EP0669677A1 - Electrical connection device for conductive cable shields and method for its implementation - Google Patents

Electrical connection device for conductive cable shields and method for its implementation Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0669677A1
EP0669677A1 EP95420043A EP95420043A EP0669677A1 EP 0669677 A1 EP0669677 A1 EP 0669677A1 EP 95420043 A EP95420043 A EP 95420043A EP 95420043 A EP95420043 A EP 95420043A EP 0669677 A1 EP0669677 A1 EP 0669677A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cable
electrical connection
flexible
connector
connection device
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP95420043A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0669677B1 (en
Inventor
Pierre Francois
Eric Sauer
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Societe Industrielle de Construction dAppareils et de Materiel Electriques SICAME SAS
Original Assignee
Societe Industrielle de Construction dAppareils et de Materiel Electriques SICAME SAS
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Publication of EP0669677A1 publication Critical patent/EP0669677A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0669677B1 publication Critical patent/EP0669677B1/en
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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R9/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, e.g. terminal strips or terminal blocks; Terminals or binding posts mounted upon a base or in a case; Bases therefor
    • H01R9/03—Connectors arranged to contact a plurality of the conductors of a multiconductor cable, e.g. tapping connections
    • H01R9/05—Connectors arranged to contact a plurality of the conductors of a multiconductor cable, e.g. tapping connections for coaxial cables
    • H01R9/0512—Connections to an additional grounding conductor
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/648—Protective earth or shield arrangements on coupling devices, e.g. anti-static shielding  
    • H01R13/658—High frequency shielding arrangements, e.g. against EMI [Electro-Magnetic Interference] or EMP [Electro-Magnetic Pulse]
    • H01R13/6591—Specific features or arrangements of connection of shield to conductive members
    • H01R13/65912—Specific features or arrangements of connection of shield to conductive members for shielded multiconductor cable
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/28—Clamped connections, spring connections
    • H01R4/38—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a clamping member acted on by screw or nut
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/58—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation characterised by the form or material of the contacting members
    • H01R4/64—Connections between or with conductive parts having primarily a non-electric function, e.g. frame, casing, rail
    • H01R4/646—Connections between or with conductive parts having primarily a non-electric function, e.g. frame, casing, rail for cables or flexible cylindrical bodies

