EP0772256A2 - Electrical apparatus with connection terminals protected by a diaphragm attached with wings - Google Patents

Abstract

The clamping element has a rectangular shaped metallic section with an upper screw (29). The screw is attached to an inner moving plate (27) which tightens up against an inserted wire. The wire is trapped by an internal U-shaped section (28). The clamping element slides into and is held by a shaped container (11) which has a side hole (26) for the wire to be passed through to the clamp. There is an upper hole (30) for screwdriver screw tightening.

Description

The present invention relates generally to electrical devices of which at least one of the connection terminals is protected by a diaphragm.

This is the case, for example, in the international patent application which, filed under No PCT / EP94 / 02304, was published under No WO95 / 03641.

Overall, the connection terminal intervenes, as it goes without saying, at the opening of the housing, and, of the type commonly called "elevator", it comprises two elements, one of which, at least, obviously, is conductive, namely, on the one hand, a fixed element, which is wedged in the housing, being, in practice, disposed more or less at the edge of the opening thereof, and, on the other hand, a mobile element, which, under the control of a clamping screw available to the user, is mounted movable parallel to the opening of the housing, between an engagement position, for which, distant from the fixed element, it cleans with this in continuity with this opening, a passage sufficient to allow the engagement of the conductive core of an electric cable, and a clamping position for which, close to the fixed element, it restricts this passage, to ensure the tightening of this conductive core, with, in movement in movement with the mobile element e, on the side thereof opposite the fixed element, a diaphragm.

This diaphragm has the function of ensuring a systematic concealment of the part of the opening of the case which, relative to the fixed element of the connection terminal, extends beyond its movable element, and this in order, on the one hand, when the connection terminal is not fully open, to prevent the engagement of the conductive core of an electric cable from being made inadvertently under the movable element of the connection terminal, this which would obviously prevent its effective connection, and, on the other hand, when the connection terminal is tightened on the conductive core of an electric cable and is thus likely to be live, to oppose access by in below to the movable element of this connection terminal, or, more generally, access to any live part likely to be reached through the opening part of the housing left free by the electric cable, which could obviously be the cause of an incident or accident.

In the international patent application published under No. WO95 / 03641, the diaphragm, which in practice consists of a rigid plate, in a way forming a flap, or a fallen edge, for the mobile element of the connection terminal , is directly coupled frontally to this movable element, or, more exactly, to the lateral strands of the stirrup to which it belongs, according to, therefore, an arrangement which only involves the corresponding hooking means on one side of this moving element.

This arrangement can give satisfaction.

But, doing so only on one side, and, moreover, along the same plane of the diaphragm, the attachment of this diaphragm to the movable element is in practice relatively poorly assured.

It follows that, during assembly, the diaphragm forms with the stirrup of the connection terminal only a relatively uncertain subassembly, which is difficult to assemble, and which it is in practice impossible to ensure placement automatic in the housing, at the expense of productivity.

The present invention generally relates to a provision making it possible to avoid this drawback and also leading to other advantages.

More specifically, it relates to an electrical appliance of the kind comprising, in a housing, in line with an opening of this housing, a connection terminal comprising two elements of which at least one is conductive, namely, d on the one hand, a fixed element, which is wedged in the housing, and, on the other hand, a mobile element, which, under the control of a clamping screw available to the user, is mounted movable parallel to this opening between an engagement position, for which, distant from the fixed element, it provides therewith, in continuity with this opening, a passage sufficient to allow the engagement of the core conductor of an electric cable, and a clamping position, for which, close to the fixed element, it restricts this passage to ensure the clamping of this conductive core, with, integral in movement with the movable element, on the side of this opposite to the fixed element, a diaphragm, for the concealment of the part of the opening of the housing extending beyond the movable element relative to the fixed element, this electrical appliance being d '' generally characterized in that, for its coupling to the movable element, the diaphragm belongs to a part having two wings which, generally parallel to each other, intervene laterally, each extending respectively from one side and other of the movable element, and each being integral in movement with the latter.

Thus, the attachment of the diaphragm to the movable element, and, more precisely, to the stirrup to which this movable element belongs in practice, is advantageously done, in a more balanced manner, along two opposite sides of this movable element.

Preferably, the wings of the part to which the diaphragm belongs extend substantially parallel to the tightening screw of the connection terminal, which advantageously facilitates the positioning of this part on the bracket on which it must be attached.

