CH716357B1 - Electrical modular device provided with a blocking element. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular electrical device (400) comprising an insulating casing (480) of generally parallelepiped shape, having a front face (411) and an opposite rear face (415), two parallel main lateral faces (418) rising over the height of the case and two opposite transverse faces (413, 414), said rear face comprising means for mounting this case on a mounting rail, a first (414) of said two transverse faces comprising at least one opening giving access to an electrical connection terminal and a second (413) of said two transverse faces being free of any opening giving access to an electrical connection terminal. According to the invention, said housing (480) comprises a housing (450) opening onto the second transverse face (413) and housing a blocking element (460) movable relative to the housing between a retracted position in which said blocking element (460) is mostly housed in said housing, (450) and a deployed position in which said blocking element (460) extends outside the housing (450), over a predetermined distance strictly greater than that whose it protrudes when in the retracted position.

Description

The present invention generally relates to the field of electrical modular devices.

[0002] It relates more particularly to a modular electrical apparatus comprising an insulating casing of generally parallelepiped shape, having a front face and an opposite rear face, two parallel main lateral faces rising over the height of the casing and two opposite transverse faces, said rear face comprising means for mounting this box on a mounting rail, a first of said two transverse faces comprising at least one opening giving access to an electrical connection terminal and a second of said two transverse faces being free of any opening giving access to an electrical connection terminal.

The invention finds a particularly advantageous application in the production of a modular head device such as a differential circuit breaker.

[0004] For example, document FR0806104 discloses such a modular electrical device.

These modular electrical devices are intended to be mounted on a rail, this rail being housed in an electrical box.

The electrical box typically accommodates a plurality of rails arranged parallel to each other, on which a plurality of electrical modular devices is mounted so as to form parallel rows of electrical modular devices.

The first electrical modular device in the row, called the modular head device, is powered by an electrical connector connected to the main electrical network.

[0008] Other modular devices. electrics of such a row of electrical modular devices are conventionally supplied from the head modular device, by a supply comb having connection teeth.

The first connection tooth of the comb is plugged through the corresponding opening made in the first transverse face of the modular head device into a connection terminal of the modular head device, then each other connection tooth of the comb is plugged through the opening made in the first transverse face of each electrical modular device of the row into a connection terminal of the modular device.

[0010] Securing the power supply of the modular head device is therefore essential since this power supply depends on that of the entire row.

[0011] In the case where the modular head device comprises, for its electrical supply, electrical screw terminals, the electrical connector, the connection pins of which are plugged into the connection terminals, is partially held in place on said modular device by screwing the screws of the connection terminals onto the connection pins of the connector. On the other hand, in the case where the modular device comprises automatic connection terminals, the electrical connector, the connection pins of which are plugged into the connection spring blades of said connection terminals, is not held securely on the modular device.

Thus, an untimely disconnection of the electrical connector is to be feared, causing the disconnection of the network of all the modular devices of the row connected to this head device.

To overcome this drawback, the present invention provides an electrical modular device comprising a simple and effective blocking element for reversibly blocking an electrical connector electrically connected to a neighboring modular device.

[0014] More particularly, according to the invention, an electrical modular device as defined in the introduction is proposed, in which said housing comprises a housing opening onto the second transverse face and housing a blocking element movable with respect to the housing between a retracted position in which said blocking element is mostly housed in said housing, and a deployed position in which said blocking element extends outside the housing, over a predetermined distance strictly greater than that from which it protrudes when it is in the retracted position.

Thus, advantageously according to the invention, the locking element in the deployed position extends in the space between the row of modular devices to which the modular device according to the invention belongs and the row of modular devices located below.

The blocking element thus blocks the movement of the electrical connector in this space and prevents its disconnection by preventing this movement.

Other non-limiting and advantageous characteristics of the modular device according to the invention, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations, are as follows: said blocking element is pivotable relative to said housing; said blocking element is movable in translation relative to said casing; said blocking element is removably mounted on the casing; said blocking element is mounted in an unremovable manner on the casing; there is provided a locking element of said blocking element adapted to block said blocking element in at least one of its retracted and deployed positions; said locking element of said blocking element is formed with said blocking element; said locking element of said blocking element comprises a latching lug provided with a latching tooth adapted to cooperate with said housing to block the blocking element in one and/or the other of its retracted positions and deployed; said locking element of said blocking element belongs to a part separate from said blocking element; said locking element of said blocking element forms an abutment for said blocking element in one and/or the other of its retracted and deployed positions; said blocking element comprises an elongated tongue, pivotally mounted on the casing about a pivot axis, so that, in the retracted position, the tongue extends substantially parallel to the second transverse face of the casing, and in its deployed position, it extends substantially perpendicular to this second transverse face; said tongue comprises, at one end, a gripping element allowing the insertion of a tool or of a user's finger; said locking element comprises a movable pin housed in a recess of the casing, adapted to form a stop to block the movement of said locking element in each of its retracted and deployed positions; said housing of the box comprises means for receiving the sliding blocking element and said blocking element comprises a block provided with complementary sliding means; said block forming the blocking element comprises a recess, placed opposite an opening of the front face of the case allowing the insertion of the tip of a tool to pass the blocking element from one to the other of its positions; said latching tooth is adapted to cooperate with the casing in order, on the one hand, to flex the latching lug when the block is moved towards the outside of the casing and, on the other hand, to rest on a part of the casing to prevent movement of the block inwardly of the casing; in its deployed position, said predetermined distance over which said blocking element extends outside the housing, is greater than or equal to 7 millimeters; in its deployed position, said predetermined distance over which said blocking element extends outside the housing, is between 7 and 40 millimeters.