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an electrical connection device for screens of conductive cables, in particular telecommunications cables.
  • This invention applies more particularly to cables provided with a very thin protective screen, consisting of a metallic layer, in particular of aluminum, covered with an insulating protective layer, such as in polyethylene.
  • a screen with its connection device makes it possible to protect the cable which it surrounds against radioelectric and electromagnetic disturbances, and to ensure the earthing or grounding, by connecting for example a cable, belonging to an installation, to a structure receiving this installation, or to ensure continuity between two screens.
  • an aluminum protective screen having a thickness of between 80 and 200 microns, covered with a protective polyethylene film with a thickness of a few microns, maintained by adhesion (plasticization of aluminum) .
  • the screen thus formed is interposed between the bundle of electrical conductors of the cable and an insulating outer sheath, the installation of this screen and the outer sheath being achievable by extrusion.
  • connection is usually made on site, at the end of the cable, and it consists of more or less conveniently cutting a window or other interruption in the outer sheath, then installing a connecting claw with another cable to ensure continuity screen or its grounding (see document US-A-4051323 or its equivalent FR-A-2368156).
  • the invention aims to avoid these drawbacks, by providing a device making it possible to make an electrical connection with the screen at any point along the length of the cable, on a small part of the periphery thereof, quickly and easily, without risk of damage to the screen or to the conductors belonging to the cable.
  • the subject of the invention is essentially an electrical connection device for screens of conductive cables of the type concerned, the device comprising a connector with a rigid body capable of being supported in an area of the periphery of the cable, and a conductive element.
  • flexible filiform provided for entangling the cable while being positioned in a transverse groove dug in the insulating outer sheath of the cable over at least a fraction of its circumference and reaching the screen, means being provided for mooring one end of the filiform conducting element flexible on the connector body, and for immobilization with controlled mechanical tensioning of the part of this flexible conductive element embracing the cable.
  • the flexible filiform conductive element coming into contact with the cable protection screen, may take the form of a conductive braid or of a "flexible cable", or of a strip.
  • This flexible conductive element forms a loop which takes place in a groove dug in the thickness of the insulating outer sheath of the cable and preferably covering an arc of a circle less than a full circumference, while the rigid body of the connector is supported on the part of the outer insulating sheath remained intact.
  • one end of the flexible filiform conductive element is attached to the body of the connector by means of a threaded member for controlled mechanical tensioning, axially traversed by this end , the connector body comprising a housing such as a channel or notch receiving the strand of the flexible conductive element forming the end of the loop embracing the cable, a locking screw being provided for immobilizing this strand of the flexible conductive element in said housing.
  • the threaded member for controlled mechanical tensioning is an internally threaded socket, rotatably mounted but immobilized axially on the body of the connector, while the end of the flexible conductive element is provided with a externally threaded driver, cooperating with the internal thread of the sleeve.
  • the mechanical tensioning screw and the locking screw are fusible head screws, allowing easy control of their tightening torque, therefore control of the tension of the flexible conductive element embracing the cable, and its contact force on the screen, therefore optimal contact between this flexible conductive element and the screen belonging to the cable.
  • the connector is provided with a conductive braid, one end of which is integral with the body of this connector and intended to provide the envisaged electrical connection: earthing of the cable screen, continuity, equipotentiality, flow of electromagnetic disturbances.
  • the free strand of the flexible conductive element can be cut as close as possible to the body of the connector, after immobilization and tensioning of this element around the cable.
  • the free strand of the flexible filiform conductive element, not cut is used to directly provide the envisaged electrical connection, such as earthing of the cable screen.
  • the free end of the connecting braid or the free end of the flexible filiform conductive element is advantageously provided with a terminal, to be crimped or fixed by any other means, such as screwing. , for example on a ground plane.
  • connection device which is the subject of the invention may also comprise sealing and insulation means surrounding the connector as well as the cable.
  • the invention also relates to a method of producing an electrical connection for screens of conductive cables of the type concerned, with the use of the connection device defined above.
  • the grooving is carried out on a fraction of the complete circumference of the cable, for example in an arc of a circle of approximately 300 °, so as to leave a part of integral outer sheath on which the body of the connector is applied.
  • the groove is hollowed out in the insulating outer sheath of the cable by using a flexible, threadlike element of the rope type, encircling the cable and subjected to a back-and-forth movement.
  • the groove is thus easily formed, at the desired point on the cable, by a mechanical abrasion effect or by a thermal effect (local melting of the insulating sheath of the cable), or even by the combination of these two effects.
  • the operator printing the rope back and forth preferably by means of gripping means such as handles equipping the two ends of the rope, easily perceives the contact of this rope with the screen; the back and forth movement can even be continued on the screen without limit, because the risk of damage to the screen is practically zero here, whatever the nature of this screen.
  • the groove formed in the insulating sheath can immediately receive the flexible conductive element of the connector, then brought towards the cable. Note that the establishment of the connector does not require engaging the conductive element around the cable by one end thereof. Quite the contrary, the connector can be placed on a cable without accessibility at the ends, the flexible filiform conductive element being wound, in one turn, around the cable, before being brought back and locked on the body of the connector.
  • the device comprises a connector, generally designated by the reference 1, in which there is mainly a rigid body 2 of electrically conductive material, such as alloy copper, and a flexible thread-like conductive element 3, presenting itself as a conductive braid or a flexible cable, for example made of stainless steel.
  • the device also comprises a connecting braid 4, mechanically and electrically connected to the rigid body 2 of the connector 1.
  • This rigid body 2 comprises a base 5 of curved profile, intended to bear in a zone on the periphery of a cable 6 with protective screen 7.
  • a transverse threaded hole 8 and a channel 9 which both cross this massive part on both sides, in different planes.
  • a tensioning screw 10 provided with an axial bore 11 and a fuse head 12.
  • a first end of the cable 3 passes through the axial bore 11 of the screw 10, and is provided with an enlarged head 13 which bears on an internal retaining shoulder formed in the axial bore 11 of the screw 10.
  • the flexible cable 3 is designed to form, in the position of use of the connector 1, a loop embracing the cable 6, the cable strand 3 which forms the end of the loop being introduced through the transverse channel 9 of the body 2.
  • this body 2 is formed another tapped hole, opening into the channel 9 and receiving a locking screw 14 with a fuse head 15.
  • the loop formed by the cable 3 embracing the cable 6 is engaged in a transverse groove, hollowed out in the insulating outer sheath 16 of the cable 6 (in a way described in detail below) over at least a fraction of its circumference, the bottom of the groove reaching the protective screen 7.
  • the locking of the cable 3 by tightening the screw 14, followed by its controlled mechanical tensioning around of the cable 6 by tightening the screw 10, provides the mechanical connection and the electrical contact between the screen 7 belonging to the cable 6, on the one hand, and the cable 3, therefore the body 2 of the connector 1, on the other hand .
  • the braid 4 made of copper as a bare braid, or coated with an insulator in the manner of a small cable, here provides the desired electrical connection between the connector 1 and an external element not shown, such as ground network.
  • the first end of the braid 4 is crimped at 17 on the rigid body 2 of the connector 1.
  • the other end, initially free, of the braid 4 is provided with a lug 18, designed to be crimped, screwed, welded or fixed by any other means on said external element, so as to ensure electrical continuity.
  • the free strand 19 of the cable 3, that is to say the part not forming the loop and located beyond the body 2 of the connector 1, can here be cut as close as possible to body 2 and eliminated, as illustrated in FIG. 3.
  • Figures 4 and 5 show a second embodiment of the invention, in which the rigid body 2 of the connector 1 comprises, in addition to a solid part with a tapped hole receiving the tensioning screw 10 of the cable 3, a tab in which is formed a notch 20.
  • a tapped hole, opening into the notch 20, receives a locking screw 14 with fuse head 15, with an axis parallel to the tensioning screw 10, and located in the same transverse plane.
  • the cable 3, forming in a transverse plane a loop which embraces the cable 6, has a part locked in the notch 20 by the screw 14 and, beyond this part, a free strand 19 which is here bent at an angle straight and brought in a direction parallel to the axis of the cable 6.
  • the free strand 19 of the cable 3 serves here as a connecting element (replacing the braid 4 of the first embodiment).
  • a terminal 18 to be crimped or screwed is provided at the end of the free strand 19 of the cable 3.
  • the loop formed by this cable 3 is engaged in a groove 21, hollowed out in the insulating outer sheath 16 of the cable 6 and reaching the protective screen 7 of this cable 6.
  • FIGS. 6 and 7 show a third embodiment, which is different from the previous ones by the constitution of the means of controlled mechanical tensioning of the part of the flexible cable 3 embracing the cable 6.
  • the body 2 of the connector 1 here comprises a smooth hole 8A receiving a sleeve 10A which is smooth on the outside and internally threaded, rotatably mounted but axially immobilized on the body 2, the sleeve 10A having for this purpose an annular groove 26 cooperating with a complementary part belonging to the body 2.
  • This socket 10A is provided with a fusible operating head 12A allowing controlled mechanical tensioning.
  • the end of the cable 3 is provided with a driver 13a, produced in the form of an externally threaded ring, and secured to this end.
  • the driver 13A takes place inside the socket 10A, the external thread of the driver 13A being complementary to the internal thread of the socket 10A.
  • the driver 13A Before tightening, as shown in Figure 6, the driver 13A is located towards the end of the sleeve 10A remote from the operating head 12A. Manual actuation of this operating head 12A, rotating the sleeve 10A, causes it to be screwed onto the driver 13A and, consequently, an advance of the driver 13A in the direction of said operating head 12A, until it is tightened desired - see Figure 7 showing the configuration obtained at the end of controlled mechanical tensioning of the cable 3 after rupture of the fuse head.
  • an anti-vibration O-ring 27 can here be mounted and compressed between the operating head 12A of the socket 10A and the inlet of the smooth hole 8A of the body 2.
  • the method of implementing the device described above comprises, in a first step, the digging of the groove 21 in the insulating outer sheath 16 of the cable 6.
  • the digging of this groove 21 is possible at using a material consisting of a cord 22, or other flexible, filiform member of the same kind, the two ends of which are advantageously provided with respective grips 23 and 24.
  • the cord 22 is brought so as to encircle the cable 6 , the two free strands formed by the end regions of this cord 22 crossing each other.
  • a reciprocating movement is imparted to the rope 22, along the arrow F, by the operator grasping this rope by its ends, in particular by the two handles 23 and 24.
  • the rope 22 gradually digs, by effect mechanical and / or thermal, in the insulating outer sheath 16 of the cable 6, a groove 21 which extends over an arc of a circle less than one complete revolution, covering for example around 300 °, an integral zone 25 remaining between the two ends of groove 21 - see figure 9.
  • the operator removes the cord 22 and proceeds to put the connector 1 in place, applying the body 2 of the connector to the zone 25 and engaging the cable 3 in the groove 21, to form a loop before returning to the body 2 where the blocking of the cable 3 is carried out by means of the screw 14 with fuse head 15 forming torque limiter. Then, the controlled mechanical tensioning of the loop is carried out manually on the screen 7 by tightening the screw 10, the fuse head 12 of which also plays the role of torque limiter.
  • the electrical connection is made with an external element either using the free strand 19 of the cable 3, or using the braid 4.
  • connection device can be placed at the end of the cable, at an intermediate point of a cable without accessibility at the ends, around a cable accessible only over a short length, or over a cable accessible only at a reduced angle.
  • the connection device in question is also adaptable to cables for transporting electrical energy, to cables for video networks, to coaxial cables, as well as insulated sheaths or guides, the constitution and the geometry of these cables or the like can be diverse.
  • the same connection device is adaptable, without modification, to cables of various diameters, by forming with the cable a loop of varying length embracing the cable.

Landscapes

  • Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
  • Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)
  • Multi-Conductor Connections (AREA)
  • Cable Accessories (AREA)
  • Shielding Devices Or Components To Electric Or Magnetic Fields (AREA)
  • Manufacturing Of Electrical Connectors (AREA)

Abstract

The connection system for providing connection to the metal screen (7) around the cable (6) includes a connector (1) with a rigid body (2) which is intended to applied to the side of the cable. A flexible wire conductor element (3) is provided to surround the cable lying in a transverse peripheral groove (21). The rigid body includes a tensioning mechanism for the flexible wire so that the wire may be pulled tightly around the main cable ensuring a good electrical connection. The wire may cut through an outer insulating sleeve which surrounds the conducting metal screen with which contact is to be made.

Description

La présente invention concerne un dispositif de connexion électrique pour écrans de câbles conducteurs, en particulier de câbles de télécommunication. Cette invention s'applique plus particulièrement à des câbles pourvus d'un écran de protection de très faible épaisseur, constitué d'une couche métallique, notamment d'aluminium, recouverte d'une couche protectrice isolante, telle qu'en polyéthylène. Un tel écran avec son dispositif de connexion permet de protéger le câble qu'il entoure contre les perturbations radioélectriques et électromagnétiques, et d'assurer les mises à la terre ou à la masse, en reliant par exemple un câble, appartenant à une installation, à une structure recevant cette installation, ou d'assurer la continuité entre deux écrans.The present invention relates to an electrical connection device for screens of conductive cables, in particular telecommunications cables. This invention applies more particularly to cables provided with a very thin protective screen, consisting of a metallic layer, in particular of aluminum, covered with an insulating protective layer, such as in polyethylene. Such a screen with its connection device makes it possible to protect the cable which it surrounds against radioelectric and electromagnetic disturbances, and to ensure the earthing or grounding, by connecting for example a cable, belonging to an installation, to a structure receiving this installation, or to ensure continuity between two screens.

