Enhanced performance automatic connection electric charging station

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical terminal (1020) comprising a conductive body (100) having at least one housing (1, 2) for an electrical conductor (10) inserted along an insertion axis (X1, X2), a portion of whose inner face forms a contact surface for the bare core (12) of said electrical conductor, a connecting spring capable of exerting contact pressure on the bare core, and features adapted to retain a portion of the bare core in said housing. According to the invention, said features comprise two deformed portions (183, 173) of the body, placed opposite each other on either side of the insertion axis, the two deformed portions projecting from the inner surface of the body and extending towards each other so as to locally reduce the cross-sectional area in said housing to clamp said bare core at a determined point in said housing.

Description

Title of the invention: Enhanced performance automatic connection electric charging station

[0001] The present invention relates generally to electrical terminals with automatic connection of electrical conductors.

[0002] It relates more specifically to an electrical terminal comprising: - a conductive body provided with at least one housing intended to receive an electrical conductor inserted along an insertion axis and of which a part of its inner face forms a contact surface for the bare conductive core of said electrical conductor, - a connecting spring disposed in the body, comprising a buttress portion provided at its free end with a buttress edge capable of exerting on the bare core of the electrical conductor inserted in said housing, a contact force directed along a contact direction transverse to the insertion axis such that a portion of this bare core comes into contact with said contact surface, and - arrangements adapted to maintain a part of the exposed core of the electrical conductor in said dwelling.

[0003] It also relates to electrical equipment incorporating such an electrical terminal.

[0004] We already know of documents DD217938, EP3182519 and DE102021130873, of electrical terminals such as those mentioned above.

[0005] The electrical terminal of document DD217938 is arranged to retain in said housing the bare core of the electrical conductor between three surfaces arranged at the vertices of a triangle centered on the insertion axis of said electrical conductor.

[0006] One disadvantage of this arrangement is that it can form an obstacle to the engagement of a driver who is not perfectly straight.

[0007] In the electrical terminals according to documents EP3182519 and DE 102021130873, a support spatula is provided, positioned in the housing of the body along the path of the electrical conductor, at a distance from the buttress edge, and capable of exerting a force along a contact direction on a portion of the exposed core of the electrical conductor inserted into the housing. Furthermore, in these electrical terminals, a portion of the surface of the inner face of the body, facing the support spatula and the buttress edge, has a surface texture that increases the contact area with the exposed core of the conductor inserted into the housing of the electrical terminal. The surface texture is composed of micro-deformations of the surface: graining, scratching, grooving, sandblasting of the surface.

[0008] However, such surface texturing does not allow the exposed core of the electrical conductor to be kept in a determined position in the housing of the electrical terminal.

[0009] This is why, in the electrical terminal of document EP3182519, the support spatula is formed at the end of an S-shaped spring portion that pushes the bare core of the electrical conductor against the textured surface of the terminal body. This spring portion holds the bare core in the terminal housing.

[0010] In the electrical terminal according to document DE102021130873, the length of the housing is such that the end of the stripped conductor core is inserted into the housing until it abuts against a bottom wall of said housing. The stripped conductor core is thus held between two internal surfaces at 90 degrees to the body of the terminal and the free end of the buttressing portion.

[0011] Compared to the aforementioned prior art, the present invention proposes an electrical terminal which ensures improved retention of the electrical conductor in the housing of the body of the electrical terminal which reduces heating of the terminal during operation so that its reliability is improved over time.

[0012] More particularly, the invention proposes an electrical terminal as defined in the introduction, characterized in that said arrangements comprise two deformed parts of the body, placed face to face, on either side of the insertion axis, the two deformed parts protruding on the inner surface of the body and extending towards each other in a clamping direction transverse to the insertion axis so as to locally reduce the passage cross-section in said housing for the bare core of the electrical conductor, the two deformed parts forming two jaws of a clamp adapted to locally clamp said bare core to hold it at a determined place in said housing while ensuring good electrical contact between the bare core and the body.

[0013] Advantageously, in the electrical terminal according to the invention, the pinching effect produced by the body on the bare core of the electrical conductor inserted into the housing of said terminal makes it possible to obtain, compared to terminals of the prior art, an increase in the contact force and the friction effect between the bare conductive core of the conductor and the contact surface of the terminal body. This increase in the contact force and the friction effect causes the removal of oxides present on the contact surface of the terminal body and on the surface of the bare core of the electrical conductor. The contact resistance is thus reduced when an electrical conductor is connected to said terminal. The conductance of The electrical terminal is upgraded and this electrical terminal operates at the lowest possible temperature, which improves its reliability.

[0014] Other features of the electric terminal according to the invention are as follows:

[0015] - said two deformed parts belong to two parallel plane parts of the body ;

[0016] - said two deformed parts have core pinching surfaces exposed from the electrical conductor which are rounded surfaces, convex in the direction of the insertion axis;

[0017] - the bottom of said housing forms a longitudinal guide surface for the core stripped of the electrical conductor and said pinching surfaces form lateral contact surfaces for the stripped core of the electrical conductor;

[0018] - the body comprises, along the insertion axis, two separate coaxial flanges by an open interval, namely, a first flange internally delimiting an entry part of said housing and a second flange internally delimiting a contact part of said housing, said deformed parts locally reducing the passage section in said contact part;

[0019] - each of the first and second flanges has a U-shaped profile, the inner face flanges forming the bottom and side faces of said housing on which said deformed parts protrude;

[0020] - the body is formed in one piece by forming, cutting and folding a strip metallic, the said deformed parts are tabs cut and shaped along a curved path in windows of the body, each of the tabs having at least one end connected to a flat part of the body;

[0021] - an additional element is provided, disposed in the body on the insertion axis, this additional element comprising a ramp extending into said housing obliquely relative to the insertion axis and adapted to guide and support the bare core of the electrical conductor towards said body contact surface;

[0022] - the additional element has a stop surface for the free end of the exposed core of the electrical conductor, this stop surface extending perpendicularly to the insertion axis facing an exit opening of said housing;

