EA044554B1 - KIT FOR AUTOMATED ASSEMBLY OR DISASSEMBLY OF MULTILAYER ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS - Google Patents

Description

Field of technology to which the invention relates

The present invention relates to a kit used for automated assembly or disassembly of multi-layer electrical circuits. The main technical field to which the invention relates is focused on the installation of busbars and electrical elements on them. More specifically, the present invention relates to multi-layer busbars in which the conductive material, i.e. The components according to the invention are applied to the layered insulating bases in such a way as to form the desired conductive patterns in the layers of linear conductors laid within the insulating bases.

Technical problem

Distribution boards used in electrical cabinets are well known in the art. Such boards with corresponding rings are installed to distribute power and protect the electrical circuit everywhere, equipped mainly with switches, fault current interrupters and similar electrical elements already known in the art.

The main technical problem observed in the manufacture of such distribution plates is that the assembly process still requires significant capacity, which is automated. In practice, these boards typically include top profile mounting rails on the rear of the case onto which the switching devices snap onto. The switching devices are connected to each other through corresponding electrical conductors, those busbars, where one busbar is used for each single-phase device. So-called bus blocks are used for multi-phase applications. Thus, the housing of said electrical cabinets comprises a plurality of cable channels and a plurality of conductors inserted into the cable channels, wherein connecting projections are provided on said conductors. These conductors are inserted into the connecting terminals on the switching devices and firmly clamped to it. The significant number of conductors and associated contacts create a complex circuit that can only be traced, assembled and disassembled through the use of considerable force and the care of the personnel involved in the wiring process.

The present invention solves the above technical problem of standardization by using a set of elements together with prefabricated insulating layers and lamellar line conductors, which form lamellar electrical circuits to which the electrical elements are attached. Said set of elements allows the different layers to be electrically connected in the same way as the electrical elements to be connected to it. The specified parts of the kit are designed to use a minimum set of elements and that the elements are suitable for automated assembly or disassembly. Thus, the complex network of conductors is replaced by wiring that is analogous to the already known multi-layer printed circuits, provided that all mechanical contacts are made of kit elements connected to each other and/or additionally connected to the line connectors and electrical elements used. This solution offers a mounting grid that has almost no connecting protrusions that use electrical elements designed to interact with said kit. In addition, these types of wires provide low contact resistance and excellent contact endurance at their contact points.

One skilled in the art will immediately recognize that the third party electrical elements are connected in some way to the above described (closed) element system. This technical problem is solved in the present invention by specific sockets designed to receive three-way electrical elements, and provide connecting interfaces with these multi-layer electrical circuits. These sockets are made with the possibility of automated assembly or disassembly with a laminated electrical circuit. In addition, said sockets allow corresponding 3-way electrical components to be inserted/pushed into said sockets in an automated manner.

An automated assembly or disassembly process, as used here, means a process in which industrial robots are used without power take-off. Semi-automated is a process that requires little power for only a limited number of operations.

State of the art

The present invention addresses a number of prior art documents that partially address the present invention.

European Patent EP 2724596 B1, Labal LLC [US], describes a device for use with circuit breakers or other devices, and describes the formation of multi-layer electrical circuits, forming and interconnecting insulating layers and line plate conductors and connecting to them a number of circuit breakers and other electrical elements. The system presented in document 596 is not universal; any changes are practically impossible to implement. Document 596 does not appear to cover the use of non-standard elements, i.e. tripartite

- 1,044,554 items used with it.

European patent application EP 1296431 A2, ABB GMBH [DE], describes a device for assembling busbars, as well as connecting external elements, such as input lines, with already prepared multi-layer electrical busbar circuits. The said patent application describes a universal method for obtaining the desired contact point at any depth of said multi-layer bus, through a conductor provided with an elastic element that fits into the required hole around said contact point. In addition, a plug that connects two conductive layers of said multilayer bus is also disclosed. The comparative advantage of solution 643 over the prior art can be seen as simplifying the wiring process with the ability to access any multilayer line conductor in a layered structure. The quoted solution has a weakness related to the quality of the contacts made and the flexibility of the said solution is still questionable.

Japan Patent Application JP 2012095472 A, Mitsubishi electric Corporation [JP] and Toshiba Mitsubishi Elec. Inc [JP], describes a power conversion device, and discloses a screw connection used for electrically connecting electrical elements of a power converter to a multilayer electrical circuit

Similarly, Japanese Patent JP 3550970 B2, Hitachi Ltd [JP] describes a power power converter and a multilayer conductor and connector of an electrical component, and also discloses a screw connection used for electrically connecting electrical elements of a power converter to a multilayer electrical circuit. Both solutions, ie 472 and 970, disclose a permanent screw connection of elements to a multilayer board, which is known in the art and which does not solve the problem of connections between layers of multilayer electrical circuits and automated assembly/disassembly issues.

US Patent 6002580, Power Distribution Products Inc. [US] describes a power distribution panel for a circuit breaker, indicates circuit breakers or similar elements removed by a multi-layer electrical circuit located within the power distribution panel. The 580 solution offers fast and reliable connections, but remains silent on the issues of connections between layers of stacked circuits and automated assembly/disassembly issues.

US Patent US 8366457, Mitsubishi Metable Industrial Ltd [JP] describes a locking coupling and a specific pin geometry used to make electrical connections to the required conductive parts and within the layered structure that forms the circuit board.

Chinese patent application CN101237102A, Jiaotong Southwest [CN] University describes a cascaded power bus used for magnetic suspension of a train and filed in the title reports a high-current multi-layer bus with contacts formed to access the conductive layer. The proposed system is not flexible.

European patent application EP3555980 A1, ABB Schweiz AG [CH] describes a method for producing a multiphase bus and an apparatus for carrying out the method and describes the formation of a layered structure of the bus, which, like all the documents described above, and additionally describes the supply of a resin, which makes such a solution difficult to dismantle .

