EP0541459B1 - Clamping screw for an electrical device with moulded insulating housing - Google Patents

Clamping screw for an electrical device with moulded insulating housing Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0541459B1
EP0541459B1 EP92420386A EP92420386A EP0541459B1 EP 0541459 B1 EP0541459 B1 EP 0541459B1 EP 92420386 A EP92420386 A EP 92420386A EP 92420386 A EP92420386 A EP 92420386A EP 0541459 B1 EP0541459 B1 EP 0541459B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cage
screw
tooth
terminal according
tunnel cage
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP92420386A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0541459A1 (en
Inventor
Noel Lecorre
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Schneider Electric SE
Original Assignee
Merlin Gerin SA
Schneider Electric SE
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Publication date
Application filed by Merlin Gerin SA, Schneider Electric SE filed Critical Merlin Gerin SA
Publication of EP0541459A1 publication Critical patent/EP0541459A1/en
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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/02—Bases, casings, or covers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R11/00—Individual connecting elements providing two or more spaced connecting locations for conductive members which are, or may be, thereby interconnected, e.g. end pieces for wires or cables supported by the wire or cable and having means for facilitating electrical connection to some other wire, terminal, or conductive member, blocks of binding posts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/28—Clamped connections, spring connections
    • H01R4/30—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a screw or nut clamping member
    • H01R4/36—Conductive members located under tip of screw

