Tool for inserting a wire into a connector with systematic retention control

Abstract

The invention relates to a tool (100) for inserting a wire (950) into a connector comprising: a first body (200), a guide assembly (300), referred to as the assembly, for receiving the wire, a wire clamping member (600), and a means (700) for moving the clamping member between an open position and a closed position where the wire is clamped. The tool (100) moves between a rest position, where the first body is not locked to the assembly, and a locked position, where the first body is locked to the assembly. Moving from the rest position to the locked position causes the clamping member to move from the open position to the closed position. Moving from the locked position to the rest position, after applying minimal force, causes the clamping member to move from the closed position to the open position. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Tool for inserting a wire into a connector with systematic retention control. Technical field of the invention

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

[0002] The invention more specifically relates to a tool for inserting a wire into a connector. Previous technique

[0003] An electrical harness is classically made by connecting a large number of individual flexible cables to a connector.

[0004] A cable can be single-wire or multi-wire, that is to say, it comprises one or more wires. Each wire of a cable typically has a contact with a shoulder at one of its ends.

[0005] A connector is generally in the form of a housing with a plurality of openings on its rear face, each opening designed to receive the contact of a wire. A flexible tab, such as an elastically deformable element, is provided at the entrance of the opening to retain the wire contact in the opening once it has been inserted, and to prevent its removal. If the contact is correctly inserted into the connector opening, only a tool, commonly called an insertion / extraction tool, can remove the contact from the opening.

[0006] To guard against possible connector failures due to incorrect insertion of a wire contact into one of the connector holes, tests are carried out to verify that each contact is correctly inserted into its hole.

[0007] One of the existing solutions consists of an operator manually pushing and pulling on each wire to check if it is properly held in the orifice.

[0008] Another solution also exists for connectors where the wire contacts open onto a face, called the front face, of the connector, opposite the rear face. This solution consists of using a tool, commonly called a retaining tool, with force calibration, allowing an operator to apply pressure to the contact from the front face to push the wire contact out through the rear face if it is improperly inserted. When the force applied by the operator exceeds a certain threshold, and the contact remains in the connector opening, the contact is considered properly inserted.

[0009] These solutions nevertheless have drawbacks. Given the large number of wires to be checked, it may happen that an operator unintentionally omits, to check a wire. Furthermore, the checks on each wire are performed redundantly, leading to a loss of productivity. Finally, due to the repetitive nature of these inspection tasks, operators can develop musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Presentation of the invention

[0010] The present invention aims to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0011] To this end, the present invention proposes a tool for inserting a wire into a connector with systematic control of the wire insertion.

[0012] According to the invention, the tool for inserting a wire into a connector, referred to as the tool, comprises: - a first body, forming a gripping handle, extending along a longitudinal axis, - a guide assembly, arranged in whole or in part within the first body and intended to receive the wire, and comprising a first end intended to receive an insertion / extraction tool, - a clamping device designed to clamp the wire arranged in the guide assembly, - a means of moving the clamping element between an open position, in which the wire is not clamped by the clamping element, and a closed position, in which the wire is held in place by the clamping element, - a locking system for the first body with the guide assembly.

[0013] The first body is movable in translation with the guide assembly, along the longitudinal axis.

[0014] The tool moves between a so-called rest position, in which the first body and the guide assembly are not blocked relative to each other by the locking system, and a so-called locked position where the first body and the guide assembly are locked together by the locking system.

[0015] The tool is configured so that: - the translation of the first body relative to the guide assembly, in a direction called insertion, from the rest position to the locked position, causes the clamping element to move from the open position to the closed position, - the translation of the first body relative to the guide assembly, in a direction opposite to the insertion direction, called the retention direction, from the locked position to the rest position, causes the clamping element to move from the closed position to the open position, said translation being made possible only after application of a tensile force greater than a predetermined minimum force.

[0016] The tool according to the invention advantageously allows an operator on the one hand to insert a wire into a connector and on the other hand to systematically check whether the wire insertion is done correctly.

[0017] To do this, the operator places the tool in the rest position. The operator places the wire in the tool so that one contact of the wire is held by the guide assembly. The wire is not clamped by the clamping element because said clamping element is always in the open position when the tool is in the rest position.

[0018] The operator then inserts the wire contact into an opening in the connector by positioning the tool so that the contact is aligned with the opening, and then moves the tool until the contact is inserted. The operator then applies a pushing force to the tool in the direction of insertion until the tool is in the locked position. During this pushing force, the first body translates relative to the guide assembly until the locking system engages the first body with the guide assembly, causing the clamping element to move to the closed position, firmly securing the wire in the tool. When the tool is in the locked position, the wire is held securely by the clamping element and becomes permanently attached to the tool. Thus, any movement of the tool automatically causes the wire to move.

