Cable system

Abstract

 Assembly comprising a cable, a first connector that engages onto the cable and a separate second connector for engagement onto the cable, wherein the cable extends in its longitudinal direction between two opposite head sides of the first housing, wherein the first housing at at least one of the longitudinal sides extending between the head sides is provided with a recess-bounding insertion framework within which the cable at the location of the control current conductors extends freely, wherein the second connector comprises a second housing and second electrical contacts that cut through the jacket, wherein the second connector is adapted for placement within the insertion framework and by means of the second electrical contacts cutting through the outer jacket of the cable to come into electrically conductive contact with the control current conductors.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a cable system, particularly a cable having several conductors and a connector for it.

[0002] An example of such a cable is a so-called flexible flat cable having several flexible conductors that extend parallel to each other. The conductors are accommodated in an insulating sheath that keeps the flexible conductors separated from each other. The conductors and the jacket extend in a straight plane. Connectors, so-called Insulation Displacement Connectors that are called IDC connectors in short, can be connected to said cable. In that case the cable is accommodated in the connector at the desired location, wherein conductive clamps or pins of the connector locally cut through the insulation sheath to get into electrically conductive contact.

[0003] Flexible flat cables with IDC connectors are for instance used for within an electronic appliance electrically coupling spaced apart printed-circuit boards to each other. The conductors are then used for the electric energy supply as well as the various control currents, wherein the IDC connectors connect to all conductors. However, in for instance buildings or in utility construction with the to Europe typical low-current voltages of monophase 200-240 Volt or two/three-phase 380-400 Volt the use of flexible flat cables is limited (by law) because of the limited conducting cross-section, as a result of which the cable can only have a limited maximum length in practice does not meet the requirements within buildings or utility construction.

[0004] It is an object of the invention to provide a flat cable that is particularly suitable for use within buildings or in utility construction.

[0005] It is an object of the invention to provide a flat cable that can easily and reliably be connected to an IDC connector suitable for that purpose.

[0006] It is an object of the invention to provide a facility of the above-mentioned type that is particularly suitable for use within buildings or in utility construction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] According to one aspect the invention provides a cable comprising an outer jacket and considered immediately consecutively adjacent to each other a first, a second and a third conductor that extend within the outer jacket substantially parallel to each other and at substantially fixed mutual distances, wherein the conductors are each built up with an insulating sheath of electrically insulating material in which only one singular solid core of electrically conductive material is accommodated, wherein considered in a cross-section transverse to the longitudinal direction of the cable the outer contour of the outer jacket at the location of the conductors is situated higher than between the conductors for at the outer side of the outer jacket visually and palpably indicating the location of the conductors, wherein the conductors extend in a notional common straight plane that defines a plane of symmetry for the outer contour, wherein the intermediate distance between the first and the second conductor is larger than the intermediate distance between the second and third conductor.

[0008] The conductors extend in a straight plane, as a result of which there is provided a flat cable of which the conductors each have a solid core having a relatively low internal resistance. The flat cable can be laid fittingly in complementary shaped inlay channels of a connector, wherein the symmetry in the outer jacket on the one hand and the differences in the intermediate distances on the other hand here impose that laying in is only possible in two positions. The difference in these positions only is that the flat cable has been turned around about its latitudinal axis. In both cases the conductors therefore only fit into the for that purpose complementary shaped inlay channels of the connector, as a result of which connection differences onto the various conductors can be counteracted. Said properties render the cable particularly suitable to be used within buildings or in utility construction, wherein the three conductors can be used for the earth wire, the neutral wire and a 220-240 Volt phase wire, respectively. In principle the earth wire can in that case not be interchanged with the phase wire.

[0009] In one embodiment, considered transverse to the plane of symmetry, the shape of the outer contour above the first conductor differs from the shape of the outer contour above the second and/or third conductor. This difference in shape has a supplementary effect on the difference in distance between the first and second conductor, as a result of which laying in the cable in a forced manner into the wrong inlay channels of the connector can be counteracted.

[0010] According to a further aspect the invention furthermore provides a cable comprising an outer jacket and considered immediately consecutively adjacent to each other a first, a second and a third conductor that extend within the outer jacket substantially parallel to each other and at substantially fixed mutual distances, wherein the conductors are each built up with an insulating sheath of electrically insulating material in which only one singular solid core of electrically conductive material is accommodated, wherein considered in a cross-section transverse to the longitudinal direction of the cable the outer contour of the outer jacket at the location of the conductors is situated higher than between the conductors for at the outer side of the outer jacket visually and palpably indicating the location of the conductors, wherein the conductors extend in a notional common straight plane that defines a plane of symmetry for the outer contour, wherein considered transverse to the plane of symmetry the shape of the outer contour above the first conductor differs from the shape of the outer contour above the second and/or third conductor.

[0011] The conductors extend in a straight plane, as a result of which there is provided a flat cable of which the conductors each have a solid core having a relatively low internal resistance. The flat cable can be laid fittingly in complementary shaped inlay channels of a connector, wherein the symmetry in the outer jacket on the one hand and the differences in the shapes on the other hand here impose that laying in is only possible in two positions. The difference in these positions only is that the flat cable has been turned around about its latitudinal axis. In both cases the conductors therefore only fit into the for that purpose complementary shaped inlay channels of the connector, as a result of which connection differences onto the various conductors can be counteracted. Said properties render the cable particularly suitable to be used within buildings or in utility construction, wherein the three conductors can be used for the earth wire, the neutral wire and a 220-240 Volt phase wire, respectively. In principle the earth wire can in that case not be interchanged with the phase wire.

[0012] In one embodiment the intermediate distance between the first and second conductor is larger than the intermediate distance between the second and the third conductor. This difference in distance has a supplementary effect on the difference in shape above the first and second conductor, as a result of which laying in the cable in a forced manner into the wrong inlay channels of the connector can be counteracted.

[0013] In one embodiment the cable comprises within the outer jacket adjacent to the third conductor considered immediately consecutively adjacent to each other a fourth conductor and a fifth conductor that extend within the outer jacket substantially parallel to each other and at substantially fixed mutual distances, wherein the conductors are each built up with an insulating sheath of electrically insulating material in which only one singular solid core of electrically conductive material is accommodated, wherein the outer contour of the outer jacket at the location of the conductors is situated higher than between the conductors for at the outer side of the outer jacket visually and palpably indicating the location of the conductors, wherein the conductors extend in the notional straight plane that defines the plane of symmetry for the outer contour. The five conductors render the cable particularly suitable for use within buildings or in utility construction, wherein they can be used for the earth wire, the neutral wire and three phases of 220-240 Volt, which together form a 380-400 Volt connection, respectively.

[0014] In one embodiment the outer jacket envelopes the first conductor, the second conductor, the third conductor and preferably the fourth conductor and the fifth conductor each individually and fully in circumferential direction. As a result the conductors remain in their mutual fixed relation_also when the cable, which due to the solid cores is relatively rigid, is bent in a sharp bend or rotated about its longitudinal axis.

[0015] In one embodiment, considered transverse to the plane of symmetry, the outer contour is similarly shaped above the second conductor, the third conductor and preferably the fourth conductor and the fifth conductor.

[0016] In one embodiment, considered transverse to the plane of symmetry, the outer contour comprises a circular contour section above the second conductor, the third conductor, and preferably the fourth conductor and the fifth conductor.

[0017] In one embodiment considered transverse to the plane of symmetry above the second conductor, the third conductor and preferably the fourth conductor and the fifth conductor, the outer jacket has a constant radial thickness with respect to the centre of the conductor in question.

[0018] In one embodiment the outer contour has a polygonal shape, preferably a square or octagonal shape, around the first conductor.

[0019] Alternatively formulated the outer contour around the first conductor has a rectangular shape having straight bevels at the corners.

[0020] In one embodiment the outer contour between first and second conductor comprises a first straight contour section that extends parallel to and spaced apart from the plane of symmetry.

[0021] In one embodiment considered in the latitudinal direction of the cable the outer jacket comprises a straight first bridge section between the first conductor and the second conductor of which bridge section the outer contour extends parallel to and spaced apart from the plane of symmetry.

[0022] In one embodiment considered in the latitudinal direction of the cable the first bridge section at the outer ends merges into the widening of the outer jacket situated around the first and second conductor.

[0023] Said shape characteristics render it possible individually or on combination to lay the cable form-closed yet self-releasing into the complementary shaped inlay channels of the connector.

[0024] In one embodiment the first bridge section comprises interruptions in order to provide in a series of elongated first holes distributed over the length of the cable and substantially similarly shaped, which holes divide the first bridge section into bridge section segments. The first holes can be used as safe attachment point of the cable, as its conductors are spaced apart.

[0025] The holes can be used as length measure index for the cable when the first long-holes and/or the consecutive bridge section segments mutually have substantially the same intermediate distances. In that way a length of cable roughly having the correct length can be measured and taken from a stock.

[0026] In a material-saving embodiment the first long-holes are longer than the bridge section segments.

[0027] In one embodiment according to a repetitive pattern a number of the bridge section segments are provided with one or several second holes that in the longitudinal direction of the cable are shorter than the first holes. The second holes make a repetitive pattern in the bridge section segments extending over several bridge section segments clearly visible, as a result of which when measuring for instance only the bridge section segments provided with second holes can be counted for quickly and roughly measuring the correct length and taking it from a stock.

[0028] In an alternative embodiment the first bridge section comprises interruptions to provide in a series of first bridge section segments divided over the length of the cable, which first bridge section segments have substantially equal intermediate distances one to the other. The bridge section segments keep the first conductor and the second conductor parallel to each other, whereas the interruptions can be used for safely inserting the fastening materials through the cable so that the cable can be secured.

[0029] In one embodiment thereof the interruptions provide second bridge section segments situated between successive first bridge section segments, which second bridge section segments in the longitudinal direction of the cable are shorter than a first bridge section segment. The second bridge section segments provide a fine distribution of the rigidity of the connection between the first conductor and the second conductor that keeps them parallel, whereas the cable can also be secured at sufficient locations over its length.

[0030] Said rigidity in the connection that keeps the conductors parallel, considered as regards quantity, can be realised when the successive bridge section segments jointly have a length that covers at least half the overall length of the cable, preferably at least 52 percent.

[0031] In one embodiment the outer jacket is in abutting yet detached contact with the insulating sheath of the conductors, wherein the insulating sheaths of the first conductor, the second conductor, the third conductor and preferably the fourth conductor and the fifth conductor have mutually differing colours or colour codes. The abutting yet detached contact makes it possible to strip away the outer jacket from the conductors without damaging the insulating sheath. Based on the various colour codes the cable can then easily and correctly be connected.

[0032] In one embodiment the insulating sheath and the solid core in cross-section both have a circular contour, as a result of which it is possible to process or connect conductors in manner usual in buildings or utility construction, for instance using insert conductor splices.

[0033] The cable is particularly suitable for 220-240 Volt or 380-400 Volt low-voltage installations when the core of the first conductor, the second conductor, the third conductor and preferably the fourth conductor and the fifth conductor is made of copper or a copper alloy having in cross-section a surface of preferably 2.5 square millimetres.