The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, will make it clear what the invention consists of and how it can be implemented.

[0019] In the accompanying drawings: [Fig. 1] is a schematic exploded view in front perspective of a first embodiment of a modular apparatus according to the invention, [Fig. 2] is a schematic front perspective view of two modular devices arranged on two parallel mounting rails, including a first modular device according to the invention, and of an electrical connector not connected to the second modular device located under said first modular device, [Fig. 3] is a schematic perspective view similar to that of FIG. 2, in which the electrical connector is connected to said second modular apparatus, but not locked in place, [Fig. 4] is a schematic perspective view similar to that of FIG. 2, in which the electrical connector is connected to said second modular device, and locked in place by a locking element of the first modular device according to the invention, [Fig. 5] is an enlarged front perspective schematic view of part of the first modular device of Figure 2, before locking the electrical connector, a locking element being in its locking position and the locking element being in its retracted position , [Fig. 6] is a schematic view similar to that of FIG. 5, the locking element being in its release position and the locking element being in its retracted position, [Fig. 7] is a schematic view similar to that of FIG. 5, the locking element being in its release position and the locking element being in its deployed position, [Fig. 8] is a schematic view similar to that of FIG. 5, the locking element being in its locking position and the locking element being in its deployed position, [Fig. 9] is a schematic sectional view of FIG. 5, along the plane P1, [Fig. 10] is a schematic sectional view of FIG. 6, along the plane P2, [Fig. 11] is a schematic sectional view of FIG. 7, along the plane P3, [Fig. 12] is a schematic sectional view of FIG. 8, along the plane P4, [Fig. 13] is a schematic exploded front perspective view of a second embodiment of the modular device according to the invention, [Fig. 14] is a cross-sectional schematic view of the modular apparatus of Figure 13, showing the insertion of the tip of a tool into an opening in the front face of the apparatus to pass a blocking element from its position retracted to its deployed position, said blocking element being in its retracted position, [Fig. 15] is a schematic view similar to that of FIG. 14, in which the blocking element is in an intermediate position, [Fig. 16] is a schematic view similar to that of FIG. 14, in which the locking element is in its deployed position, [Fig. 17] is a schematic front perspective view of the modular apparatus of Figure 15, and [Fig. 18] is a schematic front perspective view of the modular apparatus of Figure 16.

In the following description, by convention, the term "front" will designate the side of the modular device facing a user when this device is in the use position on a mounting rail in an electrical cabinet, while that the term „rear“ will designate the opposite side of this device, facing the interior of the electrical cabinet. The terms „upper“ and „lower“ will be used with reference to the vertical direction for the user standing in front of the electrical cabinet.

[0021] As a preliminary, it will be noted that, from one figure to another, the identical or similar elements of the different embodiments of the invention will be referenced by the same reference signs and will not be described each time. .

In the figures, there are shown two embodiments of a modular device 400; 500 adapted to be supplied with current by an electrical connector 100.

The modular device 400; 500 has a standardized width equal to a multiple of the width of a basic module approximately equal to 18 millimeters, and it is intended to be aligned with other electrical modular devices to form a row of modular devices.

In the two embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4, 13, 17 and 19, the modular device 400; 500 has a width equal to twice the width of a basic module.

Each embodiment of the modular device 400; 500 corresponds here to a modular device intended to be positioned at the start of a row, for example of the differential circuit breaker type.

As shown in Figures 1 and 13, the modular device 400; 500 comprises an insulating housing 480; 580 of generally parallelepipedal shape, made for example of plastic material, which has two main side faces 410; rear face 415; 515, a front face 411; 511 and two opposite transverse faces 413, 414; 513, 514.

Here, said two main side faces 410; 510 of the housing 480; 580 of the modular device 400; 500 rise over the entire height of its housing 480; 580 and are separated by a width equal to twice the width of a basic module.

They are intended to be brought into contact with the main side faces of other modular devices to form said row of modular devices.

The rear face 415; 515 of the housing 480; 580 of the modular device 400; 500 conventionally comprises a notch 416; 516 for mounting this housing 480; 580 on a mounting rail 1 (Figures 2 to 4). It also comprises mounting means (not visible in the figures) of the modular device 400; 500 on this mounting rail, intended to press this mounting rail 1 against the bottom of this notch 416; 516.

The front face 411; 511 of the housing 480; 580 of the modular device 400; 500 comprises projecting, in its middle zone, a front part 412; ;580 is intended to emerge from a faceplate (not shown), through a window of this faceplate, when it is in place on the mounting rail, for example in an electrical cabinet.

The front part 412; 512 of the housing 480; 580 of the modular device 400; 500 here comprises an operating lever 435; 535.

