FR2832556A1 - Neon sign connection wire technique having luminous tube with axially placed conductor wire and upper end slide section gripping/deforming conductor wire and cable feed conductor. - Google Patents

Abstract

The connection wire (10) has a wire (3) through the neon tube (1). The connection wire is made of a light material maintained at one end (4). There is an upper connection zone (B) with an axial slide section (13) holding the electrical conductor and the cable feed (6) and gripping them (14) in place deforming the conductor and cable.

Description

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The present invention relates to a connection terminal for a luminescent tube, this luminescent tube comprising at least two ends, each end being traversed axially by at least one integral electrical conductor. of said luminescent tube. The invention also relates to a luminescent tube as defined above equipped with such a connection terminal.

Luminescent tubes are well known and in particular used in the manufacture of light signs or any other signaling motif. Each luminescent tube comprises a gas-tight envelope, usually made of glass, as well as two electrodes housed in this envelope near its ends, each electrode being welded to at least one electrical conductor passing through said waterproof envelope in order to be electrically connected to a cable. 'food. In order to be able to make this electrical connection, a base provided with connection terminals, for example with screws, is mounted integrally on the ends of the luminescent tube. This base can be made of insulating material such as ceramic and is fixed to the luminescent tube by gluing. This base is then covered with an insulating and flexible sleeve, for example made of silicone, to protect it from the external environment.

In publication FR-A-2 769 752, the bottom of the base is open to receive by crimping a metal connection terminal. This connection terminal has a through central bore capable of receiving the electrical conductor on one side and the power cable on the other side. It also has a transverse threaded hole to receive a clamping screw which makes it possible to block the conductor and the cable together, thus ensuring an electrical connection by direct contact.

In publication FR-A-2 777 122, the base is metallic and fixed to the luminescent tube by gluing. It has a first bore to receive the electrical conductor blocked in the base by a first transverse screw and a second bore perpendicular to the first to receive the power cable blocked in the base by a second transverse screw. The electrical connection between the conductor and the cable is not made by direct contact but through the base.

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These known connection devices are not satisfactory. The ceramic, steel or chrome-plated brass inserts are relatively heavy and, so that they fit on the ends of the luminescent tube, they must always be fixed by gluing. In addition, they generate at the ends of the luminescent tube an overweight accentuated by a slight overhang which can cause the rupture of the welds of the luminescent tubes during their manipulation for example to put them in place.

Furthermore, if the glass welding is not carried out by a good glass blower with certain experience, which is more and more the case today, the quality of this welding is likely to be reduced and the thickness of the envelope may be irregular, causing areas of weakness. This lack of quality combined with the overweight of the caps make the luminescent tubes more and more fragile to handle, thus promoting the risks of rupture.

On the other hand, the electrical connection between the electrical conductor and the power cable is not optimal. If the tightening screw is not tightened correctly, there is creation of electric arcs which will quickly overheat the base and the end of the tube until the glass becomes softened and this luminescent tube breaks.

The electrical connection of these luminescent tubes is always carried out at their installation site at the time of assembly. The operator who is responsible for installing these luminescent tubes must connect them to the network supply cables.

To do this, he must access the connection terminals provided in the bases which are often very difficult to access, the luminescent tubes being housed in relatively small volumes. Often the connection terminal screw is not easily accessible. The base being glued on the tube, the operator has no possibility of orienting it differently and must somehow try to tighten the screw. Under these conditions, the electrical connection is often of poor quality, the tightening of the screw being very insufficient.

Then, these connection terminals oxidize over time, in particular because of the bad weather to which they are subjected, causing an electrical fault and causing the interruption of the electrical supply of all or part of the light sign which is supplied by the transformer. equipped with a so-called protection

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   vacuum cutoff. The operator must therefore intervene quickly to replace these connection terminals and restore the electrical supply. With oxidation, the screw is welded into the connection terminal and the operator must cut the power cable. The base being integral with the luminescent tube, the operator is then forced to change the entire tube, which generates a significant additional cost in parts and labor.