[0034] In one embodiment the cable comprises within the outer jacket several low-current conductors that extend at the side of the first conductor opposite the second and third conductor, wherein the outer contour of the outer jacket at the location of the conductors is situated higher than between the conductors for at the outer side of the outer jacket visually and palpably indicating the location of the conductors, wherein the conductors extend in the notional straight plane that defines the plane of symmetry for the outer contour. The low-current conductors can be used for controlling appliances provided with electric power by means of the cable, for instance by means of a serial bus protocol.

[0035] In one embodiment thereof the outer contour comprises two opposing circular contour sections around the low-current conductors, which contour sections extend through the plane of symmetry and merge into straight contour sections extending parallel to and spaced apart from the plane of symmetry, so that from the outside the location of the low-current conductors can clearly be distinguished from the other conductors.

[0036] In one embodiment the outer contour comprises a second straight contour section between the first conductor and the low-current conductors, which contour section extends parallel to and spaced apart from the plane of symmetry.

[0037] Alternatively formulated, considered in the latitudinal direction of the cable the outer jacket comprises a straight second bridge section between the first conductor and the low-current conductors of which bridge section the outer contour extends parallel to and spaced apart from the plane of symmetry.

[0038] Said difference in the location of the low-current conductors can be enhanced when the second bridge section is shorter than the first bridge section.

[0039] In one embodiment, considered transverse to the plane of symmetry, the first straight bridge section and/or the second straight bridge section has a thickness that is substantially equal to the thickness of a solid core of the first conductor, the second conductor or the third conductor.

[0040] Despite the solid cores the cable can be urged into in the shape of the desired cable path or cut through by IDC connectors when the outer jacket is manufactured of a flexible synthetic material, preferably of a polyolefin combined with fire-retardants.

[0041] The insulating sheath can simply be pierced or stripped away when the insulating sheath is manufactured of synthetic material, preferably cross-linked with polyethene.

[0042] According to a further aspect the invention provides an assembly comprising a cable, a first connector that engages onto the cable and a separate second connector for engagement onto the cable, wherein the cable comprises an outer jacket and adjacent to each other a first, a second and a third conductor and several control current conductors, which within the outer jacket extend substantially parallel to each other and at substantially fixed mutual distances in a notional common straight plane, wherein the first, second and third conductor are each built up with an insulating sheath of electrically insulating material in which only one singular solid core of electrically conductive material is accommodated, and the control current conductors extend at the side of the first conductor situated opposite the second and third conductor, wherein the first connector comprises a first housing having first electrical contacts that cut through the jacket, wherein the cable extends in its longitudinal direction between two opposite head sides of the first housing, wherein the first electrical contacts each cut through the outer jacket and the insulating sheaths of the first, second or third conductor and then are in electrically conductive contact with its core, wherein the first housing at at least one of the longitudinal sides extending between the head sides is provided with a recess-bounding insertion framework within which the cable at the location of the control current conductors extends freely, wherein the second connector comprises a second housing and second electrical contacts that cut through the jacket, wherein the second connector is adapted for placement within the insertion framework and by means of the second electrical contacts cutting through the outer jacket of the cable to come into electrically conductive contact with the control current conductors.

[0043] The cable is a so-called flat cable of which the first, second and third conductor have a solid core having an optimal conducting cross-section. The three conductors can be used for an earth wire, a neutral wire and 220-240 Volt phase wire, of which by means of the first connector a branch can be made. The control current conductors within the insertion framework still remain undisturbed. In utility construction this suffices for many branching points. At choice the second connector can be placed in the insertion framework and be brought into contact with the control current conductors for at that location branching control current as well.

[0044] Control current is a low-ampere-current for controlling electric components that are fed by or have been connected to the first, second and third connector. The control current can for instance be controlled on the basis of a serial bus protocol, such as the KNX protocol.

[0045] In one embodiment the first connector is provided with a cable carrier having an abutment profile shaped complementary to the outer jacket in which carrier the cable is fittingly accommodated, wherein the first electrical contacts project from the abutment profile, wherein the insertion framework laterally interrupts the abutment profile. The abutment profile is able to secure the position of the cable within the connector reliably, and thus also the position of the control current cables within the insertion framework. The second connector can then reliably engage onto the desired control current cables.

[0046] In a simple embodiment the insertion framework has a rectangular shape.

[0047] The second connector can be secured within the insertion framework when the first and second connector are provided with cooperating couplings for coupling the second connector to the first connector within the insertion framework.

[0048] Alternatively the cable itself carries the second coupling within the insertion framework.

[0049] According to a further aspect the invention provides an assembly comprising a cable, a connector that engages onto the cable and onto a branching conductor to be connected to the connector, wherein the cable comprises an outer jacket and adjacent to each other a first, a second and a third conductor which within the outer jacket extend substantially parallel to each other and at substantially fixed mutual distances in a notional common straight plane, wherein the first, second and third conductor and the branching conductor are each built up with an insulating sheath of electrically insulating material in which only one singular solid core of electrically conductive material is accommodated, wherein the connector comprises a housing, electrical contacts that cut through the jacket and a branch connection for the branching conductor, wherein the electrical contacts each cut through the outer jacket and the insulating sheaths of the first, second or third conductor and then are in electrically conductive contact with its core, wherein the branch connection comprises an insert contact that is electrically conductively connected to at least one of the electrical contacts and an insertion channel leading to the insert contact, wherein the insertion channel is oriented for guided insertion of the branching conductor to the insert contact in an insertion direction parallel to the notional straight plane of the cable.

[0050] The cable is a so-called flat cable of which the first, second and third conductor have a solid core having an optimal conducting cross-section. The three conductors can be used for an earth wire, a neutral wire and 220-240 Volt phase wire, of which by means of the first connector a branch can be made. The flat cable and the branching conductor behave like rigid cables due to the solid cores, wherein due to the insertion direction being parallel to the cable an as regards height compact branch can be effected.

[0051] In one embodiment the insertion channel is oriented for guided insertion of the branching conductor with the insertion direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the cable.

[0052] In one embodiment the housing comprises an outer wall extending above the cable in which wall the insertion channel is defined. The branching conductor can be inserted into the insertion channel with visual overview.

[0053] In one embodiment thereof the insertion channel is bounded by a slide that is partially recessed in the outer wall and open at the side facing away from the cable. The branching conductor can then be laid into the slide from above in order to be guided.

[0054] The slide preferably has a cylindrical bottom shape. Such a shape connects to a round insulating sheath of the branching conductor.

[0055] In one embodiment the insertion channel is bounded by a tunnel segment partially extending above the outer wall and defining a passage through the upper wall. The branching conductor can then be guided within the tunnel segment to its end position.

[0056] In one embodiment thereof the tunnel segment has a cylindrical inner wall and/or upper wall. Such a shape connects to a round insulating sheath of the branching conductor. Particularly the upper wall then at the outer wall forms point of recognition for the insertion of the branching conductor.

[0057] In a combined embodiment in insertion direction the tunnel segment is situated behind the slide.

[0058] In particular in the insertion direction the tunnel segment runs into connection with the slide.

[0059] An outer end of the branching conductor of which the insulating sheath has been stripped off can be permanently connected to the connector in one inserting motion when the insert contact is adapted for self-locking engagement to the core of the branching conductor.

[0060] In one embodiment the insertion channel of the branch connection considered transverse to the notional straight plane is situated straight above the conductor with which the branch connection is in electrically conductive contact via its electrical contact. In that way the location of the insertion channel provides an immediate visual indication of the conductor with which via said insertion channel contact can be made. This limits the risk of wrong connections.

[0061] In one embodiment the connector comprises several branching conductors, for instance one or two for each of the first, second and third conductor, wherein the branching conductors in the insertion direction are mutually staggered in order to simplify the insertion of the branching conductors.

[0062] According to a further aspect, the invention provides an assembly comprising a first cable, a second cable and a connector that engages onto the first and second cable, wherein the first and second cable comprise an outer jacket and adjacent to each other a first, a second and a third conductor that extend within the outer jacket substantially parallel to each other and at substantially fixed mutual distances in a notional common straight plane, wherein the first, second and third conductor are each built up with an insulating sheath of electrically insulating material in which only one singular solid core of electrically conductive material is accommodated, wherein the connector comprises a housing, first electrical contacts that cut through the jacket and second electrical contacts that cut through the jacket, wherein the first contacts each cut through the outer jacket and the insulating sheaths of the first, second or third conductor of the first cable and then are in electrically conductive contact with its cores and the second contacts each cut through the outer jacket and the insulating sheaths of the first, second or third conductor of the second cable and then are in electrically conductive contact with its cores, wherein the first and second cables extend through the housing straight above one another and with the notional planes parallel to each other and the first and second contacts electrically connect the conductors to each other that extend straight above one another considered transverse to the notional plane.

[0063] The cables are so-called flat cables of which the first, second and third conductor have a solid core having an optimal conducting cross-section. The three conductors can be used for an earth wire, a neutral wire and 220-240 Volt phase wire, of which by means of the first connector a branch can be made. The flat cables behave like rigid cables due to the solid cores. Due to the cables being parallel the rigid cables can nonetheless relatively easily, because transverse to their plane, be urged to the connector, wherein by means of the connector an as regards height compact cable coupling can be effected.

[0064] In one embodiment the connector is provided with a cable carrier partially accommodated in the housing and the electrical contacts project from the housing in the direction of the cable carrier, wherein the cable carrier is movable with respect to the housing between a first pre-determined position in which the electrical contacts are spaced apart from the outer jacket, and a second pre-determined position in which the electrical contacts cut through the outer jacket and the insulating sheath. Connecting the connector to the cables can then take place in two consecutive actions, wherein the cables are first positioned in the cable carriers and the cable carriers are then brought from the first position in the second position in order to bring the electrical contacts in connection. Changing the position of the cable carriers can for instance be effected by means of a pair of pincers in which the connector is accommodated.

[0065] In one embodiment thereof the cable carrier is provided with an inlay part and a closing lid, wherein in the first position of the cable carrier the closing lid can be placed on the inlay part for fitting confinement of the first or second cable. By means of closing the lid the cable in question can be positioned with respect to the connector.

[0066] The connector preferably is provided with closing parts for the lid, wherein the closing parts are adapted for repeatedly opening and closing the lid in the first position and permanently closing the lid in the second position. In that case by opening the lid again the connector can be re-positioned or be shifted with respect to the cable when this is necessary. The outer jacket or the insulating sheaths have not yet been cut through. After bringing the cable carriers to the second position, that means after cutting through the jackets and sheaths, this will no longer be possible due to the permanent closure unless the connector is inadvertently forced or destroyed.

[0067] In one embodiment the housing is provided with bendable breaking lips which at the free outer end are provided with a closing cam oriented to the cable carrier, which cam in the second position of the cable carrier engages onto the cable carrier for permanently blocking a return to the first position, wherein the breaking lip is adapted for breaking when ending the engagement of the closing cam by bending outwards. The cable carrier can only return to the first position by destroying the breaking lips, as a result of which the functionality of the connector is ended. In that way it can be achieved that a connector is not reused.

[0068] In one embodiment the first or second cable is fittingly accommodated in an abutment profile of the cable carrier which profile is shaped complementary to the outer jacket.

