Effortless coupling power contact subassembly, Power connection module incorporating such a subassembly for tightening an electrical cable termination.

Abstract

Power contact subassembly with effortless coupling, Power connection module integrating such a subassembly for tightening an electrical cable termination. The invention essentially consists of a subassembly (3) with a female type power contact constituted by a socket comprising flexible arms, also in the form of petals which are sufficiently spaced from each other to allow insertion without mechanical effort of a cylindrical male contact, a ring actuated by a displacement mechanism coming to deflect the flexible arms, that is to say to tighten them on the latter to guarantee electrical continuity, an elastic means exerting a force of maintaining the ring in the deflected position of the flexible arms, of tightening the male contact. Figure for the abstract: Fig.4

Description

Title of the invention: Power contact subassembly with effortless coupling, Power connection module integrating such a subassembly for tightening an electrical cable termination. Technical field

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

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

[0003] By "terminal block" is meant here and within the scope of the present invention, a device for ensuring electrical continuity between a cable and another part of an installation. A terminal block, also known as a connection terminal or screw terminal, is an electrically insulated module that fixes together two or more electrical wires / cables, intended to be electrically connected to each other, and comprises an insulating support and at least one clamping component for fixing the wires / cables.

[0004] By “contact” is meant here and within the framework of the present invention, an element made of electrically conductive material for allowing the electric current to pass.

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

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

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

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

[0009] Figures 1 and 2 show an example of such an existing terminal block, generally designated by the reference 1, which is designed to connect two or more cables 2 electrically equipped with 20 terminals at their ends by a screw-nut system.

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

[0011] A washer, in particular an electrically conductive washer 13, of the corrugated washer type, is provided for each screw-nut system.

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

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

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

[0015] Since the terminal block 1 is not watertight, an additional cover commonly called an “umbrella” is fixed to the structure of the aircraft, above the terminal block to prevent condensed moisture from dripping directly onto the cables 2 connected in the terminal block.

[0016] In addition to this non-watertight aspect, such a screw terminal block 1 has many major drawbacks.

[0017] First of all, the terminals 20 must be perfectly oriented to be threaded around the terminal screws 11 for a satisfactory electrical connection. This usually involves an operator having to untwist the cables 2.

[0018] The number of parts to be managed (screws, nuts, washers, shunt bar, cover, umbrella part) for an operator in charge of assembly is significant with, in addition, a high risk of loss of parts which therefore induces a risk of foreign bodies, or mechanical debris (FOD acronym for "Foreign Object Damage") which can cause damage, which we absolutely seek to avoid in the aeronautics field.

[0019] This risk of loss of parts is all the more important since the areas in which the existing terminal blocks 1 are installed have difficult and / or very restricted access and / or a location that is inconvenient for the operator. For example, the insulating support 10 is usually fixed on the ceiling side in the structure of an aircraft. This may imply that the lugs installed on the screws 11 do not stay in place until a nut 12 has also been put in place. In other words, there is no function of pre-holding the lugs in position on the screws.

[0020] In addition to the intrinsic screw tightening operations which can be long for a dedicated operator, another operator is systematically dedicated to checking the tightening torques applied for fixing the 20 cable lugs.

[0021] Also, a screw terminal block requires that the cables not be energized to avoid electrical risks for the operators in charge of the electrical connection. These risks cannot be completely ruled out during tests to verify proper operation.

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

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

[0024] Finally, screw terminals do not allow for modularity because the number of cables 2 that can be connected in a single terminal block is fixed.

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

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

[0027] More generally, there is a need to propose a coupling solution between power contacts, which allows high contact pressure and therefore a high connection force, without premature wear of the contacts appearing.

[0028] The invention aims to meet all or part of this(these) need(s). Statement of the invention

[0029] To do this, the invention relates, according to one of its aspects, to a female type power contact subassembly, comprising:

[0030] - a female power contact in the form of a cylindrical socket comprising

[0031] • a hollow tube,

[0032] • flexible contact arms, in the extension of the hollow tube and distributed angularly- loosely spaced, preferably regularly, from each other forming petals, the petals being adapted to be deflected from a rest position in which a male power contact can be inserted between them, preferably effortlessly, to a deflected position in which the male power contact is clamped between the petals so as to establish electrical continuity between the male and female contacts;

[0033] - a clamping ring, slidably mounted around the socket to deflect the arms

[0034] - a ring moving mechanism for moving the ring a first position corresponding to the resting position of the petals to a second position corresponding to the deflected position of the petals;

[0035] - an elastic means for returning the position of the ring from its first to its second position.

[0036] In other words, the invention essentially consists of a subassembly with a female type power contact constituted by a socket comprising flexible arms, also in the form of petals which are spaced sufficiently apart from each other to allow insertion without mechanical effort of a cylindrical male contact, a ring actuated by a displacement mechanism coming to deflect the flexible arms, that is to say to tighten them on the latter to guarantee electrical continuity, an elastic means exerting a force to maintain the ring in the deflected position of the flexible arms, to tighten the male contact.

