Cable connection device

Abstract

To provide a cable connection device capable of preventing generation of an excess length of a cable and satisfactorily maintaining shape stability after cable connection by absorbing an extension of a core wire generated by compression of a sleeve.SOLUTION: A cable connection device 1 comprises: a plurality of sleeves 2 and 3 having conductivity into which core wires 51 and 51 of cables 50 and 50 are inserted respectively; and an extension / contraction structure 4 which is disposed between the sleeves 2 and 3, has conductivity and electrically connects the core wires 51 and 51 with each other. The extension / contraction structure 4 includes ends 5 and 6 and an extension / contraction part 7 which is formed between the ends 5 and 6. The core wires 51 and 51 are abutted to the ends 5 and 6 respectively, and a length of the extension / contraction part 7 is shortened with extension of the core wires 51 and 51 generated by compressing the sleeves 2 and 3, through which the core wires 51 and 51 are inserted, from the outside.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cable connection device including a sleeve into which a core wire of a cable is inserted, and more particularly to a cable connection device capable of absorbing elongation of the core wire generated by compression of the sleeve into which the core wire is inserted.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a connection device for connecting cables to each other, a conductive sleeve into which each core wire of a cable is inserted at both open ends has been used. In such a connection device, the vicinity of each open end into which the core wire is inserted is compressed from the outside of the sleeve, and the position of the core wire in the sleeve is fixed, whereby the cables are electrically connected to each other via the sleeve. However, when the sleeve is compressed, the core wire inserted therein elongates, causing an extra length in the cable, and there has been a problem that it takes time to handle this extra length. In addition, since the sleeve is linear, the insertion direction of the core wire is limited, so the degree of freedom regarding the movement of the cable is small. Therefore, there has also been a problem that it becomes more difficult to handle the above-mentioned extra length. Furthermore, when the space at the cable connection planned location is narrow, in some cases, the cables are connected in another wide location in advance and then moved to the planned location. However, even in this case, there has been a problem that it is not easy to handle the extra length at the planned location. In order to solve such problems, in recent years, a technology for connecting cables to each other via a telescopic structure has been developed, and an invention has already been disclosed regarding it.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an invention regarding a cable connection structure having elasticity and enabling miniaturization, named "Cable Connection Structure". The invention disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a first conductive terminal connected to the end of a first cable, a second conductive terminal connected to the end of a second cable, a stretchable conductor connecting between the first conductive terminal and the second conductive terminal, an insulating coating means covering the vicinity of the ends of the first conductive terminal, the second conductive terminal, the conductor, the first and second cables, having a first through-hole communicating with the first cable, and a second through-hole communicating with the second cable. In the invention with such a configuration, the stretchable conductor ensures electrical conductivity between the cables while the length of the conductor changes according to the movement of the cables. Therefore, the above invention is suitable for application to cables that move to different positions from an initial state, such as cables used in industrial robots. Also, the coating means can keep the elongation of the conductor within a predetermined range. Specifically, the conductor is a compression spring. Therefore, according to the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, when connecting cables, the stretchable conductor can absorb the change in the distance between the cables and miniaturization is possible.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, although the change in the distance between the cables can be absorbed by the stretchable conductor, since the coating means is provided with the first and second through holes that communicate with the first and second cables respectively, it is considered that no consideration is given to fixing the positions of the cables at appropriate positions. Specifically, since the cables are not fixed by the coating means, it is considered that the generation of surplus length cannot be prevented. Therefore, in the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a possibility that the problem of the troublesome handling of the surplus length has not been sufficiently solved. In addition, since a compression spring is used as the stretchable conductor, this compression spring itself may twist or bend independently of the movement of the cable. Therefore, displacement or deflection may occur in the cable connected to the compression spring, and there is a possibility that the shape of the cable cannot be stably maintained after connection.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of such conventional circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a cable connection device that can prevent the generation of surplus length of the cable and can maintain good shape stability after cable connection by absorbing the elongation of the core wire generated by compressing the sleeve into which the core wire is inserted.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To solve the above problems, a first invention includes a plurality of conductive sleeves having an outer open end into which the core wires of the cables are respectively inserted and an inner open end on the opposite side of the outer open end, and a plurality of inner open ends are disposed between the plurality of inner open ends, and a stretchable structure having conductivity and electrically connecting the plurality of core wires to each other. The stretchable structure includes a plurality of end portions and a stretchable portion formed between the plurality of end portions. The plurality of end portions are respectively connected to the plurality of inner open ends, and the plurality of core wires respectively abut thereon. The stretchable portion is characterized in that its length shortens as the elongation of the core wire generated by compressing the sleeve into which the core wire is inserted from the outside increases.