On connaît, plus particulièrement, des réalisations avec écran de protection en aluminium ayant une épaisseur comprise entre 80 et 200 microns, recouvert d'un film protecteur en polyéthylène d'une épaisseur de quelques microns, maintenu par adhérence (plastification de l'aluminium). L'écran ainsi constitué est intercalé entre le faisceau de conducteurs électriques du câble et une gaine extérieure isolante, la mise en place de cet écran et de la gaine extérieure étant réalisables par extrusion.We know, more particularly, embodiments with an aluminum protective screen having a thickness of between 80 and 200 microns, covered with a protective polyethylene film with a thickness of a few microns, maintained by adhesion (plasticization of aluminum) . The screen thus formed is interposed between the bundle of electrical conductors of the cable and an insulating outer sheath, the installation of this screen and the outer sheath being achievable by extrusion.

Considérant ce genre de réalisation de câbles avec écran de protection, on rencontre actuellement des difficultés pour l'exécution d'une connexion électrique fiable avec l'écran, en vue d'une mise à la terre ou d'une reprise du potentiel ou de la continuité de cet écran. Ces difficultés de réalisation d'une connexion résultent de l'adhésion de l'écran sur la gaine extérieure, et de la faible épaisseur dudit écran. La connexion est habituellement réalisée sur le site, en extrémité de câble, et elle consiste à découper plus ou moins commodément une fenêtre ou autre interruption dans la gaine extérieure, puis à mettre en place une griffe de liaison avec un autre câble pour assurer la continuité électrique de l'écran ou sa mise à la terre (voir document US-A-4051323 ou son équivalent FR-A-2368156). Lors de la découpe de la fenêtre et de la mise en place de la griffe de liaison, il existe un risque d'abîmer l'écran et/ou de détériorer les conducteurs du câble.Considering this kind of realization of cables with protective screen, we currently encounter difficulties for the execution of a reliable electrical connection with the screen, with a view to earthing or resumption of potential or the continuity of this screen. These difficulties in making a connection result from the adhesion of the screen to the outer sheath, and from the small thickness of said screen. The connection is usually made on site, at the end of the cable, and it consists of more or less conveniently cutting a window or other interruption in the outer sheath, then installing a connecting claw with another cable to ensure continuity screen or its grounding (see document US-A-4051323 or its equivalent FR-A-2368156). When cutting the window and installing the link claw, there is a risk of damaging the screen and / or damaging the cable conductors.

L'invention vise à éviter ces inconvénients, en fournissant un dispositif permettant de réaliser une connexion électrique avec l'écran en tout point de la longueur du câble, sur une faible partie de la périphérie de celui-ci, de façon simple et rapide, sans risque de détérioration de l'écran ni des conducteurs appartenant au câble.The invention aims to avoid these drawbacks, by providing a device making it possible to make an electrical connection with the screen at any point along the length of the cable, on a small part of the periphery thereof, quickly and easily, without risk of damage to the screen or to the conductors belonging to the cable.

A cet effet, l'invention a essentiellement pour objet un dispositif de connexion électrique pour écrans de câbles conducteurs du genre concerné, le dispositif comprenant un connecteur à corps rigide apte à prendre appui en une zone de la périphérie du câble, et un élément conducteur filiforme flexible prévu pour enlacer le câble en étant positionné dans une saignée transversale creusée dans la gaine extérieure isolante du câble sur au moins une fraction de sa circonférence et atteignant l'écran, des moyens étant prévus pour amarrer une extrémité de l'élément conducteur filiforme flexible sur le corps du connecteur, et pour une immobilisation avec mise en tension mécanique contrôlée de la partie de cet élément conducteur flexible enlaçant le câble.To this end, the subject of the invention is essentially an electrical connection device for screens of conductive cables of the type concerned, the device comprising a connector with a rigid body capable of being supported in an area of the periphery of the cable, and a conductive element. flexible filiform provided for entangling the cable while being positioned in a transverse groove dug in the insulating outer sheath of the cable over at least a fraction of its circumference and reaching the screen, means being provided for mooring one end of the filiform conducting element flexible on the connector body, and for immobilization with controlled mechanical tensioning of the part of this flexible conductive element embracing the cable.

L'élément conducteur filiforme flexible, venant en contact avec l'écran de protection du câble, peut prendre la forme d'une tresse conductrice ou d'une "câblette souple", ou d'un feuillard. Cet élément conducteur flexible forme une boucle qui prend place dans une saignée creusée dans l'épaisseur de la gaine extérieure isolante du câble et couvrant de préférence un arc de cercle inférieur à une circonférence complète, tandis que le corps rigide du connecteur prend appui sur la partie de la gaine extérieure isolante restée intègre.The flexible filiform conductive element, coming into contact with the cable protection screen, may take the form of a conductive braid or of a "flexible cable", or of a strip. This flexible conductive element forms a loop which takes place in a groove dug in the thickness of the insulating outer sheath of the cable and preferably covering an arc of a circle less than a full circumference, while the rigid body of the connector is supported on the part of the outer insulating sheath remained intact.

Selon une forme de réalisation préférée du dispositif de connexion objet de l'invention, une extrémité de l'élément conducteur filiforme flexible est amarrée au corps du connecteur au moyen d'un organe fileté de mise en tension mécanique contrôlée, traversé axialement par cette extrémité, le corps du connecteur comportant un logement tel qu'un canal ou encoche recevant le brin de l'élément conducteur flexible formant l'extrémité de la boucle enlaçant le câble, une vis de blocage étant prévue pour l'immobilisation de ce brin de l'élément conducteur flexible dans ledit logement.According to a preferred embodiment of the connection device which is the subject of the invention, one end of the flexible filiform conductive element is attached to the body of the connector by means of a threaded member for controlled mechanical tensioning, axially traversed by this end , the connector body comprising a housing such as a channel or notch receiving the strand of the flexible conductive element forming the end of the loop embracing the cable, a locking screw being provided for immobilizing this strand of the flexible conductive element in said housing.

Dans un mode de réalisation avantageux, l'organe fileté de mise en tension mécanique contrôlée est une douille filetée intérieurement, montée tournante mais immobilisée axialement sur le corps du connecteur, tandis que l'extrémité de l'élément conducteur flexible est pourvue d'un entraîneur fileté extérieurement, coopérant avec le filetage intérieur de la douille.In an advantageous embodiment, the threaded member for controlled mechanical tensioning is an internally threaded socket, rotatably mounted but immobilized axially on the body of the connector, while the end of the flexible conductive element is provided with a externally threaded driver, cooperating with the internal thread of the sleeve.

Avantageusement, la vis de mise en tension mécanique et la vis de blocage sont des vis à tête fusible, permettant un contrôle aisé de leur couple de serrage, donc une maîtrise de la tension de l'élément conducteur flexible enlaçant le câble, et de son effort de contact sur l'écran, donc un contact optimal entre cet élément conducteur flexible et l'écran appartenant au câble.Advantageously, the mechanical tensioning screw and the locking screw are fusible head screws, allowing easy control of their tightening torque, therefore control of the tension of the flexible conductive element embracing the cable, and its contact force on the screen, therefore optimal contact between this flexible conductive element and the screen belonging to the cable.

Selon un mode d'exécution particulier, le connecteur est pourvu d'une tresse conductrice, dont une extrémité est solidaire du corps de ce connecteur et prévue pour assurer la liaison électrique envisagée: mise à la terre de l'écran du câble, continuité, équipotentialité, écoulement des perturbations électromagnétiques. Dans ce cas, le brin libre de l'élément conducteur flexible peut être coupé au plus près du corps du connecteur, après immobilisation et mise en tension de cet élément autour du câble.According to a particular embodiment, the connector is provided with a conductive braid, one end of which is integral with the body of this connector and intended to provide the envisaged electrical connection: earthing of the cable screen, continuity, equipotentiality, flow of electromagnetic disturbances. In this case, the free strand of the flexible conductive element can be cut as close as possible to the body of the connector, after immobilization and tensioning of this element around the cable.