Definitions

  • the torque resulting from the tightening of the screw causes a slight rotational movement of the cage in the cell.
  • the resulting reaction forces can cause deformation of the housing by spreading the two shells.
  • the risk of damage to the housing depends on the extent of the deformation, and also depends on the nature of the insulating molding material.
  • the object of the invention is to provide a cage terminal causing no significant deformation of the housing during the connection operation.
  • the terminal according to the invention is characterized in that the cage is equipped with centering means cooperating with the walls delimiting the cell to derive from the tightening and / or loosening torque of the screw, a movement of approach of the two shells of the housing.
  • the cage centering means comprise a pair of first and second teeth projecting from the two opposite edges on the lateral wings of the cage, each tooth having an anchoring edge intended to become embedded in the plastic of the shell. when tightening the screw.
  • Each tooth has an inclined face for connection between the anchoring edge and the internal surface of the corresponding wing, the slope of said inclined face being arranged to apply a reaction force directed towards the inside of the shell. of the housing.
  • the presence of the gripping teeth makes it possible to obtain a first effect of bringing the two shells together, and a second effect of blocking the rotation of the terminal by embedding the teeth in the plastic material of the alveolus.
  • the combination of these two effects contributes to ensuring effective clamping of the conductor without deformation of the insulating housing.
  • the centering of the terminal is also ensured during the loosening of the screw, by providing at least a third projecting tooth, opposite the first tooth.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the terminal according to the invention, one of the shells of the housing not being shown.
  • Figure 2 shows an elevational view of the terminal of Figure 1, in the lowered mounting position in the housing.
  • Figure 3 shows the cell of the housing after removal of the terminal.
  • Figure 4 is an identical view to Figure 2, in the raised position of the terminal after maximum screwing of the screw.
  • Figure 5 is a section along line 5-5 of Figure 4.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates the diagrams of variation of the deformation of the housing as a function of the value of the tightening torque, respectively for a terminal according to the prior art (curve D1), and for a terminal according to the invention, (curve D2) .
  • Figure 7 shows a view identical to Figure 5, of an alternative embodiment.
  • a screw connection terminal 10 12 is positioned with play in a cell 14 of a housing 16 containing a modular electrical device, in particular a circuit breaker.
  • the housing 16 is made of molded insulating material, by assembling two shells 18,20 having conjugate shapes coming into engagement along a junction line 22. The fixing of the two shells 18,20 takes place after mounting of the mechanism , by means of rivets (not shown) in metallic or plastic material.
  • Terminal 10 comprises a cage 24 made of conductive metallic material engaged on a fixed contact pad 26 electrically connected with the separable contacts of the device.
  • the cage 24 is shaped according to a closed frame of substantially rectangular section.
  • the upper face of the cage 24 is provided with a collar 28 with circular threaded hole 30, forming a nut 31 for receiving the clamping screw 12.
  • the bottom 32 of the cage 24 is arranged opposite the hole 30 of the nut, and is connected to the upper face by two lateral wings 34, 36 extending parallel to the axis of the screw 12.
  • Each narrow lateral face of the housing 16 has an orifice 38 for the introduction of a cable 40 for connection into the space provided between the contact pad 26 and the bottom 32 of the cage 24.
  • the cage 24 is equipped at its lower part with a flap 42 in the form of a flap fixed at right angles to the bottom 32, to partially obstruct the orifice 38 when the cage 24 slides upward, when the screw is tightened 12.
  • the cage 24 is produced by folding a strip of sheet metal, the opposite ends of which are connected to one another by a stapling system 44.
  • the cage 24 comprises centering means intended to become embedded in the plastic material of the housing 16, when the screw 12 is tightened, so as to block the rotation of the cage 24 inside. of the cell 14, without causing deformation by separation of the two shells 18,20.
  • the centering means of the cage 24 are formed by a pair of first and second teeth 46,48 projecting slightly from the two opposite edges of the lateral wings 34,36.
  • the teeth 46,48 are arranged at substantially the same level located between the upper face of the cage 24 and the stapling system 44.
  • the edge 50 for anchoring each tooth 46,48 extends along a vertical line parallel to the axis of the screw 12.
  • An inclined face 52 connects each edge 50 to the rectilinear internal surface 53 of the corresponding wing 34, 36.
  • the orientation of the slope of the two teeth 46, 48 generates two longitudinal shearing components F1C and F2C parallel to the junction line 22 and in opposite directions, and two transverse components F1R and F2R, perpendicular to the junction line 22, and opposite directions.
  • the shear components F1C and F2C of the two shells 18,20 are collected in a conventional manner by the fixing rivets of the housing 16.
  • the two other transverse components F1R and F2R tend to bring the two shells 18,20 closer together when tightening the cable 40 by the screwing action of screw 12.
  • the cage 24 is locked in rotation, and slides upwards by bringing the bottom 32 closer to the contact pad 26 with jamming of the cable 40.
  • the 'inlay of the teeth 46,48 causes the formation of two grooves 54 in the plastic material of the housing 16. The effect of bringing the two shells 18,20 together is maintained during the sliding phase of the cage 24 and teeth inlay 46.48.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates two curves D1 and D2 representative of the deformation E of the insulating housing as a function of the value of the torque C for tightening.
  • the curve D1 corresponds to the use of a terminal of the prior art, which causes a progressive separation of the two shells of the housing as soon as a tightening torque is applied when the cable is connected.
  • the value A represents the initial width of the housing after fixing the assembly rivets.
  • Curve D2 shows the variation of the width of the housing with the use of a terminal according to Figures 1 to 5.
  • the width remains substantially constant until a tightening torque of 3N-n.
  • Such a limit torque is rarely reached with miniature circuit breakers of 18mm pitch.
  • FIGS. 2 and 3 a longitudinal offset is provided between the lower part constituting a first compartment 56 and the upper part constituting the second compartment 58 of the cell 14 for housing the terminal 10. This results in the presence of a clearance J between the cage 24 and the internal wall of the lower part 56, authorizing the mounting of the terminal 10 during the assembly of the circuit breaker.
  • the teeth 46,48 do not come into engagement with the wall of the upper part 58. The inlaying of the teeth 46,48 takes place from the start of the sliding stroke of the cage 24 up.
  • the first effect of bringing together the two shells 18, 20 is independent of the presence of the clearance J.
  • the narrowing of the upper section 58 of the cell makes it possible to obtain a second effect of blocking in rotation of the terminal during the sliding of the cage 24 upwards.
  • the combination of the two effects contributes to preserving any deformation of the housing 16 by the tightening action of the screw 12.
  • the cage 24 additionally comprises a third tooth 60, arranged on the wing 34 opposite the first tooth 46.
  • the orientation of the slope of the third tooth 60 is reversed with respect to that of the first tooth 46.
  • the screw 12 is loosened (indicated by arrow D)
  • the projecting edge 62 of the third tooth 60 becomes embedded in the plastic wall by exerting an oblique reaction force F3 on the shell 20.
  • This force F3 is substantially perpendicular to the slope of the tooth 60, and is broken down into two components F3R and F3C.
  • the transverse component F3R urges the shell 20 towards the other shell 18, that is to say in the direction of approximation.
  • a single tooth 60 is sufficient in the direction D of loosening. It is clear that a fourth tooth (not shown) can be provided on the wing 36 opposite the second tooth 48 to balance the forces on the two shells 18,20 when the screw 12 is loosened.
  • the cage 24 of the terminal 10 can be fixed inside the cell 14. The same effects of bringing the shells 18, 20 closer together and of encrusting the teeth 46, 48, 60 are preserved during the tightening and / or loosening of the screw 12.

