Electrical connection device

Abstract

Electrical Connection Device The electrical connection device (1) comprises: - a primary cable (100) having two wires, each with a pin (105); - a connector (2) comprising: -- a U-shaped body (3) having a bottom wall (4) and two lateral wings (5), forming a channel (6), the body being made by molding a first plastic material. An end portion of the primary cable is embedded in the bottom wall, and the pins protrude into the channel to pierce a secondary cable received in the channel and allow its electrical connection with the primary cable; -- a sealing portion (20) overmolded onto the body, made of a second, more flexible plastic material. The sealing portion has a base wall (21) with two openings (22), through each of which a pin passes, each opening being bordered by a sleeve (23). Figure 6

Description

Title of the invention: Electrical connection device

[0001] The invention relates to an electrical connection device.

[0002] More particularly, the invention relates to an electrical connection device comprising a primary cable fixed to a connector having a channel in which a secondary cable is received for connection to the primary cable. The secondary cable is clamped at the bottom of the channel so as to be pierced by pins fixed to the wires of the primary cable, to allow the electrical connection.

[0003] Such an electrical connection device may be used in an environment containing liquid, solid, or gaseous particles, whether suspended or projected (dust, mud, salt, water droplets, water vapor, etc.), which could damage the device. In particular, the pins may undergo degradation which, over time, leads to a deterioration in the quality of the electrical contact.

[0004] There is therefore a need for effective long-term protection of the electrical connection device, particularly the pins. Naturally, the electrical connection device must also possess sufficient mechanical properties and be affordably priced.

[0005] The invention aims to provide an improved electrical connection device.

[0006] For this purpose, the electrical connection device according to the invention comprises: - a primary cable having a sheath and two wires housed in the sheath, each wire having a conductor which is surrounded by an electrically insulating sheath and which has an end on which a pin is mounted; - a connector fixed to an extreme part of the primary cable on the pin side, the connector comprising:

[0007] — a U-shaped body having a bottom wall and two lateral wings, said body defining a longitudinal axis and forming a channel to receive a secondary cable, the body being made by molding a first plastic material, said extreme part of the primary cable being embedded in the bottom wall of the body and part of the pins protruding into the channel, so as to be able to pierce the secondary cable and allow the electrical connection between the wires of the primary cable and the wires of the secondary cable;

[0008] — a sealing part made of a second, more flexible plastic material than The first plastic material, said sealing part comprising a base wall disposed against the bottom wall of the body, on the channel side, and covering at least 40% of the surface of the bottom wall of the body, said base wall comprising two orifices through each of which a pin passes, each orifice being bordered by a sleeve protruding into the channel, said sleeve being arranged at a distance from the corresponding spindle and having a height less than the height of the part of the spindle which protrudes into the channel, said sealing part being overmolded onto the body.

[0009] By making the connector of the electrical connection device according to the invention with two plastics of different rigidities, it is possible to obtain both the required mechanical resistance, via the first plastic which constitutes the body of the device, and very good sealing properties, via the second plastic which is more flexible.

[0010] Thus, the body, which is made of a more rigid material, ensures good retention of the primary cable components, particularly the pins, as well as proper positioning of the secondary cable within the channel. Furthermore, due to this greater rigidity, it is possible to clip a secondary cable retaining piece onto the body. Specifically, the body is sufficiently rigid to remain undeformed under normal operating conditions, that is, during the installation and perforation of the secondary cable and then during the use of the device, for example, in a vehicle's electrical system.

[0011] Furthermore, the sealing portion, which is made of a more flexible material, can be slightly compressed, preferably elastically. More specifically, the sleeves can be compressed by the secondary cable in the operating configuration, thereby acting as sealing gaskets arranged around the pins, and thus protecting the pins from the entry of unwanted elements.

[0012] Using two different materials to make the connector allows for the selection of a material particularly suited to the desired function, both for the body and for the sealing part. Conversely, using a single material, which would be a compromise in terms of rigidity, would only allow each of the two functions to be performed with reduced performance.

[0013] Furthermore, by overmolding the sealing portion onto the body, it is ensured that it is rigidly bonded to the body and cannot detach. The close contact between the two materials also prevents any compromise to the seal. The fact that the base wall of the sealing portion covers a relatively large area of ​​the bottom wall of the body—at least 40%, or even 50%, 60%, or 70%—further improves the quality of the connection between the sealing portion and the body.