The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks by proposing a connection terminal as well as a luminescent tube equipped with such a connection terminal which is simple and compact, light, economical, quick to mount on a luminescent tube without weakening it, very easy to connect even in difficult accesses, easily removable and interchangeable while preserving the tube.

This object is achieved by a connection terminal as defined in the preamble and characterized in that it is made of a light material so as to be able to be freely mounted on each end of said luminescent tube and held on each end by at least said conductor electrical whose end is folded over said connection terminal, this connection terminal comprising at least one electrical connection zone provided with at least one axial bore arranged to receive in a superimposed manner at least said electrical conductor and a power cable electrical as well as clamping means arranged to secure at least said electrical conductor and said power cable to said connection terminal by radial deformation of said superimposed conductor and cable, when said connection terminal is mounted on said luminescent tube.

This connection terminal may also include a nesting zone substantially aligned axially with respect to said connection zone, this nesting zone comprising an interior recess whose shape is substantially complementary to that of the end of said luminescent tube.

Preferably, the clamping means comprise at least two support points offset axially and disposed on either side of said axial bore, at least one of said support points being movable radially relative to the other to cause said deformation radial of said conductor and cable.

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This connection terminal can be made of a molded or injected synthetic material. In this case, the clamping means may comprise at least one radial threaded hole for receiving a clamping screw disposed substantially perpendicular to the axial bore and at least one recess opposite the threaded hole. These clamping means can also comprise at least one metal insert provided in the connection zone, this insert comprising the axial bore, the radial threaded hole and the recess. In these two cases, the clamping screw and the edges of the recess form said support points.

According to an alternative embodiment, these clamping means may comprise a clamping ring mounted coaxially outside said connection area, the latter consisting of at least two movable jaws, at least partially conical, provided externally with a threading and internally of locking teeth, these movable jaws being integral with said interlocking zone by a zone of material of smaller thickness forming a hinge.

According to another alternative embodiment, the clamping means may comprise at least two jaws forming said connection zone, said jaws being connected together by a transverse clamping screw, these jaws being provided internally with locking teeth. At least one of the jaws can be movable and can be secured to the other fixed jaw or to said interlocking zone by a zone of material of smaller thickness forming a lateral hinge or an axial hinge.

The locking teeth are offset axially between them, form said support points, and may consist of radial strips projecting inside said axial bore.

At least the connection zone of said terminal can be made of stamped metal sheet. In this case, the clamping means may comprise at least two transverse sheet metal portions, offset axially, each comprising an axial orifice forming at least in part said axial bore, at least one sheet metal portion being coupled to a screw member arranged for move it radially, these sheet metal portions forming said support points.

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The sheet metal portion is either integral at one of its ends with a deformable part of said connection zone and at the other end of a threaded rod passing through an orifice provided in said connection zone, this threaded rod being suitable to receive a tightening nut. Or the sheet metal portion is secured at one of its ends to a deformable part of said connection area, a clamping screw being provided in a threaded hole in said connection area opposite said sheet portion.

This object is also achieved by a luminescent tube as defined in the preamble and characterized in that it comprises at least one connection terminal as defined above.

The present invention and its advantages will appear better in the following description of several exemplary embodiments, with reference to the appended drawings, in which: - Figure 1 is an enlarged view in axial section of one end of a luminescent tube fitted with a connection terminal according to the invention according to a first embodiment, FIGS. 2A and 2B are views in axial section of alternative embodiments of the connection terminal of FIG. 1, - FIG. 3A is a view similar to the Figure 1 of a second embodiment and Figure 3B is a top view, - Figure 4A is a view similar to Figure 1 of a third embodiment and Figure 4B is a top view, the figures 5 and 6 are views similar to FIG. 1 of a fourth embodiment according to two variants, FIGS. 7A and 7B are enlarged views in axial section of one end of another luminescent tube equipped with a b connection terminal according to

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 the invention according to a first embodiment, respectively in front view and in side view, FIG. 8A is a view similar to FIG. 7B, the end of the tube being equipped with a connection terminal according to a second form of embodiment and FIGS. 8B-C are top views of two variants of this embodiment, FIGS. 9A and 9B are views similar to FIGS. SA and 8B of an alternative embodiment, and FIG. 10A is a view similar to Figure 7A, the end of the tube being equipped with a connection terminal according to a third embodiment and Figure 10B is a top view.