[0069] In one embodiment considered in a cross-section transverse to the longitudinal direction of the cable the outer contour of the outer jacket at the location of the conductors is higher than between the conductors for at the outer side of the outer jacket visibly and palpably indicating the location of the conductors, wherein the notional straight plane defines a plane of symmetry for the outer contour, wherein the intermediate distance between the first and the second conductor is larger than the intermediate distance between the second and the third conductor. The flat cable can then be fittingly laid in the inlay channels of the complementary shaped abutment profile, wherein the symmetry in the outer jacket on the one hand and the differences in the intermediate distances on the other hand here impose that laying in is only possible in two positions. The difference in these positions is only that the flat cable has been turned around about its latitudinal axis. In both cases the conductors therefore only fit in the for that purpose complementary shaped inlay channels of the abutment profile, as a result of which the connection differences onto the various conductors can be counteracted. Said properties render the cables and connector particularly suitable for use within buildings or in utility construction, wherein the three conductors can be used for the earth wire, the neutral wire and a 220-240 Volt phase wire, respectively. The earth wire can then in principle not be interchanged with the phase wire.

[0070] Alternatively or additionally, considered in a cross-section transverse to the longitudinal direction of the first and second cable the outer contour of the outer jacket at the location of the conductors is higher than between the conductors for at the outer side of the outer jacket visibly and palpably indicating the location of the conductors, wherein the notional straight plane defines a plane of symmetry for the outer contour, wherein considered transverse to the plane of symmetry the shape of the outer contour above the first conductor differs from the shape of the outer contour above the second and/or third conductor. The flat cable can then be fittingly laid in the inlay channels of the complementary shaped abutment profile, wherein the symmetry in the outer jacket on the one hand and the differences in the shapes on the other hand here impose that laying in is only possible in two positions. The difference in these positions is only that the flat cable has been turned around about its latitudinal axis. In both cases the conductors therefore only drop in the correct for that purpose complementary shaped inlay channels of the abutment profile, as a result of which the connection differences onto the various conductors can be counteracted. Said properties render the cables and connector particularly suitable for use within buildings or in utility construction, wherein the three conductors can be used for the earth wire, the neutral wire and a 220-240 Volt phase wire, respectively. The earth wire can then in principle not be interchanged with the phase wire.

[0071] In one embodiment the abutment profiles for the first and second cable are symmetrical with respect to a middle plane of symmetry extending parallel between the cables.

[0072] According to a further aspect the invention provides an assembly comprising a cable, a connector that engages onto the cable and an appliance connection connected to the connector, wherein the cable comprises an outer jacket and adjacent to each other a first, a second and a third conductor that extend within the outer jacket substantially parallel to each other and substantially at fixed mutual distances in a notional common straight plane, wherein the first, second and third conductor are each built up with an insulating sheath of electrically insulating material in which only one singular solid core of electrically conductive material is accommodated, wherein the connector comprises a housing, electrical contacts that cut through the jacket and a multipolar first plug connection to the housing electrically connected to the electrical contacts, wherein the electrical contacts each cut through the outer jacket and the insulating sheaths of the first, second or third conductor and then are in electrically conductive contact with its core, wherein the appliance connection is provided with a multipolar second plug connection and a flexible multi-lead cable connected to the second plug connection of which multi-lead cable the leads are each built up from a bundle of several conductors, wherein the first plug connection and the second plug connection are connected to each other and are intended and adapted for breaking and realising the mutual connection several times.

[0073] The assembly may be part of an electric power supply installation for appliances, for instance lighting fixtures integrated in a ceiling system. The assembly provides to possibility to be built up in stages, wherein first the flat cable is placed and is provided with the connector, subsequently the ceiling system is built up and finally a lighting fixture is installed. The lighting fixture is then connected to the flexible multi-lead cable and the first plug connection is connected to the already installed second plug connection. Likewise the same cable can be provided with several connectors that are divided over the length of the cable, as a result of which on several locations a pre-installed first plug connection is present.

[0074] In one embodiment the connector is provided with several first plug connections and several appliance connections connected thereto. In said example one connector can then form a local central power point for several lighting fixtures.

[0075] According to a further aspect, the invention furthermore provides an assembly comprising a cable, a connector that engages onto the cable, a box for electric wirings that carries the connector, a branching conductor connected to the connector, wherein the cable comprises an outer jacket and adjacent to each other a first, a second and a third conductor that extend within the outer jacket substantially parallel to each other and at substantially fixed mutual distances in a notional common straight plane, wherein the first, second and third conductor are each built up with an insulating sheath of electrically insulating material in which only one singular solid core of electrically conductive material is accommodated, wherein the connector comprises a housing, electrical contacts that cut through the jacket and a branch connection for the branching conductor, wherein the electrical contacts each cut through the outer jacket and the insulating sheaths of the first, second or third conductor and then are in electrically conductive contact with its core, wherein the branch connection is electrically conductively connected to at least one of the electrical contacts, wherein the box is provided with a circumferential wall and a bottom wall that bound a first cavity for electric connections to which the branching conductor leads and the circumferential wall has an installation edge for building up electric switch material, wherein the box furthermore comprises a connector holder for the connector, wherein the connector holder is adapted for guided rectilinear translation of the connector with respect to the installation edge over a bounded stroke for adjusting the position of the connector with respect to the installation edge.

[0076] The box with the connector holder can be handled as one unity, wherein in the work the connector can be connected onto cable that was placed at an earlier stage. The guided rectilinear translation of the connector with respect to the installation edge then makes it possible to alter the position of the box with respect to the connector engaging onto the cable, as a result of which the box can be set at the correct location in the work, for instance in a wall channel box.

[0077] In one embodiment the connector holder is adapted for guided rectilinear translation of the connector in the longitudinal direction of the cable. Due to its conductors extending parallel to each other, the cable will be more rigid in the longitudinal direction than transverse thereto. The guided rectilinear translation of the connector indeed in the longitudinal direction will help compensate for the difficulty of said rigidity.

[0078] In one embodiment the installation edge defines a straight installation plane, wherein the connector holder is adapted for guided rectilinear translation of the connector parallel to the installation plane.

[0079] In one embodiment the installation edge has an elongated rectangular contour for building up an elongated series of switch materials, wherein the connector holder is adapted for guided rectilinear translation of the connector parallel to the longitudinal direction of the elongated rectangular contour.

[0080] The installation edge forms the basis for building up installation material at the sight side of the box. The guided rectilinear translation of the connector parallel to the installation plane or parallel to the rectangular contour then renders it possible to shift the installation material built up to the desired position in the work.

[0081] Formulated in quantity the bounded stroke has a length of at least 1/3 of the length of the connector in the direction of the stroke.

[0082] In one embodiment the cable extends behind and along the outer side of the bottom wall, which side faces away from the installation edge.

[0083] In one embodiment thereof the bottom wall is provided with an elongated channel that is recessed with respect to the installation edge, in which channel the cable at least partially extends. The depth of the box can thus be adjusted to the depth of the installation space for the box. The channel then ensures the required space for the cable at the rear side of the box.

[0084] In one embodiment the connector holder carries the connector at the outer side of the circumferential wall, so that connecting the connector to the cable can take place with visual overview.

[0085] In one embodiment the connector holder is provided with a frame or box having a second cavity in which the connector is accommodated, wherein the second cavity merges into the first cavity and the branching conductor extends through the first and second cavity. In that way the branching conductor can be fully shielded within the assembly.

[0086] In one embodiment the connector holder is provided with a framework in which the connector is secured, and with cooperating conductors for guided rectilinear translation of the framework and thus the connector with respect to the installation edge. The connector itself can then remain free from the translation-guiding parts, which will keep the complexity of the connector within limits.

[0087] In one embodiment the connector is provided with a cable carrier partially accommodated in the housing and the electrical contacts project from the housing in the direction of the cable carrier, wherein the cable carrier is movable with respect to the housing between a first pre-determined position in which the electrical contacts are spaced apart from the outer jacket, and a second pre-determined position in which the electrical contacts cut through the outer jacket and the insulating sheath, wherein the cable carrier at the side that faces away from the housing is provided with a substantially straight engagement surface for a pair of pincers on which one of the two opposing jaw members of a pair of pincers can be placed that take the connector between them for squeezing the cable carrier from the first position to the second position, wherein in the first and second position the engagement surface for the pair of pincers and a notional straight continuation thereof extending transverse to the longitudinal direction of the cable extend freely above the boundary of the connector holder. The engagement surface for the pair of pincers and its notional straight continuation transverse to the longitudinal direction of the cable, in the first and second position extend freely above the boundary of the connector holder, as a result of which the connector holder is not a hindrance to the jaw member engaging onto the engagement surface for the pair of pincers when connecting the connector to the cable.

[0088] In one embodiment thereof the cable carrier is provided with an inlay part and a closing lid, wherein in the first position of the cable carrier the closing lid can be placed on the inlay part for fitting confinement of the cable, wherein the closing lid can be hinged with respect to the inlay part and is situated at the side of the inlay part that faces away from the installation edge. Laying in a connecting the cable can then take place at the rear side of the box, there where usually the most installation space is available.

[0089] In one embodiment switch material is installed on the installation edge, which material is connected to the branching conductor. The assembly can then be handled as one pre-assembled unit, wherein in the work only the cable needs to be connected to the connector in order to become operational.

[0090] In a practical application the box is designed as wall channel box, wherein the assembly furthermore comprises an elongated wall channel in which the box is accommodated, wherein the cable extends within and in the longitudinal direction of the wall channel.

[0091] According to a further aspect the invention furthermore provides an assembly comprising a cable, a connector that engages onto the cable, a box for electric wirings that carries the connector, and a branching conductor connected to the connector, wherein the cable comprises an outer jacket and adjacent to each other a first, a second and a third conductor that extend within the outer jacket substantially parallel to each other and at substantially fixed mutual distances in a notional common straight plane, wherein the first, second and third conductor are each built up with an insulating sheath of electrically insulating material in which only one singular solid core of electrically conductive material is accommodated, wherein the connector comprises a housing, electrical contacts that cut through the jacket and a branch connection for the branching conductor, wherein the electrical contacts each cut through the outer jacket and the insulating sheaths of the first, second or third conductor and then are in electrically conductive contact with its core, wherein the branching conductor is electrically conductively connected to at least one of the electrical contacts, wherein the connector is provided with a cable carrier partially accommodated in the housing and the electrical contacts project from the housing in the direction of the cable carrier, wherein the cable carrier is movable with respect to the housing between a first pre-determined position in which the electrical contacts are spaced apart from the outer jacket, and a second pre-determined position in which the electrical contacts cut through the outer jacket and the insulating sheath, wherein the box is provided with a circumferential wall and a bottom wall that bound a first cavity for electric connections to which the branching conductor leads, wherein the box furthermore comprises a connector holder for the connector, wherein the connector holder is adapted and positioned for carrying the connecter at the housing with the cable carrier in at least the first position accessible in a free or unimpeded manner to the cable from the outer side of the box.

[0092] The box with the connector holder and the connector which is carried by it and freely accessible to the cable form a manageable unit onto which the cable can easily be connected from the outside. It will not be necessary to insert the cable into the first cavity. This renders the assembly suitable for connecting with several assemblies onto the same cable as continuous cable.

[0093] In one embodiment the circumferential wall has an installation edge for building up electric switch material on the box, wherein the connector holder is positioned for carrying the connector at the rear side of the box that faces away from the installation edge, as a result of which a safe distance and installation space between the switch material and the connector can be maintained.

[0094] In one embodiment on the installation edge switch material is installed that is connected to the branching conductor. The box with connected switch material thus forms a ready-for-use unit onto which only the cable needs to be connected.