[0014] Furthermore, since the sleeve is positioned at a distance from the corresponding pin, it is not damaged by the pin, either during the manufacture of the device or during its use. This contributes to maintaining the quality of the seal over time.

[0015] According to one possible embodiment, the first plastic material has a Shore D hardness between 70 and 90. It may be a thermoplastic. The first The plastic material can be a PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), such as a PBT reinforced with glass fibers. For example, the first plastic material is a PBT reinforced with 10% glass fibers. (PBT GF 10), with a Shore D hardness of around 81. Alternatively, one could use polyamide loaded with glass fibers, for example with 10% glass fibers (PA GF 10).

[0016] According to one possible embodiment, the second plastic material has a Shore A hardness between 20 and 35. It may be an elastomer. For example, the second plastic material is an EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene monomer) or a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

[0017] According to one embodiment, the bottom wall of the body comprises a through-channel extending from the face of said bottom wall facing the channel to the opposite face, the channel preferably having an enlarged portion near said opposite face. Such a channel is used to inject the second plastic material during the overmolding operation. The enlarged portion leads to the formation of a base made of the second plastic material, with a cross-section larger than that of the channel, which further improves the mechanical retention of the sealing portion on the body.

[0018] The enlarged portion can be located opposite at least one pin, substantially in a direction orthogonal to the bottom wall of the body. With this configuration, the second plastic material can be used to plug a hole used to hold a pin in position in a mold during the injection of the first plastic material. This therefore ensures a seal around the pins on the face of the bottom wall of the body that is opposite the channel.

[0019] The sleeve may have a height between 15 and 50% of the height of the part of the pin that protrudes into the channel, for example on the order of 30%.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the sleeve wall has a thickness that decreases with distance from the base wall. Thus, for example, the sleeve wall has a pointed cross-section. Alternatively, the sleeve wall may have a substantially constant thickness.

[0021] The sleeve may have an oval cross-section. The sleeve is, for example, oblong in shape, that is to say, rectangular in shape with a semicircle on either side.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the base wall of the sealing portion extends transversely substantially from one wing to the other of the body, and / or longitudinally substantially from the end of the body opposite the primary cable over at least 50%, 60%, or 70% of the body's length. For example, the base wall of the sealing portion extends longitudinally over approximately three-quarters of the length of the body. Preferably, the base wall of the sealing element extends longitudinally over less than 90% of the body's length. Having a large contact surface ensures better adhesion of the sealing element to the body.

[0023] According to one possible embodiment, the bottom wall of the body includes a recess that is open towards the channel and in which the base wall of the sealing element is housed, preferably such that the face of the bottom wall of the body that is separate from the recess and faces the channel and the face of the base wall of the sealing element that faces the channel are substantially located in the same plane. In addition to providing a neat finish, such a configuration improves the retention of the sealing element on the body.

[0024] The bottom wall of the body may include at least one transverse ridge projecting towards the channel, preferably arranged near a longitudinal end of the body. Such a ridge is intended to limit the unwanted displacement of the secondary cable along the longitudinal axis.

[0025] The electrical connection device may further include a retaining piece configured to be mounted on the body so as to trap the secondary cable in the channel by clamping it against the bottom wall of the body.

[0026] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for making an electrical connection device as previously described, the method comprising the steps of: - to place in a first mold an extreme part of the primary cable previously stripped of its sheath; - inject the first plastic material into the first mold so as to form the body, the said extreme part of the primary cable being embedded in the bottom wall of the body and part of the pins protruding into the channel; - place the body thus obtained into a second mold; - inject the second plastic material into the second mold so as to form the sealing part by overmolding onto the body.

[0027] Such a process makes it possible to obtain a part with very good mechanical and sealing properties, simply and without excessive cost. Indeed, at the end of the overmolding step, the sealing function is ensured without the need to add a supplementary element, such as a gasket, in an additional step. Furthermore, the secure bond of the sealing element to the body, achieved in particular through overmolding, prevents the sealing element from separating and thus prevents loss of sealing.

