AU2019201801A1 - Connecting device for an electrical unit, electrical unit comprising said connecting device and associated distribution box - Google Patents

Abstract

CONNECTING DEVICE FOR AN ELECTRICAL UNIT, ELECTRICAL UNIT COMPRISING SAID CONNECTING DEVICE AND ASSOCIATED DISTRIBUTION BOX The subject matter of the present invention is a connecting device of a first conductor (1) to a first conductive terminal of an electrical unit (3), configured to be powered at a first electric potential, comprising : 10 first tensioning means (4) of the first conductor (1) in contact with the first conductive terminal, a single actuating element (5) for activating the first tensioning means (4), a connecting cage (6) which comprises in its internal volume at 15 least the first conductive terminal and is mobile relative to the first conductive terminal, the device being characterised in that it also comprises: at least second tensioning means (9) of a second conductor (10) at a second conductive terminal of the electrical unit (3), configured to be 20 powered at a second electric potential different from the first electric potential. Ln oon :100 m- - - - - - -

Description

CONNECTING DEVICE FORAN ELECTRICAL UNIT, ELECTRICAL UNIT COMPRISING SAID CONNECTING DEVICE AND ASSOCIATED DISTRIBUTION BOX

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to the field of connecting devices of at least one conductor for an electrical unit, the field of electrical units comprising such connecting devices, and also to the field of distribution boxes comprising a connection bar connected to such connecting devices.

In the tertiary or commercial sector, distribution boxes can comprise a connection bar which is fixed to the distribution box, preferably arranged vertically, and enables the electrical connection of one or more modular electrical units, for example modular differential circuit breakers, to an electric distribution source, and more particularly, the connection of a conductive terminal of a phase line that each electrical unit comprises. Furthermore, a neutral bar is also provided in the distribution box and enables the connection of a cable of a neutral line that each electrical unit comprises. In order to facilitate the connection of the conductive terminal of the phase line of the electrical unit to the connection bar of the distribution box, the electrical unit generally comprises a connecting device. Said connecting device comprises, in a known manner, a connecting cage which is movable relative to the only conductive terminal of the phase line of the electrical unit and a tensioning screw enabling the displacement of the connecting cage, in order to form the connection by tensioning one conductive end of a conductor of the connection bar to the conductive terminal of the phase line. However, at the moment, on the one hand the connection of the conductive terminal of the phase line of the electrical unit to the conductor of the connection bar and on the other hand the connection of the cable of the neutral line of the electrical unit to the neutral bar are performed in two successive steps. The execution of these two steps lengthens the installation time. Furthermore, the cabling of the neutral lines of the electrical units on the neutral bar has the disadvantage of being cumbersome and has the additional disadvantage of increasing congestion inside the distribution box.

-2The aim of the present invention is to overcome these disadvantages by proposing a solution which makes it possible to facilitate the connection of an electrical unit to at least two conductors which can have different electric potentials.

The invention is explained in more detail in the following description which relates to several preferred embodiments, given by way of non-restrictive examples and explained with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:

figures 1 to 4 are perspective views of the connecting device according to the invention in a first embodiment, figure 5 is a perspective and exploded view of the connecting device according to the invention in the first embodiment, figures 6 and 7 are perspective views of a first insulating element of the connecting device according to the invention in the first embodiment, figure 8 is a perspective view of a second tensioning element of the connecting device according to the invention in the first embodiment, figure 9 is a perspective view of a connecting cage of the connecting device according to the invention in the first embodiment, figure 10 is a perspective view of a first tensioning element and an actuating element of the connecting device according to the invention in the first embodiment, figure 11 is a perspective view of a first conductive terminal for an electrical unit of the connecting device according to the invention in the first embodiment, figure 12 is a perspective view of a second conductive terminal for an electrical unit of the connecting device according to the invention in the first embodiment, figures 13A and 13B are perspective views of a connecting device according to the invention, in the first embodiment, to which a first conductor and a second conductor are connected, in a tensioned position of the first and second tensioning means, figure 14 is a perspective view of the electrical unit, the shell of which is shown in part, comprising the connecting device according to the invention, in the first embodiment, as well as the first conductive terminal and the second conductive terminal,

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-3 figure 15 is a perspective view of the electrical unit of figure 14 showing the connecting device according to the invention in the first embodiment, to which the first conductor and the second conductor are connected, in the non-tensioned position of the first and second tensioning means, figure 16 is a perspective view of the electrical unit of figure 14 showing the connecting device according to the invention in the first embodiment, to which the first conductor and the second conductor are connected, in a tensioned position of the first and second tensioning means, figures 17 to 18 are perspective views of the connecting device according to the invention in a second embodiment, figure 19 is a perspective and exploded view of the connecting device according to the invention in the second embodiment, figure 20 is a perspective view of the connecting device according to the invention in a third embodiment, and figure 21 is a perspective and exploded view of the connecting device according to the invention in the third embodiment.