Selon une autre possibilité, supprimant la tresse précitée, le brin libre de l'élément conducteur filiforme flexible, non coupé, est utilisé pour assurer directement la liaison électrique envisagée, telle que mise à la terre de l'écran du câble.According to another possibility, eliminating the aforementioned braid, the free strand of the flexible filiform conductive element, not cut, is used to directly provide the envisaged electrical connection, such as earthing of the cable screen.

A cet effet, selon le cas, I'extrémité libre de la tresse de liaison ou l'extrémité libre de l'élément conducteur filiforme flexible est avantageusement munie d'une cosse, à sertir ou à fixer par tout autre moyen, tel que vissage, par exemple sur un plan de masse.To this end, depending on the case, the free end of the connecting braid or the free end of the flexible filiform conductive element is advantageously provided with a terminal, to be crimped or fixed by any other means, such as screwing. , for example on a ground plane.

Dans son état définitif, le dispositif de connexion objet de l'invention peut encore comprendre des moyens d'étanchéité et d'isolation entourant le connecteur ainsi que le câble.In its final state, the connection device which is the subject of the invention may also comprise sealing and insulation means surrounding the connector as well as the cable.

L'invention a aussi pour objet un procédé de réalisation d'une connexion électrique pour écrans de câbles conducteurs du genre concerné, avec mise en oeuvre du dispositif de connexion défini ci-dessus.The invention also relates to a method of producing an electrical connection for screens of conductive cables of the type concerned, with the use of the connection device defined above.

Ce procédé consiste essentiellement :

  • à creuser dans la gaine extérieure isolante du câble, sur au moins une fraction de sa circonférence, une saignée dont le fond atteint l'écran,
  • à engager dans la saignée l'élément conducteur filiforme flexible du dispositif précité, en formant une boucle, tandis que le corps du connecteur est appliqué en une zone de la périphérie du câble,
  • à immobiliser et mettre en tension mécaniquement et de façon contrôlée l'élément conducteur flexible, et
  • à réaliser la liaison électrique envisagée entre le connecteur et un élément extérieur.
This process essentially consists of:
  • to dig into the outer insulating sheath of the cable, over at least a fraction of its circumference, a groove whose bottom reaches the screen,
  • in engaging the flexible filiform conductive element of the aforementioned device into the groove, by forming a loop, while the body of the connector is applied in an area of the periphery of the cable,
  • immobilizing and tensioning the flexible conductive element mechanically and in a controlled manner, and
  • to make the envisaged electrical connection between the connector and an external element.

De préférence, la saignée est réalisée sur une fraction de la circonférence complète du câble, par exemple selon un arc de cercle d'environ 300°, de manière à laisser subsister une partie de gaine extérieure intègre sur laquelle est appliqué le corps du connecteur.Preferably, the grooving is carried out on a fraction of the complete circumference of the cable, for example in an arc of a circle of approximately 300 °, so as to leave a part of integral outer sheath on which the body of the connector is applied.

Selon un mode de mise en oeuvre du procédé, la saignée est creusée dans la gaine extérieure isolante du câble par utilisation d'un élément souple filiforme du genre corde, ceinturant le câble et soumis à un mouvement de va-et-vient. La saignée est ainsi facilement formée, au point désiré sur le câble, par un effet mécanique d'abrasion ou par un effet thermique (fusion locale de la gaine isolante du câble), ou encore par la combinaison de ces deux effets. L'opérateur, imprimant à la corde un mouvement de va-et-vient de préférence grâce à des moyens de préhension tels que poignées équipant les deux extrémités de la corde, perçoit facilement le contact de cette corde avec l'écran ; le mouvement de va-et-vient peut même être poursuivi sur l'écran sans limite, car le risque d'endommagement de l'écran est ici pratiquement nul, quelle que soit la nature de cet écran. Une fois libérée de la corde, la saignée formée dans la gaine isolante peut immédiatement recevoir l'élément conducteur flexible du connecteur, alors amené vers le câble. On notera que la mise en place du connecteur ne nécessite pas d'engager l'élément conducteur autour du câble par une extrémité de celui-ci. Bien au contraire, le connecteur peut être mis en place sur un câble sans accessibilité aux extrémités, I'élément conducteur filiforme flexible étant enroulé, sur un tour, autour du câble, avant d'être ramené et bloqué sur le corps du connecteur.According to one embodiment of the method, the groove is hollowed out in the insulating outer sheath of the cable by using a flexible, threadlike element of the rope type, encircling the cable and subjected to a back-and-forth movement. The groove is thus easily formed, at the desired point on the cable, by a mechanical abrasion effect or by a thermal effect (local melting of the insulating sheath of the cable), or even by the combination of these two effects. The operator, printing the rope back and forth preferably by means of gripping means such as handles equipping the two ends of the rope, easily perceives the contact of this rope with the screen; the back and forth movement can even be continued on the screen without limit, because the risk of damage to the screen is practically zero here, whatever the nature of this screen. Once released from the rope, the groove formed in the insulating sheath can immediately receive the flexible conductive element of the connector, then brought towards the cable. Note that the establishment of the connector does not require engaging the conductive element around the cable by one end thereof. Quite the contrary, the connector can be placed on a cable without accessibility at the ends, the flexible filiform conductive element being wound, in one turn, around the cable, before being brought back and locked on the body of the connector.

L'invention sera mieux comprise à l'aide de la description qui suit, en référence au dessin schématique annexé représentant, à titre d'exemples, deux formes de réalisation de ce dispositif de connexion électrique pour écrans de câbles conducteurs, et illustrant le procédé de mise en oeuvre de ce dispositif.

  • Figure 1 est une vue en perspective du dispositif objet de l'invention, dans une première forme d'exécution,
  • Figure 2 est une vue de face du dispositif de figure 1, mis en place autour d'un câble,
  • Figure 3 est une vue en plan par dessus correspondant à figure 2,
  • Figure 4 est une vue en perspective montrant une deuxième forme d'exécution du dispositif de connexion selon l'invention,
  • Figure 5 est une autre vue en perspective du dispositif de figure 4,
  • Figures 6 et 7 sont des vues en coupe d'une troisième forme d'exécution de ce dispositif de connexion, avant et après mise en tension de l'élément conducteur flexible,
  • Figures 8 et 9 sont des schémas illustrant le mode de creusement de la saignée sur le câble recevant le dispositif de connexion.
The invention will be better understood with the aid of the description which follows, with reference to the appended diagrammatic drawing representing, by way of examples, two embodiments of this electrical connection device for screens of conductive cables, and illustrating the method of implementing this device.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the device which is the subject of the invention, in a first embodiment,
  • FIG. 2 is a front view of the device in FIG. 1, placed around a cable,
  • FIG. 3 is a plan view from above corresponding to FIG. 2,
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the connection device according to the invention,
  • FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the device of FIG. 4,
  • FIGS. 6 and 7 are sectional views of a third embodiment of this connection device, before and after tensioning of the flexible conductive element,
  • Figures 8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating the method of digging the groove on the cable receiving the connection device.

Comme le montrent les figures 1 à 3, relatives à une première forme de réalisation, le dispositif comprend un connecteur, désigné dans son ensemble par le repère 1, dans lequel on distingue principalement un corps rigide 2 en matériau électriquement conducteur, tel qu'alliage cuivreux, et un élément conducteur filiforme flexible 3, se présentant comme une tresse conductrice ou une câblette souple, par exemple en acier inoxydable. Dans cette première forme de réalisation, le dispositif comprend encore une tresse de liaison 4, raccordée mécaniquement et électriquement au corps rigide 2 du connecteur 1.As shown in Figures 1 to 3, relating to a first embodiment, the device comprises a connector, generally designated by the reference 1, in which there is mainly a rigid body 2 of electrically conductive material, such as alloy copper, and a flexible thread-like conductive element 3, presenting itself as a conductive braid or a flexible cable, for example made of stainless steel. In this first embodiment, the device also comprises a connecting braid 4, mechanically and electrically connected to the rigid body 2 of the connector 1.