[0008] In the invention with such a configuration, when there are two sleeves, the telescopic structure is linear, and when there are three or more sleeves, the telescopic structure is branched. Further, as the telescopic part, for example, a nested structure, a bellows structure, or a pantograph structure can be considered. Furthermore, the telescopic part may have a non-telescopic part in addition to being entirely telescopic. When the inner diameter of the sleeve is larger than the outer diameters of both ends of the telescopic structure respectively, both ends are inserted into the inside of the sleeve and connected. In this case, the shape of the end faces of both ends is not particularly limited. Conversely, both ends may have a concave shape with an inner diameter, and the outer diameter of the sleeve may be smaller than the inner diameter of the ends. In this case, the inner open ends are inserted into both ends and connected.

[0009] In the invention with the above configuration, when a plurality of core wires are brought into contact with the plurality of ends of the telescopic structure respectively and then the sleeve is compressed from the outside using a tool, a phenomenon occurs in which the core wires elongate. Since the elongated core wires push the plurality of ends, taking the case where the telescopic structure is linear as an example, the plurality of ends are pushed in a direction approaching each other, and the length of the telescopic part formed between these ends is shortened. On the other hand, since the positions of the core wires at the compressed portions of the plurality of sleeves are fixed and difficult to move, the position of the cut end of the peeled coating in the cable hardly changes from before the sleeve is compressed. Therefore, the elongation of the core wires is absorbed by the telescopic structure, and the generation of the excess length of the cable is prevented.

[0010] Next, the second invention is characterized in that, in the first invention, it includes a linear guide portion for guiding the relative sliding movement between the sleeve and the telescopic structure, and the guide portion is composed of a first linear portion formed on at least a first circumferential surface near a plurality of inner open ends respectively, and a second linear portion formed on at least a second circumferential surface near a plurality of ends respectively and fitting with the first linear portion.

[0011] In the invention with such a configuration, it is conceivable that the first straight portion is a groove and the second straight portion is a protrusion. Conversely, the first straight portion and the second straight portion may be a protrusion and a groove, respectively. Also, the first peripheral surface of the sleeve includes an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface. And the second peripheral surface of the expansion and contraction structure corresponding thereto is an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface, respectively. Furthermore, the first straight portion may be formed over the entire length of the sleeve in addition to being near a plurality of inner opening ends of the sleeve. Similarly, the second straight portion may be formed in the expansion and contraction portion in addition to being near a plurality of ends of the expansion and contraction structure.

[0012] In the invention with the above configuration, in addition to the action of the first invention, the guide portion smoothly performs the relative sliding movement between the sleeve and the expansion and contraction structure. As a result, the connection work between the cables is quickly performed, and the sleeve is prevented from being twisted and connected to the expansion and contraction structure.

[0013] The third invention is the first or second invention, wherein the inner diameters of the plurality of sleeves are each larger than the outer diameters of the plurality of ends, and gaps are respectively formed between the inner peripheral surfaces of the plurality of sleeves and the outer peripheral surfaces of the plurality of ends, and the plurality of gaps are each filled with a conductive material.

[0014] In the invention with such a configuration, for example, a compound is used as the conductive material. In the invention with the above configuration, in addition to the action of the first or second invention, since the plurality of gaps are each filled with a conductive material, the conductivity between the plurality of sleeves and the plurality of ends can be improved.

[0015] The fourth invention is the first or second invention, wherein the expansion and contraction portion includes a non-expandable and contractible intermediate body in the middle thereof, and the intermediate body has a linear shape or a branched shape. In the invention with such a configuration, as the branching shape, for example, shapes such as Y-shaped, T-shaped, H-shaped, and X-shaped can be considered. The number of expansion and contraction parts, the number of sleeves, and the number of cables corresponding thereto are 3 in the cases of Y-shaped and T-shaped, and 4 in the cases of H-shaped and X-shaped, respectively.