It also includes a support for a tracking element which is protected by a cover 437; 537 transparent (Figures 1 and 13).

The electrical cabinet generally comprises two internal vertical uprights (not shown) between which is mounted a plurality of mounting rails 1 arranged horizontally.

The electrical cabinet then houses a plurality of rows of modular devices 400; 500, 200. Thus, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, the modular device 400; 500 is arranged, when housed in the electrical cabinet, above another modular device 200.

In the following, the term "upper row" will designate the row of modular devices to which the modular device 400; 500 according to the invention belongs and under the term "lower row" the row of modular devices to which the other modular device 200 belongs.

This other modular device 200 can be either a conventional modular device or a modular device according to the invention. In the example shown in Figures 2 to 4, the other modular device 200 is a conventional modular device, that is to say not comprising a locking element as described later.

In the example shown in Figures 2 to 4, the electrical connector 100 belongs to a vertical comb 10.

This vertical comb 10 here comprises two conductive bars housed in an insulating body 20.

[0039] Each conductive bar comprises a straight main part which extends vertically in the electrical cabinet, from which extends, transversely to the conductive bar, a plurality of connection lugs, one end of which is folded to form a connection tooth 11, 12 of the vertical comb 10 (Figure 2). This connection tooth 11, 12 emerges from the insulating body parallel to the main part of the conductive bar. The set of two connection teeth 11, 12 which emerge from the insulating body 20 of the vertical comb 10 here forms the electrical connector 100.

The vertical comb 10 also includes connection terminals adapted to be connected to the power supply cables of the electrical network.

Alternatively (not shown), the electrical connector may also belong to an electrical plug provided with at least one connection pin connected to a power cable of the electrical network. In general, such an electrical plug has two connection pins which together form the electrical connector.

Generally, one of the two conductor bars or one of the two connection pins is connected to a phase power cable and the other conductor bar or the other pin is connected to a power supply cable. of neutral.

A first of the transverse faces 414; 514 (Figures 1 and 13) of the housing 480; 580 facing upwards when the modular device 400; 500 is in place on the mounting rail 1 in the electrical cabinet, is called input face 414; 514 and is suitable for connecting the modular device 400; 500 to the electrical connector 100 and to at least one connection comb (not shown) which supply the other modular devices in the row.

The connecting comb is then a horizontal comb, which extends parallel to the row of modular devices, above them.

Said input face 414; 514 of the modular device 400; 500 comprises at least one opening giving access to an electrical connection terminal (not visible in the figures).

It is preferably an automatic electrical connection terminal, that is to say comprising a leaf spring which automatically establishes electrical contact with the tooth or the connection pin inserted inside. Alternatively, it may also be an electrical screw terminal.

Usually, there is provided on said input face 414; 514 of the housing 480; 580 at least two openings each giving access to an electrical connection terminal, intended to allow the passage of the two connection teeth 11, 12 or two pins of the electrical connector 100 and their connection to two connection terminals of the modular device 400; 500 arranged opposite said openings. Two other openings are provided in this input face 414;514 of the housing 480;580 of the modular device 400;500 for the electrical connection of this modular device 400;500 with the other modular devices of the row thanks to the comb of horizontal connection.

A second 413; 513 of said two transverse faces is opposite the input face 414; 514 and has no opening giving access to an electrical connection terminal. All the electrical connection terminals of the modular device 400; 500 lead here to the input face 414; 514 of the housing 480; 580.

Remarkably, said housing 480; 580 further comprises a housing 450; 550 opening onto the second transverse face 413; 513 of the housing 480; 580 and housing a locking element 460; 560 movable relative to the housing 480; 580 between a retracted position and a deployed position.

The housing 450; 550 is preferably blind so as to ensure the electrical insulation of the electrical components housed inside the housing 480; 580. It is formed by a recess in the second lower transverse face 413; 513 of the housing 480; 580 and it opens onto the front face 411; 511 of this housing 480; 580 through an opening 482; 582.

Preferably, the housing 450; 550 opens exclusively on said second transverse face 413; 513. It is preferably free of any outlet on the main side faces 410; 510 of the housing 480; 580. It is here also free of outlet on the front faces 411; 511 and rear 415; 515 of the housing 480; 580.

In the retracted position of the locking element 460; 560 (FIGS. 9, 10, 14), the latter is mostly housed in said housing 450; 550.

[0053] In practice, this blocking element 560 can be entirely housed in the housing 580 (see the second embodiment in FIG. 14).

This first case is illustrated by the second embodiment shown in Figures 13 to 18.

Figure 14 shows blocking element 560 in its retracted position: the underside of this blocking element 560 is flush with second transverse face 513 of housing 500.

Alternatively, this blocking element 460 partially projects from the second transverse face 413; 513 of this housing 480 through the opening 451 of the housing 450 on the lower transverse face 413 of the housing 480 (see the first embodiment on figures 9 and 10).

In this second case, illustrated by the first embodiment, only a minimal part of the locking element 460 emerges outside the housing 480. Such a minimal part of the locking element 460 comprises for example a portion representing less than 10% of this blocking element 460. Such a minimal portion can alternatively be defined by the fact that the greatest distance between this minimal portion and the second transverse face 413 is less than 10% of the greatest dimension of the blocking element 460.