Ce corps rigide 2 comporte une embase 5 de profil incurvé, prévue pour prendre appui en une zone de la périphérie d'un câble 6 avec écran de protection 7. Dans la partie massive du corps 2, sont ménagés transversalement un trou taraudé 8 et un canal 9, qui l'un et l'autre traversent cette partie massive de part et d'autre, dans des plans différents.This rigid body 2 comprises a base 5 of curved profile, intended to bear in a zone on the periphery of a cable 6 with protective screen 7. In the solid part of the body 2, a transverse threaded hole 8 and a channel 9, which both cross this massive part on both sides, in different planes.

Dans le trou taraudé 8 du corps 2 est introduite une vis de mise en tension 10, pourvue d'un perçage axial 11 et d'une tête fusible 12. Une première extrémité de la câblette 3 traverse le perçage axial 11 de la vis 10, et est pourvue d'une tête élargie 13 qui prend appui sur un épaulement interne de retenue formé dans le perçage axial 11 de la vis 10.In the threaded hole 8 of the body 2 is introduced a tensioning screw 10, provided with an axial bore 11 and a fuse head 12. A first end of the cable 3 passes through the axial bore 11 of the screw 10, and is provided with an enlarged head 13 which bears on an internal retaining shoulder formed in the axial bore 11 of the screw 10.

La câblette souple 3 est prévue pour former, en position d'utilisation du connecteur 1, une boucle enlaçant le câble 6, le brin de câblette 3 qui forme l'extrémité de la boucle étant introduit au travers du canal transversal 9 du corps 2. Dans ce corps 2 est ménagé un autre trou taraudé, débouchant dans le canal 9 et recevant une vis de blocage 14 à tête fusible 15.The flexible cable 3 is designed to form, in the position of use of the connector 1, a loop embracing the cable 6, the cable strand 3 which forms the end of the loop being introduced through the transverse channel 9 of the body 2. In this body 2 is formed another tapped hole, opening into the channel 9 and receiving a locking screw 14 with a fuse head 15.

La boucle formée par la câblette 3 enlaçant le câble 6 est engagée dans une saignée transversale, creusée dans la gaine extérieure isolante 16 du câble 6 (d'une manière décrite en détail plus bas) sur au moins une fraction de sa circonférence, le fond de la saignée atteignant l'écran de protection 7. Le blocage de la câblette 3 par serrage de la vis 14, suivi de sa mise en tension mécanique contrôlée autour du câble 6 par serrage de la vis 10, assure la liaison mécanique et le contact électrique entre l'écran 7 appartenant au câble 6, d'une part, et la câblette 3, donc le corps 2 du connecteur 1, d'autre part.The loop formed by the cable 3 embracing the cable 6 is engaged in a transverse groove, hollowed out in the insulating outer sheath 16 of the cable 6 (in a way described in detail below) over at least a fraction of its circumference, the bottom of the groove reaching the protective screen 7. The locking of the cable 3 by tightening the screw 14, followed by its controlled mechanical tensioning around of the cable 6 by tightening the screw 10, provides the mechanical connection and the electrical contact between the screen 7 belonging to the cable 6, on the one hand, and the cable 3, therefore the body 2 of the connector 1, on the other hand .

La tresse 4, réalisable en cuivre comme une tresse nue, ou revêtue d'un isolant à la manière d'un petit câble, assure ici la liaison électrique désirée entre le connecteur 1 et un élément extérieur non représenté, tel que réseau de masse. La première extrémité de la tresse 4 est sertie en 17 sur le corps rigide 2 du connecteur 1. L'autre extrémité, initialement libre, de la tresse 4 est pourvue d'une cosse 18, conçue pour être sertie, vissée, soudée ou fixée par tout autre moyen sur ledit élément extérieur, de manière à assurer une continuité électrique.The braid 4, made of copper as a bare braid, or coated with an insulator in the manner of a small cable, here provides the desired electrical connection between the connector 1 and an external element not shown, such as ground network. The first end of the braid 4 is crimped at 17 on the rigid body 2 of the connector 1. The other end, initially free, of the braid 4 is provided with a lug 18, designed to be crimped, screwed, welded or fixed by any other means on said external element, so as to ensure electrical continuity.

En raison de la présence de la tresse de liaison 4, le brin libre 19 de la câblette 3, c'est-à-dire la partie ne formant pas la boucle et située au-delà du corps 2 du connecteur 1, peut ici être coupée au plus près du corps 2 et éliminée, comme illustré à la figure 3.Due to the presence of the connecting braid 4, the free strand 19 of the cable 3, that is to say the part not forming the loop and located beyond the body 2 of the connector 1, can here be cut as close as possible to body 2 and eliminated, as illustrated in FIG. 3.

Les figures 4 et 5 représentent une deuxième forme de réalisation de l'invention, dans laquelle le corps rigide 2 du connecteur 1 comprend, outre une partie massive avec trou taraudé recevant la vis de mise en tension 10 de la câblette 3, une patte dans laquelle est ménagée une encoche 20. Un trou taraudé, débouchant dans l'encoche 20, reçoit une vis de blocage 14 à tête fusible 15, d'axe parallèle à la vis de mise en tension 10, et située dans le même plan transversal.Figures 4 and 5 show a second embodiment of the invention, in which the rigid body 2 of the connector 1 comprises, in addition to a solid part with a tapped hole receiving the tensioning screw 10 of the cable 3, a tab in which is formed a notch 20. A tapped hole, opening into the notch 20, receives a locking screw 14 with fuse head 15, with an axis parallel to the tensioning screw 10, and located in the same transverse plane.

Ainsi la câblette 3, formant dans un plan transversal une boucle qui enlace le câble 6, possède une partie bloquée dans l'encoche 20 par la vis 14 et, au-delà de cette partie, un brin libre 19 qui est ici coudé à angle droit et amené dans une direction parallèle à l'axe du câble 6. Le brin libre 19 de la câblette 3 sert ici d'élément de liaison (en remplacement de la tresse 4 de la première forme de réalisation). Une cosse 18 à sertir ou à visser est prévue à l'extrémité du brin libre 19 de la câblette 3. Comme précédemment, la boucle formée par cette câblette 3 se trouve engagée dans une saignée 21, creusée dans la gaine extérieure isolante 16 du câble 6 et atteignant l'écran de protection 7 de ce câble 6.Thus the cable 3, forming in a transverse plane a loop which embraces the cable 6, has a part locked in the notch 20 by the screw 14 and, beyond this part, a free strand 19 which is here bent at an angle straight and brought in a direction parallel to the axis of the cable 6. The free strand 19 of the cable 3 serves here as a connecting element (replacing the braid 4 of the first embodiment). A terminal 18 to be crimped or screwed is provided at the end of the free strand 19 of the cable 3. As before, the loop formed by this cable 3 is engaged in a groove 21, hollowed out in the insulating outer sheath 16 of the cable 6 and reaching the protective screen 7 of this cable 6.

Les figures 6 et 7 représentent une troisième forme de réalisation, qui est différente des précédentes par la constitution des moyens de mise en tension mécanique contrôlée de la partie de la câblette souple 3 enlaçant le câble 6.FIGS. 6 and 7 show a third embodiment, which is different from the previous ones by the constitution of the means of controlled mechanical tensioning of the part of the flexible cable 3 embracing the cable 6.