The cited prior art documents do not address technical problems such as forming multilayer electrical circuits using kit elements that help automate the assembly or disassembly of formed layered structures such as distribution panels and elements attached thereto.

Brief description of the invention

The present invention discloses a kit used for automated assembly or disassembly of multilayer electrical circuits and associated electrical components connected thereto. A multilayer electrical circuit is based on two or more insulating layers and a plurality of linear conductors sandwiched between each of two adjacent insulating layers. Optionally, a set of insulating pads, the thickness of which is close to the specified line conductors, are located on one layer to strengthen the structure. The entire layered electrical circuit is mechanically tightly fastened once.

Each linear conductor from the same layer has at least one line, which ends in a linear connector equipped with a central hole to form electrical contact with other elements of the set. One or more electrical elements or optional three-way electrical elements that are pre-socketed are electrically and mechanically connected to said multi-layer electrical circuit. This is done in such a way that their electrical contacts are connected through the specified elements of the kit with the desired line conductors located inside the specified multi-layer electrical circuit.

The claimed kit contains the elements listed below:

(i) jumpers, where each jumper has a jumper line of arbitrary width provided

- 2 044554 two or more jumper connectors, where each jumper connector is provided with a central hole for forming electrical contact with other elements of the set distributed on the same layer;

(ii) insert nuts designed to accept compatible screws of the assembly, where each insert nut has a contact surface sized to accept a line connector or jumper connector;

(iii) stepped bushings, wherein each stepped bushing is sized to accommodate a linear connector or jumper with its contact surface and which is provided with a hole for free passage of a screw;

(iv) bushings, where each bushing has a hole for free passage of the screw.

Insert nuts, step bushings and bushings are the same height when used on the same layer. Said set elements have one or more rotation stoppers formed on their outer surfaces, the sockets of which are located in the corresponding insulating layer, preventing rotation of said set elements;

(v) threaded screws, wherein each threaded head screw has a thread formed in the head to receive a connecting screw by which an electrical element or socket is attached thereto.

(vi) cylinder head screws, wherein each cylinder head screw has a cylindrical head with a mounting groove for receiving a snap fastener of the desired electrical element.

Each threaded shank of a threaded shank or cylinder head screw head is threaded for securing said screw in a insert nut and with a length of said shank sized to receive n, n>1, bushings or stepped bushings between the nut and the head lock;

(vii) screw plugs, wherein each screw plug has at least a partially threaded shank for securing said screw plug to said insert nut. The corresponding shank is sized to receive n, n>1, bushings or stepped bushings between the nut and the flat head of said screw plug;

(viii) coupling screws, wherein each coupling screw has an at least partially threaded shank for screwing said coupling screw into threaded head screws;

(ix) optionally, the kit contains one or more identical or differently shaped sockets. Each socket is equipped with an electromechanical mechanism designed to allow the 3rd party electrical element to be easily inserted and removed from it. In addition, each socket allows a 3-way acting electrical element to be inserted into a locked mechanical position and good electrical contact with the multi-layer electrical circuit by means of cap screws designed to hold said socket and said electrical element.

The insert nut is designed to form electrical contact with a line connector or jumper connector such that its contact hole has a geometry that corresponds to the external geometry of a threaded cylinder formed within the insert nut, and where the distance from the contact surface to the top of the nut is sized according to line connector or jumper connector thickness. Likewise, a stepped bushing is configured to form electrical contact with a line connector or jumper connector such that its contact hole has a geometry that matches the external geometry of a cylinder formed within the stepped bushing, and wherein the distance from the contact surface to the top of the stepped bushing measures according to the line connector or jumper connector thickness. In one embodiment of the invention, all stepped bushings and normal bushings of the set, for example non-contact bushings, have the same height, and where the corresponding geometry of the contact channel or jumper is selected as the simplest - circular.

Each threaded head screw is equipped with a drive provided on the top of the head, which has a machined thread formed in said head. The specified drive provides the ability to screw and unscrew a screw with a threaded head into the insert nut. Each cylinder head screw is provided with a drive provided on the top of the head, where said drive allows the cylinder head screw to be screwed in and out of the insert nut. Likewise, each screw plug is provided with a drive provided in a flat head, said drive enabling screwing and unscrewing of said screw plug into a selected insert nut.

In a preferred embodiment, the receptacle body is sized to receive a dedicated three-way electrical element. The body has many holes distributed in pairs above it. The screw holes allow the socket to be attached through a pair of connecting screws inserted through said screw holes to corresponding threaded screws extending from the multi-layer electrical circuit. The mounting holes allow the upper tool to manipulate the element insertion arms during installation/removal of the electrical element inside the socket. Contact ejector holes are holes through which arms are pushed or retracted to insert a specified element. The activation pin holes are holes through which the activation pins protrude into mechanical contact with the electrical element.

The electromechanical mechanism is composed of activation pins, insertion arms, pins, contact parts and springs. Insertion of the electrical element into the socket engages activation pins which push springs towards the bottom of said socket and rotate a pair of element insertion arms, secured through their pin receiving portions, over the corresponding pins. This action causes the arms to push the arms out through the ejection holes and into the contact holes of the electrical element for attachment to the screws of the electrical element. Said element insert elements are in permanent electrical contact, through elastic contacts, with their respective contact parts. Said contact parts are electrically connected to the head threaded screws and therefore to the layered electrical circuit.

In a preferred embodiment, the specified elements (i)-(ix) of the kit are used for automated or semi-automatic assembly or disassembly of multilayer electrical circuits. In yet another embodiment, automated assembly or disassembly of multilayer electrical circuits is performed using industrial robots in a manner that is well known in the art.

Description of the figures

Fig. 1 - an electrical element, a circuit breaker, connected to a multilayer electrical circuit.