In practice, these wings extend substantially perpendicularly to the wall of the housing having the opening, and therefore parallel to the main walls of this housing, so that, instead of acting frontally, the diaphragm is attached. laterally, on two opposite faces of the stirrup.

Anyway, thus intervening on two opposite sides of the movable element, this attachment is particularly easy to ensure and particularly safe.

During assembly, the installation, in the housing, of the sub-assembly that the diaphragm forms with the stirrup can therefore advantageously be ensured automatically if desired, for the benefit of productivity.

According to a first development of the invention, the part to which the diaphragm belongs comprises a second diaphragm, which, generally parallel to the first, extends on the other side of its wings relative to the latter.

It follows that, thus having two diaphragms, this part can advantageously be indifferently mounted in one direction or the other on the bracket of the connection terminal, which further facilitates the corresponding operations.

According to a second development of the invention, the two diaphragms thus presented by this part are connected to each other by two partitions.

While improving the rigidity of the assembly, these two partitions advantageously define with the two diaphragms a bell-shaped volume advantageously capable of insulating a pin belonging to another connection device when, the electrical appliance in question being set up on the same support with other electrical devices for which this other connection device is provided, it is not itself affected by it.

Thus, the electrical device equipped with a diaphragm according to the invention can in this case advantageously be satisfied with the presence of a pin which is not provided for it and which it is then not necessary to ensure the 'elimination to allow its establishment.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un appareil électrique équipé de bornes de raccordement à diaphragme suivant l'invention ;
• la figure 2 est, à échelle supérieure, une vue en perspective éclatée d'une partie du boîtier de cet appareil électrique et d'une des bornes de raccordement qui l'équipent ;
• la figure 3 est, à échelle encore supérieure, une vue en perspective éclatée de cette borne de raccordement ;
• les figures 4 et 5 sont, à échelle encore supérieure, des vues en coupe transversale de la pièce à laquelle appartient le diaphragme équipant suivant l'invention cette borne de raccordement, suivant chacune respectivement les lignes IV-IV et V-V de la figure 2 ;
• la figure 6 est une vue partielle en perspective qui, dérivée de celle de la figure 2, illustre la configuration de l'ensemble lorsque la borne de raccordement est complètement ouverte ;
• la figure 7 est une vue partielle en perspective analogue à celle de la figure 6, lorsque la borne de raccordement est complètement fermée.

The characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description which follows, by way of example, with reference to the appended schematic drawings in which:

• Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electrical device equipped with diaphragm connection terminals according to the invention;
• Figure 2 is, on a larger scale, an exploded perspective view of a part of the housing of this electrical appliance and of one of the connection terminals which equip it;
• Figure 3 is, on a still larger scale, an exploded perspective view of this connection terminal;
• Figures 4 and 5 are, on a still larger scale, cross-sectional views of the part to which belongs the diaphragm equipping according to the invention this connection terminal, each according respectively to lines IV-IV and VV of FIG. 2;
• Figure 6 is a partial perspective view which, derived from that of Figure 2, illustrates the configuration of the assembly when the connection terminal is fully open;
• Figure 7 is a partial perspective view similar to that of Figure 6, when the connection terminal is completely closed.

These figures illustrate, by way of example, the application of the invention to a modular electrical appliance 10, that is to say to an electrical appliance 10 having the general form of a wafer.

In this case, it is, for example, a circuit breaker.

But it could just as easily be another electrical device, and, for example, a switch or a circuit breaker.

Anyway, the electrical device 10 is intended to be integrated into an electrical installation, by being arranged side by side with other modular electrical devices of the same type.

Its service is therefore done in practice by the edge.

In a manner known per se, the housing 11 of this electrical appliance 10 comprises, on this edge, a rear face 12, by a notch 13 from which it is adapted to be attached to any support, not shown, in practice a rail of standard type, with, intervening in this notch 13, a fixing device suitable for its snap-fastening on this support, two lateral faces 14, and a front face 15 having, on the one hand, two lateral facets 16, and, on the other share, between these lateral facets 16, a projecting part 17 on which a member 18 intervenes at the disposal of the user, in this case, in the case of a circuit breaker, a handle suitable for gripping the holder corresponding fuse.