Le corps 2 du connecteur 1 comporte ici un trou lisse 8A recevant une douille 10A lisse extérieurement et filetée intérieurement, montée tournante mais immobilisée axialement sur le corps 2, la douille 10A comportant à cet effet une gorge annulaire 26 coopérant avec une partie complémentaire appartenant au corps 2. Cette douille 10A est pourvue d'une tête de manoeuvre 12A fusible permettant une mise en tension mécanique contrôlée.The body 2 of the connector 1 here comprises a smooth hole 8A receiving a sleeve 10A which is smooth on the outside and internally threaded, rotatably mounted but axially immobilized on the body 2, the sleeve 10A having for this purpose an annular groove 26 cooperating with a complementary part belonging to the body 2. This socket 10A is provided with a fusible operating head 12A allowing controlled mechanical tensioning.

L'extrémité de la câblette 3 est pourvue d'un entraîneur 13a, réalisé sous la forme d'une bague filetée extérieurement, et solidarisée avec cette extrémité. L'entraîneur 13A prend place à l'intérieur de la douille 10A, le filetage extérieur de l'entraîneur 13A étant complémentaire du filetage intérieur de la douille 10A.The end of the cable 3 is provided with a driver 13a, produced in the form of an externally threaded ring, and secured to this end. The driver 13A takes place inside the socket 10A, the external thread of the driver 13A being complementary to the internal thread of the socket 10A.

Avant serrage, comme le montre la figure 6, l'entraîneur 13A se situe vers l'extrémité de la douille 10A éloignée de la tête de manoeuvre 12A. L'actionnement manuel de cette tête de manoeuvre 12A, faisant tourner la douille 10A, provoque son vissage sur l'entraîneur 13A et, par conséquent, une avancée de l'entraîneur 13A en direction de ladite tête de manoeuvre 12A, jusqu'au serrage désiré -voir la figure 7 montrant la configuration obtenue en fin de mise en tension mécanique contrôlée de la câblette 3 après rupture de la tête fusible.Before tightening, as shown in Figure 6, the driver 13A is located towards the end of the sleeve 10A remote from the operating head 12A. Manual actuation of this operating head 12A, rotating the sleeve 10A, causes it to be screwed onto the driver 13A and, consequently, an advance of the driver 13A in the direction of said operating head 12A, until it is tightened desired - see Figure 7 showing the configuration obtained at the end of controlled mechanical tensioning of the cable 3 after rupture of the fuse head.

Cette dernière solution conduit à un encombrement réduit, la douille 10A n'étant pas déplacée axialement par rapport au corps 2 et ne faisant finalement qu'une faible saillie sur le corps 2. En outre, un joint torique anti-vibration 27 peut ici être monté et comprimé entre la tête de manoeuvre 12A de la douille 10A et l'entrée du trou lisse 8A du corps 2.The latter solution leads to a reduced bulk, the socket 10A not being moved axially relative to the body 2 and ultimately only making a slight projection on the body 2. In addition, an anti-vibration O-ring 27 can here be mounted and compressed between the operating head 12A of the socket 10A and the inlet of the smooth hole 8A of the body 2.

Le procédé de mise en oeuvre du dispositif précédemment décrit comprend, dans une première étape, le creusement de la saignée 21 dans la gaine extérieure isolante 16 du câble 6. Comme l'illustre la figure 8, le creusement de cette saignée 21 est réalisable à l'aide d'un matériel constitué par une corde 22, ou autre organe souple filiforme du même genre, dont les deux extrémités sont avantageusement munies de poignées de préhension respectives 23 et 24. La corde 22 est amenée de manière à ceinturer le câble 6, les deux brins libres formés par les régions d'extrémité de cette corde 22 se croisant. Un mouvement de va-et-vient est imprimé à la corde 22, suivant la flèche F, par l'opérateur saisissant cette corde par ses extrémités, notamment par les deux poignées 23 et 24. Ainsi, la corde 22 creuse progressivement, par effet mécanique et/ou thermique, dans la gaine extérieure isolante 16 du câble 6, une saignée 21 qui s'étend sur un arc de cercle inférieur à un tour complet, couvrant par exemple environ 300°, une zone intègre 25 subsistant entre les deux extrémités de la saignée 21 - voir figure 9.The method of implementing the device described above comprises, in a first step, the digging of the groove 21 in the insulating outer sheath 16 of the cable 6. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the digging of this groove 21 is possible at using a material consisting of a cord 22, or other flexible, filiform member of the same kind, the two ends of which are advantageously provided with respective grips 23 and 24. The cord 22 is brought so as to encircle the cable 6 , the two free strands formed by the end regions of this cord 22 crossing each other. A reciprocating movement is imparted to the rope 22, along the arrow F, by the operator grasping this rope by its ends, in particular by the two handles 23 and 24. Thus, the rope 22 gradually digs, by effect mechanical and / or thermal, in the insulating outer sheath 16 of the cable 6, a groove 21 which extends over an arc of a circle less than one complete revolution, covering for example around 300 °, an integral zone 25 remaining between the two ends of groove 21 - see figure 9.

Une fois la saignée 21 creusée, l'opérateur retire la corde 22 et procède à la mise en place du connecteur 1, en appliquant le corps 2 du connecteur sur la zone 25 et en engageant la câblette 3 dans la saignée 21, pour former une boucle avant de revenir au corps 2 où le blocage de la câblette 3 est effectué au moyen de la vis 14 à tête fusible 15 formant limiteur de couple. Ensuite, il est procédé manuellement à la mise en tension mécanique contrôlée de la boucle sur l'écran 7 par serrage de la vis 10, dont la tête fusible 12 joue également le rôle de limiteur de couple.Once the groove 21 has been dug, the operator removes the cord 22 and proceeds to put the connector 1 in place, applying the body 2 of the connector to the zone 25 and engaging the cable 3 in the groove 21, to form a loop before returning to the body 2 where the blocking of the cable 3 is carried out by means of the screw 14 with fuse head 15 forming torque limiter. Then, the controlled mechanical tensioning of the loop is carried out manually on the screen 7 by tightening the screw 10, the fuse head 12 of which also plays the role of torque limiter.

Puis, selon le cas, on réalise la liaison électrique avec un élément extérieur soit à l'aide du brin libre 19 de la câblette 3, soit à l'aide de la tresse 4.Then, as the case may be, the electrical connection is made with an external element either using the free strand 19 of the cable 3, or using the braid 4.

Après immobilisation et mise en tension mécanique contrôlée de la câblette 3, engagée dans la saignée 21, on peut en outre réaliser une étanchéité et une isolation autour du connecteur 1 et du câble 6 dans la région du connecteur, ceci par différents moyens complémentaires tels que : pose d'un ruban autosoudable, mise en place d'une coquille adaptée et remplissage de celle-ci avec une résine isolante, mise en place d'accessoires adaptés avec parties souples (par exemple gomme élastomère), mise en place d'une gaine thermorétractable ou d'une gaine mécanicorétractable.After immobilization and controlled mechanical tensioning of the cable 3, engaged in the groove 21, it is also possible to make a seal and an insulation around the connector 1 and the cable 6 in the region of the connector, this by various complementary means such as : fitting a self-sealing tape, fitting a suitable shell and filling it with an insulating resin, fitting suitable accessories with flexible parts (for example elastomer gum), fitting a heat shrink tubing or a mechanic shrink tubing.

Le dispositif de connexion peut être placé en extrémité de câble, en un point intermédiaire d'un câble sans accessibilité aux extrémités, autour d'un câble accessible seulement sur une longueur faible, ou sur un câble accessible seulement sur un angle réduit. Bien que l'invention soit applicable en particulier à la connexion d'écrans appartenant à des câbles de télécommunication, le dispositif de connexion en question est aussi adaptable aux câbles de transport d'énergie électrique, aux câbles de réseaux vidéo, aux câbles coaxiaux, ainsi qu'aux gaines ou guides isolés, la constitution et la géométrie de ces câbles ou analogues pouvant être diverses. En particulier, le même dispositif de connexion est adaptable, sans modification, à des câbles de divers diamètres, en formant avec la câblette une boucle de plus ou moins grande longueur enlaçant le câble.The connection device can be placed at the end of the cable, at an intermediate point of a cable without accessibility at the ends, around a cable accessible only over a short length, or over a cable accessible only at a reduced angle. Although the invention is applicable in particular to the connection of screens belonging to telecommunication cables, the connection device in question is also adaptable to cables for transporting electrical energy, to cables for video networks, to coaxial cables, as well as insulated sheaths or guides, the constitution and the geometry of these cables or the like can be diverse. In particular, the same connection device is adaptable, without modification, to cables of various diameters, by forming with the cable a loop of varying length embracing the cable.