Description

L'invention est relative à une borne de raccordement d'un conducteur à un appareil électrique logé dans un boîtier en matériau isolant moulé,formé par l'assemblage de deux coquilles venant en engagement le long d'une ligne de jonction, ladite borne étant logée dans un alvéole du boîtier, et comportant:

  • une cage en matériau métallique conducteur, conformée selon un cadre de forme conjuguée à l'alvéole, pour la réception du conducteur de connexion introduit par un orifice du boîtier,
  • et une vis de serrage et de desserrage du conducteur dans la cage.
The invention relates to a terminal for connecting a conductor to an electrical appliance housed in a box of molded insulating material, formed by the assembly of two shells coming into engagement along a junction line, said terminal being housed in a cell in the housing, and comprising:
  • a cage of conductive metallic material, shaped according to a frame of shape conjugated with the cell, for the reception of the connection conductor introduced by an orifice of the housing,
  • and a screw for tightening and loosening the conductor in the cage.

Pour assurer un raccordement d'un conducteur dans une borne à cage, le couple résultant du serrage de la vis provoque un léger mouvement de rotation de la cage dans l'alvéole. Les forces de réaction résultantes peuvent provoquer une déformation du boîtier par écartement des deux coquilles. Le risque de détérioration du boîtier est fonction de l'importance de la déformation, et dépend également de la nature du matériau isolant de moulage.To ensure a connection of a conductor in a cage terminal, the torque resulting from the tightening of the screw causes a slight rotational movement of the cage in the cell. The resulting reaction forces can cause deformation of the housing by spreading the two shells. The risk of damage to the housing depends on the extent of the deformation, and also depends on the nature of the insulating molding material.

Pour remédier à ce problème, on a déjà proposé (DE-A-3.727.357) d'incorporer des moyens raidisseurs pour la reprise du couple de serrage, par exemple constitués par des languettes venant de moulage avec les deux coquilles. La réaction de la cage sur ces languettes est partiellement encaissée par l'augmentation de la rigidité mécanique due à la présence des languettes, mais il subsiste néanmoins des composantes de forces qui tendent à écarter les deux coquilles.To remedy this problem, it has already been proposed (DE-A-3,727,357) to incorporate stiffening means for taking up the tightening torque, for example constituted by tongues coming from molding with the two shells. The reaction of the cage on these tongues is partially absorbed by the increase in mechanical rigidity due to the presence of the tongues, but there are nevertheless components of forces which tend to separate the two shells.

L'objet de l'invention consiste à réaliser une borne à cage ne provoquant aucune déformation notable du boîtier lors de l'opération de raccordement.The object of the invention is to provide a cage terminal causing no significant deformation of the housing during the connection operation.

La borne selon l'invention est caractérisée en ce que la cage est équipée de moyens de centrage coopérant avec les parois délimitant l'alvéole pour dériver du couple de serrage et/ou de desserrage de la vis, un mouvement de rapprochement des deux coquilles du boîtier.The terminal according to the invention is characterized in that the cage is equipped with centering means cooperating with the walls delimiting the cell to derive from the tightening and / or loosening torque of the screw, a movement of approach of the two shells of the housing.

Les moyens de centrage de la cage comportent une paire de première et de deuxième dents faisant saillie des deux chants opposés sur les ailes latérales de la cage, chaque dent ayant une arête d'ancrage destinée à s'incruster dans la matière plastique de la coquille correspondante lors du serrage de la vis.The cage centering means comprise a pair of first and second teeth projecting from the two opposite edges on the lateral wings of the cage, each tooth having an anchoring edge intended to become embedded in the plastic of the shell. when tightening the screw.

Chaque dent est dotée d'une face inclinée de liaison entre l'arête d'ancrage et la surface interne de l'aile correspondante, la pente de ladite face inclinée étant agencée pour appliquer sur la coquille une force de réaction dirigée vers l'intérieur du boîtier.Each tooth has an inclined face for connection between the anchoring edge and the internal surface of the corresponding wing, the slope of said inclined face being arranged to apply a reaction force directed towards the inside of the shell. of the housing.