[0037] According to an advantageous embodiment, the movement mechanism comprises:

[0038] - a fork with at least one branch, pivotally mounted on the ring, with the free end of the branches resting against an external stop,

[0039] - a lever or a pivot cam of the fork to translate the ring of the first position to second position and vice versa.

[0040] Advantageously, the elastic return means is a helical compression spring, mounted around the ring and the female power contact, with one of its longitudinal ends abutting against an external collar of the ring and the other of its longitudinal ends abutting against an external collar of the female power contact or against an external stop.

[0041] According to an advantageous embodiment, each petal end comprises an inwardly projecting locking surface adapted to be housed in a peripheral groove of the male power contact, in the deflected position of the petals and thus lock the axial movement of the petals, preferably before or simultaneously with the tightening of the male contact, the locking surface having a shape complementary to that of the peripheral groove of the male power contact.

[0042] Thus, the axial movement of the petals of the female contact is locked by their inner surface which is housed, preferably with complementary shapes, in the peripheral groove of the male contact.

[0043] According to an advantageous embodiment variant, the subassembly comprises an insulator electric including:

[0044] - a hollow tube housed inside the hollow tube of the female contact,

[0045] - ribs in the extension of the hollow tube and distributed angularly while being spaced, preferably regularly, from each other, delimiting through openings, each through opening housing a petal of the female contact which projects outwards at least in its rest position,

[0046] - a ring connecting the ribs together to mechanically protect the end frontal petals.

[0047] The ribs both guide and mechanically protect the arms of the female contact.

[0048] The invention also relates to an electrical connection module, intended to constitute a part of a terminal block of a connection assembly, with a longitudinal axis (X) comprising:

[0049] - at least one body made of electrically insulating material comprising at least one cavity extending along the X axis and adapted to accommodate an electrical cable termination, comprising an electrically insulating sleeve and a male power contact, preferably cylindrical, retained inside the sleeve, the contact being intended to be connected, preferably crimped onto an electrical cable;

[0050] - at least one subassembly as described previously, fixed in the cavity with the petals of the female power contact adapted to clamp, in their deflected position, the male contact of the electrical termination.

[0051] Advantageously, the cavity houses a plate forming the external stop against which the other of the longitudinal ends of the helical spring is in abutment.

[0052] According to an advantageous embodiment, the movement mechanism comprises:

[0053] - an interface part with an external tool (H), mounted freely in rotation in a housing the body and adapted to be rotated by the tool,

[0054] - a pivot cam, integral or made integrally with the part interface, the rotation of the cam causing the fork to pivot, orthogonally to the X axis, which translates the ring from the first position to the second position and vice versa.

[0055] Advantageously, the interface part may comprise an interface imprint with the tool, preferably a hollow hexagonal imprint.

[0056] According to an advantageous embodiment variant, the body of the module and / or the interface part comprises(s) at least one visual indicator arranged so as to be visible to an operator to indicate to him the position of the correct tightening of the contact of the electrical termination. The body of the module and / or the interface part may thus comprise, as a visual indicator, an area of ​​visible color.

[0057] According to an advantageous embodiment, the body comprises an opening opposite of the cavity, provided internally with a plurality of longitudinal straight grooves, preferably regularly distributed angularly, each adapted to receive a straight groove formed around the sleeve of the electric cable termination.

[0058] The grooves of the termination sleeve allow for the absorption of torsional forces of the cable on the body of the module. In addition, they prevent rotation of the contact by sliding, once tightened in the connection module.

[0059] By choosing small angular sectors between grooves, we obtain an insertion of the contact in the module which does not require angular indexing.

[0060] According to another advantageous embodiment, the module comprises a part of a pre-locking device adapted to cooperate with another part of the pre-locking device, integral or made integrally with the termination of the electric cable, to lock the male contact of the termination in its position housed in the cavity, before tightening by the petals of the female contact. With a pre-locking device, the insertion in a correct position of the male contact is guaranteed before its tightening in the petals of the female contact.

[0061] According to this mode and a first variant embodiment, the part of the pre-locking device comprises at least one protrusion, arranged on the outer periphery of a tubular extension of the body of the module, the other part of the pre-locking device comprising at least one lug, arranged on the inner periphery of a ring mounted to rotate around the termination, the ring being in axial support against a part of the termination when the lug is in axial abutment against the rear of the protrusion to achieve pre-locking.

[0062] According to this mode and a second variant embodiment, the part of the pre-locking device comprises a substantially U-shaped part, slidably mounted on a tubular extension of the body of the module which is provided with two through openings, the other part of the pre-locking device comprising at least one groove, arranged at the outer periphery of a part of the termination, the part being in a sliding position with the end of these branches forming ribs housed in the groove of the termination to carry out the pre-locking.

[0063] According to a first connection configuration, the female contact comprises a portion extending outside the body and adapted to be electrically connected by soldering or screwing to a busbar.

[0064] The electrical connection module can also be dedicated to a connection between harnesses, i.e. between at least two separate electrical cable terminations.

[0065] Thus, according to a second connection configuration, the module comprises:

[0066] - two bodies aligned or side by side and fixed together,

[0067] - two female contacts electrically connected to each other,

[0068] - two independent movement mechanisms. Thus, it is possible to connect at least two electrical cable terminations in series within the same module.

