting an outer flange of the female power contact or against an external stop.

[0034] According to an advantageous embodiment, each petal end includes an inwardly projecting locking surface adapted to fit into a peripheral groove of the male power contact, in the deflected position of the petals and thus lock the axial movement of the petals, preferably before or simultaneously with the tightening of the male contact, the locking surface having a shape complementary to that of the peripheral groove of the male power contact.

[0035] Thus, the axial movement of the petals of the female contact is locked by their inner surface which comes to rest, preferably with complementary shapes, in the peripheral groove of the male contact.

[0036] According to an advantageous embodiment, the subassembly comprises an electrical insulator including: a hollow tube housed inside the hollow tube of the female contact, ribs in the extension of the hollow tube and distributed angularly, preferably regularly spaced from each other, delimiting through openings, each through opening housing a petal of the female contact which protrudes outwards at least in its resting position, a ring connecting the ribs together to mechanically protect the front end of the petals.

[0037] The ribs both guide and mechanically protect the arms of the female contact.

[0038] The invention also relates to an electrical connection module, intended to form part of a terminal block in a connection assembly, with a longitudinal axis (X) comprising: at least one body made of electrically insulating material comprising at least one cavity extending along the X axis and adapted to house an electrical cable termination, comprising an electrically insulating sleeve and a male power contact, preferably cylindrical, retained inside the sleeve, the contact being intended to be connected, preferably crimped, to an electrical cable; at least one subassembly as described above, fixed in the cavity with the petals of the female power contact adapted to clamp, in their deflected position, the male contact of the electrical termination.

[0039] Advantageously, the cavity houses a plate forming the external stop against which the other of the longitudinal ends of the helical spring is in a butt.

[0040] According to an advantageous embodiment, the displacement mechanism comprises: an interface piece with an external tool (H), mounted freely for rotation in a housing in the body and adapted to be rotated by the tool, a pivoting cam, integral with or made entirely with the interface piece, the rotation of the cam causing the fork to pivot, orthogonally to the X axis, which translates the ring from the first position to the second position and vice versa.

[0041] Advantageously, the interface piece may include an interface recess with the tool, preferably a hollow hexagonal recess.

[0042] According to an advantageous embodiment, the module body and / or the interface piece includes at least one visual indicator arranged so as to be visible to an operator to indicate the correct tightening position of the electrical termination contact. The module body and / or the interface piece may thus include, as a visual indicator, a clearly visible colored area.

[0043] According to an advantageous embodiment, the body includes an opening opposite the cavity, internally provided with a plurality of straight longitudinal grooves, preferably regularly distributed angularly, each adapted to receive a straight groove formed around the sleeve of the electrical cable termination.

[0044] The grooves in the termination sleeve allow the cable's torsional forces to be absorbed by the module body. Furthermore, they prevent the contact from rotating due to slippage once tightened in the connection module.

[0045] By choosing small angular sectors between splines, we obtain an insertion of the contact in the module which does not require angular indexing.

[0046] According to another advantageous embodiment, the module includes a portion of a pre-locking device adapted to cooperate with another portion of the pre-locking device, integral with or formed entirely from the termination of the electrical cable, to lock the male contact of the termination in its position within the cavity before it is tightened by the petals of the female contact. With a pre-locking device, the correct insertion of the male contact is ensured before it is tightened into the petals of the female contact.

[0047] According to this method and a first variant of the embodiment, the part of the pre-locking device comprises at least one protrusion, provided on the outer periphery of a tubular extension of the module body, the other part of the pre-locking device comprising at least one lug, provided on the inner periphery of a ring mounted to rotate around the termination, the ring being in axial support against a part of the termination when the lug is in axial butt against the rear of the protrusion to achieve the pre-locking.

[0048] According to this method and a second variant of the embodiment, the part of the pre-locking device comprises a substantially U-shaped piece, mounted to slide on a tubular extension of the module body which is provided with two through openings, the other part of the pre-locking device comprising at least one groove, provided on the outer periphery of a part of the termination, the piece being in a sliding position with the end of its branches forming ribs housed in the groove of the termination to achieve the pre-locking.

[0049] According to a first connection configuration, the female contact includes a portion extending outside the body and adapted to be electrically connected by soldering or screwing to a busbar.

[0050] The electrical connection module can also be dedicated to a connection between harnesses, that is to say between at least two separate electrical cable terminations.

[0051] Thus, according to a second connection configuration, the module includes: Two aligned or side-by-side bodies fixed together, two female contacts electrically connected to each other, two independent movement mechanisms. Thus, at least two electrical cable terminations can be connected in series within the same module.