[0095] In one embodiment with respect to the housing the connector holder is positioned for carrying the connector with the cable holder so as to face away from the installation edge.

[0096] In one embodiment with respect to the housing the connector holder is positioned for carrying the connector with the branch connection so as to be oriented towards the first cavity or debouching therein, as a result of which the branch connection can be led over a relatively short distance to the first cavity for further connection.

[0097] In one embodiment the connector holder is provided with a frame or box having a second cavity in which the connector is accommodated, wherein the second cavity merges into the first cavity and the branching conductor extends through the first and second cavity. In that way the branching conductor can be fully shielded within the assembly.

[0098] In one embodiment the cable carrier at the side facing away from the housing is provided with a substantially straight engagement surface for a pair of pincers onto which one of two opposing jaw members of a pair of pincers can be placed that take the connector between them for squeezing the cable carrier from the first position to the second position, wherein in the first and second position the engagement surface for the pair of pincers and a notional straight continuation thereof extending transverse to the longitudinal direction of the cable extend freely above the boundary of the connector holder. The engagement surface for the pair of pincers and its notional straight continuation transverse to the longitudinal direction of the cable in the first and second position extend freely above the boundary of the connector holder, as a result of which the connector holder is not a hindrance for the jaw member engaging onto the engagement surface for the pair of pincers when connecting the connector to the cable.

[0099] In a first practical application the box is designed as a hollow-wall box, wherein the connector extends through an opening in the bottom wall.

[0100] In a second practical application the box is designed as wall channel box, wherein the assembly furthermore comprises a wall channel in which the wall channel box is accommodated, wherein the connector is positioned within the wall channel and the cable extends through the wall channel.

[0101] In a third practical application the box is designed as cable channel box, wherein the assembly further comprises a cable channel to which the cable channel box is attached, wherein the cable channel comprises a bottom wall and two side walls rising up from it, wherein the connector is positioned straight above the bottom wall.

[0102] According to further aspect the invention furthermore provides an assembly comprising a cable, a connector that engages onto the cable, a box for the electric wirings that carries the connector, a branching conductor connected to the connector, and a pair of pincers for connecting the connector to the cable, wherein the cable comprises an outer jacket and adjacent to each other a first, a second and a third conductor that extend within the outer jacket substantially parallel to each other and at substantially fixed mutual distances in a notional common straight plane, wherein the first, second and third conductor are each built up with an insulating sheath of electrically insulating material in which only one singular solid core of electrically conductive material is accommodated, wherein the connector comprises a housing, electrical contacts that cut through the jacket and a branch connection for the branching conductor, wherein the electrical contacts each cut through the outer jacket and the insulating sheaths of the first, second or third conductor and then are in electrically conductive contact with its core, wherein the branch connection is electrically conductively connected to at least one of the electrical contacts, wherein the connector is provided with a cable carrier partially accommodated in the housing and the electrical contacts project from the housing in the direction of the cable carrier, wherein the cable carrier is movable with respect to the housing between a first pre-determined position in which the electrical contacts are spaced apart from the outer jacket, and a second pre-determined position in which the electrical contacts cut through the outer jacket and the insulating sheath, wherein the box is provided with a circumferential wall and a bottom wall that bound a cavity for electric connections to which the branching conductor leads, wherein the box furthermore comprises a connector holder for the connector, wherein with respect to the housing the connector holder is adapted and positioned for carrying the connector with the cable holder so as to face away from the box, wherein the cable carrier at the side facing away from the housing is provided with a substantially straight first engagement surface for a pair of pincers and the connector at the opposing side facing the box is provided with a second engagement surface for a pair of pincers on which two opposing jaw members of the pair of pincers can be placed that take the connector between them for squeezing the cable carrier from the first position to the second position, wherein the box is provided with a continuing insertion channel extending above the second engagement surface for the pair of pincers for from the outer side of the box inserting the jaw member engaging onto the second engagement surface for the pair of pincers.

[0103] The box and the connector carried by it form a ready-for-use unit, wherein the insertion channel forms a clear point of recognition for the insertion of the jaw member of the pair of pincers during as a last step connecting the connector to the cable.

[0104] In one embodiment the insertion channel and the jaw member are elongated and in cross-section have a similarly shaped contour for inserting the jaw member in a guided manner. The similarly shaped contours form a shape lock as a result of which the jaw member can only be inserted in one orientation wherein the opposing jaw member will end up exactly on the first engagement surface for the pair of pincers. This enhances the manageability and the easy of installation of the assembly.

[0105] In one embodiment the insertion channel ends in the circumferential wall of the box, as a result of which the entrance of the insertion channel can be clearly visible.

[0106] In one embodiment the circumferential wall has an installation edge that defines an installation surface for building up electric switch material on the box, wherein the insertion channel extends parallel to the installation surface. In that way the switch material can be built up at the front of the box and the jaw member of the pair of pincers can be inserted with visual overview from the side.

[0107] In one embodiment the box is elongated and the circumferential wall over the longitudinal direction of the box defines a narrowing having on either side a widening of the box and the cavity for building up several pieces of switch material at the location of the widening, wherein the insertion channel extends at the location of the narrowing. The position of the insertion channel at the location of the narrowing will keep its length limited, as a result of which the connector can be connected using a relatively simple pair of pincers.

[0108] In one embodiment the box is designed as hollow-wall box, preferably a multiple hollow-wall box for building up a series of successive switch materials.

[0109] The aspects and measures described in this description and the claims of the application and/or shown in the drawings of this application may where possible also be used individually. Said individual aspects may be the subject of divisional patent applications relating thereto. This particularly applies to the measures and aspects that are described per se in the sub claims.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0110] The invention will be elucidated on the basis of a number of exemplary embodiments shown in the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1A and 1B show an isometric front view and a cross-section of a first cable according to the invention;

Figures 2A and 2B show an isometric front view and a cross-section of a second cable according to the invention;

Figures 3A-3C show an isometric front view, a cross-section and a top view of a third cable according to the invention;

Figure 3D shows a top view of the third cable according to the invention, having an alternative pattern of holes therein;

Figures 4A and 4B shows an isometric front view and a cross-section of a fourth cable according to the invention;

Figures 5A-5D shows isometric front views of a first connector according to the invention, shown for connection to a fourth flat cable according to figures 4A and 4B, wherein a few parts have consecutively been removed from the connector;

Figure 6 shows an isometric front view of a second connector according to the invention, which is a variant of the first connector according to figures 5A-5D;

Figures 7A and 7B show isometric front views of a third connector according to the invention, shown for connection to the fourth flat cable according to figures 4A and 4B, wherein in figure 7B a few parts have been removed from the connector and a detail is shown in a reference frame;

Figure 8 shows an isometric view of a fourth connector according to the invention, which is a variant of the third connector according to figures 7A and 7B;

Figure 9 shows an isometric view of a fifth connector according to the invention, which is a variant of the third connector according to figures 7A and 7B;

Figure 10 shows an isometric front view of a pair of pincers for connecting the connectors according to the preceding figures;

Figures 11A-11D show two isometric top views, a side view and an isometric rear view of a pre-mounted hollow-wall box with the third connector according to figure 7 to which the third flat cable according to figures 3A and 3B is connected;

Figures 12A-12C show isometric views of a cable channel with holder and a socket outlet connection that are both provided with the first connector according to figures 5A-5C to which the fourth flat cable according to figures 4A and 4B is connected;

Figure 13A shows an isometric front view of a wall channel in which an insert box with socket outlet and the third connector according to figures 7A and 7B is accommodated;

Figures 13B-13E show two isometric front views and two isometric rear views of the insert box according to figure 13A, of which consecutively a number of parts have been removed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0111] Figures 1A-4B show a first flat cable 100, and a second flat cable 200, a third flat cable 300 and a fourth flat cable 400 according to different embodiments of the invention. In the detailed description below of the cables 100, 200, 300, 400 corresponding parts have the same reference numbers.

[0112] Figures 1A and 1B show the first flat cable 100 according to the invention. The cable 100 is provided with an outer jacket 101 of a flexible synthetic material, having a constant cross-section over its length L. The flat cable 100 is provided with a first electrical conductor 10, a second electrical conductor 20 and a third electrical conductor 30 which are fully enveloped all round by the outer jacket 101. The conductors 10, 20, 30 extend parallel to each other in the middle longitudinal plane and plane of symmetry or middle longitudinal plane V of the flat cable 100.

[0113] The conductors 10, 20, 30 each comprise only one singular solid core 11, 21, 31 having a circular cross-section. The core 11, 21, 31 is made of electrically conductive metal. The solid core 11, 21, 31 is fully enveloped all round by an insulating sheath 12, 22, 32 also having a circular cross-section. The insulating sheath 12, 22, 32 is made of a flexible, electrically insulating synthetic material.

[0114] Around the first conductor 10 the outer jacket 101 in cross-section has an octagonal outer contour, or a quadrangular outer contour of which the corners have a straight bevel, as a result of which the outer jacket 101 at the upper side and the lower side is provided with a straight surface 102 that extends parallel to the plane of symmetry V, a straight end surface 104 and two straight inner surface 105 that extend perpendicular to the plane of symmetry V, and four straight bevelled surface 106 that are at an angle of 45 degrees to the plane of symmetry V.

[0115] Around the second conductor 20 and the third conductor 30, the outer jacket 101 has a constant radial thickness, as a result of which circular outer contour sections 107 have been formed, of which between the second and third conductor 20, 30 a notional circular continuation P contacts the adjacent insulation sheath 22, 32.

[0116] Between the first conductor 10 and the second conductor 20 the outer jacket 101 is provided with a first straight bridge section 108 having a constant thickness, as a result of which the outer jacket 101 is provided with two straight surfaces 109 that extend parallel to the plane of symmetry V. The thickness of the straight bridge section 108 is substantially equal to the thickness of the cores 11, 21, 31 of the conductors 10, 20, 30 and is smaller than the entire thickness of the outer jacket 101 straight above the conductors 10 20, 30.

[0117] The first bridge section 108 comprises a repetitive pattern, extending in the longitudinal direction L, of continuing first holes 120 having substantially the same lengths and mutually substantially the same intermediate distances, as a result of which a repetitive pattern of bridge section segments 122, 122a has been formed also having mutually substantially the same lengths and mutually substantially the same intermediate distances. A fixed number of several successive bridge section segments 122 is succeeded by the bridge section segment 122a that is provided with several continuing second holes 121 and therewith forms a repetitive pattern. The first holes 120 have a rectangular circumference. The holes 120, 121 can be used for securing the cable 100 by means of pins or flat binders wherein the second holes 121 show a practical unit of length for the cable 100, for instance one meter. In that way an electrician has a simple aid for cutting the correct length of cable 100 from a supply roll. Alternatively or additionally the cable 100 can be provided with a printed marking of a unit of length, for instance one meter.

[0118] The outer jacket 101 is in detached yet abutting contact with the insulating sheaths 12, 22, 32, as a result of which it can be stripped away at an outer end of the cable 100 such that the conductors 10, 20, 30 remain intact. Their insulating sheaths 12, 22, 32 can be stripped away individually to expose the solid conductive core 11, 21, 31, as the insulating sheaths 12, 22, 32 are in detached yet abutting contact with the cores 11, 21, 31 as well.