Fig. 2 is a side view of the image shown in FIG. 1.

Fig. 3 - internal structure of the laminated electrical circuit and the corresponding switch connected to it.

Fig. 4 - image as in FIG. 3, but without a switch.

Fig. 5 - layer-by-layer removal of a multilayer electrical circuit to reveal the used parts of the kit and the formation of an intra-layer contact.

Fig. 6 - two lines of electrical conductor line, where each line comes out of a different layer of multi-layer electrical circuit connected through a stepped bushing, a screw plug and an insert nut.

Fig. 6A - all elements used for an identical connection in disassembled form.

Fig. 7 - two conductive line connections, where both lines come out of the same multi-layer electrical circuit connected through a suitable jumper.

Fig. 7A - all elements used for an identical connection in disassembled form.

Fig. 8 shows how external electrical elements are connected to a required conductive line connection located on some layer of a multi-layer electrical circuit, where the connection is made by a threaded screw and several bushings used.

Fig. 8A - all elements used for an identical connection in disassembled form.

Fig. 9 shows how an external electrical element can be connected to two conductive line conductors, where each conductive line is located on a different layer of a multi-layer electrical circuit, where the connection is made by a threaded screw and several bushings used.

Fig. 9A - all elements used for an identical connection in disassembled form.

Fig. 10 shows how an external electrical element can be connected to some desired conductive line connection located at the bottom of said multi-layer electrical circuit, i.e. close to the insert nut. The connection is made by a threaded screw and several bushings used on each layer.

Fig. 10A - all elements used for an identical connection in disassembled form.

Fig. 11A, 11B and 11C - insert nut, stepped bushing and standard bushing, respectively

Fig. 12A, 12B, 12C and 12D show a threaded head screw, a cylindrical screw head, a screw plug and a connection screw, respectively. All screws can be made in different heights (h) and widths

Fig. 13A and 13B depict line conductors of various widths (w) along with a corresponding line connector compatible with the above components of the kit.

Fig. 14 shows a jumper that can have different lengths (D) and widths (w) and which is compatible with the above components of the kit.

Fig. 15 - installation terminal block, that is, an electrical element suitable for mounting on cylindrical head screws.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of said installation terminal block when it is secured.

Fig. 17 is a side view of the same situation.

Fig. 18 - three-sided electrical element, i.e. a circuit breaker and a corresponding socket in position to receive said element.

- 4 044554

Fig. 19 is a perspective view of a situation where a three-way electrical element is inserted into the indicated socket.

Fig. 20 - socket with a mechanism for its position after inserting a three-sided electrical element.

Fig. 21 is a side view of a three-sided electrical element inserted into a socket.

Fig. 22 is a perspective view of a receptacle with a 3rd side electrical element being ejected.

Fig. 23 is a side view of the socket mechanism when the three-way electric element is inserted into it, as shown in FIG. 21.

Fig. 24 is a side view of the socket mechanism when the three-way electrical element is not present inside the socket, as shown in FIG. 22.

Detailed description of the invention

The present invention relates to a kit used for automated assembly or disassembly of multi-layer electrical circuits. One skilled in the art will recognize the need for standardization of components if one intends to perform automated assembly or disassembly of electrical circuits, especially multilayer electrical circuits.

Set of elements

In fig. 11A shows the cage nut (10). The cage nut (10) in the preferred embodiment is made in the form of a body of rotation, with a rotary plug (11) formed on a part of the outer cylindrical surface (15), which is formed adjacent to the bottom of the said nut (10). In a preferred embodiment, the rotary plug (11), FIG. 11A is made in the form of a rectangular surface perpendicular to the base of said cage nut (10). In other embodiments, two or even more surfaces can be machined on cylindrical surfaces, for example in the form of a hex nut

The nut (10) is additionally equipped with a contact surface (13) and a locking step (14). Specifically, the diameter of the hole formed in the corresponding covering insulating layer (100.i) is smaller than the stopper stage (14), and said channel has a diameter and a contact surface (13). Thus, the locking stage (14) prevents the nut (10) from spreading through the covering insulating sheet (100.i) as soon as the corresponding screws (40, 50, 60) are screwed into said nut (10).

In one embodiment, the nut (10) is machined without a locking step (14), and the contact surface (13) extends to the outer surface (15). In this embodiment, the diameter of the channel formed in the corresponding covering insulating layer (100, i) is equal to the diameter of the outer surface (15) machined to correspond to one or more rotation stops (11). In this embodiment, the nut (10) will not have the ability to secure different layers, as in the above embodiment, but will allow easier machining of the insulating layers (100, i) without steps in the holes made on the insulating layers (100, i).

Once the insert nut (10) is in the assembly process covered by the insulating layer (100,i), it is locked in place through the locking step (14) or through other elements connected to the nut (10), as in the embodiment in which the locking stage (14) is missing.

One or more stops (11) prevent any rotation of said nut (10) while screwing in the screws (40, 50, 60). The contact surface (13) is designed to make contact with connectors (82, 92) formed at the end of lines (81, 91), those at the end of line wires (80) or jumpers (90). The contact surface (13) is the stage where the connectors (82, 92) shown in FIG. 13A, 13B and 14, simply represent the seat. The contact holes (86, 96) are designed to easily receive a threaded cylinder (12) provided with internal threads (17) and into which compatible screws (40, 50, 60) are screwed by inserting its threads into the hole (16). It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the screws (40, 50, 60) used may have different heights and diameters that match the inside diameter of the nut (10) used.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that all of the outer surfaces of the nut can also be machined into a polygonal shape. In this sense, even the connectors (82, 93) and the corresponding contact surface (13) can be processed into polygons that correspond to each other. However, the simplest geometry for machining and assembly is circular geometry.