[0052] According to an advantageous construction variant, the module comprises a single plate against which the other end of each of the two helical compression springs is axially abutted.

[0053] According to another advantageous construction variant, the two female contacts are screwed into each other.

[0054] According to this second mode and a variant of the connection between a current input and three outputs, the module is designed to: Each body comprises at least two cavities, aligned or not, the cavities preferably extending parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) of the module, the two female contacts of the same body are electrically connected together, so as to make an electrical shunt between the at least four electrical cable terminations when housed individually in the cavities.

[0055] The invention also relates to a terminal block connection assembly, comprising a plurality of modules of identical or different dimensions with cavities of identical or different dimensions to house electrical terminations of identical or different dimensions.

[0056] The invention finally relates to a structure, in particular an aircraft structure, comprising at least one electrical connection module as described above and / or at least one terminal block connection assembly as described above, preferably fixed(s) on a support rail, itself intended to be fixed to the structure.

[0057] The invention offers numerous advantages compared to existing solutions, including: the elimination of cable orientation problems, which can be very rigid, by replacing the usual lugs with cylindrical contacts; a reduction in the installation time of electrical cables in a structure, particularly an aircraft structure, by a quick assembly system that guarantees efficient tightening of the cable terminations, without the need for so-called torque tightening, i.e., by applying a specific tightening force in order to obtain maximum precision; individual coupling of each electrical termination in a single or multi-cavity connection module; effortless coupling since, before tightening, the gap between the flexible arms (petals) of the female contact allows easy, frictionless insertion of the male contact, which also has the advantage of not generating wear on the contact and / or its possible coating;As a corollary to effortless coupling, there is an increase in the number of coupling cycles between male and female contacts, improved corrosion resistance, and the possibility of applying a less expensive surface coating to the contacts; high contact pressure between the electrical contact of the cable termination and the flexible contact arms (petals) within the module, which reduces the electrical contact resistance and thus allows the passage of high current with reduced heating; a multiplication of the force exerted by an operator on the displacement mechanism, either directly or via a tool, allowing easy compression of the elastic return element, and therefore, the use of a particularly rigid elastic return element to obtain a significant clamping force on the flexible arms of the socket; a possibility of a watertight connection at the cavity of a module housing the contacts;a possibility of both visual (marking on the module opposite an indicator on the interface piece) and tactile (mechanical stop of the termination contact) indication of the correct tightening of the termination contact in the module; the elimination of existing umbrella parts in an aircraft structure thanks to the sealed solution with connection modules that hermetically seal the electrical terminations in the cavities; the absence of risk of part loss (FOD for "Foreign Object Damage"), because the solution according to the invention has no independent, detachable parts to install; protection of operators against electrical hazards, since they only have to directly handle electrically insulating parts (modules and insulating termination sleeve); high modularity that can easily adapt to different wiring configurations;The connection module is particularly suitable for a high-voltage power line (several hundred volts), because there is only one potential in a connection module (phases and neutral are separated in different modules) and the creepage and insulation lines between electrical conductors are extended.

[0058] The applications envisaged for a terminal block with modules according to the invention are numerous, among which we can mention the wiring of civil aircraft.

[0059] Other advantages and features of the invention will become clearer upon reading the detailed description of examples of implementation of the invention given by way of illustration and not limitation with reference to the following figures. Brève description des dessins