[0023] - the additional element belongs to said connecting spring, it forms a spatula at the end of a support part separate from said buttress part, the support and buttress parts being arranged in such a way that the buttress edge is placed following the direction of introduction of the electrical conductor into said body between the entrance of said housing and said spatula;

[0024] - the connecting spring is a one-piece leaf spring comprising a part of central support, the buttress part being attached to said support part central by means of an elastic elbow forming a pivoting hinge and the support part being attached to said central support part opposite said buttress part;

[0025] - the support part includes a foot which extends perpendicularly to the part of central support by being fixedly attached thereto, said spatula being attached to said foot by means of an elastic elbow forming a pivoting hinge of said spatula;

[0026] - the body comprises two side-by-side housings for two electrical conductors, said connecting spring comprising two parallel buttress parts, one for each housing and a single support part with two parallel spatulas, one for each housing, attached to the foot of said support part;

[0027] - the support part includes a connecting part attached, on the one hand, to the part central support by means of a first elastic elbow forming a pivoting hinge and, on the other hand, to the spatula by a second elbow turned opposite to the first elbow, the spatula presenting from said connecting part, a flat portion forming said ramp followed by a curved apex forming a support portion adapted to bear on the bare core of the electrical conductor;

[0028] - the body comprises two side-by-side housings for two electrical conductors, said connecting spring comprising two parallel buttress parts, one for each housing and a single support part whose free end is provided with a single spatula extending through both housings;

[0029] - the additional element is a separate part of a connecting spring and arranged in the body following the connection spring along the direction of introduction of the electrical conductor into said housing;

[0030] - the body comprises side-by-side two housings for two electrical conductors, said connecting spring comprising two parallel buttress parts, one for each housing, and a single additional piece is provided with two parallel ramps, one for each housing; and

[0031] - said additional part comprises two stop surfaces for the free end of the bare core of the electrical conductor, one for each housing, each stop surface extending perpendicularly to the insertion axis facing the exit of the corresponding housing.

[0032] The invention also relates to an electrical apparatus which includes a base which houses at least one electrical terminal according to the invention.

[0033] The following description, with reference to the attached drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, will make it clear what the invention consists of and how it can be implemented.

[0034] On the attached drawings:

[0035] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the electric terminal according to the invention,

[0036] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the terminal electric according to the invention,

[0037] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the terminal electric according to the invention,

[0038] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of a variant of the electric terminal of [Fig.3],

[0039] [Fig.5] is a cross-sectional view along plane AA of [Fig.6],

[0040] [Fig.6] is a top view of [Fig.1],

[0041] [Fig.7] is a cross-sectional view along plane BB of [Fig.5],

[0042] [Fig.8] is a cross-sectional view along plane AA of [Fig.9],

[0043] [Fig.9] is a top view of [Fig.2],

[0044] [Fig. 10] is a cross-sectional view along plane BB of [Fig. 8],

[0045] [Fig. 11] is a cross-sectional view along plane AA of [Fig. 12],

[0046] [Fig. 12] is a top view of [Fig. 3], and

[0047] [Fig. 13] is a cross-sectional view along plane BB of [Fig. 11].

[0048] As a preliminary point, it should be noted that from one figure to another, the identical elements of the different embodiments of the invention will be referenced by the same reference signs and will not be described each time.

[0049] In the following description, the terms front and rear will be defined with respect to the user's perspective, the front of an element of the invention being oriented towards the user while the rear of that element is oriented away from the user. Similarly, the terms inside or internal and outside or external will be defined with respect to the center of the electrical terminal according to the invention, the inside or internal side of an element of the invention being oriented towards the center of the terminal while the outside or external side of that element is oriented away from that center.

[0050] Figures 1 to 3 and 5 to 13 show three embodiments of an automatic connection electrical terminal 1010; 1020; 1030.

[0051] This electrical terminal 1010; 1020; 1030 is intended to be housed in a base of electrical equipment such as a power outlet or a switch.

[0052] Regardless of the embodiment shown, the electrical terminal 1010; 1020; 1030 comprises a body 100 made of conductive material intended to house at least one bare electrical conductor 10, a connecting spring 300; 400; 500 capable of exerting pressure on the bare conductive core 12 of the electrical conductor 10 inserted in the body 100, to establish electrical contact between the core 12 and the body 100, as well as arrangements adapted to retain a part of the bare core 12 of the electrical conductor 10 in the body 100.

[0053] The body 100 of the electrical terminal 1010; 1020; 1030 is identical in all embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 3 and 5 to 13. It will therefore only be described once.

[0054] The body 100 is formed in one piece by forming, cutting and bending a metal strip. Advantageously, the body is made of brass.

[0055] The body 100 forms, at one end, a first part 101 for the connection of at least one electrical conductor 10, and, at another end, a second part 102 for the connection of a pin of an electrical plug not shown.

[0056] The body 100 comprises two main walls 110, 120, which are flat and parallel.

[0057] At one end, each main wall 110, 120 is extended by a curved portion 113, 123 which extends around a vertical axis Z1, Z2 inwards, between said main walls 110, 120. At its inner end, located between the two main walls 110, 120, each curved portion 113, 123 is attached to a jaw 142, 141 of a clamp forming a socket 140 with axis Z, parallel to said axes Z1, Z2, for inserting a pin of an electrical plug not shown. The socket 140 located between the two main walls 110, 120 of the body 100, opens forward by a flared opening through which the pin can be introduced along the Z axis into said socket 140 to be gripped by said jaws 141, 142 in order to establish an electrical connection between the pin and the body 100 of the electrical terminal 1010; 1020; 1030.The two curved portions 113, 123 exhibit a certain elasticity so that they form pivoting hinges around the vertical axes Z1, Z2 in order to slightly separate the jaws 141, 142 from the socket 140 as the pin passes through and to clamp the jaws 141, 142 against the pin inserted in the socket 140 to establish good electrical contact between the pin and the body 100 of the electrical terminal.

[0058] This arrangement of alveoli 140 linked to the main walls 110, 120 by the curved portions 113, 123 forms the second part 102 of the body 100 of the electrical terminal 1010; 1020; 1030.