[0069] According to an advantageous construction variant, the module comprises a single plate against which the other end of each of the two helical compression springs is in axial abutment.

[0070] According to another advantageous construction variant, the two female contacts are screwed into each other.

[0071] According to this second mode and a connection variant between a current input and three outputs, it is provided in the module that:

[0072] - each body comprises at least two cavities, aligned or not, the cavities preferably extending parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) of the module,

[0073] - the two female contacts of the same body are electrically connected to each other, so as to provide an electrical shunt between the at least four electrical cable terminations when housed individually in the cavities.

[0074] The invention also relates to a terminal block connection assembly, comprising a plurality of modules of identical or different dimensions with cavities of identical or different dimensions for housing electrical terminations of identical or different dimensions.

[0075] The invention finally relates to a structure, in particular an aircraft structure, comprising at least one electrical connection module as described previously and / or at least one terminal block connection assembly as described above, preferably fixed to a support rail, itself intended to be fixed to the structure.

[0076] The advantages of the invention are numerous compared to existing systems, among which we can cite: - the elimination of cable orientation problems, which can be very rigid, by replacing the usual terminals with cylindrical contacts; - a reduction in the installation times of electrical cables in a structure, in particular an aircraft structure, by a rapid assembly system which guarantees effective tightening of the cable terminations, without the need for so-called torque tightening, i.e. by applying a specific tightening force in order to obtain maximum precision; - individual coupling of each electrical termination in a single or multi-cavity connection module; - effortless coupling since, before tightening, the gap between the flexible arms (petals) of the female contact allows easy insertion without friction of the male contact, which also has the advantage of not generating wear of the contact and / or its possible coating; - as a corollary of the effortless coupling, an increase in the number of coupling cycles between male and female contacts, better responsiveness corrosion resistance, and the possibility of applying a less expensive surface coating to the contacts; - high contact pressure between the electrical contact of the cable termination and the flexible contact arms (petals) within the module, which reduces the electrical contact resistance and therefore allows high current flow with reduced heating; - a reduction in the force exerted by an operator on the movement mechanism, either directly or by means of a tool, making it possible to easily compress the elastic return element, and therefore to use a particularly rigid elastic return element in order to obtain a significant clamping force on the flexible arms of the socket; - a possibility of waterproof connection at the level of the cavity of a module housing the contacts; - a possibility of both visual indication (marking on the module opposite an indicator on the interface part) and sensitive indication (mechanical stop of the termination contact) of the correct tightening of the termination contact in the module; - the removal of existing umbrella parts in an aircraft structure thanks to the waterproof solution with connection modules which house the electrical terminations in a waterproof manner in the cavities; - No risk of part loss (FOD for "Foreign Object Damage"), because the solution according to the invention has no independent, detachable part to install; - Protection of operators against electrical risks, since they only have to directly handle electrically insulating parts (modules and insulating termination sleeve); - High modularity that can easily adapt to different cable configurations; - The connection module is particularly suitable for a high-voltage electrical line (several hundred Volts), because there is only one potential in a connection module (phases and neutral are separated in different modules) and the leakage and insulation lines between electrical conductors are lengthened.

[0077] The applications envisaged for a terminal block with modules according to the invention are numerous, among which we can cite the wiring of civil aircraft.

[0078] Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the detailed description of examples of implementation of the invention given by way of illustration and not limitation with reference to the following figures. Brief description of the drawings

[0079] [Fig-1] [Fig. 1] represents in perspective view an example of a screw terminal block according to the state of the art used for electrical wiring in aircraft structures.

[0080] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is another perspective view of a state-of-the-art screw terminal block showing lug wire harnesses connected in the terminal block;

[0081] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of a female power contact subassembly according to the invention.

[0082] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is an exploded view of [Fig.3].

[0083] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of a male power contact with mate with the female contact of the subassembly according to the invention.

[0084] [Fig.6A], [Fig.6B][Fig.6C] Figures 6A, 6B and 6C are longitudinal sectional views horizontal and perspective view showing the position of a male power contact respectively before its insertion, before tightening once inserted and after tightening with locking within a female power contact subassembly according to the invention.

[0085] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of a connection module, with two identical bodies fixed to each other with aligned cavities each housing a subassembly according to the invention and a male contact of an electrical cable termination coupled to the female contact of one of the subassemblies.

[0086] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is an exploded view of the module according to [Fig.7] with the two electrical cable terminations.

[0087] [Fig.9A], [Fig.9B] Figures 9A and 9B are partial perspective and cutaway at the level of the mechanism for moving the ring of a subassembly within a module, showing respectively a position before insertion and tightening, and after insertion with tightening of the male contact of an electrical cable termination.

[0088] [Fig.lOA], [Fig.lOB] Figures 10A and 10B are side and cutaway views at the level of the mechanism for moving the ring of a subassembly within a module, showing respectively a position after insertion and before tightening, and after tightening of the male contact of an electrical cable termination.