[0119] In this example the outer jacket 101 is made of a polyolefin combined with fire-retardants. In this example the insulating sheaths 12, 22, 32 are made of cross-linked polyethene. For optical distinction the insulating sheaths 12, 22, 32 have been provided with unique colours. The insulating sheath 12 of the first conductor 10 in this example is substantially yellow with green stripes or bands 1 3 to indicate an earth conductor. The insulating sheath 22 of the second conductor 20 is blue to indicate a neutral conductor, and the insulating sheath 32 of the third conductor 30 is brown to indicate a phase conductor. In this example the solid cores 11, 21, 31 are made of copper, and in this example in cross-section have a surface of 2.5 square millimetres. The first bridge section 108 then ensures sufficient distance from the first conductor 10 used for earthing with respect to the other conductors 20, 30.

[0120] The colours, cable thicknesses and differences in distance used in this example for the conductors 10, 20, 30 are typical of the use of the cable 100 in monophase 220-240 Volt low-voltage installations, such as in utility construction or machinery. The solid cores 11, 21, 31 then ensures an acceptably low internal resistance of the conductors 10, 20, 30. Due to the symmetry in the upper side and lower side of the cable 100 it is possible to safely accommodate it in a schematically shown Insulation Displacement Connector or IDC connector 500.

[0121] The IDC connector 500 is provided with a first clamping part 501 and a second clamping part 502 which in direction U can be placed fittingly against each other, wherein at the side facing the cable 100 the clamping parts 501, 502 are provided with a profile having parallel inlay channels that fittingly connect to the upper and lower side of the cable 100. The first clamping part 501 is in that case per inlay track provided with electrically conductive cutting pins 503, 504, 505 which when accommodating the cable 100 partially cut through the outer jacket 101 and the insulating sheath 12, 22, 32 to come into electrically conductive contact with the respective cores 11, 21, 31. Due to the difference in shape of the outer jacket 101 at the location of the first conductor 10 on the one hand and the second conductor 20 or third conductor 30 on the other hand, or because of the difference in distance between them formed by means of the first bridge section 108, and the symmetry used therein with respect to the middle longitudinal plane V the cable 100 can only be laid in in the position shown and turned around about its latitudinal axis in direction Q, wherein with both inlay possibilities the insert contacts 503, 504, 505 get into contact with the same conductor 10, 20, 30. The differences in shape and height in the latitudinal direction of the outer jacket 101 clearly shows the location of the various conductors 10, 20, 30 from the outside.

[0122] Figures 2A and 2B show the second flat cable 200 according to the invention. With respect to the first cable 100 described above, the outer jacket 201 at the side of the first conductor 10 that faces away from the second and third conductor 20, 30 is provided with a second straight bridge section 110 which at the upper side and the lower side defines a straight surface 111, and an oval-round jacket part 112 in which a twin conductor 60 wrapped in metal foil 63 and having an insulating sheath 62 and two parallel cores 61, has been accommodated. The oval-round jacket part 112 is then built up with two half, circular arches that are oppositely oriented and by means of straight parallel lines are connected to each other. In this example the cores 61 of the twin conductor 60 have a diameter that can be smaller than the first, second and third conductor 10, 20, 30 and can each be formed as singular core or as multiple or entwined core. The twin conductor 60 can for instance be used for electronic bus communication, for instance according to the KNX protocol, using equipment that possibly by means of the first, second and third conductor 10, 20, 30 are provided with earthing and electric power. The clamping parts 551, 552 of the used IDC connector 550 for that purpose are provided with an extra inlay channel having prick pins 506 of which the electrically conductive outer end cuts into the centre of the cores 61 when clamping the cable 200.

[0123] Figure 3A-3C show the third flat cable 300 according to the invention. With respect to the first cable 100 discussed above, the third cable 300 with outer jacket 301 is also provided with a fourth conductor 40 and a fifth conductor 50 which with respect to the first conductor 10, the second conductor 20 or the third conductor 30 only differ in colour of the insulating sheath. In this example the insulating sheath 42 of the fourth conductor 40 is black and the insulating sheath 52 of the fifth conductor 50 is grey. The colours and cable thickness used in this example are typical of the use of the cable 300 in three phase 380-400 Volt low-voltage installations, such as in utility construction or machinery. The colours used in the various embodiments are in accordance with European harmonisation document HD308 and the Dutch NEN1010 standard. Figure 3C shows the third cable 300 in top view, perpendicular to the plane of symmetry V, so that the repetitive pattern of first holes 120 and bridge section segments 122, 122a is visible. In the longitudinal direction the first holes are longer than the bridge section segments 122, 122a. In this example the first holes 120 have a width of 2.5 mm and a length of 32.5 mm, the second holes 121 have a width of 2.5 mm and a length of 5 mm. The bridge section segments 122, 122a have a length of 30 mm.

[0124] Figures 4A and 4B show the fourth flat cable 400 according to the invention. With respect to the third cable 300 the oval-round jacket part 112 is added to the outer jacket 401 in which jacket part the twin conductor 60 wrapped in metal foil 63 is accommodated for bus communication with equipment that possibly by means of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth conductor 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 are provided with earthing and electric power.

[0125] As shown in figures 1A, 2A, 3A and 4A, the first cable 100, the second cable 200, the third cable 300 and the fourth cable 400 are provided with the same repetitive pattern of first holes 1 20 and bridge section segments 122, 122a. Figure 3D shows the third cable 300 in top view, perpendicular to the plane of symmetry V, so that an alternative pattern is visible that can also be applied to the first cable 100, the second cable 200 and the fourth cable 400. The first bridge section 108 comprises a repetitive pattern of elongated continuing third holes 123 that extend in the longitudinal direction L, which holes have substantially the same lengths and are at substantially the same intermediate distances as a result of which a repetitive pattern of bridge section segments 124 is formed also having substantially the same lengths and at substantially the same intermediate distances one to the other. In longitudinal direction the third holes 123 are shorter than the bridge section segments 124. In this example the third holes 123 have a width of 2.5 mm and a length of 20 mm. The bridge section segments 124 have a length of 30 mm. Therefore the bridge section segments 1 24 jointly cover a length that is at least half, in particular at least 60 percent of the overall length of the third cable 300. Additionally the third holes 123 can be formed like two consecutive partial holes, as a result of which in the middle of said partial third holes 123 a narrower bridge section segment 125 is left as is shown for one of the third holes 123.

[0126] The said shape characteristics of the outer jacket are limited to flat cables of which the conductors have a singular solid core. Likewise the conductors may have flexible or multiple bundled or entwined cores.

[0127] Figure 5A shows the fourth flat cable 400 and a first connector 600 according to the invention to be connected thereto. In figures 5B-5D parts have consecutively been removed from the connector 600. The first connector 600 is built mirror-symmetrical with respect to its middle longitudinal plane W which functionally divides the connector 600 in a top connection 621 and a bottom connection 622, or rotation-symmetrical with respect to a line situated in the middle longitudinal plane W. The corresponding parts of the connections 621, 622 will be elucidated below on the basis of the top connection 621.

[0128] The first connector 600 comprises a synthetic housing 623 which carries two synthetic cable carriers 660. As shown in figure 5D the housing 623 comprises a straight bottom 624 situated in the middle longitudinal plane W and oriented transverse thereto a straight rear wall 626, two straight side walls 625 and two front wall members 627 oriented to each other and connected to the side walls 625, which jointly define a rectangular outer shape of the housing 623. By means of two intermediate walls 629 that extend parallel to the side walls 625, the front wall members 627 are connected to a receded wall 628 that extends parallel to the front wall members 627 for bounding a rectangular insertion framework 630. On either side of the housing 623, the side walls 625 are provided with a projecting, elongated fastening rib 633 that extends through the middle longitudinal plane W.

[0129] The side walls 625 are provided with a profiled recess 640 for accommodation of one of the sides of the jacket 401 of the fourth flat cable 400. For that purpose the recess 640 consecutively comprises a first profile section 641 for the four circular jacket segments 107 and a second profile section 642 for the polygonal jacket segment 102, 106 and the oval jacket segment 112. The first profile section 641 and the second profile section 642 are separated from each other by a raised section 643 of the side wall 625 that may fittingly connect to the first bridge section 108 and the sections of the polygonal jacket segment 102, 106 connecting immediately thereto and the circular jacket segment 107. The intermediate walls 629 and the receded wall 628 are provided with a common profiled recess 644 of which the edge 645 considered in the direction of the middle longitudinal plane W, forms a continuation or projection of the second profile section 642.

[0130] The housing 623 is provided with a total of five metal cutting contacts 655, divided over the bottom 624, of which contacts the shape is mirror-symmetrical with respect to the middle longitudinal plane W. The cutting contacts 655 comprise a footing 652 that is secured in a passage in the bottom 624, which passage is bounded by a circumferential thickening 643, and on either side of the middle longitudinal plane W two blades 651 positioned upright therefrom that bound a straight insertion slot 654. Considered transverse to the middle longitudinal plane W the blades 651 extend up to the upper edge of the housing 623, where the insertion slot 654 has a widened accommodation end.

[0131] As shown in figures 5A-5C the cable holder 660 comprises a cable inlay part 661 that is positioned fittingly yet moveable in a translatory manner in direction C transverse to the middle longitudinal plane W within the walls 625, 626, 627, 629 of the housing 623. The walls 625, 626, 627, 628, 629 therefore impose the guided translation of the cable inlay part 661 in direction C. A recess 668 is also defined in the inlay part 661, which recess coincides or complies with the inside of the insertion framework 630 of the housing 623. At the side facing away from the housing 623 the cable inlay part 661 is provided with consecutively a hinge half 666, four first straight channel-shaped profile sections 663 that are shaped complementary to the four round jacket segments 107, a straight channel-shaped second profile section 664 that is shaped complementary to the polygonal jacket segment 102, 106 and a third profile section 665 that is shaped complementary to the oval jacket segment 112 of the fourth cable 400. Furthermore straight top surfaces 682, 683 are provided for fitting abutment against the first bridge section 108 and second bridge section 110, respectively. In the profile sections 663, 664, 665 passage slits 674 are provided that coincide with the cutting contacts 655, wherein on either side of the middle longitudinal plane W the insertion slots 654 are situated in the centre of the four first profile sections 663, the second profile section 664 and the third profile section 655, respectively.

[0132] As shown in figure 5B, at the side facing the housing 623 at two diagonally opposite vertices, the cable inlay part 661 is provided with a hooked-shaped hold-up device 667 of which the outer end 669 in the shown intermediate position of the connector 600 at the front side supports on an inwardly oriented first cam 631 at the front wall member 627 and at the rear side on an inwardly oriented third cam 688 at the rear wall 626 of the housing 623. The cable inlay part 661 is furthermore provided with two permanent closing cams 670 at the side of the hinge half 666, and at the opposing other side thereof with two closing lips 671 having a first recess 672 in which an inwardly oriented second cam 632 at the front wall member 627 extends. The housing 623 is furthermore provided with an inwardly oriented, central permanent closing cam 687 at the rear wall 626 that is able to engage onto an edge that is formed by a recess that is not further shown, in the cable inlay part 661. The second cams 632 and the central closing cam 687 are formed at bendable breaking lips 689, 690, wherein at the front side adjacent to the breaking lip 690 a same indication lip 691 is provided.