In the embodiment shown, the housing 11 is formed of two separate parts, namely, on the one hand, a base 11A, which, forming the body of the box, essentially provides housing for the various internal components of the electrical appliance 10, and, on the other hand, a cover 11B, which, forming a cover, closes the base 11A.

These two separate parts are duly secured to one another, according to provisions which, well known in themselves, and not falling within the scope of the present invention, will not be described here.

By its bottom 20, the base 11A forms one of the main faces 21 of the housing 11.

By its rim 22, which, with the exception of a notch 23 specific to the passage of the member 18, runs substantially over the entire perimeter of its bottom 20, the base 11A also forms, essentially, the housing edge 11.

As for the cover 11B, it forms, by itself, the other of the main faces 21 of the housing 11.

In the housing 11, in particular, for the service of the electrical appliance 10, at least two connection terminals 25, which are each respectively established in the vicinity of the side faces 14 of this housing 11, in line with an opening 26 of these giving them access, and only one of which is visible in the figures.

In practice, these two connection terminals 25 are identical to each other.

They each comprise, in a manner known per se, two elements, one of which at least is conductive, namely, on the one hand, a fixed element 27, which, disposed more or less at the edge of the opening 26 of the housing 11, at the upper limit of this opening 26, that is to say along the edge thereof closest to the front face 15, is wedged in the housing 11, and, on the other hand, a movable element 28 which, under the control of a clamping screw 29 available to the user by means of an opening 30 provided for this purpose on the corresponding side facet 16 of the front face 15, is mounted movable parallel to the opening 26, and therefore parallel to the lateral face 14, between an engagement position, represented in FIG. 6, for which, distant from the fixed element 27, it cleans with the latter, in continuity with the opening 26, a passage 31 sufficient to allow the engagement of the conductive core of an electric cable not shown, the end of which has been previously stripped for this purpose, and a clamping position, shown in FIG. 7, for which, brought closer to the fixed element 27, it restricts the passage 31, for clamping the end of this conductive core.

For example, the fixed element 27 and the movable element 28 are both conductors, being both formed from a metal part.

In the embodiment shown, the fixed element 27 extends substantially perpendicular to the lateral face 14 of the housing 11, and, being, as indicated, a circuit breaker, it is in continuity with a clamp 32 , which, in the form of a cradle, is suitable for receiving, by one of its bases, a suitable fuse, not shown.

The arrangements according to which the fixed element 27, and the clamp 32 with it, are wedged in the housing 11, and, more precisely, in the base 11A thereof, fall within the skill of the art, and they will therefore not be described here.

These are, moreover, usual provisions in the matter.

In the embodiment shown, and in a manner known per se, the movable element 28 is formed by the lower strand of a stirrup 34, in the form of a cylindrical ring with a generally quadrangular outline.

This stirrup 34, whose generatrices are in practice perpendicular to the lateral face 14 of the housing 11, is freely engaged on the fixed element 27, surrounding the latter, and its upper strand 36, formed in practice from the superposition of its two ends, has a tapped hole 37 for the intervention of the clamping screw 29.

In addition to its upper strand 36 and the lower strand that forms the movable element 28, the stirrup 34 generally has parallel to each other, two lateral strands 38.

For better positioning of the conductive core of the electric cable to be clamped, the lateral strands 38 are each connected by a wide rounded portion to the movable element 28 forming the lower strand.

In the embodiment shown, the housing 11 has, on its rear face 12, plumb with each of the connection terminals 25, a recess 39, which is in practice formed by a notch locally affecting the flange 22 of its base 11A, and which, as shown in dashed lines in FIGS. 6 and 7, is intended to allow the possible intervention of a pin 40, when, instead of being done on one of the lateral faces 14 of the housing 11 , the electrical appliance 10 is serviced on its rear face 12.

Of course, in this case, provision is made, in substitution for the connection terminal 25, for a connection terminal suitable for such a pin 40.

In practice, the pin 40 is in one piece with a busbar 41, which, from place to place, has, in a regular pitch, like the teeth of a comb, a plurality of pins 40 of the same type , for serving several electrical appliances 10.

In the absence of such a recess 39, it would be necessary to eliminate the corresponding pin 40 when, as in this case, the electrical appliance 10 concerned is an electrical appliance having a connection terminal 25 of which the access is made on a lateral face 14.