[0059] According to the examples shown in the figures, the electrical terminal 1010; 1020; 1030 is a double terminal. Its body 100 is thus arranged to accommodate two electrical conductors 10 to be connected to the same electrical potential.

[0060] More specifically, the first part 101 of the body 100 defines two side-by-side recesses 1, 2, with parallel axes XI, X2, for the insertion of two bare electrical conductors 10. The axes XI, X2 constitute the insertion axes of the conductive cores 12 of said electrical conductors 10.

[0061] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11 and 13, the first part 101 of the body 100 comprises, along each insertion axis XI, X2, two distinct coaxial flanges 150, 180, 160, 170 separated by an open gap. Each pair of flanges 150, 180, 160, 170 internally delimits one of said housings 1, 2 intended to receive an electrical conductor 10 inserted along the insertion axis XI, X2, a part of the inner face of said flanges forming a contact surface for the bare core 12 of said electrical conductor 10.

[0062] This contact surface constitutes a contact interface between the body of the terminal and the surface of the bare core of the electrical conductor.

[0063] According to each insertion axis XI, X2, a first flange 150, 160 is provided internally delimiting an entry part IA, 2A of said housing 1, 2, an interval, then a second flange 180, 170 internally delimiting a contact part IB, 2B of said housing 1, 2. One or more contact interfaces between the terminal and the conductor are established at the level of each contact part IB, 2B.

[0064] As shown in Figures 1 and 5, each of the first and second flanges 150, 180, 160, 170 of each pair of flanges has a U-shaped profile around the insertion axis XI, X2. The first and second flanges 150, 180, 160, 170 of each pair of flanges then form said housing 1, 2 substantially in two tubular parts with axis XI, X2, open at each end 151, 152, 181, 182, 161, 162, 171, 172 (see [Fig. 6]). Each housing 1, 2 is also open longitudinally towards the rear of the body 100 of the electrical terminal. As shown more particularly in figures 6 and 7, the end 151, 161 of the first flange 150, 160, turned away from the cavity 140, delimits the insertion opening of the stripped electrical conductor 10 in the inlet part IA, 2A of said housing 1, 2 while the end 182, 172 of the second flange 180, 170 turned towards the cavity 140, delimits an exit opening of the contact part IB, 2B of said housing 1, 2.The two flanges 150, 180, 160, 170 of the same pair have two ends 152, 181, 162, 171 facing each other, spaced apart by said interval, one 152, 162 delimiting the exit opening of the inlet part IA, 2A of said housing 1, 2 formed by the first flange 150, 160 and the other 181, 171 delimiting the inlet opening of the contact part IB, 2B of said housing 1, 2 formed by the second flange 180, 170. .

[0065] The flanges 150, 180, 160, 170 extend from the front longitudinal edges 111, 121 of the main walls 110, 120 towards the interior of the body 100 of the electrical terminal 1010; 1020; 1030 (see figures 1, 2 and 3).

[0066] Thus, the flanges 150, 180 of the first pair forming the first housing 1 with axis XI, have a branch attached to the longitudinal front edge 111 of the first main wall 110 of the body 100 and a free branch located between the two main walls 110, 120, and the flanges 160, 170 of the second pair forming the second housing 2 with axis X2, have a branch attached to the longitudinal front edge 121 of the second main wall 120 and a free branch located between the two main walls 110, 120. All the branches of the first flanges 150, 160 of the two The pairs of double crochets, on the one hand, and all the branches of the second double crochets 180, 170 of the two pairs of double crochets, on the other hand, are parallel (see [Fig. 7]). The free branches of the first double crochets 150, 160 of the two pairs of double crochets, on the one hand, and the free branches of the second double crochets 180, 170 of the two pairs of double crochets, on the other hand, are placed, inside the body 100, side-by-side and back-to-back (see [Fig. 1]).

[0067] As shown more particularly in figures 5, 7, 8, 10, 11 and 13, the inner face of the first and second flanges 150, 180 of each pair of flanges, forms, on the one hand, the bottom IC of each housing 1, and, on the other hand, the parallel lateral faces of each housing 1.

[0068] A portion of the inner face of said flanges 150, 180, 160, 170 forms a contact surface for the bare conductive core 12 of the electrical conductor 10 inserted into the corresponding housing 1, 2.

[0069] Finally, the body 100 has, at the rear, opposite said flanges 150, 180, 160, 170, more particularly opposite the longitudinal opening of said housings 1, 2, a closing wall 130 which extends from the rear longitudinal edge 112 of the main wall 110 to the rear longitudinal edge 122 of the other main wall 120 of the body 100.

[0070] This closing wall 130 closes, at the rear, the first part 101 of the body 100 for the connection of the electrical conductors 10 and serves as a support for the connection spring 300; 400; 500 of the electrical terminal 1010; 1020; 1030 as will be described below.

[0071] As shown in Figures 5, 8, and 11, regardless of the embodiment of the electrical terminal 1010, 1020, or 1030 shown, the connecting spring 300, 400, or 500 is a one-piece leaf spring. This leaf spring has the required elasticity and is advantageously made here of a conductive material such as stainless steel. According to an alternative, a connecting spring made of an insulating material could be provided.

[0072] The connecting spring 300; 400; 500 includes a central retaining part 330; 430; 530 which rests on the inner face of the closing wall 130 of the body 100 of the electrical terminal 1010; 1020; 1030.

[0073] The retaining part 330; 430; 530 of the connecting spring 300; 400; 500 is locked onto this closing wall 130 by means of several arrangements provided between the body 100 of the electrical terminal and said retaining part 330; 430; 530 which cooperate.

[0074] In particular, two small protruding tabs are provided on two longitudinal sides of said retaining portion 330; 430; 530 of the connecting spring 300; 400; 500. These two small tabs are placed in two shoulders of the body 100 formed at the junction between the rear edges 112, 122 of the main walls 110, 120 and the edge of the closing wall 130. These small tabs block the The retaining portion 330; 430; 530 of the connecting spring 300; 400; 500 is positioned along two perpendicular axes (the insertion axis XI, X2 and the Z axis). Thanks to the small tabs, the retaining portion 330; 430; 530 of the connecting spring 300; 400; 500 is locked onto the closing wall 130 of the body 100 of the electrical terminal, in the direction of the insertion of the electrical conductors 10 into said housings 1, 2 of the body 100.