[0016] In the invention with the above configuration, in addition to the actions of the first or second invention, by configuring the intermediate body in various shapes, even when connecting more than two cables, the generation of extra length can be prevented.

Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the first invention, the elongation of the core wire is absorbed by the expansion and contraction structure, and the generation of extra length of the cable is prevented. Therefore, the conventional problem of the time-consuming handling of extra length can be solved. In addition, depending on the degree of extra length, there is an instability that the cable may not fit well at the planned location. Therefore, by eliminating the extra length, such instability can be reduced. In other words, according to the first invention, since it is not necessary to consider the degree of extra length, the degree of freedom in the direction of inserting the cable into the sleeve is increased. Furthermore, even when the cable is connected at another wide location in advance and then moved to the planned location, since it is not necessary to adjust the extra length of the connected cable, the cable connection work can be completed promptly.

[0018] According to the second invention, in addition to the effect of the first invention, since the cable connection work is performed promptly by the guide part, the work efficiency can be improved. In addition, since the sleeve is prevented from being twisted and connected to the expansion and contraction structure, the connection of the cable can be stably maintained.

[0019] According to the third invention, in addition to the effect of the first or second invention, since the conductivity between the plurality of end parts and the plurality of sleeves can be improved by the conductive material, the certainty of conduction can be further enhanced.

[0020] According to the fourth invention, in addition to the effects of the first or second invention, even when connecting more than two cables, the occurrence of excess length is prevented, so that the cable connection device can be installed compactly at the planned location. Further, when the intermediate body of the telescopic part has a branched shape, the degree of freedom in the direction of inserting the cable into the sleeve is increased.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

Examples

[0022] The cable connection device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG. 1(a) is an exploded side view of the cable connection device according to the embodiment, FIG. 1(b) is an exploded perspective view of the same device, and FIGS. 1(c) and 1(d) are cross-sectional views taken along line A-A and line B-B in FIG. 1(a), respectively. As shown in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b), the cable connection device 1 according to the embodiment includes a plurality of sleeves 2, 3 and a telescopic structure 4. The sleeves 2, 3 and the telescopic structure 4 are all conductive.

[0023] The sleeve 2 is cylindrical, and has an outer opening end 2a into which the core wires 51 (see FIG. 4(a)) of the cable 50 are inserted, and an inner opening end 2b on the opposite side of the outer opening end 2a. Similarly, the sleeve 3 has an outer opening end 3a and an inner opening end 3b.

[0024] The telescopic structure 4 is cylindrical, and is disposed between the inner opening end 2b and the inner opening end 3b to electrically connect the plurality of core wires 51, 51 to each other. Specifically, the telescopic structure 4 includes end portions 5, 6 having flat end faces 5a, 6a and having the same outer diameter, and a telescopic portion 7 formed between the end portions 5, 6. The end portions 5, 6 are respectively connected to the inner opening end 2b of the sleeve 2 and the inner opening end 3b of the sleeve 3.

[0025] Furthermore, since the inner diameters of the sleeves 2, 3 are larger than the outer diameters of the end portions 5, 6, respectively, the end portions 5, 6 are inserted into and connected to the inner opening ends 2b, 3b. The core wires 51, 51 are inserted into the sleeves 2, 3 until their substantially flat tip end faces 51a, 51a (see FIG. 4(a)) abut against the end faces 5a, 6a of the end portions 5, 6, respectively.

[0026] Also, as shown in FIGS. 1(a) to 1(d), the cable connection device 1 includes a linear guide portion 8 that guides the relative sliding movement between the sleeves 2, 3 and the telescopic structure 4. The direction of this sliding movement is the central axis A of the sleeves 2, 3 2 ,A 3The direction and the central axis A of the telescopic structure 4 4 are along the direction. These central axes A 2 , A 3 , A 4 are all arranged on the same axis. Note that since the configurations of the sleeves 2 and 3 are the same as each other, and the configurations of the end portions 5 and 6 are also the same as each other, the sectional views as shown in FIGS. 1(c) and 1(d) of the sleeve 3 and the end portion 6 are omitted.