En outre, l'on ne s'éloignerait pas du cadre de la présente invention :

  • en remplaçant la câblette par tout autre élément conducteur filiforme flexible, tel que ruban ou feuillard métallique, pouvant enlacer le câble de la même manière en s'engageant dans une saignée,
  • en modifiant la forme du corps du connecteur, ainsi que la configuration des moyens d'amarrage, d'immobilisation et de mise en tension mécanique contrôlée dudit élément conducteur flexible, la mise en tension pouvant par exemple être réalisée par un enrouleur au lieu d'une vis ou d'une douille filetée,
  • en utilisant ce dispositif de connexion pour tout type de liaison électrique: mise à la terre, raccordement à un réseau de masse, continuité, équipotentialité, écoulement des perturbations électromagnétiques.
In addition, we would not depart from the scope of the present invention:
  • by replacing the cable by any other flexible filiform conductive element, such as metal tape or strip, which can entwine the cable in the same way by engaging in a groove,
  • by modifying the shape of the body of the connector, as well as the configuration of the mooring, immobilization and controlled mechanical tensioning means of said flexible conductive element, the tensioning can for example be carried out by a reel instead of a screw or a threaded sleeve,
  • using this connection device for any type of electrical connection: earthing, connection to a ground network, continuity, equipotentiality, flow of electromagnetic disturbances.

Claims (16)

Dispositif de connexion électrique, pour écrans de protection de câbles conducteurs, l'écran étant constitué d'une couche métallique de faible épaisseur, intercalée entre le ou les conducteurs électriques du câble et une gaine extérieure isolante du câble, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un connecteur (1) à corps rigide (2) apte à prendre appui en une zone (25) de la périphérie du câble (6), et un élément conducteur filiforme flexible (3) prévu pour enlacer le câble (6) en étant positionné dans une saignée transversale (21), creusée dans la gaine extérieure isolante (16) du câble (6) sur au moins une fraction de sa circonférence, et atteignant l'écran (7), des moyens (8 à 12, 14, 15, 20) étant prévus pour amarrer une extrémité (13) de l'élément conducteur flexible (3) sur le corps (2) du connecteur (1), et pour une immobilisation avec mise en tension mécanique contrôlée de la partie de cet élément conducteur flexible (3) enlaçant le câble (6).Electrical connection device, for protective shields of conductive cables, the shield consisting of a thin metal layer, interposed between the electrical conductor (s) of the cable and an outer insulating sheath of the cable, characterized in that it comprises a connector (1) with a rigid body (2) capable of being supported in a zone (25) of the periphery of the cable (6), and a flexible filiform conductive element (3) intended to entrap the cable (6) while being positioned in a transverse groove (21), hollowed out in the insulating outer sheath (16) of the cable (6) over at least a fraction of its circumference, and reaching the screen (7), means (8 to 12, 14, 15, 20) being provided for securing one end (13) of the flexible conductive element (3) to the body (2) of the connector (1), and for immobilization with controlled mechanical tensioning of the part of this element flexible conductor (3) wrapping the cable (6). Dispositif de connexion électrique selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que l'élément conducteur filiforme flexible est réalisé sous la forme d'une tresse conductrice ou d'une câblette souple (3).Electrical connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the flexible filiform conductive element is produced in the form of a conductive braid or a flexible cable (3). Dispositif de connexion électrique selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que l'élément conducteur filiforme flexible est réalisé sous la forme d'un feuillard.Electrical connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the flexible filiform conductive element is produced in the form of a strip. Dispositif de connexion électrique selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce qu'une extrémité (13,13A) de l'élément conducteur filiforme flexible (3) est amarrée au corps (2) du connecteur (1) au moyen d'un organe fileté de mise en tension mécanique contrôlée (10,10A), traversé axialement par cette extrémité (13), le corps (2) du connecteur (1) comportant un logement tel que canal (9) ou encoche (20) recevant le brin de l'élément conducteur flexible (3), formant l'extrémité de la boucle enlaçant le câble (6), une vis de blocage (14, 15) étant prévue pour l'immobilisation de ce brin de l'élément conducteur flexible (3) dans ledit logement (9 ; 20).Electrical connection device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that one end (13,13A) of the flexible filiform conductive element (3) is attached to the body (2) of the connector (1) at the by means of a threaded member for controlled mechanical tensioning (10, 10A), axially traversed by this end (13), the body (2) of the connector (1) comprising a housing such as channel (9) or notch (20 ) receiving the strand of the flexible conducting element (3), forming the end of the loop embracing the cable (6), a locking screw (14, 15) being provided for immobilizing this strand of the element flexible conductor (3) in said housing (9; 20). Dispositif de connexion électrique selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que l'organe fileté de mise en tension mécanique contrôlée est une douille (10A) filetée intérieurement, montée tournante mais immobilisée axialement (en 26) sur le corps (2) du connecteur (1), tandis que l'extrémité de l'élément conducteur flexible (3) est pourvue d'un entraîneur (13A) fileté extérieurement, coopérant avec le filetage intérieur de la douille (10A).Electrical connection device according to claim 4, characterized in that the threaded member for controlled mechanical tensioning is a socket (10A) internally threaded, rotatably mounted but axially immobilized (at 26) on the body (2) of the connector ( 1), while the end of the flexible conductive element (3) is provided with an externally threaded driver (13A), cooperating with the internal thread of the sleeve (10A). Dispositif de connexion électrique selon la revendication 4 ou 5, caractérisé en ce que l'organe fileté de mise en tension mécanique (10,10A) et la vis de blocage (14) sont des vis ou douilles à tête fusible (12; 15), permettant un contrôle de leur couple de serrage, donc une maîtrise de l'effort de contact dudit élément conducteur flexible (3) sur l'écran (7).Electrical connection device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the threaded mechanical tensioning member (10,10A) and the locking screw (14) are screws or sockets with a fusible head (12; 15) , allowing control of their tightening torque, therefore control of the contact force of said flexible conductive element (3) on the screen (7). Dispositif de connexion électrique selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, caractérisé en ce que le connecteur (1) est pourvu d'une tresse conductrice (4), dont une extrémité est solidaire du corps (2) de ce connecteur (1), et qui est prévue pour assurer la liaison électrique envisagée, telle que mise à la terre de l'écran (7) du câble (6).Electrical connection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the connector (1) is provided with a conductive braid (4), one end of which is integral with the body (2) of this connector (1 ), and which is provided to provide the envisaged electrical connection, such as earthing of the screen (7) of the cable (6). Dispositif de connexion électrique selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, caractérisé en ce que le brin libre (19) de l'élément conducteur filiforme flexible (3) est utilisé pour assurer directement la liaison électrique envisagée, telle que mise à la terre de l'écran (7) du câble (6).Electrical connection device according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the free strand (19) of the flexible filiform conductive element (3) is used to directly provide the envisaged electrical connection, as set screen earth (7) of cable (6). Dispositif de connexion électrique selon la revendication 7 ou 8, caractérisé en ce que l'extrémité libre de la tresse de liaison (4) ou de l'élément filiforme flexible (3) est munie d'une cosse (18).Electrical connection device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the free end of the connecting braid (4) or of the flexible filiform element (3) is provided with a terminal (18). Dispositif de connexion électrique selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 9, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend encore, dans son état définitif, des moyens d'étanchéité et d'isolation entourant le connecteur (1) ainsi que le câble (6).Electrical connection device according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it still comprises, in its final state, sealing and insulation means surrounding the connector (1) as well as the cable (6 ). Procédé de réalisation d'une connexion électrique pour écrans de câbles conducteurs, avec mise en oeuvre du dispositif de connexion selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 10, caractérisé en ce qu'il consiste essentiellement : - à creuser dans la gaine extérieure isolante (16) du câble (6), sur au moins une fraction de sa circonférence, une saignée (21) dont le fond atteint l'écran (7), - à engager dans la saignée (21) I'élément conducteur filiforme flexible (3) du dispositif précité, en formant une boucle, tandis que le corps (2) du connecteur (1) est appliqué en une zone (25) de la périphérie du câble (6), - à immobiliser et mettre en tension mécaniquement et de façon contrôlée l'élément conducteur flexible (3), et - à réaliser la liaison électrique envisagée entre le connecteur (1) et un élément extérieur. Method for producing an electrical connection for screens of conductive cables, using the connection device according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it essentially consists: - to dig into the insulating outer sheath (16) of the cable (6), over at least a fraction of its circumference, a groove (21) whose bottom reaches the screen (7), - To engage in the groove (21) the flexible filiform conductive element (3) of the aforementioned device, forming a loop, while the body (2) of the connector (1) is applied in a zone (25) of the periphery cable (6), - to immobilize and tension mechanically and in a controlled manner the flexible conductive element (3), and - to carry out the envisaged electrical connection between the connector (1) and an external element. Procédé de réalisation d'une connexion électrique selon la revendication 11, caractérisé en ce que la saignée (21) est réalisée sur une fraction de la circonférence complète du câble (6), de manière à laisser subsister une partie de gaine extérieure intègre (25) sur laquelle est appliqué le corps (2) du connecteur (1).A method of making an electrical connection according to claim 11, characterized in that the groove (21) is formed on a fraction of the complete circumference of the cable (6), so as to leave a part of integral outer sheath (25 ) on which the body (2) of the connector (1) is applied. Procédé de réalisation d'une connexion électrique selon la revendication 12, caractérisé en ce que la saignée (21) est réalisée selon un arc de cercle d'environ 300°.A method of making an electrical connection according to claim 12, characterized in that the groove (21) is formed in an arc of approximately 300 °. Procédé de réalisation d'une connexion électrique selon l'une quelconque des revendications 11 à 13, caractérisé en ce que la saignée (21) est creusée dans la gaine extérieure isolante (16) du câble (6) par utilisation d'un élément souple filiforme du genre corde (22), ceinturant le câble (6) et soumis à un mouvement de va-et-vient (F), formant la saignée (21) par un effet mécanique et/ou par un effet thermique.Method for producing an electrical connection according to any one of Claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the groove (21) is hollowed out in the insulating outer sheath (16) of the cable (6) by using a flexible element filiform like the rope (22), encircling the cable (6) and subjected to a back-and-forth movement (F), forming the groove (21) by a mechanical effect and / or by a thermal effect. Procédé de réalisation d'une connexion électrique selon l'une quelconque des revendications 11 à 14, caractérisé en ce qu'on réalise encore, après immobilisation et mise en tension de l'élément conducteur flexible (3) engagé dans la saignée (21), une étanchéité et une isolation autour du connecteur (1) ainsi que du câble (6).Process for producing an electrical connection according to any one of Claims 11 to 14, characterized in that , after immobilization and tensioning of the flexible conductive element (3) engaged in the groove (21) , a seal and insulation around the connector (1) and the cable (6). Matériel pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé de réalisation d'une connexion électrique pour écrans de câbles conducteurs selon l'une quelconque des revendications 11 à 15, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend, pour le creusement de la saignée (21) dans la gaine extérieure isolante (16) du câble (6), un organe souple filiforme du genre corde (22), dont les deux extrémités sont éventuellement munies de poignées de préhension (23, 24) permettant d'imprimer à cet organe (22), lorsqu'il ceinture le câble (6), un mouvement de va-et-vient (F).Equipment for implementing the process for producing an electrical connection for screens of conductive cables according to any one of Claims 11 to 15, characterized in that it comprises, for the digging of the groove (21) in the insulating outer sheath (16) of the cable (6), a flexible filiform member of the rope type (22), the two ends of which are optionally provided with grip handles (23, 24) enabling this member (22) to be printed, when it encircles the cable (6), a back-and-forth movement (F).
EP95420043A 1994-02-24 1995-02-22 Electrical connection device for conductive cable shields and method for its implementation Expired - Lifetime EP0669677B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9402359A FR2716579B1 (en) 1994-02-24 1994-02-24 Electrical connection device for screens of conductive cables, and method for its implementation.
FR9402359 1994-02-24