The connecting device of at least one first conductor 1 to a first conductive terminal 2 of an electrical unit 3, configured to be powered at a first electric potential, comprises:

first tensioning means 4 of the first conductor 1 in contact with the first conductive terminal 2, a single actuating element 5 for activating the first tensioning means 4, at least one connecting cage 6 which comprises in its internal volume at least the first conductive terminal 2 and is movable relative to the first conductive terminal 2, the first tensioning means 4 comprising at least one first tensioning element 7 connected mechanically to the actuating element 5 and comprising a tensioning portion 7a arranged in the internal volume of the connecting cage 6 between the connecting cage 6 and the first conductive terminal 2, the first conductive terminal 2 and the tensioning portion 7a of the first tensioning element 7 delimiting at least one part of a first housing 8 of the first conductor 1.

-4According to the invention, the device is characterised in that it also comprises:

at least second tensioning means 9 for tensioning a second conductor 10 to a second conductive terminal 11 of the electrical unit 3, configured to be powered at a second electric potential different from the first electric potential, in that the actuating element 5 is able and is designed to activate second tensioning means 9, in that said at least one connecting cage 6 comprises in its internal volume the second conductive terminal 11, and is movable on the one hand relative to the first conductive terminal 2 and on the other hand relative to the second conductive terminal 11, at least one first insulating element 12 made from an electrically insulating material inserted between the first conductive terminal 2 and the second conductive terminal 11 in the internal volume of the connecting cage 6 and fixed to the first conductive terminal 2 and/or the second conductive terminal 11, the second tensioning means 9 comprising at least one second tensioning element 13 made from an electrically insulating material arranged in the internal volume of the connecting cage 6, between the connecting cage 6 and the second conductive terminal 11, the second tensioning element 13 being movable relative to the second conductive terminal 11, the second conductive terminal 11 and the second tensioning element 13 delimiting a second housing 14 of the second conductor 10.

Advantageously, said connecting device enables only one single operation for connecting to a connecting cage 6, which is preferably singular, at least on the one hand a first conductor 1 to the first conductive terminal 2, which is able and is designed to be powered at a first electric potential, and on the other hand a second conductor 10 to the second conductive terminal 11, which is able and is designed to be powered at a second electric potential, different from the first electric potential. This saves time during the connecting operation of the electrical unit 3 provided to the connecting device according to the invention at least to the first conductor 1 and to the second conductor 10 which may have different electric potentials. This result is possible in particular due to the first insulating element 12 which

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-5 makes it possible to electrically insulate the first conductive terminal 2 from the second conductive terminal 11.

According to a first embodiment of the invention illustrated in figures 1 to 9, 13A to 16, the second tensioning element 13 made from an electrically insulating material is fixed to the connecting cage 6 by a securing element 18.

This configuration is particularly adapted for the connection of two conductors 1,10, namely the first conductor 1 and the second conductor 10 which are provided to have electric potentials which may be different. This result is possible due to the first insulating element 12 which makes it possible to electrically insulate at least the first conductive terminal 2 from the second conductive terminal 11, and due to second tensioning element 13 made from an electrically insulating material which makes it possible at least partly to electrically insulate the second conductive terminal 11 from the connecting cage 6. For example, the first conductive terminal 2 can correspond to a terminal of a neutral line of the electrical unit 3 and the second conductive terminal 11 can correspond to a terminal of a phase line of the electrical unit 3. In an alternative and non-limiting manner, the first conductive terminal 2 can correspond to a terminal of a first phase line of the electrical unit 3 and the second conductive terminal 11 can correspond to a terminal of a second phase line of the electrical unit 3.

To form the connection between the first and second conductor 1, 10, the first conductor 1 and the second conductor 10 are firstly inserted respectively into the first housing 8 and into the second housing 14, and the first and second tensioning means 4, 9 are in a non-tensioned position (figure 15). Then, the actuating element 5 is moved such that the tensioning portion 7a of the first tensioning element 7 is displaced in the direction of the first conductive terminal 2 and such that it is placed against the first conductor 1. The result is thus that the latter is positioned in contact with the first conductive terminal 2, and the first tensioning means 4 is in a tensioned position (figures 13A, 13B and 16). Furthermore, once the actuating element 5 has been moved, the connecting cage 6 is moved relative to the first and second conductive terminals 2, 11. In particular, as a result the second tensioning element 13 is displaced in the direction of the

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-6second conductive terminal 11 and is placed against the second conductor 10. As a result the latter is positioned in contact with the second conductive terminal 11 and the second tensioning means 9 is in a tensioned position (figures 13A, 13B and 16).