[0060] [ Fig 1 ] there figure 1 represents a perspective view of a state-of-the-art screw terminal block used for electrical wiring in aircraft structures. Fig 2 ] there figure 2 is another perspective view of a state-of-the-art screw terminal block showing lug-cable harnesses connected within the terminal block; Fig 3 ] there figure 3 is a perspective view of a female power contact subset according to the invention. Fig 4 ] there figure 4 is an exploded view of the figure 3 . [ Fig 5 ] there figure 5 is a perspective view of a male power contact to be mated with the female contact of the subassembly according to the invention. Fig 6A], [Fig 6B ] ] Fig 6C ] THE figures 6A, 6B And 6Care longitudinal and perspective cross-sectional views showing the position of a male power contact respectively before insertion, before tightening once inserted, and after tightening with locking within a female power contact subassembly according to the invention. Fig 7 ] there figure 7 is a perspective view of a connection module, with two identical bodies fixed to each other with aligned cavities, each housing a subassembly according to the invention and a male contact of an electrical cable termination coupled to the female contact of one of the subassemblies. Fig 8 ] there figure 8 is an exploded view of the module according to the figure 7 with the two electrical cable terminations. Fig 9A], [Fig 9B ] THE figures 9A et 9B These are partial perspective and cutaway views of the ring movement mechanism of a subassembly within a module, showing respectively a position before insertion and tightening, and after insertion and tightening of the male contact of an electrical cable termination. Fig 10A], [Fig 10B ] THE figures 10A et 10B These are side and cutaway views of the ring movement mechanism of a subassembly within a module, showing respectively a position after insertion and before tightening, and after tightening of the male contact of an electrical cable termination. Fig 11A], [Fig 11B ] THE figures 11A et 11B are longitudinal cross-sectional views at the male and female contacts within a module, corresponding respectively to figures 10A et 10B . [ Fig 12 ] there figure 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a sealed variant of a connection module according to the invention, with two bodies fixed together, each housing a male contact of an electrical cable termination and a female contact subassembly according to the invention. Fig 13 ] there figure 13 is a perspective view and longitudinal section of an alternative embodiment of a female power contact according to the invention. Fig 14 ] there figure 14 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a pre-locking device for an electrical cable termination in a sub-assembly according to the invention within a connection module. Fig 15 ] there figure 15 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a pre-locking device for an electrical cable termination in a subassembly according to the invention within a connection module. Fig 16A], [Fig 16B] [Fig 16C ] THE figures 16A, 16B et 16C These are perspective views showing the position of a male power contact respectively before insertion, before tightening, and before pre-locking with the variant of the figure 15 , once inserted with rotational indexing, and after tightening, pre-locking and locking within a female power contact subassembly according to the invention. Fig 17 ] there figure 17 is a perspective and partial cutaway view of an embodiment of a connection module with two bodies, each housing two adjacent cavities, which allows an electrical connection to be made between one input electrical cable termination and three output terminations. Fig 18 ] there figure 18 is a perspective and partial cutaway view of an embodiment of a terminal block with several connection modules connected to the same busbar. Description détaillée

[0061] Throughout this application, the terms "vertical", "lower", "upper", "bottom", "top", "below" and "above" are to be understood by reference to an electrical connection module in a fixed configuration, in particular to a support rail, when arranged horizontally.

[0062] Similarly, the terms "internal" and "external" are to be understood in relation to a subset according to the invention, as integrated into the body of the electrical connection module.

[0063] Similarly, the terms "front" and "rear" are to be understood in relation to the connection end of an electrical contact according to the invention. Thus, the front part of a female power contact of a subassembly according to the invention is the part located closest to the mating part of a male contact complementary to the female contact, while the rear part is the part located furthest away.

[0064] For the sake of clarity, the same numerical reference is used for the same element of an electrical cable according to the state of the art and of an electrical cable according to the invention.

[0065] THE figures 1 et 2 have already been described in detail in the preamble. They will therefore not be commented on below.

[0066] We have represented on the figures 3 et 4 an example of a power contact subset, generally designated by reference 3.

[0067] This subassembly 3 comprises a female power contact in the form of a cylindrical socket 30, which includes a rear portion essentially in the form of a tube 300 that is at least partially hollow, and a front portion essentially in the form of flexible contact arms 301 in the form of petals, extending from the hollow tube 300 and angularly distributed, preferably at regular intervals, forming petals. In the illustrated example, the socket 30 comprises eight regularly spaced flexible arms 301.

[0068] As detailed later, the flexible arms 301 are adapted to be deflected from a rest position in which a male power contact 40, as illustrated in the figure 5 , can be inserted between them, preferably effortlessly, to a deflected position in which the male power contact 40 is squeezed between the flexible arms 301 so as to establish electrical continuity between the male and female contacts.

[0069] Subassembly 3 also includes a clamping ring 31 mounted to slide around the bushing 30 to deflect the arms 301.

[0070] A movement mechanism 33 of the ring 31 allows the latter to be moved from a first position corresponding to the deflected position of the flexible arms to a second position corresponding to the rest position of the flexible arms.

[0071] The subassembly 3 finally includes a helical compression spring 32, mounted coaxially, preferably around the ring 31 and the female contact 30, which is an elastic means of returning the position of the ring from its second to its first position.

[0072] Where appropriate, subassembly 3 includes an electrical insulator 34, which includes a rear part in the form of a hollow tube 340 housed inside the hollow tube 300 of the female contact, and a front part in the form essentially of ribs 341 in the extension of the hollow tube 300 and distributed angularly by being spaced, preferably regularly, from each other by defining through openings 342.

[0073] The ribs 341 both guide and mechanically protect the arms / petals of the female contact.