Dans le cas d'une cage mobile, la présence des dents d'agrippage permet d'obtenir un premier effet de rapprochement des deux coquilles, et un deuxième effet de blocage en rotation de la borne par incrustation des dents dans le matériau plastique de l'alvéole. La combinaison de ces deux effets contribue à assurer un serrage efficace du conducteur sans déformation du boîtier isolant.In the case of a movable cage, the presence of the gripping teeth makes it possible to obtain a first effect of bringing the two shells together, and a second effect of blocking the rotation of the terminal by embedding the teeth in the plastic material of the alveolus. The combination of these two effects contributes to ensuring effective clamping of the conductor without deformation of the insulating housing.

Selon un développement de l'invention, le centrage de la borne est également assuré lors du desserrage de la vis, en prévoyant au moins une troisième dent saillante, à l'opposé de la première dent.According to a development of the invention, the centering of the terminal is also ensured during the loosening of the screw, by providing at least a third projecting tooth, opposite the first tooth.

D'autres avantages et caractéristiques ressortiront plus clairement de la description qui va suivre d'un mode de réalisation de l'invention, donné à titre d'exemple, et représenté aux dessins annexés, dans lesquels:Other advantages and characteristics will emerge more clearly from the description which follows of an embodiment of the invention, given by way of example, and represented in the appended drawings, in which:

La figure 1 est une vue schématique en perspective de la borne selon l'invention, l'une des coquilles du boîtier n'étant pas représentée.Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the terminal according to the invention, one of the shells of the housing not being shown.

La figure 2 montre une vue en élévation de la borne de la figure 1, en position abaissée de montage dans le boîtier.Figure 2 shows an elevational view of the terminal of Figure 1, in the lowered mounting position in the housing.

La figure 3 représente l'alvéole du boîtier après enlèvement de la borne.Figure 3 shows the cell of the housing after removal of the terminal.

La figure 4 est une vue identique de la figure 2, en position relevée de la borne après vissage maximum de la vis.Figure 4 is an identical view to Figure 2, in the raised position of the terminal after maximum screwing of the screw.

La figure 5 est une coupe selon la ligne 5-5 de la figure 4.Figure 5 is a section along line 5-5 of Figure 4.

La figure 6 illustre les diagrammes de variation de la déformation du boîtier en fonction de la valeur du couple de serrage, respectivement pour une borne selon l'art antérieur (courbe D1), et pour une borne selon l'invention, (courbe D2).FIG. 6 illustrates the diagrams of variation of the deformation of the housing as a function of the value of the tightening torque, respectively for a terminal according to the prior art (curve D1), and for a terminal according to the invention, (curve D2) .

La figure 7 montre une vue identique à la figure 5, d'une variante de réalisation.Figure 7 shows a view identical to Figure 5, of an alternative embodiment.

Sur les figures 1 à 5, une borne 10 de raccordement à vis 12 est positionnée avec jeu dans un alvéole 14 d'un boîtier 16 renfermant un appareil électrique modulaire, notamment un disjoncteur. Le boîtier 16 est réalisé en matériau isolant moulé, par assemblage de deux coquilles 18,20 ayant des formes conjuguées venant en engagement le long d'une ligne de jonction 22. La fixation des deux coquilles 18,20 s'opère après montage du mécanisme, au moyen de rivets (non représentés) en matériau métallique ou plastique.In Figures 1 to 5, a screw connection terminal 10 12 is positioned with play in a cell 14 of a housing 16 containing a modular electrical device, in particular a circuit breaker. The housing 16 is made of molded insulating material, by assembling two shells 18,20 having conjugate shapes coming into engagement along a junction line 22. The fixing of the two shells 18,20 takes place after mounting of the mechanism , by means of rivets (not shown) in metallic or plastic material.

La borne 10 comprend une cage 24 en matériau métallique conducteur engagée sur une plage de contact 26 fixe connectée électriquement avec les contacts séparables de l'appareil. La cage 24 est conformée selon un cadre fermé de section sensiblement rectangulaire. La face supérieure de la cage 24 est munie d'un collet 28 à trou 30 circulaire fileté, formant un écrou 31 de réception de la vis 12 de serrage. Le fond 32 de la cage 24 est disposé à l'opposé du trou 30 de l'écrou, et se raccorde à la face supérieure par deux ailes latérales 34,36 s'étendant parallèlement à l'axe de la vis 12.Terminal 10 comprises a cage 24 made of conductive metallic material engaged on a fixed contact pad 26 electrically connected with the separable contacts of the device. The cage 24 is shaped according to a closed frame of substantially rectangular section. The upper face of the cage 24 is provided with a collar 28 with circular threaded hole 30, forming a nut 31 for receiving the clamping screw 12. The bottom 32 of the cage 24 is arranged opposite the hole 30 of the nut, and is connected to the upper face by two lateral wings 34, 36 extending parallel to the axis of the screw 12.