In fig. 11B shows the stepped bushing (20). The stepped bushing (20) is generally formed as a body of rotation with one or more rotation stops (21) formed on a portion of the outer cylindrical surface (25). The role of one or more stops (21) is the same as in the previously described insert nut (10), and can be processed equally. The stepped bushing (20) is additionally provided with a contact surface (23). The role of the contact surface (23) is identical to that of the contact surface (13) formed on the nut (10). The contact holes (86, 96) are designed to easily receive a hollow cylinder (22), which is provided with a hole (26) through which various screws (40, 50, 60) can pass without obstruction. As stated previously, one skilled in the art will immediately recognize that all surfaces of the outer stage bushing may

- 5 044554 be machined also in polygonal shape, as well as the corresponding connectors (82, 92)

In fig. 11C shows the bushing (30). The sleeve (30) is generally formed in the form of a rotation body (32) with one or more rotation stops (31) formed on a cylindrical surface (35), with the previously described technical function. The channel (36) formed across said sleeve (30) is designed in such a way that various screws (40, 50, 60) can pass through it without obstruction.

In fig. 12A depicts a threaded head screw (40) with a shank (41) that has threads (47) compatible with nuts (10), wherein said shank (41) has a random height (h), in one embodiment of the invention said screw (40 ) has a stepped neck (43), which connects the specified shank (41) and the head stop (42). The head (44) is made in the form of a cylindrical body above the locking element (42) of the head. The head (44) is equipped with an internal thread (48) configured to receive a corresponding connecting screw (70) and is equipped with a drive (45) for screwing said screw (40) into the nut (10).

In fig. 12B shows a cylindrical head screw (50) with a shank (51) that has threads (57) compatible with nuts (10), wherein said shank (51) has a random height (h), in one embodiment of the invention said screw (50 ) has a stepped neck (53) that connects said shank (51) and head stop (52). The head (54) is made in the form of a cylindrical body above the locking element (52) of the head. The head (54) is provided with a fastening groove (59) configured to interact with a snap fastener (209) of the desired electrical element (200), and with a drive (55) for screwing said screw (50) into the nut (10).

In fig. 12C depicts a screw plug (60) which has a threaded shank (61) of an arbitrary height (h), threaded (67) for screwing into an insert nut (10) and wherein said shank (61) has an arbitrary height (h). in one embodiment of the invention, said screw plug (60) has a stepped neck (63) that connects said shank (61) and a flat head (64) equipped with a drive (65).

When said screws (40, 50, 60) are machined with stepped necks (43, 53, 63), said stepped necks have the same technical role as the locking step (14) machined on the nut (10) has. Namely, the stepped necks (43, 53, 63) allow the screws (40, 50, 60) to secure the corresponding insulating sheet (100, i) with this stepped part after screwing the screws into the corresponding nuts (10), as shown in FIG. 3 and 4. If said screws (40, 50, 60) are machined without stepped necks (43, 53, 63), then the diameter of the hole formed in the corresponding covering insulating layer (100, i) is equal to the diameter of the head stops used (42 , 52) or flat heads (64). In this embodiment, the screws (40, 50, 60) may not be able to secure the different layers as in the embodiment described above, but will allow easier machining of the used insulating layers (100.i).

In fig. 12D shows a connecting screw (70) that has a thread (77) formed on a shank (71) that engages the threads of a head (48) formed in the threaded screw (40). Said connecting screw (70) has a head (74) and a corresponding drive (74) formed thereon.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that the only dimensional requirement attached to the screws (40, 50, 60) is the internal thread (17) formed in the insert nut (10). All other sizes are optional and can be selected according to the needs for use in different insulating layers.

Fig. 14 shows a jumper (90) formed by two grooves (96) on its connectors (92), where said connectors (92) are connected to a jumper line (91) of arbitrary length (D). One skilled in the art will immediately extrapolate this design in terms of lengths (D), width (W) and number of connectors (92) present. The jumper (90) may be provided with three or more connectors (92) distributed in a single line, or in any other convenient geometry, such as a zigzag. The thickness of the jumper (90) depends on the elements of the kit used and other technical needs.

Fig. 13A and 13B depict various line wires (80), those of different widths (w), and its end connectors (82) formed at the end of the corresponding lines (81). Such terminations, those connectors (82), form the inputs/outputs for a complex mesh made of conductors (80) of various topologies and circuits within each multilayer layer. Each connector (82) is provided with a contact hole (86) that fits around hollow cylinders (12, 22) formed on the stepped nuts (10) and sleeve (20), respectively. The specified linear conductors (80) and corresponding elements (81, 82) do not form the elements of the set (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 50, 70) with which they are compatible.

All of the above elements (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 90) of the set and the corresponding linear conductors (80) are preferably made of metals with good electrical and thermal properties, such as aluminum, copper and their alloys. In yet another embodiment, the nut (10) may be made of an insulating material, if necessary, meaning

- 6 044554 that this choice undoubtedly improves the insulating properties of entire insulating layers in which the specified nuts (10) are used.

Formation of multilayer electrical circuits

A good example of multilayer electrical circuits is shown in Fig. 1-5. Multilayer electrical circuits (100) used in electrical cabinets typically consist of two or more insulating layers (101i), i = 1, 2..n in general, said insulating sheets may have the same or different thicknesses. The number of insulating layers (101, i) depends on the complexity of the circuit, the number of phases used, etc. In general, the insulating layers (101, i) are made of materials that are common in the relevant field of printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing having good insulating properties. One skilled in the art will select a suitable insulating material according to thermal conductivity requirements. Unlike standard low current and low voltage PCBs, which are manufactured with already deposited linear conductors on electrical cabinets, for electrical cabinets a grid (80) of electrical cabinet conductors (80) is developed and located between the mentioned insulating layers (101, 101, i +1) . An example of such a solution can be found in EP 2724596B1, mentioned here in the prior art. When the line conductors (80) are not uniformly distributed over the insulating layer (100, i), it is necessary to distribute a plurality of insulating pads with a thickness close to said line conductors (80), possibly around said line wires (80), to form a multi-layer electrical circuit layer, more solid and compact. The thickness of the line wires (80) used depends mainly on the maximum current that is projected onto their flow, the type of conductors used, i.e. copper (Cu) or aluminum (Al), and the heat dissipation requirements that must be met, which are well known in the art.