[0074] Each through opening 342 houses a petal 301 of the female contact which protrudes outwards at least in its rest position.

[0075] The various components of the subset are described in more detail in an advantageous construction method.

[0076] In addition to the hollow tube 300, the rear part of the sleeve 30 includes, extending from the latter, a raised section 302 and an outer flange 303. The raised section 302 allows the helical spring 32 to be guided radially. The outer flange 303 serves as a stop for the rear longitudinal end 320 of the spring 32.

[0077] Each petal end 301 includes an external surface 304 which forms the mechanical interference surface with the ring 31 and an internal surface 305, which forms an electrical contact face with the male contact 40 and preferably a locking surface, projecting inwards.

[0078] A male-type, cylindrical power electrical contact 40, with a central axis X1, is shown in the figure 5 It includes a rear part 400 for crimping to an electrical conductor of a cable and a front contact part 401, of smaller diameter than that of the rear part 400.

[0079] The front part 401 is preferably provided with a peripheral groove 402 which allows the locking of the axial movement of the female contact 30 of the subassembly relative to the male contact 40.

[0080] The front part 401 also preferably includes, in front of the peripheral groove, a chamfer 403 extending, where appropriate, a radius 404, which allows the recentering of the male contact 40 when it is inserted into the female contact 30, and advantageously the reduction of the insertion forces of the contact 40 by sliding on the chamfer 403 / radius 404.

[0081] The locking surface 305 of the petals 301 is adapted to fit into the peripheral groove 402 of the male power contact, in the deflected position of the petals and thus lock the axial movement of the petals, preferably before or simultaneously with the tightening of the male contact.

[0082] Preferably, the locking surface 305 has a shape complementary to that of the peripheral groove 402.

[0083] The clamping ring 31 comprises a hollow tube 310 whose outer surface is provided with three flanges 311, 312, 313 spaced apart from each other.

[0084] The rear collar 311 serves as a stop for the front longitudinal end 321 of the spring 32 and as a support for the pivot pin 351 of the actuation mechanism, described later.

[0085] The intermediate collar 312 serves as a support for an element of the actuation mechanism.

[0086] The front collar 313 allows for the creation of an internal chamfer 314 extended by an internal clearance 315. The internal chamfer 314 allows the arms / petals 301 of the female contact 30 to be deflected inwards during the movement of the ring 31. The internal clearance allows for a reduction of mechanical stresses.

[0087] The electrical insulator 34 may include a ring 343 connecting the ribs 341 together to mechanically protect the front end of the petals 301 and stiffen the ribs 341 of the electrical insulator.

[0088] As illustrated in figures 3 et 4 The displacement mechanism 33 may include: a fork 35 with at least one arm 350, two arms in the illustrated example, pivotally mounted on the ring 31, with the free end of the arms bearing against an external stop, a pivoting lever 36 of the fork to translate the ring 31 from the first position to the second position and vice versa.

[0089] In particular, a pivoting pin 351 inside one of the arms 350 can pivotally support the collars 311 and 312 of the ring 31.

[0090] We are now describing with reference to figures 6A à 6C a method of inserting, coupling and locking a male contact 40 into a contact subset 3, as just described.

[0091] It should be noted that prior to step a, lever 36 was actuated, that is, it was rotated from a horizontal to a vertical position. This rotation of lever 36 pivoted fork 35 rearward, compressing spring 32 and causing bushing 31 to retract. The retraction of the bushing brings the flexible arms (petals) 301 into a rest position. The female contact 30 is then ready to be coupled with a male contact 40.

[0092] Etape a / : As illustrated in the figure 6A The male contact 40 is brought into contact with the female contact 30, aligning their central axes X1 and X2. The displacement mechanism 33 is actuated: the lever 36 is thus in an outwardly extended position. The ring 31 is in a rearward retracted position. The spring 32 is in its compressed state between the female contact 30 and the ring 31. In this configuration, the petals 301 of the female contact 30 are in a rest position, i.e., not deflected.

[0093] Etape b / : As illustrated in the figure 6B The male contact 40 is inserted freely, i.e., effortlessly, into the female contact 30 with their central axes X1 and X2 aligned. The displacement mechanism 33 is actuated: the lever 36 is thus in an outwardly extended position. The ring 31 remains in its rearward retracted position. The spring 32 remains compressed between the female contact 30 and the ring 31. In this configuration, the petals 301 of the female contact 30 are in a rest position, i.e., not deflected.