According to second embodiment of the invention illustrated in figures 17 to 19, the second tensioning means 9 is also able and are designed for tensioning a third conductor (not shown) to a third conductive terminal 30 of the electrical unit 3, configured to be powered at a third electric potential different from the first electric potential and/or from the second electric potential, said at least one connecting cage 6 comprises in its internal volume the third conductive terminal 30 which is fixed relative to said connecting cage 6, the second tensioning element 13 being mounted in a sliding manner relative to said connecting cage 6, between the second conductive terminal 11 and the third conductive terminal 30, and in that it also comprises a second insulating element 31 made from an electrically insulating material, inserted between the third conductive terminal 30 and the connecting cage 6 in the internal volume of the connecting cage 6 and fixed to the connecting cage 6, the third conductive terminal 30 and the second tensioning element 13 delimiting a third housing 32 of the third conductor.

This configuration is adapted in particular to the connection of three conductors 1,10, namely the first conductor 1, the second conductor 10 and a third conductor provided with electric potentials that may be different. For example, the first conductive terminal 2 may correspond to a terminal of a neutral line of the electrical unit 3, the second conductive terminal 11 may correspond to a terminal of a first phase line of the electrical unit 3, the third conductive terminal 30 may correspond to a terminal of a second phase line of the electrical unit 3. In an alternative manner for example, the first conductive terminal 2 may correspond to a terminal of a first phase line of the electrical unit 3, the second conductive terminal 11 may correspond to a terminal of a second phase line of the electrical unit 3, the third conductive terminal 30 may correspond to a terminal of a third phase line of the electrical unit 3.

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-7Said connecting device makes it possible in one single operation to connect to the connecting cage 6, which is preferably singular, a first conductor 1 to the first conductive terminal 2, which is able and is designed to be powered at the first electric potential, a second conductor 10 to the second conductive terminal 11, which is able and is designed to be powered at the second electric potential, and a third conductor to the third conductive terminal 30, which is able and is designed to be powered at a third electric potential different from the first electric potential and/or from the second electric potential. This is made possible by means of the first insulating element 12 which makes it possible to electrically insulate at least the first conductive terminal 2 from the second conductive terminal 11, by means of the second tensioning element 13 made from an electrically insulating material which makes it possible to electrically insulate the second conductive terminal 11 from the third conductive terminal 30 and by means of the second insulating element 31 which makes is possible to electrically insulate the third conductive terminal 30 from the connecting cage 6.

To make the connection of the first, second and third conductors 1,10, the first conductor 1, the second conductor 10 and the third conductor are firstly inserted respectively into the first housing 8, into the second housing 14 and into the third housing 32, and the first and second tensioning means 4, 9 are in a non-tensioned position. Then the actuating element 5 is manoeuvred such that the tensioning portion 7a of the first tensioning element 7 is displaced in the direction of the first conductive terminal 2 and is placed against the first conductor 1. The result is thus that the latter is in contact with the first conductive terminal 2, and the first tensioning means 4 is in a tensioned position. Furthermore, when the actuating element 5 is manoeuvred, the connecting cage 6 is moved relative to the first and second conductive terminals 2, 11. The third conductive terminal 30 is however also moved relative to the first and second conductive terminals 2, 11. In particular, as a result the third conductive terminal 30 is displaced in the direction of the second tensioning element 13. As the third conductor is inserted into the third housing 32, the second tensioning element 13 is in turn displaced in the direction of the second conductive terminal 11, such that it is placed both against the second conductor 10 and the third conductor. Thus as a result the latter are in contact respectively with the

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-8second conductive terminal 11 and the third conductive terminal 30, the second tensioning means 9 being in a tensioned position.