[0028] Several possible embodiments of the invention are now described by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the attached figures:

[0029] [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of an electrical connection device according to a embodiment of the invention, comprising a primary cable, a connector and a retaining piece;

[0030] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of the primary cable and connector, showing two electrical connection pins;

[0031] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of the retaining piece;

[0032] [Fig.4] is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connection device of the [Fig.l];

[0033] [Fig.5] is a detailed perspective view of the primary cable;

[0034] [Fig.6] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the primary cable and connector;

[0035] [Fig.7] is a top view of the primary cable and connector;

[0036] [Fig.8] is a bottom view of the primary cable and connector;

[0037] [Fig.9] is a perspective view of the primary cable and connector, following a intermediate step in the process of creating the electrical connection device;

[0038] [Fig. 10] is a perspective view from below of the primary cable and connector, at the end of an intermediate step of the process of making the electrical connection device according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0039] [Fig. 11] is a view similar to [Fig. 10], at the end of a later step in the manufacturing process;

[0040] [Fig. 12] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view - along a broken line passing through each of the pins - of the electrical connection device, according to the embodiment corresponding to figures 10 and 11;

[0041] [Fig. 13] is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connection device beyond [Fig. 12],

[0042] Figure 1 represents an electrical connection device 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. Such a device 1 is intended to electrically connect a primary cable 100 and a secondary cable 200.

[0043] As illustrated in [Fig. 5], the primary cable 100 comprises a sheath 101 and two wires 102 housed within the sheath 101. Each wire 102 has a conductor 103 surrounded by an electrically insulating sheath 104. Furthermore, a pin 105 is fixed, for example by crimping, to one end of each of the conductors 103. The pin 105 has a tooth 106 having piercing properties. The primary cable 100 may have a round cross-section ([Fig. 1]) or a rectangular cross-section ([Fig. 10]).

[0044] Similarly, the secondary cable 200 comprises a sheath 201 and two wires 202 housed within the sheath 201. Each wire 202 has a conductor 203 which is surrounded by an electrically insulating sheath 204. In contrast, the secondary cable 200 is devoid of pins. The secondary cable 200 has, for example, a rectangular cross-section, as can be seen in particular in [Fig. 1].

[0045] In another embodiment, the primary cable 100 and the secondary cable 200 could include more than two sons 102, 202.

[0046] Via the pins 105 which are able to pierce the sheath 201 of the secondary cable 200 and the sheaths 204 of the conductors 203 of the secondary cable 200, typically via the teeth 106, the electrical connection device 1 allows the electrical connection two by two of the wires 102 of the primary cable 100 and the wires 202 of the secondary cable 200.

[0047] The electrical connection device 1 includes the primary cable 100 and a connector 2 fixed to an extreme part of the primary cable 100 on the side of the pins 105. The primary cable 100 can be several meters long.

[0048] The connector 2 has a U-shaped body 3 which has a bottom wall 4 and two lateral wings 5 ​​and which forms a channel 6 to receive the secondary cable 200.

[0049] The bottom wall 4 of the body 3 has an inner face 11 and an opposite outer face 12. Each of the lateral wings 5 ​​has an inner face 13 and an opposite outer face 14. The term "inner" is used to designate an element located on the side of the channel 6, as opposed to the term "outer".

[0050] The body 3 defines a longitudinal axis X, which is the axis along which the channel 6 extends and along which the secondary cable 200 will be arranged in its operating configuration, as seen in [Fig. 1]. The longitudinal axis X is substantially parallel to the bottom wall 4 and the lateral wings 5 ​​of the body 3.

[0051] A transverse axis Y is also defined as being substantially parallel to the bottom wall 4 and orthogonal to the longitudinal axis X. Finally, a vertical axis Z is defined as being orthogonal to the X and Y axes. It is specified that the term "vertical" is used for the sake of simplicity in the description, but that when using it, the electrical connection device 1 can be arranged in positions where the Z axis is not oriented along the vertical.

[0052] Along the longitudinal axis X, the body 3 has a first end 7 and a second end 8.

[0053] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the primary cable 100 is arranged longitudinally and substantially centered transversely with respect to the channel 6. In this case, the first end 7 is defined as that located on the side of the primary cable 100. This arrangement of the primary cable 100 is not, however, limiting.

[0054] The connector 2 may also include a junction appendage 9 with the primary cable 100. The appendage 9 is integral with the body 3 from which it projects longitudinally from the first end 7. The appendage 9 receives a portion of the primary cable 100.