[0133] The cable holder 660 furthermore comprises a closing lid 662 which in the position shown projects substantially above the housing 623. In figures 5A and 5B the closing lid 662 is in the position in which it can easily be opened again. At the side oriented towards the inlay part 661, the closing lid 662 is consecutively provided with a hinge half that is not further shown and that is snapped fixed to the hinge half 666 of the inlay part 661, four straight channel-shaped first profile sections 676 that are shaped complementary to the four round jacket segments 107, a straight channel-shaped second profile section 677 that is shaped complementary to the polygonal jacket segment 102, 106 and a channel-shaped third profile section 678 that is shaped complementary to the oval jacket segment 112 of the fourth cable 400. Access to the third profile section 678 is closed off on both sides by means of cap 686 that can be broken away. Furthermore straight top surfaces 684, 685 are provided for fitting abutment against the first bridge section 108 and the second bridge section 110, respectively. The closing lid 662 is provided with jacket puncturers that are not shown that project from the middle of the profile sections 676, 677, 678 for partially elastically puncturing only the outer jacket 401 without damaging it permanently.

[0134] As shown in figure 5B, at the side opposing the hinge half, the closing lid 662 is provided with closing hooks 679 extending adjacent to the closing lips 671, which hooks are able to temporarily engage behind an edge that is not further shown of the inlay part 661. In the closing lid 662 an insertion opening 680 is provided that extends along the closing hooks 679, in which insertion opening for instance a screwdriver can be inserted for temporarily releasing the closing hooks 679 by means of local elastic deformation of the area adjacent to the closing hooks 679. In the extension of the closing lips 671 two second recesses 673 are provided in the corner edges. At the outer side the closing lid 662 is provided with reinforcement ribs 675 which in the middle define a lowered engagement surface 681 for a pair of pincers.

[0135] In figure 5A adjacent to the connector 600 a block-shaped branching connector 90 is schematically shown. The branching connector 90 comprises two clamping halves 91 having an internal profile 92 that is shaped complementary to the oval jacket segment 112 of the fourth cable 400, and two prick pins that are not shown of which the electrically conductive outer end is electrically connected to branch cables 93. The branching connector 90 can be fittingly placed in the insertion framework 630.

[0136] When in a first application connecting the two fourth flat cables 400 to the connector 600, the caps are broken away, the closing lids 662 are swung open in direction B and the cables 400 are laid fittingly from the outside into the profiles 663, 664, 665 of the inlay part 661. Due to the various profile shapes this is only possible in the position shown and in the position in which the cable is rotated 180 degrees about its latitudinal axis Q. The cables 400 now extend parallel to each other and parallel to the middle longitudinal plane V through the connector 600. Subsequently the closing lids 662 are closed in direction D and kept temporarily closed by the closing hooks 679. The electrician can for instance still slide the connector 600 along the cables 400 for securing the correct position and the mutual relation in the work. Subsequently a tool, for instance the pair of pincers 1200 discussed below and shown in figure 10, is placed on the opposing engagement surfaces 681 for a pair of pincers and squeezed together. The cable holders 660 drop, guided in a translatory manner, in direction C into the housing 623, wherein the hold-up devices 667 move past the first cams 631 of the housing 623, and the second cams 632 come out of the closing lips 671 and drop into the second recesses 673 and the permanent closing cams 670 drop behind an edge at the bottom 624 that is not further shown. The cutting contacts 655 in this case cut through the outer jacket 401 and the insulating sheaths 12, 22, 32, 42, 52 and on both sides envelop the respective core 11, 21, 31, 41, 51 of the conductors 10, 20, 30, 40, 50. In that way electric connections are formed only between conductors 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 that with respect to the longitudinal plane of symmetry W are situated straight opposite each other and above one another. Due to the shape of the second cams 632 that are now operative as permanent closing cams, the central permanent closing cam 687, the second recess 673 and the permanent closing cams 670, the cable holder 660 can only moved back by being forced or destroyed. The breaking lips 689, 690 will then have be bent outwards to such an extent that they will break off, wherein even the adjacently situated indication lips can break out. As a result the connector 600 will be irreparably destroyed and can no longer be reused. This is clearly visible due to the absence of the breaking lips 689, 690 and the indication lips 691.

[0137] After connecting the connector 600 the oval jacket section extends freely within the rectangular insertion framework 630. In the insertion framework 630 the branching connector 90 can be fittingly placed for effecting a partial branch or a through-coupling when this is necessary at the location of the connector 600.

[0138] Due to the difference in shape of the outer jacket 401 at the location of the first conductor 10 on the one hand and the second, third, fourth and fifth conductor 20, 30, 40, 50 on the other hand, or because of the difference in distance between the first conductor 10 and the second conductor 20 formed by means of the first intermediate bridge 108, and the symmetry used therein with respect to the middle longitudinal plane V the fourth cable 400 can only be laid in in the position shown and turned around about a latitudinal axis in the direction Q, wherein with both inlay possibilities the cutting contacts 655 in question get into contact with the same conductor 10, 20, 30, 40, 50. The differences in shape and height in the latitudinal direction of the outer jacket 401 clearly shows the location of the various conductors 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 from the outside. The first connector 600 is also suitable for connection to the third cable 300, wherein the caps 686 that can be broken away can remain in place.

[0139] Figure 6 shows the second connector 650 according to the invention, which is a variant of the first connector 600. The second connector 650 is adapted for electrically connecting two first cables 100 or two second cables 200. For that purpose the cable holders 660 of the cable inlay part 661 comprises two first straight cannel-shaped profile sections 663 that are shaped complementary to the two round jacket segments 107, a straight channel-shaped second profile section 664 that is shaped complementary to the polygonal jacket segment 102, 106 and a third profile section 665 that is shaped complementary to the oval jacket segment 112 of the fourth cable 100. Likewise the closing lid 662 comprises two straight channel-shaped first profile sections 676 that are shaped complementary to the two round jacket segments 107, a straight channel-shaped second profile section 677 that is shaped complementary to the polygonal jacket segment 102, 106 and a channel-shaped third profile section 678 that is shaped complementary to the oval jacket segment 112 of the fourth cable 400. The access to the third profile section 678 is closed off on both sides by means of the cap 686 that can be broken away.

[0140] Figures 7A and 7B show the third connector 700 according to the invention, for connection to the fourth flat cable 400. The third connector 700 comprises a bottom connection 622 for flat cables 400 extending in direction E, such as the one near the first connector 600 extending from the middle longitudinal plane W, and a top connection 721 deviating therefrom and to be discussed below in detail.

[0141] The top connection 721 comprises a lid 722 of synthetic material having a straight upper wall 723 in which at two opposing sides four first inlay channels 724 with equal intermediate distances and one second inlay channel 725 situated further away from them, are formed. The inlay channels 724, 725 merge into internal cylindrical tunnel walls 726 that extend partially above the main plane of the upper wall 723 and that form a passage to the inside of the top connection 721. At the upper side the tunnel walls 726 are provided with an index surface 729 on which a type indication of the connection can be placed. The tunnel walls 726 in the respective passage directions F1-F5 are mutually staggered in order to create some sideward insertion room and finger room. Between the tunnel walls 726 an elevated middle section 727 is formed under which metal locking springs 755 are attached as shown without the lid 722 in figure 7B. At the upper side the lid 722 is provided with reinforcement ribs 775 which in the middle define a lowered engagement surface 781 for a pair of pincers. At one longitudinal side and at the opposing longitudinal side the lid 722 is provided with two and one engagement opening 728, respectively. The lid 722 is provided on both sides with a projecting, elongated fastening rib 733 which extends parallel to the plane W. At the longitudinal sides at the location of the outer ends the lid 722 is provided with a total of four short fastening ribs 730.

[0142] As shown in figure 7B the top connection 721 is furthermore provided with a synthetic inside work 760 having three fastening lips 761 that hook into the engagement openings 728 for permanently coupling the inside work 760 to the lid 722. The inside work 760 is provided with tunnel bottom profiles 763 that extend straight below the tunnel walls 726 for forming an internal cylindrical insertion channel that extends in the passage direction F1-F5. The tunnel bottom profiles 763 are each continued in a strip-shaped metal conductor segment 754 which via a turned shorter conductor segment 753 merges into the cutting contact 655 as discussed above. The locking springs 755 are provided with barbs 756 that are oriented inwardly inclined and are pre-biassed against the long conductor segment 754. The locking springs 755 and the long conductor segment 754 are confined straight above one another in a secured manner between the parallel legs of a metal U-profile 757, wherein the confinement is maintained by the pre-bias in the locking springs 755 pressing on the long conductor segment 754. The U-profile 757 turns the locking springs 755 and the cutting contact 655 attached thereto into one insert piece 758 that can be placed in the inside work 760.

[0143] The third connector 700 can be connected with the bottom connection 622 to the fourth flat cable 400 as discussed above. Here the caps 686 that can be broken away need to be broken away. The cores 11, 21, 31, 41, 51 of the flat cable 400 thus get into electrical contact with only one of the long conductor segments 754. A singular conductor 80 having a singular solid core 81 and a synthetic jacket 82 can connected thereto by means of stripping away exposing the core 81 at the outer end of the conductor 80, laying it in one of the inlay channels 724, 725 and pressing it through under the related tunnel wall 726 in the direction F1-F5 parallel to the straight plane and parallel to the longitudinal direction E of the flat cable 400, until the core 81 is situated on the long conductor segment 754, wherein the barb 756 presses the core 81 onto the long conductor segment 754 and by forming a notch in the core 81 blocking a return movement. In that way per conductor 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 of the fourth flat cable 400 one or two electrical branches can be created. The singular conductors are the same or similar to the conductors 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 of the flat cable 400. The third connector 600 is also suitable for connection to the third cable 300, wherein the caps 686 that can be broken away remain in place.

[0144] Figure 8 shows a fourth connector 750 according to the invention, which is a first variant of the third connector 700. The fourth connector 750 is adapted for making electric branches from the first cable 100 or the second cable 200. For that purpose the fourth connector 750 comprises a bottom connection 622 such as present in the second connector 650, two first inlay channels 724 and a second inlay channel 725 having parallel passage directions F1-F3.

[0145] Figure 9 shows a fifth connector 790 according to the invention, which is a variant of the third connector 700. The fifth connector can be connected to the bottom connection 622 to the fourth flat cable 400 as discussed above. The caps 686 that can be broken away, need to be broken away here. The fifth connector 790 comprises a top connection 791 that is provided with in this example two plug connections 792 on the lid 722. The plug connection 792 comprises three insertion bushes 793. The plug connection 792 is adapted for coupling and uncoupling an electric branch line 95. The branch line 95 comprises a three-lead flexible electricity cable 96 having a plug 97 at its outer end, which plug is provided with three insertion bushes 98. The insertion bushes 793, 98 of the plug connection 792 and the branch line 95 have circumferential profiles having complementary shapes as a result of which the plug 97 can only be plugged in in one way in direction F6 in the plug connection 792. The plug 97 and the plug connection 792 are adapted for coupling and uncoupling the plug 97 and the plug connection 792 again several times. The plug 97 and the insertion bushes 793 of the plug connections 792 are known per se for instance under the name of Wieland ST18/3S.

[0146] It will be clear that the connecting parts of each of the various connectors 600, 650, 700, 750, 790 can in principle be adapted to connect to any one of the various flat cables 100, 200, 300, 400.