[0019] The tool remains in the locked position as long as a pulling force exerted on it by the operator is less than a predetermined minimum pulling force.

[0020] The operator then pulls on the tool, and consequently on the wire, to move it away from the connector.

[0021] If the wire contact is incorrectly inserted, then it will automatically come out of the orifice.

[0022] If the wire contact is properly inserted, it will remain inserted in the connector until the minimum pulling force is applied.

[0023] When the minimum pulling force is reached, the tool unlocks and returns to the rest position. The locking system releases the first body of the guide assembly, which translates relative to the guide assembly, causing the clamping element to move to the open position, releasing the thread in the tool.

[0024] The tool thus allows the operator to verify that the wire contact is correctly inserted into the connector hole. The operator no longer needs to perform any further checks. The tool saves the operator time and also ensures that the wire contact insertion into the connector has been checked for each wire.

[0025] According to particular embodiments, the tool according to the invention also meets the following characteristics, implemented separately or in each of their technically operative combinations.

[0026] In preferred embodiments of the invention, the guide assembly comprises: - a body, called the second body, arranged within the first body, - a body, called the third body, arranged in whole or in part in the second body.

[0027] The second body is configured to be movable in translation with the first body. The third body is configured to be movable in translation with the second body. The third body carries the means of movement and part of the locking system.

[0028] In preferred embodiments of the invention, the clamping member comprises two movable elements relative to each other in a direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, called the transverse direction, the wire being intended to be inserted between the two movable elements, and in which the tool is configured so that the translation of the first body relative to the guide assembly causes a translation, in the transverse direction, of the two elements relative to each other.

[0029] In preferred embodiments of the invention, the clamping element is a self-tightening clamping element. A self-tightening element advantageously prevents slippage of the wire and ensures that there will be no slippage of the wire during tensile stress.

[0030] In preferred embodiments of the invention, the two elements are rollers, preferably eccentric rollers.

[0031] In preferred embodiments of the invention, the means of movement comprises: - a light, created in the second body, and arranged along a transverse axis, - two lights, made in the third body, one light per element,

[0032] the three lights being arranged so that, during the longitudinal translation of the second body relative to the third body, in the direction of insertion, they tend to bring the two elements closer together, in the transverse axis.

[0033] In preferred embodiments of the invention, the displacement means comprises two inclined surfaces, each inclined surface being in contact with an element of the clamping member, the two inclined surfaces being arranged so that, during the translation of the first body relative to the guide assembly, in the direction of insertion, they tend to bring the elements closer together in the transverse direction.

[0034] In preferred embodiments of the invention, the tool includes a means for retaining the wire between the two elements of the clamping member when said clamping member is in its rest position. Advantageously, the retaining means ensures that the wire remains held between the two elements as long as the tool is not in the locked position and the clamping member is not in the closed position.

[0035] In preferred embodiments of the invention, the tool includes an automatic wire ejection device. The ejection device is advantageously configured to release the wire when the tool moves from the locked position to the rest position.

[0036] In preferred embodiments of the invention, the tool includes a return element configured to return the tool to its rest position once it has been unlocked. Advantageously, the return element ensures that the tool automatically returns to its rest position and releases the thread from the clamping element.

[0037] In preferred embodiments of the invention, the locking system comprises: - a cavity made in the first body, - a ball and a compression spring, both integral with the guide assembly,

[0038] said compression spring exerting a force on the ball towards the first body,

[0039] the cavity being arranged so that, when the tool is in the locked position, the ball is disposed in said cavity of the first body.

[0040] In preferred embodiments of the invention, the locking system comprises: - a cavity made in the first body, - a flexible tab with a lug shaped to complement the cavity, attached to the guide assembly,

[0041] the cavity being arranged so that, when the tool is in the locked position, the lug is disposed in said cavity of the first body.

[0042] The invention also relates to a method for inserting a wire into a connector by means of a tool conforming to at least one of its embodiments, said wire having, at one of its ends, contact with a shoulder, the connector having at least one orifice for receiving the wire contact, the method comprising the steps of: - insertion of an insertion / extraction tool into the first end of the guide assembly, - Insertion of the thread into the insertion / extraction tool and the guide assembly, - Inserting the contact into a hole in the connector, - application of a pushing force in the direction of insertion, until the tool is in a locked position, - application of a pulling force, in the direction of retention, until reaching a force greater than the predetermined minimum force to unlock the tool (100).