[0075] A central circular opening (not visible in the figures) is also provided in the center of the retaining part 330; 430; 530 of the connecting spring 300; 400; 500, a part of its edge is placed against a circular arc rim projecting from the inner face of the closing wall 130 of the body 100 of the electrical terminal 1010; 1020; 1030 in such a way that the retaining part 330; 430; 530 of the connecting spring 300; 400; 500 is blocked on the closing wall 130 of the body 100 of the electrical terminal, in the direction of the extraction of the electrical conductors out of said housings 1, 2.

[0076] The connecting spring 300; 400; 500 here comprises two parallel buttressing parts 310; 410; 510, one for each housing 1, 2 of the body 100 of the electrical terminal 1010; 1020; 1030.

[0077] Each buttress part 310; 410; 510 extends from the retaining part 130 of the connecting spring, obliquely with respect to the insertion axis XI, X2, towards the bottom IC of the contact part IB of each housing 1 (see Figures 5, 9 and 11) so that the free end 310A; 410A; 510A of each buttress part 310; 410; 510 is inserted into said housing 1, 2, via the longitudinal opening of said housing, and that the buttress edge located at this free end 310A; 410A; 510A is placed on the path of the electrical conductor 10 inserted into the contact part IB of said housing 1, 2 (see Figures 5, 7, 8, 10, 11 and 13).

[0078] Each buttress part 310; 410; 510 is attached or connected to the retaining part 330; 430; 530 of the connecting spring 300; 400; 500 by an elastic elbow 311; 411; 511 which wraps around an axis Y1 parallel to the closing wall 130 of the body 100 and perpendicular to the insertion axis XI, X2. Each elbow 311; 411; 511 advantageously forms a pivoting hinge of the corresponding buttress part 310; 410; 510.

[0079] Thus, from a rest position, when the electrical terminal is empty of any electrical conductor, each buttress part 310;410;510 of the connecting spring 300;400;500 is able to pivot several degrees around the axis Y1 in the direction of the retaining part 330;430;530 of the connecting spring under the action of the electrical conductor 10 introduced into the housing 1, 2 of the body 100 of the electrical terminal.

[0080] The free end 310A; 410A; 510A of the buttress portion 310; 410; 510 can take several different bearing positions against the conductive core 12 of electrical conductors 10 of different cross-sections inserted into a housing 1, 2 of said body 100 of the electrical terminal so that the buttress edge exerts on the bare core a contact force directed along a contact direction transverse to the insertion axis XI, X2 so that a part of this bare core comes into contact with said contact surface of the body 100. In other words, the buttress edge pushes and holds this conductive core 12 in said housing 1, 2 of the body 100 of the electrical terminal.

[0081] At rest, i.e., without an electrical conductor inserted into the electrical terminal, each buttress portion 310; 410; 510 of the connecting spring 300; 400; 500 forms an angle of approximately 60 degrees with the insertion axis XI, X2 of the corresponding housing 1, 2. The angular deflection of each buttress portion 310; 410; 510 is between 15 and 20 degrees. When the stripped core 12 of an electrical conductor 10 with a diameter of 1.5 mm is inserted into one of the housings 1, 2 of the body 100 of the electrical terminal, the elastic elbow 311; 411; 511 bends so that the buttress portion 310; 410; 510 pivots approximately 17 degrees from its rest position. When the bare core 12 of an electrical conductor 10 of diameter 2.5 mm is inserted into said housing 1, 2 of the body 100 of the electrical terminal, the elastic elbow 311;411;511 bends so that the buttress part 310;410;510 pivots about 20 degrees from its rest position.

[0082] Furthermore, as Figures 5 to 13 show in particular, each buttress portion 310; 410; 510 of the connecting spring 300; 400; 500 comprises, near its buttress edge 300A; 400A; 500A, a tab 340; 440; 540 which projects laterally from said flanges 150, 180, 160, 170 of the body 100 into the free space provided between the two pairs of flanges. The two tabs 340; 440; 540 have two free longitudinal edges which extend side-by-side in this free space. These tabs 340;440;540 are accessible in this free space to a double disconnection pusher (not shown) adapted to simultaneously bear on these two tabs to separate the buttress parts 310;410;510 from the bare cores of the electrical conductors and allow the removal of said electrical conductors from the body of the electrical terminal.

[0083] Advantageously, as shown in Figures 5, 8 and 11, an additional element 320; 420; 600 is provided, arranged in the body 100 on each insertion axis XI, X2.

[0084] According to the two embodiments shown in Figures 1, 5 to 7 and 2, 8 to 10, the additional element 320; 420 belongs to said connecting spring 300; 400.

[0085] The additional element 320; 420 comprises a spatula 322; 422, 423 at the end of a support portion 320; 420 separate from the corresponding buttress portion 310; 410. The support portion 320; 420 is attached to said central retaining portion 330; 430 opposite said buttress portion 310; 410.

[0086] The support parts 320;420 and buttress parts 310;410 are arranged so that each buttress edge 310A;410A is placed along the direction of introduction of the electrical conductor 10 into said body 100 between the entrance 151, 161 of each housing 1, 2 and said spatula 322;422, 423.

[0087] Considering the direction of insertion of the electrical conductor 10 into each housing 1, 2, downstream of the free end 310A; 410A (forming the buttress edge) of the corresponding buttress portion 310; 410, the spatula 322; 422, 423 forms a ramp extending into the housing 1, 2 obliquely with respect to the insertion axis XI, X2. This ramp 322; 422 is adapted to guide and support the free end 12A of the stripped core 12 of the electrical conductor 10 towards the contact surface of said housing 1.