[0058] The minimal part projecting out of the housing 480 then extends out of the housing 480 over a first predetermined distance D1 (FIGS. 9, 10).

This first distance is preferably less than 7 millimeters. It is zero in the case of the second embodiment.

In the deployed position of the blocking element 460; 560 (FIGS. 11, 12 and 16), the latter extends outside the housing 450; 550, over a second predetermined distance D2 strictly greater than that from which it protrudes when it is in the retracted position (FIG. 12).

[0061] Said second distance D2 is adapted, depending on the distance between the mounting rails 1, the total height of the modular devices 400; 500, 200 and the height of the electrical connector 100, to arrange a free end of the locking element 460; 560 close to an upper face of the electrical connector 100 plugged into the connection terminals of the modular device 200 located on the lower row, under the modular device 400; 500 considered (see for example figures 4 and 8).

More specifically, according to the invention, in the deployed position, the locking element 460; 560 extends over a predetermined distance of between 7 and 40 millimeters. This predetermined distance is measured between the second lower transverse face 413; 513 of the housing 480; 580 and said free end of the blocking element 460; 560.

The second predetermined distance D2 is predetermined such that the free end of the locking element 460; 560 extends at a distance from the electrical connector 100, less than the height of the teeth 11; 12 or the pins connection of electrical connector 100.

In practice, this second predetermined distance D2 is greater than 7 millimeters, preferably greater than 8 millimeters.

In this way, the blocking element 460; 560 extends, in its deployed position, into the space provided between the two rows of electrical devices. More specifically, it extends into the space provided between the second transverse face 413; 513 of the housing 480; 580 of the modular device 400; 500 and the electrical connector 100 connected to the modular device 200 of the lower row.

In doing so, the locking element 460; 560 in the deployed position forms a stop for the lower electrical connector 100. It is thus not possible to move the electrical connector 100 connected to the modular device 200 of the lower row to remove the teeth 11, 12 or connection pins of the electrical connector 100 from the connection terminals of the modular device 200 of the bottom row.

This electrical connector 100 is therefore effectively blocked in its configuration connected to the modular device 200 of the lower row.

[0068] Preferably, there is further provided a locking element 470; 570 of said blocking element 460; 560 adapted to block said blocking element 460; 560 in at least one of its retracted and deployed positions.

Said locking element 470; 570 is movable between two positions: a locking position (FIGS. 5, 8, 9 and 12) in which it blocks the movement of the locking element 460; 560 relative to the housing 480; 580 in at least one of its positions, preferably in each of its positions; a release position (Figures 7, 6, 10 and 11) in which it leaves free the movement of the locking element 460; 560 relative to the housing 480; 580 of the modular device 400; 500.

In practice, the locking element 460; 560 and the locking element 470; 570 can take different forms, two examples of which are shown in the figures.

In particular, as illustrated by the examples which will be detailed later, said blocking element 460; 560 can be movable in pivoting or in translation relative to said housing 480; 580 of the modular device 400; 500.

[0072] It can also be removable or fixed permanently on the housing 480; 580.

[0073] The locking element 470; 570 is here movably mounted on the housing 480; 580 of the modular device 400;500. Preferably, it is movable on the housing 480; 580 between its two positions: a locking position in which it prevents the passage of the blocking element 460; 560 from one to the other of its retracted and deployed positions , and a release position in which it allows this passage.

Said locking element 470; 570 can belong to a separate part of said blocking element 460 or come together with said blocking element 560.

More specifically, here, in the case of the first embodiment of the modular device 400 shown in Figures 1 to 12, said locking element 460 comprises a tab 461 of elongated shape, pivotally mounted on the housing 480 around a pivot axis A1 arranged close to a first 461A of its longitudinal ends (FIGS. 1, 11 and 12).

This blocking element 460 is thus mounted in an unremovable manner on the housing 480 of the modular device 400.

In the retracted position of the locking element 460 (FIGS. 9 and 10), the tongue 461 here extends substantially parallel to the second transverse face 413 of the housing 480, and in its deployed position (FIGS. 11 and 12 ), it extends substantially perpendicular to this second transverse face 413.

The blocking element 460 further comprises two low walls 462 (FIGS. 1, 9 to 12) which run along the two longitudinal edges of the tongue 461. Each low wall 462 extends substantially perpendicular to the tongue 461, from a longitudinal edge thereof.

The edge of each low wall 462, which forms the free edge of this low wall 462, has two shoulders E1, E2 establishing two parts of the edge of each low wall 462 which are parallel to said tongue 461 (figures 1, 9 to 12 ).

[0080] From each low wall 462 extends laterally, outwards, a stud 463, received in a mounting bearing 481 provided inside the housing 450 of the housing 480 (FIGS. 1, 9 to 12) for the pivoting mounting of the blocking element 460.

The pivot axis A1 of the blocking element 460 coincides with the axis of the studs 463.