[0043] The tool according to the invention can also be used solely to check whether a wire, already inserted into a connector hole, is properly inserted. To do this, the operator places a wire, the contact of which is already inserted into the connector, into the tool's guide assembly, applies a manual pushing force to the tool to lock it into position, securing the wire in the clamping element. Then, the operator applies a pulling force to the tool as explained previously. Brief description of the figures

[0044] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the figures which represent:

[0045] Figure 1 illustrates, from a perspective top view, a tool for inserting a wire into a connector according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0046] Figure [Fig. 2] illustrates, from a perspective view from below, the insertion tool of Figure [Fig. 1],

[0047] Figure 3 illustrates, from a perspective top view, a first body of the inserting tool of Figure 1.

[0048] Figure 4 illustrates, according to an exploded perspective top view, a guide assembly for the insertion tool of Figure 1.

[0049] Figure 5 illustrates, in perspective view, the guide assembly of the inserting tool of Figure 1.

[0050] Figure [Fig. 6] illustrates, in perspective view, the tool of Figure [1], with the first body shown in transparency,

[0051] Figure 7 illustrates the different steps of a method for inserting a wire into a connector according to the invention. Description of the implementation methods

[0052] A tool for inserting a wire 950 into a connector 1000, according to an exemplary embodiment, is now described and illustrated in Figures 1 to 7. In the following description, the tool for inserting a wire into a connector will simply be referred to as tool 100.

[0053] In the following description, tool 100 will be associated with an orthogonal XYZ coordinate system, in which: - X designates a longitudinal axis of tool 100, - Y designates an axis perpendicular to X, called the transverse axis, - Z denotes an axis perpendicular to X and Y.

[0054] Thus, the tool 100 has a length along the longitudinal axis X, a width along the transverse axis Y and a thickness along the axis Z.

[0055] By wire, we mean a long, thin wire element that allows two elements to be connected electrically or optically, such as an electrical wire or an optical fiber.

[0056] Conventionally, the wire 950 has at one of its ends a contact 951, as illustrated in view (a) of [Fig.7]. The contact 951 has a shoulder (not shown in the figures).

[0057] The connector 1000 is conventionally in the form of a housing 1030, as illustrated in views (a)-(e) of [Fig.7]. It has a so-called rear face 1010 having holes 1020, each hole 1020 being intended to receive the contact 951 of a wire 950. An elastically deformable element (not shown in the figures), for example in the form of one or more flexible tabs, is provided at the entrance of each hole.

[0058] The tool 100 according to the invention comprises a first body 200 extending along the longitudinal axis X.

[0059] The first body 200 advantageously forms a gripping handle for an operator using said tool 100.

[0060] The first body 200 advantageously has a dimension and external geometry adapted for good manual grip by the operator for the purpose of manipulating said tool 100.

[0061] The first body 200 may have protrusions 210 on part of an external surface to improve the grip of the tool 100 by the operator.

[0062] The first body 200 preferentially delimits an open hollow volume.

[0063] In a non-limiting example of the invention, and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, The first body 200 has a generally parallelepiped shape. The first body 200 comprises a lower wall 220, an upper wall 230, two longitudinal edges 240, and two lateral edges 250. One of the two lateral edges is open. The upper wall 230 has a recess 270, extending primarily from the open lateral edge, to access the hollow volume.

[0064] The tool 100 further comprises a guide assembly 300, as illustrated in figures 1, 2, 4 to 6.

[0065] The guide assembly 300 is preferably arranged partly in the first body 200.

[0066] The guide assembly 300 extends along the longitudinal axis X.

[0067] In the non-limiting example of [Fig.1], the guide assembly 300 extends beyond the open lateral edge.

[0068] The guide assembly 300 is configured to slide in the first body 200, along the longitudinal axis X.

[0069] The guide assembly 300 has a first end 510 intended to receive an insertion / extraction tool 900, as illustrated in figures 1, 2, 7.

[0070] Preferably, the first end 510 and the insertion / extraction tool 900 are assembled reversibly. The first end 510 may, for example, include a clipping member 560 designed to cooperate reversibly with a complementary clipping member (not shown) arranged on the insertion / extraction tool 900.

[0071] The first end 510 may include an adapter (not shown) to receive different sizes of insertion / extraction tool 900.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment of the guide assembly 300, illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 4 to 6, said guide assembly 300 comprises two bodies, referred to as the second and third bodies 400, 500. The third body 500 is arranged partly in the second body 400 and the second body 400 is arranged in the first body 200.

[0073] The tool 100 thus presents an interlocking of the three bodies within each other.

[0074] The shape and interlocking of the three bodies are such that the third body 500 presents a hollow space 580 directly accessible by the operator. The hollow space 580 of the third body 500 is accessible at the level of the recess 270 of the upper wall 230 of the first body 200.

[0075] The third body 500 preferentially carries the first end 510. Said first end advantageously provides access to the hollow space 580.