[0055] The body 3 is made by molding a first plastic material. When present, the appendage 9 can be molded in one piece with the body 3, during of the same injection operation. The extreme part of the primary cable 100 on which the connector 2 is fixed is embedded in the bottom wall 4 of the body 3 and part of the pins 105, typically the teeth 106, protrude into the channel 6.

[0056] In concrete terms, an extreme part of the primary cable 100, previously unsheathed, can be placed in a first mold, and then the first plastic material can be injected into the first mold so as to form the body 3 and, where applicable, the appendage 9.

[0057] An example of an intermediate product obtained at the end of this phase of the manufacturing process is illustrated in [Fig.9].

[0058] The first plastic material can be a PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) filled with 30% glass fibers, with a Shore D hardness of around 77. The body 3 thus has a mechanical resistance giving its rigidity and robustness to the electrical connection device 1.

[0059] According to one possible embodiment, as seen in [Fig. 6], the primary cable 100 has its sheath 101 outside the connector 2 but is unsheathed in the body 3, and possibly also in a portion of the appendage 9. The two wires 102 are arranged substantially longitudinally. They can be arranged so that their axes lie substantially in the same plane (X, Y), the wires 102 being offset from each other along the transverse axis Y. Furthermore, the ends of the wires 102 can be offset from each other along the longitudinal axis X.

[0060] The teeth 106 of the pins 105 are, for example, substantially orthogonal to the bottom wall 4 of the body 3. Their upper end 107 may be triangular.

[0061] Each pin 105 can be in the form of a substantially flat plate, arranged in a plane (X,Z) and can include a base 108, for example substantially rectangular, embedded in the body 3, and from which the tooth 106 protrudes.

[0062] In the embodiment shown by way of example, the teeth 106 of the pins 105 are offset from each other both along the transverse axis Y and along the longitudinal axis X, as can be seen in particular in [Fig.7].

[0063] The connector 2 further includes a sealing part 20 which is made of a second plastic material that is more flexible than the first plastic material and which is overmolded onto the body 3. Overmolding the second plastic material onto the first ensures intimate contact between these materials, and therefore good adhesion of the sealing part 20 to the body 3. The second plastic material can be an EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene monomer).

[0064] In the embodiment example, the intermediate product illustrated in [Fig.9] is placed in a mold into which the second plastic material will be injected, so as to form the sealing part 20 by overmolding on the body 3.

[0065] The sealing part 20 comprises a base wall 21 which is disposed against the inner face 11 of the bottom wall 4 of the body 3, i.e. on the side of the channel 6. The contact surface between the base wall 11 and the bottom wall 4 of the body 3 is quite significant, since the base wall 11 covers at least 40%, for example about 75% of the surface of the bottom wall 4 of the body 3. By providing a contact surface of relatively large dimensions, the hold of the sealing part 20 on the body 3 is further improved.

[0066] For example, the base wall 21 extends transversely substantially from one lateral wing 5 to the other of the body 3. It can also extend over at least 50%, or 60% or 70% of the length of the body 3, for example from the second end 8 of the body 3.

[0067] In a variant shown in [Fig. 13], the sealing part 20 can cover all or part of the inner face 13 of the lateral wings 5 ​​of the body 3, and possibly their upper edge (this not being shown), in order to further improve the holding of the sealing part 20 on the body 3.

[0068] The base wall 21 comprises two orifices 22 through each of which passes a pin 105 of the primary cable 100, and more specifically the tooth 106 of said pin 105. Each of the orifices 22 may have an oval shape, in particular an oblong shape, for example elongated along the longitudinal axis X. In the embodiment where the pins 105 are offset from each other, as described above, the orifices 22 are offset from each other along the longitudinal axis X and may also be offset along the transverse axis Y. Furthermore, as can be seen in [Fig. 7], the pins 105 may be offset transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the orifice 22 through which they protrude.

[0069] The inner face 13 of each of the lateral wings 5 ​​extends globally in a plane (X,Z), i.e. longitudinal and orthogonal to the bottom wall 4. However, each of the lateral wings 5 ​​may have a recess 15 on the side of the inner face 13, this recess 15 being able to extend over the entire height of the lateral wing 5. The recess 15 of a lateral wing 5 is located opposite - transversely - one of the orifices 22 of the sealing part 20, the two recesses 15 therefore being able to be offset along the longitudinal axis X.