According to a third embodiment of the invention illustrated in figures 20 and 21, the device also comprises:

at least third tensioning means 33 of a third conductor to a third conductive terminal 30 of the electrical unit 3, configured to be powered at a third electric potential different from the first electric potential and/or the second electric potential, the actuating element 5 is able and is designed to activate the third tensioning means 33, the third tensioning means 33 comprising at least one third tensioning element 34 made from an electrically insulating material, arranged in the internal volume of the connecting cage 6, said at least one connecting cage 6 also comprises in its internal volume the third conductive terminal 30 fixed to the second tensioning element 13, the second tensioning element 13, to which the third conductive terminal 30 is fixed, being mounted in a sliding manner relative to said connecting cage 6, between the second conductive terminal 11 and the third tensioning element 34, the third conductive terminal 30 and the third tensioning element 34 delimiting a third housing 32 of the third conductor, the third tensioning means 33 is also able and is designed for tensioning a fourth conductor (not shown) to a fourth conductive terminal 35 of the electrical unit 3, configured to be powered at a fourth electric potential different from the first electric potential and/or from the second electric potential and/or from the third electric potential, said at least one connecting cage 6 comprises, in its internal volume, the fourth conductive terminal 35, which is fixed relative to said connecting cage 6, the third tensioning element 34 being mounted in a sliding manner relative to said connecting cage 6, between the third conductive terminal 30 and the fourth conductive terminal 35, and in that it also comprises a second insulating element 31 made from an electrically insulating material inserted between the fourth

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-9conductive terminal 35 and the connecting cage 6 in the internal volume of the connecting cage 6 and fixed to the connecting cage 6, the fourth conductive terminal 35 and the third tensioning element 34 delimiting a fourth housing 36 of the fourth conductor.

This configuration is particularly adapted to the connection of four conductors 1, 10, namely the first conductor 1, the second conductor 10, a third conductor and a fourth conductor which have electric potentials that may be different. For example, the first conductive terminal 2 may correspond to a terminal of a neutral line of the electrical unit 3, the second conductive terminal 11 may correspond to a terminal of a first phase line of the electrical unit 3, the third conductive terminal 30 may correspond to a terminal of a second phase line of the electrical unit 3, and the fourth conductive terminal 35 may correspond to a terminal of a third phase line of the electrical unit 3.

Said connecting device makes it possible in one single operation to connect to the connecting cage 6, which is preferably singular, a first conductor 1 to the first conductive terminal 2, which is able and is designed to be powered at the first electric potential, a second conductor 10 at the second conductive terminal 11, which is able and is designed to be powered at the second electric potential, a third conductor at the third conductive terminal 30, which is able and is designed to be powered at a third electric potential, a fourth conductor at the fourth conductive terminal 35, which is able and is designed to be powered at a fourth electric potential, different from the first electric potential and/or from the second electric potential and/or from the third electric potential. This result can be achieved by means of the first insulating element 12 which makes it possible to electrically insulate at least the first conductive terminal 2 from the second conductive terminal 11, by means of the second tensioning element 13 made from an electrically insulating material which makes it possible to electrically insulate the second conductive terminal 11 from the third conductive terminal 30, by means of the third tensioning element 34 made from an electrically insulating material which makes it possible to electrically insulate the third conductive terminal 30 from the fourth conductive terminal 35, and by means of the second insulating element 31 which makes it possible to

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-10electrically insulate the fourth conductive terminal 35 from the connecting cage 6.

To make the connection of the first, second, third and fourth conductors 1, 10, the first conductor 1, the second conductor 10, the third conductor and the fourth conductor are firstly inserted respectively into the first housing 8, into the second housing 14, into the third housing 32 and into the fourth housing 36, and the first, second and third tensioning means 4, 9, 33 are in a non-tensioned position. Then the actuating element 5 is manoeuvred, such that the tensioning portion 7a of the first tensioning element 7 is displaced in the direction of the first conductive terminal 2 and such that it is placed against the first conductor 1. Thus as a result the latter is in contact with the first conductive terminal 2 and the first tensioning means 4 is in a tensioned position. Furthermore, when the actuating element 5 is manoeuvred, the connecting cage 6 is moved relative to the first and second conductive terminals 2, 11. The fourth conductive terminal 35 however is also set in motion relative to the first and second conductive terminals 2, 11. In particular, as a result the fourth conductive terminal 35 is displaced in the direction of the third tensioning element 34. As the fourth conductor is inserted into the fourth housing 36, and the third conductor is inserted into the third housing 32, the third tensioning element 34 is displaced in turn in the direction of the third conductive terminal 30, and the second tensioning element 13 is in turn displaced in the direction of the second conductive terminal 11, such that the third tensioning element 34 is placed both against the fourth conductor and the third conductor and the second tensioning element 13 is placed against the second conductor 10. Thus as a result the second conductor 10, the third conductor and the fourth conductor are in contact respectively with the second conductive terminal 11, the third conductive terminal 30 and the fourth conductive terminal 35 and the second and third tensioning means 9, 33 are in a tensioned position.