[0089] [Fig. 11 A], [Fig. 1 IB] Figures 11A and 1 IB are longitudinal sectional views at level of the male and female contacts within a module, corresponding respectively to figures 10A and 10B.

[0090] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] is a longitudinal sectional view of a sealed variant of a connection module according to the invention with two bodies fixed together, each housing a male contact of an electrical cable termination and a female contact subassembly according to the invention.

[0091] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] is a perspective and longitudinal sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a female power contact according to the invention.

[0092] [Fig. 14] [Fig. 14] is a perspective view of a first variant embodiment of a device for pre-locking an electrical cable termination in a subassembly according to the invention within a connection module.

[0093] [Fig. 15] [Fig. 15] is a perspective view of a second variant embodiment of a device for pre-locking an electrical cable termination in a subassembly according to the invention within a connection module.

[0094] [Fig.16A], [Fig.16B][Fig.16C] Figures 16A, 16B and 16C are perspective views showing the position of a male power contact respectively before its insertion, before tightening and before pre-locking with the variant of [Fig. 15], once inserted with rotational indexing, and after tightening, pre-locking and locking within a female power contact subassembly according to the invention.

[0095] [Fig. 17] [Fig. 17] is a perspective and partially cutaway view of an embodiment of a connection module with two bodies each housing two adjacent cavities, which makes it possible to make an electrical connection between one electrical cable termination at the input and three at the output.

[0096] [Fig. 18] [Fig. 18] is a perspective and partially cutaway view of an embodiment of a terminal block with several connection modules connected to the same busbar. Detailed description

[0097] Throughout the present application, the terms "vertical", "lower", "upper", "bottom", "top", "below" and "above" are to be understood by reference to an electrical connection module in a fixed configuration, in particular to a support rail, being arranged horizontally.

[0098] Similarly, the terms “internal” and “external” are to be understood in relation to a subassembly according to the invention, as integrated into the body of the electrical connection module.

[0099] Similarly, the terms "front" and "rear" are to be understood in relation to the connection end of an electrical contact according to the invention. Thus, the front part of a female power contact of a subassembly according to the invention is that located closest to the coupling part of a male contact complementary to the female contact while the rear part is that located furthest away.

[0100] For the sake of clarity, the same numerical reference is used for the same element of an electric cable according to the state of the art and of an electric cable according to the invention.

[0101] Figures 1 and 2 have already been described in detail in the preamble. They will therefore not be commented on below.

[0102] Figures 3 and 4 show an example of a contact subassembly of power, generally designated by the reference 3.

[0103] This subassembly 3 comprises a female power contact in the form of a cylindrical socket 30, which comprises a rear part in the form essentially of an at least partially hollow tube 300 and a front part in the form essentially of flexible contact arms 301 in the form of petals, in the extension of the hollow tube 300 and which are distributed angularly while being spaced, preferably regularly, from each other in the formation of petals. In the example illustrated, the socket 30 comprises eight flexible arms 301 regularly spaced angularly.

[0104] As detailed hereinafter, the flexible arms 301 are adapted to be deflected from a rest position in which a male power contact 40, as illustrated in [Fig.5], can be inserted therebetween, preferably without effort, to a deflected position in which the male power contact 40 is clamped between the flexible arms 301 so as to establish electrical continuity between the male and female contacts.

[0105] The subassembly 3 also comprises a clamping ring 31 slidably mounted around the sleeve 30 to deflect the arms 301.

[0106] A movement mechanism 33 of the ring 31 makes it possible to move the latter from a first position corresponding to the deflected position of the flexible arms to a second position corresponding to the rest position of the flexible arms.

[0107] The subassembly 3 finally comprises a helical compression spring 32, mounted coaxially, preferably around the ring 31 and the female contact 30, which is an elastic means for returning the position of the ring from its second to its first position.

[0108] Where appropriate, the subassembly 3 comprises an electrical insulator 34, which comprises a rear part in the form of a hollow tube 340 housed inside the hollow tube 300 of the female contact, and a front part essentially in the form of ribs 341 in the extension of the hollow tube 300 and distributed angularly while being spaced, preferably regularly, from each other, delimiting through openings 342.

[0109] The ribs 341 allow both the arms / petals of the female contact to be guided and mechanically protected.

[0110] Each through opening 342 houses a petal 301 of the female contact which projects outwards at least in its rest position.

[0111] The various components of the subassembly are described in more detail in an advantageous construction mode.

[0112] In addition to the hollow tube 300, the rear part of the sleeve 30 comprises, in the extension of the latter, an excess thickness 302 and an external collar 303. The excess thickness thickness 302 allows the helical spring 32 to be guided radially. The outer collar 303 serves as a stop for the rear longitudinal end 320 of the spring 32.

[0113] Each petal end 301 comprises an external surface 304 which forms the mechanical interference surface with the ring 31 and an internal surface 305, which forms an electrical contact face with the male contact 40 and preferably a locking surface, projecting inwards.

[0114] A male type electrical power contact, of cylindrical shape 40, with central axis XI, is shown in [Fig.5]. It comprises a rear part 400 for crimping it to an electrical conductor of a cable and a front contact part 401, of smaller diameter than that of the rear part 400.