In practice, the automated node starts from the original layer, i.e. an insulating layer (100.1) that is larger than the size of all line wires (80) used. This insulating layer houses the elements of the lower set, such as the insert nuts (10). A specially selected insulating sheet (100.2) is then placed on the first insulating layer (100.1) directly above the first insulating layer (100.1), see FIG. 4 and 5. All insert nuts (10) are provided with rotation stops (11) which prevent said nuts from rotating once when embedded in the insulating sheet (100.2). The first layer of linear conductors (80) is then deployed on said insulating layer (100.2), optionally with insulating pads distributed around, if necessary. Some of these line conductors (80) are connected to the insert nuts (10) in a manner that will be discussed later. Then apply the next specially selected insulation sheet (100.3). The insulating sheet (100.3) has grooves and sockets in one version. The holes are designed to accept stepped bushings (20) or bushings (30), while the sockets are designed to accept push-in nuts (10). In this embodiment, where the nuts (10) have locking steps (14), the holes and seats are not identical. The slots prevent the passage of the nuts (10) for inserting the insulating layer (100.i), which covers the nuts (10) after they are screwed in while screwing the screws (40, 50, 60). In another embodiment of the invention, in which the insert nuts (10) are made without locking steps (14), the holes and sockets formed in the insulating layer (100.i) are equal. Each hole/socket has a portion for receiving rotary plugs (11, 21, 31) to prevent in situ rotation of the corresponding elements (10, 20, 30).

It will be obvious to one skilled in the art how to use insulating films formed from insulating paper or other convenient materials to insulate the various lines (81) from each other at specified connection points of the layered structure (100), that is, close to the corresponding holes (82) , if necessary. It is assumed that this insulation must be previously provided for automatic or semi-automatic installation of said layered structure.

Thereafter, a second layer of linear conductors (80) is deployed on said insulating layer (100.3), in which some of said linear conductors (80) are connected to insert nuts (10) or stepped bushings (20) in a manner that will be discussed later.

In the same way, as explained above, the structure grows, adding new adapted insulating sheets (100.i, 100.i+1.), as well as corresponding line conductors (80), sandwiched between every two layers with the optional use of insulating spacers. Once the desired layered electrical circuit is formed, it is mechanically secured tightly with a set of fasteners, preferably external screws or elastic bands capable of locking all the layers together.

Kit elements that are used for automated assembly or disassembly of multilayer electrical circuits are the focus of the present invention. Kit elements are elements that solve an additional technical problem one skilled in the art would encounter when forming a multilayer electrical circuit through automated or semi-automated assembly or disassembly.

Thus, the corresponding linear conductors (80) belonging to the same

- 7 044554 layer, are mutually connected, thus the corresponding linear conductors (80) are connected to each other if they belong to different layers, thus the corresponding linear conductors (80) are connected to standard electrical elements (200) directly installed above the multilayer electrical circuit, and thus corresponding line conductors (80) are connected to sockets (400) installed above the laminated electrical circuit capable of receiving three-way electrical elements.

In this sense, it is useful to look for closer examples in order to understand the role of all elements of the set.

A. Connecting the same layers

Fig. 7 and 7A depict a situation in which two linear conductors (80) from the same layer are to be connected, where said layer is not the bottom layer, that is, the insulating layer (100,2, 3) two nuts (10), one of which is close to the other, are embedded in an insulating layer (100.3), pre-selected to receive/close the given two nuts (10) together with other elements. The grid of linear conductors (80) is then deposited on a layer (100.3), where the two linear conductors (80) have their connectors (82) provided with contact holes (86) which are adjacent to the contact surfaces (13) formed on said insert nuts ( 10), in Fig. 7. Then other connections are formed on the same layer where needed. A new insulating layer (100.4) is then deployed. This layer (100.4) is formed, among other things, by holes to receive stepped bushings (20) and corresponding stoppers (21) in positions exactly above the previously deposited nuts (10). On top of said stepped bushings (20), a bridge (90) is deposited so that it sits with its contact holes (96) on the contact surfaces (23). Finally, unfold the insulating layer (100.5), two screw plugs (60), which protrude across the specified insulating layer (100.5), jumpers (90), bushings (20), linear connectors (82), formed at the end of the specified linear wires (80), are finally screwed into the nuts (10). In this way, the same layer connection is established between the line wires (80). Screw stepped necks (63) lock screw plugs (60) into sockets previously prepared on the insulating layer (100.5), as seen in FIG. 4.

Likewise, other screws (40, 50, 60), i.e. their stepped necks (43, 53, 63) are capable of nesting in the corresponding insulating layer. The screw (40, 50, 60) after screwing with the desired insert nut (10) reinforces the layered structure (100) by pressing the locking steps (14) of the corresponding nut (10) towards said neck (43, 53, 63) of the screw, fig. 3 and 4.

The above can be accomplished equally well by using nuts (10) without the locking step (14) and screws (40, 50, 60) without the corresponding stepped necks (43, 53, 63). In this embodiment, the external fastening of the layered structure (100) must be applied more carefully, keeping in mind that there are no internal reinforcements between the stop stages (14), the layers/elements between them and the stepped necks (43, 53, 63).