Chaque face latérale étroite du boîtier 16 comporte un orifice 38 pour l'introduction d'un câble 40 de connexion dans l'espace ménagé entre la plage de contact 26 et le fond 32 de la cage 24.Each narrow lateral face of the housing 16 has an orifice 38 for the introduction of a cable 40 for connection into the space provided between the contact pad 26 and the bottom 32 of the cage 24.

La cage 24 est équipée à sa partie inférieure d'une patte 42 en forme de bavette assujettie à angle droit au fond 32, pour obstruer partiellement l'orifice 38 lors du coulissement de la cage 24 vers le haut, lors du serrage de la vis 12. La cage 24 est réalisée par pliage d'une bande de tôle, dont les extrémités opposées sont reliées l'une à l'autre par un système d'agrafage 44.The cage 24 is equipped at its lower part with a flap 42 in the form of a flap fixed at right angles to the bottom 32, to partially obstruct the orifice 38 when the cage 24 slides upward, when the screw is tightened 12. The cage 24 is produced by folding a strip of sheet metal, the opposite ends of which are connected to one another by a stapling system 44.

Selon l'invention, la cage 24 comporte des moyens de centrage destinés à s'incruster dans la matière plastique du boîtier 16, lors du serrage de la vis 12, de manière à assurer un blocage en rotation de la cage 24 à l'intérieur de l'alvéole 14, sans provoquer de déformation par écartement des deux coquilles 18,20. Les moyens de centrage de la cage 24, sont formés par une paire de première et deuxième dents 46,48 faisant légèrement saillie des deux chants opposés des ailes latérales 34,36. Les dents 46,48 sont agencées sensiblement à un même niveau situé entre la face supérieure de la cage 24 et le système d'agrafage 44. L'arête 50 d'ancrage de chaque dent 46,48 s'étend le long d'une ligne verticale parallèle à l'axe de la vis 12. Une face inclinée 52 relie chaque arête 50 à la surface interne 53 rectiligne de l'aile 34,36 correspondante.According to the invention, the cage 24 comprises centering means intended to become embedded in the plastic material of the housing 16, when the screw 12 is tightened, so as to block the rotation of the cage 24 inside. of the cell 14, without causing deformation by separation of the two shells 18,20. The centering means of the cage 24 are formed by a pair of first and second teeth 46,48 projecting slightly from the two opposite edges of the lateral wings 34,36. The teeth 46,48 are arranged at substantially the same level located between the upper face of the cage 24 and the stapling system 44. The edge 50 for anchoring each tooth 46,48 extends along a vertical line parallel to the axis of the screw 12. An inclined face 52 connects each edge 50 to the rectilinear internal surface 53 of the corresponding wing 34, 36.

Après serrage dans le sens horaire de la vis 12, indiqué par la flèche S (figure 5), la première dent 46 de gauche de l'aile 34 s'incruste dans la paroi plastique, en exerçant une force de réaction F1 sur la coquille 20.After tightening clockwise the screw 12, indicated by the arrow S (Figure 5), the first tooth 46 on the left of the wing 34 becomes embedded in the plastic wall, exerting a reaction force F1 on the shell 20.

Il en est de même pour la deuxième dent 48 de droite de l'aile 36 qui applique une force de réaction F2 sur l'autre coquille 18. Les deux forces F1 et F2 sont dirigées en sens opposés vers l'intérieur du boîtier 16, et le module des deux forces F1 et F2 est sensiblement égal.It is the same for the second tooth 48 on the right of the wing 36 which applies a reaction force F2 on the other shell 18. The two forces F1 and F2 are directed in opposite directions towards the interior of the housing 16, and the modulus of the two forces F1 and F2 is substantially equal.

L'orientation de la pente des deux dents 46,48 engendre deux composantes longitudinales de cisaillement F1C et F2C parallèles à la ligne de jonction 22 et de sens opposés, et deux composantes transversales F1R et F2R, perpendiculaires à la ligne de jonction 22, et de sens opposés.The orientation of the slope of the two teeth 46, 48 generates two longitudinal shearing components F1C and F2C parallel to the junction line 22 and in opposite directions, and two transverse components F1R and F2R, perpendicular to the junction line 22, and opposite directions.