With reference to the figures, the connection terminal 10-110 according to the invention is intended to be mounted at the ends of a luminescent tube 1, including it in known manner a 2.2 ″ gas-tight glass envelope provided with at least two ends 3, 3 'closed whose shape is more or less in relief depending on the type of luminescent tube. In Figures 1 to 6, the end 3 shown has substantially a drop shape and is crossed axially by an electrical conductor 4 secured to the casing 2 and connected to an electrode 5. In Figures 7 to 10, the end 3 ′ has a flattened shape and is crossed axially by two substantially parallel electrical conductors 4 ′, integral with the envelope 2 ′ and connected to an electrode 5 ′. These two conductors 4 'are the two strands of a single conductor folded in half and welded to the electrode 5' at its fold. This type of construction is mainly used for luminescent tubes made of soft glass like crystal or Murano.

This connection terminal 10-110 has the particularity of being made of a very light material and of being able to be mounted freely at the ends 3.3 ′ of the luminescent tube 1, the latter by means of an operating clearance, this clearance being deliberately exaggerated on the figures for better clarity of the drawings. Thanks to its low weight, this connection terminal 10-110 can be held at each end 3, 3 'of the luminescent tube 1, without glue or putty, only by the

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 electrical conductors 4, 4 ′ which pass right through it and whose free ends are folded back outside the connection terminal 10-110. The electrical conductor 4 is usually formed of a copper wire provided with a solid core and the conductors 4 'are usually formed of several twisted copper wires.

Both can therefore be easily folded.

The connection terminal 10-60,80-110 comprises a nesting zone A and an electrical connection zone B, these two zones A, B being substantially axially aligned. The nesting zone A has an internal recess 11 whose shape is substantially complementary to that of the end 3.3 ′ of the luminescent tube 1,1 ′. Except in the example illustrated by FIGS. 7A, 7B in which the end 3 is flat and the interlocking zone A is substantially cylindrical. In this case, elastic radial tongues 11 ′ are provided in the interior recess 11 to stabilize and center the connection terminal 80 relative to the end 3 ′ of the luminescent tube 1 ′. The external radial dimensions of this interlocking zone A are slightly smaller than those of the luminescent tube 1, the so as not to exceed the general external dimensions of said tube 1,1 '. The connection terminal 10-110 is intended to be covered by a flexible and insulating protective sleeve (not shown) made, for example, of silicone or any equivalent material. To this end, the connection terminal 10-110 may include an external shoulder 12 capable of cooperating with an internal shoulder provided in the protective sleeve so as to hold it in position on said connection terminal 10-110.

The electrical connection area B includes an axial bore 13 arranged to receive one of the electrical conductors 4, 4 ′ connected to the electrode 5 and an external electrical supply cable 6 coming from a network as well as means of tightening 14 arranged to bring this electrical conductor 4, 4 ′ and the power cable 6 into contact with the connection terminal 10-110 by radial deformation. To this end, these clamping means 14 comprise, on either side of the axial bore 13, at least two support points, axially offset, between which pass the electrical conductor (s) 4, 4 ′ and the cable supply 6, at least one of the support points being movable radially relative to the other thus causing said radial deformation. These clamping means 14 combine two functions. They allow by direct contact of at least one of the conductors

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 4,4 'and the power cable 6 to ensure a very good electrical connection. They allow simultaneously by radial deformation of the electrical conductor (s) 4, 4 'and the power cable 6 to eliminate any axial play between the connection terminal 10-110 and the electrical conductor (s) 4, 4' and to secure this terminal of connection 10-110 to the 1,1 'luminescent tube. The connection area B is configured so that the tightening means 14, once tightened, do not exceed the external dimensions of the connection terminal 10-110 and do not interfere with the positioning of the protective sleeve. The clamping means 14 are also arranged to be able to be clamped manually and / or using a tool such as a suitable screwdriver or pliers.