[0094] Etape c / : As illustrated in the figure 6C The male contact 40 is inserted into the female contact 30 with their central axes X1, X2. The displacement mechanism 33 has been released and is no longer actuated: the lever 36 is thus in a folded-in position. The fork 35 is inclined forward of the contact, with an angular amplitude of pivoting limited by the flange 312. Consequently, the ring 31 is in its forward-facing position. The spring 32 is in its relaxed state between the female contact 30 and the ring 31. In this configuration, the petals 301 of the female contact 30 are in their deflected position and clamp the male contact, and are held in this position by the spring 32. More precisely, the inner surface 305 of the petals 301 is housed and pressed with clamping force in the peripheral groove 402 of the male contact 40. The male contact 40 and the female contact 30 are therefore coupled and mutually locked.

[0095] THE figures 7 And 8They illustrate an electrical connection module 5 according to the invention, intended to form part of a terminal block in a connection assembly, which incorporates two female contact sub-assemblies 3 according to the invention. This module 5 enables an electrical connection between an input electrical cable termination 4 and an output electrical cable termination 2.

[0096] This electrical connection module 5 comprises two bodies 50, preferably identical, fixed to each other. The means of fixing the two bodies 50 are not shown, but they may consist of screws / nuts passing through both bodies.

[0097] Each body 50 is electrically insulating along the longitudinal axis X, and intended to house, clamp and lock and connect at least one termination 4 of electrical cable 2.

[0098] More specifically, each body 50 includes a cavity 51 within it and the two cavities 51, preferably of the same size, are opposite each other in each of which an electrical cable termination 4 is inserted, tightened and locked, as explained below.

[0099] An electrical cable termination 4, with central axis X1, includes an electrically insulating sleeve 41 and a cylindrical electrical contact crimped 40 onto an electrical cable 2, inserted and fixed in particular by snap-fit, inside the sleeve 41.

[0100] The sleeve 41 includes on its outer periphery straight grooves 42 which extend around the central axis X1 over part of the length of the sleeve.

[0101] The cylindrical contact 40 is identical to that described with reference to the figure 5 .

[0102] Furthermore, the electrical cable termination 4 includes a pre-locking ring 43, rotatably mounted around the sleeve 41, the function of which will be described below

[0103] In each cavity 51 is fixed a subset of female contacts 3 as described with reference to figures 3 et 4 with the exception that: the displacement lever 36 of the displacement mechanism 33 is replaced by an interface piece 37 with an external tool H and a displacement cam 38 integral or made entirely with the piece 37, the longitudinal end 320 of the spring 32 is abutted against a plate 52 fixed within a body 50 of module.

[0104] More specifically, the interface piece 37 with a tool H is freely rotatable in a housing 53 of the body and adapted to be rotated by the tool. The interface piece 37 may include an interface recess 39 with the tool, preferably a hollow hexagonal recess. An operator can thus use a standard tool, such as a hexagonal Allen key.

[0105] The bridge 353 of the fork 35 is supported against the pivot cam 38 and the free end 352 of the fork arms 350 is supported against a stop 54 internal to the body 50.

[0106] In the illustrated mode, there is a single plate 52 to provide a stop for the two springs 32 on either side. Each subassembly 3 has an independent actuation mechanism 37, 38.

[0107] Furthermore, as shown, the body 50 includes a tubular extension 55 with an opening 56 opposite the cavity 51,

[0108] We are now describing with reference to figures 9A à 11B a method of inserting, coupling and locking a male contact 40 of a cable termination 2 4 into a connection module 5 with contact sub-assemblies 3, as just described.

[0109] Etape a1 / : As illustrated in the figure 9A Before or during the insertion of the male contact 40 with its sleeve 41 into the opening 56, the interface piece 37, and therefore the displacement cam 38, are rotated according to arrow R1. This causes the fork 35 to pivot around its pivot point 351 on the ring 31 and bear against the stop 54 of the body 50, thereby causing the ring 31 to retract according to arrow A1 and the spring 32 to be compressed. The spring 32 is thus in its compressed state between the plate 52 and the ring 31. The rotation of the cam 38 multiplies the force exerted by the operator on the interface piece 37, and thus easily compresses the spring 32. In this configuration, the petals 301 of the female contact 30 are in a rest position, i.e., not deflected.

[0110] Etape b1 / : The male contact 40 with its sleeve 41 is inserted into the opening 56. The male contact 40 is inserted freely and without mechanical force between the petals 301 of the female contact 30. The spring 32 is always in its compressed state between the plate 52 and the ring 31. The ring 31 is always in its rearward recoiled position. In this configuration, the petals 301 of the female contact 30 are always in their rest state, i.e., not deflected ( figures 10A , 11A ). The sleeve 41 is fitted, also without mechanical effort, around the ring 31.