According to a non-restrictive version of the first, second and third embodiments, the first insulating element 12 has the form of a U or an H and comprises at least one first branch 19 and one second branch 20 which are substantially parallel to one another and a base 21 separating the first branch 19 and the second branch 20, said base 21 receiving a fixing surface

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- 11 of the first conductive terminal 2 and the first branch 19 and the second branch 20 extending around the second conductive terminal 11.

Advantageously, the base 21 enables at least the securing of the first conductive terminal 2. Furthermore, the first branch 19 and the second branch 20 make it possible to insulate the second conductive terminal 11 from the connecting cage 6.

In the first embodiment, the base 21 makes it possible to fix the first conductive terminal 2 and the second conductive terminal 11. In this case, the first insulating element 12 preferably has the form of an inverse U (figures 6 and 7).

In the second and third embodiments, the base 21 makes it possible to fix the first conductive terminal 2 and the second conductive terminal 11. In this case, the first insulating element 12 preferably has the form of an H. Then the first insulating element 12 can have a third branch 19’ and a fourth branch 20’ extending around the first conductive terminal 2 (figures 17 to 21). The third branch 19’ and the fourth branch 20’ make it possible to insulate the first conductive terminal 2 of the connecting cage 6. Thus the first insulating element 12 also makes it possible to insulate the first conductive terminal 2.

Preferably, in the first embodiment, the base 21 of the first insulating element 12 comprises fixing means 22 of the first conductive terminal 2.

Preferably, the fixing means 22 can consist of four pins projecting from the base 21. The base 21 can be in the form of a parallelepiped and the four pins can be located at four comers of the parallelepiped (figures 6 and 7).

Then the first conductive terminal 2 can comprise four cut-outs 2a with a form complementary to the pins (figures 5 and 11).

Preferably, in the first, second and third embodiments, the first branch 19 and the second branch 20 comprise respectively a first wing 23 and a second wing 24, said first and second wings 23, 24 projecting respectively from an external wall 25 of the first branch 19 and the second branch 20,

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- 12and resting on a thickness 26 of two lateral faces 6a, 6b substantially parallel to one another that comprises the connecting cage 6.

Advantageously, the first wing 23 and the second wing 24 are provided to respect the insulating distances.

Preferably, in the second and third embodiments, the wings 23, 24 extend to the third and fourth branches 19’, 20’ (figures 19 and 21).

According to a non-restrictive version of the first embodiment, the second conductive terminal 11 comprises a portion in the form of a U 15 delimiting a fitting area 16 and the second tensioning element 13 comprises a fitting portion 17 complementary to the fitting area 16 to cooperate by interconnection with said fitting area 16 and to delimit the second housing 14 (figures 3 to 8).

In this configuration, the second conductive terminal 11 in the form of a U can be interconnected between the first and second branches 19, 20 of the first insulating element 12 and fixed there. Furthermore, the fitting area 16 forms an interactive interface with the second conductor 10. Furthermore, the fitting portion 17 of the second tensioning element 13 can advantageously be introduced to the fitting area 16 for tensioning the second conductor 10.

Preferably, in the first, second and third embodiments, the second conductive terminal 11 also comprises a fixing portion 11c designed to be mounted in a fixed manner in the electrical unit 3.

Preferably, in the first, second and third embodiments, the connecting cage 6 comprises two lateral faces 6a, 6b which are substantially parallel to one another and spaced apart from one another by a distance D1 lower than the value of a module (figures 9, 19 and 21).

Thus, the connecting device can be advantageously compatible with electrical units 3 having a width LI of a module.

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- 13 Preferably, the second tensioning element 13 and/or the first insulating element 12 and/or the second insulating element 31 and/or the third tensioning element 34 are made from an electrically insulating material and are resistant to creep and to compression, selected from: ceramics, wood, a thermosetting polymer, preferably polyoxybenzylmethylenglycolanhydride.

Advantageously, this type of dielectric material has both properties of electrical insulation and sufficient mechanical resistance to compression to avoid creep during the tensioning of the first and second conductors 1,10, and, if necessary the third and/or fourth conductors.

Preferably in the first, second and third embodiments, the actuating element 5 can consist of a screw comprising a head 5’ at a first end and a threaded portion (not shown) (figures 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 18 to 21).

The first tensioning element 7 can have the form of a U comprising two branches 7a, 7b. A first branch forms the tensioning portion 7a. The first branch 7a may comprise a passage 7c.

The screw can traverse the passage 7c, the head 5’ forming an abutment and a second free end 5” can rest on the first branch 7a.

Furthermore, the connecting cage 6 can comprise an upper face 6c and a lower face 6e which are arranged between lateral faces 6a, 6b opposite one another and are substantially parallel to one another.