[0070] Each orifice 22 is bordered by a sleeve 23 which protrudes into the channel 6, preferably substantially orthogonally to the base wall 21 of the sealing portion 20, that is to say, substantially orthogonally to the inner face 11 of the bottom wall 4 of the body 3. The sleeve 23 can be arranged on the edge of the corresponding orifice 22. The sleeve 23 may have an oval cross-section in a plane (X,Y).

[0071] It is specified that the sleeve 23 and the base wall 21 are made in one piece during the same injection operation of the second plastic material.

[0072] The sleeve 23 is arranged at a distance from the corresponding pin 105. In other In terms of the sleeve 23, it is not in contact with the spindle 105, in particular not in contact with the tooth 106. As a result, it is not at risk of being damaged by the spindle 105, either during the manufacturing process or during the use of the electrical connection device 1.

[0073] In addition, the sleeve 23 has a height - along the vertical axis Z - which is less than the height of the part of the pin 105 which protrudes into the channel 6, namely the tooth 106. For example, the height of the sleeve 23 is about 30% of the height of the tooth 106.

[0074] In the configuration of the electrical connection device 1, the sleeves 23 come into contact with the secondary cable 200 and create a sealing zone around the pins 105. The sleeves 23 prevent the ingress of dust or moisture, in particular, and thus prevent damage to the pins 105 and therefore to the electrical connection. The internal volume of the sleeves 23, around the pins 105, is free of any filler material. Indeed, such a filler material is superfluous, as the sleeves 23 guarantee excellent sealing.

[0075] The electrical connection device 1 preferably includes a retaining piece 50 configured to be mounted on the body 3 so as to trap the secondary cable 200 in the channel 6 by clamping it against the bottom wall 4 of the body 3, as shown in [Fig. 4]. In this position, the tooth 106 of the pin 105 has pierced the sheath 201 of the secondary cable 200 and the insulation 204 of the wires 202, thus making electrical contact with the conductor 203. In this configuration, the sleeve 23 is compressed between the secondary cable 200 and the bottom wall 4 of the body 2 and forms a seal. In [Fig. 4], the shape of the sleeve 23 in its neutral position, i.e., in the absence of any stress exerted on it, in particular in the absence of compression, is shown in dashed lines.

[0076] The retaining piece 50 is preferably clipped onto the body 3.

[0077] To this end, and according to one embodiment, a longitudinal rib 16 projects from the outer face 14 of each of the lateral wings 5. Furthermore, as illustrated in [Fig. 3], the retaining piece 50 is U-shaped, comprising an upper wall 51 and two lateral arms 52, and is positioned over and around the body 3, the two U-shapes interlocking. Each of the lateral arms 52 of the retaining piece is provided, near its free end, with an internal longitudinal lug 53 which engages under the rib 16 of the lateral wings 5 ​​of the body 3 to ensure retention by clipping. The retaining piece 50 is dimensioned to ensure the clamping of the secondary cable 200. In addition, the retaining piece 50 may have a central longitudinal protrusion 54 projecting from the upper wall 51 in the same direction as the lateral arms 52, so as to form a support on the secondary cable 200.

[0078] In order to improve the retention of the secondary cable 200 in the channel 6, and in particular to prevent its slippage along the longitudinal axis X, the bottom wall 4 of the body 3 may be provided with at least one bead 17 projecting from the inner face 11 towards the channel 6, and arranged substantially transversely. A bead 17 may be provided near one or both of the first and second ends 7, 8 of the body 3. The bead 17 may extend over all or part of the width of the channel 6, along the transverse axis Y.

[0079] In one embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, 6 and 7, the wall of the sleeve 23 has a thickness that decreases as it moves away from the base wall 21 of the sealing part 20. The reduction in thickness can be carried out from the outside of the sleeve 23. The wall of the sleeve 23 can, for example, have a pointed section, as can be clearly seen in Figures 4 and 6.

[0080] Alternatively, as illustrated in Figures 12 and 13, the wall of the sleeve 23 may have a substantially constant thickness.

[0081] In both cases, the contact of the secondary cable 200 with the sealing portion 20 is made with the upper edge 24 of the sleeve 23, which may be annular or substantially reduced to a line. There may also be contact between the secondary cable 200 and the base wall 21 of the sealing portion 20.