In a manner known per se, finally, there is provided, on the side of the movable element 28 opposite the fixed element 27, a diaphragm 42, which, for the concealment of the part of the opening 26 of the housing 11 s extending beyond this movable element 28 relative to this fixed element 27, as shown in FIG. 7, is integral in movement with the movable element 28.

According to the invention, for its coupling to the movable element 28, the diaphragm 42 belongs to a part 44 having two wings 45 which, generally parallel one to the other, intervene laterally, each extending respectively on either side of this movable element 28, and each being integral in movement with the latter.

Preferably, and this is the case in the embodiment shown, the two wings 45 of this part 44 extend substantially parallel to the clamping screw 29 of the connection terminal 25, that is to say, more precisely , to the barrel 29 'of this clamping screw 29.

In practice, the wings 45 of the part 44 extend substantially perpendicular to the wall 46 of the housing 11 having the opening 26, that is to say to the wall 46 of this housing 11 forming the corresponding side face 14 of the latter, and they enclose the stirrup 34, over almost the entire height of the lateral strands 38 thereof, each being respectively pressed against these lateral strands 38.

When, as in this case, the housing 11 is a modular housing comprising, perpendicular to the wall 46 having the opening 26, and parallel to one another, two main walls 48 each forming its two main faces 21 respectively , the wings 45 of the part 44 extend substantially parallel to these main walls 48.

Preferably, and this is the case in the embodiment shown, between each of the wings 45 of the part 44 and the corresponding side strand 38 of the stirrup 34 intervene interlocking means, to firm the coupling of this part 44 to this stirrup 34.

More specifically, in the embodiment shown, these interlocking means comprise, for each of the wings 45, two pins 47, which, each disposed respectively along their edge, protrude on their internal surface, and, jointly, for each of the lateral strands 38 of the stirrup 34, two notches 49 affecting, each respectively, their lateral edge.

In practice, the pins 47 extend away from the root of the wings 45 of the part 44 so that the notches 49 of the lateral strands 38 of the stirrup 34 are located on the part straight of these.

In the embodiment shown, the lugs 47 operate at the base of a section of greater width of the wings 45 of the part 44.

To facilitate their engagement in the notches 49 of the lateral strands 38 of the stirrup 34, they are bevelled by a chamfer 50, on the side of the free edge 51 of these wings 45.

For their stiffening, the wings 45 of the part 44 are reinforced, on their external surface, by ribs 52, which run over their entire height, and whose width is greater than that of the lugs 47.

To facilitate its engagement on the stirrup 34, the free edge 51 of the wings 45 of this part 44 is bevelled by a chamfer 53, at least on the side of their internal surface.

In the embodiment shown, the part 44 comprises a plate 54 between its wings 45.

The diaphragm 42 somehow forms a fallen edge for this plate 54.

In practice, the diaphragm 42 is rigid, and it is in one piece with the part 44 to which it belongs.

Preferably, the part 44 comprises a second diaphragm 42 ', which, generally parallel to the first, that is to say to the diaphragm 42, extends on the other side of the wings 45 relative to the latter.

This second diaphragm 42 'has the same width and same height as the diaphragm 42.

Overall, the two diaphragms 42, 42 ′ extend along two opposite edges of the plate 54, alternating with the wings 45, and in opposite directions with respect to these.

Preferably, and this is the case in the embodiment shown, they are connected to each other by two partitions 55.

In practice, substantially perpendicular to the diaphragms 42, 42 'and to the plate 54, the two partitions 55 are substantially parallel to each other, and they are also substantially parallel to the wings 45, while being slightly set back relative to the latter.

Anyway, they delimit, with the diaphragms 42, 42 ′ and with the plate 54, a bell-shaped volume 56, the transverse outline of which is substantially like that of the recess 39 in the housing 11, and by means of which, when a pin 40 is present, the part 44 is capable of more or less engaging on this pin 40, at a distance from the latter.

Preferably, the part 44 is made of synthetic material, so that it is insulating.

Preferably, also, the plane which, parallel to the diaphragms 42, 42 ', passes through the median zone of the wings 45 forms a plane of symmetry for the assembly, so that the part 44 is reversible, and that, during assembly, it can either be arranged in one or the other of two positions, one for which it is the diaphragm 42 which is on the side of the wall 46 of the housing 11, the other for which it is the diaphragm 42 '.