B. Connection of different layers

Fig. 6 and 6A depict a situation in which two line conductors (80) from different layers are to be connected. 4, leftmost position within the layered structure (100). The formation of the layer is the same as explained in Case A above; again the insert nut (10) is inserted into the insulating layer (100,2) and the corresponding line wiring (80) is located in it. The wider line conductor (80) with its linear connector (82) is put on the contact surface (13) formed on said cage nut (10). Then, on the same layer, where necessary, other connections are formed. A new specially selected insulating layer (101.3) is then deployed and a bushing (20) is positioned over said linear connector (82) in the hole already formed in the insulating layer (101.3). A new corresponding grid (80) of wires is then deployed to it, in which one of its linear connectors (82) is put on the contact surface (23) formed on the said stepped bushing (20). The new layer (101.4) is then unrolled with an adapted socket to receive the screw plug (60). Finally, the screw plug (60) protrudes beyond said layer (101.4), the top line connector (82), the bushings (20) located inside the layer (101.3), the bottom located line connectors (82) and screws into the nut (10) inserted into layer (101.2).

The above can be done equally well by using nuts (10) without stopping the stop stage (14) and screws (40, 50, 60) without corresponding stepped necks (43, 53, 63)

The systems described in A and B can be used universally. The plurality of bridges (90) may be identical, but in practice it is obvious that bridges of several lengths (D) and widths (w), see FIG. 14, can be used for various needs. Additionally, it is apparent that stacking more bushings (20) allows connections to be made in three or even four different layers, those connections between line wires (80) spread across three or more layers.

B. Specialized connections of electrical elements.

The electrical connections (200) are more complex. In fig. 1 and 3 show one embodiment of a specialized electrical element (200) connected to a layered structure

- 8 044554 (100) after formation. First, an electrical element (200), such as a circuit breaker, must be designed to cooperate with the disclosed assembly. Thus, each electrical element (200) has two or more electrical contacts (207) arranged such that these contacts are accessible through screw holes (202) formed by the above-mentioned electrical contacts (207).

Said screw holes (202) provide the ability to insert specially designed connecting screws (70) through said holes (202) and to attach electrical contacts (207) to threaded screws (40) provided for this purpose. The thread (77) machined on the shank (71) of the connecting screw is designed to cooperate with the thread (47) machined in the head (44) of any threaded screw (40). Basically, the screw connection of the connection screw (70) and the threaded screw (40) provides a good electrical and mechanical connection that can be easily assembled and disassembled, as shown in FIG. 10 or in FIG. 10A.

More importantly, the threaded head screw (40) interacts with one or more line wires (80) located on one of the more insulating layers (100.i), a threaded head screw (40) is shown that is connected to only one line wire a conductor (80) located three layers below the top surface of the multilayer electrical circuit (100), to which some electrical element (200) may be attached. An exploded view of the same structure is shown in FIG. 8A. The formation of layers is already explained in sections A and B above, as well as the fastening of screws to nuts in one or more options with or without locking steps (14) and stepped necks (43, 53, 63). Thus, it is important that the line conductor (80) is attached to the insert nut (10) located on the insulating layer (101.3) in the extreme right position, as shown in FIG. 3. Two bushings (30) located above said nut (10) are used one above the other, one on the insulating layer (101.4) and the other on the insulating layer (101.5). Likewise, a housing with two line wires (80) is shown in FIG. 9 and 9A. This example already explains the notch with a stepped bushing (20) and a linear conductor (80), the studied form A and above is exploited to add an additional linear conductor (80) connected to the structure, which is tightened with screws (40) threaded on lower insert nut (10).

One skilled in the art will immediately recognize that each threaded shank (41) of the threaded head is threaded for attachment to an insert nut (10) and that the shank of the threaded head screw (41) has a length sized to accept n, n>1 , bushings (20, 30) between the nut (10) and the head stopper (42). Thus, when practicing the present invention, one or more different threaded heads (40) should be used, which differ only in height (h). This indicates that it is necessary to compare the threaded head screws (40) shown in FIG. 8A, where two bushings (30) are used and one is shown in FIG. 10A, where three bushings (30) are used between the corresponding head stop (42) and the used nut (10).

Other mounting options can equally be used to connect the separated electrical elements (200) to the already exposed layered structure (100). In yet another embodiment of the present invention, instead of using threaded screws (40) shown in FIG. 12A, the cylindrical head screw (50) shown in FIG. 12V. The difference between the indicated screws (40, 50) is in their head formation. The cylindrical head screw (50) has the same characteristics regarding the connection ability within the layered structure (100) as the already mentioned threaded head screw (40). However, when the cylindrical head screw (50) interacts with the elements (200), it is completely different. The cylindrical head screw (50) has a cylindrical head (54) provided with a fastening groove (59). using the set of figs. 15-17. The installation terminal block (200) has a mechanism that consists of a snap fastener (209) actuated by a spring mechanism (210), FIG. 17 In one embodiment, the snap fastening element (209) may be partially retractable from the element (200), which allows the cylindrical heads (54) of the corresponding cylindrical screws (50) to protrude into the element (200). When the snap fastener is released, the spring retracts it and said snap fastener (209) locks the cylinder heads (54) into their retaining grooves (59). Thus, the element (200), i.e., the installation block (200), designed to interact with the kit in accordance with the invention, is mechanically fixed and electrically connected to the multi-layer electrical circuit (100).

D. Non-standard electrical connection elements.

One skilled in the art will immediately recognize that attaching specially designed electrical components (200) with threaded screws (40) or with cylinder head screws (50), as explained in section C, has an important disadvantage. Such a system is closed and dedicated only, and for this system, electrical elements (200) compatible with the said system are specially designed. In practice, this means that the source of spare parts is limited and the system is not universal. To overcome this complexity, a type of universal

- 9 044554 socket (400) configured to interact with the laminated electrical circuit (100) on one side and to interface standardized 3-sided electrical elements (300) with said electrical circuit (100), see FIG. 18-24.