[0111] Etape c1 / : As illustrated in the figure 9B , 10B , 11BThe male contact 40 is inserted into the female contact 30. The interface piece 37 and therefore the displacement cam 38 are rotated according to arrow R2, in the opposite direction to R1, which causes the fork 35 to pivot against the stop 54 of the body 50 and, thereby, the ring 31 to advance according to arrow A2, in the opposite direction to A1 and the spring 32 to relax. The spring 32 is therefore in its relaxed state between the plate 52 and the ring 31.

[0112] In this configuration, the flexible arms 301 of the female contact 30 are in a deflected position. The spring 32 exerts a force to hold the ring in this position. The male contacts 40 and 30 are therefore coupled and mutually locked.

[0113] There figure 12 shows advantageous construction variants of module 5 which has just been described, and which make it possible to obtain a more compact and robust module, with also very good electrical continuity.

[0114] The spring stop plate 52 is sandwiched between the two bodies 50 of the module.

[0115] The two female contacts 40 are screwed into each other here. And one of the female contacts 40 (the one on the right on the figure 12 ) is screwed directly into the stop plate 52.

[0116] To do this, as shown in the figure 13 The tubular portion 300 of one of the contacts 30 is internally tapped with a thread 306 adapted to cooperate with a threaded shank 307 of the other contact. The internally tapped tubular portion 300 is also externally threaded with a thread 308 which is screwed directly into the plate 52.

[0117] According to an additional method, a pre-locking function can be provided for a male contact 40 within a body 50 of a module 5. This pre-locking is performed once the contact 40 is inserted but before the cam 38 rotates with the ring 31, which deflects the petals 301 of the female contact 30. Advantageously, this pre-locking function can be performed by an operator with one hand. This pre-locking ensures correct axial positioning of the male contact within the female contact prior to the tightening and coupling of the two contacts.

[0118] A first variant of a pre-locking device is shown at the figure 14 A U-shaped part 59, the ends of whose arms 590 form ribs, is slidably mounted on the tubular extension 55 of the module body 50. The tubular extension 55 has two through openings 550 into each of which a rib 590 can be inserted. Once the contact 40 is inserted into the module body 50, the part 59 slides forward so that the ends of its ribs 590 fit into an external groove 405 of the sleeve 41 provided for this purpose. The contact 40 is thus prevented from sliding within the body 50, thereby pre-locking it. If the male contact 40 is not correctly positioned axially, it is impossible to slide the part 59, which provides visual and tactile indication of incorrect installation of the contact 40.

[0119] A second variant of a pre-locking device is shown at the figure 15 At least one projection 57, preferably a plurality, is provided on the outer periphery of the tubular extension 55 of the body 50 of the module 5. A ring 43 rotatably mounted around the sleeve 41 of the termination 4 includes at least one lug 430 provided on its inner periphery. Once the contact 40 is inserted into the body 50 of the module, the ring bears axially against a portion of the termination, and the lug 430 is axially abutted against the rear of the projection 57. The contact 40 is thus blocked against translation within the body 50, and its pre-locking is therefore achieved.

[0120] As shown in detail in figures 16A à 16C , we can make a part of the module body 50 and an electrical cable termination 4 so as to lock the latter in rotation once its contact is inserted into a cavity 51.

[0121] The opening 56 of the body opposite the cavity 51 is thus provided internally with a plurality of straight longitudinal grooves 560, preferably regularly distributed angularly, each adapted to receive a straight groove 42 formed around the sleeve 40 of the electrical cable termination.

[0122] The grooves 42 allow the torsional forces of the cable 2 to be absorbed by the body of the module 3 and also prevent the contact 40 from rotating by sliding, once inserted and tightened in the connection module 5.

[0123] The grooves 42 are preferably slightly spaced angularly from each other, which allows the contact 40 to be inserted into the body 50 of the module, without having to index it in rotation beforehand.

[0124] The pre-locking ring 43 can be put in place once the rotation of the contact 40 is blocked by the splines 42 ( figure 16C ).

[0125] Furthermore, a watertight connection variant can be considered between the termination contact(s) 40 4 and the module body(s) 50.

[0126] As shown in the figure 8 , this variant may for example consist of installing at least one annular cable gland mounted in the end of the sleeve 41 at the interface with the cable 2.

[0127] As shown in the figure 12 , we can also provide an O-ring 580 at the interface 58 between two bodies 50 fixed together.