[0076] In a non-limiting example, the second body 400 has a so-called lower wall 420 intended to be opposite the lower wall 220 of the first body 200. The second body 400 has two longitudinal edges 440 intended to be opposite the longitudinal edges 240 of the first body 200. It has two lateral edges 450. One of the two lateral edges is open. The open lateral edge is located on the same side as the open lateral edge of the first body 200. The second body 400 has an open hollow volume for receiving the third body 500.

[0077] In a non-limiting example, the third body 500 comprises a so-called lower wall 520 intended to be opposite the lower wall 420 of the second body 400 and a so-called upper wall 530 intended to be partially opposite the upper wall 230 of the first body 200. The third body 500 comprises two longitudinal edges 540 intended to be opposite the longitudinal edges 440 of the second body 400. It also comprises two lateral edges 550. One of the two lateral edges comprises the first end 510.

[0078] The second body 400 and the first body 200 are configured to slide with each other. The third body 500 and the second body 400 are configured to slide with each other.

[0079] In a preferred embodiment, the second body 400 has at least one external longitudinal protrusion 460 shaped to cooperate with at least one internal longitudinal groove 260 made in the first body 200. The at least one external longitudinal protrusion 460 of the second body 400 and the at least one internal longitudinal groove 260 of the first body 200 together form a sliding connection.

[0080] In a non-limiting example, illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the second body 400 has two external longitudinal projections 460 cooperating with two internal longitudinal grooves 260 of the first body 200. The two external longitudinal projections 460 are preferably formed on the longitudinal edges 440 of the second body 400, one external longitudinal projection per longitudinal edge. The two internal longitudinal grooves 260 are preferably formed on the longitudinal edges 240 of the first body 200, one internal longitudinal groove per longitudinal edge.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment, the second body 400 has at least one internal longitudinal protrusion 470 shaped to cooperate with at least one longitudinal groove 570 made in the third body 500. The at least one internal longitudinal protrusion 470 of the second body 400 and the at least one longitudinal groove 570 of the third body 500 together form a sliding connection.

[0082] In a non-limiting example, illustrated in [Fig. 4], the second body 400 has two internal longitudinal projections 470 cooperating with two longitudinal grooves 570 of the third body 500. The two internal longitudinal projections 470 are preferably formed on the longitudinal edges 440 of the second body 400, one internal longitudinal projection per longitudinal edge. The two longitudinal grooves 570 are preferably formed on the longitudinal edges 540 of the third body 500, one longitudinal groove per longitudinal edge.

[0083] The tool 100 is configured to move between a so-called rest position and a so-called locked position. In the rest position, the first body 200 and the guide assembly 300 are not blocked in translation relative to each other. In the locked position, the first body 200 and the guide assembly 300 are fixed together in translation relative to each other.

[0084] The transition from the rest position to the locked position, and vice versa, is achieved by a translation, along the longitudinal axis X, of the guide assembly 300 relative to the first body 200.

[0085] The tool 100 advantageously includes a locking system 800 of the first body 200 with the guide assembly 300 to place said tool 100 in the locked position.

[0086] In a first non-limiting embodiment of the locking system 800, said locking system comprises, on the one hand, a cavity formed in the first body 200 and, on the other hand, a flexible tab 810 integral with the guide assembly 300. The flexible tab 810 includes a lug 820 of a shape complementary to the cavity formed in the first body 200. Said cavity is arranged in the first body 200 so that, when the tool 100 is in the locked position, the lug 820 of the tab 810 is disposed in the cavity of the first body 200.

[0087] In a preferred non-limiting example, the locking system 800 has two cavities, each intended to cooperate with the lug 820 of a tongue 810 integral with the guide assembly 300.

[0088] The tool 100 is configured to remain in a locked position as long as the tensile force on the first body 200 does not exceed a predetermined minimum force. The minimum force is determined by the stiffness of the material constituting the tab 810 and the shape of the lug 820.

[0089] In the preferred form where the guide assembly 300 comprises the second and third bodies 500, the third body 500 advantageously carries two flexible tabs 810, each with a lug 820, as illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 4 to 6. Each flexible tab 810 forms an extension of a longitudinal edge 540 and extends out of the first body 200.

[0090] Each cavity (not shown in the figures) associated with a flexible tongue 810 is made in each longitudinal edge 240 of the first body 200.

[0091] In a second, non-limiting embodiment of the locking system 800, not shown in the figures, said locking system 800 may comprise, on the one hand, a cavity formed in the first body 200 and, on the other hand, a ball spring plunger integral with the guide assembly 300. The ball spring plunger is in the form of a cylindrical body in which a compression spring is disposed. A ball is fixed at one end of this body and protrudes partially from the cylindrical body. The compression spring advantageously exerts a force on the ball towards the first body 200. The cavity is arranged so that, when the inserting tool 100 is in the locked position, the ball is disposed in said cavity of the first body 200.