[0082] At its second longitudinal end 461B, opposite to the first longitudinal end 461A, the tab 461 of the locking element 460 comprises a gripping element allowing the insertion of the tip of a tool or of a part of a finger of the user to maneuver the blocking element 460.

[0083] The gripping element here corresponds to an inclined plane 464 (FIGS. 1, 11 and 12) of the tongue 461, which provides an access slot 465 (FIGS. 5, 6, 9 and 10) between the second face transverse 413 of the housing 480 and the locking element 460 in its retracted position. The inclined face 464 is inclined towards the exterior of the housing 480 (FIGS. 1, 5 and 6).

[0084] The locking element 470 is here in the form of a pin 471 movable in sliding on the housing 480. This pin 471 is housed in the housing 450 of the housing 480, through the opening 482 provided in the front face 411 of this casing 480. It is moved out of said housing 450 through said opening 482, to allow passage of the blocking element 460 from one to the other of its two retracted and deployed positions and it is engaged in said housing 450 to cooperate with said blocking element 460 so as to block the pivoting of the latter when it is in each of these two retracted and deployed positions.

The locking element 470 is here removably mounted on the housing 480 of the modular device 400.

As a variant, it is possible to envisage the locking element blocking the pivoting of the locking element only when the latter is in one of its two retracted or deployed positions.

More specifically, the pin 471 here has a U-shape with two arms 472 each adapted to cooperate with one of the walls 462 of the blocking element 460.

The two arms 472 are connected by a front part 473 (FIG. 1).

The arms 472 of the pin 471 are engaged in the housing 450 of the housing 480 to cooperate with the blocking element 460 housed entirely or partially in said housing 450.

More specifically, here, the arms 472 of the pin 471 of the locking element 470 are slidably engaged in sliding grooves provided on the inner faces facing the housing 450 of the housing 480 of the modular device 400.

As shown in Figure 9, in the retracted position of the locking element 460, when the locking element 470 is in the locking position with its pin 471 pressed into the housing 450 of the housing 480, each arm 472 of the pin 471 extends inside the housing 450 and cooperates with a first shoulder E1 of the low wall 462 corresponding to the blocking element 460.

This first shoulder E1 comprises a first part 462A of the edge of each low wall 462, parallel to the tongue 461, and a second part 462B of the edge of each low wall 462, adjacent perpendicular to the first part 462A (figures 9, 10).

When the pin 471 is pushed into the housing 450 of the housing 480, the free end of each arm 472 is then placed against the first part 462A of the edge of the corresponding low wall 462, in the angle formed by this first part. 462A with the second adjacent part 462B perpendicular.

[0094] Each arm 472 of the pin 471 has a generally parallelepipedal shape, and comprises a first face oriented towards the first part 462A of the edge of the low wall 462 parallel to the tongue 461 and a second face oriented towards the second part 462B of the edge of the wall 462 perpendicular to the tongue 461.

[0095] Thus, the blocking element 460 cannot pivot either in one direction or in the other direction, since, in one direction, the first part 462A of the edge of each low wall 462 abuts against the first face of each arm 472 of pin 471, and, in the other direction, the second part 462B of the edge of each low wall 462 abuts against the second face of arm 472 of pin 471.

The arms 472 of the pin 471 thus form an abutment preventing any pivoting movement of the locking element 460 in its retracted position.

In this retracted position, as shown more particularly in Figures 2, 3 and 9, the front part 473, the shape of which corresponds to the shape of said opening 482, closes this opening 482 on the front face of the housing 480 of the modular device 400.

As shown in Figure 12, in the deployed position of the locking element 460, when the locking element 470 is in the locking position with its pin 471 pressed into the housing 450 of the housing 480, each arm 472 of this pin 471 also forms a stop preventing any pivoting movement of the blocking element 460 thanks to the cooperation of the arms 472 of the pin 471 with the second shoulder E2 of the edge of each low wall 462 of the blocking element 460.

The second shoulder E2 is formed by a third part 462C of the edge of each low wall 462 parallel to the tongue 461 and a fourth part 462D of the edge of each low wall 462 which is perpendicular to the third part 462C (figure 10) .

[0100] When the pin 471 is pressed into the housing 450 (Figure 12), the free end of each arm 472 is then placed against the fourth part 462D of the edge of the low wall 462, in the angle formed with the third part 462C.

[0101] Thus, similarly to what has been described previously, the locking element 460 in its deployed position cannot pivot either in one direction or the other, since, in one direction, the third part 462C of the edge of the wall 462 abuts against the pin 471, and, in the other direction, the fourth part 462D abuts against the pin 471.

[0102] On the other hand, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, when the locking element 470 is in the release position, its pin 471 is partially out of the housing 450 so that it protrudes on the front face 411 of the housing 480 of the modular device 400, through the opening 482.

In this position, the arms 472 of the pin 471 are placed at a distance from the shoulders E1, E2 of the low walls 462 of the blocking element 460 to allow rotation of the latter between its retracted and deployed positions.

In a second embodiment of the modular device 500 shown in Figures 13 to 16, the locking element 560 comprises a block 561 of generally parallelepipedic shape.

Said housing 550 of the casing 580 comprises means for receiving the sliding blocking element 560 and the block 561 is provided with complementary sliding means.