[0147] Figure 10 shows a pair of pincers 1200 with which the connectors 600, 650, 700, 750, 790 can be squeezed together in order to be connected to the cables 100, 200, 300, 400. The pair of pincers 1200 has an upper jaw member 1201, a lower jaw member 1202, two handles 1204, 1205 and a transfer mechanism 1203 that is adapted for parallel translation of the upper jaw member 1201 with respect to the lower jaw member 1202 in direction S. The jaw members 1201, 1202 are both provided with a straight clenching plate 1206 and a slimmer back 1207. At the insertion side the backs 1207 are provided with a pre-bevel 1208 and along both sides with a side bevel 1209. In the embodiment shown the upper jaw member 1201 and the lower jaw member 1202 are equally large. In an alternative embodiment, as shown with interrupted lines, the clenching plate 1206 of the lower jaw member 1202 is at least twice as wide, so that the connector 600, 650, 700, 750, 790 in question can be engaged over its full length as described below.

[0148] Figures 11A-11D show an application of the third connector 700. Figures 11B and 11C show a synthetic hollow-wall box 800 comprising a circumferential wall 802 provided with a circumferential edge 804 and two bottom members 802a, 802b that bound two build-in spaces 803a, 803b that partially merge into each other. The circumferential edge 804 forms an installation edge for building up switch material, in this example two socket outlets 820. The hollow-wall box 800 thus is a composite or multiple hollow-wall box. On both sides of the two build-in spaces 803a, 803b the circumferential wall 802 is provided with tension rods 805 known per se having anchoring plates 806 which can be pulled up manually in direction G only. The hollow-wall box 800 is suitable to be built in into a hollow wall, for instance in a plaster board wall, wherein the hollow-wall box 800 is inserted fittingly in a similarly shaped hole in the plaster board. The circumferential edge 804 then touches the front surface of the plaster board, after which after pulling the tension rods 805 in the direction G the anchoring plates 806 contact the rear surface in order to fixate the position of the hollow-wall box.

[0149] As shown in figure 11B at the bottom side on both sides the hollow-wall box 800 comprises an elevated wall 808a, 808b that is situated parallel to and higher than the bottom wall 802a, 802b to which it is adjacent, and a bridge wall 807 that is situated higher than the elevated walls 808a, 808b. The bridge wall 807 extends in the middle of the hollow-wall box 800. The bridge wall 807, the elevated walls 808a, 808b and the bottom walls 802a, 802b in the middle of any build-in space 803a, 803b bound a passage opening 809a, 809b. Under the bridge wall 807 the third connector 700 is secured, such that the first inlay channels 724 and the second inlay channel 725 on both sides of the third connector 700 are visible and accessible from the upper side via the passage openings 809a, 809b.

[0150] Figure 11C shows the position of the third connector 700 in side view. Figure 11D in an isometric way shows the space in which the third connector 700 is accommodated. Here it can be seen that at the bottom side the hollow-wall box 800 is provided with two first confining walls 810 and two second confining walls 811 that are positioned straight opposite each other. The confining walls 810, 811 are each provided with two long-holes 812 in which four short fastening ribs 730 of the third connector 700 are inserted. The long fastening ribs 733 then are situated in a lowered edge 817 in the bottom walls 802a, 802b.

[0151] At the bottom side the hollow-wall box 800 is provided with reinforcement walls 816 in which the guiding of the tension rods 805 is formed and which border the confining walls 810, 811. The bottom connection 622 of the third connector 700 in the opened condition projects above the reinforcement walls 816. The bridge wall 807 is hollow at the lower side facing the third connector 700 and forms a continuing insertion channel 818 therewith that is accessible from aside the hollow-wall box and that extends above and over the lowered engagement surface 781 for a pair of pincers. The insertion channel 818 extends at the location of the transition between the distinctive build-in spaces 803a, 803b, that means where the circumferential wall 802 defines a narrowing of the hollow-wall box 800. At the outer side of the hollow-wall box 800 the insertion channel 818 ends in the circumferential wall 820. The insertion channel 818 extends parallel to the installation surface defined by the circumferential edge 804, transverse to the longitudinal direction of the cable 300.

[0152] The insertion channel 818 and the jaw members 1201, 1202 of the pair of pincers 1200, or in the alternative embodiment only the upper jaw member 1201 of the pair of pincers, in cross-section transverse to the insertion direction T have a similarly shaped contour, as a result of which the jaw member 1201 can only be inserted into the insertion channel 818 in an orientation in which the opposing jaw member 1202 ends up straight above the engagement surface 681 of the pair of pincers which surface freely extends at the rear side.

[0153] At the outer end the second confining walls 81 are provided with an L-shaped adapter piece 813 that is also provided with two long-holes 812. By means of a living hinge 814, the adapter piece 813 is connected to the second confining wall 811, and at the opposite outer end a supplementary part 815 is formed. The adapter piece 813 can be folded down in direction H for getting parallel to and spaced apart from the second confining wall 811, wherein the supplementary part 815 comes to abut the elevated wall 808a, 808b for forming a copy of a part thereof. The adapter piece 813 thus renders it possible for the narrower, fourth connector 750 to be accommodated in the hollow-wall box 800.

[0154] As shown in figure 11A two socket outlets 820 can be secured to the hollow-wall box 800, in this example so-called "Schuko" socket outlets. The socket outlets 820 with conductors 80 having a singular core 81, as shown in figure 7A, are connected to the top connection 721 of the third connector 700. The hollow-wall box with the third connector 700 and the already connected and pre-mounted socket outlets 820 form one pre-assembled unit on which in the work for instance the third flat cable 300 can be connected such as shown in figure 11A. In that case the third flat cable 300 is placed in the connector 700 and the connector 700 is closed as shown in figure 11C, after which the pair of pincers 1200 with the upper jaw member 1201 is fittingly inserted in direction T through the insertion channel 818 for ending up on the engagement surface 781 for a pair of pincers of the third connector 700 and which faces the insertion channel 818. The lower jaw member 1202 that engages onto the engagement surface 681 for the pair of pincers that is situated at the outside can then beyond the engagement surface 681 for a pair of pincers move unimpeded in direction S until the cable holder 660 of the connector 700 has been brought in the permanent closing position. After squeezing the third connector 700 together the third flat cable 300 has the final position which is shown in figure 11C with interrupted lines. The third flat cable 300 is then situated between and within the reinforcement walls 816. In that way several hollow-wall boxes 800 can be connected to the same continuous cable 300.

[0155] Figures 12A-12C show applications of the first connector 600 and the third connector 700, related to a cable channel 900 and a wire channel 930. The shown metal cable channel 900 comprises a bottom wall 901 and two side walls 902 rising upright therefrom that have been provided with an inwardly oriented bead edge 903 and a series of fixing holes 904. The metal wire channel 930 comprises a bottom 931 and two side walls 932 that are formed with turned transverse wires or bars 933 to which bottom wires 934 and side wires 935, 936 that extend parallel have been secured.

[0156] Figure 1 2A shows two synthetic connector holders 910 in which a first connector 600 is secured. The connector holders 910 comprise a footing 91 that fits between the bottom wall 901 and the bead edge 903, wherein the footing 91 has several holes 912 that may coincide with the fixing holes 904 of the cable channel 900 for being attached against it by means of drive rivets that are not further shown, a middle section 913 that may extend over the bead edge 903, two spaced apart supports 914 which in that case are positioned upright above the bead edge 903, and two attachment claws 915 oriented transverse thereto which at the sides oriented towards each other are provided with an insertion slot 916 for accommodation of the elongated fastening ribs 633 of the first connector 600 in direction J. The connector holders 910 can in the same manner be secured to the shown wire channel 930. For that purpose the footing 91 comprises a central hook 917 to be placed over the middle side wire 935 and three openings 918 in a row in the sides and above the central hook 917 for accommodating the upper side wire 936.

[0157] Figure 1 2A shows two attachment positions of the connector holder 910 with respect to the cable channel 900. In the first position shown the footing 91 is secured against the inside of the side wall 902, as a result of which the connector is held straight above and considered in vertical projection within the cable channel 900 with the middle longitudinal plane V parallel to the plane of the bottom wall 901. Said position makes it possible to lift a flat cable, for instance the third flat cable 300, straight upwards from the cable channel 900 and connect it to the bottom connection 622. By means of the top connection 621 with the same flat cable a branch can be made that is also held straight above the cable channel 900. Said position offers a clear view and the possibility to provide the flat cable with a properly visible marking, for instance a sticker with an indication of the electricity group to which the cable belongs.

[0158] Figures 12B and 12C show two synthetic cable boxes 950 in which the third connector 700 is secured. The cable boxes 950 comprise the footing 911 and the middle section 913 as described above, and a rectangular housing 951 connected to the middle section 913. The housing 951 comprises a straight bottom wall 954 and four straight side walls 952 which in the corners are provided with fixing bushes 953. At the front the cable boxes 950 are provided with a lid 955 known per se having a socket outlet, in this example a double "Schuko" socket outlet. At its corners the lid 955 is provided with quarter-turn closures 956 with which the lid is secured to the housing 951. At the rear side the cable boxes 950 are provided with a box-shaped connector holder 957 that projects from the bottom wall 954 of the rectangular box 951. The connector holder 957 is hollow on the inside, wherein via an opening in the bottom wall 954 the inner space merges into the inside of the housing 951. At the upper side facing away from the footing 91 the connector holder 957 is closed off with a detachable lid 958 which by means of a flexible coupling 959 in the detached condition also remains connected to the connector holder 957. At the bottom side facing the footing 911 the connector holder 957 is provided with a recess 960 in which the third connector 700 is accommodated.

[0159] The third connector 700 is secured by means of its four short fastening ribs 730 that are snapped fixed into long holes that are not shown. The third connector 700 then with its bottom connection 622 freely extends below the connector holder 957, wherein the closing lid 662 is able to swing open in direction B in the direction of the footing 91 for accommodating the third flat cable 300. The engagement surface 781 for the pair of pincers extends above the upper edge 961 of the opened connector holder 957. The socket outlets of the lid 955 with conductors 80 having a singular core 81 as shown in figure 7A are connected to top connection 721 of the third connector 700. The cable box 950 with the third connector 700 and the lid 955 of which the socket outlets are already connected form one pre-assembled unit that can be secured in the work on the cable channel 900 and can be connected to the third flat cable 300 in the cable channel 900 by laying the third flat cable 300 in the third connector 700 squeezing the third connector 700 together using the pair of pincers 1200, wherein the lower jaw member 1202 that engages onto the engagement surface 681 for the pair of pincers that is situated at the outside, is able to move unimpeded in direction S until the cable holder 660 of the connector 700 has been brought in the permanent closing position. Finally the detachable lid 958 is placed back. In this way several cable boxes 950 can be connected to the flat cable 300.

[0160] Figures 13A-13E show a use of the third connector 700. Figure 13A shows a metal wall channel 940 known per se for attachment against a wall that is not further shown. The wall channel 940 comprises an elongated bottom wall 941, two side walls 942 oriented transverse thereto and two front walls 943 oriented towards each other that leave an elongated installation opening 946 free. The front walls 943 at the side of the installation opening 946 are provided with a U-profile 944 having an insertion slot 945 accessible from the front side. The installation opening 946 can be covered by a channel lid 947 which at the outer ends is provided with a turned edge 948 that is clamped fixed in the insertion slots 945.