[0092] In a preferred example, the locking system 800 has two cavities, each intended to cooperate with a ball spring pusher.

[0093] The tool 100 is configured to remain in the locked position as long as the tensile force on the first body 200 does not exceed a predetermined minimum force. This minimum force can advantageously be defined by dimensioning the ball spring plunger, in particular the stiffness of the compression spring(s).

[0094] In the preferred embodiment where the guide assembly 300 comprises the second and third bodies 500, each ball spring plunger is fixed to the third body 500. For each ball spring plunger, the cylindrical body is fixedly connected to the third body 500. The compression spring extends preferentially in a transverse direction of the tool 100. The compression spring exerts pressure on the ball towards one of two longitudinal edges of the first body 200. Each cavity associated with a ball spring plunger is formed in one of the two longitudinal edges of the first body 200.

[0095] The tool 100 further comprises a clamping member 600 for clamping the wire 950 disposed in the guide assembly 300 and a means for moving the clamping member 600 700.

[0096] The displacement means 700 is preferably configured to move the clamping member 600 between an open position and a closed position. When the clamping member 600 is in the open position, the wire 950 is not held by said clamping member 600, as illustrated in view (a) of [Fig. 7]. When the clamping member 600 is in the closed position, the wire 950 is held in place by said clamping member 600, as illustrated in view (c) of [Fig. 7].

[0097] Tool 100 is advantageously configured so that: - the translation of the first body 200 relative to the guide assembly 300, in a so-called insertion direction, i.e. from the rest position to its locked position of the tool 100, causes the movement, by the means of displacement 700, of the clamping member 600 from its open position to its closed position, - the translation of the first body 200 relative to the guide assembly 300, in a direction opposite to the insertion direction, called the retention direction, from the locked position to the rest position of the tool 100, causes the clamping element 600 to move from the closed position to the open position.

[0098] Translation in the direction of retention is only made possible after application, on the first body 200, of a tensile force greater than the predetermined minimum force.

[0099] When the guide assembly 300 comprises the second and third bodies 500, the clamping member 600 is preferably arranged in the hollow space 580 of the third body 500. The displacement means 700 is, for its part, preferably carried by the third body 500.

[0100] In a non-limiting embodiment, the clamping member 600 comprises two elements 610, movable relative to each other. The two elements 610 are preferably movable in a transverse direction of the tool 100. The space between the two elements 610 is called the clamping zone.

[0101] In a preferred embodiment, the two elements 610 are two pebbles.

[0102] In a non-limiting embodiment, the clamping element 600 is a self-tightening clamping element.

[0103] In a preferred embodiment, the two elements 610 are two eccentric rollers. The eccentric rollers advantageously allow adaptation to several wire diameters. Since the wires are manufactured with a tolerance, particularly in diameter, the eccentric rollers thus allow for repeatability of the tool 100 related to variations in wire diameter.

[0104] The displacement means 700 is configured to move the two elements 610 closer together or further apart, preferably in a transverse direction of the tool 100. In the open position, the two elements 610 are separated by a distance greater than the diameter of a wire 950. In the closed position, the two elements 610 are close together, and sandwich the wire 950.

[0105] Thus, the tool 100 is configured so that the translation of the first body 200 relative to the guide assembly 300 results in a translation, along the transverse direction, of the two elements 610 relative to each other. More precisely, the tool 100 is configured so that: - the translation of the first body 200 relative to the guide assembly 300, in the direction of insertion, causes the two elements 610 to move closer together, - the translation of the first body 200 relative to the guide assembly 300, in the direction of retention, causes the two elements 610 to move apart.

[0106] In a non-limiting embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 4 to 6, when the guide assembly 300 comprises the second and third bodies 400, the displacement means 700 comprises: - on the one hand, in the second body 400, a light 710 arranged in the transverse direction, allowing lateral movement of the two elements, - on the other hand, in the third body 500, two lights 720, one light per element.

[0107] The three lights 710, 720 being arranged so that, during the longitudinal translation of the second body 400 relative to the third body 500, in the direction insertion, they tend to bring the two elements 610 closer together, in the transverse direction.

[0108] When the two elements 610 are rollers or eccentric rollers, said rollers are, for example, fixed by a screw-nut system. The slot 710, preferably oblong, in the second body 400 allows the passage of a fixing screw for each roller 610 and the transverse movement of the two rollers 610 relative to each other. The two slots 720 in the third body 500 are preferably oblong.

[0109] The two rollers 610 are arranged in the hollow space 580 of the third body 500, and each roller is advantageously held by a fixing screw associated with a nut, the shank of the fixing screw passing through a light 720 of the third body 500 and the light 710 of the second body 400, the head of the screw 620 being disposed against the lower wall 420 of the second body 400, and the nut forming an insert in the roller as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.