In the various embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 and 7 to 10, the connection terminal 10-40,70-110 is made of an electrically insulating material, for example in a molded or injected synthetic material, ceramic or any other equivalent material, which allows ultra light connection terminals.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B, the clamping means 14 comprise a threaded hole 15 radial to receive a clamping screw 16 disposed substantially perpendicular to the axial bore 13 and a recess 17 facing the hole threaded 15 to receive the radially deformed part of the power cable 6 and of the electrical conductor 4. The clamping screw 16 constitutes a movable support point and the edges of the recess 17 constitute two fixed support points between which the electrical conductor 4 and the power cable 6 are deformed radially. This clamping screw 16 comprises a grooved or knurled head provided with an impression for a screwdriver. In the embodiment of Figure 1, a metal insert 18 is embedded in the connection terminal 10 for example by overmolding. This insert 18 has the axial bore 13, the threaded hole 15 radial and the recess 17. In the alternative embodiment of Figure 2A, the connection terminal 20 does not include a metal insert, the threaded hole 15 being radial produced directly in the connection terminal 20. The recess 17 is, in this variant, formed by a smooth through hole. In the alternative embodiment of FIG. 2B, the connection terminal 70 is substantially identical to the connection terminal 20 but does not have a nesting zone A. This terminal

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 connection 70 is intended to equip any type of luminescent tube 1 whose ends 3 are not in relief.

When this connection terminal 10,20, 70 is mounted on the luminescent tube 1, the clamping screw 16 is slightly screwed into the threaded hole 15 allowing access to the power cable 6 inside the axial bore 13. To make the electrical connection, the operator screws, manually or using a screwdriver, the clamping screw 16 which, as it advances inside the axial bore 13 will deform radially the electrical conductor 4 and the power cable 6 bearing on the edges of the recess 17 thus axially blocking the connection terminal 10,20, 70 on the luminescent tube 1.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 10A and 10B, the clamping means 14 of the connection terminal 30, 110 comprise a clamping ring 31 mounted coaxially outside the connection area B. This ring clamp 31 is grooved or knurled to facilitate its handling. In this variant, the connection zone B consists of two movable jaws 32, 32 ′, comprising at least one conical portion, provided externally with a thread 33 and internally with locking teeth 34. The jaws 32, 32 ′ are made movable relative to the fitting zone A by means of a zone of material of smaller thickness forming a hinge 35. The locking teeth 34 are formed by projecting radial lamellae inside the axial bore 13, offset relative to each other. In the example represented by FIGS. 3A and 3B, they have a width greater than the radius of the axial bore 13 and have a V-shaped notch 36 for laterally creating stops preventing the electrical conductor 4 and the power cable 6 to go out. In the example represented by FIGS. 10A and 10B, they also have a width greater than the radius of the axial bore 13 and comprise two notches 37, 38 in the form of V to receive one of the conductors 4'seul and the other respectively. conductor 4 ′ and the power cable 6, these notches 37,38 possibly having a different depth. The right jaw 32 has a locking tooth 34 located, in the height direction, substantially in the middle of the connection area B and the left jaw 32 ′ has two locking teeth 34 located on either side of the central locking tooth 34. The number of movable jaws 32.32 ′ may be greater than two and for example equal to four.