[0115] The front part 401 is preferably provided with a peripheral groove 402 which allows the locking of the axial movement of the female contact 30 of the subassembly relative to the male contact 40.

[0116] The front part 401 also preferably comprises, at the front of the peripheral groove, a chamfer 403 extending where appropriate a radius 404, which allows the recentering of the male contact 40 during its insertion into the female contact 30, and advantageously the reduction of the insertion forces of the contact 40 by sliding on the chamfer 403 / radius 404.

[0117] The locking surface 305 of the petals 301 is adapted to be housed in the peripheral groove 402 of the male power contact, in the deflected position of the petals and thus lock the axial movement of the petals, preferably before or simultaneously with the tightening of the male contact.

[0118] Preferably, the locking surface 305 has a shape complementary to that of the peripheral groove 402.

[0119] The clamping ring 31 comprises a hollow tube 310 whose outer surface is provided with three collars 311, 312, 313 spaced from each other.

[0120] The rear collar 311 serves as a stop for the front longitudinal end 321 of the spring 32 and as a support for the pivot pin 351 of the actuating mechanism, described later.

[0121] The intermediate collar 312 serves as a support for an element of the actuating mechanism.

[0122] The front collar 313 makes it possible to create an internal chamfer 314 extended by an internal clearance 315. The internal chamfer 314 makes it possible to deflect the arms / petals 301 of the female contact 30 inwards when the ring 31 is moved. The internal clearance allows a reduction in mechanical stresses.

[0123] The electrical insulator 34 may comprise a ring 343 connecting the ribs 341 together to mechanically protect the front end of the petals 301 and stiffen the ribs 341 of the electrical insulator.

[0124] As illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the movement mechanism 33 may comprise:

[0125] - a fork 35 with at least one branch 350, two branches in the example illustrated, pivotally mounted on the ring 31, with the free end of the branches resting against an external stop,

[0126] - a lever 36 for pivoting the fork to translate the ring 31 of the first position to second position and vice versa.

[0127] In particular, a pivoting stud 351 inside one of the branches 350 may be in pivoting support against the collars 311 and 312 of the ring 31.

[0128] A method of inserting, coupling and locking a male contact 40 into a contact subassembly 3, as just described, is now described with reference to FIGS. 6A to 6C.

[0129] It is specified that prior to step a / , the lever 36 was actuated, that is to say that it was rotated to move from a horizontal position to a vertical position. This rotation of the lever 36 caused the fork 35 to pivot backwards, causing the compression of the spring 32 and the retraction of the ring 31. The retraction of the ring brings the flexible arms (petals) 301 into a rest position. The female contact 30 is then ready to be coupled with a male contact 40.

[0130] Step a / : As illustrated in [Fig.6A], the male contact 40 is brought into contact with the female contact 30 by aligning their central axes XI, X2. The displacement mechanism 33 is actuated: the lever 36 is thus in an outwardly deployed position. The ring 31 is in a rearwardly retracted position. The spring 32 is in its compressed state between the female contact 30 and the ring 31. In this configuration, the petals 301 of the female contact 30 are in a rest position, i.e. not deflected.

[0131] Step b / : As illustrated in [Fig.6B], the male contact 40 is inserted freely, i.e. without effort, into the female contact 30 with their central axes XI, X2 merged. The displacement mechanism 33 is actuated: the lever 36 is thus in an outwardly deployed position. The ring 31 is still in its rearwardly retracted position. The spring 32 is still in its compressed state between the female contact 30 and the ring 31. In this configuration, the petals 301 of the female contact 30 are in a rest position, i.e. not deflected.

[0132] Step c / : As illustrated in [Fig.6C], the male contact 40 is inserted into the female contact 30 with their central axes XI, X2. The displacement mechanism 33 has been released and is no longer actuated: the lever 36 is thus in a position folded inwards. The fork 35 is inclined towards the front of the contact, with an angular pivot amplitude limited by the collar 312. Consequently, the ring 31 is in its advanced position towards the front. The spring 32 is in its relaxed state between the female contact 30 and the ring 31. In this configuration, the petals 301 of the female contact 30 are in their deflected position and clamp the male contact, and are maintained in this position by the spring 32. More precisely, the inner surface 305 of the petals 301 is housed and pressed with a clamping force in the peripheral groove 402 of the male contact 40. The male and female contacts 40 and 30 are thus coupled and locked to each other.

[0133] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate an electrical connection module 5 according to the invention, intended to form a part of a terminal block of a connection assembly, which integrates two female contact subassemblies 3 according to the invention. This module 5 makes it possible to make an electrical connection between a termination 4 of an electrical cable 2 at the input and another at the output.

[0134] This electrical connection module 5 comprises two bodies 50, preferably identical, fixed to each other. The fixing means between the two bodies 50 are not shown but they may be screws / nuts passing right through the bodies.

[0135] Each body 50 is electrically insulating with a longitudinal axis X, and intended to house, clamp, lock and connect at least one termination 4 of an electric cable 2.

[0136] More precisely, each body 50 comprises a cavity 51 within it and the two cavities 51, preferably of the same size, are opposite each other in each of which a termination 4 of electric cable 2 is inserted, tightened and locked, as explained below.