[0088] According to the embodiment of the electrical terminal 1010 shown in Figures 1, 5 to 7, the support portion 320 comprises a single foot 321 extending perpendicularly to the central retaining portion 330 of the connecting spring 300, being attached or fixedly connected thereto. Two parallel spatulas 322 are provided, one for each housing 1, 2. Each spatula 322 is a flat portion attached or connected to said foot 321 by means of an elastic elbow 323 that wraps around an axis Y2 parallel to the axis Y1. The two elbows 323 are oriented towards the elbows 311 which connect the buttress parts 310 to the central retaining part 330 of the connecting spring 300, so that each spatula 322 extends from the elbow 323 towards the corresponding buttress part 310. Each elbow 323 forms a pivot hinge for the corresponding spatula 322 about the axis Y2. The two pivot hinges are independent.

[0089] In summary, according to the embodiment of the electrical terminal 1010 shown in Figures 1, 5 to 7, said connecting spring 300 comprises, in one piece, two parallel buttress parts 310, one for each housing 1, 2 and a single support part 320 with two parallel spatulas 322, one for each housing 1, 2, attached to the foot 321 of said support part 320 by two elastic elbows 323 forming two independent pivoting hinges.

[0090] According to the embodiment of the electrical terminal 1020 shown in Figures 2, 8 to 10, the support part 420 has an S-shaped profile with a connecting part attached or connected, on the one hand, to the central retaining part 430 of the connecting spring 400 via a first elastic elbow 421 facing the elbows 411 and wound around an axis Y3 parallel to the axis Y1 and, on the other hand, to the spatula 422, 423 by a second elastic elbow turned in the opposite direction to the first elbow 421 and wound around an axis Y4 parallel to the axis Y3. The spatula 422, 423 has, from said connecting part, a flat portion forming said ramp 422 followed by a curved apex 423 forming a support portion adapted to bear on the free end 12A of the bare core 12 of the electrical conductor 10. The first and second elastic elbows form pivoting hinges around axes Y3 and Y4 respectively.

[0091] In summary, according to the embodiment of the electrical terminal 1020 shown in Figures 2, 8 to 10, said connecting spring 400 comprises, in one piece, two parallel buttress parts 410, one for each housing 1, 2 and a single S-shaped support part 420 whose free end is provided with a single spatula 422, 423 extending through the two housings 1, 2 and pivoting about the axis Y4.

[0092] It should be specified that the angular deflection of each spatula 322; 422, 423 of the support part 320; 420 of the connecting spring 300; 400 is between 3 and 6 degrees, which is much lower than the angular deflection of the buttress parts 310; 410 of said connecting spring.

[0093] When introduced into the body 100 of the electrical terminal 1010; 1020 through an inlet part IA, 2A of a housing 1, 2, the bare core 12 of the electrical conductor 10 first encounters the buttress edge 310A; 410A of the buttress part 310; 410 of the connecting spring 300; 400 which pushes the core 12 towards the bottom IC of said housing 1, 2 before it reaches the ramp 322; 422 of the support part 320; 420.

[0094] In the connected position in the corresponding housing 1, shown in Figures 5 and 8, the spatula 322; 422, 423 of the support part 320; 420 serves as a support for the free end 12A of the bare core 12 of the electrical conductor 10 in order to prevent any unintentional tilting movement of the electrical conductor 10 towards the rear of the body 100, i.e. towards the rear closing wall 130 of the body 100 of the electrical terminal 1010; 1020. Such an unintentional tilting movement would cause a separation of the core 12 from said contact surface of the body 100, which could be detrimental to the electrical contact between the body 100 of the electrical terminal and the conductive core 12 of the electrical conductor 10 and therefore to the performance of said electrical terminal.Thanks to the support part 320; 420 equipped with the spatula 322; 422, 423, the conductive core 12 of the electrical conductor 10 is correctly positioned and held by the connecting spring 300; 400 in the corresponding housing 1, 2 of the body 100 of the electrical terminal 1010; 1020 especially as the spatula 322; 422, 423 exerts a slight pressure on the conductive core of the electrical conductor in the direction of the contact surface of said body 100.

[0095] Finally, it should be noted that in each of the electrical terminals 1010, 1020, the locking of the electrical conductors 10 in the slots 1, 2 of the body 100, along axes XI, X2, can be achieved by butting the cut edge of the insulating sheath of said conductors (whose stripping length is standardized) against parts of the base or the cover of the electrical equipment (not shown). The locking of the electrical conductors 10 in the slots 1, 2 of the body 100, along axes XI, X2, can also be achieved by butting said conductors against parts of the base of the electrical equipment (not shown) located downstream of the flanges 180.

[0096] According to the embodiment of the electrical terminal 1030 shown in Figures 3, 11 to 13, the additional element 600 is a separate part from said connecting spring 500 and is disposed in the body 100 following said connecting spring 500 in the direction of introduction of the electrical conductor into each housing 1, 2.

[0097] The additional element 600 is a single piece that can be made of insulating or conductive material. This single piece comprises a base 610 fixed to the body 100 of the electrical terminal 1030 by means of a shaft 6 engaged in a bearing 611 passing through the base 610 (see [Fig.11]).

[0098] The base 610 has two parallel inclined surfaces 612 at the front, one for each housing 1, 2 of the body 100 of the electrical terminal 1030. Each inclined surface 612 is a kind of gutter forming a ramp extending into said housing 1, 2 obliquely with respect to the insertion axis XI, X2. This ramp 612 is adapted to guide and support the end 12A of the stripped core 12 of the electrical conductor 10 inserted into said housing 1, 2 towards said contact surface of the body 100 of the electrical terminal 1030. More particularly, each inclined surface 612 has a cylindrical portion connected to a slightly conical portion going from a larger diameter to a smaller diameter in the direction of insertion of the electrical conductor.

[0099] Considering the direction of insertion of the electrical conductor 10 into the corresponding housing 1, 2 of the body 100 of the electrical terminal 1030, each ramp 612 is positioned downstream (or following) the buttress edge 510A of the buttress part 510 of the connecting spring 500.

[0100] Furthermore, according to this embodiment (see Figures 11 to 13), the additional element 600 comprises, for each housing 1, 2 of the body 100 of the electrical terminal 1030, a stop surface 613 for the free end 12A of the bare core 12 of the electrical conductor 10. Each stop surface 613 extends perpendicularly to the insertion axis XI, X2 opposite an end opening of said housing 1, 2. Here, this is the exit opening of the contact part IB of the housing 1 (see [Fig. 11]).