On the upper face 6c it is possible to provide a threaded opening 6d cooperating with the threaded portion of the screw. The first branch 7a is arranged in the volume of the connecting cage 6 below the upper face 6c.

Preferably, in the first embodiment, the second tensioning element 13 made from an electrically insulating material is fixed to the lower face 6e of the connecting cage 6. More particularly, the lower face 6e has an opening 6f. The securing element 18 is preferably formed by a projecting pin inserted into the opening 6f (figure 4).

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- 14Preferably, in the second embodiment, the second tensioning element 13 made from an electrically insulating material can comprise a first interaction face 13a with the second conductor 10 and a second interaction face (not shown) with the third conductor (figures 17, 18 and 19).

Preferably, in the third embodiment, the second tensioning element 13 made from an electrically insulating material can comprise an interaction face 13a with the second conductor 10 and a fixing surface (not shown) with a fixing surface 30a of the third conductive terminal 30 described below (figures 20 and 21).

Preferably, in the third embodiment, the third tensioning element 34 made from an electrically insulating material can comprise a first interaction face 34a with the third conductor and a second interaction face (not shown) with the fourth conductor.

Preferably, in the second and third embodiments, the second tensioning element 13 and/or the third tensioning element 34 may have a general parallelepiped rectangular form. Furthermore, the second tensioning element 13 and/or the third tensioning element 34 may comprise first and second wings 13b, 34b projecting respectively from the lateral face 13c, 34c different from the interaction faces 13a, 34a and/or fixing surfaces and arranged opposite the thickness 26 of the connecting cage 6.

Said wings 13b, 34b are provided to slide relative to the thickness 26 of the connecting cage 6 and to respect the insulating distances.

Preferably, in the second and third embodiments, the second insulating element 31 has the form of a U and comprises a first branch 31b and a second branch 31c substantially parallel to one another and a base 31a separating the first branch 31b and the second branch 31c.

Advantageously, in the second embodiment, this configuration enables the second insulating element 31 to electrically insulate the third conductive terminal 30 from the connecting cage 6, as the first and second branches 31b, 31c extend around the third conductive terminal 30.

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- 15 Advantageously, in the third embodiment, this configuration enables the second insulating element 31 to electrically insulate the third conductive terminal 30 from the connecting cage 6 and the fourth conductive terminal 35 from the connecting cage 6, as the first and second branches 31b, 31c extend around the third conductive terminal 30 and the fourth conductive terminal 35.

Preferably, in the second and third embodiments, the second insulating element 31 can comprise first and second wings 3Id protruding from the first branch 31b and from the second branch 31c and disposed opposite the thickness 26 of the connecting cage 6.

Said wings 3Id are provided to respect the insulating distances.

Preferably, in the first, second and third embodiments, the first conductive terminal 2 comprises an interaction face 2b which is able and is designed to come into contact with the first conductor 1 and is located opposite the fixing surface mounted on the base 21. Preferably, the first conductive terminal 2 also comprises, a fixing portion 2c designed to be mounted in a fixed manner in the electrical unit 3 (figures 1, 2, 5, 11, 14, 17, 19 and 21).

Preferably, in the second and third embodiments, the second conductive terminal 11 comprises an interaction face (not shown) which is able and is designed to come into contact with the second conductor 10 and is located opposite the fixing surface Ila mounted on the base 21. Preferably, the second conductive terminal 11 also comprises a fixing portion lie designed to be mounted in a fixed manner in the electrical unit 3 (figures 17 to 21).

Preferably, in the second embodiment, the third conductive terminal 30 comprises an interaction surface 30b which is able and is designed to come into contact with the third conductor and is located opposite the fixing face (not shown) mounted on the base 31 a of the second insulating element 31. Preferably, the third conductive terminal 30 also comprises a fixing portion 30c designed to be mounted in a movable manner relative to the electrical unit 3 (figures 17 and 18).

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- 16Preferably, in the third embodiment, the third conductive terminal 30 comprises an interaction surface (not shown) which is able and is designed to come into contact with the third conductor and is located opposite the fixing surface 30a mounted on the second tensioning element 13. Preferably, the third conductive terminal 30 also comprises a fixing portion 30c designed to be mounted in a movable manner relative to the electrical unit 3 (figure 21).

Preferably in the third embodiment, the fourth conductive terminal 35 comprises an interaction face 35b which is able and is designed to come into contact with the fourth conductor and is located opposite the fixing surface (not shown) mounted on the base 31a of the second insulating element 31. Preferably, the third conductive terminal 30 also comprises a fixing portion 35c designed to be mounted in a movable manner relative to the electrical unit 3 (figures 20 and 21).