[0137] An electrical cable termination 4, with a central axis XI, comprises an electrically insulating sleeve 41 and a cylindrically shaped electrical contact 40 crimped onto an electrical cable 2, inserted and fixed in particular by snap-fastening, inside the sleeve 4L

[0138] The sleeve 41 comprises on its outer periphery straight grooves 42 which extend around the central axis XI over part of the length of the sleeve.

[0139] The cylindrical contact 40 is identical to that described with reference to [Fig.5].

[0140] Furthermore, the electrical cable termination 4 comprises a pre-locking ring 43, mounted in rotation around the sleeve 41 and the function of which will be described below.

[0141] In each cavity 51 is fixed a female contact subassembly 3 as described with reference to figures 3 and 4, except that:

[0142] - the displacement lever 36 of the displacement mechanism 33 is replaced by a interface part 37 with an external tool H and a displacement cam 38 integral or made integrally with the part 37,

[0143] - the longitudinal end 320 of the spring 32 is in abutment against a fixed plate 52 within a 50 module body.

[0144] More precisely, the interface part 37 with a tool H is mounted freely rotatable in a housing 53 of the body and adapted to be rotated by the tool. The part interface 37 may comprise an interface imprint 39 with the tool, preferably a hollow hexagonal imprint. An operator can thus use a usual tool, such as a hexagonal wrench.

[0145] The bridge 353 of the fork 35 bears against the pivot cam 38 and the free end 352 of the branches 350 of the fork bears against a stop 54 internal to the body 50.

[0146] In the illustrated embodiment, there is a single plate 52 to provide the stop for the two springs 32 on either side. Each subassembly 3 has an independent actuating mechanism 37, 38.

[0147] Furthermore, as shown, the body 50 comprises a tubular extension 55 with an opening 56 facing the cavity 51,

[0148] A method of inserting, coupling and locking a male contact 40 of a termination 4 of cable 2 in a connection module 5 with contact subassemblies 3, such as they have just been described, is now described with reference to FIGS. 9A to 11B.

[0149] Step al / : As illustrated in [Fig.9A], before or during the insertion of the male contact 40 with its sleeve 41 into the opening 56, the interface part 37 and therefore the displacement cam 38 are rotated according to the arrow RI, which causes the fork 35 to pivot around its pivot point 351 on the ring 31 and to bear against the stop 54 of the body 50 and, thereby, the recoil of the ring 31 according to the arrow Al and the compression of the spring 32. The spring 32 is therefore in its compressed state between the plate 52 and the ring 31. The rotation of the cam 38 makes it possible to multiply the force exerted by the operator on the interface part 37, and therefore to easily compress the spring 32. In this configuration, the petals 301 of the female contact 30 are in a rest position, ie undeflected.

[0150] Step b 1 / : The male contact 40 with its sleeve 41 is inserted into the opening 56. The male contact 40 is inserted freely and without mechanical force between the petals 301 of the female contact 30. The spring 32 is still in its compressed state between the plate 52 and the ring 31. The ring 31 is still in its rearwardly moved position. In this configuration, the petals 301 of the female contact 30 are still in the rest state, i.e. not deflected (figures 10A, 11A). The sleeve 41 is fitted, also without mechanical force, around the ring 31.

[0151] Step cl / : As illustrated in [Fig.9B], 10B, 11B, the male contact 40 is inserted into the female contact 30. The interface part 37 and therefore the displacement cam 38 are rotated according to the arrow R2, in the opposite direction to RI, which causes the fork 35 to pivot while bearing against the stop 54 of the body 50 and, thereby, the ring 31 to advance according to the arrow A2, in the opposite direction to A1 and the spring 32 to relax. The spring 32 is therefore in its relaxed state between the plate 52 and the ring 31.

[0152] In this configuration, the flexible arms 301 of the female contact 30 are in a deflected position. The spring 32 exerts a force to hold the ring in this position. The male 40 and female 30 contacts are therefore coupled and locked together.

[0153] [Fig. 12] shows advantageous construction variants of the module 5 which has just been described, and which make it possible to obtain a more compact and more robust module, with, in addition, very good electrical continuity.

[0154] The stop plate 52 of the springs 32 is sandwiched between the two bodies 50 of the module.

[0155] The two female contacts 40 are here screwed into each other. And one of the female contacts 40 (the one on the right in [Fig. 12]) is screwed directly into the stop plate 52.

[0156] To do this as shown in [Fig. 13], the tubular part 300 of one of the contacts 30 is internally tapped with a thread 306 adapted to cooperate with a threaded tail 307 of the other of the contacts. The internally tapped tubular part 300 is also externally threaded with a thread 308 which is screwed directly into the plate 52.

[0157] According to an additional embodiment, a pre-locking function of a male contact 40 in a body 50 of a module 5 can be provided, which is performed once the contact 40 is inserted but before the cam 38 is rotated with the ring 31 which deflects the petals 301 of the female contact 30. Advantageously, this pre-locking function can be performed by an operator with only one hand. This pre-locking ensures correct axial positioning of the male contact in the female contact, prior to tightening and coupling of the two contacts.