[0101] More specifically, the base 610 of the additional element 600 supports two uprights 614. Each upright 614 is located at one end of each ramp 612, outside the corresponding housing 1, 2. It extends forward from the body 100 of the electrical terminal. Each upright 614 has a face 613 facing the exit opening of the corresponding housing 1, 2. This face 613 forms the stop surface that closes the exit passage of the housing.

[0102] In summary, in the embodiment of the electrical terminal 1030 shown in Figures 3, 11 to 13, a connecting spring 500 in the shape of a hairpin is provided with two parallel buttress parts 510, one for each housing 1, 2, and a single additional piece 600 provided with two parallel ramps 612, one for each housing 1, 2, as well as two stop surfaces 613, one for each housing 1, 2, each stop surface 613 extending perpendicularly to the insertion axis XI, X2 opposite the exit of the corresponding housing 1, 2.

[0103] When introduced into the body 100 of the electrical terminal 1030 through an inlet part IA, 2A of a housing 1, 2, the bare core 12 of the electrical conductor 10 first encounters the buttress edge 510A of the buttress part 510 of the connecting spring 500 which pushes the core 12 towards the bottom IC of said housing 1, 2 before it reaches the ramp 612 of the additional element 600.

[0104] In the connected position in the corresponding housing 1, shown in Figures 11 and 13, the ramp 612 of the base 610 serves as a support for the free end 12A of the bare core 12 of the electrical conductor 10 in order to prevent any unintentional tilting movement of the electrical conductor 10 towards the rear of the body 100, i.e. towards the rear closing wall 130 of the body 100 of the electrical terminal 1030. Such an unintentional tilting movement would cause a separation of the core 12 from said contact surface of the body 100, which could be detrimental to the electrical contact between the body 100 of the electrical terminal and the conductive core 12 of the electrical conductor 10 and therefore to the performance of said electrical terminal.Thanks to the base 610 added in the body 100 of the electrical terminal 1030, the conductive core 12 of the electrical conductor 10 is correctly positioned and held by the connecting spring 500 in the corresponding housing 1, 2 of the body 100 of the electrical terminal 1030.

[0105] According to a notable feature of the electrical terminal 1010; 1020; 1030, it includes arrangements adapted to keep a part of the core 12 of the electrical conductor 10 exposed in each housing 1, 2.

[0106] As shown in Figures 6, 7, 9, 10, 12 and 13, these arrangements comprise two deformed parts 183, 184, 173, 174 of the body 100, placed face to face, on either side of the insertion axis XI, X2. The two deformed parts 183, 184, 173, 174 protrude from the inner surface 180C, 180D, 170C, 170D of the body 100 and extend towards each other in a clamping direction Y transverse to the insertion axis XI, X2 so as to locally reduce the passage cross-section in said housing 1, 2 for the bare conductive core 12 of the electrical conductor 10. The two deformed parts 183, 184, 173, 174 form two jaws of a clamp adapted to locally clamp said bare conductive core 12 to hold it at a determined place in said housing 1, 2 ensuring good electrical contact between the bare core 12 and the body 100.

[0107] For each housing 1, 2, said deformed parts 183, 184, 173, 174 belong to two parallel flat parts 180A, 180B, 170A, 170B of the body 100.

[0108] Advantageously, said deformed parts 183, 184, 173, 174 are tabs cut into the parallel branches 180A, 180B, 170A, 170B of the two second flanges 180, 170 delimiting the contact parts IB, 2B of the two housings 1, 2 (see figures 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13). The tabs 183, 184, 173, 174 are formed along a curved path in windows 185, 186, 175, 176 of the body 100, each of the tabs 183, 184, 173, 174 having here two ends connected to the said branches 180A, 180B, 170A, 170B of the flanges 180, 170 of the body 100 of the electrical terminal 1010, 1020, 1030.

[0109] The flanges 180, 170 exhibit a certain elasticity, while the tabs 183, 184, 173, 174 are rigid relative to the flanges. Nevertheless, the tabs operate elastically when they pinch the bare core of the electrical conductors in the housings 1, 2 of the electrical terminal 1010, 1020, 1030.

[0110] In an alternative embodiment not shown, it could be envisaged that only one end of each tab is connected to the corresponding arm of the flange of the electrical terminal body, the other end of each tab remaining free. Each tab would then exhibit increased inherent elasticity. [YES] The tabs 183, 184, 173, 174 protrude on the inner lateral faces 180C, 180D, 170C, 170D of said flanges 180, 170 in the direction of the insertion axis XI, X2 of the corresponding housing 1, 2.

[0112] The tabs 183, 184, 173, 174 have pinching surfaces 183A, 184A, 173A, 174A of the bare core 12 of the electrical conductor which are rounded surfaces, convex in the direction of the insertion axis XI, X2 of the housing 1, 2 of the body 100 so that said tabs 183, 184, 173, 174 locally reduce the passage cross-section of the bare core 12 of the electrical conductor 10 in said contact part IB, 2B of the corresponding housing 1, 2 of the body 100 of the electrical terminal 1010, 1020, 1030.

[0113] Thus, advantageously, in the body 100 of the electrical terminal 1010, 1020, 1030, the base IC of each housing 1, 2 forms a longitudinal guide surface for the bare core 12 of the electrical conductor 10 and said pinch surfaces form lateral contact surfaces 183A, 184A, 173A, 174A for the bare core 12 of the electrical conductor 10. When the connection is established between the bare core 12 of each electrical conductor 10 and the body 100 of the electrical terminal, there is not necessarily contact between the base IC of each housing 1, 2 and the electrical conductor 10. The contact is made between the lateral contact surfaces (pinch surfaces) 183A, 184A, 173A, 174A of said tabs 183, 184, 173, 174 of the body 100 and the bare core 12 of said electrical conductors 10. However, if contact is established between the base IC of the housing 1, 2 of the body 100 of the electrical terminal and the bare core 12 of the electrical conductor 10 inserted into the housing 1, 2, then, this can be advantageous because the contact interface increases which leads to reduced heating of the electrical terminal.