Thus, the socket (400) is connected to the laminated circuit (100) in Figures 2124. A pair of threaded screws (40) is first mounted to the laminated circuit (100), as explained in the previous sections. Then, a pair of coupling screws (70) that are inserted through holes (407) formed in the bottom of the socket (400) secures the socket (400) to the laminated electrical circuit (100) both electrically and mechanically.

The socket (400) has an electromechanical mechanism designed to accept a 3-way electrical element (300). For simplicity, this description will describe the U-shaped socket version. However, other variants of the socket (400) are also possible, and they are capable of carrying dedicated three-way electrical elements (300).

Said mechanism is composed of a pair of activation pins (410), insertion arms (420), pins (430), contact parts (440) and springs (450). The situation before insertion of the element (300) is depicted in FIG. 22 and 24. Activation pins (410) protrude from the body of the U-shaped socket (400) through a pair of activation pin holes (401) in the interior of the socket (400). Each actuation pin (410) is an actuated spring (450), where said spring (450) also presses a corresponding element inserting a lever (420) that is to be concealed in the U-shaped housing, FIG. 22 and 24. Said insertion lever (420) is pivotally mounted on a pin (430), allowing the lever (420) to rotate from the position shown in FIG. 24 to the position shown in FIG. 23. The element insertion lever (420) is also capable of protruding through a contact ejection hole (404) in the interior of the socket (400), FIG. 22.

The electrical element insert (300) into the socket (400) engages the activation pins (410), which push the springs (450) toward the bottom of the socket (400). This action rotates a pair of insert arms (420) secured by pin receptacles (423) above corresponding pins (430), causing the arms (420) to be extruded through the ejector holes (404). If the electrical element (300) is correctly inserted into the socket (400), then the element insertion arms (420) fit into the corresponding contact holes (320) of the said element (300). Once the arms (420) are inserted into the desired holes, electrical contacts are made via screws of a standard electrical element, which are accessed through screw holes (302) typically located on the top of the element (300), and which secure said arms (420). inside element (300). Thus, the element insertion arms (420) are in excellent electrical contact with the third party electrical element (300). On the opposite side, those inside the socket (400), said element insert element (420) is in constant elastic and electrical contact with the corresponding contact parts (440), namely, each elastic contact (444) visible in FIG. 24 is connected on one side to the corresponding lever insert member (420) and on the other side to the above contact part (440). each contact part (440) is additionally fixed with a corresponding threaded screw (40) with a connecting screw (70) and therefore with a layered electrical circuit (100).

A pair of holes (402) formed above the top of the U-shaped body have a dual purpose. The first is to help push the element insertion arms (420) towards the contact holes (320), if necessary, while inserting the element (300). Second and more important, the holes (402) serve as service holes in the event of disassembly failures, namely, over the course of several years, the springs (450) can weaken and discharge the element (300) from the seat (400) so as not to return the element that inserts the arms (420) into the U-shaped casing. For this reason, the pair of holes (402) are designed to assist in such a hypothetical failure of said electromechanical mechanism.

Industrial applicability

It is obvious that the industrial application of this invention is obvious. The present invention discloses a kit used for the automated assembly or disassembly of multi-layer electrical circuits and associated electrical components connected thereto, preferably using industrial robots specifically designed for similar purposes. This requires a high level of commonality among the elements of use, and the present invention discloses such a closed system that is still capable of integrating three-way elements, with a high level of flexibility and reliability.

Positions on drawings

- Insert nut

- Rotation stop

- Threaded cylinder

- Contact surface

- Stop stage

- Outside surface

- 10 044554

- Passage

- Carving

- Stepped bushing

- Rotation stop

- Drum

- Contact surface

- Outside surface

- Passage

- Bushing

- Rotation stop

- Drum

- Outside surface

- Passage

- Threaded screw

- Shank

- Head stopper

- Neck

- Head

- Drive unit

- Carving

- Head thread

- Cylindrical head

- Shank

- Head stopper

- Neck

- Cylindrical head

- Drive unit

- Carving

- Mounting groove

- Screw plug

- Shank

- Neck

- Flat head

- Drive unit

- Carving

- Connecting screw

- Shank

- Head

- Drive unit

- Carving

- Linear conductor

- Line

- Connector

- Contact hole

- Jumper

- Jumper

- Connector

- Contact hole

100 - Layered structure

01.i - Insulating layer; i = 1, 2, 3, ...

200 - Electric element

202 - Screw holes

207 - Electrical contact

209 - Snap fastener

210 - Spring

300 - three-way electrical element

302 - Hole for screw

320 - Contact hole

400 - Plug socket

401 - Hole for activation pin

402 - Mounting hole

404 - Hole for ejecting contact

-

Claims (10)