[0027] The guide portion 8 is composed of first straight portions 8a, 8a respectively formed on the first circumferential surfaces 2c of the sleeve 2 and 3c of the sleeve 3, and a second straight portion 8b formed on the second circumferential surface 4a of the telescopic structure 4 and fitting with the first straight portions 8a, 8a. Specifically, the first circumferential surfaces 2c, 3c of the sleeves 2 and 3 are the inner circumferential surfaces of the sleeves 2 and 3 respectively, and the second circumferential surface 4a of the telescopic structure 4 is the outer circumferential surface of the telescopic structure 4. Also, the first straight portions 8a, 8a are grooves, and the second straight portion 8b is a ridge. Furthermore, the first straight portions 8a, 8a are formed on the first circumferential surfaces 2c, 3c of the sleeves 2 and 3 and extend over a range of about 2 / 3 of the total length of the sleeves 2 and 3 near the inner opening ends 2b and 3b. Also, the second straight portion 8b is formed on the second circumferential surface 4a of the telescopic structure 4 and extends over the total length of the telescopic structure 4.

[0028] Subsequently, the structure of the telescopic portion constituting the telescopic structure will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) are side views of the telescopic portion constituting the cable connection device according to the embodiment. Note that the components shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals in FIG. 2, and the description thereof is omitted. As shown in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b), the telescopic portion 7 formed between the end portion 5 and the end portion 6 is formed by connecting a plurality of short cylindrical bodies 7a, 7b in series. The widths of the central axes A 4 of the respective cylindrical bodies 7a, 7b are all the same, but the diameter of the cylindrical body 7a is larger than the diameter of the cylindrical body 7b. In addition, the cylindrical bodies 7a and 7b each have a second straight portion 8b formed thereon, and among these, the first straight portion 8a of the cylindrical body 7b is slidably fitted inside the first straight portion 8a of the cylindrical body 7a.

[0029] Furthermore, the end faces 5b and 6b on the opposite sides of the end faces 5a and 6a have an open structure, and the cylindrical body 7b is inserted therein. Specifically, locking portions 7c that lock to each other are formed on the end faces 5b and 6b, both ends of the cylindrical body 7a, and both ends of the cylindrical body 7b, respectively. Therefore, the cylindrical bodies 7a and 7b are structured such that they can be separated without approaching or separating from each other. Therefore, the telescopic portion 7 has a minimum length L min , a maximum length L max and can expand and contract its overall length within this range. Among the cylindrical bodies 7a and 7b, the cylindrical body 7a located at the center is the intermediate body 7C.

[0030] Subsequently, a configuration in which the telescopic structure is connected to the sleeve will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3(a) is a side view of the cable connection device according to the embodiment, and FIGS. 3(b) and 3(c) are cross-sectional views taken along line C-C and line D-D in FIG. 3(a), respectively. Note that the components shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are given the same reference numerals in FIG. 3, and the description thereof will be omitted. As shown in FIG. 3(a), in the cable connection device 1, since the inner diameters of the first circumferential surfaces 2c and 3c of the sleeves 2 and 3 are each larger than the outer diameter of the second circumferential surface 4a of the ends 5 and 6, the ends 5 and 6 of the telescopic structure 4 are inserted into the inner open ends 2b and 3b of the sleeves 2 and 3, respectively. Furthermore, the core wires 51 and 51 of the cables 50 and 50 inserted into the sleeves 2 and 3 are in contact with the end faces 5a and 6a of the ends 5 and 6, respectively.

[0031] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3(b), in the sleeve 2, a gap S 1 is formed between the first circumferential surface 2c and the core wire 51. Although not shown, a similar gap S 1 is also formed in the sleeve 3. Also, as shown in FIG. 3(c), in the sleeve 2 and the telescopic structure 4, a gap S is also formed between the first circumferential surface 2c of the sleeve 2 and the second circumferential surface 4a of the end portion 5. 2 Although not shown, a similar gap S is also formed in the end portion 6 and the sleeve 3. 2 is formed.

[0032] And the gap S 1 , S 1 is filled with a conductive material. This conductive material is, for example, a compound having conductivity and fluidity. As will be described later, when the sleeves 2 and 3 are compressed from the outside using a tool 52 (see FIGS. 4 and 5), the conductive material flows out from the gaps S 1 , S 1 to the gaps S 2 , S 2 so that the conductivity between the sleeves 2 and 3 and the end portions 5 and 6 is improved.