The housing receiving means 550 here comprise two parallel grooves 552 arranged on each of two opposite sides of the housing 550.

The complementary sliding means of the block 561 comprise in correspondence two parallel ribs 562 arranged on each of the opposite side faces of the block 561.

Naturally, any other sliding mounting means can be provided between the housing 550 of the box 580 and the blocking element 560.

The blocking element 560 is here removably mounted on the housing 580 of the modular device 500.

[0110] Said locking element 570 of said blocking element 560 comprises a latching lug 571 provided with two latching teeth 571A adapted to cooperate with said housing 580 to block the blocking element 560 in one and/or the other of its retracted and deployed positions.

As a variant, the latching lug can comprise a single latching tooth or a number of latching teeth greater than two.

[0112] Said latching tab 571 is in the form of a flexible arm formed with the block 561 forming the blocking element 560. It is folded against one of the faces of the block 561 facing the face front 511 of the housing 580, hereinafter called the actuation face 575 (FIGS. 13 and 14). This latching lug 571 is movable relative to the housing 580 in pivoting by bending.

This snap tab 571 has a U-shape. The ends of the two lateral branches of this U are attached to block 561 on the upper side of block 561 facing the inside of housing 580.

In the retracted position of the locking element 560, the block 561 is entirely housed in the housing 550 of the housing 580. It is held in place by the compression of the snap-fastening tab 571 against an internal face of this housing (figure 14).

In the deployed position of the locking element 560, the block 561 is partially housed in the housing 550 of the housing 580. A part of the block 561 protrudes from the second transverse face 513 of the housing 580 through the outlet 551 of the housing 550 on this second transverse face 413. It is held in place by the compression of the snap tab 571 against an internal face of the housing 580 (FIG. 16).

The two latching teeth 571A of the latching lug 571 are located on one and the other of the side branches of the U formed by the latching lug 571.

[0117] Each latching tooth 571A has a shape comprising an inclined face S1 (FIG. 16) adapted to cooperate with a part of the housing 580 to bend the latching lug 571 when the block 561 is moved towards the outside of the housing. 580 to go from the retracted position to the deployed position. It further comprises a support surface S2 (FIG. 16) adapted to bear against the casing 580 to prevent the movement of the block 561 towards the interior of the casing 580 from the deployed position to the retracted position.

[0118] The central branch of the U formed by the latching tab 571 includes a slot 573 (FIG. 13) adapted to receive the tip of a tool to bend the latching tab 571 and allow it to pass from the deployed position towards the retracted position.

[0119] Said block 561 forming the locking element 560 further comprises a recess 565 which opens onto said actuation face 575 of the block 561. The latching lug 571 frames the outlet of this recess 565.

This recess 565 is placed opposite the opening 582 of the front face 511 of the housing 580 on which the housing 550 opens.

[0121] The opening 582 of the front face 511 of the housing 580 allows the insertion of the tip of a tool into the housing 580 to pass the locking element 560 from the retracted position to the deployed position, as explained further away.

In practice, the user who installs the modular device 400; 500, 200 proceeds as follows.

He mounts the modular devices 400; 500, 200 on the various mounting rails and mounts them in parallel in the corresponding electrical cabinet.

[0124] It connects modular devices 400; 500, 200 from head to electrical connectors 100.

For each modular device 400; 500 according to the invention, the locking element 470; 570 is initially in its locking position and the locking element 460; 560 is initially in its retracted position.

In order to secure the electrical connection of the electrical connector 100 to the modular device 200, the user releases and deploys the locking element 460; 560 of the modular device 400; 500 located above said electrical connector 100 in the space located between the second transverse face 413; 513 of the housing of the modular device 400; 500 and said electrical connector 100.

In the first embodiment, the arms 472 of the pin 471 of the locking element 470 are initially positioned close to the first shoulder E1 of the edges of each low wall 462 of the locking element 460 so as to form a abutment preventing any pivoting movement of the blocking element 460.

[0128] The user partially extracts the locking element 470 from the housing 450 (FIGS. 6 and 10) of the casing 480 of the modular device 400, by pulling on the front part 472 of the pin 471 to move each arm 472 away of this pin 471 of the first shoulder E1 of the edge of each low wall 462 of the blocking element 460 (FIGS. 5, 6, 9 and 10).

The arms 472 of the pin 471 slide towards the outside of the housing 480 and come out of their cooperation with the locking element 460. The locking element 470 thus passes from its locking position to its release position.

The locking element 460 is then free to pivot from its retracted position to its deployed position. It nevertheless remains held in its retracted position by fitting into the housing 450.

[0131] The installer inserts a tool or part of his finger into the slot 465 formed between the housing 480 of the modular device 400 and the blocking element 460, to cause the blocking element 460 to pivot (figures 7 and 11) rearward and bring it to its deployed position.

This then extends projecting from the second transverse face 413 of the housing 480, in the space between this face and the electrical connector 100 connected to the modular device 200 mounted on the mounting rail. of the bottom row.