407 - Hole for screw 410 - Activating pin 420 - Element insert lever 423 - Receiving part of the pin 430 - Pin 440 - Contact part 444 - Elastic contact 450 - Spring CLAIM 1. Kit for automated assembly or disassembly of multilayer electrical circuits (100) and corresponding electrical elements (200, 300) connected to them; where said multilayer electrical circuit (100) is based on two or more insulating layers (100.i), i = 1,...n, and a plurality of linear conductors (80) sandwiched between each of two adjacent insulating layers (100i, 100 .i +1), optionally with a set of insulating spacers having a thickness close to the specified linear conductors (80), located on one layer to strengthen the structure, and where the entire multi-layer electrical circuit (100) is mechanically tightly fixed once; each linear conductor (80) has at least one line (81) equipped with a linear connector (82) having a central hole (86) to form electrical contact with other elements of the set; wherein one or more electrical elements (200) or optional three-way electrical elements (300) that are pre-inserted into the sockets (400) are electrically and mechanically connected to said multi-layer electrical circuit (100) such that their electrical contacts are connected through said elements of the assembly with the desired line wires (80) within said multilayer electrical circuit (100); where the specified kit contains the following elements: jumpers (90), where each jumper (90) has a jumper line (91) of arbitrary width, provided with two or more jumper connectors (92), each with a central hole (96) for forming electrical contact with other elements (10, 20) of the set , distributed over the same layer; insert nuts (10) to accept compatible screws (40, 50, 60) of the kit, where each insert nut (10) has a contact surface (13) sized to accept a line connector (82) or a jumper connector (92); stepped bushings (20), where each stepped bushing (20) is sized to receive a linear connector (82) or jumper (92) with its contact surface (23) and with a channel (26) for free passage of a screw (40, 50, 60 ); bushings (30), each bushing (30) having a hole (36) for the passage of a free screw (40, 50, 60); where the insert nuts (10), stepped bushings (20) and bushings (30) have the same height when used on the same insulating layer (100, i), having one or more rotation stops (11, 21, 31), formed on their outer surfaces (15, 25, 35), the nests of which in the corresponding insulating layer (100i) prevent rotation of the elements (10, 20, 30) of the set; threaded screw (40), where each threaded head screw (40) has a thread (47) formed in the head (44) to receive a connecting screw (70) by which an electrical element (200) or socket (400) is attached thereto ); cylinder head screws (50), each cylinder head screw (50) having a cylindrical head (54) with a mounting groove (59) for receiving a fastener (209) of an electrical element fastener (200); wherein each threaded head shank (41) or cylinder head shank (51) has a thread (47, 57) for securing said screw (40, 50) in an insert nut (10) and with a length of said shank (41, 51) having dimensions for receiving n, n>1, bushings (20, 30) between the nut (10) and the head stopper (42, 52); screw plugs (60), wherein each screw plug (60) has, at least in part, a threaded shank (61) for securing said screw plug (60) to said insert nut (10) and a shank (61) sized to receive n, n>1, bushings (20, 30) between the nut (10) and the flat head (64); connecting screws (70), in which each connecting screw (70) has, at least in part, a threaded shank (71) for screwing said connecting screw (70) into threaded screws (40); and optionally one or more sockets (400) with an electromechanical mechanism designed to facilitate insertion and ejection of a three-way electrical element (300) from said socket (400), each socket (400) allowing the electrical element (300) to lock into place. mechanical position and good electrical contact with the multilayer electrical circuit (100) through threaded screws (40) that hold the socket (400) and said electrical element (300). 2. The kit according to claim 1, characterized in that the insert nut (10) forms electrical contact with the line (82, 92) of the line or jumper such that the contact hole (86, 96) has a geometry that corresponds to the external geometry of the threaded cylinder (12) formed inside the insert nut (10), and where the distance from the contact surface (13) to the top of the nut (10) has dimensions that correspond to the thickness of the line or jumper connector (82, 92). 3. The kit according to claim 1, wherein the stepped bushing (20) makes electrical contact with the line (82, 92) of the line or jumper such that the contact hole (86, 96) has a geometry that matches the external geometry of the cylinder (22) , formed inside the stepped bushing (20), and where the distance from the contact surface (23) to the top of the stepped bushing (20) has dimensions that correspond to the thickness of the line or jumper connector (82, 92). 4. The set according to claim 2 or 3, wherein all stepped bushings (20) and bushings (30) have the same height and where each contact hole (86, 96) has a circular geometry. 5. The kit according to claim 1, wherein each threaded head screw (40) is provided with a drive (45) provided on the top of the head (44), which has a machined thread (47) in the head (44), said drive ( 45) ensures screwing and unscrewing of the screw (40) with a threaded head into the nut (10) of the insert. 6. The set according to claim 1, in which each of the heads (50) of the cylinder head is equipped with a drive (55) made on the upper part of the head (54), where the specified drive (55) ensures screwing and unscrewing of the cylinder head screw (50) in insert nut (10). 7. The kit according to claim 1, in which each screw plug (60) is equipped with a drive (65) made in the flat head (64), and the specified drive (65) ensures screwing and unscrewing of the specified screw plug (60) into the insert nut ( 10). 8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein each socket body (400) is sized to receive a dedicated three-way electrical element (300), wherein said body has a plurality of holes (401, 402, 404, 407) distributed in pairs above it wherein the screw holes (407) allow the socket (400) to be attached through a pair of connecting screws (70) inserted through said screw holes (407) to corresponding threaded screws (40) extending from the multi-layer electrical circuit (100); mounting holes (402) that allow the upper tool to be manipulated by the element insertion levers (420) during installation/removal of the electrical element (300) within the socket (400); contact ejector holes (404) through which arms (420) are inserted or retracted to insert said element; and activation pin holes (401), through which activation pins (410) project in mechanical contact with the electrical element (300); wherein the electromechanical mechanism is composed of activation pins (410), insertion levers (420), pins (430), contact parts (440) and springs (450); wherein the insert of the electrical element (300) into the socket (400) engages the activation pins (410), which push the springs (450) towards the bottom of the socket (400) and rotate a pair of insert arms (420) fixed through their pin receptacles parts (423) over the corresponding pins (430), causing the element to insert arms (420), protrude through the ejection holes (404) and enter the contact holes (320) of the electrical element for fixing into the screws of the electrical element, where each element (420) inserts the element is in constant electrical contact through elastic contact (444) with a corresponding contact part (440), which is electrically connected to said threaded head screw (40) using a connecting screw (70) and, therefore, to a multi-layer electrical circuit (100) . 9. Use of the kit according to claims 1-8 for automated or semi-automated assembly or disassembly of multilayer electrical circuits (100). 10. Application of the kit according to claim 9, where the automated assembly or disassembly of multilayer electrical circuits is performed using industrial robots. -