[0033] Next, the procedure for cable connection using the cable connection device will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIGS. 4(a) to (c) and FIGS. 5(a) to 5(c) are side views of the same device for explaining the procedure for cable connection using the cable connection device according to the embodiment. Note that the components shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals in FIGS. 4 and 5, and the description thereof will be omitted. As shown in FIG. 4(a), in order to connect the cables 50, 50 to each other, first, their coatings are peeled off to expose the cores 51, 51. Note that the tip surfaces 51a, 51a of the cores 51, 51 are formed to be substantially flat. Then, the second straight portions 8b are fitted to the first straight portions 8a, 8a to connect the sleeves 2, 3 and the telescopic structure 4. Note that the telescopic portion 7 of the telescopic structure 4 is stretched to the maximum length L max in advance.

[0034] Next, as shown in FIG. 4(b), the exposed cores 51, 51 are inserted into the outer open ends 2a, 3a of the sleeves 2, 3, and the tip surfaces 51a, 51a are brought into contact with the end surfaces 5a, 6a of the end portions 5, 6. Thereafter, the conductive material is placed in the gaps S 1 , S1 Fill it.

[0035] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4(c), the compression portions of the sleeves 2 and 3 closest to the outer opening ends 2a and 3a are pinched from the outside with a tool 52 and compressed in the direction of the white arrow. Along with this, since the core wires 51 and 51 are stretched, the end faces 5a and 6a of the end portions 5 and 6 are each pushed toward the intermediate body 7C. Therefore, in the telescopic portion 7, the cylindrical bodies 7a and 7b near the end portions 5 and 6 slide toward the intermediate body 7C along the central axis A of the telescopic structure 4. 4 along which it slides. Therefore, the telescopic portion 7 is slightly shortened from the maximum length L. max Shorten slightly.

[0036] In addition, since the first straight portions 8a and 8a and the second straight portions 8b are provided in the sleeves 2 and 3 and the telescopic structure 4, respectively, the relative sliding movement between the sleeves 2 and 3 and the telescopic structure 4 is smoothly performed. In addition, as the sleeves 2 and 3 are compressed, the conductive material flows out from the gaps S 1 , S 1 to the gaps S 2 , S 2 and fills these gaps S 2 , S 2 . On the other hand, the positions of the cut ends 50a and 50a of the peeled coating in the cables 50 and 50 hardly change from before the sleeves 2 and 3 are compressed.

[0037] Subsequently, as shown in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b), when the tool 52 is sequentially moved toward the inner opening ends 2b and 3b and the sleeves 2 and 3 are similarly compressed, more cylindrical bodies 7a and 7b slide toward the intermediate body 7C, respectively, so that the telescopic portion 7 is further shortened. Note that, due to this compression, the sleeves 2 and 3 may gradually elongate. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5(b), in addition to the telescopic portion 7 being shortened to the shortest length L min , both ends of the telescopic portion 7 are inserted into the inner opening ends 2b and 3b of the sleeves 2 and 3. Note that also in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b), the conductive material is in the gaps S 2,S 2 It is filled. Also, the positions of the end portions 50a, 50a of the cables 50, 50 hardly change from before compressing the sleeves 2, 3. Finally, as shown in FIG. 5(c), when the cable connection device 1 is wound with an insulating tape 53, the connection of the cables 50, 50 is completed.

[0038] Therefore, in the cable connection device 1, as the cores 51, 51 extend due to the compression of the sleeves 2, 3 from the outside, the tip surfaces 51a, 51a push the end surfaces 5a, 6a of the ends 5, 6 in the direction approaching the intermediate body 7C. For this reason, the length of the expansion and contraction part 7 shortens from the maximum length L max to the maximum length L min to the minimum length. On the other hand, since the positions of the end portions 50a, 50a of the cables 50, 50 hardly change from before compressing the sleeves 2, 3, the shapes of the cables 50, 50 other than the exposed cores 51, 51 also do not change. Therefore, the elongation of the cores 51, 51 is absorbed by the expansion and contraction structure 4, and the generation of excess length of the cables 50, 50 is prevented.