[0114] When it is introduced into the body 100 of the electrical terminal 1010; 1020; 1030 through an inlet part IA, 2A of a housing 1, 2, the bare core 12 of the electrical conductor 10 first encounters the buttress edge 310A; 410A; 510A of the buttress part 310; 410; 510 of the connecting spring 300; 400; 510 before reaching the clamp formed by the said deformed parts 183, 184, 173, 174 of the body 100. This clamp grips the bare core 12 of the electrical conductor 10 in the contact part IB, 2B of the housing 1, 2 to establish a contact between the electrical conductor 10 and the body 100 of the electrical terminal 1010;1020;1030.The ramp 322; 422; 612 of the additional element 320; 420; 600 serves as a support for the free end 12A of the stripped core 12 of the electrical conductor 10 in order to prevent any unintentional tilting movement of the electrical conductor 10 towards the rear of the body 100, i.e. towards the rear closing wall 130 of the body 100 of the electrical terminal 1010; 1020; 1030. .

[0115] Thanks to the clamp, the bare core 12 of the electrical conductor 10 is correctly positioned and held at a determined location in the corresponding housing 1, 2 of the body 100 of the electrical terminal 1010;1020;1030. In this way, the contact force and the friction effect between the bare core 12 of the electrical conductor 10 and the body 100 of the electrical terminal 1010;1020;1030 are improved, which makes it possible to improve the conductance of the electrical terminal and its reliability.

[0116] Finally, as Figures 1, 3, 5, 8, and 11 show in particular, a recess 153, 163 is provided in a front portion 150C, 160C (forming the base of the U-shape) of the first flange 150, 160 of each pair of flanges, which creates a boss 153A on the inner face (on the bottom IC) of the inlet portion IA, 2A of the housing 1, 2. This boss 153A forms an additional contact surface between the bare core 12 of the electrical conductor 10 and the body 100 of the electrical terminal which is always more advantageous for improving the electrical contact between the electrical conductor 10 and the electrical terminal 1010; 1020; 1030.

[0117] In [Fig.4], a variant of the 1030 electric terminal shown in [Fig.3] has been represented.

[0118] According to this variant, the body 100' of the electrical terminal 1040 is different from the body 100 of the electrical terminal 1030.

[0119] Just as in the electrical terminal 1030, the body 100' of the electrical terminal 1040 has a first part 101' for the connection of two electrical conductors 10 and a second part 102' for the connection of a pin of an electrical plug not shown.

[0120] The body 100' also includes two main walls 110', 120', two ends of which are extended by curved parts 113', 123' connected to the jaws 141', 142' of a socket 140' of Z axis for the connection of the electrical plug pin.

[0121] On the side of the first part 101', the body 100' has two housings 1', 2' which extend along two parallel insertion axes XI, X2. These two housings 1', 2' are intended to accommodate the bare core 12 of two electrical conductors 10 inserted along the insertion axes XI, X2. The two housings 1', 2' are formed inside two U-shaped flanges 150', 160' which extend from the longitudinal front edges 111', 121' of the main walls 110', 120' towards the interior of the body 100'. The housings 1, 2 defined by the flanges 150', 160' are generally tubular with axis XI, X2, open at each end and also open longitudinally towards a closing wall 130' of the body 100' which extends from one rear edge to the other of the main walls 110', 120'.

[0122] Just as in the electrical terminal 1030, the body 100' of the electrical terminal 1040 also provides a connecting spring and an additional element 600 to hold the bare core 12 of the electrical conductor 10 inserted in each housing 1, 2 and establish electrical contact between the body of the electrical terminal and the bare core of the electrical conductor.

[0123] However, according to this variant, the body 100' of the electrical terminal 1040 does not have deformed parts, placed opposite each other, on either side of the insertion axis of each housing 1, 2, which form two jaws of a clamp adapted to locally pinch the bare core of the conductor inserted into the housing.

[0124] In a front portion 151', 161' (forming the base of the U-shape) of each flange 150', 160', two recesses 153', 163', regularly spaced along the length of each flange 150', 160', are provided, creating two bosses on the inner face (on the bottom) of each housing 1, 2. These bosses form two additional contact surfaces between the bare core 12 of the electrical conductor 10 inserted into each housing 1, 2 and the body 100' of the electrical terminal 1040 to improve electrical contact between the electrical conductor 10 and the electrical terminal 1040.

[0125] The invention is not limited to the detailed description above and various other modifications can be made to it by a person skilled in the art in accordance with its spirit.

Claims

Demands

1. Electric terminal (1010; 1020; 1030) comprising: - a body (100) made of conductive material having at least one housing (1,2) intended to receive an electrical conductor (10) inserted along an insertion axis (XI, X2) and of which a part of its inner face forms a contact surface for the bare conductive core (12) of said electrical conductor (10), - a connecting spring (300; 400; 500), disposed in the body, comprising a buttress portion (310; 410; 510) provided at its free end with a buttress edge (310A; 410A; 510A) capable of exerting on the bare conductive core (12) of the electrical conductor (10) inserted in said housing (1, 2), a contact force directed along a contact direction transverse to the insertion axis (XI, X2) such that a portion of this bare core comes into contact with said contact surface, and - fittings (183, 184, 173, 174) adapted to maintain a part of the exposed core (12) of the electrical conductor (10) in said housing (1,2), characterized in that said arrangements comprise two deformed portions (183, 184, 173, 174) of the body (100), placed facing each other on either side of the insertion axis (XI, X2), the two deformed portions (183, 184, 173, 174) projecting from the inner surface of the body (100) and extending towards each other in a clamping direction transverse to the insertion axis (XI, X2) so as to locally reduce the cross-sectional area in said housing (1, 2) for the bare core (12) of the electrical conductor (10), the two deformed portions (183, 184, 173, 174) forming two jaws of a clamp adapted to locally clamp said bare core (12) to hold it at a determined location in said housing (1, 2) while ensuring good electrical contact between the naked soul (12) and the body (100).

