ELECTRICAL SIGNAL CONCENTRATION SYSTEM VIA MULTIPLE CONNECTORS AND CABLE GLAND SYSTEM

Abstract

Electrical signal concentration system using multiple connectors and a cable gland system. This electrical signal concentration system using multiple connectors and a cable gland system is characterized in that it comprises: - several connector bases (1), - at least one cable gland system (3) associated with at least one cable (7) grouping the signals from the connectors, - means (4) for connecting the connector bases to the cable gland system. Figure for the abstract: Single figure

Description

Title of the invention: Electrical signal concentration system using multiple connectors and cable gland system

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for concentrating electrical signals by means of several connectors and a cable gland system.

[0002] Signal concentration systems of this type already exist in the prior art.

[0003] Indeed, for example, a sensor can be directly connected to a control panel, either by grouping the signals in a junction box, or by manufacturing a specific connection.

[0004] These solutions are relatively conventional and rely on common technologies, such as, for example, junction boxes, cable glands, cable reconstruction systems such as crimping and others.

[0005] Thus on complex installations it is possible to multiply the connection inputs of a table but this is not always possible due to lack of available space.

[0006] The number of cables to be routed is also multiplied, and therefore the volume of the cables as well as the cost of implementing the solution.

[0007] In another case, the junction box and its maintenance volume take up a lot of space.

[0008] Furthermore, signals may be degraded inside the junction box itself because the electrical shielding is interrupted at the terminals.

[0009] Sealing is not anticipated because we are then dealing with conventional sealing.

[0010] In both cases, sensor suppliers do not offer, at affordable costs acceptable, solutions to a connector designed for harsh environments.

[0011] Consequently, these are supplied with cable glands, which implies that when periodically disassembling the sensor for verification or calibration, the terminals must be unpinned and repinned, and all insulation, continuity and proper functioning checks must be repeated, i.e. for example an addressing check.

[0012] Another solution is to construct in the workshop cables with more than two ends, namely a cable on the panel side with junction points with the departures to the sensors.

[0013] This is referred to as a wiring harness.

[0014] However, this prefabrication requires precise knowledge of the position of each point and relies on special processes to ensure the sealing of these connections.

[0015] But when it is not possible to arrange the cables individually, Obtaining the precise positions of the passage points then becomes very difficult.

[0016] Furthermore, the custom manufacturing of cables requires requalification to the environmental constraints of each link.

[0017] The aim of the invention is therefore to create a kind of junction box with connectors, remaining in the natural shapes of the cables to define this box in order to make it as compact as possible, easy to fix, and as inexpensive as possible while allowing integration into the extension of the cable bundles.

[0018] To this end, the invention relates to a system for concentrating electrical signals using several connectors and a cable gland system,

[0019] characterized in that it comprises:

[0020] - several connector bases,

[0021] - at least one cable gland system associated with at least one cable grouping the signals coming from the connectors,

[0022] - means for connecting the connector bases to the press- system tow.

[0023] Depending on other features of the system according to the invention, taken alone or in combination:

[0024] - It includes means for fixing; - the fastening means include fastening brackets; - The fastening means also include an area suitable for the insertion of a self-locking hose clamp; - the connection means include sections of conduit in which portions of cables are provided; - it is produced by additive manufacturing.

[0025] The invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:

[0026] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 represents a perspective view of a concentration system of electrical signals according to the invention.

[0027] In fact, and as illustrated in this figure, the system is then a hybrid system between a junction box, a multi-output connector rear fitting and a wiring harness node.

[0028] Thus the system illustrated in this figure comprises several connector bases.

[0029] In this figure, a base is for example designated by the general reference 1, while a corresponding connector is designated by the general reference 2.

[0030] In the illustrated example the system has seven connector bases but it goes without saying that a different number can be envisaged.

[0031] The system also includes at least one cable gland system designated by general reference 3, associated with at least one signal grouping cable from connectors.

[0032] Finally, means for connecting the connector bases to the cable gland system are also provided between them.

[0033] One of these means is for example designated by the general reference 4 in this figure.

[0034] These connection means then include, for example, sections of conduit in which portions of cables are provided.

[0035] Finally, and as also illustrated, the system includes means for fixing to any support, these means including, for example, tabs, one of which is designated by the general reference 5 in this figure.

[0036] These fastening means may also include a zone 6 adapted for the insertion of a self-locking hose clamp.

[0037] Sealing systems between removable elements ensure the sealing of the assembled unit.

[0038] The removable elements constituting this system are then equipped with systems guaranteeing the sealing of the assembled unit against an external pressure of gas, liquid or vapor.

[0039] Thus, this system allows, thanks to the cable gland system 3, associated with at least one grouping cable designated by the general reference 7, to group signals from cables, one of which is designated by the general reference 8, the latter being connected to the connector bases via corresponding movable plugs.

[0040] Such a system can for example be produced by additive manufacturing, based on organic or metallic materials.

[0041] It is therefore conceivable that such a system presents a number of advantages, in terms of its cost, its sealing, its ease of integration, its compactness and the reliability of connection.

Claims

Demands

1. Electrical signal concentration system by several connectors and cable gland system, characterized in that it comprises: - several connector bases (1), - at least one cable gland system (3) associated with at least one cable (7) grouping the signals from the connectors, - means (4) for connecting the connector bases to the cable gland system, and - fastening means (5, 6) including fastening tabs (5).

2. Electrical signal concentration system by connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the fixing means also include an area (6) adapted for the insertion of a self-locking clamp.

3. Electrical signal concentration system by connector according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection means (4) comprise conduit sections in which cable portions are provided.

4. Electrical signal concentration system by connector according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is made by additive manufacturing.

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