[0039] Furthermore, in the cable connection device 1, electrical conduction of the cores 51, 51 is ensured through the sleeves 2, 3 and the expansion and contraction structure 4. Also, this electrical conduction can be improved by the conductive material filled in the gaps S 2 ,S 2 . In addition, as a result of the relative sliding movement between the sleeves 2, 3 and the expansion and contraction structure 4 being smoothly performed, the connection work of the cables 50, 50 is quickly performed, and the sleeves 2, 3 are prevented from being twisted and connected to the expansion and contraction structure 4. Furthermore, this anti-twisting action is also exhibited after connecting the cables 50, 50 as shown in FIG. 5(c).

[0040] As described above, according to the cable connection device 1, the elongation of the core wires 51, 51 is absorbed by the telescopic structure 4, preventing the generation of slack in the cables 50, 50. Thus, the conventional problem of the time-consuming handling of slack can be solved. In addition, the connection work between the cables 50, 50 can be quickly performed by the first straight portion 8a and the second straight portion 8b, so that the work efficiency can be improved. In addition, since the sleeves 2, 3 are prevented from being twisted and connected to the telescopic structure 4, the cables 50, 50 are well accommodated in the installation space, and the connection of the cables 50, 50 can be stably maintained.

[0041] Furthermore, since this anti-twisting effect is also exerted after the cables 50, 50 are connected to each other, displacement and deflection are less likely to occur in the cables 50, 50 fixed to the sleeves 2, 3, and the connection of the cables 50, 50 can be stably maintained. In addition, the electrical conduction of the core wires 51, 51 2 , S 2 can be improved by the conductive material filled in the gap S, so that the certainty of conduction can be further enhanced.

[0042] Next, the cable connection device according to the first to fourth modified examples of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b) are respectively plan views of the cable connection device according to the first and second modified examples of the embodiment. FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) are respectively plan views of the cable connection device according to the third and fourth modified examples of the embodiment. Note that the components shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals in FIGS. 6 and 7, and the description thereof is omitted. As shown in FIG. 6(a), the cable connection device 1A according to the first modified example of the embodiment includes a sleeve 9 in addition to the sleeves 2, 3, and includes a telescopic structure 10 instead of the telescopic structure 4 of the cable connection device 1. Among these, the sleeve 9 has the same configuration as the sleeves 2, 3.

[0043] In addition, the cable connection device 1A includes an end portion 11 connected to the sleeve 9 in addition to the end portions 5 and 6 of the cable connection device 1, and includes a telescopic portion 12 continuous with the end portion 11 in addition to the telescopic portions 7 and 7 of the cable connection device 1. Furthermore, the end portion 11 and the telescopic portion 12 have the same structure as the end portions 5 and 6 and the telescopic portions 7 of the cable connection device 1, respectively. And the telescopic portions 7, 7, and 12 are provided with a non-telescopic intermediate body 13 in the middle thereof, that is, at their intersection points. This intermediate body 13 has a hollow structure with a substantially Y-shaped branching shape and is a member corresponding to the intermediate body 7C of the cable connection device 1.

[0044] In the cable connection device 1A having the above configuration, one core wire 51 is inserted into each of the sleeves 2, 3, and 9. Then, the three core wires 51 are connected in the same procedure as described with reference to FIGS. 4(b) to 5(c). As a result, the elongation of the three core wires 51 is absorbed by the telescopic structure 10, and the generation of the excess length of the three cables 50 is prevented. Therefore, even when connecting the three cables 50, the cable connection device 1A can be compactly installed at a planned location. In addition, since the intermediate body 13 has a substantially Y-shaped branching shape, by changing the arrangement method of the telescopic structure 10, the degree of freedom in the direction of connecting the cable 50 is increased. The actions and effects of the cable connection device 1A other than this are the same as the actions and effects of the cable connection device 1.

[0045] Next, as shown in FIG. 6(b), a cable connection device 1B according to a second modification of the embodiment includes an intermediate body 14 instead of the intermediate body 13 of the cable connection device 1A. This intermediate body 14 has a hollow structure with a T-shaped branching shape. The configuration, actions, and effects of the cable connection device 1B other than this are the same as the configuration, actions, and effects of the cable connection device 1A.