[0158] A first variant of a pre-locking device is shown in [Fig. 14]. A substantially U-shaped part 59, the ends of the branches 590 of which form ribs, is slidably mounted on the tubular extension 55 of the body 50 of the module. The tubular extension 55 is provided with two through openings 550 in each of which a rib 590 can be inserted. Once the contact 40 is inserted into the body 50 of the module, the part 59 is slid so that the end of its ribs 590 are housed in an external groove 405 of the sleeve 41 provided for this purpose. The contact 40 is thus blocked in translation in the body 50, its pre-locking is therefore achieved. If the male contact 40 is not correctly positioned axially, it is impossible to slide the part 59, which visually and sensitively indicates incorrect installation of the contact 40.

[0159] A second variant of a pre-locking device is shown in [Fig. 15]. At least one protrusion 57, preferably a plurality, is provided at the outer periphery of the tubular extension 55 of the body 50 of the module 5. A ring 43 mounted in rotation around the sleeve 41 of the termination 4 comprises at least one lug 430 formed on its inner periphery. Once the contact 40 is inserted into the body 50 of the module, the ring is in axial support against a part of the termination and the lug 430 is in axial abutment against the rear of the protrusion 57. The contact 40 is thus blocked in translation in the body 50, its pre-locking is therefore achieved.

[0160] As shown in detail in figures 16A to 16C, a part of the module body 50 and an electrical cable termination 4 can be produced so as to block the latter from rotating once its contact is inserted into a cavity 51.

[0161] The opening 56 of the body opposite the cavity 51 is thus provided internally with a plurality of longitudinal straight grooves 560, preferably distributed regularly angularly, each adapted to receive a straight groove 42 formed around the sleeve 40 of the electrical cable termination.

[0162] The grooves 42 allow the torsional forces of the cable 2 to be taken up on the body of the module 3 and also prevent the rotation of the contact 40 by sliding, once inserted and tightened in the connection module 5.

[0163] The grooves 42 are preferably slightly angularly spaced from each other, which allows insertion of the contact 40 into the body 50 of the module, without having to index it in rotation beforehand.

[0164] The pre-locking ring 43 can be put in place once the rotation of the contact 40 is blocked by the grooves 42 ([Fig.16C]).

[0165] Furthermore, it is possible to envisage a sealed connection variant between the termination contact(s) 40 and the module body(ies) 50.

[0166] As shown in [Fig.8], this variant may for example consist of installing at least one annular cable gland mounted in the end of the sleeve 41 at the interface with the cable 2.

[0167] As shown in [Fig.12], it is also possible to provide an O-ring 580 at the interface 58 between two bodies 50 fixed together.

[0168] In addition, an O-ring 381 can be provided arranged around the interface part 38, in its housing 380 ([Fig. 12]).

[0169] The connection modules according to the invention allow different connection configurations between electrical harnesses with electrical cable termination 4.

[0170] As described and illustrated previously, a single module 5 may comprise two bodies 50, preferably identical, facing each other and fixed to each other. This allows an electrical connection with a single input and output.

[0171] Other multi-output configurations are possible.

[0172] [Fig. 17] illustrates a variant with one electrical input E and three electrical outputs S with an electrical shunt made inside the bodies 50 of a connection module 5'.

[0173] More precisely, as shown in this [Fig. 17], the module 5' comprises two bodies 50 aligned and fixed together, each of the bodies 50 internally comprising two cavities 51 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) of the module.

[0174] Alternatively, the two bodies can be positioned side by side and secured together.

[0175] Each contact 30 is clamped by means of a displacement mechanism 37, 38 independent of the others. The electrical shunt is produced by a single plate 52', in electrical connection with the four female contacts 30.

[0176] Another possible configuration with connection modules according to the invention is a connection of several terminations 4 of electrical cable 2 to a busbar or connection bar.

[0177] Such a configuration is illustrated in [Fig.18] with three modules 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, preferably identical, arranged parallel to each other. In this illustrated configuration, each body 50 of the modules comprises a single cavity 51 in which a contact 40 of a termination 4 of an electric cable 2 is inserted and clamped.

[0178] A stop plate 52 includes an extension portion 520 that extends outwardly from the body 30.

[0179] Each body 50 comprises an extension 500 of straight parallelepiped shape, which supports an extension portion 520 of the stop plate 52.

[0180] The female contact 30 comprises a tail 307 screwed into the stop plate 52.

[0181] The parallel electrical connection between the different female contacts 30 and therefore between the electrical terminations 4 is made by a common busbar 6 which is fixed by means of a screw / nut 60 in the extension portion 520 of each stop plate 52. It is of course possible to envisage, instead of the screws / nuts 60, fixing by welding to the busbar.

[0182] Other variations and improvements may be provided without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0183] Modules of different dimensions can be provided with a different number of cavities to accommodate electrical cable terminations 4 of different sizes.

[0184] It is also possible to provide for fixing and locking of a connection module in a support rail.