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0669677A1 true EP0669677A1 (en) 1995-08-30
EP0669677B1 EP0669677B1 (en) 1998-07-08

Family

ID=9460565

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP95420043A Expired - Lifetime EP0669677B1 (en) 1994-02-24 1995-02-22 Electrical connection device for conductive cable shields and method for its implementation

Country Status (9)

Country Link
US (1) US5634827A (en)
EP (1) EP0669677B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH07263108A (en)
AT (1) ATE168224T1 (en)
CA (1) CA2143270C (en)
DE (1) DE69503274T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2119340T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2716579B1 (en)
ZA (1) ZA951243B (en)

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DE29711142U1 (en) * 1997-06-26 1997-08-21 G.A. Kettner Gmbh, 65606 Villmar Device for isolating a cable connection

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US6431885B1 (en) 2000-06-27 2002-08-13 X-Com Systems, Inc. Electrical component grounding device, electrical system grounding and support apparatus, and antenna component grounding system
GB201102405D0 (en) * 2011-02-11 2011-03-30 Sicame Electrical Dev Ltd Connector of electrical conductors
CN104169625A (en) 2011-10-07 2014-11-26 泰特弗莱克斯公司 Bushings, sealing devices, tubing, and methods of installing tubing
US9541225B2 (en) 2013-05-09 2017-01-10 Titeflex Corporation Bushings, sealing devices, tubing, and methods of installing tubing
EP3587884B1 (en) 2018-06-22 2021-10-27 Crompton Technology Group Limited Assembly comprising a bonding wire and a pipe and method of attaching a bonding wire to a pipe

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US4051323A (en) * 1976-10-14 1977-09-27 Thomas & Betts Corporation Connector for coupling a ground conductor to the shield of a shielded conductor
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US1935085A (en) * 1932-11-22 1933-11-14 James E Euwer Ground clamp
GB926677A (en) * 1960-02-12 1963-05-22 Hepworth Iron Co Ltd Improvements in or relating to bonds for electric cables
US4051323A (en) * 1976-10-14 1977-09-27 Thomas & Betts Corporation Connector for coupling a ground conductor to the shield of a shielded conductor
GB2245772A (en) * 1990-07-06 1992-01-08 Niglon Limited Electrical connectors
US5131856A (en) * 1991-11-15 1992-07-21 Electric Motion Company, Incorporated Universal ground clamp

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE29711142U1 (en) * 1997-06-26 1997-08-21 G.A. Kettner Gmbh, 65606 Villmar Device for isolating a cable connection

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ATE168224T1 (en) 1998-07-15
FR2716579B1 (en) 1996-04-12
CA2143270C (en) 2004-02-03
US5634827A (en) 1997-06-03
DE69503274T2 (en) 1999-05-27
JPH07263108A (en) 1995-10-13
ZA951243B (en) 1995-10-19
EP0669677B1 (en) 1998-07-08
DE69503274D1 (en) 1998-08-13
ES2119340T3 (en) 1998-10-01
FR2716579A1 (en) 1995-08-25
CA2143270A1 (en) 1995-08-25

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