Les composantes de cisaillement F1C et F2C des deux coquilles 18,20 sont encaissées d'une manière classique par les rivets de fixation du boîtier 16. Les deux autres composantes transversales F1R et F2R tendent à rapprocher les deux coquilles 18,20 lors du serrage du câble 40 par l'action de vissage de la vis 12.The shear components F1C and F2C of the two shells 18,20 are collected in a conventional manner by the fixing rivets of the housing 16. The two other transverse components F1R and F2R tend to bring the two shells 18,20 closer together when tightening the cable 40 by the screwing action of screw 12.

Pendant l'opération de serrage, la cage 24 est bloquée en rotation, et coulisse vers le haut en rapprochant le fond 32 de la plage de contact 26 avec coincement du câble 40. Au cours de la course de coulissement de la cage 24, l'incrustation des dents 46,48 provoque la formation de deux rainures 54, dans le matériau plastique du boîtier 16. L'effet de rapprochement des deux coquilles 18,20 est maintenu au cours de la phase de coulissement de la cage 24 et d'incrustation des dents 46,48.During the tightening operation, the cage 24 is locked in rotation, and slides upwards by bringing the bottom 32 closer to the contact pad 26 with jamming of the cable 40. During the sliding stroke of the cage 24, the 'inlay of the teeth 46,48 causes the formation of two grooves 54 in the plastic material of the housing 16. The effect of bringing the two shells 18,20 together is maintained during the sliding phase of the cage 24 and teeth inlay 46.48.

La figure 6 illustre deux courbes D1 et D2 représentatives de la déformation E du boîtier isolant en fonction de la valeur du couple C de serrage. La courbe D1 correspond à l'usage d'une borne de l'art antérieur, laquelle provoque un écartement progressif des deux coquilles du boîtier dès qu'un couple de serrage est appliqué lors du raccordement du câble. La valeur A représente la largeur initiale du boîtier après fixation des rivets d'assemblage.FIG. 6 illustrates two curves D1 and D2 representative of the deformation E of the insulating housing as a function of the value of the torque C for tightening. The curve D1 corresponds to the use of a terminal of the prior art, which causes a progressive separation of the two shells of the housing as soon as a tightening torque is applied when the cable is connected. The value A represents the initial width of the housing after fixing the assembly rivets.

La courbe D2 montre la variation de la largeur du boîtier avec l'emploi d'une borne selon les figures 1 à 5. La largeur reste sensiblement constante jusqu'à un couple de serrage de 3N-n. Un tel couple limite est rarement atteint avec des disjoncteurs miniatures de pas 18mm.Curve D2 shows the variation of the width of the housing with the use of a terminal according to Figures 1 to 5. The width remains substantially constant until a tightening torque of 3N-n. Such a limit torque is rarely reached with miniature circuit breakers of 18mm pitch.

Sur les figures 2 et 3, un décalage longitudinal est prévu entre la partie inférieure constituant un premier compartiment 56 et la partie supérieure constituant le deuxième compartiment 58 de l'alvéole 14 de logement de la borne 10. Il en résulte la présence d'un jeu J entre la cage 24 et la paroi interne de la partie inférieure 56, autorisant le montage de la borne 10 lors de l'assemblage du disjoncteur. Dans la position de la figure 2, les dents 46,48 ne viennent pas en engagement avec la paroi de la partie supérieure 58. L'incrustation des dents 46,48 s'opère dès le début de la course de coulissement de la cage 24 vers la haut.In FIGS. 2 and 3, a longitudinal offset is provided between the lower part constituting a first compartment 56 and the upper part constituting the second compartment 58 of the cell 14 for housing the terminal 10. This results in the presence of a clearance J between the cage 24 and the internal wall of the lower part 56, authorizing the mounting of the terminal 10 during the assembly of the circuit breaker. In the position of FIG. 2, the teeth 46,48 do not come into engagement with the wall of the upper part 58. The inlaying of the teeth 46,48 takes place from the start of the sliding stroke of the cage 24 up.