Preferably, the fixing portion 2c, 11c, 30c, 35c extends at least partly outside the volume of the connecting cage 6.

The invention also relates to an electrical unit 3 comprising at least one first conductive terminal 2, configured to be powered at a first electric potential and at least one second conductive terminal 11, configured to be powered at a second electric potential different from the first electric potential.

According to the invention, the electrical unit 3 is characterised in that it comprises a connecting device as described above.

The electrical unit 3 can consist of a contactor, a switch, a power outlet, an electrical cut-off unit.

The electrical cut-off unit 3 can consist of a circuit breaker or a differential circuit breaker or a differential switch.

Preferably, the electrical unit 3 is modular in type and comprises a shell 27 with a width LI which is substantially equal to the width of a module.

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- 17The shell 27 has at least two passage openings 37 providing access to the first housing 8 and to the second housing 14 of the connecting device according to the invention.

The invention also relates to an electrical distribution box (not shown) comprising a connection bar (not shown) fixed to the distribution box, preferably arranged vertically to enable the electrical connection of one or more electrical units 3 to an electrical distribution source.

According to the invention, the distribution box is characterised in that the connection bar comprises at least one first conductor 1 configured to be powered at a first electric potential and at least one second conductor 10 configured to be powered at a second electric potential, and in that the distribution box comprises at least one connecting device as described above, the first conductor 1 of the connection bar being at least partly inserted into the first housing 8 of the connecting device and the second conductor 10 of the connection bar being at least partly inserted into the second housing 14 of the connecting device.

Preferably, at least the second conductor 10 is retractable.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and represented in the accompanying drawings. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the formation of the various elements or by substituting equivalent techniques, without departing as such from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims (14)

1. CLAIMS:

   1. Device for connecting at least one first conductor (1) to a first conductive terminal (2) of an electrical unit (3), which is configured to be powered at a first electric potential, comprising:

   first tensioning means (4) of the first conductor (1) in contact with the first conductive terminal (2), a single actuating element (5) for activating the first tensioning means (4), at least one connecting cage (6) which comprises in its internal volume at least the first conductive terminal (2) and is movable relative to the first conductive terminal (2), the first tensioning means (4) comprising at least one first tensioning element (7) which is connected mechanically to the actuating element (5) and comprises a tensioning portion (7a) arranged in the internal volume of the connecting cage (6), between the connecting cage (6) and the first conductive terminal (2), the first conductive terminal (2) and the tensioning portion (7a) of the first tensioning element (7) delimiting at least partly a first housing (8) of the first conductor (1), the device being characterised in that it also comprises:

   at least second tensioning means (9) of a second conductor (10) at a second conductive terminal (11) of the electrical unit (3), configured to be powered at a second electric potential different from the first electric potential, in that the actuating element (5) is able and is designed to activate second tensioning means (9), in that said at least one connecting cage (6) comprises in its internal volume the second conductive terminal (11), and is movable on the one hand relative to the first conductive terminal (2) and on the other hand relative to the second conductive terminal (11), at least one first insulating element (12) made from an electrically insulating material inserted between the first conductive terminal (2) and the second conductive terminal (11) in the internal volume of the connecting cage (6) and fixed to the first conductive terminal (2) and/or the second conductive terminal (11),

   - 19the second tensioning means (9) comprising at least one second tensioning element (13) made from an electrically insulating material arranged in the internal volume of the connecting cage (6), between the connecting cage (6) and the second conductive terminal (11), the second tensioning element (13) being movable relative to the second conductive terminal (11), the second conductive terminal (11) and the second tensioning element (13) delimiting a second housing (14) of the second conductor (10).
2. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the second tensioning element (13) made from an electrically insulating material is fixed to the connecting cage (6) by a securing element (18).
3. 3. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the second tensioning means (9) is also able and designed for tensioning a third conductor to a third conductive terminal (30) of the electrical unit (3), configured to be powered at a third electric potential different from the first electric potential and/or from the second electric potential, in that said at least one connecting cage (6) comprises in its internal volume the third conductive terminal (30) which is fixed relative to said connecting cage (6), the second tensioning element (13) being mounted in a sliding manner relative to said connecting cage (6), between the second conductive terminal (11) and the third conductive terminal (30), and in that it also comprises a second insulating element (31) made from an electrically insulating material, inserted between the third conductive terminal (30) and the connecting cage (6) in the internal volume of the connecting cage (6) and fixed to the connecting cage (6), the third conductive terminal (30) and the second tensioning element (13) delimiting a third housing (32) of the third conductor.
4. 4. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that it also comprises:

   at least third tensioning means (33) for tensioning a third conductor to a third conductive terminal (30) of the electrical unit (3), configured to be powered at a third electric potential different from the first electric potential and/or from the second electric potential,