[0128] In addition, an O-ring 381 can be provided arranged around the interface piece 38, in its housing 380 ( figure 12 ).

[0129] The connection modules according to the invention allow different connection configurations between electrical harnesses with electrical cable termination 4.

[0130] As described and illustrated previously, a single module 5 can comprise two bodies 50, preferably identical, facing each other and fixed together. This allows for an electrical connection with a single input and output.

[0131] Other configurations with multiple outputs are possible.

[0132] There figure 17 illustrates a variant with one electrical input E and three electrical outputs S with an electrical shunt made inside the bodies 50 of a connection module 5'.

[0133] More specifically, as shown on this figure 17 , the module 5' comprises two bodies 50 aligned and fixed to each other, each of the bodies 50 comprising internally two cavities 51 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) of the module.

[0134] Alternatively, the two bodies can be positioned side by side and fixed together.

[0135] Each contact 30 is tightened by means of a displacement mechanism 37, 38 independent of the others. The electrical shunt is achieved by a single plate 52', electrically connected to the four female contacts 30.

[0136] Another possible configuration with connection modules according to the invention is a connection of several terminations 4 of electrical cable 2 to a busbar or connection bar.

[0137] Such a configuration is illustrated in the figure 18 with three modules 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, preferably identical, arranged parallel to each other. In this illustrated configuration, each module body 50 comprises a single cavity 51 into which a contact 40 of an electrical cable termination 2 is inserted and tightened.

[0138] A stop plate 52 includes an extension portion 520 which extends outside the body 30.

[0139] Each body 50 includes a right parallelepiped-shaped extension 500, which supports an extension portion 520 of the stop plate 52.

[0140] The female contact 30 includes a tail 307 screwed into the stop plate 52.

[0141] The parallel electrical connection between the different female contacts 30 and therefore between the electrical terminations 4 is made by means of a common busbar 6 which is fixed by means of a screw / nut 60 in the extension portion 520 of each stop plate 52. It is of course possible to consider instead of the screws / nuts 60 a fixing by welding to the busbar.

[0142] Other variations and improvements can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0143] Modules of different dimensions with a different number of cavities can be provided to accommodate electrical cable terminations of different sizes.

[0144] It is also possible to provide for the fixing and locking of a connection module in a support rail.

[0145] If in the illustrated example of the rotation-locking variant of the termination, the straight longitudinal grooves are made in the body and the complementary straight grooves are carried by the sleeve, one can obviously consider the reverse, that is to say with the grooves made in the body and the sleeve being equipped on its periphery with straight longitudinal grooves.

[0146] The expression "containing one" should be understood as synonymous with "containing at least one", unless otherwise specified.

Claims

1. Power contact sub-assembly (3) of the female type, comprising: - a female power contact in the form of a cylindrical socket (30) of central axis (X2), comprising: • a hollow tube (300), • flexible contact arms (301), which are in the continuation of the hollow tube and angularly distributed at a spacing, preferably regular spacing, from one another with the formation of petals, the petals being designed to be deflected from a rest position, in which a male power contact can be inserted between them, preferably effortlessly, to a deflected position, in which the male power contact is clamped between the petals so as to establish electrical continuity between the male and female contacts; - a clamping collar (31), mounted slidingly around the socket for deflecting the arms; - a displacement mechanism (33, 35, 36, 37, 38) for the collar for displacing the collar from a first position corresponding to the deflected position of the petals to a second position corresponding to the rest position of the petals; - at least one elastic position-return means (32) for returning the collar from its second position to its first position; the sub-assembly being characterized in that the displacement mechanism is designed to transform a pivoting movement, along an axis perpendicular to the centre axis (X2) of the contact, of a separate component external to the collar into a translational movement of the collar.

2. Sub-assembly (3) according to Claim 1, the displacement mechanism comprising: - a branched fork (35) mounted pivotably on the collar, with the free end of the branches (350) bearing against an external stop, - a fork-pivoting lever (36) or cam (38) for causing the collar to translate from the first position to the second position, and vice versa.

3. Sub-assembly (3) according to Claim 1 or 2, the elastic return means being a helical compression spring mounted around the collar and the female power contact, with one of its longitudinal ends in abutment against an outer flange of the collar and the other of its longitudinal ends in abutment against an outer flange of the female power contact or against an external stop.

4. Sub-assembly (3) according to one of the preceding claims, each petal end comprising an inwardly protruding locking surface (305) designed to be accommodated in a peripheral recess of the male power contact in the deflected position of the petals and thus lock the axial displacement of the petals, preferably before or at the same time as the clamping of the male contact, the locking surface having a complementary shape to that of the peripheral recess of the male power contact.