2. Electrical terminal (1010; 1020; 1030) according to claim 1, wherein said two deformed parts (183, 184, 173, 174) belong to two parallel plane parts (180A, 180B, 170A, 170B) of the body (100).

3. Electrical terminal (1010; 1020; 1030) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein said two deformed parts (183, 184, 173, 174) have pinching surfaces (183A, 184A, 173A, 174A) of the bare core (12) of the electrical conductor (10) which are rounded surfaces, convex in the direction of the insertion axis (XI, X2).

4. Electrical terminal (1010; 1020; 1030) according to claim 3, wherein the bottom (IC) of said housing (1) forms a longitudinal guide surface for the bare core (12) of the electrical conductor (10) and said pinching surfaces (183A, 184A, 173A, 174A) form lateral contact surfaces for the bare core (12) of the electrical conductor (10).

5. Electrical terminal (1010; 1020; 1030) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the body (100) comprises along the insertion axis (XI, X2) two distinct coaxial flanges (150, 180, 160, 170) separated by an open gap, namely a first flange (150, 160) internally delimiting an entry portion (IA, 2A) of said housing (1, 2) and a second flange (180, 170) internally delimiting a contact portion (IB, 2B) of said housing (1, 2), said deformed portions (183, 184, 173, 174) locally reducing the passage cross-section in said contact portion (IA, 2A).

6. Electrical terminal (1010; 1020; 1030) according to claim 5, wherein each of the first and second flanges (150, 180, 160, 170) has a U-shaped profile, the inner face of the flanges (150, 180, 160, 170) forming the bottom (IC) and the lateral faces (180C, 180D, 170C, 170D) of said housing (1, 2) on which said deformed parts (183, 184, 173, 174) protrude.

7. Electric terminal (1010; 1020; 1030) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body (100) is formed in one piece by forming, cutting and bending a metal strip, said deformed parts (183, 184, 173, 174) are tabs cut and shaped along a curved path in windows (185, 175) of the body (100), each of the tabs having at least one end connected to a flat part (180A, 180B, 170A, 170B) of the body (100).

8. Electrical terminal (1010; 1020; 1030) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an additional element (320; 420; 600) is provided disposed in the body (100) on the insertion axis (XI, X2), this additional element (300; 420; 600) having a ramp (322; 422, 423; 612) extending in said housing (1,2) obliquely with respect to the insertion axis (XI, X2) and being adapted to guide and support the bare core (12) of the electrical conductor (10) towards said contact surface of the body (100).

9. Electrical terminal (1030) according to the preceding claim, wherein the additional element (600) comprises a stop surface (613) for the free end (12A) of the bare core (12) of the electrical conductor (10), this stop surface extending perpendicularly to the insertion axis (XI, X2) opposite an exit opening of said housing (1,2).

10. Electrical terminal (1010;1020) according to claim 8, wherein the additional element (320;420) belongs to said connecting spring (300;400), it forms a spatula (322;422) at the end of a support part (320;420) distinct from said buttress part (310;410), the support parts (320;420) and buttress parts (310;410) being arranged such that the buttress edge (310A;410A) is placed along the direction of introduction of the electrical conductor into said body between the inlet (151,161) of said housing (1, 2) and said spatula (322;422).

11. Electrical terminal (1010;1020) according to the preceding claim, wherein the connecting spring (300;400) is a one-piece leaf spring comprising a central retaining part (330;430), the buttressing part (310;410) being attached to said central retaining part (330;430) by means of an elastic elbow (311;411) forming a pivoting hinge and the support part (320;420) being attached to said central retaining part (330;430) opposite said buttressing part (310;410).

12. Electric terminal (1010) according to the preceding claim, wherein the support part comprises a foot (321) which extends perpendicularly to the central retaining part (330) by being fixedly attached thereto, said spatula (322) being attached to said foot (321) by means of an elastic elbow (323) forming a pivoting hinge of said spatula (322).

13. Electrical terminal (1010) according to the preceding claim, wherein the body (100) comprises side-by-side two housings (1, 2) for two electrical conductors, said connecting spring comprising two parallel buttress parts (310), one for each housing (1, 2) and a single support part (320) with two parallel spatulas (322), one for each housing (1, 2), attached to the foot (321) of said support part (320).

14. Electrical terminal (1020) according to claim 11, wherein the support part (420) comprises a connecting part attached, on the one hand, to the central retaining part (430) by means of a first elastic elbow (421) forming a pivoting hinge and, on the other hand, to the spatula (422,423) by a second elbow turned opposite to the first elbow (421), the spatula having from said connecting part, a flat portion (422) forming said ramp followed by a curved apex (423) forming a bearing portion adapted to bear on the bare core (12) of the electrical conductor (10).

15. Electrical terminal (1020) according to the preceding claim, wherein the body (100) comprises side-by-side two housings (1, 2) for two electrical conductors, said connecting spring comprising two parallel buttress parts (410), one for each housing and a single support part (420) the free end of which is provided with a single spatula (422) extending through the two housings (1,2).

16. Electrical terminal (1030) according to any one of claims 8 and 9, wherein the additional element (600) is a separate part of a connecting spring (500) and disposed in the body (100) following said connecting spring (500) along the direction of introduction of the electrical conductor (10) into said housing (1, 2).

17. Electrical terminal (1030) according to the preceding claim, wherein the body (100) comprises side-by-side two housings (1,2) for two electrical conductors, the connecting spring (500) comprising two parallel buttress parts (510), one for each housing (1, 2) and a single additional piece (600) is provided having two parallel ramps (612), one for each housing (1,2).

18. Electrical terminal (1030) according to the preceding claim, wherein said additional part (600) comprises two surfaces 23 stop (613) for the free end (12A) of the bare core (12) of the electrical conductor (10), one for each housing (1, 2), each stop surface (613) extending perpendicularly to the insertion axis (XI, X2) opposite the exit of the corresponding housing (1, 2).

19. Electrical apparatus comprising a base housing at least one electrical terminal (1010; 1020; 1030) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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