Le premier effet de rapprochement des deux coquilles 18,20 est indépendant de la présence du jeu J. Le rétrécissement de la section supérieure 58 de l'alvéole permet d'obtenir un deuxième effet de blocage en rotation de la borne lors du coulissement de la cage 24 vers le haut. La combinaison des deux effets contribue à préserver toute déformation du boîtier 16 par l'action de serrage de la vis 12.The first effect of bringing together the two shells 18, 20 is independent of the presence of the clearance J. The narrowing of the upper section 58 of the cell makes it possible to obtain a second effect of blocking in rotation of the terminal during the sliding of the cage 24 upwards. The combination of the two effects contributes to preserving any deformation of the housing 16 by the tightening action of the screw 12.

Sur la figure 7, la cage 24 comporte en plus une troisième dent 60, disposée sur l'aile 34 à l'opposé de la première dent 46. L'orientation de la pente de la troisième dent 60 est inversée par rapport à celle de la première dent 46. Lors du desserrage de la vis 12 (indiquée par la flèche D), l'arête 62 saillante de la troisième dent 60 s'incruste dans la paroi plastique en exerçant une force de réaction F3 oblique sur la coquille 20. Cette force F3 est sensiblement perpendiculaire à la pente de la dent 60, et se décompose en deux composantes F3R et F3C. La composante transversale F3R sollicite la coquille 20 vers l'autre coquille 18, c'est à dire dans le sens d'un rapprochement.In FIG. 7, the cage 24 additionally comprises a third tooth 60, arranged on the wing 34 opposite the first tooth 46. The orientation of the slope of the third tooth 60 is reversed with respect to that of the first tooth 46. When the screw 12 is loosened (indicated by arrow D), the projecting edge 62 of the third tooth 60 becomes embedded in the plastic wall by exerting an oblique reaction force F3 on the shell 20. This force F3 is substantially perpendicular to the slope of the tooth 60, and is broken down into two components F3R and F3C. The transverse component F3R urges the shell 20 towards the other shell 18, that is to say in the direction of approximation.

Le couple de desserrage étant généralement inférieur au couple de serrage de la vis 12, une seule dent 60 est suffisante dans le sens D de desserrage. Il est clair qu'une quatrième dent (non représentée) peut être prévue sur l'aile 36 à l'opposé de la deuxième dent 48 pour équilibrer les forces sur les deux coquilles 18,20 lors d'un desserrage de la vis 12.Since the loosening torque is generally less than the tightening torque of the screw 12, a single tooth 60 is sufficient in the direction D of loosening. It is clear that a fourth tooth (not shown) can be provided on the wing 36 opposite the second tooth 48 to balance the forces on the two shells 18,20 when the screw 12 is loosened.

Selon une variante, la cage 24 de la borne 10 peut être fixe à l'intérieur de l'alvéole 14. Les mêmes effets de rapprochement des coquilles 18,20, et d'incrustation des dents 46,48,60 sont conservés lors du serrage et/ou desserrage de la vis 12.According to a variant, the cage 24 of the terminal 10 can be fixed inside the cell 14. The same effects of bringing the shells 18, 20 closer together and of encrusting the teeth 46, 48, 60 are preserved during the tightening and / or loosening of the screw 12.

Claims (9)