[0082] On the inner face 11, the bottom wall 4 may include a recess 18 which is open towards the channel 6. The recess 18, visible in [Fig. 9], may be generally rectangular in shape. It may extend transversely from one flange 5 to the other. The recess 18 may extend longitudinally over a distance of approximately three-quarters of the total length of the body 3. For example, the recess 18 extends from the second end 8 of the body 3 in the direction of, but not as far as, the first end 7. The depth of the recess 18, along the Z-axis, may be approximately 10 to 20% of the thickness of the bottom wall 4.

[0083] Thus, the inner face 11 of the bottom wall 4 of the body 3 has a lower part 1 corresponding to the bottom face of the recess 18, and a raised part 11b which is distinct from the recess 18.

[0084] According to this embodiment, the sealing portion 20 is housed in the recess 18. Preferably, the raised portion 11b of the inner face 11 of the bottom wall 4 of the body 3, on the one hand, and the inner face 25 of the base wall 21 of the sealing portion 20, i.e., the face facing the channel 6, on the other hand, are substantially in the same plane, i.e., substantially flush. Thus, the channel 6 has a substantially flat bottom face, except for the sleeves 23. This improves the sealed contact with the secondary cable 200, especially when the latter has a rectangular cross-section.

[0085] Such an arrangement, where the sealing part 20 is housed in the recess 18 of the body, contributes to further improving the fit of the sealing portion 20 on the body 3.

[0086] According to one embodiment, as seen in [Fig. 9], in the vicinity of the second end 8 of the body 3, the recess 18 does not extend contiguously to the lateral wings 5, and therefore forms a narrower band that can be arranged transversely in a centered manner. In this case, the bead 17 located in the vicinity of the second end 8 of the body 3 can be formed: - at the transverse ends, by injecting the first plastic material, during the formation of body 3, - and in the center, by the injection of the second plastic material, during the formation of the sealing part 20.

[0087] Such a bi-material bead 17 can present a continuous cross-section along its entire length - along the transverse axis Y.

[0088] As can be seen in [Fig.6], the bottom wall 4 of the body 3 may include a through conduit 30 extending from the inner face 11 to the outer face 12. The conduit 30 may extend orthogonally to the inner face 11 and outer face 12.

[0089] The conduit 30 can be used for injecting the second plastic material to create the sealing portion by overmolding onto the body 3. The injection can be carried out through the outer face 12 of the bottom wall 4 of the body. Preferably, the conduit 30 has an enlarged portion 31 near the outer face 12. The enlarged portion 31 has a larger cross-section than the main part of the conduit 30.

[0090] Thus, during the injection of the second plastic material, a tab 32 is formed which extends inside the bottom wall 4 of the body 3 from the base portion 21 of the sealing part 20 and, preferably, a base 33 at the end of the tab 32 in the vicinity of the outer face 12, this base 33 having a larger cross-section than that of the tab 32. In the embodiment shown in [Fig.6], the base 33 is in the form of a disk coaxial with the tab 32, this not being limiting.

[0091] This further improves the mechanical retention of the sealing part 20 on the body 3.

[0092] Figures 10 to 12 illustrate an embodiment of the invention in which the mold used for injecting the body 3 includes retaining elements for the pins 105 during this injection operation. It follows that the body 3 comprises, in addition to the conduit 30, cavities 34 located under the pins 105, in the space left by the retaining elements (not shown). Each cavity 34 extends from the outer face 12 of the bottom wall 4 of the body 3 to the pins 105.

[0093] In this case, it can be foreseen that the enlarged portion 31 of the conduit 30 extends not only to the conduit 30, but also to the pins 105 sen- possibly along the vertical axis Z. As illustrated in [Fig.10], which shows the body 3 after the molding operation of the first plastic material, the enlarged portion 31 connects the conduit 30 and the cavities 34.

[0094] When the second plastic material is injected, and therefore overmolded on the body 3, it forms the base wall 21 of the sealing part 20, the tab 32, fills the enlarged portion 31 to form the base 33, and also fills the cavities 34 to form the nipples 35 joining the base 33 and the pins 105. As can be seen in figures 11 and 12, at the level of the outer face 12, the pins 105 are no longer exposed.

[0095] The sealing part 20 thus ensures sealing around the pins at the level of the outer face 12 of the bottom wall 4 of the body 3.