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When this connection terminal 30,110 is mounted on the luminescent tube 1, 1 ', the clamping ring 31 is located at the base of the connection area B and the jaws 32,32' are open allowing access to the cable. supply 6 inside the axial bore 13 in the notches 36-38 formed in the blocking teeth 34. To make the electrical connection, the operator screws, manually or possibly with suitable pliers, the clamping ring 31 on the jaws 32, 32 ′ which tighten as the clamping ring 31 advances. During this operation, the locking teeth 34, which constitute said support points, radially deform the electrical conductor (s) 4,4 ′ and the power cable 6 and trap them in the notches 36-38 causing them to block in the connection terminal 30,100. In the connection terminal 110, the notch 37 is preferably less deep than the notch 38. Therefore, this variant makes it possible to block the connection terminal 110 on the luminescent tube 1 ′, in addition to the fold of the conductor 4 ', by screwing the tightening ring 31 a few turns so as to tighten the conductor 4' only in its notches 37, the passage provided by the notches 38 being sufficient to introduce the power cable 6 therein at the time of connection.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 7A, 7B, 8A-C and 9A, 9B, the clamping means 14 of the connection terminal 40.80, 90, 100 have two jaws 41-42,47- 48 constituting the connection area B. In FIGS. 4A, 4B, 7A, 7B, 8A-C, one of the jaws 41 is fixed and the other jaw 42 is movable. The movable jaw 42 is separated from the fitting zone A by a slot 43 and connected to the fixed jaw 41 by a zone of material of smaller thickness forming a lateral hinge 44. In FIGS. 9A and 9B, the two jaws 47 , 48 are movable and are connected to the fitting zone A by a zone of material of smaller thickness forming two axial hinges 49. In FIGS. 4B and 8B, these two jaws 41, 42 are connected on the side opposite to the hinge lateral 44 by a transverse clamping screw 45 freely passing through the movable jaw 42 and screwed into the fixed jaw 41, or vice versa. In FIGS. 7A, 7B, 8C, 9A, 9B, the two jaws 41-42,47-48 are connected in a median zone by a transverse clamping screw 45 freely passing through one of the jaws 41-42,47-48 and screwed in the other jaw 42-41,48-47. This clamping screw 45 has a grooved or knurled head provided with an impression for a screwdriver. As in

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 the previous example, these two jaws 41-42,47-48 have internally locking teeth 46 adapted as a function of the number of electrical conductors 4,4 '.

When this connection terminal 40,80, 90,100 is mounted on the luminescent tube 1, the clamping screw 45 is loosened and the jaws 41-42,47-48 are open allowing access to the power cable 6 to inside the axial bore 13. To make the electrical connection, the operator screws, manually or possibly with a screwdriver or suitable pliers, the clamping screw 45 which brings the two jaws 41 together. -42.47-48. During this operation, the locking teeth 46, which constitute said support points, radially deform the electrical conductor (s) 4,4 ′ and the power cable 6 and trap them between them causing their blocking in the connection terminal 40.80, 90.100. As in connection terminal 110, connection terminals 80,90, 100 can be blocked on the luminescent tube by tightening the conductor 4'seul in its notches, the passage provided by the other notches being sufficient to introduce the power cable 6 at the time of connection.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the connection terminal 50.60 is made of stamped sheet metal. This part can be obtained from a simple blank cut, folded and welded. In this variant, the interlocking zone A is defined by lateral sheet metal portions 51, 61 which at least partially surround the end 3 of the luminescent tube 1 and the connection zone B comprises at least three axial orifices 52'-54 ', 62-64' provided in three transverse sheet metal portions 52-54,62-64 forming three stages, these three axial orifices 52'-54 ', 62'-64' being axially offset, aligned and forming the axial bore 13 to receive the electrical conductor 4 and the power cable 6 superimposed. It is also possible to produce this connection terminal 50, 60 in different materials. For example, the interlocking zone A can be made of overmolded synthetic material on the connection zone B made of sheet metal previously stamped and folded.

In FIG. 5, the middle sheet metal portion 53 is integral at one of its ends with a deformable part 55 of the connection zone B and at the other end of a threaded rod 56 passing through an orifice 51 ′ provided in connection area B. This

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 threaded rod 56 receives a clamping nut 57 the periphery of which is grooved or knurled.

In FIG. 6, the middle sheet metal portion 63 is secured at one of its ends to a deformable part 65 of the connection area B. A clamping screw 66 is provided in a threaded hole 61 ′ in the area of connection B opposite this portion of central sheet metal 63. This clamping screw 66 comprises a grooved or knurled head provided with a recess for a screwdriver.