Finally, the user pushes the locking element 470 towards its locking position (FIGS. 8 and 12) by pressing on the front part 473 of the pin 471. The arms 472 of the pin 471 slide towards the inside of the housing 450 of housing 480 and are positioned close to the second shoulder E2 of the edges of each low wall 462 of locking element 460 (FIGS. 11 and 12) to form a stop preventing any pivoting movement of locking element 460.

The blocking element 460 is thus blocked in its deployed position, in which it forms a stop preventing the removal of the electrical connector 100 from the modular device 200 of the lower row.

Advantageously, in the case where the electrical connector 100 belongs to a vertical comb 10, prohibiting the removal of the electrical connector 100 connected to the modular device 200 of the lower row also prevents the removal of all the others electrical connectors of this vertical comb 10 connected to the head modular devices of the other rows.

Indeed, when the blocking element 460 is in its deployed position, the residual free space between the electrical connector 100 and the free end 461B of the blocking element 460 has a height less than the height teeth or connection pins of the electrical connector 100. The translational movement of the electrical connector 100 allowing the teeth or connection pins of this electrical connector to slide outside the connection terminals of the modular device 200 of the lower row is therefore prevented.

To authorize the disconnection of the electrical connector 100, the user pulls on the front part 473 of the pin 471 to pass the locking element into its release position and manually pivots the locking element 460 towards its retracted position.

Then, the user pushes back the pin 471 of the locking element 470 towards its locking position.

The blocking element 460 is thus blocked in its retracted position, in which it leaves free the space between the two rows allowing the removal of the electrical connector 100 from the modular device 200 of the lower row.

[0140] In the second embodiment, the block 561 of the blocking element 560 is initially entirely housed in the housing 550 of the housing 580 and held by the compression of the latching lug 571 against an internal face of this housing. (figure 14).

In order to deploy the blocking element 560, the user inserts the tip of a tool 3 such as a screwdriver into the opening 582 of the front face 511 of the housing 580 (FIGS. 14 and 17). He slides the tip of the tool 3 towards the inside of the box 580, perpendicular to the front face 511.

As shown in Figures 14 to 17, the recess 565 of the block 561 is located opposite this opening 582, so that the tip of the tool 3 enters this recess 565. The underside of the recess 565 comprises an inclined face 566 on which the tip of the tool 3 slides. This inclined face 566 rises towards the inside of the modular device 500 from the actuation face 575 towards the rear. Thus, when the point of the tool 3 advances straight towards the rear of the block 561 inside the recess 565, it presses on the inclined face 566 and pushes the block 561 downwards, i.e. that is to say towards the outside of the housing 580 (FIG. 15). When the block 561 slides out of the housing 550, the inclined face S1 of each ratchet tooth 571A of the ratchet lug 571 forming the locking element 570 bears on the housing 580 and slides on the housing 580 so as to cause the latching lug 571 to bend. The latter thus passes from a locking position to a release position.

[0143] More specifically, as seen in Figures 14 and 15, the inclined face S1 of each latching tooth 571A rests on an internal edge of the housing 580 located near the outlet 551 of the housing 550 on the second transverse face 513 (Figures 13 and 14) during the sliding movement of the block 561 towards the outside of the housing 580 so as to cause the latching lug 571 to bend.

[0144] In order to apply the necessary force to block 561 to cause the latching lug 571 to bend (FIGS. 16 and 18), a pivoting movement is imposed on the tool at the end of its travel. The opening 582 of the front face 511 of the housing 580 has for this purpose a vertically elongated shape (oblong), which guides the pivoting movement of the tool.

[0145] Thus, the passage of the locking element 560 from its retracted position to its deployed position (FIG. 16) is authorized. In this deployed position, block 561 of locking element 560 is held in place by the action of snap tab 571 which tends to move away from block 561 and braces itself against housing 580.

The blocking element 560 is blocked in its deployed position, because any upward movement of the block 561 is prevented by the support of the bearing surface S2 of each latching tooth 571 against the second transverse face. 513 of box 580.

[0147] Withdrawal of the electrical connector 100 connected to the modular device 200 is thus prevented because the residual free space between the electrical connector 100 and the free end of the blocking element 560 has a height less than the height of the teeth or connection pins of the electrical connector 100. The translational movement of the electrical connector 100 allowing the teeth or connection pins of this electrical connector to slide outside the connection terminals of the modular device 200 of the lower row is therefore stop.

To authorize the disconnection of the electrical connector 100, the user presses manually or using the tip of a tool on the latching lug 571. He can for this purpose introduce the tip of the tool into the slot 573 of the snap tab 571.

Thus, the bearing surface S2 of each latching tooth 571A is released from its cooperation with the lower transverse face 513 of the housing 580. The user then pushes the block 561 towards the inside of the housing 550.

The latching lug 571 automatically resumes a constrained position against the internal face of the housing 550, so as to lock the block 561 in place in its retracted position in the housing 550.

Whatever the embodiment, when the locking element 460; 560 is in its deployed position, the electrical connector cannot be disconnected from the modular device 200 located below the modular device 400; 500 according to the invention because the distance between the electrical connector 100 and the blocking element 460; 560 is less than the length of the teeth or connection pins of the electrical connector plugged into the terminals of the modular device 200 of the row lower.