[0161] In the wall channel 940 a synthetic wall channel box 1000 is secured that is further shown in figures 13D-13E. The wall channel box 1000 comprises a first elongated rectangular housing 1001 having an elongated bottom wall 1006, two elongated side walls 1002, a left side wall 1003 and a right side wall 1004. At the front side the elongated side walls 1002 are provided with an abutment wall 1008 to which a bendable insert flap 1009 is formed which can be inserted into the insertion slot 945, and on both sides thereof barbs 1007 are formed which engage behind the U-profiles 944. At the inside of the elongated side walls 1002 threaded bushes 1005 are formed with which in this example two of said "Schuko" socket outlets 820 have been secured onto the housing 1001. The socket outlets 820 are finished with top pieces 821 and a common framework 822.. In the placed condition the wall channel box 1000 can be shifted in direction K in order to be placed in the wanted position in the work. Likewise the channel lid 947 can be shifted in direction N parallel thereto in order to come to a consecutively abutting whole.

[0162] The wall channel box 1000 comprises a second elongated housing 1010 that is connected to the right side wall 1004 such that the inside of the second housing 1010 via a passage opening 1011 merges into the inside of the first housing 1001. The second housing comprises two elongated side walls 1114, a right side wall 1115, a left front wall member 1116 and a right front wall member 1117. The left front wall member 1116 is provided with a rectangular mounting opening 1118. The left front wall member 1116 and the right front wall member 1117 together leave a rectangular engagement opening 1119 free. As shown in figures 13D and 13E the second housing 1010 is open at the rear side. The elongated side wall members 1114 are each provided with two slide guides 1111 and between them two barbs 1112 that keep an insert frame 1120 confined in the second housing 1010 by engagement onto the parallel side walls 1113 of the insert frame 1120 such, that it is able to slide within the second housing 1010 in a guided manner only in direction M parallel to the slide direction K of the entire wall channel box 1000. In the insert frame 1120 the third connector 700 is secured by means of the short fastening ribs 730 that are inserted into long holes that are not shown of the insert frame 1120. The bottom connection 622 of the third connector 700 is thus accessible from the rear side, and in the intermediate position of the insert frame 1120 the top connection 721 is situated in front of the mounting opening 1118 and the engagement opening 1119 as shown.

[0163] The socket outlets 820 with conductors 80 having a singular core as shown in figure 7A are connected to the top connection 721 of the third connector 700. The wall channel box 1000 with the third connector and the already connected and pre-mounted socket outlets 820 form one pre-assembled unit to which in the work for instance the third flat cable 300 can be connected that has already been placed in the wall channel 940 and extends over its length. In that case the third flat cable 300 is locally lifted out of the wall channel 940 for by means of the pair of pincers 1200 being connected to the third connector 700. The lower jaw member 1202 that engages onto the engagement surface 681 for the pair of pincers that is situated at the outside, is able to move unimpeded in direction S until the cable holder 660 of the connector 700 has been brought in the permanent closing position. After squeezing the third connector 700 together it is no longer able to move with respect to the third flat cable 300. The engagement surface 681 for the pair of pincers and its notional continuation transverse to the longitudinal direction of the cable 300 also in the squeezed together position still extends freely above the edges of the insert frame 1120. In order to obtain some play when inserting the wall channel box 1000 in the wall channel 940, the first housing 1001 can by means of the slidable insert frame 11 20 still be shifted in direction K with respect to the fixed third connector 700. In addition to ease of installation when inserting, it is thus also possible to adjust the wall channel box 1000 in direction K to the desired final position. In this way several wall channel boxes 1000 can be connected to the flat cable 300.

[0164] The above description is included to illustrate the operation of preferred embodiments of the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention. Starting from the above explanation many variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention will be evident to an expert.

Claims

1. Assembly comprising a cable, a first connector that engages onto the cable and a separate second connector for engagement onto the cable, wherein the cable comprises an outer jacket and adjacent to each other a first, a second and a third conductor and several control current conductors, which within the outer jacket extend substantially parallel to each other and at substantially fixed mutual distances in a notional common straight plane, wherein the first, second and third conductor are each built up with an insulating sheath of electrically insulating material in which only one singular solid core of electrically conductive material is accommodated, and the control current conductors extend at the side of the first conductor situated opposite the second and third conductor, wherein the first connector comprises a first housing having first electrical contacts that cut through the jacket, wherein the cable extends in its longitudinal direction between two opposite head sides of the first housing, wherein the first electrical contacts each cut through the outer jacket and the insulating sheaths of the first, second or third conductor and then are in electrically conductive contact with its core, wherein the first housing at at least one of the longitudinal sides extending between the head sides is provided with a recess-bounding insertion framework within which the cable at the location of the control current conductors extends freely, wherein the second connector comprises a second housing and second electrical contacts that cut through the jacket, wherein the second connector is adapted for placement within the insertion framework and by means of the second electrical contacts cutting through the outer jacket of the cable to come into electrically conductive contact with the control current conductors.

2. Assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first connector is provided with a cable carrier having an abutment profile shaped complementary to the outer jacket in which carrier the cable is fittingly accommodated, wherein the first electrical contacts project from the abutment profile, wherein the insertion framework preferably laterally interrupts the abutment profile.

3. Assembly according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the insertion framework has a rectangular shape.

4. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second connector are provided with cooperating couplings for coupling the second connector to the first connector within the insertion framework, and/or wherein the cable carries the second coupling within the insertion framework.

5. Assembly comprising a cable, a connector that engages onto the cable and onto a branching conductor to be connected to the connector, wherein the cable comprises an outer jacket and adjacent to each other a first, a second and a third conductor which within the outer jacket extend substantially parallel to each other and at substantially fixed mutual distances in a notional common straight plane, wherein the first, second and third conductor and the branching conductor are each built up with an insulating sheath of electrically insulating material in which only one singular solid core of electrically conductive material is accommodated, wherein the connector comprises a housing, electrical contacts that cut through the jacket and a branch connection for the branching conductor, wherein the electrical contacts each cut through the outer jacket and the insulating sheaths of the first, second or third conductor and then are in electrically conductive contact with its core, wherein the branch connection comprises an insert contact that is electrically conductively connected to at least one of the electrical contacts and an insertion channel leading to the insert contact, wherein the insertion channel is oriented for guided insertion of the branching conductor to the insert contact in an insertion direction parallel to the notional straight plane of the cable, wherein the insertion channel is preferably oriented for guided insertion of the branching conductor with the insertion direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the cable.

6. Assembly according to claim 5, wherein the housing comprises an outer wall extending above the cable in which wall the insertion channel is defined, wherein the insertion channel is preferably bounded by a slide partially recessed in the outer wall and open at the side facing away from the cable, wherein the slide preferably has a cylindrical bottom shape.

7. Assembly according to claim 6, wherein the insertion channel is bounded by a tunnel segment partially extending above the outer wall and defining a passage through the upper wall, wherein the tunnel segment preferably has a cylindrical inner wall and/or upper wall.

8. Assembly according to claims 6 and 7, wherein in insertion direction the tunnel segment is situated behind the slide, wherein in the insertion direction the tunnel segment preferably runs into connection with the slide.

9. Assembly comprising a first cable, a second cable and a connector that engages onto the first and second cable, wherein the first and second cable comprise an outer jacket and adjacent to each other a first, a second and a third conductor that extend within the outer jacket substantially parallel to each other and at substantially fixed mutual distances in a notional common straight plane, wherein the first, second and third conductor are each built up with an insulating sheath of electrically insulating material in which only one singular solid core of electrically conductive material is accommodated, wherein the connector comprises a housing, first electrical contacts that cut through the jacket and second electrical contacts that cut through the jacket, wherein the first contacts each cut through the outer jacket and the insulating sheaths of the first, second or third conductor of the first cable and then are in electrically conductive contact with its cores and the second contacts each cut through the outer jacket and the insulating sheaths of the first, second or third conductor of the second cable and then are in electrically conductive contact with its cores, wherein the first and second cables extend through the housing straight above one another and with the notional planes parallel to each other and the first and second contacts electrically connect the conductors to each other that extend straight above one another considered transverse to the notional plane.

10. Assembly according to claim 9, wherein the connector is provided with a cable carrier partially accommodated in the housing and the electrical contacts project from the housing in the direction of the cable carrier, wherein the cable carrier is movable with respect to the housing between a first pre-determined position in which the electrical contacts are spaced apart from the outer jacket, and a second pre-determined position in which the electrical contacts cut through the outer jacket and the insulating sheath, wherein the cable carrier is preferably provided with an inlay part and a closing lid, wherein in the first position of the cable carrier the closing lid can be placed on the inlay part for fitting confinement of the first or second cable, wherein the connector is preferably provided with closing parts for the lid, wherein the closing parts are adapted for repeatedly opening and closing the lid in the first position and permanently closing the lid in the second position.

11. Assembly according to claim 10, wherein the housing is provided with bendable breaking lips which at the free outer end are provided with a closing cam oriented to the cable carrier, which cam in the second position of the cable carrier engages onto the cable carrier for permanently blocking a return to the first position, wherein the breaking lip is adapted for breaking when ending the engagement of the closing cam by bending outwards.

12. Assembly according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the first or second cable is fittingly accommodated in an abutment profile of the cable carrier which profile is shaped complementary to the outer jacket.

13. Assembly according to any one of the claims 9-12, wherein considered in a cross-section transverse to the longitudinal direction of the cable the outer contour of the outer jacket at the location of the conductors is higher than between the conductors for at the outer side of the outer jacket visibly and palpably indicating the location of the conductors, wherein the notional straight plane defines a plane of symmetry for the outer contour, wherein the intermediate distance between the first and the second conductor is larger than the intermediate distance between the second and the third conductor, and/or wherein considered in a cross-section transverse to the longitudinal direction of the first and second cable the outer contour of the outer jacket at the location of the conductors is higher than between the conductors for at the outer side of the outer jacket visibly and palpably indicating the location of the conductors, wherein the notional straight plane defines a plane of symmetry for the outer contour, wherein considered transverse to the plane of symmetry the shape of the outer contour above the first conductor differs from the shape of the outer contour above the second and/or third conductor.

14. Assembly according to claims 12 and 13, wherein the abutment profiles for the first and second cable are symmetrical with respect to a middle plane of symmetry extending parallel between the cables.

15. Assembly comprising a cable, a connector that engages onto the cable and an appliance connection connected to the connector, wherein the cable comprises an outer jacket and adjacent to each other a first, a second and a third conductor that extend within the outer jacket substantially parallel to each other and substantially at fixed mutual distances in a notional common straight plane, wherein the first, second and third conductor are each built up with an insulating sheath of electrically insulating material in which only one singular solid core of electrically conductive material is accommodated, wherein the connector comprises a housing, electrical contacts that cut through the jacket and a multipolar first plug connection to the housing electrically connected to the electrical contacts, wherein the electrical contacts each cut through the outer jacket and the insulating sheaths of the first, second or third conductor and then are in electrically conductive contact with its core, wherein the appliance connection is provided with a multipolar second plug connection and a flexible multi-lead cable connected to the second plug connection of which multi-lead cable the leads are each built up from a bundle of several conductors, wherein the first plug connection and the second plug connection are connected to each other and are intended and adapted for breaking and realising the mutual connection several times, wherein the connector is preferably provided with several first plug connections and several appliance connections connected thereto.

Drawing