[0046] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 7(a), the cable connection device 1C according to the third modification of the embodiment includes sleeves 9 and 15 in addition to the sleeves 2 and 3 of the cable connection device 1, and includes a telescopic structure 16 instead of the telescopic structure 4 of the cable connection device 1. Among these, the sleeves 9 and 15 have the same configuration as the sleeves 2 and 3. In addition, the telescopic structure 16 includes end portions 11 and 17 respectively connected to the sleeves 9 and 15 in addition to the end portions 5 and 6 of the cable connection device 1. Furthermore, the telescopic structure 16 includes telescopic portions 12 and 18 respectively continuous with the end portions 11 and 17 in addition to the telescopic portions 7 and 7 of the cable connection device 1. The end portion 17 and the telescopic portion 18 have the same structure as the end portions 5 and 6 and the telescopic portion 7 of the cable connection device 1. The telescopic portions 7, 7, 12, and 18 include a non-telescopic intermediate body 19 in the middle thereof, that is, at the intersection points thereof. This intermediate body 19 is a hollow structure having an H-shaped branching shape and is a member corresponding to the intermediate body 7C of the cable connection device 1.

[0047] In the cable connection device 1C having the above configuration, by connecting a total of four core wires 51 respectively inserted into the sleeves 2, 3, 9, and 15, the elongation of the four core wires 51 is absorbed by the telescopic structure 16, and the generation of the surplus length of the four cables 50 is prevented. The configuration, operation, and effects of the cable connection device 1C other than this are the same as those of the cable connection device 1A.

[0048] Next, as shown in Fig. 7(b), the cable connection device 1D according to the fourth modification of the embodiment includes an intermediate body 20 instead of the intermediate body 19 of the cable connection device 1C. This intermediate body 20 is a hollow structure having an X-shaped branching shape. The configuration, operation, and effects of the cable connection device 1D other than this are the same as those of the cable connection device 1A.

[0049] Note that the cable connection device according to the present invention is not limited to those shown in the embodiments. For example, the telescopic structure 4 may be a telescopic structure such as a bellows structure. Also, the gap S 2Alternatively, the guide portion 8 may be omitted. In addition, the first straight portion 8a may be provided over the entire length of the sleeves 2 and 3, and the second straight portion 8b may be provided only at the ends 5 and 6.

Industrial Applicability

[0050] The present invention can be used as a cable connection device including sleeves for inserting the core wires of a cable.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0051] 1, 1A to 1D... cable connection device; 2, 3, 9, 15... sleeve; 2a, 3a... outer opening end; 2b, 3b... inner opening end; 2c, 3c... first peripheral surface; 4, 10, 16... telescopic structure; 4a... second peripheral surface; 5, 6, 11, 17... end; 5a, 6a... end face; 5b, 6b... end face; 7, 12, 18... telescopic portion; 7a, 7b... cylindrical body; 7c... locking portion; 7C, 13, 14, 19, 20... intermediate body; 8... guide portion; 8a... first straight portion; 8b... second straight portion; 50... cable; 50a... cut end; 51... core wire; 51a... tip face; 52... tool; 53... insulating tape

Claims

1. A plurality of conductive sleeves having an outer open end into which the core wires of the cable are respectively inserted and an inner open end on the opposite side of the outer open end; An expansion and contraction structure disposed between the plurality of inner open ends, having conductivity and electrically connecting the plurality of core wires to each other; The expansion and contraction structure includes a plurality of end portions and an expansion and contraction portion formed between the plurality of end portions; The plurality of end portions are respectively connected to the plurality of inner open ends, and the plurality of core wires respectively abut thereon; The expansion and contraction portion is characterized in that its length shortens as the core wire elongates due to compression of the sleeve through which the core wire is inserted from the outside. A cable connection device.

2. A linear guide portion for guiding relative sliding movement between the sleeve and the expansion and contraction structure; The guide portion includes a first linear portion respectively formed on at least a first circumferential surface near the plurality of inner open ends and a second linear portion respectively formed on at least a second circumferential surface near the plurality of end portions and fitting with the first linear portion. The cable connection device according to claim 1.

3. The inner diameters of the plurality of sleeves are respectively larger than the outer diameters of the plurality of end portions, A gap is respectively formed between the inner circumferential surfaces of the plurality of sleeves and the outer circumferential surfaces of the plurality of end portions, The plurality of gaps are each filled with a conductive material. The cable connection device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The expansion and contraction portion includes a non-expandable and contractible intermediate body in the middle thereof, The intermediate body has a linear shape or a branched shape. The cable connection device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

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