[0096] It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above by way of example but includes all technical equivalents and variants of the means described as well as their combinations.

Claims

Claims

1. Device (1) for electrical connection, comprising: - a primary cable (100) comprising a sheath (101) and two wires (102) housed in the sheath (101), each wire (102) comprising a conductor (103) which is surrounded by an electrically insulating envelope (104) and which has one end on which a pin (105) is mounted;- a connector (2) fixed on an end part of the primary cable (100) on the side of the pins (105), the connector (2) comprising: - a U-shaped body (3) having a bottom wall (4) and two lateral wings (5), said body (3) defining a longitudinal axis (X) and forming a channel (6) for receiving a secondary cable (200), the body (3) being made by molding a first plastic material, said end part of the primary cable (100) being embedded in the bottom wall (4) of the body (3) and a part of the pins (105) protruding into the channel (6), so as to be able to pierce the secondary cable (200) and allow the electrical connection between the wires (102) of the primary cable (100) and the wires (202) of the secondary cable (200);— a sealing part (20) made of a second plastic material more flexible than the first plastic material, said sealing part (20) comprising a base wall (21) arranged against the bottom wall (4) of the body (3), on the side of the channel (6), and covering at least 40% of the surface of the bottom wall (4) of the body (3), said base wall (21) comprising two orifices (22) through each of which a pin (105) passes, each orifice (22) being bordered by a sleeve (23) projecting into the channel (6), said sleeve (23) being arranged at a distance from the corresponding pin (105) and having a height less than the height of the part of the pin (105) which protrudes into the channel (6), said sealing part (20) being overmolded onto the body (3).;

2. Electrical connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first plastic material is a thermoplastic with a Shore D hardness of between 70 and 90, for example a PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), such as a PBT filled with glass fibers.

3. Electrical connection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second plastic material is an elastomer, such as an EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene monomer) or a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

4. Electrical connection device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the bottom wall (4) of the body (3) comprises a through conduit (30) extending from the face (11) of said bottom wall (4) which is turned towards the channel (6) to the opposite face (12), the conduit (30) preferably comprising a widened portion (31) in the vicinity of said opposite face (12).

5. Electrical connection device according to claim 4, characterized in that the widened portion (31) is located at right angles to at least one pin (105), substantially in a direction orthogonal to the bottom wall (4) of the body (3).

6. Electrical connection device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the sleeve (23) has a height of between 15 and 50% of the height of the part of the pin (105) which protrudes into the channel (6), for example of the order of 30%.

7. Electrical connection device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the wall of the sleeve (23) has a thickness which decreases away from the base wall (21), the wall of the sleeve (23) having for example a pointed section.

8. Electrical connection device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the sleeve (23) has an oval cross section.

9. Electrical connection device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the base wall (21) of the sealing part (20) extends transversely substantially from one lateral wing (5) to the other of the body (3) and longitudinally substantially from the end (8) of the body (3) opposite the primary cable (100) over at least 50%, or 60% or 70% of the length of the body (3).

10. Electrical connection device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the bottom wall (4) of the body (3) comprises a recess (18) which is open towards the channel (6) and in which the base wall (21) of the sealing part (20) is housed, preferably so that the face (11b) of the bottom wall (4) of the body (3) which is distinct from the recess (18) and which faces the channel (6) and the face (25) of the base wall (21) of the sealing part (20) which faces the channel (6) are substantially located in the same plane.

11. Electrical connection device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the bottom wall (4) of the body (3) comprises at least one transverse bead (17) projecting towards the channel (6), preferably arranged in the vicinity of a longitudinal end (7, 8) of the body (3).

12. Electrical connection device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it further comprises a holding part (50) configured to be mounted on the body (3) so as to trap the secondary cable (200) in the channel (6) by clamping it against the bottom wall (4) of the body (3).

13. Method for producing an electrical connection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the steps of: - placing in a first mold an end part of the primary cable (100) previously stripped; - injecting the first plastic material into the first mold so as to form the body (3), said end part of the primary cable (100) being embedded in the bottom wall (4) of the body (3) and a part of the pins (105) protruding into the channel (6); - placing the body (3) thus obtained in a second mold; - injecting the second plastic material into the second mold so as to form the sealing part (20) by overmolding on the body (3).

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