[0185] If in the illustrated example of the variant of locking in rotation of the termination, the longitudinal straight grooves are made in the body and the complementary straight splines are carried by the sleeve, one can obviously envisage the reverse, that is to say with the splines made in the body and the sleeve being provided on its periphery with longitudinal straight grooves.

[0186] The expression “comprising a” must be understood as being synonymous with “comprising at least one”, unless otherwise specified.

Claims

Claims

1. Subassembly (3) of female type power contact, comprising: - a female power contact in the form of a cylindrical socket (30) comprising: • a hollow tube (300), • flexible contact arms (301), in the extension of the hollow tube and distributed angularly while being spaced, preferably regularly, from each other in the formation of petals, the petals being adapted to be deflected from a rest position in which a male power contact can be inserted between them, preferably without effort, to a deflected position in which the male power contact is clamped between the petals so as to establish electrical continuity between the male and female contacts; - a clamping ring (31), slidably mounted around the socket to deflect the arms;- a movement mechanism (33, 35, 36, 37, 38) of the ring to move the ring from a first position corresponding to the deflected position of the petals to a second position corresponding to the rest position of the petals; - an elastic return means (32) of the position of the ring from its second to its first position.;

2. Subassembly (3) according to claim 1, the movement mechanism comprising: - a fork (35) with at least one branch, pivotally mounted on the ring, with the free end of the branches (350) bearing against an external stop, - a lever (36) or a cam (38) for pivoting the fork to translate the ring from the first position to the second position and vice versa.

3. Subassembly (3) according to claim 1 or 2, the elastic means of return being a helical compression spring, mounted around the ring and the female power contact, with one of its longitudinal ends abutting an outer collar of the ring and the other of its longitudinal ends abutting an outer collar of the female power contact or against an external stop.

4. Subassembly (3) according to one of the preceding claims, each petal end comprising an inwardly projecting locking surface (305) adapted to be housed in a peripheral groove of the male power contact, in the deflected position of the petals and thus lock the axial movement of the petals, preferably before or simultaneously with the tightening of the male contact, the locking surface having a shape complementary to that of the peripheral groove of the male power contact.

5. Subassembly (3) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an electrical insulator (34) comprising: - a hollow tube (340) housed inside the hollow tube of the female contact, - ribs (341) in the extension of the hollow tube and distributed angularly while being spaced, preferably regularly, from each other by delimiting through openings (342), each through opening housing a petal of the female contact which projects outwards at least in its rest position. - a ring (343) connecting the ribs together to mechanically protect the front end of the petals.

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

7. Electrical connection module according to claim 6, the cavity housing a plate (52) forming the external stop against which the other of the longitudinal ends of the helical spring abuts.

8. Electrical connection module according to claim 6 or 7, the movement mechanism comprising: - an interface part (37) with an external tool (H), mounted freely in rotation in a housing of the body and adapted to be rotated by the tool, - a pivot cam (38), integral or made integrally with the interface part, the rotation of the cam causing the pivoting of the fork, orthogonal to the X axis, which translates the ring from the first position to the second position and vice versa.

9. Electrical connection module according to one of claims 6 to 8, the body comprising an opening (56) facing the cavity, provided internally with a plurality of longitudinal straight grooves (560), preferably distributed regularly angularly, each adapted to receive a straight groove (42) formed around the sleeve of the electrical cable termination.

10. Electrical connection module according to one of claims 6 to 9, comprising a part of a pre-locking device adapted to cooperate with another part of the pre-locking device, integral or made integrally with the termination of the electrical cable, to lock the male contact of the termination in its position housed in the cavity, before tightening by the petals of the female contact.

11. Electrical connection module according to claim 10, the part of the pre-locking device comprising at least one protrusion (57), arranged at the outer periphery of a tubular extension (55) of the body of the module, the other part of the pre-locking device comprising at least one lug (430), arranged at the inner periphery of a ring (43) mounted to rotate around the termination, the ring being in axial support against a part of the termination when the lug is in axial abutment against the rear of the protrusion to achieve pre-locking.

12. Electrical connection module according to claim 10, the part of the pre-locking device comprising a substantially U-shaped part (59), slidably mounted on a tubular extension of the body of the module which is provided with two through openings (550), the other part of the pre-locking device comprising at least one groove (405), arranged at the outer periphery of a part of the termination, the part being in a sliding position with the end of these branches forming ribs (590) housed in the groove of the termination to carry out the pre-locking.

13. Electrical connection module according to one of claims 6 to 12, the female contact comprises a portion extending outside the body and adapted to be electrically connected by soldering or screwing to a busbar (6).

14. Electrical connection module according to one of claims 6 to 12, comprising: - two bodies aligned or side by side and fixed together, - two female contacts electrically connected to each other, - two movement mechanisms independent of each other.

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

16. Electrical connection module according to claim 14 or 15, the two female contacts being screwed into each other.

17. Electrical connection module according to one of claims 14 to 16, in which: - each body comprises at least two cavities, aligned or not, the cavities preferably extending parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) of the module, - the two female contacts of the same body are electrically connected to each other, so as to create an electrical shunt between the at least four electrical cable terminations when housed individually in the cavities.

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

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

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