[0110] The lights 710, 720 of the second body 400 and the third body 500 advantageously allow the two rollers 610 to be guided in translation, in the transverse direction, during the passage from the closed position to the open position and vice versa.

[0111] In one embodiment, to allow the tool 100 to adapt to different wire diameters, the distance between the two elements 610, when said two elements are in the closed position, can be adjusted by means of a stop screw 860, as illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 5-6. The stop screw allows the distance between the elements to be varied during closure. The stop screw is not directly connected to the two elements 610. It allows the positioning of the third body 500 relative to the second body 400 to be adjusted, and thus the positioning of the elements 610 in the two slots 720 of the third body 500.

[0112] In a non-limiting embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 4 to 6, the displacement means 700 may, in addition to the slots 710, 720, comprise two inclined surfaces 730, each inclined surface being in contact with an element. The two inclined surfaces 730 are arranged such that, during the longitudinal translation of the first body 200 relative to the guide assembly 300, in the insertion direction, they tend to bring the two elements 610 closer together in the transverse direction.

[0113] When the guide assembly 300 comprises the second and third bodies 400, 500, the third body 500 includes the inclined surfaces 730. In the non-limiting example of Figures 1, 4, 5 and 6, the two inclined surfaces 730 form part of the delimiting surfaces of the hollow space of the third body 500. The inclined surfaces 730 can join the free end, as illustrated in Figures 1, 4, 5 and 6. Each opening 720 of the third body 500 can, for example, be arranged parallel to an inclined surface 730.

[0114] In a preferred embodiment, to receive the wire 950 after the clamping zone, the third body 500 has a longitudinal channel 590 extending from the hollow space, in the continuation of the clamping zone between the two elements 610 of the clamping member 600.

[0115] In a preferred embodiment, the tool 100 includes a wire retention means 870 between the two elements 610 of the clamping member 600 when said clamping member is in its rest position. Such a wire retention means ensures that the wire remains within the clamping zone as long as the tool is not in the locked position and the clamping member is not in the closed position. The wire retention means thus prevents the clamping member from being tightened without tension. The wire retention means also allows the operator to manipulate the tool with one hand.

[0116] In a preferred embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 4, the wire retention means is located at the longitudinal channel 590 and allows the wire to be held in said longitudinal channel. The wire retention means is preferably flexible so that, on the one hand, it can deform to allow the wire to pass through the longitudinal channel 590 and, on the other hand, it can then return to its original shape to hold the wire in the longitudinal channel 590.

[0117] In one embodiment, the wire retention means is made of an elastomeric material covering at least a portion of the longitudinal channel. The material may also include a slot opposite the longitudinal channel 590.

[0118] In another embodiment, the wire retention means comprises at least one brush whose bristles cover at least part of the longitudinal chute 590.

[0119] In a preferred embodiment (not shown in the figures), the tool 100 includes an automatic wire ejection device 950 from the tool. The ejection device is advantageously configured to release the wire when the tool moves from the locked position to the rest position. The ejection system allows the wire to be released from the longitudinal chute 590.

[0120] In a preferred embodiment, the tool 100 includes a return member 850 to return the tool 100 to the rest position, once it has been unlocked.

[0121] In one embodiment, the return member 850 is a compression spring.

[0122] In one embodiment, said compression spring is disposed between the second body 400 and the third body 500, disposed for example at the closed lateral edges 450, 550 of the second and third bodies 400, 500.

[0123] In one embodiment (not shown), the tool 100 may include a force indicator allowing the operator to know the force of The force it exerts on the tool. The force indicator can be, for example, digital or mechanical.

[0124] In one embodiment (not shown), the tool 100 may include a locking indicator to inform the operator when it has reached the locked position. The locking indicator may be, for example, a visual or audible indicator.

[0125] In one embodiment (not shown), the tool can be connected. The tool may, for example, include a signal transmitter / receiver, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other. The tool may include an electronic board, associated with the transmitter / receiver, and configured to process signals from said transmitter / receiver. The electronic board may also be configured to process signals from a force sensor, itself integrated into the tool. Thus, it is possible, for example, to collect and save information relating to the tensile forces exerted by the operator for each contact insertion into a connector port.

[0126] In an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), in order to geolocate it, the tool may include a geolocation means configured to transmit geolocation information of the tool.

[0127] The tool can advantageously be made of different materials, such as, for example, metallic, composite or plastic materials.

[0128] In one embodiment (not shown), the tool can be integrated into an automated machine. Such an embodiment advantageously increases productivity and reduces musculoskeletal disorders among operators.