[0152] In addition, the blocking element 460; 560 is advantageously locked in the deployed position. In the first embodiment, the pivoting of the blocking element 460 is prevented by the pin 471 of the locking element 470, while in the second embodiment, the block 561 is blocked by the ratchet teeth. 571A of the latching lug 571 of the locking element 570 whose bearing surface S2 bears against the lower transverse face of the case to prevent a return movement of the block 561 towards the interior of the housing 550.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the various figures, but those skilled in the art will know how to add any variant to it in accordance with their spirit.

In particular, the modular device according to the invention is particularly advantageous in the case where the connection terminals of this modular device or of one of the other head modular devices of the other rows are automatic connection terminals. The modular device then makes it possible to secure the connection of the electrical connectors supplying the rows of modular devices. However, the modular device according to the invention is also advantageous in the case where the connection terminals of this modular device or of one of the other head modular devices of the other rows are connection terminals of another type, especially screw. The modular device then makes it possible to reinforce the maintenance of the connection of the electrical connectors supplying the rows of modular devices.

Claims (18)

1. Modular electrical apparatus (400; 500) comprising an insulating housing (480; 580) of generally parallelepiped shape, having a front face (411; 511) and a rear face (415; 515) opposite each other, two main side faces (410 ;510) parallel rising over the height of the housing and two transverse faces (413, 414; 513, 514) opposite, said rear face (415; 515) comprising mounting means (416; 516) of this housing on a support rail (1), a first of said two transverse faces (414; 514) comprising at least one opening giving access to an electrical connection terminal and a second of said two transverse faces being free of any opening giving access to a connection terminal electrical characterized in that said housing (480; 580) comprises a housing (450; 550) opening onto the second transverse face (413; 513) and housing a blocking element (460; 560) movable relative to the housing (480; 580) between a retracted position in which said blocking element (460; 560) is mostly housed in said housing (450; 550), and a deployed position in which said blocking element (460; 560) extends outside the housing (450; 550), over a predetermined distance (D2) strictly greater than that from which it protrudes when it is in the retracted position, said blocking element (460; 560) being capable of reversibly blocking an electrical connector electrically connected to a neighboring modular device (200). 2. Electrical modular apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said locking member (460) is pivotable relative to said housing (480). 3. Electrical modular apparatus, according to one of claims 1 and 2, wherein said locking element (560) is movable in translation relative to said housing (580). 4. Electrical modular device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said locking element (560) is removably mounted on the housing (580). 5. Electrical modular apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said locking element (460) is mounted in an unremovable manner on the housing (480). 6. Electrical modular apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein there is provided a locking element (470; 570) of said locking element (460; 560) adapted to lock said locking element (460; 560) in at least one of its stowed and deployed positions. 7. Modular electrical apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said locking member (570) of said locking member (560) is formed with said locking member (560). 8. Electrical modular apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said locking element (570) of said locking element comprises a latching lug (571) provided with a latching tooth (571A) adapted to cooperate with said housing ( 580) to block the blocking element (560) in one and/or the other of its retracted and deployed positions. 9. Electrical modular apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said locking element (470) of said blocking element belongs to a separate part of said blocking element (460). 10. Electrical modular apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said locking element (470) of said blocking element forms an abutment for said blocking element (460) in one and/or the other of its retracted and deployed positions. . 11. Electrical modular apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said locking element (460) comprises an elongated tab (461), pivotally mounted on the housing (480) about a pivot axis (A1), so that, in the retracted position, the tab (461) extends substantially parallel to the second transverse face (413) of the housing (480), and in its deployed position, it extends substantially perpendicular to this second transverse face ( 413). 12. Electrical modular device according to the preceding claim, wherein said tab (461) comprises, at one end (461B), a gripping element (465) allowing the insertion of a tool or a finger of a user . 13. Electrical modular apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said locking element (470) comprises a movable pin (471) housed in a recess (482) of the housing (480), adapted to form a stop to block the movement of said element. lock (460) in each of its retracted and deployed positions. 14. Electrical modular apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said housing (550) of the housing comprises means for receiving (552) the locking element (560) to slide and said locking element (560) comprises a block ( 561) provided with complementary sliding means (562). 15. Electrical modular apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein said block (561) forming the locking element (560) comprises a recess (565), placed opposite an opening (582) of the front face (511) of the housing (580) allowing the insertion of the tip of a tool to pass the blocking element (560) from one to the other of its positions. 16. Electrical modular apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said latching tooth (571A) is adapted to cooperate with the housing (580) to, on the one hand, flex the latching lug (571) when the block ( 561) is moved towards the outside of the housing (580) and on the other hand, resting on a part of the housing (580) to prevent movement of the block (561) towards the inside of the housing. 17. Electrical modular apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, in its deployed position, said predetermined distance (D2) over which said blocking element (460; 560) extends, outside the housing (450 ;550), is greater than or equal to 7 millimeters. 18. Electrical modular apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein, in its deployed position, said predetermined distance (D2) over which said blocking element (460; 560) extends, outside the housing (450; 550) , is between 7 and 40 millimeters.