In both cases, this mounting is done by simple engagement of the wings 45 of the part 44 on the stirrup 34, until the lugs 47 of these wings 45 snap into the notches 49 of the side strands 38 of this stirrup 34.

As will be understood, the rounded portion of these lateral strands 38 facilitates this snap-fastening.

Given the grip of the wings 45 of the part 44 on the stirrup 34, the sub-assembly 58 that this part 44 then forms with this stirrup 34 is particularly safe, so that it can be manipulated, and put in place. automatically placed in the housing 11, without the risk of disuniting.

When, as shown in FIG. 6, the connection terminal 25 is completely open, the part 44 which is coupled to its stirrup 34 completely covers, by its bell-shaped volume 56, the possible pin 40.

When, as shown in FIG. 7, this connection terminal 25 is completely closed, the diaphragm 42, or 42 ′, that this piece 44 comprises, obscures the passage 31 previously underlying the fixed element 27, and it s 'opposite to any access to the possible pin 40.

When the stripped end of the conductive core of an electric cable has been engaged in the passage 31, and when, by action on the clamping screw 29, this conductive core is clamped between the fixed element 27 of the terminal 25 and its movable element 28, the stirrup 34 to which this movable element 28 belongs occupies an intermediate position between the two preceding ones, and the same applies to the diaphragm 42, or 42 ′, belonging to the part 44.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described and shown, but encompasses any variant.

Claims (12)

Electrical device of the kind comprising, in a housing (11), in line with an opening (26) of this housing (11), a connection terminal (25) comprising two elements of which at least one is conductive, namely , on the one hand, a fixed element (27), which is wedged in the housing (11), and, on the other hand, a mobile element (28), which, under the control of a clamping screw (29 ) available to the user, is mounted movable parallel to said opening (26) between an engagement position, for which, distant from the fixed element (27), it cleans with the latter, in continuity with said opening (26), a passage (31) sufficient to allow the engagement of the conductive core of an electric cable, and a clamping position, for which, close to the fixed element (27), it restricts said passage (31) to ensure the tightening of said conductive core, with, integral in movement with said movable element (28), on the side thereof opposite the fixed element (27), a diaphragm (42), for the concealment of the part of said opening (26) extending beyond said movable element (28) relative to said fixed element (27), characterized in that, for its coupling to the movable element (28), the diaphragm (42) belongs to a part (44) having two wings (45) which, generally parallel to each other, operate laterally, each extending respectively on either side of the movable element (28), and each being integral in movement with the latter. Electric device according to claim 1, characterized in that the wings (45) of the part (44) to which the diaphragm (42) belongs extends substantially parallel to the clamping screw (29) of the connection terminal (25 ). Electrical device according to any one of claims 1, 2, characterized in that the wings (45) of the part (44) to which the diaphragm (42) belongs extends substantially perpendicularly to the wall (46) of the housing ( 11) presenting the opening (26). Electrical device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, the housing (11) comprising, perpendicular to the wall (46) having the opening (26), and parallel to one another, two main walls (48), the wings (45) of the part (44) to which the diaphragm (42) belongs extend substantially parallel to said main walls (48). Electrical device according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the movable element (28) being formed by the lower strand of a stirrup (34) which, in the form of a ring, is freely engaged on the fixed element (27), the wings (45) of the part (44) to which the diaphragm (42) belongs, encloses said stirrup (34), each being respectively pressed against the lateral strands (38) of the latter . Electric apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, between each of the wings (45) of the part (44) to which the diaphragm (42) belongs and the corresponding lateral strand (38) of the stirrup (34), intervene nesting means (47, 49). Electrical device according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the diaphragm (42) is rigid. Electrical device according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the diaphragm (42) is in one piece with the part (44) to which it belongs. Electrical device according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the part (44) to which the diaphragm (42) belongs has a plate (54) between its wings (45). Electrical appliance according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the part (44) to which the diaphragm (42) belongs comprises a second diaphragm (42 '), which, generally parallel to the first, extends from the other side of its wings (45) relative thereto. Electrical device according to Claims 9 and 10, taken together, characterized in that the two diaphragms (42, 42 ') extend along two opposite edges of the plate (54), alternating with the wings (45), and in the opposite direction to them. Electrical device according to any one of Claims 10, 11, characterized in that the two diaphragms (42, 42 ') are connected to each other by two partitions (55).

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