   -20in that the actuating element (5) is able and is designed to activate the third tensioning means (33), the third tensioning means (33) comprising at least one third tensioning element (34) made from an electrically insulating material arranged in the internal volume of the connecting cage (6), in that said at least one connecting cage (6) also comprises in its internal volume the third conductive terminal (30) fixed to the second tensioning element (13), the second tensioning element (13), to which the third conductive terminal (30) is fixed, is mounted in a sliding manner relative to said connecting cage (6), between the second conductive terminal (11) and the third tensioning element (34), the third conductive terminal (30) and the third tensioning element (34) delimiting a third housing (32) of the third conductor, the third tensioning means (33) is also able and designed for tensioning a fourth conductor to a fourth conductive terminal (35) of the electrical unit (3), configured to be powered at a fourth electric potential different from the first electric potential and/or from the second electric potential and/or from the third electric potential, in that said at least one connecting cage (6) comprises in its internal volume the fourth conductive terminal (35), which is fixed relative to said connecting cage (6), the third tensioning element (34) being mounted in a sliding manner relative to said connecting cage (6), between the third conductive terminal (30) and the fourth conductive terminal (35), and in that it also comprises a second insulating element (31) made from an electrically insulating material inserted between the fourth conductive terminal (35) and the connecting cage (6) in the internal volume of the connecting cage (6) and fixed to the connecting cage (6), the fourth conductive terminal (35) and the third tensioning element (34) delimiting a fourth housing (36) of the fourth conductor.
5. 5. Device according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the first insulating element (12) has the form of a U or an H and comprises at least one first branch (19) and one second branch (20) that are substantially parallel to one another and a base (21) separating the first branch (19) and the second branch (20), said base (21) receiving a securing

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   -21 surface of the first conductive terminal (2) and the first branch (19), and the second branch (20) extending around the second conductive terminal (11).
6. 6. Device according to claim 5, characterised in that the base (21) of the first insulating element (12) comprises fixing means (22) of the first conductive terminal (2).
7. 7. Device according to any of claims 5 to 6, characterised in that the first branch (19) and the second branch (20) comprise respectively a first wing (23) and a second wing (24), said first and second wings (23, 24) projecting respectively from an external wall (25) of the first branch (19) and of the second branch (20) and resting on a thickness (26) of two lateral faces (6a, 6b), substantially parallel to one another, that comprises the connecting cage (6).
8. 8. Device according to any of claims 1 to 2, 5 to 7, characterised in that the second conductive terminal (11) comprises a portion in the form of a U (15) which delimits a fitting area (16) and the second tensioning element (13) comprises a fitting portion (17) complementary to the fitting area (16) for cooperating by interlocking with said fitting area (16) and for delimiting the second housing (14).
9. 9. Device according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the connecting cage (6) comprises two lateral faces (6a, 6b) which are substantially parallel to one another and are spaced apart from one another at a distance DI lower than the value of a module.
10. 10. Device according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the second tensioning element (13) and/or the first insulating element (12) and/or the second insulating element (31) and/or the third tensioning element (34) are made from an electrically insulating material and are resistant to creep and compression, selected from: ceramics, wood, a thermosetting polymer, preferably polyoxybenzylmethylenglycolanhydride.
11. 11. Electrical unit (3) comprising at least one first conductive terminal (2) configured to be powered at a first electric potential and at least

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    -22one second conductive terminal (11) configured to be powered at a second electric potential different from the first electric potential, characterised in that it comprises a connecting device according to any of claims 1 to 10.
12. 12. Electrical unit according to claim 11, characterised in that the electrical unit (3) is modular and comprises a shell (27) having a width LI which is substantially equal to the width of a module.
13. 13. Electrical distribution box comprising a connection bar fixed to the distribution box, preferably arranged vertically, for enabling the electrical connection of one or more electrical units (3) to an electrical distribution source, characterised in that the connection bar comprises at least one first conductor (1), configured to be powered at a first electric potential and at least one second conductor (10), configured to be powered at a second electric potential, and in that the distribution box comprises at least one connecting device according to any of claims 1 to 12, the first conductor (1) of the connection bar being at least partly inserted into the first housing (8) of the connecting device and the second conductor (10) of the connection bar being at least partly inserted into the second housing (14) of the connecting device.
14. 14. Distribution box according to claim 13, characterised in that at least the second conductor (10) is retractable.