When this connection terminal 50.60 is mounted on the luminescent tube 1, the clamping nut 57 or the clamping screw 66 is loosened and the three axial holes 52'-54 ', 62'-64' are aligned allowing the access to the power cable 6 inside the axial bore 13. To make the electrical connection, the operator screws, manually or possibly with a suitable screwdriver or pliers, the clamping nut 57 or the clamping screw 66 which respectively pulls or pushes the middle plate portion 53,63. During this operation, the corresponding axial hole 53 ′, 63 ′ and constituting said movable fulcrum moves radially by deforming radially the electrical conductor 4 and the power cable 6 relative to the axial holes 52 ′, 54 ′ and 62 ′, 64 ′ constituting two fixed support points.

It is clear from this description that the invention makes it possible to achieve the goals set and to obtain performances far superior to those of current connection systems both mechanically and in terms of connection.

In particular, the connection terminal 10-110 can be produced simply and inexpensively in a very light material which allows it to be mounted on the ends 3.3 ′ of a luminescent tube 1, the easily, without welding, no gluing, by simply folding the free end of the electrical conductor (s) 4,4 '. This mounting method can be combined with a pre-tightening of the tightening means 14, in particular for the connection terminals 80-110. This connection terminal 10-110 has the advantage of not weakening the luminescent tube 1, at the welds by the addition of an overweight. In addition, it remains easily accessible during assembly of the luminescent tube 1, since it can be easily rotated relative to the end 3 of the tube 1 to access the screwed member if necessary.

Furthermore, the electrical connection obtained by this connection terminal 10-110 is optimal and reliable over time since it is ensured by a screwed member which

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 puts the power cable 6 in direct contact with at least one of the electrical conductors 4,4 'over a relatively large length. In addition, this screwed member radially deforms this electrical conductor 4,4 ′ and the power cable 6 which further improves the electrical connection and eliminates any axial play of the connection terminal 10-110 relative to the luminescent tube. 1, 1 ', joining them together. The zone in which tightening takes place has the advantage of being distinct from the luminescent tube 1, the and thus does not generate any parasitic force on or in this tube which risks weakening it.

This 10-110 connection terminal is also easily removable and interchangeable. To do this, simply unscrew the screwed member or cut the power cable 6, unfold the free end of each electrical conductor 4, 4 ', remove the connection terminal 10-110 not glued on the luminescent tube 1, l ', replace it with a new connection terminal 10-110 and reconnect the power cable 6 after having stripped its free end. Consequently, this connection terminal 10-110 can be offered as spare parts or pre-mounted on luminescent tubes 1 ready to install.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described but extends to any modification and variant obvious to a person skilled in the art while remaining within the scope of the protection defined in the appended claims.

Claims (17)