5. Sub-assembly (3) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an electrical insulator (34) comprising: - a hollow tube (340) accommodated inside the hollow tube of the female contact, - ribs (341) that are in the continuation of the hollow tube and angularly distributed at a spacing, preferably regular spacing, from one another with delimitation of through-openings (342), each throughopening accommodating a petal of the female contact which protrudes outwards at least in its rest position, - a ring (343), interconnecting the ribs, for mechanically protecting the front end of the petals.

6. Electrical connection module (5, 5'; 5.1, 5.2, 5.3) intended to form part of a terminal block of a connection assembly, of longitudinal axis (X) comprising: - at least one body (50) made of electrically insulating material comprising at least one cavity (51) which extends along the axis X and is designed to accommodate an electric cable termination (4), comprising an electrically insulating sleeve (41) and a preferably cylindrical, male power contact (40) retained inside the sleeve, the contact being intended to be attached to, preferably crimped onto, an electric cable (2); - at least one sub-assembly (3) according to one of the preceding claims, fixed in the cavity with the petals of the female power contact designed to clamp, in their deflected position, the male contact of the electric termination.

7. Electrical connection module according to Claim 6, the cavity accommodating a plate (52) forming the external stop against which the other of the longitudinal ends of the helical spring is in abutment.

8. Electrical connection module according to Claim 6 or 7, the displacement mechanism comprising: - an interface component (37) which has an external tool (H), is freely rotatably mounted in a receiving portion of the body and is designed to be made to rotate by way of the tool, - a pivoting cam (38) secured to or formed integrally with the interface component, the rotation of the cam causing the fork to pivot orthogonally to the axis X, which makes the collar translate from the first position to the second position, and vice versa.

9. Electrical connection module according to one of Claims 6 to 8, the body comprising an opening (56) which is next to the cavity and is provided on the inside with a plurality of longitudinal straight grooves (560), preferably distributed regularly and angularly, each designed to receive a straight spline (42) formed around the sleeve of the electric cable termination.

10. Electrical connection module according to one of Claims 6 to 9, comprising a part of a pre-locking device, this part being designed to interact with another part of the pre-locking device, this other part being secured to or formed integrally with the termination of the electric cable, for locking the male contact of the termination in its position accommodated in the cavity, before clamping by the petals of the female contact.

11. Electrical connection module according to Claim 10, the part of the pre-locking device comprising at least one protuberance (57), formed on the outer periphery of a tubular continuation (55) of the body of the module, the other part of the pre-locking device comprising at least one lug (430), formed on the inner periphery of a collar (43) mounted rotatably about the termination, the collar axially bearing against a part of the termination when the lug is in axial abutment against the rear of the protuberance to perform the pre-locking.

12. Electrical connection module according to Claim 10, the part of the pre-locking device comprising a substantially U-shaped component (59) slidingly mounted on a tubular continuation of the body of the module which is provided with two through-openings (550), the other part of the pre-locking device comprising at least one recess (405), formed on the outer periphery of one part of the termination, the component being in a sliding position with the end of its branches forming ribs (590) accommodated in the recess of the termination to perform the pre-locking.

13. Electrical connection module according to one of Claims 6 to 12, the female contact comprising a portion that extends out of the body and is designed to be electrically connected by welding or screwing to a busbar (6).

14. Electrical connection module according to one of Claims 6 to 12, comprising: - two aligned or side-by-side bodies fixed to one another, - two electrically interconnected female contacts, - two displacement mechanisms independent of one another.

15. Electrical connection module according to Claim 14 in combination with Claim 7, comprising a single plate against which the other end of each of the two helical compression springs is in axial abutment.

16. Electrical connection module according to Claim 14 or 15, the two female contacts being screwed one in the other.

17. Electrical connection module according to one of Claims 14 to 16, in which: - each body comprises at least two aligned or nonaligned cavities, the cavities extending preferably parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) of the module, - the two female contacts of one and the same body are electrically interconnected, so as to produce an electric shunt between the at least four electric cable terminations when accommodated individually in the cavities.

18. Terminal block connection assembly, comprising a plurality of electrical connection modules (5.1, 5.2, 5.3) according to one of the preceding claims, of identical or different dimensions with cavities of identical or different dimensions for accommodating electric terminations of identical or different dimensions.

19. Structure, in particular for an aircraft, comprising at least one electrical connection module according to one of Claims 6 to 17 and / or at least one terminal block connection assembly according to Claim 18, preferably fixed on a rail support, which is itself intended to be fixed to the structure.