  1. A terminal for connection of a conductor (40) to an electrical switchgear device housed in a case (16) made of moulded insulating material, formed by assembly of two shells (18,20) coming into engagement along a junction line (22), said terminal (10) being housed in a recess (14) of the case (16), and comprising :
    - a tunnel cage (24) made of conducting metallic material, shaped as a frame conjugate to the recess (14), to accommodate the connecting conductor (40) inserted via an orifice (38) of the case (16),
    - and a screw (12) for tightening and loosening the conductor (40) in the tunnel cage (24),
    characterized in that the tunnel cage (24) is equipped with centering means cooperating with the walls bounding the recess (14) to derive from the tightening and/or loosening torque of the screw (12), a movement urging the two shells (18,20) of the case (16) together.
  2. The connection terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for centering the tunnel cage (24) comprise a pair of first and second teeth (46,48) protruding out from the two opposite edges on the side wings (34,36) of the tunnel cage (24), each tooth (46,48) having a securing ridge (50) designed to become embedded in the plastic material of the corresponding shell (20,18) when the screw (12) is tightened.
  3. The connection terminal according to claim 2, characterized in that each tooth (46,48) is provided with an inclined face (52) joining the securing ridge (50) and the internal surface (53) of the corresponding wing (34,36), the slope of said inclined face being arranged so as to apply to the shell (20,18) a reaction force (F1,F2) directed towards the inside of the case (16).
  4. The connection terminal according to claim 3, characterized in that the internal surface (53) of each side wing (34,36) of the tunnel cage (24) extends parallel to the junction line (22) of the two shells (18,20), and that the orientation of the slope of each tooth (46,48) forms an acute angle with said junction line (22).
  5. The connection terminal according to one of the claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the tunnel cage (24) slides inside the recess (14) when the screw (12) is actuated, and that embedding of each tooth (46,48) causes the formation of a groove (54) in the course of the sliding travel of said tunnel cage (24).
  6. The connection terminal according to claim 5, characterized in that the tunnel cage (24) of the terminal (10) is mounted with clearance when the switchgear device is assembled in a first compartment (56) of the recess (14), and that embedding of the teeth (46,48) takes place as soon as the sliding travel starts in a second compartment (58) of the recess (14), said second compartment (58) having a narrower cross section than that of the first compartment (56), so as to generate a locking effect of the tunnel cage (24) in rotation.
  7. The connection terminal according to one of the claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the tunnel cage (24) is fixedly mounted inside the recess (14).
  8. The connection terminal according to one of the claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the means for centering the tunnel cage (24) comprise at least a third protruding tooth (60) arranged opposite the first tooth (46) on the same wing (34), and having a reverse slope designed to exert a reaction force (F3) urging the two shells (18,20) together when the screw (12) is loosened.
  9. The connection terminal according to one of the claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the screw (12) is positioned in a threaded circular hole (30) provided in the upper face of the tunnel cage (24), and that the teeth (46, 48, 60) are appreciably situated all at the same level close to said upper face of the tunnel cage (24).
EP92420386A 1991-11-07 1992-10-28 Clamping screw for an electrical device with moulded insulating housing Expired - Lifetime EP0541459B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9113858A FR2683680B1 (en) 1991-11-07 1991-11-07 SCREW TERMINAL FOR AN ELECTRICAL APPARATUS WITH INSULATED MOLDED HOUSING.
FR9113858 1991-11-07

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0541459A1 EP0541459A1 (en) 1993-05-12
EP0541459B1 true EP0541459B1 (en) 1995-04-12

Family

ID=9418796

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP92420386A Expired - Lifetime EP0541459B1 (en) 1991-11-07 1992-10-28 Clamping screw for an electrical device with moulded insulating housing

Country Status (7)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0541459B1 (en)
JP (1) JP3293900B2 (en)
KR (1) KR100256632B1 (en)
CN (1) CN1035852C (en)
DE (1) DE69202037T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2074855T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2683680B1 (en)

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0847105B1 (en) 1996-11-29 1999-06-02 Hager Electro S.A. Wire connecting terminal in a modular electrical device
DE102007006367A1 (en) 2007-02-08 2008-08-21 Siemens Ag Circuit breaker with terminal
DE102007035016A1 (en) 2007-07-26 2009-01-29 Abb Ag Screw terminal and method for its manufacture
DE102011087584A1 (en) * 2011-12-01 2013-06-06 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Cable shoe for clamping cable of switching device, has guide device guiding clamp element during sliding of clamp element along preset displacement direction, where guide elements of guide device are formed on respective side walls of shoe
CN108429020B (en) * 2017-04-19 2020-02-14 深圳市富兴易翔机电设备有限公司 Strong electricity single-stage connector structure
CN108761140B (en) * 2018-08-28 2022-04-15 深圳市开步电子有限公司 Flow divider

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1790153A1 (en) * 1967-09-29 1972-01-20 Telemeccanica Elettrica Ohg Ri Terminal for connecting electrical conductors
DE3727357A1 (en) * 1987-08-17 1989-03-02 Asea Brown Boveri Anchoring of built-in parts in electrical switching apparatuses
DE3871135D1 (en) * 1988-03-26 1992-06-17 Weidmueller C A Gmbh Co LADDER CONNECTION.

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2683680A1 (en) 1993-05-14
KR930011332A (en) 1993-06-24
CN1035852C (en) 1997-09-10
JPH05217453A (en) 1993-08-27
ES2074855T3 (en) 1995-09-16
FR2683680B1 (en) 1993-12-31
JP3293900B2 (en) 2002-06-17
EP0541459A1 (en) 1993-05-12
KR100256632B1 (en) 2000-05-15
DE69202037T2 (en) 1995-10-26
CN1072291A (en) 1993-05-19
DE69202037D1 (en) 1995-05-18

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