Claims 1. Connection terminal (10-110) for luminescent tube (1, 1), this luminescent tube (1,1) comprising at least two ends (3,3), each end (3,3) being traversed axially by at least one electrical conductor (4,4) integral with said luminescent tube (1,1), characterized in that said connection terminal (10-110) is made of a light material so that it can be freely mounted on each end ( 3.3) of said luminescent tube (1.1) and held on each end (3.3) by at least said electrical conductor (4, 4) whose end is folded over said connection terminal, this connection terminal ( 10-110) comprising at least one electrical connection zone (B) provided with at least one axial bore (13) arranged to receive at least one said electrical conductor (4, 4) and a power cable (6 ) electric as well as clamping means (14) arranged to secure to the less s said electrical conductor (4, 4) and said power cable (6) to said connection terminal (10-110) by radial deformation of said superimposed conductor (4, 4) and cable (6), when said connection terminal (10-110) is mounted on said luminescent tube (1, 1). 2. Connection terminal (10-60,80-110) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a nesting zone (A) substantially aligned axially with respect to said connection zone (B), said zone socket (A) comprising an interior recess (11) whose shape is substantially complementary to that of the end (3,3) of said luminescent tube (1, 1). 3. Connection terminal (10-110) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said clamping means (14) comprise at least two support points offset axially and arranged on either side of said axial bore ( 13), at least one of said support points being movable radially with respect to the other to cause said radial deformation of said conductor (4, 4) and cable (6). 4. Connection terminal (10-40,70-110) according to claim 1, characterized in that it is made of a molded or injected synthetic material. 5. Connection terminal (10,20, 70) according to claim 3, characterized in that said clamping means (14) comprise at least one threaded hole (15) radial for <Desc / CRUD Page number 15>  receiving a clamping screw (16) disposed substantially perpendicular to said axial bore (13) and at least one recess (17) opposite said threaded hole (15), said clamping screw (16) and the edges of said recess (17) forming said support points. 6. Connection terminal (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that said clamping means (14) comprise at least one metal insert (18) provided in said connection zone (B), this insert (18) comprising said axial bore (13), said radial threaded hole (15) and said recess (17). 7. Connection terminal (30,110) according to claim 3, characterized in that said clamping means (14) comprise a clamping ring (31) mounted coaxially outside of said connection zone (B), the latter being consisting of at least two movable jaws (32,32 '), at least partially conical, provided externally with a thread (33) and internally with locking teeth (34), said locking teeth forming said support points. 8. Connection terminal (40,80-100) according to claim 3, characterized in that said clamping means (14) comprise at least two jaws (41,42, 47, 48) forming said connection area (B) , said jaws (41,42, 47,48) being interconnected by a transverse clamping screw (45) and provided internally with locking teeth (46), said locking teeth (46) forming said support points. 9. Connection terminal (30,40, 80-110) according to claims 7 and 8, characterized in that the locking teeth (34,46) are formed by protruding radial lamellae inside said axial bore (13) , the locking teeth (34,46) of the two jaws (32,32 ', 41,42) being offset axially with respect to each other. 10. Connection terminal (30,110) according to claim 7, characterized in that the movable jaws (32,32 ') are integral with said nesting zone (A) by a zone of material of smaller thickness forming a hinge ( 35). 11. Connection terminal (40,80-100) according to claim 8, characterized in that at least one of the jaws (42,47, 48) is movable and integral with said jaw <Desc / Clms Page number 16>  fixed (41) or of said nesting zone (A) by a zone of material of smaller thickness forming a lateral (44) or axial (49) hinge. 12. Connection terminal (50,60) according to claim 3, characterized in that at least said connection zone (B) is made of stamped metal sheet. 13. Connection terminal (50,60) according to claim 12, characterized in that said clamping means (14) comprise at least two portions of sheet metal (52-54,62- 64) transversely offset axially and each comprising an orifice axial (52'- 54 ', 62'-64') forming at least in part said axial bore (13), at least a portion of sheet metal (53,63) being coupled to a screw member (56,57, 66 ) arranged to move it radially, said sheet metal portions (52-54,62-64) forming said support points. 14. Connection terminal (50) according to claim 13, characterized in that said plate portion (53) is integral at one of its ends with a deformable part (55) of said connection zone (B) and at the other end of a threaded rod (56) passing through an orifice (51 ') provided in said connection zone, this threaded rod (56) being capable of receiving a tightening nut (57). 15. Connection terminal (60) according to claim 13, characterized in that said sheet metal portion (63) is integral at one of its ends with a deformable part (65) of said connection zone (B), a clamping screw (66) being provided in a threaded hole (61 ') of said connection zone opposite said portion of sheet metal (63). 16. Luminescent tube (1,1) comprising at least two ends (3, 3), each end (3,3) being traversed axially by at least one electrical conductor (4, 4) integral with said tube (1,1), characterized in that it comprises at least one connection terminal (10-110) made of a light material so that it can be freely mounted on each of its ends (3, 3) and held on each end (3, 3) by at least said electrical conductor (4,4) the end of which is folded over said connection terminal, this connection terminal (10-110) comprising at least one electrical connection area (B) provided with at least one bore axial (13) arranged to receive at least one said superimposed <Desc / Clms Page number 17>  electrical conductor (4,4) and an electrical supply cable (6) as well as clamping means (14) arranged to secure at least said electrical conductor (4,4) and said supply cable (6) to said connection terminal (10-110) by radial deformation of said superimposed conductor and cable. 17. Luminescent tube (1, 1) according to claim 16, characterized in that said connection terminal (10-60,80-110) has a nesting zone (A) substantially axially aligned with respect to said connection zone (B), said nesting zone (A) comprising an interior recess (11) whose shape is substantially complementary to that of said end (3, 3).