[0129] The method for inserting a wire 950 into a connector 1000 using tool 100 is now described and illustrated in [Fig.7].

[0130] The tool 100 is in the rest position, as illustrated in view (a) of [Fig.7]. The elements 610 are in the open position.

[0131] In a first step, an insertion / extraction tool 900 is inserted into tool 100.

[0132] The insertion / extraction tool 900 conventionally comprises a longitudinal groove 910 and a free end 920 opposite the end in contact with the first end 510 of the guide assembly 300.

[0133] In one example of implementation, the operator inserts the insertion / extraction tool 900 into the first end 510 of the guide assembly 300, with the longitudinal groove 910 disposed on the side of the hollow space 580.

[0134] In a second step, as illustrated in view (a) of [Fig.7], the wire 950 is inserted into the tool 100.

[0135] In one embodiment, the operator inserts the wire 950 into the longitudinal groove 910 of the insertion / extraction tool 900 and positions the wire 950 of so that the shoulder of the contact 951 of the wire 950 bears against the free end 920 of the insertion / extraction tool 900. The operator also inserts the wire 950 into the guide assembly 300, specifically between the two elements 610. With the elements 610 in the open position, the wire 950 is not held in the clamping zone by the two elements 610. The operator inserts the wire into the longitudinal channel. The wire remains held in said longitudinal channel by the wire retaining means 870. The operator can thus manipulate the tool 100 with one hand.

[0136] In a third step, illustrated in view (b) of [Fig.7], the contact 951 is inserted into one of the orifices 1020 of the connector 1000.

[0137] In one embodiment, the operator positions the tool 100 so that the contact 951 of the wire 950 is opposite an orifice 1020, and then moves the tool 100 towards the connector 1000 to insert the contact 951 into the orifice. The movement of the tool 100 is represented by the arrow in view (b) of [Fig. 7]. The movement is along the longitudinal axis X of the tool 100, in the direction of insertion.

[0138] In a fourth step, illustrated in view (c) of [Fig.7], a pushing force is applied to the tool 100, in the direction of insertion, until it reaches its locked position.

[0139] In one embodiment example, the operator continues to advance the tool 100 in the direction of insertion, illustrated by the arrow, causing a translation of the first body 200 relative to the guide assembly 300 until the locking system 800 comes to lock the first body 200 and the guide assembly 300 together. The first body 200 thus slides on the second body 400, itself sliding on the third body 500 until the lug 820, or the ball according to the locking system 800, of the third body 500 is lodged in the orifice of the first body 200.

[0140] In parallel with this translation, the displacement means 700 causes the clamping member 600 to move from the open position to the closed position. More precisely, the translation between the second body 400 and the third body 500 causes the lateral displacement of the clamping member 600 from the open position to the closed position. The elements 610 are simultaneously moved by the slots 710, 720 of the second and third bodies 400, 500 and move closer to each other. Thus, when the tool 100 is in the locked position, the thread 950 is held fixedly between the two elements 610.

[0141] At the end of this step, the wire 950 is held in place by the clamping element 600 and the locking system 800 secures the first body 200 to the guide assembly 300. The wire 950 and the tool 100 are thus fixed together. The movement of one causes the same movement of the other.

[0142] In a final step, illustrated in views (d) and (e) of [Fig.7], a pulling force, in the direction of retention, until a force greater than the predetermined minimum force is reached is applied to unlock the tool 100.

[0143] In one embodiment, the operator pulls on the tool 100. The displacement of the tool 100 is represented by the arrow in view (d) of [Fig. 7]. The displacement is carried out along the longitudinal axis X of the tool 100, in the opposite direction to the insertion direction.

[0144] When the clamping element 600 is a self-tightening clamping element, said self-tightening clamping element advantageously prevents slippage of the wire and ensures that there will be no slippage of the wire during the tensile force.

[0145] The tool 100 is calibrated so that as long as the pulling force exerted by the operator on the tool 100 is less than the predetermined minimum force, the tool 100 remains in the locked position and the clamping member 600 holds the wire 950 securely.

[0146] If the contact 951 does not come out of the connector hole until this minimum force is applied, the contact 951 is then considered to be correctly inserted into said hole.

[0147] As soon as the minimum force is reached, the tool 100 is unlocked, disengaging the first body 200 from the guide assembly 300. The force exerted by the operator is then sufficient for the lug 820, or the ball, attached to the third body 500, to emerge from the cavity of the first body 200. Simultaneously, the displacement means 700 moves the clamping member 600 from the closed position to the open position. The two elements 610 are simultaneously moved, via the slots 710, 720 of the second and third bodies 400, 500, and move away from each other, releasing the wire 950.

[0148] The automatic ejection device releases the wire 950 from the longitudinal chute 590. The tool 100 and the wire 950 are then no longer attached to each other and the tool 100 moves away from the connector 1000, without taking the wire 950 with it, as illustrated in view (e) of [Fig.7].

[0149] The tool 100 then automatically returns to the rest position, by the action of the return member 850.

[0150] The wire 950 is removed from the longitudinal groove 910 of the insertion / extraction tool 900.

[0151] The operator can again use tool 100 to insert a new wire 950 into another hole of connector 1000 or another connector 1000.

[0152] The tool 100 thus advantageously allows on the one hand the insertion of a contact 951 of wire 950 into a connector 1000 and on the other hand the verification that the contact 951 is properly inserted into the connector 1000.

[0153] It may also be envisaged to use tool 100 only for the verification that a contact 951 has been properly inserted into a connector 1000, without the prior insertion step.

[0154] In this case, the operator simply needs to place a wire 950, whose contact 951 is already inserted in the connector 1000, in the guide assembly 300, apply a manual pushing force from the operator on the tool 100 to place it in the locked position and then apply the pulling force.

Claims

1. Demands Tool (100) for inserting a wire (950) into a connector (1000), comprising: - a first body (200), forming a gripping handle, extending along a longitudinal axis (X), - a guide assembly (300), arranged in whole or in part in the first body (200) and intended to receive the wire (950), and comprising a first end (510) intended to receive an insertion / extraction tool (900), - a clamping element (600) intended to clamp the wire (950) disposed in the guide assembly (300), - a means of moving (700) the clamping member (600) between an open position, in which the wire (950) is not clamped by the clamping member (600), and a closed position, in which the wire (950) is held locked by the clamping member (600), - a locking system (800) for the first body (200) with the guide assembly (300), the first body (200) being movable in translation with the guide assembly (300), along the longitudinal axis (X), the tool (100) evolving between a so-called rest position, in which the first body (200) and the guide assembly (300) are not blocked relative to each other by the locking system (800), and a so-called locked position where the first body (200) and the guide assembly (300) are locked together by the locking system (800), tool (100) being configured so that: - the translation of the first body (200) relative to the guide assembly (300), in a direction called insertion, from the rest position to the locked position, causes the clamping element (600) to move from the open position to the closed position, - the translation of the first body (200) relative to the guide assembly (300), in a direction opposite to the insertion direction, called the retention direction, from the locked position to the rest position, causes the displacement of the organ clamping (600) from the closed position to the open position, said translation being made possible only after application of a tensile force greater than a predetermined minimum force, characterized in that the guide assembly (300) comprises: - a body, called second body (400), arranged in the first body (200), - a body, called third body (500), arranged in whole or in part in the second body (400), the second body (400) being configured to be mobile in translation with the first body (200), when the tool moves between the rest position and the locked position, the third body (500) being configured to be mobile in translation with the second body (400), when the tool moves between the rest position and the locked position.

2. Tool (100) according to claim 1 in which the clamping member (600) comprises two elements (610) movable relative to each other in a direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, referred to as the transverse direction (Y), the wire (950) being intended to be inserted between the two movable elements (610), and in which the tool (100) is configured so that the translation of the first body (200) relative to the guide assembly (300) causes a translation, in the transverse direction (Y), of the two elements (610) relative to each other.

3. Tool (100) according to claim 2 in which the clamping member (600) is a self-tightening clamping member.

4. A tool (100) according to claims 1 and 2, wherein the displacement means (700) comprises: - a slot (710), formed in the second body (400), and arranged along a transverse axis, - two slots (720), formed in the third body (500), one slot per element (610), the three slots (710, 720) being arranged such that, during the longitudinal translation of the second body (400) relative to the third body (500), in the direction of insertion, they tend to bring the two elements (610) closer together, along the transverse axis.

5. Tool (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 4 comprising a means (870) for retaining the wire between the two elements (610) of the clamping member (600), when said clamping member is in the rest position.

6. Tool (100) according to claim 5 comprising an automatic wire ejection device (950) out of the tool, configured to release the wire when the tool moves from the locked position to the rest position.

7. Tool (100) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a return member (850) configured to return the tool (100) to the rest position, once it has been unlocked.

8. Tool (100) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the locking system (800) comprises: - a cavity made in the first body (200), - a ball and a compression spring, both integral with the guide assembly (300), said compression spring exerting a force on the ball towards the first body (200), the cavity being arranged so that, when the tool (100) is in the locked position, the ball is disposed in said cavity of the first body (200).

9. Tool (100) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the locking system (800) comprises: - a cavity made in the first body (200), - a flexible tab (810) with a lug (820) of complementary shape to the cavity, integral with the guide assembly (300), the cavity being arranged so that, when the tool (100) is in the locked position, the lug (820) is disposed in said cavity of the first body (200).

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